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Sunday Morning Book Thread - 12-17-2023 ["Perfessor" Squirrel]
PIC NOTE
I found the above pic while looking for a good pic to use on the Hanukkah edition of the Sunday Morning Book Thread. It's from Ets Haim (Hebrew for "The Tree of Life"), home to the oldest, continuously running Jewish library in the world, located in Amsterdam. It was founded by Sephardic Jews in the 1500s after the left their homes in Spain and Portugal (or forced out, perhaps...). Anyway, it sounds like it would be worth a visit if you ever find yourself in Amsterdam.
COLLECTIONS OF LETTERS BY AUTHORSYa snooze, ya lose! The video below popped up in my YouTube feed last week. Although it's specifically about J.R.R. Tolkien's collections of letters and correspondence, I wondered just how interesting those might actually be. Yes, I suppose you would see insights into the author's thinking as they correspond with friends, colleagues, and business entities. Bilbo Baggins, the main character of The Hobbit and a side character in The Lord of the Rings, was very keen on writing letters to all of his friends and family. He spent much time writing just the right words for his intended audiences. No doubt this is a reflection of Tolkien's own fondness for writing letters. Horror author H.P. Lovecraft was also very famous for constantly sending letters to his friends and colleagues. There was a time in the distant past where writing letters was, in fact, the thing to do if one wanted to be respected. Some of the letters written in those days are marvelous to read. Just beautiful prose. The YouTuber below notes that a recent find of around 150 additional letters from Tolkien expands the previous edition of the book. But does that alone make it worth purchasing if one already owns the previous version? (Full disclosure: I do not own any editions of this book.)
In before Tolkien jacks the thread. Dammit!
Posted by: Dr. Bone at December 10, 2023 09:48 AM (klzFH)
- The content of the books is deplorable in some way. Badly written or offensive subject matter.
- The author of the books is a truly deplorable person. Either in their behavior or their character or both.
- The author is a "Deplorable" in the same way we are "Morons." He or she has embraced the word and made it their own.
This one was included in the Based Black Friday sale, and I'm keeping it at the low low price of 99 cents for the rest of the year. I anticipate a sequel up in 2024. McMann and Duck It's 1951, and Army veteran McMann is down in his luck in a Texas town, accompanied by his partner, Duck. Duck is an actual duck, which McMann credits for saving his life in the war. They are asked to investigate a case of theft at the local trucking company, where an employee vanished with the contents of the safe. The search for the missing man leads to the discovery of a murder -- a murder in which McMann himself looks like an interesting suspect to the sheriff. Of course, all the locals think he's crazy already, hanging around with a duck. Can McMann and Duck find the real killer -- or will the real killer find them first? --Frederick Key
MORON RECOMMENDATIONS
I am a long-time reader/Moron and sometimes commenter at Ace of Spades. I enjoy your weekly posts. I have just published a book called Manage Your Mission. It is about living wisely and abundantly for today and eternity by planning your 7 Fs: Faith, Family, Fitness, Field, Friends, Fun, and Finances. It is designed for both Christians and non-Christians, but I think any reader will consider it "based." If you would be so gracious as to mention my book on your blog, I'd be very grateful. Either way, thanks for your weekly posts, and blessings to you! Regards, Neil Simpson (aka Eternity Matters)
Comment: I think it's cool that Retired Buckeye Cop has a prayer published in this book. As I grow older, I feel I become more "attuned" to the spiritual world all around us. It's hard to describe unless you've experienced it yourself. If you have not, then I pray that you will someday. It can be a life-altering experience for the better.
Since we've gotten into a discussion of Spiritual Combat here at the HQ, I would like to mention a book recently published by the Lay Fraternity of St. Dominic, Province of St. Joseph. The book is Godhead Here in Hiding Whom I Adore, and is targeted towards Catholics for Eucharistic Adoration, in furtherance of the mission of Eucharistic Revival declared by the bishops. The book consists of a couple hundred mediations, prayers, mystical experiences, etc, that has mainly been written by lay brothers and sisters in the Order of Preachers (although a few consecrated religious also made contributions to the book). The book was edited by Father Ignatius Schweitzer, OP; he also wrote an afterword and included several historical prayers. Most of the contributions are fairly short, typically 1 or 2 pages. I was one of the contributors: I wrote one of the prayers, and I also wrote about one of the mystical experiences that happened to me. I guess that makes me a "Moron Author" promoting a book. The book can be purchased either through the Dominican Bookstore or Amazon. The price is cheaper per book at the Dominican Bookstore but does not include shipping costs. Sincerely, Retired Buckeye Cop
Comment: This may be a fascinating look at that elite American institution, but as soon as I saw the title, I figured it would be a snoozefest. Titles matter, people!
Reading A Senate Journal, 1943-1945 by Allen Drury, who covered the Senate for the UPI after his discharge from the Army. Drury is occasionally scathing about the Senate as an institution and the way it ran itself, but what's striking is that we get his contemporary impressions of senators instead of the filtered distortions of today's academics. For example, even as admirable an author as Robert Caro in his LBJ volume on his Senate years never treats Republicans as anything except Neanderthal subhumans. But with Drury's pen, people like Robert Taft and Ken Wherry come across as responsible and principled people. The other side of the battles of the time are amply discussed. In short, a very balanced view of an institution in wartime. Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 10, 2023 09:19 AM (9mNHV)
Comment: I read Wool many years ago and enjoyed it. If you've ever played the Fallout series of games by Bethesda, you might enjoy this book as it basically documents life in a "Vault" (silo in this case) where nothing is quite what it seems and there is an ulterior agenda driving events. Each "Vault" in the Fallout-universe was the subject of a different sociological experiment, often with tragic and disastrous results.
In the past two days, I devoured Wool by Hugh Howey, my choice this month for Family Book Club. It's a very thick book, a real door stopper, so I was afraid it was going to take me all month to read it. I started apologizing to my kids for it, but they told me they'd already finished it, so, encouraged, I dug in. Geez. I couldn't put it down. I finished it in under two days. Good recommendation by someone(s) here. It's about a whole society living in an enclosed, underground structure. It's the only life they know, and the structure (over 100 levels) contains everything a society needs to thrive. But there are secrets, and once every so many decades, someone starts asking questions, and it all goes to hell. Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 10, 2023 09:35 AM (OX9vb)
Comment: Harlan Ellison is one of those people that has little tolerance for certain nonsense. However, if he does choose to be your friend, he'll be your friend for life. I know a few folks like that. They can be prickly, but once they get to know you and you get to know them, they are often true boon companions, even if you differ politically. Strange Wine is definitely a book that has not aged as well as some of his others. More Moron-recommended reading material can be found HERE! (1000+ Moron-recommended books!)
The book I finished most recently was Strange Wine, an anthology of stories by Harlan Ellison, published some time in the 1970s. It's upstairs and I don't want to go look at the copyright page, nor do I want to Google it. The fact that he's bitching about Nixon instead of Reagan indicates the 70s. He bitches a lot about television, too. Which is odd coming from a man whose primary career for much of his life was writing television episodes. I'm not saying his complains are necessarily wrong, either -- although it is almost quaint to see him gripe about spending TWO HOURS every evening watching TV. His complaint is that it isolated people. Well, we've solved that. Now we're all obsessively communicating all the time instead. The stories? They're good. Most of them. A few haven't aged well (again, Nixon). I will say that the overall effect is like watching a Twilight Zone marathon: you become very aware of the writer's personal obsessions, and there's a certain glibness that gets a little wearisome in large doses. Still, recommended. Posted by: Trimegistus at December 10, 2023 09:36 AM (78a2H)
PREVIOUS SUNDAY MORNING BOOK THREAD - 12-10-23 (NOTE: Do NOT comment on old threads!)
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Read two, count 'em, two books last week. One by Sabrina Chase titled "The Scent of Metal," and "The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of," by MP4.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 08:59 AM (Angsy)
2
Tolle Lege
Posted by: Skip at December 17, 2023 08:59 AM (fwDg9)
3
minutes
Posted by: Ciampino - When God started the clock, the Universe came into being... at December 17, 2023 08:59 AM (qfLjt)
4
Here's an article about the magic tree.
https://tinyurl.com/4pe58hm8
Posted by: jewells45 fuck cancer at December 17, 2023 08:48 AM (iF0sF)
===
Very cool, thanks.
https://tinyurl.com/4pe58hm8
Posted by: jewells45 fuck cancer at December 17, 2023 08:48 AM (iF0sF)
===
Very cool, thanks.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 17, 2023 09:00 AM (RIvkX)
5
Early, no fair.
Well into Will Henry's I, Tom Horn
Well into Will Henry's I, Tom Horn
Posted by: Skip at December 17, 2023 09:00 AM (fwDg9)
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 09:02 AM (zvEEc)
7
Some of my Saint books used British spelling -- "kerb" and "jools" come to mind. And vans were called lorries. No surprise, as the author began his career in Britain.
Posted by: Weak Geek at December 17, 2023 09:06 AM (p/isN)
8
Back to Perry Mason, in "TCOT Howling Dog," one of his early books. These stories seem more simplistic than the later books with their complicated scheming. Mason cuts corners, too. Erle Stanley Gardner wrote in an introduction to this reprint that Mason in his earlier days took a freer hand, whereas after he was established and was approaching an ethical boundary, "bar associations shiver with apprehension."
The books don't have courtroom confessions, unlike the TV show. Sometimes the culprit is identified but remains free by the book's end. Bet the show wouldn't have lasted long with that approach.
The books don't have courtroom confessions, unlike the TV show. Sometimes the culprit is identified but remains free by the book's end. Bet the show wouldn't have lasted long with that approach.
Posted by: Weak Geek at December 17, 2023 09:07 AM (p/isN)
9
Currently doing a re-read of The Belgarad series by David Eddings. I wanted to go back and read the original Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn but Amazon is wanting $14 each for the Kindle version. That is highway robbery.
Posted by: vic at December 17, 2023 09:07 AM (A5THL)
10
In regard to letters from authors --
The most recent Nero Wolfe reprints included a page or two of Rex Stout's correspondence, usually with his publisher. An interesting look behind the scenes.
The most recent Nero Wolfe reprints included a page or two of Rex Stout's correspondence, usually with his publisher. An interesting look behind the scenes.
Posted by: Weak Geek at December 17, 2023 09:10 AM (p/isN)
11
This week I read Prague Counterpoint by Bodie Thoene. This is the second book in the Zion Covenant series and continues the story of Elisa Lindheim Murphy. Her beloved Austria is overrun by the Nazis, but she continues to work for the Underground and smuggles two little Jewish boys to safety as Hitler prepares to invade Czechoslovakia.
Meanwhile her journalist husband, John Murphy, is fired by a Hearst-like character for telling the truth about conditions in Austria and warning about the impending invasion of Czechoslovakia. An exciting, interesting story in which one learns some history of the time.
Meanwhile her journalist husband, John Murphy, is fired by a Hearst-like character for telling the truth about conditions in Austria and warning about the impending invasion of Czechoslovakia. An exciting, interesting story in which one learns some history of the time.
Posted by: Zoltan at December 17, 2023 09:10 AM (DE9AH)
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"Harlan Ellison is one of those people that has little tolerance for certain nonsense. However, if he does choose to be your friend, he'll be your friend for life."
He's dead, Jim.
He's dead, Jim.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at December 17, 2023 09:11 AM (5YmYl)
13
Comment: This may be a fascinating look at that elite American institution, but as soon as I saw the title, I figured it would be a snoozefest. Titles matter, people!
-
Maybe that's because "A Senate Backside Love Journal" wasn't applicable in 1943-1945.
-
Maybe that's because "A Senate Backside Love Journal" wasn't applicable in 1943-1945.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 09:12 AM (zvEEc)
14
Last weeks book thread reminded me I hadn't finished A Distant Mirror. I began to wonder why as I was now reading The Black Prince for a second time.
Found ADM and I had stopped at the part about the Black Plague, 1346-1360. This distracted me into research on that. Much research.
This was before Covid19 hit. So when the big medical heads were calling it the worst pandemic to ever hit I was all "Wut?".
"Show me where 1/2 to 2/3 of a town died."
"Where are the mass graves?"
I was armored against their bullshit from reading about dudes in armor.
Anyway. Morning Book people.
Found ADM and I had stopped at the part about the Black Plague, 1346-1360. This distracted me into research on that. Much research.
This was before Covid19 hit. So when the big medical heads were calling it the worst pandemic to ever hit I was all "Wut?".
"Show me where 1/2 to 2/3 of a town died."
"Where are the mass graves?"
I was armored against their bullshit from reading about dudes in armor.
Anyway. Morning Book people.
Posted by: Reforger at December 17, 2023 09:13 AM (0ZnX5)
15
Morning, 'rons and 'ronettes.
Harlan Ellison is one of those people that has little tolerance for certain nonsense.
I just finished Gay Talese's new (and at his age, probably last) book, Bartleby and Me. It's divided into three parts - part 1 is all about how he became a reporter and writer. Part 3 is the story of a crazy, paranoid doctor in NYC who, in the 1970s, blew up the century-old brownstone he lived in (kiling himself in the process) rather than let his ex-wife take possession.
Part 2 is a sort of 'behind the music' tale of all of the bullshit and runaround he went through while researching his famous Esquire article, "Frank Sinatra Has A Cold." At one point, Talese is at a party, simply observing Sinatra, when the Chairman spots a fellow wearing expensive boots. He tries to find out what kind of boots they are, but the man - who is Harlan Ellison - either cannot or will not say.
Finally, Ellison walks over to Frank and asks if he's got a beef. "I don't like the way you dress," Sinatra answers. "Well, sorry to disappoint you," Ellison snaps, "but I dress to suit my own taste."
Harlan Ellison is one of those people that has little tolerance for certain nonsense.
I just finished Gay Talese's new (and at his age, probably last) book, Bartleby and Me. It's divided into three parts - part 1 is all about how he became a reporter and writer. Part 3 is the story of a crazy, paranoid doctor in NYC who, in the 1970s, blew up the century-old brownstone he lived in (kiling himself in the process) rather than let his ex-wife take possession.
Part 2 is a sort of 'behind the music' tale of all of the bullshit and runaround he went through while researching his famous Esquire article, "Frank Sinatra Has A Cold." At one point, Talese is at a party, simply observing Sinatra, when the Chairman spots a fellow wearing expensive boots. He tries to find out what kind of boots they are, but the man - who is Harlan Ellison - either cannot or will not say.
Finally, Ellison walks over to Frank and asks if he's got a beef. "I don't like the way you dress," Sinatra answers. "Well, sorry to disappoint you," Ellison snaps, "but I dress to suit my own taste."
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:13 AM (Q0kLU)
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Another book by Iain Pears I highly recommend is An Instance of the Fingerpost. It is in 1660s England, specifically Oxford, that Dr Robert Grove is found dead in his rooms. A young woman is suspected not only of his murder, but also of witchcraft. The story is told by four narrators, each with their own widely divergent perspectives and motives. Some actual historical figures make appearances as well, and because of the nature of the crime, the medical students of the day have their own theories. From a historical perspective, this book captures the feel of the age, and from a character perspective, Pears makes the reader really feel for the players. As each narrator takes his turn in telling the story, the reader is drawn back to their predecessors, and must question the veracity of what was said, and attempt to discover the true story. This, like most of Pear's novels is one that can be read several times, with the reader finding more nuances with each reading.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2023 09:14 AM (BctBt)
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Regarding Tolkien's letters, while some people want to read them to learn more about Middle Earth, I think others want to understand the man himself.
His letters discuss many things, not the least of which is his faith, which has drawn considerable interest in recent years. In my lifetime there has been a massive shift in how Tolkien has been treated by Christians. His books were initially disdained as either immature or (in Evangelical circles) outright Satanic, the province of hippies and weirdos who also read Conan the Barbarian and other works featuring babes in chainmail bikinis on the cover.
Since then, the Christian message has become more apparent to the point that I would say a significant percentage of seminarians are admirers of his work, which is now often referenced in homilies to illustrate certain points. (Our young vicar used Helm's Deep as an example of fighting against seemingly hopeless odds.)
His letters discuss many things, not the least of which is his faith, which has drawn considerable interest in recent years. In my lifetime there has been a massive shift in how Tolkien has been treated by Christians. His books were initially disdained as either immature or (in Evangelical circles) outright Satanic, the province of hippies and weirdos who also read Conan the Barbarian and other works featuring babes in chainmail bikinis on the cover.
Since then, the Christian message has become more apparent to the point that I would say a significant percentage of seminarians are admirers of his work, which is now often referenced in homilies to illustrate certain points. (Our young vicar used Helm's Deep as an example of fighting against seemingly hopeless odds.)
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:14 AM (llXky)
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Good Sunday morning, horde!
McMann & Duck looks like some lighter, entertaining reading for this week. That is something I need after this past week's fare.
I like memoirs. I am inspired by those who triumph over adversity. Wildflower by Teresa Van Woy was good in this regard--one of nine children, her crazy and abusive mother took half the kids to San Francisco (from Florida). Mom was a train wreck, kids survived constant beatings and deprivation, but the author survived by faith. It was difficult to read, but well-written and I had to finish to see how it turned out for her.
The other was The Pale Faced Lie by David Crow. This one was so depressing I couldn't even finish it. He wrote a book, so I assume at some point, he also triumphed, but the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father, physical and mental, was too much to bear.
I am so, so grateful that I grew up with kind and loving parents.
McMann & Duck looks like some lighter, entertaining reading for this week. That is something I need after this past week's fare.
I like memoirs. I am inspired by those who triumph over adversity. Wildflower by Teresa Van Woy was good in this regard--one of nine children, her crazy and abusive mother took half the kids to San Francisco (from Florida). Mom was a train wreck, kids survived constant beatings and deprivation, but the author survived by faith. It was difficult to read, but well-written and I had to finish to see how it turned out for her.
The other was The Pale Faced Lie by David Crow. This one was so depressing I couldn't even finish it. He wrote a book, so I assume at some point, he also triumphed, but the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father, physical and mental, was too much to bear.
I am so, so grateful that I grew up with kind and loving parents.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 17, 2023 09:14 AM (OX9vb)
19
Read two, count 'em, two books last week. One by Sabrina Chase titled "The Scent of Metal," and "The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of," by MP4.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 08:59 AM (Angsy)
And?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 08:59 AM (Angsy)
And?
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:14 AM (Q0kLU)
20
Allen Drury wasn't just a reporter, of course; he spend all of 1960 on the best seller list with Advice and Consent. Anyone whose hymen grew back in time to be violated by the Big Ghey Skandals last week should take a quick look at the 'gay subtext' there. As the carpet cleaning guy said in the Judiciary Room, none of this shit is new.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at December 17, 2023 09:15 AM (FCs/J)
21
From the EMT:
I will miss the book thread today, but if you need a Christmas themed book for elementary ages, the kids loved "Hank the Cowdog: The Wounded Buzzard on Christmas Eve".
Lessons on generosity and kindness gently and humorously taught. Plus, it features Wallace and Junior.
I've always regretted that my first two were too old for that series. My son, especially, would have loved them.
I will miss the book thread today, but if you need a Christmas themed book for elementary ages, the kids loved "Hank the Cowdog: The Wounded Buzzard on Christmas Eve".
Lessons on generosity and kindness gently and humorously taught. Plus, it features Wallace and Junior.
I've always regretted that my first two were too old for that series. My son, especially, would have loved them.
Posted by: sal: tolle adversarium et afflige inimicum at December 17, 2023 09:17 AM (KB0Aa)
22
Not very far into Bleak House, but a chapter here and there...
Considering Jonathan Eller's 3-volume biography of Ray Bradbury after a few of the Christmas bills are dealt with. Re: writers' correspondence, Eller has assembled a volume of Ray Bradbury's selected correspondence called Remembrance. From the sample at Amazon, looks like a lot of fun. A tad pricey, though.
And revisiting a few of Theodore Sturgeon's stories.
And still waiting for Library of America to discover Don Robertson...
So the reading this week is the chaotic business as usual.
Considering Jonathan Eller's 3-volume biography of Ray Bradbury after a few of the Christmas bills are dealt with. Re: writers' correspondence, Eller has assembled a volume of Ray Bradbury's selected correspondence called Remembrance. From the sample at Amazon, looks like a lot of fun. A tad pricey, though.
And revisiting a few of Theodore Sturgeon's stories.
And still waiting for Library of America to discover Don Robertson...
So the reading this week is the chaotic business as usual.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at December 17, 2023 09:18 AM (a/4+U)
23
Allen Drury wasn't just a reporter, of course; he spend all of 1960 on the best seller list with Advice and Consent. Anyone whose hymen grew back in time to be violated by the Big Ghey Skandals last week should take a quick look at the 'gay subtext' there. As the carpet cleaning guy said in the Judiciary Room, none of this shit is new.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at December 17, 2023 09:15 AM (FCs/J)
---
It's funnier than that - the closeted senator is a Mormon from Utah. Life imitates fiction?
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at December 17, 2023 09:15 AM (FCs/J)
---
It's funnier than that - the closeted senator is a Mormon from Utah. Life imitates fiction?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:18 AM (llXky)
24
On writing:
Haven't read much this week, except for some old Reader's Digests (hey, did you know that something called 'skateboarding' is sweeping America?).
I visited my friend / muse on Friday and we talked about my new book, the problems I'm having with it and my own personal problems. I have a vague idea now of how to end the chapter I'm stuck in, but the personal problems are still there. I really need to alter my life come the new year and make a point of GAINNZZ.
**sighs**
Haven't read much this week, except for some old Reader's Digests (hey, did you know that something called 'skateboarding' is sweeping America?).
I visited my friend / muse on Friday and we talked about my new book, the problems I'm having with it and my own personal problems. I have a vague idea now of how to end the chapter I'm stuck in, but the personal problems are still there. I really need to alter my life come the new year and make a point of GAINNZZ.
**sighs**
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:18 AM (Q0kLU)
25
And?
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:14 AM (Q0kLU)
It will take a while to say what I want to say. Still digesting. Will send you e-mail beforehand.
And?
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:14 AM (Q0kLU)
It will take a while to say what I want to say. Still digesting. Will send you e-mail beforehand.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 09:19 AM (Angsy)
26
American English vid. Have seen quite a few vids of Lawrence. Amusing fellow. I have noticed a large number of Commonwealth YTers seem to love the USA. Maybe we should import them and kick out the ones in authority here who hate the place. We can start with university presidents.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 09:21 AM (Angsy)
27
7 Some of my Saint books used British spelling -- "kerb" and "jools" come to mind. And vans were called lorries. No surprise, as the author began his career in Britain.
Posted by: Weak Geek at December 17, 2023 09:06 AM (p/isN)
----
What's 'jools'?
'Lorry' is a truck, something bigger than your F150 truck, the sort of transport vehicle for goods and all the way up to an 18-wheeler. The F150 is a pickup. A van is a van as far as I know. Of course in South Africa the van (as in the VW version) is known as a Combi (com-bee). Such vans are used as taxis and known as combi-taxis - the most dangerous vehicles on the road, plus many carry AK-47s and do shoot.
Here's a tongue twister. Say very quickly and over and over: yellow lorry, red lorry.
Hilarity will ensue.
Posted by: Weak Geek at December 17, 2023 09:06 AM (p/isN)
----
What's 'jools'?
'Lorry' is a truck, something bigger than your F150 truck, the sort of transport vehicle for goods and all the way up to an 18-wheeler. The F150 is a pickup. A van is a van as far as I know. Of course in South Africa the van (as in the VW version) is known as a Combi (com-bee). Such vans are used as taxis and known as combi-taxis - the most dangerous vehicles on the road, plus many carry AK-47s and do shoot.
Here's a tongue twister. Say very quickly and over and over: yellow lorry, red lorry.
Hilarity will ensue.
Posted by: Ciampino - When God started the clock, the Universe came into being.. at December 17, 2023 09:23 AM (qfLjt)
28
@24 except for some old Reader's Digests
They really do maintain a certain sense of perspective.
I think I saw my first "Rebellious Youth: A Worldwide Problem" about 1956, but I'll admit I probably just wasn't paying attention before that. The Republic is in peril, from within and without.
They really do maintain a certain sense of perspective.
I think I saw my first "Rebellious Youth: A Worldwide Problem" about 1956, but I'll admit I probably just wasn't paying attention before that. The Republic is in peril, from within and without.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at December 17, 2023 09:23 AM (FCs/J)
29
I was tempted by a recommendation a couple of weeks ago on the Book Thread for Simon Winchester's "Krakatoa" - I bought a copy and began to read. It's really more than just an account of the disaster; it goes back into history of the spice trade, the installation of international cable telegraph systems, and touches on some rather unknown 19th century scientists ... that's about the first half of the book. The explosion which demolished an entire island happened at a really interesting time - when the news of such a happening would be known almost instantly on the other side of the world.
Other than that book, I'm diverting myself with rereading a collection of mysteries by English writer Robert Barnard. He did some fantastic books, which are really more short novels with a mystery element. He did only a few procedurals with a detective, which is likely why his series was never made into a TV series, like Reginald Hill's Dalziel & Pascoe, or Caroline Grahame's Mudsomer Murders.
Barnard's best, in my opinion, is Out of the Blackout, and Skeleton in the Grass ... but the rest are pretty good.
Other than that book, I'm diverting myself with rereading a collection of mysteries by English writer Robert Barnard. He did some fantastic books, which are really more short novels with a mystery element. He did only a few procedurals with a detective, which is likely why his series was never made into a TV series, like Reginald Hill's Dalziel & Pascoe, or Caroline Grahame's Mudsomer Murders.
Barnard's best, in my opinion, is Out of the Blackout, and Skeleton in the Grass ... but the rest are pretty good.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at December 17, 2023 09:24 AM (xnmPy)
30
Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading.
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 09:25 AM (7EjX1)
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Letters by Authors:
I read "The Habit of Being: the collected letters of Flannery O'Connor" several times since it was published in 1979.
It covers her life and career from the late 1940s until her death in 1963.
Highly recommended, especially for admirers of her work, as she talks about the progress, or lack of, on various stories and novels.
My favorite story she tells is of a couple who drove over from Mississippi to buy some of her peafowl. When they learned she was a writer, they said they lived near a writer, fellow name of Faulkner, did she know him and was he any good?
"I allowed that I did know him, and yes, he was pretty good."
I read "The Habit of Being: the collected letters of Flannery O'Connor" several times since it was published in 1979.
It covers her life and career from the late 1940s until her death in 1963.
Highly recommended, especially for admirers of her work, as she talks about the progress, or lack of, on various stories and novels.
My favorite story she tells is of a couple who drove over from Mississippi to buy some of her peafowl. When they learned she was a writer, they said they lived near a writer, fellow name of Faulkner, did she know him and was he any good?
"I allowed that I did know him, and yes, he was pretty good."
Posted by: sal: tolle adversarium et afflige inimicum at December 17, 2023 09:25 AM (KB0Aa)
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Thanks go out to the commenter who recommended Thrift Books. My new/used copy of Startide Rising by David Brin is supposed to be in my mailbox tomorrow!
Just made a library run and I got quite a haul.....
Too many to list but I'll be reading "Through the Storm" by John Ringo and Lydia Sherrer; book 2 of the TransDimensional Hunter, where a group of HS gamers believe that they're playing a new "in the real" game but are actually killing trans dimensional monsters that are destroying our electrical grid. The first volume, "Into the Real" was a bit YA and all of the protagonists are too over the top nerdy but it was a fun read.
Also on my "new to the library, so Ive only got14 days loans" is "The Icarus Twins" by Timothy Zahn. I've not heard of it before but it's Zahn so it's got that going for it.
Just made a library run and I got quite a haul.....
Too many to list but I'll be reading "Through the Storm" by John Ringo and Lydia Sherrer; book 2 of the TransDimensional Hunter, where a group of HS gamers believe that they're playing a new "in the real" game but are actually killing trans dimensional monsters that are destroying our electrical grid. The first volume, "Into the Real" was a bit YA and all of the protagonists are too over the top nerdy but it was a fun read.
Also on my "new to the library, so Ive only got14 days loans" is "The Icarus Twins" by Timothy Zahn. I've not heard of it before but it's Zahn so it's got that going for it.
Posted by: p0indexterous at December 17, 2023 09:26 AM (QBwMV)
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Off to Mass. Have a great day, all!
Posted by: sal: tolle adversarium et afflige inimicum at December 17, 2023 09:27 AM (KB0Aa)
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I will miss the book thread today, but if you need a Christmas themed book for elementary ages, the kids loved "Hank the Cowdog: The Wounded Buzzard on Christmas Eve".
Yesterday on TCM I caught a Warner Brothers short from 1945, Star in the Night. It's supposed to be about three cowboys who see a bright star on Christmas Eve and decide to follow it, but it ends up being about a surly, cynical gas-station owner who is caught flatfooted when Maria and Jose end up at his station to birth their baby.
https://tinyurl.com/4ersmyas
Yesterday on TCM I caught a Warner Brothers short from 1945, Star in the Night. It's supposed to be about three cowboys who see a bright star on Christmas Eve and decide to follow it, but it ends up being about a surly, cynical gas-station owner who is caught flatfooted when Maria and Jose end up at his station to birth their baby.
https://tinyurl.com/4ersmyas
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:27 AM (Q0kLU)
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It will take a while to say what I want to say. Still digesting. Will send you e-mail beforehand.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 09:19 AM (Angsy)
Understood. Hope you liked it, but if not, I'll gird myself for the criticism.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 09:19 AM (Angsy)
Understood. Hope you liked it, but if not, I'll gird myself for the criticism.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:28 AM (Q0kLU)
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Allen Drury's Advice and Consent series was great. I read that in Pretoria in 1976. My introduction to American politics and shenanigans.
Posted by: Ciampino - D.C. is no longer like that at December 17, 2023 09:31 AM (qfLjt)
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Thanks so much for listing my book! I deeply appreciate it.
Merry Christmas and blessings to everyone here!
Merry Christmas and blessings to everyone here!
Posted by: Eternity Matters at December 17, 2023 09:31 AM (MTm8X)
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I finished Tomkin and the Dragon, another book in JA Andrews Keeper world. Utterly predictable and completely charming. Also read Krakatoa (dead-tree version!), which I think somebody recommended a couple of weeks ago. Or maybe just mentioned. It was good in a Michener-ish way, though not quite as verbose as Michener and w/o the detailed personal development. It had first historical mentions and went on from there, covering the development of tectonic plates and continental drift.
Also finished Cedar Sanderson's Running Into Time, which I liked. I could quibble about some loose thread-y stuff, but that's too picky.
Also finished Cedar Sanderson's Running Into Time, which I liked. I could quibble about some loose thread-y stuff, but that's too picky.
Posted by: yara at December 17, 2023 09:33 AM (xr64u)
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And an extra thanks for having the "Perfessor" Squirrel reading the book!
Posted by: Eternity Matters at December 17, 2023 09:33 AM (MTm8X)
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That tongue twister saying very quickly and over and over: "yellow lorry, red lorry, yellow lorry, red lorry" ......
It occurred to me that it would be even funnier in Janglish (pseudo Japanese English) with the L and R problems.
It occurred to me that it would be even funnier in Janglish (pseudo Japanese English) with the L and R problems.
Posted by: Ciampino - D.C. is no longer like that - it's an expensive joke at December 17, 2023 09:34 AM (qfLjt)
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Also on my "new to the library, so Ive only got14 days loans" is "The Icarus Twins" by Timothy Zahn. I've not heard of it before but it's Zahn so it's got that going for it.
Posted by: p0indexterous at December 17, 2023 09:26 AM (QBwMV)
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What happened to his work is fascinating. He wrote what was regarded as the canonical sequels to the original trilogy, and of course that all was trashed. He's somewhat tried to salvage it but Disney is so muddled and useless that they're now retconning at will.
Of course, he's not alone. All of the authors that got in on Star Wars licensed books have more or less been left high and dry.
Posted by: p0indexterous at December 17, 2023 09:26 AM (QBwMV)
---
What happened to his work is fascinating. He wrote what was regarded as the canonical sequels to the original trilogy, and of course that all was trashed. He's somewhat tried to salvage it but Disney is so muddled and useless that they're now retconning at will.
Of course, he's not alone. All of the authors that got in on Star Wars licensed books have more or less been left high and dry.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:35 AM (llXky)
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Thanks for the Book Thread, Perfessor!
Just finished re-reading "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte. I've had the book since it was gifted to me in childhood.
Last read the book a few months ago when I rediscovered it in a box in the closet (you know how that goes...).
The book was far more enjoyable to read this last time around. No doubt, part of that was my familiarity with writing style during that period. A bonus is that because I was so focused on slogging through the language and punctuation of the period, I had forgotten the finer points of the story. Thus, there were surprises along the way this time around. The book is back on the shelf for another read somewhere down the road.
Just finished re-reading "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte. I've had the book since it was gifted to me in childhood.
Last read the book a few months ago when I rediscovered it in a box in the closet (you know how that goes...).
The book was far more enjoyable to read this last time around. No doubt, part of that was my familiarity with writing style during that period. A bonus is that because I was so focused on slogging through the language and punctuation of the period, I had forgotten the finer points of the story. Thus, there were surprises along the way this time around. The book is back on the shelf for another read somewhere down the road.
Posted by: Legally Sufficient at December 17, 2023 09:35 AM (a8Rgt)
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I read the new Patrick Rothfuss book, The Narrow Road Between Desires. Years ago read In The Name of he Wind after my son recommended it. It took me on a new and exciting adventure carried into a second book and then he went silent.
It always seemed strange to me. What happened?
This new book is actually a rewritten short story. It is an odd book as it is a very small hardcover filled with black and white drawings. His early books were pretty long tomes so even the style of publishing seemed strange.
Con't.
It always seemed strange to me. What happened?
This new book is actually a rewritten short story. It is an odd book as it is a very small hardcover filled with black and white drawings. His early books were pretty long tomes so even the style of publishing seemed strange.
Con't.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at December 17, 2023 09:36 AM (t/2Uw)
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My British relatives were amazed at my truck and jeep collection.
FIL wanted to drive my 1984 F250 like it was some sort of unicorn.
"You just can't get anything like that in England."
Threw him the keys.
"Try to keep it on the right side of the road."
He couldn't but never hit anybody.
England just had to be different from America which is how they got left hand driving, "Boot" and "Bonnet" and all that sort of crap.
They really should learn to speak English properly too.
FIL wanted to drive my 1984 F250 like it was some sort of unicorn.
"You just can't get anything like that in England."
Threw him the keys.
"Try to keep it on the right side of the road."
He couldn't but never hit anybody.
England just had to be different from America which is how they got left hand driving, "Boot" and "Bonnet" and all that sort of crap.
They really should learn to speak English properly too.
Posted by: Reforger at December 17, 2023 09:36 AM (dgnIS)
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Maybe the Perfesser can do that as a future topic: retconned to death - books rendered obsolete due to changes in the setting.
We could also look at predictions that aged badly. The Population Bomb comes to mind.
We could also look at predictions that aged badly. The Population Bomb comes to mind.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:36 AM (llXky)
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The original Riverworld was fantastic, but after that it seemed like PJF really didn't know what to do with his ideas.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2023 09:36 AM (S6gqv)
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Oh, seeing Sgt Mom's mention of Krakatoa (@29), reminds me that I started her new book, A Fateful Lightning. As good as all her others, which for me is high praise. She's (along w/Doug Boulter) is one whose books (well Kindle versions) I buy. I will say that getting the Sophias between AFL and Sunset and Steel Rails straight took me more time than it should've.
Posted by: yara at December 17, 2023 09:37 AM (xr64u)
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Good morning all! Some excellent recommends today- my Amazon cart shall overflow!!
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 09:37 AM (Cem4R)
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The original Riverworld was fantastic, but after that it seemed like PJF really didn't know what to do with his ideas.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2023 09:36 AM (S6gqv)
This, too, is the story of 95% of anime.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2023 09:36 AM (S6gqv)
This, too, is the story of 95% of anime.
Posted by: naturalfake at December 17, 2023 09:38 AM (QzZeQ)
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9: Ugh! The Belgariad was such a slog for me. Good luck!
Posted by: p0indexterous at December 17, 2023 09:38 AM (QBwMV)
51
What happened to his work is fascinating. He wrote what was regarded as the canonical sequels to the original trilogy, and of course that all was trashed. He's somewhat tried to salvage it but Disney is so muddled and useless that they're now retconning at will.
Of course, he's not alone. All of the authors that got in on Star Wars licensed books have more or less been left high and dry.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:35 AM (llXky)
---
The entirety of the Star Wars Expanded Universe was trashed in favor of Disney's "new and improved" version. The "Legends" canon, as it's now known, has its own highs and lows, but even the lows are still better than anything Disney has put out.
Of course, he's not alone. All of the authors that got in on Star Wars licensed books have more or less been left high and dry.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:35 AM (llXky)
---
The entirety of the Star Wars Expanded Universe was trashed in favor of Disney's "new and improved" version. The "Legends" canon, as it's now known, has its own highs and lows, but even the lows are still better than anything Disney has put out.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 17, 2023 09:38 AM (BpYfr)
52
Maybe the Perfesser can do that as a future topic: retconned to death - books rendered obsolete due to changes in the setting.
We could also look at predictions that aged badly. The Population Bomb comes to mind.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:36 AM (llXky)
----
[ X ] Noted for future reference....
We could also look at predictions that aged badly. The Population Bomb comes to mind.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:36 AM (llXky)
----
[ X ] Noted for future reference....
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 17, 2023 09:39 AM (BpYfr)
53
Yesterday on TCM I caught a Warner Brothers short from 1945, Star in the Night. It's supposed to be about three cowboys who see a bright star on Christmas Eve and decide to follow it, but it ends up being about a surly, cynical gas-station owner who is caught flatfooted when Maria and Jose end up at his station to birth their baby.
https://tinyurl.com/4ersmyas
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:27 AM (Q0kLU)
they've shown that every Christmas season for a few years; it's a touching little parable, and fairly short. A very good Christmas tale, all of the characters are memorable.
Yesterday on TCM I caught a Warner Brothers short from 1945, Star in the Night. It's supposed to be about three cowboys who see a bright star on Christmas Eve and decide to follow it, but it ends up being about a surly, cynical gas-station owner who is caught flatfooted when Maria and Jose end up at his station to birth their baby.
https://tinyurl.com/4ersmyas
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:27 AM (Q0kLU)
they've shown that every Christmas season for a few years; it's a touching little parable, and fairly short. A very good Christmas tale, all of the characters are memorable.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2023 09:40 AM (S6gqv)
54
I got the new edition of the JRR Tolkien letters in hardcover. I had the earlier version as a paperback. That one is going to a nephew and his wife who are Tolkien fans, bless their young hearts..
I enjoy these collections of letters from writers I enjoy. I also have the two volume set of letters for CS Lewis as well as similar collections for HP Lovecraft and EB White. Then there is "Chickens, Gin, and a Maine Friendship: The Correspondence of E. B. White and Edmund Ware Smith" which is insightful and hilarious. I really enjoy these glimpses into the lives and thoughts of these authors. They offer insights into the development of the books I so admire and there is a lot of humor in the correspondence between friends.
For my taste they are definitely worth the time.
I enjoy these collections of letters from writers I enjoy. I also have the two volume set of letters for CS Lewis as well as similar collections for HP Lovecraft and EB White. Then there is "Chickens, Gin, and a Maine Friendship: The Correspondence of E. B. White and Edmund Ware Smith" which is insightful and hilarious. I really enjoy these glimpses into the lives and thoughts of these authors. They offer insights into the development of the books I so admire and there is a lot of humor in the correspondence between friends.
For my taste they are definitely worth the time.
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 09:41 AM (7EjX1)
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Morning again, all! Thanks to those of you who responded to my questions on th eONT; you know who you are.
Just finished reading Loren D. Estleman's Edsel, one of his historical novels about Detroit. This one is set in the mid- and late Fifties. HIs hero, Constantine "Connie" Minor, is an aging journalist who takes a job with Ford, promoting . . . you guessed it . . the new top-of-the-line Ford, the Edsel. Alsong the way we meet Henry Ford II and Walter Reuther, get involved in some mystery (but no murders) and a mild case of blackmail, and get a good view of what mid-century America was like through the lens of the Detroit auto industry.
Just finished reading Loren D. Estleman's Edsel, one of his historical novels about Detroit. This one is set in the mid- and late Fifties. HIs hero, Constantine "Connie" Minor, is an aging journalist who takes a job with Ford, promoting . . . you guessed it . . the new top-of-the-line Ford, the Edsel. Alsong the way we meet Henry Ford II and Walter Reuther, get involved in some mystery (but no murders) and a mild case of blackmail, and get a good view of what mid-century America was like through the lens of the Detroit auto industry.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 09:42 AM (omVj0)
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England just had to be different from America which is how they got left hand driving, "Boot" and "Bonnet" and all that sort of crap.
They really should learn to speak English properly too.
Posted by: Reforger
What fascinated me about Englad was that many of the roads are about one lane wide, and most of the houses and shops are perched right on the edge of the road. I can see why an F250 would be difficult to maneuver there.
They really should learn to speak English properly too.
Posted by: Reforger
What fascinated me about Englad was that many of the roads are about one lane wide, and most of the houses and shops are perched right on the edge of the road. I can see why an F250 would be difficult to maneuver there.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2023 09:43 AM (BctBt)
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I'm still working through Lord of the Rings and while I started out taking some notes about the religious/spiritual themes, I'm just getting to engrossed in the work to bother with it. Amazing how it's drawing me in even thought I can't count the amount of times I read it. Assume it's because I spent a few years away from it.
I try to do that with favorite books and movies so they remain fresh rather than background noise.
I try to do that with favorite books and movies so they remain fresh rather than background noise.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:44 AM (llXky)
Posted by: All Hail Eris at December 17, 2023 09:44 AM (brrec)
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>> I read the new Patrick Rothfuss book, The Narrow Road Between Desires. Years ago read In The Name of he Wind after my son recommended it. It took me on a new and exciting adventure carried into a second book and then he went silent.
Fuck that guy...been like a decade plus and he's still dicking around with fanfic for his incomplete book.
He is almost as bad as Martin. Almost.
Fuck that guy...been like a decade plus and he's still dicking around with fanfic for his incomplete book.
He is almost as bad as Martin. Almost.
Posted by: garrett at December 17, 2023 09:44 AM (+Rtz8)
60
I am now wading into Michael Chabon's Wonder Boys from 1995. The narrator is a novelist/lit professor in then-contemporary Pittsburgh. His marriage is breaking up, he's having an affair with Sara, the married chancellor at his college, and considering having one with the young blonde who rents his basement apartment. So far he's been bitten by a blind dog, the chancellor's dog, and the student who was with him shoots the dog with a derringer he was planning to use on himself.
Dunno if I'm going to like this. Maybe it's too soon to tell.
Dunno if I'm going to like this. Maybe it's too soon to tell.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 09:45 AM (omVj0)
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Good morning all! Some excellent recommends today- my Amazon cart shall overflow!!
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 09:37 AM (Cem4R)
All moved in, yet?
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 09:37 AM (Cem4R)
All moved in, yet?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 09:45 AM (Angsy)
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44
UK, British Commonwealth (BC) and ex-BC, all drive on the left with steering on the right. India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and all of Southern Africa (since they get their vehicles from South Africa). Europe drives on the right with steering on the left.
Anyone know how the Romans did it and how we got his dichotomy?
UK, British Commonwealth (BC) and ex-BC, all drive on the left with steering on the right. India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and all of Southern Africa (since they get their vehicles from South Africa). Europe drives on the right with steering on the left.
Anyone know how the Romans did it and how we got his dichotomy?
Posted by: Ciampino - I drove a LHD in a RHD country for 19 years at December 17, 2023 09:46 AM (qfLjt)
63
Well, it's time for me to write a couple of e-mails and then decide whether to drink the day away or not.
Hope you all have a lovely day.
Hope you all have a lovely day.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:46 AM (Q0kLU)
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My daughter has fixated on Polar expeditions- Shackleford's trek has been her recent favorite, but I would welcome any recommends from y'all on other titles. Thanks!
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 09:46 AM (Cem4R)
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Ugh! The Belgariad was such a slog for me. Good luck!
Posted by: p0indexterous at December 17, 2023 09:38 AM (QBwMV)
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I remember those books fondly, but not enough to read them again. The one thing that stuck out was how - having made a map - Eddings resolved to visit all of it.
Which he did in the sequel as well.
Posted by: p0indexterous at December 17, 2023 09:38 AM (QBwMV)
---
I remember those books fondly, but not enough to read them again. The one thing that stuck out was how - having made a map - Eddings resolved to visit all of it.
Which he did in the sequel as well.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:47 AM (llXky)
66
What fascinated me about Englad was that many of the roads are about one lane wide, and most of the houses and shops are perched right on the edge of the road.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2023 09:43 AM (BctBt)
Easier to hit the gutter with a Chamber Pot that way.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2023 09:43 AM (BctBt)
Easier to hit the gutter with a Chamber Pot that way.
Posted by: Reforger at December 17, 2023 09:47 AM (dgnIS)
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Good morning, fellow bibliophiles!
I would like to recommend "Silk Umspun" by fellow amoron author, D.S. Blake. He was kind enough to send me a review copy, but it is now available through Amazon.
Jake Ambler, after finishing his sentence on Mars, has decided he does not want to return to Earth. So he joins the ICF, an "exopreneur" company that is trying to come to a trade agreement with a newly discovered world. The main sentient lifeform are arachnids and the females hold the power and the males are pawns. Jake finds himself sympathetic to the males and a hero of their rebellion. But is he a pawn of his company as well as of the female arachnids?
Jake is an interesting character and, since "Silk Unspun" is the first of a series, I look forward to his next adventure on another "bug" planet. Building a world and a culture based on insects and arachnids is tricky, especially with respect to communication. How can two very different biological entities communicate? How are non-verbal emotional states expressed? Mr. Blake's solutions to these problems are rather creative and his world is logically consistent within itself.
Recommend.
I would like to recommend "Silk Umspun" by fellow amoron author, D.S. Blake. He was kind enough to send me a review copy, but it is now available through Amazon.
Jake Ambler, after finishing his sentence on Mars, has decided he does not want to return to Earth. So he joins the ICF, an "exopreneur" company that is trying to come to a trade agreement with a newly discovered world. The main sentient lifeform are arachnids and the females hold the power and the males are pawns. Jake finds himself sympathetic to the males and a hero of their rebellion. But is he a pawn of his company as well as of the female arachnids?
Jake is an interesting character and, since "Silk Unspun" is the first of a series, I look forward to his next adventure on another "bug" planet. Building a world and a culture based on insects and arachnids is tricky, especially with respect to communication. How can two very different biological entities communicate? How are non-verbal emotional states expressed? Mr. Blake's solutions to these problems are rather creative and his world is logically consistent within itself.
Recommend.
Posted by: March Hare at December 17, 2023 09:47 AM (WOU9P)
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Finished The Enemy Within: An Eyewitness Account of the Communist Conquest of China by Father Raymond J. De Jaegher.
De Jaegher’s a Catholic missionary in interwar China and gets entangled in pre-war and war events; blackmailed by the CCP and imprisoned by the IJA.
https://tinyurl.com/ynx4xdvb
De Jaegher’s a Catholic missionary in interwar China and gets entangled in pre-war and war events; blackmailed by the CCP and imprisoned by the IJA.
https://tinyurl.com/ynx4xdvb
Posted by: 13times at December 17, 2023 09:47 AM (Tag4Y)
69
Anyone know how the Romans did it and how we got his dichotomy?
Posted by: Ciampino - I drove a LHD in a RHD country for 19 years at December 17, 2023 09:46 AM (qfLjt)
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Churchill says it's so you have your right hand free to swing a sword out the window.
Posted by: Ciampino - I drove a LHD in a RHD country for 19 years at December 17, 2023 09:46 AM (qfLjt)
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Churchill says it's so you have your right hand free to swing a sword out the window.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:48 AM (llXky)
70
24 except for some old Reader's Digests
They really do maintain a certain sense of perspective.
----
"I Am Jane's Penis"
They really do maintain a certain sense of perspective.
----
"I Am Jane's Penis"
Posted by: All Hail Eris at December 17, 2023 09:48 AM (brrec)
71
After a mention of the Leo Frankowski's "Cross Time Engineer" series, I felt the need to re-read it since the last time was long ago.
Something I didn't really pick up them or remember is that Frankowski's protagonist (Conrad Stargard) is an avowed socialist, but the only way he can succeed in raising the Polish quality of life is to act as a hardcore capitalist.
A little lesson that our current higher Ed types should learn.
-SLV
Something I didn't really pick up them or remember is that Frankowski's protagonist (Conrad Stargard) is an avowed socialist, but the only way he can succeed in raising the Polish quality of life is to act as a hardcore capitalist.
A little lesson that our current higher Ed types should learn.
-SLV
Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at December 17, 2023 09:49 AM (e/Osv)
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Just saw who directed Star in the Night: Don Siegel of Dirty Harry fame!
Posted by: Jayhawkone at December 17, 2023 09:50 AM (9rPx3)
73
The book was a complete surprise. Charming, mysterious, intriguing....the whole story takes place over the course of a day, yet the characters come to life and you can feel the heartbeat of the village.
The main character, Bast, is a mystery. Is he a simple village boy or something more? Is he childlike simple or is there a sinister motive to his actions?
It takes until the very last paragraph in the book til you have an inkling of what has occurred. I laughed out loud.
There is an afterword by the author that is an essential read. I think it explains a little why he has never written the promised sequel to the Kingkiller Chronicles. Maybe I read too much into it. Made me want to go back and reread what I just read to see if there is another layer I missed.
I hope some of you who love fantasy will read it and let me know what you think.
The main character, Bast, is a mystery. Is he a simple village boy or something more? Is he childlike simple or is there a sinister motive to his actions?
It takes until the very last paragraph in the book til you have an inkling of what has occurred. I laughed out loud.
There is an afterword by the author that is an essential read. I think it explains a little why he has never written the promised sequel to the Kingkiller Chronicles. Maybe I read too much into it. Made me want to go back and reread what I just read to see if there is another layer I missed.
I hope some of you who love fantasy will read it and let me know what you think.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at December 17, 2023 09:50 AM (t/2Uw)
74
"The Hopkins Manuscript" by R.C. Sherriff (1939) is a diary by self-satisfied fusspot Edgar Hopkins who details life in his English village before and after the moon crashes into the earth. He is an amateur astronomer and one of the first to learn the moon is on a collision course with us.
It's a well-written tale, funny and very bittersweet, as Edgar tries to face the terrifying future with good old-fashioned British pluck. The years of reconstruction following the disaster initially bring people together, but the geographical changes wrought by the collision start a mad scramble among nations.
His manuscript, a relic of the Cataclysm, is found amid the ruins of Notting Hill ages later by a member of the Royal Society of Abyssinia. Europe is effectively wiped out and is a mysterious ancient culture to be pieced together by the reborn nations of the East.
"The moon crashing into Earth" is its own subgenre of literature ("Life As We Knew It", "Seveneves") and film ("Moonfall", "Melancholia").
It's a well-written tale, funny and very bittersweet, as Edgar tries to face the terrifying future with good old-fashioned British pluck. The years of reconstruction following the disaster initially bring people together, but the geographical changes wrought by the collision start a mad scramble among nations.
His manuscript, a relic of the Cataclysm, is found amid the ruins of Notting Hill ages later by a member of the Royal Society of Abyssinia. Europe is effectively wiped out and is a mysterious ancient culture to be pieced together by the reborn nations of the East.
"The moon crashing into Earth" is its own subgenre of literature ("Life As We Knew It", "Seveneves") and film ("Moonfall", "Melancholia").
Posted by: All Hail Eris at December 17, 2023 09:50 AM (brrec)
75
Well, it's time for me to write a couple of e-mails and then decide whether to drink the day away or not.
Hope you all have a lovely day.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:46 AM (Q0kLU)
---
Except on holidays, there is no drinking at Chateau Lloyd until noon. At that point beer, wine and cider may be served. Liquor is permitted after Happy Hour begins at three.
Hope you all have a lovely day.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:46 AM (Q0kLU)
---
Except on holidays, there is no drinking at Chateau Lloyd until noon. At that point beer, wine and cider may be served. Liquor is permitted after Happy Hour begins at three.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:50 AM (llXky)
76
Tolkien originally had the Orcs being created from Elves, but in his later letters said they were created from Men. I found that somehow reassuring: why tarnish a superior race when it isn’t necessary? He also said in his letters that Sam ultimately journeyed to Valinor and was reunited with Frodo, which also provided closure I thought.
Posted by: Norrin Radd, sojourner of the spaceways at December 17, 2023 09:52 AM (hsWtj)
77
A question for JRR Tolkien enthusiasts. I would like to get the complete set, Hobbit and the trilogy in hardback with over 29 sized print. I Would pony up more if there were maps included. It’s near impossible for me to tell on the web which are good. Any recommendations for a publisher or a site would be greatly appreciated. TIA. Also, thanks for the book thread Perfessor.
Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at December 17, 2023 09:53 AM (6vqEw)
78
Thanks, Yara! Glad you are enjoying A Fateful Lightning ... it's a bit of a change from the other historicals, but it fills in the background on an interesting secondary character.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at December 17, 2023 09:53 AM (xnmPy)
79
Finished the novellas and short stories collected in Space Opera Renaissance, edited by Hartwell & Cramer. The book is big at 944 pages.
You can read it online at https://tinyurl.com/ybu9nsjy. Link goes to archives.com, although published only in 2006.
Has the delightful and heartwarming story "Orphans of the Helix" by Dan Simmons, set in the Hyperion Cantos universe. It won a Locus Award when that meant something.
There are several other good short stories, although the commentary before each story is British leftist cant.
Of particular note is the wryly humorous " Space opera" by Michale Kandel, an opera synopsis set in space and the future. Would love to see it performed.
You can read it online at https://tinyurl.com/ybu9nsjy. Link goes to archives.com, although published only in 2006.
Has the delightful and heartwarming story "Orphans of the Helix" by Dan Simmons, set in the Hyperion Cantos universe. It won a Locus Award when that meant something.
There are several other good short stories, although the commentary before each story is British leftist cant.
Of particular note is the wryly humorous " Space opera" by Michale Kandel, an opera synopsis set in space and the future. Would love to see it performed.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 17, 2023 09:53 AM (u82oZ)
80
hiya
Posted by: JT at December 17, 2023 09:53 AM (T4tVD)
81
My daughter has fixated on Polar expeditions- Shackleford's trek has been her recent favorite, but I would welcome any recommends from y'all on other titles. Thanks!
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 09:46 AM (Cem4R)
The Arctic Grail by Pierre Berton.
The Man Who Ate His Boots by Anthony Bratt.
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 09:46 AM (Cem4R)
The Arctic Grail by Pierre Berton.
The Man Who Ate His Boots by Anthony Bratt.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:54 AM (Q0kLU)
82
Some of my Saint books used British spelling -- "kerb" and "jools" come to mind. And vans were called lorries. No surprise, as the author began his career in Britain.
Posted by: Weak Geek at December 17, 2023
***
"Jools," I'm pretty sure, is a dialect spelling for "jewels."
Posted by: Weak Geek at December 17, 2023
***
"Jools," I'm pretty sure, is a dialect spelling for "jewels."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 09:55 AM (omVj0)
Posted by: JT at December 17, 2023 09:56 AM (T4tVD)
84
I did not read any of the Star Wars Extended Universe. Indeed, the only "books" I have are the novelizations of the original three movies (I think a copy of Phantom Menace found its way in here, no doubt via my wife). I really liked Star Wars as a kid, but I outgrew it until the sequels came out, and gradually I burned out on it.
The Man of Destiny series came about because I found the sequels so disappointing, truly a wasted opportunity. Ironically, it was the success of Fifty Shades of Gray (which started as Twilight fan fiction) that convinced me to rewrite the films, and when I finished the trilogy, I wrote a fourth book to tie things together because by that time I'd diverged quite a bit from Star Wars. I spent months nagging Ace to read it, which I don't think he ever did, Oregon Muse did, as have some folks here, and Ace even pimped it on the sidebar, which is why I'm "endorsed."
The Man of Destiny series came about because I found the sequels so disappointing, truly a wasted opportunity. Ironically, it was the success of Fifty Shades of Gray (which started as Twilight fan fiction) that convinced me to rewrite the films, and when I finished the trilogy, I wrote a fourth book to tie things together because by that time I'd diverged quite a bit from Star Wars. I spent months nagging Ace to read it, which I don't think he ever did, Oregon Muse did, as have some folks here, and Ace even pimped it on the sidebar, which is why I'm "endorsed."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:57 AM (llXky)
85
Churchill says it's so you have your right hand free to swing a sword out the window.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:48 AM (llXky)
Now they can't even have a dull butter knife.
All Hail and Farewell to England.
Wife wants to go there next Summer.
"Have fun baby."
I literally can't go. I'd get one "pint" in me, start talking and land in The Clink for life.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:48 AM (llXky)
Now they can't even have a dull butter knife.
All Hail and Farewell to England.
Wife wants to go there next Summer.
"Have fun baby."
I literally can't go. I'd get one "pint" in me, start talking and land in The Clink for life.
Posted by: Reforger at December 17, 2023 09:57 AM (dgnIS)
86
Dan Simmons The Terror is a fantastic artic exploration horror story.
Posted by: Ooohm at December 17, 2023 09:57 AM (C7Yya)
87
My daughter has fixated on Polar expeditions- Shackleford's trek has been her recent favorite, but I would welcome any recommends from y'all on other titles. Thanks!
Posted by: Moki
For something completely different, Michael Palin (yes, that Michael Palin) wrote Erebus, a history of the ill-fated Franklin expedition, complete with the details of the recent discovery of the actual wreck. A very well written and interesting book. Palin did a BBC show for several years on travel and history and was president of the royal geographical society.
Posted by: Moki
For something completely different, Michael Palin (yes, that Michael Palin) wrote Erebus, a history of the ill-fated Franklin expedition, complete with the details of the recent discovery of the actual wreck. A very well written and interesting book. Palin did a BBC show for several years on travel and history and was president of the royal geographical society.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2023 09:58 AM (BctBt)
88
Good morning, Sharon!
I might put that one on my list in the next couple of weeks. I enjoyed The Name of The Wind. Wise Man's Fear was ok. I really didn't need a hundred pages of fairy porn.
Then The Slow Regard of Silent Things--lots of people hated this, but I was mesmerized.
Fortunately, I'm not so invested in this series that I wait on tenterhooks for Rothfuss to put out another. I would die of old age first. Will read when I get around to it.
I might put that one on my list in the next couple of weeks. I enjoyed The Name of The Wind. Wise Man's Fear was ok. I really didn't need a hundred pages of fairy porn.
Then The Slow Regard of Silent Things--lots of people hated this, but I was mesmerized.
Fortunately, I'm not so invested in this series that I wait on tenterhooks for Rothfuss to put out another. I would die of old age first. Will read when I get around to it.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 17, 2023 09:58 AM (OX9vb)
89
Went to Mass yesterday afternoon (which I don't often do), so now reading The Book Thread while recording the Ormandy interpretation of A German Requiem by Brahms. Given recent events, it's hard to listen to.
Went to Mass yesterday afternoon (which I don't often do), so now reading The Book Thread while recording the Ormandy interpretation of A German Requiem by Brahms. Given recent events, it's hard to listen to.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 17, 2023 09:58 AM (MoZTd)
Posted by: Weak Geek at December 17, 2023 09:59 AM (p/isN)
91
I enjoyed Moron-recommended techno-thriller "Directive 51" by John Barnes, about the Grey Goo-wrought collapse of society initiated by a loose confederation of eco-terrorists, artists, and radical Luddites, and also aloha snackbar types who want to bring down the Great Satan and glomm on to the underground movement. Of course the resultant breakdown -- quite literally, as everything petroleum-based is disintegrating into puddles of ooze -- is not the Currier and Ives rusticism they were aiming for.
Oops! Oopsie!
There are some interesting parallels to the current day. The Democrat sworn in after the death of the Veep and incapacitation of the President wants to take advantage of the crisis to institute sweeping changes and ensure a Dem majority in perpetuity. See, there's this charismatic Republican candidate that's gaining traction before the upcoming election-- if there'll be another one, ever.
Of course plans keep going awry, as they are wont to do. There are complete reversals because leftover technology keeps getting sprung like booby traps.
Oops! Oopsie!
There are some interesting parallels to the current day. The Democrat sworn in after the death of the Veep and incapacitation of the President wants to take advantage of the crisis to institute sweeping changes and ensure a Dem majority in perpetuity. See, there's this charismatic Republican candidate that's gaining traction before the upcoming election-- if there'll be another one, ever.
Of course plans keep going awry, as they are wont to do. There are complete reversals because leftover technology keeps getting sprung like booby traps.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at December 17, 2023 09:59 AM (brrec)
92
Society rising from the ashes with old tech is interesting. It reminds me a lot of S.M.Stirling's stuff.
It's part of a trilogy. Oh, and it was written in 2010 but is set, I believe, in 2024. The new year is gonna be lit!
It's part of a trilogy. Oh, and it was written in 2010 but is set, I believe, in 2024. The new year is gonna be lit!
Posted by: All Hail Eris at December 17, 2023 09:59 AM (brrec)
93
The Man Who Ate His Boots by Anthony Bratt.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:54 AM (Q0kLU)
---
Reminds me of a hilarious plot point in Black Mischief by Evelyn Waugh. Written in the 1930s, still relevant today, and wickedly funny.
Idi Amin of all people kept it at his bedside.
Still in print, which is amazing because it is the most politically incorrect book I can think of.
The Man Who Ate His Boots by Anthony Bratt.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2023 09:54 AM (Q0kLU)
---
Reminds me of a hilarious plot point in Black Mischief by Evelyn Waugh. Written in the 1930s, still relevant today, and wickedly funny.
Idi Amin of all people kept it at his bedside.
Still in print, which is amazing because it is the most politically incorrect book I can think of.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:59 AM (llXky)
94
Morning Hordemates.
It's a book day!
It's a book day!
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 10:00 AM (W/lyH)
95
Currently rereading Six Armies in Normandy by Sir John Keegan OBE FRSL.
Has brief flashes of brilliance, but not many. Well written, but mostly plods along. I had forgotten this book, after reading it in 1990. Now I see why it left so little in my memory bank.
Has brief flashes of brilliance, but not many. Well written, but mostly plods along. I had forgotten this book, after reading it in 1990. Now I see why it left so little in my memory bank.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 17, 2023 10:01 AM (u82oZ)
96
As I grow older, I feel I become more "attuned" to the spiritual world all around us.
Nowadays if you didn't, you'd be running around the streets screaming.
As I grow older, I feel I become more "attuned" to the spiritual world all around us.
Nowadays if you didn't, you'd be running around the streets screaming.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 17, 2023 10:01 AM (MoZTd)
97
I'm kind of surprised the video on English didn't mention Albion's Seed, by David Hackett Fischer. It's a fascinating book on the English origins of different regional American dialects. The dialect from the part of England primarily responsible for settling specific regions of America have carried through to this day, although the differences are starting to fade now.
https://tinyurl.com/3pasj68n
https://tinyurl.com/3pasj68n
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2023 10:02 AM (CsUN+)
98
How Marxists hated Tolkien’s LotR from the jump: https://archive.org/details/critical-approaches
Posted by: 13times at December 17, 2023 10:02 AM (Tag4Y)
99
Went to Mass yesterday afternoon (which I don't often do), so now reading The Book Thread while recording the Ormandy interpretation of A German Requiem by Brahms. Given recent events, it's hard to listen to.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 17, 2023 09:58 AM (MoZTd)
---
Next weekend will be interesting - vigil Mass for the final Sunday of Lent followed by vigil Mass for Christmas. Our Parish is only offering 10 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day because the clergy is likely to be exhausted by then.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 17, 2023 09:58 AM (MoZTd)
---
Next weekend will be interesting - vigil Mass for the final Sunday of Lent followed by vigil Mass for Christmas. Our Parish is only offering 10 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day because the clergy is likely to be exhausted by then.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 10:02 AM (llXky)
100
Reading the first volume of Hammer's Slammers by the late (just last week) David Drake. Great military sci-fi so far.
Not able to read that much lately. Working way too any hours lately at the Group Home.
Not able to read that much lately. Working way too any hours lately at the Group Home.
Posted by: Sharkman at December 17, 2023 10:02 AM (/RHNq)
101
Garrett, I think you are wrong about Rothfuss. There is something sad about him. I think he is unable to the work. From the way he describes how this little book came about, it seemed agonizing to me. Yet, it is wonderfully done and the story comes together at the end.
Unlike JRR Martin whom I absolutely hate, think he is a terrible writer and will never read another word that he manages to write.
Unlike JRR Martin whom I absolutely hate, think he is a terrible writer and will never read another word that he manages to write.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at December 17, 2023 10:03 AM (t/2Uw)
102
Speaking of British vs American - My mother used to insist I buy her the UK version of the Harry Potter books and audio books. Plenty of lift/elevator differences but the one that sticks out the most to me when I encounter the phrase 'pot plant' in the UK versions of books.
Posted by: Ooohm at December 17, 2023 10:03 AM (C7Yya)
103
Not much reading this past week. Just powering through some old Spider-Man comics (the first 30-ish issues by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko) before they are given away for Christmas.
I would say that I will move on to some newer books after the holiday, but that would be a lie, since I'll likely go back to Harold Lamb (writing the 30's) and try to finish the last of his four Cossack-themed anthologies.
I would say that I will move on to some newer books after the holiday, but that would be a lie, since I'll likely go back to Harold Lamb (writing the 30's) and try to finish the last of his four Cossack-themed anthologies.
Posted by: Castle Guy at December 17, 2023 10:03 AM (Lhaco)
104
Good morning!
Let's smile & be happy & strike fear in the hearts of killjoy leftists everywhere.
Let's smile & be happy & strike fear in the hearts of killjoy leftists everywhere.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 17, 2023 10:04 AM (u82oZ)
Posted by: All Hail Eris at December 17, 2023 10:04 AM (brrec)
106
65: Which he did in the sequel as well.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:47 AM
As well as having characters retell prior events word for word, numerous times; If the plan for the upcomming battle/event was detailed in the book, it would fail, only if the details were secret would the strategy work out. Arrgh!
The Mallorian(co-written with Eddings wife) was even worse!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 09:47 AM
As well as having characters retell prior events word for word, numerous times; If the plan for the upcomming battle/event was detailed in the book, it would fail, only if the details were secret would the strategy work out. Arrgh!
The Mallorian(co-written with Eddings wife) was even worse!
Posted by: p0indexterous at December 17, 2023 10:05 AM (QBwMV)
107
Thanks Thomas Paine! I'm not surprised at Palin's ability. The Monty Python troupe were well educated folk. My university boss's dissertation advisor was Terry Jones. He visited once and was challenging to keep up with!
Anyway, ordering the book now!
Anyway, ordering the book now!
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 10:05 AM (Cem4R)
108
Saw the Senate Staffer Sex Tape Scandal referred to as . . .
. . .
Wait for it . . .
12/15: The InsurRectum!
"Oh, the Humanity!! Our Sacred Institutions have been grossly defiled! Our Precious Democracy(tm) stained!!"
. . .
Wait for it . . .
12/15: The InsurRectum!
"Oh, the Humanity!! Our Sacred Institutions have been grossly defiled! Our Precious Democracy(tm) stained!!"
Posted by: Sharkman at December 17, 2023 10:06 AM (/RHNq)
109
The British word ‘gaol’ is still used once in a while.
Posted by: 13times at December 17, 2023 10:06 AM (Tag4Y)
110
And Wool has been adapted to the show Silo in Apple TV. Worth the watch.
Posted by: Ooohm at December 17, 2023 10:07 AM (C7Yya)
Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 17, 2023 10:08 AM (u82oZ)
112
My university boss's dissertation advisor was Terry Jones. He visited once and was challenging to keep up with!
Anyway, ordering the book now!
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 10:05 AM (Cem4R)
-
Did you go there for an argument?
Anyway, ordering the book now!
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 10:05 AM (Cem4R)
-
Did you go there for an argument?
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 10:08 AM (zvEEc)
113
Eris, I read Directive 51, also. I appreciate that the characters realized that their destruction wasn't as great as they expected it to be.
And, a person's political orientation isn't an indication of their goodness or badness--there were white hats and black hats of both left and right persuasions.
I'm definitely going to read the sequels.
And, a person's political orientation isn't an indication of their goodness or badness--there were white hats and black hats of both left and right persuasions.
I'm definitely going to read the sequels.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 17, 2023 10:08 AM (OX9vb)
114
"Oh, the Humanity!! Our Sacred Institutions have been grossly defiled! Our Precious Democracy(tm) stained!!"
Posted by: Sharkman
MAGA types wandering around are a desecration, but a good rogering up the fundament makes us a stronger nation.
"Oh, the Humanity!! Our Sacred Institutions have been grossly defiled! Our Precious Democracy(tm) stained!!"
Posted by: Sharkman
MAGA types wandering around are a desecration, but a good rogering up the fundament makes us a stronger nation.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 17, 2023 10:08 AM (MoZTd)
115
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2023 10:02 AM (CsUN+)
I always insist I don't have an accent. I speak Californian and everyone else should get on board as that's what is generally accepted as English.
Learn to properly start a sentence.
They start like this...
"Dude.. *blah blah.. blah."
or "Like.. Blah. blahh"
I always insist I don't have an accent. I speak Californian and everyone else should get on board as that's what is generally accepted as English.
Learn to properly start a sentence.
They start like this...
"Dude.. *blah blah.. blah."
or "Like.. Blah. blahh"
Posted by: Reforger at December 17, 2023 10:09 AM (dgnIS)
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 10:09 AM (Cem4R)
117
This is going to be one of those book threads that ends up costing me money. Already got the kindle version of "McMann and Duck". The Simpson book "Manage Your Mission" and "Godhead Here in Hiding Whom I Do Adore" both fit in with my evolving approach to faith and living. And that's just in the post. There is always danger lurking in the comments.
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 10:10 AM (7EjX1)
118
a good rogering up the fundament
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 17, 2023 10:08 AM (MoZTd)
-
/washes brain clean
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 17, 2023 10:08 AM (MoZTd)
-
/washes brain clean
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 10:10 AM (zvEEc)
119
My university boss's dissertation advisor was Terry Jones. He visited once and was challenging to keep up with!
Anyway, ordering the book now!
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 10:05 AM (Cem4R)
-
Did you go there for an argument?
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 10:08 AM (zvEEc)
Monty Python was responsible for the destruction of Western Civ. Yes, or no?
Anyway, ordering the book now!
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 10:05 AM (Cem4R)
-
Did you go there for an argument?
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 10:08 AM (zvEEc)
Monty Python was responsible for the destruction of Western Civ. Yes, or no?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 10:10 AM (Angsy)
120
Silly me, been getting books for my niece daughter for Christmas and didn't even think of anything yet. Better get on it.
Posted by: Skip at December 17, 2023 10:10 AM (fwDg9)
121
Harlan Ellison (RIP 6/28/1
was an insufferable prick, but holy shit the man could write. He also introduced me to Keith Laumer of Bolo/Retief fame, as well as Cordwainer Smith (Paul M. A. Linebarger), two of my favorite sci-fi wordsmiths.
was an insufferable prick, but holy shit the man could write. He also introduced me to Keith Laumer of Bolo/Retief fame, as well as Cordwainer Smith (Paul M. A. Linebarger), two of my favorite sci-fi wordsmiths.Posted by: Sharkman at December 17, 2023 10:11 AM (/RHNq)
122
Nowadays if you didn't, you'd be running around the streets screaming.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 17, 2023 10:01 AM (MoZTd)
---
The thing is, spiritual combat does a far better job of explaining where we are and what is going on than the secular materialist worldview. People try to use "cultural Marxism" to explain it, but it doesn't work because it what's going on isn't Marxism. Marxism regards homosexuality and pedophilia as disgusting bourgeois decadence, but now it's the highest form of good. Ghey secks is everywhere and always appropriate and if you condemn it in the Senate chambers, you're a bigot, hater.
That's demonic, not Marxist. Same with vandalizing churches, setting up Satanic altars in public buildings.
Now if you want to claim Marxism is demonic, that's fine, because it is.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 17, 2023 10:01 AM (MoZTd)
---
The thing is, spiritual combat does a far better job of explaining where we are and what is going on than the secular materialist worldview. People try to use "cultural Marxism" to explain it, but it doesn't work because it what's going on isn't Marxism. Marxism regards homosexuality and pedophilia as disgusting bourgeois decadence, but now it's the highest form of good. Ghey secks is everywhere and always appropriate and if you condemn it in the Senate chambers, you're a bigot, hater.
That's demonic, not Marxist. Same with vandalizing churches, setting up Satanic altars in public buildings.
Now if you want to claim Marxism is demonic, that's fine, because it is.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 10:12 AM (llXky)
123
Have books lined up for my two week trip.
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
Valediction by Robert B Parker
The Shadow of What was Lost by James Islington which I have already started. Thanks to who ever recommended Islington. At least this is a completed trilogy so don't have to wonder when the next book will be out.
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
Valediction by Robert B Parker
The Shadow of What was Lost by James Islington which I have already started. Thanks to who ever recommended Islington. At least this is a completed trilogy so don't have to wonder when the next book will be out.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at December 17, 2023 10:12 AM (t/2Uw)
124
Monty Python was responsible for the destruction of Western Civ. Yes, or no?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 10:10 AM (Angsy)
-
How should I know! That question wasn't in the Communist Quiz!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 10:10 AM (Angsy)
-
How should I know! That question wasn't in the Communist Quiz!
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 10:12 AM (zvEEc)
125
The British word ‘gaol’ is still used once in a while.
Posted by: 13times at December 17, 2023
***
I first noticed that when I read Rebecca. I thought it was pronounced "gay-oll."
Posted by: 13times at December 17, 2023
***
I first noticed that when I read Rebecca. I thought it was pronounced "gay-oll."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 10:13 AM (omVj0)
126
My problem with the Riverworld series was the same problem I had with the "Heroes in Hell" series and some other shared worlds: the situation can't change.
Farmer wanted to have historical characters interact despite living in different eras. But the mystery of what and why and how is so much more compelling that the reader wants answers and a resolution. Instead we get strung along for four or five books and then fobbed off with some technobabble and nothing really changes.
Farmer wanted to have historical characters interact despite living in different eras. But the mystery of what and why and how is so much more compelling that the reader wants answers and a resolution. Instead we get strung along for four or five books and then fobbed off with some technobabble and nothing really changes.
Posted by: Trimegistus at December 17, 2023 10:13 AM (78a2H)
127
Hey OrangeEnt!
We are in the house, but won't get our stuff til after closing- we negotiated an early occupancy and are renting til closing. Two weeks without a sofa!!! I didn't realize how much I would miss it!
Worst is no internet. Putting in fiber optic and it takes much more time than using the usual suspects.
We are in the house, but won't get our stuff til after closing- we negotiated an early occupancy and are renting til closing. Two weeks without a sofa!!! I didn't realize how much I would miss it!
Worst is no internet. Putting in fiber optic and it takes much more time than using the usual suspects.
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 10:13 AM (Cem4R)
128
100 Reading the first volume of Hammer's Slammers by the late (just last week) David Drake. Great military sci-fi so far.
Posted by: Sharkman at December 17, 2023 10:02 AM (/RHNq)
Did not realize that Drake had passed. Loved Hammer's Slammers. Got me interested in military sci-fi in the first place.
-SLV
Posted by: Sharkman at December 17, 2023 10:02 AM (/RHNq)
Did not realize that Drake had passed. Loved Hammer's Slammers. Got me interested in military sci-fi in the first place.
-SLV
Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at December 17, 2023 10:14 AM (e/Osv)
129
I saw the last vestiges of England while stationed there 30 years ago. Even by that time, every little village had a Pakistani restaurant. And London was about finished.
I won't go back. As stated above, you say badthink, here come the bobby batons and jail. And the feckless State Dept. will do little to help you. This goes for pretty much all of western Europe.
I won't go back. As stated above, you say badthink, here come the bobby batons and jail. And the feckless State Dept. will do little to help you. This goes for pretty much all of western Europe.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at December 17, 2023 10:14 AM (R4t5M)
130
Monty Python was responsible for the destruction of Western Civ. Yes, or no?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 10:10 AM (Angsy)
the best part is that "Life Of Brian" was originally thought of as Offensive to religiously conservative people, but now it's seen as Deeply Offensive to the Far Left, because it makes fun of a man who demands the right to become pregnant.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 10:10 AM (Angsy)
the best part is that "Life Of Brian" was originally thought of as Offensive to religiously conservative people, but now it's seen as Deeply Offensive to the Far Left, because it makes fun of a man who demands the right to become pregnant.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2023 10:15 AM (S6gqv)
131
Good morning. Crispy cold this a.m. here in N.E. Okla.
I don't have a book; I have a website. You can't leave Amazon reviews, but I think the comments work. There's nothing to buy but there are PayPal buttons if you like.
Here's my annual blurb for a seasonal webwork some might enjoy-- N.B. not strictly scripture-adherant, but with all respect.
__________
Journey to Bethlehem
It seemed such a simple journey when they started out.
A simple trip to pay the taxes becomes a life-or-death nightmare for a new family.
A cartoon-illustrated take on the Nativity story.
Link in nic
I don't have a book; I have a website. You can't leave Amazon reviews, but I think the comments work. There's nothing to buy but there are PayPal buttons if you like.
Here's my annual blurb for a seasonal webwork some might enjoy-- N.B. not strictly scripture-adherant, but with all respect.
__________
Journey to Bethlehem
It seemed such a simple journey when they started out.
A simple trip to pay the taxes becomes a life-or-death nightmare for a new family.
A cartoon-illustrated take on the Nativity story.
Link in nic
Posted by: mindful webworker - took in at December 17, 2023 10:15 AM (2he9d)
132
How should I know! That question wasn't in the Communist Quiz!
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 10:12 AM (zvEEc)
Not specifically aimed at you, of course. But, hearing Cleese complain about how things are now, my answer to him would be: if you hadn't ridiculed everything the culture stood for, how do you expect things are going to turn out? The Upper Class Twit of the Year may have been worthily mocked, but they also did most of the heavy lifting that allow academic scoffers to ruin what we had.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 10:12 AM (zvEEc)
Not specifically aimed at you, of course. But, hearing Cleese complain about how things are now, my answer to him would be: if you hadn't ridiculed everything the culture stood for, how do you expect things are going to turn out? The Upper Class Twit of the Year may have been worthily mocked, but they also did most of the heavy lifting that allow academic scoffers to ruin what we had.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 10:16 AM (Angsy)
133
Well, time is short, so while I have the chance I'll offer thanks to the Perfesser and also breach protocol slightly to highly recommend Minus One.
Saw it yesterday with the fam and it was outstanding. Not the movie that I expected, and unquestionably the best Godzilla movie ever made, one that actually transcends the genre. It's less a monster movie than a meditation on post-war Japan.
Saw it yesterday with the fam and it was outstanding. Not the movie that I expected, and unquestionably the best Godzilla movie ever made, one that actually transcends the genre. It's less a monster movie than a meditation on post-war Japan.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 10:17 AM (llXky)
134
Monty Python was responsible for the destruction of Western Civ. Yes, or no?
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Or just prescient observers?
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Or just prescient observers?
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2023 10:17 AM (BctBt)
135
We are in the house, but won't get our stuff til after closing- we negotiated an early occupancy and are renting til closing. Two weeks without a sofa!!! I didn't realize how much I would miss it!
Worst is no internet. Putting in fiber optic and it takes much more time than using the usual suspects.
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 10:13 AM (Cem4R)
You can sit on the stacks of books you ordered, Moki!
Worst is no internet. Putting in fiber optic and it takes much more time than using the usual suspects.
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 10:13 AM (Cem4R)
You can sit on the stacks of books you ordered, Moki!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 10:17 AM (Angsy)
136
People try to use "cultural Marxism" to explain it, but it doesn't work because it what's going on isn't Marxism.
It's the world of the Marquis de Sade wearing the false nose of Marxism.
People try to use "cultural Marxism" to explain it, but it doesn't work because it what's going on isn't Marxism.
It's the world of the Marquis de Sade wearing the false nose of Marxism.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 17, 2023 10:18 AM (MoZTd)
137
Hiya Moki !
Posted by: JT at December 17, 2023 10:18 AM (T4tVD)
138
Rats! Gotta go somewhere. Hope to be back before the thread ends.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 10:19 AM (Angsy)
139
That's demonic, not Marxist. Same with vandalizing churches, setting up Satanic altars in public buildings.
Now if you want to claim Marxism is demonic, that's fine, because it is.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 10:12 AM (llXky)
Marxism was never anything besides a man-focused bad copy of early Christianity with the serial numbers filed off. Marx missed what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15: 12-19, which invalidated everything if Christ was not involved.
But I believe the fact that it mimicked Christianity is why it tricked so many foolish people; not all that different from the way Islam mimicked old school Judaism.
Now if you want to claim Marxism is demonic, that's fine, because it is.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 10:12 AM (llXky)
Marxism was never anything besides a man-focused bad copy of early Christianity with the serial numbers filed off. Marx missed what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15: 12-19, which invalidated everything if Christ was not involved.
But I believe the fact that it mimicked Christianity is why it tricked so many foolish people; not all that different from the way Islam mimicked old school Judaism.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2023 10:20 AM (S6gqv)
140
MAGA types wandering around are a desecration, but a good rogering up the fundament makes us a stronger nation.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 17, 2023 10:08 AM
Reading is Fundamental
Rogering is Fundamental?
MAGA types wandering around are a desecration, but a good rogering up the fundament makes us a stronger nation.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 17, 2023 10:08 AM
Rogering is Fundamental?
Posted by: Divide by Zero at December 17, 2023 10:21 AM (enJYY)
141
For old terms hardly ever used anymore, reading I Tom Horn it is filled with old west terms, finding that charming really.
Posted by: Skip at December 17, 2023 10:22 AM (fwDg9)
142
Almost done with "At Dawn We Slept" and hope to finish today, assuming football isn't too distracting. I'm already past the first inquiry into "what the hell went wrong" and into the court martials of Kimmel and Short. And at day two of the Name of the Rose, which I've been neglecting because of the urge to finish up with Pearl Harbor.
Posted by: who knew at December 17, 2023 10:22 AM (4I7VG)
143
Been a rough week. What was supposed to be a routine liver stent surgery (tumors pressing ducts shut) isn't yet fixing her problems. They checked her into the hospital Friday and have her on antibiotics. They're keeping her under observation for at least a few more days.
In the meantime I caught a GI bug that sent me to emergency after three days of vomiting just about everything with a bonus of continuing runs. Dehydrated? Oh yes. Tired and weak? Yup.
So not the best of weeks.
In the meantime I caught a GI bug that sent me to emergency after three days of vomiting just about everything with a bonus of continuing runs. Dehydrated? Oh yes. Tired and weak? Yup.
So not the best of weeks.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at December 17, 2023 10:22 AM (xe6nQ)
144
Great book about Antarctic exploration: _The Worst Journey In The World_, by Apsley Cherry-Garrard. As you can tell from the name, he was British, and was on one of the pre-WWI expeditions to Antarctica. From the title you can guess it wasn't successful.
Posted by: Trimegistus at December 17, 2023 10:22 AM (78a2H)
145
@22,
Posted by: sock_rat_eez - these lying bastardi e stronzi have been lying for decades at December 17, 2023 10:24 AM (kc18b)
146
I read a couple of Mack Bolan 'books' on plane rides the last couple of weeks.
One, 'Baja Blitz', is awful. For one, it's not even set in Baja but San Diego, it's absurdly PC, with Bolan's brother (?) a civil rights lawyer; and lots of preaching about the 'rights' of illegal immigrants. There's a stronk Latina chick, it's terrible. When I get bad airplane fiction about a ninja assassin I don't want a bunch of pansy-assed pontificating.
I don't expect a good book but don't do some PC nonsense, and it's from 1993! WTF.
NOT recommended.
One, 'Baja Blitz', is awful. For one, it's not even set in Baja but San Diego, it's absurdly PC, with Bolan's brother (?) a civil rights lawyer; and lots of preaching about the 'rights' of illegal immigrants. There's a stronk Latina chick, it's terrible. When I get bad airplane fiction about a ninja assassin I don't want a bunch of pansy-assed pontificating.
I don't expect a good book but don't do some PC nonsense, and it's from 1993! WTF.
NOT recommended.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 10:26 AM (43xH1)
147
>>Garrett, I think you are wrong about Rothfuss. There is something sad about him. I think he is unable to the work. From the way he describes how this little book came about, it seemed agonizing to me. Yet, it is wonderfully done and the story comes together at the end.
Is this just The Lightning Tree?
Or, is it another Bast story?
Honestly, The Slow Regard of Silent Things is great...but, I can't stand authors who embark on a Series with literally no plans of finishing it.
Would have been better for him to write the first 2 books in the Kingkiller Chronicles as a single stand-alone.
Is this just The Lightning Tree?
Or, is it another Bast story?
Honestly, The Slow Regard of Silent Things is great...but, I can't stand authors who embark on a Series with literally no plans of finishing it.
Would have been better for him to write the first 2 books in the Kingkiller Chronicles as a single stand-alone.
Posted by: garrett at December 17, 2023 10:26 AM (+Rtz8)
148
Surgery wife had: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at December 17, 2023 10:26 AM (8tsuu)
149
Some vaguely book-ish discussion: for obvious reasons, earlier in the week I was thinking about Mary and Joseph and their road trip to Bethlehem. Their whole ordeal happened because of a government decree. Some distant bureaucrat wanted to know how many people there were, and thus ordered every citizen to return to their home town to be counted and taxed. And everyone was trying to comply at the same time...
Anyways, it got me thinking: you don't see that sort of thing too much in fantasy novels. By that I mean characters' lives being upset by government policy. Especially a policy as mundane as a census. It seems like 'government' interference is usually either the selfish whim of the local feudal lord, the all-encompassing oppression of the evil empire, or invading hordes of inhuman warriors.
Is that anyone else's experience? Or am I just reading a narrow slice of historical/fantasy fiction?
Anyways, it got me thinking: you don't see that sort of thing too much in fantasy novels. By that I mean characters' lives being upset by government policy. Especially a policy as mundane as a census. It seems like 'government' interference is usually either the selfish whim of the local feudal lord, the all-encompassing oppression of the evil empire, or invading hordes of inhuman warriors.
Is that anyone else's experience? Or am I just reading a narrow slice of historical/fantasy fiction?
Posted by: Castle Guy at December 17, 2023 10:27 AM (Lhaco)
150
Surgery wife had: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at December 17, 2023
***
Darn. It would take longer to pronounce that than to do the surgery!
Best wishes to both of you.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at December 17, 2023
***
Darn. It would take longer to pronounce that than to do the surgery!
Best wishes to both of you.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 10:28 AM (omVj0)
151
As to the SW Expanded Universe . . . .Triclops, anyone?
Posted by: Trimegistus at December 17, 2023 10:29 AM (78a2H)
152
. . . you don't see that sort of thing too much in fantasy novels. By that I mean characters' lives being upset by government policy. Especially a policy as mundane as a census. It seems like 'government' interference is usually either the selfish whim of the local feudal lord, the all-encompassing oppression of the evil empire, or invading hordes of inhuman warriors.
Is that anyone else's experience? Or am I just reading a narrow slice of historical/fantasy fiction?
Posted by: Castle Guy at December 17, 2023
***
I don't recall seeing something like that. Since I tend to write about common people like ex-soldiers and prostitutes rather than lords and princesses, that sounds right up my alley. . . .
Is that anyone else's experience? Or am I just reading a narrow slice of historical/fantasy fiction?
Posted by: Castle Guy at December 17, 2023
***
I don't recall seeing something like that. Since I tend to write about common people like ex-soldiers and prostitutes rather than lords and princesses, that sounds right up my alley. . . .
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 10:30 AM (omVj0)
153
I should put a star on the calendar. Sgt. Mom brought up the book Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded which sounds very interesting and our local library HAS A COPY!! IN HARDCOVER not some weird e-version. Considering my somewhat esoteric reading habits, that is a rare and newsworthy event.
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 10:30 AM (7EjX1)
154
Or just prescient observers?
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2023 10:17 AM (BctBt)
I would go with that, more like Juvenal in classic Rome.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2023 10:17 AM (BctBt)
I would go with that, more like Juvenal in classic Rome.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2023 10:30 AM (S6gqv)
155
109 The British word ‘gaol’ is still used once in a while.
Posted by: 13times at December 17, 2023 10:06 AM (Tag4Y)
My teacher in 7th & 8th graders was a Sister ("Do not call us 'nuns'!") from Ireland. She challenged us to find the homophone for "jail," which none of us did. I think I was in college before I discovered the British spelling, "gaol."
Posted by: 13times at December 17, 2023 10:06 AM (Tag4Y)
My teacher in 7th & 8th graders was a Sister ("Do not call us 'nuns'!") from Ireland. She challenged us to find the homophone for "jail," which none of us did. I think I was in college before I discovered the British spelling, "gaol."
Posted by: March Hare at December 17, 2023 10:31 AM (WOU9P)
156
151 As to the SW Expanded Universe . . . .Triclops, anyone?
Posted by: Trimegistus at December 17, 2023 10:29 AM (78a2H)
A three-legged horse?
Posted by: Trimegistus at December 17, 2023 10:29 AM (78a2H)
A three-legged horse?
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at December 17, 2023 10:31 AM (8tsuu)
157
The other Mack Bolan book (which title I've forgotten already!) is set in Bosnia, and actually isn't completely terrible. It's got a beautiful Russian spy, portrays the UN as corrupt incompetents, and involves some sort of 'plot' involving a Serbian warlord and a kidnapped doctor. It makes an effort to differentiate between this independent local nutjob/bandit leader and actual military factions, a plus.
Then it segues into a kind of Magnificent Seven-type business with Bolan training a bunch of mixed refugees to fight for their isolated village. It has a noble Gypsy. Whoever wrote it actually did know something about the area, shockingly enough. It's hardly Great Literature but it's actually not bad. I'm as surprised as you are.
Then it segues into a kind of Magnificent Seven-type business with Bolan training a bunch of mixed refugees to fight for their isolated village. It has a noble Gypsy. Whoever wrote it actually did know something about the area, shockingly enough. It's hardly Great Literature but it's actually not bad. I'm as surprised as you are.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 10:31 AM (43xH1)
158
Not specifically aimed at you, of course. But, hearing Cleese complain about how things are now, my answer to him would be: if you hadn't ridiculed everything the culture stood for...
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 10:16 AM (Angsy)
-
Much truth there. But they were funneh even to those of us whose heads were on straight.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 10:16 AM (Angsy)
-
Much truth there. But they were funneh even to those of us whose heads were on straight.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 10:35 AM (zvEEc)
159
Thanks. Wolfus.
Worst part is no cancer treatments for 3 wks leading to surgery. Even the whites of her eyes turned yellow. Now, on antibiotics, can't have chemo this week. It sucks.
Worst part is no cancer treatments for 3 wks leading to surgery. Even the whites of her eyes turned yellow. Now, on antibiotics, can't have chemo this week. It sucks.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at December 17, 2023 10:35 AM (8i6WH)
160
Lately I've been working (slowly) through the Lusiads, by Camoes. It's the "national epic of Portugal" -- a long poem in blank verse written around 1500 or so, about how awesome the Portugese are/were. The frame story is Vasco Da Gama on the coast of Africa, telling the locals about how awesome the Portugese are.
Weirdly, the Roman gods keep getting involved, I guess because you can't have a proper epic without them. So Bacchus, of all people, is trying to keep the Portugese from reaching India, while Venus keeps intervening on their side. Very weird, given that Da Gama keeps mentioning fighting for Christ against Islam.
More subtle weirdness: all the voyages of exploration are credited to the forethought and generosity of King Manuel. His brother Henry is Prince Not Appearing In This Epic.
Weirdly, the Roman gods keep getting involved, I guess because you can't have a proper epic without them. So Bacchus, of all people, is trying to keep the Portugese from reaching India, while Venus keeps intervening on their side. Very weird, given that Da Gama keeps mentioning fighting for Christ against Islam.
More subtle weirdness: all the voyages of exploration are credited to the forethought and generosity of King Manuel. His brother Henry is Prince Not Appearing In This Epic.
Posted by: Trimegistus at December 17, 2023 10:35 AM (78a2H)
161
155 109 The British word ‘gaol’ is still used once in a while.
Posted by: 13times at December 17, 2023 10:06 AM (Tag4Y)
I'm confused, is that word Brittish for 'jail' where you try put criminals, or 'goal' where you try to put a ball? Each option sounds/spells equally plausible.
Posted by: 13times at December 17, 2023 10:06 AM (Tag4Y)
I'm confused, is that word Brittish for 'jail' where you try put criminals, or 'goal' where you try to put a ball? Each option sounds/spells equally plausible.
Posted by: Castle Guy at December 17, 2023 10:36 AM (Lhaco)
162
It's a shame airports don't have super-secret hidden caches of Horde-recommended books for long trips. Sort of like those wee free libraries.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at December 17, 2023 10:36 AM (brrec)
163
A third book is an old SF paperback, 'The Steel Crocodile', DG Compton. This one surprised me by having an undercurrent of Catholic religion. There was a mention on one of these book threads about how little SF there is with any religion in it at all, and this is one of them. It's a constant reference in the book, with characters attending Mass, praying, etc.
It has to do with a government developing a spy machine/computer, and various thriller-type stuff. I had a lot of trouble getting into it as it's set in a future Britain from 1970, with lots of Brit-isms and references. Trying to read it on while being battered on a regional bus in the Balkans was kind of difficult as it took a lot of effort to get my mind into the setting of the book, it was just too foreign.
It's very interesting though, and although it has its problems, I recommend it.
It has to do with a government developing a spy machine/computer, and various thriller-type stuff. I had a lot of trouble getting into it as it's set in a future Britain from 1970, with lots of Brit-isms and references. Trying to read it on while being battered on a regional bus in the Balkans was kind of difficult as it took a lot of effort to get my mind into the setting of the book, it was just too foreign.
It's very interesting though, and although it has its problems, I recommend it.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 10:37 AM (43xH1)
164
The following is a list of works that entered the public domain in 2023. Since laws vary globally, the copyright status of some works are not uniform.
https://tinyurl.com/yjrh9pvu
https://tinyurl.com/yjrh9pvu
Posted by: 13times at December 17, 2023 10:38 AM (Tag4Y)
165
So Bacchus, of all people, is trying to keep the Portugese from reaching India
Posted by: Trimegistus
To be fair, Bacchus tries to keep many people from reaching their goals, in the form of a bottle.
Posted by: Trimegistus
To be fair, Bacchus tries to keep many people from reaching their goals, in the form of a bottle.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2023 10:38 AM (BctBt)
166
151 As to the SW Expanded Universe . . . .Triclops, anyone?
Posted by: Trimegistus at December 17, 2023 10:29 AM (78a2H)
I know of a Triclops in DragonBallZ, and in He-Man, but never encountered one in Star Wars. But my EU reading was spotty, at best...
Posted by: Trimegistus at December 17, 2023 10:29 AM (78a2H)
I know of a Triclops in DragonBallZ, and in He-Man, but never encountered one in Star Wars. But my EU reading was spotty, at best...
Posted by: Castle Guy at December 17, 2023 10:39 AM (Lhaco)
167
Garrett, from what he says in the book, it is a total rewrite of The Lightening Tree. I was so taken with In The Name of The Wind, I thought I read everything else he had written but don't remember this. It is not really a novel, but a long short story. The illustrations are great. It just made me sad that this beat talent has been unable to produce anything else.
I think Islington is similar in some ways. Characters are young. Go on a journey. Have great impact on the world even though young and inexperienced. Usually older wise guide who can help and protect til protagonist finds his/her way.
I think Islington is similar in some ways. Characters are young. Go on a journey. Have great impact on the world even though young and inexperienced. Usually older wise guide who can help and protect til protagonist finds his/her way.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at December 17, 2023 10:40 AM (t/2Uw)
168
These daze, I read a page or so of, "1984," whenever I cop-a-squat to squeeze out a brown baby.
Posted by: Marooned at December 17, 2023 10:40 AM (kt8QE)
169
Great not beat
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at December 17, 2023 10:41 AM (t/2Uw)
170
149 Some vaguely book-ish discussion: for obvious reasons, earlier in the week I was thinking about Mary and Joseph and their road trip to Bethlehem. Their whole ordeal happened because of a government decree. Some distant bureaucrat wanted to know how many people there were, and thus ordered every citizen to return to their home town to be counted and taxed. And everyone was trying to comply at the same time...
That Census can be fascinating when you think about it a bit. For millenia, the middle east and the civilized world (at least the parts around the mediterranean) had been locked in perpetual warfare and turmoil. Empire replaced Empire, wars were endless, cities were burnt and rebuilt and burnt again. Finally, Octavian wins his great war against Cleopatra, imposes Peace, unites everything, and changes his name to Augustus - and his very first Imperial Act is to order a great Census of the entire Empire, to quantify what he has won.
And that unique historical moment is the moment at which the story of the Christ begins.
That Census can be fascinating when you think about it a bit. For millenia, the middle east and the civilized world (at least the parts around the mediterranean) had been locked in perpetual warfare and turmoil. Empire replaced Empire, wars were endless, cities were burnt and rebuilt and burnt again. Finally, Octavian wins his great war against Cleopatra, imposes Peace, unites everything, and changes his name to Augustus - and his very first Imperial Act is to order a great Census of the entire Empire, to quantify what he has won.
And that unique historical moment is the moment at which the story of the Christ begins.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2023 10:41 AM (S6gqv)
171
The following is a list of works that entered the public domain in 2023. Since laws vary globally, the copyright status of some works are not uniform.
https://tinyurl.com/yjrh9pvu
Posted by: 13times at December 17, 2023 10:38 AM (Tag4Y)
-
Coming up: Steamboat Willie!
https://tinyurl.com/43mfym5s
https://tinyurl.com/yjrh9pvu
Posted by: 13times at December 17, 2023 10:38 AM (Tag4Y)
-
Coming up: Steamboat Willie!
https://tinyurl.com/43mfym5s
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 10:41 AM (zvEEc)
172
It's a shame airports don't have super-secret hidden caches of Horde-recommended books for long trips. Sort of like those wee free libraries.
Posted by: All Hail Eris
Some smaller airports, like Jackson Hole and Grand Junction, surprised me by having free book carousels. Take a book, leave a book. Put a smile on my face.
Posted by: All Hail Eris
Some smaller airports, like Jackson Hole and Grand Junction, surprised me by having free book carousels. Take a book, leave a book. Put a smile on my face.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2023 10:41 AM (BctBt)
173
You all have a good day. Going to rest so I ca. Visit wife in hospital today.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at December 17, 2023 10:42 AM (8i6WH)
174
57 ... "I'm still working through Lord of the Rings and while I started out taking some notes about the religious/spiritual themes, I'm just getting to engrossed in the work to bother with it. Amazing how it's drawing me in even thought I can't count the amount of times I read it. "
I hit the same wall. I started this re-reading taking brief notes on aspects that got my attention for further thought or exploration. It began well but when I realized I had just read several chapters without notes because I was wrapped up in the story, I gave in to this message from the universe.
I hit the same wall. I started this re-reading taking brief notes on aspects that got my attention for further thought or exploration. It began well but when I realized I had just read several chapters without notes because I was wrapped up in the story, I gave in to this message from the universe.
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 10:42 AM (7EjX1)
175
Just finished book 3 of Cast In Time.
It is an astonishingly fun read of an engineer who is dying and wakes up in what appears to be England in the 700's. Recommended
It is an astonishingly fun read of an engineer who is dying and wakes up in what appears to be England in the 700's. Recommended
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 10:43 AM (W/lyH)
176
Other than that I went to a museum to pick up a couple of books I did some work on, proofreading/editing etc.
One is about the early 1960s Non-Aligned Movement spearheaded by Tito's Yugoslavia and is quite interesting, with an enlightening insight into less-powerful nations trying to break free of the Cold War-era bipolar US vs USSR power structure and create a Third Way; which was not necessarily Socialist.
I do not say I agree with the conclusions of the book itself. I simply state it was an interesting and engaging project, and a valuable insight into the mindset of the nations involved.
One is about the early 1960s Non-Aligned Movement spearheaded by Tito's Yugoslavia and is quite interesting, with an enlightening insight into less-powerful nations trying to break free of the Cold War-era bipolar US vs USSR power structure and create a Third Way; which was not necessarily Socialist.
I do not say I agree with the conclusions of the book itself. I simply state it was an interesting and engaging project, and a valuable insight into the mindset of the nations involved.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 10:44 AM (43xH1)
177
Advent, or did Pope Francis change things and I didn't notice?
Posted by: mrp at December 17, 2023 10:44 AM (rj6Yv)
178
I picked up Elmore Leonard's "Killshot". Since I was disappointed with "Better off dead" by Lee Child and his son. I fear the boy will not be able to Keep Reacher being...well, Reacher. I have always found Leonard to really capture personalities. Although Very Annoying personalities. Kept hoping someone would kill the mother-in-law in this book, not to mention Richie and Dona. At time I find myself frustrated in humanity after a Leonard novel. So I do not binge on his works. Hence, I still have a lot of his works available to me. I also noticed a lot of this book are made into movies. I recall reading that once he sells the rights, he wishes the screenwriter the best of luck. As he goes off to cash the check. Rayland Givens seams the only one he kept his fingers in during the production of the Series "Justified".
Posted by: Paladin at December 17, 2023 10:44 AM (jsDCZ)
179
Thanks for The Book Thread Perfessor !
Posted by: JT at December 17, 2023 10:45 AM (T4tVD)
180
Then it segues into a kind of Magnificent Seven-type business with Bolan training a bunch of mixed refugees to fight for their isolated village. It has a noble Gypsy. Whoever wrote it actually did know something about the area, shockingly enough. It's hardly Great Literature but it's actually not bad. I'm as surprised as you are.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023
***
One thing (among many good things) that has to be said about the Ace Books Man From U.N.C.L.E. tie-in original novels: They too were surprisingly good. Of the twenty-three, only two are suffused with that silly camp stuff that ruined the show's actual third season; and one reads like it was written by a fairly bright sixth grader. Aside from those, all are readable, some are more fun than others, and David McDaniel's entries are clever and engaging. I'd say three clunkers out of twenty-three is pretty good.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023
***
One thing (among many good things) that has to be said about the Ace Books Man From U.N.C.L.E. tie-in original novels: They too were surprisingly good. Of the twenty-three, only two are suffused with that silly camp stuff that ruined the show's actual third season; and one reads like it was written by a fairly bright sixth grader. Aside from those, all are readable, some are more fun than others, and David McDaniel's entries are clever and engaging. I'd say three clunkers out of twenty-three is pretty good.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 10:47 AM (omVj0)
181
Saw a book on Barky, probably will get it on Ebook, have to find title again
Posted by: Skip at December 17, 2023 10:49 AM (tqvE+)
182
***
I don't recall seeing something like that. Since I tend to write about common people like ex-soldiers and prostitutes rather than lords and princesses, that sounds right up my alley. . . .
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 10:30 AM (omVj0)
As a wannabe (I haven't actually written anything since college) I like coming up with inciting incidents where an ordinary citizen/low-key adventurer is dragged into something more epic. It's a fun exercise, but I never bother to figure out the epic, let alone write any of it down...
I don't recall seeing something like that. Since I tend to write about common people like ex-soldiers and prostitutes rather than lords and princesses, that sounds right up my alley. . . .
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 10:30 AM (omVj0)
As a wannabe (I haven't actually written anything since college) I like coming up with inciting incidents where an ordinary citizen/low-key adventurer is dragged into something more epic. It's a fun exercise, but I never bother to figure out the epic, let alone write any of it down...
Posted by: Castle Guy at December 17, 2023 10:50 AM (Lhaco)
183
FYI, Andrew Child is actually Lee Child's brother, not son. Real name is Andrew Grant. And yes, I agree that he has changed the character of Reacher. The most notable part is that on the Lee Child only books, Reacher is an honorable decorated former military investigator who uses his intelligence and his military training and physical strength to bring the bad guys to Justice. In the Andrew Child books, he is more of a thug who kills without a thought.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at December 17, 2023 10:50 AM (t/2Uw)
184
As a wannabe (I haven't actually written anything since college) I like coming up with inciting incidents where an ordinary citizen/low-key adventurer is dragged into something more epic. It's a fun exercise, but I never bother to figure out the epic, let alone write any of it down...
Posted by: Castle Guy at December 17, 2023
***
CG, it's an intriguing idea, and I may work on it over the Christmas break.
Posted by: Castle Guy at December 17, 2023
***
CG, it's an intriguing idea, and I may work on it over the Christmas break.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 10:52 AM (omVj0)
185
The other book I worked on and finally picked up is a (partial) catalog of the Museum's holdings of artworks and craft objects made by concentration camp and prison inmates 1941-44; some of it was smuggled out, some of it was buried/secreted and found later, some of it was actually commissioned by the guards and saved that way! (Portraits, sculpture and such, some of the inmates were quite skilled artists/artisans).
The 'book' was actually put together as a prospectus for an exhibition; in effect a 'catalog for an exhibition not yet held'; rather an unusual genre.
Most of my contribution (other than English proofreading) was trying to help translate the titles of the pieces into some kind of descriptive English, that retained the meaning. Not as easy as it sounds!
Example: 'Sketch For Hanging In X Square'. This is a sketch depicting a reprisal; I insisted it reads like the SKETCH is going to hang in X Square. I lost that argument, but won a few others.
The 'book' was actually put together as a prospectus for an exhibition; in effect a 'catalog for an exhibition not yet held'; rather an unusual genre.
Most of my contribution (other than English proofreading) was trying to help translate the titles of the pieces into some kind of descriptive English, that retained the meaning. Not as easy as it sounds!
Example: 'Sketch For Hanging In X Square'. This is a sketch depicting a reprisal; I insisted it reads like the SKETCH is going to hang in X Square. I lost that argument, but won a few others.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 10:53 AM (43xH1)
186
These daze, I read a page or so of, "1984," whenever I cop-a-squat to squeeze out a brown baby.
Posted by: Marooned'
Don't throw me in dat ol' swimming' pool Br'er Maroon! Oh no! Anything but dat!
Posted by: Marooned'
Don't throw me in dat ol' swimming' pool Br'er Maroon! Oh no! Anything but dat!
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 10:55 AM (43xH1)
Posted by: garrett at December 17, 2023 10:57 AM (+Rtz8)
188
And $#%^&*@!#!!!!!
I'm at the office and for reasons known only to the women who run the place during the day, they turned on all the speakers and are blasting 'supermarket/holiday music' through them throughout the entire F-ing building. There is nobody else here. This BETTER not be some new thing, it's absolutely intolerable. I'm holed up in the media room playing Beethoven and I can STILL hear this obnoxious, unprofessional shit through the doors.
I'm at the office and for reasons known only to the women who run the place during the day, they turned on all the speakers and are blasting 'supermarket/holiday music' through them throughout the entire F-ing building. There is nobody else here. This BETTER not be some new thing, it's absolutely intolerable. I'm holed up in the media room playing Beethoven and I can STILL hear this obnoxious, unprofessional shit through the doors.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 10:59 AM (43xH1)
189
Being a slow reader, I'm only about a third of the way through "JFK and the Unspeakable" by James Douglass.
It is of course about how and why the government killed a president. Being only a third of the way in, with each turn of the page, my brain is astounded into asking "wait, there's more???"
Yes, there's more.
It is of course about how and why the government killed a president. Being only a third of the way in, with each turn of the page, my brain is astounded into asking "wait, there's more???"
Yes, there's more.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:00 AM (QBaJw)
190
https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Triclops
Posted by: Trimegistus at December 17, 2023 11:00 AM (78a2H)
191
Many decades ago, I saw comedian Norm Crosby bemoaning the state of American education. He attributed its failures to the children's lack of knowledge of American history. Tell them, he pleaded, how the pioneers loaded up everything they had trying to start a new life in the west. They crossed the entire continent with their machine guns and made Las Vegas what it is today!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 11:02 AM (FVME7)
192
64 ... "My daughter has fixated on Polar expeditions- Shackleford's trek has been her recent favorite, but I would welcome any recommends from y'all on other titles."
Moki,
She has probably read "Endurance". Do a search for books about polar exploration. There are a lot out there. I've read several but it was so long ago I don't recall the titles.
Probably an odd suggestion. Would she be interested in "Rime of the Ancient Mariner"? Not polar exploration but it is a harrowing ship voyage. Don't know if poetic fiction would appeal to her. Also, "In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex" by Nathaniel Philbrick. Not polar but a story of ships, endurance and survival.
Moki,
She has probably read "Endurance". Do a search for books about polar exploration. There are a lot out there. I've read several but it was so long ago I don't recall the titles.
Probably an odd suggestion. Would she be interested in "Rime of the Ancient Mariner"? Not polar exploration but it is a harrowing ship voyage. Don't know if poetic fiction would appeal to her. Also, "In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex" by Nathaniel Philbrick. Not polar but a story of ships, endurance and survival.
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 11:02 AM (7EjX1)
193
There was a time in the distant past where writing letters was, in fact, the thing to do if one wanted to be respected.
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Yeah? Well, I post a lot.
-
Yeah? Well, I post a lot.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 11:04 AM (FVME7)
194
Maybe because I have traveled all over the United States…and because I have an ability to sound like I am from…anywhere in the English speaking part of North America (the most generic accent possible)…but I have yet to run into an accent or dialect here that I cannot understand.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at December 17, 2023 11:04 AM (Q9bls)
195
There was a time in the distant past where writing letters was, in fact, the thing to do if one wanted to be respected.
-
Yeah? Well, I post a lot.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 11:04 AM (FVME7)
***
Agreed.
And written in cursive.
-
Yeah? Well, I post a lot.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 11:04 AM (FVME7)
***
Agreed.
And written in cursive.
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 11:05 AM (W/lyH)
196
Some smaller airports, like Jackson Hole and Grand Junction, surprised me by having free book carousels. Take a book, leave a book. Put a smile on my face.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2023 10:41 AM (BctBt)
I don't recall seeing a book carousel, but I've been in and out of the GJ airport several times. I'm amazed at how civilized a place it is, compared to larger airports.
I realize sheer volume means the larger airports are going to be hell on Earth, but there's something about those places, it seems they go out of their way to add extra hell to them.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2023 10:41 AM (BctBt)
I don't recall seeing a book carousel, but I've been in and out of the GJ airport several times. I'm amazed at how civilized a place it is, compared to larger airports.
I realize sheer volume means the larger airports are going to be hell on Earth, but there's something about those places, it seems they go out of their way to add extra hell to them.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:05 AM (QBaJw)
197
You all have a good day. Going to rest so I ca. Visit wife in hospital today.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at December 17, 2023 10:42 AM (8i6WH)
I may have missed an announcement, but whatever the reason, thoughts and prayers are with you and her today.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at December 17, 2023 10:42 AM (8i6WH)
I may have missed an announcement, but whatever the reason, thoughts and prayers are with you and her today.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:07 AM (QBaJw)
198
JTB she loves all things boats! Adding those to the list!!
Posted by: Moki at December 17, 2023 11:07 AM (Cem4R)
199
Saw a book on Barky, probably will get it on Ebook, have to find title again
Posted by: Skip
Old Yeller And Other Recipes?
Posted by: Skip
Old Yeller And Other Recipes?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 11:07 AM (FVME7)
200
I have found that I have incorporated some British-isms into my speech over time. I blame all the damn limeys I check out on YouTube and other places. Example: in school, rather than swear, I use “bloody” (to which students have said “I don’t see any blood!”
.
Don’t have a go at me. Christmas is less than a fortnight away.
.
Don’t have a go at me. Christmas is less than a fortnight away.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at December 17, 2023 11:07 AM (Q9bls)
201
Some smaller airports, like Jackson Hole and Grand Junction, surprised me by having free book carousels. Take a book, leave a book. Put a smile on my face.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2023 10:41 AM (BctBt)
A lot of USO lounges have this as well. Very thoughtful. And if any of you want to unload a bunch of paperbacks (horrors I know) call the local USO and see if they can use them.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2023 10:41 AM (BctBt)
A lot of USO lounges have this as well. Very thoughtful. And if any of you want to unload a bunch of paperbacks (horrors I know) call the local USO and see if they can use them.
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 11:08 AM (W/lyH)
202
"Except on holidays, there is no drinking at Chateau Lloyd until noon. At that point beer, wine and cider may be served. Liquor is permitted after Happy Hour begins at three." That same rule is followed here at Chez Knew, unless the Packer game kicks off before noon. There's been some discussions of reading letters, I recommend it. I've read both James Thurber's and E.B. Whites (from the days when the New Yorker was good) and somewhere on my kindle are John and Dolly Adams and John Keats so I will get to them eventually.
Posted by: who knew at December 17, 2023 11:09 AM (4I7VG)
203
Much truth there. But they were funneh even to those of us whose heads were on straight.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 10:35 AM (zvEEc)
Sure, I laughed at all the stuff, but those who are grounded in the culture and know why it's good are increasingly outnumbered by those who think MP was telling the truth about how stupid the culture is.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 10:35 AM (zvEEc)
Sure, I laughed at all the stuff, but those who are grounded in the culture and know why it's good are increasingly outnumbered by those who think MP was telling the truth about how stupid the culture is.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 11:09 AM (Angsy)
204
Still working my way through Geddy Lee’s memoirs. I hope to be done by Christmas. So far, so good. : o )
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at December 17, 2023 11:10 AM (Q9bls)
205
Maybe because I have traveled all over the United States…and because I have an ability to sound like I am from…anywhere in the English speaking part of North America (the most generic accent possible)…but I have yet to run into an accent or dialect here that I cannot understand.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at December 17, 2023 11:04 AM (Q9bls)
I had to move out west to even realize I have an accent. I'll be going through my day, and even now only occasionally here myself and think "oh, there it is."
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at December 17, 2023 11:04 AM (Q9bls)
I had to move out west to even realize I have an accent. I'll be going through my day, and even now only occasionally here myself and think "oh, there it is."
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:12 AM (QBaJw)
206
Coming up: Steamboat Willie!
https://tinyurl.com/43mfym5s
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 10:41 AM (zvEEc)
We'll see about that!
https://tinyurl.com/43mfym5s
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 17, 2023 10:41 AM (zvEEc)
We'll see about that!
Posted by: Disney Bribery Dept. at December 17, 2023 11:13 AM (Angsy)
207
102 Speaking of British vs American - My mother used to insist I buy her the UK version of the Harry Potter books and audio books. Plenty of lift/elevator differences but the one that sticks out the most to me when I encounter the phrase 'pot plant' in the UK versions of books.
Posted by: Ooohm at December 17, 2023 10:03 AM (C7Yya)
----
Very funny that. I grew African violets as my pot plants. Why did Cannabis sativa get to be called pot?
Posted by: Ooohm at December 17, 2023 10:03 AM (C7Yya)
----
Very funny that. I grew African violets as my pot plants. Why did Cannabis sativa get to be called pot?
Posted by: Ciampino - Well I used clay pots at December 17, 2023 11:15 AM (qfLjt)
208
Saw a book on Barky, probably will get it on Ebook, have to find title again
Posted by: Skip
Old Yeller And Other Recipes?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 11:07 AM (FVME7)
Jack Cashill's "Decontructing Obama" or "Unmasking Obama" perhaps? He's got two out there, I have one of them here, not sure which, because I haven't read it.
Cashill wrote the definitive story of Flight 800 though, and the coverup of that fustercluck.
Posted by: Skip
Old Yeller And Other Recipes?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 11:07 AM (FVME7)
Jack Cashill's "Decontructing Obama" or "Unmasking Obama" perhaps? He's got two out there, I have one of them here, not sure which, because I haven't read it.
Cashill wrote the definitive story of Flight 800 though, and the coverup of that fustercluck.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:15 AM (QBaJw)
209
but I have yet to run into an accent or dialect here that I cannot understand.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33'
"Gwa buh choo bu maw shaw boo?"
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33'
"Gwa buh choo bu maw shaw boo?"
Posted by: Some Carolinan at December 17, 2023 11:16 AM (43xH1)
210
Maybe because I have traveled all over the United States…and because I have an ability to sound like I am from…anywhere in the English speaking part of North America (the most generic accent possible)…but I have yet to run into an accent or dialect here that I cannot understand.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at December 17, 2023 11:04 AM (Q9bls)
I had to move out west to even realize I have an accent. I'll be going through my day, and even now only occasionally here myself and think "oh, there it is."
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:12 AM (QBaJw)
***
FIBers used to teach a course (probably still do) on how to recognize regional accents. I never attended but paid a lot of attention to voices after hearing of it. Very Henry Higgins'ish. Kinda fun too when you can peg someone. Once struck up a nice conversation with a woman from northern Indiana. Gawd...what an accent!
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at December 17, 2023 11:04 AM (Q9bls)
I had to move out west to even realize I have an accent. I'll be going through my day, and even now only occasionally here myself and think "oh, there it is."
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:12 AM (QBaJw)
***
FIBers used to teach a course (probably still do) on how to recognize regional accents. I never attended but paid a lot of attention to voices after hearing of it. Very Henry Higgins'ish. Kinda fun too when you can peg someone. Once struck up a nice conversation with a woman from northern Indiana. Gawd...what an accent!
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 11:16 AM (W/lyH)
211
Finished reading the Leonard DiVinci biography by Walter Isaacson. To be honest I wish I had not because my previous admiration for DiVinci based on conventional wisdom was greatly reduced.
I don’t think that was the author’s intention.
I don’t think that was the author’s intention.
Posted by: Drive by at December 17, 2023 11:17 AM (MNhXM)
212
Some vaguely book-ish discussion: for obvious reasons, earlier in the week I was thinking about Mary and Joseph and their road trip to Bethlehem.
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Mrs. Wrecks likes Dolly Parton and so we watched her TV movie, Coat of Many Colors, on NBC a few nights ago. It was really quite good and presented hick, redneck, hillbilly religion as a good and true thing. The story concerned young Dolly's anger at God for allowing her mother to miscarry. And this was on NBC!
-
Mrs. Wrecks likes Dolly Parton and so we watched her TV movie, Coat of Many Colors, on NBC a few nights ago. It was really quite good and presented hick, redneck, hillbilly religion as a good and true thing. The story concerned young Dolly's anger at God for allowing her mother to miscarry. And this was on NBC!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 11:17 AM (FVME7)
213
Before moving to KS in the mid-80s, we lived in Chicago. My daughter, who of course grew up in our house and who was 4 when we left Chi, said not long ago that she was asked by someone in a checkout line if she was from Chicago. The accent.
Weird. We don't have accents, it's all these other people here in town who kinda have accents...
Weird. We don't have accents, it's all these other people here in town who kinda have accents...
Posted by: Just Some Guy at December 17, 2023 11:17 AM (a/4+U)
214
The original Riverworld was fantastic, but after that it seemed like PJF really didn't know what to do with his ideas.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2023 09:36 AM (S6gqv)
The first couple were okay, but after finishing reading about Mark Twain's riverboat, there just didn't seem to be any point to the story. I promptly lost interest and have no intention of trying again.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2023 09:36 AM (S6gqv)
The first couple were okay, but after finishing reading about Mark Twain's riverboat, there just didn't seem to be any point to the story. I promptly lost interest and have no intention of trying again.
Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at December 17, 2023 11:18 AM (pJWtt)
215
My Southern accent definitely was a negative for job interviews when I moved to NYC.
Posted by: Drive by at December 17, 2023 11:18 AM (MNhXM)
216
I finished the second Tom Kelly novel by David Drake, Fortress. It is an odd sort of sequel because the protagonist, a retired NSA agent, is in a different timeline than the first.
Tom Kelly is asked to come out of his forced retirement to find out what is happening when one of the Kurdish revolutionaries he had worked with was found shot, along with an actual space alien, in Turkey. In his investigation he discovered that he was set up, at the highest levels, by his employers, and that the community of Germans they were working with, the Dienst, were ex-Nazis planning to capture the US nuclear weapons platform in orbit, and conquer the word, finally.
Kelly is a harsh, competent and uncompromising sort, and not a really a classic hero, he is however, interesting to read and always finds the oddest twists in the world right out of the Fortean Times. I wish Drake had written more stories about him, but he apparently hated writing the stories
Tom Kelly is asked to come out of his forced retirement to find out what is happening when one of the Kurdish revolutionaries he had worked with was found shot, along with an actual space alien, in Turkey. In his investigation he discovered that he was set up, at the highest levels, by his employers, and that the community of Germans they were working with, the Dienst, were ex-Nazis planning to capture the US nuclear weapons platform in orbit, and conquer the word, finally.
Kelly is a harsh, competent and uncompromising sort, and not a really a classic hero, he is however, interesting to read and always finds the oddest twists in the world right out of the Fortean Times. I wish Drake had written more stories about him, but he apparently hated writing the stories
Posted by: Kindltot at December 17, 2023 11:21 AM (D7oie)
217
Accents, man, Chicago has (or used to, anyway) an entire vocabulary incomprehensible to anyone not from there.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 11:22 AM (43xH1)
218
FIBers used to teach a course (probably still do) on how to recognize regional accents. I never attended but paid a lot of attention to voices after hearing of it. Very Henry Higgins'ish. Kinda fun too when you can peg someone. Once struck up a nice conversation with a woman from northern Indiana. Gawd...what an accent!
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 11:16 AM (W/lyH)
Yeah, there's the old British cliche, about how you can tell, not only what school and region someone was from, but almost the street on which they grew up.
I guess that could be useful, for some people. Strikes me as more of a conversation starter though, if one is inclined to learn more about the person to whom you're speaking. Not something to brag about being able to nail down.
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 11:16 AM (W/lyH)
Yeah, there's the old British cliche, about how you can tell, not only what school and region someone was from, but almost the street on which they grew up.
I guess that could be useful, for some people. Strikes me as more of a conversation starter though, if one is inclined to learn more about the person to whom you're speaking. Not something to brag about being able to nail down.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:22 AM (QBaJw)
219
I grew up in Connecticut and was told I had no accent.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at December 17, 2023 11:22 AM (t/2Uw)
220
195 There was a time in the distant past where writing letters was, in fact, the thing to do if one wanted to be respected.
-
Yeah? Well, I post a lot.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at
That will put an interesting spin on the future of literature. Imagine going to the store and seeing a book titled: "The Complete Postings of ilikebutts59: The Early Writings of Johnathon Barber." People will dedicate their college thesis on finding connections between great authors and their teenage-shit-posting. Scholars will debate whether a certain callsign on a certain website can be conclusively tied to an author, or if it was just a sock-puppet of some random nobody....
-
Yeah? Well, I post a lot.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at
That will put an interesting spin on the future of literature. Imagine going to the store and seeing a book titled: "The Complete Postings of ilikebutts59: The Early Writings of Johnathon Barber." People will dedicate their college thesis on finding connections between great authors and their teenage-shit-posting. Scholars will debate whether a certain callsign on a certain website can be conclusively tied to an author, or if it was just a sock-puppet of some random nobody....
Posted by: Castle Guy at December 17, 2023 11:24 AM (Lhaco)
Posted by: Divide by Zero at December 17, 2023 11:25 AM (enJYY)
222
Yeah, there's the old British cliche, about how you can tell, not only what school and region someone was from, but almost the street on which they grew up.
Posted by: BurtTC'
"He sounds British so he might be a fairy."
Posted by: BurtTC'
"He sounds British so he might be a fairy."
Posted by: Lieutenant Zachary Garber at December 17, 2023 11:25 AM (43xH1)
223
Weird. We don't have accents, it's all these other people here in town who kinda have accents...
Posted by: Just Some Guy at December 17, 2023 11:17 AM (a/4+U)
Heh. Almost, but not quite like someone pointing out you have a booger sticking out of your nose.
No I don't! You have a booger!!
Posted by: Just Some Guy at December 17, 2023 11:17 AM (a/4+U)
Heh. Almost, but not quite like someone pointing out you have a booger sticking out of your nose.
No I don't! You have a booger!!
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:25 AM (QBaJw)
224
77 Rufus,
I did a search and Harper did hardcover large print editions of LOTR with maps. But I can't find it offered by Amazon. At least the descriptions don't say large print. Perhaps contacting the publisher, Harper or William Morrow, would help.
While I prefer my hardcover versions, would an e-book version where you can adjust the print size meet your needs for now? I have copies of The Hobbit and LOTR on a Paperwhite for when I want versions I can fit in a breast pocket.
I did a search and Harper did hardcover large print editions of LOTR with maps. But I can't find it offered by Amazon. At least the descriptions don't say large print. Perhaps contacting the publisher, Harper or William Morrow, would help.
While I prefer my hardcover versions, would an e-book version where you can adjust the print size meet your needs for now? I have copies of The Hobbit and LOTR on a Paperwhite for when I want versions I can fit in a breast pocket.
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 11:26 AM (7EjX1)
225
"FIBers used to teach a course (probably still do) on how to recognize regional accents." Diogenes. I assume you mean FBIers, but taken literally it means those F*cking Illinois Bastards have gotten in the education game. At least it does to us Badgers.
Posted by: who knew at December 17, 2023 11:28 AM (4I7VG)
226
I grew up in Connecticut and was told I had no accent.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at December 17, 2023 11:22 AM (t/2Uw)
That's because Connecticut isn't a real place.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at December 17, 2023 11:22 AM (t/2Uw)
That's because Connecticut isn't a real place.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:28 AM (QBaJw)
227
have found that I have incorporated some British-isms into my speech over time. I blame all the damn limeys I check out on YouTube and other places. Example: in school, rather than swear, I use “bloody” (to which students have said “I don’t see any blood!”.
Don’t have a go at me. Christmas is less than a fortnight away.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at December 17, 2023
***
You'll be okay, as long as you don't use the Brit expression for "to rouse someone by knocking on her door": "I knocked her up to ask some questions. . . ."
Don’t have a go at me. Christmas is less than a fortnight away.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at December 17, 2023
***
You'll be okay, as long as you don't use the Brit expression for "to rouse someone by knocking on her door": "I knocked her up to ask some questions. . . ."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 11:28 AM (omVj0)
228
"Oh, the Humanity!! Our Sacred Institutions have been grossly defiled! Our Precious Democracy(tm) stained!!"
Posted by: Sharkman
But enough about Claudine Gay.
Posted by: Sharkman
But enough about Claudine Gay.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 11:29 AM (FVME7)
229
FBI announces, "We'll get to the bottom of this" in search for Senate anal sex partner.
/ Future BB?
FBI announces, "We'll get to the bottom of this" in search for Senate anal sex partner.
/ Future BB?
Posted by: Divide by Zero at December 17, 2023 11:29 AM (enJYY)
230
Also picked up a monograph of Petar Lubarda, a muralist in Yugo during the 1960s. His stuff is large-scale and mostly 'historical' in that Socialist kind of way. They're quite impressive in person.
The works are hard to reproduce accurately as they don't photograph well; he used a bizarre variety of media: like automotive paints, traditional oils, water-based materials, all in the same compositions. His massive work at the KG Memorial is inside a building sorta-controlled at some 40F if I recall correctly, they genuinely don't really heat the place at all, even in the winter, to try to preserve the painting by limiting temperature extremes.
The works are hard to reproduce accurately as they don't photograph well; he used a bizarre variety of media: like automotive paints, traditional oils, water-based materials, all in the same compositions. His massive work at the KG Memorial is inside a building sorta-controlled at some 40F if I recall correctly, they genuinely don't really heat the place at all, even in the winter, to try to preserve the painting by limiting temperature extremes.
Posted by: Lieutenant Zachary Garber at December 17, 2023 11:30 AM (43xH1)
231
I use "bloody" all the time, and "tin" for "can" (though I am starting to see that used much more now in America). The only localism I've never been able to trace down is the one my mother said her father used, calling a Philips screwdriver a "French" screwdriver. Maybe it was a hoary old Swedish expression. I've never run across a Canadian or anyone else who's ever heard it.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 11:30 AM (omVj0)
232
FBI announces, "We'll get to the bottom of this" in search for Senate anal sex partner.
/ Future BB?
Posted by: Divide by Zero at December 17, 2023 11:29 AM (enJYY)
Perhaps too crass for them, but we should, if we aren't already, speculating about the next article by David French or David Brooks "The Conservative Case for Gay Buttsecks In the Senate Chamber."
/ Future BB?
Posted by: Divide by Zero at December 17, 2023 11:29 AM (enJYY)
Perhaps too crass for them, but we should, if we aren't already, speculating about the next article by David French or David Brooks "The Conservative Case for Gay Buttsecks In the Senate Chamber."
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:33 AM (QBaJw)
233
Next weekend will be interesting - vigil Mass for the final Sunday of Lent followed by vigil Mass for Christmas. Our Parish is only offering 10 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day because the clergy is likely to be exhausted by then.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 10:02 AM (llXky)
Yes the priests are going to be pretty tired by the end: the morning of Dec. 24 will be a Holy Day of obligation since it's Sunday. Then, vigil Mass in the evening for Christmas; followed by morning Mass on Dec. 25th.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 10:02 AM (llXky)
Yes the priests are going to be pretty tired by the end: the morning of Dec. 24 will be a Holy Day of obligation since it's Sunday. Then, vigil Mass in the evening for Christmas; followed by morning Mass on Dec. 25th.
Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at December 17, 2023 11:33 AM (pJWtt)
234
"Tin" vs. "can": In the early '70s as a model builder, I used to call the little Humbrol paint containers "tins." They just seemed to require a smaller-sounding word. Nowadays, too, pipe smokers refer to a 1.75 or 2 oz. can of tobacco as a tin.
I don't think I've ever heard an American use "tinned" for "canned," though, as in "tinned/canned soup."
I don't think I've ever heard an American use "tinned" for "canned," though, as in "tinned/canned soup."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 11:33 AM (omVj0)
235
Saw the Senate Staffer Sex Tape Scandal referred to as . . .
. . .
Wait for it . . .
12/15: The InsurRectum!
-
Some smart asses on X suggesting names for the movie.
https://tinyurl.com/mut45jbp
. . .
Wait for it . . .
12/15: The InsurRectum!
-
Some smart asses on X suggesting names for the movie.
https://tinyurl.com/mut45jbp
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 11:34 AM (FVME7)
236
While I prefer my hardcover versions, would an e-book version where you can adjust the print size meet your needs for now? I have copies of The Hobbit and LOTR on a Paperwhite for when I want versions I can fit in a breast pocket.
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 11:26 AM (7EjX1)
Thank you JTB, the e-book would probably work and I’ll look into that. I’d like to actually own the books, I’ll follow up on your ideas. Much appreciated.
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 11:26 AM (7EjX1)
Thank you JTB, the e-book would probably work and I’ll look into that. I’d like to actually own the books, I’ll follow up on your ideas. Much appreciated.
Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at December 17, 2023 11:34 AM (C+qoT)
237
198 ... "JTB she loves all things boats! Adding those to the list!!"
Moki,
In that case, might she enjoy the Patrick O'Brian Aubrey series or the Horatio Hornblower novels? Perhaps interspersed with nonfiction books?
Moki,
In that case, might she enjoy the Patrick O'Brian Aubrey series or the Horatio Hornblower novels? Perhaps interspersed with nonfiction books?
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 11:34 AM (7EjX1)
238
Perhaps too crass for them, but we should, if we aren't already, speculating about the next article by David French or David Brooks "The Conservative Case for Gay Buttsecks In the Senate Chamber."
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:33 AM (QBaJw)
The room was reserved by the staffer. Who are we to judge what he does. There are far more important Trump supporters who we must destroy. For the good of democracy!
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:33 AM (QBaJw)
The room was reserved by the staffer. Who are we to judge what he does. There are far more important Trump supporters who we must destroy. For the good of democracy!
Posted by: The Bulwarkers at December 17, 2023 11:35 AM (Angsy)
239
I use "bloody" all the time, and "tin" for "can" (though I am starting to see that used much more now in America). The only localism I've never been able to trace down is the one my mother said her father used, calling a Philips screwdriver a "French" screwdriver. Maybe it was a hoary old Swedish expression. I've never run across a Canadian or anyone else who's ever heard it.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 11:30 AM (omVj0)
Dmitri Martin has a comment where he says the inventor the flathead remarked "wait, you mean we get to name these?"
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 11:30 AM (omVj0)
Dmitri Martin has a comment where he says the inventor the flathead remarked "wait, you mean we get to name these?"
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:35 AM (QBaJw)
240
I realize sheer volume means the larger airports are going to be hell on Earth, but there's something about those places, it seems they go out of their way to add extra hell to them.
Posted by: BurtTC'
Chopin in Warsaw isn't big but it's certainly awful. It has one of the most confusing, MC Escher-esque designs I've ever experienced in that small of a space. It's like a 1970s shopping mall had a nervous breakdown.
Posted by: BurtTC'
Chopin in Warsaw isn't big but it's certainly awful. It has one of the most confusing, MC Escher-esque designs I've ever experienced in that small of a space. It's like a 1970s shopping mall had a nervous breakdown.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 11:35 AM (43xH1)
241
I've done my usual Sun. afternoon chores this morning. Miss Linda is bringing me to a Christmas concert at her church for 3 pm, so I won't have time for such things this afternoon.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 11:35 AM (omVj0)
242
The room was reserved by the staffer. Who are we to judge what he does. There are far more important Trump supporters who we must destroy. For the good of democracy!
Posted by: The Bulwarkers at December 17, 2023 11:35 AM (Angsy)
And don't forget, it's all Trump's fault!
Posted by: The Bulwarkers at December 17, 2023 11:35 AM (Angsy)
And don't forget, it's all Trump's fault!
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:36 AM (QBaJw)
243
.. "JTB she loves all things boats! Adding those to the list!!"
Moki,
In that case, might she enjoy the Patrick O'Brian Aubrey series or the Horatio Hornblower novels? Perhaps interspersed with nonfiction books?
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023
***
Moki, if it doesn't have to be "age of sail" stories, there is Alistair Maclean's first novel, H.M.S. Ulysses. The story of a WWII British cruiser on a Murmansk run, it is full of action and characterization.
Moki,
In that case, might she enjoy the Patrick O'Brian Aubrey series or the Horatio Hornblower novels? Perhaps interspersed with nonfiction books?
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023
***
Moki, if it doesn't have to be "age of sail" stories, there is Alistair Maclean's first novel, H.M.S. Ulysses. The story of a WWII British cruiser on a Murmansk run, it is full of action and characterization.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 11:38 AM (omVj0)
244
English vs. American spellings is a constant issue in proofreading work in Eastern Europe, especially when multiple contributors are involved and try to do their own translations (because they're super smart academics, you know).
You get one academic writing in Brit, another in American, some in a mix of both. It's not exactly 'proofreading' but I try to point it out and aim for some level of consistency. Which never works but I do try.
You get one academic writing in Brit, another in American, some in a mix of both. It's not exactly 'proofreading' but I try to point it out and aim for some level of consistency. Which never works but I do try.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 11:39 AM (43xH1)
245
"FIBers used to teach a course (probably still do) on how to recognize regional accents." Diogenes. I assume you mean FBIers, but taken literally it means those F*cking Illinois Bastards have gotten in the education game. At least it does to us Badgers.
Posted by: who knew at December 17, 2023 11:28 AM (4I7VG)
Ha!
I did. Fat fingers and a typo.
Posted by: who knew at December 17, 2023 11:28 AM (4I7VG)
Ha!
I did. Fat fingers and a typo.
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 11:40 AM (W/lyH)
246
Some smart asses on X suggesting names for the movie.
https://tinyurl.com/mut45jbp
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 11:34 AM (FVME7)
More like Aiden Man-Syrupski, amirite?
https://tinyurl.com/mut45jbp
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 11:34 AM (FVME7)
More like Aiden Man-Syrupski, amirite?
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:41 AM (QBaJw)
247
Ha!
I did. Fat fingers and a typo.
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 11:40 AM (W/lyH)
In fat fingers, veritas.
I did. Fat fingers and a typo.
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 11:40 AM (W/lyH)
In fat fingers, veritas.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 11:41 AM (Angsy)
248
This is going to be one of those book threads that ends up costing me money. Already got the kindle version of "McMann and Duck". The Simpson book "Manage Your Mission" and "Godhead Here in Hiding Whom I Do Adore" both fit in with my evolving approach to faith and living. And that's just in the post. There is always danger lurking in the comments.
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 10:10 AM (7EjX1)
JTB, if you're still reading the posts, Godhead Here in Hiding doesn't have to be read cover-to-cover in one sitting: just dive in and let the Holy Spirit guide you. There's a wide variety of readings within the book.
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 10:10 AM (7EjX1)
JTB, if you're still reading the posts, Godhead Here in Hiding doesn't have to be read cover-to-cover in one sitting: just dive in and let the Holy Spirit guide you. There's a wide variety of readings within the book.
Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at December 17, 2023 11:41 AM (pJWtt)
249
Perhaps too crass for them, but we should, if we aren't already, speculating about the next article by David French or David Brooks "The Conservative Case for Gay Buttsecks In the Senate Chamber."
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:33 AM (QBaJw)
Heh.
You just know that our glorious senators will demand that the whole room be redone so no one has to sit at that icky table or in those dirty chairs.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:33 AM (QBaJw)
Heh.
You just know that our glorious senators will demand that the whole room be redone so no one has to sit at that icky table or in those dirty chairs.
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 11:42 AM (W/lyH)
250
I might put that one on my list in the next couple of weeks. I enjoyed The Name of The Wind.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs!'
It's obvious the name of the wind is The Fart.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs!'
It's obvious the name of the wind is The Fart.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 11:43 AM (43xH1)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at December 17, 2023 11:44 AM (a/4+U)
252
It's obvious the name of the wind is The Fart.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 11:43 AM (43xH1)
Breaking news, izzit?
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 11:43 AM (43xH1)
Breaking news, izzit?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 11:45 AM (Angsy)
253
WSJ reports a Hamas tunnel 2.5 miles long, big enough to drive a truck through, ending near the Israel border. Used a tunnel boring machine
"The tunnel’s reinforced cement walls are lined with electrical wiring, making it not just a passageway, but a living space where Hamas fighters can stay underground for a long period. Israel’s military said the tunnel has ventilation and sewage systems, bathrooms, blast doors to prevent entry, multiple branches, communication networks and weapons stored inside."
The IDF has much more work ahead
"The tunnel’s reinforced cement walls are lined with electrical wiring, making it not just a passageway, but a living space where Hamas fighters can stay underground for a long period. Israel’s military said the tunnel has ventilation and sewage systems, bathrooms, blast doors to prevent entry, multiple branches, communication networks and weapons stored inside."
The IDF has much more work ahead
Posted by: JM in Ill -- Behold the Manchurian Candidate at December 17, 2023 11:46 AM (IBDwy)
254
I might put that one on my list in the next couple of weeks. I enjoyed The Name of The Wind.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs!'
*
It's obvious the name of the wind is The Fart.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023
***
I thought her name was Maria.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs!'
*
It's obvious the name of the wind is The Fart.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023
***
I thought her name was Maria.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 11:47 AM (omVj0)
255
Ha! Just looked up XCountry, where they're having 'elections' and at least *this* time I managed to avoid getting stuck in a riot! I resided in a remote area of the city and avoided the central government buildings, smart me.
Every other time I've gotten caught in some civil disorder by accident; getting off a bus, turning a corner, getting drunk in the middle of the day and getting lost...
Place is like Springfield in The Simpsons.
Every other time I've gotten caught in some civil disorder by accident; getting off a bus, turning a corner, getting drunk in the middle of the day and getting lost...
Place is like Springfield in The Simpsons.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 11:49 AM (43xH1)
256
I need to go wrap Miss Linda's b'day present; her new phone arrived from HSN in record time yesterday. Still don't know what she wants for Xmas. It's too late now to order anything online.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 11:49 AM (omVj0)
257
Already have Jack Cashill book on Barky,
Posted by: Skip at December 17, 2023 11:49 AM (fwDg9)
Posted by: Robert at December 17, 2023 11:50 AM (1Yy3c)
259
I mean seriously though, the boy's name is Aiden, with a hyphenated last name.
He never stood a chance.
He never stood a chance.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:50 AM (QBaJw)
260
FBI announces, "We'll get to the bottom of this" in search for Senate anal sex partner.
Damned cheeky of them.
Damned cheeky of them.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2023 11:50 AM (CsUN+)
261
English vs. American spellings is a constant issue in proofreading work in Eastern Europe, especially when multiple contributors are involved and try to do their own translations (because they're super smart academics, you know).
You get one academic writing in Brit, another in American, some in a mix of both. It's not exactly 'proofreading' but I try to point it out and aim for some level of consistency. Which never works but I do try.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 11:39 AM (43xH1)
---
I've had international students in my class that learned "British English" in school. I tend to overlook the "Britishisms" in their writing as long as their ideas are clear and coherent.
You get one academic writing in Brit, another in American, some in a mix of both. It's not exactly 'proofreading' but I try to point it out and aim for some level of consistency. Which never works but I do try.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 11:39 AM (43xH1)
---
I've had international students in my class that learned "British English" in school. I tend to overlook the "Britishisms" in their writing as long as their ideas are clear and coherent.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 17, 2023 11:51 AM (BpYfr)
262
There is no hope finding a Barky title on Kindle, you get hundreds of glowing books from or how great Barky is
Posted by: Skip at December 17, 2023 11:51 AM (fwDg9)
263
Already have Jack Cashill book on Barky,
Posted by: Skip at December 17, 2023 11:49 AM (fwDg9)
Gotcha. Cashill is a good, solid red meat writer, can't really go wrong with anything he's written.
I do highly recommend his book on Flight 800 though. Anyone who doesn't know the story, if you want to see someone deconstruct a government coverup, this book will be very revealing.
Posted by: Skip at December 17, 2023 11:49 AM (fwDg9)
Gotcha. Cashill is a good, solid red meat writer, can't really go wrong with anything he's written.
I do highly recommend his book on Flight 800 though. Anyone who doesn't know the story, if you want to see someone deconstruct a government coverup, this book will be very revealing.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:52 AM (QBaJw)
264
I'm going through all of Shelby Foote's Civil War histories. Just finished the first volume "Ft. Sumter to Perryville" now on to the second.
Somewhat unrelated I got engaged in a theological debate with a fellow intellectual on whether Satanism is a religion. I maintain that it is not. Religion is that which ties (ligatures) you to the divine. Of course, like many words, people have given it more meanings than is proper and have lumped in the worship of Old Scratch in there.
Somewhat unrelated I got engaged in a theological debate with a fellow intellectual on whether Satanism is a religion. I maintain that it is not. Religion is that which ties (ligatures) you to the divine. Of course, like many words, people have given it more meanings than is proper and have lumped in the worship of Old Scratch in there.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at December 17, 2023 11:52 AM (MeG8a)
265
WSJ reports a Hamas tunnel 2.5 miles long, big enough to drive a truck through, ending near the Israel border. Used a tunnel boring machine
"The tunnel’s reinforced cement walls are lined with electrical wiring, making it not just a passageway, but a living space where Hamas fighters can stay underground for a long period. Israel’s military said the tunnel has ventilation and sewage systems, bathrooms, blast doors to prevent entry, multiple branches, communication networks and weapons stored inside.
Hamas executive council meeting:
Achmed's powerpoint presentation: We could spend tens of billions of dollars in international aid to make a better life for our people. We could invest in factories, utilities, beachfront real estate...or we can dig lots of pointless tunnels which the Israelis will inevitably detect and destroy. What to do...what to do.
Naaaaah, just kidding. Let's get started on the tunnels.
"The tunnel’s reinforced cement walls are lined with electrical wiring, making it not just a passageway, but a living space where Hamas fighters can stay underground for a long period. Israel’s military said the tunnel has ventilation and sewage systems, bathrooms, blast doors to prevent entry, multiple branches, communication networks and weapons stored inside.
Hamas executive council meeting:
Achmed's powerpoint presentation: We could spend tens of billions of dollars in international aid to make a better life for our people. We could invest in factories, utilities, beachfront real estate...or we can dig lots of pointless tunnels which the Israelis will inevitably detect and destroy. What to do...what to do.
Naaaaah, just kidding. Let's get started on the tunnels.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2023 11:53 AM (CsUN+)
266
FBI announces, "We'll get to the bottom of this" in search for Senate anal sex partner.
Damned cheeky of them.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2023 11:50 AM (CsUN+)
Every staffer will have to submit knee prints.
Damned cheeky of them.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2023 11:50 AM (CsUN+)
Every staffer will have to submit knee prints.
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 11:53 AM (W/lyH)
267
Eff Bee Eye just look at surveillance tapes, just like you do on Jan6, it's easy
Posted by: Skip at December 17, 2023 11:54 AM (fwDg9)
268
This has got to be the best book club ever.
Been waiting all week to talk about the Rothfuss book.
Thanks Perfesser!
Been waiting all week to talk about the Rothfuss book.
Thanks Perfesser!
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at December 17, 2023 11:54 AM (t/2Uw)
269
The thing is, spiritual combat does a far better job of explaining where we are and what is going on than the secular materialist worldview. People try to use "cultural Marxism" to explain it, but it doesn't work because it what's going on isn't Marxism. ...
That's demonic, not Marxist. Same with vandalizing churches, setting up Satanic altars in public buildings.
Now if you want to claim Marxism is demonic, that's fine, because it is.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 10:12 AM (llXky)
It's been mentioned several times, but I can't recommend Paul Kengor's The Devil and Karl Marx highly enough. Read it in conjunction with Fr. Robert Spitzer's examination of the Deadly Sins (particularly the sin of pride) in his book, Christ versus Satan in Our Daily Lives.
After reading both books, I finally realized that Communism is, besides being a failed economic model, spiritually evil. Communists are spiritually invested in collectivism --- 150 years of demonstrable failure is meaningless. That's why utilitarian arguments against Communism don't work.
That's demonic, not Marxist. Same with vandalizing churches, setting up Satanic altars in public buildings.
Now if you want to claim Marxism is demonic, that's fine, because it is.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 10:12 AM (llXky)
It's been mentioned several times, but I can't recommend Paul Kengor's The Devil and Karl Marx highly enough. Read it in conjunction with Fr. Robert Spitzer's examination of the Deadly Sins (particularly the sin of pride) in his book, Christ versus Satan in Our Daily Lives.
After reading both books, I finally realized that Communism is, besides being a failed economic model, spiritually evil. Communists are spiritually invested in collectivism --- 150 years of demonstrable failure is meaningless. That's why utilitarian arguments against Communism don't work.
Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at December 17, 2023 11:54 AM (pJWtt)
270
A further thought about collections of correspondence. The thoughts and feelings of these authors are available because the physical letters existed. What are the chances of emails or texts existing in fifty or a hundred years? Pretty damn slim. The dearth of correspondence is limiting our knowledge, maybe appreciation, of the past.
(A similar problem exists with film photography vs digital. I have a photo of my aunt in her high chair that is over a century old. It was taken by my grandfather and he developed and printed the image in their bathroom. Will the snapshot I took with my phone yesterday be readable in 2130? I doubt it.)
(A similar problem exists with film photography vs digital. I have a photo of my aunt in her high chair that is over a century old. It was taken by my grandfather and he developed and printed the image in their bathroom. Will the snapshot I took with my phone yesterday be readable in 2130? I doubt it.)
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 11:56 AM (7EjX1)
271
I realize sheer volume means the larger airports are going to be hell on Earth, but there's something about those places, it seems they go out of their way to add extra hell to them.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:05 AM (QBaJw)
The international airport in Hong Kong. Makes the Dallas airport seem like a backwater stopover.
I was totally amazed.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:05 AM (QBaJw)
The international airport in Hong Kong. Makes the Dallas airport seem like a backwater stopover.
I was totally amazed.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at December 17, 2023 11:56 AM (BdMk6)
272
I think my favorite disorder was during Rona. I had an Airbnb artist's loft on the top of an old building right downtown, and they were adamant about no smoking. So I dutifully took the elevator to the ground floor, which only had one entrance/exit, and on going out the door found myself behind a phalanx of riot police.
I casually lit up and lounged in the doorway with a huge mob watching me do it, it was pretty funny. The cops didn't seem to care.
I casually lit up and lounged in the doorway with a huge mob watching me do it, it was pretty funny. The cops didn't seem to care.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 11:56 AM (43xH1)
273
Looks like we've reached the saddest part of Sunday morning. The end of the Book Thread. Thanks, Perfessor.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 11:57 AM (Angsy)
274
There is no hope finding a Barky title on Kindle, you get hundreds of glowing books from or how great Barky is
Posted by: Skip at December 17, 2023 11:51 AM (fwDg9)
I just put the Cashill book into Amazon (I have the more recent one), and it have some "similar titles." One is called Obama's True Legacy, it says it's edited by Jamie Glazov, so I guess it's an anthology.
There's also one by Larry Sinclair, who is the guy who allegedly had sex with Obama in a limo, years ago.
After that, it seems to devolve into the glowing books about the guy.
Posted by: Skip at December 17, 2023 11:51 AM (fwDg9)
I just put the Cashill book into Amazon (I have the more recent one), and it have some "similar titles." One is called Obama's True Legacy, it says it's edited by Jamie Glazov, so I guess it's an anthology.
There's also one by Larry Sinclair, who is the guy who allegedly had sex with Obama in a limo, years ago.
After that, it seems to devolve into the glowing books about the guy.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:57 AM (QBaJw)
275
Thanxs Professor. Great thread today.
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 11:58 AM (W/lyH)
276
Somewhat unrelated I got engaged in a theological debate with a fellow intellectual on whether Satanism is a religion. I maintain that it is not.
Posted by: gourmand du jour'
My Mexican Satanist colleague insists it links him to another, higher (lower?) spiritual realm, whether that counts for you or not? He's from Mayan stock so it's a kind of hybrid of Old Mexican Paganism but with a Western name. He considers it at least a cosmology.
Posted by: gourmand du jour'
My Mexican Satanist colleague insists it links him to another, higher (lower?) spiritual realm, whether that counts for you or not? He's from Mayan stock so it's a kind of hybrid of Old Mexican Paganism but with a Western name. He considers it at least a cosmology.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 11:59 AM (43xH1)
277
I just put the Cashill book into Amazon (I have the more recent one), and it have some "similar titles." One is called Obama's True Legacy, it says it's edited by Jamie Glazov, so I guess it's an anthology.
There's also one by Larry Sinclair, who is the guy who allegedly had sex with Obama in a limo, years ago.
After that, it seems to devolve into the glowing books about the guy.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:57 AM (QBaJw)
No one disses the chocolate Jesus.
There's also one by Larry Sinclair, who is the guy who allegedly had sex with Obama in a limo, years ago.
After that, it seems to devolve into the glowing books about the guy.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2023 11:57 AM (QBaJw)
No one disses the chocolate Jesus.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at December 17, 2023 12:00 PM (BdMk6)
278
235: I don't think I've ever heard an American use "tinned" for "canned," though, as in "tinned/canned soup."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 11:33 AM
My family has always used "tin" for any metal container that has a reusable lid or canned sardines and kippers.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 17, 2023 11:33 AM
My family has always used "tin" for any metal container that has a reusable lid or canned sardines and kippers.
Posted by: p0indexterous at December 17, 2023 12:00 PM (QBwMV)
279
Here is video from Hamas on the building of tunnel to Israel. It is stunning to think that the money that was used for this came mostly from the west.
https://tinyurl.com/37mzuwjz
https://tinyurl.com/37mzuwjz
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at December 17, 2023 12:01 PM (t/2Uw)
280
This week began my annual re-read of 'A Christmas Carol'. Each year, I find something to take away from it.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 17, 2023 12:02 PM (XeU6L)
281
Two horrible news stories from today.
New York Post
@nypost
Majority of Americans 18-24 think Israel should ‘be ended and given to Hamas’
Will Saletan (wsaletan on Threads)
@saletan
In the new Harvard/Harris poll, 67% of respondents aged 18-24 agree that "Jews as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors."
-
Hitlerjugend.
New York Post
@nypost
Majority of Americans 18-24 think Israel should ‘be ended and given to Hamas’
Will Saletan (wsaletan on Threads)
@saletan
In the new Harvard/Harris poll, 67% of respondents aged 18-24 agree that "Jews as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors."
-
Hitlerjugend.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 12:02 PM (FVME7)
282
Sorry I missed the book thread
Will read it anyway
Expect my responses on Christmas Eve morning, book nerds!
Will read it anyway
Expect my responses on Christmas Eve morning, book nerds!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at December 17, 2023 12:05 PM (5JEOR)
283
248 ... "if you're still reading the posts, Godhead Here in Hiding doesn't have to be read cover-to-cover in one sitting: just dive in and let the Holy Spirit guide you. There's a wide variety of readings within the book."
Retired Buckeye Cop,
Thanks. Part of the appeal of such books for me is they can be enjoyed for a few moments followed by time for contemplation. (I do the same thing with books by Malcolm Guite and poetry of Wendell Berry.) It's the kind of book I keep handy for that reason.
Retired Buckeye Cop,
Thanks. Part of the appeal of such books for me is they can be enjoyed for a few moments followed by time for contemplation. (I do the same thing with books by Malcolm Guite and poetry of Wendell Berry.) It's the kind of book I keep handy for that reason.
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 12:07 PM (7EjX1)
284
Sorry I missed the book thread
Will read it anyway
Expect my responses on Christmas Eve morning, book nerds!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at December 17, 2023 12:05 PM (5JEOR)
Well, I'll be here.
Will read it anyway
Expect my responses on Christmas Eve morning, book nerds!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at December 17, 2023 12:05 PM (5JEOR)
Well, I'll be here.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 12:07 PM (Angsy)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 12:12 PM (FVME7)
286
I am very late to the thread but I just wanted to mention that I've been reading "The Princes in the Tower" by Phillipa Langley. Some of you may have read her previous book about the finding of the actual remains of Richard III of England. "Princes" endeavors to determine whether Richard, as long reputed, ordered the imprisonment and murder of his two nephews (ages 12 and 9) in order to clear his way to the crown.
Langley has a very pro-Richard bias, bearable in the earlier book but which in "Princes" undermines the analysis. (She unsurprisingly concludes that the princes survived Richard and escaped England.) For that reason I can't recommend the book unless you are REALLY interested in the princes' story or 15th century English history. And even if you are interested in these topics, be prepared for a lot of repetition and speculation.
I'm trying to finish it because she does cover some (allegedly) new information but it's rough going.
Langley has a very pro-Richard bias, bearable in the earlier book but which in "Princes" undermines the analysis. (She unsurprisingly concludes that the princes survived Richard and escaped England.) For that reason I can't recommend the book unless you are REALLY interested in the princes' story or 15th century English history. And even if you are interested in these topics, be prepared for a lot of repetition and speculation.
I'm trying to finish it because she does cover some (allegedly) new information but it's rough going.
Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at December 17, 2023 12:15 PM (FEVMW)
287
Today’s Satanism is only a antithetical response to Christianity and many of their adherents are atheists. It only exists as a religion like atheism is a religion.
Posted by: Drive by at December 17, 2023 12:16 PM (MNhXM)
288
I've mentioned that I have been reading 'Rob Roy', and the difficulties associated with the (sort of) phonetic Scottish.I figure that I should grace the book thread with a taste of it:
'When we had a Scotch Parliament, Pate,' says I (and deil rax their thrapples that reft us o't!) 'they sate dousely down and made laws for a haill country and kinrick, and never fashed their beards about things that were competent to the judge ordinar o' the bounds; but I think,' said I, 'that if ae kailwife pou'd aff her neighbour's mutch they wad hae the twasome o' them into the Parliament House o' Lunnun.'
'When we had a Scotch Parliament, Pate,' says I (and deil rax their thrapples that reft us o't!) 'they sate dousely down and made laws for a haill country and kinrick, and never fashed their beards about things that were competent to the judge ordinar o' the bounds; but I think,' said I, 'that if ae kailwife pou'd aff her neighbour's mutch they wad hae the twasome o' them into the Parliament House o' Lunnun.'
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 17, 2023 12:16 PM (XeU6L)
289
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at December 17, 2023 12:02 PM (FVME7)
Horrible but at least confirms what I think about most in that age group. The silver lining is eventually there is most always an internal revolt against the majority groupthink.
Horrible but at least confirms what I think about most in that age group. The silver lining is eventually there is most always an internal revolt against the majority groupthink.
Posted by: Drive by at December 17, 2023 12:19 PM (MNhXM)
290
I also have the two volume set of letters for CS Lewis as
well...
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 09:41 AM (7EjX1)
Forty odd years ago, "A Severe Mercy", which went on to become a classic in its own right, was pushed with the selling point that it included " X (can't remember the exact number) letters by C.S. Lewis".
They were good, too.
Vanauken and Lewis became good friends when Vanauken was a student at Oxford after WWII and was instrumental in his conversion to Christianity.
well...
Posted by: JTB at December 17, 2023 09:41 AM (7EjX1)
Forty odd years ago, "A Severe Mercy", which went on to become a classic in its own right, was pushed with the selling point that it included " X (can't remember the exact number) letters by C.S. Lewis".
They were good, too.
Vanauken and Lewis became good friends when Vanauken was a student at Oxford after WWII and was instrumental in his conversion to Christianity.
Posted by: sal: tolle adversarium et afflige inimicum at December 17, 2023 12:23 PM (KB0Aa)
291
Recently I read this book called "The Virginian". Written around 1900, it is one of the first Westerns.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is quite thoughtfully written. There is a contrast in the novel between the viewpoint character, written in a self-deprecating manner and nicknamed "the tenderfoot", who plays no active part, except for admiring the main character, and the main character, who is a skilled cowboy and gets the girl in the end --- which reflects a larger contrast between Easterners and Westerners.
The cowboy is good at what he does, but on balance the novel is still somewhat realistic and he is not endowed with superhuman qualities, nor does he achieve superhuman feats.
The novel is written for an Eastern audience and means to depict the contrast between the energy and vigor of the new frontier (the Wyoming territory) and the decadence induced by the comfort back home, in New England. At the same time, the Westerners are portrayed as less sophisticated and a bit naive. Eastern transplants have a lot of (un)learning to do, but they can succeed in the West. The West is becoming less wild and more civilized every year.
I fully recommend this novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is quite thoughtfully written. There is a contrast in the novel between the viewpoint character, written in a self-deprecating manner and nicknamed "the tenderfoot", who plays no active part, except for admiring the main character, and the main character, who is a skilled cowboy and gets the girl in the end --- which reflects a larger contrast between Easterners and Westerners.
The cowboy is good at what he does, but on balance the novel is still somewhat realistic and he is not endowed with superhuman qualities, nor does he achieve superhuman feats.
The novel is written for an Eastern audience and means to depict the contrast between the energy and vigor of the new frontier (the Wyoming territory) and the decadence induced by the comfort back home, in New England. At the same time, the Westerners are portrayed as less sophisticated and a bit naive. Eastern transplants have a lot of (un)learning to do, but they can succeed in the West. The West is becoming less wild and more civilized every year.
I fully recommend this novel.
Posted by: PG at December 17, 2023 12:25 PM (gQbO4)
292
Today’s Satanism is only a antithetical response to Christianity and many of their adherents are atheists. It only exists as a religion like atheism is a religion.
Posted by: Drive by'
Hm. I'll ask my Mexican Satanist colleague to explain in a little more depth what he believes/thinks. I'm not sure he regards his beliefs as a 'response' to Christianity or not; whether they actually are or not!
He might not have fully thought it through.
I'll ask him and let you know.
Posted by: Drive by'
Hm. I'll ask my Mexican Satanist colleague to explain in a little more depth what he believes/thinks. I'm not sure he regards his beliefs as a 'response' to Christianity or not; whether they actually are or not!
He might not have fully thought it through.
I'll ask him and let you know.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:25 PM (43xH1)
293
'When we had a Scotch Parliament, Pate,' says I (and deil rax their thrapples that reft us o't!) 'they sate dousely down and made laws for a haill country and kinrick, and never fashed their beards about things that were competent to the judge ordinar o' the bounds; but I think,' said I, 'that if ae kailwife pou'd aff her neighbour's mutch they wad hae the twasome o' them into the Parliament House o' Lunnun.'
Posted by: Mike Hammer'
I would have to be forced at sword point to read this.
Posted by: Mike Hammer'
I would have to be forced at sword point to read this.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:26 PM (43xH1)
294
I would have to be forced at sword point to read this.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:26 PM (43xH1)
Probably something about gay sex in the Parliament building.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:26 PM (43xH1)
Probably something about gay sex in the Parliament building.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 12:29 PM (Angsy)
295
280 This week began my annual re-read of 'A Christmas Carol'. Each year, I find something to take away from it.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 17, 2023 12:02 PM (XeU6L)
Just started a re-read. Being 29+ gives a new perspective indeed
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 17, 2023 12:02 PM (XeU6L)
Just started a re-read. Being 29+ gives a new perspective indeed
Posted by: JM in Ill -- Behold the Manchurian Candidate at December 17, 2023 12:31 PM (IBDwy)
296
Nihilism is as close as I can wrap my head around as a comparison to Satanism. Nihilism maintains that one action is as good or bad or as relevant as any other.
Satanism says "Do as thou will", which to me, is nihilism.
Satanism says "Do as thou will", which to me, is nihilism.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at December 17, 2023 12:33 PM (MeG8a)
297
288 I've mentioned that I have been reading 'Rob Roy', and the difficulties associated with the (sort of) phonetic Scottish.I figure that I should grace the book thread with a taste of it:
'When we had a Scotch Parliament, Pate,' says I (and deil rax their thrapples that reft us o't!) 'they sate dousely down and made laws for a haill country and kinrick, and never fashed their beards about things that were competent to the judge ordinar o' the bounds; but I think,' said I, 'that if ae kailwife pou'd aff her neighbour's mutch they wad hae the twasome o' them into the Parliament House o' Lunnun.'
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 17, 2023 12:16
PM
Kinda like reading a Stephen R. Donaldson novel.
I swear I had to have a dictionary handy to get through his White Gold Wielder series.
'When we had a Scotch Parliament, Pate,' says I (and deil rax their thrapples that reft us o't!) 'they sate dousely down and made laws for a haill country and kinrick, and never fashed their beards about things that were competent to the judge ordinar o' the bounds; but I think,' said I, 'that if ae kailwife pou'd aff her neighbour's mutch they wad hae the twasome o' them into the Parliament House o' Lunnun.'
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 17, 2023 12:16
PM
Kinda like reading a Stephen R. Donaldson novel.
I swear I had to have a dictionary handy to get through his White Gold Wielder series.
Posted by: p0indexterous at December 17, 2023 12:36 PM (QBwMV)
298
Heh.
You just know that our glorious senators will demand that the whole room be redone so no one has to sit at that icky table or in those dirty chairs.
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 11:42 AM (W/lyH)
As it should be. And Senator Cardin should be stuck with the bill, because the defilement was the work of his flunky. And I don't mean "sodomized by a duck", although that, too, would be appropriate.
You just know that our glorious senators will demand that the whole room be redone so no one has to sit at that icky table or in those dirty chairs.
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2023 11:42 AM (W/lyH)
As it should be. And Senator Cardin should be stuck with the bill, because the defilement was the work of his flunky. And I don't mean "sodomized by a duck", although that, too, would be appropriate.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2023 12:37 PM (bPuW2)
299
"I've mentioned that I have been reading 'Rob Roy', and the difficulties associated with the (sort of) phonetic Scottish."
Luckily I read "Rob Roy" in translation and they didn't overdo it. I like all of walter Scott's novels I have read.
Luckily I read "Rob Roy" in translation and they didn't overdo it. I like all of walter Scott's novels I have read.
Posted by: PG at December 17, 2023 12:38 PM (gQbO4)
300
I'm skeptical of Christian claims that other beliefs are 'responses' to Christianity. I've found personally the base belief of human beings is not Christianity, but Paganism, and while some people certainly can and do develop anti-Christian beliefs, it's also entirely possible people have non-Christian beliefs that have nothing to do with Christianity at all, but frame them in 'Christian' terms as it's the best, or only, descriptive religious language they can use effectively to explain to Christians.
My Satanist colleague (again, Mayan Mexican!) knows full well I'm Orthodox Christian and it is not a problem between us at all. I do not propose to impose my beliefs on him, and he doesn't try to force his on me. He appears to be rather at least socially structurally 'moral' in a civic sense (in Mexico!), but I'll ask him about his beliefs in a little more depth and see what he says; now you've got me curious.
My Satanist colleague (again, Mayan Mexican!) knows full well I'm Orthodox Christian and it is not a problem between us at all. I do not propose to impose my beliefs on him, and he doesn't try to force his on me. He appears to be rather at least socially structurally 'moral' in a civic sense (in Mexico!), but I'll ask him about his beliefs in a little more depth and see what he says; now you've got me curious.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:42 PM (43xH1)
301
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:25 PM (43xH1)
Just take a look at their symbols and writings. They are the opposite of appropriated Christianity symbols and writings.
Just take a look at their symbols and writings. They are the opposite of appropriated Christianity symbols and writings.
Posted by: Drive by at December 17, 2023 12:44 PM (MNhXM)
302
Been reading the 2nd Anthology of "Space Cowboys" by Raconteur Press. (Yeah, I'm stuck on these guys right now.)
There's been a couple of stories that have approached (from very different angles) the question of, "What happens when you can't let the past go?" Those have been... thought provoking. Nope, not saying any more than that, lest I spoil the reveals. Good stories, those, though.
There's been a couple of stories that have approached (from very different angles) the question of, "What happens when you can't let the past go?" Those have been... thought provoking. Nope, not saying any more than that, lest I spoil the reveals. Good stories, those, though.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 17, 2023 12:44 PM (qPw5n)
303
Been reading the 2nd Anthology of "Space Cowboys" by Raconteur Press. (Yeah, I'm stuck on these guys right now.)
There's been a couple of stories that have approached (from very different angles) the question of, "What happens when you can't let the past go?" Those have been... thought provoking. Nope, not saying any more than that, lest I spoil the reveals. Good stories, those, though.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 17, 2023 12:44 PM (qPw5n)
I didn't have anything to submit for that one.
There's been a couple of stories that have approached (from very different angles) the question of, "What happens when you can't let the past go?" Those have been... thought provoking. Nope, not saying any more than that, lest I spoil the reveals. Good stories, those, though.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 17, 2023 12:44 PM (qPw5n)
I didn't have anything to submit for that one.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 17, 2023 12:46 PM (Angsy)
304
Just take a look at their symbols and writings. They are the opposite of appropriated Christianity symbols and writings.
Posted by: Drive by'
Mmmmm... no. Not in Mexico. The symbols there predate Christianity. That's what I'm saying about this specific instance of a declared 'Satanist'. And do not discount Christian symbols being developed or used to counteract or co-opt already existing Pagan symbology.
A simple example is the human skull in Mexico: it was a powerful Pagan symbol there before the Catholic Church employed it.
Posted by: Drive by'
Mmmmm... no. Not in Mexico. The symbols there predate Christianity. That's what I'm saying about this specific instance of a declared 'Satanist'. And do not discount Christian symbols being developed or used to counteract or co-opt already existing Pagan symbology.
A simple example is the human skull in Mexico: it was a powerful Pagan symbol there before the Catholic Church employed it.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:47 PM (43xH1)
305
Been reading the 2nd Anthology of "Space Cowboys" by Raconteur Press. (Yeah, I'm stuck on these guys right now.)'
Grumpy and Recalcitrant'
I need to get a few of those, they look like ideal airplane/travel reading!
Grumpy and Recalcitrant'
I need to get a few of those, they look like ideal airplane/travel reading!
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:48 PM (43xH1)
306
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:47 PM (43xH1)
We are talking about Satanism as an official religion in America. But you go ahead and defend your friend’s Mexican satanism. I’m sure that’s what God would want.
We are talking about Satanism as an official religion in America. But you go ahead and defend your friend’s Mexican satanism. I’m sure that’s what God would want.
Posted by: Drive by at December 17, 2023 12:50 PM (MNhXM)
307
I have told my Mexican colleague, only half-joking, that if he tries to pull some pyramid sacrifice shit on me I'll blow his head off.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:50 PM (43xH1)
308
Mmmmm... no. Not in Mexico. The symbols there predate Christianity. That's what I'm saying about this specific instance of a declared 'Satanist'. And do not discount Christian symbols being developed or used to counteract or co-opt already existing Pagan symbology.
A simple example is the human skull in Mexico: it was a powerful Pagan symbol there before the Catholic Church employed it.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:47 PM (43xH1)
If your buddy calls himself a Satanist, he is using a specifically Christian term to name his deity. Does it have a Mayan name that antedates the arrival of the Spaniards?
A simple example is the human skull in Mexico: it was a powerful Pagan symbol there before the Catholic Church employed it.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:47 PM (43xH1)
If your buddy calls himself a Satanist, he is using a specifically Christian term to name his deity. Does it have a Mayan name that antedates the arrival of the Spaniards?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2023 12:50 PM (bPuW2)
309
We are talking about Satanism as an official religion in America. But you go ahead and defend your friend’s Mexican satanism. I’m sure that’s what God would want.
Posted by: Drive by'
I think I remember you now. Something about how being in contact with other belief systems and not screamingly condemning them at the top of my lungs makes me complicit. Something about how 'I might not care about Satan but he cares about you' or something like that. If that was you. I recall the discussion going in a circle.
Posted by: Drive by'
I think I remember you now. Something about how being in contact with other belief systems and not screamingly condemning them at the top of my lungs makes me complicit. Something about how 'I might not care about Satan but he cares about you' or something like that. If that was you. I recall the discussion going in a circle.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:53 PM (43xH1)
310
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:53 PM (43xH1)
Not me but I can see how discussions with you can go in a circle. I can be that way too when the issue is black or white for me.
Not me but I can see how discussions with you can go in a circle. I can be that way too when the issue is black or white for me.
Posted by: Drive by at December 17, 2023 12:57 PM (MNhXM)
311
Does it have a Mayan name that antedates the arrival of the Spaniards?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon'
There is a multiplicity of gods/spirits/etc. but the main one is The Sun, which had/has regional titles. Look, when I'm in Mexico, I assume everyone around me is a Pagan just itching to get out of their Catholicism and wreak havoc. The more I know about it the safer I am. It makes the behavior at least somewhat predictable. For that I find my colleague extremely valuable. And anyway, the Spanish priests who came regarded the Mexican gods more or less collectively as 'The Devil', so it's kind of a matter of semantics, in English/Spanish.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon'
There is a multiplicity of gods/spirits/etc. but the main one is The Sun, which had/has regional titles. Look, when I'm in Mexico, I assume everyone around me is a Pagan just itching to get out of their Catholicism and wreak havoc. The more I know about it the safer I am. It makes the behavior at least somewhat predictable. For that I find my colleague extremely valuable. And anyway, the Spanish priests who came regarded the Mexican gods more or less collectively as 'The Devil', so it's kind of a matter of semantics, in English/Spanish.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:57 PM (43xH1)
312
Also, while he is fluent or conversant in a couple of non-Spanish languages, they are incomprehensible to me, so there is a very large comprehension gap as far as conceptual constructs.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 01:01 PM (43xH1)
313
For that I find my colleague extremely valuable. And anyway, the Spanish priests who came regarded the Mexican gods more or less collectively as 'The Devil', so it's kind of a matter of semantics, in English/Spanish.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:57 PM (43xH1)
What I take from that is that you colleague is not explicitly a worshipper of Satan, but a pagan, then.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:57 PM (43xH1)
What I take from that is that you colleague is not explicitly a worshipper of Satan, but a pagan, then.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2023 01:01 PM (bPuW2)
314
Not trying to pick a fight here; just trying to get clear on the concept.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2023 01:02 PM (bPuW2)
315
What I take from that is that you colleague is not explicitly a worshipper of Satan, but a pagan, then.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon'
That's what I'm going to ask him! Is he just using the word 'Satan' as a kind of Native Shorthand, or what? Now I'm really curious, I've never actually bothered to ask him in depth. He's also a terrific informant as he (of course) has a Goth band and grew up in the USA, so he has insight into both Western Christianity in the USA and Mexican Paganism. I'm looking into this, now I'm really interested. I want to know.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon'
That's what I'm going to ask him! Is he just using the word 'Satan' as a kind of Native Shorthand, or what? Now I'm really curious, I've never actually bothered to ask him in depth. He's also a terrific informant as he (of course) has a Goth band and grew up in the USA, so he has insight into both Western Christianity in the USA and Mexican Paganism. I'm looking into this, now I'm really interested. I want to know.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 01:08 PM (43xH1)
316
I'm looking into this, now I'm really interested. I want to know.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 01:08 PM (43xH1)
Better tote a bottle of Holy water. Just in case.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 01:08 PM (43xH1)
Better tote a bottle of Holy water. Just in case.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2023 01:10 PM (bPuW2)
317
I find the idea of 'Satanism' being simply an opposition to Christianity lame, that's just stupid. The Paganism is always right there, it's the natural state of Man. All anyone has to do is... nothing. It'll happen by itself.
Christianity is work. Stop doing the work and Paganism occurs without any real effort at all.
Christianity is work. Stop doing the work and Paganism occurs without any real effort at all.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 01:13 PM (43xH1)
318
Whoops I totally got on a tangent and forgot this is the book thread.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 01:14 PM (43xH1)
319
And anyway, the Spanish priests who came regarded the Mexican gods more or less collectively as 'The Devil', so it's kind of a matter of semantics, in English/Spanish.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:57 PM (43xH1)
Meso-America practiced industrial-scale human sacrifice to propitiate their gods. It is a distinction without a difference on whether any of those "gods" are Satan or merely the fallen angels.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:57 PM (43xH1)
Meso-America practiced industrial-scale human sacrifice to propitiate their gods. It is a distinction without a difference on whether any of those "gods" are Satan or merely the fallen angels.
Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at December 17, 2023 01:17 PM (pJWtt)
320
{305} ... I need to get a few of those, they look like ideal airplane/travel reading!
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:48 PM (43xH1)
They are perfect for anything where a short read is appropriate. Waiting rooms, lunch periods, a quick story before bed...
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 12:48 PM (43xH1)
They are perfect for anything where a short read is appropriate. Waiting rooms, lunch periods, a quick story before bed...
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 17, 2023 01:21 PM (qPw5n)
321
Meso-America practiced industrial-scale human sacrifice to propitiate their gods. It is a distinction without a difference on whether any of those "gods" are Satan or merely the fallen angels. Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop'
Uhh... I'm aware of this. For a variety of unexpected reasons, and to support a family member, I am compelled to go to some really shitty places in Mexico to, not exaggerating, provide whatever emotional/spiritual support I can. When I am there next and I am the only American within at least 50 miles, I'll be sure to share this insight about how evil they all are. In the meantime I'll ask my 'Satanist' Pagan colleague what to expect from the locals.
Uhh... I'm aware of this. For a variety of unexpected reasons, and to support a family member, I am compelled to go to some really shitty places in Mexico to, not exaggerating, provide whatever emotional/spiritual support I can. When I am there next and I am the only American within at least 50 miles, I'll be sure to share this insight about how evil they all are. In the meantime I'll ask my 'Satanist' Pagan colleague what to expect from the locals.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 01:23 PM (43xH1)
322
They are perfect for anything where a short read is appropriate. Waiting rooms, lunch periods, a quick story before bed...
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant'
Thanks for reminding me about them. They all look fun!
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant'
Thanks for reminding me about them. They all look fun!
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 01:24 PM (43xH1)
323
I find the idea of 'Satanism' being simply an opposition to Christianity lame, that's just stupid. The Paganism is always right there, it's the natural state of Man. All anyone has to do is... nothing. It'll happen by itself.
Christianity is work. Stop doing the work and Paganism occurs without any real effort at all.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 01:13 PM (43xH1)
---
Christianity explains all other faiths as the result of fallen angels rebelling against God. They rebel in various ways, but all of their practices in some way echo Christianity.
Scholars have tried to argue that Christianity borrowed all these things because they typically have a dislike of Christianity and try to use a non-spiritual explanation. Thus: it expanded because it was nice, or compassionate, etc., and there are rational explanations for miracles and everything else.
The whole "religions evolve" was cooked up by 19th Century German Protestants to claim that their faith was the most evolved and scientific of them all. How'd that work out?
Christianity is work. Stop doing the work and Paganism occurs without any real effort at all.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 01:13 PM (43xH1)
---
Christianity explains all other faiths as the result of fallen angels rebelling against God. They rebel in various ways, but all of their practices in some way echo Christianity.
Scholars have tried to argue that Christianity borrowed all these things because they typically have a dislike of Christianity and try to use a non-spiritual explanation. Thus: it expanded because it was nice, or compassionate, etc., and there are rational explanations for miracles and everything else.
The whole "religions evolve" was cooked up by 19th Century German Protestants to claim that their faith was the most evolved and scientific of them all. How'd that work out?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 17, 2023 01:38 PM (llXky)
324
The whole "religions evolve" was cooked up by 19th Century German Protestants to claim that their faith was the most evolved and scientific of them all. How'd that work out?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd'
I stopped back in. I think part of an issue here is that my introduction to 'Orthodox Christianity' (I have never been Catholic) occurred during a reconstitution period in a region under intense stress. This, now my, Church existed but in a truncated form and had to try to reassert a presence in what I will bluntly describe as a Pagan frenzy/conflict of almost unimaginable mayhem, virulence, and violence. The Church to which I adhere isn't some intellectual exercise, it is a bulwark against a human degradation of blood sacrifice and Pagan viciousness. It's primitive and crude. It's Christ's Sacrifice done once, so it doesn't have to be done over and over, and that is the core of my Church. All the rest is peripheral.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd'
I stopped back in. I think part of an issue here is that my introduction to 'Orthodox Christianity' (I have never been Catholic) occurred during a reconstitution period in a region under intense stress. This, now my, Church existed but in a truncated form and had to try to reassert a presence in what I will bluntly describe as a Pagan frenzy/conflict of almost unimaginable mayhem, virulence, and violence. The Church to which I adhere isn't some intellectual exercise, it is a bulwark against a human degradation of blood sacrifice and Pagan viciousness. It's primitive and crude. It's Christ's Sacrifice done once, so it doesn't have to be done over and over, and that is the core of my Church. All the rest is peripheral.
Posted by: LenNeal at December 17, 2023 01:52 PM (43xH1)
325
One Man's Meat by EB White, pre-children's books fame. Collection of essays for New Yorker magazine after he moved to a farm in Maine. Funny, pointed, relevant.
Posted by: Heresolong at December 17, 2023 05:40 PM (evZX6)
326
I read McMann and Duck last week.
It was a distinct noir mystery novel for me. The setting, the protagonist, the surrounding characters and that part of Texas, in that era -- all very fine work.
I got something in my eye at the end. Twice!
It was a distinct noir mystery novel for me. The setting, the protagonist, the surrounding characters and that part of Texas, in that era -- all very fine work.
I got something in my eye at the end. Twice!
Posted by: Wry Mouth at December 18, 2023 01:05 PM (baycc)
327
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though
you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre
talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your
weblog when you could be giving us something informative to read?
you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre
talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your
weblog when you could be giving us something informative to read?
Posted by: central heating at December 19, 2023 06:35 PM (JbNUt)
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