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Reading Thread 10/05/2025
click for download options
OrangeEnt adds it's available to read online HERE
White Mutiny
Malcolm Jameson White Mutiny is a pulp magazine story from 1940. It concerns the officers of the spaceship Pollux and their reactions to a new commanding officer. I'd call it Captain Queeg in space. The captain, Shinnery, runs roughshod over the crew. His regulation mania results in the titular "white mutiny," where the XO, Bullard, orders the crew to follow the captain's orders to the letter, and nothing more. This results in problems, of course, when the ship receives orders to Neptune to face space pirates. Shinnery's incompetence leads to the ship crash landing, leaving it at the mercy of the pirates, who soon appear and attack the disabled ship. Shinnery demanded adherence to maintenance regs, and the malicious compliance with them leaves the ship defenseless. The captain loses his nerve and claims sickness to cover his incompetence, allowing Bullard to take over and defeat the pirates. Bullard returns the victorious ship to its base, and after the fleet commander reviews the captain's reports and Ballard's, Shinnery gets retired by the commander, and Bullard becomes commander of the Pollux. Fun story. Recommended for those who like old pulp stories, or have an interest in discovering them.
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Nope. Didn't read nothin'. Almost did. Well, besides this site, of course.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:00 AM (uQesX)
2
Edgar Winter had some chops for sure.
Posted by: Eromero at October 05, 2025 09:01 AM (jgmnb)
3
Tolle Lege
Still slowly getting through Rick Atkinson's The British are Coming, a historical account of the American Revolutionary War 1775-77.
It's very informative and have seen other places many have enjoyed it
Still slowly getting through Rick Atkinson's The British are Coming, a historical account of the American Revolutionary War 1775-77.
It's very informative and have seen other places many have enjoyed it
Posted by: Skip at October 05, 2025 09:02 AM (+qU29)
4
Review submitted by our pal OrangeEnt
And here's where you can find it:
https://tinyurl.com/2682hmf3
And here's where you can find it:
https://tinyurl.com/2682hmf3
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:02 AM (uQesX)
5
Still waiting for new edition of Camp of the Saints from Amazon. Immediately out of stock when it came out three weeks ago.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at October 05, 2025 09:04 AM (XvL8K)
6
Shinnery gets retired by the commander, and Bullard becomes commander of the Pollux.
Obviously a work of fiction.
Obviously a work of fiction.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 09:04 AM (p/isN)
7
Still slowly getting through Rick Atkinson's The British are Coming, a historical account of the American Revolutionary War 1775-77.
It's very informative and have seen other places many have enjoyed it
Posted by: Skip at October 05, 2025 09:02 AM (+qU29)
There's a Hessian soldier's diary from his time in America fighting for Georgie. Can't remember the name, but it's on Internet Archive.
It's very informative and have seen other places many have enjoyed it
Posted by: Skip at October 05, 2025 09:02 AM (+qU29)
There's a Hessian soldier's diary from his time in America fighting for Georgie. Can't remember the name, but it's on Internet Archive.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:05 AM (uQesX)
8
What class vessel was Pollux?
Posted by: Eromero at October 05, 2025 09:06 AM (jgmnb)
9
Thinking about the battle crafts in "Bolo," I liken them to Big Brutus.
For those of you outside of southeastern Kansas, Big Brutus is a HUGE coal scoop built in a strip mine in Cherokee County. It was a popular attraction; I saw it on a school field trip. When the mine was worked out, the company abandoned Brutus to rust away; it was too big to be moved. Concerned locals raised money to restore it. Visitors used to be allowed to climb on the scoop's boom; now you can only look at it. Check it out! End of commercial.
I've begun "Game Without Rules," a collection of Cold War secret agent stories by Michael Gilbert featuring two genteel gentlemen in their 50s, Behrens and Calder. They live in an English village -- one with an aunt, the other with a dog. The villagers know that one or the other leaves on occasion, but nobody cares. Nobody talks to outsiders about them, either. The two are very good at carrying out their assignments, which include homicide. Fire the shot, catch the train, home in time for tea.
For those of you outside of southeastern Kansas, Big Brutus is a HUGE coal scoop built in a strip mine in Cherokee County. It was a popular attraction; I saw it on a school field trip. When the mine was worked out, the company abandoned Brutus to rust away; it was too big to be moved. Concerned locals raised money to restore it. Visitors used to be allowed to climb on the scoop's boom; now you can only look at it. Check it out! End of commercial.
I've begun "Game Without Rules," a collection of Cold War secret agent stories by Michael Gilbert featuring two genteel gentlemen in their 50s, Behrens and Calder. They live in an English village -- one with an aunt, the other with a dog. The villagers know that one or the other leaves on occasion, but nobody cares. Nobody talks to outsiders about them, either. The two are very good at carrying out their assignments, which include homicide. Fire the shot, catch the train, home in time for tea.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 09:06 AM (p/isN)
Posted by: RI Red at October 05, 2025 09:06 AM (nI9Ci)
11
Shinnery gets retired by the commander, and Bullard becomes commander of the Pollux.
Obviously a work of fiction.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 09:04 AM (p/isN)
The fleet admiral did it, of course. But according to The Caine Mutiny, no rebellion has ever happened in the whole history of the navy.
Obviously a work of fiction.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 09:04 AM (p/isN)
The fleet admiral did it, of course. But according to The Caine Mutiny, no rebellion has ever happened in the whole history of the navy.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:07 AM (uQesX)
12
What class vessel was Pollux?
Posted by: Eromero at October 05, 2025 09:06 AM (jgmnb)
Not sure, but it ran on Castor oil.
Posted by: Eromero at October 05, 2025 09:06 AM (jgmnb)
Not sure, but it ran on Castor oil.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:09 AM (uQesX)
13
Morning, Reading/Book Folken!
This week I finished a Dennis Lehane novel, Since We Fell. Like a lot of his stuff, it's set in the Boston and New England area. A tough (so she thought) lady TV reporter suffers a nervous breakdown on air while reporting about the 2012 (?) earthquake in Haiti, and becomes a shut-in. She gets involved, and marries, a patient, good-humored former private detective named Brian, whom she'd met earlier when trying to track down her real father. (Her mother, a best-selling author, always refused to tell her who he was.) Then her heroine finds that, instead of being off on a business trip to London, he's still in Boston . . . and she finds out unsettling things about him and a criminal scam he's running.
Good stuff.
This week I finished a Dennis Lehane novel, Since We Fell. Like a lot of his stuff, it's set in the Boston and New England area. A tough (so she thought) lady TV reporter suffers a nervous breakdown on air while reporting about the 2012 (?) earthquake in Haiti, and becomes a shut-in. She gets involved, and marries, a patient, good-humored former private detective named Brian, whom she'd met earlier when trying to track down her real father. (Her mother, a best-selling author, always refused to tell her who he was.) Then her heroine finds that, instead of being off on a business trip to London, he's still in Boston . . . and she finds out unsettling things about him and a criminal scam he's running.
Good stuff.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:09 AM (omVj0)
14
I finally finished Milton's Paradise Lost. It's fame seems to chiefly come from its length and the 'epic' scope. The edition I have (Norton Critical) has a bunch of famous people liking it and it seems the English felt very keenly their lack of literary accomplishment.
Sort of like how American critics fell over themselves praising Fenimore Cooper's work until Mark Twain came along and showed everyone how it's done (and torched Fenimore Cooper in the process).
It's definitely a unique take on Genesis, what with gunpowder battles in heaven and of course it was written in a time when people claimed to believe that Henry VIII was the one who brought about the culmination of salvation history.
It's also super-heretical, directly contradicting the Nicene Creed, which is a lot like writing a historical novel set in Rome and prominently featuring the telegraph messages between Rome and Alexandria in the runup to the Battle of Actium.
Would not recommend.
Sort of like how American critics fell over themselves praising Fenimore Cooper's work until Mark Twain came along and showed everyone how it's done (and torched Fenimore Cooper in the process).
It's definitely a unique take on Genesis, what with gunpowder battles in heaven and of course it was written in a time when people claimed to believe that Henry VIII was the one who brought about the culmination of salvation history.
It's also super-heretical, directly contradicting the Nicene Creed, which is a lot like writing a historical novel set in Rome and prominently featuring the telegraph messages between Rome and Alexandria in the runup to the Battle of Actium.
Would not recommend.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 09:09 AM (ZOv7s)
15
I've begun "Game Without Rules," a collection of Cold War secret agent stories by Michael Gilbert featuring two genteel gentlemen in their 50s, Behrens and Calder. They live in an English village -- one with an aunt, the other with a dog. The villagers know that one or the other leaves on occasion, but nobody cares. Nobody talks to outsiders about them, either. The two are very good at carrying out their assignments, which include homicide. Fire the shot, catch the train, home in time for tea.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 09:06 AM (p/isN)
The twist is, they worked for the Soviets!
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 09:06 AM (p/isN)
The twist is, they worked for the Soviets!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:11 AM (uQesX)
16
Poor old Frankenstein and Frankenstein's Monster no one seems to understand them.
If I read the previews correctly Del Toro is about to give us-
"Frankenstein - The Beautiful Monster" wherein Doc Frankenstein is a meany with Daddy issues and The Monster and Frankenstein's wife have a wild romantic affair.
You're welcome, movie viewers worldwide!
Can't anyone just follow the damn book?
It's a great story, which is why it's still around and people read it.
Poor old Frankenstein and Frankenstein's Monster no one seems to understand them.
If I read the previews correctly Del Toro is about to give us-
"Frankenstein - The Beautiful Monster" wherein Doc Frankenstein is a meany with Daddy issues and The Monster and Frankenstein's wife have a wild romantic affair.
You're welcome, movie viewers worldwide!
Can't anyone just follow the damn book?
It's a great story, which is why it's still around and people read it.
Posted by: naturalfake at October 05, 2025 09:12 AM (iJfKG)
17
Currently I'm plowing through Following Caesar: From Rome to Constantinople, the Pathways That Planted the Seeds of Empire, by one John Keahey. I thought it was a history of Rome and its roads, but it's much more about his travels through Italy, Macedonia, and Turkey, following the ancient Roman roads. He writes well enough. But I find myself skipping the travelogue portions and just reading the history bits.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:12 AM (omVj0)
18
Morning, Weasel.
Howdy, Horde.
Not a lot of reading this week. Skimmed portions of The Demon in Democracy, and started Nabokov's The Defense (will finish today or tomorrow).
Frankenstein the most downloaded at Gutenberg? I'd have guessed not -- unless that's something like most downloaded in last week or so as people start scrounging Halloween reading.
Howdy, Horde.
Not a lot of reading this week. Skimmed portions of The Demon in Democracy, and started Nabokov's The Defense (will finish today or tomorrow).
Frankenstein the most downloaded at Gutenberg? I'd have guessed not -- unless that's something like most downloaded in last week or so as people start scrounging Halloween reading.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 09:12 AM (q3u5l)
19
I always get upset when movie adaptations of Frankenstein skip out on the line "You are my creator, but I am your master. Obey."
Also, in my youth, I assumed that the novel Dracula predates Frankenstein, probably just based upon subject matter.
Also, in my youth, I assumed that the novel Dracula predates Frankenstein, probably just based upon subject matter.
Posted by: Oscar Mayer at October 05, 2025 09:12 AM (opm4x)
20
I've begun "Game Without Rules," a collection of Cold War secret agent stories by Michael Gilbert featuring two genteel gentlemen in their 50s, Behrens and Calder. They live in an English village -- one with an aunt, the other with a dog. The villagers know that one or the other leaves on occasion, but nobody cares. Nobody talks to outsiders about them, either. The two are very good at carrying out their assignments, which include homicide. Fire the shot, catch the train, home in time for tea.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025
***
This sounds intriguing. 1950s time frame?
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025
***
This sounds intriguing. 1950s time frame?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:13 AM (omVj0)
21
Booken morgen horden!
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at October 05, 2025 09:14 AM (gDlxJ)
22
When working at Old Pine St Church in Philadelphia there is a Hession soldier buried in the cemetery
Posted by: Skip at October 05, 2025 09:14 AM (+qU29)
23
John Van Stry (writing as 'Jan Stryvant') has written the final Valen's Heritage book: "Pay Backs". I'm about a third of the way through, and it's ramping up on what the title promises. The whole theme of this is taking out House Unnregarten, once and for all.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at October 05, 2025 09:14 AM (O7YUW)
24
Speaking of reading, I have been looking through boxes of books and came across Machine Language for Beginners for the 6502 and Z80.
It's in really good condition for a nearly 50 year old book.
The robots the illustrate the concepts are really cute.
It's in really good condition for a nearly 50 year old book.
The robots the illustrate the concepts are really cute.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at October 05, 2025 09:14 AM (XV/Pl)
25
Good morning fellow Book/Reading threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading. And thank you to Weasel for keeping the thread flowing. ("The thread must flow." That's what Herbert SHOULD have written.)
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 09:15 AM (yTvNw)
26
What knockers!!
Posted by: Gene Wilder at October 05, 2025 09:16 AM (XQo4F)
27
Obviously a work of fiction.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 09:04 AM (p/isN)
---
To gain the Navy's cooperation, certain changes were made to "The Cain Mutiny," and I think they are for the better. Having Quueg being someone overage for his command not only makes Bogart more plausible, it also explains his being a stickler for details. The idea that he's suffering from "battle fatigue" also makes the story better.
I think the Hayes Code was a good thing. Yes, it was a form of censorship, but it forced better writing. When you could just swear and throw violence and nudity on the screen to get eyeballs, writing got much better. Similarly, forcing movies involving the military to at least pay some respect to how it actually works makes better stories.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 09:04 AM (p/isN)
---
To gain the Navy's cooperation, certain changes were made to "The Cain Mutiny," and I think they are for the better. Having Quueg being someone overage for his command not only makes Bogart more plausible, it also explains his being a stickler for details. The idea that he's suffering from "battle fatigue" also makes the story better.
I think the Hayes Code was a good thing. Yes, it was a form of censorship, but it forced better writing. When you could just swear and throw violence and nudity on the screen to get eyeballs, writing got much better. Similarly, forcing movies involving the military to at least pay some respect to how it actually works makes better stories.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 09:16 AM (ZOv7s)
28
In re: Special Bonus Topic
I would have assumed the top download was the Bible, or maybe the Koran. Frankenstein probably would not have been one of my top ten guesses, but hearing that it is the most downloaded book does not really surprise me.
I would have assumed the top download was the Bible, or maybe the Koran. Frankenstein probably would not have been one of my top ten guesses, but hearing that it is the most downloaded book does not really surprise me.
Posted by: Oscar Mayer at October 05, 2025 09:16 AM (opm4x)
29
Good Sunday morning, horde.
Hitting one of those reading slumps again. I can't settle on anything.
Hitting one of those reading slumps again. I can't settle on anything.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at October 05, 2025 09:16 AM (h7ZuX)
30
I've also been reading through the John Carter (of Mars) series of books. The fourth is "Thuvia Maid of Mars", and focuses on Carthoris (John Carter and Deja Thoris' son) and his quest to defend and try to win the heart of Thuvia against some impressive odds.
Edgar Rice Burroughs knew how to write adventure tales. :-)
Edgar Rice Burroughs knew how to write adventure tales. :-)
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at October 05, 2025 09:16 AM (O7YUW)
31
When working at Old Pine St Church in Philadelphia there is a Hession soldier buried in the cemetery
Posted by: Skip at October 05, 2025 09:14 AM (+qU29)
Quite a few stayed after the war. They guy I read returned home after being exchanged.
Posted by: Skip at October 05, 2025 09:14 AM (+qU29)
Quite a few stayed after the war. They guy I read returned home after being exchanged.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:17 AM (uQesX)
32
no Frankenstein predates Dracula by about 80 years, modern takes include Van Helsing which is set some time before the Stoker version and I Frankenstein, which was a graphic novel, turned into a cringy film,
Posted by: miguel cervantes at October 05, 2025 09:17 AM (bXbFr)
33
Frankenstein the Beautiful Monster, eh? From that description I find myself picturing Peter Boyle running off with Teri Garr and living happily ever after. Who can say why?
And yeah, why can't they follow the book?
And yeah, why can't they follow the book?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 09:17 AM (q3u5l)
34
@20 --
Copyrights in the early '60s. The stories first appeared in mystery magazines. Full disclosure: I've read only the first two in the collection. Nine to go.
Copyrights in the early '60s. The stories first appeared in mystery magazines. Full disclosure: I've read only the first two in the collection. Nine to go.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 09:18 AM (p/isN)
35
Morning Horde...
This week I read the Avatar Trilogy by Scott Ciencin (pseudonym). It's set in the Forgotten Realms setting of AD&D.
It marks the transition point between 1st Edition and 2nd Edition of AD&D.
The gods of Faerun are cast out of the Planes because they pissed off THEIR god. Now they meddle in the mortal realms. A handful of heroes must discover the MacGuffins and return them to the overgod before things get too far out of hand as the world spirals into chaos.
This week I read the Avatar Trilogy by Scott Ciencin (pseudonym). It's set in the Forgotten Realms setting of AD&D.
It marks the transition point between 1st Edition and 2nd Edition of AD&D.
The gods of Faerun are cast out of the Planes because they pissed off THEIR god. Now they meddle in the mortal realms. A handful of heroes must discover the MacGuffins and return them to the overgod before things get too far out of hand as the world spirals into chaos.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 05, 2025 09:19 AM (IBQGV)
36
Frankenstein the Beautiful Monster, eh? From that description I find myself picturing Peter Boyle running off with Teri Garr and living happily ever after. Who can say why?
And yeah, why can't they follow the book?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 09:17 AM (q3u5l)
Because they hate you and want to ruin everything you like.
And yeah, why can't they follow the book?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 09:17 AM (q3u5l)
Because they hate you and want to ruin everything you like.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:20 AM (uQesX)
37
Vauban Books has done readers a huge favor by reprinting one of the most hard to find dystopian novels. Every Eurocrat has done their best to keep the book hidden, driving up prices on the original 1973 novel. Now, an American printer has reprinted the book, along with an updated 2011 commentary by the author.
The Camp of the Saints by Jean Raspail can most simply be described as the Atlas Shrugged for Europe. The story involves tens of thousands of people from the subcontinent deciding that the European aid and the occasional immigrant being allowed is not good enough, so 100 ships loaded to the gills with the third world set out to relocate to France.
As the armada moves towards France, a few people give warnings, but most agree with the thought leaders that western culture needs replacement, and that the third world deserves to have their homes and countries. Inevitably, the immigrants descend upon France like locusts, with no consideration for the history, wealth creation, or culture of the region they will consume. It becomes quickly obvious why European leadership does not want this book to be widely read. For a book written in 1973, it is extremely prescient.
The Camp of the Saints by Jean Raspail can most simply be described as the Atlas Shrugged for Europe. The story involves tens of thousands of people from the subcontinent deciding that the European aid and the occasional immigrant being allowed is not good enough, so 100 ships loaded to the gills with the third world set out to relocate to France.
As the armada moves towards France, a few people give warnings, but most agree with the thought leaders that western culture needs replacement, and that the third world deserves to have their homes and countries. Inevitably, the immigrants descend upon France like locusts, with no consideration for the history, wealth creation, or culture of the region they will consume. It becomes quickly obvious why European leadership does not want this book to be widely read. For a book written in 1973, it is extremely prescient.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at October 05, 2025 09:22 AM (0U5gm)
38
I remember reading Paradise Lost for an ancient British lit course in college. Mostly what remember is that after a few hours reading in the library I'd meet my friends in the caf for supper and could only talk in the middle english rhythms for quite a while.
A business major, I'd take far away electives for a change of pace. A lot of religious studies courses, because how could they flunk me in an opinion only course. More than one of those professor noted they had never had a business major in their course.
A business major, I'd take far away electives for a change of pace. A lot of religious studies courses, because how could they flunk me in an opinion only course. More than one of those professor noted they had never had a business major in their course.
Posted by: From about That Time at October 05, 2025 09:22 AM (n4GiU)
39
16 naturalfake, you will doubtless be thrilled by the news that Luc Besson's Dracula:A Love Tale will get a stateside release in February.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at October 05, 2025 09:22 AM (OTdqV)
40
The rain has begun in earnest here; I can hear it. Good time to be indoors with the Book Thread.
I also have a Joe Lansdale "Hap & Leonard" novel, Devil Red, on my TBR pile. Hap and Leonard are a sort of low-rent, non-spy, 21st-Century version of Kelly and Scotty from the TV series I Spy, with similar banter between them and a strong loyalty to each other.
Also I have Lee Child's collection of Jack Reacher short stories, originally written between 1999 and 2017. One, "Not a Drill," was included as "extra material" in a paperback edition of an earlier novel in the series.
I also have a Joe Lansdale "Hap & Leonard" novel, Devil Red, on my TBR pile. Hap and Leonard are a sort of low-rent, non-spy, 21st-Century version of Kelly and Scotty from the TV series I Spy, with similar banter between them and a strong loyalty to each other.
Also I have Lee Child's collection of Jack Reacher short stories, originally written between 1999 and 2017. One, "Not a Drill," was included as "extra material" in a paperback edition of an earlier novel in the series.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:22 AM (omVj0)
Posted by: creeper at October 05, 2025 09:23 AM (zFwIe)
42
And yeah, why can't they follow the book?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 09:17 AM (q3u5l)
Because they hate you and want to ruin everything you like.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:20 AM (uQesX)
---
They are exploiting the "brand," nothing more. That's all Hollywood can do these days, go with an established name for yet another remake and they have charts and spreadsheets to show that x percent recognize the brand and typically y percent will watch anything that uses it.
No one swings for the fences because all the studios are owned by megacorps. The ironic part is that lots of people in Hollywood have piles of cash that could support indy films, but they would rather sit on the cash than live out their values.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 09:17 AM (q3u5l)
Because they hate you and want to ruin everything you like.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:20 AM (uQesX)
---
They are exploiting the "brand," nothing more. That's all Hollywood can do these days, go with an established name for yet another remake and they have charts and spreadsheets to show that x percent recognize the brand and typically y percent will watch anything that uses it.
No one swings for the fences because all the studios are owned by megacorps. The ironic part is that lots of people in Hollywood have piles of cash that could support indy films, but they would rather sit on the cash than live out their values.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 09:23 AM (ZOv7s)
43
I have Frankenstein around here somewhere. I had to read it for my Gothic Literature course in college.
It's not a very long book.
The monster does show up in some unlikely places in literature. Probably because he's a public domain character and thus can be used however an author sees fit.
It's not a very long book.
The monster does show up in some unlikely places in literature. Probably because he's a public domain character and thus can be used however an author sees fit.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 05, 2025 09:23 AM (IBQGV)
44
I went on a bit of a Kindle download binge this week, especially during a couple of nights when sleep eluded me. I read _Fenrir_ by Ryk Spoor and Eric Flint. Pretty good: the premise is that humanity detects a bigass STL generation ship approaching the Solar System, and naturally everyone gets nervous. Then astronomers observe what looks like a catastrophic malfunction aboard the alien ship. So humanity . . . launches a rescue mission!
The first third of the book is the Heroic Engineering story of building an Orion pulse-propulsion ship with not nearly enough time, hampered by some Vaguely Motivated Bad Guys trying to stop the launch. Then there's a First Contact story when the rescue ship reaches the alien vessel. And finally even more Heroic Engineering to solve a really REALLY dangerous situation on the damaged ship.
Nice kicker at the end, too.
Bonus points: the rescue ship is named the CARPATHIA.
The first third of the book is the Heroic Engineering story of building an Orion pulse-propulsion ship with not nearly enough time, hampered by some Vaguely Motivated Bad Guys trying to stop the launch. Then there's a First Contact story when the rescue ship reaches the alien vessel. And finally even more Heroic Engineering to solve a really REALLY dangerous situation on the damaged ship.
Nice kicker at the end, too.
Bonus points: the rescue ship is named the CARPATHIA.
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 05, 2025 09:23 AM (78a2H)
45
I tried reading the latest book by an author I used to love, published by Tor, but it soo boring. Quit 2 chapters in.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at October 05, 2025 09:24 AM (OTdqV)
46
"Because they hate you and want to ruin everything you like."
Absolutely, there's that.
But even more than that, I'd guess they're so in love with their own brilliance and originality that they actually think their tinkering makes the story better.
Absolutely, there's that.
But even more than that, I'd guess they're so in love with their own brilliance and originality that they actually think their tinkering makes the story better.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 09:24 AM (q3u5l)
47
The Modern Prometheus > Ridley Scott's Prometheus
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 09:24 AM (kpS4V)
48
Jean Raslail missed the target by that ( ) much
Posted by: Skip at October 05, 2025 09:24 AM (+qU29)
49
A suggestion that if your local library has a book sale, attend it. The books and materials are not from the shelves but donations. We came away with a bunch of DVDs, most of the Murdoch Mysteries (a fun series even with the lib/feminist slant) and Midsomer Mysteries. Since we use an OTA TV antenna (read rabbit ears) which is less than predictable, the DVDs will be nice to have when we want to veg in front of the television without commercials. Then I got a CD book of Nathaniel Philbrick's "In the Hurricane's Eye" about Washington's use of naval forces, American and French, during the Revolution. A subject of real interest for me.
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 09:25 AM (yTvNw)
50
Copyrights in the early '60s. The stories first appeared in mystery magazines. Full disclosure: I've read only the first two in the collection. Nine to go.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025
***
That timing makes sense. If the heroes are in their fifties, then they'd have been in their thirties during WWII, the right age to have been in intelligence work back then.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025
***
That timing makes sense. If the heroes are in their fifties, then they'd have been in their thirties during WWII, the right age to have been in intelligence work back then.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:25 AM (omVj0)
51
I think Larry Correia's Academy of Outcasts will be out this week; I am torm between buying as ebook or hardcover$$
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at October 05, 2025 09:25 AM (OTdqV)
52
Weak Geek,
Have you come across the story of how Calder gets his dog? Lots of fun.
One of the best things about Michael Gilbert is HE WROTE LOTS OF BOOKS!!! Started a new series, I think, in his eighties. If he's new to anybody here, I envy you the good times ahead of you.
Have you come across the story of how Calder gets his dog? Lots of fun.
One of the best things about Michael Gilbert is HE WROTE LOTS OF BOOKS!!! Started a new series, I think, in his eighties. If he's new to anybody here, I envy you the good times ahead of you.
Posted by: Wenda at October 05, 2025 09:26 AM (F2ojL)
53
And the armada is small boats often less than a hundred at a time, often 10- 30
Posted by: Skip at October 05, 2025 09:26 AM (+qU29)
54
I had no idea Frankenstein was that old. I read (or maybe reread) it in the last couple of years vGreat story and worthy of being the top download but I never would have suspected.
I started Umberto Eco’s The Prague Cemetery. It starts out with a lot of creepy paranoid anti-semetism, which tones down a little by page 50 and I trust is necessary for the plot. By the description on the cover it will be a descent into massive conspiracy theories, a subject Eco is very good at ( see:Foucault’s Pendulum)
I started Umberto Eco’s The Prague Cemetery. It starts out with a lot of creepy paranoid anti-semetism, which tones down a little by page 50 and I trust is necessary for the plot. By the description on the cover it will be a descent into massive conspiracy theories, a subject Eco is very good at ( see:Foucault’s Pendulum)
Posted by: Who Knew at October 05, 2025 09:26 AM (z6uf2)
55
This past week I found out that St John Henry Newman wrote 2 novels.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at October 05, 2025 09:27 AM (OTdqV)
56
Its turning colder in the mountains, which means winter is coming! Time to read a book about snow and ice. (But, no, none of 'those' books.)
I finished reading "Wild Trek," by Jim Kjelgaard. A year ago, I ordered 8 used paperback Kjelgaard novels, and this is the last of them. And ironically, it is a sequel of the first of the novels I chose to read, "Snow Dog." Basically, a trapper living at the edge of civilization is asked to go find a photographer and bush-pilot who crashed in some nearby mountains. With the help of his trusty pack-dog, our hero treks across a snow-covered mountain pass to seek out the survivors.
I enjoyed it. The novel is geared for kids, but doesn't dumb things down. And its heavy on the wilderness-survivalism. Lots of time focused on killing something and then eating it, keeping a fire going, and basic stuff like that.
I finished reading "Wild Trek," by Jim Kjelgaard. A year ago, I ordered 8 used paperback Kjelgaard novels, and this is the last of them. And ironically, it is a sequel of the first of the novels I chose to read, "Snow Dog." Basically, a trapper living at the edge of civilization is asked to go find a photographer and bush-pilot who crashed in some nearby mountains. With the help of his trusty pack-dog, our hero treks across a snow-covered mountain pass to seek out the survivors.
I enjoyed it. The novel is geared for kids, but doesn't dumb things down. And its heavy on the wilderness-survivalism. Lots of time focused on killing something and then eating it, keeping a fire going, and basic stuff like that.
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 05, 2025 09:27 AM (Lhaco)
57
Wollstonecraft’s story is not very well written. “Begone!” made me laugh.
I think people read the story just to see how much different the various films are from it.
I read the Jonah Sermon in Moby Dick and it made no damn sense.
I think people read the story just to see how much different the various films are from it.
I read the Jonah Sermon in Moby Dick and it made no damn sense.
Posted by: Accomack at October 05, 2025 09:28 AM (T1QkV)
58
I read Frankenstein for the first time a few years back, and was surprised at how good it was. I don't go in for horror genre, typically, so never thought to read it.
It seems the general consensus is that the book is a warning about playing God--don't mess with nature, that kind of thing.
But I got something entirely different out of it. The important thing to me was that Dr. Frankenstein abandoned what he created. He made this monster, then out of fear or repulsion or both, rejected it, leaving it to run terrified through the world.
He should have taken responsibility for it and given it instruction and affection. So, yeah, he shouldn't have made the thing in the first place. But he compounded his sin by refusing to take responsibility for the creation.
It seems the general consensus is that the book is a warning about playing God--don't mess with nature, that kind of thing.
But I got something entirely different out of it. The important thing to me was that Dr. Frankenstein abandoned what he created. He made this monster, then out of fear or repulsion or both, rejected it, leaving it to run terrified through the world.
He should have taken responsibility for it and given it instruction and affection. So, yeah, he shouldn't have made the thing in the first place. But he compounded his sin by refusing to take responsibility for the creation.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at October 05, 2025 09:28 AM (h7ZuX)
59
A business major, I'd take far away electives for a change of pace. A lot of religious studies courses, because how could they flunk me in an opinion only course. More than one of those professor noted they had never had a business major in their course.
Posted by: From about That Time at October 05, 2025 09:22 AM (n4GiU)
---
My primary major was international relations (poli sci) and I decided to pick up history because I enjoyed the subject. This put me in conflict with one of my professors who took extreme exception to my wanting to talk about larger socio-economic factors driving historical events. I caustically asked if simply listing the line of succession for the Holy Roman Empire during the period of the class was more what he wanted, and he unhesitatingly said "yes."
So when it came time for the final exam (in a blue book), before even looking at the question, I wrote the line of succession in the margin. Got a 4.0 on the exam.
Posted by: From about That Time at October 05, 2025 09:22 AM (n4GiU)
---
My primary major was international relations (poli sci) and I decided to pick up history because I enjoyed the subject. This put me in conflict with one of my professors who took extreme exception to my wanting to talk about larger socio-economic factors driving historical events. I caustically asked if simply listing the line of succession for the Holy Roman Empire during the period of the class was more what he wanted, and he unhesitatingly said "yes."
So when it came time for the final exam (in a blue book), before even looking at the question, I wrote the line of succession in the margin. Got a 4.0 on the exam.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 09:29 AM (ZOv7s)
60
They are exploiting the "brand," nothing more. That's all Hollywood can do these days, go with an established name for yet another remake and they have charts and spreadsheets to show that x percent recognize the brand and typically y percent will watch anything that uses it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 09:23 AM (ZOv7s)
Sure, because it's easy. People have a passing knowledge of the classic works even if they read them decades ago, or never. Frankenstein's a dead man, and Dracula's a vampire. How the story went, they dunno.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 09:23 AM (ZOv7s)
Sure, because it's easy. People have a passing knowledge of the classic works even if they read them decades ago, or never. Frankenstein's a dead man, and Dracula's a vampire. How the story went, they dunno.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:29 AM (uQesX)
61
Oh Academy of Outcasts only releases in paperback or ebook & audio
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at October 05, 2025 09:30 AM (dE3DB)
62
As the nic says, I'm weak.
I can't let a mention of Frankenstein go by without bringing up issue No. 13 of the comics maxiseries Planetary. It's set in the past, when Elijah Snow was a young man. His travels have taken him to an abandoned castle in Germany.
The issue, timed for an October release, features certain horror characters. It's famous in comics fandom for what Snow did to Count Dracula.
I can't let a mention of Frankenstein go by without bringing up issue No. 13 of the comics maxiseries Planetary. It's set in the past, when Elijah Snow was a young man. His travels have taken him to an abandoned castle in Germany.
The issue, timed for an October release, features certain horror characters. It's famous in comics fandom for what Snow did to Count Dracula.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 09:31 AM (p/isN)
63
The monster does show up in some unlikely places in literature. Probably because he's a public domain character and thus can be used however an author sees fit.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 05, 2025 09:23 AM (IBQGV)
I have a couple characters in mind to use, but I need to verify if they're public domain yet. I guess AI could tell me that if I give the names.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 05, 2025 09:23 AM (IBQGV)
I have a couple characters in mind to use, but I need to verify if they're public domain yet. I guess AI could tell me that if I give the names.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:31 AM (uQesX)
64
I finished reading "Wild Trek," by Jim Kjelgaard. A year ago, I ordered 8 used paperback Kjelgaard novels, and this is the last of them. And ironically, it is a sequel of the first of the novels I chose to read, "Snow Dog." Basically, a trapper living at the edge of civilization is asked to go find a photographer and bush-pilot who crashed in some nearby mountains. With the help of his trusty pack-dog, our hero treks across a snow-covered mountain pass to seek out the survivors.
I enjoyed it. The novel is geared for kids, but doesn't dumb things down. And its heavy on the wilderness-survivalism. Lots of time focused on killing something and then eating it, keeping a fire going, and basic stuff like that.
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 05, 2025
***
Sounds like a Heinlein juvenile novel without the SF content!
I enjoyed it. The novel is geared for kids, but doesn't dumb things down. And its heavy on the wilderness-survivalism. Lots of time focused on killing something and then eating it, keeping a fire going, and basic stuff like that.
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 05, 2025
***
Sounds like a Heinlein juvenile novel without the SF content!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:31 AM (omVj0)
65
The other Kindle book I read this week was a disappointment. It's called Fifty Degrees South, by M.M. Holt. Superb high concept idea, but fails to bring it off.
The premise is that a Napoleonic era British warship is in far southern waters looking for a French ship carrying some mysterious cargo. And then the aliens show up. Great stuff, right?
Well, not really. The nautical and Nelsonian stuff doesn't ring quite right -- it's movie-level accuracy but in a book aimed at Forrester/O'Brian readers that's not going to cut it. And the alien plot struggles mightily against the arbitrary constraints imposed by the author to make a fair fight between a sailing frigate armed with smoothbore cannons and a spaceship straight out of Star Wars, but ultimately just fails to convince. Too much handwavium, too much "just because" and too much psychic ESP crap. Would have worked better as a straight-up fantasy.
The premise is that a Napoleonic era British warship is in far southern waters looking for a French ship carrying some mysterious cargo. And then the aliens show up. Great stuff, right?
Well, not really. The nautical and Nelsonian stuff doesn't ring quite right -- it's movie-level accuracy but in a book aimed at Forrester/O'Brian readers that's not going to cut it. And the alien plot struggles mightily against the arbitrary constraints imposed by the author to make a fair fight between a sailing frigate armed with smoothbore cannons and a spaceship straight out of Star Wars, but ultimately just fails to convince. Too much handwavium, too much "just because" and too much psychic ESP crap. Would have worked better as a straight-up fantasy.
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 05, 2025 09:32 AM (78a2H)
66
Don't forget to celebrate the fundament when embracing FUNdamental!
Posted by: Sir Mix-A-Lot at October 05, 2025 09:33 AM (0sNs1)
67
Still waiting for new edition of Camp of the Saints from Amazon. Immediately out of stock when it came out three weeks ago.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba
Go to Vauban's website. Both hardcover and paperback are available.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba
Go to Vauban's website. Both hardcover and paperback are available.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at October 05, 2025 09:33 AM (0U5gm)
68
*thinks about discussing Prometheus*
*decides against it*
*moves on with my life, thinking better of it because I decided not to discuss Prometheus*
*decides against it*
*moves on with my life, thinking better of it because I decided not to discuss Prometheus*
Posted by: Darrell Harris - Je Suis Charlie at October 05, 2025 09:34 AM (0CU3H)
69
I wanted to put in a plug for Galen Rowell's "In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods". He was part of a climb in 1975 and took the photographs for the expedition. He also tells some history of the Everest climbs in the past. The photos are wonderful. There were personnel problems with his team and problems with the Sherpas. And it's a great title
Posted by: Notsothoreau at October 05, 2025 09:35 AM (kUxzU)
70
The monster does show up in some unlikely places in literature. Probably because he's a public domain character and thus can be used however an author sees fit.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 05, 2025 09:23 AM (IBQGV)
I have a couple characters in mind to use, but I need to verify if they're public domain yet. I guess AI could tell me that if I give the names.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025
***
I love slipping little asides like that into my stories. In my only (to date) "Girl From U.N.C.L.E." tale, set in 1966, I have a grand opening party at a hotel attended by "a bestselling mystery writer and his NYPD Homicide inspector father," "a famous author and talk-show guest" who "chirp in his Alvin the Chipmunk voice to the former First Lady's society-hostess sister," and actual named performers like Horst Jankowski and Cilla Black. With a mention of Petula Clark, of course.
Nothing actionable, I hope. But it was fun.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 05, 2025 09:23 AM (IBQGV)
I have a couple characters in mind to use, but I need to verify if they're public domain yet. I guess AI could tell me that if I give the names.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025
***
I love slipping little asides like that into my stories. In my only (to date) "Girl From U.N.C.L.E." tale, set in 1966, I have a grand opening party at a hotel attended by "a bestselling mystery writer and his NYPD Homicide inspector father," "a famous author and talk-show guest" who "chirp
Nothing actionable, I hope. But it was fun.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:36 AM (omVj0)
71
Best "Frankenstein Fanfic" story is "Black as the Pit From Pole to Pole" by Howard Waldrop. It picks up just after the events of the novel, as the Monster heads north across the ice . . . and enters the Hollow Earth. Read it to find out what comes next.
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 05, 2025 09:36 AM (78a2H)
72
14
It's also super-heretical, directly contradicting the Nicene Creed, which is a lot like writing a historical novel set in Rome and prominently featuring the telegraph messages between Rome and Alexandria in the runup to the Battle of Actium.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 09:09 AM (ZOv7s)
I think most people in modern-Hollywood wouldn't understand why that is a problem.
One of the reasons I did watch the recent Red Sonja movie (despite having an entire shelf full of Red Sonja stories) was seeing a giant yellow truck in the trailers. Yeah, I really want to see current tech in my sword and sorcery movie. Wouldn't want to feel like I was immersed in another word, or anything like that...
It's also super-heretical, directly contradicting the Nicene Creed, which is a lot like writing a historical novel set in Rome and prominently featuring the telegraph messages between Rome and Alexandria in the runup to the Battle of Actium.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 09:09 AM (ZOv7s)
I think most people in modern-Hollywood wouldn't understand why that is a problem.
One of the reasons I did watch the recent Red Sonja movie (despite having an entire shelf full of Red Sonja stories) was seeing a giant yellow truck in the trailers. Yeah, I really want to see current tech in my sword and sorcery movie. Wouldn't want to feel like I was immersed in another word, or anything like that...
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 05, 2025 09:36 AM (Lhaco)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:36 AM (omVj0)
74
Still waiting for new edition of Camp of the Saints from Amazon. Immediately out of stock when it came out three weeks ago.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at October 05, 2025 09:04 AM (XvL8K)
~~~~~
I got mine last week from Walmart online.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at October 05, 2025 09:04 AM (XvL8K)
~~~~~
I got mine last week from Walmart online.
Posted by: IrishEi at October 05, 2025 09:36 AM (3ImbR)
75
Darn. I didn't mean that strikeout.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:36 AM (omVj0)
76
Also from the library book sale mentioned in comment 49. We got a full sized Duden German/English dictionary. This is sort of the OED for such things. Mrs. JTB has a small version from college days but this will be much better. I found two hardcover books. First was "Macauley's Essays on Milton and Addison". This edition is from 1897. The fly leaf page is inscribed using a dip pen, which was cool. I like the continuity over about 130 years. The other was "The Complete Poems of W. H. Auden from 1945. It's interesting that despite their age and obvious use that the bindings are still tight and the paper is in good condition. These weren't fancy editions just books meant to be used. That says something about the quality of hardcover books made these days.
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 09:37 AM (yTvNw)
77
naturalfake, you will doubtless be thrilled by the news that Luc Besson's Dracula:A Love Tale will get a stateside release in February.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at October 05, 2025 09:22 AM (OTdqV)
I'm just waiting for
"Larry Talbot and Lassie: A Wolfman Romance"
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at October 05, 2025 09:22 AM (OTdqV)
I'm just waiting for
"Larry Talbot and Lassie: A Wolfman Romance"
Posted by: naturalfake at October 05, 2025 09:37 AM (iJfKG)
78
I have the updated Camp of the Saints sitting on my TBR pile. It’s next in the lineup.
Posted by: RetSgtRN at October 05, 2025 09:37 AM (8LRXy)
79
Okay, I have to ask: _how_ is there a truck in a Red Sonja movie? She's either a 30 Years War mercenary (Howard) or a Hyborian Age swordswoman (Marvel comics). Where does the truck come from? Is it some kind of multiverse bullshit?
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 05, 2025 09:39 AM (78a2H)
80
alien earth makes Prometheus seem like Milton
Frankenstein stitched together corpses to great an artificial golem, a grave sin one would think, and such a creature well would be without a soul
the good doctor, alas had no excuse for his amorality,
Frankenstein stitched together corpses to great an artificial golem, a grave sin one would think, and such a creature well would be without a soul
the good doctor, alas had no excuse for his amorality,
Posted by: miguel cervantes at October 05, 2025 09:39 AM (bXbFr)
81
Milton wasn't using "Middle English," though; he was post-Shakespeare. Though I understand how one could find himself talking in poetic rhythms and language for a while after reading him, or old Will for that matter. "Out upon 't; I shall not countenance this for my life or my line."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:39 AM (omVj0)
82
Has "Camp of the Saints" been dramatized?
Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 05, 2025 09:39 AM (9ipOP)
83
Larry Talbot and Lassie is a sure-fire idea. Maybe the best since Lady and the Tramp. And think of the sequels once Lassie and Larry's lycanthropic puppies get into the act.
Gold, Jerry. Gold.
Gold, Jerry. Gold.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 09:40 AM (q3u5l)
Posted by: Thomas Paine at October 05, 2025 09:40 AM (0U5gm)
85
its those monkeys at the typewriter again,
Posted by: miguel cervantes at October 05, 2025 09:41 AM (bXbFr)
86
Having recently finished reading Caine Mutiny, the Navy's position is that it's not possible for a coward to advance to command of a US Navy warship. One of many scenes missing from the movie, after Quegg is removed, Keefer is captain, and the 'author of the mutiny' jumps overboard (with a copy of his unfinished novel) after the ship is hit by a kamikaze. Now Lt Willie Keith stays on board & damage contained and relatively minor.
Keefer knows he's failed a test he can never overcome. Book is one of many about the responsibility & burden of command. It's sometimes difficult to predict who can pass this test. Sometimes people pass who you don't really expect to. Fight, Fight, Fight
Keefer knows he's failed a test he can never overcome. Book is one of many about the responsibility & burden of command. It's sometimes difficult to predict who can pass this test. Sometimes people pass who you don't really expect to. Fight, Fight, Fight
Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at October 05, 2025 09:41 AM (KaHlS)
87
40 The rain has begun in earnest here; I can hear it. Good time to be indoors with the Book Thread.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:22 AM (omVj0)
The rain was yesterday where I live. I spent the day doing some indoor chores, but if those hadn't been in the way, it would have been a great day for a lot of reading!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:22 AM (omVj0)
The rain was yesterday where I live. I spent the day doing some indoor chores, but if those hadn't been in the way, it would have been a great day for a lot of reading!
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 05, 2025 09:41 AM (Lhaco)
88
I love slipping little asides like that into my stories. In my only (to date) "Girl From U.N.C.L.E." tale, set in 1966, I have a grand opening party at a hotel attended by "a bestselling mystery writer and his NYPD Homicide inspector father," "a famous author and talk-show guest" who "chirp in his Alvin the Chipmunk voice to the former First Lady's society-hostess sister," and actual named performers like Horst Jankowski and Cilla Black. With a mention of Petula Clark, of course.
Nothing actionable, I hope. But it was fun.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:36 AM (omVj0)
Yeah, like that. Not thinking of using someone else's characters for anything more than cameos, not the main character.
Nothing actionable, I hope. But it was fun.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:36 AM (omVj0)
Yeah, like that. Not thinking of using someone else's characters for anything more than cameos, not the main character.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:41 AM (uQesX)
89
I'm just waiting for
"Larry Talbot and Lassie: A Wolfman Romance"
Posted by: naturalfake at October 05, 2025
***
You know, I'd be curious about that. . . .
Someone who transforms into a four-legged werewolf, like the guy who bites Larry Talbot, could have a fling with a lady collie. A two-legged werewolf . . . well, let's not think about that.
"Larry Talbot and Lassie: A Wolfman Romance"
Posted by: naturalfake at October 05, 2025
***
You know, I'd be curious about that. . . .
Someone who transforms into a four-legged werewolf, like the guy who bites Larry Talbot, could have a fling with a lady collie. A two-legged werewolf . . . well, let's not think about that.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:41 AM (omVj0)
90
the Drinker had lost of larfs with temu Red Sonja,
Posted by: miguel cervantes at October 05, 2025 09:42 AM (bXbFr)
91
Cat, coffee, and classical music -- Ralph Vaughn Williams' "The Lark Ascending", surely one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written (I'd put "The Swan of Tuonela" up there too).
I'm only about a third of the way into Mark Helprin's "The Ocean and the Stars" but I'm willing to state it's my favorite book this year. An adventure story aboard an experimental patrol craft on a dangerous mission, a meditation on aging, a mature love unfolding between two intelligent and vital people, and some funny jabs at idiot politicians.
I'm only about a third of the way into Mark Helprin's "The Ocean and the Stars" but I'm willing to state it's my favorite book this year. An adventure story aboard an experimental patrol craft on a dangerous mission, a meditation on aging, a mature love unfolding between two intelligent and vital people, and some funny jabs at idiot politicians.
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 09:44 AM (kpS4V)
92
I do remember a kind of adaptation of CoS in the 90s, they didn't call it that, but that was the gist,
Posted by: miguel cervantes at October 05, 2025 09:44 AM (bXbFr)
93
. . . In my only (to date) "Girl From U.N.C.L.E." tale, set in 1966, I have a grand opening party at a hotel attended by "a bestselling mystery writer and his NYPD Homicide inspector father," "a famous author and talk-show guest" who "chirp in his Alvin the Chipmunk voice to the former First Lady's society-hostess sister," and actual named performers like Horst Jankowski and Cilla Black. With a mention of Petula Clark, of course.
Nothing actionable, I hope. But it was fun.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025
*
Yeah, like that. Not thinking of using someone else's characters for anything more than cameos, not the main character.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025
***
I'd be curious to see who here spots the unnamed persons.
Nothing actionable, I hope. But it was fun.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025
*
Yeah, like that. Not thinking of using someone else's characters for anything more than cameos, not the main character.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025
***
I'd be curious to see who here spots the unnamed persons.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:44 AM (omVj0)
94
He should have taken responsibility for it and given it instruction and affection. So, yeah, he shouldn't have made the thing in the first place. But he compounded his sin by refusing to take responsibility for the creation.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at October 05, 2025 09:28 AM (h7ZuX)
---
I've seen that interpretation show up a few times in literary adaptations.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at October 05, 2025 09:28 AM (h7ZuX)
---
I've seen that interpretation show up a few times in literary adaptations.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 05, 2025 09:45 AM (IBQGV)
95
Most of my reading this week has been perusal. I continue to go through "The Fantstic Gustave Dore". That will go on for years probably since I can spend an hour looking at just one engraving. After CBD used a Carl Larrson painting in a recent art thread I got out my copies of his works and his wife's. They are so enjoyable and pleasant I get lost in the scenes. Then there are the poems, mostly Blake and Wordsworth this week. Simply time spent with books that inspire and amaze.
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 09:45 AM (yTvNw)
96
"Because they hate you and want to ruin everything you like."
Because they want you to watch/read their feminist, socialist, LBGTQ++ drivel but know that's there's not a chance on earth that you would unless it's clothed in the skin of a beloved work.
Because they want you to watch/read their feminist, socialist, LBGTQ++ drivel but know that's there's not a chance on earth that you would unless it's clothed in the skin of a beloved work.
Posted by: p0indexterous at October 05, 2025 09:47 AM (K/fEN)
97
I have Frankenstein around here somewhere. I had to read it for my Gothic Literature course in college.
It's not a very long book.
=====
Perfesser -- That is why I have always recommended it for HS students. Short enough to get through it without major whining.
It's not a very long book.
=====
Perfesser -- That is why I have always recommended it for HS students. Short enough to get through it without major whining.
Posted by: mustbequantum at October 05, 2025 09:47 AM (GjnYY)
98
Wolfus,
If by the unnamed persons you mean the writer and his NYPD father, that'd be Ellery Queen. The author/talk show guest with the Alvin voice -- I'm thinking Capote?
If by the unnamed persons you mean the writer and his NYPD father, that'd be Ellery Queen. The author/talk show guest with the Alvin voice -- I'm thinking Capote?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 09:47 AM (q3u5l)
99
I read "Frankenstein" last year. Just great. It's a shame no film was ever made that tells the whole story.
Just great.
Just great.
Posted by: no one of any consequence at October 05, 2025 09:48 AM (ZmEVT)
100
I think I read Shelley's Frankenstein many years ago. Back then I found it slow and talky, much more formal than I expected it to be. Dracula, though it has some of the same failings to our modern ear, is creepier and moves more quickly, and has some neat details -- Harker and the other Dracula-hunters using Winchesters against the Count's gypsy minions, for example.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:48 AM (omVj0)
101
If by the unnamed persons you mean the writer and his NYPD father, that'd be Ellery Queen. The author/talk show guest with the Alvin voice -- I'm thinking Capote?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025
***
Got it in one. I figured you'd know.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025
***
Got it in one. I figured you'd know.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:49 AM (omVj0)
102
Larry Talbot and Lassie is a sure-fire idea. Maybe the best since Lady and the Tramp. And think of the sequels once Lassie and Larry's lycanthropic puppies get into the act.
Gold, Jerry. Gold.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 09:40 AM (q3u5l)
101 Incarnations!
Gold, Jerry. Gold.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 09:40 AM (q3u5l)
101 Incarnations!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:49 AM (uQesX)
103
Don't know if it's still in print but there was a Signet Classics paperback that contained Frankenstein, Dracula, and Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde in one volume, with intro by Stephen King. Nice little volume.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 09:50 AM (q3u5l)
104
People have to reach and dig for the thematic message of Frankenstein because Mary Shelley was a teenager and didn't really understand that part of writing a novel. There isn't a theme. There's spoooky stuff about graves and corpses and reviving the dead, and then some "and then what happened?" stuff with the Monster pursuing its vendetta against Victor, trying to build a mate, and finally the reverse vendetta as Victor hunts the monster. There IS no great underlying theme, other than "What if you could create a living man out of dead bodies? That would probably be a bad idea, really."
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 05, 2025 09:50 AM (78a2H)
105
I'd be curious to see who here spots the unnamed persons.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:44 AM (omVj0)
Raises hand
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:44 AM (omVj0)
Raises hand
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:51 AM (uQesX)
106
Just finished the 7th and last book in Jack Carr's Terminal List/James Reece series, called "Red Sky Mourning," which was excellent, as were all the books in the series. Not happy the story has ended, but was satisfied with the main characters' story arcs completing as they did.
Also binge-watched "The Terminal List: Dark Wolf," which is a prequel to The Terminal List focusing on the Ben Edwards character. Also excellent. Filming just wrapped last week on a new series called "True Believer," which is Carr's second book in the Terminal List universe.
Recently watched an interview with Jack Carr where he explained he had decided he wanted to become a SEAL when he was 6 years old, and a writer when be was about 10, intending to use his SEAL career as background for his novels.
So, he does it, graduating from BUD/S, Jump School and SQT, spending 20 years in The Teams, retires as a Navy Commander, then starts writing.
Talk about a Life Plan well-implemented.
Also binge-watched "The Terminal List: Dark Wolf," which is a prequel to The Terminal List focusing on the Ben Edwards character. Also excellent. Filming just wrapped last week on a new series called "True Believer," which is Carr's second book in the Terminal List universe.
Recently watched an interview with Jack Carr where he explained he had decided he wanted to become a SEAL when he was 6 years old, and a writer when be was about 10, intending to use his SEAL career as background for his novels.
So, he does it, graduating from BUD/S, Jump School and SQT, spending 20 years in The Teams, retires as a Navy Commander, then starts writing.
Talk about a Life Plan well-implemented.
Posted by: Sharkman at October 05, 2025 09:51 AM (/RHNq)
107
I would expect Frankenstein to be a frequent download from Project Gutenberg but not the highest. I never checked but assume most downloads are of classic books like Jane Austin and others that have been used in so many movie and TV shows or are used in classes. Frankenstein would certainly be in that group along with Dracula and Count of Monte Cristo. Just a guess on my part.
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 09:51 AM (yTvNw)
108
Listening to Under the Magnolias by T. I. Lowe and reading Digging up Trouble by Heather Webber. I'm in a trashy novel phase. Have the new kitten in bed with me. Still no real name yet. He is very sweet. I will get him to the vet this week and get him scheduled for his "special" surgery since he's 6 months old already.
Posted by: lin-duh is offended at October 05, 2025 09:52 AM (VCgbV)
109
A few weeks ago someone on brought up "John the Balladeer" by Manly Wad Wellman. A collection of folktale-style stories about a guy who wanders through Appalachia. I complained about the price of the ebook edition of the book, and ranted that if you clicked the 'read sample' button on the Amazon page, you could read two separate forwards that talk about the collection, but none of the actual stories themselves.
Well, I later checked the Barnes and Noble listing for the book, and their sample does include one of Wellman's actual stories! 'The Ugly Bird,' specifically. It's...written rather oddly. Probably as an attempt to emulate the cadence of Appalachian residents. The titular Balladeer didn't 'notice' that someone was following him, he 'awared' it. It would take a bit of time before that cadence would feel natural...
Also, one of the plot points hinged on a quarter being minted with real silver! Talk about an old-timey story...
Well, I later checked the Barnes and Noble listing for the book, and their sample does include one of Wellman's actual stories! 'The Ugly Bird,' specifically. It's...written rather oddly. Probably as an attempt to emulate the cadence of Appalachian residents. The titular Balladeer didn't 'notice' that someone was following him, he 'awared' it. It would take a bit of time before that cadence would feel natural...
Also, one of the plot points hinged on a quarter being minted with real silver! Talk about an old-timey story...
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 05, 2025 09:52 AM (Lhaco)
110
Speaking of chirping, my high on the wall out of reach wired smoke detector keeps making noise. The light's green, it shouldn't do that. No ladder to change the battery.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:52 AM (uQesX)
111
There IS no great underlying theme, other than "What if you could create a living man out of dead bodies? That would probably be a bad idea, really."
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 05, 2025 09:50 AM (78a2H)
---
It's an idea that also doesn't make a whole lot of sense when you start thinking about it too hard.
Why not just try to reanimate a complete corpse? Why try to BUILD a human out of scraps? You'll never have matching bits and pieces so he's always going to look like a monster.
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 05, 2025 09:50 AM (78a2H)
---
It's an idea that also doesn't make a whole lot of sense when you start thinking about it too hard.
Why not just try to reanimate a complete corpse? Why try to BUILD a human out of scraps? You'll never have matching bits and pieces so he's always going to look like a monster.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 05, 2025 09:53 AM (IBQGV)
112
Have the new kitten in bed with me. Still no real name yet. He is very sweet. I will get him to the vet this week and get him scheduled for his "special" surgery since he's 6 months old already.
Posted by: lin-duh is offended at October 05, 2025
***
Better move fast. Stirling was very precocious and was trying to put the moves ("Hel-lo, bay-bee!") on little Dagny almost as soon as he met her.
Posted by: lin-duh is offended at October 05, 2025
***
Better move fast. Stirling was very precocious and was trying to put the moves ("Hel-lo, bay-bee!") on little Dagny almost as soon as he met her.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:54 AM (omVj0)
113
@70 and 75 --
I wondered what you were doing.
Max Allan Collins used real-life people and events in his "history mystery" stories. I remember one set aboard the Hindenburg with Leslie Charteris, the writer of the Saint stories. True fact: Charteris was a passenger on the airship.
And his P.I. character Nate Heller got mixed up with Huey Long and the Black Dahlia slaying.
Oh, no, now I want to reread those stories. As if the TBR list wasn't already screaming for mercy.
I wondered what you were doing.
Max Allan Collins used real-life people and events in his "history mystery" stories. I remember one set aboard the Hindenburg with Leslie Charteris, the writer of the Saint stories. True fact: Charteris was a passenger on the airship.
And his P.I. character Nate Heller got mixed up with Huey Long and the Black Dahlia slaying.
Oh, no, now I want to reread those stories. As if the TBR list wasn't already screaming for mercy.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 09:54 AM (p/isN)
114
Yeh, middle was wrong, but was brain farting. Still am. Elizabethan? It alk runs together now.
Posted by: From about That Time at October 05, 2025 09:54 AM (n4GiU)
115
For Halloween I'm reading A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny and currently on chapter "October 5".
More Halloween fare - rereading The Willows by Algernon Blackwood, a weird fiction psycho-horror story. Of course it's free to download at Standard Ebooks, Project Gutenberg and Internet Archive.
More Halloween fare - rereading The Willows by Algernon Blackwood, a weird fiction psycho-horror story. Of course it's free to download at Standard Ebooks, Project Gutenberg and Internet Archive.
Posted by: 13times at October 05, 2025 09:54 AM (UZUkx)
116
Good morning all
I read book 39 in Parker's Spenser series Sixkill. It is the last one written by Parker himself. The style is a bit different as Hawk does not appear but introduces Zebulon Sixkill, a Cree Indian bodyguard for a loathsome actor who is shooting a film in Boston. A.though there is a murder that Spenser has asked to investigate, the story revolves around Spenser taking on Z as a kind of protege. This new character is interesting and I am pretty tired of Susan Silverman who is just too perfect.
Now have to decide if I want to try the authors who have continued thenSlenser series. Anyone read on? Are so,e better than others?
I read book 39 in Parker's Spenser series Sixkill. It is the last one written by Parker himself. The style is a bit different as Hawk does not appear but introduces Zebulon Sixkill, a Cree Indian bodyguard for a loathsome actor who is shooting a film in Boston. A.though there is a murder that Spenser has asked to investigate, the story revolves around Spenser taking on Z as a kind of protege. This new character is interesting and I am pretty tired of Susan Silverman who is just too perfect.
Now have to decide if I want to try the authors who have continued thenSlenser series. Anyone read on? Are so,e better than others?
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 05, 2025 09:54 AM (t/2Uw)
117
Because they want you to watch/read their feminist, socialist, LBGTQ++ drivel but know that's there's not a chance on earth that you would unless it's clothed in the skin of a beloved work.
Posted by: p0indexterous at October 05, 2025 09:47 AM (K/fEN)
It's a fair cop.
Posted by: p0indexterous at October 05, 2025 09:47 AM (K/fEN)
It's a fair cop.
Posted by: feminist, socialist, LBGTQ++s at October 05, 2025 09:54 AM (uQesX)
118
I've had a giant old cloth bound edition of "Paradise Lost" on my shelves for decades. It has Dore illustrations galore.
Confession: haven't read the story, just gawp at the pictures.
Confession: haven't read the story, just gawp at the pictures.
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 09:56 AM (kpS4V)
119
Why not just try to reanimate a complete corpse? Why try to BUILD a human out of scraps? You'll never have matching bits and pieces so he's always going to look like a monster.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
Monster: I have two left feet.
Me: Oh, you can't dance?
Monster: No, really, I have two left feet.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
Monster: I have two left feet.
Me: Oh, you can't dance?
Monster: No, really, I have two left feet.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at October 05, 2025 09:57 AM (0U5gm)
120
Don't know if it's still in print but there was a Signet Classics paperback that contained Frankenstein, Dracula, and Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde in one volume, with intro by Stephen King. Nice little volume.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 09:50 AM (q3u5l)
I think I have that somewhere.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 09:50 AM (q3u5l)
I think I have that somewhere.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:57 AM (uQesX)
121
it is said Shelley came up with it after an opium induced dream, after a roudy party,
Posted by: miguel cervantes at October 05, 2025 09:58 AM (bXbFr)
122
Earlier in the week I grabbed "Traitor's Blade" the first of the Greatcoats series. It was selling for 99 cents at the time, but the price now looks like its back up to 3 bucks. Don't know anything about the series, other than it kinda looked cool...Hopefully the story (when I get around to reading it) lives up to the cover.
Also, Humble Bundle is releasing a whole bunch of Glen Cook's "The Black Company" novels. I've read pretty much all of Cook's "Garrett P.I. series (a private investigator living in a big city in a fantasy world) but never got into his Black Company books. This series looks more war-focused, and more grim-darky. Maybe I'll pick these up, but I already have a massive backlog of ebooks that I'm already ignoring, so....
Also, Humble Bundle is releasing a whole bunch of Glen Cook's "The Black Company" novels. I've read pretty much all of Cook's "Garrett P.I. series (a private investigator living in a big city in a fantasy world) but never got into his Black Company books. This series looks more war-focused, and more grim-darky. Maybe I'll pick these up, but I already have a massive backlog of ebooks that I'm already ignoring, so....
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 05, 2025 09:59 AM (Lhaco)
123
For Halloween I'm reading A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny and currently on chapter "October 5".
Posted by: 13times at October 05, 2025 09:54 AM (UZUkx)
----
This has been recommended quite a bit around here. I just ordered it now that it's been reprinted and is affordable.
Posted by: 13times at October 05, 2025 09:54 AM (UZUkx)
----
This has been recommended quite a bit around here. I just ordered it now that it's been reprinted and is affordable.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 05, 2025 10:00 AM (IBQGV)
124
I love the Wizard of Id's monster's name, Abra Cadaver.
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 10:00 AM (kpS4V)
125
@70 and 75 --
I wondered what you were doing.
Max Allan Collins used real-life people and events in his "history mystery" stories. I remember one set aboard the Hindenburg with Leslie Charteris, the writer of the Saint stories. True fact: Charteris was a passenger on the airship.
And his P.I. character Nate Heller got mixed up with Huey Long and the Black Dahlia slaying. . . .
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025
***
I used the strikeout letter by mistake as an "s" within brackets, because my original text was in past tense and my current sentence was in present. Don't pay any attention, I'm odd.
Collins is good at those, and he is using people who are long dead and generally are painted in the stories the same way they were in life. He's not suggesting (I hope!) that Charteris was a pedo, or that Huey Long was a Soviet agent, for example.
I wondered what you were doing.
Max Allan Collins used real-life people and events in his "history mystery" stories. I remember one set aboard the Hindenburg with Leslie Charteris, the writer of the Saint stories. True fact: Charteris was a passenger on the airship.
And his P.I. character Nate Heller got mixed up with Huey Long and the Black Dahlia slaying. . . .
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025
***
I used the strikeout letter by mistake as an "s" within brackets, because my original text was in past tense and my current sentence was in present. Don't pay any attention, I'm odd.
Collins is good at those, and he is using people who are long dead and generally are painted in the stories the same way they were in life. He's not suggesting (I hope!) that Charteris was a pedo, or that Huey Long was a Soviet agent, for example.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 10:00 AM (omVj0)
126
One thing I've noticed about movie adaptations of classic works is that they no longer seem to be adapting the original book at all, but rather are riffing off the previous film adaptation. Also, they assume the audience are a lot dumber than the audience actually are.
Case in point: I recently re-watched the 1970s Three Musketeers/Four Musketeers. Great movie. The situation in France is complicated: Louis XIII is king, but he's a bit of a ninny -- and knows it himself -- so Cardinal Richelieu is the Boss of France. He's ruthless, but not selfish: he really is working for what he considers the good of France. The Queen is from Austria, France's arch-rival, and really is plotting with the English prime minister. BUT she's a _lady_, and the Musketeers are _chivalrous_, so they will fight against their own boss to defend the honor of the Queen, even though they'd cheerfully follow Richelieu to war with Austria and shoot at her family with cannons. All this is presented on the fly, no great exposition scenes, and I don't think any viewers had trouble following the story.
Nowadays it gets boiled down to "Cardinal Richelieu is a Bad Guy who is trying to take over the throne." Bah.
Case in point: I recently re-watched the 1970s Three Musketeers/Four Musketeers. Great movie. The situation in France is complicated: Louis XIII is king, but he's a bit of a ninny -- and knows it himself -- so Cardinal Richelieu is the Boss of France. He's ruthless, but not selfish: he really is working for what he considers the good of France. The Queen is from Austria, France's arch-rival, and really is plotting with the English prime minister. BUT she's a _lady_, and the Musketeers are _chivalrous_, so they will fight against their own boss to defend the honor of the Queen, even though they'd cheerfully follow Richelieu to war with Austria and shoot at her family with cannons. All this is presented on the fly, no great exposition scenes, and I don't think any viewers had trouble following the story.
Nowadays it gets boiled down to "Cardinal Richelieu is a Bad Guy who is trying to take over the throne." Bah.
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 05, 2025 10:01 AM (78a2H)
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 10:01 AM (p/isN)
128
Got it in one. I figured you'd know.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:49 AM (omVj0)
He missed the last one, Wolfus.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 09:49 AM (omVj0)
He missed the last one, Wolfus.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 10:03 AM (uQesX)
129
In Peter David's book "Howling Mad," a wolf is attacked by a werewolf. As a result, the wolf becomrs human on the nights of the full moon.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 10:03 AM (p/isN)
130
I'd be curious to see who here spots the unnamed persons.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025
*
Raises hand
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025
***
I was sure you would too. The "former First Lady's society-hostess sister" is pretty much a footnote in Kennedy history now: Lee Radziwill, Jackie's sister, who hung out with Capote a lot in the mid-'60s. She tried being an actress once -- in the title role of a TV adaptation of Caspary's Laura. The reviews were so savage she never tried again.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025
*
Raises hand
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025
***
I was sure you would too. The "former First Lady's society-hostess sister" is pretty much a footnote in Kennedy history now: Lee Radziwill, Jackie's sister, who hung out with Capote a lot in the mid-'60s. She tried being an actress once -- in the title role of a TV adaptation of Caspary's Laura. The reviews were so savage she never tried again.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 10:05 AM (omVj0)
131
Picked up a bunch of paperback books at the Friends of the Library book sale, among them Steinbeck's Travels with Charley. So, that trusty old book is now on deck.
Posted by: 13times at October 05, 2025 10:05 AM (UZUkx)
Posted by: no one of any consequence at October 05, 2025 10:05 AM (ZmEVT)
133
Have the new kitten in bed with me. Still no real name yet. He is very sweet. I will get him to the vet this week and get him scheduled for his "special" surgery since he's 6 months old already.
Posted by: lin-duh is offended at October 05, 2025 09:52 AM
Ace the MoMe cat says congratulations!
Ben Had's kitchen table may have an opening available in a couple of weeks.
Posted by: lin-duh is offended at October 05, 2025 09:52 AM
Ace the MoMe cat says congratulations!
Ben Had's kitchen table may have an opening available in a couple of weeks.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at October 05, 2025 10:06 AM (0sNs1)
134
Sharkman, I think I only read the first book in the series but it sounds like I missed out by not reading on. I'll have to add them to my to be read list.
I also really liked Dark Wolf. For once Prime did something right and Taylor Kitsch is great.
I think when the author is involved with the production, it makes for better storytelling. Not just based on the book.
I also really liked Dark Wolf. For once Prime did something right and Taylor Kitsch is great.
I think when the author is involved with the production, it makes for better storytelling. Not just based on the book.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 05, 2025 10:07 AM (t/2Uw)
135
Reading adjacent. I mentioned on the hobby thread that I'm going to keep a commonplace book to make note of quotes and ideas that come from my reading. I use highlighters and book darts all the time. As I spend more and more time reading poetry and related materials such as Coleridge's Biographia Literaria and correspondence from authors I admire, I find more things I want to record: quotes, phrases, and the thoughts they inspire. And I will do it by hand. Writing out these matters longhand helps cement them in my memory, something I learned back in college.
I have a good quality leather wrapped journal to use for this and will use a fountain pen for the writing. That should make the effort and result more special.
I've seen mention that as people preserve matters of personal importance without digital media, and the benefits of handwriting such matters, commonplace books are making a small come back. (And yes, I have Kipling's "Gods of the Copybook Headings" in mind.)
I have a good quality leather wrapped journal to use for this and will use a fountain pen for the writing. That should make the effort and result more special.
I've seen mention that as people preserve matters of personal importance without digital media, and the benefits of handwriting such matters, commonplace books are making a small come back. (And yes, I have Kipling's "Gods of the Copybook Headings" in mind.)
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 10:07 AM (yTvNw)
136
128 --
You're right. I did miss the last one. Overlooked it completely -- not enough caffeine. For that period we're talking Jackie Kennedy's sister. Doubt I'm remembering correctly, but the name Lee Radziwill comes to mind -- I'll bet Wolfus will know the answer to that since it's his story.
You're right. I did miss the last one. Overlooked it completely -- not enough caffeine. For that period we're talking Jackie Kennedy's sister. Doubt I'm remembering correctly, but the name Lee Radziwill comes to mind -- I'll bet Wolfus will know the answer to that since it's his story.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 10:08 AM (q3u5l)
137
You're right. I did miss the last one. Overlooked it completely -- not enough caffeine. For that period we're talking Jackie Kennedy's sister. Doubt I'm remembering correctly, but the name Lee Radziwill comes to mind -- I'll bet Wolfus will know the answer to that since it's his story.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 10:08 AM (q3u5l)
It was the strikeouts that did it!
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 10:08 AM (q3u5l)
It was the strikeouts that did it!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 10:09 AM (uQesX)
138
79 Okay, I have to ask: _how_ is there a truck in a Red Sonja movie? She's either a 30 Years War mercenary (Howard) or a Hyborian Age swordswoman (Marvel comics). Where does the truck come from? Is it some kind of multiverse bullshit?
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 05, 2025 09:39 AM (78a2H)
[pinches nose in frustration just thinking about it]
So, apparently, the main bad guy had half a book that describes 'ancient technology' from a lost time, and he's creating stuff from that book in order to conquer the world. There was that, a mind-control device, and some weird power-source...
The movie has nothing to do with the Howard original (Shadow of the Vulture) nor the Marvel Comics version. It's a dumb amalgamation of the worst Dynamite Comics versions (by Gail Simone and Mark Russel, the worst writers to ever desecrate the character) and the director's own warped imagination. It has more in common with some normie's conception of D&D (with baboon-faced and shark-toothed fantasy races that live side by side with Humans without any comment) than with anything remotely Hyborian.
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 05, 2025 09:39 AM (78a2H)
[pinches nose in frustration just thinking about it]
So, apparently, the main bad guy had half a book that describes 'ancient technology' from a lost time, and he's creating stuff from that book in order to conquer the world. There was that, a mind-control device, and some weird power-source...
The movie has nothing to do with the Howard original (Shadow of the Vulture) nor the Marvel Comics version. It's a dumb amalgamation of the worst Dynamite Comics versions (by Gail Simone and Mark Russel, the worst writers to ever desecrate the character) and the director's own warped imagination. It has more in common with some normie's conception of D&D (with baboon-faced and shark-toothed fantasy races that live side by side with Humans without any comment) than with anything remotely Hyborian.
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 05, 2025 10:11 AM (Lhaco)
139
Sharkman - there's a well-circulated joke that once you graduate SQT you get your Trident and a contract with a publisher :-)
Posted by: PabloD at October 05, 2025 10:12 AM (k29Yc)
140
49 A suggestion that if your local library has a book sale, attend it. The books and materials are not from the shelves but donations. ...
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 09:25 AM (yTvNw)
----
JTB Johnson's right! If you like niche reading (history, art, military, SF/Fantasy -- i.e. not Dan Brown crap or celebrity book club picks), library sales are the best. Somebody unloads their carefully curated weirdness and i am there for it like Shelob drooling over a fat hobbit.
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 09:25 AM (yTvNw)
----
JTB Johnson's right! If you like niche reading (history, art, military, SF/Fantasy -- i.e. not Dan Brown crap or celebrity book club picks), library sales are the best. Somebody unloads their carefully curated weirdness and i am there for it like Shelob drooling over a fat hobbit.
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 10:13 AM (kpS4V)
141
Fun fact: A volcanic eruption is how we got "Frankenstein." Shelley was holed up with three other writers (don't remember who) in a Swiss hotel, their vacation plans ruined by the weather spawned by the eruption.
Posted by: pookysgirl, too busy to look it up at October 05, 2025 10:13 AM (Wt5PA)
142
Wolfus/Duncanthrax,
The other cats want nothing to do with him so far. He's tolerating the dog ok. He lets me brush him. I'm going to attempt a nail clipping later today..
The other cats want nothing to do with him so far. He's tolerating the dog ok. He lets me brush him. I'm going to attempt a nail clipping later today..
Posted by: lin-duh is offended at October 05, 2025 10:13 AM (VCgbV)
143
We have an honorary niece getting married next month and she is a huge Tolkien fan. Part of the wedding gift will be several cookbooks derived from The Hobbit and LOTR books. She enjoys cooking so we hope they will have fun with them.
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 10:13 AM (yTvNw)
144
I think I read somewhere that Carr does cameos in the series?
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 05, 2025 10:13 AM (t/2Uw)
145
128 --
You're right. I did miss the last one. Overlooked it completely -- not enough caffeine. For that period we're talking Jackie Kennedy's sister. Doubt I'm remembering correctly, but the name Lee Radziwill comes to mind -- I'll bet Wolfus will know the answer to that since it's his story.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025
***
Right, that was it. Lee, nee Bouvier, is pretty much forgotten in pop culture now, but she was considered hot stuff in the high society of the East Coast for a while -- partly because of the Kennedy connection, I guess. Truman Capote used to hang out with her a lot.
To bring this back to books, Capote is worth trying. Maybe not his Other Voices, Other Rooms, his first novel. In Cold Blood is good stuff, so are a lot of his short stories, and his collection Handcarved Coffins has a "true crime" story, along with some very funny reminiscences.
You're right. I did miss the last one. Overlooked it completely -- not enough caffeine. For that period we're talking Jackie Kennedy's sister. Doubt I'm remembering correctly, but the name Lee Radziwill comes to mind -- I'll bet Wolfus will know the answer to that since it's his story.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025
***
Right, that was it. Lee, nee Bouvier, is pretty much forgotten in pop culture now, but she was considered hot stuff in the high society of the East Coast for a while -- partly because of the Kennedy connection, I guess. Truman Capote used to hang out with her a lot.
To bring this back to books, Capote is worth trying. Maybe not his Other Voices, Other Rooms, his first novel. In Cold Blood is good stuff, so are a lot of his short stories, and his collection Handcarved Coffins has a "true crime" story, along with some very funny reminiscences.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 10:15 AM (omVj0)
146
12 What class vessel was Pollux?
Posted by: Eromero at October 05, 2025 09:06 AM (jgmnb)
Not sure, but it ran on Castor oil.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:09 AM (uQesX)
Didn’t meet the emissions standards on Neptune. Cause of crash?
Posted by: Eromero at October 05, 2025 09:06 AM (jgmnb)
Not sure, but it ran on Castor oil.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:09 AM (uQesX)
Didn’t meet the emissions standards on Neptune. Cause of crash?
Posted by: Eromero at October 05, 2025 10:15 AM (jgmnb)
147
@125 --
No, Charteris was an author who got involved in a homicide, and Long was a slimy politician who hired Heller.
No, Charteris was an author who got involved in a homicide, and Long was a slimy politician who hired Heller.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 10:16 AM (p/isN)
148
Our library doesn't do a periodic book sale -- there are tables in the foyer pretty much all the time. Some donated, but a LOT of discards over the past decade; IMHO they've cut not only fat but a lot of muscle from the collection, and that's one reason I stopped donating books to the local public library years ago.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 10:16 AM (q3u5l)
149
He should have taken responsibility for it and given it instruction and affection. So, yeah, he shouldn't have made the thing in the first place. But he compounded his sin by refusing to take responsibility for the creation.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at October 05, 2025 09:28 AM (h7ZuX)
I'm not sure I've read the original, but one thing that struck me about an adaptation I've read (which I assume is fairly accurate) was how suddenly Victor abandoned the Monster. He was obsessed up to the moment of creation, and then suddenly lost his nerve. That never felt right. It seems like there should be a trigger, some actual event or revelation of unforeseeable consequences that should have preceded Victor's actions...
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at October 05, 2025 09:28 AM (h7ZuX)
I'm not sure I've read the original, but one thing that struck me about an adaptation I've read (which I assume is fairly accurate) was how suddenly Victor abandoned the Monster. He was obsessed up to the moment of creation, and then suddenly lost his nerve. That never felt right. It seems like there should be a trigger, some actual event or revelation of unforeseeable consequences that should have preceded Victor's actions...
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 05, 2025 10:17 AM (Lhaco)
150
No, Charteris was an author who got involved in a homicide, and Long was a slimy politician who hired Heller.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025
***
Legitimate; Collins is simply drawing them as they were known to be at the time.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025
***
Legitimate; Collins is simply drawing them as they were known to be at the time.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 10:17 AM (omVj0)
151
Picked up three books by Winston Churchill at a used bookstore fairly cheap. Nice thick hardcover books. Now to read them.
Posted by: Anna Puma at October 05, 2025 10:19 AM (CmCN0)
152
For those keeping score, got all but Capote.
Posted by: From about That Time at October 05, 2025 10:20 AM (n4GiU)
153
Read In Cold Blood when it first came out in paperback, or maybe a year or so later; haven't revisited it, though I recall it being pretty good. Never did get around to his fiction.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 10:21 AM (q3u5l)
154
Fun fact: A volcanic eruption is how we got "Frankenstein." Shelley was holed up with three other writers (don't remember who) in a Swiss hotel, their vacation plans ruined by the weather spawned by the eruption.
Posted by: pookysgirl,
John Polidori was there and came up with Vampyre, which inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. Also there was her lover and future husband Percy Shelley.
Posted by: pookysgirl,
John Polidori was there and came up with Vampyre, which inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. Also there was her lover and future husband Percy Shelley.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at October 05, 2025 10:22 AM (0U5gm)
155
Thanks for the Reading Thread, Weasel!
I've just been enjoying some murder mysteries by J.D. Robb. It's pure brain candy and I love it! Soon, I will return to selected biographies of early American founders, which is also enjoyable.
I've just been enjoying some murder mysteries by J.D. Robb. It's pure brain candy and I love it! Soon, I will return to selected biographies of early American founders, which is also enjoyable.
Posted by: Legally Sufficient at October 05, 2025 10:22 AM (kB9dk)
156
What class vessel was Pollux?
Posted by: Eromero at October 05, 2025 09:06 AM (jgmnb)
Not sure, but it ran on Castor oil.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:09 AM (uQesX)
Didn’t meet the emissions standards on Neptune. Cause of crash?
Posted by: Eromero at October 05, 2025 10:15 AM (jgmnb)
Ran low on fuel because of incompetent Shinnery.
Posted by: Eromero at October 05, 2025 09:06 AM (jgmnb)
Not sure, but it ran on Castor oil.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 09:09 AM (uQesX)
Didn’t meet the emissions standards on Neptune. Cause of crash?
Posted by: Eromero at October 05, 2025 10:15 AM (jgmnb)
Ran low on fuel because of incompetent Shinnery.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 10:23 AM (uQesX)
157
Someone asked last week for Steampunk that complete trash. At the end of the thread a lurker recommended their own series "Hunter, Healer, King" although the third book isn't out yet. At $5 for the two I decided to give them a try. The author is Mel Dunay, I don't remember the nic.
I quite enjoyed the first book and have started the second. There are some editing errors, but less than in many independently published books. The story has no explicit scenes, which is refreshing, but to call it Steampunk is probably pushing the genre boundary beyond what it will take. Although, I think the world could be considered to be on the *cusp* of the type of technology found in Steampunk.
I quite enjoyed the first book and have started the second. There are some editing errors, but less than in many independently published books. The story has no explicit scenes, which is refreshing, but to call it Steampunk is probably pushing the genre boundary beyond what it will take. Although, I think the world could be considered to be on the *cusp* of the type of technology found in Steampunk.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at October 05, 2025 10:23 AM (lFFaq)
158
153 Read In Cold Blood when it first came out in paperback, or maybe a year or so later; haven't revisited it, though I recall it being pretty good. Never did get around to his fiction.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025
***
His short "A Christmas Memory" is very good.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025
***
His short "A Christmas Memory" is very good.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 10:24 AM (omVj0)
159
For those keeping score, got all but Capote.
Posted by: From about That Time at October 05, 2025 10:20 AM (n4GiU)
There were a lot of faggy writers at the time.
Fun Fact: If Truman Capote was English, the French would have called him Un Capote D'Anglais.
Posted by: From about That Time at October 05, 2025 10:20 AM (n4GiU)
There were a lot of faggy writers at the time.
Fun Fact: If Truman Capote was English, the French would have called him Un Capote D'Anglais.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 10:24 AM (uQesX)
160
129 In Peter David's book "Howling Mad," a wolf is attacked by a werewolf. As a result, the wolf becomrs human on the nights of the full moon.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 10:03 AM (p/isN)
YouTube Shorts creator 'ZacSpeaksGiant' reads off random comments from the internet (like ours!) and occassionally illustrates them. One comment was of a were-human wolf; on the full moon a wolf turns into a human, steals some clothes and goes into an office. Then it turns back into a very confused wolf...
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 10:03 AM (p/isN)
YouTube Shorts creator 'ZacSpeaksGiant' reads off random comments from the internet (like ours!) and occassionally illustrates them. One comment was of a were-human wolf; on the full moon a wolf turns into a human, steals some clothes and goes into an office. Then it turns back into a very confused wolf...
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 05, 2025 10:25 AM (Lhaco)
161
Re: the Hessian soldier's diary, the diarist is Johann Dohla and a nice PDF can be downloaded here (courtesy of The Muzzleloading Forum):
https://tinyurl.com/247wg43l.
Internet Archive seems to have read-only (no download) for this title. Gutenberg doesn't have it.
Thanks for the rec, OrangeEnt!
https://tinyurl.com/247wg43l.
Internet Archive seems to have read-only (no download) for this title. Gutenberg doesn't have it.
Thanks for the rec, OrangeEnt!
Posted by: Clio Weeps at October 05, 2025 10:26 AM (kSAM8)
162
9 ...
I've begun "Game Without Rules," a collection of Cold War secret agent stories by Michael Gilbert featuring two genteel gentlemen in their 50s, Behrens and Calder. They live in an English village -- one with an aunt, the other with a dog. The villagers know that one or the other leaves on occasion, but nobody cares. Nobody talks to outsiders about them, either. The two are very good at carrying out their assignments, which include homicide. Fire the shot, catch the train, home in time for tea.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 09:06 AM (p/isN)
_______
Love Gilbert. I think "The Cat Cracker" is in that one, IMHO the best of the Calder/Behrens stories. Since Gilbert outlived Patrick O'Brian, that makes him the last writer I read during his lifetime. Gilbert, BTW, was the Tory party's solicitor during the Maggie years.
I've begun "Game Without Rules," a collection of Cold War secret agent stories by Michael Gilbert featuring two genteel gentlemen in their 50s, Behrens and Calder. They live in an English village -- one with an aunt, the other with a dog. The villagers know that one or the other leaves on occasion, but nobody cares. Nobody talks to outsiders about them, either. The two are very good at carrying out their assignments, which include homicide. Fire the shot, catch the train, home in time for tea.
Posted by: Weak Geek at October 05, 2025 09:06 AM (p/isN)
_______
Love Gilbert. I think "The Cat Cracker" is in that one, IMHO the best of the Calder/Behrens stories. Since Gilbert outlived Patrick O'Brian, that makes him the last writer I read during his lifetime. Gilbert, BTW, was the Tory party's solicitor during the Maggie years.
Posted by: Eeyore (Is, Eum) at October 05, 2025 10:28 AM (s0JqF)
163
In the same tale I tossed in an offhand reference to a fictional character. A character in my story says he was trained in special makeup by "an actor's actor named Hand. . . . He has left the stage. Rumor has it he lends his skills to a U.S. intelligence agency."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 10:28 AM (omVj0)
164
Recently I've been poking around the few remaining physical shelves here at Casa Some Guy and the utterly nightmarish list of ebooks in the Kindle library.
If I never bought another book, there's more than enough here to last me until I'm planted. There's no hope of catching up unless there is in fact an afterlife (in which I hope my eyes are better than they've been lately).
So, I'll add Capote's "A Christmas Memory" to the Amazing Colossal To-Be-Read Pile, which stands precariously next to the equally Amazing Colossal To-Be-Reread Pile. Will I ever actually read it? Beats hell outta me.
If I never bought another book, there's more than enough here to last me until I'm planted. There's no hope of catching up unless there is in fact an afterlife (in which I hope my eyes are better than they've been lately).
So, I'll add Capote's "A Christmas Memory" to the Amazing Colossal To-Be-Read Pile, which stands precariously next to the equally Amazing Colossal To-Be-Reread Pile. Will I ever actually read it? Beats hell outta me.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 10:29 AM (q3u5l)
165
14 ... AH Lloyd,
I've read Paradise Lost several times, mostly for classes. Yes, there are some moving passages beautifully written, but I have come to regard it more as an exercise in rhetoric and allegory clothed in poetry. I don't doubt Milton's faith but find the constant 'push' of his approach, overblown allusions and 'I'm smarter than you' attitude to be tiring. Paradise Lost is a supreme product of that time and had a huge influence but as a stand alone poem telling a story in verse it is overrated. Centuries of English Lit. teachers are probably swooning or frothing at that opinion.
I prefer Chesterton's "Ballad of the White Horse" as epic poetry.
I've read Paradise Lost several times, mostly for classes. Yes, there are some moving passages beautifully written, but I have come to regard it more as an exercise in rhetoric and allegory clothed in poetry. I don't doubt Milton's faith but find the constant 'push' of his approach, overblown allusions and 'I'm smarter than you' attitude to be tiring. Paradise Lost is a supreme product of that time and had a huge influence but as a stand alone poem telling a story in verse it is overrated. Centuries of English Lit. teachers are probably swooning or frothing at that opinion.
I prefer Chesterton's "Ballad of the White Horse" as epic poetry.
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 10:30 AM (yTvNw)
166
YouTube Shorts creator 'ZacSpeaksGiant' reads off random comments from the internet (like ours!) and occassionally illustrates them. One comment was of a were-human wolf; on the full moon a wolf turns into a human, steals some clothes and goes into an office. Then it turns back into a very confused wolf...
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 05, 2025
***
There is a 1950s short called "Wolves Don't Cry" by one Bruce Elliott, in which a wolf wakes up in his enclosure in the zoo as a human. He's very confused by all the sights (now in color!) and smells, and the barking of the humans who "rescue" him from the cage. And all he wants to do is go back to being a wolf.
YouTube Shorts creator 'ZacSpeaksGiant' reads off random comments from the internet (like ours!) and occassionally illustrates them. One comment was of a were-human wolf; on the full moon a wolf turns into a human, steals some clothes and goes into an office. Then it turns back into a very confused wolf...
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 05, 2025
***
There is a 1950s short called "Wolves Don't Cry" by one Bruce Elliott, in which a wolf wakes up in his enclosure in the zoo as a human. He's very confused by all the sights (now in color!) and smells, and the barking of the humans who "rescue" him from the cage. And all he wants to do is go back to being a wolf.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 10:31 AM (omVj0)
167
Steampunk is an anthology of steampunk fiction edited by Ann and Jeff VanderMeer, and published by Tachyon Publications. It was nominated in 2009, for a World Fantasy Award.
Vandermeer is Woke YMMV.
Vandermeer authored the weird fiction series The Southern Reach trilogy.
Vandermeer is Woke YMMV.
Vandermeer authored the weird fiction series The Southern Reach trilogy.
Posted by: 13times at October 05, 2025 10:31 AM (UZUkx)
168
140 ... "Somebody unloads their carefully curated weirdness and i am there for it like Shelob drooling over a fat hobbit."
AHE really understands me! Love the so appropriate comparison to Shelob.
AHE really understands me! Love the so appropriate comparison to Shelob.
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 10:32 AM (yTvNw)
169
Abby. Abby somebody.
Posted by: Marty Feldman at October 05, 2025 10:33 AM (XQo4F)
170
This week? 'Command Authority', Clancy. Pure escapist, but satisfying as the bad guys always lose...and by 'lose', I mean are eliminated.
After the recommendation by a Moron (last week?), I found that the local library has a copy of 'Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy', so I have reserved it, and look forward to the read.
After the recommendation by a Moron (last week?), I found that the local library has a copy of 'Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy', so I have reserved it, and look forward to the read.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 05, 2025 10:34 AM (XeU6L)
171
Although, I think the world could be considered to be on the *cusp* of the type of technology found in Steampunk.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at October 05, 2025 10:23 AM (lFFaq)
I consider The Wild Wild West to be what people call Steampunk.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at October 05, 2025 10:23 AM (lFFaq)
I consider The Wild Wild West to be what people call Steampunk.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 10:34 AM (uQesX)
172
The Vandermeers also put together a big collection of weird fiction, called simply The Weird. There's some very good stuff in that one. Maybe they're woke and maybe they're not, I dunno because I've not read their fiction, but they do put together a nice anthology.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 10:35 AM (q3u5l)
173
A New Year's resolution for me might be: "No library runs or purchases for January. Just raid your shelves of TBRs."
I rarely stick out resolutions but this might be a good discipline. Of course the Book Thread is to blame for my tottering ziggurat of unread books.
I rarely stick out resolutions but this might be a good discipline. Of course the Book Thread is to blame for my tottering ziggurat of unread books.
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 10:35 AM (kpS4V)
174
For those keeping score, got all but Capote.
Posted by: From about That Time at October 05, 2025
*
There were a lot of faggy writers at the time.
Fun Fact: If Truman Capote was English, the French would have called him Un Capote D'Anglais.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025
***
As a young teen, the first time I saw Capote on The Tonight Show with Carson, I didn't know who he was and thought he was an actor "putting on" a cartoon voice! I'd seen his name on paperback editions of In Cold Blood at the drugstore and bookstores, but I had no idea what he looked or sounded like.
Posted by: From about That Time at October 05, 2025
*
There were a lot of faggy writers at the time.
Fun Fact: If Truman Capote was English, the French would have called him Un Capote D'Anglais.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025
***
As a young teen, the first time I saw Capote on The Tonight Show with Carson, I didn't know who he was and thought he was an actor "putting on" a cartoon voice! I'd seen his name on paperback editions of In Cold Blood at the drugstore and bookstores, but I had no idea what he looked or sounded like.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 10:35 AM (omVj0)
175
Weird West often has steampunk bones along with the supernatural. Lonsdale is a good start if you want to dip your toe in.
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 10:36 AM (kpS4V)
176
135 Reading adjacent. I mentioned on the hobby thread that I'm going to keep a commonplace book to make note of quotes and ideas that come from my reading.
--
JTB I have been trying to fo this in various notebooks on & off
--
JTB I have been trying to fo this in various notebooks on & off
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at October 05, 2025 10:38 AM (dE3DB)
177
Rented a film interview of Capote talking about the research for and writing of In Cold Blood for a college literary club. He hadn't become a fixture on the talk show circuits yet. Started the film, Capote started talking, and the laughs started too. Group attendance, how shall I put this mildly, plummeted.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 10:38 AM (q3u5l)
178
Re: the Hessian soldier's diary, the diarist is Johann Dohla and a nice PDF can be downloaded here (courtesy of The Muzzleloading Forum):
https://tinyurl.com/247wg43l.
Internet Archive seems to have read-only (no download) for this title. Gutenberg doesn't have it.
Thanks for the rec, OrangeEnt!
Posted by: Clio Weeps at October 05, 2025 10:26 AM (kSAM
Yeah, that's the guy. Found it on the shelves a couple years ago in the local library when the kid went every week. Didn't finish it, then I looked for it another time and it was gone. Wasn't even in the catalog anymore. Irked me. Finally found it on IA.
https://tinyurl.com/247wg43l.
Internet Archive seems to have read-only (no download) for this title. Gutenberg doesn't have it.
Thanks for the rec, OrangeEnt!
Posted by: Clio Weeps at October 05, 2025 10:26 AM (kSAM
Yeah, that's the guy. Found it on the shelves a couple years ago in the local library when the kid went every week. Didn't finish it, then I looked for it another time and it was gone. Wasn't even in the catalog anymore. Irked me. Finally found it on IA.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 10:39 AM (uQesX)
179
I've seen mention that as people preserve matters of personal importance without digital media, and the benefits of handwriting such matters, commonplace books are making a small come back. (And yes, I have Kipling's "Gods of the Copybook Headings" in mind.)
Posted by: JTB
----
As one ages, this becomes more important. I mourn the fact that I have not kept a journal.
Posted by: JTB
----
As one ages, this becomes more important. I mourn the fact that I have not kept a journal.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 05, 2025 10:39 AM (XeU6L)
180
Abby Normal
Posted by: no one of any consequence at October 05, 2025 10:41 AM (ZmEVT)
181
*sigh* - as far as reading goes, I'm kind of vegging out with a cozy mystery series by Rhys Bowen - the Royal Spyness series. The principle main character-amateur detective is a relatively penniless young woman who happens to be a cousin of the British royal family - in the 1930s. She has a flighty mother who is a serial bolter, a brother who is the relatively penniless owner of a castle in Scotland even more uncomfortable than Balmoral ... and is occasionally tasked by Queen Mary with sorting out delicate problems, sometimes to do with her son, who is enamored of this wholly unsuitable and unpleasant American divorcee...
It's a fun and diverting series, with a lot of topical 1930s references. The mysteries are really quite well constructed and most of the time the eventual guilty party is in plain sight, with the clues nicely scattered.
I'm gearing up to plunge into local history again, for my new YA series, so my mind can't handle any heavy reading when it comes to pleasure reading.
It's a fun and diverting series, with a lot of topical 1930s references. The mysteries are really quite well constructed and most of the time the eventual guilty party is in plain sight, with the clues nicely scattered.
I'm gearing up to plunge into local history again, for my new YA series, so my mind can't handle any heavy reading when it comes to pleasure reading.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at October 05, 2025 10:42 AM (Ew3fm)
182
Little Free Library finds this week: Three basically brand new Vince Flynn hardcovers, and an Elmore Leonard paperback.
Yay for dog walking!
Yay for dog walking!
Posted by: Fritzy at October 05, 2025 10:42 AM (2GIh1)
Posted by: Auspex at October 05, 2025 10:43 AM (TUCTx)
184
Re-reading The Matarese Circle by Robert Ludlum after 35 years.
Posted by: Willie Nailer at October 05, 2025 10:43 AM (EYmYM)
185
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 10:35 AM (q3u5l)
The local branch library shelves both anthologies, but I've not read them.
I've only read the Southern Reach series and enjoyed the original first three books - he released a fourth book in 2024.
The local branch library shelves both anthologies, but I've not read them.
I've only read the Southern Reach series and enjoyed the original first three books - he released a fourth book in 2024.
Posted by: 13times at October 05, 2025 10:44 AM (UZUkx)
186
Nice, our interlibrary loan system has copies of "A Hessian Diary of the American Revolution".
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 10:45 AM (kpS4V)
187
Nice, our interlibrary loan system has copies of "A Hessian Diary of the American Revolution".
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 10:45 AM (kpS4V)
It must have been the one stolen from mine!!!!
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 10:45 AM (kpS4V)
It must have been the one stolen from mine!!!!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 10:47 AM (uQesX)
188
I've been seeing books from the series Billy Boyle World War II Mysteries so I thought I'd give one a try. Billy is a young Boston Irish cop from a cop family who has just been promoted to a homicide detective but who has never actually done a homicide investigation. The Japanese interfere with his desire to remain a Boston cop. Luckily, he's a shirt tail relative of one General Dwight Eisenhower and he gets new lieutenant bars and a place on his staff which he believes will keep him DC which is fine with Billy. But then Ike and he get transferred to the UK where Ike intends to use him to investigate special cases. And then there's the exiled government of Norway headed, of course, by the King . . .
These will never be considered great literature but they are good stories. Billy is more realistic than entirely likeable but tries to do the right thing as he is a fish out of water both in the UK and in the Army. I found this to be enjoyable fluff.
https://is.gd/QwnfpE
These will never be considered great literature but they are good stories. Billy is more realistic than entirely likeable but tries to do the right thing as he is a fish out of water both in the UK and in the Army. I found this to be enjoyable fluff.
https://is.gd/QwnfpE
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 05, 2025 10:47 AM (L/fGl)
189
What are the chances that two close childhood friends would each write a definitive book independently ?
Slight to none imo. But never say never I guess. The fact that Harper Lee only wrote TKAMB and then decades later a sequel leads me to question whether she had any help.
Slight to none imo. But never say never I guess. The fact that Harper Lee only wrote TKAMB and then decades later a sequel leads me to question whether she had any help.
Posted by: the way I see it at October 05, 2025 10:48 AM (EYmYM)
190
It must have been the one stolen from mine!!!!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 10:47 AM (uQesX)
----
Is there no end to Yankee perfidy?!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 10:47 AM (uQesX)
----
Is there no end to Yankee perfidy?!
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 10:48 AM (kpS4V)
191
Getting to the thread late again and starting at the bottom of the comments.
I consider The Wild Wild West to be what people call Steampunk.
Maaaybe? I don't remember enough about it to opine strongly one way or the other. As I recall, both the protagonist and the antagonist had advanced technology but I'm not sure it was enough to cross my vague mental definition of steampunk. Usually steampunk involves something thoroughly 20th century, like computing machines or jet propulsion. Like I said, vague.
As for recommendations, I'd proffer The Difference Engine by Gibson and Sterling, generally considered OGs of the genre. Like most Gibson books, it spends a lot of time on world-building and scene-setting and then somehow transitions into a ripping yarn that you can't stop reading. Like Neuromancer it's one I started and stopped at least twice before pushing past the tipping point.
I consider The Wild Wild West to be what people call Steampunk.
Maaaybe? I don't remember enough about it to opine strongly one way or the other. As I recall, both the protagonist and the antagonist had advanced technology but I'm not sure it was enough to cross my vague mental definition of steampunk. Usually steampunk involves something thoroughly 20th century, like computing machines or jet propulsion. Like I said, vague.
As for recommendations, I'd proffer The Difference Engine by Gibson and Sterling, generally considered OGs of the genre. Like most Gibson books, it spends a lot of time on world-building and scene-setting and then somehow transitions into a ripping yarn that you can't stop reading. Like Neuromancer it's one I started and stopped at least twice before pushing past the tipping point.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 05, 2025 10:48 AM (3nLb4)
192
Speaking of chirping, my high on the wall out of reach wired smoke detector keeps making noise. The light's green, it shouldn't do that. No ladder to change the battery.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
If'n you have one of those grabber things, you might be able to grasp it, carefully push upwards, and bring it down. They're supposed to be mounted on a plate that has a set of backing screws that allow for removal upwards on a wall.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
If'n you have one of those grabber things, you might be able to grasp it, carefully push upwards, and bring it down. They're supposed to be mounted on a plate that has a set of backing screws that allow for removal upwards on a wall.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at October 05, 2025 10:50 AM (mlg/3)
193
Bring dah 'Noise
@LeadingReport 1m
BREAKING: President Trump orders 300 National Guard troops to Illinois.
@LeadingReport 1m
BREAKING: President Trump orders 300 National Guard troops to Illinois.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at October 05, 2025 10:51 AM (mlg/3)
194
Terry Gilliam did steampunk type movies.
Posted by: the way I see it at October 05, 2025 10:52 AM (EYmYM)
Posted by: weft cut-loop at October 05, 2025 10:52 AM (mlg/3)
196
I recall being pleasantly surprised by Frankenstein, pleased it wasn't the mess the movies made it become.
Looked around a BN while the grandkids were spending giftcards, and found nothing interesting. The lady of the house is reading books from her grandmother's collection, by Elizabeth Goudge, a British author and clergyman's daughter. She's pleased.
Looked around a BN while the grandkids were spending giftcards, and found nothing interesting. The lady of the house is reading books from her grandmother's collection, by Elizabeth Goudge, a British author and clergyman's daughter. She's pleased.
Posted by: night lifted at October 05, 2025 10:54 AM (/YboP)
197
Little Free Library finds this week: Three basically brand new Vince Flynn hardcovers, and an Elmore Leonard paperback.
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Only hobos use them here.
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Only hobos use them here.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 05, 2025 10:54 AM (IC093)
198
Also reading Bob's Burgers comix, which hav the same chaotic energy as the series.
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 10:55 AM (kpS4V)
199
Many moons ago, Salty recommended Bullard of the Space Patrol, which is a collection of the Bullard stories, including "White Mutiny". Highly recommended.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at October 05, 2025 10:55 AM (PiwSw)
200
Two exits closed on the expressway in Chicago last night, good thing a local was driving or we'd have gotten back after midnight.
Break ins at the kids condo entrance this summer explained as kids "taking packages".
Two exits closed on the expressway in Chicago last night, good thing a local was driving or we'd have gotten back after midnight.
Break ins at the kids condo entrance this summer explained as kids "taking packages".
Posted by: Auspex at October 05, 2025 10:56 AM (TUCTx)
201
Also reading Bob's Burgers comix, which hav the same chaotic energy as the series.
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 10:55 AM (kpS4V)
Bob's Burgers is up there as my favorite along with King of the Hill. Both hilarious with always a good message . Created by the KotH guy so makes sense.
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 10:55 AM (kpS4V)
Bob's Burgers is up there as my favorite along with King of the Hill. Both hilarious with always a good message . Created by the KotH guy so makes sense.
Posted by: the way I see it at October 05, 2025 10:57 AM (EYmYM)
202
Halloween reading?
Frankenstein and Dracula and Zelazny's Night in the Lonesome October have already been mentioned. Jackson's Haunting of Hill House is always a goodie for the season, and ditto Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes.
I'll toss in a recommendation for Fritz Leiber. His collection Night's Black Agents (get the Berkley 1978, which adds the stories "A Bit of the Dark World" and "The Girl with the Hungry Eyes" to the contents of the Arkham House original edition), and the novels Conjure Wife and Our Lady of Darkness. Good stuff.
Frankenstein and Dracula and Zelazny's Night in the Lonesome October have already been mentioned. Jackson's Haunting of Hill House is always a goodie for the season, and ditto Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes.
I'll toss in a recommendation for Fritz Leiber. His collection Night's Black Agents (get the Berkley 1978, which adds the stories "A Bit of the Dark World" and "The Girl with the Hungry Eyes" to the contents of the Arkham House original edition), and the novels Conjure Wife and Our Lady of Darkness. Good stuff.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 10:58 AM (q3u5l)
203
Re-reading The Matarese Circle by Robert Ludlum after 35 years.
Posted by: Willie Nailer
I read a bunch of Ludlum when I was young and quite enjoyed them. Rereading them as an old fart makes me see them in a more ridiculous light. Similarly, I rewatched Where Eagles Dare when the Critical Drinker highly recommended it and found my willingness to suspend disbelief tested. Damn this life experience interfering with my adventure books!
Posted by: Willie Nailer
I read a bunch of Ludlum when I was young and quite enjoyed them. Rereading them as an old fart makes me see them in a more ridiculous light. Similarly, I rewatched Where Eagles Dare when the Critical Drinker highly recommended it and found my willingness to suspend disbelief tested. Damn this life experience interfering with my adventure books!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 05, 2025 10:58 AM (L/fGl)
204
More Michael Gilbert:
His first book, I believe, is The Danger Within. He wrote it in his head, kind of, while being held in an Italian prisoner of war camp in WWII, a fiction version of what apparently really happened: a planned escape of the entire camp before it's taken over by the Nazis and they'll all be killed.
I think I have over two dozen of his books--don't know if that's all. And thanks for bringing him up. Now I know what I'll be rereading this week!
His first book, I believe, is The Danger Within. He wrote it in his head, kind of, while being held in an Italian prisoner of war camp in WWII, a fiction version of what apparently really happened: a planned escape of the entire camp before it's taken over by the Nazis and they'll all be killed.
I think I have over two dozen of his books--don't know if that's all. And thanks for bringing him up. Now I know what I'll be rereading this week!
Posted by: Wenda at October 05, 2025 10:59 AM (F2ojL)
205
What are the chances that two close childhood friends would each write a definitive book independently ?
Slight to none imo. But never say never I guess. The fact that Harper Lee only wrote TKAMB and then decades later a sequel leads me to question whether she had any help.
Posted by: the way I see it at October 05, 2025
***
Maybe something about the peculiar culture of the South. Lee was born and grew up there. Capote, I think, was born in New Orleans (or lived there as a child? not sure) and spent a lot of childhood time in MS, which was how he knew Harper Lee.
Capote's writing style seems very different from that in Mockingbird -- it has more laugh-out-loud humor, for instance, than he puts into his fiction. He was capable of telling funny anecdotes, though. In one part of Handcarved Coffins he tells of the drunken man who wobbles up to Truman's table in a restaurant, jeers at him, whips out his member, and snarls, "Autograph that!"
Capote says his reply could be heard all over the restaurant: "I can't autograph it, but I can initial it. . . ."
Slight to none imo. But never say never I guess. The fact that Harper Lee only wrote TKAMB and then decades later a sequel leads me to question whether she had any help.
Posted by: the way I see it at October 05, 2025
***
Maybe something about the peculiar culture of the South. Lee was born and grew up there. Capote, I think, was born in New Orleans (or lived there as a child? not sure) and spent a lot of childhood time in MS, which was how he knew Harper Lee.
Capote's writing style seems very different from that in Mockingbird -- it has more laugh-out-loud humor, for instance, than he puts into his fiction. He was capable of telling funny anecdotes, though. In one part of Handcarved Coffins he tells of the drunken man who wobbles up to Truman's table in a restaurant, jeers at him, whips out his member, and snarls, "Autograph that!"
Capote says his reply could be heard all over the restaurant: "I can't autograph it, but I can initial it. . . ."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:00 AM (omVj0)
206
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 05, 2025 10:58 AM (L/fGl)
I don't know if I ever saw Where Eagles Dare anything but ridiculous fun. I do want Eastwood's infinity MP-40.
I don't know if I ever saw Where Eagles Dare anything but ridiculous fun. I do want Eastwood's infinity MP-40.
Posted by: the way I see it at October 05, 2025 11:01 AM (EYmYM)
207
I would say that I started reading Camp of the Saints, but I'm not sure that's true. So far, I've only read one page of Acknowledgements, two pages of Notes on Translation, 21 pages of Introduction and another 23 pages of Preface. Hopefully tonight I'll start on the actual book!
Posted by: IrishEi at October 05, 2025 11:03 AM (3ImbR)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 11:03 AM (q3u5l)
209
I don't know if I ever saw Where Eagles Dare anything but ridiculous fun. I do want Eastwood's infinity MP-40.
Posted by: the way I see it at October 05, 2025
***
Somehow, big Alastair Maclean and WWII action/spy/adventure fan that I was in my teenage years, I missed that movie and novel. (I've since read that he wrote the novel from the screenplay, not the other way around.) Guess I need to find the film.
Posted by: the way I see it at October 05, 2025
***
Somehow, big Alastair Maclean and WWII action/spy/adventure fan that I was in my teenage years, I missed that movie and novel. (I've since read that he wrote the novel from the screenplay, not the other way around.) Guess I need to find the film.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:04 AM (omVj0)
210
Read In Cold Blood when it first came out in paperback, or maybe a year or so later; haven't revisited it, though I recall it being pretty good. Never did get around to his fiction.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 10:21 AM (q3u5l)
The harvesting crew that I worked with cut wheat about a quarter mile from the Clutter home when it was still standing. The town eventually had it torn down.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 10:21 AM (q3u5l)
The harvesting crew that I worked with cut wheat about a quarter mile from the Clutter home when it was still standing. The town eventually had it torn down.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 05, 2025 11:04 AM (g8Ew8)
211
yeah what was ridiculous about it
Posted by: miguel cervantes at October 05, 2025 11:04 AM (bXbFr)
212
Capote claimed to have been born in the Monteleone Hotel in the N.O. French Quarter. Not true, but he did kill a lot of bottles there throughout his life.
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 05, 2025 11:04 AM (78a2H)
213
Nothing much to report this week. The Luck of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray, on which Kubrick's movie is based, is an excellent picaresque read.
Nothing much to report this week. The Luck of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray, on which Kubrick's movie is based, is an excellent picaresque read.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at October 05, 2025 11:05 AM (tgvbd)
214
Argh. I'm always late to these. Anyway...
That "White Mutiny" story is precisely why I find so much old sci-fi to be unreadable (and unlistenable, in the case of audio.) It's not science fiction. It's freighters-in-the-South Pacific adventures, with a spaceship instead of a freighter, planets instead of islands and aliens instead of headhunters.
That "White Mutiny" story is precisely why I find so much old sci-fi to be unreadable (and unlistenable, in the case of audio.) It's not science fiction. It's freighters-in-the-South Pacific adventures, with a spaceship instead of a freighter, planets instead of islands and aliens instead of headhunters.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025 11:06 AM (5YmYl)
215
This "Franken Berry" book of which you speak -- are the characters Boo Berry and Count Chocula in the story, too?
One hears that they are part of the "Tales of Nutritious Breakfasts" story line.
This "Franken Berry" book of which you speak -- are the characters Boo Berry and Count Chocula in the story, too?
One hears that they are part of the "Tales of Nutritious Breakfasts" story line.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars(TM) - what makes you think you are in charge? at October 05, 2025 11:06 AM (xG4kz)
216
"Hail Mary" from Andy Weir, author of "The Martian". Recently made into a Ryan Bowling movie.
Kiddy sci-fi, stopped reading three quarters of the way though.
"Hail Mary" from Andy Weir, author of "The Martian". Recently made into a Ryan Bowling movie.
Kiddy sci-fi, stopped reading three quarters of the way though.
Posted by: Auspex at October 05, 2025 11:06 AM (TUCTx)
217
About the smoke detector. Do whatever you need to do to knock it down(try a broom handle) because if it does decide to go off and is wired in, it will set off all the others in the house. A cacophony you do not want to experience.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 05, 2025 11:07 AM (t/2Uw)
218
#209 - Wolfus, it's a good one. Lots of fun.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025 11:07 AM (5YmYl)
219
the Schloss Adler which was where they filmed the Set pieces, which were referenced in the First Avenger film as the Red SKulls mountain compound
Posted by: miguel cervantes at October 05, 2025 11:07 AM (bXbFr)
220
When he was writing part of his first novel, Other Voices, Other Rooms, Capote lived in an apartment on Royal Street in the French Quarter. I'm not sure what block it was, but it would probably have been pretty close to where my mother, brother, and I would live about ten years later.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:08 AM (omVj0)
221
204 More Michael Gilbert:
His first book, I believe, is The Danger Within. He wrote it in his head, kind of, while being held in an Italian prisoner of war camp in WWII, a fiction version of what apparently really happened: a planned escape of the entire camp before it's taken over by the Nazis and they'll all be killed.
I think I have over two dozen of his books--don't know if that's all. And thanks for bringing him up. Now I know what I'll be rereading this week!
Posted by: Wenda at October 05, 2025 10:59 AM (F2ojL)
_______
That's not his first, but you've got the rest right. It also goes as Death in Captivity. I happen to be rereading his actual 1st written, but not 1st published, Close Quarters. Actually written prewar. Wiki has a decent article on him. One I'd recommend: Death Has Deep Roots. Not because it's his best, but it's his most typical. Has all the features he like to deploy.
His first book, I believe, is The Danger Within. He wrote it in his head, kind of, while being held in an Italian prisoner of war camp in WWII, a fiction version of what apparently really happened: a planned escape of the entire camp before it's taken over by the Nazis and they'll all be killed.
I think I have over two dozen of his books--don't know if that's all. And thanks for bringing him up. Now I know what I'll be rereading this week!
Posted by: Wenda at October 05, 2025 10:59 AM (F2ojL)
_______
That's not his first, but you've got the rest right. It also goes as Death in Captivity. I happen to be rereading his actual 1st written, but not 1st published, Close Quarters. Actually written prewar. Wiki has a decent article on him. One I'd recommend: Death Has Deep Roots. Not because it's his best, but it's his most typical. Has all the features he like to deploy.
Posted by: Eeyore (Is, Eum) at October 05, 2025 11:09 AM (s0JqF)
222
Usually steampunk involves something thoroughly 20th century, like computing machines or jet propulsion.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 05, 2025 10:48 AM (3nLb4)
This is what the producer said about the show:
"Jim [West]'s world was one of two-faced villainy, male and female, countless 'Mickey Finns,' and needle-tipped baroque pinkie rings that put him to sleep even as he embraced their dispensers. There were inevitable trap doors, hotel walls that ground their victims to dust or revolved into lush Aubrey Beardsley settings next door, lethal chairs that tossed occupants skyward or alternatively dumped them into dank sewers that subterraneously crisscrossed countless cow towns of the period. And then there was that old Dutch sea captain, leaning in the corner of the swill-hole of a bar, who inexplicably winked at Jim as he entered ... Artemus, of course, in one of his thousand disguises."[3]
There's a cyborg in a first season episode, a man who creates a potion that makes him seem invisible, a robot in the second season, a fake spaceship, a "dragon" that destroys ships, a villain with a time machine, a giant tuning fork to destroy buildings, etc.
Would that fit?
Posted by: Oddbob at October 05, 2025 10:48 AM (3nLb4)
This is what the producer said about the show:
"Jim [West]'s world was one of two-faced villainy, male and female, countless 'Mickey Finns,' and needle-tipped baroque pinkie rings that put him to sleep even as he embraced their dispensers. There were inevitable trap doors, hotel walls that ground their victims to dust or revolved into lush Aubrey Beardsley settings next door, lethal chairs that tossed occupants skyward or alternatively dumped them into dank sewers that subterraneously crisscrossed countless cow towns of the period. And then there was that old Dutch sea captain, leaning in the corner of the swill-hole of a bar, who inexplicably winked at Jim as he entered ... Artemus, of course, in one of his thousand disguises."[3]
There's a cyborg in a first season episode, a man who creates a potion that makes him seem invisible, a robot in the second season, a fake spaceship, a "dragon" that destroys ships, a villain with a time machine, a giant tuning fork to destroy buildings, etc.
Would that fit?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:10 AM (uQesX)
223
I consider The Wild Wild West to be what people call Steampunk.
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I loved the episode in which the hot green space babes needed gold to refuel their flying saucer.
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I loved the episode in which the hot green space babes needed gold to refuel their flying saucer.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 05, 2025 11:10 AM (L/fGl)
224
the mcguffin in the story is curious, the reason for the mission
Posted by: miguel cervantes at October 05, 2025 11:10 AM (bXbFr)
225
Read Jimmy Connor's autobiography , The Outsider. If you're a tennis fan it's great. Though I liked Connors. I tried to read McEnroe's autobiography but stopped halfway through mostly because I dislike him. He definitely wrote it.
Posted by: the way I see it at October 05, 2025 11:10 AM (EYmYM)
226
Taro: I definitely agree with you about "steamships in space" SF. A while back I was re-reading the famous Adventures Time and Space anthology edited in 1946 by Healey and McComas. Some of the stories could be written today, but others are horribly dated. The idea that a spaceship would touch down on an alien planet and the crew just get off and wander around without any thought of biological contamination just doesn't make my suspension of disbelief test. H.G. Wells considered that risk back in The War of the Worlds, so there's really no excuse half a century later.
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 05, 2025 11:11 AM (78a2H)
227
If'n you have one of those grabber things, you might be able to grasp it, carefully push upwards, and bring it down. They're supposed to be mounted on a plate that has a set of backing screws that allow for removal upwards on a wall.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at October 05, 2025 10:50 AM (mlg/3)
I do have one, but it's a cathedral ceiling and I don't have a ladder long enough to get close to it.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at October 05, 2025 10:50 AM (mlg/3)
I do have one, but it's a cathedral ceiling and I don't have a ladder long enough to get close to it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:11 AM (uQesX)
228
His first book, I believe, is The Danger Within. He wrote it in his head, kind of, while being held in an Italian prisoner of war camp in WWII, a fiction version of what apparently really happened: a planned escape of the entire camp before it's taken over by the Nazis and they'll all be killed.
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Sounds like Von Ryan's Express.
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Sounds like Von Ryan's Express.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 05, 2025 11:12 AM (L/fGl)
229
Many moons ago, Salty recommended Bullard of the Space Patrol, which is a collection of the Bullard stories, including "White Mutiny". Highly recommended.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at October 05, 2025 10:55 AM (PiwSw)
My source mentioned that, but I don't know if they're available on IA.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at October 05, 2025 10:55 AM (PiwSw)
My source mentioned that, but I don't know if they're available on IA.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:12 AM (uQesX)
230
I do have one, but it's a cathedral ceiling and I don't have a ladder long enough to get close to it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:11 AM (uQesX)
You need to get one of those extender poles so you can smash it. Since it's on a cathedral ceiling I assume it's hardwired and it's just the back up battery that needs changing.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:11 AM (uQesX)
You need to get one of those extender poles so you can smash it. Since it's on a cathedral ceiling I assume it's hardwired and it's just the back up battery that needs changing.
Posted by: the way I see it at October 05, 2025 11:13 AM (EYmYM)
231
Where Eagles Dare when the Critical Drinker highly recommended it and found my willingness to suspend disbelief tested. Damn this life experience interfering with my adventure books!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring!
I started watching that last night. It was mildly interesting in the first thirty minutes that I so far have watched, but there's nothing to it that would compel me to want to go read the book.
Where Eagles Dare when the Critical Drinker highly recommended it and found my willingness to suspend disbelief tested. Damn this life experience interfering with my adventure books!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring!
I started watching that last night. It was mildly interesting in the first thirty minutes that I so far have watched, but there's nothing to it that would compel me to want to go read the book.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars(TM) - what makes you think you are in charge? at October 05, 2025 11:13 AM (xG4kz)
232
Capote claimed to have been born in the Monteleone Hotel in the N.O. French Quarter. Not true, but he did kill a lot of bottles there throughout his life.
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 05, 2025
***
Apparently he and Tennessee Williams hung out together at the Cafe Lafitte in Exile, a bar on Dumaine and Bourbon Streets. I passed that corner twice every day on my way to and from grammar school.
Odd kidhood story: Mom and I were caught in a rainstorm, and took temporary sheler in that bar. It was afternoon on a Saturday. I was astonished and embarrassed, as you are at nine, to see my principal sitting at the bar talking with another guy and the bartender. He looked startled himself.
Years later Mom told me it was known as a gay bar even then. And the kicker? My principal was married and had a son in my class. . . .
Posted by: Trimegistus at October 05, 2025
***
Apparently he and Tennessee Williams hung out together at the Cafe Lafitte in Exile, a bar on Dumaine and Bourbon Streets. I passed that corner twice every day on my way to and from grammar school.
Odd kidhood story: Mom and I were caught in a rainstorm, and took temporary sheler in that bar. It was afternoon on a Saturday. I was astonished and embarrassed, as you are at nine, to see my principal sitting at the bar talking with another guy and the bartender. He looked startled himself.
Years later Mom told me it was known as a gay bar even then. And the kicker? My principal was married and had a son in my class. . . .
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:13 AM (omVj0)
233
When I started the idea of keeping a commonplace book for myself I discovered there is a slight but growing interest in them. It seems to be a small act of rebellion in that it is a strictly personal thing, not something to be shared. Unlike the idiots who post everything they do online. As if anyone would care about what the poster had for lunch at MacDonald's. A commonplace book can, and probably should, be a spark for conversations and discussions as well as contemplation but the contents reflect what the individual finds noteworthy. That can be important to understand someone if that matters, imagine a commonplace book by CS Lewis or Tennyson, but it isn't kept for that reason. In a culture of everything must be shared with strangers all the time (the hubris of that attitude is shocking), a private vehicle for an individual's benefit is a push back against that approach to living. Even more so if it is a physical item, not digital. It suits my old fashioned ideas of what is proper.
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 11:16 AM (yTvNw)
234
There's a cyborg in a first season episode, a man who creates a potion that makes him seem invisible, a robot in the second season, a fake spaceship, a "dragon" that destroys ships, a villain with a time machine, a giant tuning fork to destroy buildings, etc.
Would that fit?
The invisibility potion seems more like magic than tech but the rest of it, yeah, you've convinced me. It's interesting that it took two decades from then for the genre to catch one in literature.
Would that fit?
The invisibility potion seems more like magic than tech but the rest of it, yeah, you've convinced me. It's interesting that it took two decades from then for the genre to catch one in literature.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 05, 2025 11:16 AM (3nLb4)
235
About the smoke detector. Do whatever you need to do to knock it down(try a broom handle) because if it does decide to go off and is wired in, it will set off all the others in the house. A cacophony you do not want to experience.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 05, 2025 11:07 AM (t/2Uw)
A far piece up the wall, Sharon. Mebbe I could borrow Biden's shotgun and blast it?
Only have two. The other one hasn't chirped since I changed the battery yesterday.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 05, 2025 11:07 AM (t/2Uw)
A far piece up the wall, Sharon. Mebbe I could borrow Biden's shotgun and blast it?
Only have two. The other one hasn't chirped since I changed the battery yesterday.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:17 AM (uQesX)
236
I consider The Wild Wild West to be what people call Steampunk.
---------
I consider anything set with a turn-of-the-century industrial/Victorian backdrop as steampunk. I consider the movie Carnival Row as steampunk.
---------
I consider anything set with a turn-of-the-century industrial/Victorian backdrop as steampunk. I consider the movie Carnival Row as steampunk.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 05, 2025 11:18 AM (g8Ew8)
237
@91 Ralph Vaughn Williams' "The Lark Ascending", surely one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written
A nice companion piece is his "Flos Campi" ("Flowers of The Field"), for solo viola, chorus and a small ensemble. It is much less frequently performed but worth looking for.
The second movement has the Ernie Harwell verse that makes Tigers fans cry.
A nice companion piece is his "Flos Campi" ("Flowers of The Field"), for solo viola, chorus and a small ensemble. It is much less frequently performed but worth looking for.
The second movement has the Ernie Harwell verse that makes Tigers fans cry.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at October 05, 2025 11:19 AM (zdLoL)
238
Would the movie Brazil be considered Steampunk?
Posted by: the way I see it at October 05, 2025 11:20 AM (EYmYM)
239
That "White Mutiny" story is precisely why I find so much old sci-fi to be unreadable (and unlistenable, in the case of audio.) It's not science fiction. It's freighters-in-the-South Pacific adventures, with a spaceship instead of a freighter, planets instead of islands and aliens instead of headhunters.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025 11:06 AM (5YmYl)
I'd agree with you on that point, but some contemporary work is about science. There's one short about Earth and Mars sending signals to each other, but get no reply and think the other planet is uninhabited. They use different frequencies or something and just can't receive so they think they're alone.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025 11:06 AM (5YmYl)
I'd agree with you on that point, but some contemporary work is about science. There's one short about Earth and Mars sending signals to each other, but get no reply and think the other planet is uninhabited. They use different frequencies or something and just can't receive so they think they're alone.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:20 AM (uQesX)
240
Our son gave both ne and the missus a book called "Tell Me About Your Life, Dad" ("Mom", in her case).
It's a series of pages with prompts / requests for you to jot down the story / stories of one's life. I will try to start doing so after Thanksgiving.
Our son gave both ne and the missus a book called "Tell Me About Your Life, Dad" ("Mom", in her case).
It's a series of pages with prompts / requests for you to jot down the story / stories of one's life. I will try to start doing so after Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars(TM) - what makes you think you are in charge? at October 05, 2025 11:20 AM (xG4kz)
241
"I have a job for you, Ericus." I squinted to see the wizard's face against the light from the window.
"Is it in someplace sunny, I hope? Far away from the winter rain in Gondor?" I asked, then at his glare, hastily added, "Sir."
"Two weeks ago, a party left Rivendell carrying a very valuable object. One of the party members is Boromir."
"That wouldn't happen to be Boromir, son of the Steward of Gondor?" I said.
"He is. Boromir wants to bring the very valuable object to Minas Tirith. Your job," the wizard said with a sigh, "is to stop him."
"Is it in someplace sunny, I hope? Far away from the winter rain in Gondor?" I asked, then at his glare, hastily added, "Sir."
"Two weeks ago, a party left Rivendell carrying a very valuable object. One of the party members is Boromir."
"That wouldn't happen to be Boromir, son of the Steward of Gondor?" I said.
"He is. Boromir wants to bring the very valuable object to Minas Tirith. Your job," the wizard said with a sigh, "is to stop him."
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at October 05, 2025 11:20 AM (TVOOe)
242
how suddenly Victor abandoned the Monster. He was obsessed up to the moment of creation, and then suddenly lost his nerve.
-
So he didn't respect him in the morning?
-
So he didn't respect him in the morning?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 05, 2025 11:21 AM (L/fGl)
243
I loved the episode in which the hot green space babes needed gold to refuel their flying saucer.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 05, 2025 11:10 AM (L/fGl)
There's one with a tank. Fully painted in Victorian exuberance.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 05, 2025 11:10 AM (L/fGl)
There's one with a tank. Fully painted in Victorian exuberance.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:22 AM (uQesX)
244
228 His first book, I believe, is The Danger Within. He wrote it in his head, kind of, while being held in an Italian prisoner of war camp in WWII, a fiction version of what apparently really happened: a planned escape of the entire camp before it's taken over by the Nazis and they'll all be killed.
-
Sounds like Von Ryan's Express.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 05, 2025 11:12 AM (L/fGl)
_______
In Gilbert's case, it was based on a true story. It happened in a gap between Mussolini's fall and the Germans taking over. He was one of the prisoners to escape.
-
Sounds like Von Ryan's Express.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 05, 2025 11:12 AM (L/fGl)
_______
In Gilbert's case, it was based on a true story. It happened in a gap between Mussolini's fall and the Germans taking over. He was one of the prisoners to escape.
Posted by: Eeyore (Is, Eum) at October 05, 2025 11:23 AM (s0JqF)
245
Saw on Audio books on Spotify 107 Torturous Days on the campaign trail is available.
Do audo books often come within a couple weeks after the book comes out?
And how many tens of thousands do they say were sold?
Ohand did she read it or is it someone else?
Do audo books often come within a couple weeks after the book comes out?
And how many tens of thousands do they say were sold?
Ohand did she read it or is it someone else?
Posted by: Skip at October 05, 2025 11:24 AM (+qU29)
246
The movie The City of Lost Children 1995 is very steampunk.
Posted by: 13times at October 05, 2025 11:24 AM (UZUkx)
247
That "White Mutiny" story is precisely why I find so much old sci-fi to be unreadable (and unlistenable, in the case of audio.) It's not science fiction. It's freighters-in-the-South Pacific adventures, with a spaceship instead of a freighter, planets instead of islands and aliens instead of headhunters.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025
***
A lot of the stuff in the pulp magazines before Campbell remade Astounding in the late Thirties was pretty much "Westerns in Space." Easier to write, maybe fun to read then, but it didn't open up any new ground. Campbell is credited with asking his writers: "Show me how this new tech would change society; tell me a story that could not happen anywhere else; show me something that thinks as well as a man but not like a man."
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025
***
A lot of the stuff in the pulp magazines before Campbell remade Astounding in the late Thirties was pretty much "Westerns in Space." Easier to write, maybe fun to read then, but it didn't open up any new ground. Campbell is credited with asking his writers: "Show me how this new tech would change society; tell me a story that could not happen anywhere else; show me something that thinks as well as a man but not like a man."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:24 AM (omVj0)
248
I'm almost finished with "12 Seconds of Silence: How a Team of Inventors, Tinkerers, and Spies Took Down a Nazi Superweapon" by Jamie Holmes.
It's the story of the development and deployment of the Proximity (VT) fuse during World War 2. The subtitle doesn't do the book justice, of course. The successful employment of America's first "smart weapon" is an important milestone in military history; its use had a decisive, global impact upon its release. It certainly shortened the war.
A very good book. I strongly recommend it.
It's the story of the development and deployment of the Proximity (VT) fuse during World War 2. The subtitle doesn't do the book justice, of course. The successful employment of America's first "smart weapon" is an important milestone in military history; its use had a decisive, global impact upon its release. It certainly shortened the war.
A very good book. I strongly recommend it.
Posted by: mrp at October 05, 2025 11:24 AM (rj6Yv)
249
You need to get one of those extender poles so you can smash it. Since it's on a cathedral ceiling I assume it's hardwired and it's just the back up battery that needs changing.
Posted by: the way I see it at October 05, 2025 11:13 AM (EYmYM)
Oh, I'm sure it's just a batt problem. The light shows green. I couldn't smash it because there's too much breakable stuff underneath. I'll have to ask if the neighbor has a tall ladder.
Posted by: the way I see it at October 05, 2025 11:13 AM (EYmYM)
Oh, I'm sure it's just a batt problem. The light shows green. I couldn't smash it because there's too much breakable stuff underneath. I'll have to ask if the neighbor has a tall ladder.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:24 AM (uQesX)
250
Eeyore, I don't remember one thing about Close Quarters, though my copy is well-thumbed. Perhaps I'll start my re-reading there. Thanks.
Posted by: Wenda at October 05, 2025 11:26 AM (F2ojL)
251
When it comes to smoke detectors I learned to place them where I could easily reach them. Same with ceiling light fixtures. (It helps to be over six feet tall.) I don't like ladders or step stools, especially as I get older. It seems gravity prefers me on the ground.
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 11:26 AM (yTvNw)
252
The idea that a spaceship would touch down on an alien planet and the crew just get off and wander around without any thought of biological contamination just doesn't make my suspension of disbelief test.
---
See: "Alien: Covenant".
---
See: "Alien: Covenant".
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 05, 2025 11:26 AM (kpS4V)
253
"I have a job for you, Ericus." I squinted to see the wizard's face against the light from the window.
"Is it in someplace sunny, I hope? Far away from the winter rain in Gondor?" I asked, then at his glare, hastily added, "Sir."
"Two weeks ago, a party left Rivendell carrying a very valuable object. One of the party members is Boromir."
"That wouldn't happen to be Boromir, son of the Steward of Gondor?" I said.
"He is. Boromir wants to bring the very valuable object to Minas Tirith. Your job," the wizard said with a sigh, "is to stop him."
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at October 05, 2025
***
I thought you were parodying Bond, but then reread the "Ericus." Well done, fellow Helm fan!
"Is it in someplace sunny, I hope? Far away from the winter rain in Gondor?" I asked, then at his glare, hastily added, "Sir."
"Two weeks ago, a party left Rivendell carrying a very valuable object. One of the party members is Boromir."
"That wouldn't happen to be Boromir, son of the Steward of Gondor?" I said.
"He is. Boromir wants to bring the very valuable object to Minas Tirith. Your job," the wizard said with a sigh, "is to stop him."
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at October 05, 2025
***
I thought you were parodying Bond, but then reread the "Ericus." Well done, fellow Helm fan!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:26 AM (omVj0)
254
much like Force 10 from Navarone was inspired from a Maclean story partisans, thats a pretty watchable one thats set in Bosnia
Posted by: miguel cervantes at October 05, 2025 11:27 AM (bXbFr)
255
Oh, I'm sure it's just a batt problem. The light shows green. I couldn't smash it because there's too much breakable stuff underneath. I'll have to ask if the neighbor has a tall ladder.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:24 AM (uQesX)
I'd look up the brand specific directions on the internet and do what they say. They might say "kill it with a broom", but probably not.
Oh, I'm sure it's just a batt problem. The light shows green. I couldn't smash it because there's too much breakable stuff underneath. I'll have to ask if the neighbor has a tall ladder.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:24 AM (uQesX)
I'd look up the brand specific directions on the internet and do what they say. They might say "kill it with a broom", but probably not.
Posted by: night lifted at October 05, 2025 11:27 AM (/YboP)
256
I think when the author is involved with the production, it makes for better storytelling. Not just based on the book.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice)
Not only is Carr very involved in the production of each streaming series, he also has a bunch of other retired SEALS he knows from his time in the service helping out on the set, training the actors and making sure they are depicting the military properly. Makes for a very authentic viewing experience.
I used to think Taylor Kitsch was just another empty-headed Hollywood dude, but with his experiences with Lone Survivor, the so-bad-it's-good movie Battleship, Terminal List, Dark Wolf, and the recent American Primeval, I've come to see him as a very good actor who really tries his best to honor our service members. He did an interview with Joe Rogan that was really eye-opening for me.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice)
Not only is Carr very involved in the production of each streaming series, he also has a bunch of other retired SEALS he knows from his time in the service helping out on the set, training the actors and making sure they are depicting the military properly. Makes for a very authentic viewing experience.
I used to think Taylor Kitsch was just another empty-headed Hollywood dude, but with his experiences with Lone Survivor, the so-bad-it's-good movie Battleship, Terminal List, Dark Wolf, and the recent American Primeval, I've come to see him as a very good actor who really tries his best to honor our service members. He did an interview with Joe Rogan that was really eye-opening for me.
Posted by: Sharkman at October 05, 2025 11:27 AM (/RHNq)
257
Smoke detectors do have a useful life of 10 years apparently. Found this out when I sold my house. It may not be just the battery back up. Might be worth hiring an electrician to change it out both units. They also make two function units that also have CO detectors.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 05, 2025 11:28 AM (t/2Uw)
258
Since it's on a cathedral ceiling
O Christ, a Sistine smoke alarm.
We'll be seeing this one in First World Problems for sure.
O Christ, a Sistine smoke alarm.
We'll be seeing this one in First World Problems for sure.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at October 05, 2025 11:29 AM (zdLoL)
259
Oh and did she read it or is it someone else?
Posted by: Skip
"Read by the Author", according Amazon. No info regarding its cackle quotient, but there is a complementary workbook for the reader to draw Venn Diagrams under her tutelage.
Oh and did she read it or is it someone else?
Posted by: Skip
"Read by the Author", according Amazon. No info regarding its cackle quotient, but there is a complementary workbook for the reader to draw Venn Diagrams under her tutelage.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars(TM) - what makes you think you are in charge? at October 05, 2025 11:30 AM (xG4kz)
260
Dang it! Gotta take the wife to work again.
She seriously needs to learn how to drive. It's interfering with the Book Thread!!!
She seriously needs to learn how to drive. It's interfering with the Book Thread!!!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:30 AM (uQesX)
261
257 Smoke detectors do have a useful life of 10 years apparently. Found this out when I sold my house. It may not be just the battery back up. Might be worth hiring an electrician to change it out both units. They also make two function units that also have CO detectors.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 05, 2025 11:28 AM (t/2Uw)
Now there's an idea!
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 05, 2025 11:28 AM (t/2Uw)
Now there's an idea!
Posted by: night lifted at October 05, 2025 11:31 AM (/YboP)
262
The movie The City of Lost Children 1995 is very steampunk.
Posted by: 13times at October 05, 2025 11:24 AM (UZUkx)
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is another very steampunk movie.
Posted by: 13times at October 05, 2025 11:24 AM (UZUkx)
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is another very steampunk movie.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 05, 2025 11:31 AM (g8Ew8)
263
Sharkman - there's a well-circulated joke that once you graduate SQT you get your Trident and a contract with a publisher :-)
Posted by: PabloD
Heh. This brief exchange in Red Sky Mourning had me howling:
“We need her because there has been a data breach of historic proportions. It wasn’t publicized, as it happened primarily in the submarine fleet, which is secret enough in its own right.”
“Good thing SEALs weren’t involved, or there would already be a book about it,” Reece said.
Katie rolled her eyes.
Jack Carr has a great sense of humor.
Posted by: PabloD
Heh. This brief exchange in Red Sky Mourning had me howling:
“We need her because there has been a data breach of historic proportions. It wasn’t publicized, as it happened primarily in the submarine fleet, which is secret enough in its own right.”
“Good thing SEALs weren’t involved, or there would already be a book about it,” Reece said.
Katie rolled her eyes.
Jack Carr has a great sense of humor.
Posted by: Sharkman at October 05, 2025 11:31 AM (/RHNq)
264
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 05, 2025 11:28 AM (t/2Uw)
Know any who work for free?
O Christ, a Sistine smoke alarm.
We'll be seeing this one in First World Problems for sure.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at October 05, 2025 11:29 AM (zdLoL)
CBD, are you seeing this??
Know any who work for free?
O Christ, a Sistine smoke alarm.
We'll be seeing this one in First World Problems for sure.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at October 05, 2025 11:29 AM (zdLoL)
CBD, are you seeing this??
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:32 AM (uQesX)
265
Beau Biden died at Navarone.
Posted by: Not a joke at October 05, 2025 11:33 AM (XQo4F)
266
CBD, are you seeing this??
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:32 AM (uQesX)
Heh...just starting to write it!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:32 AM (uQesX)
Heh...just starting to write it!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo [Flying the American Flag!] at October 05, 2025 11:33 AM (n9ltV)
267
The movie First Men in the Moon starring Lionel Jeffries would qualify, I think.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at October 05, 2025 11:34 AM (PiwSw)
268
Because they want you to watch/read their feminist, socialist, LBGTQ++ drivel but know that's there's not a chance on earth that you would unless it's clothed in the skin of a beloved work.
Posted by: p0indexterous
A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.
- Mary Poppins
Posted by: p0indexterous
A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.
- Mary Poppins
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 05, 2025 11:34 AM (L/fGl)
269
I think I read somewhere that Carr does cameos in the series?
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice)
He did a cameo in The Terminal List where he was sitting in a car conducting surveillance on James Reece. Reece (Chris Pratt) shoots him in the face.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice)
He did a cameo in The Terminal List where he was sitting in a car conducting surveillance on James Reece. Reece (Chris Pratt) shoots him in the face.
Posted by: Sharkman at October 05, 2025 11:35 AM (/RHNq)
270
Beau Biden died at Navarone.
Posted by: Not a joke
That's odd -- I had heard that Beau died in the Dieppe raid.
Beau Biden died at Navarone.
Posted by: Not a joke
That's odd -- I had heard that Beau died in the Dieppe raid.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars(TM) - what makes you think you are in charge? at October 05, 2025 11:35 AM (xG4kz)
271
Dang it! Gotta take the wife to work again.
She seriously needs to learn how to drive. It's interfering with the Book Thread!!!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025
***
I've wished for decades that Linda would learn how to drive. I gave her lessons back in '97, and she did quite well. Then on her road test she bumped a tire against a curb, and the examiner failed her. I didn't think anybody with a pulse ever got failed around here.
We were going to try again, but then I got the job in Denver. When she joined me there I did not think that was a good place to *learn* how to drive. Since then, though, she avoids the subject as if it were a leper trying to cuddle. Oh, well.
She seriously needs to learn how to drive. It's interfering with the Book Thread!!!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025
***
I've wished for decades that Linda would learn how to drive. I gave her lessons back in '97, and she did quite well. Then on her road test she bumped a tire against a curb, and the examiner failed her. I didn't think anybody with a pulse ever got failed around here.
We were going to try again, but then I got the job in Denver. When she joined me there I did not think that was a good place to *learn* how to drive. Since then, though, she avoids the subject as if it were a leper trying to cuddle. Oh, well.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:35 AM (omVj0)
272
I am on to Oliver Twist. Good stuff, man that kid suffers.
The only thing I'm confused about so far is the kid's faith and moral value. He was neglected, to put it mildly, and we see no religious instruction. So I'm wondering how he can be so moral and so religious without ever given good examples to follow.
Just a nit pick, but it stands out in comparison to how realistic ever the minor characters are in Dickens.
The only thing I'm confused about so far is the kid's faith and moral value. He was neglected, to put it mildly, and we see no religious instruction. So I'm wondering how he can be so moral and so religious without ever given good examples to follow.
Just a nit pick, but it stands out in comparison to how realistic ever the minor characters are in Dickens.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at October 05, 2025 11:36 AM (xcxpd)
273
Maclean's book "Force 10 From Navarone", I thought, was superior to his "The Guns of Navarone". The "Force 10" film was a bitter disappointment.
Posted by: mrp at October 05, 2025 11:36 AM (rj6Yv)
274
After the recommendation by a Moron (last week?), I found that the local library has a copy of 'Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy', so I have reserved it, and look forward to the read.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc
That's a great book.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc
That's a great book.
Posted by: Sharkman at October 05, 2025 11:37 AM (/RHNq)
275
Last month I began reading "Keeping Faith"by Jodi Picoult because a coworker put it in the "read this!" Lunchroom pile. (My contribution was "Life Expectancy by Dean Koontz).
I take it with me during lunch as an excuse for why I don't gossip with the girls. I don't read it anywhere else.
Can't finish. I dislike the emotionally weak protagonist, the stereotypical courtroom-media drama, and the sense that the author wrote a "thought-provoking" novel for book reviewers. Or maybe it's that I'm overwhelmed with work and don't have much time for my own WIP.
I've still got a few juvenile novels from the library purge. I'll put one in my paperback cover and no one will be the wiser.
I take it with me during lunch as an excuse for why I don't gossip with the girls. I don't read it anywhere else.
Can't finish. I dislike the emotionally weak protagonist, the stereotypical courtroom-media drama, and the sense that the author wrote a "thought-provoking" novel for book reviewers. Or maybe it's that I'm overwhelmed with work and don't have much time for my own WIP.
I've still got a few juvenile novels from the library purge. I'll put one in my paperback cover and no one will be the wiser.
Posted by: NaughtyPine at October 05, 2025 11:38 AM (O86Jm)
276
I used to think Taylor Kitsch was just another empty-headed Hollywood dude, but with his experiences with Lone Survivor, the so-bad-it's-good movie Battleship, Terminal List, Dark Wolf, and the recent American Primeval, I've come to see him as a very good actor who really tries his best to honor our service members. He did an interview with Joe Rogan that was really eye-opening for me.
Posted by: Sharkman at October 05, 2025 11:27 AM (/RHNq)
He played David Koresh in a docudrama about the events at Mt Carmel in 1995. He was pretty darn good in that role - I was surprised because I'd only ever seen him in Friday Night Lights. That wasn't a stretch role.
I used to think Taylor Kitsch was just another empty-headed Hollywood dude, but with his experiences with Lone Survivor, the so-bad-it's-good movie Battleship, Terminal List, Dark Wolf, and the recent American Primeval, I've come to see him as a very good actor who really tries his best to honor our service members. He did an interview with Joe Rogan that was really eye-opening for me.
Posted by: Sharkman at October 05, 2025 11:27 AM (/RHNq)
He played David Koresh in a docudrama about the events at Mt Carmel in 1995. He was pretty darn good in that role - I was surprised because I'd only ever seen him in Friday Night Lights. That wasn't a stretch role.
Posted by: moki at October 05, 2025 11:38 AM (wLjpr)
277
I am on to Oliver Twist. Good stuff, man that kid suffers.
The only thing I'm confused about so far is the kid's faith and moral value. He was neglected, to put it mildly, and we see no religious instruction. So I'm wondering how he can be so moral and so religious without ever given good examples to follow.
Just a nit pick, but it stands out in comparison to how realistic ever the minor characters are in Dickens.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at October 05, 2025
***
Perhaps Dickens was of the opinion that a child of true British stock, that is, not a foreigner or Jewish or Oriental (as Britons of Dickens' time would have put it), would simply know these things and keep to them instinctively.
The only thing I'm confused about so far is the kid's faith and moral value. He was neglected, to put it mildly, and we see no religious instruction. So I'm wondering how he can be so moral and so religious without ever given good examples to follow.
Just a nit pick, but it stands out in comparison to how realistic ever the minor characters are in Dickens.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at October 05, 2025
***
Perhaps Dickens was of the opinion that a child of true British stock, that is, not a foreigner or Jewish or Oriental (as Britons of Dickens' time would have put it), would simply know these things and keep to them instinctively.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:39 AM (omVj0)
278
When Truman Capote died, Mad Magazine's inside back cover had a picture of a couple of dozen random items with the title:
"Objects Found By The Coroner in Truman Capote's Ass."
"Objects Found By The Coroner in Truman Capote's Ass."
Posted by: Sharkman at October 05, 2025 11:39 AM (/RHNq)
279
268 --
Unfortunately, they don't even give you a full teaspoon of sugar.
267 --
That movie of First Men in the Moon probably would qualify. It's a delight from first frame to last. Good performances, terrific score, and a screenplay from Nigel Kneale who also gave us Quatermass. What's not to like?
Unfortunately, they don't even give you a full teaspoon of sugar.
267 --
That movie of First Men in the Moon probably would qualify. It's a delight from first frame to last. Good performances, terrific score, and a screenplay from Nigel Kneale who also gave us Quatermass. What's not to like?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 11:39 AM (q3u5l)
280
197 Little Free Library finds this week: Three basically brand new Vince Flynn hardcovers, and an Elmore Leonard paperback.
....
====
Only hobos use them here.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 05, 2025 10:54 AM (IC093)
But I'll be reading mine, not using them for toilet paper.
....
====
Only hobos use them here.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 05, 2025 10:54 AM (IC093)
But I'll be reading mine, not using them for toilet paper.
Posted by: Fritzy at October 05, 2025 11:40 AM (2GIh1)
281
Smoke detectors do have a useful life of 10 years apparently. Found this out when I sold my house. It may not be just the battery back up. Might be worth hiring an electrician to change it out both units. They also make two function units that also have CO detectors.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 05, 2025 11:28 AM (t/2Uw)
A CO-smoke detector's effectiveness would depend on where it's installed because smoke tends to rise and CO is heavier than breathable air. Do I have that right?
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at October 05, 2025 11:28 AM (t/2Uw)
A CO-smoke detector's effectiveness would depend on where it's installed because smoke tends to rise and CO is heavier than breathable air. Do I have that right?
Posted by: mrp at October 05, 2025 11:40 AM (rj6Yv)
282
the book has greater character development, naturally, they cross promoted the movie with the fortress set from guns
Posted by: miguel cervantes at October 05, 2025 11:41 AM (bXbFr)
283
Perhaps Dickens was of the opinion that a child of true British stock, that is, not a foreigner or Jewish or Oriental (as Britons of Dickens' time would have put it), would simply know these things and keep to them instinctively.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:39 AM (omVj0)
I thought of that, but there are a LOT of British children Oliver encounters that are dirtbags. It's not the Japanese trope that all children are holy and must be indulged in all things.
It's just a minor nit, I'm just wonder how he got his moral compass when all he got was abuse and ignorance.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:39 AM (omVj0)
I thought of that, but there are a LOT of British children Oliver encounters that are dirtbags. It's not the Japanese trope that all children are holy and must be indulged in all things.
It's just a minor nit, I'm just wonder how he got his moral compass when all he got was abuse and ignorance.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at October 05, 2025 11:41 AM (xcxpd)
284
250 Eeyore, I don't remember one thing about Close Quarters, though my copy is well-thumbed. Perhaps I'll start my re-reading there. Thanks.
Posted by: Wenda at October 05, 2025 11:26 AM (F2ojL)
_______
The key clue is a crossword (Brit cryptic). They solve it. Dorothy Sayers did that in a Wimsey short story, though the cryptic was undeveloped then.
Posted by: Wenda at October 05, 2025 11:26 AM (F2ojL)
_______
The key clue is a crossword (Brit cryptic). They solve it. Dorothy Sayers did that in a Wimsey short story, though the cryptic was undeveloped then.
Posted by: Eeyore (Is, Eum) at October 05, 2025 11:42 AM (s0JqF)
285
"People have to reach and dig for the thematic message of Frankenstein because Mary Shelley was a teenager and didn't really understand that part of writing a novel. There isn't a theme."
-----
I'm not sure about that. I think it has the same theme as "Blade Runner" - God creates Man; God abandons Man; Man is lost and angry at God.
-----
I'm not sure about that. I think it has the same theme as "Blade Runner" - God creates Man; God abandons Man; Man is lost and angry at God.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025 11:42 AM (5YmYl)
286
I thought of that, but there are a LOT of British children Oliver encounters that are dirtbags. It's not the Japanese trope that all children are holy and must be indulged in all things.
It's just a minor nit, I'm just wonder how he got his moral compass when all he got was abuse and ignorance.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at October 05, 2025
***
Good point. Well, Oliver is supposed to be extraordinary, so maybe that's the "answer."
It's just a minor nit, I'm just wonder how he got his moral compass when all he got was abuse and ignorance.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at October 05, 2025
***
Good point. Well, Oliver is supposed to be extraordinary, so maybe that's the "answer."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:43 AM (omVj0)
287
CO is heavier than breathable air. Do I have that right?
Posted by: mrp at October 05, 2025 11:40 AM (rj6Yv)
Nope. CO is a bit lighter than air.
Posted by: mrp at October 05, 2025 11:40 AM (rj6Yv)
Nope. CO is a bit lighter than air.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo [Flying the American Flag!] at October 05, 2025 11:43 AM (n9ltV)
288
It's freighters-in-the-South Pacific adventures, with a spaceship instead of a freighter, planets instead of islands and aliens instead of headhunters.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025“
I thought that was just Star Trek.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025“
I thought that was just Star Trek.
Posted by: Tom Servo at October 05, 2025 11:43 AM (+htsy)
289
I'm working on Eric Cline's 1177 B.C. The Year Civilization Collapsed. (Well one of the many times imho) It's actually good, very readable for "history" but isn't written to lowest common denominator fodder. It sheds light on a period of history given a sentence in textbooks, but which is foundational to the nascence of Western thought. Plus he used B.C. Bonus points for that!!
Posted by: moki at October 05, 2025 11:43 AM (wLjpr)
290
CO is heavier than breathable air. Do I have that right?
Posted by: mrp at October 05, 2025 11:40 AM (rj6Yv)
Nope. CO is a bit lighter than air.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo [Flying the American Flag!] at October 05, 2025 11:43 AM (n9ltV)
Thanks!
Posted by: mrp at October 05, 2025 11:40 AM (rj6Yv)
Nope. CO is a bit lighter than air.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo [Flying the American Flag!] at October 05, 2025 11:43 AM (n9ltV)
Thanks!
Posted by: mrp at October 05, 2025 11:46 AM (rj6Yv)
291
Back at last. Let's see what I missed.
---
Centuries of English Lit. teachers are probably swooning or frothing at that opinion.
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 10:30 AM (yTvNw)
---
It's a Important Book and that's why it sticks around. It also helped (for good or ill, mostly ill) the Anglophone concept of heaven, hell, and the nature of Satan's rebellion.
The whole "better to rule in hell and serve in heaven" has a rather unfortunate moral effect, as does the repeated episodes were Satan considers repenting, making him less the Father of Evil than a very angsty rebel - again, morally problematic.
---
Centuries of English Lit. teachers are probably swooning or frothing at that opinion.
Posted by: JTB at October 05, 2025 10:30 AM (yTvNw)
---
It's a Important Book and that's why it sticks around. It also helped (for good or ill, mostly ill) the Anglophone concept of heaven, hell, and the nature of Satan's rebellion.
The whole "better to rule in hell and serve in heaven" has a rather unfortunate moral effect, as does the repeated episodes were Satan considers repenting, making him less the Father of Evil than a very angsty rebel - again, morally problematic.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 11:46 AM (ZOv7s)
292
I'm reading Genesis by Robert Alter for an online class at Hillsdale. Very good, very challenging too.
I felt after Charlie Kirk was killed I needed to explore the things he talked about so eloquently.
I felt after Charlie Kirk was killed I needed to explore the things he talked about so eloquently.
Posted by: Random PJ at October 05, 2025 11:47 AM (RRCAT)
293
It's freighters-in-the-South Pacific adventures, with a spaceship instead of a freighter, planets instead of islands and aliens instead of headhunters.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025“
*
I thought that was just Star Trek.
Posted by: Tom Servo at October 05, 2025
***
Trek had its origins in space opera like that. It was a science-fiction *based* format for telling stories. The background in a good SF tale is supposed to influence and determine the story, not the other way around. Still, let's face it, Trek was parsecs ahead of any other TV SF at the time, and ahead of a lot of them since.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025“
*
I thought that was just Star Trek.
Posted by: Tom Servo at October 05, 2025
***
Trek had its origins in space opera like that. It was a science-fiction *based* format for telling stories. The background in a good SF tale is supposed to influence and determine the story, not the other way around. Still, let's face it, Trek was parsecs ahead of any other TV SF at the time, and ahead of a lot of them since.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:47 AM (omVj0)
294
Beau Biden died at Navarone.
Posted by: Not a joke
That's odd -- I had heard that Beau died in the Dieppe raid.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars(TM) - what makes you think you are in charge?
Waterloo.
Posted by: Not a joke
That's odd -- I had heard that Beau died in the Dieppe raid.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars(TM) - what makes you think you are in charge?
Waterloo.
Posted by: Sharkman at October 05, 2025 11:47 AM (/RHNq)
295
"I thought that was just Star Trek."
-----
ISWYDT, but nah. With those old stories, you could literally set them in the South Pacific, make some tweaks and the story is the same. In "Star Trek", there are actually uniquely sci-fi elements, speculation, world-invention, allegory, etc.
-----
ISWYDT, but nah. With those old stories, you could literally set them in the South Pacific, make some tweaks and the story is the same. In "Star Trek", there are actually uniquely sci-fi elements, speculation, world-invention, allegory, etc.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025 11:49 AM (5YmYl)
296
It's just a minor nit, I'm just wonder how he got his moral compass when all he got was abuse and ignorance.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at October 05, 2025 11:41 AM (xcxpd)
I think that as far as that goes, the character resembles Dickens himself, who did not have a carefree childhood. (Not like Oliver, of course)
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at October 05, 2025 11:41 AM (xcxpd)
I think that as far as that goes, the character resembles Dickens himself, who did not have a carefree childhood. (Not like Oliver, of course)
Posted by: Tom Servo at October 05, 2025 11:49 AM (+htsy)
297
"I thought that was just Star Trek."
Yep. Star Trek, good though the original series was, was a good 20 years or more behind print sf. A lot of fun, but most of it awfully old style compared to print.
Yep. Star Trek, good though the original series was, was a good 20 years or more behind print sf. A lot of fun, but most of it awfully old style compared to print.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 11:49 AM (q3u5l)
298
When October rolls around, that means it's time to pull out H.P. Lovecraft & August Derleth's The Lurker At The Threshold and The Dunwich Horror.. Used to be it'd be time to read Stephen King's It but he's turned out to be such a whacked-out crazy lefty, I've had to ditch his books. A shame as there's some fantastically creepy bits in It despite the really stupid ending.
Posted by: tankascribe at October 05, 2025 11:49 AM (NtoJk)
299
Anyone have any thoughts on Banned Books Week? I had to explain to my husband that there’s no such thing as banning a book you can buy anywhere at all (or like Tom Sawyer, download for free).
I especially like the bookstore displays of “banned” books (they’re RIGHT THERE!).
I especially like the bookstore displays of “banned” books (they’re RIGHT THERE!).
Posted by: Best Thief in Lankhmar at October 05, 2025 11:50 AM (64rer)
300
Just picked up a copy of "The Strike Zone...Is It Real?" By I.R. Blind.
I'm sending it to the ref from last night's Mariner's - Tigers game.
I'm sending it to the ref from last night's Mariner's - Tigers game.
Posted by: Diogenes at October 05, 2025 11:50 AM (2WIwB)
301
He played David Koresh in a docudrama about the events at Mt Carmel in 1995. He was pretty darn good in that role - I was surprised because I'd only ever seen him in Friday Night Lights. That wasn't a stretch role.
Posted by: moki
He talked about that role in the Rogan interview I listened to. He had a hard time shaking that character after filming wrapped. Getting into and living inside the head of a lunatic for months while portraying him can stick with you longer than you think.
Posted by: moki
He talked about that role in the Rogan interview I listened to. He had a hard time shaking that character after filming wrapped. Getting into and living inside the head of a lunatic for months while portraying him can stick with you longer than you think.
Posted by: Sharkman at October 05, 2025 11:50 AM (/RHNq)
302
>Someone asked last week for Steampunk that complete trash. At the end of the thread a lurker recommended their own series "Hunter, Healer, King" although the third book isn't out yet. At $5 for the two I decided to give them a try. The author is Mel Dunay, I don't remember the nic.
I quite enjoyed the first book and have started the second. There are some editing errors, but less than in many independently published books. The story has no explicit scenes, which is refreshing, but to call it Steampunk is probably pushing the genre boundary beyond what it will take. Although, I think the world could be considered to be on the *cusp* of the type of technology found in Steampunk.
Thank you, Polli! The second book has more airship stuff, FWIW.
I quite enjoyed the first book and have started the second. There are some editing errors, but less than in many independently published books. The story has no explicit scenes, which is refreshing, but to call it Steampunk is probably pushing the genre boundary beyond what it will take. Although, I think the world could be considered to be on the *cusp* of the type of technology found in Steampunk.
Thank you, Polli! The second book has more airship stuff, FWIW.
Posted by: jaglionpress at October 05, 2025 11:51 AM (zPHkj)
303
Beau Biden died at Navarone.
Posted by: Not a joke
That's odd -- I had heard that Beau died in the Dieppe raid.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars(TM) - what makes you think you are in charge?
Waterloo.
Posted by: Sharkman at October 05, 2025 11:47 AM (/RHNq)
Agincourt. Beau really got around for a dead guy.
Posted by: Not a joke
That's odd -- I had heard that Beau died in the Dieppe raid.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars(TM) - what makes you think you are in charge?
Waterloo.
Posted by: Sharkman at October 05, 2025 11:47 AM (/RHNq)
Agincourt. Beau really got around for a dead guy.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 05, 2025 11:52 AM (g8Ew8)
304
Beau Biden died at Navarone.
Posted by: Not a joke
That's odd -- I had heard that Beau died in the Dieppe raid.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars(TM) - what makes you think you are in charge?
Waterloo.
Posted by: Sharkman at October 05, 2025 11:47 AM (/RHNq)
Fourth rider from the left in The Light Brigade.
Posted by: Not a joke
That's odd -- I had heard that Beau died in the Dieppe raid.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars(TM) - what makes you think you are in charge?
Waterloo.
Posted by: Sharkman at October 05, 2025 11:47 AM (/RHNq)
Fourth rider from the left in The Light Brigade.
Posted by: Diogenes at October 05, 2025 11:52 AM (2WIwB)
305
We have library sales here in Maine where they charge ten bucks a bag.
I bring two big, sturdy bags.
I have made epic, quality hauls.
I bring two big, sturdy bags.
I have made epic, quality hauls.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025 11:53 AM (5YmYl)
306
155 Thanks for the Reading Thread, Weasel!
I've just been enjoying some murder mysteries by J.D. Robb. It's pure brain candy and I love it! Soon, I will return to selected biographies of early American founders, which is also enjoyable.
Posted by: Legally Sufficient at October 05, 2025 10:22 AM (kB9dk)
Next year is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
We as the Horde should compile a list of bios of the Founders and other important figures to read for the occasion.
I've just been enjoying some murder mysteries by J.D. Robb. It's pure brain candy and I love it! Soon, I will return to selected biographies of early American founders, which is also enjoyable.
Posted by: Legally Sufficient at October 05, 2025 10:22 AM (kB9dk)
Next year is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
We as the Horde should compile a list of bios of the Founders and other important figures to read for the occasion.
Posted by: Cow Demon at October 05, 2025 11:53 AM (bPFPB)
307
I especially like the bookstore displays of “banned” books (they’re RIGHT THERE!).
Posted by: Best Thief in Lankhmar at October 05, 2025 11:50 AM (64rer)
---
BANNED IN BOSTON!
Posted by: Best Thief in Lankhmar at October 05, 2025 11:50 AM (64rer)
---
BANNED IN BOSTON!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 11:53 AM (ZOv7s)
308
Stopped paying much attention to Banned Books Week quite some time ago.
But how much mileage would ALA get from a Books That Don't Need To Be Pushed On Your Kids At Taxpayers' Expense Week?
On that happy note, off to deal with assorted lunacies here at Casa Some Guy.
Thanks for the thread, Weasel.
Have a good one, gang.
But how much mileage would ALA get from a Books That Don't Need To Be Pushed On Your Kids At Taxpayers' Expense Week?
On that happy note, off to deal with assorted lunacies here at Casa Some Guy.
Thanks for the thread, Weasel.
Have a good one, gang.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 11:54 AM (q3u5l)
309
Posted by: jaglionpress at October 05, 2025 11:51 AM (zPHkj)
How close to being done with the third book are you? Also, are the other series you have listed in the back of the first book all finished? If so, I'll at least take a look at them.
How close to being done with the third book are you? Also, are the other series you have listed in the back of the first book all finished? If so, I'll at least take a look at them.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at October 05, 2025 11:55 AM (lFFaq)
310
305 We have library sales here in Maine where they charge ten bucks a bag.
I bring two big, sturdy bags.
I have made epic, quality hauls.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025 11:53 AM (5YmYl)
Not if you by this here Mainiac's books!!!
I bring two big, sturdy bags.
I have made epic, quality hauls.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025 11:53 AM (5YmYl)
Not if you by this here Mainiac's books!!!
Posted by: Stephen King at October 05, 2025 11:57 AM (bPFPB)
311
The whole "better to rule in hell and serve in heaven" has a rather unfortunate moral effect, as does the repeated episodes were Satan considers repenting, making him less the Father of Evil than a very angsty rebel - again, morally problematic.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 11:46 AM (ZOv7s)“
Theologically problematic, but much more useful as a reflection on the readers own lives and choices. The lesson for the reader is that redemption is still possible even after a terrible choice.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 11:46 AM (ZOv7s)“
Theologically problematic, but much more useful as a reflection on the readers own lives and choices. The lesson for the reader is that redemption is still possible even after a terrible choice.
Posted by: Tom Servo at October 05, 2025 11:57 AM (+htsy)
312
Used to be it'd be time to read Stephen King's It but he's turned out to be such a whacked-out crazy lefty, I've had to ditch his books. A shame as there's some fantastically creepy bits in It despite the really stupid ending.
Posted by: tankascribe at October 05, 2025
***
Salem's Lot, the Peyton Place-with-vampires tale, is still solid. So are several of his short stories in the early Night Shift collection, and his later Pet Sematary. The Dead Zone and Firestarter are psi-powers SF; the former has some creepy moments. And his novelette "The Breathing Method" has been unfairly overlooked.
Posted by: tankascribe at October 05, 2025
***
Salem's Lot, the Peyton Place-with-vampires tale, is still solid. So are several of his short stories in the early Night Shift collection, and his later Pet Sematary. The Dead Zone and Firestarter are psi-powers SF; the former has some creepy moments. And his novelette "The Breathing Method" has been unfairly overlooked.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:57 AM (omVj0)
313
Heh...just starting to write it!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo [Flying the American Flag!] at October 05, 2025 11:33 AM (n9ltV)
Ha!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo [Flying the American Flag!] at October 05, 2025 11:33 AM (n9ltV)
Ha!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:59 AM (uQesX)
314
308 Stopped paying much attention to Banned Books Week quite some time ago.
But how much mileage would ALA get from a Books That Don't Need To Be Pushed On Your Kids At Taxpayers' Expense Week?
On that happy note, off to deal with assorted lunacies here at Casa Some Guy.
Thanks for the thread, Weasel.
Have a good one, gang.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 11:54 AM (q3u5l)
Yeah, I am tiring of these too. Just because the book is not available at the school does NOT mean the parents can't buy the book for their kids.
But how much mileage would ALA get from a Books That Don't Need To Be Pushed On Your Kids At Taxpayers' Expense Week?
On that happy note, off to deal with assorted lunacies here at Casa Some Guy.
Thanks for the thread, Weasel.
Have a good one, gang.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at October 05, 2025 11:54 AM (q3u5l)
Yeah, I am tiring of these too. Just because the book is not available at the school does NOT mean the parents can't buy the book for their kids.
Posted by: Cow Demon at October 05, 2025 11:59 AM (bPFPB)
315
It's Maj Beau Biden btw
Posted by: Skip at October 05, 2025 11:59 AM (+qU29)
316
Time, I guess, to go do some chores. Thanks to Weasel and all of you for another installment of The Highlight of Sunday Mornings!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:59 AM (omVj0)
317
We were going to try again, but then I got the job in Denver. When she joined me there I did not think that was a good place to *learn* how to drive. Since then, though, she avoids the subject as if it were a leper trying to cuddle. Oh, well.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:35 AM (omVj0)
Aha! I solved your moving problem, Wolfus!!!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:35 AM (omVj0)
Aha! I solved your moving problem, Wolfus!!!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 12:00 PM (uQesX)
318
We haz a NOOD
Posted by: Skip at October 05, 2025 12:01 PM (+qU29)
319
Theologically problematic, but much more useful as a reflection on the readers own lives and choices. The lesson for the reader is that redemption is still possible even after a terrible choice.
Posted by: Tom Servo at October 05, 2025 11:57 AM (+htsy)
---
That's a good message for people, but leaves the impression that the ultimate lord of evil might somehow show pity and mercy, which absolutely is not the case.
Posted by: Tom Servo at October 05, 2025 11:57 AM (+htsy)
---
That's a good message for people, but leaves the impression that the ultimate lord of evil might somehow show pity and mercy, which absolutely is not the case.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 12:02 PM (ZOv7s)
320
Salem's Lot, the Peyton Place-with-vampires tale, is still solid. So are several of his short stories in the early Night Shift collection, and his later Pet Sematary. The Dead Zone and Firestarter are psi-powers SF; the former has some creepy moments. And his novelette "The Breathing Method" has been unfairly overlooked.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:57 AM (omVj0)
The Stand still ranks as one of my all time favorites. I enjoyed The Dead Zone and a few others. But I am far from a hard core King fan. Very simply, he lacks artistic restraint. He does not know when to shut up and complete character descriptions, much less end stories.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 05, 2025 11:57 AM (omVj0)
The Stand still ranks as one of my all time favorites. I enjoyed The Dead Zone and a few others. But I am far from a hard core King fan. Very simply, he lacks artistic restraint. He does not know when to shut up and complete character descriptions, much less end stories.
Posted by: Cow Demon at October 05, 2025 12:03 PM (bPFPB)
321
More Michael Gilbert:
His first book, I believe, is The Danger Within. He wrote it in his head, kind of, while being held in an Italian prisoner of war camp in WWII, a fiction version of what apparently really happened: a planned escape of the entire camp before it's taken over by the Nazis and they'll all be killed.
I think I have over two dozen of his books--don't know if that's all. And thanks for bringing him up. Now I know what I'll be rereading this week!
Posted by: Wenda at October 05, 2025 10:59 AM (F2ojL)
_______
That's not his first, but you've got the rest right. It also goes as Death in Captivity. I happen to be rereading his actual 1st written, but not 1st published, Close Quarters. Actually written prewar. Wiki has a decent article on him. One I'd recommend: Death Has Deep Roots. Not because it's his best, but it's his most typical. Has all the features he like to deploy.
"Smallbone Deceased" is also one of Gilbert's classics. Dead solicitor found stuffed in a large file box in law offices.
His first book, I believe, is The Danger Within. He wrote it in his head, kind of, while being held in an Italian prisoner of war camp in WWII, a fiction version of what apparently really happened: a planned escape of the entire camp before it's taken over by the Nazis and they'll all be killed.
I think I have over two dozen of his books--don't know if that's all. And thanks for bringing him up. Now I know what I'll be rereading this week!
Posted by: Wenda at October 05, 2025 10:59 AM (F2ojL)
_______
That's not his first, but you've got the rest right. It also goes as Death in Captivity. I happen to be rereading his actual 1st written, but not 1st published, Close Quarters. Actually written prewar. Wiki has a decent article on him. One I'd recommend: Death Has Deep Roots. Not because it's his best, but it's his most typical. Has all the features he like to deploy.
"Smallbone Deceased" is also one of Gilbert's classics. Dead solicitor found stuffed in a large file box in law offices.
Posted by: Wethal at October 05, 2025 12:03 PM (NufIr)
322
311 The whole "better to rule in hell and serve in heaven" has a rather unfortunate moral effect, as does the repeated episodes were Satan considers repenting, making him less the Father of Evil than a very angsty rebel - again, morally problematic.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 11:46 AM (ZOv7s)“
I remember reading Paradise Lost before the whole "BETTER TO REIGN IN HELL THAN SERVE IN HEAVEN" bit, thinking to myself "Satan is a whiny little bitch".
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 11:46 AM (ZOv7s)“
I remember reading Paradise Lost before the whole "BETTER TO REIGN IN HELL THAN SERVE IN HEAVEN" bit, thinking to myself "Satan is a whiny little bitch".
Posted by: Cow Demon at October 05, 2025 12:05 PM (bPFPB)
323
I'm not sure about that. I think it has the same theme as "Blade Runner" - God creates Man; God abandons Man; Man is lost and angry at God.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025 11:42 AM (5YmYl)
How does it feel? Your God has no use for you anymore so he is abandoning you. All your prayers, all your work serving him, all your defense of him, all for nothing. When the arrow flew through your body, God escaped your soul. So, tell me, how does it feel?
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at October 05, 2025 11:42 AM (5YmYl)
How does it feel? Your God has no use for you anymore so he is abandoning you. All your prayers, all your work serving him, all your defense of him, all for nothing. When the arrow flew through your body, God escaped your soul. So, tell me, how does it feel?
Posted by: Durmodeus at October 05, 2025 12:08 PM (bPFPB)
324
Band book.
Marching Bands and Drumlines: Secrets of Success from the Best of the Best by Paul Buyer
Marching Bands and Drumlines: Secrets of Success from the Best of the Best by Paul Buyer
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Going For the Brass Ring! at October 05, 2025 12:08 PM (L/fGl)
325
I do have one, but it's a cathedral ceiling and I don't have a ladder long enough to get close to it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:11 AM (uQesX)
Pose this question on the Gun Thread. A solution may be found!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 11:11 AM (uQesX)
Pose this question on the Gun Thread. A solution may be found!
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 05, 2025 12:12 PM (Nzhwp)
326
Pose this question on the Gun Thread. A solution may be found!
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 05, 2025 12:12 PM (Nzhwp)
I already thought about the shotgun method.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 05, 2025 12:12 PM (Nzhwp)
I already thought about the shotgun method.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 12:13 PM (uQesX)
327
Anyone have any thoughts on Banned Books Week?
Created from whole cloth by librarians who desperately want to think of themselves as Brave Iconoclasts stickin' it to the man, man.
Created from whole cloth by librarians who desperately want to think of themselves as Brave Iconoclasts stickin' it to the man, man.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 05, 2025 12:17 PM (UPcVH)
328
Re: Frankenstein For some reason I found it easier to listen to Frankenstein than to read it. I tried to read it several times, but could never get into it. Listening to worked. I'm glad I listened to it; it's a great story and not at all like the movies.
I've noticed that listening to some classic novels (Moby Dick also comes to mind) is often easier than trying to read the same novel. I usually listen to audiobooks on long drives or while working out. LibriVox is my "go to" source for free audiobooks in the public domain.
I've noticed that listening to some classic novels (Moby Dick also comes to mind) is often easier than trying to read the same novel. I usually listen to audiobooks on long drives or while working out. LibriVox is my "go to" source for free audiobooks in the public domain.
Posted by: March Hare at October 05, 2025 12:17 PM (O/GSq)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 05, 2025 12:18 PM (uQesX)
330
Just finished The Long Way To a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers. Space opera, lots of fun.
Currently reading The Buried Giant by Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro (The Remains Of The Day, Never Let Me Go)
Both were birthday prezzies from middle son. Haven't arrived at an opinion yet on the Ishiguro, but it's kept me interested for 150 pages.
Currently reading The Buried Giant by Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro (The Remains Of The Day, Never Let Me Go)
Both were birthday prezzies from middle son. Haven't arrived at an opinion yet on the Ishiguro, but it's kept me interested for 150 pages.
Posted by: Philip at October 05, 2025 12:21 PM (Du2c9)
331
I've noticed that listening to some classic novels (Moby Dick also comes to mind) is often easier than trying to read the same novel. I usually listen to audiobooks on long drives or while working out. LibriVox is my "go to" source for free audiobooks in the public domain.
Posted by: March Hare at October 05, 2025 12:17 PM (O/GSq)
---
Those books were meant to be read aloud, often in group settings. The idea of silently reading alone is fairly new.
Posted by: March Hare at October 05, 2025 12:17 PM (O/GSq)
---
Those books were meant to be read aloud, often in group settings. The idea of silently reading alone is fairly new.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 05, 2025 12:24 PM (ZOv7s)
332
Anyone have any thoughts on Banned Books Week?
Posted by: Best Thief in Lankhmar at October 05, 2025 11:50
I have thoughts.
There are fewer and fewer school libraries in which children actually read books. However, lots of folks (or "folx") see them as a place to push their beliefs. Also, writers who get one book into the library system often get others automatically purchased. No one has to read them.
When our school had a media specialist (aka librarian), she forwarded me Spanish translations of books like Harry Potter and reprints of Chicano children's books. They came as gifts from NGOs. I'm sure reading books weren't the point; paying minority-owner companies and the NGOs' executives salaries.
Any rejection of books is seen as "banning". When our district had a GSA club, GLAAD recommended LGBTQ books which the PTA rejected. They were wildly inappropriate for minors. But again, that's "banning".
Here's a thought: Remind people that many school libraries don't have a copy of the Bible - and if they do, it isn't the version accepted by every Christian. Somehow people understand that not having The Grail Psalter (Inclusive Language Version) on the shelf isn't banning it.
Posted by: Best Thief in Lankhmar at October 05, 2025 11:50
I have thoughts.
There are fewer and fewer school libraries in which children actually read books. However, lots of folks (or "folx") see them as a place to push their beliefs. Also, writers who get one book into the library system often get others automatically purchased. No one has to read them.
When our school had a media specialist (aka librarian), she forwarded me Spanish translations of books like Harry Potter and reprints of Chicano children's books. They came as gifts from NGOs. I'm sure reading books weren't the point; paying minority-owner companies and the NGOs' executives salaries.
Any rejection of books is seen as "banning". When our district had a GSA club, GLAAD recommended LGBTQ books which the PTA rejected. They were wildly inappropriate for minors. But again, that's "banning".
Here's a thought: Remind people that many school libraries don't have a copy of the Bible - and if they do, it isn't the version accepted by every Christian. Somehow people understand that not having The Grail Psalter (Inclusive Language Version) on the shelf isn't banning it.
Posted by: NaughtyPine at October 05, 2025 12:24 PM (O86Jm)
333
Just finished The Long Way To a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers. Space opera, lots of fun.
Read that a couple of years ago on recommendation from a coworker. I was surprised that the planet didn't turn out to be Earth.
Read that a couple of years ago on recommendation from a coworker. I was surprised that the planet didn't turn out to be Earth.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 05, 2025 12:40 PM (7j8/C)
334
56 I’ve been enjoying “Ice Station Zebra” by Alistair Maclean, which someone here mentioned. I saw the movie w/ my dad when it came out. The book is different b/c it doesn’t seem to have the spy/Cold War plot line (so far), which was interesting w/ Patrick McGoohan and Ernest Borgnine, but is still good.
Posted by: Norrin Radd, sojourner of the spaceways at October 05, 2025 12:52 PM (aPpm9)
335
289 I'm working on Eric Cline's 1177 B.C. The Year Civilization Collapsed. (Well one of the many times imho) It's actually good, very readable for "history" but isn't written to lowest common denominator fodder. It sheds light on a period of history given a sentence in textbooks, but which is foundational to the nascence of Western thought. Plus he used B.C. Bonus points for that!!
Posted by: moki at October 05, 2025 11:43 AM (wLjpr)
I read that book once or twice. The Late Bronze Age and its collapse (in 1177BC) is fascinating. And horrifying. Basically, the entire civilized world collapsed, possibly because of a marauding migration of 'Sea Peoples' that toppled every empire except for Egypt. Archeologists have found one city that was sacked and destroyed, and the final inscriptions found in the city amounted to 'we have begun the human sacrifices.' That didn't work out any better for them than whatever they tried before...
Posted by: moki at October 05, 2025 11:43 AM (wLjpr)
I read that book once or twice. The Late Bronze Age and its collapse (in 1177BC) is fascinating. And horrifying. Basically, the entire civilized world collapsed, possibly because of a marauding migration of 'Sea Peoples' that toppled every empire except for Egypt. Archeologists have found one city that was sacked and destroyed, and the final inscriptions found in the city amounted to 'we have begun the human sacrifices.' That didn't work out any better for them than whatever they tried before...
Posted by: Castle Guy at October 05, 2025 01:01 PM (Lhaco)
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