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Sunday Morning Book Thread - 07-30-2023 ["Perfessor" Squirrel]
PIC NOTE
Today's pic features a library vending machine in Beijing, China. Apparently they are quite popular over there. Or simply enforced by the State. I wonder if we'll ever reach a point where we can print out a book on demand, then return the book to a recycling point so it can be turned into other books... SERIES WITHIN SERIES Let's talk about books that are part of a series within a longer series. It's somewhat uncommon, but there are authors who like to group some of their stories within a larger context or within a larger world so that all of their series are connected in some way to form a much larger narrative for the reader to enjoy. Terry Brooks (Shannara) and Raymond E. Feist (Riftwar) are both quite prolific authors who have each written about 30 books or so in their respective series. Most of the sub-series are divided into duologies, trilogies, or quartets. Each subseries will usually focus on separate groups of characters, though you may have cameos from characters in a previous series or characters from that previous series will be given their own spot in the limelight. Terry Brooks' Shannara series is notable for "canon welding" a previous series into the main overarching worldbuilding with a couple of bridging series of novels. The entire narrative from start to finish spans thousands of years, starting in the present day, continuing through the Great Wars--where the world was mostly destroyed in nuclear and magical fire--up through several ages of magic until magical technology asserts itself to become the dominant form of power on the planet. Feist's Riftwar series only spans a few centuries by comparison, but we do get to see the rise and fall of several empires during that time, including the collapse of the Kingdom of the Isles, where most of the action takes place. We even get to witness the destruction of Kelewan, the homeworld of the Tsurani, who invaded the Kingdom in the very first book, Magician: Apprentice. Series within series is not just confined to fantasy, of course. Science fiction also has its fair share of such groupings within a larger narrative. Asimov's Foundation series has the original trilogy, plus a sequel series. It takes place over thousands of years, so there's plenty of room for many, many stories detailing the rise and fall of the Galactic Empire. Foundation was inspired by Edward Gibbons' The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Enough material has been written in this series for it to become its own franchise, as authors have been given permission to add to the narrative over time. Frank Herbert's Dune series started out as a trilogy, then expanded to six books. Frank's son Brian has since collaborated with Kevin J. Anderson to continue writing books in the Dune universe. Many of the books are grouped into their own series, such as Prelude to Dune (3 books), Legends of Dune (also 3 books), etc. Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child also include subseries within their larger Agent Pendergast series (mostly mysteries with an overtone of light science-fictiony elements). Many of the books are standalone, but do refer to important plot elements from previous books, so it helps to read the series in order. Along the way, a few books can be grouped together, such as Brimstone, Dance of Death, and The Book of the Dead, which are known collectively as the Diogenes Trilogy. This documents Pendergast's complicated and tortuous relationship with his younger brother, Diogenes Pendergast, who tuns out to be a criminal mastermind. If A. X. L. Pendergast is Holmes, then Diogenes is Moriarty. Like Isaac Asimov and F. Paul Wilson, the Agent Pendergast series is just one segment of worldbuilding crafted by the two authors, as each author writes standalone novels set in the same world and they have other series in the world they have cowritten, such as the Gideon Crew series of novels. I often enjoy reading multiple series set in the same world simply because I *love* worldbuilding, especially when the author takes painstaking care in revealing just a little bit more detail with each novel set in that universe. Though some authors (Feist) are notorious for not paying close attention to previous novels, often resulting in canon discontinuities.
Comment: I did read through the "Inclusive Writing Guide." Some of it actually makes a certain amount of sense, such as: "Mention race, ethnicity, disability, gender, and other identities only if relevant to the story." In other words, don't mention these details unless the story involves those details in some way. But then other guidelines are obviously pandering to woke language, such as: "Enslaved People - Use this term, not slaves. The term emphasizes that the slave status has been imposed on individuals [by whitey, of course! - PS]. The term slave denotes an inherent identity of a person or people treated as chattel or property." The term "Hawaiian" is to be reserved exclusively for Native Hawaiians. Anyone else is a "Hawaiian resident." There's a rather long list of preferred terminology for race, disability, and, of course, gender and LGBTQIA2S+ terms. That last one refers to "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and Two-spirit." I'm guessing the "+" is reserved for "minor-attracted persons." Reading through the acknowledgements, it was compiled over two years by a diverse group of people from several different administrative units in the City of Portland, as well as like-minded community activist groups. I'm just glad I am not required in my job to adhere to these ridiculous and overly-complicated guidelines. MORON RECOMMENDATIONS
The new edition of the Newspeak dictionary is out!' Ladies and Gentlemen, Portland's "INCLUSIVE WRITING GUIDE"! https://tinyurl.com/2m5hw69e It's every bit as bad as you might expect. Posted by: A Provocative Parade Of Perverts! at July 10, 2023 01:12 PM (2tUFv)
Comment: Many long-lasting, well-established companies have reached a point where senior executive leadership is no longer interested in being a good steward of the companies they lead. I've seen it even in my own industry of higher education. The top guy swoops in from outside the organization, sticks around a few years, makes all sorts of crazy changes, then leaves to their next gig. Their goal isn't to be a good leader of the organization, but to leave a "legacy" they can point to as a "success" for their next gig. Meanwhile, the people left behind have clean up the mess. It can be quite frustrating when you are in the lower levels of an organization.
There is a book Barbarians to Bureaucrats that outlines/describes the various stages a company may go through from its nascent years to when it ends up in bankruptcy or is pure evil. Walt was certainly the "Visionary" while Eisner was the "Aristocrat". There are many steps along the way, particularly when the Professional Class steps in and smothers out the vision and mission of the entity in pursuit of validating the MBA degree. Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 23, 2023 09:13 AM (p8A+W)
Comment: That's an interesting point that a Southern author may be dismissed simply because he was on the "wrong" side of a major political issue. Of course, we see this all the time today with conservative authors who are dismissed or cancelled because of their "wrongthink." I admit I've never heard of Sims. However, I could see that he might have a touch of the supernatural if he is writing about stories in antebellum South Carolina. I was reading Bloodless in the Agent Pendergast series, which takes place in Savannah, Georgia, which has a long tradition of supernatural horror in its history. I imagine South Carolina has a similar history...
I'm continuing with Tales of the South a collection of short stories of antebellum South Carolina by William Gilmore Simms. His writing is delightful in itself: sprightly, wonderful straight-face humor (reminds me of PG Wodehouse many years later), great characters, and a touch of the supernatural. Everything of Simms that I've read, The Golden Christmas and his biography of Francis Marion has been excellent. Simms was as popular as Poe and Melville in his time. Although he has been 'rediscovered' to a point, I wonder if his 'fall' was because he was from the South. Most of the one star reviews of his books come from snowflakes offended that anything connected to the Confederacy is allowed in print. The others bitched about his 'old' style writing that they find difficult to understand. That alone should mean his books are worth reading. Posted by: JTB at July 23, 2023 09:16 AM (7EjX1)
Comment: C.S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll, of course, are both noted for writing stories where children escape to a magical land (Narnia and Wonderland, respectively). One can only imagine the adventures Flora had while she was away from the "real" world...assuming she is still alive, of course.
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry is a story set in 1939, when two sisters are sent to the countryside to escape the oncoming Blitz. Fourteen-year-old Hazel weaves stories for five-year-old Flora to keep her happy and distracted -- their own private fairyland, Whisperwood, a secret place they can escape to. But one day Flora vanishes while playing by the riverside. She's never found, and Hazel grows up crippled by guilt. Twenty years later Hazel, who works at a rare book store in London, unwraps a package with an illustrated copy of Whisperwood and the River of Stars. They never shared their stories with anyone -- is Flora still alive? The town of Binsey, where our young evacuees ended up, was a great literary choice for the setting. Per Wiki: "[Binsey's historic pub] The Perch was frequented by author Lewis Carroll and is noted as one of the first places that he gave public readings of Alice in Wonderland. It was also a favourite of C. S. Lewis". Here's a link on Operation Pied Piper: https://tinyurl.com/2p8km8j6 Posted by: All Hail Eris at July 23, 2023 09:25 AM (IO+iC)
Comment: I'm not familiar with The Little Grey Men, but I do vaguely remember reading The Borrowers, or maybe my mom read it to us kids...Anyway, I am always a huge fan of stories that you can pass on to your children and grandchildren. Children (and grandchildren) should be encouraged to read as soon as humanly possible so that they become lifelong readers. More Moron-recommended reading material can be found HERE! (896 Moron-recommended books so far!)
When I was in the fourth grade (centuries ago now), I read two books that I loved with all my heart: The Little Grey Men by D. J. Watkins-Pitchford who went by the pseudonym B.B., and The Borrowers by Mary Norton. For years I searched for those books for my children but it seems they went out of print. Then, to my delight, they must have been re-released and I found them on Amazon (yes, I know, gak, pfui), and the sequels as well. They were written for children, but I've been reading them and I discover that they encompass some themes you wouldn't imagine would be in children's books (at least not in those written before the current Age of Decadence). They're fairy tales, and like the old fairy tales, they don't pull punches. I'll give them to my grandchildren for their children when I've done with them. Posted by: RebeccaH at July 23, 2023 10:24 AM (JI6AV)
- Bloodless by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child -- Agent Pendergast and his partner Agent Coldmoon investigate a series of bizarre murders in Savannah, Georgia, where the victims have been drained of all their blood.
- The Cabinet of Dr. Leng by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child -- Agent Pendergast and his ward Constance Greene travel deep into Contance's past...
- Relic by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child -- Agent Pendergast investigates a series of bizarre murders at the American Natural History Museum in NYC. The first in the Pendergast series. Also contains hilariously dated computer technology since it takes place in 1995 or so.
- Reliquary by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child -- A wealthy socialite is murdered under mysterious circumstances, along with numerous homeless among NYC's underground mole people.
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Still reading.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at July 30, 2023 08:59 AM (adINt)
2
Me too
Posted by: RetSgtRN at July 30, 2023 09:02 AM (RqUF/)
3
Tolle Lege
Did get some reading in on Patrick O'Brian 100 days
Last week failed to mention been getting PDFs due to signing up for EDU Administration.
Last week read a very good account of the 2 British seige during the Napoleonic era Peninsular war
Did get some reading in on Patrick O'Brian 100 days
Last week failed to mention been getting PDFs due to signing up for EDU Administration.
Last week read a very good account of the 2 British seige during the Napoleonic era Peninsular war
Posted by: Skip at July 30, 2023 09:02 AM (xhxe8)
4
Hmm. Two of my Retief collections -- "Retief at Large" and "Retief of the CDT" -- have several of the same stories in common, but they differ in punctuation, paragraph and chapter breaks, and non-essential words such as "he yelped."
I wish I knew which version is the original. However, I don't think I'll be able to lay my hands on the relevant copies of If magazine.
I wish I knew which version is the original. However, I don't think I'll be able to lay my hands on the relevant copies of If magazine.
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 09:07 AM (p/isN)
5
I read Empire of Lies by Andrew Klaven. I knew Klaven from his spot-on political commentary, but I did not know he has written a slew of novels. In this thriller, Jason Harrow is torn from his idyllic life when an old girlfriend calls and asks him to help find her missing daughter. The daughter turns out to be his too, and she's the unknowing dupe of a terrorist cell. The high-suspense ending is well written.
Posted by: Zoltan at July 30, 2023 09:07 AM (t98tm)
6
Sorry I'm late
Posted by: Nancy Mace at July 30, 2023 09:08 AM (DM6qu)
7
#3 But virtually all the rest of these email delivered PDF are but scattered pages, I am getting 2 -3 daily I mostly get rid of and questions if I am the guy mentioned in this or that scientific or chemistry paper.
All for just wanting to read historical accounts
All for just wanting to read historical accounts
Posted by: Skip at July 30, 2023 09:09 AM (xhxe8)
8
I wish I knew which version is the original. However, I don't think I'll be able to lay my hands on the relevant copies of If magazine.
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 09:07 AM (p/isN)
Try here:
https://archive.org/details/ifmagazine?tab=collection
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 09:07 AM (p/isN)
Try here:
https://archive.org/details/ifmagazine?tab=collection
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 30, 2023 09:10 AM (BpYfr)
9
On the Lor-uhd's Day I make a sacrifice: I only do it missionary with my fiance'.
Gotta honor the Lor-uhd, y'all!
Gotta honor the Lor-uhd, y'all!
Posted by: Nancy Mace at July 30, 2023 09:11 AM (ywVDE)
10
hiya
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 09:12 AM (T4tVD)
11
Picking out my beach reading for Labor Day week. Always take our vacations the week after Labor Day. Hotel rates drop by about half versus summer rates.
On the list so far - Dean of Shandong (moron recommendation)
Beartown because my sister recommended it. Mostly her picks don't work out for me, but giving her another try. And probably not definitely a collection of Japanese short stories. Some sort of short story anthology to round out the list.
On the list so far - Dean of Shandong (moron recommendation)
Beartown because my sister recommended it. Mostly her picks don't work out for me, but giving her another try. And probably not definitely a collection of Japanese short stories. Some sort of short story anthology to round out the list.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 30, 2023 09:13 AM (9yUzE)
12
An observation, Edgar Allen Poe is from the South as well. Never read Simms, but I will correct in the near future.
Posted by: Puddinhead at July 30, 2023 09:13 AM (/UtnQ)
13
"The Galaxy is a Dumpster Fire"
For about the last 4 years I've been reading books in the Galaxy's Edge universe created by Jason Anspach and Nick Cole, and Friday I finally finished the 42nd book set in that universe.
Military sci-fi at its absolute finest, but it isn't just military sci-fi: there are some very eccentric, well-drawn characters with profound arcs, a lot of humor, and some crazy other-worldly things that occur, as well.
The first novel, Legionnaire, was published in 2018, and the main plotline contains 18 books, but the story was not published chronologically. Rather, another 24 books in 4 different spin-off series are used to fill in the backstory and character development, and all of these are crucial to the development of the universe.
Did you say "characters"?
Tyrus Rechs, former General, creator of the Legion, former prisoner of the Savages, 2000 year old bounty hunter. Easily the best character in this universe.
The Savages, Earth's woke masters who desert Earth after their utopian projects devastate the planet, who slowly go mad as they travel the universe in their sub-light hulks.
1/2
For about the last 4 years I've been reading books in the Galaxy's Edge universe created by Jason Anspach and Nick Cole, and Friday I finally finished the 42nd book set in that universe.
Military sci-fi at its absolute finest, but it isn't just military sci-fi: there are some very eccentric, well-drawn characters with profound arcs, a lot of humor, and some crazy other-worldly things that occur, as well.
The first novel, Legionnaire, was published in 2018, and the main plotline contains 18 books, but the story was not published chronologically. Rather, another 24 books in 4 different spin-off series are used to fill in the backstory and character development, and all of these are crucial to the development of the universe.
Did you say "characters"?
Tyrus Rechs, former General, creator of the Legion, former prisoner of the Savages, 2000 year old bounty hunter. Easily the best character in this universe.
The Savages, Earth's woke masters who desert Earth after their utopian projects devastate the planet, who slowly go mad as they travel the universe in their sub-light hulks.
1/2
Posted by: Sharkman at July 30, 2023 09:15 AM (O0UOO)
14
I guess I was using inclusive terminology before such a thing was named.
As a copy editor, I tried to use words such as "police officer," "firefighter," "trash collector," "mail carrier," etc. -- any occupation that women could do, too. I never could find an acceptable substitute for "deliveryman."
But the description of that Portland list makes me glad I don't have to use it.
As a copy editor, I tried to use words such as "police officer," "firefighter," "trash collector," "mail carrier," etc. -- any occupation that women could do, too. I never could find an acceptable substitute for "deliveryman."
But the description of that Portland list makes me glad I don't have to use it.
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 09:15 AM (p/isN)
15
I don't think the pants guy owns a weedwhacker. (if you catch my drift.....)
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 09:15 AM (T4tVD)
16
I learnt earlier this week that commenter LenNeal and TJM are authors.
We're dealing with a minor medical incident, so I have to to fix my Goodreads and look for their works; if Anymoron can point me out. . . .
Also, I'll gripe about my own writing process (or lack thereof) later.
We're dealing with a minor medical incident, so I have to to fix my Goodreads and look for their works; if Anymoron can point me out. . . .
Also, I'll gripe about my own writing process (or lack thereof) later.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 09:16 AM (ywVDE)
17
I finished 'Rubicon' By Tom Holland. Overall, it was a good read but I wish there more detail.
Now, I starting on 'July 1914' by Sean McMeekin.
Now, I starting on 'July 1914' by Sean McMeekin.
Posted by: dantesed at July 30, 2023 09:17 AM (88xKn)
18
Thanks, Prof!
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 09:17 AM (p/isN)
19
Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading.
Posted by: JTB at July 30, 2023 09:18 AM (7EjX1)
20
Death, Destroyer of Worlds, Tyrus Rechs' psychotic little gunnery bot, who dreams of war and heroic self-immolation.
Bots, Androids, Sentient AIs, a corrupt human kleptocracy pretending to be a republic and a myriad of interesting aliens. Favorite among them being the Zhee, the insane, donkey-like, mindlessly braying warriors who commit jihad on every other race and life form at the drop of a hat.
The Ancients, who've abandoned the galaxy in the face of The Old Ones, a hideous, otherworldly existential threat heading to the galaxy that can not be stopped. Or can they?
Very well-written small-unit combat by the Legionnaires as they battle the Savages, Zhee, Drusic, Doro, and others, and try to keep the galaxy together, while also battling their own government.
Highly recommended. I'm going back and reading all 42 books in internal chrono order now that the universe is complete.
2/2
Bots, Androids, Sentient AIs, a corrupt human kleptocracy pretending to be a republic and a myriad of interesting aliens. Favorite among them being the Zhee, the insane, donkey-like, mindlessly braying warriors who commit jihad on every other race and life form at the drop of a hat.
The Ancients, who've abandoned the galaxy in the face of The Old Ones, a hideous, otherworldly existential threat heading to the galaxy that can not be stopped. Or can they?
Very well-written small-unit combat by the Legionnaires as they battle the Savages, Zhee, Drusic, Doro, and others, and try to keep the galaxy together, while also battling their own government.
Highly recommended. I'm going back and reading all 42 books in internal chrono order now that the universe is complete.
2/2
Posted by: Sharkman at July 30, 2023 09:18 AM (O0UOO)
21
Finished The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - and Why by Amanda Ripley.
This is from the author's website.
"Half of Americans have been affected by a disaster of some kind. In big disasters, regular people are the first and most important rescuers on the scene. But very few of us know what to expect until it is too late.
By combining the stories of survivors with research into how the brain works under extreme duress, The Unthinkable tries to bring light into civilization’s darkest moments. Why do we freeze in the middle of a fire? How can we override this instinct? Why do our senses of sight and hearing change during a terrorist attack? Why are most heroes men?
Amanda Ripley reveals how human fear circuits and crowd dynamics work, why our instincts sometimes misfire in modern calamities, and how we can do much, much better."
This was written in 2008, and highly touted.
It is rare for me to move a book into my top 5 influential books at the advanced age of 29. But this book gathers together a lot of information that was scattered before. Having been through enough disasters myself, this book is crystal clear and enlightening.
This is from the author's website.
"Half of Americans have been affected by a disaster of some kind. In big disasters, regular people are the first and most important rescuers on the scene. But very few of us know what to expect until it is too late.
By combining the stories of survivors with research into how the brain works under extreme duress, The Unthinkable tries to bring light into civilization’s darkest moments. Why do we freeze in the middle of a fire? How can we override this instinct? Why do our senses of sight and hearing change during a terrorist attack? Why are most heroes men?
Amanda Ripley reveals how human fear circuits and crowd dynamics work, why our instincts sometimes misfire in modern calamities, and how we can do much, much better."
This was written in 2008, and highly touted.
It is rare for me to move a book into my top 5 influential books at the advanced age of 29. But this book gathers together a lot of information that was scattered before. Having been through enough disasters myself, this book is crystal clear and enlightening.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 30, 2023 09:20 AM (u82oZ)
22
“Many long-lasting, well-established companies have reached a point where senior executive leadership is no longer interested in being a good steward of the companies they lead. I've seen it even in my own industry of higher education. The top guy swoops in from outside the organization, sticks around a few years, makes all sorts of crazy changes, then leaves to their next gig. Their goal isn't to be a good leader of the organization, but to leave a "legacy" they can point to as a "success" for their next gig. Meanwhile, the people left behind have clean up the mess. It can be quite frustrating when you are in the lower levels of an organization”
Such a perfect description of the military.....
Such a perfect description of the military.....
Posted by: Sua Sponte at July 30, 2023 09:20 AM (zGpsz)
23
Those would be good pants for San Francisco, but be sure to wear flowers in your hair.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at July 30, 2023 09:20 AM (NBVIP)
24
Highly recommended. I'm going back and reading all 42 books in internal chrono order now that the universe is complete.
2/2
Posted by: Sharkman at July 30, 2023 09:18 AM (O0UOO)
----
Wow. That's quite a long series! Have fun reading them in chronological order!
2/2
Posted by: Sharkman at July 30, 2023 09:18 AM (O0UOO)
----
Wow. That's quite a long series! Have fun reading them in chronological order!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 30, 2023 09:22 AM (BpYfr)
25
I learnt earlier this week that commenter LenNeal and TJM are authors.
Click TJM's nic and check out his site. And bring a lunch and a dinnah !
Click TJM's nic and check out his site. And bring a lunch and a dinnah !
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 09:22 AM (T4tVD)
26
hiya JT!!! How are you?
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 09:25 AM (JrN/x)
27
I've previously mentioned my love for Alastair Reynolds' Revelation Space series. In addition to 8 novels, the series has many short stories as well.
About 4 months ago I completed Reading through all that Reynolds has written in the Revelation Space Universe, in chronological Order. It was quite satisfying to do so.
Here is that reading order in case you are interested:
https://tinyurl.com/AR-RSpace-Reading-Order
The universe Reynolds created is incredibly creative with a yuge variety of very interesting characters. Great sci-fi indeed.
About 4 months ago I completed Reading through all that Reynolds has written in the Revelation Space Universe, in chronological Order. It was quite satisfying to do so.
Here is that reading order in case you are interested:
https://tinyurl.com/AR-RSpace-Reading-Order
The universe Reynolds created is incredibly creative with a yuge variety of very interesting characters. Great sci-fi indeed.
Posted by: Sharkman at July 30, 2023 09:26 AM (O0UOO)
28
The book I re-read this week is State of Fear by Michael Crichton. State of Fear is analogous to Atlas Shrugged, but the enemy is a specific type of statist; those in the environmental movement. Peter Evans is the youngest attorney assigned by his firm to represent George Morton, billionaire philanthropist, and Morton's favorite. Morton has been giving millions of dollars each year to environmental groups, but begins to suspect that their pronouncements are not on the up and up. Nicholas Drake runs one of the environmental groups, and realizes that what he needs are some very deadly catastrophes in order to wake the world up to the imminent danger of global warming. Peter is swept up in a world where a few dedicated people try to impede those intent on eco-terrorism. In the book, whenever Crichton presents the arguments against the green agenda, he footnotes the arguments with the facts, and at the end of the book, he has appendices to back up his argument further. The book takes Peter Evans from a true believer in global warming to a realist. The story is good, and the presentation of the true state of the environment is even better.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at July 30, 2023 09:26 AM (V3wgw)
29
Having read Dave Barry's 1st 2 novels Big Trouble and Tricky Business, Which I thought were GREAT ! I read his 3rd novel Swamp Story and it was kinda meh.
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 09:27 AM (T4tVD)
30
Reading note: Prime Reading has some good ones this month.
Got two classics: The Brothers Karamazov and The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.
Got two classics: The Brothers Karamazov and The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 09:27 AM (ywVDE)
31
Also the mate wants me to get rid of the couch iny library and replace it with two reading chairs because "it would look nicer." I'm not of a mind to give up my reading (Napping) couch.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 30, 2023 09:27 AM (9yUzE)
32
The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - and Why has guidance for you. Forewarned is forearmed.
One thing that struck me was the profile of heroic actions. Those people, mostly but not always men, had blue-collar or military backgrounds. Almost none were the "elites".
Added bonus: she has a profile of Rick Rescorla.
I would much rather be in a disaster with anyone on the blog than the top people in the US Government.
One thing that struck me was the profile of heroic actions. Those people, mostly but not always men, had blue-collar or military backgrounds. Almost none were the "elites".
Added bonus: she has a profile of Rick Rescorla.
I would much rather be in a disaster with anyone on the blog than the top people in the US Government.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 30, 2023 09:27 AM (u82oZ)
33
I may have mentioned earlier (sorry, senior brain) that I recently learned that Mark Twain was instrumental in convincing US Grant to pull together his memoirs and further, in getting them published such that Grant made some good money off of them.
I'm on the prowl for a decent copy, at a decent price.
I'm on the prowl for a decent copy, at a decent price.
Posted by: Tonypete at July 30, 2023 09:28 AM (u/66v)
34
Edgar Allen Poe is from the South as well.
Born Boston, spent more of his youth in England than in Richmond, and lasted twice as long at West Point as at UVa.
Died in Baltimore, but most Southrons now disown Baltimore.
Born Boston, spent more of his youth in England than in Richmond, and lasted twice as long at West Point as at UVa.
Died in Baltimore, but most Southrons now disown Baltimore.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at July 30, 2023 09:28 AM (4PZHB)
35
I would much rather be in a disaster with anyone on the blog than the top people in the US Government.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 30, 2023 09:27 AM (u82oZ)
---
With the skillset of the people who attend a typical MoMe, we could rebuild civilization.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 30, 2023 09:27 AM (u82oZ)
---
With the skillset of the people who attend a typical MoMe, we could rebuild civilization.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 30, 2023 09:28 AM (BpYfr)
36
Morning, book-addicted persons! I'm here with Dagny Sophia La Siberienne on the cushion . . . well, okay, she's left. But I maintain.
I've been reading Dennis Lehane's recent crime novel, Small Mercies, set in working-class Boston ("Southie") in the summer of 1974. That year, he tells us, was the year the courts enforced busing to eliminate segregated schools. Amid the protests by white citizens, a young black man, not a criminal at all, is killed at a train station; and a tough middle-aged Irish mother loses her daughter and decides to go to war against the local crime boss whose lieutenants were involved in her death. Fascinating stuff, as always from Lehane.
I've been reading Dennis Lehane's recent crime novel, Small Mercies, set in working-class Boston ("Southie") in the summer of 1974. That year, he tells us, was the year the courts enforced busing to eliminate segregated schools. Amid the protests by white citizens, a young black man, not a criminal at all, is killed at a train station; and a tough middle-aged Irish mother loses her daughter and decides to go to war against the local crime boss whose lieutenants were involved in her death. Fascinating stuff, as always from Lehane.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 09:28 AM (omVj0)
37
MOKI !
HIYA !
I'm okay, surviving the heat; I have to finish weeding my garden to make room for new weeds.
I hope all is well with you and yourn !
HIYA !
I'm okay, surviving the heat; I have to finish weeding my garden to make room for new weeds.
I hope all is well with you and yourn !
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 09:29 AM (T4tVD)
38
Got a funny text from a friend yesterday, consider it a book recommendation of sorts:
"Oh gosh, I'm 25 pages into Year of Yes by Shonda Rimes, and I think it's the top three worst books I've ever read. 1, 2, and 3."
Heh. He reads a lot (100+ books a year) and this one book has now secured 3 spots in his list of bad one, lol.
(It's for his book club at work, so he has to finish it.)
"Oh gosh, I'm 25 pages into Year of Yes by Shonda Rimes, and I think it's the top three worst books I've ever read. 1, 2, and 3."
Heh. He reads a lot (100+ books a year) and this one book has now secured 3 spots in his list of bad one, lol.
(It's for his book club at work, so he has to finish it.)
Posted by: Lizzy at July 30, 2023 09:30 AM (avru5)
39
Working my way through: "The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist's Guide to Success in Business and Life" by Avinash K. Dixit and Barry J. J. Nalebuff. Game theory is a fancy word for interactive decision making between multiple participants. The book has academic flavor in places but only where needed to illustrate different decisions and outcomes. My theory that good decision-making is a broadly applicable mental muscle skill.
Posted by: TRex at July 30, 2023 09:30 AM (IQ6Gq)
40
Rearranging books? Perfesser Squirrel, for the impending zombie times your book/ammo ratio must be in correct proportion.
Posted by: Eromero at July 30, 2023 09:30 AM (vlMl3)
41
Good morning again!
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry is next on my to-be-read list.
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry is next on my to-be-read list.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 09:30 AM (OX9vb)
42
Miss Linda and I have made a deal. I will try another one or two of these "cozy" modern mystery novels, and she will read Hag's Nook, the first Dr. Fell novel by the incredible John Dickson Carr. I'm hoping she will see the gigantic gulf between Carr/Christie/Queen's standard of work and the modern formulaic story. (Yes, I know, the classical mystery is written to a formula too. But the best writers of it always kept you from seeing, or caring about, the formula and kept you guessing what would happen next.)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 09:31 AM (omVj0)
43
But I though 0bama's was the gold standard for residential memoirs?
I mean, he didn't lead an army to victory, but he did calm the seas!
I mean, he didn't lead an army to victory, but he did calm the seas!
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 09:32 AM (ywVDE)
44
>>I would much rather be in a disaster with anyone on the blog than the top people in the US Government.
#MeToo
#MeToo
Posted by: Lizzy at July 30, 2023 09:32 AM (avru5)
45
I can think of several series-within-series from science fiction:
The Ringworld series exists within Niven's larger Known Space series.
Mike Resnick's "Far Future History" series and his "Widowmaker" series share the same universe, and since the first has less internal continuity I'd call the Widowmaker books a subseries.
Poul Anderson has at least three subseries within his overall future history series. The Nicholas Van Rijn stories, the "Trader Team" stories, and the entire "Ensign Flandry" series are all embedded within a larger context.
Then there's the shared franchises like the 1632-verse or Thieves' World, in which each author's stories about their particular characters work as a subseries.
The Ringworld series exists within Niven's larger Known Space series.
Mike Resnick's "Far Future History" series and his "Widowmaker" series share the same universe, and since the first has less internal continuity I'd call the Widowmaker books a subseries.
Poul Anderson has at least three subseries within his overall future history series. The Nicholas Van Rijn stories, the "Trader Team" stories, and the entire "Ensign Flandry" series are all embedded within a larger context.
Then there's the shared franchises like the 1632-verse or Thieves' World, in which each author's stories about their particular characters work as a subseries.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 30, 2023 09:32 AM (QZxDR)
46
"Perfessor" Squirrel
Well, the 'ettes possess highly stimulating character skills.
The 'ettes would demand that a sound civilization be built. None of this insane soy-boy nonsense.
The 'ettes would demand that a sound civilization be built. None of this insane soy-boy nonsense.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 30, 2023 09:33 AM (u82oZ)
47
Hiya JTB ! Regards to the Missus !
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 09:33 AM (T4tVD)
48
I've always loved the story about the bottle of cognac at Poe's grave.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at July 30, 2023 09:33 AM (NBVIP)
49
Yay book thread! While I wait for Vol. II of Max Saunders' encyclopedia biography of Ford Madox Ford, I've been reading Joseph Conrad, his one-time collaborator.
It's been a distracting week, so I'm still reading The Vibrancy of the Narcissus, which is quite a good read.
It's been a distracting week, so I'm still reading The Vibrancy of the Narcissus, which is quite a good read.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 09:34 AM (llXky)
50
Rearranging books? Perfesser Squirrel, for the impending zombie times your book/ammo ratio must be in correct proportion.
Posted by: Eromero
You're forgetting coffee !
Posted by: Eromero
You're forgetting coffee !
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 09:34 AM (T4tVD)
51
In the book, whenever Crichton presents the arguments against the green agenda, he footnotes the arguments with the facts, and at the end of the book, he has appendices to back up his argument further. The book takes Peter Evans from a true believer in global warming to a realist. The story is good, and the presentation of the true state of the environment is even better.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at July 30, 2023
***
We readers never minded being lectured by Crichton, as long as it was interesting -- and he always made it so. The current prohibition (I'd almost call it "superstitious fear" by amateur writers, and some pros) against "telling" the reader something rather than showing it: Crichton broke that rule, and did it brilliantly.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at July 30, 2023
***
We readers never minded being lectured by Crichton, as long as it was interesting -- and he always made it so. The current prohibition (I'd almost call it "superstitious fear" by amateur writers, and some pros) against "telling" the reader something rather than showing it: Crichton broke that rule, and did it brilliantly.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 09:35 AM (omVj0)
52
The Mason Dixon line is the northern border of Maryland. Baltimore and the Maryland legislature were taken hostage by Lincoln. Most Marylanders fought for the Confederacy.
Posted by: Puddinhead at July 30, 2023 09:35 AM (/UtnQ)
53
TRex
Another good book on Game Theory is Prisoner's Dilemma: John Von Neumann, Game Theory and the Puzzle of the Bomb.
Another good book on Game Theory is Prisoner's Dilemma: John Von Neumann, Game Theory and the Puzzle of the Bomb.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 30, 2023 09:35 AM (u82oZ)
54
I feel that bookshelf cartoon.
Good morning, bibliophiles! This week I'm reading "Battle of Ink and Ice: A Sensational Story of News Barons, North Pole Explorers, and the Making of Modern Media" by Darrell Hartman. I'm only a third of the way in, but it's a fascinating history of the rise of the dailies and the personalities behind them, and how they bankrolled explorers (f'rinstance I didn't know Stanley was backed by the Herald -- no geographical society was willing to help find Livingstone).
It blows my mind, in this era of instantaneous communications, that explorers like Cook and Perry might not be heard from in two years while trekking.
Good morning, bibliophiles! This week I'm reading "Battle of Ink and Ice: A Sensational Story of News Barons, North Pole Explorers, and the Making of Modern Media" by Darrell Hartman. I'm only a third of the way in, but it's a fascinating history of the rise of the dailies and the personalities behind them, and how they bankrolled explorers (f'rinstance I didn't know Stanley was backed by the Herald -- no geographical society was willing to help find Livingstone).
It blows my mind, in this era of instantaneous communications, that explorers like Cook and Perry might not be heard from in two years while trekking.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at July 30, 2023 09:35 AM (Z/H3L)
55
Thomas Paine @ 28-
Anf for State of Fear the global warmists made Dr. Crichton's final years not so good. Good book though.
Anf for State of Fear the global warmists made Dr. Crichton's final years not so good. Good book though.
Posted by: Eromero at July 30, 2023 09:36 AM (vlMl3)
56
I'm totally in a rut writing, for three years.
I realize that I'm going to need to change my living situation, or get high on a regular basis, to re-start.
I realize that I'm going to need to change my living situation, or get high on a regular basis, to re-start.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 09:36 AM (ywVDE)
57
I just finished reading "The Killing of Karen Silkwood" by Richard Rashke. It was published in '81 following the court case that ended in '79 vindicating Karen Silkwood's involvement in her own contamination of plutonium while am employee of the powerful Kerr-McGee. Most people are familiar with the story of Karen Silkwood from the movie, and the book does have parallels that are pretty accurately portrayed in the movie with some exceptions. The book focused less on Karen's personal life and instead shined a light on the court matters surrounding her posthumous lawsuit (brought by her family). What I truly found most shocking was the coordinated coverup (insinuated, but there is strong evidence to support it, imo) between Kerr-McGee, the Oklahoma PD, the FBI and the CIA. Since the Federal Gov't had a huge stake in the nuclear industry, all avenues were utilized to thwart her exposing one of the top US plants processing plutonium for reckless and highly dangerous practices. Her death still remains unsolved, but I fully believe she was run off the road and killed. Damning docs in her car were never found, though others saw them in her possession prior to her accident.
Posted by: Lady in Black at July 30, 2023 09:36 AM (mupln)
58
Another good book on Game Theory is Prisoner's Dilemma: John Von Neumann, Game Theory and the Puzzle of the Bomb.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 30, 2023 09:35 AM (u82oZ)
***
Thank you!
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 30, 2023 09:35 AM (u82oZ)
***
Thank you!
Posted by: TRex at July 30, 2023 09:38 AM (IQ6Gq)
59
Another good book on Game Theory is Prisoner's Dilemma: John Von Neumann, Game Theory and the Puzzle of the Bomb.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 30, 2023 09:35 AM (u82oZ)
--Read that in '93 when it came out.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 30, 2023 09:35 AM (u82oZ)
--Read that in '93 when it came out.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 09:38 AM (ywVDE)
60
Barbarians to Bureaucrats (mentioned above) certainly explained a lot of things about the world to me when I read it. Not only about corporations, but about how civilizations work.
It was better at defining problems and processes than working out long-term solutions. Some of the corporations chosen as models of good practices in the book when it was written are now well into their slide into aristocratic insanity. The author DID call it a "corporate life-cycle".
I kind of wished at the time I first read the book that the author had written a companion book about government bureaucracy.
It was better at defining problems and processes than working out long-term solutions. Some of the corporations chosen as models of good practices in the book when it was written are now well into their slide into aristocratic insanity. The author DID call it a "corporate life-cycle".
I kind of wished at the time I first read the book that the author had written a companion book about government bureaucracy.
Posted by: KT at July 30, 2023 09:39 AM (rrtZS)
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 30, 2023 09:39 AM (u82oZ)
62
I did read through the "Inclusive Writing Guide." Some of it actually makes a certain amount of sense, such as: "Mention race, ethnicity, disability, gender, and other identities only if relevant to the story."
Perfessor, these things are all relevant to the weirdos. In everything they write, this is required to be trumpeted. I'm sure the Horde could write a story that broke every one of these "rules."
Perfessor, these things are all relevant to the weirdos. In everything they write, this is required to be trumpeted. I'm sure the Horde could write a story that broke every one of these "rules."
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 09:40 AM (Angsy)
63
>>Ladies and Gentlemen, Portland's "INCLUSIVE WRITING GUIDE"!
Oh boy, can only imagine. . .
Watching the local news recently, they did a story about some guys who robbed a convenience store and then "exchanged words with 'people experiencing homelessness' outside the store."
That was a new one for me. So it's just an experience now, huh? Silly.
Oh boy, can only imagine. . .
Watching the local news recently, they did a story about some guys who robbed a convenience store and then "exchanged words with 'people experiencing homelessness' outside the store."
That was a new one for me. So it's just an experience now, huh? Silly.
Posted by: Lizzy at July 30, 2023 09:43 AM (avru5)
64
Perfessor, these things are all relevant to the weirdos. In everything they write, this is required to be trumpeted. I'm sure the Horde could write a story that broke every one of these "rules."
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Horde - "It was a dark and stormy night."
Weirdos - "It was a climate warming era enduced, virtually unprecedented, apoclyptic night of color."
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Horde - "It was a dark and stormy night."
Weirdos - "It was a climate warming era enduced, virtually unprecedented, apoclyptic night of color."
Posted by: Tonypete at July 30, 2023 09:43 AM (u/66v)
65
" The top guy swoops in from outside the organization, sticks around a few years, makes all sorts of crazy changes, then leaves to their next gig."
---
This describes some leadership I've known who wanted to make a military organization more like a widget-making enterprise. They "restructured" and "rightsized", and before the dust even settles they -- surprise! -- retire to a corporate gig.
---
This describes some leadership I've known who wanted to make a military organization more like a widget-making enterprise. They "restructured" and "rightsized", and before the dust even settles they -- surprise! -- retire to a corporate gig.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at July 30, 2023 09:43 AM (Z/H3L)
66
Well, Pud, there's one shithole you can't blame on Yankees then.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at July 30, 2023 09:44 AM (4PZHB)
67
I don't know anything about the Silkwood matter so don't take this as me trying to debunk it. But . . .
I am always bemused by the idea (so prevalent among Lefties) that "big companies will kill you to protect themselves." I always wondered exactly how HR hires a hit man, what the Legal department has to say about it, how Accounting lists the cost for tax purposes, and -- above all -- who speaks up in a meeting about the Situation and says "I know! We can murder her!"
I guess maybe one could imagine an exec doing the whole thing as a private side-project, especially if he might face criminal charges -- but that kind of shifts it from "the company" to "that guy." I can believe in That Guy committing or soliciting murder, but the idea of a large organization doing it and keeping it secret fails my belief test.
I am always bemused by the idea (so prevalent among Lefties) that "big companies will kill you to protect themselves." I always wondered exactly how HR hires a hit man, what the Legal department has to say about it, how Accounting lists the cost for tax purposes, and -- above all -- who speaks up in a meeting about the Situation and says "I know! We can murder her!"
I guess maybe one could imagine an exec doing the whole thing as a private side-project, especially if he might face criminal charges -- but that kind of shifts it from "the company" to "that guy." I can believe in That Guy committing or soliciting murder, but the idea of a large organization doing it and keeping it secret fails my belief test.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 30, 2023 09:45 AM (QZxDR)
68
60 the idea of barbarians to bureaucrats comes a recent (1980) history of The Hudson Bay Company. I read it years ago and it does a great job of illustrating how companies die.
Posted by: Puddinhead at July 30, 2023 09:45 AM (/UtnQ)
69
Well, since I finished "Red Sky At Morning" last week, I started on the next book down in my to-be-read stack: Marcia Davenport "Valley of Decision", which one of the other Chicagoboyz wrote a post on last month. It's one of those generational sagas, set in Pittsburg, starting in the 1870s and working up to 1941. Woe, tragedy, star-crossed lovers, family dysfunction galore and business shenanigans galore ... but some very vivid characters and unequaled descriptions. My grandmother had a copy of it, and I read it first as a teenager. I thought I still had that copy, when David Foster posted about it. I had to go and order it.
https://chicagoboyz.net/archives/69595.html
https://chicagoboyz.net/archives/69595.html
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at July 30, 2023 09:46 AM (xnmPy)
70
Thanks for The Book Thread Perf !
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 09:46 AM (T4tVD)
71
I did read through the "Inclusive Writing Guide." Some of it actually makes a certain amount of sense, such as: "Mention race, ethnicity, disability, gender, and other identities only if relevant to the story." In other words, don't mention these details unless the story involves those details in some way.
---
This is basic description. Unless you want to give the impression that your world is populated by blank, gray, faceless NPCs, this information needs to be included.
That being said, one doesn't need to take it to extremes by providing back stories for every incidental person in the tale.
This is just like the decision to put out bulletins that a dangerous criminal is on the loose but not telling us race or sex because that would be racist and sexist.
---
This is basic description. Unless you want to give the impression that your world is populated by blank, gray, faceless NPCs, this information needs to be included.
That being said, one doesn't need to take it to extremes by providing back stories for every incidental person in the tale.
This is just like the decision to put out bulletins that a dangerous criminal is on the loose but not telling us race or sex because that would be racist and sexist.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 09:46 AM (llXky)
72
>>Weirdos - "It was a climate warming era enduced, virtually unprecedented, apoclyptic night of color."
Ha! Reminds me of that post ace did with excerpts from the awful climate change novel. Wish I knew how to dig that one up from the archives.
Ha! Reminds me of that post ace did with excerpts from the awful climate change novel. Wish I knew how to dig that one up from the archives.
Posted by: Lizzy at July 30, 2023 09:46 AM (avru5)
73
Reading Peace Talks, #17 in the Dresden Files series. Or more accurately, #17, part 1. Three hundred pages in and the real story is just getting started. I'll have to immediately start #17, part 2 which is a bit annoying because I need to read a couple of other things for an upcoming class.
Semi-relatedly, I finally went to Ikea and got another shelf unit so the the TBR piles can be TBR shelves.
Semi-relatedly, I finally went to Ikea and got another shelf unit so the the TBR piles can be TBR shelves.
Posted by: Oddbob at July 30, 2023 09:46 AM (nfrXX)
74
Coffee table book this week is "the Dandy: Peacock or Enigma?" By Nigel Rogers.
Props to Soviet writer Mikhail Bulgakov. It's one thing to be a dandy in swingin' London and quite another to rock a cravat and cigarette holder in Stalinist Russia. Respect.
Props to Soviet writer Mikhail Bulgakov. It's one thing to be a dandy in swingin' London and quite another to rock a cravat and cigarette holder in Stalinist Russia. Respect.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at July 30, 2023 09:47 AM (Z/H3L)
75
"The book I re-read this week is State of Fear by Michael Crichton."
Crichton wrote it in 2004, before AGW went wide, so prescient.
One of his few books not to be made into a Major Motion Picture. I wonder why?
Crichton wrote it in 2004, before AGW went wide, so prescient.
One of his few books not to be made into a Major Motion Picture. I wonder why?
Posted by: Ignoramus at July 30, 2023 09:47 AM (RqMSv)
76
The Daily Oklahoman, the newspaper for Oklahoma City, printed the first part of an intended three-part series on the Silkwood.
I say "intended" because the rest of the work never saw print -- and Gaylord fired the executive editor the next day.
I'm still mostly a rah-rah pro-business guy, but this now smells like a big cover-up. Big business can be bad business.
I say "intended" because the rest of the work never saw print -- and Gaylord fired the executive editor the next day.
I'm still mostly a rah-rah pro-business guy, but this now smells like a big cover-up. Big business can be bad business.
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 09:47 AM (p/isN)
77
I've found TJM, now need for LenNeal to show up. 
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 09:47 AM (ywVDE)
78
66 The shithole of Baltimore was created by LBJs Great Society. LBJ was a Texan.
Posted by: Puddinhead at July 30, 2023 09:48 AM (/UtnQ)
79
33 I may have mentioned earlier (sorry, senior brain) that I recently learned that Mark Twain was instrumental in convincing US Grant to pull together his memoirs and further, in getting them published such that Grant made some good money off of them.
I'm on the prowl for a decent copy, at a decent price.
Posted by: Tonypete at July 30, 2023 09:28 AM (u/66v)
Grant's memoirs are remarkable in every aspect, and it's no exaggeration to say that they were the most influential autobiography of the entire 19th century. Twain himself compared them to Caesar's Commentaries, and I believe he's correct. In an era when prose was generally far too ornate and long winded, Grant's style is almost like a Hemingway, generations ahead of his time - completely unlike anything else being done then. The fact that he wrote them while he was dying, and essentially willed himself to live just long enough to finish them, adds to the mystigue.
I'm on the prowl for a decent copy, at a decent price.
Posted by: Tonypete at July 30, 2023 09:28 AM (u/66v)
Grant's memoirs are remarkable in every aspect, and it's no exaggeration to say that they were the most influential autobiography of the entire 19th century. Twain himself compared them to Caesar's Commentaries, and I believe he's correct. In an era when prose was generally far too ornate and long winded, Grant's style is almost like a Hemingway, generations ahead of his time - completely unlike anything else being done then. The fact that he wrote them while he was dying, and essentially willed himself to live just long enough to finish them, adds to the mystigue.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 30, 2023 09:49 AM (q3gwH)
80
"Oh gosh, I'm 25 pages into Year of Yes by Shonda Rimes, and I think it's the top three worst books I've ever read. 1, 2, and 3."
Posted by: Lizzy at July 30, 2023 09:30 AM (avru5)
Anti-recommendations may be as important as recommendations.
Posted by: Lizzy at July 30, 2023 09:30 AM (avru5)
Anti-recommendations may be as important as recommendations.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 09:49 AM (OX9vb)
81
Perfessor, these things are all relevant to the weirdos. In everything they write, this is required to be trumpeted. I'm sure the Horde could write a story that broke every one of these "rules."
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 09:40 AM (Angsy)
---
Conrad regularly includes this because ethnicities matter, and they were very important 120 years ago. The reader needs to know whether the captain is seasoned Scot or bitter German, etc. It's part of painting a convincing portrait.
The Diversity of the Narcissus has a breakdown of the two dozen men aboard, some getting a passing mention, others more in-depth treatment. Watching them each respond (the Scandis are stoic, Irish excitable, etc.) is part of the strength of the tale.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 09:40 AM (Angsy)
---
Conrad regularly includes this because ethnicities matter, and they were very important 120 years ago. The reader needs to know whether the captain is seasoned Scot or bitter German, etc. It's part of painting a convincing portrait.
The Diversity of the Narcissus has a breakdown of the two dozen men aboard, some getting a passing mention, others more in-depth treatment. Watching them each respond (the Scandis are stoic, Irish excitable, etc.) is part of the strength of the tale.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 09:50 AM (llXky)
82
Reading Peace Talks, #17 in the Dresden Files series. Or more accurately, #17, part 1. Three hundred pages in and the real story is just getting started. I'll have to immediately start #17, part 2 which is a bit annoying because I need to read a couple of other things for an upcoming class.
Posted by: Oddbob at July 30, 2023 09:46 AM (nfrXX)
---
I believe Peace Talks and Battle Ground were originally conceived as a single novel, but for whatever reason it was split into two parts...Probably the quest for more money, though also because it would have been rather long for a Dresden Files novel (over 700 pages).
Posted by: Oddbob at July 30, 2023 09:46 AM (nfrXX)
---
I believe Peace Talks and Battle Ground were originally conceived as a single novel, but for whatever reason it was split into two parts...Probably the quest for more money, though also because it would have been rather long for a Dresden Files novel (over 700 pages).
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 30, 2023 09:50 AM (BpYfr)
83
Welp, off to Mass. Later Horde.
Posted by: Tonypete at July 30, 2023 09:50 AM (u/66v)
84
Off for a walk while it's still cool. BBL.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at July 30, 2023 09:50 AM (Z/H3L)
85
I'm okay, surviving the heat; I have to finish weeding my garden to make room for new weeds.
I hope all is well with you and yourn !
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 09:29 AM (T4tVD)
I'm stealing that phrase, since that is exactly what have to do this week! I can also see it as the title of a Erma Bombeckish style book.
We are avoiding the heat as well! And you are right, the third Dave Barry book is meh. His "Peter and the Starcatchers," is pretty good though. Not bad for kids either.
I'm okay, surviving the heat; I have to finish weeding my garden to make room for new weeds.
I hope all is well with you and yourn !
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 09:29 AM (T4tVD)
I'm stealing that phrase, since that is exactly what have to do this week! I can also see it as the title of a Erma Bombeckish style book.
We are avoiding the heat as well! And you are right, the third Dave Barry book is meh. His "Peter and the Starcatchers," is pretty good though. Not bad for kids either.
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 09:50 AM (JrN/x)
86
The fact that he wrote them while he was dying, and essentially willed himself to live just long enough to finish them, adds to the mystigue.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 30, 2023 09:49 AM (q3gwH)
--My impression is that he loved Julia so much he stayed alive to make sure she was taken care of.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 30, 2023 09:49 AM (q3gwH)
--My impression is that he loved Julia so much he stayed alive to make sure she was taken care of.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 09:51 AM (ywVDE)
87
The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - and Why has guidance for you. Forewarned is forearmed.
---------
Another good book on Game Theory is Prisoner's Dilemma: John Von Neumann, Game Theory and the Puzzle of the Bomb.
Darn you, Salty.
*sighs, opens tab for thriftbooks....*
---------
Another good book on Game Theory is Prisoner's Dilemma: John Von Neumann, Game Theory and the Puzzle of the Bomb.
Darn you, Salty.
*sighs, opens tab for thriftbooks....*
Posted by: Oddbob at July 30, 2023 09:52 AM (nfrXX)
88
83 Welp, off to Mass. Later Horde.
Posted by: Tonypete at July 30, 2023 09:50 AM (u/66v)
--My condolences.
Oh, the Eucharist?
Never mind.
Posted by: Tonypete at July 30, 2023 09:50 AM (u/66v)
--My condolences.
Oh, the Eucharist?
Never mind.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 09:52 AM (ywVDE)
89
From that guide: "Use maintenance hole instead of manhole."
What do I use for asshole or glory hole?
Orwell smiles:
"Use the capitalized term Black as an adjective in a racial, ethnic, or cultural sense: ...The lowercase black is a color, not a person"
"White - Do not capitalize when referring to one’s race. It’s important to note that white and whiteness are a social construct that serves to reinforce power structures.
Generally, white people do not share the same history and culture, or the experience of being discriminated against because of skin color. Capitalizing the
term white, as is done by white supremacists, risks subtly conveying legitimacy to such beliefs."
What do I use for asshole or glory hole?
Orwell smiles:
"Use the capitalized term Black as an adjective in a racial, ethnic, or cultural sense: ...The lowercase black is a color, not a person"
"White - Do not capitalize when referring to one’s race. It’s important to note that white and whiteness are a social construct that serves to reinforce power structures.
Generally, white people do not share the same history and culture, or the experience of being discriminated against because of skin color. Capitalizing the
term white, as is done by white supremacists, risks subtly conveying legitimacy to such beliefs."
Posted by: Ignoramus at July 30, 2023 09:52 AM (RqMSv)
90
The current prohibition (I'd almost call it "superstitious fear" by amateur writers, and some pros) against "telling" the reader something rather than showing it: Crichton broke that rule, and did it brilliantly.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 09:35 AM (omVj0)
Still trying to figure out if I'm showing or telling. If I can do both, well then, I'm on my way to success!!!!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 09:35 AM (omVj0)
Still trying to figure out if I'm showing or telling. If I can do both, well then, I'm on my way to success!!!!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 09:52 AM (Angsy)
91
I've been in a quasi-academic mood this week. It started off innocently enough from a casual mention of CS Lewis' "Weight of Glory". (The intro by Walter Hooper contains a moment so poignant I was on the edge of tears.) Those essays led to taking Lewis' "Studies in Medieval And Renaissance Literature" off the shelf. Oh-oh. Now I have to start reading Spenser's Faerie Queene again, this time with more appreciation. This could get more dangerous but I'm having a great time with it.
Perhaps we need to celebrate National Nerd Month. I would fit right in.
Perhaps we need to celebrate National Nerd Month. I would fit right in.
Posted by: JTB at July 30, 2023 09:53 AM (7EjX1)
92
Have a great day everyone.
May the books you read be a pleasure, expand your mind, and thrill your heart.
May the books you read be a pleasure, expand your mind, and thrill your heart.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 30, 2023 09:53 AM (u82oZ)
93
Also, I'll gripe about my own writing process (or lack thereof) later.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 09:16 AM (ywVDE)
Maybe there should be an AoS writers group....
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 09:16 AM (ywVDE)
Maybe there should be an AoS writers group....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 09:53 AM (Angsy)
94
State of Fear by Michael Crichton."
Crichton wrote it in 2004, before AGW went wide, so prescient.
One of his few books not to be made into a Major Motion Picture. I wonder why?
Posted by: Ignoramus
It is also amusing that the book is rated so differently than his other works, and various sources like the NYT and the Union of Concerned Scientists wrote hit pieces on it.
Crichton wrote it in 2004, before AGW went wide, so prescient.
One of his few books not to be made into a Major Motion Picture. I wonder why?
Posted by: Ignoramus
It is also amusing that the book is rated so differently than his other works, and various sources like the NYT and the Union of Concerned Scientists wrote hit pieces on it.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at July 30, 2023 09:53 AM (kdg+H)
95
Booken Morgen Horden!
I read a great book this week - the best book this year, probably:
The Will of the Many by aussie James Islington
It's a fantasy / sf possibly that is with a Rome feel.
So good! I will probably reread shortly
I read a great book this week - the best book this year, probably:
The Will of the Many by aussie James Islington
It's a fantasy / sf possibly that is with a Rome feel.
So good! I will probably reread shortly
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at July 30, 2023 09:54 AM (3D2Yy)
96
Currently reading "The Moscow Rules" by Antonio Mendez, the CIA guy who got the 6 US embassy people out of Iran (Argo). It's about how the CIA completely revamped its methods in Russia in the 70's due the overwhelming surveillance by the FSB. Interesting so far.
Also read a Colleen Hoover book just to see what the hype is about, since she always has 3-4 books on the top ten fiction best seller list. It's YA relationship stuff, but I can see why she's popular. Checking that off my list.
Also read a Colleen Hoover book just to see what the hype is about, since she always has 3-4 books on the top ten fiction best seller list. It's YA relationship stuff, but I can see why she's popular. Checking that off my list.
Posted by: Lizzy at July 30, 2023 09:54 AM (avru5)
97
Loved the Borrowers - that was available through Scholastic books sales when I was a kid. I had every title Mary Norton wrote. Thanks for bringing it up, I have some grandnieces who need good stuff in their library!
State of Fear is excellent. I'm surprised the elf types didn't go after Crichton for writing it.
Relic- Perfessor, that's the first book isn't it? I remember reading it years ago, and then the movie came out and it was wretched: the book is far superior.
State of Fear is excellent. I'm surprised the elf types didn't go after Crichton for writing it.
Relic- Perfessor, that's the first book isn't it? I remember reading it years ago, and then the movie came out and it was wretched: the book is far superior.
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 09:55 AM (JrN/x)
98
Maybe there should be an AoS writers group....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 09:53 AM (Angsy)
YES, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe there should be an AoS writers group....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 09:53 AM (Angsy)
YES, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 09:56 AM (JrN/x)
99
Horde - "It was a dark and stormy night."
Weirdos - "It was a climate warming era enduced, virtually unprecedented, apoclyptic night of color."
Posted by: Tonypete at July 30, 2023 09:43 AM (u/66v)
Yeah, like that. But more cruel.
Weirdos - "It was a climate warming era enduced, virtually unprecedented, apoclyptic night of color."
Posted by: Tonypete at July 30, 2023 09:43 AM (u/66v)
Yeah, like that. But more cruel.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 09:56 AM (Angsy)
100
it's a fascinating history of the rise of the dailies and the personalities behind them, and how they bankrolled explorers
Posted by: All Hail Eris at July 30, 2023 09:35 AM (Z/H3L)
Interesting-- (insert Johnny Carson voice here) I did not know that!
Posted by: All Hail Eris at July 30, 2023 09:35 AM (Z/H3L)
Interesting-- (insert Johnny Carson voice here) I did not know that!
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 09:58 AM (OX9vb)
101
Relic- Perfessor, that's the first book isn't it? I remember reading it years ago, and then the movie came out and it was wretched: the book is far superior.
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 09:55 AM (JrN/x)
---
Yes, the movie is pretty forgettable. I watched it, but it didn't stick in my mind.
The book is quite decent, though Agent Pendergast is a secondary character in the first couple of books in the series.
The second, Reliquary, deals with some of the consequences that occur at the end of the first book. I'm about halfway through and it's some pretty disturbing stuff...
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 09:55 AM (JrN/x)
---
Yes, the movie is pretty forgettable. I watched it, but it didn't stick in my mind.
The book is quite decent, though Agent Pendergast is a secondary character in the first couple of books in the series.
The second, Reliquary, deals with some of the consequences that occur at the end of the first book. I'm about halfway through and it's some pretty disturbing stuff...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 30, 2023 09:59 AM (BpYfr)
102
Companies die. That's just how human institutions work. The exceptions are so few you could probably list them in a comment without breaking the character limit. I can think of some very long-lived ones: there's the Banca Monte dei Paschi of Siena, which just celebrated its 550th year in operation. (Banks seem to last longer than other companies; perhaps because the nature of the business hasn't really changed much.) There are some Japanese outfits claiming more than a millennium, but that's more "this family has been doing this thing since forever." There are some really old pubs and breweries. But really, why should we expect a business to go on forever?
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 30, 2023 10:00 AM (QZxDR)
103
Still trying to figure out if I'm showing or telling. If I can do both, well then, I'm on my way to success!!!!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023
***
"Jack gritted his teeth" to show anger or exasperation is showing. "Jack was angry" is telling.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023
***
"Jack gritted his teeth" to show anger or exasperation is showing. "Jack was angry" is telling.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:01 AM (omVj0)
104
Maybe there should be an AoS writers group....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023
*
YES, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023
***
I'm in favor too!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023
*
YES, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023
***
I'm in favor too!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:02 AM (omVj0)
105
But really, why should we expect a business to go on forever?
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 30, 2023 10:00 AM (QZxDR)
The Supreme Court determined that corporations are "persons" didn't they? And persons (sic) die, ergo...
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 30, 2023 10:00 AM (QZxDR)
The Supreme Court determined that corporations are "persons" didn't they? And persons (sic) die, ergo...
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 10:02 AM (JrN/x)
106
YES, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 09:56 AM (JrN/x)
People just gotta say go.
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 09:56 AM (JrN/x)
People just gotta say go.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 10:04 AM (Angsy)
107
Made the mistake of looking through Portland's inclusive writing guide. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
The idea any more with all this seems to be to make people not want to read anything that our so-called-betters in govt put out. Easier for them if the proles don't look at this stuff. Eventually they'd probably like it if we fall out of the habit of reading anything at all -- I'm sure they're working on it.
HR hiring a hit man? It'd probably be like the meeting at the end of Network -- everyone agrees to it and it happens. No mention of anything being put on paper. Someone makes a withdrawal from some general fund and boom. And if a govt entity is involved even if they put something on paper, who knows what they'd call it and finding it in the records would be like looking for the Ark in the warehouse. Used to think such things were kinda far-fetched. But that was some time ago.
The idea any more with all this seems to be to make people not want to read anything that our so-called-betters in govt put out. Easier for them if the proles don't look at this stuff. Eventually they'd probably like it if we fall out of the habit of reading anything at all -- I'm sure they're working on it.
HR hiring a hit man? It'd probably be like the meeting at the end of Network -- everyone agrees to it and it happens. No mention of anything being put on paper. Someone makes a withdrawal from some general fund and boom. And if a govt entity is involved even if they put something on paper, who knows what they'd call it and finding it in the records would be like looking for the Ark in the warehouse. Used to think such things were kinda far-fetched. But that was some time ago.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at July 30, 2023 10:04 AM (a/4+U)
108
As I've mentioned before, I have a lot of the bricks of my novel stacked; it's setting the mortar that's hard, especially because it's mostly psychological/internal, and grim. Most of the "action" is a r4pe, child abuse, and the Battle of Caporetto. There's not even a lot of sex, and even then very by-the-by --I don't write p0rn (to paraphrase The Scorpions, I won't mention the things they do)-- but is actually germane to advancing the story.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:04 AM (ywVDE)
109
We had a visit from a niece and nephew, both early to mid thirties. To my delight, they are huge Tolkien and CS Lewis fans and we had a wonderful talk about the men and their many, many books that aren't as well known.
I showed them a copy of "JRR Tolkien Artist and Illustrator" containing a large number of sketches and finished paintings by the man. Seeing those works added, I believe, to their admiration and enjoyment of the writing and led to a talk about some of Tolkien's other writing like "Farmer Giles of Ham" and "Mr. Bliss".
I showed them a copy of "JRR Tolkien Artist and Illustrator" containing a large number of sketches and finished paintings by the man. Seeing those works added, I believe, to their admiration and enjoyment of the writing and led to a talk about some of Tolkien's other writing like "Farmer Giles of Ham" and "Mr. Bliss".
Posted by: JTB at July 30, 2023 10:04 AM (7EjX1)
110
Thanks for mentioning Retief, Weak Geek.
Time for a re-read of all of Laumer's Retief and Bolo stories. Love 'em.
Time for a re-read of all of Laumer's Retief and Bolo stories. Love 'em.
Posted by: Sharkman at July 30, 2023 10:04 AM (O0UOO)
111
Generally, white people do not share the same history and culture, or the experience of being discriminated against because of skin color. Capitalizing the
term white, as is done by white supremacists, risks subtly conveying legitimacy to such beliefs."
Posted by: Ignoramus at July 30, 2023 09:52 AM (RqMSv)
---
Africans really enjoy being told by wokescolds that the experiences, cultures and histories of Ghana, Ethiopia, Angola and Kenya are pretty much the same.
term white, as is done by white supremacists, risks subtly conveying legitimacy to such beliefs."
Posted by: Ignoramus at July 30, 2023 09:52 AM (RqMSv)
---
Africans really enjoy being told by wokescolds that the experiences, cultures and histories of Ghana, Ethiopia, Angola and Kenya are pretty much the same.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 10:05 AM (llXky)
112
Maybe there should be an AoS writers group....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 09:53 AM (Angsy)
YES, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 09:56 AM (JrN/x)
--Is +1 no longer A Thing?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 09:53 AM (Angsy)
YES, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 09:56 AM (JrN/x)
--Is +1 no longer A Thing?
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:05 AM (ywVDE)
113
it's a fascinating history of the rise of the dailies and the personalities behind them, and how they bankrolled explorers
Posted by: All Hail Eris
Newspapers used to be huge money makers and infuencers. Think of Marshall Field and the Chicago Tribune, deciding how the city would be run, also owning a huge department store and the Cubs, and William Randolph Hearst, who started the Spanish American War. But, they have been dying for a long time.
Posted by: All Hail Eris
Newspapers used to be huge money makers and infuencers. Think of Marshall Field and the Chicago Tribune, deciding how the city would be run, also owning a huge department store and the Cubs, and William Randolph Hearst, who started the Spanish American War. But, they have been dying for a long time.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at July 30, 2023 10:05 AM (x0QGI)
114
47 .. And good morning to you, JT!
Posted by: JTB at July 30, 2023 10:06 AM (7EjX1)
115
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 30, 2023 10:00 AM (QZxDR)
--I was bummed when the Hudson's Bay Company disappeared while I was living in Winnipeg.
--I was bummed when the Hudson's Bay Company disappeared while I was living in Winnipeg.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:06 AM (ywVDE)
116
Good morning horde! This week I read Paul Hollander's "The End of Commitment" about intellectuals who fell in love with Marxism and the USSR, or (in the 60's) China and Third World Communist countries and later woke up and repented. Hollander was originally from Hungary, escaped to the West in 1956 and was interested in why so many of his fellow academics clung to such a shitty system. The few who eventually repented are few and far between. For many of them, it comes down to "Marxism is the creed I adopted when I was young and idealistic, I can't bear to think I've wasted my life believing in crap, I don't want to admit the Right was correct about anything, my fellow True Believers won't like me any more, and so I'll continue on with my secular religion and ignore all the evidence against it." And many of them have been far motivated by hatred of America rather than love of Marxism. Hollander's critique could apply just as easily to the media.
Posted by: Donna&&&&&&V at July 30, 2023 10:07 AM (HabA/)
117
Lovely day here in New England. First day I'm not actively dreading yardwork after a month of incessant rain and humidity.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 30, 2023 10:07 AM (QZxDR)
118
I didn't know the movie Relic was based on the Pendergrast book.
Seems like a dick move to drop the main fn character of a book series from a movie adaptation... so of course that's what Hollywood did.
Seems like a dick move to drop the main fn character of a book series from a movie adaptation... so of course that's what Hollywood did.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 30, 2023 10:08 AM (llON8)
119
--Is +1 no longer A Thing?
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:05 AM (ywVDE)
No, I'm just begging. I would love a group of like minded souls to work with. Almost every writing group I've checked out - even Christian ones - are so leftists that the woke guide mentioned upthread is the style guide. It's disheartening.
--Is +1 no longer A Thing?
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:05 AM (ywVDE)
No, I'm just begging. I would love a group of like minded souls to work with. Almost every writing group I've checked out - even Christian ones - are so leftists that the woke guide mentioned upthread is the style guide. It's disheartening.
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 10:08 AM (JrN/x)
120
Maybe there should be an AoS writers group....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023
*
YES, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023
***
I'm in favor too!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere
EYE !
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023
*
YES, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023
***
I'm in favor too!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere
EYE !
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 10:09 AM (T4tVD)
121
Newspapers used to be huge money makers and infuencers. Think of Marshall Field and the Chicago Tribune, deciding how the city would be run, also owning a huge department store and the Cubs, and William Randolph Hearst, who started the Spanish American War. But, they have been dying for a long time.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at July 30, 2023 10:05 AM (x0QGI)
---
Consolidation hurt them, but wokeness is killing them. Why pay for a subscription to read lies?
The irony is that TV and Radio - which print journos used to look down on - have better coverage these days the dying newspapers. Many times I've tried to find out about some local crime and the local Gannett paper either ignores it or downplays it.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at July 30, 2023 10:05 AM (x0QGI)
---
Consolidation hurt them, but wokeness is killing them. Why pay for a subscription to read lies?
The irony is that TV and Radio - which print journos used to look down on - have better coverage these days the dying newspapers. Many times I've tried to find out about some local crime and the local Gannett paper either ignores it or downplays it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 10:09 AM (llXky)
122
My 'to read' stacks now tower over my 'reading' and 'read' stacks.
Someone dumped a bunch of hard cover first edition political books at the local Goodwill. First time I ever needed a cart to get my purchases up to the counter.
Also picked up an Oxford Illustrated History of the Crusades.
I really need to get started on building my Library before, as predicted by Mrs. Reforger, I get "killed under a crapolanche of unread books".
Someone dumped a bunch of hard cover first edition political books at the local Goodwill. First time I ever needed a cart to get my purchases up to the counter.
Also picked up an Oxford Illustrated History of the Crusades.
I really need to get started on building my Library before, as predicted by Mrs. Reforger, I get "killed under a crapolanche of unread books".
Posted by: Reforger at July 30, 2023 10:09 AM (B705c)
123
Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta is 497 years old this year. Wait, that belongs on a different thread.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at July 30, 2023 10:10 AM (4UtAp)
124
Moki, OrangeEnt has my email. If you send him yours, we can correspond.
I agree about the wokishness of groups. My long-time in-real-life group is not, but they are muleheaded in other ways.
I agree about the wokishness of groups. My long-time in-real-life group is not, but they are muleheaded in other ways.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:11 AM (omVj0)
125
I love "State of Fear."
I had a hard copy. I wonder where it is. I must have lent it out and never got it back.
Oh well. The bibliography in the back is golden.
I had a hard copy. I wonder where it is. I must have lent it out and never got it back.
Oh well. The bibliography in the back is golden.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at July 30, 2023 10:11 AM (jgJfd)
126
I mean, he didn't lead an army to victory, but he did calm the seas!
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 09:32 AM (ywVDE)
Well, he certainly doesn't seize the clam, IYKWIMAITTYD.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 09:32 AM (ywVDE)
Well, he certainly doesn't seize the clam, IYKWIMAITTYD.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 30, 2023 10:11 AM (zxepI)
127
No, I'm just begging. I would love a group of like minded souls to work with. Almost every writing group I've checked out - even Christian ones - are so leftists that the woke guide mentioned upthread is the style guide. It's disheartening.
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 10:08 AM (JrN/x)
--I feel it. My novel will be largely apolitical, but not without social commentary.
Sample sentence (names changed from as written to protect the guilty --for now):
"There were prisons in the Commonwealth of Kentucky better appointed than Big Fork Elementary School."
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 10:08 AM (JrN/x)
--I feel it. My novel will be largely apolitical, but not without social commentary.
Sample sentence (names changed from as written to protect the guilty --for now):
"There were prisons in the Commonwealth of Kentucky better appointed than Big Fork Elementary School."
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:13 AM (ywVDE)
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 10:13 AM (T4tVD)
129
I am always bemused by the idea (so prevalent among Lefties) that "big companies will kill you to protect themselves." I always wondered exactly how HR hires a hit man, what the Legal department has to say about it, how Accounting lists the cost for tax purposes, and -- above all -- who speaks up in a meeting about the Situation and says "I know! We can murder her!"
____________
In a former life, when I was asked what my job was, I replied, "Company assassin."
I am always bemused by the idea (so prevalent among Lefties) that "big companies will kill you to protect themselves." I always wondered exactly how HR hires a hit man, what the Legal department has to say about it, how Accounting lists the cost for tax purposes, and -- above all -- who speaks up in a meeting about the Situation and says "I know! We can murder her!"
____________
In a former life, when I was asked what my job was, I replied, "Company assassin."
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 30, 2023 10:13 AM (MoZTd)
130
I agree about the wokishness of groups. My long-time in-real-life group is not, but they are muleheaded in other ways.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:11 AM (omVj0)
---
The reason why woke writing is popular is that it is so easy. Just honor all the tropes, make your main character Stunning and Brave and the positive reviews will roll right in.
I think a lot of Woke books aren't about entertainment, just affirmation. It's the realization of their fantasy which stubbornly refuses to happen. So they retreat to books and movies and tell themselves that it will work, and it's almost here.
I agree about the wokishness of groups. My long-time in-real-life group is not, but they are muleheaded in other ways.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:11 AM (omVj0)
---
The reason why woke writing is popular is that it is so easy. Just honor all the tropes, make your main character Stunning and Brave and the positive reviews will roll right in.
I think a lot of Woke books aren't about entertainment, just affirmation. It's the realization of their fantasy which stubbornly refuses to happen. So they retreat to books and movies and tell themselves that it will work, and it's almost here.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 10:14 AM (llXky)
131
Yes, it's remarkable how local TV has become my main source for info about news stories. I don't mean my own local TV, I mean looking for the Web site of a station in the place where it happened. They can't do as much filtering because people there will know.
Local print news is useless, though. They either run wire service stories, retype press releases, or provide shockingly simplistic and superficial stories, on a par with radio news reports limited to a couple of sentences at the top of the hour.
Local print news is useless, though. They either run wire service stories, retype press releases, or provide shockingly simplistic and superficial stories, on a par with radio news reports limited to a couple of sentences at the top of the hour.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 30, 2023 10:16 AM (QZxDR)
132
Sample sentence (names changed from as written to protect the guilty --for now):
"There were prisons in the Commonwealth of Kentucky better appointed than Big Fork Elementary School."
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023
***
I like that! Good first sentence.
"There were prisons in the Commonwealth of Kentucky better appointed than Big Fork Elementary School."
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023
***
I like that! Good first sentence.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:17 AM (omVj0)
133
I'd be interested in a writing group, but I'm so erratic in getting anything done these days that I don't know how steady I'd be in participating.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at July 30, 2023 10:18 AM (a/4+U)
134
124 Moki, OrangeEnt has my email. If you send him yours, we can correspond.
I agree about the wokishness of groups. My long-time in-real-life group is not, but they are muleheaded in other ways.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:11 AM (omVj0)
Thanks!
I agree about the wokishness of groups. My long-time in-real-life group is not, but they are muleheaded in other ways.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:11 AM (omVj0)
Thanks!
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023 10:19 AM (JrN/x)
135
Zildjian claims 1623. Not bad for Turkish noisemakers.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at July 30, 2023 10:19 AM (4PZHB)
136
Big business can be bad business.
--
Radium Girls is another example that sort of dovetails with Silkwood in big business being bad businesses (as relates to workplace dangers). Having read both books, the difference in Silkwood was the involvement of the fed regulatory agencies and their involvement in her case, the Atomic Energy Commission and its subsequent replacement(?) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Again, along with the FBI and insinuated CIA involvement...an agency I fully do not trust.
--
Radium Girls is another example that sort of dovetails with Silkwood in big business being bad businesses (as relates to workplace dangers). Having read both books, the difference in Silkwood was the involvement of the fed regulatory agencies and their involvement in her case, the Atomic Energy Commission and its subsequent replacement(?) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Again, along with the FBI and insinuated CIA involvement...an agency I fully do not trust.
Posted by: Lady in Black at July 30, 2023 10:19 AM (mupln)
137
I know not everyone is a fan of Alt right sites, but last Sunday's The Week That Perished had a great analysis of wokeness and the writers' and actors' strikes (first two items):
https://www.takimag.com/article/the-week-that-perished-251/
"The writers who created the race-over-quality crap that’s bankrupting the studios now want the cash-strapped studios to pay more for the very content that made them cash-strapped in the first place."
It is to laugh.
https://www.takimag.com/article/the-week-that-perished-251/
"The writers who created the race-over-quality crap that’s bankrupting the studios now want the cash-strapped studios to pay more for the very content that made them cash-strapped in the first place."
It is to laugh.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:21 AM (ywVDE)
138
I would be interested in an AoS writers group.
Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at July 30, 2023 10:21 AM (U8FVn)
139
I ordered two books yesterday, the first I've bought since moving to Arizona. The first was Carol Roth's new work, "You Will Own Nothing: Your War with a New Financial World Order and How to Fight Back," and the second a JFK conspiracy book from 2010, "JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters," by James Douglass.
It's about 13 years old, but I guess they both form parts of the larger picture, which is the evils of the Deep State/New World Order. I don't really need any more convincing, and I don't know why I need more details, but that's where I am, reading wise.
It's about 13 years old, but I guess they both form parts of the larger picture, which is the evils of the Deep State/New World Order. I don't really need any more convincing, and I don't know why I need more details, but that's where I am, reading wise.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:22 AM (cTK0d)
140
Read "Home Port" last week, by Olive Higgins Prouty. Another book in the collection of the neighbor who moved.
It concerns Murray Vale, a child of a prominent family, who, as a summer camp counselor, wakes up on the shore of a lake after a storm overturns the canoe he and another man were in. He's sure the other man drowned. He tries to convince himself that he must have tried to save the other man, but comes to the conclusion he may have abandoned the man because he was a weak swimmer.
A search turns up the other man's body, and Murray gets scared that he'll be blamed for the drowning and decides to disappear so everyone thinks he died as well. Murray dumps all his identification, and assumes another name, hoping never to get caught.
He was always overshadowed by his older brother, so is a withdrawn personality, more bookish than athletic like his brother. He preferred spending time catching bugs than playing football and other sports he was expected to participate in.
A member of the search party finds his discarded personal items but keeps it quiet until he's convinced to tell the camp director, who happens to be Murray's mother's acquaintance. 1/?
It concerns Murray Vale, a child of a prominent family, who, as a summer camp counselor, wakes up on the shore of a lake after a storm overturns the canoe he and another man were in. He's sure the other man drowned. He tries to convince himself that he must have tried to save the other man, but comes to the conclusion he may have abandoned the man because he was a weak swimmer.
A search turns up the other man's body, and Murray gets scared that he'll be blamed for the drowning and decides to disappear so everyone thinks he died as well. Murray dumps all his identification, and assumes another name, hoping never to get caught.
He was always overshadowed by his older brother, so is a withdrawn personality, more bookish than athletic like his brother. He preferred spending time catching bugs than playing football and other sports he was expected to participate in.
A member of the search party finds his discarded personal items but keeps it quiet until he's convinced to tell the camp director, who happens to be Murray's mother's acquaintance. 1/?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 10:22 AM (Angsy)
141
Incidentally, the Kerr of Kerr-McGee was Robert Kerr, former governor and US senator from Oklahoma. Good buddies with LBJ.
Posted by: Lady in Black at July 30, 2023 10:22 AM (mupln)
142
>>The reason why woke writing is popular is that it is so easy.
>>Local print news is useless, though. They either run wire service stories, retype press releases, or provide shockingly simplistic and superficial stories,
I think in some respects it's harder to write woke because you have to work so hard step around inconvenient information. So often in the news hey create these long, awkward sentences/descriptions, usually in passive voice, that don't make sense -- you have to read it 2-3 times to understand wth they're saying. If plainly stating "X did Y" defies the narrative, then they have to lard it up with additional woke euphemisms/phrasings and additional info to make sure the incident's "context" is established, etc..
>>Local print news is useless, though. They either run wire service stories, retype press releases, or provide shockingly simplistic and superficial stories,
I think in some respects it's harder to write woke because you have to work so hard step around inconvenient information. So often in the news hey create these long, awkward sentences/descriptions, usually in passive voice, that don't make sense -- you have to read it 2-3 times to understand wth they're saying. If plainly stating "X did Y" defies the narrative, then they have to lard it up with additional woke euphemisms/phrasings and additional info to make sure the incident's "context" is established, etc..
Posted by: Lizzy at July 30, 2023 10:24 AM (avru5)
143
I like that! Good first sentence.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:17 AM (omVj0)
--Doesn't introduce the novel, nor a chapter, but unfolds the exposition of the public educational experience of the primary male character (spoiler: it's heavily but not completely autobiographical).
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:17 AM (omVj0)
--Doesn't introduce the novel, nor a chapter, but unfolds the exposition of the public educational experience of the primary male character (spoiler: it's heavily but not completely autobiographical).
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:24 AM (ywVDE)
144
I am always bemused by the idea (so prevalent among Lefties) that "big companies will kill you to protect themselves." I always wondered exactly how HR hires a hit man...
Now you know why so many companies hire former CIA and FBI agents, if not in the C suite, but to be on the BOD.
Through professional recommendation, a Dark Linked-In.
They are staffed in the same way that a high school treats their football team assistant coaches. The coaches are given Study Hall or Civics classes to explain their existence on the payroll.
Now you know why so many companies hire former CIA and FBI agents, if not in the C suite, but to be on the BOD.
Through professional recommendation, a Dark Linked-In.
They are staffed in the same way that a high school treats their football team assistant coaches. The coaches are given Study Hall or Civics classes to explain their existence on the payroll.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 30, 2023 10:26 AM (p8A+W)
145
Greetings Bookettes,
The tome I'm most looking forward to reading is:
The Demon in the Ekur: Angels, Demons, Plasmas, Patristics, and Pyramids by Dr. Joseph P. Farrell.
Ekur is a Sumerian word meaning the mountain house of the gods. In this case, the mountain house is The Great Pyramid of Giza and this is the fourth book in his Giza Death Star trilogy.
Dr. Farrell is just a genius and while the book isn't out until September 23, I will await the chapters on: Saints Dionysius and John of Damascus on Angels; Dionysius’ Celestial Hierarchies; John of Damascus’ Angelology; The “Immaterial Materiality” of Angels; Their Ability to Penetrate Ordinary Matter and “Unlimited” Nature; Their Ability to Shapeshift; The Everlasting Temporality, or “Sempiternity,” of Angels; Their Free Will and Motion; The “Mental” Place, or Non-Local Position, of Angels; Both Circumscribed and Not; Guardians of Regions and Boundaries; Man the Microcosm or Common Surface; The Position of Lucifer as Guardian of the Earth; The “Angelic Uncertainty Principle”; Their Ability to Communicate without Words or Sound: Entanglement; Sitchin and the Demon in the Ekur...
Some very light reading
The tome I'm most looking forward to reading is:
The Demon in the Ekur: Angels, Demons, Plasmas, Patristics, and Pyramids by Dr. Joseph P. Farrell.
Ekur is a Sumerian word meaning the mountain house of the gods. In this case, the mountain house is The Great Pyramid of Giza and this is the fourth book in his Giza Death Star trilogy.
Dr. Farrell is just a genius and while the book isn't out until September 23, I will await the chapters on: Saints Dionysius and John of Damascus on Angels; Dionysius’ Celestial Hierarchies; John of Damascus’ Angelology; The “Immaterial Materiality” of Angels; Their Ability to Penetrate Ordinary Matter and “Unlimited” Nature; Their Ability to Shapeshift; The Everlasting Temporality, or “Sempiternity,” of Angels; Their Free Will and Motion; The “Mental” Place, or Non-Local Position, of Angels; Both Circumscribed and Not; Guardians of Regions and Boundaries; Man the Microcosm or Common Surface; The Position of Lucifer as Guardian of the Earth; The “Angelic Uncertainty Principle”; Their Ability to Communicate without Words or Sound: Entanglement; Sitchin and the Demon in the Ekur...
Some very light reading
Posted by: Mister Ghost at July 30, 2023 10:26 AM (TGPs7)
146
I think in some respects it's harder to write woke because you have to work so hard step around inconvenient information. So often in the news hey create these long, awkward sentences/descriptions, usually in passive voice, that don't make sense -- you have to read it 2-3 times to understand wth they're saying. If plainly stating "X did Y" defies the narrative, then they have to lard it up with additional woke euphemisms/phrasings and additional info to make sure the incident's "context" is established, etc..
Posted by: Lizzy at July 30, 2023 10:24 AM (avru5)
---
I was referring to woke fiction. Woke news is a mess because it is the opposite of actual news prose.
WHO: None of your business, racist!
WHAT: Only important if it hurts our enemies
WHERE: Definitely not in a minority-populated part of town
WHY: It's all your fault
HOW: It's a mystery.
Posted by: Lizzy at July 30, 2023 10:24 AM (avru5)
---
I was referring to woke fiction. Woke news is a mess because it is the opposite of actual news prose.
WHO: None of your business, racist!
WHAT: Only important if it hurts our enemies
WHERE: Definitely not in a minority-populated part of town
WHY: It's all your fault
HOW: It's a mystery.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 10:27 AM (llXky)
147
How was the Swap Meet ?
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 10:13 AM (T4tVD)
Chilly. The only thing I bought was a sweater. A lined pullover with a windproof interlining in it. Meant for outdoorsy stuff like hiking and fishing. Not the sort of thing one expects to find at a hotrod swap meet. But I was cold, and there it was. $25, and worth it.
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 10:13 AM (T4tVD)
Chilly. The only thing I bought was a sweater. A lined pullover with a windproof interlining in it. Meant for outdoorsy stuff like hiking and fishing. Not the sort of thing one expects to find at a hotrod swap meet. But I was cold, and there it was. $25, and worth it.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 30, 2023 10:27 AM (ui7OP)
148
I actually introduce each chapter with a quotation, like a satisfying history book.
Some are my own words, but others are from Will Durant, Lord Salisbury, abandonedrails.com, and two academic journals.
Some are my own words, but others are from Will Durant, Lord Salisbury, abandonedrails.com, and two academic journals.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:27 AM (ywVDE)
149
Per Twain's memoirs, Grant had already decided on publishing his memoirs since Grant had been wiped out by his financial investors, but the deal struck was not a good one for him.
Twain spoke to him to get Grant to push for a better deal, and finally since Twain had his own publishing company, offered Grant a far better deal.
I had thought that Twain had extensively edited Grant's manuscript, since both writers have a similar "tone" but Twain states clearly that no editing was needed, and mostly sent "well done" notes.
Grant of course had been writing smaller articles about his battles for magazines and had spent a lifetime writing reports, but that is not proof of ability, just willingness to push on.
I do wish Grant had lived longer so he could have written about his Presidency. He was not as successful there.
Twain spoke to him to get Grant to push for a better deal, and finally since Twain had his own publishing company, offered Grant a far better deal.
I had thought that Twain had extensively edited Grant's manuscript, since both writers have a similar "tone" but Twain states clearly that no editing was needed, and mostly sent "well done" notes.
Grant of course had been writing smaller articles about his battles for magazines and had spent a lifetime writing reports, but that is not proof of ability, just willingness to push on.
I do wish Grant had lived longer so he could have written about his Presidency. He was not as successful there.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 30, 2023 10:27 AM (xhaym)
150
Perhaps the "easy" part of woke writing is that, in certain circles, it's easier to have it accepted. The woke piece is not defying The Narrative, so no problem.
And yes, they continually do passive voice and use euphemisms -- "youth" for "black teenager," for instance. But a white teenager who is suspected of a crime will have his race mentioned without circumlocution.
And yes, they continually do passive voice and use euphemisms -- "youth" for "black teenager," for instance. But a white teenager who is suspected of a crime will have his race mentioned without circumlocution.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:27 AM (omVj0)
151
Again, along with the FBI and insinuated CIA involvement...an agency I fully do not trust.
Posted by: Lady in Black at July 30, 2023 10:19 AM (mupln)
We've certainly seen in recent years how they conspire against us.
Posted by: Lady in Black at July 30, 2023 10:19 AM (mupln)
We've certainly seen in recent years how they conspire against us.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 10:28 AM (OX9vb)
152
2/?
Murray tramps around and finally gets a job at a fishing camp as a guide. There's a woman there who changes his mind about being a loner.
In a freak occurrence... of course... Some of Murray's family make an emergency landing at the fishing camp. The family snoops around and finds a book about bugs that Murray's writing. They recognize his hand writing, so they figure out he's still alive.
He joins the Navy just before Pearl Harbor to get away, but saves a man's life and gets his picture in a local paper, exposing him. The family says nothing about it, except the guy in the picture resembles Murray. The story ends with the woman Murray met at the fishing camp is going to have his baby, so she gets welcomed to the family and they keep quiet about Murray.
Murray tramps around and finally gets a job at a fishing camp as a guide. There's a woman there who changes his mind about being a loner.
In a freak occurrence... of course... Some of Murray's family make an emergency landing at the fishing camp. The family snoops around and finds a book about bugs that Murray's writing. They recognize his hand writing, so they figure out he's still alive.
He joins the Navy just before Pearl Harbor to get away, but saves a man's life and gets his picture in a local paper, exposing him. The family says nothing about it, except the guy in the picture resembles Murray. The story ends with the woman Murray met at the fishing camp is going to have his baby, so she gets welcomed to the family and they keep quiet about Murray.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 10:28 AM (Angsy)
153
C.S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll, of course, are both noted for writing stories where children escape to a magical land (Narnia
-
I saw a news report several days ago that a Hollywood Narnia reboot won't feature Aslan because he's all yucky.
-
I saw a news report several days ago that a Hollywood Narnia reboot won't feature Aslan because he's all yucky.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 10:29 AM (FVME7)
154
I actually introduce each chapter with a quotation, like a satisfying history book.
Some are my own words, but others are from Will Durant, Lord Salisbury, abandonedrails.com, and two academic journals.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023
***
In one of my mysteries, I title each chapter with a quote from someone in the chapter, i.e., "I'll Have His Kidneys for Hood Ornaments."
Some are my own words, but others are from Will Durant, Lord Salisbury, abandonedrails.com, and two academic journals.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023
***
In one of my mysteries, I title each chapter with a quote from someone in the chapter, i.e., "I'll Have His Kidneys for Hood Ornaments."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:29 AM (omVj0)
155
Thank you , Perfessor, for the always outstanding Book Thread. During the past few weeks I completed a second reading of Adrian Tchaikovsky*s 2nd and 3rd books in the Children of Time trilogy, Children of Ruin and Children of Memory, respectively. I especially enjoyed the second pass through *Memory*. Since I knew The McGuffin, I could really better appreciate the details of the story and the book*s world. Mel Hudson performed both of the audiobooks; she was fantastic. More Follows...
Posted by: SuperMayorSuperRonNirenberg-Buffest Mayor Ever, Buffer Than You at July 30, 2023 10:29 AM (XvUFg)
156
Everybody Behaves Badly by Leslie M.M. Blume
The title comes from a Hemmingway quote of from The Sun Also Rises, "'Everybody behaves badly,' I said. 'Give them the proper chance.'" This title is appropriate because everyone does behave badly in this book and it is about Hemingway writing his first novel, The Sun Also Rises. I read TSAR many decades ago in high school and didn't care for it. I'm rereading it although I'm only a few chapters in. I'm enjoying it somewhat more this time possibly because I'm now more familiar with scumbags behaving as scumbags and also because, thanks to this book, I know the real people involved (who did behave like scumbags) including their pictures. Hemmingway himself did behave as a scumbag in many ways including betraying his "friends" by presenting them, barely concealed, behaving as scumbags and revealing their secrets in his novel. I do find it interesting that every generation seems to think that they invented nihilistic, hedonistic narcissism and feels the need to write a novel about it. TSAR is the lost generation's such novel. This book is interesting for people interested in such things.
The title comes from a Hemmingway quote of from The Sun Also Rises, "'Everybody behaves badly,' I said. 'Give them the proper chance.'" This title is appropriate because everyone does behave badly in this book and it is about Hemingway writing his first novel, The Sun Also Rises. I read TSAR many decades ago in high school and didn't care for it. I'm rereading it although I'm only a few chapters in. I'm enjoying it somewhat more this time possibly because I'm now more familiar with scumbags behaving as scumbags and also because, thanks to this book, I know the real people involved (who did behave like scumbags) including their pictures. Hemmingway himself did behave as a scumbag in many ways including betraying his "friends" by presenting them, barely concealed, behaving as scumbags and revealing their secrets in his novel. I do find it interesting that every generation seems to think that they invented nihilistic, hedonistic narcissism and feels the need to write a novel about it. TSAR is the lost generation's such novel. This book is interesting for people interested in such things.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 10:31 AM (FVME7)
157
How was the Swap Meet ?
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 10:13 AM (T4tVD)
Chilly. The only thing I bought was a sweater. A lined pullover with a windproof interlining in it. Meant for outdoorsy stuff like hiking and fishing. Not the sort of thing one expects to find at a hotrod swap meet. But I was cold, and there it was. $25, and worth it.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon
Nice !
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 10:13 AM (T4tVD)
Chilly. The only thing I bought was a sweater. A lined pullover with a windproof interlining in it. Meant for outdoorsy stuff like hiking and fishing. Not the sort of thing one expects to find at a hotrod swap meet. But I was cold, and there it was. $25, and worth it.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon
Nice !
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 10:32 AM (T4tVD)
158
140 ...and Murray gets scared that he'll be blamed for the drowning and decides to disappear so everyone thinks he died as well. Murray dumps all his identification, and assumes another name, hoping never to get caught.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 10:22 AM (Angsy)
This is a plot device that I just can't tolerate. I am so uncomfortable and even angry that characters make such stupid decisions and self-destruct that way, when the simplest thing in real life would be to state what actually happened.
There are movies like this, too, where something fairly small occurs, but panic drives the characters to do something so ridiculous that their fate is sealed.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 10:22 AM (Angsy)
This is a plot device that I just can't tolerate. I am so uncomfortable and even angry that characters make such stupid decisions and self-destruct that way, when the simplest thing in real life would be to state what actually happened.
There are movies like this, too, where something fairly small occurs, but panic drives the characters to do something so ridiculous that their fate is sealed.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 10:33 AM (OX9vb)
159
3/3
The book started out third person past, but it does have parts of first person present as well.
All in all, an interesting story, written in the late '40s. It read quickly, I finished it in one day. It seems to me I might have read the story decades ago, it had something familiar about it, but the words sex and pregnant were in it, so I guess not.
Turns out, Prouty had a series of novels about members of the Vale family. The movie "Now, Voyager" was based on one of them. I know the name of the movie, but don't think I've ever seen it.
The book started out third person past, but it does have parts of first person present as well.
All in all, an interesting story, written in the late '40s. It read quickly, I finished it in one day. It seems to me I might have read the story decades ago, it had something familiar about it, but the words sex and pregnant were in it, so I guess not.
Turns out, Prouty had a series of novels about members of the Vale family. The movie "Now, Voyager" was based on one of them. I know the name of the movie, but don't think I've ever seen it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 10:33 AM (Angsy)
160
Local print news is useless, though. They either run wire service stories, retype press releases, or provide shockingly simplistic and superficial stories, on a par with radio news reports limited to a couple of sentences at the top of the hour.
A retiree in my neighborhood who almost completed building their lake retirement home got crushed to death by his tractor as it rolled off a retaining wall.
The local story had a picture of this gigantic modern tracked John Deer tractor on a huge field (clearly a stock photo) when the real tractor was forty years old, less than 50 hp and the property is rolling wooded lake front.
About the only thing they got right in the story is the victim's name and age.
A retiree in my neighborhood who almost completed building their lake retirement home got crushed to death by his tractor as it rolled off a retaining wall.
The local story had a picture of this gigantic modern tracked John Deer tractor on a huge field (clearly a stock photo) when the real tractor was forty years old, less than 50 hp and the property is rolling wooded lake front.
About the only thing they got right in the story is the victim's name and age.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 30, 2023 10:33 AM (p8A+W)
161
I do wish Grant had lived longer so he could have written about his Presidency. He was not as successful there.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 30, 2023 10:27 AM (xhaym)
---
I think there is a clear correlation between Grant's reputation as a general getting renewed respect and the popularity of his memoirs. Having read them, they are excellent.
Generals that died soon after the war without writing anything saw their reputations suffer. George Thomas comes to mind.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 30, 2023 10:27 AM (xhaym)
---
I think there is a clear correlation between Grant's reputation as a general getting renewed respect and the popularity of his memoirs. Having read them, they are excellent.
Generals that died soon after the war without writing anything saw their reputations suffer. George Thomas comes to mind.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 10:33 AM (llXky)
162
Harbor Lights by James Lee Burke
I read this this beautiful short crime story set in the early days of WWII and it was spoiled only by the apparent fact that the author is an old fart commie rat bastard. The story concerns an ordinary guy who falls afoul of the FBI by accidentally witnessing a U-Boat attack on an oil tanker. They want him to shut his mouth about it (apparently for civilian morale purposes) but he thinks the merchant sailors deserve to know that there's a U-Boat about. The FBI, who are presented as thugs, punish him by arresting his totally innocent mistress as a communist merely because she was a cook in the Abraham Lincoln Brigade in the Spanish Civil War. In my opinion, everybody in the ALB was a commie rat bastard including the file clerks, dish washers, and cooks. Furthermore, in early 1942 when this is set, we and the commies were bossom buddies. Anyway, it's a beautifully written, moving short story if you can get past the commie rat bastarditty.
I read this this beautiful short crime story set in the early days of WWII and it was spoiled only by the apparent fact that the author is an old fart commie rat bastard. The story concerns an ordinary guy who falls afoul of the FBI by accidentally witnessing a U-Boat attack on an oil tanker. They want him to shut his mouth about it (apparently for civilian morale purposes) but he thinks the merchant sailors deserve to know that there's a U-Boat about. The FBI, who are presented as thugs, punish him by arresting his totally innocent mistress as a communist merely because she was a cook in the Abraham Lincoln Brigade in the Spanish Civil War. In my opinion, everybody in the ALB was a commie rat bastard including the file clerks, dish washers, and cooks. Furthermore, in early 1942 when this is set, we and the commies were bossom buddies. Anyway, it's a beautifully written, moving short story if you can get past the commie rat bastarditty.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 10:33 AM (FVME7)
163
I am always bemused by the idea (so prevalent among Lefties) that "big companies will kill you to protect themselves." I always wondered exactly how HR hires a hit man..."
--What was that Rachel Weisz movie about taking on some Big Bad Corporation? The Constant Gardener? Anyway, said movie features a Super Dramatic Scene of Scrappy Underdog Lawyer stepping into view and looking like an ant next to Big Bad Headquarters, a giant, gleaming all-glass building.
In Winnipeg I met someone who literally LOLed:
The stand-n for Big Bag HQ was the Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg.
--What was that Rachel Weisz movie about taking on some Big Bad Corporation? The Constant Gardener? Anyway, said movie features a Super Dramatic Scene of Scrappy Underdog Lawyer stepping into view and looking like an ant next to Big Bad Headquarters, a giant, gleaming all-glass building.
In Winnipeg I met someone who literally LOLed:
The stand-n for Big Bag HQ was the Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:34 AM (ywVDE)
164
Grant's memoirs are remarkable in every aspect, and it's no exaggeration to say that they were the most influential autobiography of the entire 19th century. Twain himself compared them to Caesar's Commentaries, and I believe he's correct. In an era when prose was generally far too ornate and long winded, Grant's style is almost like a Hemingway, generations ahead of his time - completely unlike anything else being done then. The fact that he wrote them while he was dying, and essentially willed himself to live just long enough to finish them, adds to the mystigue.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 30, 2023 09:49 AM (q3gwH)
I have Grant's autobio here, but haven't read it. I guess it's in my "should read" pile. I think I've been expecting it to have that florid "civil war general" style.
Twain's autobio though, I read it a long time ago, and he was a timeless writer, I think. Except that he wrote that thing chronologically, and when he got to the last few chapters, with people dying all around him, it's horrifyingly painful to read.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 30, 2023 09:49 AM (q3gwH)
I have Grant's autobio here, but haven't read it. I guess it's in my "should read" pile. I think I've been expecting it to have that florid "civil war general" style.
Twain's autobio though, I read it a long time ago, and he was a timeless writer, I think. Except that he wrote that thing chronologically, and when he got to the last few chapters, with people dying all around him, it's horrifyingly painful to read.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:34 AM (0aVwl)
165
33 ... Tonypete,
I have a leather bound copy of "Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant; Recollections and Letters of Robert E. Lee" from Barnes and Noble. No longer in print and used copies run about 30 bucks. There are plenty of inexpensive paperback editions that are much more affordable. Be aware that some editions use two volumes.
Despite Grant's hard drinking, rough reputation, which I think was pushed by his detractors, his writing is excellent. Well worth the read.
I have a leather bound copy of "Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant; Recollections and Letters of Robert E. Lee" from Barnes and Noble. No longer in print and used copies run about 30 bucks. There are plenty of inexpensive paperback editions that are much more affordable. Be aware that some editions use two volumes.
Despite Grant's hard drinking, rough reputation, which I think was pushed by his detractors, his writing is excellent. Well worth the read.
Posted by: JTB at July 30, 2023 10:35 AM (7EjX1)
166
I repeat a British press baron's description of news:
"What somebody wants suppressed. All else is advertising."
We've got some of that now, with the announcement of an amusement park that is to be built in the Vinita area.
"What somebody wants suppressed. All else is advertising."
We've got some of that now, with the announcement of an amusement park that is to be built in the Vinita area.
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 10:35 AM (p/isN)
167
Not much reading this week with my son in law still in the hospital. Been running in and out of Manhattan with my daughter. Just want to thank everyone for all their prayers for his continuing recovery from the leukemia. A special thank you to all of you on the prayer thread. It really helps.
Posted by: RetSgtRN at July 30, 2023 10:36 AM (RqUF/)
168
If any writers are interested, Reedsy has a new prompt for short stories out.
Here's the link:
https://tinyurl.com/5f5nc6mh
They pay $250 to the winner. $5 fee to enter, plus a few cents charge because it's based in the UK, I guess.
Here's the link:
https://tinyurl.com/5f5nc6mh
They pay $250 to the winner. $5 fee to enter, plus a few cents charge because it's based in the UK, I guess.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 10:36 AM (Angsy)
169
In one of my mysteries, I title each chapter with a quote from someone in the chapter, i.e., "I'll Have His Kidneys for Hood Ornaments."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:29 AM (omVj0)
--Heh, I like TV series that do that with their episodes. Are you on the Moron List in Goodreads?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:29 AM (omVj0)
--Heh, I like TV series that do that with their episodes. Are you on the Moron List in Goodreads?
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:38 AM (ywVDE)
170
"What somebody wants suppressed. All else is advertising."
We've got some of that now, with the announcement of an amusement park that is to be built in the Vinita area.
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 10:35 AM (p/isN)
---
Evelyn Waugh's portrait of reporters in Scoop is brilliant, especially the famous columnist who never leaves his hotel room and just makes up his own story, which becomes the definitive account.
We've got some of that now, with the announcement of an amusement park that is to be built in the Vinita area.
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 10:35 AM (p/isN)
---
Evelyn Waugh's portrait of reporters in Scoop is brilliant, especially the famous columnist who never leaves his hotel room and just makes up his own story, which becomes the definitive account.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 10:38 AM (llXky)
171
From Above: Also read David Grann*s Killers of the Flower Moon. Just an amazing and heartbreaking True Crime story. The audiobook had three readers, with actor Will Patton delivering a shining performance of the middle section of the book. I am anxious to see Scorsese and Leo*s movie version. Currently about halfway through with Amity Shlaes, Great Society, A New History. I love the way she tells history by focusing on individuals and their actions, and how these actions become a thread in the historical tapestry she weaves. The Book Thread Rocks!
Posted by: SuperMayorSuperRonNirenberg-Buffest Mayor Ever, Buffer Than You at July 30, 2023 10:39 AM (XvUFg)
172
This is a plot device that I just can't tolerate. I am so uncomfortable and even angry that characters make such stupid decisions and self-destruct that way, when the simplest thing in real life would be to state what actually happened.
There are movies like this, too, where something fairly small occurs, but panic drives the characters to do something so ridiculous that their fate is sealed.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 10:33 AM (OX9vb)
As a plot device in a book, I can understand not wanting to read it, but that's how an extraordinary number of actual murders occur.
He had a drug/gambling habit, was losing lots of money. Didn't want the wife to know. So he kills her... days after forging her sig on a life insurance policy.
Uh huh.
There are movies like this, too, where something fairly small occurs, but panic drives the characters to do something so ridiculous that their fate is sealed.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 10:33 AM (OX9vb)
As a plot device in a book, I can understand not wanting to read it, but that's how an extraordinary number of actual murders occur.
He had a drug/gambling habit, was losing lots of money. Didn't want the wife to know. So he kills her... days after forging her sig on a life insurance policy.
Uh huh.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:39 AM (0aVwl)
173
I mentioned above that our niece and nephew paid us a visit. To my delight, they and their spouses don't have absolute trust or reliance with electronic media and love physical books. Not just special books but any books. These young people give me hope.
Posted by: JTB at July 30, 2023 10:40 AM (7EjX1)
174
Turns out, Prouty had a series of novels about members of the Vale family. The movie "Now, Voyager" was based on one of them. I know the name of the movie, but don't think I've ever seen it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023
***
That's where I know her name from! I've read and seen the film of Now, Voyager. It's female wish fulfillment: The lead character, a woman, has a man (or maybe more than one) dancing attendance on her, but she doesn't have to marry any of them because she has an inheritance. Something like that. A female fantasy, as classic as a man wishing for a harem or a Playboy magazine lifestyle.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023
***
That's where I know her name from! I've read and seen the film of Now, Voyager. It's female wish fulfillment: The lead character, a woman, has a man (or maybe more than one) dancing attendance on her, but she doesn't have to marry any of them because she has an inheritance. Something like that. A female fantasy, as classic as a man wishing for a harem or a Playboy magazine lifestyle.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:40 AM (omVj0)
175
Generals that died soon after the war without writing anything saw their reputations suffer. George Thomas comes to mind.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
Similarly, General William Rupertus died of a heart attack before the end of WWII so he was never able to explain his decisions in that most controversial battle of Peleliu.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
Similarly, General William Rupertus died of a heart attack before the end of WWII so he was never able to explain his decisions in that most controversial battle of Peleliu.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 10:40 AM (FVME7)
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 10:41 AM (p/isN)
177
--Heh, I like TV series that do that with their episodes. Are you on the Moron List in Goodreads?
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023
***
I was inspired by pro writer David McDaniel doing that in his original Ace Books Man From U.N.C.L.E. novels, and of course the TV show did it too.
There's a Moron group on Goodreads?
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023
***
I was inspired by pro writer David McDaniel doing that in his original Ace Books Man From U.N.C.L.E. novels, and of course the TV show did it too.
There's a Moron group on Goodreads?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:42 AM (omVj0)
178
I do remember The Borrowers 1973 TV movie with Eddie Albert, which I always thought was pretty neat.
Posted by: Dr. Varno at July 30, 2023 10:43 AM (R4Ka5)
179
I do wish Grant had lived longer so he could have written about his Presidency. He was not as successful there.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 30, 2023 10:27 AM (xhaym)
Grant was in some ways a proto-Trump, although "successful" generals had been elected before him, without any political experience.
Still, he came in from the outside, was surrounded by a nest of party spiders and other assorted vermin, and his administration was terribly corrupt. Even though he wasn't.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 30, 2023 10:27 AM (xhaym)
Grant was in some ways a proto-Trump, although "successful" generals had been elected before him, without any political experience.
Still, he came in from the outside, was surrounded by a nest of party spiders and other assorted vermin, and his administration was terribly corrupt. Even though he wasn't.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:43 AM (0aVwl)
180
I think in some respects it's harder to write woke because you have to work so hard step around inconvenient information...
You are over-thinking this.
"“The victim was my brother and there are two sides to every story. Whether my brother was wrong or right, he had a gun pointed at him. I guess he took it upon himself to defend himself.
The guy who shot him is a vigilante, not a hero. A vehicle is not worth taking someone's life, I don't care what kind of car it is. You don’t take the law into your own hands. Now my mom, my family, we all have to suffer and just deal with it.”
The guy was describing an armed truck owner who was recovering his stolen vehicle. The perp started shooting the truck owner and the owner finished the gunfight.
You are over-thinking this.
"“The victim was my brother and there are two sides to every story. Whether my brother was wrong or right, he had a gun pointed at him. I guess he took it upon himself to defend himself.
The guy who shot him is a vigilante, not a hero. A vehicle is not worth taking someone's life, I don't care what kind of car it is. You don’t take the law into your own hands. Now my mom, my family, we all have to suffer and just deal with it.”
The guy was describing an armed truck owner who was recovering his stolen vehicle. The perp started shooting the truck owner and the owner finished the gunfight.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 30, 2023 10:44 AM (p8A+W)
181
There's a Moron group on Goodreads?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:42 AM (omVj0)
--Yes, and there is also a specific compilation of Books by Morons there.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:42 AM (omVj0)
--Yes, and there is also a specific compilation of Books by Morons there.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:45 AM (ywVDE)
182
I feel inadequate reading the Book Thread. So many people reading so many consequential books. Books that teach things. Books that enlighten. Me? I read junk for pleasure. I don't learn anything. For example, this week I read 2 Lincoln Lawyer books by Michael Connelly. They were fun. The end.
Posted by: grammie winger - I don't belong here at July 30, 2023 10:47 AM (45fpk)
183
As a plot device in a book, I can understand not wanting to read it, but that's how an extraordinary number of actual murders occur.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:39 AM (0aVwl)
Right--actual murders. But when one has not actually done any bad thing, but panics and thinks others might THINK they've done a bad thing, then they go do stupid stuff that makes no sense.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:39 AM (0aVwl)
Right--actual murders. But when one has not actually done any bad thing, but panics and thinks others might THINK they've done a bad thing, then they go do stupid stuff that makes no sense.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 10:48 AM (OX9vb)
184
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
Similarly, General William Rupertus died of a heart attack before the end of WWII so he was never able to explain his decisions in that most controversial battle of Peleliu.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 10:40 AM (FVME7)
Frankly, I think too many generals DID write their own versions of things. It's one reason history is so distorted.
As for reputations suffering because they died too soon after their time. Let's look at R.E. Lee. Then Patton.
Similarly, General William Rupertus died of a heart attack before the end of WWII so he was never able to explain his decisions in that most controversial battle of Peleliu.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 10:40 AM (FVME7)
Frankly, I think too many generals DID write their own versions of things. It's one reason history is so distorted.
As for reputations suffering because they died too soon after their time. Let's look at R.E. Lee. Then Patton.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:49 AM (kobze)
185
@170 --
I loved the difference between the telegrams sent by the main character and the old pro who wrote for a wire service.
"PERMISSION GRANTED LAKUWARD"
I loved the difference between the telegrams sent by the main character and the old pro who wrote for a wire service.
"PERMISSION GRANTED LAKUWARD"
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 10:49 AM (p/isN)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at July 30, 2023 10:50 AM (a/4+U)
187
I think the only review for my novella is by Polliwog, and she only gave it three stars.
I got the criticism, but in my defense, I was only 21 and my life experiences were limited. Still I think I did okay for a guy whose flower had not even been plucked yet.
I got the criticism, but in my defense, I was only 21 and my life experiences were limited. Still I think I did okay for a guy whose flower had not even been plucked yet.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:50 AM (ywVDE)
188
I feel inadequate reading the Book Thread. So many people reading so many consequential books. Books that teach things. Books that enlighten. Me? I read junk for pleasure. I don't learn anything. For example, this week I read 2 Lincoln Lawyer books by Michael Connelly. They were fun. The end.
Posted by: grammie winger - I don't belong here at July 30, 2023
***
Grammie, I am hardly a literary reader. I have some favorites among the classic literary novels like Steinbeck and so forth. But my preference is for storytelling: crime, SF, fantasy, mystery, thriller, you name it.
Yes, I have a few non-fiction books on my shelves. They are vastly outnumbered by novels and short story collections, some of which I've had for many years.
Posted by: grammie winger - I don't belong here at July 30, 2023
***
Grammie, I am hardly a literary reader. I have some favorites among the classic literary novels like Steinbeck and so forth. But my preference is for storytelling: crime, SF, fantasy, mystery, thriller, you name it.
Yes, I have a few non-fiction books on my shelves. They are vastly outnumbered by novels and short story collections, some of which I've had for many years.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:50 AM (omVj0)
189
That's where I know her name from! I've read and seen the film of Now, Voyager. It's female wish fulfillment: The lead character, a woman, has a man (or maybe more than one) dancing attendance on her, but she doesn't have to marry any of them because she has an inheritance. Something like that. A female fantasy, as classic as a man wishing for a harem or a Playboy magazine lifestyle.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:40 AM (omVj0)
---
My recollection is that she's depressed and falls in love with the doctor who treats her at the asylum.
Maybe you're thinking of "Dark Victory," another Bette Davis film where she's got a ton of admirers but ends up having an inoperable brain tumor. Ronald Reagan was her costar.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:40 AM (omVj0)
---
My recollection is that she's depressed and falls in love with the doctor who treats her at the asylum.
Maybe you're thinking of "Dark Victory," another Bette Davis film where she's got a ton of admirers but ends up having an inoperable brain tumor. Ronald Reagan was her costar.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 10:51 AM (llXky)
190
And what's wrong with reading junk for pleasure?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at July 30, 2023 10:50 AM (a/4+U)
I just feel like I should be reading to learn monumental things, but I read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd instead.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at July 30, 2023 10:50 AM (a/4+U)
I just feel like I should be reading to learn monumental things, but I read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd instead.
Posted by: grammie winger - I don't belong here at July 30, 2023 10:51 AM (45fpk)
191
Finally picked up Waldemar Lotnik, 'NINE LIVES'.
Poland/Ukraine during WWII including the genocidal goings-on between those two factions. Truly ugly, really ugly, stuff. I perused it, it was interesting, then read a couple of pages that disturbed even me (!) and put it down. Lotnik makes it very, casually, almost cheerfully clear he wasn't some 'innocent observer' but an active participant, and there is one specific description that made me put the book down and back into its mailing sleeve.
I'll get back to it but not right away.
Poland/Ukraine during WWII including the genocidal goings-on between those two factions. Truly ugly, really ugly, stuff. I perused it, it was interesting, then read a couple of pages that disturbed even me (!) and put it down. Lotnik makes it very, casually, almost cheerfully clear he wasn't some 'innocent observer' but an active participant, and there is one specific description that made me put the book down and back into its mailing sleeve.
I'll get back to it but not right away.
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 10:52 AM (43xH1)
192
Yay! A blurb about Preston and Child.
Periodically, I've mentioned here one of their books I was reading. They are fun reads and it is difficult to see where the story is going. Minor figures also have character development which usually means they will appear in the next book in the series or overall world.
Periodically, I've mentioned here one of their books I was reading. They are fun reads and it is difficult to see where the story is going. Minor figures also have character development which usually means they will appear in the next book in the series or overall world.
Posted by: Beartooth at July 30, 2023 10:52 AM (JqMqI)
193
YES, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023
***
I'm in favor too!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere
EYE !
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 10:09 AM (T4tVD)
It should be headed by someone who's got a bit of work published. The only thing I have out there is here:
https://tinyurl.com/2dac7b9b
Posted by: Moki at July 30, 2023
***
I'm in favor too!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere
EYE !
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 10:09 AM (T4tVD)
It should be headed by someone who's got a bit of work published. The only thing I have out there is here:
https://tinyurl.com/2dac7b9b
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 10:52 AM (Angsy)
194
As a plot device in a book, I can understand not wanting to read it, but that's how an extraordinary number of actual murders occur.
I'm guessing that none of the hits racked up in Chicago, Baltimore, New Orleans, St.Louis, et al so far this weekend are of that variety but are just stone hard killers killing because the drugs, anger or demons compelled them to at the moment - and there is no sense of civility within them to hit the brakes.
I'm guessing that none of the hits racked up in Chicago, Baltimore, New Orleans, St.Louis, et al so far this weekend are of that variety but are just stone hard killers killing because the drugs, anger or demons compelled them to at the moment - and there is no sense of civility within them to hit the brakes.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 30, 2023 10:52 AM (p8A+W)
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 10:53 AM (enJYY)
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:53 AM (ywVDE)
197
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:39 AM (0aVwl)
Right--actual murders. But when one has not actually done any bad thing, but panics and thinks others might THINK they've done a bad thing, then they go do stupid stuff that makes no sense.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 10:48 AM (OX9vb)
In a way, I think you're describing, if not a unicorn, then a one in a million trick shot. Rarely is the person wholly innocent, and therefore does something stupid because it might LOOK like they're guilty of something.
So yeah, as a plot device, I guess that's about as realistic as being bitten by a radioactive spider, or winning a slogan contest, or having some stranger who looks almost exactly like you show up in your life at just the right time when you'd like to have a body double who can take your place, so you can get out of whatever predicament you happen to be in.
Sitcom/comic book situations.
Right--actual murders. But when one has not actually done any bad thing, but panics and thinks others might THINK they've done a bad thing, then they go do stupid stuff that makes no sense.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 10:48 AM (OX9vb)
In a way, I think you're describing, if not a unicorn, then a one in a million trick shot. Rarely is the person wholly innocent, and therefore does something stupid because it might LOOK like they're guilty of something.
So yeah, as a plot device, I guess that's about as realistic as being bitten by a radioactive spider, or winning a slogan contest, or having some stranger who looks almost exactly like you show up in your life at just the right time when you'd like to have a body double who can take your place, so you can get out of whatever predicament you happen to be in.
Sitcom/comic book situations.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:53 AM (kobze)
198
My recollection is that she's depressed and falls in love with the doctor who treats her at the asylum.
Maybe you're thinking of "Dark Victory," another Bette Davis film where she's got a ton of admirers but ends up having an inoperable brain tumor. Ronald Reagan was her costar.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023
***
In Voyager, though, I think she leaves the asylum after having acquired her inheritance and takes a cruise around the world (? This was 1930s), where she meets another man. Paul Henreid played him in the film.
Maybe you're thinking of "Dark Victory," another Bette Davis film where she's got a ton of admirers but ends up having an inoperable brain tumor. Ronald Reagan was her costar.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023
***
In Voyager, though, I think she leaves the asylum after having acquired her inheritance and takes a cruise around the world (? This was 1930s), where she meets another man. Paul Henreid played him in the film.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (omVj0)
199
what's wrong with reading junk for pleasure?
Posted by: Just Some Guy'
I love Trash Fiction, the kind of macho series books usually starring some superhuman killer-for-hire or some such. i always think, Man, I wish I had the balls to write anything THIS junky!
Posted by: Just Some Guy'
I love Trash Fiction, the kind of macho series books usually starring some superhuman killer-for-hire or some such. i always think, Man, I wish I had the balls to write anything THIS junky!
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (43xH1)
200
Right--actual murders. But when one has not actually done any bad thing, but panics and thinks others might THINK they've done a bad thing, then they go do stupid stuff that makes no sense.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 10:48 AM (OX9vb)
---
People often do stupid things, but the "I could immediately give an account of what happened and there is neither motive or evidence of wrongdoing, but I will run away just because," is a bit much.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 10:48 AM (OX9vb)
---
People often do stupid things, but the "I could immediately give an account of what happened and there is neither motive or evidence of wrongdoing, but I will run away just because," is a bit much.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (llXky)
201
O/T (I suppose):
I was in Dallas a few weeks ago, and went to the JFK Memorial Assissanation site and learned some weird new factoids about the event.
1) Marina Oswald is still alive and living in Dallas
2) There was a bystander that day who was grazed in the cheek by a deflected round. He lived in Dallas until recently dying.
If you ever go, talk to the "conspiracy" guys who are just outside the property.
BtW, I really like RFK Jr.s take on the killing.
Some weird stuff for sure.
I was in Dallas a few weeks ago, and went to the JFK Memorial Assissanation site and learned some weird new factoids about the event.
1) Marina Oswald is still alive and living in Dallas
2) There was a bystander that day who was grazed in the cheek by a deflected round. He lived in Dallas until recently dying.
If you ever go, talk to the "conspiracy" guys who are just outside the property.
BtW, I really like RFK Jr.s take on the killing.
Some weird stuff for sure.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (7Fj9P)
202
190 -- Grammie, don't feel like the Lone Ranger.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (a/4+U)
203
HR hiring a hit man?
-
First, they scour his social media presence to ensure he uses the right pronouns.
-
First, they scour his social media presence to ensure he uses the right pronouns.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (FVME7)
204
What is the moron list in Goodreads?
Posted by: who knew at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (4I7VG)
205
grammie, no one who hangs out at the HQ are book snobs. I hope
Oh no! The guilt is on me entirely. Like when Mom says eat your peas and you sneak a Little Debbie instead.
Oh no! The guilt is on me entirely. Like when Mom says eat your peas and you sneak a Little Debbie instead.
Posted by: grammie winger - I don't belong here at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (45fpk)
206
In Voyager, though, I think she leaves the asylum after having acquired her inheritance and takes a cruise around the world (? This was 1930s), where she meets another man. Paul Henreid played him in the film.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (omVj0)
---
Yeah, that's it. I have it on DVD and it's not one I watch often. "Dark Victory" and "Jezebel" are in the same box and much better.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (omVj0)
---
Yeah, that's it. I have it on DVD and it's not one I watch often. "Dark Victory" and "Jezebel" are in the same box and much better.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 10:55 AM (llXky)
207
Moron group on goodreads:
https://tinyurl.com/bd64h4wh
Ha, we've been "currently reading" The Doorbell Rang for about five years now. We tried having a book club type of read for a while, but I think we all got busy with life and didn't keep up.
Grammie, I like "junk" reading, too. I try to mix in something that teaches me things once in a while, but I'm mostly a fiction reader. Nothing wrong with that.
https://tinyurl.com/bd64h4wh
Ha, we've been "currently reading" The Doorbell Rang for about five years now. We tried having a book club type of read for a while, but I think we all got busy with life and didn't keep up.
Grammie, I like "junk" reading, too. I try to mix in something that teaches me things once in a while, but I'm mostly a fiction reader. Nothing wrong with that.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 10:55 AM (OX9vb)
208
I'm guessing that none of the hits racked up in Chicago, Baltimore, New Orleans, St.Louis, et al so far this weekend are of that variety but are just stone hard killers killing because the drugs, anger or demons compelled them to at the moment - and there is no sense of civility within them to hit the brakes.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 30, 2023 10:52 AM (p8A+W)
Right, gang wars stand outside the "norm" of your typical murder. Your typical murder is the idiot who gets in a bar fight, or his wife is cheating, or his brother takes the last chicken leg.
Typical shootouts in large cities are just part of the lifestyle.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 30, 2023 10:52 AM (p8A+W)
Right, gang wars stand outside the "norm" of your typical murder. Your typical murder is the idiot who gets in a bar fight, or his wife is cheating, or his brother takes the last chicken leg.
Typical shootouts in large cities are just part of the lifestyle.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:56 AM (kobze)
209
I just feel like I should be reading to learn monumental things, but I read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd instead.
Posted by: grammie winger - I don't belong here at July 30, 2023
***
It's hard to realize it, but Christie's early work is a hundred years old now -- like an 1823 novel would have been to her. Her stuff is still readable, but the world her characters move in is quite different from ours.
Posted by: grammie winger - I don't belong here at July 30, 2023
***
It's hard to realize it, but Christie's early work is a hundred years old now -- like an 1823 novel would have been to her. Her stuff is still readable, but the world her characters move in is quite different from ours.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:56 AM (omVj0)
210
For fiction, I gravitate to the classics and strong recommendations because I'm not predisposed to reading it. For me it's overwhelmingly history, which is why it so guides my own writing.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:56 AM (ywVDE)
211
I love Trash Fiction, the kind of macho series books usually starring some superhuman killer-for-hire or some such. i always think, Man, I wish I had the balls to write anything THIS junky!
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (43xH1)
---
Reading R.E. Howard was hugely helpful in my formation as an author. The guy wrote pure pulp with such staggering confidence that I found it encouraging.
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (43xH1)
---
Reading R.E. Howard was hugely helpful in my formation as an author. The guy wrote pure pulp with such staggering confidence that I found it encouraging.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 10:57 AM (llXky)
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 10:58 AM (ywVDE)
213
When I lived in Blue Shithole, a neighbor lowlife stabbed his equally lowlife brother to death over the last pork chop in the frying pan at their mother's house.
I learned about it due to stopping in at a local cop hangout, where they were having a party to celebrate.
I learned about it due to stopping in at a local cop hangout, where they were having a party to celebrate.
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 10:58 AM (43xH1)
214
Thank you for another awesome Book Thread.
Not much reading done last week. Between fighting off a summer cold while working full time and visits from family, there just wasn't time. I like my job and love my family but no reading time leaves me irritable by the end of the week.
I, also, have a vacation planned and am gathering reading material. Last week's acquisitions included a book on herbal medicine, Waugh's Brideshead Revisited, and Jonathan Kellerman's City of the Dead. I used to love Kellerman's Alex Delaware stories. I suppose they're formulaic but they're entertaining. That's all I want or need right now.
Typically, I brings a whole stack of books with me on vacation and then read the 2 or 3 that appeal to me the most in the moment. I'm so looking forward to it.
Not much reading done last week. Between fighting off a summer cold while working full time and visits from family, there just wasn't time. I like my job and love my family but no reading time leaves me irritable by the end of the week.
I, also, have a vacation planned and am gathering reading material. Last week's acquisitions included a book on herbal medicine, Waugh's Brideshead Revisited, and Jonathan Kellerman's City of the Dead. I used to love Kellerman's Alex Delaware stories. I suppose they're formulaic but they're entertaining. That's all I want or need right now.
Typically, I brings a whole stack of books with me on vacation and then read the 2 or 3 that appeal to me the most in the moment. I'm so looking forward to it.
Posted by: KatieFloyd at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (ob77J)
215
People often do stupid things, but the "I could immediately give an account of what happened and there is neither motive or evidence of wrongdoing, but I will run away just because," is a bit much.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (llXky)
Thank you. That was exactly the point I was trying to make.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (llXky)
Thank you. That was exactly the point I was trying to make.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (OX9vb)
216
And what's wrong with reading junk for pleasure?
Nothing. But like food, you might want to mix in something nutritious once in a while.
Nothing. But like food, you might want to mix in something nutritious once in a while.
Posted by: Oddbob at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (nfrXX)
217
People often do stupid things, but the "I could immediately give an account of what happened and there is neither motive or evidence of wrongdoing, but I will run away just because," is a bit much.
Not in today's "justice" system. There are a lot of people who were stupid enough to provide a narration to authorities that in the minds of Normal people would appear to be lacking evidence of wrongdoing, but malicious persecutors looking to hang an innocent man just for kicks are way too pervasive.
"Stand Your Ground" laws mean absolutely nothing to a blue city persecutor. There are no teeth in the law to go after persecutors who maliciously charge true self-defense cases as murder charges.
In today's environment, your best bet is to flee. Works for many illegal aliens who gun down American citizens.
Not in today's "justice" system. There are a lot of people who were stupid enough to provide a narration to authorities that in the minds of Normal people would appear to be lacking evidence of wrongdoing, but malicious persecutors looking to hang an innocent man just for kicks are way too pervasive.
"Stand Your Ground" laws mean absolutely nothing to a blue city persecutor. There are no teeth in the law to go after persecutors who maliciously charge true self-defense cases as murder charges.
In today's environment, your best bet is to flee. Works for many illegal aliens who gun down American citizens.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (p8A+W)
218
BtW, I really like RFK Jr.s take on the killing.
Some weird stuff for sure.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (7Fj9P)
Funny thing is, RFK Jr. claims his dad's murder, and the CIA involvement is less obvious, more circumstantial. I happen to think he's wrong about that... or he's just not willing to admit it publicly. Yet.
As for the round that grazed a bystander, I think it was a piece of concrete, from one of Oswald's rounds that never hit the car. Which, if that's the case (and it is), then there's no way Oswald could have fired the killing shot (which he didn't).
Some weird stuff for sure.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (7Fj9P)
Funny thing is, RFK Jr. claims his dad's murder, and the CIA involvement is less obvious, more circumstantial. I happen to think he's wrong about that... or he's just not willing to admit it publicly. Yet.
As for the round that grazed a bystander, I think it was a piece of concrete, from one of Oswald's rounds that never hit the car. Which, if that's the case (and it is), then there's no way Oswald could have fired the killing shot (which he didn't).
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (kobze)
219
Typical shootouts in large cities are just part of the lifestyle.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:56 AM (kobze)
---
It's a seasonal thing now. When there's a mass shooting during the winter, people are puzzled.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:56 AM (kobze)
---
It's a seasonal thing now. When there's a mass shooting during the winter, people are puzzled.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (llXky)
220
I wrote some 'junk reading' once. It was fun to write, got quickly accepted, and I got a fat check. They did switch some things around a wee bit. I did 'sign off' their editing. I have a sneaky suspicion someone used it as the starting basis of a movie I won't name.
I wrote some 'junk reading' once. It was fun to write, got quickly accepted, and I got a fat check. They did switch some things around a wee bit. I did 'sign off' their editing. I have a sneaky suspicion someone used it as the starting basis of a movie I won't name.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (enJYY)
221
I'd be interested in a writing group, but I'm so erratic in getting anything done these days that I don't know how steady I'd be in participating.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at July 30, 2023 10:18 AM (a/4+U)
It shouldn't matter.
nic at cox dot net
Posted by: Just Some Guy at July 30, 2023 10:18 AM (a/4+U)
It shouldn't matter.
nic at cox dot net
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (Angsy)
222
I'm listening to a book that makes reference to chess grand master Judith Polger. That got me thinking about OM and his chess thread with its chess lovelies.
I miss him.
I miss him.
Posted by: That Northernlurker what lurkd at July 30, 2023 11:00 AM (HfNu5)
Posted by: grammie winger - I don't belong here at July 30, 2023 11:01 AM (45fpk)
224
LenNeal!
I thought of you earlier.
Are you on the Moron List in Goodreads?
Posted by: logprof
Didn't know there was one. Also, my published work is mostly (the last 10 years) editing and proofreading for foreign languages, and I've only more recently started compiling old projects to complete. I've done a lot of work for museums, journalists, etc. Like, a lot. Most of it is uncredited due to oddities of EU copyright conventions, and almost all of it is fact-based, some academic including archeological reports.
I thought of you earlier.
Are you on the Moron List in Goodreads?
Posted by: logprof
Didn't know there was one. Also, my published work is mostly (the last 10 years) editing and proofreading for foreign languages, and I've only more recently started compiling old projects to complete. I've done a lot of work for museums, journalists, etc. Like, a lot. Most of it is uncredited due to oddities of EU copyright conventions, and almost all of it is fact-based, some academic including archeological reports.
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:02 AM (43xH1)
225
That got me thinking about OM and his chess thread with its chess lovelies.
I miss him.
Posted by: That Northernlurker what lurkd at July 30, 2023 11:00 AM (HfNu5)
Such a lovely gentleman.
I miss him.
Posted by: That Northernlurker what lurkd at July 30, 2023 11:00 AM (HfNu5)
Such a lovely gentleman.
Posted by: grammie winger - I don't belong here at July 30, 2023 11:02 AM (45fpk)
226
Violence is Mother’s Milk to the feral urban savages in America’s democrat run cities.
Avoid them and their self imposed cesspools and lead a happy life.
Avoid them and their self imposed cesspools and lead a happy life.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at July 30, 2023 11:02 AM (R/m4+)
227
"Stand Your Ground" laws mean absolutely nothing to a blue city persecutor. There are no teeth in the law to go after persecutors who maliciously charge true self-defense cases as murder charges.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (p8A+W)
---
Dude, it was a *drowning.*
Calm down.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (p8A+W)
---
Dude, it was a *drowning.*
Calm down.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 11:03 AM (llXky)
228
Right, gang wars stand outside the "norm" of your typical murder. Your typical murder is the idiot who gets in a bar fight, or his wife is cheating, or his brother takes the last chicken leg.
And if the perp would just exercise a little restraint and wait for the intended vic to fall asleep, the perp could just OD the vic with the vic's own drugs and no one goes to jail.
And if the perp would just exercise a little restraint and wait for the intended vic to fall asleep, the perp could just OD the vic with the vic's own drugs and no one goes to jail.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 30, 2023 11:03 AM (p8A+W)
229
I wrote some 'junk reading' once. It was fun to write, got quickly accepted, and I got a fat check. They did switch some things around a wee bit. I did 'sign off' their editing. I have a sneaky suspicion someone used it as the starting basis of a movie I won't name.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023
***
Then you probably know more about writing publishable fiction than a lot of us!
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023
***
Then you probably know more about writing publishable fiction than a lot of us!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 11:03 AM (omVj0)
230
Didn't know there was one. Also, my published work is mostly (the last 10 years) editing and proofreading for foreign languages, and I've only more recently started compiling old projects to complete. I've done a lot of work for museums, journalists, etc. Like, a lot. Most of it is uncredited due to oddities of EU copyright conventions, and almost all of it is fact-based, some academic including archeological reports.
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:02 AM (43xH1)
--Ah, got it. Please let us know when something drops!
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:02 AM (43xH1)
--Ah, got it. Please let us know when something drops!
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 11:03 AM (ywVDE)
231
"Stand Your Ground" laws mean absolutely nothing to a blue city persecutor. There are no teeth in the law to go after persecutors who maliciously charge true self-defense cases as murder charges.
In today's environment, your best bet is to flee. Works for many illegal aliens who gun down American citizens.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (p8A+W)
Here's your daily public service announcement: Never talk to the police. Never.
I mean, you can say "hi, have a nice day, officer," but other than that.....
In today's environment, your best bet is to flee. Works for many illegal aliens who gun down American citizens.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (p8A+W)
Here's your daily public service announcement: Never talk to the police. Never.
I mean, you can say "hi, have a nice day, officer," but other than that.....
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 11:03 AM (kobze)
232
__. I vouch that I have just arrived at the portals of the Book Thread.
__. I vouch that I am wearing trousers.
I have been reading the Spenser series by Robert B. Parker and I have completed #39.
I came across a sentence
"The paintings on the walls reeked of expensive original Picasso."
I read that as
The paintings on the walls reeked of expensive original Tabasco."
..... Perfessor, may I shuck my trousers now?
__. I vouch that I am wearing trousers.
I have been reading the Spenser series by Robert B. Parker and I have completed #39.
I came across a sentence
"The paintings on the walls reeked of expensive original Picasso."
I read that as
The paintings on the walls reeked of expensive original Tabasco."
..... Perfessor, may I shuck my trousers now?
Posted by: Ciampino - Naming Cats 6 at July 30, 2023 11:04 AM (qfLjt)
233
In today's environment, your best bet is to flee. Works for many illegal aliens who gun down American citizens.
Posted by: Reuben Hick'
The MO where I live now is, regardless of what it might be, flee, hide, and after a few days call into the County to see if you have a warrant. If Yes, contact a lawyer and negotiate a surrender. If not, good to go!
Posted by: Reuben Hick'
The MO where I live now is, regardless of what it might be, flee, hide, and after a few days call into the County to see if you have a warrant. If Yes, contact a lawyer and negotiate a surrender. If not, good to go!
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:04 AM (43xH1)
234
Then you probably know more about writing publishable fiction than a lot of us!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 11:03 AM (omVj0)
--I second the nomination!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 11:03 AM (omVj0)
--I second the nomination!
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 11:04 AM (ywVDE)
235
I wrote some 'junk reading' once. It was fun to write, got quickly accepted, and I got a fat check. They did switch some things around a wee bit. I did 'sign off' their editing. I have a sneaky suspicion someone used it as the starting basis of a movie I won't name.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (enJYY)
Oh, I'll bet it's that Barbie movie.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (enJYY)
Oh, I'll bet it's that Barbie movie.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 30, 2023 11:05 AM (q3gwH)
236
In one of my mysteries, I title each chapter with a quote from someone in the chapter, i.e., "I'll Have His Kidneys for Hood Ornaments."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:29 AM (omVj0)
Shoot! I just use 1,2, and 3.
(kicks dirt)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:29 AM (omVj0)
Shoot! I just use 1,2, and 3.
(kicks dirt)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 11:06 AM (Angsy)
237
a movie I won't name.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (enJYY)
Oh, I'll bet it's that Barbie movie.
Posted by: Tom Servo'
Prometheus?
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (enJYY)
Oh, I'll bet it's that Barbie movie.
Posted by: Tom Servo'
Prometheus?
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:06 AM (43xH1)
238
Shoot! I just use 1,2, and 3.
(kicks dirt)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 11:06 AM (Angsy)
--I don't even do that!
I, II, III . . .
(kicks dirt)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 11:06 AM (Angsy)
--I don't even do that!
I, II, III . . .
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 11:08 AM (ywVDE)
239
And if the perp would just exercise a little restraint and wait for the intended vic to fall asleep, the perp could just OD the vic with the vic's own drugs and no one goes to jail.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 30, 2023 11:03 AM (p8A+W)
Ah, there's the rub. Patience and restraint are not known traits for people who murder over pork chops and chicken legs.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 30, 2023 11:03 AM (p8A+W)
Ah, there's the rub. Patience and restraint are not known traits for people who murder over pork chops and chicken legs.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 11:08 AM (0uPes)
240
237 a movie I won't name.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (enJYY)
Oh, I'll bet it's that Barbie movie.
Posted by: Tom Servo'
Prometheus?
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:06 AM (43xH1)
--Superbad?
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (enJYY)
Oh, I'll bet it's that Barbie movie.
Posted by: Tom Servo'
Prometheus?
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:06 AM (43xH1)
--Superbad?
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 11:08 AM (ywVDE)
241
But I though 0bama's was the gold standard for residential memoirs?
I mean, he didn't lead an army to victory, but he did calm the seas!
Posted by: logprof
He also fed the masses with just five loaves and two fishes.
I mean, he didn't lead an army to victory, but he did calm the seas!
Posted by: logprof
He also fed the masses with just five loaves and two fishes.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 11:10 AM (FVME7)
242
a movie I won't name.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (enJYY)
Oh, I'll bet it's that Barbie movie.
Posted by: Tom Servo'
Prometheus?
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:06 AM (43xH1)
Sounds suspiciously like LOTR.... J.R.R., is that you??
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (enJYY)
Oh, I'll bet it's that Barbie movie.
Posted by: Tom Servo'
Prometheus?
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:06 AM (43xH1)
Sounds suspiciously like LOTR.... J.R.R., is that you??
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 11:10 AM (0uPes)
243
This is a plot device that I just can't tolerate. I am so uncomfortable and even angry that characters make such stupid decisions and self-destruct that way, when the simplest thing in real life would be to state what actually happened.
There are movies like this, too, where something fairly small occurs, but panic drives the characters to do something so ridiculous that their fate is sealed.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 10:33 AM (OX9vb)
It was disconcerting because he had already gotten his story together about what happened. I guess it's because the other man had a heart condition that he thought he was trying to avoid getting pulled under by the other guy. No reason for the panic except to make the story.
(spoiler: guy had heart attack before going under)
There are movies like this, too, where something fairly small occurs, but panic drives the characters to do something so ridiculous that their fate is sealed.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 30, 2023 10:33 AM (OX9vb)
It was disconcerting because he had already gotten his story together about what happened. I guess it's because the other man had a heart condition that he thought he was trying to avoid getting pulled under by the other guy. No reason for the panic except to make the story.
(spoiler: guy had heart attack before going under)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 11:11 AM (Angsy)
244
Which, if that's the case (and it is), then there's no way Oswald could have fired the killing shot (which he didn't).
=====================
Yes. When you're on scene there, it's a MUCH tighter area than it looks on film. After the limo made the acute angle turn onto the entrance ramp, Oswald was in a horrible position to make that shot(s). I maintain Oswald shot at him, but the fatal shot came from in front, probably the grassy knoll.
Also, a bullet will deform going through foliage. The "magic" bullet was a f-up by the CIA. No way that traveled through 2 people, and was pristine.
=====================
Yes. When you're on scene there, it's a MUCH tighter area than it looks on film. After the limo made the acute angle turn onto the entrance ramp, Oswald was in a horrible position to make that shot(s). I maintain Oswald shot at him, but the fatal shot came from in front, probably the grassy knoll.
Also, a bullet will deform going through foliage. The "magic" bullet was a f-up by the CIA. No way that traveled through 2 people, and was pristine.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at July 30, 2023 11:11 AM (7Fj9P)
245
Please let us know when something drops!
Posted by: logprof'
Oh, I have a bunch of stuff completed but the majority of it is of limited interest and rather arcane. I discontinued my website because I realized I wasn't really using it, but realize I need to get another one. I kept the domain name. I spent a long time assembling a 'set' of books about human uses of imagery, that is turning out to be very influential in a very limited circle of people, but isn't at all 'mass market'.
Posted by: logprof'
Oh, I have a bunch of stuff completed but the majority of it is of limited interest and rather arcane. I discontinued my website because I realized I wasn't really using it, but realize I need to get another one. I kept the domain name. I spent a long time assembling a 'set' of books about human uses of imagery, that is turning out to be very influential in a very limited circle of people, but isn't at all 'mass market'.
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:12 AM (43xH1)
246
It was disconcerting because he had already gotten his story together about what happened. I guess it's because the other man had a heart condition that he thought he was trying to avoid getting pulled under by the other guy. No reason for the panic except to make the story.
(spoiler: guy had heart attack before going under)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 11:11 AM (Angsy)
---
I guess the author felt an innocent idiot made a more sympathetic character than a killer or someone who could be plausibly framed.
(spoiler: guy had heart attack before going under)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 11:11 AM (Angsy)
---
I guess the author felt an innocent idiot made a more sympathetic character than a killer or someone who could be plausibly framed.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 11:12 AM (llXky)
247
Alright I'll tease it a little more. It was set in Jamaica. The melanin content of the characters was not specified in my submission because in reality Jamaicans can be anywhere on the spectrum. It was sorta in the romantic/erotic realm. I thought I'd leave it up to the reader to fill in the blanks. When published the woman was black and the Jamaican was black.
Like I said, I signed off on it. Anyway it wasn't a big box office success, it might have covered cost of production. But it was a bit of a laugh to me.
Alright I'll tease it a little more. It was set in Jamaica. The melanin content of the characters was not specified in my submission because in reality Jamaicans can be anywhere on the spectrum. It was sorta in the romantic/erotic realm. I thought I'd leave it up to the reader to fill in the blanks. When published the woman was black and the Jamaican was black.
Like I said, I signed off on it. Anyway it wasn't a big box office success, it might have covered cost of production. But it was a bit of a laugh to me.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 11:12 AM (enJYY)
248
In one of my mysteries, I title each chapter with a quote from someone in the chapter, i.e., "I'll Have His Kidneys for Hood Ornaments."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023
*
Shoot! I just use 1,2, and 3.
(kicks dirt)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023
***
Well, I only do that in a light-hearted kind of story. In more dramatic things, I find a simple number is fine. I suppose in a more serious story I could choose a serious line of dialogue from the chapter that points up what the chapter is about, but I've never done that.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023
*
Shoot! I just use 1,2, and 3.
(kicks dirt)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023
***
Well, I only do that in a light-hearted kind of story. In more dramatic things, I find a simple number is fine. I suppose in a more serious story I could choose a serious line of dialogue from the chapter that points up what the chapter is about, but I've never done that.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 11:12 AM (omVj0)
249
He also fed the masses with just five loaves and two fishes.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 11:10 AM (FVME7)
Bobama is damaging his legacy as we speak, with his defense of Alzheimer Joe. Seems a bit risky to me, that they're dragging him out there to try to rescue his Veep, but what else are they gonna do.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 11:10 AM (FVME7)
Bobama is damaging his legacy as we speak, with his defense of Alzheimer Joe. Seems a bit risky to me, that they're dragging him out there to try to rescue his Veep, but what else are they gonna do.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 11:12 AM (0uPes)
250
the killing shot (which he didn't).
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (kobze)
I have a bunch of big old industrial band saws at work. Went looking for info on them and the owner of the company that made them somehow wound up getting interviewed in the JFK investigation.
That's like yelling "SQUIRREL!!" at me, got my attention. Dissorder set's in.
Boss walks up behind me 30 minutes later and I'm all 10 tabs open into conspiracy stuff when I'm supposed to be finding a part.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (kobze)
I have a bunch of big old industrial band saws at work. Went looking for info on them and the owner of the company that made them somehow wound up getting interviewed in the JFK investigation.
That's like yelling "SQUIRREL!!" at me, got my attention. Dissorder set's in.
Boss walks up behind me 30 minutes later and I'm all 10 tabs open into conspiracy stuff when I'm supposed to be finding a part.
Posted by: Reforger at July 30, 2023 11:13 AM (B705c)
251
I assembled them and made proof copies from Lulu, and they're on the storefront, but it's just a convenience. I order them up myself and deliver them to a small group of people, mostly in Europe.
The one, 'The Picture Story', went to an Italian analyst working on the Column Of Trajan in conjunction with the British Museum. That kind of thing. It's very arcane and not of much interest outside of a small group of people.
Lulu:
https://tinyurl.com/mw9tr5rj
The one, 'The Picture Story', went to an Italian analyst working on the Column Of Trajan in conjunction with the British Museum. That kind of thing. It's very arcane and not of much interest outside of a small group of people.
Lulu:
https://tinyurl.com/mw9tr5rj
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:14 AM (43xH1)
252
I think the last week has finally solved the JFK assassination. It was the space aliens.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 11:14 AM (FVME7)
253
It's hard to realize it, but Christie's early work is a hundred years old now -- like an 1823 novel would have been to her. Her stuff is still readable, but the world her characters move in is quite different from ours.
A recurring theme for Miss Marple is that human nature is human nature and doesn't change much from time to time, place to place, or person to person.
A recurring theme for Miss Marple is that human nature is human nature and doesn't change much from time to time, place to place, or person to person.
Posted by: Oddbob at July 30, 2023 11:15 AM (nfrXX)
254
I have a bunch of big old industrial band saws at work. Went looking for info on them and the owner of the company that made them somehow wound up getting interviewed in the JFK investigation.
That's like yelling "SQUIRREL!!" at me, got my attention. Dissorder set's in.
Boss walks up behind me 30 minutes later and I'm all 10 tabs open into conspiracy stuff when I'm supposed to be finding a part.
Posted by: Reforger at July 30, 2023 11:13 AM (B705c)
---
Before my news blackout, there was a story that the killing bullet definitely came from the front and that a replacement windshield was hastily ordered and fitted to the presidential limo without the offending hole.
FBI forgot to go through the company inventory records.
That's like yelling "SQUIRREL!!" at me, got my attention. Dissorder set's in.
Boss walks up behind me 30 minutes later and I'm all 10 tabs open into conspiracy stuff when I'm supposed to be finding a part.
Posted by: Reforger at July 30, 2023 11:13 AM (B705c)
---
Before my news blackout, there was a story that the killing bullet definitely came from the front and that a replacement windshield was hastily ordered and fitted to the presidential limo without the offending hole.
FBI forgot to go through the company inventory records.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 11:16 AM (llXky)
255
We've got some of that now, with the announcement of an amusement park that is to be built in the Vinita area.
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 10:35 AM (p/isN)
Saw a vid about that a couple of days ago. You want, or not?
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 10:35 AM (p/isN)
Saw a vid about that a couple of days ago. You want, or not?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 11:16 AM (Angsy)
256
37 a movie I won't name.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (enJYY)
--------------
Boogie Nights
37 a movie I won't name.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 10:59 AM (enJYY)
--------------
Boogie Nights
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 30, 2023 11:18 AM (9yUzE)
257
Yes. When you're on scene there, it's a MUCH tighter area than it looks on film. After the limo made the acute angle turn onto the entrance ramp, Oswald was in a horrible position to make that shot(s). I maintain Oswald shot at him, but the fatal shot came from in front, probably the grassy knoll.
Also, a bullet will deform going through foliage. The "magic" bullet was a f-up by the CIA. No way that traveled through 2 people, and was pristine.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at July 30, 2023 11:11 AM (7Fj9P)
I'm less inclined to discount "the magic bullet," but the ballistics on the case are all over the place, and it's hard to know who to believe. As for the fatal round coming from the front, I do believe the evidence is clearer, that it was a small, high velocity round that fragmented, coming from directly behind. Not above, but more or less level.
Which would mean the car behind. And there WAS someone in the car behind, who had a weapon up and out, that was capable of firing a small caliber, high velocity round. My main question is, was the fatal shot accidental or intentional? The person who would have fired the round, I believe, is still alive.
Also, a bullet will deform going through foliage. The "magic" bullet was a f-up by the CIA. No way that traveled through 2 people, and was pristine.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at July 30, 2023 11:11 AM (7Fj9P)
I'm less inclined to discount "the magic bullet," but the ballistics on the case are all over the place, and it's hard to know who to believe. As for the fatal round coming from the front, I do believe the evidence is clearer, that it was a small, high velocity round that fragmented, coming from directly behind. Not above, but more or less level.
Which would mean the car behind. And there WAS someone in the car behind, who had a weapon up and out, that was capable of firing a small caliber, high velocity round. My main question is, was the fatal shot accidental or intentional? The person who would have fired the round, I believe, is still alive.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 11:18 AM (K6M7J)
Posted by: mrp at July 30, 2023 11:18 AM (rj6Yv)
259
A recurring theme for Miss Marple is that human nature is human nature and doesn't change much from time to time, place to place, or person to person.
I get that from the Bible. Potiphar's wife was basically the first Kardashian.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potiphar%27s_wife
I get that from the Bible. Potiphar's wife was basically the first Kardashian.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potiphar%27s_wife
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 30, 2023 11:19 AM (9yUzE)
260
Miss Marple's recurring theme --
Which is why we still read Christie after a century, Shakespeare, Dickens, and Sophocles after more than that.
The fundamental things apply as time goes by.
Which is why we still read Christie after a century, Shakespeare, Dickens, and Sophocles after more than that.
The fundamental things apply as time goes by.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at July 30, 2023 11:20 AM (a/4+U)
261
Another copy of The Picture Story went to the staff at this museum in France:
https://www.citebd.org/
https://www.citebd.org/
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:20 AM (43xH1)
262
I finished 'Rubicon' By Tom Holland. Overall, it was a good read but I wish there more detail.
-
I loved Rubicon. Author trivia. Tom is an ancient history author /historian. His brother, James, is a WWII author /historian and both are British as is often the way with brothers. James frequently appears on WWII documentaries.
-
I loved Rubicon. Author trivia. Tom is an ancient history author /historian. His brother, James, is a WWII author /historian and both are British as is often the way with brothers. James frequently appears on WWII documentaries.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 11:20 AM (FVME7)
263
Really really overslept this morning. Making up for staying up til 1 am to finish Nalini Singh's new psy--changeling novel Resonance Surge. This one features the bear clan. If you like her writing, you will love this one.
Wolfus, I read The Promised Land this week, the next book in Parker's Spenser series. Man, it felt like such a relief after Marlowe. I understood your comment about the difference between the two detectives. And yes, CBD, I liked it a lot. So, I will keep going.
Wolfus, I read The Promised Land this week, the next book in Parker's Spenser series. Man, it felt like such a relief after Marlowe. I understood your comment about the difference between the two detectives. And yes, CBD, I liked it a lot. So, I will keep going.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at July 30, 2023 11:21 AM (t/2Uw)
264
Shanghied by Craig L. Symonds 'Nimitz at War' this week. The career of Nimitz has always been of interest, being a fellow Texan and all. Symonds is excellent, as always...
Purchased (or re-purchased, as I have no idea where my original DAW editions are) the Michael Moorcock 'Elric' series in a fit of nostalgic curiosity. I liked them as a teen, but have no idea how they will stand up now, in my darned-near-60 experience. There have been more than a few "I liked these as a kid!" disappointments. But, there have been a few new facets on old gems as well.
Cheers!
Purchased (or re-purchased, as I have no idea where my original DAW editions are) the Michael Moorcock 'Elric' series in a fit of nostalgic curiosity. I liked them as a teen, but have no idea how they will stand up now, in my darned-near-60 experience. There have been more than a few "I liked these as a kid!" disappointments. But, there have been a few new facets on old gems as well.
Cheers!
Posted by: Brewingfrog at July 30, 2023 11:21 AM (4Quga)
265
Boogie Nights
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 30, 2023 11:18 AM
Nope, VTK. But that movie had one scene in it where someone is actually paying to see John Holmes' ... you know, thing... that in my suit against the Boy Scouts of America I will bring up.
Still have your blog?
Boogie Nights
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 30, 2023 11:18 AM
Nope, VTK. But that movie had one scene in it where someone is actually paying to see John Holmes' ... you know, thing... that in my suit against the Boy Scouts of America I will bring up.
Still have your blog?
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 11:21 AM (enJYY)
266
I have a bunch of big old industrial band saws at work. Went looking for info on them and the owner of the company that made them somehow wound up getting interviewed in the JFK investigation.
That's like yelling "SQUIRREL!!" at me, got my attention. Dissorder set's in.
Boss walks up behind me 30 minutes later and I'm all 10 tabs open into conspiracy stuff when I'm supposed to be finding a part.
Posted by: Reforger at July 30, 2023 11:13 AM (B705c)
Yeah, I can't resist this stuff. It is true to say though, part of the op was the massive amount of disinfo they put out, to keep people looking at everything, grasping at truths, and hiding said truth right in the middle of the many conspiracy theories.
That's like yelling "SQUIRREL!!" at me, got my attention. Dissorder set's in.
Boss walks up behind me 30 minutes later and I'm all 10 tabs open into conspiracy stuff when I'm supposed to be finding a part.
Posted by: Reforger at July 30, 2023 11:13 AM (B705c)
Yeah, I can't resist this stuff. It is true to say though, part of the op was the massive amount of disinfo they put out, to keep people looking at everything, grasping at truths, and hiding said truth right in the middle of the many conspiracy theories.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 11:22 AM (K6M7J)
267
From the writing end, my series is centered around an earthling in space and it may be that I center a different series around the Earth of the same universe.
The logic being that people like stories that take place on Earth and you can leverage interest in one series to hook people into the other.
The logic being that people like stories that take place on Earth and you can leverage interest in one series to hook people into the other.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 11:22 AM (lpWi1)
268
That's where I know her name from! I've read and seen the film of Now, Voyager. It's female wish fulfillment: The lead character, a woman, has a man (or maybe more than one) dancing attendance on her, but she doesn't have to marry any of them because she has an inheritance. Something like that. A female fantasy, as classic as a man wishing for a harem or a Playboy magazine lifestyle.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:40 AM (omVj0)
Some of the same characters are in Home Port.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 10:40 AM (omVj0)
Some of the same characters are in Home Port.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 11:22 AM (Angsy)
269
Did you get your Bluetti yet?
Posted by: mrp at July 30, 2023 11:18 AM
The solar panel, yes. It's the 350 watt one and I'm really happy with it. The way it folds/unfolds and stores away is first class engineering and workmanship. I think they oversold the 200Max on Prime Day as I received an email this morning shipping is delayed.
Did you get your Bluetti yet?
Posted by: mrp at July 30, 2023 11:18 AM
The solar panel, yes. It's the 350 watt one and I'm really happy with it. The way it folds/unfolds and stores away is first class engineering and workmanship. I think they oversold the 200Max on Prime Day as I received an email this morning shipping is delayed.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 11:25 AM (enJYY)
270
Still have your blog?
Nah, putting all of my copious spare time into writing unpublishable novels.
Nah, putting all of my copious spare time into writing unpublishable novels.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 30, 2023 11:25 AM (9yUzE)
271
Talk about dystopia, watching a 12 minute video on utube by METAL LEO from 2d ago showing every business on Market St. In San Fran being closed.
Makes me angry that such a nice downtown is such a shit hole.
And I thought Gary, IN was bad.
Makes me angry that such a nice downtown is such a shit hole.
And I thought Gary, IN was bad.
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at July 30, 2023 11:25 AM (ufFY8)
272
I feel inadequate reading the Book Thread. So many people reading so many consequential books. Books that teach things. Books that enlighten. Me? I read junk for pleasure. I don't learn anything. For example, this week I read 2 Lincoln Lawyer books by Michael Connelly. They were fun. The end.
Posted by: grammie winger - I don't belong here at July 30, 2023 10:47 AM (45fpk)
Maybe, but you and the Rev deal with more important subjects than mere scribbles of non-eternal values....
Posted by: grammie winger - I don't belong here at July 30, 2023 10:47 AM (45fpk)
Maybe, but you and the Rev deal with more important subjects than mere scribbles of non-eternal values....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 11:26 AM (Angsy)
273
That got me thinking about OM and his chess thread with its chess lovelies.
I miss him.
Posted by: That Northernlurker what lurkd at July 30, 2023 11:00 AM (HfNu5)
Such a lovely gentleman.
Posted by: grammie winger
------------------
I always think of him endearingly whenever I hear/read that turn of phrase, "commie rat-bastard."
I miss him.
Posted by: That Northernlurker what lurkd at July 30, 2023 11:00 AM (HfNu5)
Such a lovely gentleman.
Posted by: grammie winger
------------------
I always think of him endearingly whenever I hear/read that turn of phrase, "commie rat-bastard."
Posted by: olddog in mo at July 30, 2023 11:26 AM (ju2Fy)
274
I've forgotten the story it was so long ago, but my wife just reminded me of one of the details - older woman, younger man.
I've forgotten the story it was so long ago, but my wife just reminded me of one of the details - older woman, younger man.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 11:28 AM (enJYY)
275
And what's wrong with reading junk for pleasure?
Nothing. But like food, you might want to mix in something nutritious once in a while.
Posted by: Oddbob at J
Nah. I get enough reality everyday on the internet.
Nothing. But like food, you might want to mix in something nutritious once in a while.
Posted by: Oddbob at J
Nah. I get enough reality everyday on the internet.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at July 30, 2023 11:28 AM (t/2Uw)
276
Well, I have to roll, Thanks again, Perfesser!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 30, 2023 11:28 AM (llXky)
277
pulp with such staggering confidence that I found it encouraging.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd'
Yes, I love that kind of stuff! Other than the Intuhlekktuwal material I do there is another book, already completed, with a sequel in the works (half-done already, really) once I finish this damn Sci-Fi thing (it's done, needs to be formatted is all, I had to work a lot this week), about a horrible Millennial chick who gets turned into a vampire and isn't sure what to do. It's incredibly violent, foul-mouthed, sex-soaked, and utterly Un-PC. The people who have read it love it. But it's probably not for this crowd, it's really out-there in terms of crazy.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd'
Yes, I love that kind of stuff! Other than the Intuhlekktuwal material I do there is another book, already completed, with a sequel in the works (half-done already, really) once I finish this damn Sci-Fi thing (it's done, needs to be formatted is all, I had to work a lot this week), about a horrible Millennial chick who gets turned into a vampire and isn't sure what to do. It's incredibly violent, foul-mouthed, sex-soaked, and utterly Un-PC. The people who have read it love it. But it's probably not for this crowd, it's really out-there in terms of crazy.
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:29 AM (43xH1)
278
The solar panel, yes. It's the 350 watt one and I'm really happy with it. The way it folds/unfolds and stores away is first class engineering and workmanship. I think they oversold the 200Max on Prime Day as I received an email this morning shipping is delayed.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 11:25 AM (enJYY)
I bought my MAX during a big sale and it was a delayed delivery, too. I saw a bunch of YT videos with the AC200 MAX installed with a manual transfer switch. Some folks were having problems with the floating neutral, but they wanted their solar generator on the main panel 24/7.
The solar panel, yes. It's the 350 watt one and I'm really happy with it. The way it folds/unfolds and stores away is first class engineering and workmanship. I think they oversold the 200Max on Prime Day as I received an email this morning shipping is delayed.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 11:25 AM (enJYY)
I bought my MAX during a big sale and it was a delayed delivery, too. I saw a bunch of YT videos with the AC200 MAX installed with a manual transfer switch. Some folks were having problems with the floating neutral, but they wanted their solar generator on the main panel 24/7.
Posted by: mrp at July 30, 2023 11:30 AM (rj6Yv)
279
Now, Voyager. It's female wish fulfillment: The lead character, a woman, has a man (or maybe more than one) dancing attendance on her, but she doesn't have to marry any of them because she has an inheritance. ||
I didn't get that at all from the movie. It struck me more as a "Casablanca"-type thing where the lead character decides her personal desires should take a backseat to the care of an abused child.
https://moviegique.com/2017/06/now-voyager-1942/
I didn't get that at all from the movie. It struck me more as a "Casablanca"-type thing where the lead character decides her personal desires should take a backseat to the care of an abused child.
https://moviegique.com/2017/06/now-voyager-1942/
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 11:30 AM (lpWi1)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 11:30 AM (Angsy)
281
Nah, putting all of my copious spare time into writing unpublishable novels.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 30, 2023 11:25 AM
The world changes in a blink of the eye.
I remember way back when at Supertanker Bicycle guys blog going to your site a lot. It was always good for a laugh.
Nah, putting all of my copious spare time into writing unpublishable novels.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 30, 2023 11:25 AM
The world changes in a blink of the eye.
I remember way back when at Supertanker Bicycle guys blog going to your site a lot. It was always good for a laugh.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 11:30 AM (enJYY)
282
For example, this week I read 2 Lincoln Lawyer books by Michael Connelly. They were fun. The end.
Posted by: grammie winger - I don't belong here at July 30, 2023 10:47 AM (45fpk)
I started watching the show on Netflix. Not sure it's worth continuing.
The Bosch teevee series was fun (for a while, until it wasn't), and they managed to mix and match some of the stories from the book series. I'm not sure how closely this show is following the books, but it sure plays like Connelly's writing. If that makes sense.
Posted by: grammie winger - I don't belong here at July 30, 2023 10:47 AM (45fpk)
I started watching the show on Netflix. Not sure it's worth continuing.
The Bosch teevee series was fun (for a while, until it wasn't), and they managed to mix and match some of the stories from the book series. I'm not sure how closely this show is following the books, but it sure plays like Connelly's writing. If that makes sense.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 11:31 AM (K6M7J)
283
"Craziest" book I've read was the "Painted Bird" in high school.
Posted by: mrp at July 30, 2023 11:31 AM (rj6Yv)
284
I do wonder about the re-released childrens' books and weather or not they got the "portland" treatment.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 30, 2023 11:31 AM (8GBH4)
285
Now, Voyager. It's female wish fulfillment: The lead character, a woman, has a man (or maybe more than one) dancing attendance on her, but she doesn't have to marry any of them because she has an inheritance. ||
I didn't get that at all from the movie. It struck me more as a "Casablanca"-type thing where the lead character decides her personal desires should take a backseat to the care of an abused child.
https://moviegique.com/2017/06/now-voyager-1942/
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023
***
It's been some time since I saw or read it, so maybe you're right. I seem to recall a child in there somewhere.
I didn't get that at all from the movie. It struck me more as a "Casablanca"-type thing where the lead character decides her personal desires should take a backseat to the care of an abused child.
https://moviegique.com/2017/06/now-voyager-1942/
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023
***
It's been some time since I saw or read it, so maybe you're right. I seem to recall a child in there somewhere.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 11:32 AM (omVj0)
286
I bought my MAX during a big sale and it was a delayed delivery, too. I saw a bunch of YT videos with the AC200 MAX installed with a manual transfer switch. Some folks were having problems with the floating neutral, but they wanted their solar generator on the main panel 24/7.
Posted by: mrp at July 30, 2023 11:30 AM
I've run across that question myself. What is the correct answer?
I bought my MAX during a big sale and it was a delayed delivery, too. I saw a bunch of YT videos with the AC200 MAX installed with a manual transfer switch. Some folks were having problems with the floating neutral, but they wanted their solar generator on the main panel 24/7.
Posted by: mrp at July 30, 2023 11:30 AM
I've run across that question myself. What is the correct answer?
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 11:32 AM (enJYY)
287
I should also learn how to spell whether.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 30, 2023 11:32 AM (8GBH4)
288
I am reading 40s - 70s sci-fi.
Finished Fire Upon The Deep by Vernor Vinge, and now reading Silverberg's The Second Trip.
Halfway through Cyril Kornbluth's short stories.
The Marching Morons, baby!
Finished Fire Upon The Deep by Vernor Vinge, and now reading Silverberg's The Second Trip.
Halfway through Cyril Kornbluth's short stories.
The Marching Morons, baby!
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at July 30, 2023 11:33 AM (ufFY8)
289
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 10:33 AM (FVME7)
Years ago I was a James lee Burke fan, had to walk away cause he just couldn’t resist being a lefty scold. oh well.
Years ago I was a James lee Burke fan, had to walk away cause he just couldn’t resist being a lefty scold. oh well.
Posted by: Rufus T Firefly at July 30, 2023 11:34 AM (HcwhT)
290
I started watching the Dresden series on freevee this week. I know I'd seen it but didn't remember anything about it except I liked it a lot. Lived up to my memory. Hard to believe they actually made tv shows that entertained for 50 minutes and finished up the story.
By the freevee is very good as the commercials store very short so don't really interrupt the flow.
By the freevee is very good as the commercials store very short so don't really interrupt the flow.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at July 30, 2023 11:34 AM (t/2Uw)
291
131 ... "Local print news is useless, though. They either run wire service stories, retype press releases, or provide shockingly simplistic and superficial stories, on a par with radio news reports limited to a couple of sentences at the top of the hour."
Small town local papers only flourish when they serve a community with local interests and activities. Sadly, such towns, especially when near larger cities, are fading as communities. They become bedroom homes for strangers going on their daily commute. Neighbors? Who are they? And why should I care?
Small town local papers only flourish when they serve a community with local interests and activities. Sadly, such towns, especially when near larger cities, are fading as communities. They become bedroom homes for strangers going on their daily commute. Neighbors? Who are they? And why should I care?
Posted by: JTB at July 30, 2023 11:34 AM (7EjX1)
292
I should also learn how to spell whether.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk
Especially if you're gonna be a meteorologist.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk
Especially if you're gonna be a meteorologist.
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 11:35 AM (T4tVD)
293
You wuz gonna post a link today.
Posted by: OrangeEnt'
I know. I didn't get to it. I did have to work a lot this week and I'm running behind schedule. Summer is the busiest time at supermarkets, other than Holiday Seasons.
Oh! My buddy from Mexico should be arriving today, and he's bringing a stack of totally insane Mexican Occult Nazi/Hitler books with him from the pulp-book/newstands. They're whacked out, have to be seen to be believed!
Posted by: OrangeEnt'
I know. I didn't get to it. I did have to work a lot this week and I'm running behind schedule. Summer is the busiest time at supermarkets, other than Holiday Seasons.
Oh! My buddy from Mexico should be arriving today, and he's bringing a stack of totally insane Mexican Occult Nazi/Hitler books with him from the pulp-book/newstands. They're whacked out, have to be seen to be believed!
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:36 AM (43xH1)
294
Well, off to deal with the so-called real world chores for a while.
Perfesser, thanks for the thread.
Orange Ent, will probably drop you a note re writing group some time this week.
Bests to all. Have a good one, gang.
Perfesser, thanks for the thread.
Orange Ent, will probably drop you a note re writing group some time this week.
Bests to all. Have a good one, gang.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at July 30, 2023 11:36 AM (a/4+U)
295
LenNeal, that sounds like my type of book. Let me know when available.😁
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at July 30, 2023 11:37 AM (t/2Uw)
296
It's been some time since I saw or read it, so maybe you're right. I seem to recall a child in there somewhere.||
Oh, yeah. I haven't read the book, though it sat on my mother's bookshelf for years, IIRC. (She had a lot of the books that got made into moves during the Golden Age.)
I could see a subtext of "putting men in their place" but I saw it more as "not letting the little head rule the big one". Er, or whatever the female equivalent would be.
Oh, yeah. I haven't read the book, though it sat on my mother's bookshelf for years, IIRC. (She had a lot of the books that got made into moves during the Golden Age.)
I could see a subtext of "putting men in their place" but I saw it more as "not letting the little head rule the big one". Er, or whatever the female equivalent would be.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 11:37 AM (lpWi1)
297
Good morning Hordemates.
Posted by: Diogenes at July 30, 2023 11:38 AM (e4fEA)
298
"That got me thinking about OM and his chess thread with its chess lovelies.
I miss him."
I miss the Chess and Dress thread too but miss OM more.
I miss him."
I miss the Chess and Dress thread too but miss OM more.
Posted by: Tuna at July 30, 2023 11:38 AM (9Vz51)
299
Halfway through Cyril Kornbluth's short stories.
The Marching Morons, baby!
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at July 30, 2023
***
"The Little Black Bag," an even finer story, is also set in that same universe. The TV series Night Gallery adapted it in the '70s -- with Burgess Meredith in the cast, I believe.
The Marching Morons, baby!
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at July 30, 2023
***
"The Little Black Bag," an even finer story, is also set in that same universe. The TV series Night Gallery adapted it in the '70s -- with Burgess Meredith in the cast, I believe.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 11:38 AM (omVj0)
300
I should also learn how to spell whether.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 30, 2023 11:32 AM (8GBH4)
I find myself having a low tolerance for there/their/they're mistakes. Along with your and you're.
But then I notice myself ALMOST making the same mistake before I catch it. The fingers and the brain are not always in sync.
As for whether/weather, it's like the whether sometimes, it can sneak up on you, weather your looking out for it or not. Their, I've said my piece, don't anybody reign on my parade.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 30, 2023 11:32 AM (8GBH4)
I find myself having a low tolerance for there/their/they're mistakes. Along with your and you're.
But then I notice myself ALMOST making the same mistake before I catch it. The fingers and the brain are not always in sync.
As for whether/weather, it's like the whether sometimes, it can sneak up on you, weather your looking out for it or not. Their, I've said my piece, don't anybody reign on my parade.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 11:39 AM (K6M7J)
301
Years ago I was a James lee Burke fan, had to walk away cause he just couldn’t resist being a lefty scold. oh well.
Posted by: Rufus T Firefly at July 30, 2023
***
For me he writes too much about hot sticky environments. I'd rather read about Montana, which is where I think he lives part of the year.
Years ago I was a James lee Burke fan, had to walk away cause he just couldn’t resist being a lefty scold. oh well.
Posted by: Rufus T Firefly at July 30, 2023
***
For me he writes too much about hot sticky environments. I'd rather read about Montana, which is where I think he lives part of the year.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 11:40 AM (omVj0)
302
I read a crime short story with an interesting motive for murder, 30 and Out. SPOILER ALERT!!! Twenty years ago, a detective shot and killed a drug dealing, wife beating, asshole redneck in a justified shooting but maybe, just maybe, a not absolutely necessary one. At least that's what the detective has been wondering all these years. Nobody cared because he was a drug dealing, wife beating, asshole redneck and even the mother of his infant son was glad to see him go. But then the detective is killed and it turns out the murderer is the asshole's former father-in-law. It seems his grandson, the asshole's son, died of leukemia and his only hope for survival would have been transfusions from a compatible blood type such as his asshole father's. So in killing the asshole he also killed his son twenty years later and for that he had to pay.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 11:40 AM (FVME7)
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at July 30, 2023 11:40 AM (jgJfd)
304
I've run across that question myself. What is the correct answer?
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 11:32 AM (enJYY)
The "correct" answer is to install a manual transfer switch for the AC200 MAX. It's relatively simple for an electrician to connect a 4 circuit panel. If someone wants to really put the time, money, and effort to install a 24/7 standby switch for the main house panel, then they should invest in a custom component install or buy something like the Bluetti AC500 or the EP 500 / EP 900 series.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 11:32 AM (enJYY)
The "correct" answer is to install a manual transfer switch for the AC200 MAX. It's relatively simple for an electrician to connect a 4 circuit panel. If someone wants to really put the time, money, and effort to install a 24/7 standby switch for the main house panel, then they should invest in a custom component install or buy something like the Bluetti AC500 or the EP 500 / EP 900 series.
Posted by: mrp at July 30, 2023 11:42 AM (rj6Yv)
305
What does the study of meteors have to do with weather?
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse
Nobody knows....
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse
Nobody knows....
Posted by: JT at July 30, 2023 11:42 AM (T4tVD)
306
What does the study of meteors have to do with weather?
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at July 30, 2023
***
Maybe myth or legend used to hold that meteors caused bad weather, or were harbingers of it? Or that meteors were sent by the gods and so are weather events?
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at July 30, 2023
***
Maybe myth or legend used to hold that meteors caused bad weather, or were harbingers of it? Or that meteors were sent by the gods and so are weather events?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 11:42 AM (omVj0)
307
I started watching the Dresden series on freevee this week.
The dramatizations are different, which is not to say better or worse, than the books. They are more fun, IMO, especially after the later books start to get rather dark.
The dramatizations are different, which is not to say better or worse, than the books. They are more fun, IMO, especially after the later books start to get rather dark.
Posted by: Oddbob at July 30, 2023 11:42 AM (nfrXX)
308
Small town local papers only flourish when they serve a community with local interests and activities. Sadly, such towns, especially when near larger cities, are fading as communities. They become bedroom homes for strangers going on their daily commute. Neighbors? Who are they? And why should I care?
Posted by: JTB at July 30, 2023 11:34 AM (7EjX1)
Our local "paper" wants to charge an outrageous amount for online access (as well as for the useless rag they would toss on my driveway). Most of the local stories appear to be almost direct press release from local entities, like the government. Otherwise yeah, it's big city nooz and wire stories, which interest me, not at all.
Posted by: JTB at July 30, 2023 11:34 AM (7EjX1)
Our local "paper" wants to charge an outrageous amount for online access (as well as for the useless rag they would toss on my driveway). Most of the local stories appear to be almost direct press release from local entities, like the government. Otherwise yeah, it's big city nooz and wire stories, which interest me, not at all.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 11:42 AM (K6M7J)
309
Lunching while watching a doc about excavations at the site of Ninevah. Sennacherib is mentioned. I'm hoping Tilgath-Pileasar is mentioned since he'll forever remind me of The Vicar of Wakefield (a delightfully funny book).
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 11:43 AM (PExKa)
310
126 Pontiac Aztek.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty
Perhaps the ugliest American built car ever.
Don't disagree...but look at it now, then look at the modern normal car. It.WAS the future
Posted by: Quarter Twenty
Perhaps the ugliest American built car ever.
Don't disagree...but look at it now, then look at the modern normal car. It.WAS the future
Posted by: azjaeger at July 30, 2023 11:43 AM (3/XaG)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 11:44 AM (FVME7)
312
According to Wiki: "The word meteorology is from the Ancient Greek metéōros (meteor) and -logia (-(o)logy), meaning "the study of things high in the air."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 11:44 AM (omVj0)
313
What does the study of meteors have to do with weather?
I suspect that an earlier, broader meaning of "meteor" was just "thing falling from the sky."
I suspect that an earlier, broader meaning of "meteor" was just "thing falling from the sky."
Posted by: Oddbob at July 30, 2023 11:44 AM (nfrXX)
314
LenNeal, that sounds like my type of book. Let me know when available.😁
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice)'
If you meant the Vampire Book, it's here:
https://tinyurl.com/228kjad3
I made a decision to do the proof copies in paperback format and the print is rather small. I like paperback-sized books from growing up buying used paperbacks for cheap, and for a 'pulp' book it seemed appropriate, but the text is I think 10 point? Like a cheap paperback.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice)'
If you meant the Vampire Book, it's here:
https://tinyurl.com/228kjad3
I made a decision to do the proof copies in paperback format and the print is rather small. I like paperback-sized books from growing up buying used paperbacks for cheap, and for a 'pulp' book it seemed appropriate, but the text is I think 10 point? Like a cheap paperback.
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:44 AM (43xH1)
315
Now TVOW, that is good writing about a lovable lunkhead who gets too deep sometimes.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 11:44 AM (PExKa)
316
Woke-wise, I'm actually a little worried about my series.
It's based on the r/K theory of reproduction and involves alien species, and that's been fun because it's allowed me to play with a lot of tropes. (Like, the first book is about a spider matriarchy.)
But I didn't do the common thing approach of "Well, Earth is unified exactly like the common media ideal of elite Western society." So, while it's mostly in the background, character development and plot points revolve around the fact that, e.g., the hero's boss doesn't hire women, or certain Earth cultures restrict female roles.
That, and the fact that I have a central character who's religious and works for a religious organization while the book itself isn't religious...IDK, it just occurred to me I don't see stuff like that much.
It's based on the r/K theory of reproduction and involves alien species, and that's been fun because it's allowed me to play with a lot of tropes. (Like, the first book is about a spider matriarchy.)
But I didn't do the common thing approach of "Well, Earth is unified exactly like the common media ideal of elite Western society." So, while it's mostly in the background, character development and plot points revolve around the fact that, e.g., the hero's boss doesn't hire women, or certain Earth cultures restrict female roles.
That, and the fact that I have a central character who's religious and works for a religious organization while the book itself isn't religious...IDK, it just occurred to me I don't see stuff like that much.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 11:44 AM (lpWi1)
317
http://acecomments.mu.nu/?blog=86&post=405516#c38565746
Anchor Steam Brewery has been closed by their parent company (Sapporo, I think) after more than 100 years in San Francisco. The County Board of Supervisors has asked the parent company to consider selling to a group of employees.
Despite the location of the brewery, tis is not a case of "get woke, go broke," but changing tastes and poor business/marketing decisions.
Anchor Steam Brewery has been closed by their parent company (Sapporo, I think) after more than 100 years in San Francisco. The County Board of Supervisors has asked the parent company to consider selling to a group of employees.
Despite the location of the brewery, tis is not a case of "get woke, go broke," but changing tastes and poor business/marketing decisions.
Posted by: March Hare at July 30, 2023 11:46 AM (WOU9P)
318
So in killing the asshole he also killed his son twenty years later and for that he had to pay.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 11:40 AM (FVME7)
It is absolutely true cops kill people who don't "need" killing, as dictated by the situation. I'm not talking about the St. Floyd type stories, I mean the ordinary ones, where a drunk/high idiot starts to approach the cop, and instead of otherwise disarming/disabling the guy, they shoot when they don't need to. Happens all the time.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at July 30, 2023 11:40 AM (FVME7)
It is absolutely true cops kill people who don't "need" killing, as dictated by the situation. I'm not talking about the St. Floyd type stories, I mean the ordinary ones, where a drunk/high idiot starts to approach the cop, and instead of otherwise disarming/disabling the guy, they shoot when they don't need to. Happens all the time.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 11:47 AM (K6M7J)
319
Talk about dystopia, watching a 12 minute video on utube by METAL LEO from 2d ago showing every business on Market St. In San Fran being closed.
Makes me angry that such a nice downtown is such a shit hole.
And I thought Gary, IN was bad.
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at July 30, 2023 11:25 AM (ufFY
Saw that yesterday! Embarcadero Center is just as bad. I've been to both places, but decades ago. That's what you get when you don't punish criminals.
Makes me angry that such a nice downtown is such a shit hole.
And I thought Gary, IN was bad.
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at July 30, 2023 11:25 AM (ufFY
Saw that yesterday! Embarcadero Center is just as bad. I've been to both places, but decades ago. That's what you get when you don't punish criminals.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 11:49 AM (Angsy)
320
I suspect that an earlier, broader meaning of "meteor" was just "thing falling from the sky."
Posted by: Oddbob at July 30, 2023 11:44 AM (nfrXX)
Yeah, and my totally uneducated guess is, the term applied to weather BEFORE it applied to outer space rocks.
Posted by: Oddbob at July 30, 2023 11:44 AM (nfrXX)
Yeah, and my totally uneducated guess is, the term applied to weather BEFORE it applied to outer space rocks.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 11:49 AM (K6M7J)
321
The "correct" answer is to install a manual transfer switch for the AC200 MAX. It's relatively simple for an electrician to connect a 4 circuit panel.
Posted by: mrp at July 30, 2023 11:42 AM
I just want a manual standby. I'll shut down the main and install some sort of lockout, then plug in through the 30 amp connection. I'll buy a 30 amp breaker - fortunately they're all over Amazon for my particular box. Probably have an electrician do the supply run to the connector. I was wondering about the ground and neutral though. I don't wanna fry anything in the Max.
The "correct" answer is to install a manual transfer switch for the AC200 MAX. It's relatively simple for an electrician to connect a 4 circuit panel.
Posted by: mrp at July 30, 2023 11:42 AM
I just want a manual standby. I'll shut down the main and install some sort of lockout, then plug in through the 30 amp connection. I'll buy a 30 amp breaker - fortunately they're all over Amazon for my particular box. Probably have an electrician do the supply run to the connector. I was wondering about the ground and neutral though. I don't wanna fry anything in the Max.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at July 30, 2023 11:49 AM (enJYY)
322
"Craziest" book I've read was the "Painted Bird" in high school.
Posted by: mrp'
Some controversy about that one, speculation is Kosinski either ripped it off or it was ghost-written by another guy. Poles got reeeaally upset about the depictions, but if you pair it up with a 'true' account like the above-mentioned 'NINE LIVES' it's not so far-fetched. Personally I suspect/believe it's mostly 'factual' but a compilation of the ugliest of the worst, without anything else to balance it out whatsoever.
Posted by: mrp'
Some controversy about that one, speculation is Kosinski either ripped it off or it was ghost-written by another guy. Poles got reeeaally upset about the depictions, but if you pair it up with a 'true' account like the above-mentioned 'NINE LIVES' it's not so far-fetched. Personally I suspect/believe it's mostly 'factual' but a compilation of the ugliest of the worst, without anything else to balance it out whatsoever.
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:51 AM (43xH1)
323
Posted by: LenNeal at July 30, 2023 11:36 AM (43xH1)
No worries, any time.
Orange Ent, will probably drop you a note re writing group some time this week.
Bests to all. Have a good one, gang.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at July 30, 2023 11:36 AM (a/4+U)
OK!
No worries, any time.
Orange Ent, will probably drop you a note re writing group some time this week.
Bests to all. Have a good one, gang.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at July 30, 2023 11:36 AM (a/4+U)
OK!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 11:53 AM (Angsy)
324
Gah! Falling behind in the comments. All right, nobody leave til I've caught up.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 11:54 AM (Angsy)
325
Before I watched this I had no idea that there was such a thing as an Assyriologist.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 11:54 AM (PExKa)
Posted by: Skip at July 30, 2023 11:55 AM (xhxe8)
327
"The Little Black Bag," an even finer story, is also set in that same universe. The TV series Night Gallery adapted it in the '70s -- with Burgess Meredith in the cast, I believe.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 11:38 AM (omVj0)
Were there any episodes without Burgess Meredith??
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 30, 2023 11:38 AM (omVj0)
Were there any episodes without Burgess Meredith??
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 11:56 AM (Angsy)
328
I was driving in park country yesterday. It was a little foggy and the fog was wrapped around the rolling hillock.
I found it evocative.
It reminded me of a scene in Fellowship of the Ring when the Nazgul rode into the Shire.
I found it evocative.
It reminded me of a scene in Fellowship of the Ring when the Nazgul rode into the Shire.
Posted by: That Northernlurker what lurkd at July 30, 2023 11:56 AM (HfNu5)
329
The first novel, Legionnaire, was published in 2018, and the main plotline contains 18 books, but the story was not published chronologically. ||
Oh, yeah, I read the first and then the second which was actually the third and...I didn't quite get why the publishing order was different from the story's chronology. I assumed it had something to do with highlighting action.
|| Did you say "characters"?
I couldn't name one. It's good action--I mean, very good action--but the characters come and go (as in "die") so fast in the first two, I struggled to keep up.
Also--and I assume this is fleshed out in the rest of the books--the whole "galaxy is a dumpster fire" thing ends up feeling nihilistic. Soldiers working for a corrupt government to kill musl--er, monsters...it's a little on the nose.
Oh, yeah, I read the first and then the second which was actually the third and...I didn't quite get why the publishing order was different from the story's chronology. I assumed it had something to do with highlighting action.
|| Did you say "characters"?
I couldn't name one. It's good action--I mean, very good action--but the characters come and go (as in "die") so fast in the first two, I struggled to keep up.
Also--and I assume this is fleshed out in the rest of the books--the whole "galaxy is a dumpster fire" thing ends up feeling nihilistic. Soldiers working for a corrupt government to kill musl--er, monsters...it's a little on the nose.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 11:57 AM (lpWi1)
330
Am a little ways into the Joseph O'Connor novel, "My Father's House," set in Nazi-occupied Rome and Vatican City. It's December 1944.
An underground resistance-type op is spearheaded by a Catholic priest, the goal is to save POWs, many of which are likely to die by execution. The Nazis were getting quite murderous in the late stages of the war. Read "Corelli's Mandolin" to hear what they did to the Italian soldiers softly occupying Greece at the time.
American B-17s are bombing the shit out of Rome, out of their north Africa bases. They announce their raids by dropping hundreds of thousands of leaflets each day before, then the bus-sized bombers come by the thousands to rain down 500 pound bombs.
I read O'Connors "Star of the Sea" set in a moldy 70 year old ship taking starving Irish to NYC in the late famine year, and it was terrific.
A lot of "after" in the speech, the Irish doing their weird way with the past perfect. It's not "I had ridden into the village," but "I'm after riding into the village." I think it's called Hiberio English or something, how the poor Irish talk, those whose first language was gaelic.
An underground resistance-type op is spearheaded by a Catholic priest, the goal is to save POWs, many of which are likely to die by execution. The Nazis were getting quite murderous in the late stages of the war. Read "Corelli's Mandolin" to hear what they did to the Italian soldiers softly occupying Greece at the time.
American B-17s are bombing the shit out of Rome, out of their north Africa bases. They announce their raids by dropping hundreds of thousands of leaflets each day before, then the bus-sized bombers come by the thousands to rain down 500 pound bombs.
I read O'Connors "Star of the Sea" set in a moldy 70 year old ship taking starving Irish to NYC in the late famine year, and it was terrific.
A lot of "after" in the speech, the Irish doing their weird way with the past perfect. It's not "I had ridden into the village," but "I'm after riding into the village." I think it's called Hiberio English or something, how the poor Irish talk, those whose first language was gaelic.
Posted by: Mr Gaga at July 30, 2023 11:57 AM (AeO7/)
331
It reminded me of a scene in Fellowship of the Ring when the Nazgul rode into the Shire.
Posted by: That Northernlurker what lurkd at July 30, 2023 11:56 AM (HfNu5)
I'm always reminded of that scene, when they wheel in Diane Fiendstein and Mitch McConnell.
Posted by: That Northernlurker what lurkd at July 30, 2023 11:56 AM (HfNu5)
I'm always reminded of that scene, when they wheel in Diane Fiendstein and Mitch McConnell.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 30, 2023 11:59 AM (iBy62)
332
Arrrrrrrgh!
I'm into the last chapter, of the last book of the Patrick O'Brian 'Master and Commander' series. 20 1/2 books. I fear withdrawal symptoms...or maybe post-partum depression. Which ever...
The guy was one hell of a writer.
Arrrrrrrgh!
I'm into the last chapter, of the last book of the Patrick O'Brian 'Master and Commander' series. 20 1/2 books. I fear withdrawal symptoms...or maybe post-partum depression. Which ever...
The guy was one hell of a writer.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 30, 2023 11:59 AM (m0EjK)
333
I was in Dallas a few weeks ago, and went to the JFK Memorial Assissanation site and learned some weird new factoids about the event.
1) Marina Oswald is still alive and living in Dallas
2) There was a bystander that day who was grazed in the cheek by a deflected round. He lived in Dallas until recently dying.
If you ever go, talk to the "conspiracy" guys who are just outside the property.
BtW, I really like RFK Jr.s take on the killing.
Some weird stuff for sure.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (7Fj9P)
---------------------------------------------
If you watch YouTube videos, look for the "America's Untold Stories" channel. They have 400+ videos out, many -- most ? -- of which deal with some aspect of the Kennedy killing. For instance, this Tuesday's program covers General Curtis LeMay, who stood in the back of the room at Bethesda, smoking a cigar, while JFK's head wounds were rearranged.
The "star of the shows," Mark Groubert, who's an author and an editor, has researched the Kennedy killings plus other things for 30+ years. His on-camera personality is great.
1) Marina Oswald is still alive and living in Dallas
2) There was a bystander that day who was grazed in the cheek by a deflected round. He lived in Dallas until recently dying.
If you ever go, talk to the "conspiracy" guys who are just outside the property.
BtW, I really like RFK Jr.s take on the killing.
Some weird stuff for sure.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at July 30, 2023 10:54 AM (7Fj9P)
---------------------------------------------
If you watch YouTube videos, look for the "America's Untold Stories" channel. They have 400+ videos out, many -- most ? -- of which deal with some aspect of the Kennedy killing. For instance, this Tuesday's program covers General Curtis LeMay, who stood in the back of the room at Bethesda, smoking a cigar, while JFK's head wounds were rearranged.
The "star of the shows," Mark Groubert, who's an author and an editor, has researched the Kennedy killings plus other things for 30+ years. His on-camera personality is great.
Posted by: My friends call me Pete at July 30, 2023 12:00 PM (a4vvV)
334
On the lowbrow side of things (what else would you expect from the likes of me?), Louis L'Amour's series on the Sackett family constitutes an entire library of a Series within a Series by that author.
Taking L'Amour seriously though, I think he was a giant in the field of Life's Moral Lessons as told through plot, character, action and design. Added a LOT to how I came to form the who and what of I became of a man, given the absence of a father in the home, from the 4th grade, on.
Plus, I learned how to actively observe and SEE the world around me, in granular detail, situational awareness, and much outdoorsmanship, even before m first backpacking forays into the forests and trails.
Don't discount the "lightweight" or the pulp as universal tripe. Yeah, L'Amour did wax formulaic, as any bookish yoot would soon suss out. But still, he was wordsmith enough to hold one's attention. You could see the worlds as he described them, quite clearly, indeed.
Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
Taking L'Amour seriously though, I think he was a giant in the field of Life's Moral Lessons as told through plot, character, action and design. Added a LOT to how I came to form the who and what of I became of a man, given the absence of a father in the home, from the 4th grade, on.
Plus, I learned how to actively observe and SEE the world around me, in granular detail, situational awareness, and much outdoorsmanship, even before m first backpacking forays into the forests and trails.
Don't discount the "lightweight" or the pulp as universal tripe. Yeah, L'Amour did wax formulaic, as any bookish yoot would soon suss out. But still, he was wordsmith enough to hold one's attention. You could see the worlds as he described them, quite clearly, indeed.
Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
Posted by: Jim at July 30, 2023 12:00 PM (e6UQI)
335
||Were there any episodes without Burgess Meredith??
Meredith only appeared in two episodes of "The Night Gallery", same as Cameron Mitchell, but fewer than Sandra Dee.
Meredith only appeared in two episodes of "The Night Gallery", same as Cameron Mitchell, but fewer than Sandra Dee.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 12:00 PM (lpWi1)
336
Have a good day all. Going to see Sound of Freedom today with 'Ette Iris.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at July 30, 2023 12:00 PM (t/2Uw)
337
WE HAZ A NOOD
Posted by: Skip at July 30, 2023 12:00 PM (xhxe8)
338
Before I watched this I had no idea that there was such a thing as an Assyriologist.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 11:54 AM (PExKa)
Is this some kind of joke, or are you assyrious?
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 11:54 AM (PExKa)
Is this some kind of joke, or are you assyrious?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 12:01 PM (Angsy)
339
I love in those San Fran videos when he says, "Another Zombieland tour!" when a bus goes by.
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 12:02 PM (PExKa)
340
And confession...
Due to my late arrival, I forgot to put on pants. 😉
Due to my late arrival, I forgot to put on pants. 😉
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at July 30, 2023 12:02 PM (t/2Uw)
341
The guy was one hell of a writer.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 30, 2023 11:59 AM (m0EjK)
I'm here for you.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 30, 2023 11:59 AM (m0EjK)
I'm here for you.
Posted by: Horatio Hornblower at July 30, 2023 12:03 PM (Angsy)
342
149- I do wish Grant had lived longer so he could have written about his Presidency. He was not as successful there.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 30, 2023 10:27 AM
I’m hoping to finish Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton this week. I have his biography of Grant next in my reading pile but I’ll need a break. I have a few easy reads loaded on Kindle for the next few weeks.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 30, 2023 10:27 AM
I’m hoping to finish Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton this week. I have his biography of Grant next in my reading pile but I’ll need a break. I have a few easy reads loaded on Kindle for the next few weeks.
Posted by: Moonbeam at July 30, 2023 12:03 PM (rbKZ6)
343
Jim,
I read one L'Amour book and found, like a lot of the pulp guys, he was under-rated.
The one I read took place in Los Angeles, by sheer coincidence, and it was a lot of fun to hear him describe people riding their horses through (e.g.) Laurel Canyon to get to a ranch tucked away there.
I read one L'Amour book and found, like a lot of the pulp guys, he was under-rated.
The one I read took place in Los Angeles, by sheer coincidence, and it was a lot of fun to hear him describe people riding their horses through (e.g.) Laurel Canyon to get to a ranch tucked away there.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 12:03 PM (lpWi1)
344
340 And confession...
Due to my late arrival, I forgot to put on pants. 😉
--
Whoops! Me, too. I'm always happy just to catch the tail end of the book thread. I often sleep through it.
Due to my late arrival, I forgot to put on pants. 😉
--
Whoops! Me, too. I'm always happy just to catch the tail end of the book thread. I often sleep through it.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 12:05 PM (lpWi1)
345
(sniff)
Looks like the saddest part of Sunday morning is here, again. The end of the Book Thread. Thanks, Perfessor.
Looks like the saddest part of Sunday morning is here, again. The end of the Book Thread. Thanks, Perfessor.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 12:06 PM (Angsy)
346
"Local print news is useless, though. They either run wire service stories, retype press releases, or provide shockingly simplistic and superficial stories, on a par with radio news reports limited to a couple of sentences at the top of the hour."
Small town local papers only flourish when they serve a community with local interests and activities. Sadly, such towns, especially when near larger cities, are fading as communities. They become bedroom homes for strangers going on their daily commute. Neighbors? Who are they? And why should I care?
Posted by: JTB
---------
See: The acquisition by Gannett of 100+ local papers, and their consequent destruction. They bought our local paper, sold the building, and now the 'paper' is even printed in another state.
The 'news' is either feel-good local pablum (City Establishes New Bike Lanes!), or wire-service crap.
Small town local papers only flourish when they serve a community with local interests and activities. Sadly, such towns, especially when near larger cities, are fading as communities. They become bedroom homes for strangers going on their daily commute. Neighbors? Who are they? And why should I care?
Posted by: JTB
---------
See: The acquisition by Gannett of 100+ local papers, and their consequent destruction. They bought our local paper, sold the building, and now the 'paper' is even printed in another state.
The 'news' is either feel-good local pablum (City Establishes New Bike Lanes!), or wire-service crap.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 30, 2023 12:08 PM (21vDQ)
347
I read one L'Amour book and found, like a lot of the pulp guys, he was under-rated.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 12:03 PM (lpWi1)
He wrote four Hopalong Cassidy novels under a pseudonym.
Hey, maybe you could write about Boyd's Hoppy movies....
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 12:03 PM (lpWi1)
He wrote four Hopalong Cassidy novels under a pseudonym.
Hey, maybe you could write about Boyd's Hoppy movies....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 12:09 PM (Angsy)
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at July 30, 2023 12:09 PM (vHIgi)
349
I'm here for you.
Posted by: Horatio Hornblower
------
I have been a devoted C.S. Forester reader for *years*. Read it all.
Posted by: Horatio Hornblower
------
I have been a devoted C.S. Forester reader for *years*. Read it all.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 30, 2023 12:10 PM (TyYgv)
350
Whoops! Me, too. I'm always happy just to catch the tail end of the book thread. I often sleep through it.
Posted by: moviegique
Been missing it too lately, for Mass and such
Posted by: moviegique
Been missing it too lately, for Mass and such
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at July 30, 2023 12:10 PM (vHIgi)
351
I would be interested in an AoS writers group.
Posted by: What's a Seawolf?
Ditto
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at July 30, 2023 12:09 PM (vHIgi)
Starting to get a few people interested. Would need to figure out who would run it and how.
Posted by: What's a Seawolf?
Ditto
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at July 30, 2023 12:09 PM (vHIgi)
Starting to get a few people interested. Would need to figure out who would run it and how.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 12:13 PM (Angsy)
352
310 126 Pontiac Aztek.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty
Perhaps the ugliest American built car ever.
Don't disagree...but look at it now, then look at the modern normal car. It.WAS the future
Posted by: azjaeger at July 30, 2023 11:43 AM (3/XaG)
----
I remember a contemporary auto industry writer taking one for a test drive, and when he pulled into a gas station the young urban attendant said "What is that jive ass thing?!"
So it's always been seen as a weirdity. It only became ironically cool.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty
Perhaps the ugliest American built car ever.
Don't disagree...but look at it now, then look at the modern normal car. It.WAS the future
Posted by: azjaeger at July 30, 2023 11:43 AM (3/XaG)
----
I remember a contemporary auto industry writer taking one for a test drive, and when he pulled into a gas station the young urban attendant said "What is that jive ass thing?!"
So it's always been seen as a weirdity. It only became ironically cool.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 30, 2023 12:15 PM (+RQPJ)
353
|| Hey, maybe you could write about Boyd's Hoppy movies....||
:thinking_emoji:
|| AoS writers group. ||
FWIW, I've got some servers and domains lying around.
|| Been missing it too lately, for Mass and such ||
Oh. Well, you have to wear pants to Mass, I'm pretty sure.
:thinking_emoji:
|| AoS writers group. ||
FWIW, I've got some servers and domains lying around.
|| Been missing it too lately, for Mass and such ||
Oh. Well, you have to wear pants to Mass, I'm pretty sure.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 12:15 PM (lpWi1)
354
And to return to theme apparently Nineveh had an enormous library, all with clay tablets!
Posted by: logprof at July 30, 2023 12:15 PM (AtYqS)
355
Oh. Well, you have to wear pants to Mass, I'm pretty sure.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 12:15 PM (lpWi1)
Doesn't the priest wear long vestments? Maybe he doesn't wear pants....
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 12:15 PM (lpWi1)
Doesn't the priest wear long vestments? Maybe he doesn't wear pants....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 12:17 PM (Angsy)
356
At kingdomrpg.com, I used to host a bunch of people running RPGs (more role-playing than dice-rolling).
We had a forum and I divided the forum up into sections for the different styles and different games.
I thought something like that might work for writers. Split up into genres, sub-split into particular universes so that authors could build up launch teams and so on.
I feel like there has to be something out there like that already, too, but who doesn't love starting new things? =0
We had a forum and I divided the forum up into sections for the different styles and different games.
I thought something like that might work for writers. Split up into genres, sub-split into particular universes so that authors could build up launch teams and so on.
I feel like there has to be something out there like that already, too, but who doesn't love starting new things? =0
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 12:18 PM (lpWi1)
357
I don't know why, when people are interested in the current weather, they would consult a meaty urologist.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at July 30, 2023 12:18 PM (CHHv1)
358
I feel like there has to be something out there like that already, too, but who doesn't love starting new things? =0
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 12:18 PM (lpWi1)
Either that, or maybe e-mail blasts.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 12:18 PM (lpWi1)
Either that, or maybe e-mail blasts.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 12:22 PM (Angsy)
359
Beck: They want to find out if it's gonna be a pissin' rain.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 30, 2023 12:22 PM (QZxDR)
360
I wouldn't want to do an email thing. I mean, a forum with an email option for them that wants to do everything through email. But I gotta believe a lot of people hate the notion of getting more email.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 12:42 PM (lpWi1)
361
If you really want to do an AOS writer's group. The easiest way would be to setup a Discord server. Easy set-up, easy to access, and you can accommodate different genres through different channels on the server.
If you go that route, you have to be persistent if you want to get it to a critical mass of participants. At least a year of pushing it on this thread and across the moronverse.
If you go that route, you have to be persistent if you want to get it to a critical mass of participants. At least a year of pushing it on this thread and across the moronverse.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 30, 2023 01:10 PM (9yUzE)
362
I was recently talking with a young coworker and our Conservative Gaydar went off. She knows I like to read and asked for recommendations for books that aren't redolent of evil.
I recommended Hoffer first, then Solzhenitsyn. A reverse "shit and chaser" kinda thing.
I recommended Hoffer first, then Solzhenitsyn. A reverse "shit and chaser" kinda thing.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at July 30, 2023 01:14 PM (0FoWg)
363
Shot and chaser, lol. I type the word shit too much. Auto cucumber knows me too well.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at July 30, 2023 01:17 PM (0FoWg)
364
I wouldn't want to do an email thing. I mean, a forum with an email option for them that wants to do everything through email. But I gotta believe a lot of people hate the notion of getting more email.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 12:42 PM (lpWi1)
True.
If you go that route, you have to be persistent if you want to get it to a critical mass of participants. At least a year of pushing it on this thread and across the moronverse.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 30, 2023 01:10 PM (9yUzE)
Don't know about a discord server. I'd hate to keep pushing it here on Perfessor's thread without permission.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 12:42 PM (lpWi1)
True.
If you go that route, you have to be persistent if you want to get it to a critical mass of participants. At least a year of pushing it on this thread and across the moronverse.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 30, 2023 01:10 PM (9yUzE)
Don't know about a discord server. I'd hate to keep pushing it here on Perfessor's thread without permission.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 01:18 PM (Angsy)
Posted by: March Hare at July 30, 2023 01:29 PM (WOU9P)
366
Ditto +1
Posted by: March Hare at July 30, 2023 01:29 PM (WOU9P)
My nic plus that dot net thing.
Ditto +1
Posted by: March Hare at July 30, 2023 01:29 PM (WOU9P)
My nic plus that dot net thing.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 01:30 PM (Angsy)
367
Oops. cox dot net thing.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 01:32 PM (Angsy)
368
I got yer maintenance hole right here.
Posted by: with all possible dispatch at July 30, 2023 01:39 PM (nakGR)
369
I wouldn't want to do Discord, either. I know it's easy to set up (have done it more than once, and even built a 'bot).
But I don't know if, first, people who aren't really into it already would join it, and numero-two-o, I don't think the chat style is conducive to it.
With a forum (like DiscoURSE) you get sections and sub-sections and then threads within the sub-sections. You can quickly gloss over stuff you don't care about and go straight to what's interesting to you.
(And you can even do the email thing with some of them.)
But I don't know if, first, people who aren't really into it already would join it, and numero-two-o, I don't think the chat style is conducive to it.
With a forum (like DiscoURSE) you get sections and sub-sections and then threads within the sub-sections. You can quickly gloss over stuff you don't care about and go straight to what's interesting to you.
(And you can even do the email thing with some of them.)
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 01:40 PM (lpWi1)
370
Weak Geek:You wrote:
"I wish I knew which version is the original. However, I don't think I'll be able to lay my hands on the relevant copies of If magazine."
I have pdfs of most or all (I haven't cataloged them yet and IF, like several of the others, switched from publication every two months to monthly publication once or twice in its run and I need to do an audit by vol and issue number rather than date to see if I'm missing any issues) of the issues of Worlds of If sf magazine from the first issue in March 1952 through about 1970.-I also have hard copies of most of the 60s issues although finding them might be difficult.
Anyway, if you can get me the titles of the stories you are interested in and the rough dates of publication I'll see if I can find the issues with the stories you want and we can figure out some way to get them to you. One caveat-some issues are modified to remove content at the request of authors or authors' estates. I don't think that has been done for Keith Laumer, so the Retief stories should be in the relevant issues-the main authors whose stories have been removed from pdfs, that I recall anyway, are Poul Anderson and Harlan Ellison.
"I wish I knew which version is the original. However, I don't think I'll be able to lay my hands on the relevant copies of If magazine."
I have pdfs of most or all (I haven't cataloged them yet and IF, like several of the others, switched from publication every two months to monthly publication once or twice in its run and I need to do an audit by vol and issue number rather than date to see if I'm missing any issues) of the issues of Worlds of If sf magazine from the first issue in March 1952 through about 1970.-I also have hard copies of most of the 60s issues although finding them might be difficult.
Anyway, if you can get me the titles of the stories you are interested in and the rough dates of publication I'll see if I can find the issues with the stories you want and we can figure out some way to get them to you. One caveat-some issues are modified to remove content at the request of authors or authors' estates. I don't think that has been done for Keith Laumer, so the Retief stories should be in the relevant issues-the main authors whose stories have been removed from pdfs, that I recall anyway, are Poul Anderson and Harlan Ellison.
Posted by: Pope John 20th at July 30, 2023 01:42 PM (cYrkj)
371
If anyone's interested in a writer's group, please e-mail your AoS nic and name. I've gotten a couple but don't know who they are. Want to avoid a phishing scheme. Thanks.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 01:45 PM (Angsy)
372
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 01:40 PM (lpWi1)
I would think you'd want private replies for those offering criticism or editing help. I also wonder if posting work on a site might make it "published" and some places wouldn't want to buy it. That's why I was thinking e-mail.
Got two emails showing interest, but I'm not sure who B. Cav*** is. please resend and give nic and name if you're still reading. Thanks.
I would think you'd want private replies for those offering criticism or editing help. I also wonder if posting work on a site might make it "published" and some places wouldn't want to buy it. That's why I was thinking e-mail.
Got two emails showing interest, but I'm not sure who B. Cav*** is. please resend and give nic and name if you're still reading. Thanks.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 01:49 PM (Angsy)
373
That's a good point, but I didn't envision this as "post your book here for criticism" thing but more as a "send me your email if you want to be a beta reader".
The forum would be more for, in writer/editor terms, "Here's a passage I like" or "Here's a passage I'm struggling with". And maybe things like "rules" for writing. (See next message.)
Other possibilities, "Who wants to be a beta reader?" and "Who wants to be part of the launch team?"
Also, "What marketing strategies have worked for you?"
There could also be writing exercises, short stories, teasers, and yes, even full books, I suppose.
The forum would be more for, in writer/editor terms, "Here's a passage I like" or "Here's a passage I'm struggling with". And maybe things like "rules" for writing. (See next message.)
Other possibilities, "Who wants to be a beta reader?" and "Who wants to be part of the launch team?"
Also, "What marketing strategies have worked for you?"
There could also be writing exercises, short stories, teasers, and yes, even full books, I suppose.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 01:57 PM (lpWi1)
374
For writer's rules:
"Show, don't tell" came up here today, e.g., and I have a counter-argument. My protagonist in book 1 of the series is a jerk. But you primarily know this because I tell you that. If I showed it to you, you might not like him and want to spend time with him. As the book/series wears on, and you've seen him be heroic and non-jerky, I can show more of the behavior of his past.
I've been compiling a list of "rules" based on 372 Pages We'll Never Get Back. It's kind of fun.
"Show, don't tell" came up here today, e.g., and I have a counter-argument. My protagonist in book 1 of the series is a jerk. But you primarily know this because I tell you that. If I showed it to you, you might not like him and want to spend time with him. As the book/series wears on, and you've seen him be heroic and non-jerky, I can show more of the behavior of his past.
I've been compiling a list of "rules" based on 372 Pages We'll Never Get Back. It's kind of fun.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 01:57 PM (lpWi1)
375
I'm making $90 an hour working from home. I never imagined that it was honest to goodness yet my closest companion is earning sixteen thousand US dollars a month by working on the connection, that was truly astounding for me, she prescribed for me to attempt it simply. Everybody must try this job now by just using this website... www.Payathome7.com
Posted by: www.Payathome7.com at July 30, 2023 02:00 PM (PzlWr)
376
Moviegique, I was thinking that the writers seeking readers and editorial help could seek help without posting the story. Those willing to read and edit have it emailed to them, then the rest is private between reader and writer.
People willing to read who don't write can post their reading preferences. Maybe just a plain old website would work for that.
"Show, don't tell" came up here today: that would be me. It's still hard to make sure I do that, and what showing is, like the example WA gave.
People willing to read who don't write can post their reading preferences. Maybe just a plain old website would work for that.
"Show, don't tell" came up here today: that would be me. It's still hard to make sure I do that, and what showing is, like the example WA gave.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 02:04 PM (Angsy)
377
@370 --
Holy cow, Pope John 20th, now that's going way out of your way to help! Thank you!
The stories, under their If titles:
"Retief, Long Awaited Master" -- 1969
"Ballots and Bandits" -- 1970
"The Piecemakers" -- 1970
"Pime Doesn't Cray" -- 1971
"Internal Affair" -- 1971
Holy cow, Pope John 20th, now that's going way out of your way to help! Thank you!
The stories, under their If titles:
"Retief, Long Awaited Master" -- 1969
"Ballots and Bandits" -- 1970
"The Piecemakers" -- 1970
"Pime Doesn't Cray" -- 1971
"Internal Affair" -- 1971
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 02:26 PM (p/isN)
378
|| People willing to read who don't write can post their reading preferences. Maybe just a plain old website would work for that. ||
Yeah, that's what KingdomRPG used to be: A website with some forum software. It worked well. The idea is that you can do whatever you want in public but also take it private when you want.
We could collect writer's resources, too. Short-story outlets, contests, programs, etc.
Yeah, that's what KingdomRPG used to be: A website with some forum software. It worked well. The idea is that you can do whatever you want in public but also take it private when you want.
We could collect writer's resources, too. Short-story outlets, contests, programs, etc.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 03:07 PM (lpWi1)
379
We could collect writer's resources, too. Short-story outlets, contests, programs, etc.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 03:07 PM (lpWi1)
That's the hardest part, finding a place to sell your writing.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 03:07 PM (lpWi1)
That's the hardest part, finding a place to sell your writing.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 03:18 PM (Angsy)
380
Absolutely. Finding an audience is the thing.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 03:50 PM (lpWi1)
381
Absolutely. Finding an audience is the thing.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 03:50 PM (lpWi1)
Thanks for your suggestions. Guess I'll go to another....crap!! this thread started seven hours ago. Better find something else to do........... Out. Better return the keys to Perfessor.
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 03:50 PM (lpWi1)
Thanks for your suggestions. Guess I'll go to another....crap!! this thread started seven hours ago. Better find something else to do........... Out. Better return the keys to Perfessor.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 30, 2023 03:59 PM (Angsy)
Posted by: moviegique at July 30, 2023 04:32 PM (lpWi1)
383
Weak Geek: I have all the relevant issues for the Retief stories you list, but...
"Retief, Long Awaited Master" 3/69 "Ballots and Bandits" 9/70, "The Piecemakers" 5-6/70, and "Pime Doesn't Cray" 1/71 are in the listed issues, but I couldn't find a Laumer story "Internal Affair" in the 1971 issues. There were 4 Laumer stories and a novel in 71 If, but no "Internal Affairs" under that title. I do have all of the 1971 issues.
Anyway, we can do this one of three ways... 1. All of the relevant issues of If are available from the Internet Archive at the address Prof. Squirrel posted above, so you can download them from there if you wish. You could also get all of the 71 issues with Laumer stories and figure out which had its title changed to Internal Affair. This choice is fastest, and you can also get most issues of If during its heyday.
2. You can give me an email address and I'll try to send the relevant issues as attachments. I can probably only send one issue per email and I've had problems in the past with pdf files being too large for email attachments, so
3. You can give me a mailing address and I'll copy the issues on a flash drive and mail it to you.
Your call, PJ20
"Retief, Long Awaited Master" 3/69 "Ballots and Bandits" 9/70, "The Piecemakers" 5-6/70, and "Pime Doesn't Cray" 1/71 are in the listed issues, but I couldn't find a Laumer story "Internal Affair" in the 1971 issues. There were 4 Laumer stories and a novel in 71 If, but no "Internal Affairs" under that title. I do have all of the 1971 issues.
Anyway, we can do this one of three ways... 1. All of the relevant issues of If are available from the Internet Archive at the address Prof. Squirrel posted above, so you can download them from there if you wish. You could also get all of the 71 issues with Laumer stories and figure out which had its title changed to Internal Affair. This choice is fastest, and you can also get most issues of If during its heyday.
2. You can give me an email address and I'll try to send the relevant issues as attachments. I can probably only send one issue per email and I've had problems in the past with pdf files being too large for email attachments, so
3. You can give me a mailing address and I'll copy the issues on a flash drive and mail it to you.
Your call, PJ20
Posted by: Pope John 20th at July 30, 2023 05:21 PM (cYrkj)
384
Still say people should try Juliet E. McKenna's "The Tales of Einarinn" & its sequels.
Posted by: aelfheld at July 30, 2023 05:23 PM (Zy9Yy)
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 30, 2023 05:42 PM (p/isN)
386
Weak Geek; that's the fastest way for you to get the issues and has the benefit of giving you a reasonably complete collection from 1954 to about mid 1970s if you want to download them all. If you want issues after mid 70s I can probably provide you with some other sources to check. Same if you want issues of other SF magazines in 40s-80s.
BTW, if you try to download complete series of Ifs from Internet Archive be aware that it published erratically and would change schedule in midyear sometimes, and not just early on. While volume and issue number will generally provide a better guide to issues than month and year dates, the publisher messed up a few times and so there are two consecutive monthly mags with same volume and issue number and at least one mag with an earlier volume number than its immediately previous monthly issue-so making sure your collection is complete can be a chore-if you try to download complete years and think you are missing issues check with me and I'll provide what guidance I can. Same goes for other SF mags as most were a bit irregular in publishing-F&SF started out as a quarterly for example and switched without notice.
BTW, if you try to download complete series of Ifs from Internet Archive be aware that it published erratically and would change schedule in midyear sometimes, and not just early on. While volume and issue number will generally provide a better guide to issues than month and year dates, the publisher messed up a few times and so there are two consecutive monthly mags with same volume and issue number and at least one mag with an earlier volume number than its immediately previous monthly issue-so making sure your collection is complete can be a chore-if you try to download complete years and think you are missing issues check with me and I'll provide what guidance I can. Same goes for other SF mags as most were a bit irregular in publishing-F&SF started out as a quarterly for example and switched without notice.
Posted by: Pope John 20th at July 30, 2023 06:21 PM (cYrkj)
387
Oops, no issues of If after mid 70s, it ended publication-except for a one-off issue in 1986-in December 1974. So Prof. Squirrel's link appears to provide all published issues of If.
Posted by: Pope John 20th at July 31, 2023 09:03 AM (cYrkj)
388
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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