Support
Contact
Ace:
aceofspadeshq at gee mail.com
CBD:
cbd.aoshq at gee mail.com
Buck:
buck.throckmorton at protonmail.com
joe mannix:
mannix2024 at proton.me
MisHum:
petmorons at gee mail.com
J.J. Sefton:
sefton at cutjibnewsletter.com
aceofspadeshq at gee mail.com
CBD:
cbd.aoshq at gee mail.com
Buck:
buck.throckmorton at protonmail.com
joe mannix:
mannix2024 at proton.me
MisHum:
petmorons at gee mail.com
J.J. Sefton:
sefton at cutjibnewsletter.com
Sunday Morning Book Thread - 03-05-2023 ["Perfessor" Squirrel]
PIC NOTE
Today's picture is from the unusual chained library at the Royal Grammar School in Guildford, England. It was originally founded as a free school in Guildford in the early 16th century. The books in the chained library section are secured to the shelves so that they don't wander off. Author Terry Pratchett, in his Discworld series, invented a different purpose for the chained books in the Unseen University library. They're chained to the shelves to protect the patrons, as some of the books are quite rabid and dangerous. ADDENDUM FROM LAST WEEK Last week I discussed the attempt by Puffin Publishing to rewrite/edit Roald Dahl's books to remove the "problematic" elements. Well, the backlash has caused Puffin to reconsider their approach, so they will continue to publish the original books (for now) along with the revised versions. I suppose it's their way of "letting the market decide." Though we all know they will try a different approach. This past Friday, J.J. Sefton posted a link in the Morning Report to an article describing the "persyn" behind these edits. "They" (a nonbinary anarchist) are quite a piece of work. This is who is making the edits to literature these days. It's also been revealed that Ian Fleming's James Bond books are also going to be subject to "sensitivity readers" to again remove the "problematic" elements. Ian Fleming's biographer has an issue with this, as he claims that it just doesn't work. Any alterations should be made by the original author. They won't stop until each and every book has been altered, mutilated, and twisted to fit their ideology. They are also going after Scrooge McDuck, so it really just a matter of time until they finally find a book that YOU like and destroy it, if they haven't already.GENERIC STORYTELLING COMPETENCY A long time ago, I read a fantasy series and I remember that I enjoyed it somewhat at the time, but I simply could not remember *why* I enjoyed it. I've carried these books around with me from my college dorm room through four different domiciles for the past 30 years. No particular reason other than whenever I looked at them, I just had a fond feeling, even though I could not remember any of the events that transpired in the series. It was just "good enough" to hang onto for all these years. Well, I decided to start re-reading the series and now I can put my finger on just *why* I thought it was a decent series. It's a generic fantasy story, but it's told by a competent author who is basically following a paint-by-numbers formula. Indeed, the first book had few, if any surprises, so when the climax occurred at the end of the book, it was just a fulfilment of my expectations. Even though it is just a standard fantasy plot, it still has decent prose descriptions of the world in which the characters travel. Each region has cultural peculiarities and some fantasy tropes (like halflings) are reimagined somewhat to make them more interesting. The main characters themselves are standard fantasy tropes, but distinct enough that you can appreciate their worldview and how they solve problems. Again, this is just basic competent storytelling. It's a bit of a shame that we don't have more of this type of storytelling coming out of modern Hollywood. It's not an amazing series, but it's interesting enough to keep me engaged. Sometimes sticking to a formula known to the reader is the way to go. So that's why I've been dragging these books around for 30 years.
"Sure as I know anything, I know this—they will try again. Maybe on another world, maybe on this very ground swept clean. A year from now, ten? They'll swing back to the belief that they can make people...better." Malcolm Reynolds -- Serenity
My new novel, a boy-and-his-dog story, is now available in kindle, with paperback due on March 12th. https://tinyurl.com/2c6u68bb He heard and felt something behind him that chilled and stopped him. It was a growl-the last sound he would have expected in the tight, dark space. His foot had touched something, solid but not hard. His mind flashed with images of wild animals cornered in dark spaces-rabid raccoons, possums, badgers? But these were animals from his mother's stories of Virginia, not of the city, not of Boston. Sam wanted to turn and look but held still. He decided to move his foot back again. He felt the resistance, and again, there was the growl. It was gravelly, rising from some animal depth. It was not a small animal. What could it possibly be? Sam couldn't stop himself from turning... It was a dog, and it was hurt... Sam could see scraped skin on its legs and patches on its coat where the fur had been scorched. Burns, that was it! The animal had been caught in the fire! Sam was transfixed. There was something all magnificent, menacing and terribly wrong in the sight. This animal had crawled in here to die. Sam suddenly realized that his fear was gone. The absence of fear thrilled him. But he was also sobered by an equally new and demanding feeling of responsibility. Scarboy...the story of an extraordinary German shepherd's journey through the lives of four souls in culturally-torn late 1960s America--a hippie poet, a black boy, a racist cop, and an ailing musical prodigy--and how he changes their lives forever.
Comment: I read this a long, long time ago for one of my courses in college, though I can't remember if it was for English literature or history. I should probably give it a reread, as I'm sure it's *very* relevant to what we are seeing today. It's said that history doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes. Human nature is what it is, and no amount of tinkering by well-intentioned Leftists is going to change it. All we can do (and probably all we should do) is try to channel the normal human impulses and behaviors to constructive purposes.
I read Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France. It's book length panegyric by a British MP witnessing the catastrophe in France in real time. His remarks were made in 1790, i.e. before Nappy B, and the worst of the terror, but even then, he could see it was a complete CF. He walks through the mess the revolutionaries have made of the economy, and the absurdity of their reliance on confiscated church property to fund all their fantasies. The book is really an argument for slow, gradual, considered change, with plenty of time for things to evolve organically. See Chesterton's fence. However, Burke is absolutely prescient in describing the people who are running the revolution, and what they'll ultimately do, i.e. spill blood and institute destruction. I suppose I don't need to say it for this crowd, but the parallels with the current US administration are stark at times. Just as an example, the current enthusiasm for soaking "millionaires and billionaires" is an exact repeat of what the revolutionaries did to the church. I leave the enthusiasm for dealing with those who oppose them as an exercise for the reader. Posted by: Archimedes at February 26, 2023 09:15 AM (eOEVl)
Comment: I read The Forever War by Joe Haldeman not that long ago and enjoyed it. Yes, it's very "hard" science fiction, depicting the plausibility of waging an interstellar war with time-dilation playing an important role. We see how the soldiers over time become very detached from the people they are supposedly protecting because of their experiences with time dilation. The only people they can relate to are other soldiers who have experienced the same thing. It leads to isolation and despair, as the protectors of the human race are no longer fully participating members. Definitely an interesting read and a great introduction to the "hard" science fiction genre. It's also relatively short (my copy is only 264 pages).
After having heard the Ukraine "adventure" referred to as "The Forever War", it reminded me of the classic novel of the same name by Joe Haldeman. It's "hard" sci-fi, and it includes time dilation as a major part of the plot. The main character goes out on several assignments and when he gets back, centuries or even millennia have elapsed, with interesting changes in the nature of society back home. Many such changes are very relevant today, such as enforced homosexuality after one assignment and health care rationing for the elderly on another. It's a great read for anyone thinking of dipping their toe in the sci-fi pool. Posted by: MichiCanuck at February 26, 2023 09:19 AM (Pte31)
Comment: It really is mind-boggling how supposedly "smart" people are swayed by dumb--sometimes STAGGERINGLY dumb--propositions. It doesn't even matter how much evidence you provide either for or against an idea. Once they are in love with an idea, NOTHING will dislodge it from their brain. It's a fairly rare individual that can evaluate the weight of evidence and then change their mind based on what they've examined. And then there are the truly evil people who KNOW they are spreading malinformation and get a sick thrill out of deceiving people. Those bastards deserve to rot in Hell.
Am now re-reading Daniel J. Flynn's 2004 book Intellectual Morons: How Ideology Makes Smart People Fall for Stupid Ideas. Maybe more important and spot-on now than when it was published. Posted by: FIIGMO at February 26, 2023 09:24 AM (5Xtai)
Comment: I've read a fair amount of Clive Barker over the years. He's a bit of an acquired taste, I suppose, since he includes A LOT of body horror in his novels. If you've seen any of the early Hellraiser movies, you know what I mean. He is one of the most creative world-builders I've read, though, with unique and interesting realms. His Abarat series, for instance, is written for YA and involves an archipelago of islands where each island corresponds to one of the hours of the day. There is also a "25th" island that has special significance. Lots of weird creatures (both good and bad) and truly despicable villains. Weaveworld is a story about an entire world woven into a fancy rug. Imajica tells the tale of the Five Dominions, where each Dominion has a bizarre characteristic and the characters have to travel back and forth between strange realms. So if you are looking for stories with *weird* ideas, creatures, and places, Clive Barker is pretty good, though with LOTS of body horror (reader be warned!). More Moron-recommended reading material can be found HERE! (660 Moron-recommended books so far!)
I finished Clive Barker's Coldheart Canyon ("A Hollywood Ghost Story"), and found it quite entertaining. Don't ask me why I've never read much of Barker. He's been around quite a while and has produced quite a few novels, huh? Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 26, 2023 10:28 AM (omVj0)
- Godwars Book 1 - Forbidden Magic by Angus Wells -- Conventional fantasy story about a band of heroes trying to save the world from an evil sorcerer who is attempting to wake an insane god.
- Godwars Book 2 - Dark Magic by Angus Wells -- Continuing the conventional fantasy story, chasing after the bad guy who betrayed the main characters in the first book. The main character has to awaken and control the hidden power within himself.
- The Outputs of Higher Education: Their Identification, Measurement, and Evaluation -- This is a collection of proceedings from a seminar between three educational entities in 1970. What's remarkable about these documents is that the problems they are discussing in higher education are still relevant today, 53 years later (and one person refers to a possible solution proposed by his mentor 40 years before that!). And no, they don't propose throwing more money at the problem. Indeed, they take great pains to evaluate the economics of higher education for the benefit of students, the institution, and society at large.
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
no read this week
Posted by: rhennigantx at March 05, 2023 08:59 AM (BRHaw)
2
Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading.
Posted by: JTB at March 05, 2023 09:01 AM (7EjX1)
3
Those books must be dangerous, I see they're locked up.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 09:01 AM (Angsy)
4
Not sure exactly what you're trying to say putting Clint Eastwood's face on your crotch, but -
I'm sure Clint Eastwood wouldn't like it.
I'm sure Clint Eastwood wouldn't like it.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 09:01 AM (L1tQx)
5
Free the books!
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 09:02 AM (Zzbjj)
6
Not sure exactly what you're trying to say putting Clint Eastwood's face on your crotch, but -
"Well, do you feel lucky, punk?"
May not be the great pick-up line you think it is.
"Well, do you feel lucky, punk?"
May not be the great pick-up line you think it is.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 09:03 AM (L1tQx)
7
BOING!
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at March 05, 2023 09:03 AM (odVni)
8
Bookzzzz!!!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 05, 2023 09:03 AM (kUjcc)
9
Reading "Lost in Math" by Sabine Hossenfelder. Haven't decided yet if she's a real honest-to-God physicist, or just another pop faux-science celebrity.
Posted by: Please Place The gp In The Bag at March 05, 2023 09:04 AM (MvF+J)
10
Tolle Lege!
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at March 05, 2023 09:05 AM (PiwSw)
11
Chained Women>>Chained Books
Posted by: rhennigantx at March 05, 2023 09:05 AM (BRHaw)
12
Hiya
Posted by: JT at March 05, 2023 09:06 AM (T4tVD)
13
Tolle Lege
Though had no luck this week. Thought I had the suggestion from VDH and NewNeo on Triumph Forsaken on early Vietnam War but the next day it was canceled being out of stock.
Then stopped at used book store Bramble Books and didn't find anything that grabbed my fancy.
Did see a book series I have many but not all History of Civilization in Jesus period that I don't have so Tuesday maybe again.
Other thing on Triumph Forsaken has gone up in price every day and I want if get it a paper book not ebook
Though had no luck this week. Thought I had the suggestion from VDH and NewNeo on Triumph Forsaken on early Vietnam War but the next day it was canceled being out of stock.
Then stopped at used book store Bramble Books and didn't find anything that grabbed my fancy.
Did see a book series I have many but not all History of Civilization in Jesus period that I don't have so Tuesday maybe again.
Other thing on Triumph Forsaken has gone up in price every day and I want if get it a paper book not ebook
Posted by: Skip at March 05, 2023 09:06 AM (xhxe8)
14
Illegal aliens cause problems; we acknowledge that. But when the aliens fire death rays ...
Yes, it's "The War of the Worlds"!
I've had this on my TBR list for some while, and my recent dip into SF convinced me that it was time to start it.
For a story written more than a century ago, the prose is comprehensible, and the tale moves at a good clip. Only three days have passed since the landing just southwest of London and the outbreak of panic in the city as the Martians' advance hits home. The army is outgunned. How will humanity survive?
I have two copies of this book, bought cheap at garage sales. Unfortunately, the one with the better cover also has the smaller type.
The ugly one has a biography of H.G. Wells that says he was the author of popular "science fiction books" and "also wrote ... novels." Such condescension is infuriating.
Yes, it's "The War of the Worlds"!
I've had this on my TBR list for some while, and my recent dip into SF convinced me that it was time to start it.
For a story written more than a century ago, the prose is comprehensible, and the tale moves at a good clip. Only three days have passed since the landing just southwest of London and the outbreak of panic in the city as the Martians' advance hits home. The army is outgunned. How will humanity survive?
I have two copies of this book, bought cheap at garage sales. Unfortunately, the one with the better cover also has the smaller type.
The ugly one has a biography of H.G. Wells that says he was the author of popular "science fiction books" and "also wrote ... novels." Such condescension is infuriating.
Posted by: Weak Geek dedicates this comment to Dr. Bone on the Movie Thread at March 05, 2023 09:07 AM (Om/di)
15
Each of Will and Ariel Durant's History of Civilization is anywhere 800 -1100 pages. But is something I have wanted to read.
Posted by: Skip at March 05, 2023 09:09 AM (xhxe8)
16
...Such condescension is infuriating.
Posted by: Weak Geek dedicates this comment to Dr. Bone on the Movie Thread at March 05, 2023 09:07 AM (Om/di)
What did Vonnegut write about book critics? Something about "mistaking the science fiction shelf for a urinal."
Posted by: Weak Geek dedicates this comment to Dr. Bone on the Movie Thread at March 05, 2023 09:07 AM (Om/di)
What did Vonnegut write about book critics? Something about "mistaking the science fiction shelf for a urinal."
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at March 05, 2023 09:09 AM (PiwSw)
17
Generic Storytelling Competency: The greatest fear of a new writer?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 09:10 AM (Angsy)
18
Think the book picture is from Hogwarts books of forbidden knowledge
Posted by: Skip at March 05, 2023 09:11 AM (xhxe8)
19
Perfessor: I am still, slowly, working my way through Robert Jordan's first book in the Wheel of Time: "The Eye of the World". The problem I'm having is that the story isn't grabbing my attention and I struggle to make myself pick it up again and continue.
I'll keep trying. Coming up on Chapter 13.
I'll keep trying. Coming up on Chapter 13.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 05, 2023 09:11 AM (nRMeC)
20
I've gotten to the middle of "Visionary: The Mysterious Origins of Human Consciousness", by Graham Hancock:
https://tinyurl.com/55mfd7wp
(Amazon - direct link, no affiliation)
When I started reading it, I thought I made a mistake in ordering the book. I had no idea what this was leading up to.
I sure do now!
Look at the book description and comments and see whether you think this is for you.
https://tinyurl.com/55mfd7wp
(Amazon - direct link, no affiliation)
When I started reading it, I thought I made a mistake in ordering the book. I had no idea what this was leading up to.
I sure do now!
Look at the book description and comments and see whether you think this is for you.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at March 05, 2023 09:11 AM (odVni)
21
"Each of Will and Ariel Durant's History of Civilization is anywhere 800 -1100 pages."
Frequently found at library-withdrawn sales for a quarter each. The libraries have to make room for all the new "For Dummies" books.
Frequently found at library-withdrawn sales for a quarter each. The libraries have to make room for all the new "For Dummies" books.
Posted by: Please Place The gp In The Bag at March 05, 2023 09:11 AM (MvF+J)
22
Reading "Lost in Math" by Sabine Hossenfelder. Haven't decided yet if she's a real honest-to-God physicist, or just another pop faux-science celebrity.
Posted by: Please Place The gp In The Bag at March 05, 2023 09:04 AM (MvF+J)
Recently ran across her on YT. She does science type vids. I'm not sure about her either.
Posted by: Please Place The gp In The Bag at March 05, 2023 09:04 AM (MvF+J)
Recently ran across her on YT. She does science type vids. I'm not sure about her either.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 09:11 AM (Angsy)
23
Hi All, Thanks Perfessor!
Been reading "Island Infernos" by John McManus, the second of his trilogy on the US Army in the Pacific in WWII. Think: Pacific counterpart to Rick Atkinson's European theater trilogy.
McManus is good, a prolific young professor and writer of WWII. He was gracious enough to respond to my offer to give him a signed copy of my book, so I thought I would read more of his.
Been reading "Island Infernos" by John McManus, the second of his trilogy on the US Army in the Pacific in WWII. Think: Pacific counterpart to Rick Atkinson's European theater trilogy.
McManus is good, a prolific young professor and writer of WWII. He was gracious enough to respond to my offer to give him a signed copy of my book, so I thought I would read more of his.
Posted by: goatexchange at March 05, 2023 09:12 AM (APPN8)
24
Today's picture is from the unusual chained library at the Royal Grammar School in Guildford, England.
-
Most probably founded by Edward VIII. Once a Nazi, always a Nazi!
-
Most probably founded by Edward VIII. Once a Nazi, always a Nazi!
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at March 05, 2023 09:13 AM (odVni)
25
Posted by: Skip at March 05, 2023 09:09 AM (xhxe
Only one I have read is 'Caesar and Christ'. I do have the first nine volumes.
Only one I have read is 'Caesar and Christ'. I do have the first nine volumes.
Posted by: dantesed at March 05, 2023 09:14 AM (88xKn)
26
Good Sunday morning, book horde!
I finished Declare by Tim Powers. I didn't love it, but it was a good read all the same.
I also read Cake Eater, a YA book that loosely retells the story of Marie Antoinette, only in the year 3070 (?). Anyway, 1,000 years in the future. It's problematic: For being a thousand years from now, it is very Right Now, what with the social media apps and influencers and shallow lives of the rich and famous.
But if the reader pays attention, he'll pick up on the dangers of the surveillance state, and understand that any media can be altered to make it look like you've done something you haven't.
I finished Declare by Tim Powers. I didn't love it, but it was a good read all the same.
I also read Cake Eater, a YA book that loosely retells the story of Marie Antoinette, only in the year 3070 (?). Anyway, 1,000 years in the future. It's problematic: For being a thousand years from now, it is very Right Now, what with the social media apps and influencers and shallow lives of the rich and famous.
But if the reader pays attention, he'll pick up on the dangers of the surveillance state, and understand that any media can be altered to make it look like you've done something you haven't.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 05, 2023 09:14 AM (OX9vb)
27
Steal not this book my honest friend
For fear the gallows should be your end,
And when you die the Lord will say
And where's the book you stole away?
Very interesting pic! akshually I learned something new today.
Steal not this book my honest friend
For fear the gallows should be your end,
And when you die the Lord will say
And where's the book you stole away?
Very interesting pic! akshually I learned something new today.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 09:14 AM (V13WU)
28
Burke's "Reflections on the Revolution in France" is definitely worth the read. Fair warning: it will either depress or enrage you, maybe both. Knowing what happened back then and seeing what's going on now is informative but not always comfortable.
Posted by: JTB at March 05, 2023 09:15 AM (7EjX1)
29
I don't know about the pants guy, but I'm sure Eastwood owns a weedwhacker.
Posted by: JT at March 05, 2023 09:15 AM (T4tVD)
30
"Recently ran across her on YT. She does science type vids. I'm not sure about her either."
I've seen one of her YT vids on particle decay, last week. She sounds like a physicist for a while, then she starts addressing 'parapsychism' (the 'theory' that all particles have 'consciousness') and I'm like give me a f'n break. Next she'll put on a Bill Nye bowtie.
I've seen one of her YT vids on particle decay, last week. She sounds like a physicist for a while, then she starts addressing 'parapsychism' (the 'theory' that all particles have 'consciousness') and I'm like give me a f'n break. Next she'll put on a Bill Nye bowtie.
Posted by: Please Place The gp In The Bag at March 05, 2023 09:15 AM (MvF+J)
31
It's so frustrating trying to read current science fiction. I tried Planetfall and The Gone World and In His Image. Bleh. Either boring or shoved in your face stronk womyn who was anything but strong or unimaginative science fiction tropes. I guess I will go reread a classic.
Posted by: Gouverneur Morris at March 05, 2023 09:17 AM (J8OCH)
32
Conventional fantasy story about a band of heroes trying to save the world from an evil sorcerer who is attempting to wake an insane god.
You know, now that I think about it, I'm not sure I buy the "insane god" trope.
A god by definition isn't human and, more than likely, has vastly different interests, problems, and an agenda that's different from your's or any other human's.
So, all that might look pretty insane. But, makes perfect sense to the god.
What makes an insane god then "insane"?
Maybe no diff tho, depending on the god's agenda.
You know, now that I think about it, I'm not sure I buy the "insane god" trope.
A god by definition isn't human and, more than likely, has vastly different interests, problems, and an agenda that's different from your's or any other human's.
So, all that might look pretty insane. But, makes perfect sense to the god.
What makes an insane god then "insane"?
Maybe no diff tho, depending on the god's agenda.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 09:17 AM (L1tQx)
33
I read Manon Lescaut by Antoine Prevost because it was a plot device in a Dorothy Sayers mystery, Clouds of Witness. I suppose it was considered racy when it was published in 1731. Manon is the love interest of the narrator of the story, a young man of means. Unfortunately, Manon, a young woman of great beauty, is only able to make her way in the world by latching on to various wealthy men and getting them to pay for her company. I suppose you can see where the story will lead.The story is sort of the opposite of Candide by Voltaire, which I always found hilarious. It is an interesting story, considering how long ago it was written, but if you are looking for an old story, Candide is the better choice.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 05, 2023 09:17 AM (dd0jk)
34
The ugly one has a biography of H.G. Wells that says he was the author of popular "science fiction books" and "also wrote ... novels." Such condescension is infuriating.
=====
Don't know what happened to an old series (early 1900s) I picked up titled 'Great Men and Famous Women' -- implied (In)Famous Women. Mom went through my bookshelves like Sherman in Atlanta, so I don't know. Sure would like to have that now, along with more of the bound issues of St Nicholas magazine.
=====
Don't know what happened to an old series (early 1900s) I picked up titled 'Great Men and Famous Women' -- implied (In)Famous Women. Mom went through my bookshelves like Sherman in Atlanta, so I don't know. Sure would like to have that now, along with more of the bound issues of St Nicholas magazine.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 09:17 AM (MIKMs)
35
Perfessor: I am still, slowly, working my way through Robert Jordan's first book in the Wheel of Time: "The Eye of the World". The problem I'm having is that the story isn't grabbing my attention and I struggle to make myself pick it up again and continue.
I'll keep trying. Coming up on Chapter 13.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 05, 2023 09:11 AM (nRMeC)
----
If it's not grabbing your attention, don't force yourself to continue. However, I can say that there is some cool stuff in the following chapters, and there is also some *excellent* foreshadowing that will reveal itself at the end of not only THIS book but also Book 12.
I'll keep trying. Coming up on Chapter 13.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 05, 2023 09:11 AM (nRMeC)
----
If it's not grabbing your attention, don't force yourself to continue. However, I can say that there is some cool stuff in the following chapters, and there is also some *excellent* foreshadowing that will reveal itself at the end of not only THIS book but also Book 12.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 09:17 AM (BpYfr)
36
I read Rise of the Fourth Reich: Confronting COVID Fascism With A New Nuremberg Trial So This Never Happens Again by Steve Deace and Daniel Horowitz. Deace was one of the earliest to warn against the COVID jabs, and his book, Faucian Bargain, explained why he was against them and made his case against Dr. Fauci. Now after the craziness of mandatory jabs and mask wearing, an economic shutdown, school closures, and increased governmental control over our lives, Deace and Horowitz are calling for a new Nuremberg trial patterned after the Nuremberg medical trials which held Nazi doctors and nurses responsible for their actions.
Without people being held responsible for their lies and deceptions, which led to great hard and deaths for too many of our citizens, they will do this to us again and again. They are already talking about and planning for another once-in-a-century pandemic to hit us in the next few years.
Without people being held responsible for their lies and deceptions, which led to great hard and deaths for too many of our citizens, they will do this to us again and again. They are already talking about and planning for another once-in-a-century pandemic to hit us in the next few years.
Posted by: Zoltan at March 05, 2023 09:18 AM (Eo7K+)
37
It was a good week for magazine reading. My copies of Backwoodsman and Muzzleloader arrived. Plenty of fun articles.
Posted by: JTB at March 05, 2023 09:19 AM (7EjX1)
38
I thought this would be the week I announced that I'd finished the brilliant Wolf Hall and had moved on to book two of the trilogy. Nope! Got sucked into the new season of "F!-Drive to Survive" and lost hours of good reading time. Also, started Augustin's Thierry's "History of the Conquest of England by the Normans".
Posted by: who knew at March 05, 2023 09:20 AM (4I7VG)
39
Those books that have chains, I am guessing you can pull them from the shelves, open and read, but not take them home.
Posted by: gourmand du jour, gimpy edition at March 05, 2023 09:20 AM (jTmQV)
40
dantseed yes that the title, said Tuesday its open and assume it can be on a roundabout way home
Posted by: Skip at March 05, 2023 09:20 AM (xhxe8)
41
30 Another lady physicist whose YT vids make me uneasy is 'Space Weather Woman' Tamitha Skov. I've looked at her scientific publications, and they seem legit. But her vids take four hours to explain phenomena that could be covered in one hour, and she wastes too much time addressing UFOlogists and other cranks. Too bad, because space weather is an important and fascinating topic.
Posted by: Please Place The gp In The Bag at March 05, 2023 09:21 AM (MvF+J)
42
You know, now that I think about it, I'm not sure I buy the "insane god" trope.
A god by definition isn't human and, more than likely, has vastly different interests, problems, and an agenda that's different from your's or any other human's.
So, all that might look pretty insane. But, makes perfect sense to the god.
What makes an insane god then "insane"?
Maybe no diff tho, depending on the god's agenda.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 09:17 AM (L1tQx)
----
This is part of the rationale behind Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. From our perspective, these great and powerful beings are engaged in mysterious tasks we can never hope to comprehend. They exist in a strange reality that our senses find too difficult to understand. Thus, to gaze upon them and their works is to risk madness.
A god by definition isn't human and, more than likely, has vastly different interests, problems, and an agenda that's different from your's or any other human's.
So, all that might look pretty insane. But, makes perfect sense to the god.
What makes an insane god then "insane"?
Maybe no diff tho, depending on the god's agenda.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 09:17 AM (L1tQx)
----
This is part of the rationale behind Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. From our perspective, these great and powerful beings are engaged in mysterious tasks we can never hope to comprehend. They exist in a strange reality that our senses find too difficult to understand. Thus, to gaze upon them and their works is to risk madness.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 09:22 AM (BpYfr)
43
Unfortunately, Manon, a young woman of great beauty, is only able to make her way in the world by latching on to various wealthy men and getting them to pay for her company.
==
women's history month....
In 1731 women had 3 paths in life. One was to be married off and breed, to become a nun or to become a courtesan.
==
women's history month....
In 1731 women had 3 paths in life. One was to be married off and breed, to become a nun or to become a courtesan.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 09:22 AM (V13WU)
44
Marie Kondor had a hand in planning the bookshelves. I think she's the one who does the anonymous books.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 09:23 AM (MIKMs)
45
*but if I am wrong, comrades are free to correct me
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 09:24 AM (V13WU)
46
I also read the debut novel by a Native American author, Oscar Hokeah. Calling for a Blanket Dance has been recommended here before. This is the story of a multi-generational Kiowa/Cherokee/Mexican family. Each chapter is told by a different family member. The story is interesting, the characters are great, and, as a bonus, one learns a little of the Kiowa and Cherokee culture and traditions.
Posted by: Zoltan at March 05, 2023 09:25 AM (Eo7K+)
47
I finished a novel that I bought at last month's event at The Boerne Bookshop - I sold about four copies of my own books ("My Dear Cousin", and book 1 of the "Adelsverein Trilogy") and bought book by another local author, Mary Bryon Stafford, "The Music Box." "The Music Box" covers the same time period as the middle book of my Trilogy - Civil War in the Texas Hill Country. It features two very different women, who have married German-American brothers. The two, Katerina and Eliza - have to muck in and keep the farm going, while their husbands are off in the war - on different sides. It's pretty readable, and based on solid history. I think it's a little disjointed, because it flips back and forth in first person between the women a little too often for my taste. (Once in each chapter would have been enough, I think.) Still - a very solid story, and each chapter head has a relevant quite from a historical source - all of which I read for my own research, and one of them, Paul Burrier, was published by my own Teeny Publishing Bidness.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at March 05, 2023 09:25 AM (xnmPy)
48
Another lady physicist whose YT vids make me uneasy is 'Space Weather Woman' Tamitha Skov. I've looked at her scientific publications, and they seem legit. But her vids take four hours to explain phenomena that could be covered in one hour, and she wastes too much time addressing UFOlogists and other cranks. Too bad, because space weather is an important and fascinating topic.
Posted by: Please Place The gp In The Bag at March 05, 2023 09:21 AM (MvF+J)
I don't know why these showed up, but I have only a passing interest in them. I don't think I'll watch many more. You're right in that I think they're pseudo-science vids.
Posted by: Please Place The gp In The Bag at March 05, 2023 09:21 AM (MvF+J)
I don't know why these showed up, but I have only a passing interest in them. I don't think I'll watch many more. You're right in that I think they're pseudo-science vids.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 09:26 AM (Angsy)
49
oops, that F1-Drive to Survive, not F!. Although it is pretty exciting.
Posted by: who knew at March 05, 2023 09:26 AM (4I7VG)
50
women's history month....
In 1731 women had 3 paths in life. One was to be married off and breed, to become a nun or to become a courtesan.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 09:22 AM (V13WU)
Fake. News.
From the accounts of modern women looking into their past lives through hypnosis, we now know that -
all women in the past were either queens, royalty, tribal leaders, great warriors, or Celtic Priestesses.
Anything else is Russian disinformation, h8er!
In 1731 women had 3 paths in life. One was to be married off and breed, to become a nun or to become a courtesan.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 09:22 AM (V13WU)
Fake. News.
From the accounts of modern women looking into their past lives through hypnosis, we now know that -
all women in the past were either queens, royalty, tribal leaders, great warriors, or Celtic Priestesses.
Anything else is Russian disinformation, h8er!
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 09:29 AM (L1tQx)
51
I've been lucky acquiring books about art as I learn to draw. References on CBD's art threads, Ben Had (bless her heart) sending several excellent books, etc. Yesterday, the local library had a book sale which is always dangerous for our limited horizontal space. I managed to leave with only two books, which is a record for me. For four bits I left with "An Introduction to Art Techniques". Turns out it is considered one of the best general how-to art books out there. I try not to rely on luck but enjoy when it happens.
Posted by: JTB at March 05, 2023 09:29 AM (7EjX1)
52
Yay book thread!
Yesterday I dropped by Curious Books and gave the proprietor a copy of Walls of Men for a review. I was a little surprised he remembered me, but then again how many people strip the Chinese history section of your store bare?
While there I picked up a volume of Conrad that had two shorts stories I was missing and also Hunter S. Thompson's book the Hell's Angels, which I've long been meaning to read.
I was accompanied by E.P.R. Lloyd (mapmaker for Walls of Men) and we were disappointed that no copies of Timothy Zahn's old Star Wars trilogy were in stock. We rectified this by going to a store that sells *new* books, and found the trilogy has been re-branded "Star Wars Legends." So that's how they're dealing with the old canon. My daughter is of the opinion that the prequel/sequel line will eventually be dropped because no one cares.
Yesterday I dropped by Curious Books and gave the proprietor a copy of Walls of Men for a review. I was a little surprised he remembered me, but then again how many people strip the Chinese history section of your store bare?
While there I picked up a volume of Conrad that had two shorts stories I was missing and also Hunter S. Thompson's book the Hell's Angels, which I've long been meaning to read.
I was accompanied by E.P.R. Lloyd (mapmaker for Walls of Men) and we were disappointed that no copies of Timothy Zahn's old Star Wars trilogy were in stock. We rectified this by going to a store that sells *new* books, and found the trilogy has been re-branded "Star Wars Legends." So that's how they're dealing with the old canon. My daughter is of the opinion that the prequel/sequel line will eventually be dropped because no one cares.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:29 AM (llXky)
53
Thanks so much, perfessor, for the premium squirrel treatment!
Posted by: Ordinary American at March 05, 2023 09:30 AM (ImRp4)
54
Speaking of sciences things on the Tubes of Ewes, Whatever happened to the "Bikini Calculus" girls?
Posted by: Fox2! at March 05, 2023 09:31 AM (KA0tm)
55
an old series (early 1900s) I picked up titled 'Great Men and Famous Women' -- implied (In)Famous Women.
Man, that would be interesting. Think of all the great people we've had since -- Einstein, Fermi, and Salk leap to mind. Who would have qualified back then? George Washington, Queen Victoria, and Eli Whitney?
Man, that would be interesting. Think of all the great people we've had since -- Einstein, Fermi, and Salk leap to mind. Who would have qualified back then? George Washington, Queen Victoria, and Eli Whitney?
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 05, 2023 09:31 AM (Om/di)
56
all women in the past were either queens, royalty, tribal leaders, great warriors, or Celtic Priestesses.
Anything else is Russian disinformation, h8er!
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 09:29 AM (L1tQx)
To say I'm sick of this past lives and current goddesses shit is an understatement. Fools.
all women in the past were either queens, royalty, tribal leaders, great warriors, or Celtic Priestesses.
Anything else is Russian disinformation, h8er!
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 09:29 AM (L1tQx)
To say I'm sick of this past lives and current goddesses shit is an understatement. Fools.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 09:31 AM (Zzbjj)
57
As the book thread is for books...
See my #279 on the EMT if you wish.
Confine comments to the EMT, if you wish to comment.
(Please)
See my #279 on the EMT if you wish.
Confine comments to the EMT, if you wish to comment.
(Please)
Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 05, 2023 09:32 AM (uLr+K)
58
...-and how he changes their lives forever.
*******
I think this notion is interesting. It is a common literary theme, usually deployed in the sense of a pivotal event. On one end of the scale, it could be said that every single event, every single day "changes" your life; butterfly flapping in the Amazon and such. Human nature tends to be a struggle to exert control over the trajectory of your life, or at least to create the illusion of control. Does life even follow a trajectory?
From "A Knight's Tale": Father, can a person change his stars? Or Kristi Yamaguchi exhorting young people that "If you just want it badly enough you can accomplish anything you put your mind to". Or testimonials on TV about Vitamin XYZ "has given me my life back!"
On the other hand, how many life-changing events are totally outside of our control?
How boring would life be if either you yourself, or some outside entity such as a guru or a governor could predetermine every outcome for you?
How do you view" life-changing" events?
*******
I think this notion is interesting. It is a common literary theme, usually deployed in the sense of a pivotal event. On one end of the scale, it could be said that every single event, every single day "changes" your life; butterfly flapping in the Amazon and such. Human nature tends to be a struggle to exert control over the trajectory of your life, or at least to create the illusion of control. Does life even follow a trajectory?
From "A Knight's Tale": Father, can a person change his stars? Or Kristi Yamaguchi exhorting young people that "If you just want it badly enough you can accomplish anything you put your mind to". Or testimonials on TV about Vitamin XYZ "has given me my life back!"
On the other hand, how many life-changing events are totally outside of our control?
How boring would life be if either you yourself, or some outside entity such as a guru or a governor could predetermine every outcome for you?
How do you view" life-changing" events?
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 09:33 AM (ykeLU)
59
Last week I discussed the attempt by Puffin Publishing to rewrite/edit Roald Dahl's books to remove the "problematic" elements. Well, the backlash has caused Puffin to reconsider their approach, so they will continue to publish the original books (for now)
So Puffin Publishing is antisemitic after all.
So Puffin Publishing is antisemitic after all.
Posted by: Bowdlerize! Cancellize! at March 05, 2023 09:33 AM (YdDJ9)
60
A mention on a thread last week brought up books by Jonathan Cahn. I just started his "The Return of the Gods", which gets excellent reviews. I'm a bit put off by the long streams of 'could it be ...' and 'is it possible ...'. Hope he gets into some substance in later chapters.
Posted by: JTB at March 05, 2023 09:35 AM (7EjX1)
61
@muldoon, my biggest life changing event: The birth of my children.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 09:35 AM (2YtOq)
62
"Star Wars Legends." So that's how they're dealing with the old canon.
==
Yes, all that was not Lucas became Legends, after it was bought by Disney. Now they are pulling this and that from legends into canon. Admiral Throne, etc. Controlled infusion, if you will.
==
Yes, all that was not Lucas became Legends, after it was bought by Disney. Now they are pulling this and that from legends into canon. Admiral Throne, etc. Controlled infusion, if you will.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 09:36 AM (V13WU)
63
On audio this week, I started A Winter Haunting, by Dan Simmons, book 2 in the Seasons of Horror trilogy. I loved Summer of Night, and had high hopes for this one.
So far, boooooring. The narrator is one of the boys in Summer of Night, but he grew up to be an author. So, so far, the story is about him being an author, and being a professor who has an affair with a student, and who has a therapist, and who tried to kill himself. Sigh. Should have titled the book "A Winter of Tired Themes."
If he doesn't get to the haunting in the next few pages, I'm done.
So far, boooooring. The narrator is one of the boys in Summer of Night, but he grew up to be an author. So, so far, the story is about him being an author, and being a professor who has an affair with a student, and who has a therapist, and who tried to kill himself. Sigh. Should have titled the book "A Winter of Tired Themes."
If he doesn't get to the haunting in the next few pages, I'm done.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 05, 2023 09:36 AM (OX9vb)
64
Perfessor: I am still, slowly, working my way through Robert Jordan's first book in the Wheel of Time: "The Eye of the World". The problem I'm having is that the story isn't grabbing my attention and I struggle to make myself pick it up again and continue.
I'll keep trying. Coming up on Chapter 13.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 05, 2023 09:11 AM (nRMeC)
---
I applaud your persistence, but I quit the same book long before that. I will put up with a certain level of tedium in a non-fiction book, but if it's supposed to be reading for pleasure, it had better please me.
I'll keep trying. Coming up on Chapter 13.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 05, 2023 09:11 AM (nRMeC)
---
I applaud your persistence, but I quit the same book long before that. I will put up with a certain level of tedium in a non-fiction book, but if it's supposed to be reading for pleasure, it had better please me.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:36 AM (llXky)
65
I finished The Rescue and started Xenophon's Cyrus the Great.
I've also been reading more of Hemingway's letters. Someone gave me a copy of How it Was, Mary Hemingway's book. It looks like a quick read, so I might start that soon.
I've also been reading more of Hemingway's letters. Someone gave me a copy of How it Was, Mary Hemingway's book. It looks like a quick read, so I might start that soon.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 09:36 AM (Zzbjj)
66
Good morning.
Reading William Gibson's The Peripheral. I watched the series on Prime and parts were pretty incomprehensible so thought maybe the book would clear things up.
Turns out it was a good thing I watched the series or the book would have been incomprehensible, at ,east at the start. Gibson throws you right into the story with very little physical description of the settings and the characters. I knew what they looked like from the series so that helped. About half way through the book, Gibson begins to clue you in on what is happening in both the past
and future which is where the story takes place.
Are you confused yet?
Reading William Gibson's The Peripheral. I watched the series on Prime and parts were pretty incomprehensible so thought maybe the book would clear things up.
Turns out it was a good thing I watched the series or the book would have been incomprehensible, at ,east at the start. Gibson throws you right into the story with very little physical description of the settings and the characters. I knew what they looked like from the series so that helped. About half way through the book, Gibson begins to clue you in on what is happening in both the past
and future which is where the story takes place.
Are you confused yet?
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 05, 2023 09:36 AM (Y+l9t)
67
August 3, 2009 (NPR!) --
More people are getting used to reading e-books on devices like the Sony Reader or the Amazon Kindle. Recently Kindle owners who had purchased George Orwell's 1984 or Animal Farm had their books snatched back by Amazon when a rights issue arose. The buyers were credited their $9.99, but such a recall could never have happened with actual books.
THIS is why I buy actual books.
Morning, y'all.
More people are getting used to reading e-books on devices like the Sony Reader or the Amazon Kindle. Recently Kindle owners who had purchased George Orwell's 1984 or Animal Farm had their books snatched back by Amazon when a rights issue arose. The buyers were credited their $9.99, but such a recall could never have happened with actual books.
THIS is why I buy actual books.
Morning, y'all.
Posted by: GnuBreed at March 05, 2023 09:37 AM (JOtiF)
68
Seeing the Chained Books reminds me of LA Lib where all the valuable books had been stolen and sold by the employees so end the end they just burned the place down.
Posted by: rhennigantx at March 05, 2023 09:37 AM (BRHaw)
69
On the other hand, how many life-changing events are totally outside of our control?
Most of them, when you think about it.
Most of them, when you think about it.
Posted by: Life's a rigged dice game at March 05, 2023 09:37 AM (YdDJ9)
70
I applaud your persistence, but I quit the same book long before that. I will put up with a certain level of tedium in a non-fiction book, but if it's supposed to be reading for pleasure, it had better please me.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:36 AM (llXky)
-------------
I finished "Florida Woman" because I put it on my bookshelf over on Goodreads. Otherwise, I'd have binned it within the first 50 pages.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:36 AM (llXky)
-------------
I finished "Florida Woman" because I put it on my bookshelf over on Goodreads. Otherwise, I'd have binned it within the first 50 pages.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 09:38 AM (2YtOq)
71
To say I'm sick of this past lives and current goddesses shit is an understatement. Fools.
==
it is A THING now ? I was not aware.
==
it is A THING now ? I was not aware.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 09:38 AM (V13WU)
72
I'm a little over halfway thru "Walls Of Men". I'm learning a lot about the history of Chy-na. They haven't progressed much over the centuries, being beat down by the current ruler doesn't foster much innovation.
Posted by: fd at March 05, 2023 09:38 AM (iayUP)
73
Yes, all that was not Lucas became Legends, after it was bought by Disney. Now they are pulling this and that from legends into canon. Admiral Throne, etc. Controlled infusion, if you will.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 09:36 AM (V13WU)
---
My daughter loves the "current" Thrawn trilogy, and enjoys Zahn's writing style. So naturally she wanted to see the Ur-text. She says that Zahn is manfully re-writing the canon as far as he can because it's generally accepted that it is now an incoherent mess.
I never read Zahn's original trilogy - when it came out I had "outgrown" Star Wars and was into Babylon 5. I told her if she likes it, I'll try it.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 09:36 AM (V13WU)
---
My daughter loves the "current" Thrawn trilogy, and enjoys Zahn's writing style. So naturally she wanted to see the Ur-text. She says that Zahn is manfully re-writing the canon as far as he can because it's generally accepted that it is now an incoherent mess.
I never read Zahn's original trilogy - when it came out I had "outgrown" Star Wars and was into Babylon 5. I told her if she likes it, I'll try it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:38 AM (llXky)
74
How do you view" life-changing" events?
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 09:33 AM (ykeLU)
I don't care for Yamaguchi type life changing events. It's patently absurd to think that just by believing or trying you can achieve. If you have no skills or talent for something, you won't achieve great things in it.
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 09:33 AM (ykeLU)
I don't care for Yamaguchi type life changing events. It's patently absurd to think that just by believing or trying you can achieve. If you have no skills or talent for something, you won't achieve great things in it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 09:38 AM (Angsy)
75
Re: Clive Barker...
It had to be 15 or 20 years ago now that I had a Clive Barker video game called Undying. There was an interesting story of a sort of haunted mansion/person and you were searching out the answer to some mystery. The mood was intense and there were great visuals (for CG of the time) of both the haunted house and otherworld varieties. I can't imagine why that didn't send me on a Clive Barker reading kick, but I might have to remedy that now.
It had to be 15 or 20 years ago now that I had a Clive Barker video game called Undying. There was an interesting story of a sort of haunted mansion/person and you were searching out the answer to some mystery. The mood was intense and there were great visuals (for CG of the time) of both the haunted house and otherworld varieties. I can't imagine why that didn't send me on a Clive Barker reading kick, but I might have to remedy that now.
Posted by: She Hobbit at March 05, 2023 09:39 AM (ftFVW)
76
I presently reading "A Higher Call" by Adam Makos.
In this (non-fiction) book are the action accounts of many WWII pilots who served in various theaters of the war, on both sides, with the angle of how they respected each other during and after the war. Particularly touching is how they never referred to each other as "enemy, Jerries, yanks," etc. but merely as "bandits" which is respectful. Aviation buffs would enjoy this book. It's a ripper.
In this (non-fiction) book are the action accounts of many WWII pilots who served in various theaters of the war, on both sides, with the angle of how they respected each other during and after the war. Particularly touching is how they never referred to each other as "enemy, Jerries, yanks," etc. but merely as "bandits" which is respectful. Aviation buffs would enjoy this book. It's a ripper.
Posted by: gourmand du jour, gimpy edition at March 05, 2023 09:39 AM (jTmQV)
77
Bowlderize! Cancellize!
In the words of the late Professor John Bremner, who hated the trend of sticking "ize" on verbs:
Damyerize!
In the words of the late Professor John Bremner, who hated the trend of sticking "ize" on verbs:
Damyerize!
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 05, 2023 09:39 AM (Om/di)
78
I've just started reading Undertones of War by Edwin Blunden--based on his experiences in WWI.
It has me wondering. A lot of poetry and other literature came out of WWI. That doesn't seem to have been the case with WWII.
Although I could be wrong.
Why would that be?
It has me wondering. A lot of poetry and other literature came out of WWI. That doesn't seem to have been the case with WWII.
Although I could be wrong.
Why would that be?
Posted by: That Northern skulker at March 05, 2023 09:39 AM (eGTCV)
79
How do you view" life-changing" events?
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 09:33 AM (ykeLU)
When I became a Woman!
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 09:33 AM (ykeLU)
When I became a Woman!
Posted by: Caitlyn Jenner at March 05, 2023 09:39 AM (BRHaw)
80
*To say I'm sick of this past lives and current goddesses shit is an understatement. Fools.*
Ahem.
Ahem.
Posted by: Wakanda Forever at March 05, 2023 09:40 AM (DhOHl)
81
I decided to take a break from the Cormoran Strike series and am now reading, "Citizen" by Simon Schama.
I also added "Uncle Tom's Cabin" to my list.
Not much light reading in my future.
I also added "Uncle Tom's Cabin" to my list.
Not much light reading in my future.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 09:41 AM (2YtOq)
82
Mrs. JTB is enjoying the latest Pendergast book by Preston and Child, "The Cabinet of Dr. Leng". We both are fans of the series. She is wondering if the series may be coming to end. It's been going on for decades and this one seems to be resolving a number of story lines, never fully settled, that have developed over the years.
Posted by: JTB at March 05, 2023 09:41 AM (7EjX1)
83
61 @muldoon, my biggest life changing event: The birth of my children.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 09:35 AM (2YtOq)
Without doubt.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 09:35 AM (2YtOq)
Without doubt.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 05, 2023 09:41 AM (OX9vb)
84
To say I'm sick of this past lives and current goddesses shit is an understatement. Fools.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 09:31 AM (Zzbjj)
---
Almost the entirely of neo-paganism is D&D wishcasting.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 09:31 AM (Zzbjj)
---
Almost the entirely of neo-paganism is D&D wishcasting.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:42 AM (llXky)
85
Thanks for the thread, Perfessor. Always fun to read even if I don't have the time to participate.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 09:43 AM (2YtOq)
86
Re: Clive Barker...
It had to be 15 or 20 years ago now that I had a Clive Barker video game called Undying. There was an interesting story of a sort of haunted mansion/person and you were searching out the answer to some mystery. The mood was intense and there were great visuals (for CG of the time) of both the haunted house and otherworld varieties. I can't imagine why that didn't send me on a Clive Barker reading kick, but I might have to remedy that now.
Posted by: She Hobbit at March 05, 2023 09:39 AM (ftFVW)
Try his "Books of Blood" 1-6 first.
IMO short Barker is the best Barker.
It had to be 15 or 20 years ago now that I had a Clive Barker video game called Undying. There was an interesting story of a sort of haunted mansion/person and you were searching out the answer to some mystery. The mood was intense and there were great visuals (for CG of the time) of both the haunted house and otherworld varieties. I can't imagine why that didn't send me on a Clive Barker reading kick, but I might have to remedy that now.
Posted by: She Hobbit at March 05, 2023 09:39 AM (ftFVW)
Try his "Books of Blood" 1-6 first.
IMO short Barker is the best Barker.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 09:44 AM (L1tQx)
87
She says that Zahn is manfully re-writing the canon as far as he can because it's generally accepted that it is now an incoherent mess.
I never read Zahn's original trilogy - when it came out I had "outgrown" Star Wars and was into Babylon 5. I told her if she likes it, I'll try it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:38 AM (llXky)
Who cares if the Star Wars canon is an incoherent mess? The whole thing began as a movie screenplay, and then another one. The expectation that such things should make sense is a false one. The books are just parasitic on the movies. Same can be said for the plethora of Star Trek books, although I do concede that some Trek episodes were written by competent SF authors.
I never read Zahn's original trilogy - when it came out I had "outgrown" Star Wars and was into Babylon 5. I told her if she likes it, I'll try it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:38 AM (llXky)
Who cares if the Star Wars canon is an incoherent mess? The whole thing began as a movie screenplay, and then another one. The expectation that such things should make sense is a false one. The books are just parasitic on the movies. Same can be said for the plethora of Star Trek books, although I do concede that some Trek episodes were written by competent SF authors.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 05, 2023 09:44 AM (tkR6S)
88
I learned this from Pliny this week. I don't recommend you try it:
"If the mamillæ are rubbed with hemlock during virginity, they will always be hard and firm."
"If the mamillæ are rubbed with hemlock during virginity, they will always be hard and firm."
Posted by: fd at March 05, 2023 09:45 AM (iayUP)
89
've also been reading more of Hemingway's letters. Someone gave me a copy of How it Was, Mary Hemingway's book. It looks like a quick read, so I might start that soon.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 09:36 AM (Zzbjj)
I'll save you the trouble. He was a bitter drunk that wrote some books. Then put a shotgun in his mouth and blew his brains out.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 09:36 AM (Zzbjj)
I'll save you the trouble. He was a bitter drunk that wrote some books. Then put a shotgun in his mouth and blew his brains out.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 09:45 AM (BdMk6)
90
I'm a little over halfway thru "Walls Of Men". I'm learning a lot about the history of Chy-na. They haven't progressed much over the centuries, being beat down by the current ruler doesn't foster much innovation.
Posted by: fd at March 05, 2023 09:38 AM (iayUP)
---
A culture based on rigid conformity isn't particularly innovative.
On the other hand, the Chinese do know how to "go big." Their walled cities make Europe's look like theme parks.
Posted by: fd at March 05, 2023 09:38 AM (iayUP)
---
A culture based on rigid conformity isn't particularly innovative.
On the other hand, the Chinese do know how to "go big." Their walled cities make Europe's look like theme parks.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:45 AM (llXky)
91
...all women in the past were either queens, royalty, tribal leaders, great warriors, or Celtic Priestesses.
*********
Just My Luck
I was hypnotized to view my past life
As we cut through the years like a knife
I wondered what would I be
Back in fifteen-oh-three
Turns out I was a fishmonger's wife
*********
Just My Luck
I was hypnotized to view my past life
As we cut through the years like a knife
I wondered what would I be
Back in fifteen-oh-three
Turns out I was a fishmonger's wife
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 09:45 AM (ykeLU)
92
The Texas Hill Country during the Civil War was an interesting place. Many of the Germans were supporting the union side. Some Germans chose to flee for Mwxico instead of joining the confederacy and were confronted by confederate supporters, which led to the Nieces massacre.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 05, 2023 09:47 AM (zjz2N)
93
Reading Gibson made me realize why I love Brandon Sanderson. When I read, it is often like watching a movie. I "see" the characters and setting and the action unfolds as if I was watching it. Sanderson's worlds are so well described that I see them and the people and even the flora and fauna fit and make sense in the imaginary world he has created.
Gibson doesn't tell you how anything fits until you are well into the book and even then he says that they don't really know how they can do what they do except somewhere ther is a secret Chinese server that lets them do what they do.
The book is interesting enough that I want to see what happens so will finish and also have Neuromancer on reserve so will read that one too.
Oh, and the series has little to do with the book except for the basic premise but worth watching.
Gibson doesn't tell you how anything fits until you are well into the book and even then he says that they don't really know how they can do what they do except somewhere ther is a secret Chinese server that lets them do what they do.
The book is interesting enough that I want to see what happens so will finish and also have Neuromancer on reserve so will read that one too.
Oh, and the series has little to do with the book except for the basic premise but worth watching.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 05, 2023 09:47 AM (Y+l9t)
94
I'll save you the trouble. He was a bitter drunk that wrote some books. Then put a shotgun in his mouth and blew his brains out.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 09:45 AM (BdMk6)
----------------
Add some drugs to the mix and you've got Hunter S Thompson.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 09:45 AM (BdMk6)
----------------
Add some drugs to the mix and you've got Hunter S Thompson.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 09:47 AM (2YtOq)
95
"If the mamillæ are rubbed with hemlock during virginity, they will always be hard and firm."
Posted by: fd at March 05, 2023 09:45 AM (iayUP)
That could get you five to ten, nowadays.
Posted by: fd at March 05, 2023 09:45 AM (iayUP)
That could get you five to ten, nowadays.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 05, 2023 09:47 AM (tkR6S)
96
I finished Childhood's End last week.
Interesting but seemed like 3 or 4 episodes of Twilight Zone.
Clarke is a good writer but seems to have trouble drawing his stories together into a good close.
Interesting but seemed like 3 or 4 episodes of Twilight Zone.
Clarke is a good writer but seems to have trouble drawing his stories together into a good close.
Posted by: blaster at March 05, 2023 09:48 AM (pwExq)
97
Just re-read both Animal Farm and 1984. Every paragraph I had to stop and say it's just like what is happening with x today. Orwell knew his target. He still couldn't stop being a democratic socialist even when the Spanish communists had him under a death sentence. Interesting how people negotiate with themselves.
Posted by: Smell the Glove at March 05, 2023 09:48 AM (lReCd)
98
*How do you view" life-changing" events?*
Muldoon, I think it usually involves the word "encounter."
Muldoon, I think it usually involves the word "encounter."
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at March 05, 2023 09:48 AM (DhOHl)
99
@91 LOL!
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 09:48 AM (V13WU)
100
Who cares if the Star Wars canon is an incoherent mess? The whole thing began as a movie screenplay, and then another one. The expectation that such things should make sense is a false one. The books are just parasitic on the movies. Same can be said for the plethora of Star Trek books, although I do concede that some Trek episodes were written by competent SF authors.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 05, 2023 09:44 AM (tkR6S)
---
I guess I should specify that by "canon" I really mean "setting." Star Wars had a unique setting, quite different from Star Trek.
What the prequels and sequels did was trash *the setting*, breaking the in-universe laws of physics or what Tolkien would call the "reality of the secondary world." The awful storytelling merely added insult to injury.
I'm told "We Haz Ringsz" is doing the same thing, not only featuring stupid characters doing stupid things, but making a total hash out of the setting.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 05, 2023 09:44 AM (tkR6S)
---
I guess I should specify that by "canon" I really mean "setting." Star Wars had a unique setting, quite different from Star Trek.
What the prequels and sequels did was trash *the setting*, breaking the in-universe laws of physics or what Tolkien would call the "reality of the secondary world." The awful storytelling merely added insult to injury.
I'm told "We Haz Ringsz" is doing the same thing, not only featuring stupid characters doing stupid things, but making a total hash out of the setting.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:49 AM (llXky)
101
Muldoon, I sure enjoy your verse!
Posted by: Weak Geek used to write doggerel at March 05, 2023 09:49 AM (Om/di)
102
Just My Luck
I was hypnotized to view my past life
As we cut through the years like a knife
I wondered what would I be
Back in fifteen-oh-three
Turns out I was a fishmonger's wife
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 09:45 AM (ykeLU)
Ha! Nice.
Pretty much everyone's past life would've been something like they spent their life digging spuds in a muddy field and died of consumption at 19.
Just My Luck
I was hypnotized to view my past life
As we cut through the years like a knife
I wondered what would I be
Back in fifteen-oh-three
Turns out I was a fishmonger's wife
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 09:45 AM (ykeLU)
Ha! Nice.
Pretty much everyone's past life would've been something like they spent their life digging spuds in a muddy field and died of consumption at 19.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 09:49 AM (L1tQx)
103
I finished Walls of Men; read and/or re-read a few westerns (Ron Schwab, John Deacon, C J Petit) Petit and Deacon write series to contain their "universe". Schwab, like Sgt Mom, has multiple series/books set w/the same characters in roughly the same time frame. I like stories like that. Robert B (don't forget the B) Parker did that a bit w/his Jesse Stone and Spenser/Hawk stories (Susan Silverman makes a brief notice in one of the Jesse Stone stories)
Slowly working through Devoted to God by Sinclair Feguson
thanks, Perfesser, this has always been a favorite quote of mine:
"Sure as I know anything, I know this—they will try again. Maybe on another world, maybe on this very ground swept clean. A year from now, ten? They'll swing back to the belief that they can make people...better."
Malcolm Reynolds -- Serenity
Slowly working through Devoted to God by Sinclair Feguson
thanks, Perfesser, this has always been a favorite quote of mine:
"Sure as I know anything, I know this—they will try again. Maybe on another world, maybe on this very ground swept clean. A year from now, ten? They'll swing back to the belief that they can make people...better."
Malcolm Reynolds -- Serenity
Posted by: yara at March 05, 2023 09:49 AM (QdFtX)
104
"If the mamillæ are rubbed with hemlock during virginity, they will always be hard and firm."
Posted by: fd at March 05, 2023 09:45 AM (iayUP)
Now you tell me.
Posted by: fd at March 05, 2023 09:45 AM (iayUP)
Now you tell me.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 05, 2023 09:50 AM (OX9vb)
105
The "Arthurian Romances" underwent severe bowdlerization. The process then reversed itself. I imagine if the originals are not destroyed, they will return some day.
I also think or rather feel that we are due for a new genre to appear. Kinda like how SF and Fantasy arose. I just have this feeling that those genres can't deal with the issues we are facing. Technologically or socially.
Obv, TPTB don't want anything new and appropriate. And are working non-stop to stymie any possibility. But somewhere someone wrote some story that will be the basis for a new genre. Or some work of the past will be the source: like Dunsany.
I also think or rather feel that we are due for a new genre to appear. Kinda like how SF and Fantasy arose. I just have this feeling that those genres can't deal with the issues we are facing. Technologically or socially.
Obv, TPTB don't want anything new and appropriate. And are working non-stop to stymie any possibility. But somewhere someone wrote some story that will be the basis for a new genre. Or some work of the past will be the source: like Dunsany.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 09:50 AM (1ais2)
106
Pretty much everyone's past life would've been something like they spent their life digging spuds in a muddy field and died of consumption at 19.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 09:49 AM (L1tQx)
-------------
Or had their head on a pike because they didn't kneel fast enough before approaching royalty.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 09:49 AM (L1tQx)
-------------
Or had their head on a pike because they didn't kneel fast enough before approaching royalty.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 09:51 AM (2YtOq)
107
"Or Kristi Yamaguchi exhorting young people that "If you just want it badly enough you can accomplish anything you put your mind to"."
Biden and Kamala speechifying: "Everything is possible." It's nuts.
Biden and Kamala speechifying: "Everything is possible." It's nuts.
Posted by: Please Place The gp In The Bag at March 05, 2023 09:52 AM (MvF+J)
108
Add some drugs to the mix and you've got Hunter S Thompson.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 09:47 AM (2YtOq)
---
Hemingway was a better, more accomplished writer.
I'm partway into Hell's Angels and while it's a quick and easy read, Thompson's prose is starting to wear on me. For all his "gonzo" rebel schtick, he's actually pretty conventional. I'll write more when I've finished it.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 09:47 AM (2YtOq)
---
Hemingway was a better, more accomplished writer.
I'm partway into Hell's Angels and while it's a quick and easy read, Thompson's prose is starting to wear on me. For all his "gonzo" rebel schtick, he's actually pretty conventional. I'll write more when I've finished it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:52 AM (llXky)
109
*Interesting how people negotiate with themselves.*
https://youtu.be/vn_PSJsl0LQ
It's not a lie if you believe it.
https://youtu.be/vn_PSJsl0LQ
It's not a lie if you believe it.
Posted by: Obligatory Seinfeld clip at March 05, 2023 09:52 AM (DhOHl)
110
Always liked Gibson. The ending of Pattern Recognition will stick with me forever. If you think The Peripheral is confusing , I accidentally picked up the second book of the trilogy and read it first thinking "no big deal I'll read the first later". Oops
Posted by: Smell the Glove at March 05, 2023 09:53 AM (lReCd)
111
Perfessor's post today about publishing houses and their respective scum editors messing with established books seems pertinent. I splurged on a good one volume hardcover edition of the Chronicles of Narnia, unabridged and with illustrations by Pauline Baynes. My paperback version will go to a niece or nephew who treasure good writing.
I have no doubt that the left (spit!) will try to 'improve' Lewis' books. (Improve equals subvert, pervert, dumb down, and ruin for political reasons.) Just the latest example of why owning good physical books is important to me.
I have no doubt that the left (spit!) will try to 'improve' Lewis' books. (Improve equals subvert, pervert, dumb down, and ruin for political reasons.) Just the latest example of why owning good physical books is important to me.
Posted by: JTB at March 05, 2023 09:53 AM (7EjX1)
112
blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) : Let us know what you think of Citizens bu Schama, it's sitting on my TBR pile right now.
Posted by: who knew at March 05, 2023 09:54 AM (4I7VG)
113
Mammilae is lulzy will deploy irl today not the actual mamilae don't have any but the word. Well I have access to some (two) so perhaps both word and thing(s) will be deployed by me.
"Lieutenant, deploy the mammilae!"
"Lieutenant, deploy the mammilae!"
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 09:54 AM (1ais2)
114
Muldoon, I think it usually involves the word "encounter."
Posted by: Quarter Twenty
******
How so?
Posted by: Quarter Twenty
******
How so?
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 09:55 AM (ykeLU)
115
Pretty much everyone's past life would've been something like they spent their life digging spuds in a muddy field and died of consumption at 19.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 09:49 AM (L1tQx)
---
My wife did a deep dive into genealogy a few years ago and there is reason to believe that people alive today are disproportionately descended from the upper classes since those were the ones least like to starve to death.
But that cuts into the whole "inner goddess" and "perfect princess" thing.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 09:49 AM (L1tQx)
---
My wife did a deep dive into genealogy a few years ago and there is reason to believe that people alive today are disproportionately descended from the upper classes since those were the ones least like to starve to death.
But that cuts into the whole "inner goddess" and "perfect princess" thing.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:55 AM (llXky)
116
I'm told "We Haz Ringsz" is doing the same thing, not only featuring stupid characters doing stupid things, but making a total hash out of the setting.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:49 AM (llXky)
---
The showrunners made wrong decisions at every turn, lied about what they were doing, and blamed the fans for complaining about it when they got caught.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:49 AM (llXky)
---
The showrunners made wrong decisions at every turn, lied about what they were doing, and blamed the fans for complaining about it when they got caught.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 09:55 AM (BpYfr)
117
Try his "Books of Blood" 1-6 first.
IMO short Barker is the best Barker.
Posted by: naturalfake
Thank you kindly for the recommendations!
IMO short Barker is the best Barker.
Posted by: naturalfake
Thank you kindly for the recommendations!
Posted by: She Hobbit at March 05, 2023 09:56 AM (ftFVW)
118
I had to try to read "The Anatomy of Revolution" by Craine Brinton for my A.P. U.S. History class. Alas, back then, my vocabulary was not up to the task.
I bought it again about ten years ago and re-read (? since I couldn't through it the first time) it.
It is great. I highly recommend it.
I bought it again about ten years ago and re-read (? since I couldn't through it the first time) it.
It is great. I highly recommend it.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at March 05, 2023 09:56 AM (TXFi7)
119
It really is mind-boggling how supposedly "smart" people are swayed by dumb--sometimes STAGGERINGLY dumb--propositions. It doesn't even matter how much evidence you provide either for or against an idea. Once they are in love with an idea, NOTHING will dislodge it from their brain.
-
I think one aspect of their reluctance to abandon a failed idea is that if they admit their wrong doing, they admit their guilt in what they have done. If Funny Mustache and the guys were wrong about the need to kill the Jews in self defense then they murdered the Jews. They can't face that and don't want to face the consequences of their acts.
-
I think one aspect of their reluctance to abandon a failed idea is that if they admit their wrong doing, they admit their guilt in what they have done. If Funny Mustache and the guys were wrong about the need to kill the Jews in self defense then they murdered the Jews. They can't face that and don't want to face the consequences of their acts.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 05, 2023 09:57 AM (FVME7)
120
Spent most of the week deep-diving phase locked loops. Not 'reading' like reading a novel, but yeah lots and lots of reading. The internet is the very bestest thing to come along since Gutenberg.
Posted by: Please Place The gp In The Bag at March 05, 2023 09:57 AM (MvF+J)
121
I'm partway into Hell's Angels and while it's a quick and easy read, Thompson's prose is starting to wear on me. For all his "gonzo" rebel schtick, he's actually pretty conventional. I'll write more when I've finished it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:52 AM (llXky)
Hunter's bro was some scary scary prominent SF gay dude. Hunter was fairly effeminate himself. Prob CIA.
I think his prose is world class. But he is playing a role and overdoes things.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:52 AM (llXky)
Hunter's bro was some scary scary prominent SF gay dude. Hunter was fairly effeminate himself. Prob CIA.
I think his prose is world class. But he is playing a role and overdoes things.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 09:58 AM (1ais2)
122
Let us know what you think of Citizens bu Schama, it's sitting on my TBR pile right now.
Posted by: who knew at March 05, 2023 09:54 AM (4I7VG)
-------------
So far, it's a decent read. The book moves along nicely. The book made me realize something which should have been obvious long ago: proxy wars are as old as mankind. (The French really hated the English, which is at least part of the reason the French supported the American Revolution. At least, that's what I'm currently getting from the book)
Posted by: who knew at March 05, 2023 09:54 AM (4I7VG)
-------------
So far, it's a decent read. The book moves along nicely. The book made me realize something which should have been obvious long ago: proxy wars are as old as mankind. (The French really hated the English, which is at least part of the reason the French supported the American Revolution. At least, that's what I'm currently getting from the book)
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 09:58 AM (2YtOq)
123
Add some drugs to the mix and you've got Hunter S Thompson.
=====
IMHO (very humble, indeed), Thompson is the much better author.
=====
IMHO (very humble, indeed), Thompson is the much better author.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 09:58 AM (MIKMs)
124
Boy, I hate spell check. Nueces massacre.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 05, 2023 09:59 AM (ZwTa4)
125
On the other hand, how many life-changing events are totally outside of our control?
Most of them, when you think about it.
Posted by: Life's a rigged dice game at March 05, 2023 09:37 AM (YdDJ9)
---
Ah, but how do you respond? We have a lot of agency, and much of the "it's all fate" crowd like that because agency is intimidating and scary.
I'm firmly opposed the "chase your dreams" nonsense they feed kids today, but one's life choices do matter.
Most of them, when you think about it.
Posted by: Life's a rigged dice game at March 05, 2023 09:37 AM (YdDJ9)
---
Ah, but how do you respond? We have a lot of agency, and much of the "it's all fate" crowd like that because agency is intimidating and scary.
I'm firmly opposed the "chase your dreams" nonsense they feed kids today, but one's life choices do matter.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:59 AM (llXky)
126
I will say this about The Peripheral. There is some very prescient storytelling that looks a lot like what is happening in the world today. The phrase "slowly, then all at once" comes to mind.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 05, 2023 09:59 AM (Y+l9t)
127
I'll save you the trouble. He was a bitter drunk that wrote some books. Then put a shotgun in his mouth and blew his brains out.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 09:45 AM (BdMk6)
Well, he did write some books, and I like his books and stories. Mary turned into a good executor and I'm happy with most of the works published posthumously, especially A Moveable Feast. There are a lot of bitter people who do considerably less, and I attribute his suicide to the TBIs as much as alcohol, although alcohol and other drugs fuel quite a few.
I'll save you the trouble. He was a bitter drunk that wrote some books. Then put a shotgun in his mouth and blew his brains out.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 09:45 AM (BdMk6)
Well, he did write some books, and I like his books and stories. Mary turned into a good executor and I'm happy with most of the works published posthumously, especially A Moveable Feast. There are a lot of bitter people who do considerably less, and I attribute his suicide to the TBIs as much as alcohol, although alcohol and other drugs fuel quite a few.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 09:59 AM (Zzbjj)
128
"If the mamillæ are rubbed with hemlock during virginity, they will always be hard and firm."
That usually runs about $20.
That usually runs about $20.
Posted by: Folsom Street Fair at March 05, 2023 10:01 AM (DhOHl)
129
My wife did a deep dive into genealogy a few years ago and there is reason to believe that people alive today are disproportionately descended from the upper classes since those were the ones least like to starve to death.
But that cuts into the whole "inner goddess" and "perfect princess" thing.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:55 AM (llXky)
The guy with the most chances has the most descendants!
But that cuts into the whole "inner goddess" and "perfect princess" thing.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 09:55 AM (llXky)
The guy with the most chances has the most descendants!
Posted by: Prima Nocta FTW! at March 05, 2023 10:01 AM (Angsy)
130
IMHO (very humble, indeed), Thompson is the much better author.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 09:58 AM (MIKMs)
---
Disagree. Thompson was a one-trick pony. He wrote the same thing and between that and the drugs, was completely played out. Funny social commentary, almost nothing profound. Hemingway's best stuff is quite profound.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 09:58 AM (MIKMs)
---
Disagree. Thompson was a one-trick pony. He wrote the same thing and between that and the drugs, was completely played out. Funny social commentary, almost nothing profound. Hemingway's best stuff is quite profound.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:01 AM (llXky)
131
The guy with the most chances has the most descendants!
Posted by: Prima Nocta FTW! at March 05, 2023 10:01 AM (Angsy)
---
Ahem.
Posted by: Prima Nocta FTW! at March 05, 2023 10:01 AM (Angsy)
---
Ahem.
Posted by: Genghis Khan, Father of 1/4 of All Asians at March 05, 2023 10:02 AM (llXky)
132
The grear upheaval has the highlights of citizens along with events in the colonies and the failed awakening in russia (because of the french revolution)
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 10:03 AM (PXvVL)
133
think one aspect of their reluctance to abandon a failed idea is that if they admit their wrong doing, they admit their guilt in what they have done. If Funny Mustache and the guys were wrong about the need to kill the Jews in self defense then they murdered the Jews. They can't face that and don't want to face the consequences of their acts.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks
Well said. Think this is what is starting to happen with all the tranny it's okay to mutilate children and ruin the rest of their lives....
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks
Well said. Think this is what is starting to happen with all the tranny it's okay to mutilate children and ruin the rest of their lives....
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 05, 2023 10:04 AM (Y+l9t)
134
>119 It really is mind-boggling how supposedly "smart" people are swayed by dumb--sometimes STAGGERINGLY dumb--propositions. It doesn't even matter how much evidence you provide either for or against an idea. Once they are in love with an idea, NOTHING will dislodge it from their brain.
"It's easier to fool people than to convince them they've been fooled."
"It's easier to fool people than to convince them they've been fooled."
Posted by: Mark Twain at March 05, 2023 10:04 AM (DhOHl)
135
Hemingway's best stuff is quite profound.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:01 AM (llXky)
----------------
For sale: baby shoes, never worn.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:01 AM (llXky)
----------------
For sale: baby shoes, never worn.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 10:04 AM (2YtOq)
136
Bowlderize! Cancellize!
=====
'Sanitized For Your Safety'
Does anyone else remember the paper cover over toilets in hotels with that logo?
=====
'Sanitized For Your Safety'
Does anyone else remember the paper cover over toilets in hotels with that logo?
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 10:04 AM (MIKMs)
137
Hunter wrote an origin story name escapes me now the film version was when he met amber, it was set in puerto rico in the late 50s when he was a less cynical man
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 10:05 AM (PXvVL)
138
Well, he did write some books, and I like his books and stories. Mary turned into a good executor and I'm happy with most of the works published posthumously, especially A Moveable Feast. There are a lot of bitter people who do considerably less, and I attribute his suicide to the TBIs as much as alcohol, although alcohol and other drugs fuel quite a few.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 09:59 AM (Zzbjj)
---
Hemingway has a better literary legacy. If you want to be like Hemingway, go around the world, do stuff, see stuff, write about it.
Thompson cursed us with the "reporter becomes part of the story" style of journalism.
Hemingway matured and developed as a writer. Thompson deteriorated.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 09:59 AM (Zzbjj)
---
Hemingway has a better literary legacy. If you want to be like Hemingway, go around the world, do stuff, see stuff, write about it.
Thompson cursed us with the "reporter becomes part of the story" style of journalism.
Hemingway matured and developed as a writer. Thompson deteriorated.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:06 AM (llXky)
139
Thompson was a one-trick pony. He wrote the same thing and between that and the drugs, was completely played out. Funny social commentary, almost nothing profound. Hemingway's best stuff is quite profound.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:01 AM (llXky)
I rarely search for profundity in books. I read to escape.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:01 AM (llXky)
I rarely search for profundity in books. I read to escape.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 10:06 AM (BdMk6)
140
Seems pretty obvious HST was intentionally parodying Hemmingway in every way possible. Writing and life.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 10:07 AM (1ais2)
141
Ahem.
Posted by: Genghis Khan, Father of 1/4 of All Asians at March 05, 2023 10:02 AM (llXky)
He had plenty of chances.
Posted by: Genghis Khan, Father of 1/4 of All Asians at March 05, 2023 10:02 AM (llXky)
He had plenty of chances.
Posted by: Prima Nocta FTW! at March 05, 2023 10:07 AM (Angsy)
142
Rum diaries, when depp met heard
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 10:07 AM (PXvVL)
143
My wife did a deep dive into genealogy a few years ago and there is reason to believe that people alive today are disproportionately descended from the upper classes since those were the ones least like to starve to death.
====
"And we're not Romanovs. We're descendant from thieves and whores." And thieves and whores would also have access to resources and least likely to starve to death.
====
"And we're not Romanovs. We're descendant from thieves and whores." And thieves and whores would also have access to resources and least likely to starve to death.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 10:08 AM (V13WU)
144
Hemingway's best stuff is quite profound.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:01 AM (llXky)
----------------
I agree. And in some of the seemingly inconsequential stories, there is a lot to be seen. He writes the events and does not force feed his interpretations.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:01 AM (llXky)
----------------
I agree. And in some of the seemingly inconsequential stories, there is a lot to be seen. He writes the events and does not force feed his interpretations.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 10:08 AM (Zzbjj)
145
But ancestry is a very different thing from remembered "past lives".
I flipped past Shatner's show on History Channel yesterday and he had a bit about some three-year-old kid who fell down the stairs and bonked her head, and years later after walking through an ancient Egypt exhibit at a museum began "remembering" that she used to be an Egyptian princess.
Now which is more likely; a bonk on the head deranged her brain function, or it jolted long repressed memories from centuries ago into the open in a spasm of clarity and truthiness?
I flipped past Shatner's show on History Channel yesterday and he had a bit about some three-year-old kid who fell down the stairs and bonked her head, and years later after walking through an ancient Egypt exhibit at a museum began "remembering" that she used to be an Egyptian princess.
Now which is more likely; a bonk on the head deranged her brain function, or it jolted long repressed memories from centuries ago into the open in a spasm of clarity and truthiness?
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 10:09 AM (ykeLU)
146
114 Muldoon, I think it usually involves the word "encounter."
Posted by: Quarter Twenty
******
How so?
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 09:55 AM
Watch any episode of The Chosen.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty
******
How so?
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 09:55 AM
Watch any episode of The Chosen.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at March 05, 2023 10:09 AM (DhOHl)
147
I'm digging the top pic of chained up books at Ye Olde Grammar School. If you look very closely you can just make out a first print edition of the Player's Handbook.
I also like the last pic of the squirrel wearing a righteous pimp hat, but then again I have the mind of a Lhasa Apso puppy so I'm easily amused like that.
I also like the last pic of the squirrel wearing a righteous pimp hat, but then again I have the mind of a Lhasa Apso puppy so I'm easily amused like that.
Posted by: Blacksheep at March 05, 2023 10:09 AM (6mvRv)
148
I never understood "... to rot in Hell." Burn? Absolutely.
Souls without bodies cannot feel physical pain (The RCC finally agreed with the Eastern Orthodox of that)
But at the General Resurrection, everyone gets an immortal body. Then, for the damned, the pain begins.
Benefits of Catholic catechesis.
Souls without bodies cannot feel physical pain (The RCC finally agreed with the Eastern Orthodox of that)
But at the General Resurrection, everyone gets an immortal body. Then, for the damned, the pain begins.
Benefits of Catholic catechesis.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at March 05, 2023 10:09 AM (TXFi7)
149
..but who wants to believe THAT? better to imagine yourself descendant of gentry....
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 10:09 AM (V13WU)
150
Hemingway's best stuff is quite profound.
=====
Profound is not a recommendation for me. Yes, I agree that HST was intentionally parodying Hemmingway.
=====
Profound is not a recommendation for me. Yes, I agree that HST was intentionally parodying Hemmingway.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 10:10 AM (MIKMs)
151
Hunter Thompson wrote "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail."
Who wrote "The Boys on the Bus"?
Can anybody here recommend it?
Who wrote "The Boys on the Bus"?
Can anybody here recommend it?
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 05, 2023 10:10 AM (Om/di)
152
I know a guy who is an author who palled around with Thompson in the early 70s. Not well, but know him. He talks about one night getting drunk and high and driving too fast with Thompson and the inventory of drugs that they had.
Seems unbelievable. I don't know how they would survive the level of consumption that he described.
Seems unbelievable. I don't know how they would survive the level of consumption that he described.
Posted by: blaster at March 05, 2023 10:10 AM (pwExq)
153
Just finished the first book of Burton's _First Footsteps in East Africa_, about his journey to Harar in Somalia in the 1850s. This was a big deal because Somalia (plus ca change) was hostile to foreigners in general and "Nazrani" (Christians) in particular. Burton went in disguise (sort of) and at least went through the motions of acting Muslim. According to some bios I've seen he was a sincere convert, but I think he had no patience for any formal religion.
Great stuff. Lots of utterly problematic commentary on the Somalis, Arabs, Abyssinians -- with plenty of bile left over for the British. Also practical details of travel in hostile Muslim lands untouched by modern civilization.
Great last line, too: on his first night in the Forbidden City of Harar he settles down to sleep:
"I was under the roof of a bigoted prince whose least word was death; amongst a people who detest foreigners; the only European that had ever passed over their inhospitable threshold, and the fated instrument of their future downfall."
Great stuff. Lots of utterly problematic commentary on the Somalis, Arabs, Abyssinians -- with plenty of bile left over for the British. Also practical details of travel in hostile Muslim lands untouched by modern civilization.
Great last line, too: on his first night in the Forbidden City of Harar he settles down to sleep:
"I was under the roof of a bigoted prince whose least word was death; amongst a people who detest foreigners; the only European that had ever passed over their inhospitable threshold, and the fated instrument of their future downfall."
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 05, 2023 10:11 AM (QZxDR)
154
I don't care for Yamaguchi type life changing events. It's patently absurd to think that just by believing or trying you can achieve. If you have no skills or talent for something, you won't achieve great things in it.
I guess she figures that every time she won a gold medal, it was because the girl who won silver just didn't want to win badly enough. Enough to, say, have Kristi kneecapped.
I guess she figures that every time she won a gold medal, it was because the girl who won silver just didn't want to win badly enough. Enough to, say, have Kristi kneecapped.
Posted by: Oddbob at March 05, 2023 10:12 AM (nfrXX)
155
Ladies! Now you too can live up to your past life as the Goddess of Lips with this one simple trick:
https://allthatsinteresting.com/andrea-ivanova
Ladies! Now you too can live up to your past life as the Goddess of Lips with this one simple trick:
https://allthatsinteresting.com/andrea-ivanova
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 10:12 AM (L1tQx)
156
Seems unbelievable. I don't know how they would survive the level of consumption that he described.
Posted by: blaster at March 05, 2023 10:10 AM (pwExq)
Ppl lie bro. How many were at Woodstock? How many saw Wilt ALLEGEDLY score 100pts? Cui bono.
Posted by: blaster at March 05, 2023 10:10 AM (pwExq)
Ppl lie bro. How many were at Woodstock? How many saw Wilt ALLEGEDLY score 100pts? Cui bono.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 10:12 AM (1ais2)
157
Reading William Gibson's The Peripheral. I watched the series on Prime and parts were pretty incomprehensible so thought maybe the book would clear things up.
-
I just finished the book and the plot is very different.
-
I just finished the book and the plot is very different.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 05, 2023 10:13 AM (FVME7)
158
I had a professor who opined that every single thing in every single Hemingway story that was longer than wide was a phallic symbol. Skis, trees, ski poles, carrots, cannons, airplanes, you name it. Phallic, phallic, phallic, phallic, phallic. Include the word ''penis' on the final exam and you'd get an easy "A".
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 10:14 AM (ykeLU)
159
Thompson cursed us with the "reporter becomes part of the story" style of journalism.
=====
Mark Twain laughs.
=====
Mark Twain laughs.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 10:14 AM (MIKMs)
160
Whatever else you say about that chained-library, it is infinitely more functional than that attic-library that was pictured a few weeks ago...
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 05, 2023 10:14 AM (Lhaco)
161
Muldoon that sounds like the story of Om Seti.
I don't believe past lives stuff but that is one curious case. She not only recognized stuff she saw she told archaeologists where to find things.
I don't believe past lives stuff but that is one curious case. She not only recognized stuff she saw she told archaeologists where to find things.
Posted by: blaster at March 05, 2023 10:14 AM (pwExq)
162
Rum diary wasnt published till 30 years later
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 10:15 AM (PXvVL)
163
I never understood "... to rot in Hell." Burn? Absolutely.
Souls without bodies cannot feel physical pain (The RCC finally agreed with the Eastern Orthodox of that)
But at the General Resurrection, everyone gets an immortal body. Then, for the damned, the pain begins.
Benefits of Catholic catechesis.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at March 05, 2023 10:09 AM (TXFi7)
Extrapolations of the human mind.
Souls without bodies cannot feel physical pain (The RCC finally agreed with the Eastern Orthodox of that)
But at the General Resurrection, everyone gets an immortal body. Then, for the damned, the pain begins.
Benefits of Catholic catechesis.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at March 05, 2023 10:09 AM (TXFi7)
Extrapolations of the human mind.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 10:15 AM (BdMk6)
164
Profound is not a recommendation for me. Yes, I agree that HST was intentionally parodying Hemmingway.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 10:10 AM (MIKMs)
---
I think an author can be both entertaining and profound. Evelyn Waugh is incredibly funny and engaging, but he also has some deeply meaningful things to say.
Thompson? Not so much.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 10:10 AM (MIKMs)
---
I think an author can be both entertaining and profound. Evelyn Waugh is incredibly funny and engaging, but he also has some deeply meaningful things to say.
Thompson? Not so much.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:16 AM (llXky)
165
Hemingway's best stuff is quite profound.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:01 AM (llXky)
Agreed. And I basically read for "profound", or at least something with at least a bit of weight.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:01 AM (llXky)
Agreed. And I basically read for "profound", or at least something with at least a bit of weight.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 10:16 AM (Zzbjj)
166
They should have adapted neuromancer instead they did johnny mneumonic one of the weakest ones
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 10:17 AM (PXvVL)
167
Speaking of the woke attack on books, I ordered The Last Imperialist by Prof Bruce Gilley. This is the biography of Sir Alan Burnns, one of the last of the British imperial administrators in central America and Africa. Once I finish it, I will review it here. Gilley wrote a defense of colonialism in Third World Quarterly, a scholarly periodical. Within days of its publication, half of the board of the magazine resigned due to death threats and his publisher refused to publish his book on Burnns. Regnery Gateway bought the rights and published it. Regnery is one of the few courageous non woke publishers.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (XPj+h)
168
In my past life, I was a Tyrannosaurus rex. It was like living in an all you can eat buffet.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (FVME7)
169
It's not what you look at. It's what you see.
Posted by: Henry David Thoreau at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (DhOHl)
170
Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book has been rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And that process is continuing day be day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except the endless present in which the party is always right. - George Orwell 1984
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (yQpMk)
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (1ais2)
172
Earlier this week I almost pre-ordered a big fancy art book. But I balked at the price, and as I scrolled down the page, looking for something to justify the purchase, I stumbled across the book's dimensions: 17" x 13". I understand wanting a prestige size for an art book, but a 17 inch tall book is just too much! I don't even have a shelf that big to store it on! Alas, I ended up passing on that book....
...I did, however, buy two more comic book omnibus collections. Even though I have about ten such collections sitting on my shelf yet to be read. But the collections were 40 dollars off the cover price. Each! I was weak, and couldn't pass up that kind of deal. And I will read them, eventually....
...I did, however, buy two more comic book omnibus collections. Even though I have about ten such collections sitting on my shelf yet to be read. But the collections were 40 dollars off the cover price. Each! I was weak, and couldn't pass up that kind of deal. And I will read them, eventually....
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (Lhaco)
173
Mark Twain laughs.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 10:14 AM (MIKMs)
---
As well he should. Twain was writing travel pieces, so his role is crucial in describing where he is and what is happening.
Thompson was supposed to be covering an event, and instead decides to regale us with how much booze and drugs he took and his awesome mind trips.
That's fine, some of it is fun reading, but that's all there is to him.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 10:14 AM (MIKMs)
---
As well he should. Twain was writing travel pieces, so his role is crucial in describing where he is and what is happening.
Thompson was supposed to be covering an event, and instead decides to regale us with how much booze and drugs he took and his awesome mind trips.
That's fine, some of it is fun reading, but that's all there is to him.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (llXky)
174
Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book has been rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And that process is continuing day be day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except the endless present in which the party is always right. - George Orwell 1984
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (yQpMk)
*kinda long for a t-shirt , but worth a try !
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (yQpMk)
*kinda long for a t-shirt , but worth a try !
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 10:19 AM (V13WU)
175
History has stopped. Nothing exists except the endless present in which the party is always right. - George Orwell 1984
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (yQpMk)
It wasn't supposed to be an instruction manual
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (yQpMk)
It wasn't supposed to be an instruction manual
Posted by: blaster at March 05, 2023 10:19 AM (pwExq)
176
As I understand it, Neuromancer has been tied up "in development" for about thirty years now. At this rate it will be a historical drama by the time it gets made.
This is why the mirror-eyed girl with the razor nails -- Molly Millions -- was replaced in Johnny Mnemonic by Boring Generic Action Girl, because she's also in Neuromancer and the rights to all the characters in that book belonged to some other studio.
This is why the mirror-eyed girl with the razor nails -- Molly Millions -- was replaced in Johnny Mnemonic by Boring Generic Action Girl, because she's also in Neuromancer and the rights to all the characters in that book belonged to some other studio.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 05, 2023 10:20 AM (QZxDR)
177
I love the Book Thread. Here we are, debating literary merit and reenacting Mom's and my 40-year debates over her preference for Swift and mine for Pope.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 10:20 AM (MIKMs)
178
Just picked up at my public library book sale for $4, a hardback of Richard Taylor's Civil War remembrance "Destruction and Reconstruction". Taylor was a highly regarded Confederate General who also happened to be President Zachary Taylor's son.
The prose is gorgeous, as is most learned writing from between 1750 and 1900. People could really spin a tale back then, using styles and wordings that we've lost in our Oh So Superior Modern Times.
Really looking forward to my day off tomorrow so I can start reading.
Also in Sharkman news, T-Minus 70 minutes until I find out if Eldest Daughter is having a girl or a boy with her latest pregnancy (it will be one or the other, Im assured!) Hoping for a girl, as that will complete their family since they've already got my almost 2 y/o Grandson hanging around, making trouble. Daughter is a little terrified because she's only 2 months along, and she'd lost her last pregnancy miscarriage last October. She'll be fine, I pray.
The prose is gorgeous, as is most learned writing from between 1750 and 1900. People could really spin a tale back then, using styles and wordings that we've lost in our Oh So Superior Modern Times.
Really looking forward to my day off tomorrow so I can start reading.
Also in Sharkman news, T-Minus 70 minutes until I find out if Eldest Daughter is having a girl or a boy with her latest pregnancy (it will be one or the other, Im assured!) Hoping for a girl, as that will complete their family since they've already got my almost 2 y/o Grandson hanging around, making trouble. Daughter is a little terrified because she's only 2 months along, and she'd lost her last pregnancy miscarriage last October. She'll be fine, I pray.
Posted by: Sharkman at March 05, 2023 10:21 AM (5KeG7)
179
I guess she figures that every time she won a gold medal, it was because the girl who won silver just didn't want to win badly enough. Enough to, say, have Kristi kneecapped.
Posted by: Oddbob at March 05, 2023 10:12 AM (nfrXX)
---
Another way of saying she was one of the Elect. How very American of her.
Posted by: Oddbob at March 05, 2023 10:12 AM (nfrXX)
---
Another way of saying she was one of the Elect. How very American of her.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:21 AM (llXky)
180
Boys on the Bus was, IIRC, written by Timothy Crouse -- haven't read it but I seem to recall hearing good things about it when it was first published.
The Flynn book, Intellectual Morons, is one I'd missed completely -- may have to give that a look. Thanks.
The Flynn book, Intellectual Morons, is one I'd missed completely -- may have to give that a look. Thanks.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at March 05, 2023 10:21 AM (a/4+U)
181
Well in neuromancer there was a war with russia involving a variation on drones
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 10:21 AM (PXvVL)
182
Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book has been rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And that process is continuing day be day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except the endless present in which the party is always right. - George Orwell 1984
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (yQpMk)
Pretty spooky, huh?
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (yQpMk)
Pretty spooky, huh?
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 10:22 AM (BdMk6)
183
I had a professor who opined that every single thing in every single Hemingway story that was longer than wide was a phallic symbol. Skis, trees, ski poles, carrots, cannons, airplanes, you name it. Phallic, phallic, phallic, phallic, phallic. Include the word ''penis' on the final exam and you'd get an easy "A".
Posted by: Muldoon
There's the right way, the wrong way, and the Hemingway.
Posted by: Muldoon
There's the right way, the wrong way, and the Hemingway.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 05, 2023 10:22 AM (FVME7)
184
I read Hunter Thompson years and years ago....he could be quite funny.
The "White Rabbit" part in Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas was hilarious.
He was crazy as a shit house rat and I was not surprised when he blew his brains out.
The "White Rabbit" part in Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas was hilarious.
He was crazy as a shit house rat and I was not surprised when he blew his brains out.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at March 05, 2023 10:22 AM (R/m4+)
185
Comment: It really is mind-boggling how supposedly "smart" people are swayed by dumb--sometimes STAGGERINGLY dumb--propositions. It doesn't even matter how much evidence you provide either for or against an idea. Once they are in love with an idea, NOTHING will dislodge it from their brain. It's a fairly rare individual that can evaluate the weight of evidence and then change their mind based on what they've examined. And then there are the truly evil people who KNOW they are spreading malinformation and get a sick thrill out of deceiving people. Those bastards deserve to rot in Hell.
And the infuriating thing is that plebes will then respect the dumb proposition, just because someone 'smart' endorses it....
And the infuriating thing is that plebes will then respect the dumb proposition, just because someone 'smart' endorses it....
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 05, 2023 10:22 AM (Lhaco)
186
History has stopped. Nothing exists except the endless present in which the party is always right. - George Orwell 1984
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (yQpMk)
It wasn't supposed to be an instruction manual
Posted by: blaster
Profound!
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (yQpMk)
It wasn't supposed to be an instruction manual
Posted by: blaster
Profound!
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 05, 2023 10:23 AM (Y+l9t)
187
Musk is bringing as close to tessier ashpool the space going magnates
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 10:23 AM (PXvVL)
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 10:23 AM (ykeLU)
189
Michelle Kwan wanted to be the next Kristi Yamaguchi.
Think that she didn't want it hard enough?
Think that she didn't want it hard enough?
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at March 05, 2023 10:23 AM (TXFi7)
190
I think an author can be both entertaining and profound. Evelyn Waugh is incredibly funny and engaging, but he also has some deeply meaningful things to say.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:16 AM (llXky)
Waugh is a great writer whether he's writing something funny or something tragic. I've long been a fan. I read BR on my own for the first time when I was a young teen, but oddly the first one I read as an assignment was The Loved One, which was followed by watching the movie in class.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:16 AM (llXky)
Waugh is a great writer whether he's writing something funny or something tragic. I've long been a fan. I read BR on my own for the first time when I was a young teen, but oddly the first one I read as an assignment was The Loved One, which was followed by watching the movie in class.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 10:23 AM (Zzbjj)
191
Now orwell derived much of this from his experience with the bbc world service
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 10:24 AM (PXvVL)
192
...I did, however, buy two more comic book omnibus collections. Even though I have about ten such collections sitting on my shelf yet to be read. But the collections were 40 dollars off the cover price. Each! I was weak, and couldn't pass up that kind of deal. And I will read them, eventually....
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (Lhaco)
---
The curse of the bibliophile...
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 05, 2023 10:18 AM (Lhaco)
---
The curse of the bibliophile...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 10:24 AM (BpYfr)
193
181 Well in neuromancer there was a war with russia involving a variation on drones
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 10:21 AM (PXvVL)
Yeah. It seems either TPTB like to disclose things in media or certain ideas channel minds. Or both.
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 10:21 AM (PXvVL)
Yeah. It seems either TPTB like to disclose things in media or certain ideas channel minds. Or both.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 10:24 AM (1ais2)
194
Another book I picked up is an Osprey Campaign book: King Philip's War 1675-6. Author Gabriele Esposito notes that one of the contributing factors in bringing on the conflict was the puritanical nature of the, uh, Puritans.
The Virginia colonies were more pragmatic in dealing with tribes, but Pilgrims were on a mission from God, which limited their decision-making matrix somewhat.
The Virginia colonies were more pragmatic in dealing with tribes, but Pilgrims were on a mission from God, which limited their decision-making matrix somewhat.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:25 AM (llXky)
195
I think Neuromancer would benefit from a long form treatment like The Peripheral.
But then I see what they did to The Peripheral with the long form treatment....
But then I see what they did to The Peripheral with the long form treatment....
Posted by: blaster at March 05, 2023 10:26 AM (pwExq)
196
God in Heaven Osprey books ignite my autism hands sweating rn hahahah
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 10:26 AM (1ais2)
197
*kinda long for a t-shirt , but worth a try !
Posted by: runner
**********
bumper sticker...
...on a stretch limousine.
Posted by: runner
**********
bumper sticker...
...on a stretch limousine.
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 10:27 AM (ykeLU)
198
We tend to forget that Neuromancer and the rest of the Sprawl series take place, not in a Blade Runner "near future" but some time after 2100. The Tessier-Ashpools have lived in their space colony for generations at the time of the story, and there's an offhand reference to "the new century" which can't, in context, mean the early 2000s.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 05, 2023 10:28 AM (QZxDR)
199
It wasn't supposed to be an instruction manual
Posted by: blaster at March 05, 2023 10:19 AM (pwExq)
---
No, it was a description of life under Stalin, where books had to be constantly updated as Old Comrades fell out of favor.
The Commissar Vanishes is all about this.
Posted by: blaster at March 05, 2023 10:19 AM (pwExq)
---
No, it was a description of life under Stalin, where books had to be constantly updated as Old Comrades fell out of favor.
The Commissar Vanishes is all about this.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:28 AM (llXky)
200
4/5ths into "Walls Of Men".
The mechanism of China's past societal and governmental decay is very well stated. The differences between Han China and North China are very interesting.
I like how China progressed but then fragmented, contrasted by the progress in Europe. And the comparisons of actions on Western intervention between Japan and China.
Being so big, was there too much human inertia to overcome in China?
Well written, and the plentiful sketch maps geolocate you to the relevant areas.
The mechanism of China's past societal and governmental decay is very well stated. The differences between Han China and North China are very interesting.
I like how China progressed but then fragmented, contrasted by the progress in Europe. And the comparisons of actions on Western intervention between Japan and China.
Being so big, was there too much human inertia to overcome in China?
Well written, and the plentiful sketch maps geolocate you to the relevant areas.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at March 05, 2023 10:28 AM (u82oZ)
201
They should have adapted neuromancer instead they did johnny mneumonic one of the weakest ones
We've been promised a Neuromancer movie Real Soon Now since the late '80s. Now that the CGI is good enough to make it, I don't think anyone cares anymore.
We've been promised a Neuromancer movie Real Soon Now since the late '80s. Now that the CGI is good enough to make it, I don't think anyone cares anymore.
Posted by: Oddbob at March 05, 2023 10:29 AM (nfrXX)
202
kinda long for a t-shirt , but worth a try !
Posted by: runner
**********
bumper sticker...
...on a stretch limousine.
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 10:27 AM (ykeLU)
Or a bright multi-colored VW minivan.
Posted by: runner
**********
bumper sticker...
...on a stretch limousine.
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 10:27 AM (ykeLU)
Or a bright multi-colored VW minivan.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 10:29 AM (BdMk6)
203
A limited series would be needed to world buid and effecrively introduce the characters
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 10:29 AM (PXvVL)
204
To say I'm sick of this past lives and current goddesses shit is an understatement. Fools.
Whatever became of Ramtha?
Whatever became of Ramtha?
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at March 05, 2023 10:29 AM (yQpMk)
205
I love the Book Thread...
Posted by musstbequantum
*******
So many book sites on the internet are so tedious that before long all I can hear is Waugh, Waugh, Waugh...
Posted by musstbequantum
*******
So many book sites on the internet are so tedious that before long all I can hear is Waugh, Waugh, Waugh...
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 10:29 AM (ykeLU)
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 10:29 AM (MIKMs)
207
Even though it is just a standard fantasy plot, it still has decent prose descriptions of the world in which the characters travel
***
Which book series is this?
***
Which book series is this?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 05, 2023 10:30 AM (fUnHJ)
208
By the way, Douglas Murray has a new series called Uncancelled, that is available on various platforms including youtube. He focuses on books and articles that go against the woke grain. Professor Gilley is on one of the early episodes.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 05, 2023 10:30 AM (QKxnF)
209
Yes, a Neuromancer TV series for one of the streaming services seems like an obvious choice. There is one problem: so many other works have stolen ideas from Gibson that Neuromancer would seem derivative and clicheed at this point.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 05, 2023 10:31 AM (QZxDR)
210
Thompson cursed us with the "reporter becomes part of the story" style of journalism.
-
Gonzo journalism. P.J. O'Rourke was similar but at least he was funny.
-
Gonzo journalism. P.J. O'Rourke was similar but at least he was funny.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 05, 2023 10:31 AM (FVME7)
211
Well written, and the plentiful sketch maps geolocate you to the relevant areas.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at March 05, 2023 10:28 AM (u82oZ)
---
Glad you like it! Sounds like you're about to hit the fun part where Chiang Kai-shek does his thing. Coulda been China's Franco.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at March 05, 2023 10:28 AM (u82oZ)
---
Glad you like it! Sounds like you're about to hit the fun part where Chiang Kai-shek does his thing. Coulda been China's Franco.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:31 AM (llXky)
212
Even though it is just a standard fantasy plot, it still has decent prose descriptions of the world in which the characters travel
***
Which book series is this?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 05, 2023 10:30 AM (fUnHJ)
---
Godwars by Angus Wells. Just finished the second book, Dark Magic, this morning. No real surprises, but interesting enough to keep me reading.
***
Which book series is this?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 05, 2023 10:30 AM (fUnHJ)
---
Godwars by Angus Wells. Just finished the second book, Dark Magic, this morning. No real surprises, but interesting enough to keep me reading.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 10:32 AM (BpYfr)
213
Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders are probably the only two dominant athletes that didn't think they got there by outworking everyone. Because they didn't have to. Actually prob only Deion.
I think getting to pro level is genetic but the 100th best pro and the 1st best pro is almost always which one lives more like a monk. NBA, tennis, Baseball etc etc etc. NFL qbs. Idk DL and CBs may be exception.
I think getting to pro level is genetic but the 100th best pro and the 1st best pro is almost always which one lives more like a monk. NBA, tennis, Baseball etc etc etc. NFL qbs. Idk DL and CBs may be exception.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 10:32 AM (1ais2)
214
"I wondered what would I be
Back in fifteen-oh-three
Turns out I was a fishmonger's wife
Posted by: Muldoon"
***********
Years ago we visited Donegal castle. My friend, following the belief that all Irish- Americans ancestors were High kings, remarked how great it would have been to dine in the castle's great hall. I told him we'd have never been allowed in, that we'd have been lucky if we had got to guard the outside door.
Back in fifteen-oh-three
Turns out I was a fishmonger's wife
Posted by: Muldoon"
***********
Years ago we visited Donegal castle. My friend, following the belief that all Irish- Americans ancestors were High kings, remarked how great it would have been to dine in the castle's great hall. I told him we'd have never been allowed in, that we'd have been lucky if we had got to guard the outside door.
Posted by: Cosda at March 05, 2023 10:32 AM (ssoUs)
215
One of the niftiest things I ever saw on the tube was an interview with Richard Feynman -- at one point, he was asked about the 'Two Cultures' split between scientific and non-scientific intellectuals, and was commenting on the apparent impossibility of real communication between the two. He stopped mid-sentence and said 'I take it all back' and then talked about a conversation he'd had with Andre Maurois. Finished by observing that maybe first-class minds in any field can find some ground for communication.
Mister, we could use a man like Richard Feynman again.
Mister, we could use a man like Richard Feynman again.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at March 05, 2023 10:33 AM (a/4+U)
216
Read sci-fi book Children of Memory 2022 (third in the series.) If you've read the first two books then you will enjoy this latest book. Read lots more, too. Some worthy of mention, others not so much.
Yay book thread!
Yay book thread!
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 10:33 AM (S80pp)
217
Then stopped at used book store Bramble Books and didn't find anything that grabbed my fancy.
***
Skip, the last time we were there, KTE wandered into the back room and was enslaved by one of the cats. I went to look for her after 15 min and found her on the floor petting the wee tyrant as it lounged on a pillow.
***
Skip, the last time we were there, KTE wandered into the back room and was enslaved by one of the cats. I went to look for her after 15 min and found her on the floor petting the wee tyrant as it lounged on a pillow.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 05, 2023 10:33 AM (fUnHJ)
218
197 *kinda long for a t-shirt , but worth a try !
Posted by: runner
Would be good printed on a bookmark, then given to my millennial children. Would they "get it?" I don't know.
Posted by: runner
Would be good printed on a bookmark, then given to my millennial children. Would they "get it?" I don't know.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 05, 2023 10:34 AM (OX9vb)
219
A pretty full week of intermittent reading.
Starting to work on a long held desire to read the Bible. All the way. All of it. I am following the reading plan [you can find by clicking through] at https://ascensionpress.com/biy
I need commentary, sadly, because I largely just don't get it. So I am following along with Dennis Prager's Rational Bible. I'm not sure what I'll do when I get through Exodus.
Also reading slowly through Taubes Why We Get Fat (recommended by the good professor at Instapundit) for the Hard 75 "self-improvement" part of that program.
I still haven't started on Herodotus Book 2, even though Book 1 was *great*. It's on the side table occupying valuable real estate. Sitting right on top of Kapusczinski's Travels with Herodotus, which also starts out very strong and I have no excuse for not getting back to it.
Almost done with Andrew Klavan's short autobiographical The Great Good Thing. Very readable. How a secular Jew came to be baptized.
For the fun, refreshing stuff, I have been re-reading Sarah Hoyt, Michelle Diener, Sabrina Chase. More or less space opera with sprinkles of sweet romantic bits. Lovely stuff.
Starting to work on a long held desire to read the Bible. All the way. All of it. I am following the reading plan [you can find by clicking through] at https://ascensionpress.com/biy
I need commentary, sadly, because I largely just don't get it. So I am following along with Dennis Prager's Rational Bible. I'm not sure what I'll do when I get through Exodus.
Also reading slowly through Taubes Why We Get Fat (recommended by the good professor at Instapundit) for the Hard 75 "self-improvement" part of that program.
I still haven't started on Herodotus Book 2, even though Book 1 was *great*. It's on the side table occupying valuable real estate. Sitting right on top of Kapusczinski's Travels with Herodotus, which also starts out very strong and I have no excuse for not getting back to it.
Almost done with Andrew Klavan's short autobiographical The Great Good Thing. Very readable. How a secular Jew came to be baptized.
For the fun, refreshing stuff, I have been re-reading Sarah Hoyt, Michelle Diener, Sabrina Chase. More or less space opera with sprinkles of sweet romantic bits. Lovely stuff.
Posted by: sinmi at March 05, 2023 10:35 AM (DhR3s)
220
I started watching The ABC Murders based on the book by Agatha Christie starring John Malkovich as Hercule Poirot. It is well done. I never liked the Poirot portrayal in the movies because he is so obnoxious. Malkovich plays him as a retired, aging, washed up detective questioning much of his past life.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 05, 2023 10:35 AM (Y+l9t)
221
Feynman sat on the Challenger disaster committee and rightly shamed NASA and by extension - a few famous astronauts.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 10:36 AM (S80pp)
222
Sorry to go off topic, but this is probably the only place I'll get a straight answer. It appears the internet has completely wiped any video of the full Donald Trump CPAC speech from yesterday. does anyone have a link to one?
Posted by: johnd01 at March 05, 2023 10:36 AM (300Bg)
223
I think getting to pro level is genetic but the 100th best pro and the 1st best pro is almost always which one lives more like a monk. NBA, tennis, Baseball etc etc etc. NFL qbs. Idk DL and CBs may be exception.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 10:32 AM (1ais2)
---
You can't coach size. It's also interesting that top-tier athletes tend to make lousy coaches because they never had to do the training/study that lesser athletes needed to just to get on the field.
Most great coaches were mediocre players.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 10:32 AM (1ais2)
---
You can't coach size. It's also interesting that top-tier athletes tend to make lousy coaches because they never had to do the training/study that lesser athletes needed to just to get on the field.
Most great coaches were mediocre players.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:37 AM (llXky)
224
Hey, all,
I'm back from the grocery and sitting with some coffee and a snack. Recently I finished Ruth Rendell's The Tree of Hands from '84, one of her non-series novels. Crime always figures in her work, but in ways you might not expect; and she is always compulsively readable.
I'm starting Neil Gaiman's Stardust. Cool so far.
I'm back from the grocery and sitting with some coffee and a snack. Recently I finished Ruth Rendell's The Tree of Hands from '84, one of her non-series novels. Crime always figures in her work, but in ways you might not expect; and she is always compulsively readable.
I'm starting Neil Gaiman's Stardust. Cool so far.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 10:37 AM (omVj0)
225
I've been having a grand time with the second volume of the collected adventures of Seabury Quinn's paranormal investigator Dr. Jules de Grandin. The stories ran in Weird Tales magazine in the '20s and 30s, and of course contain all the usual stereotypes that render old pulp fiction unprintable these days, but generally leavened by a core of basic decency. Of course there's always a beautiful damsel in distress and an appalling Force of Eee-vil from which to rescue her ... but the greatest pleasure is the character of de Grandin himself, with his endless variety of unique oaths (beginning with "Name of a little green man!" and getting weirder from there, alternating English and French), his legitimately earned Trumpian ego, his unabashed love of fine living, and his complete unacceptance of fear. (You can get 3 notable ones for only 99 cents in the Wildside Press Occult Detective Megapack, and the 5 big volumes with the complete reprints are available on the Hoopla library app.)
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at March 05, 2023 10:38 AM (SPNTN)
226
So I started reading or Listening to MAYOR OF NOOB TOWN, so far it's pretty good and funny. Guy dies get transported to a Fantasy World and has to deal with the problems of founding a new town and the Fantasy rules. I listen to the audiobook version and he does a very good job. Reminds me a lot of starship grifters which is another great audiobook
Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at March 05, 2023 10:39 AM (dKiJG)
227
Be careful with Stardust, brother Aurelius! I cried like a tired baby at the end. It was beautiful and so terribly sad....
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at March 05, 2023 10:39 AM (SPNTN)
228
H.G. Wells, Kipling, H. Rider Haggard and Conan Doyle were once lumped together as the "Edwardian" writers. I went on a Wells binge in junior high school shortly after I'd first found speculative fiction (what serious conventioneers used to call SciFi), and found him virtually incomprehensible due to the verbose writing style. But after that I was fed Dickens, Trollope, and Ford Madox Ford and forgave him just that part. Not the gal-pal, though.
Avid readers deal with the journey into the past early, or change genres. For a long time, that included the whole era of being paid by the word, concision was not a virtue for authors. Back when people had nothing else to watch, apparently they liked to kick back and digest a sentence. For the evening.
It was surprising, when Ace parodied the florid letter-writing of the Civil War the other day, to see so many people find it lovely and attractive. For most of my life I've heard it reviled by terse-thinking young moderns (all 19) who could just barely gag it down.
Avid readers deal with the journey into the past early, or change genres. For a long time, that included the whole era of being paid by the word, concision was not a virtue for authors. Back when people had nothing else to watch, apparently they liked to kick back and digest a sentence. For the evening.
It was surprising, when Ace parodied the florid letter-writing of the Civil War the other day, to see so many people find it lovely and attractive. For most of my life I've heard it reviled by terse-thinking young moderns (all 19) who could just barely gag it down.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at March 05, 2023 10:40 AM (jYCXf)
229
Would be good printed on a bookmark, then given to my millennial children. Would they "get it?" I don't know.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 05, 2023 10:34 AM (OX9vb)
a bookmark ? hahah, good one !
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 05, 2023 10:34 AM (OX9vb)
a bookmark ? hahah, good one !
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 10:41 AM (V13WU)
230
Read Steinbeck's short story The Murder. Here's the review: short and sweet.. maybe not so sweet. Get it for free at fadedpage.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 10:42 AM (S80pp)
231
I've been having a grand time with the second volume of the collected adventures of Seabury Quinn's paranormal investigator Dr. Jules de Grandin. The stories ran in Weird Tales magazine in the '20s and 30s, and of course contain all the usual stereotypes that render old pulp fiction unprintable these days, but generally leavened by a core of basic decency. . . .
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at March 05, 2023
***
One of his short stories about werewolves, not a deGrandin tale, was adapted on Night Gallery long ago -- "The Phantom Farmhouse." I've heard of the deGrandin stories, but never read any. He sounds like a Gallic paranormal-investigator take on Sherlock Holmes.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at March 05, 2023
***
One of his short stories about werewolves, not a deGrandin tale, was adapted on Night Gallery long ago -- "The Phantom Farmhouse." I've heard of the deGrandin stories, but never read any. He sounds like a Gallic paranormal-investigator take on Sherlock Holmes.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 10:42 AM (omVj0)
232
I've been having a grand time with the second volume of the collected adventures of Seabury Quinn's paranormal investigator Dr. Jules de Grandin
Posted by: werewife
I have read some of these. Great fun. It's like Poirot crossed with the Nightstalker.
Posted by: werewife
I have read some of these. Great fun. It's like Poirot crossed with the Nightstalker.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 05, 2023 10:42 AM (QKxnF)
233
But after that I was fed Dickens, Trollope, and Ford Madox Ford and forgave him just that part.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at March 05, 2023 10:40 AM (jYCXf)
---
What of Ford's stuff did you read? I'm assuming The Good Soldier, since that's the only of his work that I know is still in print.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at March 05, 2023 10:40 AM (jYCXf)
---
What of Ford's stuff did you read? I'm assuming The Good Soldier, since that's the only of his work that I know is still in print.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:43 AM (llXky)
Posted by: Also Receiving Votes at March 05, 2023 10:43 AM (DhOHl)
235
I've heard it reviled by terse-thinking young moderns (all 19) who could just barely gag it down.
=====
Booksters that I truly respect commenting here love the lush prose. Even at '29', I have little or no patience for it.
=====
Booksters that I truly respect commenting here love the lush prose. Even at '29', I have little or no patience for it.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 10:43 AM (MIKMs)
236
Read Steinbeck's short story The Murder. Here's the review: short and sweet.. maybe not so sweet. Get it for free at fadedpage.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023
***
He has another suspenser called "The Snake" that appeared in one of his early novels, and he extracted it for publication as a short story.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023
***
He has another suspenser called "The Snake" that appeared in one of his early novels, and he extracted it for publication as a short story.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 10:43 AM (omVj0)
237
Sorry to go off topic, but this is probably the only place I'll get a straight answer. It appears the internet has completely wiped any video of the full Donald Trump CPAC speech from yesterday. does anyone have a link to one?
Posted by: johnd01 at March 05, 2023 10:36 AM (300Bg)
I'm getting numerous videos on my search.
Posted by: johnd01 at March 05, 2023 10:36 AM (300Bg)
I'm getting numerous videos on my search.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 10:43 AM (BdMk6)
238
Be careful with Stardust, brother Aurelius! I cried like a tired baby at the end. It was beautiful and so terribly sad....
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at March 05, 2023
***
Gaiman is amazing. His The Graveyard Book should be required reading for anybody who likes fantasy, and for anybody who aspires to write anything.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at March 05, 2023
***
Gaiman is amazing. His The Graveyard Book should be required reading for anybody who likes fantasy, and for anybody who aspires to write anything.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 10:45 AM (omVj0)
239
You can't coach size. It's also interesting that top-tier athletes tend to make lousy coaches because they never had to do the training/study that lesser athletes needed to just to get on the field.
Most great coaches were mediocre players.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:37 AM (llXky)
The great ones never did the type of training everyone else did. They just do that stuff easily. See it once, mastered They did a lot of other types of training: advanced stuff.
Kinda like a 1980 Cal Tech PHD grad trying to teach some modal chem student.
Most great coaches were mediocre players.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:37 AM (llXky)
The great ones never did the type of training everyone else did. They just do that stuff easily. See it once, mastered They did a lot of other types of training: advanced stuff.
Kinda like a 1980 Cal Tech PHD grad trying to teach some modal chem student.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 10:46 AM (1ais2)
240
Hemingway matured and developed as a writer. Thompson deteriorated.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:06 AM (llXky)
I am biased, but Hemingway's prose had the deftness and precision of a splitting maul, and on the whole he employed it like one as well. His most delicate use is talking about death, loss and tragedy. There are far more accomplished writers in English prose.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:06 AM (llXky)
I am biased, but Hemingway's prose had the deftness and precision of a splitting maul, and on the whole he employed it like one as well. His most delicate use is talking about death, loss and tragedy. There are far more accomplished writers in English prose.
Posted by: Kindltot at March 05, 2023 10:46 AM (xhaym)
241
It was surprising, when Ace parodied the florid letter-writing of the Civil War the other day...
I just want to say, that was a great bit. Not as LOL funny as Kaboom Kids or Flaming Clown Car Boners but sharp as a new razor blade.
I just want to say, that was a great bit. Not as LOL funny as Kaboom Kids or Flaming Clown Car Boners but sharp as a new razor blade.
Posted by: Oddbob at March 05, 2023 10:47 AM (nfrXX)
242
Gaiman is amazing. His The Graveyard Book should be required reading for anybody who likes fantasy, and for anybody who aspires to write anything.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 10:45 AM (omVj0)
---
Agreed. He is a masterful storyteller, with a deep understanding of human foibles.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 10:45 AM (omVj0)
---
Agreed. He is a masterful storyteller, with a deep understanding of human foibles.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 10:47 AM (BpYfr)
243
*Gonzo journalism. P.J. O'Rourke was similar but at least he was funny.*
Dave Barry.
Posted by: Also Receiving Votes at March 05, 2023 10:43 AM (DhOHl)
---
I think there is some overlap, but there's a difference between being a columnist/humorist and claiming to be an actual investigative journalist, which Thompson did.
Barry also had more versatility. Dave Barry Slept Here is utterly brilliant and holds up quite well decades later.
Dave Barry.
Posted by: Also Receiving Votes at March 05, 2023 10:43 AM (DhOHl)
---
I think there is some overlap, but there's a difference between being a columnist/humorist and claiming to be an actual investigative journalist, which Thompson did.
Barry also had more versatility. Dave Barry Slept Here is utterly brilliant and holds up quite well decades later.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:47 AM (llXky)
244
The very last book of Warhammer Horus Heresy is a two parter, and I don't know when part two comes out, but it will be this year. I am half-way through part one and am going at a fast pace, so that I will half to wait, impatiently, later on. The cover is amazing.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at March 05, 2023 10:48 AM (ybIRR)
245
There are far more accomplished writers in English prose.
=====
Shirley Jackson >>> Ernest Hemmingway.
=====
Shirley Jackson >>> Ernest Hemmingway.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 10:48 AM (MIKMs)
246
the greatest pleasure is the character of de Grandin himself, with his endless variety of unique oaths (beginning with "Name of a little green man!" and getting weirder from there, alternating English and French), his legitimately earned Trumpian ego, his unabashed love of fine living, and his complete unacceptance of fear. . . .
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at March 05, 2023
***
I have a bombastic but extraordinarily talented magician in several of my short stories who sounds much like that. He's been married 6 times (and somehow his ex-wives still like and even love him), he's fond of wine and food, refers to himself as a genius, speaks as though a Russian were attempting English, and uses exclamations like "Pisspots and pitchforks!"
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at March 05, 2023
***
I have a bombastic but extraordinarily talented magician in several of my short stories who sounds much like that. He's been married 6 times (and somehow his ex-wives still like and even love him), he's fond of wine and food, refers to himself as a genius, speaks as though a Russian were attempting English, and uses exclamations like "Pisspots and pitchforks!"
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 10:49 AM (omVj0)
247
Most great coaches were mediocre players.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:37 AM (llXky)
---
Hmmm. This comment made me wonder, "How many editors were mediocre writers?"
We like to give writers credit for their writing, but how much of that quality can be attributed to editors that may know the craft well enough to coach others, but have not been successful as writers on their own?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:37 AM (llXky)
---
Hmmm. This comment made me wonder, "How many editors were mediocre writers?"
We like to give writers credit for their writing, but how much of that quality can be attributed to editors that may know the craft well enough to coach others, but have not been successful as writers on their own?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 10:49 AM (BpYfr)
248
I am biased, but Hemingway's prose had the deftness and precision of a splitting maul, and on the whole he employed it like one as well. His most delicate use is talking about death, loss and tragedy. There are far more accomplished writers in English prose.
Posted by: Kindltot at March 05, 2023 10:46 AM (xhaym)
---
Agreed. Hemingway is not my favorite author, but I think he towers above Thompson.
Posted by: Kindltot at March 05, 2023 10:46 AM (xhaym)
---
Agreed. Hemingway is not my favorite author, but I think he towers above Thompson.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:49 AM (llXky)
249
Hemingway's best stuff is quite profound.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
One of my favorite Hemingway stories is A Day's Wait and it is built on a very simple premise.
SPOILER ALERT!
The narrator's nine year old son wakes with influenza and a fever of 102. The doctor treats the kid and they wait for him to heal. After a day's wait, the father talks to the son and realizes that the son, who was schooled Europe, has just been waiting to die because he knows that no one can survive a 102 degree centigrade fever.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
One of my favorite Hemingway stories is A Day's Wait and it is built on a very simple premise.
SPOILER ALERT!
The narrator's nine year old son wakes with influenza and a fever of 102. The doctor treats the kid and they wait for him to heal. After a day's wait, the father talks to the son and realizes that the son, who was schooled Europe, has just been waiting to die because he knows that no one can survive a 102 degree centigrade fever.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 05, 2023 10:49 AM (FVME7)
250
Off topic:
Man shoots his grandfathers pistol that was in France in WWII.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/t7IOB9x9LtU
He did not use the rusty ammo, but the pistol and mag are in working order.
Man shoots his grandfathers pistol that was in France in WWII.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/t7IOB9x9LtU
He did not use the rusty ammo, but the pistol and mag are in working order.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at March 05, 2023 10:49 AM (ybIRR)
Posted by: Hamster Huey at March 05, 2023 10:50 AM (89Sog)
252
Wolfus - Gaiman really is a pretty amazing. I'm slowly working my way through his collection of short stories.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 10:50 AM (S80pp)
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 05, 2023 10:50 AM (Om/di)
254
For my money, Ellroy has the best prose of any American writer. The technique is incredible.
Also, The Little Prince is mindblowing even in translation. Probably stylistically unmatched.
Also, The Little Prince is mindblowing even in translation. Probably stylistically unmatched.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 10:51 AM (1ais2)
255
I'm reading the memoirs of William T. Sherman, the third in a six book series of Civil War generals (I've previously read the memoirs of Lee and Grant), and it's really fascinating.
Prior to the war he was the first superintendent of LSU, had a nervous breakdown or exhaustion or whatever during the war and was relieved of a command, but then formed a partnership that worked with Grant (a drunk who straightened himself out) to again acquire command in Georgia.
Without asking or even notifying high command, he cut all telegraph lines in the area so no one could report the whereabouts of his 60,000 man army.
The rest is history of course. He made his race for the sea, burned down everything he came across, then came back online and offered Savannah to Lincoln as a Christmas present.
For all that, he accepted Confederate surrender with extreme magnanimity, offering blanket amnesty and re-entry into the union if the state swore loyalty, again, all without authorization.
This dude just screamed "management issue."
Prior to the war he was the first superintendent of LSU, had a nervous breakdown or exhaustion or whatever during the war and was relieved of a command, but then formed a partnership that worked with Grant (a drunk who straightened himself out) to again acquire command in Georgia.
Without asking or even notifying high command, he cut all telegraph lines in the area so no one could report the whereabouts of his 60,000 man army.
The rest is history of course. He made his race for the sea, burned down everything he came across, then came back online and offered Savannah to Lincoln as a Christmas present.
For all that, he accepted Confederate surrender with extreme magnanimity, offering blanket amnesty and re-entry into the union if the state swore loyalty, again, all without authorization.
This dude just screamed "management issue."
Posted by: Blacksheep at March 05, 2023 10:51 AM (6mvRv)
256
We like to give writers credit for their writing, but how much of that quality can be attributed to editors that may know the craft well enough to coach others, but have not been successful as writers on their own?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 10:49 AM (BpYfr)
---
Umberto Eco's Focault's Pendulum dives into this because the characters are all editors who never made it as authors. They do a riff noting that Shakespeare had one hell of a good editor.
A complicated but excellent read.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 10:49 AM (BpYfr)
---
Umberto Eco's Focault's Pendulum dives into this because the characters are all editors who never made it as authors. They do a riff noting that Shakespeare had one hell of a good editor.
A complicated but excellent read.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:51 AM (llXky)
257
Hemingway matured and developed as a writer. Thompson deteriorated.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:06 AM (llXky)
Hemingway matured and developed as a writer for the first half of his writing career, then turned into a caricature of himself...writing derivative, bloated, second-rate stuff (compared to his early work).
I agree about Thompson!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 10:06 AM (llXky)
Hemingway matured and developed as a writer for the first half of his writing career, then turned into a caricature of himself...writing derivative, bloated, second-rate stuff (compared to his early work).
I agree about Thompson!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 05, 2023 10:52 AM (XIJ/X)
258
Whether you like Hemingway or not (and I find a lot of his stuff kinda dull), he "brought the English language back from rococo" (as my ex-father-in-law, a pro nonfiction writer himself, once put it). Everybody should read at least some of his work. For Whom the Bell Tolls is slow in the middle, but it builds to a fine climax, and features war, adventure, and a love story with one of the saddest and yet most heroic endings in literature.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 10:52 AM (omVj0)
259
220 I started watching The ABC Murders based on the book by Agatha Christie starring John Malkovich as Hercule Poirot. It is well done. I never liked the Poirot portrayal in the movies because he is so obnoxious. Malkovich plays him as a retired, aging, washed up detective questioning much of his past life.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 05, 2023 10:35 AM (Y+l9t)
I, on the other hand, hated this. I find Poirot, as played by Suchet or Ustinov, as quirky and compulsive, but not obnoxious. I despise that they changed his profession in Belgium from a policeman to a priest. The idea that the killer wrote to Poirot in order to "save" him was also a stupid change.
Too much of Christie's work has been subject to woke changes like the anti-immigrant political undertones in this version. Zero stars.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 05, 2023 10:35 AM (Y+l9t)
I, on the other hand, hated this. I find Poirot, as played by Suchet or Ustinov, as quirky and compulsive, but not obnoxious. I despise that they changed his profession in Belgium from a policeman to a priest. The idea that the killer wrote to Poirot in order to "save" him was also a stupid change.
Too much of Christie's work has been subject to woke changes like the anti-immigrant political undertones in this version. Zero stars.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 10:52 AM (Zzbjj)
260
Yes Neuromancer helped create the world we live in today - it's important that it introduced words and concepts - and so it has in some ways been surpassed or at least caught up by the real world. AI and computing at least.
Because Gibson did set it in the 2100s - I think there is a reference to a legal act of 2135. He wasn't forward thinking enough. I think that's partly why he started writing more about the present.
Because Gibson did set it in the 2100s - I think there is a reference to a legal act of 2135. He wasn't forward thinking enough. I think that's partly why he started writing more about the present.
Posted by: blaster at March 05, 2023 10:53 AM (pwExq)
261
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 05, 2023 10:49 AM (FVME7)
It's a beautiful story!
It's a beautiful story!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 05, 2023 10:53 AM (XIJ/X)
262
111 Perfessor's post today about publishing houses and their respective scum editors messing with established books seems pertinent. I splurged on a good one volume hardcover edition of the Chronicles of Narnia, unabridged and with illustrations by Pauline Baynes. My paperback version will go to a niece or nephew who treasure good writing.
I have no doubt that the left (spit!) will try to 'improve' Lewis' books. (Improve equals subvert, pervert, dumb down, and ruin for political reasons.) Just the latest example of why owning good physical books is important to me.
Posted by: JTB at March 05, 2023 09:53 AM
****
That almost happened earlier this century, after the film of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was such a hit: HarperCollins announced a new series of Narnia adventures, to be commissioned from "today's top YA authors" and carefully denuded of all that tiresome Christian allegory. The public outcry was so fast and loud that they dropped the idea before wasting any time and money on it. Now and again the good guys do win.
I have no doubt that the left (spit!) will try to 'improve' Lewis' books. (Improve equals subvert, pervert, dumb down, and ruin for political reasons.) Just the latest example of why owning good physical books is important to me.
Posted by: JTB at March 05, 2023 09:53 AM
****
That almost happened earlier this century, after the film of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was such a hit: HarperCollins announced a new series of Narnia adventures, to be commissioned from "today's top YA authors" and carefully denuded of all that tiresome Christian allegory. The public outcry was so fast and loud that they dropped the idea before wasting any time and money on it. Now and again the good guys do win.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at March 05, 2023 10:53 AM (SPNTN)
263
Shirley Jackson >>> Ernest Hemmingway.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023
***
Very few people have ever topped the first paragraph of Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House. Raymond Chandler's first paragraph in "Red Wind" is tied with her, I think.
I still love John D. MacDonald's first line in Darker Than Amber: "We were about to give up and call it a night when somebody dropped the girl off the bridge."
Shirley Jackson >>> Ernest Hemmingway.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023
***
Very few people have ever topped the first paragraph of Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House. Raymond Chandler's first paragraph in "Red Wind" is tied with her, I think.
I still love John D. MacDonald's first line in Darker Than Amber: "We were about to give up and call it a night when somebody dropped the girl off the bridge."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 10:55 AM (omVj0)
264
I find lots of snippets of Trumps speech last night, but none of the whole thing. C-SPAN didn't even have one.
Posted by: johnd01 at March 05, 2023 10:55 AM (300Bg)
265
Umberto Eco's Focault's Pendulum dives into this because the characters are all editors who never made it as authors. They do a riff noting that Shakespeare had one hell of a good editor.
=====
Kudos to the translators as well. The Name of the Rose would not have been an international bestseller without the translator. I can't recall if Foucault's Pendulum had the same translator.
=====
Kudos to the translators as well. The Name of the Rose would not have been an international bestseller without the translator. I can't recall if Foucault's Pendulum had the same translator.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 10:56 AM (MIKMs)
266
I'm reading the memoirs of William T. Sherman, the third in a six book series of Civil War generals (I've previously read the memoirs of Lee and Grant), and it's really fascinating.
---------
Sherman truly knew how to conduct a war. Make 'em scream for mercy.
---------
Sherman truly knew how to conduct a war. Make 'em scream for mercy.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 10:56 AM (BdMk6)
267
Just finished listening to The Screwtape Letters on Rumble. What a mind C. S. Lewis must have had to see and convey all this.
A little depressing, as in every single chapter I'm going, "Yep, I fell for that one. ...that one, too..."
A little depressing, as in every single chapter I'm going, "Yep, I fell for that one. ...that one, too..."
Posted by: t-bird at March 05, 2023 10:57 AM (e2onP)
268
the 100th best pro and the 1st best pro is almost always which one lives more like a monk.
A family member is a pro athlete (in one of the "little sports") and it's possible you're being unfair to monks.
She's overseas for the world cup, which is glorious, and we are going to Paris next year. I'm starting to get a little 'concerned' about how she will re-organize her life after that, when training all day every day and forcing every thought into ENT ZEN is no longer the sole factor.
Like study or business ambition (to cite the positive and approved side of the coin), total commitment can look, to casual outsiders who see sport as a pleasant pastime or something to watch, the whole pursuit can present as a form of mental illness.
A family member is a pro athlete (in one of the "little sports") and it's possible you're being unfair to monks.
She's overseas for the world cup, which is glorious, and we are going to Paris next year. I'm starting to get a little 'concerned' about how she will re-organize her life after that, when training all day every day and forcing every thought into ENT ZEN is no longer the sole factor.
Like study or business ambition (to cite the positive and approved side of the coin), total commitment can look, to casual outsiders who see sport as a pleasant pastime or something to watch, the whole pursuit can present as a form of mental illness.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at March 05, 2023 10:57 AM (jYCXf)
269
264 I find lots of snippets of Trumps speech last night, but none of the whole thing. C-SPAN didn't even have one.
Try RSBN.
Try RSBN.
Posted by: Quarter Twei at March 05, 2023 10:57 AM (DhOHl)
270
a bookmark ? hahah, good one !
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 10:41 AM (V13WU)
I know...how are they going to put that in their e-readers??
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 10:41 AM (V13WU)
I know...how are they going to put that in their e-readers??
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 05, 2023 10:57 AM (OX9vb)
271
It was surprising, when Ace parodied the florid letter-writing of the Civil War the other day...
-
In a brief prologue to The Killer Angels (Pulitzer Prize winning novel about Gettysburg), author Michael Shaara explains that he toned the Civil War generals' language down because many people would have had a hard time believing they actually talked that fancy.
-
In a brief prologue to The Killer Angels (Pulitzer Prize winning novel about Gettysburg), author Michael Shaara explains that he toned the Civil War generals' language down because many people would have had a hard time believing they actually talked that fancy.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 05, 2023 10:57 AM (FVME7)
272
Actually, both of my children love dead tree books as well as the convenience of e-books. One cannot understate the importance of reading to children.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 05, 2023 10:58 AM (OX9vb)
273
Sherman truly knew how to conduct a war. Make 'em scream for mercy.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 10:56 AM (BdMk6)
Caesar, Zizska and Sertorious would disagree I think.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 10:56 AM (BdMk6)
Caesar, Zizska and Sertorious would disagree I think.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 10:59 AM (1ais2)
274
Never read Burke, but assume he had something to say about Henry VIII’s confiscations.
Posted by: MAGA_Ken at March 05, 2023 11:00 AM (7yY1u)
275
Hemingway matured and developed as a writer for the first half of his writing career, then turned into a caricature of himself...writing derivative, bloated, second-rate stuff (compared to his early work).
I agree about Thompson!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 05, 2023 10:52 AM (XIJ/X)
---
No question Hemingway peaked and then declined. A lot of authors do.
I just remember reading Thompson in he early aughts and he was just pathetic. Partly he was too stoned/drunk to meet a deadline, but at the core he had nothing interesting to say.
I agree about Thompson!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 05, 2023 10:52 AM (XIJ/X)
---
No question Hemingway peaked and then declined. A lot of authors do.
I just remember reading Thompson in he early aughts and he was just pathetic. Partly he was too stoned/drunk to meet a deadline, but at the core he had nothing interesting to say.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:00 AM (llXky)
276
Good morning All, and thank you Perfessor for the always delightful and informative Book Thread! Last week someone discussed the adaptation of books to film/video. I had just watched the Netflix adaptation of one of my favorite books from my childhood, *My Father*s Dragon*, by Ruth Stiles Gannett. I enjoyed the video version, and once I let go of my overprotective-ness and fear that they were going to go woke with my beloved story, the adapted story won me over. The makers added an establishing story to make their story more up to date, but once the *quest/adventure* portion of the story began, they stayed close to the source. 8 year old grand mini-SuperMayor (female version) enjoyed the movie, as did her mom, to whom I had read the book when she was little. The Director of the Netflix version was one of the directors for the movie, *The Secret of the Kells*, which I love! *Dragon* uses the same beautiful animation style as The Kells, but at an obviously fewer frames of animation per shot. Overall, a very nice production.
Posted by: SuperMayorSuperRonNirenberg-The Alamo City Needs My Carpetbagger Meddling at March 05, 2023 11:01 AM (KZRjX)
277
That almost happened earlier this century, after the film of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was such a hit: HarperCollins announced a new series of Narnia adventures, to be commissioned from "today's top YA authors" and carefully denuded of all that tiresome Christian allegory. The public outcry was so fast and loud that they dropped the idea before wasting any time and money on it. Now and again the good guys do win.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at March 05, 2023 10:53 AM (SPNTN)
---
Narnia, like Middle-Earth, is world steeped in history. We actually get to witness some of the important bits from beginning (The Magician's Nephew) to end (The Last Battle), but there's still *a lot* of time in between during which all sorts of stories could be set. There's room for stories in Narnia, as long as you respect the lore!. This is exactly why Amazon's Rings of Power failed.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at March 05, 2023 10:53 AM (SPNTN)
---
Narnia, like Middle-Earth, is world steeped in history. We actually get to witness some of the important bits from beginning (The Magician's Nephew) to end (The Last Battle), but there's still *a lot* of time in between during which all sorts of stories could be set. There's room for stories in Narnia, as long as you respect the lore!. This is exactly why Amazon's Rings of Power failed.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:02 AM (BpYfr)
278
Thank you Perfessor for another awesome book thread.
I just restarted The Patient in Room Nine Says He's God by Louis Profeta. When I bought this book I was expecting crazy ER stories. After reading a few pages, I realized it was more about finding God in our day to day lives and I set it aside. I noticed it on my bookshelf last night and decided it might be the right time to actually settle down and read this one. Maybe it's normal, but I'm always surprised how much my reading preferences vary depending on mood, energy, circumstances, and who knows what else.
I just restarted The Patient in Room Nine Says He's God by Louis Profeta. When I bought this book I was expecting crazy ER stories. After reading a few pages, I realized it was more about finding God in our day to day lives and I set it aside. I noticed it on my bookshelf last night and decided it might be the right time to actually settle down and read this one. Maybe it's normal, but I'm always surprised how much my reading preferences vary depending on mood, energy, circumstances, and who knows what else.
Posted by: KatieFloyd at March 05, 2023 11:02 AM (ob77J)
279
Ace endorsed author A. H. Lloyd: "A complicated but excellent read." I second this. Foucoult's Pendulum is one of my favorite books and the only one of Umberto Eco's that has earned multiple re-reads. In fact, now I want to read it again.
Posted by: who knew at March 05, 2023 11:03 AM (4I7VG)
280
I have never gotten into Neil Gaiman though I often hear of his genius.
One of the streaming services had The Sandman and we didn't make it through the first episode. Usually they wait for a few episodes to bring on the gay so you will be invested in the story and have to endure. This one brought it out first ten minutes. Off it went.
One of the streaming services had The Sandman and we didn't make it through the first episode. Usually they wait for a few episodes to bring on the gay so you will be invested in the story and have to endure. This one brought it out first ten minutes. Off it went.
Posted by: blaster at March 05, 2023 11:04 AM (pwExq)
281
That almost happened earlier this century, after the film of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was such a hit: HarperCollins announced a new series of Narnia adventures, to be commissioned from "today's top YA authors" and carefully denuded of all that tiresome Christian allegory. The public outcry was so fast and loud that they dropped the idea before wasting any time and money on it. Now and again the good guys do win.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at March 05, 2023 10:53 AM (SPNTN)
---
What was the name of the book that got made into a movie right after the first Narnia film was such a huge it? It was written by a militant atheist who suddenly had to shut up so as not to alienate the parents. The film franchise fizzled.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at March 05, 2023 10:53 AM (SPNTN)
---
What was the name of the book that got made into a movie right after the first Narnia film was such a huge it? It was written by a militant atheist who suddenly had to shut up so as not to alienate the parents. The film franchise fizzled.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:05 AM (llXky)
282
Like study or business ambition (to cite the positive and approved side of the coin), total commitment can look, to casual outsiders who see sport as a pleasant pastime or something to watch, the whole pursuit can present as a form of mental illness.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at March 05, 2023 10:57 AM (jYCXf)
Yeah. Deion being the one contra example. Dudes on the Celtics, stars, used to tell Bird to chill out with the stair running. And Jordan was maniacal. As was Kobe. And Federrer and Djoko and Nadal and Borg.
Hardly anyone has seen "total commitment" irl.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at March 05, 2023 10:57 AM (jYCXf)
Yeah. Deion being the one contra example. Dudes on the Celtics, stars, used to tell Bird to chill out with the stair running. And Jordan was maniacal. As was Kobe. And Federrer and Djoko and Nadal and Borg.
Hardly anyone has seen "total commitment" irl.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:05 AM (1ais2)
283
Success, money, and also money tends to take the edge off most authors' skills.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 11:05 AM (BdMk6)
284
What was the name of the book that got made into a movie right after the first Narnia film was such a huge it? It was written by a militant atheist who suddenly had to shut up so as not to alienate the parents. The film franchise fizzled.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:05 AM (llXky)
---
Philip Pullman? The Golden Compass?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:05 AM (llXky)
---
Philip Pullman? The Golden Compass?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:06 AM (BpYfr)
285
244 The very last book of Warhammer Horus Heresy is a two parter, and I don't know when part two comes out, but it will be this year. I am half-way through part one and am going at a fast pace, so that I will half to wait, impatiently, later on. The cover is amazing.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at March 05, 2023 10:48 AM (ybIRR)
Dude, you've got to give us a title! There are like 200 Horus Heresy books. ...And are the really at the end?
I really liked the first 4 books of that series. Even if the pacing went from 2 to 100 over the course of the second book...I fell out of the series because there were too many books, too many disparate threads (many that I didn't care about) and it just because too much effort to follow.
Still, I'm thankful for Humble Bundle for letting me get into the series at a reasonable price point.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at March 05, 2023 10:48 AM (ybIRR)
Dude, you've got to give us a title! There are like 200 Horus Heresy books. ...And are the really at the end?
I really liked the first 4 books of that series. Even if the pacing went from 2 to 100 over the course of the second book...I fell out of the series because there were too many books, too many disparate threads (many that I didn't care about) and it just because too much effort to follow.
Still, I'm thankful for Humble Bundle for letting me get into the series at a reasonable price point.
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 05, 2023 11:06 AM (Lhaco)
286
Just finished listening to The Screwtape Letters on Rumble. What a mind C. S. Lewis must have had to see and convey all this.
A little depressing, as in every single chapter I'm going, "Yep, I fell for that one. ...that one, too..."
Posted by: t-bird at March 05, 2023 10:57 AM (e2onP)
---
Lewis was asked for a sequel and refused because he didn't like "being" Screwtape. Found it depressing.
He did do a short story where Screwtape hosts a testimonial dinner.
A little depressing, as in every single chapter I'm going, "Yep, I fell for that one. ...that one, too..."
Posted by: t-bird at March 05, 2023 10:57 AM (e2onP)
---
Lewis was asked for a sequel and refused because he didn't like "being" Screwtape. Found it depressing.
He did do a short story where Screwtape hosts a testimonial dinner.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:06 AM (llXky)
287
One cannot understate the importance of reading to children.
=====
Or the children reading to you. I actually had a discussion with one of my kidlets this week about reading adult books for yourself in front of children, rather than only kindle.
=====
Or the children reading to you. I actually had a discussion with one of my kidlets this week about reading adult books for yourself in front of children, rather than only kindle.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 11:06 AM (MIKMs)
288
Yes his father died dur___ the mau mau rising
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 11:07 AM (PXvVL)
289
Success, money, and also money tends to take the edge off most authors' skills.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 11:05 AM (BdMk6)
---
I wouldn't know anything about that. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to work on another prequel to A Song of Ice and Fire.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 11:05 AM (BdMk6)
---
I wouldn't know anything about that. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to work on another prequel to A Song of Ice and Fire.
Posted by: George R. R. Martin at March 05, 2023 11:07 AM (BpYfr)
290
Philip Pullman? The Golden Compass?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:06 AM (BpYfr)
---
Yeah, that was it. Eeeevil church oppressing poor kids who should throw off its shackles and have sex, or something. A friend read it so I didn't have to.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:06 AM (BpYfr)
---
Yeah, that was it. Eeeevil church oppressing poor kids who should throw off its shackles and have sex, or something. A friend read it so I didn't have to.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:08 AM (llXky)
291
I've seen one of her YT vids on particle decay, last week. She sounds like a physicist for a while, then she starts addressing 'parapsychism' (the 'theory' that all particles have 'consciousness') and I'm like give me a f'n break. Next she'll put on a Bill Nye bowtie.
Posted by: Please Place The gp In The Bag at March 05, 2023 09:15 AM (MvF+J)
————
She’s the real deal. She has a scathing video handing grant chasing particle physicists their ass. I think it could apply to 95% of research science.
Regarding particle consciousness, PBS SpaceTime touched on it in a recent YT video.
I’m open to the possibility. At some point delving deeply into existence I believe human conceptual thought breaks down and things like “particle consciousness” pop up as explanations.
Posted by: Please Place The gp In The Bag at March 05, 2023 09:15 AM (MvF+J)
————
She’s the real deal. She has a scathing video handing grant chasing particle physicists their ass. I think it could apply to 95% of research science.
Regarding particle consciousness, PBS SpaceTime touched on it in a recent YT video.
I’m open to the possibility. At some point delving deeply into existence I believe human conceptual thought breaks down and things like “particle consciousness” pop up as explanations.
Posted by: MAGA_Ken at March 05, 2023 11:08 AM (7yY1u)
292
The way Sherman cut all communications with high command before making his move to the sea strongly implies that he suspected that there were informers and spies embedded in high command. He was probably right.
Posted by: Tom Servo at March 05, 2023 11:08 AM (q3gwH)
293
I read for pleasure. Whether or not it's considered the best in english prose is far down the list of priorities. Deconstructing an authors work ruins the pleasure of thing. The same with "serious cinema." I'd rather read Mary MacDonald's The Plague and I than Finnegan's Wake or The Dubliners or watch the movie Airplane! than another black and white art film The Swedish Director.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 11:08 AM (S80pp)
294
I wouldn't know anything about that. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to work on another prequel to A Song of Ice and Fire.
Posted by: George R. R. Martin at March 05, 2023 11:07 AM (BpYfr)
---
I think he wrote himself into a corner and can't admit it. All set-up and no payoff. Sad.
Posted by: George R. R. Martin at March 05, 2023 11:07 AM (BpYfr)
---
I think he wrote himself into a corner and can't admit it. All set-up and no payoff. Sad.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:09 AM (llXky)
295
Gaiman is amazing. His The Graveyard Book should be required reading for anybody who likes fantasy, and for anybody who aspires to write anything.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 10:45 AM (omVj0)
Anything?
(shifty eyes)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 10:45 AM (omVj0)
Anything?
(shifty eyes)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 11:10 AM (Angsy)
296
Oh, Oddbob, I agree. Ace is a lot smarter than he looks!
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at March 05, 2023 11:11 AM (jYCXf)
297
The way Sherman cut all communications with high command before making his move to the sea strongly implies that he suspected that there were informers and spies embedded in high command. He was probably right.
Posted by: Tom Servo at March 05, 2023 11:08 AM (q3gwH)
---
No, it was because he couldn't keep his supply lines open. He looked at what Grant did at Vicksburg and what he did afterwards in Mississippi (people forget that little campaign). He also knew that if he cut loose, it would totally confuse the Confederates (which it did) giving him a head start on his march.
Posted by: Tom Servo at March 05, 2023 11:08 AM (q3gwH)
---
No, it was because he couldn't keep his supply lines open. He looked at what Grant did at Vicksburg and what he did afterwards in Mississippi (people forget that little campaign). He also knew that if he cut loose, it would totally confuse the Confederates (which it did) giving him a head start on his march.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:11 AM (llXky)
298
Morning Hordemates.
Much reading to do!!!
Much reading to do!!!
Posted by: Diogenes at March 05, 2023 11:12 AM (anj39)
299
Well, Airplane! is masterfully done.
The successful pulp writers were really really technjcally skilled. Spillane, Howard, the Western guy, Vance...
The successful pulp writers were really really technjcally skilled. Spillane, Howard, the Western guy, Vance...
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:13 AM (1ais2)
300
Hmmm. This comment made me wonder, "How many editors were mediocre writers?"
We like to give writers credit for their writing, but how much of that quality can be attributed to editors that may know the craft well enough to coach others, but have not been successful as writers on their own?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 10:49 AM (BpYfr)
Maybe the subject of a post, Perfessor?
We like to give writers credit for their writing, but how much of that quality can be attributed to editors that may know the craft well enough to coach others, but have not been successful as writers on their own?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 10:49 AM (BpYfr)
Maybe the subject of a post, Perfessor?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 11:13 AM (Angsy)
301
I read for pleasure. Whether or not it's considered the best in english prose is far down the list of priorities. Deconstructing an authors work ruins the pleasure of thing.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 11:08 AM (S80pp)
---
I also read for pleasure and finely-crafted prose gives me the greatest pleasure. I can't look past what I consider bad writing style.
That's why I can't stand Stephen King.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 11:08 AM (S80pp)
---
I also read for pleasure and finely-crafted prose gives me the greatest pleasure. I can't look past what I consider bad writing style.
That's why I can't stand Stephen King.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:13 AM (llXky)
302
253 Castle Guy --
Come to the Texas MoMe! I'd love to discuss comics with you.
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 05, 2023 10:50 AM (Om/di)
I'd be fun to talk comics, but I won't be heading to Texas anytime soon. That is many hundreds of miles away, and I hate and fear traveling. Too many bad and near-stranding experiences....
...But for the record, the collections I ordered are Wonder Woman by George Perez (I repeat, drawn by George F'n Perez!) and the Fall of the Mutants X-Men omnibus. I haven't enjoyed the 80's X-Men books the way that I should, but I keep trying...
Come to the Texas MoMe! I'd love to discuss comics with you.
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 05, 2023 10:50 AM (Om/di)
I'd be fun to talk comics, but I won't be heading to Texas anytime soon. That is many hundreds of miles away, and I hate and fear traveling. Too many bad and near-stranding experiences....
...But for the record, the collections I ordered are Wonder Woman by George Perez (I repeat, drawn by George F'n Perez!) and the Fall of the Mutants X-Men omnibus. I haven't enjoyed the 80's X-Men books the way that I should, but I keep trying...
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 05, 2023 11:13 AM (Lhaco)
303
Not a book, but as I was going thru imdb last night I came across this on the trivia page of Netflix's Sea Beast (animated):
"One of the only animated films to feature the navigational needs of a ship in the age of sail. Throughout the film, the Inevitable is seen being navigated using accurate sailing commands and seamanship (with much artistic liberty). A sailing master is present (Mrs. Merino) who directs the movements of the ship under Captain Crow's commands, and consideration is given in the dialogue and animation to real-world actions of masts, sails, rigging, and wind direction"
I know there's a lot of Hornblower/Aubrey fans here - might wanna give it a try with any wee ones you have.
Oh and Karl Urban is a voice actor in it
"One of the only animated films to feature the navigational needs of a ship in the age of sail. Throughout the film, the Inevitable is seen being navigated using accurate sailing commands and seamanship (with much artistic liberty). A sailing master is present (Mrs. Merino) who directs the movements of the ship under Captain Crow's commands, and consideration is given in the dialogue and animation to real-world actions of masts, sails, rigging, and wind direction"
I know there's a lot of Hornblower/Aubrey fans here - might wanna give it a try with any wee ones you have.
Oh and Karl Urban is a voice actor in it
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 05, 2023 11:14 AM (fUnHJ)
304
Been listening to Mis Hum's mystery click Cream concert posting from the ont whilst perusing the book thread. It's like I'm back in 8th grade....kinda'.
Posted by: BignJames at March 05, 2023 11:14 AM (AwYPR)
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 11:14 AM (MIKMs)
306
Off topic:
Man shoots his grandfathers pistol that was in France in WWII.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/t7IOB9x9LtU
He did not use the rusty ammo, but the pistol and mag are in working order.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at March 05, 2023 10:49 AM (ybIRR)
The advantage of "having never been used."
Man shoots his grandfathers pistol that was in France in WWII.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/t7IOB9x9LtU
He did not use the rusty ammo, but the pistol and mag are in working order.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at March 05, 2023 10:49 AM (ybIRR)
The advantage of "having never been used."
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 11:15 AM (Angsy)
307
I read The Forever War by Joe Haldeman not that long ago and enjoyed it.
Along those lines, Haldeman has written two sequels, Forever Peace and Forever Free. The first deals with the creation of Man and is a fairly decent read. I'm only 10% into Forever Free, so I don't have much of an opinion on that one yet.
Along those lines, Haldeman has written two sequels, Forever Peace and Forever Free. The first deals with the creation of Man and is a fairly decent read. I'm only 10% into Forever Free, so I don't have much of an opinion on that one yet.
Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at March 05, 2023 11:15 AM (ZSK0i)
308
Armchair generals think about strategy. Real generals think about logistics.
Posted by: Old Pentagon Saying at March 05, 2023 11:15 AM (DhOHl)
309
That's why I can't stand Stephen King.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:13 AM (llXky)
Assholiness aside, King is a good story-teller. But he is a mediocre writer. If you want good prose, King is not the one.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:13 AM (llXky)
Assholiness aside, King is a good story-teller. But he is a mediocre writer. If you want good prose, King is not the one.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 05, 2023 11:15 AM (OX9vb)
310
I imagine editors find it hard to turn off their internal editor while writing their own first drafts.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 05, 2023 11:15 AM (fUnHJ)
311
The "mediocre authors make great editors" concept has strong supporting evidence in the SF field. Campbell, Gold, Boucher, Pohl -- none of them were first-rank authors but as editors they were legendary.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 05, 2023 11:16 AM (QZxDR)
312
Philip Pullman? The Golden Compass?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:06 AM (BpYfr)
---
Yeah, that was it. Eeeevil church oppressing poor kids who should throw off its shackles and have sex, or something. A friend read it so I didn't have to.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023
***
I don't recall militant atheism or sex with kids in the first book, or the movie. Pullman has some good imagination at work, and Mrs. Coulter, his villainess, is fascinating (and well-realized by Nicole Kidman in the film, which was why I went to see it). I'll need to look it over again.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:06 AM (BpYfr)
---
Yeah, that was it. Eeeevil church oppressing poor kids who should throw off its shackles and have sex, or something. A friend read it so I didn't have to.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023
***
I don't recall militant atheism or sex with kids in the first book, or the movie. Pullman has some good imagination at work, and Mrs. Coulter, his villainess, is fascinating (and well-realized by Nicole Kidman in the film, which was why I went to see it). I'll need to look it over again.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:16 AM (omVj0)
313
251 Oh rats. I just went through another gooey kablooey.
Posted by: Hamster Huey at March 05, 2023 10:50 AM (89Sog)
Some things stay with you forever: I read 'gooey kablooey' and was ready to respond with some sort of Hamster Huey reference even before I read your callsign on the next line! You have fine taste, my friend.
Posted by: Hamster Huey at March 05, 2023 10:50 AM (89Sog)
Some things stay with you forever: I read 'gooey kablooey' and was ready to respond with some sort of Hamster Huey reference even before I read your callsign on the next line! You have fine taste, my friend.
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 05, 2023 11:17 AM (Lhaco)
314
because he knows that no one can survive a 102 degree centigrade fever.
*******
Reading stuff like this just makes my blood boil!
*******
Reading stuff like this just makes my blood boil!
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 11:18 AM (ykeLU)
315
This reminds me - has anyone ever come across a fictional.or real case of a multiple personality where one personality switches on as a writer/novelist?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 05, 2023 11:18 AM (fUnHJ)
316
Never read Gaiman, oddly as a Toriphile long ago and she was a big fan decades ago
Posted by: Skip at March 05, 2023 11:18 AM (xhxe8)
317
Pohl- Three Hearts and Three Lions. That alone puts him in elite company.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:18 AM (1ais2)
318
She’s the real deal. She has a scathing video handing grant chasing particle physicists their ass. I think it could apply to 95% of research science.
Regarding particle consciousness, PBS SpaceTime touched on it in a recent YT video.
I’m open to the possibility. At some point delving deeply into existence I believe human conceptual thought breaks down and things like “particle consciousness” pop up as explanations.
Posted by: MAGA_Ken at March 05, 2023 11:08 AM (7yY1u)
Well, I am going to sit this one out. Why? Because video. Talking-head videos suck donkey dick. If I want to learn about new frontiers in particle physics, I want to read about it. Put up an article on a web page, with maybe a few hyperlinks to brief videos to show the effect being discussed, or an animation to diagram it.
Regarding particle consciousness, PBS SpaceTime touched on it in a recent YT video.
I’m open to the possibility. At some point delving deeply into existence I believe human conceptual thought breaks down and things like “particle consciousness” pop up as explanations.
Posted by: MAGA_Ken at March 05, 2023 11:08 AM (7yY1u)
Well, I am going to sit this one out. Why? Because video. Talking-head videos suck donkey dick. If I want to learn about new frontiers in particle physics, I want to read about it. Put up an article on a web page, with maybe a few hyperlinks to brief videos to show the effect being discussed, or an animation to diagram it.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 05, 2023 11:18 AM (tkR6S)
319
Currently reading Quantum Lens by Douglas Richards. It is off to a good start.
Posted by: Diogenes at March 05, 2023 11:19 AM (anj39)
320
We like to give writers credit for their writing, but how much of that quality can be attributed to editors that may know the craft well enough to coach others, but have not been successful as writers on their own?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 10:49 AM (BpYfr)
John W Campbell was a mediocre writer but a fantastic editor who probably got more out of his writers than anyone could have expected.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 10:49 AM (BpYfr)
John W Campbell was a mediocre writer but a fantastic editor who probably got more out of his writers than anyone could have expected.
Posted by: Kindltot at March 05, 2023 11:19 AM (xhaym)
321
Mary MacDonald's work is a yeoman effort, though not finely crafted prose. Same with Pearl Buck. Can you not enjoy their work? Do you find no pleasure in the thing?
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 11:20 AM (S80pp)
322
309 That's why I can't stand Stephen King.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:13 AM (llXky)
Assholiness aside, King is a good story-teller. But he is a mediocre writer. If you want good prose, King is not the one.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 05, 2023 11:15 AM (OX9vb)
Some of King's books are great escapes. And as I said, I read to escape.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:13 AM (llXky)
Assholiness aside, King is a good story-teller. But he is a mediocre writer. If you want good prose, King is not the one.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 05, 2023 11:15 AM (OX9vb)
Some of King's books are great escapes. And as I said, I read to escape.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 11:20 AM (BdMk6)
323
Gaiman is amazing. His The Graveyard Book should be required reading for anybody who likes fantasy, and for anybody who aspires to write anything.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023
*
Anything?
(shifty eyes)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023
***
I think the way Gaiman constructs his sentences and his scenes, conceals surprises while giving fair clues and hints, and draws characters and settings would be instructive for anybody in any genre.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023
*
Anything?
(shifty eyes)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023
***
I think the way Gaiman constructs his sentences and his scenes, conceals surprises while giving fair clues and hints, and draws characters and settings would be instructive for anybody in any genre.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:21 AM (omVj0)
324
I don't recall militant atheism or sex with kids in the first book, or the movie. Pullman has some good imagination at work, and Mrs. Coulter, his villainess, is fascinating (and well-realized by Nicole Kidman in the film, which was why I went to see it). I'll need to look it over again.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:16 AM (omVj0)
---
I don't know about the sex with kids angle, but Pullman was definitely writing His Dark Materials as a criticism of Catholicism, twisting the representation of it in the books all out of recognizability. He's very much the "anti-Lewis."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:16 AM (omVj0)
---
I don't know about the sex with kids angle, but Pullman was definitely writing His Dark Materials as a criticism of Catholicism, twisting the representation of it in the books all out of recognizability. He's very much the "anti-Lewis."
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:21 AM (BpYfr)
325
Awww.
The boy and his dog comments above reminded me of the books by Thomas C Hinkle that I read as a boy. Loved those stories. Perfect reading for a kid.
The boy and his dog comments above reminded me of the books by Thomas C Hinkle that I read as a boy. Loved those stories. Perfect reading for a kid.
Posted by: Diogenes at March 05, 2023 11:22 AM (anj39)
326
Pullman was definitely writing His Dark Materials as a criticism of Catholicism, twisting the representation of it in the books all out of recognizability. He's very much the "anti-Lewis."
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:21 AM (BpYfr)
It was such a caricature of the Church that I didn't recognize it
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:21 AM (BpYfr)
It was such a caricature of the Church that I didn't recognize it
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 05, 2023 11:23 AM (fUnHJ)
327
John W Campbell was a mediocre writer but a fantastic editor who probably got more out of his writers than anyone could have expected.
Posted by: Kindltot at March 05, 2023
***
If his story "Who Goes There?" (the basis for The Thing movies) had been written by one of his stable of Astounding writers, it would have been even more of a classic. Imagine if Heinlein had done it, or Poul Anderson (who came along later), or the young Asimov.
Posted by: Kindltot at March 05, 2023
***
If his story "Who Goes There?" (the basis for The Thing movies) had been written by one of his stable of Astounding writers, it would have been even more of a classic. Imagine if Heinlein had done it, or Poul Anderson (who came along later), or the young Asimov.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:23 AM (omVj0)
328
Never read Gaiman, oddly as a Toriphile long ago and she was a big fan decades ago
=====
Good Omens is a lot of fun with TPratchett. Gaiman's solo work tends darker.
=====
Good Omens is a lot of fun with TPratchett. Gaiman's solo work tends darker.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 11:23 AM (MIKMs)
329
Pohl- Three Hearts and Three Lions. That alone puts him in elite company.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023
***
You mean Poul Anderson? Frederik Pohl was much more of an SF writer; I don't know if he ever did fantasy.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023
***
You mean Poul Anderson? Frederik Pohl was much more of an SF writer; I don't know if he ever did fantasy.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:24 AM (omVj0)
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 11:25 AM (ykeLU)
331
This dude just screamed "management issue."
Posted by: Blacksheep at March 05, 2023 10:51 AM (6mvRv)
That would be the whole family.
Sherman's brother was a Senator who wanted to be President and was enraged that Sherman did not.
Also, read Phil Sheridan's book autobiography. He set up two forts in Oregon, both within a day's drive of me, and a third on the coast, all as a LT.
Posted by: Blacksheep at March 05, 2023 10:51 AM (6mvRv)
That would be the whole family.
Sherman's brother was a Senator who wanted to be President and was enraged that Sherman did not.
Also, read Phil Sheridan's book autobiography. He set up two forts in Oregon, both within a day's drive of me, and a third on the coast, all as a LT.
Posted by: Kindltot at March 05, 2023 11:25 AM (xhaym)
332
You mean Poul Anderson? Frederik Pohl was much more of an SF writer; I don't know if he ever did fantasy.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:24 AM (omVj0)
---
Heh. I always get those two confused...
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:24 AM (omVj0)
---
Heh. I always get those two confused...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:25 AM (BpYfr)
333
Some of King's books are great escapes. And as I said, I read to escape.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 11:20 AM (BdMk6)
I agree. My point, clumsily made, is that one can tell a good and fascinating story without being a master of prose. I like either one, depending on my mood.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 05, 2023 11:20 AM (BdMk6)
I agree. My point, clumsily made, is that one can tell a good and fascinating story without being a master of prose. I like either one, depending on my mood.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 05, 2023 11:26 AM (OX9vb)
334
Good Omens is a lot of fun with TPratchett. Gaiman's solo work tends darker.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023
***
I read that one long ago, and found it laugh-out-loud funny. The basic concept is that an angel and a demon, sent to Earth, find much more in common with each other than they do with the Powers in Heaven and Hell. They're field agents, and the home office has NO idea what's like down here.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023
***
I read that one long ago, and found it laugh-out-loud funny. The basic concept is that an angel and a demon, sent to Earth, find much more in common with each other than they do with the Powers in Heaven and Hell. They're field agents, and the home office has NO idea what's like down here.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:26 AM (omVj0)
335
Generals were the rock stars of their day.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 11:26 AM (MIKMs)
336
"One of the only animated films to feature the navigational needs of a ship in the age of sail. Throughout the film, the Inevitable is seen being navigated using accurate sailing commands and seamanship (with much artistic liberty). A sailing master is present (Mrs. Merino) who directs the movements of the ship under Captain Crow's commands, and consideration is given in the dialogue and animation to real-world actions of masts, sails, rigging, and wind direction"
I know there's a lot of Hornblower/Aubrey fans here - might wanna give it a try with any wee ones you have.
Oh and Karl Urban is a voice actor in it
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 05, 2023 11:14 AM (fUnHJ)
That.....is one of the strongest recommendations I've seen for a movie! Real logistics. Imagine that...
I know there's a lot of Hornblower/Aubrey fans here - might wanna give it a try with any wee ones you have.
Oh and Karl Urban is a voice actor in it
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 05, 2023 11:14 AM (fUnHJ)
That.....is one of the strongest recommendations I've seen for a movie! Real logistics. Imagine that...
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 05, 2023 11:27 AM (Lhaco)
337
The boy and his dog comments above reminded me of the books by Thomas C Hinkle that I read as a boy. Loved those stories. Perfect reading for a kid.
Posted by: Diogenes at March 05, 2023
***
Don't forget Albert Payson Terhune's collie stories.
Posted by: Diogenes at March 05, 2023
***
Don't forget Albert Payson Terhune's collie stories.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:27 AM (omVj0)
338
321 Mary MacDonald's work is a yeoman effort, though not finely crafted prose. Same with Pearl Buck. Can you not enjoy their work? Do you find no pleasure in the thing?
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 11:20 AM (S80pp)
I most like to watch highly skilled ppl in action. Doesn't really matter what they are skilled at. I like displays of skill. But not virtuoso performances. I do not like those.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 11:20 AM (S80pp)
I most like to watch highly skilled ppl in action. Doesn't really matter what they are skilled at. I like displays of skill. But not virtuoso performances. I do not like those.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:27 AM (1ais2)
339
You mean Poul Anderson? Frederik Pohl was much more of an SF writer; I don't know if he ever did fantasy.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:24 AM (omVj0)
Yes. Sorry. My mistake.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:24 AM (omVj0)
Yes. Sorry. My mistake.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:29 AM (1ais2)
340
I don't know about the sex with kids angle, but Pullman was definitely writing His Dark Materials as a criticism of Catholicism, twisting the representation of it in the books all out of recognizability. He's very much the "anti-Lewis."
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:21 AM (BpYfr)
---
My understanding was that at the end of the series, instead of destroying a Ring, the heroes (male and female, maybe no longer children) consummate their relationship.
Sort of a sex as right of passage kind of thing to celebrate true freedom. Again, I didn't read it, I recall reading articles and interviews from the author who was told to shut up when the movie came out but unfortunately had shot his mouth off about how much he hated Catholics. I don't think the full series was filmed for that reason.
Imagine being the guy who thought this would appeal to the Narnia audience?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:21 AM (BpYfr)
---
My understanding was that at the end of the series, instead of destroying a Ring, the heroes (male and female, maybe no longer children) consummate their relationship.
Sort of a sex as right of passage kind of thing to celebrate true freedom. Again, I didn't read it, I recall reading articles and interviews from the author who was told to shut up when the movie came out but unfortunately had shot his mouth off about how much he hated Catholics. I don't think the full series was filmed for that reason.
Imagine being the guy who thought this would appeal to the Narnia audience?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:31 AM (llXky)
341
The expanded universe starting with the first thrawn book was so encouraging and abrams and kennedy just flushed it down and left us with this gruel
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 11:31 AM (PXvVL)
342
Thanks for the conversation y'all. You might say it has been...
...life changing.
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 11:25 AM (ykeLU)
---
But did it change it *forever*?
...life changing.
Posted by: Muldoon at March 05, 2023 11:25 AM (ykeLU)
---
But did it change it *forever*?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:32 AM (llXky)
343
Lt landry would have been a grear series maybe with young chris pratt, years ahead of say avatar
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 11:32 AM (PXvVL)
344
No, it was because he couldn't keep his supply lines open. He looked at what Grant did at Vicksburg and what he did afterwards in Mississippi (people forget that little campaign). He also knew that if he cut loose, it would totally confuse the Confederates (which it did) giving him a head start on his march.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:11 AM (llXky)
Vicksburg was interesting, and full of irony. From the narratives I've read, Sherman was terrified by Grant's idea of venturing into enemy territory without supply lines. But he went along with it, it worked, and by the when Grant went away and Sherman was in overall theater command, Sherman was convinced enough to try the tactic on a far grander scale.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:11 AM (llXky)
Vicksburg was interesting, and full of irony. From the narratives I've read, Sherman was terrified by Grant's idea of venturing into enemy territory without supply lines. But he went along with it, it worked, and by the when Grant went away and Sherman was in overall theater command, Sherman was convinced enough to try the tactic on a far grander scale.
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 05, 2023 11:33 AM (Lhaco)
345
Playing catch up here...life changing events?
Well, as me ol man said, we get dealt a set of cards. That's our hand. Only one we get. How we play the hand is up to us. In other words, we didn't pick our parents, but how we live our life is up to us. We cannot control everything, but we can control some of it.
Go change your life.
Well, as me ol man said, we get dealt a set of cards. That's our hand. Only one we get. How we play the hand is up to us. In other words, we didn't pick our parents, but how we live our life is up to us. We cannot control everything, but we can control some of it.
Go change your life.
Posted by: Diogenes at March 05, 2023 11:33 AM (anj39)
346
War is a human condition. When GOD declares war it will be the war to end all wars. And it's coming.
Posted by: Eromero at March 05, 2023 11:33 AM (DXbAa)
347
Thesokorus: I think you're mixing up Fred Pohl and Poul Anderson.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 05, 2023 11:33 AM (QZxDR)
348
Vicksburg was interesting, and full of irony. From the narratives I've read, Sherman was terrified by Grant's idea of venturing into enemy territory without supply lines. But he went along with it, it worked, and by the when Grant went away and Sherman was in overall theater command, Sherman was convinced enough to try the tactic on a far grander scale.
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 05, 2023 11:33 AM (Lhaco)
---
I'm too lazy to look it up, but the Meridian mini-campaign (during the aftermath of Vicksburg) was Sherman's first experience of taking an independent command on a raid. That was when he realized its potential and he drew upon that experience at Atlanta.
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 05, 2023 11:33 AM (Lhaco)
---
I'm too lazy to look it up, but the Meridian mini-campaign (during the aftermath of Vicksburg) was Sherman's first experience of taking an independent command on a raid. That was when he realized its potential and he drew upon that experience at Atlanta.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:34 AM (llXky)
349
338 321 Mary MacDonald's work is a yeoman effort, though not finely crafted prose. Same with Pearl Buck. Can you not enjoy their work? Do you find no pleasure in the thing?
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 11:20 AM (S80pp)
Fwiw, I write about serious things for serious people irl. I take what I do seriously. I have done it a long time. I know about prose. I can see skill. Hard to not see it or not appreciate it.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 11:20 AM (S80pp)
Fwiw, I write about serious things for serious people irl. I take what I do seriously. I have done it a long time. I know about prose. I can see skill. Hard to not see it or not appreciate it.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:35 AM (1ais2)
350
Well, I am going to sit this one out. Why? Because video. Talking-head videos suck donkey dick. If I want to learn about new frontiers in particle physics, I want to read about it. Put up an article on a web page, with maybe a few hyperlinks to brief videos to show the effect being discussed, or an animation to diagram it.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 05, 2023 11:18 AM (tkR6S)
Feel the same way about learning how to craft a story. See plenty of "podcast" stuff, but I don't want to sit listening to somebody talk about it. I want to read it again and again until I get it. Even if I never get it.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 05, 2023 11:18 AM (tkR6S)
Feel the same way about learning how to craft a story. See plenty of "podcast" stuff, but I don't want to sit listening to somebody talk about it. I want to read it again and again until I get it. Even if I never get it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 11:35 AM (Angsy)
351
347 Thesokorus: I think you're mixing up Fred Pohl and Poul Anderson.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 05, 2023 11:33 AM (QZxDR)
Yes. I did. Sorry. Thanks.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 05, 2023 11:33 AM (QZxDR)
Yes. I did. Sorry. Thanks.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:36 AM (1ais2)
352
Thesokorus: I think you're mixing up Fred Pohl and Poul Anderson.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 05, 2023 11:33 AM (QZxDR)
I would make a "Poles apart" joke here, but neither was Polish, AKAIK, so I will desist.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 05, 2023 11:33 AM (QZxDR)
I would make a "Poles apart" joke here, but neither was Polish, AKAIK, so I will desist.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 05, 2023 11:37 AM (tkR6S)
353
I'm starting to get a little 'concerned' about how she will re-organize her life after that,
If she got thru college, total commitment makes a transition to the real world pretty simple, from what I've seen (as a bystander). She'll tear it up out there.
If she got thru college, total commitment makes a transition to the real world pretty simple, from what I've seen (as a bystander). She'll tear it up out there.
Posted by: t-bird at March 05, 2023 11:37 AM (Sv58p)
354
Ages ago, Whitman Publishing -- in addittion to its series of TV Western original novels for young readers -- issued some of The Classics. I know Little Women was one of them, and Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, which I still have. They did not have to edit those at all save for a reference to Holmes's cocaine use in one story. Anyway, one of their classics was Ernest Thompson Seton's Wild Animals I Have Known. I bought a copy off eBay some years ago and found them still fascinating reading: Lobo, the king wolf of the sheep range in New Mexico around 1900, and Bingo, Seton's own collie. There is a creepy one about Wully, a "yellow dog," which is almost a werewolf tale (except no human changes into a wolf). I recommend it.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:37 AM (omVj0)
355
Speaking of Sherman, one if the difficulties of wargaming the American Civil War is that we know a lot of things the commanders (and leaders) could not know. For example, the Union could quite well have taken the ports it seized on the Carolina coast in 1862 and placed an army there, cutting off Virginia from the south. Some advocated doing just that, and at one point I tried it in a wargame and my opponent admitted it was really tough to counter.
The Union easily could have won in 1862 and the challenge of a wargame is finding ways for them to fail that don't feel contrived.
The Union easily could have won in 1862 and the challenge of a wargame is finding ways for them to fail that don't feel contrived.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:38 AM (llXky)
356
340. He wanted to undermine the audience and Lewis.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 11:38 AM (Zzbjj)
357
- Theso. You've mentioned Mythwood a few times. Is the author highly skilled or do you find the theme of the book compelling - that we've a mytho-celtic module embedded in our psyche?
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 11:39 AM (S80pp)
358
War is a human condition.
===
I think war is an "animal" condition. Primitive, instinctive - violence is primitive. When we approach that animalistic state, wars happen.
===
I think war is an "animal" condition. Primitive, instinctive - violence is primitive. When we approach that animalistic state, wars happen.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 11:39 AM (V13WU)
359
Kelly Ann Conway finally dropping that fat tub of whale shit.
Posted by: polynikes at March 05, 2023 11:39 AM (OY44N)
360
350 Well, I am going to sit this one out. Why? Because video. Talking-head videos suck donkey dick. If I want to learn about new frontiers in particle physics, I want to read about it. Put up an article on a web page, with maybe a few hyperlinks to brief videos to show the effect being discussed, or an animation to diagram it.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 05, 2023 11:18 AM (tkR6S)
I ain't got the time dude even at 1.5x speed.
Plus, most show almost not thought as to overall efficiency of presentation.
Though there are some very very skilled lecturers out there.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 05, 2023 11:18 AM (tkR6S)
I ain't got the time dude even at 1.5x speed.
Plus, most show almost not thought as to overall efficiency of presentation.
Though there are some very very skilled lecturers out there.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:39 AM (1ais2)
361
Hmm. No MPPPP?
Posted by: Infidel at March 05, 2023 11:40 AM (tITEI)
362
Never try to undermine your audience. They're the ones with the money.
Posted by: Market Forces at March 05, 2023 11:40 AM (DhOHl)
363
Mike Ditka is the exception that proves the rule of coaching being for 'lesser' players.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 11:14 AM (MIKMs)
Just a bit of non-sequitur: My senior drill sergeant looked a lot like Mike Ditka. Scary dude, but an excellent NCO. He eventually became my first sergeant in Germany. Small world, the Army is.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 11:14 AM (MIKMs)
Just a bit of non-sequitur: My senior drill sergeant looked a lot like Mike Ditka. Scary dude, but an excellent NCO. He eventually became my first sergeant in Germany. Small world, the Army is.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Keith's Son at March 05, 2023 11:40 AM (UQUAY)
364
Lt landry would have been a grear series maybe with young chris pratt, years ahead of say avatar
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023
***
You mean Anderson's Dominic Flandry stories? Yes; he's a sort of Terran Empire James Bond. Pratt would make a great Flandry -- as well as Indiana Jones in a proper return to that series (i.e., no wokeness and set it in 1937 or so).
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023
***
You mean Anderson's Dominic Flandry stories? Yes; he's a sort of Terran Empire James Bond. Pratt would make a great Flandry -- as well as Indiana Jones in a proper return to that series (i.e., no wokeness and set it in 1937 or so).
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:40 AM (omVj0)
365
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:37 AM (omVj0)
--------------
Is that the one which contains a story about a guy hunting a mountain lion in which the hunter smokes the mountain lion out of a cave?
--------------
Is that the one which contains a story about a guy hunting a mountain lion in which the hunter smokes the mountain lion out of a cave?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 11:41 AM (2YtOq)
366
"I suppose it's their way of "letting the market decide." Though we all know they will try a different approach."
Like rust, the battle to destroy by commie pigs is neverending. I'm surprised they even bothered to tell anyone and didn't just do it. whoopsie!
Like rust, the battle to destroy by commie pigs is neverending. I'm surprised they even bothered to tell anyone and didn't just do it. whoopsie!
Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at March 05, 2023 11:41 AM (pnjn4)
367
I think war is an "animal" condition. Primitive, instinctive - violence is primitive. When we approach that animalistic state, wars happen.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 11:39 AM (V13WU)
---
We fight wars because we enjoy it. It's that simple. Peace and plenty are aberrations, and only happen when for a strange combination of reasons, we stop killing each other.
But we always start up again, and the long pause just means there will be more work to tear it all down again.
I think war is an "animal" condition. Primitive, instinctive - violence is primitive. When we approach that animalistic state, wars happen.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 11:39 AM (V13WU)
---
We fight wars because we enjoy it. It's that simple. Peace and plenty are aberrations, and only happen when for a strange combination of reasons, we stop killing each other.
But we always start up again, and the long pause just means there will be more work to tear it all down again.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:42 AM (llXky)
368
@302 --
Perez' Wonder Woman! That was a great run. Completely retooled Diana. I don't think I have those anymore.
I bailed on the X-titles (temporarily) when the creators broke up Scott's marriage to Madelyn. Took Peter David to bring me back.
Hope you enjoy them.
P.S. I have Neal Adams' Deadman omnibus ordered from the library.
Perez' Wonder Woman! That was a great run. Completely retooled Diana. I don't think I have those anymore.
I bailed on the X-titles (temporarily) when the creators broke up Scott's marriage to Madelyn. Took Peter David to bring me back.
Hope you enjoy them.
P.S. I have Neal Adams' Deadman omnibus ordered from the library.
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 05, 2023 11:42 AM (sO6HZ)
369
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:37 AM (omVj0)
--------------
Is that the one which contains a story about a guy hunting a mountain lion in which the hunter smokes the mountain lion out of a cave?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023
***
I don't think so, unless the Whitman version left that story out of their edition.
--------------
Is that the one which contains a story about a guy hunting a mountain lion in which the hunter smokes the mountain lion out of a cave?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023
***
I don't think so, unless the Whitman version left that story out of their edition.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:43 AM (omVj0)
370
357 - Theso. You've mentioned Mythwood a few times. Is the author highly skilled or do you find the theme of the book compelling - that we've a mytho-celtic module embedded in our psyche?
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 11:39 AM (S80pp)
He's a competent prose stylist. And a highly skilled story teller. And impossibly skilled at working the themes and ideas of Celtic legend into his stories.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 11:39 AM (S80pp)
He's a competent prose stylist. And a highly skilled story teller. And impossibly skilled at working the themes and ideas of Celtic legend into his stories.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:43 AM (1ais2)
371
I don't think so, unless the Whitman version left that story out of their edition.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:43 AM (omVj0)
--------
I'm probably conflating that book with something similar I read a decade or four ago.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:43 AM (omVj0)
--------
I'm probably conflating that book with something similar I read a decade or four ago.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 11:44 AM (2YtOq)
372
Ah, the Golden Compass. I almost watched that movie, because the image of an armored war-polar-bear looked awesome! But then I caught wind of the author's opinions and skipped the film. I do recall watching a video-essay critiquing the movie. As I recall, the essayist hated the main character, and thought she was the most insufferable character in the movie. It made me smile that that movie failed...
I think HBO is currently making a tv show out of the series. However, I haven't seen any buzz about the series, be it good or bad. I guess the wannabe-anti-Narnia book series just doesn't have enough fans to make impact.
I think HBO is currently making a tv show out of the series. However, I haven't seen any buzz about the series, be it good or bad. I guess the wannabe-anti-Narnia book series just doesn't have enough fans to make impact.
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 05, 2023 11:44 AM (Lhaco)
373
Like rust, the battle to destroy by commie pigs is neverending. I'm surprised they even bothered to tell anyone and didn't just do it. whoopsie!
Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at March 05, 2023 11:41 AM (pnjn4)
---
They take a perverse PRIDE in their actions. They believe they are on the right side of history, after all, so why should they try to hide their actions?
Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at March 05, 2023 11:41 AM (pnjn4)
---
They take a perverse PRIDE in their actions. They believe they are on the right side of history, after all, so why should they try to hide their actions?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:44 AM (BpYfr)
374
He wanted to undermine the audience and Lewis.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 11:38 AM (Zzbjj)
---
There is something deeply creepy (dare I say 'demonic'?) about people who openly declare they want to prevent parents from instructing their children in faith.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 11:38 AM (Zzbjj)
---
There is something deeply creepy (dare I say 'demonic'?) about people who openly declare they want to prevent parents from instructing their children in faith.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:45 AM (llXky)
375
Just finished "Darwin's Black Box." Many thanks to the Moron who recommended it here a few weeks ago. Dr. Michael Behe, a professor of biochemistry at Leheigh, argues that the biochemical processes necessary for life are too complex to have evolved one mutation at a time. Therefore, they must have been designed, although he does not name the designer.
Dr. Behe has written this book for an intelligent reader, but not necessarily someone with a background in biochemistry. However, he last updated this book in 2001 and biochemistry and cell biology have made important discoveries since then. I wish there was a more recent edition, addressing the new research and the arguments of his critics
Dr. Behe has written this book for an intelligent reader, but not necessarily someone with a background in biochemistry. However, he last updated this book in 2001 and biochemistry and cell biology have made important discoveries since then. I wish there was a more recent edition, addressing the new research and the arguments of his critics
Posted by: March Hare at March 05, 2023 11:46 AM (lwrAe)
376
You've mentioned Mythwood a few times.
=====
In the dim dark recesses of my memory I remember Aspirin and his Myth** series. YA?
=====
In the dim dark recesses of my memory I remember Aspirin and his Myth** series. YA?
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 11:46 AM (MIKMs)
377
They take a perverse PRIDE in their actions. They believe they are on the right side of history, after all, so why should they try to hide their actions?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:44 AM (BpYfr)
---
Generation Snowflake can't keep a secret. They have to brag about how smart they are because they are SOOO smart.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 05, 2023 11:44 AM (BpYfr)
---
Generation Snowflake can't keep a secret. They have to brag about how smart they are because they are SOOO smart.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:47 AM (llXky)
378
Fwiw, I write about serious things for serious people irl. I take what I do seriously. I have done it a long time. I know about prose. I can see skill. Hard to not see it or not appreciate it.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:35 AM (1ais2)
Note to self: Don't let Thesokorus read any of my stuff.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:35 AM (1ais2)
Note to self: Don't let Thesokorus read any of my stuff.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 11:47 AM (Angsy)
379
I know some people can't stand the more florid, slower-paced writing of the 1800s but I am increasingly drawn to it. George MacDonald, Kipling, H. Rider Haggard, Jules Verne, William Gilmore Simms, Washington Irving, and others wrote beautiful, evocative prose that set mood and place without sacrificing the story. I think Robert E. Howard was a master of that even in his many short stories.
Tersely written fiction has its place, Louis L' Amour is an example, but I read for the pleasure of the rich, subtle verbiage earlier authors used. Tolkien and Lewis come out of that tradition to their benefit. And ours.
Tersely written fiction has its place, Louis L' Amour is an example, but I read for the pleasure of the rich, subtle verbiage earlier authors used. Tolkien and Lewis come out of that tradition to their benefit. And ours.
Posted by: JTB at March 05, 2023 11:48 AM (7EjX1)
380
Kelly Ann Conway finally dropping that fat tub of whale shit.
Posted by: polynikes at March 05, 2023 11:39 AM (OY44N)
What did she do with Michael Moore?
Posted by: polynikes at March 05, 2023 11:39 AM (OY44N)
What did she do with Michael Moore?
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at March 05, 2023 11:48 AM (R/m4+)
381
370 357 - Theso. You've mentioned Mythwood a few times. Is the author highly skilled or do you find the theme of the book compelling - that we've a mytho-celtic module embedded in our psyche?
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 11:39 AM (S80pp)
I think he is very much onto something with as you say the "module". I think Jung is wrong in the end. And so is Holdstock. But yeah, I find the general concept fascinating.
Rene Guenon was closer. And so was Eliade.
Idk the answer myself.
But, I would not be very interested in Holdstock absent the conceptual framework or his project. I would still read him though.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 11:39 AM (S80pp)
I think he is very much onto something with as you say the "module". I think Jung is wrong in the end. And so is Holdstock. But yeah, I find the general concept fascinating.
Rene Guenon was closer. And so was Eliade.
Idk the answer myself.
But, I would not be very interested in Holdstock absent the conceptual framework or his project. I would still read him though.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:48 AM (1ais2)
382
Problem is though you don't want a war, the other guy may not.
And to me that's the issue with
War is not the answer
And to me that's the issue with
War is not the answer
Posted by: Skip at March 05, 2023 11:48 AM (xhxe8)
383
If you're interested, the remaining books in the series cover Gens. Early, Chamberlain and Longstreet.
It's an Easton Press collection, so a physical joy to read as well.
It's an Easton Press collection, so a physical joy to read as well.
Posted by: Blacksheep at March 05, 2023 11:49 AM (6mvRv)
384
Well, I am going to out and meet the day. There are trees to cut down.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 05, 2023 11:50 AM (tkR6S)
385
Posted by: JTB at March 05, 2023 11:48 AM (7EjX1)
----------------
Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables" is a fine example of that genre.
----------------
Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables" is a fine example of that genre.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 11:50 AM (2YtOq)
386
Gaimans "Neverwhere"is my personal favorite of his works. Really takes you down the rabbit hole, so to speak.
Posted by: Smell the Glove at March 05, 2023 11:51 AM (iocL8)
387
Mythago Wood. That's the name of the book. I read that many years ago. It's a "zones of consciousness" themed book. The real life "zone" corollary being the Chernobyl exclusion zone, which overlaps on Roadside Picnic. A Fire Upon the Deep being yet another zones of consciousness themed book.
I enjoyed Mythago Wood and concept, but it's not high english prose.
I enjoyed Mythago Wood and concept, but it's not high english prose.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 11:52 AM (S80pp)
388
Okay, so as we wind down, I just want to share an odd thing I've noticed.
Some time ago, I did a post on how "The Crow" is a profoundly Catholic movie. That's the actual name of the post.
It is *by far* the most read post on my site, and the referrals often come from google.cz. I have no idea what is going on, but this morning it's getting hammered via facebook. I wish I knew what was going on.
Here's the link for those who want it: tinyurl.com/mvjycvcx
Some time ago, I did a post on how "The Crow" is a profoundly Catholic movie. That's the actual name of the post.
It is *by far* the most read post on my site, and the referrals often come from google.cz. I have no idea what is going on, but this morning it's getting hammered via facebook. I wish I knew what was going on.
Here's the link for those who want it: tinyurl.com/mvjycvcx
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:53 AM (llXky)
389
Note to self: Don't let Thesokorus read any of my stuff.
=====
Heh. I'm already outed as lighthearted and terminally lightheaded.
=====
Heh. I'm already outed as lighthearted and terminally lightheaded.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 05, 2023 11:53 AM (MIKMs)
390
On a personal note:. I was happy my over-29-year-old brain recognized most of the science Dr. Behe discussed from my own foray into cell biology & biochemistry back in my misbegotten youth.
A side note:. Dr. Behe is a practicing Catholic, married to a woman who has some impressive credentials of her own, and they have nine children. I wonder how much of the objection to his arguments is prejudice against his personal life, rather than his logic?
A side note:. Dr. Behe is a practicing Catholic, married to a woman who has some impressive credentials of her own, and they have nine children. I wonder how much of the objection to his arguments is prejudice against his personal life, rather than his logic?
Posted by: March Hare at March 05, 2023 11:53 AM (lwrAe)
391
War is not the answer
Posted by: Skip at March 05, 2023 11:48 AM (xhxe
---
War is not the answer, it's the question.
"Yes" is almost always the answer.
Posted by: Skip at March 05, 2023 11:48 AM (xhxe
---
War is not the answer, it's the question.
"Yes" is almost always the answer.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:54 AM (llXky)
392
Well, I am going to out and meet the day. There are trees to cut down.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 05, 2023
***
"Won't somebody think of the poor trees?"
"Of course we're thinking of them. We're thinking what good firewood they'll make. Run along now, the adults are talking."
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 05, 2023
***
"Won't somebody think of the poor trees?"
"Of course we're thinking of them. We're thinking what good firewood they'll make. Run along now, the adults are talking."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:54 AM (omVj0)
393
We fight wars because we enjoy it.
==
WHAT ? What kind of sick, demented person would enjoy a war ? Oh, I get it, you never lived through one.
==
WHAT ? What kind of sick, demented person would enjoy a war ? Oh, I get it, you never lived through one.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 11:54 AM (V13WU)
394
If she got thru college, total commitment makes a transition to the real world pretty simple, from what I've seen
She's a field grade intel officer. There may be a bit more to organizing your life than 'thru college' and getting a job. After the olympics she will be about six years from a nice pension, but then there is life to be dealt with.
She's a field grade intel officer. There may be a bit more to organizing your life than 'thru college' and getting a job. After the olympics she will be about six years from a nice pension, but then there is life to be dealt with.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at March 05, 2023 11:54 AM (jYCXf)
395
I have chores to do as well -- nothing as onerous or full of effort as cutting down trees, though. But they can wait until I have my Sunday nap.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:55 AM (omVj0)
396
Note to self: Don't let Thesokorus read any of my stuff.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 11:47 AM (Angsy)
You got me all wrong bro! Honestly, you do. I love writing and reading.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 11:47 AM (Angsy)
You got me all wrong bro! Honestly, you do. I love writing and reading.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:55 AM (1ais2)
397
Wars is a primitive response to something that godgiven intellect cannot resolve.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 11:55 AM (V13WU)
398
A side note:. Dr. Behe is a practicing Catholic, married to a woman who has some impressive credentials of her own, and they have nine children. I wonder how much of the objection to his arguments is prejudice against his personal life, rather than his logic?
Posted by: March Hare at March 05, 2023 11:53 AM (lwrAe)
---
That's likely a huge part of it.
Academia is now just Mean Girls having lunch. Forever.
Posted by: March Hare at March 05, 2023 11:53 AM (lwrAe)
---
That's likely a huge part of it.
Academia is now just Mean Girls having lunch. Forever.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:55 AM (llXky)
399
WHAT ? What kind of sick, demented person would enjoy a war ? Oh, I get it, you never lived through one.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 11:54 AM (V13WU)
---
I'm not saying I personally enjoy war (I'm 0-2 at the moment) but that humans do. Otherwise, why would they keep doing it?
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 11:54 AM (V13WU)
---
I'm not saying I personally enjoy war (I'm 0-2 at the moment) but that humans do. Otherwise, why would they keep doing it?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:56 AM (llXky)
400
Thanks for the book thread. Alway interesting.
Posted by: runner at March 05, 2023 11:57 AM (V13WU)
401
The merseians were much better than the navi
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 11:57 AM (PXvVL)
402
Perf's "generic storytelling" bit reminds me of the shock I had reading "Ready Player One".
I had thought, up to that point, that there was some minimal level of prose construction. I mean, I guess I thought the minimum was much higher.
A reasonably constructed book with pleasant prose feels like a treasure.
I had thought, up to that point, that there was some minimal level of prose construction. I mean, I guess I thought the minimum was much higher.
A reasonably constructed book with pleasant prose feels like a treasure.
Posted by: moviegique at March 05, 2023 11:58 AM (asXVI)
403
Time to wander. Church beckons.
Side note: What brought "Darwin's Black Box" to my attention was, "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel.
later!
Side note: What brought "Darwin's Black Box" to my attention was, "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel.
later!
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 05, 2023 11:58 AM (2YtOq)
404
396 Note to self: Don't let Thesokorus read any of my stuff.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 11:47 AM (Angsy)
Dude. I am obsessed with Buckaroo Banzai. Frighteningly so, as I have been informed.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 11:47 AM (Angsy)
Dude. I am obsessed with Buckaroo Banzai. Frighteningly so, as I have been informed.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:58 AM (1ais2)
405
There is a book written post WWII by an American general entitled "War Is A Racket".
A good short read. Sorry I am blanking on the name.
A good short read. Sorry I am blanking on the name.
Posted by: gourmand du jour, gimpy edition at March 05, 2023 11:59 AM (jTmQV)
406
. . . Academia is now just Mean Girls having lunch. Forever.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023
***
"What's the difference between a faculty meeting and a kindergarten class?"
"Naps."
"What's the difference between a dog and a faculty member who desperately wants to be department chairman or to chair a committee?"
"The dog stops whining once you let it in."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023
***
"What's the difference between a faculty meeting and a kindergarten class?"
"Naps."
"What's the difference between a dog and a faculty member who desperately wants to be department chairman or to chair a committee?"
"The dog stops whining once you let it in."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 11:59 AM (omVj0)
407
>>I'm not saying I personally enjoy war (I'm 0-2 at the moment) but that humans do. Otherwise, why would they keep doing it?
That's what I tell people about getting sick: I don't seem to enjoy it much, so I just stopped.
That's what I tell people about getting sick: I don't seem to enjoy it much, so I just stopped.
Posted by: moviegique at March 05, 2023 11:59 AM (asXVI)
408
Damn, looks like a library from a harry potter movie.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at March 05, 2023 12:00 PM (VwHCD)
409
The merseians were much better than the navi
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023
***
As I recall, Anderson's Merseians were kind of like athletic, well-spoken Gorns, right? I don't know the other alien race, though. Oh -- were those the blue-skinned people in Avatar?
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023
***
As I recall, Anderson's Merseians were kind of like athletic, well-spoken Gorns, right? I don't know the other alien race, though. Oh -- were those the blue-skinned people in Avatar?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 05, 2023 12:01 PM (omVj0)
410
NOOD
Posted by: Skip at March 05, 2023 12:01 PM (xhxe8)
Posted by: gourmand du jour, gimpy edition at March 05, 2023 12:01 PM (jTmQV)
412
There is something deeply creepy (dare I say 'demonic'?) about people who openly declare they want to prevent parents from instructing their children in faith.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:45 AM (llXky)
Demonic is fine, and I agree. And often the "liberation from faith" they espouse means sex, preferably with people like them. The rainbow haired, tatted up teachers, are a more in your face, vulgar, version of this.
Lately I've been following Gays against Groomers on twitter, and they see these pedo perverts as a threat to their lives.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 11:45 AM (llXky)
Demonic is fine, and I agree. And often the "liberation from faith" they espouse means sex, preferably with people like them. The rainbow haired, tatted up teachers, are a more in your face, vulgar, version of this.
Lately I've been following Gays against Groomers on twitter, and they see these pedo perverts as a threat to their lives.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 12:01 PM (Zzbjj)
413
You got me all wrong bro! Honestly, you do. I love writing and reading.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:55 AM (1ais2)
Nah, it's just I'm a beginner and most of my stuff is probably crap....
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 11:55 AM (1ais2)
Nah, it's just I'm a beginner and most of my stuff is probably crap....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 12:02 PM (Angsy)
414
The saddest part of Sunday, the end of the book thread. Thanks Perfessor!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 12:02 PM (Angsy)
415
405 There is a book written post WWII by an American general entitled "War Is A Racket".
A good short read. Sorry I am blanking on the name.
Posted by: gourmand du jour, gimpy edition at March 05, 2023 11:59 AM (jTmQV)
"Ole Gimlet Eye" Smedley Butler. The Quaker Marine hero.
Bankster's Plot.
A good short read. Sorry I am blanking on the name.
Posted by: gourmand du jour, gimpy edition at March 05, 2023 11:59 AM (jTmQV)
"Ole Gimlet Eye" Smedley Butler. The Quaker Marine hero.
Bankster's Plot.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 12:03 PM (1ais2)
416
Have your read the sequel to buckaroo crazy crazy stuff
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 12:06 PM (PXvVL)
417
Lately I've been following Gays against Groomers on twitter, and they see these pedo perverts as a threat to their lives.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 12:01 PM (Zzbjj)
---
Milo Y (and others) claim that male homosexuality is almost always the result of abuse. Lesbianism can be the result of it, or an decision based on life-experience (that sometimes is reversed).
This is certainly more credible than "born this way," especially when people claim that gender and sex are now separate things.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 12:01 PM (Zzbjj)
---
Milo Y (and others) claim that male homosexuality is almost always the result of abuse. Lesbianism can be the result of it, or an decision based on life-experience (that sometimes is reversed).
This is certainly more credible than "born this way," especially when people claim that gender and sex are now separate things.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 12:08 PM (llXky)
418
Nah, it's just I'm a beginner and most of my stuff is probably crap....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 12:02 PM (Angsy)
I would never even attempt to write fiction. Too hard. I have no imagination. Hats off to anyone who tries. I really am not a critical person. Really.
I was once told "it never gets easier. You just go faster". True true so true.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 12:02 PM (Angsy)
I would never even attempt to write fiction. Too hard. I have no imagination. Hats off to anyone who tries. I really am not a critical person. Really.
I was once told "it never gets easier. You just go faster". True true so true.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 12:09 PM (1ais2)
419
I just noticed that the people here most concerned with english prose ect. are hobbyist book authors.
Yeah. I'm slow. And now understand that our differences are pretty profound. I'm the end user and not a producer.
Yeah. I'm slow. And now understand that our differences are pretty profound. I'm the end user and not a producer.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 12:09 PM (nYpzP)
420
416 Have your read the sequel to buckaroo crazy crazy stuff
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 12:06 PM (PXvVL)
*cackles*
Posted by: No 6 at March 05, 2023 12:06 PM (PXvVL)
*cackles*
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 12:10 PM (1ais2)
421
Three Hearts and Three Lions. That alone puts him in elite company.
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023
One of my all time favorites!
I really need to get a copy - can't find my old one
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023
One of my all time favorites!
I really need to get a copy - can't find my old one
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 05, 2023 12:12 PM (fUnHJ)
422
This is certainly more credible than "born this way," especially when people claim that gender and sex are now separate things.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 12:08 PM (llXky)
I don't doubt it, and that makes a group like that's views more poignant. They understand why kids should be left out of the "sex, sex, sex" aspect of society, which is corrosive anyway.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 12:08 PM (llXky)
I don't doubt it, and that makes a group like that's views more poignant. They understand why kids should be left out of the "sex, sex, sex" aspect of society, which is corrosive anyway.
Posted by: CN at March 05, 2023 12:12 PM (Zzbjj)
423
Yeah. I'm slow. And now understand that our differences are pretty profound. I'm the end user and not a producer.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 12:09 PM (nYpzP)
Which brings up the phenomenon of "writer's writers". Those writers only other writers like. Or, "muscian's muscians" etc
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 12:09 PM (nYpzP)
Which brings up the phenomenon of "writer's writers". Those writers only other writers like. Or, "muscian's muscians" etc
Posted by: Thesokorus at March 05, 2023 12:13 PM (1ais2)
424
375 ...
Re Dr. Behe
Posted by: March Hare at March 05, 2023 11:46 AM (lwrA0
He's written a couple since then, but the last I read in detail was The Edge of Evolution. I see that he has another out in 2019. He appears to accept common descent through deep time (in fact he posits that the cytogenetic and molecular correspondences between chimpanzees and humans are essentially irrefutable evidence of same and his main thesis seems to be that mutation needs to be guided in order to be constructive. The arguments do not persuade me, but whatever. You might enjoy Michael Ruse: Darwinism as Religion (Note: Ruse is pretty much an atheist)
Behe kinda got badly burned by being involved in Kitzmiller vs Dover, which was pretty much catastrophic for "cdesign proponentsists". It's too bad: he's a solid, clear writer, even if I do think he's wrong.
Re Dr. Behe
Posted by: March Hare at March 05, 2023 11:46 AM (lwrA0
He's written a couple since then, but the last I read in detail was The Edge of Evolution. I see that he has another out in 2019. He appears to accept common descent through deep time (in fact he posits that the cytogenetic and molecular correspondences between chimpanzees and humans are essentially irrefutable evidence of same and his main thesis seems to be that mutation needs to be guided in order to be constructive. The arguments do not persuade me, but whatever. You might enjoy Michael Ruse: Darwinism as Religion (Note: Ruse is pretty much an atheist)
Behe kinda got badly burned by being involved in Kitzmiller vs Dover, which was pretty much catastrophic for "cdesign proponentsists". It's too bad: he's a solid, clear writer, even if I do think he's wrong.
Posted by: Alcoholic Asshole Shut In at March 05, 2023 12:22 PM (mZOHK)
425
By chance, was that book series Shanarra?
Posted by: Captain Ned at March 05, 2023 12:26 PM (XIfux)
426
In one of his recent book thread posts Perfessor felt it necessary to include a disclamer regarding his current personal preference for Star Wars fiction. He noted how it's not serious English prose. I hate how people feel the need to make such statements because the works are considered proletarian or have mass market appeal - all to stave off the tittering and snickering of the serious readers.
Posted by: 13times at March 05, 2023 12:26 PM (nYpzP)
427
The saddest part of Sunday, the end of the book thread. Thanks Perfessor!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 12:02 PM (Angsy)
---
Ah, but the next one is less than a week away!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 05, 2023 12:02 PM (Angsy)
---
Ah, but the next one is less than a week away!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 05, 2023 12:27 PM (llXky)
428
Back from a constitutional with the delightful and athletic Mrs naturalfake.
I noticed some mentions of Pullman's His Dark Materials books.
I read an interview of Pullman when "The Golden Compass" first came out.
He said that he was specifically writing the anti-Narnia. And that "God" would be shown to be evil.
So, he wasn't writing this to appeal to Narnia readers and fans. It was written for the Narnia haters of which there is a smaller and probably non-reading number.
No wonder the movies failed and had to be remake as an almost invisible HBO series.
Also, a problem. The hero IIRC murders children in the first book and movie.
So...not written for norms at all.
I noticed some mentions of Pullman's His Dark Materials books.
I read an interview of Pullman when "The Golden Compass" first came out.
He said that he was specifically writing the anti-Narnia. And that "God" would be shown to be evil.
So, he wasn't writing this to appeal to Narnia readers and fans. It was written for the Narnia haters of which there is a smaller and probably non-reading number.
No wonder the movies failed and had to be remake as an almost invisible HBO series.
Also, a problem. The hero IIRC murders children in the first book and movie.
So...not written for norms at all.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 12:32 PM (L1tQx)
429
norms = normies
Posted by: naturalfake at March 05, 2023 12:34 PM (L1tQx)
430
Managed to snag The Witching Hour by Anne Rice from the library (it's in high demand due to the AMC show and the city wide library system only has three copies).
I'm still in the second chapter (strangely enough), but so far it's quite interesting. Nothing's really happened, aside from a lot of setup and exposition. I like the character introduced in this chapter. His treatise on abortion was amazingly poignant.
This is my second Rice novel, the other being Memnoch the Devil, which I read about 20ish years ago and thought it was rather well written. However, the subject was not my cup of tea, so I never read anything by her again.
I'm still in the second chapter (strangely enough), but so far it's quite interesting. Nothing's really happened, aside from a lot of setup and exposition. I like the character introduced in this chapter. His treatise on abortion was amazingly poignant.
This is my second Rice novel, the other being Memnoch the Devil, which I read about 20ish years ago and thought it was rather well written. However, the subject was not my cup of tea, so I never read anything by her again.
Posted by: soulpile at March 05, 2023 12:36 PM (hiX0r)
431
My wife thought daylight savings time started today, so it's worth a mention that it's not until next weekend.
Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at March 05, 2023 12:39 PM (ZSK0i)
432
…After I met Paul, my only remaining concern, really, was for Paul. I'd watched him, through this whole thing. Nobody, not even Dr. Tom, had spent more time with him.
Paul was absolutely overjoyed every time someone new Found Out, as we came to say it. Paul was always on the front fringe of the outward-pushing community, always as delighted as a child with a new toy to see that person turn around and, quite often in a new way, pass along the gift of invulnerability.
When he played with young children, or saw people doing new things because of the Gift, he was clearly happy then, too.…
Paul was absolutely overjoyed every time someone new Found Out, as we came to say it. Paul was always on the front fringe of the outward-pushing community, always as delighted as a child with a new toy to see that person turn around and, quite often in a new way, pass along the gift of invulnerability.
When he played with young children, or saw people doing new things because of the Gift, he was clearly happy then, too.…
Posted by: mindful webworker - click for a story at March 05, 2023 01:02 PM (WtEb/)
433
"There is a book written post WWII by an American general entitled 'War Is A Racket.'"
Smedley Butler, published pre-war-about 1935 (he died in 1940); I doubt he would have thought the war against fascism was a racket. What set Butler off was the use of the Marine Corps in the Banana Wars (where he served), and there he has a pretty good argument. As Wiki puts it: "After his retirement, Butler became an outspoken critic of the business interests in the Caribbean, criticizing the ways in which American businesses and Wall Street bankers imposed their agenda on U.S. foreign policy."
Smedley Butler, published pre-war-about 1935 (he died in 1940); I doubt he would have thought the war against fascism was a racket. What set Butler off was the use of the Marine Corps in the Banana Wars (where he served), and there he has a pretty good argument. As Wiki puts it: "After his retirement, Butler became an outspoken critic of the business interests in the Caribbean, criticizing the ways in which American businesses and Wall Street bankers imposed their agenda on U.S. foreign policy."
Posted by: Pope John 20th at March 05, 2023 01:31 PM (cYrkj)
434
No.
Posted by: The wife's answer at March 05, 2023 01:34 PM (Om/di)
435
I wouldn't categorize "The Forever War" as hard sf at all, more like "sociological" + somewhat mil sf. And the follow on book was even more sociological and very disappointing, sort of "went hippy" like some of today's sf has "gone woke" and become unreadable.
Posted by: notofthebody at March 05, 2023 01:36 PM (pMTKZ)
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 05, 2023 01:41 PM (Om/di)
437
I am making $90 an hour working from home. i was greatly surprised at the same time as my neighbour advised me she changed into averaging $100 however I see the way it works now. I experience mass freedom now that I'm my non-public boss.
Here's what I've been doing.. www.Payathome7.com
Here's what I've been doing.. www.Payathome7.com
Posted by: www.Payathome7.com at March 06, 2023 01:33 AM (3AWRV)
Processing 0.06, elapsed 0.0625 seconds.
15 queries taking 0.0199 seconds, 446 records returned.
Page size 278 kb.
Powered by Minx 0.8 beta.
MuNuvians
MeeNuvians
Polls! Polls! Polls!
Real Clear Politics
Gallup
Frequently Asked Questions
The (Almost) Complete Paul Anka Integrity Kick
Primary Document: The Audio
Paul Anka Haiku Contest Announcement
Integrity SAT's: Entrance Exam for Paul Anka's Band
AllahPundit's Paul Anka 45's Collection
AnkaPundit: Paul Anka Takes Over the Site for a Weekend (Continues through to Monday's postings)
George Bush Slices Don Rumsfeld Like an F*ckin' Hammer
Paul Anka Haiku Contest Announcement
Integrity SAT's: Entrance Exam for Paul Anka's Band
AllahPundit's Paul Anka 45's Collection
AnkaPundit: Paul Anka Takes Over the Site for a Weekend (Continues through to Monday's postings)
George Bush Slices Don Rumsfeld Like an F*ckin' Hammer
Top Top Tens
Democratic Forays into Erotica
New Shows On Gore's DNC/MTV Network
Nicknames for Potatoes, By People Who Really Hate Potatoes
Star Wars Euphemisms for Self-Abuse
Signs You're at an Iraqi "Wedding Party"
Signs Your Clown Has Gone Bad
Signs That You, Geroge Michael, Should Probably Just Give It Up
Signs of Hip-Hop Influence on John Kerry
NYT Headlines Spinning Bush's Jobs Boom
Things People Are More Likely to Say Than "Did You Hear What Al Franken Said Yesterday?"
Signs that Paul Krugman Has Lost His Frickin' Mind
All-Time Best NBA Players, According to Senator Robert Byrd
Other Bad Things About the Jews, According to the Koran
Signs That David Letterman Just Doesn't Care Anymore
Examples of Bob Kerrey's Insufferable Racial Jackassery
Signs Andy Rooney Is Going Senile
Other Judgments Dick Clarke Made About Condi Rice Based on Her Appearance
Collective Names for Groups of People
John Kerry's Other Vietnam Super-Pets
Cool Things About the XM8 Assault Rifle
Media-Approved Facts About the Democrat Spy
Changes to Make Christianity More "Inclusive"
Secret John Kerry Senatorial Accomplishments
John Edwards Campaign Excuses
John Kerry Pick-Up Lines
Changes Liberal Senator George Michell Will Make at Disney
Torments in Dog-Hell
Greatest Hitjobs
The Ace of Spades HQ Sex-for-Money Skankathon
A D&D Guide to the Democratic Candidates
Margaret Cho: Just Not Funny
More Margaret Cho Abuse
Margaret Cho: Still Not Funny
Iraqi Prisoner Claims He Was Raped... By Woman
Wonkette Announces "Morning Zoo" Format
John Kerry's "Plan" Causes Surrender of Moqtada al-Sadr's Militia
World Muslim Leaders Apologize for Nick Berg's Beheading
Michael Moore Goes on Lunchtime Manhattan Death-Spree
Milestone: Oliver Willis Posts 400th "Fake News Article" Referencing Britney Spears
Liberal Economists Rue a "New Decade of Greed"
Artificial Insouciance: Maureen Dowd's Word Processor Revolts Against Her Numbing Imbecility
Intelligence Officials Eye Blogs for Tips
They Done Found Us Out, Cletus: Intrepid Internet Detective Figures Out Our Master Plan
Shock: Josh Marshall Almost Mentions Sarin Discovery in Iraq
Leather-Clad Biker Freaks Terrorize Australian Town
When Clinton Was President, Torture Was Cool
What Wonkette Means When She Explains What Tina Brown Means
Wonkette's Stand-Up Act
Wankette HQ Gay-Rumors Du Jour
Here's What's Bugging Me: Goose and Slider
My Own Micah Wright Style Confession of Dishonesty
Outraged "Conservatives" React to the FMA
An On-Line Impression of Dennis Miller Having Sex with a Kodiak Bear
The Story the Rightwing Media Refuses to Report!
Our Lunch with David "Glengarry Glen Ross" Mamet
The House of Love: Paul Krugman
A Michael Moore Mystery (TM)
The Dowd-O-Matic!
Liberal Consistency and Other Myths
Kepler's Laws of Liberal Media Bias
John Kerry-- The Splunge! Candidate
"Divisive" Politics & "Attacks on Patriotism" (very long)
The Donkey ("The Raven" parody)
News/Chat