totally off topic -- just a lot of random stuff Showing 1,101-1,139 of 1,139

[Jan C]

I don't know how often it is updated. I use it just because I like it. No idea if it is a sponsor or not. I get their newsletter but don't actually read it that often.

I mainly use it to sort the order of series books. So maybe you are looking for more information than I am.

[Wendy]

I use Fantastic Fiction to confirm order

[Bill]

Wendy wrote: "I use Fantastic Fiction to confirm order"

It provides lots of information

[Tara]

Wendy wrote: "As this is " totally off topic" etc. AND I see this Group as a SAFE place, I would like to ask some touchy questions.

This is NOT a political ploy. I simply want an explanation.

As everyone knows..."

I think it honestly depends on the state, and whether or not they had well established mail-in ballot procedures prior to the election (of course distinguishing between absentee ballots, which need to be requested, and ballots mailed out unsolicited en masse.) For those states that were established, and have robust rules, less cause of concern than those states who only implemented the practice in the last few months. There are also legitimate concerns about the vulnerability of the voting machines, particularly after it was hacked into live at the Congressional hearing. One can only hope that the new administration will pursue tighter regulations on voting laws, although I highly doubt it.

[Mike]

Tara, not that I mean to offend you or any of the people who voted for the 45th so-called president but he is a liar, sociopath demigod who has caused thousands of deaths from Covid. Coming from Australia, we know the science and truth of the US elections. January 6 should have been enough to convince Americans of the dangers allowing an unfit person to peddle mistruth and fascism. Whilst many will see this as a political view, I am just trying to rebalance the warped perspective of many around the world, including those in Australia and sadly some of our politicians. It's time to move on and address the pandemic and other dangers to our global community. Like my book reviews, I try to be balance and factual, all keep safe now.

[David]

Not to argue with you, Mike, and whether your like him or not, he was the duly elected (not so-called) 45th president.

[Tara]

Mike wrote: "Tara, not that I mean to offend you or any of the people who voted for the 45th so-called president but he is a liar, sociopath demigod who has caused thousands of deaths from Covid. Coming from Au..."

Hi Mike. I think it is possible to have a conversation about voter fraud and ensuring election integrity irrespective of who is running and/or in office. As a nation (speaking of the US), everyone should welcome those discussions, if only to allay the fears and concerns of half of the nation that may disagree with the other half's assessment of the facts. If we are looking towards healing and unity, that is the path forward.
With regard to Covid, as a NYer, it is the fault of the governors, such as Cuomo and Whitmer, who are to blame for the majority of deaths that occurred. I speak specifically of their policies to place infected people into nursing homes, and therefore infecting the most vulnerable population. Until we have an honest conversation around those actions, the rest is all noise. I respect that you might disagree with that viewpoint, but making ad hominem attacks are not going to move us forward either.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Wendi's words, "safe place," should apply. We all have our own ideas about these topics, and while agreement is certainly not necessary, respect for individual opinions does matter, no matter how you feel.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Wendy wrote: "Moderators: If this is a wrong place, please put it in the correct place. It appears that the Blog Thread does not seem to fit my query.

I am trying to figure out why SYKM is so popular. I had hop..."

I used to use SYKM until I ran into exactly the same thing you did. I would even email the people who run it asking that they do more updates, and never heard back. So now I use it for publication dates and that's it. So disappointing!

[Bill]

Nancy wrote: "Wendi's words, "safe place," should apply. We all have our own ideas about these topics, and while agreement is certainly not necessary, respect for individual opinions does matter, no matter how y..."

What Nancy said. Politics can be a very toxic subject. We want to keep this place a safe, comfortable place. Thanks

[Wendy]

Question about these Giveaways. My Dad is moving to the Philippines. I am always encouraging him to try and get Giveaways (although his tastes do not run with Mystery etc). Do these Giveaways go International?

[Thomas]

Giveaways are restricted to countries listed on individual book pages. Some are available worldwide, some only in US

[Christine]

HAPPY LABOR DAY AND IT’S READ A BOOK DAY!

[Bill]

Christine wrote: "HAPPY LABOR DAY AND IT’S READ A BOOK DAY!"

Happy Labor Day! But what am I supposed to do with the rest of my days? Not read... *shudder*

[Christine]

Thanks Bill and lol your funny Bill lol

[Wendy]

Here is a fun Mystery for you ALL.

I was looking through (and taking) some of my Mom's old books. She was English-born and was an ESL English teacher for 25 years. Anyway, she managed to acquire an English Reader from 1965 during a visit to England.

This Reader or authors are not on Goodreads. The Downing Readers by Initial Teaching Publishing Company LTD 1965. Title: Trapped in the Well. A T2 book.

The stories are rather good depicting "real" situations and how the characters react. Trapped in a Well has one child tryng to get his friend out of a well and going for help. Ann and Peter and the Plumber depicts a family's plumbing issues and the plumber teaching children all about reservoirs and conservation. The Last is simple chapters of Gulliver's Travels.

Mom always said she thought our Readers were "dumb" centering on Words/Vocabulary over interesting content.

Anyway, I want to know what Grade equivalent T2 is to the US. And if anyone has any info on these books

[Carol]

Wendy wrote: "Here is a fun Mystery for you ALL.

I was looking through (and taking) some of my Mom's old books. She was English-born and was an ESL English teacher for 25 years. Anyway, she managed to acquire a..."

If the below chart is correct, it’s the equivalent of the American 1st grade.

https://www.dodea.edu/nonDoD/upload/C...

[Wendy]

WOW I do not think American First Grade vocabulary is even close.I sure wish I could post it. I may try to screen shot a paragraph

[Wendy]

This question belongs in the Tech Thread but that thread does not have any new questions and I am not savvy enough to find my answer.

I noticed a few of my GR Friends have Badges. It was explained by one, these are mostly given as Rewards for Reviews through Goodreads, and other Giveaway sites..

I have 700 Reviews and see no stinking Badges - a bit of humor here. The only difference is my reviews are not part of a Blog???

Can someone hold my hand and explain step by step how to get these Badges posted on my Profile? My ego is a bit bruised..... lol

[Thomas]

Wendy wrote: "This question belongs in the Tech Thread but that thread does not have any new questions and I am not savvy enough to find my answer.

I noticed a few of my GR Friends have Badges. It was explained..."

My badges come from NetGalley. However, GR has not accepted new badges for 2 years or so.

[Thomas]

I'm not sure where to post this, but my local newspaper published my letter concerning Covid vaccine mandates. See https://buffalonews.com/opinion/lette...
For my review of Salt in My Soul: An Unfinished Life see https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jan C]

Thomas wrote: "I'm not sure where to post this, but my local newspaper published my letter concerning Covid vaccine mandates. See https://buffalonews.com/opinion/lette...-..."

Nice op-ed but it looks like a bunch of dopes responded. I got my polio vaccine too. My sister had been taking swimming lessons at the local country club until they closed the pool. Closed the playgrounds. Closed everything. Then everybody got vaccinated. Memories of FDR were still too vivid.

I thought of this vaccine just like the polio one. Or smallpox.

[Thomas]

Jan C wrote: "Thomas wrote: "I'm not sure where to post this, but my local newspaper published my letter concerning Covid vaccine mandates. See https://buffalonews.com/opinion/lette...-..."

Thanks Jan

[Wendy]

I am quite fond of themed tee shirts - I have some camping, wildlife, and book related ones. My last humorous one simply says "You are no mute". (18 months on Zoom doing SPED). Another, depicts a dinosaur with " dinosaurs didn't read, look how that turned out".
After Trump was elected, I saw a tee with the exact color and font of "Make America Great Again" saying "Make America Read Again". I did not buy it because they did not have my size. There are quite a few out there with the words but not the color or font.

Long story short, my librarian friend told me she would NOT WEAR a tee remotely close to the Trump themed logos colors . I am in NO MEANS a Trump supporter - on the contrary. I personally despise him.

Here us the question. Should I buy the same font\color or go with another with the same words. In my head, I thought it would be a jab at the Trumpets and emphasize my love of books. In the Librarian's mind it looks like I support sand want to remind others of Trump.
What say You?

[Faith]

Wendy wrote: "I am quite fond of themed tee shirts - I have some camping, wildlife, and book related ones. My last humorous one simply says "You are no mute". (18 months on Zoom doing SPED). Another, depicts a d..."

I think the irony would be over the heads of Trump supporters. The sooner he is forgotten the better.

[Bruce]

I’m pretty sure I’ve seen hats like that or with different things written, but in different colors. I know I’ve seen the read one. Do a google search.

[Jan C]

Wendy wrote: "I am quite fond of themed tee shirts - I have some camping, wildlife, and book related ones. My last humorous one simply says "You are no mute". (18 months on Zoom doing SPED). Another, depicts a d..."

Go Blue! They have ruined the color red.

I saw on in town - a bear is watching two people bicycling. Caption: Meals on Wheels! I got it for my brother. Last year he gave me a shirt - two bears are looking at a station wagon. It has one of those stickers of a stick figure family. Caption: Look! A menu!

We both have homes in bear country - Colorado and North Carolina.

[Wendy]

Okay. I will buy another color. I think the humor will get lost in translation through the years.And the Bear Tees are priceless.
My sis would not find the humor in them. We went to Yosemite this summer. She was REALLY worried about the bears. While on a hike, I casually said I would not mind seeing one...from afar mind you . She called be Cray Cray.

[Jan C]

Wendy wrote: "Okay. I will buy another color. I think the humor will get lost in translation through the years.And the Bear Tees are priceless.
My sis would not find the humor in them. We went to Yosemite this s..."

When I was 12 I saw a grizzly in Yellowstone a little too close up. Somehow my father maneuvered the car between us and we were able to escape. But it was a frightening few minutes.

People or bears are occasionally killed here. They had to kill one here this year. A couple had a picnic near a big tourist area and had their dog off leash. He was barking at the bear and so the bear naturally went after them. Unfortunately he kept trying to get them even after they were in their car. For safety sake, he had to be euthanized. But usually they just try to relocate them away from people.

[Bill]

Wendy wrote: "Okay. I will buy another color. I think the humor will get lost in translation through the years.And the Bear Tees are priceless.
My sis would not find the humor in them. We went to Yosemite this s..."

Good idea I think to buy another color. Much safer.

[Wendy]

Happy Holidays. I am diving into Agatha Christie - yes I have read her, and watched PBS Mystery! But I decided I need to read ALL.
A Q came up. With the cliche "the butler did it" what actual book did that come from?

[Jan C]

Wendy wrote: "Happy Holidays. I am diving into Agatha Christie - yes I have read her, and watched PBS Mystery! But I decided I need to read ALL.
A Q came up. With the cliche "the butler did it" what actual book ..."

I googled and apparently Mary Roberts Rinehart in The Door, one which I haven't read yet.

[Wendy]

I just started reading #1 Cullen and Cobb Series. There are multiple references to music I have never heard of and am curious if anyone out there has listed the music somewhere.

[Wendy]

I am currently reading a Netgalley Giveaway that is not on GR. Can I add it? John Netti The Glade

[Wendy]

Happy New Year!
This Group's Techno Area appears pretty dead, so I figure I can ask here.
My elderly Dad has 2 "User Name". Is there a way to combine the 2 or does he have to do it manually? If we can combine therm and then delete the old one, I can instruct him how. He is not very good navigating Goodreads

[Sylvia]

Since the GR app sucks and I’d have to hit “see new comments” like a million times, I just wanted to reply to Nancy on this thread from what she said 8 years ago now (wow!) about the “murder porn”. OMG my husband and I LOVE ID and we watch ALL those shows. I’m somewhat disabled so we watch a lot of TV. We’ve also always been huge South Park fans, and ever since that episode aired, we have called it murder porn. Even when my mom comes and stays with us, we’ll say in front of her “how about some murder porn?” lol!

[Wendy]

Totally Off Topic:
What are your thoughts of inheritance? In my country - USA - It seems as though
for many relatives, inheritance from a family member is "expected." They get mad when "their" money is used for vacations or after death, charity.
In MY family, it was well established from when we were young that inheritance, if there were any, was not to be assumed. (we were surprised to receive an annuity after Mom died).There are rich celebrities that have made it clear, their millions would NOT all go to family. Social Media gave stories of angry relatives who receive a mere $1 and the house went to someone else.
What Say You?

[Wendy]

Jan C wrote: "Wendy wrote: "I am quite fond of themed tee shirts - I have some camping, wildlife, and book related ones. My last humorous one simply says "You are no mute". (18 months on Zoom doing SPED). Anothe..."

I love these!

[Storm Bay]

Wendy wrote: "Totally Off Topic:
What are your thoughts of inheritance? In my country - USA - It seems as though
for many relatives, inheritance from a family member is "expected." They get mad when "their" mon..."

I think it's a mixed bag. On the one hand, I agree with very wealthy people who don't want to leave their kids so much money they never have to work and with people who want to enjoy the money they earn. Also, if their kids have been jerks, why should they inherit? On the other hand, times have changed and it's harder to make a go of it now for many--the mean savings in the US for retirement is $70k and it's not because most families are wasting their money. The ability to save for retirement has been dwindling. So I don't think it's wrong for parents to want to leave their kids something to help with that.

My dad is still alive, but he's done a mix of that. He's outlived what he thought he would and has enjoyed his money, but the five acres and house are our inheritance to be split five ways after it's sold for market value. This means if the real estate market crashes it won't be worth much, but at the moment it's worth 7 figures. The land prices vary with location and the ability to build--they built the house so I can't find a real estate estimate for it nor do I want to ask my sister. But after paying the realtor, capital gains taxes and then the dollar exchange from Canada to the States, who knows what it will be?

The mobile homes across the road are selling for c. $190,000 and $200,000 K in a trailer park. Since it's built on the reserve, I think you're buying the home only and not the land. (The first nation there has always been business savvy and makes good money leasing land, building businesses on their land and with a top producing gravel pit that has scarred the land but brings in a great deal of revenue. Suffice it to say, it's not a poor nation.)