Author Topic: The Library (Read 2085301 times)

Steph · « **Reply #1640 on:** May 12, 2010, 05:50:31 AM »

The Library

Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out.
Do come in from daily chores and spend some time with us.

We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not).

Let the book talk begin here!

Suggestion Box for Future Discussions

Literary Books.. Hmm.. I suspect Philip Roth, who to me is a good example of unreadable is considered literary. I know however that Stephen King ( dont read him either) is bestsellers,, but truthfully who is the better writer.. No way to tell.
Some literary books ( now) were best sellers when published. Charles Dickens.. Others that were considered the last word in Literary..are now never read by anybody..
Hard categories.. But I am quite sure that a lot of my detective writers will never be around for the ages, but there are some.. Minette Walters,,, Laurie King.. who write enduring books that say many things invisibly.

enough philosophy. I decided some years ago to read what I like and the heck with it.

A new Duchess book. Like Ginny, I have a lot of them.

ginny · « **Reply #1641 on:** May 12, 2010, 07:07:48 AM »

Stephen King, I think, is an excellent writer. His subjects are hard to read, in fact I had to quit reading him with the one where the woman held the writer hostage, just got too much but his earlier books are pretty much...tho scary....I think outstanding. He also wrote On Writing or something like that, which is really one of the best books I have read, about the art of writing.

But I got our copy of Newsweek today and am stunned to see it's up for sale! And another one bites the dust. The editor is somewhat defensive, (he sounds something like me, actually: we're doing a quality job here, we're doing the right thing)..... (he actually says they're holding up democracy, or something like that ) etc., and we still have the magazine in our hands, (apparently something of a miracle) and the history of the magazine, but I myself was considering canceling the subscription.

Why?

Time is doing it better. I do notice a subtle switch in this latest Newsweek back to actually covering the news. Time used to be a sensationalist biased type rag thing, no longer.

Newsweek has become Op Ed Extreme, everything, the entire MAGAZINE except for the token short news items in the front, this or that in China or Laos or something, about 1/3 column each, everything else in the ENTIRE magazine, or 89 percent of it, was, until this last issue, a piece on something, an editorial opinion, extremely well written, sometimes provocative, sometimes insider views of this or that aspect. The problem IS I may not care to read that particular topic today. I may want to learn more in depth about the news events of the day. THAT they did THIS time with the "Broadway Bomber," or maybe "Incompetent" would be a better word, but it may be too late. In the past it's just been whatever topic this or that pundit or expert would care to write on.

One page each. Pundits and Talking Heads. Beautifully written op ed. That's not why I buy a news magazine, and apparently it's not why a lot of people did. They should rename it Literate Op Ed Week.

Even in their CW area (conventional wisdom, arrows up or down for this or that person in the public eye) they say we'll carry on here unless you're a billionaire who wants to buy us.

Amazing. If I were a billionaire, the talking heads would talk online with one featured in the magazine and a link to the others and the news and the background of the news would be in the magazine. They must think we get all our news from the 50 second sound bytes on CNN or something, or Katie Couric or the ever shorter articles in the paper.

They missed this one, they changed the format as we've noted here, and it did not work: there's no need to be defensive, now they are up for sale or gone.

Is this a good or bad sign, I wonder idly?

Frybabe · « **Reply #1642 on:** May 12, 2010, 08:17:53 AM »

The problem with most news today is that it isn't. Most of it is someone's opinion or speculation about what happened. Whatever happened to the good old fashioned unbiased what, where, when and why.

Babi · « **Reply #1643 on:** May 12, 2010, 09:18:25 AM »

Anyone have any idea why my posts keep breaking up into uneven lines?
I don't type them that way.

Thanks for that very entertaining post on the bestseller authors, GUM.
I enjoyed your commentary.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHEILA! I'm about a year and a half behind you, and
still very much enjoyed having seafood enchiladas at Gringos for Mother's
Day.

Waxing philosophical, GINNY, I would say that a falling tree definitely makes a noise, but technically I believe a sound is something that is heard. I'm not sure of that, mind you.
As for the books, there are old books sitting on library shelves that so
far as I know have never moved off them. So, the book may exist, but the
story within it might as well never have been written.
I didn't know about Newsweek. From what you write, GINNY, I think I am
agreeably surprised that the 'Op Odd Extreme' mag is the one that's going
down. That kind seems to be more popular than the more solid news.

serenesheila · « **Reply #1644 on:** May 12, 2010, 07:07:35 PM »

Thank you, for the birthday wishes. It was a really nice day. My daughter brought me a lovely dinner, from a favorite restaurant. We had a good evening, watching Masterpiece Mystery, together.

As for my book, about Wallis and Edward, I am amazed at all of the pro Nazi and Mousalini support they gave. I have read before that the King was pro Nazi. I had no idea how deep his support was.

Sheila

Frybabe · « **Reply #1645 on:** May 12, 2010, 11:06:00 PM »

I found what promises to be a fun book in of all places, a dollar store. It is called No! I Don't Want to Join a Book Club, Diary of a 60th Year by Virginia Ironside. The price was right too.

Steph · « **Reply #1646 on:** May 13, 2010, 05:46:51 AM »

Sounds like a neat book.. Will look for it. I rarely go into a dollar store.
I have subscribed to Time since our marriage 51 years ago. Biased, but I always liked the way they presented news. Now it is skinny.. and the format has changed enormously. I have decided when my subscriptions runs out,, will cancel it.. Just not what I want any more.
Same with Money.. It is skewed towards younger subscribers.. Oh well. Magazines pile up at my house..

Babi · « **Reply #1647 on:** May 13, 2010, 08:11:11 AM »

I really got tired of the piles of magazines and lugging them out. I canceled all subscriptions years ago. My only mag. now is a gift, the Smithsonian, which I can enjoy all by itself.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1648 on:** May 13, 2010, 12:47:37 PM »

Elizabeth Berg's novel about a 40th high school reunion, The Last Time I Saw You, really resonated with me though I am long past the 40th anniversary of my senior high school year. We tune in to the stories of several people who's variety of expectations is presented through their reminiscences. Berg opines if anyone has had a good high school experience there is something wrong with them because the process of becoming adult is and must painful due to its enormity. I've never read Berg I didn't like, to paraphrase Will Rogers.

JoanK · « **Reply #1649 on:** May 13, 2010, 03:16:46 PM »

Talking about Time and Newsweek reminded me of an experience I had teaching English in Israel. I was teaching an advanced night class to adults. The students already knew English well, but wanted to continue. They told me that they wanted to learn to read Time, so they could follow the American news in English. After trying to lead them through an issue, they decided that the English was just too colloquial: it would be easier to read The New york Times.

JoanK · « **Reply #1650 on:** May 13, 2010, 03:19:15 PM »

Happy birthday, Sheila. I'm 76 also, and I recommend it-- it's a good year!

maryz · « **Reply #1651 on:** May 13, 2010, 04:12:58 PM »

Happy Belated Birthday, Sheila. Glad to hear that 76 is a vintage year. John will be 76 in November, and I just "turned" 74 - so we have something else to look forward to.

We're doing some renovation, and had to move lots of things that haven't been moved in years. I've just loaded 7 boxes of books into my car to take to our library book sale. I'm feeling very virtuous - and not paying attention to the multiple boxes that we still have. We rarely buy new books - prefer to go to the library - to check out or get at the book sale (and return later). That doesn't mean there aren't piles and piles of books around the house.

FlaJean · « **Reply #1652 on:** May 13, 2010, 06:19:22 PM »

Marj, I got a Baldacci book from the library and started with The Camel Club as you suggested. It definitely has grabbed my interest. I was surprised that it is listed as fiction rather than mystery. In fact, all the Baldacci books are listed in the fiction section rather than the mystery/adventure section.

I turned 74 in Feb. The only difference I feel so far is an additional ache or pain every so often.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1653 on:** May 13, 2010, 06:20:08 PM »

Mary: No matter how many boxes of books I get rid of the others seem to multiply.

ginny · « **Reply #1654 on:** May 13, 2010, 06:58:25 PM »

I got the Camel Club too! We may need a Camel Club group here hahaa

Steph · « **Reply #1655 on:** May 14, 2010, 05:53:36 AM »

I have always been convinced that secretly at night, my boxes of books multiply themselves. Something like wire coat hangers..

Babi · « **Reply #1656 on:** May 14, 2010, 08:15:01 AM »

And have you noticed that some department stores no longer remove the hangers? They
send them home with your purchase. You suppose they're having multiplication problems, too?
Maybe, if we left the lights on at night....?? I've decided to start adding the extras to the
recycle bins.

Ella Gibbons · « **Reply #1657 on:** May 14, 2010, 09:24:56 AM »

Funny, BABI!

In our newspaper today; WE HAVE A DUTY TO DIE!

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/editorials/stories/2010/05/14/higher-ed-can-lead-to-lower-values.html

The future doesn't look all that bright for older folk!

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1658 on:** May 14, 2010, 09:51:15 AM »

Golly gee. The government wants us old folks to die? I see from Wikipedia that Sowell has an impressive c. v. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Sowell He is a fellow of the Hoover Institution, again Wikipedia:

Quote

The Hoover Institution is influential in the American conservative and libertarian movements. . . A number of Hoover Institution fellows had connections to or held positions in the Bush administration and other Republican administrations.

Skimming the list of his admirers I see both Clarence Thomas and Rush Limbaugh.

ginny · « **Reply #1659 on:** May 14, 2010, 10:18:51 AM »

Ella! that would make a super topic for Talking Heads! He's covering a lot there, including privilege, education and the virtues of the poor, not to mention the "duty to die."

I'd like to use it.

ginny · « **Reply #1660 on:** May 14, 2010, 10:50:03 AM »

Everybody come right over here and let's have at it! It's our newest Talking Heads based on the article above. Jackie will you copy over that information here I have a feeling that's going to be important in this discussion!

THANK you Ella for bringing that to our attention, have you ever in your life?

http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=1426.msg72670#msg72670

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1661 on:** May 14, 2010, 11:41:40 AM »

Ginny: Sure will make for an interesting discussion. Do you want Sowell's c.v.? More on the Hoover Institution? I love to do web research so just point me in the direction and it's Tally Ho!

marjifay · « **Reply #1662 on:** May 14, 2010, 12:02:44 PM »

A somewhat interesting topic, perhaps.

But I'm more interested in what to do with illegal aliens in this country. How do people feel about the Arizona law recently passed? The Los Angeles City Council just this week passed a ruling that no business would be done between Los Angeles and Arizona. Some called the Arizona law a Nazi law. There is a problem in Europe with all the non-Europeans that have come in and do not want to meld into their culture. Is this happening here? Should we grant illegal aliens amnesty? Should we just open our borders and let in every person who desires to live in our country?

Marj

ginny · « **Reply #1663 on:** May 14, 2010, 12:04:38 PM »

Sure, go for it. Thank you!

It's a super article, he himself is not advocating running all us old geezers off a cliff, but rather the opposite, but it's the reasoning I have to wonder about.

I had never heard of the new "values clarification" issues, either, it's just a very interesting piece, thank you so much Ella!

maryz · « **Reply #1664 on:** May 14, 2010, 01:14:35 PM »

Re coathangers...When I buy something on a hangar, I take the hanger off/out of the garment and leave it on the counter. I don't let them give it to me.

JoanK · « **Reply #1665 on:** May 14, 2010, 08:32:27 PM »

I can tell you all haven't moved in awhile. When I moved out here, I didn't take enough hangers, and three years later, I still don't have enough. I don't wear clothes that need cleaning.

maryz · « **Reply #1666 on:** May 14, 2010, 08:38:31 PM »

I thought I was the only person in the world who never had enough coathangers. But now I buy plastic hangers when I need some. Mostly we have enough now, though.

Steph · « **Reply #1667 on:** May 15, 2010, 05:57:21 AM »

I bought and have strong plastic and some padded coat hangers, along with skirt hangers, etc. Its the wire ones that sneak up on you.
Interesting.. topics..
If you live in Arizona or any border state, you are fully aware of the problems in the area around the border. I feel really sorry for ranchers in that area. When we were out west, I would pick up the paper and there would be dead cows butchered for meat.. People stealing anything outside of your house and barn. Dogs killed, etc. The illegals are like wolves at that point.. I am very retro, because, I resent the fact that Mexico does not make their borders strong and their economy useful to keep their citizens home. The northern border states do not have this to worry about.. So I must confess that living in Florida, I have sympathy for the government. Living in an area where you are going to be a minority rather rapidly and walking into stores, etc and have the clerks speak to you in half spanish.. is not fun..

Babi · « **Reply #1668 on:** May 15, 2010, 08:42:57 AM »

JACKIE, that quote...and Sowell's admirers...tells me that he and I will
never be soul mates. I have an old friend who is far right and e-mails me
stuff he finds on-line. Mostly I'm trying to be the calming voice or
responding "It's a hoax, Mike!"

JoanP · « **Reply #1669 on:** May 15, 2010, 08:51:36 AM »

Babi - I know you've been having trouble with line breaks in your posts. Can you tell me what you see if you go back to modify your posts to edit it? Do you see the breaks? Can you fix them so they do not show when you edit?

marjifay · « **Reply #1670 on:** May 15, 2010, 12:26:54 PM »

Steph said: Living in an area where you are going to be a minority rather rapidly and walking into stores, etc and have the clerks speak to you in half spanish.. is not fun..

That is happening in California also. What ticks me off is that no one is doing anything about the employers who hire illegals at below minimum wages taking jobs from citizens. I'm not talking about jobs that no citizens want -- these are formerly good paying jobs such as in construction.

Marj

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1671 on:** May 15, 2010, 02:45:31 PM »

Have you ever thought, "Is this the putative straw? Was Rome brought to its knees by the horde, not of Huns but of immigrants who were driven thence by dire need to go where the money was?" Keeping people out will never work unless we build a wall and then there will always be those who will tunnel, etc. Arizona's flood of illegals has more than one cause but a major one which goes unmentioned, especially by reactionaries, is the gun issue. No license is required in Arizona to carry a gun and guns are readily available through the many gun-sellers (the core of membership for the NRA). Guns are not sold in Mexico, except illegally, so they are pouring south across the border. It is not the poor who benefit but the rich who seem to feel that there is never enough money for them.

Steph · « **Reply #1672 on:** May 16, 2010, 05:53:55 AM »

Its not that I dont feel sorry for the Mexicans, etc, but if Mexico would just once try to fix their economy instead of letting the rich get much much richer. The middle class in Mexico is quite small..Oh well, I cant fix it.. so better not worry that much.
Yes, MDH has several good friends who are extremely conservative and send us some of the silliest trash as fact I have ever read. I just sigh.. used to try to get them to look at what they wrote, but no more, we lost a very dear set of friends because he believes every word of Rush and friends.

salan · « **Reply #1673 on:** May 16, 2010, 06:07:44 AM »

"Radicality" (I think I made up that word) in any form is a dangerous thing. When radicals (right, left, religious, muslim, racist, etc) try to force their opinions on others our rights are being enfringed upon. I, also, have had to tell several friends not to send me political or religious messages. I don't try to force my beliefs on them, and I resent it when they try to force theirs on me!
Sally

Babi · « **Reply #1674 on:** May 16, 2010, 09:09:39 AM »

'Radicality' sounds good to me, SALLY. And yes, people with heated opinions do seem to feel
it important to keep the rest of us 'informed' and hope to recruit us to their way of seeing
things. If I asked the old friends I spoke of not to send my political messages, I'd rarely hear
from them. Then, sometimes I have been successful in correcting misinformation. And really,
there have been instances when I could agree with something they say.
I have never been much of a 'joiner'; really too much of a loner. I don't fight it when some drift away, but I don't cut off any ties I have unless I must.

JOAN, I was going back and correcting the posts, and sometimes that would
work and sometimes it wouldn't. Then it seemed to be happening with all
my posts and it got to be too time-consuming. Then, too, sometimes I could
correct a few lines, and the rest would seem to line up. Really peculiar!

salan · « **Reply #1675 on:** May 16, 2010, 06:33:41 PM »

I just finished reading "The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder", and really enjoyed it. It is by Rebecca Wells (Ya-Ya Sisterhood), but I enjoyed this one more. I am re-reading "The Help" for my ftf book club. The club meets this week and since I read the book over a year ago, I need to refresh my memory. I checked out the new Alexander McCall Smith, "The Double Comfort Safari Club"--a ladies @1 detective book, and the latest Sandra Dallas--"Whiter than Snow", plus I have 3 books on reserve at the library and at least 50 paperbacks in my TBR pile. Help!! Why is it always feast or famine??
Sally

pedln · « **Reply #1676 on:** May 16, 2010, 08:28:30 PM »

Sally, that doesn't sound like famine to me. My f2f group will be deciding on our yearly agenda next month. I've suggested The Help. It'll be out in paperback sometime before the year is up. Let us know how your group likes it.

Steph · « **Reply #1677 on:** May 17, 2010, 05:55:19 AM »

I have been patiently waiting on The Help until paperback.. Sounds like it might be a keeper and I really try hard not to get any hardbacks anymore. Just not enough space.
I agree. I have several nice people who are skewed into hatred one way or another.. I do so wish they would try harder to keep their opinions to themselves, but oh my,, they really feel the need to push.. The only time I comment now is to tell them not to send me any Sarah Palin admiration. I truly dislike the woman. A rabble rouser at best.

Babi · « **Reply #1678 on:** May 17, 2010, 08:38:13 AM »

SALLY, the only escape is to set up rules, like my friend who always
seemed to have a dozen needlework projects going at once. She would vow
not to buy another until she had finished two, or three, of those on hand.
It was hard, but she had to do it from time to time.

STEPH, I see I'm not the only one who took a dislike to Palin. She
strikes me as an opportunist. I recognize that I've taken a strong prejudice
against her and try to bear that in mind, but I so far I haven't changed my
opinion.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1679 on:** May 17, 2010, 10:10:34 AM »

Babi, Steph: Count me in. Sarah Palin is a joke and I hope there's no shocking punchline for history to chortle over.

News:

Author Topic: The Library (Read 2085301 times)