Generations of
Breeding still could not teach you
Optic principles
Haiku on Watching a Golden Retriever Chase a Laser Pointer Dot
August 8th, 2011Library Additions: January 22, 2011—August 7, 2011
August 7th, 2011The book-buying continues apace here at Stately Person Manor since the last roundup. Many were bought from a notable SF book dealer having a sale. And some weren’t even bought, as there’s a large number of unclaimed Nova Express proofs and ARCs that were integrated into my own library after I cleaned my office. All of these are Fine hardback first editions in Fine dust jackets, unless otherwise noted. Signed book are noted, except for recent titles where the entire run was signed (like several Subterranean Press books).
Books that I have available for sale through Lame Excuse Books are marked LEB (though some of those titles won’t appear on the stock page until after I send out my next book catalog, which will probably be late this month or early next; email me if you’d like to get on the mailing list to received it).
And if perchance you’re new to my mad bibliomania, the most comprehensive post on my library can be found here.
Now the books:
Previous posts on my book collection:
That Didn’t Take Long: Warren Jeffs Found Guilty
August 4th, 2011“A Texas jury convicted polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs of child sexual assault on Thursday.” Which is to say, the same day the “defense” rested. It’s like that episode of Get Smart where 86 is on trail, and the jury comes back with a guilty verdict in less than 30 seconds. “They must have decided in the hallway.”
So, how’s that “I’ll be my own defense lawyer” thing working out for you, crazy pedophile polygamist guy?
Crime Blotter Update: Warren Jeffs Trial Nears End
August 4th, 2011You might remember my previous update on convicted polygamist Warren Jeffs, former president of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Jeffs is on trail for child sex abuse of one of his 12-year old “wives.” The defense has just recently rested in that trial. Will he be convicted? Well, since:
Signs would point to Mr. Jeffs spending more time in correctional facilities in the near future. (Insert you own joke about the new “wives” he’ll meet there.)
Just In Case You Thought I Was Exaggerating About the Weather
August 3rd, 2011I wasn’t.
Library Additions: A Heinlein Triad (Including A Heinlein Triad)
August 3rd, 2011I recently obtained three Robert A. Heinlein first editions to add to the library: The Man Who Sold the Moon, Have Space Suit–Will Travel and A Heinlein Triad (hence the recursive nature of the headline).
How Hot Is It, Johnny?
August 3rd, 2011Here in Texas, we’re pretty much used to it hitting 100º for several days running in the summer. What we’re not so used to is it hitting 105º every day for weeks on end. Lately it’s been about 95º when I went out to walk my dog at 10:30 at night.
This is, to say the least, unpleasant.
We’re also breaking power-consumption records.
This is the hottest summer I can remember, and the drought is even worse. Not only is it worse than any I can remember, it’s the worst since they started keeping rainfall records. In 1895.
If you need visual confirmation, this graphic should do the trick:
100% of the state is under drought conditions, and 75% are suffering from D4 exceptional drought. Maybe they need to add a D5 level: “It’s dead, Jim.” Yes, it’s worse statistically than the Dust Bowl. (Thank modern agriculture, irrigation and lack of wind for not picking up the topsoil and dropping it on other states.) It also threatens record agricultural losses.
I fully expect it to be cooler in Reno for the Worldcon than it will be in Austin.
One consolation: So far, it doesn’t look like we’ll break the all-time record for the hottest day in Austin history, which was 112º on September 5th, 2000. That was not fun. (I was out riding my bike the day before, when it only hit a temperate 109º…)
The August Ansible is Up
August 2nd, 2011Howard Waldrop and I Review Cowboys & Aliens
August 1st, 2011This Week in Criminal Stupidity
July 27th, 2011Protip: If you’re trying to sell meat door to door out of a truck, don’t try to sell to a game warden.
Especially if you don’t have retail truck dealer’s license.
And you’re wanted in California for burglary.
And the truck you’re driving is stolen. (Scroll down to July 18 on the link.)