Ace of Spades HQ

July 14, 2013

Sunday Morning Book Thread 07-14-2013: Creepy Crawly [OregonMuse]
— Open Blogger

Good morning morons and moronettes and welcome to the the award-winning AoSHQ's Sunday Morning Book Thread.

Personal Recommendations

OK, so I picked up Sabrina Chase's new book last week, a collection of short stories entitled The Bureau of Substandards Annual Report. The BoS is a secret government administrative agency that deals with the occasional paranormal incursions, both sentient and not-so-sentient, into our space-time continuum. Think Men in Black, only without so much Tommy Lee Jones. And a lot more bureaucracy. The loosely-connected stories are humorous and whimsical and very entertaining.

Ms. Chase also e-mailed to inform me of another venue for indie/self-published authors to plug their books:

Thought the Horde might be interested (especially author Morons). PJ Media is starting up a "Book Plug Friday" post for indie writers, hosted by Sarah Hoyt and Charlie Martin. Authors are invited to send a short plug for their books (one plug per book).
http://pjmedia.com/lifestyle/2013/07/12/book-plug-friday/

It is still getting fully spun up, but the plan is to have book covers too as well as the text blurb, and maybe even a dedicated email address for submissions.

Thanks!

So there you are.

Hood, by Stephen Lawhead, which is the first book of his King Raven Trilogy. Lawhead postulates that the historical character we know as Robin Hood was actually a Welshman, fighting the English incursions into his country. this s a theory I had not heard before. The most compelling bit of evidence he offers to support this is that by the 10th century, the forests of England were no longer "wild", but rather carefully managed royal game preserves. So it was virtually impossible for a band of outlaws to camp out permanently in a forest and escape detection. But in Wales, not so much. But whether you agree with this or not, this is is good, light reading.

King Raven Book 2: Scarlet
King Raven Book 3: Tuck

Books By Morons

Lady Selina Shirley was the daughter of Washington Shirley, second earl Ferrers...she had a distant cousin in America: George Washington, to whom she decided to write about her plans for a mission to the Native Americans...

In the midst of revolution, war, peace treaties, reprisals, and the birth of a new nation, the Countess and the General shared...a friendship and something of a vision. The Countess entrusted to her distant cousin the General her hopes of maintaining charities in the former colonies, settling the back-country with pious families, and evangelizing the Native Americans...

In the end, they helped to create the forces that evangelized the American frontier, put down slavery, gave the United States its standing sense of a special moral mission in the world, and made the Nonconformist Conscience a permanent factor in British politics.

This is from the Amazon blurb for Markham S. Pyle's book Benevolent Designs: The Countess and the General: George Washington, Selina Countess of Huntingdon, their correspondence, & the evangelizing of America which the author e-mailed to inform me has just been released and is available on Kindle. Mr. Pyle is also the co-author of When That Great Ship Went Down: the legal and political repercussions of the loss of RMS Titanic which I mentioned in a book thread a while back.

___________

Zimmerman Update:

Of course you know there had to be one of these:

___________

So that's all for this week. As always, book thread tips, suggestions, rumors, and insults may be sent to OregonMuse, Proprietor, AoSHQ Book Thread, at aoshqbookthread, followed by the 'at' sign, and then "gee mail", and then dot you-know-what.

What have you all been reading this week? Hopefully something good, because, as we all know, life is too short to read lousy books

Posted by: Open Blogger at 07:26 AM | Comments (156)
Post contains 627 words, total size 5 kb.

Please God. No, NO! Not the bees!!!!

Oh wait, never mind. Carry on.

Posted by: Edward Malus at July 14, 2013 07:28 AM (o5q2C)

2 Oh, that's gonna go over well with our Queen.

Posted by: garrett at July 14, 2013 07:31 AM (6rptg)

3 No, not bees. Spiders. Many of them. Everywhere.

Posted by: derekthec at July 14, 2013 07:33 AM (E9os+)

4 The wimmens are gonna gut you like a fish for that pic.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at July 14, 2013 07:36 AM (MBqvE)

5 What Obama needs to do to bring the country together.

http://tinyurl.com/nn2jk8h

Posted by: WalrusRex at July 14, 2013 07:36 AM (VlXYw)

6 Wow, AtC and MWR must be thrilled.

There, there, gingeresses.

Posted by: ConservativeMonster at July 14, 2013 07:37 AM (sh2xI)

7 Isn't this a direct shot in the face to AlextheChick? Someone is about to get stomped.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at July 14, 2013 07:37 AM (V1ZIU)

8 Where everybody at? Taking cover, I assume. Herself will not be pleased. Is anyone else having trouble buying the Kindle edition of Hood?

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 07:37 AM (Pb0zF)

9 AtC will love this thread.

Posted by: Vic at July 14, 2013 07:39 AM (lZvxr)

10 There, there, gingeresses. Posted by: ConservativeMonster at July 14, 2013 11:37 AM (sh2xI The Ginger-ette is here, will I do? A very poor substitute, I grant you, very poor indeed.

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 07:39 AM (Pb0zF)

11 Face crawling hairy spiders... with frickin lasers on their heads.

MWR hardest hit.

Posted by: fixerupper at July 14, 2013 07:39 AM (IrLKP)

12 Would that be the infamous nightstand tarantula, drinker of sleepytime tears? They conditioned to sniff out traces of mascara.

Posted by: Fritz at July 14, 2013 07:40 AM (G9Mmf)

13 Somebody get hold of the Nightmare Recorder(TM) for AtC?

Posted by: Victimman, The Most Powerful Victim in the Universe! at July 14, 2013 07:41 AM (ZR4Xh)

14 When creating this post, you...chose poorly.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at July 14, 2013 07:41 AM (V1ZIU)

(looks at first picture in book thread)

*shudder*

(tries to formulate coherent response)

*shudder*

(no, 10:40 AM central is too early for a drink)

Posted by: Sgt. Mom at July 14, 2013 07:41 AM (Asjr7)

16 I got an email from Amazon saying Sabrina Chase's new book was out. But Oregon Muse beats me to announcing it.

Will bookmark that PJ Media link. Back to writing since I obviously can not list 800,000 items on eBay in no way shape or form. Unless I also sell each shingle on roof of house along with the books dwelling within.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 14, 2013 07:42 AM (ngisl)

17 What we need now is CLOWNS! Many many CLOWNS!

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at July 14, 2013 07:43 AM (jucos)

18 Speaking of books...

I just recently started The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain (Kindle version). I like his style of writing, and this book is written like a journal of sorts (fact, not fiction) about his boat trip to Europe and the Middle East. I have only read so far in where they are still traversing the Atlantic and he does comment on how he does not get seasick, but finds enjoyment when others do.

Posted by: derekthec at July 14, 2013 07:45 AM (E9os+)

19 OK, so I picked up Sabrina Chase's new book last week, a collection of short stories entitled The Bureau of Substandards Annual Report.

I picked that up this past week as well. Currently reading Oberon's Dreams. It is a pretty good book.

http://tinyurl.com/ngekf2m

Posted by: Vic at July 14, 2013 07:45 AM (lZvxr)

20 I'm going to have to write a book about what I am about to say (just trying to stay in thread): What the reaction to the Zimmerman acquittal tells me is that it is best to move away from areas heavily weighted with African Americans, because the lack of discipline amongst a significanct enough (though small) percentage means that in an encounter, even if you are in the right, you will be wronged. Best to avoid the possibility entirely by moving if possible. As far as real books--Professionally: Hypersonic and High-Temperature Gas Dynamics; Kreyszig's Advanced Engineering Mathematics (both to soon be major Hollywood movies starring Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Tonto); personally (for going to bed reading): finished Dull's "Battle History of the Imperial Japanese Navy" this summer, now into Wilmott's "Empires in the Balance".

Posted by: Baron bon Mot at July 14, 2013 07:48 AM (VFF1p)

21 The World Science Fiction Convention is being held in San Antonio this year, since it's reasonably nearby I'm going. I've never been before. The Hugo Awards are given out at WorldCon, and the WorldCon members choose the winners of those awards. To that end, everyone who has purchased memberships in WorldCon gets a copy of every work that's nominated for the Hugo. So, the answer to what I'm reading is "The Hugo Packet". It contains more drek than I expected.

Posted by: JonathanG at July 14, 2013 07:52 AM (aYOnh)

22 As for the tarantula picture, this might be the only safe place for Oregon Muse. The neighbors won't say a word if it happens.

http://tinyurl.com/q74p4nn

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 14, 2013 07:53 AM (ngisl)

23 And, of course, regarding the Zimmerman trial--I'm delighted no one on the left would ever profile an American based upon surface characteristics. Like as a Nazi or something.

Posted by: Baron bon Mot at July 14, 2013 07:54 AM (VFF1p)

24 BTW. I read Hood while back. Great book.

Posted by: Vic at July 14, 2013 07:55 AM (lZvxr)

25 Something out of Gutenberg. R.A. Lafferty, The Six Fingers of Time.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/31663/31663-h/31663-h.htm

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 14, 2013 07:57 AM (ngisl)

26 Got Sabrina Chase's new book. Only complaint is that it's too short. Fun read though.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit at July 14, 2013 07:58 AM (D8tPj)

27 Vic, vampire stuff aside, you and I seem to like the same stuff, so I appreciate your input. I may spring for the paperback, though it's kind of spendy.

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 07:59 AM (Pb0zF)

28 Speaking of Gutenberg, they now have a Self-Publishing Portal.
http://self.gutenberg.org/

I think I prefer to go iBook, Nook, or Kindle still. Call me mercenary if you like. Just something about wanting to have money so I can keep eating and having a roof over head.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 14, 2013 08:00 AM (ngisl)

29 I'm hoping tomorrow kicks off the George Zimmerman Lawsuit Machine as he sues NBC and pretty much every other media outlet in the country for slander, libel, and anything else he can muster. I also hope he refuses a settlement from NBC and takes them directly to court. Don't let them off the hook this time. Maybe some changes might actually occur if he doesn't take the money.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at July 14, 2013 08:01 AM (V1ZIU)

30 Vic, vampire stuff aside, you and I seem to like the same stuff, so I appreciate your input. I may spring for the paperback, though it's kind of spendy.

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 11:59 AM (Pb0zF)

I got it from the library. I always check them first.

Posted by: Vic at July 14, 2013 08:01 AM (lZvxr)

31 Polliwogette, hope you got enough rest after your adventure in driving.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 14, 2013 08:03 AM (ngisl)

32 Just started the Mistborn trilogy. Not much of a Fantasy genre-kindaguy, but it came recommended, and I needed a break from my Sci-Fi obsession. Fun so far.

On the side, I'm reading The Disappearing Spoon, which chronicles the discovery of the various elements. Not something I can read cover to cover, but I jump back and forth for a new chapter now and then. (spoiler alert: oxygen rocks!).

Just picked up "Raising a Modern Day Night" by Robert Lewis, which is a guide to rearing brave, courageous, god-loving, purpose-driven young men. My son is 4 and I want to be able to set him on a course to navigate this currently Obama-ed up world.

And just for the pure fun of it, I recommend "Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline. Virtual reality scavenger hunt, with an 80's trivia backdrop. Awesome read.

Have a great rest-of-the-weekend.

Posted by: Sketchy at July 14, 2013 08:04 AM (7RHQv)

33 Speaking of vampires, in Poland as they were working on a new street project they unearthed some strange skeletons. The bodies had been buried with their severed heads atop their legs. Seems they were suspected of being vampires.

http://tinyurl.com/n5c6n92

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 14, 2013 08:04 AM (ngisl)

34 Yaaaaaaarrrrrrr! Shiver me timbers. I'm an eye patch!

Posted by: Face Sized Spider at July 14, 2013 08:06 AM (OSARm)

35 When I think of that poor spider I think of Traymon. I am so disappointing with Barky and Eric Holder. Even though they did more twisting than an arm match they did not do enough! It was chivalrous to think that the head of the entire 57 states of America could have done more.

Further, it would have helped if the MFM and the Huffpo would have portrayed Zimmerman as a little more white!

Because of the failure to lead from behind I am going to give Barky and Eric a hoodie and a wedgie! And, I will continue to do so on each anniversary of this injustice.

Barky has lost his mojo. And, if I have to stick his head in toilet water, press my lips to his button hole and suck - I will!

It is time we have the IRS and the NSA look into GZ records with a microscope and then get a spoon and look into his tailpipe! Good day.

Posted by: Barney F. at July 14, 2013 08:06 AM (m5Tr1)

36 OregonMuse, I have one word for you.

*points at picture in post*

SOON.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/b][/i][/u] at July 14, 2013 08:06 AM (CA2NO)

37 Brunettes are tasty but I prefer the spicy, zestiness of a ginger. Yarrrrr.

Posted by: Face Sized Spider at July 14, 2013 08:07 AM (OSARm)

38 Just started the Mistborn trilogy. Not much of a Fantasy genre-kindaguy, but it came recommended, and I needed a break from my Sci-Fi obsession. Fun so far.

Good series.

Posted by: Vic at July 14, 2013 08:08 AM (lZvxr)

39 I got it from the library. I always check them first. Posted by: Vic at July 14, 2013 12:01 PM (lZvxr) Our local library has been a huge disappointment to me; I wasn't expecting it to be like something we had in Los Angeles, but it's pretty weak. Big, beautiful new building, 2/3s of which is conference rooms. The other third is divided up between a computer center ( which probably is needed in this rural area) the children's section and then adult books. My personal library is at least equal to what they have, and probably exceeds it.

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 08:09 AM (Pb0zF)

40 "Death's Door" A Billy Boyle World War II Mystery by James R. Benn. Picked it up at the library because of very impressive blurbs on back. Intriguing plot and well-written characters. OSS, SOE, solving murder of a Monsignor at the Vatican, Vatican politics, the Abwehr, German peace initiatives and attempts to assassinate Hitler. Pretty good plot hooks. Highly recommended. Seventh in the series. I'm going to look for the earlier books.

Posted by: Doug at July 14, 2013 08:10 AM (xobxk)

41 Brunettes are tasty but I prefer the spicy, zestiness of a ginger. Yarrrrr. Posted by: Face Sized Spider at July 14, 2013 12:07 PM (OSARm) *GLARE* When I'm done with OregonMuse, YOU'RE NEXT.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/i][/b][/u] at July 14, 2013 08:11 AM (CA2NO)

42 Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 12:09 PM (Pb0zF)

I have been lucky. Everywhere I have lived has always had a good libary.

Posted by: Vic at July 14, 2013 08:13 AM (lZvxr)

43 Vic, vampire stuff aside, you and I seem to like the same stuff, so I appreciate your input. I may spring for the paperback, though it's kind of spendy.

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 11:59 AM (Pb0zF)

Check your email!

Posted by: Tunafish at July 14, 2013 08:13 AM (9lPQZ)

44 My father told me yesterday that when he was out trimming the grass, he saw a spider so large it actually MADE THE GRASS MOVE as it walked. MWR. Is not. A happy. CAMPER.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/i][/b][/u] at July 14, 2013 08:14 AM (CA2NO)

45 damn....the glee star that killed himself.......his last tweets were about "sharknado"......

Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl at July 14, 2013 08:15 AM (8JJ6O)

46 I guess that is like having a kitten on your face.

Posted by: Shark Cracka! at July 14, 2013 08:17 AM (cjFRv)

47 Started reading the Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries, which are mysteries set in Imperial Rome. First one is called The Silver Pigs. I am enjoying it, but I can't make up my mind if I like the premise overall. I know next to nothing about the era, and I wonder if I'm missing subtle references, plus I am having a slightly difficult time reconciling the modern-day style of behaviour within the era being written about. I don't think it's a failure of the writing, it's just me!

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 08:17 AM (Pb0zF)

48 Check your email!

Posted by: Tunafish at July 14, 2013 12:13 PM (9lPQZ)

Nothing there but it usually takes a full day for RR to post stuff.

Posted by: Vic at July 14, 2013 08:18 AM (lZvxr)

49 45 damn....the glee star that killed himself.......his last tweets were about "sharknado"...... Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl at July 14, 2013 12:15 PM (8JJ6O) You think it's suicide vs. accidental?

Posted by: Shark Cracka! at July 14, 2013 08:19 AM (cjFRv)

50 I'll bet Zimmerman killed Cory Montieth!

Posted by: LIV at July 14, 2013 08:20 AM (V1ZIU)

51 Nothing there but it usually takes a full day for RR to post stuff.

Posted by: Vic at July 14, 2013 12:18 PM (lZvxr)

I was talkin to Tammy - I "loaned" her a copy of Hood. I have the other two also if she (or you) want.

Posted by: Tunafish at July 14, 2013 08:21 AM (9lPQZ)

52 Thank you!

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 08:22 AM (Pb0zF)

53 I was talkin to Tammy - I "loaned" her a copy of Hood. I have the other two also if she (or you) want.
Posted by: Tunafish at July 14, 2013 12:21 PM (9lPQZ

Thanks but I have read them.

Posted by: Vic at July 14, 2013 08:22 AM (lZvxr)

54 Winik's the Great Upheaval, recommended by Captain, a very timely look at the American, and French Revolution, and Catherine the Great's Enlightened Autarchy, it makes us appreciate the unique combination of leadership, that
brought this country to light, and the contrast across the pond, and the Steppes.

Posted by: General Zod at July 14, 2013 08:23 AM (Jsiw/)

55 I guess that is like having a kitten on your face. Posted by: Shark Cracka! at July 14, 2013 12:17 PM (cjFRv) No. It's not. It;s like having a large, furry spider on your face. A VERY LARGE FURRY SPIDER ON YOUR FACE.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/i][/b][/u] at July 14, 2013 08:24 AM (CA2NO)

56 41 Brunettes are tasty but I prefer the spicy, zestiness of a ginger. Yarrrrr. Posted by: Face Sized Spider at July 14, 2013 12:07 PM (OSARm) *GLARE* When I'm done with OregonMuse, YOU'RE NEXT. Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit at July 14, 2013 12:11 PM (CA2NO) Because I'm perverse and an insensitive prick, but mostly because I'm an insensitive prick, I'm gonna get in on some of this action. http://www.buzzfeed.com/gavon/spider-web-forrest-is-beautiful-and-terrifying?s=mobile

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at July 14, 2013 08:26 AM (MBqvE)

57 Tammy the Didus Falco novels are just a riot. Marcus wants to rise to respectability the hard way in Vespasian's Rome. He wants to earn it. Alas he acquires a very serious crush upon the daughter of a Roman Senator and before you know it, he is back in the shivering cold hell called England that had aborted his Army career. He is constantly reminded by his mother and others how his older brother was the real hero, he died dealing with the Jews. He also died stupidly.

One of the later novels deals with professional accusers. Those who denounce others so they can profit from the misfortune. Then there is the case of one Vestal Virgin too many and a murder. And private jokes about his friend who has an oxen... the poor beast was not fixed correctly and everyone in a whisper calls the oxen Nero.

There was in 1993 even a Falco movie.
http://youtu.be/0GYfHUzoJSE

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 14, 2013 08:27 AM (ngisl)

58 49 45 damn....the glee star that killed himself.......his last tweets were about "sharknado"...... Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl at July 14, 2013 12:15 PM (8JJ6O) You think it's suicide vs. accidental? Posted by: Shark Cracka! at July 14, 2013 12:19 PM (cjFRv) no idea....all i know is it's somehow tied to sharknado....../

Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl at July 14, 2013 08:28 AM (8JJ6O)

59 Word to the gingaz out there, I can't wait to treat your faces like they 40s, know what I'm sayin? Unless you're a white Hispanic.

Posted by: Face Sized Trayvon Spider at July 14, 2013 08:29 AM (W9Qyw)

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 14, 2013 12:03 PM (ngisl)

Not even close. Going to *have* to nap, but currently starving and there's no food in the house so trying to get Eldest Kidlet mobile enough to go get breakfast.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit at July 14, 2013 08:29 AM (D8tPj)

Posted by: Sketchy at July 14, 2013 12:04 PM (7RHQv)

Thanks for reminding me. Just started reading The Disappearing Spoon outloud to Eldest Kidlet. Very interesting.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit at July 14, 2013 08:31 AM (D8tPj)

62 Geez Polliwogette. You might be better to just go get food to bring back. Leave a Post-it on Eldest's forehead saying food in fridge. Then go to bed.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 14, 2013 08:31 AM (ngisl)

63 The Silver Pigs annoyed the shit out of me for some reason. I much prefer John Maddox Roberts' "SPQR" series of Roman mysteries.

Posted by: Waterhouse at July 14, 2013 08:31 AM (yGODk)

64 Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 14, 2013 12:27 PM (ngisl) Anna, I am absolutely loving the humor. I'm just afraid my ignorance of the era in general will make me miss some crucial bit of info! I should just get out of my own head and enjoy, perhaps? (This is one reason I seldom go to the movies; I have a hard time with the suspension of disbelief aspect required)

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 08:32 AM (Pb0zF)

65 Forget the Ravages, I think the Kaiju are in order, for such insolence, they could go on a Cloverfield like rampage though.

Posted by: General Zod at July 14, 2013 08:32 AM (Jsiw/)

66 http://www.buzzfeed.com/gavon/spider-web-forrest-is-beautiful-and-terrifying?s=mobile Posted by: IllTemperedCur at July 14, 2013 12:26 PM (MBqvE) There is no way in Hell I'm click that. *SHUDDER* I'm pretty sure I've seen the pictures before. "Kingdom of the Spiders" comes to mind. *SHUDDER MORE* Word to the gingaz out there, I can't wait to treat your faces like they 40s, know what I'm sayin? Unless you're a white Hispanic. Posted by: Face Sized Trayvon Spider at July 14, 2013 12:29 PM (W9Qyw) Don't you have a Radio Shack you should be looting right now?

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/i][/b][/u] at July 14, 2013 08:32 AM (CA2NO)

67 Last week many of the books in Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone mystery alphabet series were on sale at Amazon for 1.99, and I picked up those that didn't have reviews accusing Grafton of mailing it in. I wish I had gotten all of them because I am hooked. This week I read 'A Is For Alibi', 'B Is For Burglar', and 'C Is For Corpse' and thoroughly enjoyed all of them, just a lot of fun. I was looking for a good gumshoe novel and found it. Grafton is up to the letter W (she plans to retire Kinsey after volume Z) so there's a long way to go. I'm starting 'The Way Of Kings' by Sanderson which has gotten many strong recommendations here. Also want to start King's 'The Stand' soon, since the revised edition on e-book I think is over 1300 pages and I'd like to finish it this year (a New Years resolution).

Posted by: waelse1 at July 14, 2013 08:33 AM (7h2CC)

68 Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit at July 14, 2013 12:29 PM (D8tPj) Are you officially moved?!

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 08:33 AM (Pb0zF)

69 "Six Fingers of Time" also free on Kindle. Love RA Lafferty. A few years ago I went on a hunt getting as many of his books as I could in hardback (and could afford ) because his stuff is slowly but surely going away. His name and reputation are fading. Sad because his stuff is both thought-provoking and hilarious. And there was and is simply no one like him. Were I a gajillionaire, I'd buy the rights to all of his stuff and at the very least put it all on Kindle. Sad when one of your favorite authors dies. Sadder still when it appears his name is following him into the grave.

Posted by: Victimman, The Most Powerful Victim in the Universe! at July 14, 2013 08:34 AM (ZR4Xh)

70 I think the only reason I could read Davis' Falco mysteries is because of the humour. Usually mystery stories bore me to tears but Marcus is such a loveable scamp who gets into these most amazing problems. To me they remind me of the Thin Man movies, that kind of humour.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 14, 2013 08:35 AM (ngisl)

71 Tenth century? I thought fiscal lands / the King's Waste were a Norman innovation. That's eleventh and twelfth.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at July 14, 2013 08:35 AM (GbxyR)

72 If George Zimmerman met Robin Hood would he shoot him?

Posted by: WalrusRex at July 14, 2013 08:37 AM (VlXYw)

73 Just finished "At Close Quarters," a professional study of PT boats in WWII. Not a lot of hero worshiping combat stories, but a straightforward recounting of PT boat design, organization, logistics, arms, tactics, and missions with a complete history of battle actions. Not a rah-rah shoot 'em up, but a naval officer's summary of the war.

So finally picked up Tom Wolfe's "Bonfire of the Vanities." About 5 chapters in and it is gripping and milk-through-the-nose snorting funny in places.

Posted by: Whitehall at July 14, 2013 08:38 AM (k876Y)

74 Posted by: Waterhouse at July 14, 2013 12:31 PM (yGODk) Annoyed is way too strong of a word, but I think I may be having a similar reaction. Can't put my finger on why, and I truly am enjoying it, but.... thanks for the other recommendation!

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 08:39 AM (Pb0zF)

75 A little mood music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8dSBWysmnM

Posted by: Boris the Spider at July 14, 2013 08:40 AM (Vk2pI)

76 Leave a Post-it on Eldest's forehead saying food in fridge.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 14, 2013 12:31 PM (ngisl)

Lol (for reals). She offered to let me go by myself but I'm stubborn and want to go out for a *nice* breakfast.

Are you officially moved?!

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 12:33 PM (Pb0zF)

Not yet, we were down there househunting (we're the back-up contract on a house 20 minutes from my sister, but finding what I want/need isn't easy). I did wave and say "Hi Miss Tammy!" as we went through Arkansas yesterday.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit at July 14, 2013 08:40 AM (D8tPj)

77 45 damn....the glee star that killed himself.......his last tweets were about "sharknado"...... Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl at July 14, 2013 12:15 PM (8JJ6O) Having seen "Sharknado" and deciding that nothing he would ever- act in write direct or produce, would reach the empyrean heights of perfection that is "Sharknado", the poor fellow decided to end it all.

Posted by: Victimman, The Most Powerful Victim in the Universe! at July 14, 2013 08:40 AM (ZR4Xh)

78 29 I'm hoping tomorrow kicks off the George Zimmerman Lawsuit Machine as he sues NBC and pretty much every other media outlet in the country for slander, libel, and anything else he can muster.

I also hope he refuses a settlement from NBC and takes them directly to court. Don't let them off the hook this time. Maybe some changes might actually occur if he doesn't take the money.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at July 14, 2013 12:01 PM (V1ZIU)

This , the media needs too be burned.

Posted by: Temper Tantrum at July 14, 2013 08:40 AM (AWmfW)

79 So finally picked up Tom Wolfe's "Bonfire of the Vanities." About 5 chapters in and it is gripping and milk-through-the-nose snorting funny in places.

Posted by: Whitehall at July 14, 2013 12:38 PM (k876Y)

It feels like we're playing it out in real life.

Posted by: Tunafish at July 14, 2013 08:41 AM (9lPQZ)

80 I'm gonna get in on some of this action. http://www.buzzfeed.com/gavon/spider-web-forrest-is-beautiful-and-terrifying?s=mobile Posted by: IllTemperedCur at July 14, 2013 12:26 PM (MBqvE) The only action you should get is the barbed coc.... okay, this isn't the ONT, so I won't finish, but you get my drift. Bastard.

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 08:41 AM (Pb0zF)

81 Hahahahahahaha Breath Hahahahahahaha I love this thread already

Posted by: Navycopjoe at July 14, 2013 08:42 AM (wPCF5)

82 Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit at July 14, 2013 12:40 PM (D8tPj) Oh Polli, dang it...what part of Arkansas?

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 08:42 AM (Pb0zF)

83 Finished Ex-Heroes and Ex-Patriots, and decided to re-read them in preparation for the release of the third installment, Ex-Communication, which came out this week, and which I'm working my way through.

I'm have grown quite fond of this series, more and more, as I've had the chance to settle in. The author finds really good ways to use the "zombies and people with super powers and normal humans in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles" -- interesting new characters and kinds of characters. Amusing things that people would probably really do in that situation, like competing for a personal tally of famous celebrity zombies you personally killed. Good plot twists.

There are very occasional lefty political references, but they're in the mouths of characters who would think that way, not from the narrator or the designated moral compass characters, and it's not the one-track thinking one often sees; for example, there is a very dislikable character who is named "Christian" and is religious, but there are also numerous respectful nods toward religion. So basically I'm saying that this did not interfere with my enjoyment.

I noticed that the author has a bunch of other stuff, beyond these three books, listed on Amazon, which is strange because Ex-Heroes has an afterword that talks about it as a first novel, and it's not that old. Maybe he dumped his back catalog of rejected stuff onto the site? Is any of it any good?

Posted by: Splunge at July 14, 2013 08:44 AM (bKA83)

84 I'm wondering which of the cast of Zimmerman characters will write books on the trial. The OJ trial was certainly fertile material-wise. Seemed like every lawyer had a book. Even Kato Kaelin was cashing in.

Will Corey tell all?

Posted by: scottst at July 14, 2013 08:45 AM (E1X66)

85 "My father told me yesterday that when he was out trimming the grass, he saw a spider so large it actually MADE THE GRASS MOVE as it walked.

MWR. Is not. A happy. CAMPER. Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit at July 14, 2013 12:14 PM "

*helpfully slides large canister of VX over to MWR*

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 14, 2013 08:45 AM (kSJg9)

86 A little mood music:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8dSBWysmnM

Posted by: Boris the Spider at July 14, 2013 12:40 PM (Vk2pI)

I see your nic, and I say NO NO NO.

To the tune of "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse:

They tried to make me go to YouTube

And I say no, no, no.

No spider's gonna make me go there,

Cuz I say no, no, NO!

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/b][/i][/u] at July 14, 2013 08:47 AM (CA2NO)

87 *helpfully slides large canister of VX over to MWR*

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 14, 2013 12:45 PM (kSJg9)

Thank you, RMBS.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/b][/i][/u] at July 14, 2013 08:47 AM (CA2NO)

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 12:42 PM (Pb0zF)

Highway 59 southeast to west ( I should have left it somewhare and just gone north instead of west into OK) and then I-40 all the way west to east.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit at July 14, 2013 08:47 AM (D8tPj)

89 Curse you, Pixy!

To the tune of "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse:

"They tried to make me go to YouTube

And I say no, no, no.

No spider's gonna make me go there,

Cuz I say no, no, NO!"

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/b][/i][/u] at July 14, 2013 08:48 AM (CA2NO)

90 "Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit at July 14, 2013 12:47 PM"

Happy to be of service. ;-)

*wanders off in search of gin and tonic*

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 14, 2013 08:49 AM (kSJg9)

91 Maybe GZ will write To Kill A Mocking Blackbird.

Posted by: WalrusRex at July 14, 2013 08:49 AM (VlXYw)

92 34 Yaaaaaaarrrrrrr! Shiver me timbers. I'm an eye patch!

Posted by: Face Sized Spider at July 14, 2013 12:06 PM (OSARm)

That's friggin funny!

Posted by: Shannow at July 14, 2013 08:51 AM (ZM0Ol)

93 My sister has a spider phobia. Here other phobia is leaving tools outside. In the movies the maniac always finds the garden shears outside and then it's stabby stabby stabby.

Posted by: WalrusRex at July 14, 2013 08:53 AM (VlXYw)

94 From Chapter III of Camp Fire Yarns of the Lost Legion 1897.

It has always been a source of wonder to me why so many people change their religion, for, although I have never had the time, opportunity, or perhaps the inclination, to study theology in any part of its ramifications, and have never even read the Thirty-Nine Articles which caused the fancy religionists not only to desert their Church, but has now enabled them, through their co-operation with rebels, atheists, socialists and a gang of men who, so long as they can hang on to power, are ready to play any dishonourable game, to gratify their rancorous spite in looting the said Church, my astonishment still remains.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/42228/42228-h/42228-h.htm

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 14, 2013 08:53 AM (ngisl)

95 Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit at July 14, 2013 12:47 PM (D8tPj) I am more familiar with 540, I think, but that's not a bad drive. And I don't feel quite so bad, since you weren't within in stopping distance. You have surely grown weary of the car by now!

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 08:56 AM (Pb0zF)

96 47 Try Steven Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa series. Mysteries plus mini history lessons about the last days of the Republic. Start with the first and work your way through. Entertaining and enlightening. The best of both worlds. Also, Ruth Downie's mysteries set in Roman Britain are fun. They revolve around a Roman army surgeon and his native servant( later wife).

Posted by: Tuna at July 14, 2013 08:57 AM (M/TDA)

97 arachnophobia

Posted by: avi at July 14, 2013 08:57 AM (z9OI2)

98 i was afraid of spiders until i had children....when i had kids, i realized i would have to protect them from spiders so i started small....i would vacuum them up then i got good a smashing them with shoes ....then i moved to az and had to protect them from scorpions and then snakes.....now....i'm a killing machine.....

Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl at July 14, 2013 08:57 AM (8JJ6O)

99 Posted by: Tuna at July 14, 2013 12:57 PM (M/TDA) Wow, I really owe you now, thank you! I love new authors to get into, and I had no idea the Romans had their own little literary genre!

Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 09:00 AM (Pb0zF)

100 Sabrina Chase's Bureau of Substandards. Excellent and hilarious! I can't recommend it strongly enough -- gave it a 5-star review on Amazon. The only thing wrong with it is that it's too short (agreeing with someone upthread). I want MORE!

Posted by: Empire1 at July 14, 2013 09:01 AM (29Mwv)

101 Regarding DOJ charges--if this happens, when this happens, then I posit that what the Founders would have done is call meetings to discuss the general state of affairs. They would have focused less on figuring out how to win favor at Court and Parliament, and with the local Royal governot, in order to to gain minor tactical victories. In today's terms, that means they would have been more concerned about the long term than whatever the GOP needs are for the next cycle. I should think hope ideas of the GOP saving your liberty out of its own innate motivation should be enough of a thing of the past so as to make the point resonate. The GOP is, after all, a political machine, concerned first and foremost with its own survival, not necessarily yours. No, meetings are called for, to discuss the general state of national affairs, and what liberty in our modern technological society should be, independent of Republican short-term calculations. That is what *should* be done. Whether we have the manhood to do it, or if we still are beholden to the straightjacket thinking of the political "consultant", himself all too often beholden to the straightjacket of media bias, is another matter entirely. For the last half-decade, the answer has been "no".

Posted by: Baron bon Mot at July 14, 2013 09:04 AM (62iCc)

102 The photo at the top has a smoking hot model in it.

Now if only the girl would move.

Ba-da-dum.

Posted by: Evil_Bun_Bun at July 14, 2013 09:09 AM (8qoUN)

103 99 You'll love the Saylor books. Every major historical figure of the period gets an appearance and a thorough fleshing out. All sorts of delightful details about everything Roman. I spent a whole summer blissfully going through them a couple of years ago. Downie's books are amusing. The army surgeon has got the same problems as any modern detective and you'll love him.

Posted by: Tuna at July 14, 2013 09:12 AM (M/TDA)

104 2012 listing of homicide totals in selected US cities, none of whom were murdered by Neighborhood Watch volunteers;

Atlanta - 85, Chicago - 506, Detroit - 386, St Louis - 193, Baltimore - 217, Birmingham - 72, Oakland - 131, Cleveland - 97, Memphis - 157, Philadelphia - 331, Washington DC - 92, Houston - 217, Miami - 68, Las Vegas - 84, Los Angeles - 293, Kansas City - 108, Charlotte - 61, Orlando - 18, Milwaukee - 92

Posted by: kbdabear at July 14, 2013 09:13 AM (/9IC1)

105
i was afraid of spiders until i had children....when i had kids, i realized i would have to protect them from spiders so i started small....i would vacuum them up then i got good a smashing them with shoes ....then i moved to az and had to protect them from scorpions and then snakes.....now....i'm a killing machine.....

I have a friend in California that was heading outside to do some yard work. He went through the garage to get his work gloves, slipped them on, and felt something wriggling against his palm....then STING!

A scorpion had crawled into his glove earlier. Now he tenderizes his gloves with a rubber mallet before putting them on.

Posted by: Sticky Wicket at July 14, 2013 09:13 AM (0IhFx)

106 *gets a bit green at one of the tales*

The wars against the Maori in New Zealand. Of an accidental encounter between British and Maori forces. Making a bone flute from the leg bone of one of the felled rebel Maori. And the twist at the end.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 14, 2013 09:14 AM (ngisl)

107 I have to say I enjoy those Hitler videos. Best line was "I'd rather have surgery by Dr. Bao."

Posted by: ChristyBlinky, Queen of Rednecks at July 14, 2013 09:17 AM (baL2B)

108
A scorpion had crawled into his glove earlier. Now he tenderizes his gloves with a rubber mallet before putting them on.

Posted by: Sticky Wicket

Yeah! I always step on my gloves before putting them on.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at July 14, 2013 09:17 AM (xvZYu)

109 BF Barry and I are reading 'The Trayvon Diary' on teleprompter.

Posted by: Reggie Love at July 14, 2013 09:17 AM (c4IyR)

110 107 They do stand the test of time. The director of that movie had no idea that he had crafted a scene so perfectly suited to so many situations.

Posted by: Tuna at July 14, 2013 09:20 AM (M/TDA)

111 Posted by: Tammy sans Thor at July 14, 2013 12:56 PM (Pb0zF) So much so! Not done yet though. At a minimum I'll need to drive Eldest Kidlet and myself to CO after packing up the house and then Son and self from CO to TX to close on house and start unpacking. And that's assuming no more house hunting trips.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit at July 14, 2013 09:21 AM (81e7f)

112 Robin Hood as a Welshman is at least plausible. The highlands of Wales are still really, really wild. Edmund Hillary practiced his climbing techniques for his Himalaya expedition on Mount Snowdon in northern Wales. On the other hand, I'm not so sure the English woodlands were all that subdued in the 10th Century the Pennines might have been populated to some degree, but I'm not so sure all that hill country would have been accessible, let alone a hunting preserve.

Posted by: TOF at July 14, 2013 09:25 AM (PV2IU)

113 A scorpion had crawled into his glove earlier. Now he tenderizes his gloves with a rubber mallet before putting them on.>>

If we had that problem in my neck of the woods I think ziplock bag or a Tupperware container would be a good storage solution. Since squished bug is safer but not pleasant I would guess.

Posted by: Zombie Travon Martin at July 14, 2013 09:32 AM (qo244)

114 Oops Sock off.

Posted by: McGregor at July 14, 2013 09:33 AM (qo244)

115 Boob thread up

Posted by: Vic at July 14, 2013 09:38 AM (lZvxr)

116 Currently about halfway through Bleak Seasons, the 7th book in Glen Cook's The Black Company series about a mercenary unit getting by in a war-torn fantasy world. Not nearly as much world-building as the genre usually involves (by design) but the "gritty military fantasy" approach seems pretty HQ-friendly. I also stole my handle from one of the main characters. Also working through Ralph McInerney's book on the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, when I can find the time to give it the necessary concentration.

Posted by: Croaker at July 14, 2013 09:40 AM (jhtt9)

117 From Insty . Great photos from a century ago. What a lively bustling country we were. http://tinyurl.com/nxlk79w

Posted by: Tuna at July 14, 2013 09:41 AM (M/TDA)

118 Face spider! Ewwww!

Posted by: En Raged at July 14, 2013 09:42 AM (fclc7)

119 Winik's the Great Upheaval, recommended by Captain, a very timely look at the American, and French Revolution, and Catherine the Great's Enlightened Autarchy, it makes us appreciate the unique combination of leadership, that
brought this country to light, and the contrast across the pond, and the Steppes.

Posted by: General Zod at July 14, 2013 12:23 PM (Jsiw/)

To give full credit, a fellow moron book lover rec'd it here after I commented on Schama's "Citizens" upon which Winik drew (and summarized very effectively).

As for my own reading, in case there was any doubt how much Edward Gibbon hated Christianity and worshiped the mooooooslims, check out this quote: "More pure than the system of Zoroaster, more liberal than the law of Moses (!), the religion of Mohammed might seem less inconsistent with reason than the creed of mystery and superstition which, in the seventh century, disgraced the simplicity of the Gospel."

Posted by: Captain Hate at July 14, 2013 09:43 AM (UDLcB)

120 That thing's fangs are like a quarter of a inch away from here cornea.

Posted by: eleven at July 14, 2013 09:54 AM (fsLdt)

121 In the year 2000 we will have preview. Did someone say boobehs? WHOOOOSHH

Posted by: eleven at July 14, 2013 09:55 AM (fsLdt)

122 So we shut down a thread just because there's a new one? Even though nobody's commenting at the new one? You don't *have* to do that you know.

Posted by: eleven at July 14, 2013 10:00 AM (fsLdt)

123 Big ups to the 'ron or 'ette who mentioned "The Husband," by Dean Koontz. It's been a while since I've had any book I hate to put down.

Posted by: RushBabe at July 14, 2013 10:01 AM (qkZxk)

124

Atlanta - 85, Chicago - 506, Detroit - 386, St Louis - 193, Baltimore - 217, Birmingham - 72, Oakland - 131, Cleveland - 97, Memphis - 157, Philadelphia - 331, Washington DC - 92, Houston - 217, Miami - 68, Las Vegas - 84, Los Angeles - 293, Kansas City - 108, Charlotte - 61, Orlando - 18, Milwaukee - 92

Luv the O'town stat.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at July 14, 2013 10:02 AM (0HooB)

125 Let me guess -- Murders per year?

Posted by: eleven at July 14, 2013 10:05 AM (fsLdt)

126 Perhaps not the best choice, as I've been depressed of late, but I'm most of the way through The Great Big Book of Horrible Things: The Definitive Chronicle of History's 100 Worst Atrocities by Matthew White.

http://tinyurl.com/pgs6az9

Ever wonder why it took so terribly long for modern life as we know it to come about? One challenge faced by nearly every human, who might have contributed just a single bright idea that advanced the lives of all by that little bit, was not being murdered outright or killed as collateral damage in the conflict du jour. This is history as measured by mounds of corpses and it is astonishing that there was anyone left to recall that a thriving city had stood there a short while ago. In some cases, the only record we have of some people having existed is the memory and records of those who wiped them out.

Although the various brands of leftist ideology turn out to be no better in their murderousness, seeing the carnage wrought at the behest of those forms of government that came before makes it easy to understand why many people were open to a different approach. As Sam Kinnison once said, I don't condone it but I understand it.

Posted by: epobirs at July 14, 2013 10:06 AM (kcfmt)

127 City of the Angeles severely slacking. An Oakland not living up to rep ether.

Posted by: eleven at July 14, 2013 10:07 AM (fsLdt)

128 One challenge faced by nearly every human, who might have contributed just a single bright idea that advanced the lives of all by that little bit, was not being murdered outright or killed as collateral damage in the conflict du jour. Just think of all great minds that were lost that way.

Posted by: eleven at July 14, 2013 10:12 AM (fsLdt)

129 sticky wicket ugh i check my shoes everytime i put them on...those things are the worst.....

Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl at July 14, 2013 10:14 AM (8JJ6O)

130 An Oakland not living up to rep ether.

Posted by: eleven at July 14, 2013 02:07 PM (fsLdt)

Oakland is a really small town. 400k people.

The murder rate is very high.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 14, 2013 10:15 AM (gqgiP)

131 So it is murder then? Jezus what's up with freaking Charlotte? And Milwaukee? Schlameel schlamoozzle my ass.

Posted by: eleven at July 14, 2013 10:19 AM (fsLdt)

132 There are over 2M folk down here in the greater area. Technically, it covers three counties. O'town itself is just shy of a quarter million people.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at July 14, 2013 10:21 AM (0HooB)

133 I have copy of Hood but have yet to read it... I think I'll give it a tumble after I finish Red Country by Joe Abercrombie.

Posted by: J.D. Nock at July 14, 2013 10:23 AM (ow4oH)

134 Basically almost 10 people are killed every week in Chicago.

Posted by: eleven at July 14, 2013 10:24 AM (fsLdt)

135 I love most of Stephen Lawhead's work (The Song of Albion series, Pendragon Cycle, and Byzantium are my favorites). Hood was just OK. For some reason, his more recent efforts seem to be less impressive than his earlier work.

Posted by: Ragamuffin at July 14, 2013 10:24 AM (fzFF6)

136 Oakland is a really small town. 400k people.

The murder rate is very high.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 14, 2013 02:15 PM (gqgiP)

I don't think I would call that "small". Besides, Oakland is just a subdivision of the concrete jungle that runs from Valejo to San Jose.

Posted by: Vic at July 14, 2013 10:25 AM (lZvxr)

137 Back in from mowing the lawn. Let the drinkening begin. I did so much yard work this weekend I can practically speak Spanish. The day may come when I will clean the bathroom, but it is not this day.

Posted by: rickl at July 14, 2013 10:27 AM (sdi6R)

138 A snippet of a comment from Roger Simon, off the Insty...

And: Â“Congratulations to the jury for not acceding to this tremendous pressure.Â” Yes, they stood up to the organized pressure better than Chief Justice Roberts.

Posted by: gracepmc at July 14, 2013 10:30 AM (rznx3)

139 Hey Captain Hate, thank you for taking one for the team. Seriously. I had no idea what a douche Gibbon was on the Muslim / Christian question. And he really should have known better because there was a shitload of Muslim literature, Greek literature and even Syrian Christian literature translated to Latin by then.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at July 14, 2013 10:30 AM (GbxyR)

140 Just empty a can of ajax on every exposed surface and come back tomorrow. That's bathroom cleaning method.

Posted by: eleven at July 14, 2013 10:31 AM (fsLdt)

141 Just finished the Hood Chronicle - been a Lawhead fan for years, and even included a Blessing from Merlin (in his Pendragon Cycle) in our wedding program 22 some-odd years ago. His son also writes, and has chops as good as the old man. Also second the recommendation on the Ex-Heroes series - can't wait for the next one to come out. Currently reading Pratchett/Baxter's Long Earth book. So far, not bad (but it ain't DiscWorld). Anyone care to start a pool on which city with a high population of Treyvon Martin Fans will have the worst riots?

Posted by: RightWingProf at July 14, 2013 10:40 AM (E/o+q)

142 And for more techie stuff, I'm also reading John WalkenBach's Power Programming in Excel with VBA book - a couple colleagues at different schools and I are starting a research project on cheating. We're doing some more Excel stuff with cheating detection macros in the files to identify how students cheat. Should be fun and depressing at the same time.

Posted by: RightWingProf at July 14, 2013 10:46 AM (E/o+q)

143 The was a week for rereading for me. I plowed back through Dan Abnett's Warhammer 40,000 novel about the Space Wolves legion of Imperial Space Marines, Prospero Burns, and also got through my sixth or seventh reread of Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. That's a novel any Moron would like, even with the environmentalist set-up of the premise. Still, the whole thing is one big 1980s reference in a V/R world, examining everything from how to get a perfect 3,600,000 score at Pac-Man to the perils of online dating. Highly recommended. No one I have recommended it to has not loved it.

I think next week I might reread Jack Henderson's Circumference of Darkness, especially since I have one of the original iUniverse editions with the original ending in it. Much better. When it got picked up for a real publisher, Jack tweaked the end to allow for a sequel.

Posted by: SGT Dan's Cat at July 14, 2013 10:57 AM (G6U3l)

144 96 47/ Thanks for this. Sounds like fun. Just put a library hold on the first two. I've been too long in non fiction and if I like these there's enough of them for a good read through.

Posted by: gracepmc at July 14, 2013 11:09 AM (rznx3)

145 I had no idea what a douche Gibbon was on the Muslim / Christian question. And he really should have known better because there was a shitload of Muslim literature, Greek literature and even Syrian Christian literature translated to Latin by then.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at July 14, 2013 02:30 PM (GbxyR)

He read a prodigious number of books to prepare himself for this but the entire work has a constant theme of blaming Christianity for every fucking thing that happens which gets old after the first repetition. The updated footnotes seem to take glee in pointing out some of his blind spots. Given that this was published in 1776 I'd be willing to bet he hated the US and the original Tea Party almost as much as modern libs do.

Posted by: Captain Hate at July 14, 2013 11:25 AM (nHX78)

146 Dear Captain Hate,

"Given that this was published in 1776 I'd be willing to bet he hated the US and the original Tea Party almost as much as modern libs do."

Indeed, Gibbon was a big supporter of suppression of the North American Rebellion. Once Ben Franklin briefly met him in, I think, Switzerland. Franklin pointedly offered that perhaps Gibbon could also write a book to be called "The Decline and Fall of the British Empire."

ZIINNNGG!

Posted by: Whitehall at July 14, 2013 11:49 AM (k876Y)

147 Sarah Hoyt would like to remind the assembled company that she reads here. (Not, not sure why.) She'd also like to wave at Sabrina Chase. And does that Hitler finds out thing EVER get old? (Not so far!)

Posted by: Sarah Hoyt at July 14, 2013 11:55 AM (i+eza)

148

Posted by: Sarah Hoyt at July 14, 2013 03:55 PM (i+eza)

Are you on Twitter? I collect Horde tweeps on a list so others of the Horde can follow.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit at July 14, 2013 12:03 PM (D8tPj)

149 Posted by: Whitehall at July 14, 2013 03:49 PM (k876Y)

Ya know, Ben Franklin is one historical person I would love to have met. Everything you ever hear about him makes you realize he lived life to the fullest, and apparently had a hell of a good time doing it.

Currently, I'm starting to re-read the 'What If' books. I just inherited a single volume of the 2 volume books, and it's been a long time since I read them.
Very interesting and thought provoking. I just jumped in to the chapter about what could have happened had we been forced to invade Japan in late '45 or early '46. Scary stuff...

Posted by: HH at July 14, 2013 12:03 PM (XXwdv)

150 Hi Sarah! (waves madly) And thanks to all who have enjoyed the Annual Report, and admitted it in public!

Posted by: Sabrina Chase at July 14, 2013 02:08 PM (wfSF5)

151 Regarding the girlie giving a visual representation of one of AtC's worst nightmares, fuck that noise, as a former owner of Tarantula's, there is no way I would ever put on of them on my face, they can go from docile to all fangy fangy in a split second with fangs the size of a big housecat's claws, not to mention urticating hair in some species, which means they can kinda throw them.

Posted by: Bob in houston at July 14, 2013 03:18 PM (b7AU3)

152 Thank you all.

Posted by: Markham Shaw Pyle at July 14, 2013 03:31 PM (WlkUc)

153

Go right now and buy or check out the novel "YOU" by Austin Grossman, a hilarious literary Way Back Machine to the pimply adolescence of the computer gaming industry.

And when you're done thanking me, check out his first novel, "Soon I Will Be Invincible".

I said NOW, morons.

Posted by: All Hail Eris at July 14, 2013 03:51 PM (hiIie)

154 122 So we shut down a thread just because there's a new one?

Even though nobody's commenting at the new one?

You don't *have* to do that you know.

That's just crazy talk.

Posted by: Anachronda at July 14, 2013 04:08 PM (U82Km)

155 148 Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit
Are you on Twitter? I collect Horde tweeps on a list so others of the Horde can follow.
Ah yup. Sarahahoyt. I know. Deep.

Posted by: Sarah Hoyt at July 14, 2013 06:24 PM (JGL4e)

156 Yeah, I don't know how well erotica would go over at PJ or anywhere else...

Posted by: Linlithgow at July 14, 2013 11:40 PM (Gim9y)

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