Richardderus thread 20 of 2014

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”
― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

I have a category called Orphans, which will still catch all the other reading I do.

My ORPHANED books ticker:




I want to treat the Short Story collection challenge as a ticker-to-itself thread, thinking 48 reviews as my goal. I'll keep the thread over in the Short Stories forum.

My SHORT STORY collections ticker:




I'm keeping a mystery-genre thread over in Crime, Thriller, and Mystery forum. Way way way too many of my reviews have been, in all forums, mysteries and thrillers, and while I love them, I don't want to get too rut-ified and read only those books while keeping up my self-made review writing census.

My MYSTERY & THRILLER books ticker:




THIS THREAD is the 75 challenge for 2014, which will be non-fiction and non-genre-fiction books published in 2013 and 2014, plus recommendations from other 75ers.

My last thread of 2012.
My last reviews of 2013 in this thread.

My 2014 NEW books ticker:




Books 1 & 2...thread 5.
Books 3 & 4...thread 10.
Books 5-7...thread 12.
Books 8 & 9...thread 13.
Books 10 & 11...thread 14.
Books 12-16...thread 15.
Book 17...thread 17.
Books 18 & 19...thread 19.

Books are reviewed in post:

Hey Richard it looks like it will be another hot day here. Have a good day and happy new thread.

>3 GeezLouise: First place goes to Rae! Yay Rae!!

Oh, that book nook in your thread topper is marvelous! I would give anything to be there right now.

Happy new thread and happy Friday, RD.

Yay I'm third! Love the thread topper.

>5 rosalita: Isn't it a pip, Julia? Happy Friday! *smooch*

>6 Thebookdiva: Hiya Abby! Happy to see you here. *smooch*

With the right pillow and big fluffy quilt, I could crawl right into #1 and stay reading for a LONG time.

Howdy Richard! The sun is shining and the weekend promises to be glorious. Sending pats to you and hugs to Stella. (Or should it be the other way around ... ;-P)

Drive by smooches for your new thread. :)

Sorry to hear about your unpleasant day on the last thread. Hopefully it's all sorted out and you are back to your sweet, pleasant ways..hehe ;)

Oh! a rustic little reading spot... sweet!

So how is today so far?

Beautiful topper and JA quote, Richard. Congrats on the new thread!

>8 tututhefirst: And wouldn't that be a dream come true, Tina?

>9 michigantrumpet: Heh, Stella would resist hugs with all her might! She's not a cuddlesome sort. Likes her space. Except when she's having anxiety, when she can't get close enough! *smooch*

>10 jolerie: It was only a day, Valerie, and once days are done they're done and over. I'm working ever harder on releasing retained angers and annoyances. Sufficient unto the day....

>11 mckait: Isn't it wonderful? I love just looking at it. Today's okay. Apparently the minions will have friends here tonight and then all will go a-beachin' tomorrow. Sunday will possibly bring the Gruesome Twosome back, though if I were freshly off a transAtlantic flight there is NO DAMN WAY I'd do anything the day after except sleep!

>12 jnwelch: And the Austen made me think of that specific space, Joe, something about it makes me sure that the main library of that house is a great'un.

Happy 20th, Richard!

Those beams might be a little too rustic for me, but I love everything else about that nook. Thanks for the thumbs up on the necklace--I was waiting for your opinion, as your taste is *that French gesture where they pinch their fingers to the mouth and then blow a kiss*. Hope the ouchies are in abeyance today.

Happy 20th thread! Lovely reading nook and quote, even considering which character spoke the lines. :)

Riiiiiiiiichard! This is all your fault!!! You gave MrMorphy your gout cooties!

He's sitting here next to me with his foot up. *shakes her finger at RD*

>14 scaifea: *smooch* Hiya, Amber!

>15 ronincats: Glad to know I can help, Roni...ouchies are more in abeyance than in quite a long time. I'm still being cautious so the progress doesn't turn to regress.

>16 Storeetllr: Heh! Thanks, Mary. *smooch*

>17 Morphidae: NoNONONONO!! *degoutification megawhammy*

Have a terrific weekend Richard.

xoxo

YesYesYesYesYes.

His big toe started hurting yesterday suddenly for no reason. He ended up having to leave work early, it hurt so much. It kept him up all last night. He headed in to Urgent Care this morning and they tentatively diagnosed gout. The doctor prescribed Indometacin and told him to keep his foot elevated for a few days. The doctor said that if the medication helped, it was definitely gout. If it didn't, to come back in. Well, the medication is already helping...

>19 GeezLouise: Thank you, Rae, a very happy weekend to you as well!

>20 Morphidae: Indometacin? An NSAID? In me, at least, it *causes* gout because it's aspirin-related. Then again I'm so far along in the disease process nothing short of metabolic nuclear bombs will impact my symptoms.

Oh, this will be fun for poor Mr. Morphy. Luckily it's normal gout and FOLLOWING THE DIET RELIGIOUSLY for 6-8 months will keep it under control.

RELIGIOUSLY. No smallest deviation. FOLLOW THE DIET.

Hi Richard, nice new thread my friend and a great photo to start it with. We have Hannah over for her first sleepover with grandma and granddad, she is nicely tucked up in bed after having tea and a play then a bath with grandma and then a story whilst she had a biscuit and milk. Just wonder what time she will get us up in the morning. Hope you are feeling ok my friend and as always we send love and hugs and one from Hannah.

>21 richardderus: At this point they haven't give him a diet yet. He's to take the medicine for seven days until it's gone, then go back in to have a blood test which will confirm the gout. Something about not being able to take the blood test until the flare is done?

ETA: Oh, he did mention some things like avoiding red wine but MrMorphy doesn't drink that anyway and drinking more water.

^I know you appreciate your vintage cars, Mr. Derus, so here is a Plymouth Cranbrook. I have never heard of this model but it has been sitting on a driveway, on my route, for about a week or so. It's in pretty good shape too. (This is just a stock image)

Congrats on the new thread! Nice, tranquil topper. Hope you are feeling well and your books have been cooperating.

20 is a nice round number for a thread; it should last you for at least a couple of days...!

Nice bottles of wine on Crazy's thread BTW. LOL

Morphy--Sorry to hear about Mr. Morphy; I kinda hope the medicine doesn't work well and it is something else simple.

>22 johnsimpson: Happy weekend to allchez Simpson, John!

>23 Morphidae: Basically, alcohol is out for the rest of this year. No beer, wine, booze at all ever. NONE. Eat one serving of meat a day. Load up on nasty, tasteless horrors like whole wheat and brown rice, no none zero soft drinks whether diet or sugared ever again in life. (tea, water, coffee in abundance) No commercial baked goods (cakes, pies, etc) or canned pie fillings. No cake mixes. No restaurant meals (unless it's in an expensive all-natural place), fast food, frozen foods, prepared foods, or anything from a box.

This, done *religiously* for 6-8mos, plus oral drug therapy, should prevent a second attack. If it doesn't, the problem could be deeper and require much more serious medical intervention.

Blood tests in a flare only tell them what they already know: You're having a gout attack. After it's over, they can get a fix on what the elevated level of uric acid is "normally." They're looking for under 6; right now he's at least 7 or 8 and that info isn't useful until they know what the non-attack baseline is. (F/ex, my non-attack baseline is 10, flares 15+.)

If he kicks and hollers about relearning to eat, pinch his toe. When the screaming stops, ask "you want to feel this again? Keep bitching about how the diet sucks."

>24 msf59: Omigosh! A 1953 Cranbrook! Those ole Plymouths were so ungainly. KT Keller, who ran Chrysler from second place in the industry down to fourth, thought Murrikinz wanted to wear their hats while driving. The 1955s were beautiful, and came in time to pull the corporation ahead of AMC for good.

>25 Berly: *smoochings* for dear Kimmers!

Happy new thread (even though you didn't comment on my last contribution to your previous thread, so no pretty book for you *pouts*)!
.
.
.
.
I jest, of course.

xoxo

...octopus...Cannery Row...heh. I didn't see it!

Love the book porn at the top, though I think I'd need more support for my back and neck if I were going to lounge around properly with my tomes... :-)

So, the rest of the housemates will be away for the day, am I right? So a quiet day for you?

Nothing much here today. I work and then have to go to my sister's house for her birthday celebration :-/

I hate going to her house. Its so tiny with all of us in it. it is like a sardine can. She refused to go to Kim's but Kim is meant to prepare and clean up after celebration. :P

Oh will... I owe her big time, she took good care of my furkids while I was away...

>30 Chatterbox: I would too, Suz, so I imagine a wedge pillow with some of my squishy feather pillows. The little table right there at the right hand of the lounger is wunderbar!

>31 mckait: Change of plans: Throwing a barbecue today. Oh joy. A metric fuckton of Budweiser in the fridge, Stella to worry about since she can't be expected to be cooped up with me, then tomorrow beaching and probably the Gruesome Twosome.

Ugh.

Have fun with sis and clan. What a bunch, all dancing to the old witch's tune.

>1 richardderus: What a wonderful reading spot. Happy new thread, Redear. I wish you a fabulous weekend.

>34 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara! Back at'cha!

*****

If you haven't yet, I recommend reading Ken Scholes' story on Tor.com. It's in honor of the recent passing of Jay Lake.

>26 richardderus: Well, MrStubbornMorphy isn't going to do any of that - except the alcohol because he hardly drinks anyway. Especially since he's already feeling significantly better. It will probably take a few rounds of this before he'll make any changes.

I have to say that diet doesn't sound like much fun for you though. :(

>36 Morphidae: It's a complete and utter misery of a diet. Makes eating difficult, expensive, and boring. It is, however, CRUCIAL to follow slavishly until there are no attacks for a minimum of six months. By then the meds have worked their magic and a cautious re-introduction of food worth eating will most likely be okay.

I'm in a different category of problem altogether, and the dietary restrictions do zero to help me, so I tossed it out the window a long time ago. Much to the chagrin of the docs, I have no worse problems when I follow their diet than when I don't. Comes from having a 30-year head start on the issue, I suppose.

http://io9.com/the-most-astounding-must-read-science-fiction-and-fanta-158730151...

Ha!

>38 ronincats: A few of those look good to me: Child of a Hidden Sea by A. M. Dellamonica, Pills and Starships by Lydia Millet, The Girls at the Kingfisher Club by Genevieve Valentine, Deadly Curiosities by Gail Z. Martin, Memory of Water by Karen White.

Has anyone read anything by these authors?

I'll wait until someone else has read and commented on the above books before I add them to Mount TBR. I let other people take the reading risks!

Unless, of course, I find I love Indigo Springs which I recently got from the library. (It's by Delleamonica.)

>38 ronincats: Ah yes, Charlie Jane. Couldn't you just smack her? Not only does she blog tirelessly at io9, she writes stories for Tor.com that get optioned for a TV series and edits anthologies at a prodigious pace.

*hatehatehate*

That topper is EXACTLY what I like.

Also the reminder about enthusiasm is very timely!

((hugs, gentle ones)) and smoochies back to you, good friend.

>39 Morphidae: I'll be interested to see which ones end up chez Morphy...

>41 sibylline: It's a beauty, ain't it? There is never a day when I don't need reminding about that one. I should print it on stickers and paste 'em all over the place.

>42 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen44! *smooch*

smooches--eating bon bons in bed and watching sports--will there be a new triple crown winner?

Hot dogs from the grill for dinner?

>44 Berly: *smooch* Wouldn't a new Triple Crown winner be exciting?! I remember Secretariat winning in 1973 the best. Poor California Chrome. Maybe next year.

>45 mckait: No dinner for me, sleep instead. The party was most politely quiet, but I could not keep my eyes open today for some reason. I got deep into a book called Above All Men...on its way to five stars, THIS is what I was led to believe that bore of a snore McCarthy was all about...and still couldn't force myself awake!

Now, of course, I am WIDE AWAKE and it's 1am.

*smooch* before this thread gets too long and I lose you again. Hope you're having a good weekend! Love the book nook thread topper - it makes me want to cozy up with tea and a stack of books and never come out again. :)

Hope that your weekend is going as well as possible Richard.

I love the book nook thread topper, looks like my kind of room.

>47 bell7: Mary dear! *smooch* Happy to see you here.

>48 calm: I loved that one too, calm, and every so often go and look at it with a wistful sigh.

Richard, I'm prone to a similar pattern. Can't keep eyes open at some weird early evening moment; and then, wakey-wakey in the middle of the G.D. Night. I bought myself some very dark blue curtains so I can make my bedroom much more dark and I hope that will help keep me asleep past the very early sun rise these days. Plus, I'm going to try to get myself back on to a careful diet so I will stop with the stuffed up nose thing. Jeeze! Sleeping should not be a project, but I guess for me, it is right now. A Project. But I do like it when I can get caught up with my friends by reading all my LT threads in the early, early morning.

I stayed up later last night, and did sleep in a little bit t his morning. Awake at 5:15 am which for me is late. Sigh.

Today, I will open my HOA's library and Do Nothing But Read for a couple of hours. Looking forward to this. One small irritation: I have misplaced my copy of I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings and I was within sight of finishing it. Another big sigh.

OK, maybe a second big cup of coffee will help.

I hope your Sunday is a good deal more satisfying!

>50 maggie1944: Oh dear! I hate when books go walkabout, especially when one is so near the end.

Normally I'm not a bad sleeper at all. Fall asleep as soon as I want to, stay asleep ~3hrs at a stretch (of the age for piddle wakings, so that's all I really expect)...but yesterday I was just *flattened*. I went back to sleep ~4a and woke at 7.30, so all's back on track I hope. *feverish coffee-gurgling*

That's where Above All Men was heading when I zonked out. An excellent post-apocalyptic read.

#26 Diet doesn't sound fun at all, darling Richard and I'm heartily sorry you are in the position of having to follow it. One day at a time, I suppose, and each day feeling better?

*smooches* from your own dear crap-Nadal-won-the-French-Open-again Horrible

>53 karenmarie: Oh gosh sweetness! So sorry about your lad Djokovich not winning. *evil grin*

No, not me on that horrific diet. Mr. Morphy had his first gout attack and I was raining on the Morphys about the many changes it will wreak. I'm long past the stage where that diet does more than simply make me wretched for no good end. I avoid trigger foods, identified by trial and error, and the meds do the rest. Plus I generally prefer a light-on-the-meat diet most of the time anyway. When I eat meat, though, I want meat not stringy nasty dinosaur flesh. *shudder*

*smoochitysmoochsmooch*

That anti-gout diet looks daunting! Did you see the hissy fit California Chrome's owner threw after the race?

Also, thought I'd see it somewhere around here, but YAY Wisconsin!

>55 michigantrumpet: "Daunting" is a good word...so are "horrible," "miserable," "heinous"...

Yay Wisconsin indeed! Happy for the couples who can now marry freely and screw up their lives expensively and permanently just like straight people!

*ahem*

I am perhaps not the biggest fan of the Institution of Matrimony. Though I can see it working out better if it's not a mixed marriage. Those are more often than not disastrously miserable.

Not sure I am in the mood for pre/post or apocalypse in real time or whatever. I a liking The Martian and I totally see what all the crowing wasa bout..

Take care..

>57 mckait: Bleak might not suit your needs just now. And this is bleak! Maybe another time.

The Martian is a really upbeat book, isn't it? I was surprised at how very much I needed a dose of real, sincere, honestly felt positivity. I can't wait to see Matt Damon do this!

Matt Damon? Is there a movie or are you just dreaming and hoping?

eta

Oh, it really is a thing, then!

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ridley-scott-direct-matt-damon-7038...

Somehow I'd never picture Matt Damon as Mark Watney, but I suppose it could work. Well done, it could be one great film!

yeah... I guess Matt Damon is the new Tom Hanks, cast in everything! I just hope they don't buthcer the book :P

*smooches*

"..stringy nasty dinosaur flesh..." umm m you been time-travelling again ????

>33 richardderus: Clever chap that young Adams fellow.

So are you RD. Have a lovely week ahead and slightly belated good wishes on your latest thread.

xoxo

zzzzzz

Hi Richard dear! Love, love, love your thread topper. I want to move in immediately and live there forever. I am glad the party at your house with all the icky Budweiser did not go overboard! :)

Did someone say 'Matt Damon'? *dreamy sigh*

Morning, Richard!

Coffee. Now. Later will talk.

I did end up liking Matt Damon in those.... (can't remember name) thrillers where he is always on the run ... had amnesia about who he was?.... didn't intend to like him. I haven't read Martian yet, but he does strike me as someone who does 'stubborn survivor' very well? Not with piquant charm however.

Good New Week! May it be full of comfort and satisfactory reading for us all!

>69 sibylline: The Bourne Identity and sequels. Which, by the by, have little to do with the books...

>71 drneutron: Really? I didn't realize that about the Bourne movies... I never read the books, but sort of saw the movies when Dan was watching them. Not a huge fan of them.

I think he will do a good job, and I will want to see that movie!

>59 mckait:, >60 Storeetllr:, >61 mckait: Matty the D as Watney makes all the sense in the world to me. He shows it in very few roles but he has the sense of humor to make the role work. (Remember his playing gay on Will & Grace a long time ago? That's what I mean...not afraid to take the piss.)

>62 luvamystery65: *smooches* back, me lurve, and to the Devilles a good tummyrubbing.

>63 roundballnz: Merely the poultry aisle. Chickens are dinosaurs.

>64 PaulCranswick: Ain't he? I wonder which Ryan Adams it is. Actually, I don;t care, he's right so no difference.

Thanks for the thread wishes! Back at'cha, Paul!

>65 AuntieClio: sssssshhhhhhhh everyone be quiet Stephanie's resting

*browkiss*

>66 Cobscook: Isn't that The Best Nook Porn Ever?! I love it! No, they were most restrained, no one barfed anywhere untoward, no loud music praise Cthulhu, and there's a big wodge of watermelon left over for me to nibble on! Remarkably good kids, this lot.

What am I saying, kids...they're all older than the man I'm planning to marry. *eeep*

>67 scaifea: *dreamy sigh* Hi Amber!

>69 sibylline:, >71 drneutron:, >72 mckait: Matt Damon's take on Jason Bourne seems to have caught on with the movie-going public, but I (having read only the first book) had a nastier, darker, more sociopathic take on him in my head.

The Martian will make an excellent movie. It won't be just like the book, but it will 9 bets in 10 be a good movie considered on its own merits.

>70 maggie1944: Thank you, Karen44! *smooch* Same back at'cha!

>74 richardderus: .they're all older than the man I'm planning to marry. *eeep* WHOOP!

>76 luvamystery65: We'll see if it comes to pass. Many hurdles between now and a wedding. Many.

>77 richardderus: The fact that you are considering it at all is my cause for WHOOP! *smooches*

I love Matt Damon in the Bourne movies, among others, and have high hopes for him as Mark Watney. I agree he's not the Bourne in the books, but in some ways I like his portrayal better.

Good luck with the romance. It's a little hard to get used to your singing and dancing all over the place, but give us time.

Happy happy, joy joy! Your cheeriness is contagious, RD.

>56 richardderus: Ha! And what, pray tell, constitutes a mixed marriage in your lights?

I am so happy for you! Smooch.

The shoes arrived a day early. They don't come close to fitting. Not even remotely close. 5E? They look like mediums. The 3E pair looks like a kid's shoe.

Dang it! Do they come in an even larger size?

>81 michigantrumpet: I can answer that! One spouse loves books and reading; the other spouse doesn't.

ETA Great news, RD (about the romance, not the shoes).

So, Richard dear, have you seen the Kindle Daily Deal today? 56 first books of series in science fiction and fantasy, with some true classic among them. For my rundown, see http://www.librarything.com/topic/173837#4722721

Almost worth buying for the computer even if one doesn't have a Kindle.

ETA, design feedback needed as well.

...they're all older than the man I'm planning to marry...

*sings (like a dying cat in a bag)*

Feeeeeeelings, nothing more than feeeeeeelings
Trying to forget my feelings of love
Teardrops rolling down on my face
Trying to forget my feelings of love

Just a quick drop-in with a hug and a *smooch* for my favoritest loverliest curmudgeon around these here parts.

they're all older than the man I'm planning to marry. *eeep*

Progress...I like it! *smooch*

>73 richardderus: Matt Damon has an amazing sense of humor, really. Any of his unannounced visits to the Colbert Report are testament to that. Definitely not afraid of poking a little fun at himself, and I love that in a man. Especially a man as handsome as he is...

>53 karenmarie: Dammit, dammit, dammit.

sorry I meant >83 richardderus: typo blues strike again

Okay. Clearly I missed out on the LT instructions on how to do the >## thing at the beginning of everyone's message. Someone please enlighten me. ...!

>84 Berly: Hiya Kimmers...no, 5E is rare enough, wider ones are scarcer still and a LOT pricier.

>85 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary, he's a good guy and I hope it all works out for us. Many obstacles remain, but we're both working separate angles to overcome them.

>86 ronincats: Wow, there are some amazing books there! Thanks, Roni.

>87 Morphidae: Heh...if all it was was feelings, this wouldn't be an issue. I'd be a fool to marry based on feelings!

>88 LauraBrook: Hi Laura, so good to see you! *smooch*

>89 Cobscook: I worry about it. Is it progress? See, I can analyze myself into acute paralysis in seconds flat. One thing I like about my gentleman caller is he isn't afraid to say "stop thinking, start doing" to me.

>90 scaifea: I know, right?!

>91 mckait: I'm guessin' you mean >83 richardderus:, and no damn joke! I am so bummed.

>92 Berly: No trick to it at all, Berly-boo, just use the ">" and type the number of the post you're responding to with no space between the ">" and the number. The system puts in the person's name, and the colon, for you, and creates a hyperlink back to the message you're responding to!

xo

That is all.

'Nighty-night.

>94 richardderus: Smooches Ricardo. You the man. ; )

>95 katiekrug: Smoochings, smoochling!

There's an awful lotta smoochin' goin' on around here! Can I have one, too?

*puckers up*

>98 rosalita: Good evening, Julia, I trust you are well.



Heh.

xo

Thinking of you and sending soft hugs!

I edited my post above so it would make sense... I was responding to the shoes not working out :(

So sad about that.

>93 richardderus: Dang it. I was trying to be obnoxious not meaningful!

Well, of course *I* would think so.

Morning all, need coffee, later.

morning, I'm needful for coffee, too; and am drinking it right NOW.

We've reached goal plus more at $5,130. Richard has purchased medical insurance through the rest of the year and next year sometime he's eligible for Medicare. However, he still needs our help to pay for co-pays and prescriptions. The fundraiser runs through the end of June, so give when and where you can!

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/for-our-beloved-curmudgeon/179809

>100 Whisper1: Hi Linda! Happy you're feeling up to a visit! *smooch*

>101 mckait: Hiya Kath, I figured it out from the "5" and the "8" being in the same line on the number pad. xo

It was an inspired idea, though!

>102 Morphidae: *pearl-clutch* ...y...y...you being obnoxious?! perish forbid! ;-P

>104 maggie1944: Coffee GGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOD! xoxo

>105 Morphidae: Now see! You're not obnoxious, you're a fleecy li'l lambie-pie!

>99 richardderus: Oh, so that's how it is, eh? Hmph.

*unpuckering*

Lovely new thread, RD! I saw that wonderful nook in the opening post when you were setting the thread up and just decided to curl up there with a book. ;-)

>33 richardderus: - I love that quote. I so needed that quote last week. Now I have it for when I need it once again.

*smooches*

A very belated Happy New Thread Richardmydear! I love the reading nook with the window in you topper. Is that one claimed by anyone? Can I have it?

Ah, yes, coffee. This morning's cup is an Ethiopian Grade 1 Dry Process Guji Shakiso, home roasted to the edge of perfection at City+ level and brewed at 200°F, steeped for 2:30 minutes in a pre-heated ceramic pour-over. Time for another to go with my morning read and 'net surf.

>107 rosalita: *smooch*

>108 lkernagh: Isn't that a beauty? It's really inviting. The quote makes a difference every day, no?

>109 connie53: Hi Connie! Sending transAtlantic *smooch*

>110 mldavis2: Ooooh...that sounds fabOO! I love the proper preparation instructions, too.

'bout the only thing makin' me happy today...this week...this year...maybe ever.

^ Sorry you're having a tough day, but I'm glad you have books to make you happy!!!!

>1 richardderus: I will fight all comers for the chance to spend a long rainy afternoon in that nook. (AND, as asserted elsewhere on this site, I am big, tough and hairy, and I carry chains.) But, wait...are those Nancy Drews, or Hardy Boys, on the bottom shelf?

What a Goodreads nightmare. I'm being attacked by
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29873825-janith-pathirage

This insane person is creating sock-puppet accounts and harassing me, using anti-gay slurs, and saying charming things like "now i'll make you life a living hell :D faggot" in private messages. GR appears not to be able to block the person despite my flagging every message. Help...any hackers know how to firebomb the little brat?

Oh dear, that's all you need, on top of it all! No, I have no idea how to firebomb anyone. Wish a smooch could make it all better.

Why can't Goodreads just deny him privileges?

>113 EBT1002: I do indeed, and a comfort they are.

>114 laytonwoman3rd: I thought they were Tom Swifts.

>116 ronincats: It never, ever hurts.

>117 Berly: Using mirror sites. Can't predict where the next one will be from...but they're probably hacking him/her now.

Just had a cleansing belly-laugh...a Facebook friend posted this status:

"I must be officially ancient. {My kid} has referred to my record player as "that olden days thing"..."

BWAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAA

>118 richardderus: Grrrrrr! >119 richardderus: Ha,ha,ha! Wait...boo hoo hoo! That means I am officially ancient too.

That isn't a him or a her, that is an "it". And we need to consider the source of those comments -- coming from mirror sites? -- and try not to let them rattle you. This is something who has no idea who you are, is clearly a cyber-loser who gets its jollies doing this. Obviously unpleasant, and obviously something to try and shut down -- and clearly, if you have reason to fear for your actual safety, that's something else. But otherwise, it's just a feeble-minded attempt at bullying by a thing, not a person. *disdain* *looking haughtily down nose* *oh dear, I appear to have smelly muck on my shoes*

Well, that and a stiff drink.

ETA: splutter re record player. And I thought vinyl was making a comeback?? Sigh...

Rdear, I'm sorry to hear that this awful person can't be blocked. Smooches

Stupid me. I'm so old I have no idea what a mirror site is. And I like record players.

Hi Richard, sorry to hear you are having trouble with (excuse my French) an ignorant twat, why can't Goodreads do anything about this. If this is what they allow I will disassociate myself from this site forthwith. Sending love and hugs from all here and to cheer you up there is a nice photo on my thread for you to peruse.

Voodoo whammies on the way! If you find out where they live I'll send them a jar of the Devilles noxious fumes. *smooches*

Just voicing my support, too, Richard. You've got one idiot sock puppeteer, but a whole bunch of us pulling for you. I've got hopes for Roberta's voodoo whammies.

huh. Wonder who it is? Shame on GR for not taking care of it

xo

>121 Chatterbox: I was about to say that....vinyl is THE thing now, isn't it? We still have a functioning turntable (the engineer NEVER says "record player"), and we do listen occasionally to some of our vinyl albums. I just don't have the ear to discriminate; it's all about performance for me, rather than high fidelity (well, up to a point, of course).

>115 richardderus: Little "brat?" I don't usually use the F word, saving it for the times when only it can suffice. This is one them. Little F____r!

Hugs to you my dear friend!

^What Linda said! That is completely and totally unacceptable. I am so sorry you are having to deal with such an a**Hole. *smooch*

And I wake up to more Goodreads trolling from my personal persecutor.

from: 32200688 Reviles Richard Reviles Censorship Always in All Ways
to: 3920693 Richard Reviles Censorship Always in All Ways
subject: your think its over your faggot ?? dream on..
message: im here to make your life a living hell you dumb motherfucker . and im enjoying it like hell :D

Now the little shit is using a variation on my own name to make horrible comments. Okay Goodreads...what are you going to do about this? Hate speech, clear intent to harass me, what else does it take?

Ugh.

>120 Berly: Amen on the GRRR and ain't we just the oldester committee. I bought my first turntable in 1974 and was sooooo proooud of it! Of course, that was olden days...40 years ago.

>121 Chatterbox: Stiff drink drunk...but sustained is the attack. I'll be a Skid Row denizen if I keep stiffly drinking!

>122 Ameise1: Maybe now that I'm having conniptions publicly all over social media they'll figure it out.

>123 michigantrumpet: I like record players, too! Mirror sites are used, legitimately, to speed up peoples' access to high-traffic websites like Facebook or whatever. They're hosted on servers distributed around the world, and slower-connectivity places therefore can get better service.

ILlegitimately, a mirror can be created in a podunk nowhere place with two servers and 500 people to mix up the geodraphical tracking of malefactors on the internet.

>124 johnsimpson: Thank you, John, I appreciate the support! Sending hugs.

>125 luvamystery65: Voodoo goooooooooood! *smooch*

>126 jnwelch: I appreciate that, Joe, and I'm also down with the whammys.

Morning RD! Sorry, to hear about the recent troll attack. WTF? Where do these douche-bags come from? And no cooperation from G.R.?

Otherwise, I hope all is well and your books are treating you swell.

>127 mckait: I suspect I know. They're deleting messages and PMs but not blocking the person, for reasons I don't understand.

>128 laytonwoman3rd: I can't really tell the difference either, Linda3rd, but I adore the convenience of CDs. We have one of those weird turntable/cassette/CD-burner dealios. I'm afraid of it....

>129 Whisper1: *smoochings* Thanks, Linda! I needed that validation. Anything that makes *you* use the "F" word is serious indeed.

>130 Cobscook: Thank you, Heidi, for the support. I'm amazed that Goodreads isn't more on-top of the situation, frankly, as there's public hate speech all over.

>134 msf59: They're doing the minimum, Mark, deleting the offensive messages and leaving the attacker free to do it again. THAT is the part that makes me mad.

It sounds like G.R. lacks the personal touch LT does. They should be stomping assholes like this.

>136 richardderus: Sure does make me glad I never got involved with Goodreads. Would you know if other people are having similar issues? Sounds like it's time for a membership revolt.

>138 laytonwoman3rd: Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I have several friends that are big GR users and would love to connect with them, but I can't imagine having to deal with that crap.

>137 msf59:, >138 laytonwoman3rd:, >139 drneutron: I've had no better experience contacting LT's powers than GR's powers. I've posted things and sent emails that have just gone unanswered by LT's grandees. When I post in suggestions fora, the posts are ignored until someone else posts the same thing.

I stay away from Authority when possible. I haven't had good experiences either place. Why was Jude allowed to come back to this site after her various nasty attacks on me? I shouldn't have to monitor her profile for myself and follow her around to see what, if anything, she's decided to spout venomously about. She's a crazy person and a cyber-bully and shouldn't be allowed here. No action was ever taken against her.

It wouldn't entirely surprise me if she was behind the sock-puppets attacking me on GR, where I know she has an account.

I am so sorry you are having to go through this. You certainly don't need this now or deserve it. *hugs*

>141 Morphidae: Thanks Morphy! The GR Authorities are apparently enbarrassed enough now to have contacted me via email and PM to let me know I should hide my reviews and profile and wait for the jerk to get bored. No. THEY need to fix it, and for good.

I'm so sorry that you are going through this Richard. I'm so pleased that I am not on Goodreads.

I also think that GR's suggestion sucks ... Why should you hide from this jerk, surely they can do something to prevent attacks like this.

{{{Hugs}}}

>143 calm: Thank you, calm, for the kind message of support!

Goodreads support has PM'ed me about the "spammer"...which characterization I immediately refuted, since the person is a cybercriminal who has targeted me personally and advocated that I kill myself more than once in an attempt to intimidate and harass me...and they assure me they're working on a permanent fix.

They're doing the minimum, Mark, deleting the offensive messages and leaving the attacker free to do it again. . . . The GR Authorities are apparently enbarrassed enough now to have contacted me via email and PM to let me know I should hide my reviews and profile and wait for the jerk to get bored. No. THEY need to fix it, and for good.

Woo, GR is doing a horrible job of handling this. Hate speech gives them all the basis they need for kicking this idiot off. They're making themselves look really bad.

I'm surprised you haven't had better luck here. Shortly after I started on LT, there was a sock puppet (who seemed clearly to me to be a teen boy getting his jollies) who was going all over the place insulting people and making up stories about who he was, and Tim and the LT folks pretty quickly shut him out entirely, no more posting.

>145 jnwelch: My attacker here wasn't a sock-puppet, it was Jude Loue. She made horrible comments about me and came here to insult me, but she's a member so they let her stay.

Too bad. I'm glad at least she's laying off you now.

She left a nastygram two threads ago, after the Youcaring fund-raiser started. She deleted it PDQ.

Ah, so that was what that was!

I wonder about people with so much hate in their hearts and so much time on their hands.

>149 katiekrug: It's a puzzlement to me, too. I'm an angry man. I don't waste my time going after people who tick me off. I yell about the issues that make me angry and leave people to sort themselves out, unless and until they *force* me to make some sort of acknowledgment of their personal offensiveness to me.

Yeah. I'm definitely not Little Mary Sunshine but I don't actively seek to hurt other people, even if I really, really, REALLY don't like them! I'd rather save my mental energy for people and things I do care about.

I've had generally good experiences with LT and stalkers. They did ban two members (including one author/member) over my memorable half-star review that produced that epic wave of stalking (including dog shit in my mailbox) that really has never abated in real life or elsewhere on cyberspace "why aren't you dead, bitch?", but is AWOL on LT. And there are one or two people on LT that have flamed me occasionally, but they are doing so from ISPs that aren't associated with RL accounts, and so there is relatively little to be done. So I delete and ignore. As you posted on FB, "Not my Circus. Not my Monkeys." The more riled up I get, the more I give them exactly what they want: attention, and the knowledge that they're upsetting and distracting me. Please don't misunderstand: I know this IS upsetting, and understandably so. And Goodreads is a nasty mess of backbiting vipers, which is why I don't play in that sandpit in the first place. But this is some tw*t who clearly has identified just the way to drive you crazy, and so is coming back for more. Lean HARD on Goodreads -- they should have more control of this BS -- but try and find a way to cope so that it doesn't drive you demented. That way they win.

I no longer post reviews on Amazon. I had bad experience with an author who wrote a terrible, self absorbed, whining book regarding her experience during Hurricane Katrinca, blaming everyone but herself. Indeed, she acknowledged that she could have left, but chose not to. When I posted my honest opinions, she blasted me as racist and a host of other foolish diatribic nonsense. She rallied others to send nasty comments years after the review.

Here on LT, I was told by an author that he would sue me if I did not immediately removed my review. He wrote a book regarding art recovery. My review noted that there was too much self absorption and not enough about art.

In my experience, Amazon is filled with nasty critters with way too much time on their hands.

Again, Richard, I'm sorry this is happening to you. Given your level of pain and all you are dealing with, you certainly don't need this idiot clouding your day(s).

>151 katiekrug: +1

>152 Chatterbox: I know it sounds like I'm taking this very personally...who could shrug off being invited to commit suicide?...but really, truly, the thing that's exercising my outrage muscles is the dilatory response to a cybercrime being committed. I'm the victim, and in a weird sort of way that's a good thing. I have the resources and the support system to shout the news and get my voice heard.

It has been heard, later than is good for the website, but heard.

What about the shy little flowers out there watching this commedia dell'arte masked-perp nonsense? What about the closeted gay folks who see the slurs being slung and think "I can't handle that" and they shrink into nothingness? I'm not responsible for fighting others' battles and curing others' problems (them monkeys again). But I am visible, and I am being attacked for being myself, and visible, and that is a wrong thing to let stand without making a lot of noise to protest it.

Dumb-fuckery I can, and work on making sure I do, let slide. Viciousness I cannot let go unchallenged, not only for my own sake.

How much of an audience was this getting, vs how much does the response get? I'm NOT trying to second-guess your reactions or actions -- I'm genuinely curious. I agree with you in principle -- and yes, I've been invited to commit suicide, I've dealt with death threats from random people in response to stories I wrote (to the extent that I moved and got an unlisted phone #). I was told today on FB by a friend's (now former) friend that he hoped someone would gang-rape me so that I would wish I had a gun with which to defend myself. (Given my personal history, I actually laughed at that one.) But I also know that the more emotional and upset I become, the more I'm giving these creatures what they want. So my comments were more directed to the degree of emotional upheaval than to your efforts to squash the bugs. The very bizarre nature of this -- a complete stranger saying go kill yourself and I'm going make your life a living hell -- is just so wacko that you KNOW it's meaningless. This creature has no idea of who you are and that invalidates everything they're saying right off the bat. So what worries me is seeing their bizarre stuff take such a toll. The Internet is full of trolls like this, occasionally surfacing from the primeval muck. Yes, Goodreads needs to be leaned on with full pressure to act. But the greater the extent you're able to distance yourself emotionally from it, the more effective you'll be with GR, the better you'll feel and the crazier you'll make the troll (a nice little side benefit). It's actually funny to watch a baited troll get more and more infuriated, start frothing at the mouth, etc., all because they can't make YOU upset. (Also reduces the wear and tear on your nerves, stomach lining, etc.)

All that said, sending along empathy vibes on the next Megabus. (Sorry, budget doesn't stretch to a limo...)

Heh, limo-rides for empathy sounds like a good story idea....

I'm really not *personally* affected and I've been sure to make my reason for shouting at GR clear to all and sundry who read my posts about it (I started a Feedback thread and that's when the issue caught fire). I'm upset about the slow response to a serious issue and a crime. I'm not upset about being asked to die (happened more than once, Jude even said I should go die in a Facebook post once) or being called a fag...well, I am a fag, and not ashamed of it...I'm royally enraged that this little shit can steal my (and others' now, s/he's branched out) GR identity and that gets a slow response from GR!!

Me, as a person? No more ruffled than usual...a bit peckish, actually. I'll order something in.

*Hugs* Sorry about all the GR shite :/ I just don't get why people do things like that.

And arching back to >119 richardderus:... I felt as old as dirt the other day when my daughter looked at an old photo of me as a kid reading a book and listening to the attendant tape. And didn't know at all what I meant by a tape...

Anyway, big love from me.

>157 BekkaJo: *smooch* Thanks, Bekka, I send it all back with interest!

hang it there Partner

>159 magicians_nephew: Thanks, Jim, I have some hopes this is over now.

Rdear, I'm so sorry to read that's not going any better with this cyber attacks. It's so awful that on GR nobody is taking any responsibility.
Sending you hugs xx

>161 Ameise1: Thank you so much for that kindness, Barbara! It seems as if the situation is improving now. I hope it stays improved.

Just dropping a *smooch* by because smooches make everything better. You said so yourself!

>154 richardderus: Dumb-fuckery I can, and work on making sure I do, let slide. Viciousness I cannot let go unchallenged, not only for my own sake.

I agree with that 100%, though I tend to ignore most of the idiots posters/commenters who spout dumbfuckery. It's the ones who engage in ad hominem attacks, verbal abuse or flaming that need to be slapped down.

>154 richardderus: That you are willing to stand up publicly against things you know are wrong is just one of the things I love about you! I myself am a 'avoid confrontation at all costs' kind of person, so I truly admire those who can say what they think in an articulate way.

>163 ronincats: Aww! Thanks, Roni, a smooch does indeed lift my spirits most effectively. *smooch*

>164 Storeetllr: ...not to mention hate speech...this little twit's hit 'em all and come back for round three. *sigh*

>165 Cobscook: Too kind, Heidi, I'm just doing what I expect most of us would do: Not backing down. A lot of advice, even from GR staff, has been to set my profile and reviews to private. That's just not gonna happen.

These are my ideas about setting my profile and reviews to friends-only. In the customer complaints thread I started, it seemed to me that it would only excite the troll to be discussed and also give it impetus to keep going.

If I set the reviews and profile to "friends-only" the troll might get bored and go away. For a while, anyway. And probably select a few more targets to harass on the way out. Better to let the little creep keep going and going on me, thus leaving an ever-larger data trail leading from a specific, monitorable member (me).

Also, no fucking way do I want the little shit to win! (Stubborn side.)

Nook porn!

Truly I am the simplest of men to please.

rd... I really am sorry about the mess at GR and I hope that it dies off soon. I think it's appalling that GR has not booted the offender, but that just goes to show LT is better than GR :) ( imo )

I hope you have a really nice day today, and I hope the mess there stops.

xo

Trolls "get off" on harassment and feedback. If no one responds, they leave for more fertile hunting grounds. So if I scroll up, oh a hundred posts or so, most of the comments are regarding how nasty this demented person is. I can assure you that if no more words were spoken to charge its batteries, it would leave. You can only stir so much mud into the water before additional stirring doesn't darken the slurry.

Second, I would defend GR and LT in their inability to block this troll. It is virtually impossible to track a cyber bully by blocking its ISP because there are web sites that hide and "spoof" your ISP every time you go online. And if a troll logs on with a "different" ISP and creates a new persona each and every time its username is blocked, it simply registers again with a new username from an apparently "different" ISP. It's a computer game of "whack-a-mole."

So, forget and ignore this person and it will go away. Do not register any reaction. Do not post additional comments including its many usernames. GR or LT cannot stop it. We can by simply frustrating it by not acknowledging that it exists.

Time for another cup of the Ethiopian Shakiso.

>169 mckait: Thanks, sweetness! *smooch*

>170 mldavis2: *holds out cup for some Ethiopian Shakiso liquid joy*

>172 Morphidae: I wouldn't fit either, but it's beauteous!

>167 richardderus: Me wants! Though I'm tall and I might not fit length-wise.

>167 richardderus: That nook looks extremely cozy, and quite conducive to sleeeeeping, rather than reading. The "portrait" puzzles me, though...

>173 laytonwoman3rd: What portrait?

I'n not very tall, so... I guess it comes on handy once in a while!

>175 mckait: "Not very tall"...mmm

"Hobbit-sized"

>174 richardderus: The picture of the pill bottle...and if you look hard at it, there's human reflected in it near the bottom.

>177 laytonwoman3rd: OIC

I'm not that attuned, I guess.

I will fit in that nook, just fine. I'll take it. I will need to change the "picture" though.

I stand in solidarity with you, brother-friend. I'm experiencing some personal attacks in real life, too, and usually it takes me a whole half-an-hour to remember they are the people with the personality difficulties, not me; and, they are the ones who need to change, not me. So, I just keep on keeping on.

I quit Good Reads when you first had difficulty with these attacks, and I'll never go back there. I'm thinking about quitting Amazon, too. They are just too big and too much the bully on the block. Reminds me of why I do not, and will not, ever shop at Walmart.

It's too bad that it's come to that for you, Karen44, and it's probably a lot more common than I know that people leave social spaces after seeing a troll attack. For some folks it's just not worth it to get in the line of fire.

I'm just a mean old cuss who can't stand bullies.

Doesn't apply to this crowd, of course.

>168 richardderus: I like that list, RD. I can't think of anything I'd add, except maybe "Books".

Hope you have a stellar, and Stella-ed, Friday, compadre. Kudos to you for fighting the good fight with the little idiot shit.

>181 laytonwoman3rd: I agree. (For legal purposes.)

>182 jnwelch: Stella has been off-color for a few days, resisting going outside to do anything and, when finally compelled to go out, accomplishing her tasks with lightning rapidity and straining to come back in. It's not hot, but the grass pollens are at an all-time high, so I suspect she's miserably allergic. Giving her antihistamines, per the vet, makes the itchy-scratchy stop, but also sends her into a three-hour coma per pill.

Poor thing!

>167 richardderus: Love it, love it, love it. A little acrobatic to make up the bed, but so cozy. I also admit to being puzzled by the artwork, though--definitely would replace it.

>167 richardderus: I take this place. Fantastic. Hope your mood is better and on GR the improvement is going on. Waves from good old Europe. xx

>167 richardderus: Maybe the picture is saying, "Books are my drug of choice?" I wonder what the label on the bottle actually says. I don't like it in any case and would definitely replace it.

Sending some smooches right back at you, Richardmydear!

Now I have to go and find you on GR.

I.Want.That.Nook! Although I would change the picture ...who needs a photo of a prescription bottle? But other than that .... LOVE!!

And I love your list of needs too. I share the needs. Does that mean I'm a simple person to please too? That's what I keep telling everyone ... especially the hubster ... why do they keep laughing at me? (sob)

>184 ronincats:, >185 Ameise1:, >186 Storeetllr: That nook is a popular one indeed...54 people repinned it on Pinterest. I love it, even though I wouldn't fit at all. And that pill bottle is just weird.

>187 connie53: Hi Connie! *smooch* I'm easy to find there.

>188 cameling: The wants and needs are simple indeed. I think it makes us astoundingly easy to buy for: Go to Amazon, locate wishlist, one-click and Bob's your uncle. *GUaranteed* happiness.

Why, oh WHY do people insist on choosing gifts themselves?! IXNAY! LIST!

My Uncle Bob never looks at my wish list but will buy me odd books that I swear he randomly picked while blindfolded after being spun around 10 times. :-(

>190 cameling: Ruh-roh...not even "so bad they're good" bad choices? *sigh*

*smooch*

Or perhaps he asked for the most obscure books available from the help desk at the bookstore?

Last Christmas every person who gave me a gift, gave me a gift card from Amazon. Hmmmmm OK by me.

Morning Richard, love the nook porn photo, hope you have a great weekend my friend.

Good saturday to you!

LT is running slow for me... I give up. Bah!

Hope your day is a good one!

LT cranky here too earlier this morning. Seems to be recovered now.

>192 cameling: Possibly...sounds like something I'd do, so depending on how perverse Bob's sensahuma is...

>193 maggie1944: I *long* for that kind of holiday remembrance. No more pasting smiles over groans!

>194 johnsimpson: Hi John, thanks! And for all y'all too!

>195 mckait: The benefit of rising late on a weekend, then, is no LT foot-dragging. *smooch* for a nice Saturday!

>196 laytonwoman3rd: Hi Linda3rd! How's the Moto Guzzi running these days? ;-P

Rdear, I wish you a wonderful weekend.

OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

How absolutely gorgeous, Barbara! Magical! *smooch* Thank you for leaving that beautiful thing in my thread.

>199 richardderus: xoxo

EVERYONE PAY ATTENTION!

ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION?! YOU BETTER BE!

I AM NOW POSTING A CAT PICTURE!



YES, THAT WAS ME, POSTING A CAT PICTURE. FOR REAL.

Who ARE you?

>202 katiekrug: I know, right?! I barely know myself!

I'm suspicious... has someone been fiddling with Richard's meds?

med meds what meds I don't need no meds ha i spit on meds

Definitely off his meds...

Tee hee. Love it. I think it's the vibes I sent on Megabus. What I didn't disclose was that Tigger had created them... *chortle chortle*

>201 richardderus: I fainted for a second ... really I did!

>201 richardderus: What? Did hell freeze over? Nobody told me!

*faint* *thud*

>201 richardderus: hahahaha that entire post made me laugh out loud
*smooch* and happy weekend wishes

Hi Richard, I just wanted to drop by and tell you how much I've enjoyed seeing you posting again on various threads. Hope your good days continue to outnumber the bad.

So sorry to hear about the idiot over on GR, I don't understand why some people spend their time being so vile and vindictive. Don't let any of their garbage get to you, we here know you're solid gold!

Hmm ... now after seeing the picture in #201, I wonder who I am posting to!

I was going to go to Richard's thread, but somehow I ended up on this one with the cat picture. If you could just give me directions to Richard's thread, I'd appreciate it. I'm not sure where I made the wrong turn.

As I've asked before: Who Is That Man?

cats? there is a cat here? .......runs from room

Do not read, as children do, to amuse yourself, or like the ambitious, for the purpose of instruction. No, read in order to live.
― Gustave Flaubert

...we resume our regularly scheduled programming....

>206 Berly: :-)

>207 Chatterbox: NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

catcootiescatcootiescatcootiescatcootiescatcooties

>208 mckait: *smirk* heh, I did it! I shocked Kath!

>209 avidmom: Oooh, I'm on a roll with the shock-faints! *smooch*

>210 bell7: Thanks, sweetiedarling, same back at'cha!

>211 DeltaQueen50: Judy, how very kind of you to come and say so! I'm happy to see you here.

xoxo

>212 jnwelch: Amazing as it sounds, Joe, you're in the proper place. I know, there's a cat picture here and I posted it, but the Universe contains many wonders.

>213 maggie1944: *smooch*

You did indeed. Or perhaps you are being brought over to our side?
Morgan says hello to Uncle Richie

haha
xo

>201 richardderus: I am now ready for string theory, since I have witnessed an impossible occurrence right here on LT.

Pm to follow...

>201 richardderus: Duly noted. But I will not be fooled. I know that this is NOT an invitation or the start of a trend. I'm not even tempted. You can not lead me down this path, Richard.

Heh.

*smooch*

Dubs, the adorable Malamute (don't ask) mascot for the Washington Huskies, had a cameo part in yesterday's Commencement exercises. It was the best moment of the afternoon.

>214 richardderus: looking down the barrel of a loaded book...I like it.

>220 laytonwoman3rd: Oh, and I like looking down the barrel of a loaded book, Linda. Sounds like it probably is a noir book.

Hope you're having a good Sunday, Mr. D.

>221 jnwelch: words to me are a plaything...

(((Richard)))

Sorry about the a$$hat! You are so much better than that & deserve more!

Now... are you still here? Cause I could swear I just saw a cat on this thread!!!

Somehow I lost you. Then I found you. 223 posts later, I have caught up. I love that loggish nook. I bookmarked Roni's SF list. I nodded sagely over all the wise words about trolls. But I haven't quite digested the fact that you posted a cat pic.

I was scared to scroll down and look at post >214 richardderus: thinking you had punished your own self for the cat photo and posted the dreaded eyeball photo! Whew!

>225 luvamystery65: LOL!

>217 mckait: *choo* Ndope nadda chadse

>218 Matke: String theory will not blow your mind near as much as me posting a cat meme. Of this I am certain. *smooch*

>219 EBT1002: Who'd he poop on?

>220 laytonwoman3rd:, >221 jnwelch:, >222 laytonwoman3rd: It's a great way to say it! "Looking down the barrel of a loaded book" is better than the "book abuse" nonsense I got other places.

>223 TinaV95: I know, right?! I'm amazed this idiot troll is still on it three days later. It's tiring.

>224 tiffin: Compared to that cat meme, delving to the bottom of the theory of general relativity is an intellectual bagatelle. I did indeed, of my own free will and absent all forms of coercion, post that meme. Go know....

>225 luvamystery65:, >226 EBT1002: Not a chance! *smooch*

Happy Father's Day you!

Yes, coffee. I'm on the last of the Ethiopian Shakiso but I roasted a batch of Rwanda Karenge last night and can't wait to brew a cup today...but patience, it must rest first...

Moremoremoremore

>229 Berly: Thank you, dear! *smooch*

>230 Storeetllr: OHYESYESYESYES!!!!!

>231 mldavis2: Patience?! This is coffee we're talkin' about! Patience hell, gimmegimmegimme

Coffffeeeeeeee....

More booknook comfort:


This is my very own book nook!!!!

>235 sibylline: Exactly as I would picture Vermont. Love that quilt!

Hello R-Dear, How I have missed your witty sarcasm and funny comments!

>201 richardderus: That one sent me into fits of laughter, especially since it was you who posted it. Mercy tried to get some of Mum's wine the other day, and wasn't to pleased that she didn't get any. She watched every movement of that wineglass.

>214 richardderus: I love that picture!

I don't know what post it was, but I also very much liked the pic of the nook. Add a few more pillows and it is prime for reading.

*smooch* Now, since you posted about coffee, I am off to make myself a mocha.

>235 sibylline: And a very worthy one it is!

>234 drneutron: Jim, you coffee zombie, you need to copy and print this:


>235 sibylline: How perfectly *you* that is, ma belle cousine! Homey, conveniently sized, comfortable, aesthetically happy....

>236 michigantrumpet: Ain't that a beaut, Marianne?

>237 Thebookdiva: Abby darling! *smooch* Enjoy the mocha. I'm with Mercy...share! Share!

>238 laytonwoman3rd: I concur, Linda3rd.

>230 Storeetllr: LOL! I wonder if I could shine one of those "Bring Coffee" bat signals at home. That's excellent.

I'm inspired, and am going for my second cup right now. Peet's French roast for me this a.m.

>239 richardderus: Oh man, that snuck in while I was posting. Like that one, too! Shove over, Monday, I'm getting some coffee.

I think this should go up in the cafe, Joe:



Sending Mondays. I mean hugs!

>239 richardderus: Translation:

Homey = jes' stuff

Conveniently-sized = small enough not to need a building permit

Comfortable = untidy

Aesthetically happy = decorators beware!!!!!

>242 sibylline: Heh. Translation always loses a little something of polish, doesn't it?

>241 richardderus: Off to put it up, Richard. It probably should be stenciled on all my shirts.

>241 richardderus:. Ha! Love that!

Loving the Bat-Signal coffee call!

>244 jnwelch: Mine too, along with every other thing I own!

>245 michigantrumpet:, >246 magicians_nephew: Me too! *smooch* and *pat*

Not enough coffee in the world today *grumble grumble smooch grumble*

>235 sibylline:: love the roll of paper towels on the desk. Note to self: clean desk.

I constantly spill my coffee...... I mean, it is seriously pathetic how essential it is that the p-towels are RIGHT THERE.

>248 BekkaJo: So sorry *smooch*

>249 tiffin:, >250 sibylline: Coffee is too precious to spill!

If I don't get this amout of coffee every day I woudn't be able to function.



Hi Rdear, waves from good old Europe.

Hello Barbara, and I am a very strong +1 on the coffee front. Very strong indeed.

Nice to know another addicted one. smooches

>235 sibylline: Love it!

>235 sibylline:, absolutely gorgeous, very jealous.

>251 richardderus: Meh I'm just being a whingy :)

>241 richardderus: Love that! No Coffee. No Workee!

Mocha? Truly good coffee needs no adulteration.

Good morning to you! I'm feeling glum, hot, humid and work. Woe is me.

( I am a good whiner, stay tuned for the end of the week. Working with C today GAH!!!)

*waving*

I have my cuppa and am enjoying first day of not going to Niece's house at "0 dark hundred"; need to drive up there today at lunch time. New schedule. We'll see if it is better or not.

Hope your day is better.

Today's Google image. Can't imagine why I thought of you as a result! :-P

Back after another pot.

I hope this might help for a start. waves

>254 Ameise1: *smooch*

>255 Storeetllr:, >256 johnsimpson: Isn't that the bee's knees?

>257 BekkaJo: You're entitled to a moan, goodness knows. Mom + work + moving = stress!

>258 Berly: It's the motto I live by. I've tried decaffeinating before, and always returned to the fold. No coffee? No point.

>259 mldavis2: More coffee is ~meh~ than is truly good. Adulterate away.

>260 mckait: Howdy do, sweetness. It's HOT and sticky here too, but I'm in my cave with the a/c on "polar bears get chilly in here" setting.

I shall send cerebrovascular-accident whammys to her.

>261 maggie1944: Hiya Karen44! Good not to have to go at zero-dark-thirty, I'll wager. Hope the new schedule works out to be less stress!

>262 michigantrumpet: Isn't that a stitch?! Made me guffaw when I saw it this morning. I can see why it made you think of me.

>264 Ameise1: Oh yesssssssss ppppleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!!!!!!

It's been a day...I am deprived of my Gentleman Caller's cyberpresence for a week or so while he vacations en famille in the wilderness. It really rots on ice not to have cellphone contact, chat messages, Skype or ANYTHING. I am spoiled. He assures me he hates it too.

Gawd, I hope no one ever looks at my browsing history.

So sorry that you are without Gentleman Caller's presence (cyber or otherwise) for a bit. Shattered: The Iron Druid Chronicles was released today. Perhaps that will help the time pass quickly? (Am I correctly remembering that you are a fan of Kevin Hearne?)

>269 dulcibelle: Correct indeed. And my copy wingeth its way to me as we type. *pantpantpant*

Happy to see you here!

Ah, I did the preorder to the Kindle and it was waiting for me when I awoke. BUT - must finish current read first (maybe - the siren call of Atticus may be too strong).

Glad to be seen! I've lurked for quite a while, but I'm trying to participate a little more.

Did anyone mention that Google today appears to be featuring a tentacled angel who's interested in the World Cup?

>272 jnwelch: see >262 michigantrumpet:

I watched a TED talk about octopuses last night. They're fascinating creatures.

>262 michigantrumpet: ah, Marianne scooped me on the octopus. that's ok, I was actually reading some of this thread, so came to it late. I'm sorry to hear Stella is suffering from the grasses as I am - miserable season - and is zonked on antihistamines as I was this week. Maybe we'll have a killer frost in the middle of June and totally confuse the climate specialists.

Have you been watching Neil De Grasse Tyson's version of Cosmos? It's not nearly as good as Carl Sagan's was - or maybe it was newer to me then - but he minces nothing when talking about people who refuse to recognize science in favor of what they would prefer to believe. And to think this aired on Fox!

>274 ffortsa: I've enjoyed the snippets of Cosmos 2014 I've seen, but I'm not too excited by it this go-round. I've been a faithful The Universe watcher, and BBC Horizon watcher, so I'm au fait with the latest thinking in circles astrophysical.

I love that he gets to say this to the F*x crowd! Absent Seth MacFarlane, the animation producer, I'll bet they would have refused to air it. No way will they jeopardize that lucrative Sunday cartoon bloc, though.

Stella's a bit better now, thankfully, and so we've cut back on her drugs. She's less dopey. I'm a lot larger than she is, and *I* feel dopey on those things. It's still better than wild itching and a scrim of ecccchhhhh over the eyes.

Cheers!

xoxo

and

xoxo just for good measure

>276 AuntieClio: *smoochings* Happy Hump Day to come, me lurve.

>274 ffortsa: Neil De Grasse Tyson's version of Cosmos is not NEARLY as good as Sagan's was. I am so sad. : (

I get to see Mr. Hearne tomorrow at Murder by the Book!

xoxo to you and Stella

Morning R-Dear!

>275 richardderus: Actually, I'm amazed that F*x agreed to broadcast anything remotely scientific. Sagan was the master, and we all know what sequels lack. Note that Ann Druyan, Sagan's wife, is a co-author of the Tyson series - a brilliant woman who stays hidden behind the scenes for some reason. I've only seen her interviewed once, many years ago. OTOH, only 7 of the original Cosmos episodes were deemed suitable for re-broadcast due to changes in our understanding of the nature of the solar system and small particle physics. Did anyone other than me think Sagan looked much younger that he did way back then? Aarrgghh! Tempus fugit.

The current home roast for the next few days is Rwanda Karenge. Not as fruity as the last Ethiopian but heads and shoulders better than anything you can buy at Charbucks or (gag!) the big red can. Just received an order from the new Kenya crop that I'm dying to roast. So many beans, so little time.

>278 Berly: It's different from Sagan's version, and it's no longer unique, but it was in front of a sizable audience too lazy to flick the clicker and so it did A Good Thing.

>279 luvamystery65: How...lovely. I am so...pleased...for you. No. Really.

>280 Thebookdiva: Good morning, sweet Miss Abby darling! *smoochiesmoochsmooch*

>281 mldavis2: Absent MacFarlane, never woulda happened, and like you I'm gobsmacked it did at all. At. All. It's so against the core beliefs of F*x's viewer base to venture outside Bronze Age mythology and even more outside their comfort zone to be lectured intelligently on facts by a dark-skinned person.

*sigh* and here I sit drinking Tim Horton's. *sigh*

>281 mldavis2: >283 Morphidae: Although some stations have refused to air certain episodes or have deleted parts of them.

You're wonderful, that put a huge smile on my face.

>283 Morphidae: Murrikinz luvs bein' stoopud. If it ain't in the booble-babble-bibble, it ain't worth a-knowin' cuz gawd didint say it.

Makes me sick.

>284 Thebookdiva: Good! *more smoochiesmoochsmooch*



THIS, on the other hand, made me smile!

That is such a fabulous idea! I am doing that the next time I check a book out from the library.

>287 richardderus: It will be a lovely surprise for the next person, Abby, and a very good way to make someone smile.

My sister Winter pinned this. I couldn't agree more.

*smooch*

>289 katiekrug: Hiya Katie, *smooch* back

>235 sibylline: LIKE LOVE!

>285 richardderus: I'm going to join Thebookdiva and do this in the next book I return to the library, too!

>291 EBT1002: Isn't it a nice idea? Cheap, and more than likely to create a lasting positive memory in the surprised recipient! What could be better?

We could start a whole new fad: Go to the library and go mining for randomly placed paper money of the spendable variety....

Heh. The liberry ladies would be onto us long before it became profitable.

Hey Richard hope you are doing well, have a lovely day.

xoxo

Dear Richard, oh I fell so far behind, and then was fairly heartbroken when I got caught up. Internet nastiness is so, so pervasive, and I just can't understand it. Sorry to bring it up again -- I wish I hadn't fallen so far behind. I hope you are having a wonderful day. XO

>288 richardderus: I love this! Although if I ate all those cookies, my foot wouldn't be as tiny as hers is! I am looking forward to a fabulous cronehood.

>295 GeezLouise: Thanks Rae, it's been hot but at least I have a/c. Without it, I'd just give up the ghost.

>296 AMQS: Thank you, Anne, it was horrendous and I hope it doesn't happen again.

>297 michigantrumpet: Doesn't it sound lovely? *happy anticipatory sigh*

Seen on Twitter:

Yahoo Odd News ‏@YahooOddNews 13m
A man claimed that a bar kicked him out for wearing a Christian cross they called a ‘gang sign’ http://yhoo.it/1jzqGil

LOVE IT!

Owe. Emm. GEE!!!

Chromebox, the Chrome desktop, is $170 on Ammy today!!!!! MegaWOOT! I'll be able to use my gorgeous 28" color monitor to watch porn view Netflix's more uplifting offerings! *does happy dance*

THE PUBLIC SHAMING OF A REVIEW-WRITING SLACKER

Books I've read that I need to write reviews for because DAMN!

Life After Life--trending towards 5 stars 9 months on
The Golem and the Jinni--settling in at 4-plus stars
The Love Box--short stories with bite, somewhere over 3 stars
The Hill Bachelors--well and truly over 4 stars, William Trevor is a story-writing demigod
An Elegy for Easterly--vacillating between almost-4 and a hair over 4 stars
The Martian--six stars out of five, the most fun I had with my clothes on in 2013
Outerborough Blues--a terrific Brooklyn noir, juuuuuuust misses 4 stars
Hedy's Folly--pretty woman with brains invents stuff the men can't understand, is condescended to and dismissed; blood-boiling almost-4 star read
Consider Phlebas--first Iain M. Banks read, not a huge success; 3 stars but they're grudging
The Player of Games--3-and-a-half because it's better than the first one, and because I suspect reading it too soon after being mad at the first one made me unfairly testy
Empire State--my first Adam Christopher read, I liked it almost 4 stars'-worth
North American Lake Monsters--over-3 star story collection infused with very very weird situations and characters
The Dinosaur Feather--I *loved* this thriller set in Denmark and am horribly ashamed that I haven't written its 4-star review
The Keeper of Lost Causes--simply delicious, 4 stars, go read it NOW if you haven't
Monday or Tuesday--it's Virginnie la Woolf! I'd never read it, and was very excited to; an easy 4 stars
Regeneration--late to the party; easy 5 stars; just...jaw-dropping
The Optimist's Daughter--at best 3.5 stars, my lady wasn't a novelist!
Delta Wedding--a hair more than 3.5 stars because I just *adore* hatin' on Dabney
Slaughterhouse-Five--six stars of five, don't anybody admit to me that they didn't like this book or it will damage our friendship...
The Truth About Matt--painful
The Daughters of Mars--trending towards almost-4 stars, the longer I'm away from it the less amazing it seems
The Goldfinch--started at 5, now down to 4-plus; another book where distance isn't making the read better
The Luminaries--oh my heck! At least 5 stars, such a joy to read!
Tomorrow-Land--the 1964 World's Fair! W00t! I'd say 3.5-plus?
1Q84--yes, I read the damned thing, 2.5 stars
Cloud Atlas--see above
Among Others--solid 3.5-plus, I like Walton a lot
The Cusanus Game--wowee read translated from the German, easy 3.5 stars

The shame is too caustic, I must stop before I go slit my wrists in a warm bath.

Wow! That's a lotta books to review. I like your pithy one sentence comments so why don't you just call it a day with those?

Just cruising through in a most likely unsuccessful attempt to catch up with the goings on among the 75er's I follow.

Love the review catchup!!!

>302 katiekrug: Thank you, Katie! I feel like I'm cheating with the one-liners, because I have a lot more I'd like to say about the books. Most of them, nice things; a few, well, let's just say my inner Dorothy Parker is about to do a chest-burster on me.

>303 SuziQoregon: Hi Juli! Catching up is a fantasy. Leave it aside, live a happier life.

RICHARD!!!!!!!!! :-D *smooch* thankyewthankyewthankyew

xoxo to you and Stella

>301 richardderus: Oh, if only I read as fast as you and had your dilemma!

>301 richardderus: And I thought I was behind ... (!)

Of course the pressure is on for you -- people actually read your reviews!

Oh heavy, heavy sigh. I Joe'd it again and made thread 21 into thread 20 redux. Oh well. Here 'tis.

>305 AuntieClio: De rien, ma amie. *smooch*

>306 luvamystery65: Thank you, Roberta-who-just-saw-Kevin-Hearne-so-I-hate-you!

>307 Berly: That's not the full list...maybe 35-40-hmmm say 50 more...and I don't work, so what else do I have to do all day? IF and this is by no means certain but IF my Gentleman Caller and I get married, I'll bet you I read a book a year.

>308 michigantrumpet: *smooch* Hiya Marianne! Happy to be a yardstick for how well you're doing.

>310 richardderus: "...so what else do I have to do all day?"

Porn.

>311 Morphidae: Point taken.

>301 richardderus: Yay for Life After Life, The Martian, The Keeper of Lost Causes, Slaughterhouse-Five, and Among Others!

I'm more enthusiastic than you about about The Goldfinch and 1Q84 (big surprise on the latter) and less so about The Luminaries, which never entranced me with the gold theme and was, for me, overwrought.

Hi Richard, glad to see your stalker situation has cleared up, tomorrow is Hannah day, I wonder what she will get up to this week. Hope everything is well with you my friend. Karen says hi and sends her love.

Hey there John! Thanks for stopping in, and don't forget to follow the link to the new thread.

Give Karen and Hannah my hugs and smooches.