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This month was ridiculous, so I'm splitting the booklog in two, in the hopes of getting at least some of it out of the way!
( 86. The Chalet School Wins the Trick and 87. A Future Chalet School Girl - Elinor M Brent-Dyer ) I'm always very happy to read any of this series.
( 88. The Life of Birds - David Attenborough ) I personally am not invested in birds in particular, but all of this stuff is fascinating.
( 89. Steering the Craft - Ursula Le Guin ) I think this would probably be useful for someone who wanted to improve their fiction writing - and it's interesting even for someone like me.
( 90. Fan Fiction and Fan Communities in the Age of the Internet - Karen Hellekson and Kristina Busse ) A good snapshot of a moment I remember, and a reminder of how much things have changed!
( 91. The Tainted Cup - Robert Jackson Bennett ) I unexpectedly enjoyed this; not particularly memorable, but solid entertainment.
( 92. Tales From the Folly - Ben Aaronovitch ) I would say this was really only for fans of the series, but if you are a fan there's some really nice moments here.
( 93. We'll Prescribe You a Cat - Syou Ishida tr. E Madison Shimoda ) Not much depth, but it was quite pleasant to read.
( 95. Conclave - Robert Harris ) I really enjoyed this book, and I thought it did a great job of the Catholic vibes.
( 97. The Ministry of Time - Kaliane Bradley ) Ultimately I don't think I have any idea what this book is doing, but I do think it's at least trying to do something different; I would try Bradley again.
( 94. Sheepfarmer's Daughter, 96. Divided Allegiance, and 98. Oath of Gold - Elizabeth Moon ) A really classic fantasy trilogy; I still love these with the wholehearted commitment I did when I first came across them in a second-hand shop as a young teenager.
( 86. The Chalet School Wins the Trick and 87. A Future Chalet School Girl - Elinor M Brent-Dyer ) I'm always very happy to read any of this series.
( 88. The Life of Birds - David Attenborough ) I personally am not invested in birds in particular, but all of this stuff is fascinating.
( 89. Steering the Craft - Ursula Le Guin ) I think this would probably be useful for someone who wanted to improve their fiction writing - and it's interesting even for someone like me.
( 90. Fan Fiction and Fan Communities in the Age of the Internet - Karen Hellekson and Kristina Busse ) A good snapshot of a moment I remember, and a reminder of how much things have changed!
( 91. The Tainted Cup - Robert Jackson Bennett ) I unexpectedly enjoyed this; not particularly memorable, but solid entertainment.
( 92. Tales From the Folly - Ben Aaronovitch ) I would say this was really only for fans of the series, but if you are a fan there's some really nice moments here.
( 93. We'll Prescribe You a Cat - Syou Ishida tr. E Madison Shimoda ) Not much depth, but it was quite pleasant to read.
( 95. Conclave - Robert Harris ) I really enjoyed this book, and I thought it did a great job of the Catholic vibes.
( 97. The Ministry of Time - Kaliane Bradley ) Ultimately I don't think I have any idea what this book is doing, but I do think it's at least trying to do something different; I would try Bradley again.
( 94. Sheepfarmer's Daughter, 96. Divided Allegiance, and 98. Oath of Gold - Elizabeth Moon ) A really classic fantasy trilogy; I still love these with the wholehearted commitment I did when I first came across them in a second-hand shop as a young teenager.
I got a paper letter from the Registry of Motor Vehicles yesterday, telling me it was time to renew my state ID card, and a billing email from Panix this morning.
I took care of both of those online. Both were straightforward, although the state required me to check more boxes--which makes sense, because Panix doesn't care where I live, am registered to vote, or also have email with other providers. Interestingly, the RMV noted that I'm already registered as an organ donor--but that, unlike voter registration, doesn't depend on them having my current address.
I took care of both of those online. Both were straightforward, although the state required me to check more boxes--which makes sense, because Panix doesn't care where I live, am registered to vote, or also have email with other providers. Interestingly, the RMV noted that I'm already registered as an organ donor--but that, unlike voter registration, doesn't depend on them having my current address.
A diverse assortment of (mostly) non-Future History science fiction stories from Robert A. Heinlein.
The Menace From Earth by Robert A. Heinlein
took a drive thru the so called war torn SW side around the ICE facility. The worst part was the 3 bicycle cops that jumped the curb and cut in front of me mid block and I almost hit them.
More folks with cameras and such and of course the Portland police standing about, there werent many protestors or demonstrators, or as they say paid antifa there. Geez, this is Portland people, we have our own style here and having fun is the best part, make it festive while exercising our 1st amendment rights! Oh and if the protestors were being paid, you know they would have union reps to ensure that it was equal pay for all.
More folks with cameras and such and of course the Portland police standing about, there werent many protestors or demonstrators, or as they say paid antifa there. Geez, this is Portland people, we have our own style here and having fun is the best part, make it festive while exercising our 1st amendment rights! Oh and if the protestors were being paid, you know they would have union reps to ensure that it was equal pay for all.
Recently found out more about that other kid in Digimon Tamers and his connection with Rika Nonaka. As it turns out, he's the protagonist of some Digimon games released for the WonderSwan gaming system which connects Digimon Adventure 1 and 2 with Tamers, with the Tamers Anime being the conclusion to his story.
Ryo's connection to Rika is that he's the sole person she ever lost to in the Digimon card championships years before the events of Tamers, and when he disappeared she became the Digimon Queen. Mind blown.
Ryo's connection to Rika is that he's the sole person she ever lost to in the Digimon card championships years before the events of Tamers, and when he disappeared she became the Digimon Queen. Mind blown.
Image: Buckeye butterfly
My family and I are up at our friends' cabin for the weekend.
These are the friends of ours who have a lovely place with a natural shoreline (which they planted and meticulously mantain) on Crooked Lake in Siren, Wisconsin. At the far end of their property there is what I believe is a "smooth aster" (the native version of a purple aster.) It has attracted so many butterflies this year, it's not even funny. We've seen the buckeye pictured above as well as a painted lady, a clouded sulpher, and (and this might sound strange,) my favorite, this chonk of a moth, the corn ear worm moth.
Yep, total pest. Turns into chonk floof, baby mothra.
The dock is all pulled in, of course, so we've been amusing ourselves in other ways. In the nearby town of Weber, there is a quilt show. Ihave reported on this event in the past. It's very small town, in the best way? We're talking about tables set up in the local high school, staffed by little old ladies and a (bad) taco bar serving food for $5.00 in the cafeteria. The whole event kind of smells like Oretaga taco seasoning, but there are rows and rows of quilts with "artist statements" like, "I thought this pattern would be fun to try. WRONG. So I put it in craft jail for a few years, but this year decided to finish it. So here it is. Enjoy." These ladies (and some gents) really don't mince words when it comes to their quilts. Another one read, "Not much to say. Just need to use up my scraps." Then it will look like this:
Image: complex, bright yellow quilt.
Mason and I then went for a drive to check out Clam Dam, which, frankly, is the best name for any dam, anywhere as far as I'm concerned.
So far, a nice, chill vacation. Just what we needed post-Gaylaxicon.
How about you all? Up to anything fun?
in the downstairs front hall. Hasn't worked in over a decade. Flip the switch, nothing happens.
I happened to be lying on the floor today when I saw....
Me: Huh. Hey, Jenn? Does that hall light have a pull cord?
Jenn: What? No, I don't think so.
Me: I'm looking right at it. You just can't see it because there's less than an inch of it left, right up against the ceiling.
After I sourced the stepladder and a new light bulb it turns out - the whole time, the only reason it didn't work was because the pull cord was set to off.
Welp, it's fixed now!
***********************
( Read more... )
I happened to be lying on the floor today when I saw....
Me: Huh. Hey, Jenn? Does that hall light have a pull cord?
Jenn: What? No, I don't think so.
Me: I'm looking right at it. You just can't see it because there's less than an inch of it left, right up against the ceiling.
After I sourced the stepladder and a new light bulb it turns out - the whole time, the only reason it didn't work was because the pull cord was set to off.
Welp, it's fixed now!
( Read more... )
Detectives from the vice squad
with weary sadistic eyes
spotting fairies.
Degenerates,
some folks say.
But God, Nature,
or somebody
made them that way.
Police lady or Lesbian
over there?
Where?
********
This poem is brought to you by the NYHS exhibit on The Gay Harlem Renaissance, which you should definitely see if you're in the city. They have pay-as-you-wish admission every Friday from 5 - 8.
Also, I'm incrementing my Robert Moses counter up but only a little, because it was a complaint embedded in an exhibit about somebody else, but it was at the NYHS, so it doesn't really count. So it has now been one day since the last Robert Moses mention, but only kinda.
with weary sadistic eyes
spotting fairies.
Degenerates,
some folks say.
But God, Nature,
or somebody
made them that way.
Police lady or Lesbian
over there?
Where?
This poem is brought to you by the NYHS exhibit on The Gay Harlem Renaissance, which you should definitely see if you're in the city. They have pay-as-you-wish admission every Friday from 5 - 8.
Also, I'm incrementing my Robert Moses counter up but only a little, because it was a complaint embedded in an exhibit about somebody else, but it was at the NYHS, so it doesn't really count. So it has now been one day since the last Robert Moses mention, but only kinda.
Asking politely has failed for 20 years. Therefore, comments with naked urls will be deleted, as they break Recent Comments. To post links, follow the advice below.
13 works new to me. Four fantasy, two horror, one non-fiction, one thriller, and five SF, of which at least three are series.
Books Received, October 4 to October 10
Poll #33712 Books Received, October 4 to October 10
Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 53
Which of these look interesting?
View Answers
The Seed of Destruction by Rick Campbell (July 2026)
2 (3.8%)
Uncivil Guard by Foster Chamberlin (November 2025)
8 (15.1%)
Crawlspace by Adam Christopher (March 2026)
6 (11.3%)
The Girl With a Thouand Faces by Sunyi Dean (May 2026)
15 (28.3%)
Your Behavior Will Be Monitored by Justin Feinstein (April 2026)
5 (9.4%)
Blood Bound by Ellis Hunter (April 2026)
1 (1.9%)
Sublimation by Isabel J. Kim (June 2026)
17 (32.1%)
Wolf Worm by T. Kingfisher (March 2026)
24 (45.3%)
Year’s Best Canadian Fantasy and Science Fiction: Volume Three edited by Stephen Kotowych (October 2025)
16 (30.2%)
Rabbit Test and Other Stories by Samantha Mills (April 2026)
15 (28.3%)
The Body by Bethany C. Morrow (February 2026)
4 (7.5%)
I’ll Watch Your Baby by Neena Viel (May 2026)
5 (9.4%)
Nowhere Burning by Catriona Ward (July 2026)
9 (17.0%)
Some other option
0 (0.0%)
Cats!
38 (71.7%)
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adrian_turtle made a leek and squash risotto for supper, and it was very good. It contains short-grain rice, broth, leeks, butternut squash, arugula, and I think garlic powder. It was topped with candied pecans, some pieces of squash, and leek-flavored oil. Most of the squash was cooked with the rice, to dissolve and make the risotto rich and creamy. The combination of ingredients gave the dish plenty of umami; I didn't miss the cheese that's typically added to risotto.Jotting this down now before I forget, I may get Adrian to provide more details or a recipe link later.
I'll admit up front that I am not the best person to talk about investments and the history thereof in any real depth. But it's a topic I want the New Worlds Patreon to address, even if only briefly -- so comment over there!
(originally posted at Swan Tower: https://is.gd/thDHSD)
(originally posted at Swan Tower: https://is.gd/thDHSD)
I mean, what could possibly go wrong?
Five Extremely Convincing Reasons We Should Build Armed Bases on the Moon
Old friends unite for one last adventure without fully understanding the implications of the group's latest recruit.
Roll For Initiative (The Last Session, volume 1) by Jasmine Walls & Dozerdraws
This morning was my meet-up with Ashley, the hospice volunteer coordinator. We met at my favorite coffee shop, Claddagh, on West 7th. The meeting was half paperwork, half get-to-know you interview.
I guess the things of interest are these: I found out that a lot of people never make it through training. They start reading/viewing (most of it is online videos) the material and decide that hospice work is not for them. I told Ashley that could very well be me. I have no idea where I’m going to fall in all this. This did not faze her. Apparently, that reaction is common enough that they don’t even start processing the paperwork until you make it through everything online. Smart.
One of other things I found sort of fascinating is that I’ll need a couple of references. People who are willing to vouch for me. I think a lot of people use co-workers because she noted to me, specifically, that they could both be personal. Also? Drug and health tests/screening. Including, she said apologetically, marijuana. I laughed because a more teetotal person than me you will rarely find. They can ask me to pee in a cup and do a deep background check, but they can no longer legally ask if I’m up on my COVID and flu shots. How screwed up is that? Apparently, you can volunteer your immunization records at least. That one was a head shaker. You’d think that of all organizations that could require people be up on their vaccines are places that work with end of life. How rude would it be to pass on COVID to someone already dying? Make someone extra miserable on the way out. WTF. Worst timeline.
The materials have arrived in my in-box. I’m looking forward to checking them out, but I have to wait for a little while. I’m actually composing this off-line because Mason is taking the last portion of his LSAT right now, the dreaded essay. Cross your fingers for him. His score will determine a lot of his choices for law school.
Also, we're headed up to our frends Ger & Barb's cabin for the weekend. There's a quilt show in the nearby town of Weber that we're excited to see again. Should be a relaxing weekend.
If I don't write again for a while, I hope you all have a good weekend, too! Any fun plans?
===
EDITED TO ADD: As I am posting, I'm obviously back online. I'm going to go peek at the info now!
I guess the things of interest are these: I found out that a lot of people never make it through training. They start reading/viewing (most of it is online videos) the material and decide that hospice work is not for them. I told Ashley that could very well be me. I have no idea where I’m going to fall in all this. This did not faze her. Apparently, that reaction is common enough that they don’t even start processing the paperwork until you make it through everything online. Smart.
One of other things I found sort of fascinating is that I’ll need a couple of references. People who are willing to vouch for me. I think a lot of people use co-workers because she noted to me, specifically, that they could both be personal. Also? Drug and health tests/screening. Including, she said apologetically, marijuana. I laughed because a more teetotal person than me you will rarely find. They can ask me to pee in a cup and do a deep background check, but they can no longer legally ask if I’m up on my COVID and flu shots. How screwed up is that? Apparently, you can volunteer your immunization records at least. That one was a head shaker. You’d think that of all organizations that could require people be up on their vaccines are places that work with end of life. How rude would it be to pass on COVID to someone already dying? Make someone extra miserable on the way out. WTF. Worst timeline.
The materials have arrived in my in-box. I’m looking forward to checking them out, but I have to wait for a little while. I’m actually composing this off-line because Mason is taking the last portion of his LSAT right now, the dreaded essay. Cross your fingers for him. His score will determine a lot of his choices for law school.
Also, we're headed up to our frends Ger & Barb's cabin for the weekend. There's a quilt show in the nearby town of Weber that we're excited to see again. Should be a relaxing weekend.
If I don't write again for a while, I hope you all have a good weekend, too! Any fun plans?
===
EDITED TO ADD: As I am posting, I'm obviously back online. I'm going to go peek at the info now!