January 2020..OPEN FORUM

[stephanie, MOD]

This month, and the following month ( February ) will be open forum, where YOU can discuss any (ANY) book that sparked your fire, and/or pissed you off. This is also a time where you can discuss what you have wrote or have read. This is also a thread where you can discuss whats going on around the world. Many folks want to talk, write or discuss whats on their mind, and for 60 days, this is what YOU can do, right here....The March Group read will be given Mid February.....MOD

[David]

stephanie wrote: "This month, and the following month ( February ) will be open forum, where YOU can discuss any (ANY) book that sparked your fire, and/or pissed you off. This is also a time where you can discuss wh..."

[David]

I haven't commented in a few months, so I'll make my first contribution in the New Year! Happy New Year to you all!! I am finishing up the Magpies trilogy from Mark Edwards. It was recommended to me by a co-worker, and it is pretty good. The three books total about 500 pages, with the first book totaling about 325 of them!! Anyway, I see we can discuss outside topics as well as books, and I have to comment on the Pope and his unfortunate brush with a "fan". In case you missed it, a woman grabbed the Pope's hand and pulled him over to her, and wouldn't let go, until the Pope slapped her hand with his unoccupied hand, and looked visibly upset at the situation. He has recently apologized for his actions, and used the opportunity to comment on the current plight of women (Me Too, etc.) Being Catholic, the actions of Pope Francis were disturbing, BUT as much as we would like to think of Him as infallible, and as close to God as you can get, he IS HUMAN!! There has been criticism by some, and if you are a Pharisee, I can certainly see why you would condemn the Pope!! What do you all think about this? Pope John Paul II was shot and forgave his attacker. Pope Francis lost his cool for a second, and later apologized. I think he should be given some leeway here, but I'm sure he will be saying MANY rosaries this week!!

[stephanie, MOD]

This is MY opinion,,,,Just mine..But when you become the status of celebrity or famous in another way such as The Pope, you know there are going to be some who want to touch you, grab you and try and call you 24/7. Now I understand why he did it, heck the woman was actually grabbing him and holding on, But to snap and hit her was uncalled for, for this is what he wanted. The position. He is kind of like these Rappers and actresses, who get on stage and then you have someone in the audience who jumps on the stage with them. Remember the guy who kissed Will Smith a few years back, and Will smacked him? ...I cracked up, because there are a few out there who would love to touch, and feel, and majority of us don't. If Mark Whalberg knocked on my door ( he's my favorite) I would probably grab him, and my husband would think I was cock-eyed-crazy...But thats the only one I would love to meet, then I would have fulfilled my bucket list...

[Jeff]

Go for the Drew Lock shirt, Dave! Great Lees Summit High and MU player. Can’t wait to watch him grow as an NFL quarterback (except, of course when he comes home to play in Arrowhead).

[Toni]

Hello all! I haven't posted in this group in a long time, so was excited to see this!

I wanted to throw out a recommendation for a book I just finished. It's The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

If you've got it on your TBR pile and keep thinking "I'll get to it later," don't wait any longer. It was a fantastic read!

[Hollie L. Morrison]

I just finished “My Lovely Wife” by Samantha Downing. I liked it a lot.

[stephanie, MOD]

Dave, if you want that shirt, gotta get ahold of me no later than this Friday ( January 10 )….times running out!

[David]

Thanks Stephanie, but I'm from Chicago, and a big Bears fan! Your coach was the Bears defensive coach for a while, and he's a goodie!! I am partial to a few Broncos players though, since I am a big Fantasy Football player. Philip Lindsay and Courtland Sutton have been good to me in recent years!! I will pass on the T-shirt for now!! Thanks again!!

[stephanie, MOD]

Okay,

[David]

I used to love Patricia Cornwell books, and I was always current on the Kay Scarpetta books, but the books became moodier and moodier, and Pete Marino became an unlikable character. I stopped reading them for a while, and decided to try her new series, starting with Quantum. Bad idea!!! That book was boring and difficult to follow. Back to Kay!!!

[Chris]

Try Linda Fairstein or Lisa Gardner. I confuse Lisa Jackson, Lisa Gardner and Lisa Garner.

[David]

I tried Linda Fairstein, no likey, but I love Lisa Gardner!!

[Chris]

I'll let your know if I like her since this is the first book I reading by her since someone recommended her.

[Chris]

Okay I am apologizing here for being so quiet on the books and that I haven't joined in on any of the readings but I have a Nook (400+ books) and a kindle (300+) books not counting the bookcases I have. I am really trying to catch up with everything. It there was an easier way to clean out Nook and Kindle I would get rid of some. Oh and on top of the e-readers I have drum roll please, my sister bought me a paperwhite kindle for Christmas with totally different books on it.

[Vickie]

Chris - not sure if you know this or not - but you can go to “Your Devices & Content” and delete the books you no longer wish on your Kindle. Not too sure about the Nook though.... hope this helps.

[Chris]

Vickie wrote: "Chris - not sure if you know this or not - but you can go to “Your Devices & Content” and delete the books you no longer wish on your Kindle. Not too sure about the Nook though.... hope this helps."

Kindle i do know that how i been deleting but the nook is a royal pain in the ass. You delete a book then it goes to the top again. I like when it was set up by author. No matter I gonna be reading till I get to the nursing home. I really gotta stop buying books or instead of doing other things like cook clean and work just sit my ass down and read 20 hours a day and maybe just maybe I'll put a dent in the books.

[Vickie]

Chris - you are too funny!! Yes I know exactly what you are going through- not enough hours in the day!! 😁

[stephanie, MOD]

I don't know if you all know this, but we have been having some issues here in and around our state and the neighboring state on UNIDENTIFIED DRONES. Yes it has been going on for awhile now, and I have to throw my 2 cents in. First of all, here in Colorado, if you own a drone at a certain size, you must register it, which in my case I did with the one I have ( a few years back ) I believe it was 5.00 for a few years, and now I don;t think you have to register anymore because it was up for debate, and never got a notice or what, but I cannot use the "Dumb look" if I get caught and get a ticket for flying right? But at any rate, there has been quite a few flying around low, and really low. No markings on them, nothing, just low beacon drones. FBI, and FAA, you name it, they ( Douglas County) has hired a few helicopters to fly looking for the. Cops are on extra duty to carry on the task of searching for these drones, and still we are all puzzled. Last week, all news media here camt to the tube and said if anyone is flying these drones, please confirm with your local police, because whats happening is the drones are in the way of Flight for Life, and soon it may be something else. No Markings, and no reports. So here I have been watching this closely with my mom as we eat dinner every night, listening and watching whats going on with these 6 to 8 drones all by each others side, they fly in a group. A few has came close to hitting a farmer on his ranch Now my question to you all is this....HOW DO WE NOT KNOW THIS IS SOMETHING ELSE BELONGING TO ANOTHER PLACE? What makes people think that we are the only ones here? Is this proof? Not one Law Enforcement agency has a clue who and what these are besides a gang of drones around certain areas. Now by saying this, they ( law ) has planted things to nab a drone, ANY drone in this gang of 8, and STILL can't. So what do you all think?

[stephanie, MOD]

Harry and Meghan...What a couple. What I think of all this mess....Here I go, I am diving in....This is what I ( key word ) think...I think Harry got so sick and tired of all the racism with him marrying a black woman that he decided to take his family elsewhere. I am glad that he stuck up for his family, because it seemed that no matter what Meghan did or said, or dressed, it was negative on the England side of things. I keep telling people no matter if you bi-racial, or tri-racial, one drop rule always applies ..no matter what,,,The next victim would have been baby Archie,.oh yes, crap roles down the hill, and baby Archie would have been next. The Queen did nothing, and I can see she may not want to have gotten into the fight because of her age, but you best believe I would have sued or tired to sue somehow all the magazines, and lying media to shut down so much racism. I wish they would have moved to Colorado, Aspen, Vail, or even Denver. I would have welcomed them with open arms. for I know how folks can really put you down just because your skin is tanned. ...If Harry and Meghan can move without funding from the England side, then do it Harry, work at a bakery or Starbucks, raise your family the average way most of us.

[stephanie, MOD]

SUBPOENA...Now what does this mean? Does it really apply to all when you get one? Think again...I thought once you receive one YOU MUST REPORT.. If not, you have to have a Doctors report releasing you. But does this really apply to all? Just what would happen if I don;t show up, get a warrant and then see the Judge and tell him, Well Judge, a few folks in Washington received a subpoena, and they didn't show up, did they get a bench warrant? why are they excused and not me?..hummm

[stephanie, MOD]

BLOCKED CELLPHONES...You remember the guy who shot up a base last year? well he has important info in his cell about the group he joined and what is going on with terrorists here, and yet Apple won;t release the info, and THEY (APPLE) got a subpoena stating to release the info, and as of right now ( 9:10 am) they won't..SO, back to that famous word,,,SUBPOENA..

[Chris]

As the years go by I think technology is being our downfall. I have read about the drones and considering all the bullshit that has been going on in DC who the hell knows it could be big brother watching everyone. It is getting too political for me. Maybe if some of these young people would really paid attention in Civics class some of the shit that's happening today wouldn't be. Our country is being invaded from the inside.

This Meghan and Harry deal I am with you. Meghan doesn't look black neither does Archie so why even bring that issue up. Rumor has it that she wanted to change everything the Royal Family stands for. Also if they do decide to spend most of their time in North America she shouldn't be considered a duchess anymore, the English people shouldn't spend money on protection for family since they want to live a normal life.

Stephanie hasn't it dawned on you that what applies to normal people (you and I) don't apply to anyone that works for high gov't agencies. Damn the politicians have committed so many felonies in the past decade and none are in jail, they kept all their pensions and perks and are living normal lives. A for instance is these states can claim to sanctuary states by their governors but god forbid regular old citizens claim to be sanctuary counties protecting our 2nd amendment. Hmmm one is in the constitution and the other is not. What is this world coming too.

Damn, so glad I have 1 foot in the grave.

[Amanda]

Toni wrote: "Hello all! I haven't posted in this group in a long time, so was excited to see this!

I wanted to throw out a recommendation for a book I just finished. It's The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides..."

Absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down!

[Jimmie]

Chris, I absolutely love reading your honest posts. I have the same issue with more books to read to last past my lifespan. Maybe I will turn into a Stephen King character from this books and come back as a ghost to finish my unread books. What I don't get is why do I keep books I have already read?

I agree with the group about normal life vs. celebrity life. Freedom of navigation is something celebrities give up for stardom. Give me a good book, a great TV series and a glass of Scotch and I will be happy.

With the election season starting up in full swing, I find myself digging more into my comfort zone of books. I'm so glad Stephanie has done such of a great job moderating this group. Enjoy the new year all.

[Chris]

Jimmie wrote: "Chris, I absolutely love reading your honest posts. I have the same issue with more books to read to last past my lifespan. Maybe I will turn into a Stephen King character from this books and come ..."

Well thank you Jimbo, hey I am at the point in my life that I don't care anymore and the one thing I refuse to deal with is this PC BS.
Read an article when Boy George said people should leave the pronouns at the door and right after that article came across a mighty python alumni (who is now a director) that said the PC BS is what is ruining us. I don't even want to talk about Stephen King books got them and haven't been able to get to them. Gotta make room for more lol.

Let see I gave up my 2nd job for now debating whether to go back bc I do miss the money but on the other hand I love that I have more time to do the things I like since I have committed myself to make 3 afghans for a friend. I get to listen/watch TV now without falling asleep. Read a little more and my furbabies aren't being as spiteful as they once were.

And yes I would like to thank Stephanie for being the great moderator she has been.

[stephanie, MOD]

Thank you all, Love you guys. I don't know about the younger generation on paying attention in Civic class, heck I don't know if they still have that class in school. I know I was on the Debate team, and they have that still, I think thats as close as it gets. Even though baby Archie and Meghan doesn't look it, which they do look it to many, its one of the reason why she was being attacked so harshly. Its how the world works./ I have 26% Mali ( African ) and 32% Brizilian...but to look at me, folks would either ask, or automatically say I am African American, where I never been to Africa, and I am a ADOS, but thats another Ancestery story..haha...I am glad that I am normal, well at least I am...Your right Chris, when you give up the status, give up the money and turn that Tiera back in...But they are getting 40 Mill, so heck, can they live off of that? GEEZE...The drones are really making us all sick. No one knows so they have spotters in the sky as we speak...The WH is just a mess, Total mess, tracking people and lying, I am ( just like you ) fed up. I am at the point where I am just going to write my name on the blank to who the next president should be. Think hard about going back to work, for when I asked for a part-time gig, I was told that I had to work at least 32 hours,,,Thats a full time thing for me, and less time for me and my crafting. so I am thinking hard...Well off to Bible Studies....

[Chris]

stephanie wrote: "Thank you all, Love you guys. I don't know about the younger generation on paying attention in Civic class, heck I don't know if they still have that class in school. I know I was on the Debate tea..."

My high school history courses 9th and 10th Grade was world cultures, 11th grade U.S. History and 12th was POD Problems of Democracy. The class where you learn the branches of the gov't, terms of senators, congress and president. Different types of governing (all the isms). The shit they should be teaching in school not erasing our history and just teaching you what they want you to know. We learn from our mistakes. Thinking about it these politicians are going back in time not forward and they don't get it what they do know how to do is line their pockets with our money. LOL

As far as the 2nd job goes I did it for 3 years I just got so tired but the upside was I lost 45 pounds and I would still be there if it wasn't for management. Hey you don't pay me enough to do 3 people's job on a 1 person hourly wage because you want your big ass end of year bonus. Dude I hate to tell you but you are in a shit load of trouble when they do inventory and the store lost more than it sold because of the way you run the store. Now that's definitely a ROFLMAO.

[Kristen]

Hi guys I’m new I’m from near Bristol in England so have some kinda knowledge (well my own opinion) on the royal family drama. I know some people who are quite unhappy with Megan and Harry’s announcement but those are the same people who have hated Megan from the start. Tbh I don’t really care as the royal family in my opinion are seriously outdated but for some just having Megan as a duchess was enough to make them go crazy. The British media has been totally unfair to Megan and I think Harry has simply had enough and does not want what happened to his mum to happen to his wife. I say fair play to him although if I do not think they will be entirely independent because going back and fourth will no doubt be done in private planes etc so will probs cost us a fortune.
Anyways hope you are all doing okay! V pleased to meet you all.

[stephanie, MOD]

Thank you Kristen for your input on a subject that is right next door to you. I know they haven't treated her fairly, We all seen it. Its sad, but I give Harry to thumbs up for packing and getting out of dodge. I don't care for the back and forth, because it seems to me that they are doing it for the portion of money, I don't know, because here in the states, we vote in folks, and over in England you don't do what we do, but I am with Harry.

[Chris]

Kristen you are point on and I'm with you about the flying back and forth being paid for by the British same as the U.S. taxpayers having to pay for secret service for retired presidents. Not fair to either.

[stephanie, MOD]

Yeah, why do we still care Secret Service for past Pres? They are PAST..Heck, we need to do alot of petitioning on some crap around here.

[Chris]

stephanie wrote: "Yeah, why do we still care Secret Service for past Pres? They are PAST..Heck, we need to do alot of petitioning on some crap around here."

But the best of all is when the politicians give themselves raises. When you think about it they get their pensions from the gov't and they get to collect SS and their medical is for life all these is on the taxpayers dime. This is why they want to give free medical, education to all it sure in hell doesn't come out of their pockets.

[stephanie, MOD]

Yeah, and just think, I paid for my college degree. I wonder if they will cut me a check...

[Chris]

Okay Stephanie, I am almost done with the Linda Fairstein book and I not sure if I like her or not. The story wasn't that bad but it didn't have that gotcha moment. Just think I have a few more books to read by her.

[stephanie, MOD]

I have to read books that "GOTCHA" with the first 5 chapters, or my brain goes dead....Then the book falls on the way-side...

[Chris]

stephanie wrote: "I have to read books that "GOTCHA" with the first 5 chapters, or my brain goes dead....Then the book falls on the way-side..."

The book started good but it didn't have a bang (series book and another out already) but then again I have about 20 pages to read which I'll finish tonight.

[Chris]

Had to stop listening to this shit. It is all about who can tell the biggest fish tale and who they are talking too, Give it up because they be all crooks, liars and hypocrites, every last one of them. Was watching an old episode of Benson. In it Benson is up for budget director and the senator wants his guy in, there's a hearing blah blah blah and Benson stood up, said a few things to the senator and walked out while the people in the galley were clapping.

[stephanie, MOD]

I am waiting for snow here. Bought a Snow Joe, from QVC, and received it when the snow melted and went away, so now I have to wait to see if it even works, and so far no snow, I was told that it is going to snow on Monday, so hopefully we will have a few inches.

[Anne (w/ an E)]

Stephanie, I hope you get the snow you are waiting for. You can keep it, too. Just don't send it to RI, please! My back hurts already ;)

[Caroline]

Hi there. I am looking for the right place to find information on Netgalley. I have been a member of Goodreads for a long time now. I don’t know if I could request books on Netgalley as I read actual books (but have a Kobo also)
Can you only get titles from Netgalley on kindle or another format? I’m a bit confused.
Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask.

(A bit about me— I enjoy twisty thrillers - Karin Slaughter, Tess Gerritsen and many many more)
Many thanks, Caroline

[stephanie, MOD]

Hey Caroline, I believe I have a member who has been in Net-Galley for a very long time. Its fine to ask questions here, so ask away. Let me get in touch with her and ask her to assist you. There are many companies that give you free books for a review....so hold on a bit, let me get the call out to the members...

[Robyn]

Books that you are approved for or are downloadable come in either Mobi (kindle) or ePub format which I think is the format used with Kobo. You just choose which format to download.

[Chris]

Caroline wrote: "Hi there. I am looking for the right place to find information on Netgalley. I have been a member of Goodreads for a long time now. I don’t know if I could request books on Netgalley as I read actu..."

I am like you rather hold a book. Anyway I've been getting netgalley books for a while and I was under the impression that it is more kindle friendly. Net galley are proofs anyway not the final product but it is a good way to get early releases. I have a few more books to do then I'm done I just have way too many books to read.

[Robyn]

Caroline wrote: "Hi there. I am looking for the right place to find information on Netgalley. I have been a member of Goodreads for a long time now. I don’t know if I could request books on Netgalley as I read actu..."

Here are the directions to add Netgalley ARC's to your Kobo:

https://netgalley.zendesk.com/hc/en-u...

[Caroline]

Can I just thank you all for your help regarding Netgalley and to Stephanie for initiating. Much appreciated.