DHD Book Club
Deb has a new post up, "Being John Nash," and how her life somewhat resembles a mix of A Beautiful Mind and Being John Malkovich.
Since she mentions her difficulty getting obsessed with math, I thought it makes a nice segue to Prime Obsession, by John Derbyshire of National Review.
In the case of this book, people are obsessed with the riddle posed by Bernhard Riemann, and less by the man Reimann himself (though Derb goes a long way toward appreciating him).
There's even a Turing reference in the book, to keep things relevant.
My first thread is for sharing books you've read (or written, but you can couch it as one you've read to retain your privacy if you choose) and the impact they've had on you.
posted by Cthulhu @ 2:00 PM
106 comments
106 Comments:
Hiccuping all the way.
Good idea! You guys are bright and grounded in reality; I'd be curious what you read.
For fiction, my two best recommendations come from opposite ends of the spectrum:
The Following Story, a story in the magical realism realm, and
True Grit, by a guy who bought me a drink many years ago.
For nonfiction, just pick up anything by Stephen Ambrose. Hell, he even made George McGovern into a hero. The WWII generation deserves to be studied, because they recognized evil, while we dither about "root causes."
Damn...site went down. My post never even showed up and that was an hour ago.
I went to get the kidlets and also said my blog is now unmoderated since Blogger finally put in the verify thingie and I don't have to worry about all the spam anymore. Yay
Her life could mirror any of these easily. She is ugly, she spits and drools poisonous acid based venom, and doesn't know when to go away and will only end up in the vacuum of space.
Aliens: Apocalypse
Aliens: DNA War
Aliens: Earth Hive
Aliens: Female War
Aliens: Genocide
Aliens: Harvest
Aliens: Kidnapped
Aliens: Hive
Aliens: Newt's Tale
Aliens: Nightmare Asylum
Aliens: Original Sin
Aliens: Rogue
Aliens: Salvation
Aliens: Stronghold
Aliens: Tribes
Oooh...how about this one?
"The Hell Candidate"
Sorry, but "Booger Picking Moron" hasn't been written yet
Tune of "Luka"
My name is Debbie
I attack little kids
I blog all the time you know
Yes I think you've seen me before
If you read something that isn't right
If you think I'm stupid well then you're right
Just don't ask what went wrong
Just don't ask me about the law
I won't answer after all
I am a moron
I like drinking Teh Vodka
I never make much sense
My spelling is like a child
When I come trolling to your site
It might be day it might be night
I just don't have a job
i just have no friends or family
I just shouldn't post here anymore
Oh no, not the Suzanne Vega!
Dumb Frisch girl
She's been living in her dumb Frisch world
I bet she's never had a real job
All she does now is sit at home and sob
That's why we all flame that dumb Frisch girl
She's been living in a Liberal world
As long as anyone without a brain
Her face looks like it was hit by a train
No brain no pain
And when she's blogging, she's drinking some real cheap wine
And when she's raving she'll show you she's out of her mind
She can't see she not real smart,
She smells like a fart
and that's because
She's a dumb Frisch girl
You've seen her raving on this site right here
She is a coward and a criminal too
And when the cops come she will cry boo hoo
What's she to do?
And now the end game
is coming
are her parents to blame
A useless degree
I decree that our Debbie
Is a dumb Firsch girl
Our dumb Frisch girl
She's gonna cry cause she's a
Dumb Frisch girl
Our dumb Frisch girl
She has no cash she's a gash
She's our dumb Frisch girl
Our dumb frisch girl
I have been pissing out GOLD here today folks. Pure GOLD!!!
Hell, he even made George McGovern into a hero. The WWII generation deserves to be studied
The one thing I like about Jimmy Carter and George McGovern, much as I disagree with their politics: they served this country honorably in the armed forces and then kept their yaps shut, unlike a certain presidential candidate who liked to mention his 3-month tour of duty at every campaign stop.
(Just got through reading "Godless" by Anne Coulter and I'm also reading "Cryptonomicon" by neal whatsisname, oh f*$# wouldn't you know I would blank out on his name right when I needed it to remember it)
Doctor Hudson's Secret Journal by Lloyd C. Douglas
This book was written by I believe a Methodist preacher wrote this. You don't have to be Christian to follow the principles, I first read this when I was a kid; while it was a little advanced for me, the central concept he is explaining has proven over and over in my life to be true and valuable. In the end, the single most important book I have ever read. I believe following the central concept, which you have to read the book to learn, has saved my life, enriched me both spiritually and financially, and brought me chances and adventures I would never have had otherwise.
The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
When I read this book, it took me almost a week to get through it. After reading it, I had gained so much. One thing I learned: my possessions have never owned me since, and that's a much more profound statement that you might think at first glance. I don't always agree with his political conclusions, but no one could deny his genius.
Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Back
This book just resonated with me. In a kind of lucky charm way, sometimes when I just can't figure out my next step I'll open it to a random page and there's always something to help, whether it takes my mind off of the problem at hand or triggers the thought of a solution.
Hose -
What was that coffee brand you had this morning? I am in awe!
You mean John Kerry served in Vietnam? Really? I never knew or would have suspected.
Hosedragger:
Billy Joel, now we're back to sanity. What can you make of "For the longest time"?
Naw...wasn't the coffee. I just feel inspired. My muse finally showed up, flashed me her gargantuan freckled mammalian protuberances and just let me go.
Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Hosedragger and the Fire Gerbils!
oregonmuse
In all fairness, what else did Kerry have to talk about? He had no real policy, no special expertise...
It was Vietnam or his hair.
HoseDragger, my man -
What sort of coffee did you have today; you've been on effin fire.
[I salute your shameless self-promotion, too]
Thanks for being the first to have my back on that last thread.
I'd really love to know what that harridan in You, Jean actually reads, if anything.
Since I missed last evening's scandalous affair and the casting of "DHD: Teh Movie", I would like to request that Christopher Walken play me. (As Abe Vigoda's dead.)
I would also like to compose teh score (as long as I can keep all of the publishing plus a healthy piece of mechanical and broadcast royalties).
No, No, No--Have you forgotten already? It's:
DENNY CRANE!
STARFLEET COMMANDER!!!!!
Oh, oh, oh
Frisch won't make a dime
Oh, oh, oh
Frisch won't make a
If she said goodbye to us tonight
There would still be damage left to right
What else could she do
She's is to stupid not to
Realize she'll never make a single dime
Once she thought her blogging can't go wrong
Now she sees her carrer leave poof it's gone
That's where we found her
Now she sits alone and whimpers
She will never make a single dime
Oh, oh, oh
Frisch won't make a dime
Oh, oh, oh
Frisch won't make a
We're that voice you're hearing in your head
You're not alone not even in your bed
You should have stopped when
Daddums bailed you out because then
Listened when you're told you won't make a single dime
Maybe this won't last very long
But you think you're rightright
The courts say you're wrong
Maybe you've been hoping too hard
But you've gone too far
And it's more than we hoped for
Who knows how much further you'll go on
Maybe we'll be sorry when you're gone
We'll take our chances
You don't know when to shut your yap and
You'll never ever make a single dime
You claim that all children are fair game
We told you to refrain
But you are insane
Now we know the woman that you are
You're Teh Crazee one by far
You don't even own a car
You don't care what consequence it brings
You about to lose your house and all your things
You wish it so bad
But not even you own dadI intend Will be giving you a single dime
Brenda, did you read all 3 volumes of Gulag? If you haven't, you really ought to. 20 years ago I started the first one, and was so utterly blown away by it, it became my religious duty and devotion to read them all.
When did Abe Vigoda die? He was just on Conan not too long ago. Are you sure?
Abe's still alive. I decided with the help of Brenda, to stick with Charlie Sheen for me, but he needs a walrus stache
Hosedragger:
And he takes requests! Abe Vigoda is still with us, it's just a running joke because one of the tabloids said he did, back in the 90's.
OregonMuse -
I only read the first one. I ought to get to the other two. It's been twenty-seven years since I read the first one and it's still the second most influential book I've ever read.
Hose -
You're quite correct about Mr. Vigoda; apparently reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated since 1982.
(Search engines are my friend.)
I think I'm gonna stick with Walken.
Walken ROCKS. I think he should play you as he did Max Schreck
Fatwa -
I gotta have more cowbell, baby!
Walken does "scary-ass, creepy menacing" , "outright nuts" and "teh funny" well. (But he's a much better hoofer than I.)
His Schreck is part of why I'm sticking with that choice.
That, and I simply cannot get enough cowbell.
I'd really love to know what that harridan in You, Jean actually reads, if anything.
Want ads.
...and DHD.
We don't have any Thai food in my house but we got plenty of kimchi.
Denny Crane!
On the off-chance you're anywhere near North Hollywood, call Jarin's (on Magnolia near Lankershim).
They spoiled me for every Thai place I've eaten since and their prices are preposterously reasonable. Lovely folks, too.
You can't run, you can't hide, From all the laws you won't abide
See that girl, Watch Deb scream, Blogging the Frischie dweeb
Friday night Teh Vodka flows
Looking out for blog to go
Where they talk about politics, Gonna take a swig
You come in for a hole to dig
Nobody could be this dumb
Debbie's brain is so surly numb
Spewing out all her comments, Thinking she is smart
But it only proves she's not
And when she get's too drunk...
She is the Debbie dweeb, Dumbest thing you have ever seen,
Debbie dweeb, Cowardly, you can hear her scream all night
You can't run, You can't hide
This will follow you all of your life
See that girl, Watch Deb scream, She is the Frischie dweeb
You're a loser, you can't get laid
Can't get a job and you can't get paid
Calling home to mother, but daddums will always do
Hoping his check will clear
And when you get real drunk...
She is the Debbie dweeb, Dumbest thing you have ever seen,
Debbie dweeb, Cowardly, you can hear her scream all night
You can't run, You can't hide
This will follow you all of your life
See that girl, Watch Deb scream, She is the Frischie dweeb
Kimchi would be great!
What kind do you want?
Should I stop?
Denny -
Do yourself and your fiancé a favor some time soon and try that place (they've got ridiculous lunch specials). It's next to the Greyhound, but don't let that deter you.
And, iffen you don't mind, tell Sarah and Ning that the David who moved to OH from the band full of David says "hi". (They'll know who you're talking about.)
Abe Vigoda is ALIVE.
Or if he's not, his body hasn't got the message yet.
hmmmmmm....kimchi...
Lived off that stuff for two years in Seoul. Loved it.
If you're curious about the status of Mr. Vigoda, there's even a firefox extension that gives you his status at all times.
the loveable codger is staring at me right now.
I meant "Greyhound station".
I'm off to get a steak burrito with lots of fresh chopped jalapenos; see you folks later!
Sulla - Congrats on your promotion to DHD overlord!
hawksp -
I have read One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. That one is really great for introducing people who don't have time for Gulag to Solzhenitsyn. It was hard to read because of the desolation, but you could feel the cold and utter hopelessness and cruelty.
What I remember best was his start at prison. This intellectual with no knowledge of criminals trying to adjust. It all still just really moves me.
Not kidding, absolute genius.
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich
I read that in high school. Excellent, but gave me nightmares. I switched to Dostoyevski to cheer myself up; somehow, the greater passage of time made Crime and Punishment easier to handle.
Fatwa -
Come back later! I'm off to dig out something to eat. I think I still have some cornbread and black-eyed peas.
Mmmm-mmm-mm-mm-good!
Sulla -
Dostoyevsky to cheer up? Jeez, zoloft would work better.
She has a PhD.
Her looks will make you flee
She is Teh Craziest woman that
You'll ever see
She had the dumbest lines
Doesn't know our spies
Knockin' herself out with
WTF Vodka cries
Wishin more than her share
Her stench pollutes the air
She thought she was right but the cops were already there
When Teh Crazee starts bloggin
She strains her noggin
She's gone job shoppin
Her titties are floppin and Deb-
Frisches all night long
Yeah Deb Frisches all night long
She cannot earn a dime
All she does is whine
She will lose every time, She is blind to her crimes
She thinks she deserves applause
Bangs her head against walls
Made some really dome mistakes and keeps coming back for more
She's seen wandering round
Her stupid Liberal town
Now she's back on the web, She's Teh Crazee Deb
When Teh Crazee starts bloggin
She strains her noggin
She's gone job shoppin
Her titties are floppin and Deb-
Frisches all night long
Yeah Deb Frisches all night longu -
She hasn't a dime and then Deb
Frisches all night long
She's a waste of skin and Deb Frisches all night long
DENNY CRANE!
STARFLEET COMMANDER!!!!
BIGFOOT, TOO!!!!!!
I'll have you know that I am the spittin' image of Ellen Barkin!
Sorta.
I'm a blonde, too . . . now.
I have a bright red dress . . . that used to fit.
I'm a . . . mammal.
And, boy, am I HOT! (It's a 104 degrees out there). But I'd be HOT anyway, you betcha.
(Mumble)
Hosedragger -
That's good. Really mean, and you can dance to it, I give it a 94!
texette -
Don't get taken in by Denny Crane! - he's got a girl in every star port and a fiance besides.
He'll break your heart in the end.
DENNY CRANE! ETC.
In that case, then yes. Yes, that is my real picture. Really, it is. For sure.
oreganmuse -
What I remember best was his start at prison. This intellectual with no knowledge of criminals trying to adjust. It all still just really moves me.
I meant in Gulag, not One Day.
Schadenfrisch, darling Schadenfrisch.
Thank you for all Teh Crazee that you bring
She thinks she's smart, second She's too dumb to see, The hole she digs, Thinking she'll go free, Begs for cash, and we just laugh.
Schadenfrisch, darling Schadenfrisch.
Won't sell her book, or anything.
When will she, go out and buy a Sharpie, make a sign, to make a dime, instead she'll whine, that's just fine.
Schadenfrisch, darling Schadenfrisch.
Her mom and dad, are feeling sad
They recall, Watching their bank balance fall, how she ruined her life, what a mess, I confess, We've enjoyed it all.
Schadenfrisch, darling Schadenfrisch.
Teh Crazee is so much fun to dish.
Though she stalks, and always has to walk, still she blogs, for always, we are left with, Schadenfrisch
Schadenfrisch, Auf Wiedersehn, Schadenfrisch
I'm only slightly incoherent right at the moment.
We need to get these comments moving right along, 'cause I can't stay up to 567 again tonight. (I can't believe I dragged out so close to 600.)
Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen.I'm here all week. Make sure you tip your servers, and enjoy the buffet.
Brenda, SBH:
Oh ho! Ganging up on the Schaden... whoah! I almost typed the thing myself. You guys are almost there...
It's the Great Bard Hosedragger!
Good job all around. What with the watt and Debcon5 and general debmentia, does this count as a Frischmas? 'Cause if it does, you certainly win this Poetry Slam.
BrendaK,
I do so know the type, bless their big old hearts.
joe -
Ok, tell us one criteria that Schadenfrisch has missed, huh?
That's what I thought. You're just being stubborn here.
Oh Hawksp,
You mean that you haven't told her yet that all the women here are pure-D goddesses? Bad man!
Brenda:
Nu-uh! I ain't tellin'. But I will say you guys just need to do two more things, and into the Lexicon it goes.
Hey, Yoda! Test worked like a charm.
It's beginning to look a lot like Frischmas
All around this blog;
Take a look in the comments you'll see her spewing again
With inane thoughts and Frischisms all aglow.
It's beginning to look a lot like Frischmas
She doesn't have a job
But the Wittiest site to see is the site called DHD
That leaves her crying with a great big sob
Yoda -
No way. Not in this universe. No one could read that and still be so insular and shallow.
It's just not possible, I cannot believe it.
Hawk, you silly boy...you promised to whisk me away to that romantic apartment you keep. Come on big boy...don't be so mean. You know you love me and only me
hawk:
You are correct, sir, since we are all Jeff Goldstein.
I have a request. Could everyone on this thread please use Schadenfrisch in a sentence so Joe will see the utter correctness and popularity of it as a Lexicon entry?
SBH worked hard for this, you know.
Thank you in advance.
You boys in uniform get me HOT
Use it in a sentance? HELL I made a whole SONG out of it. What more do you want?
Hawk -
Middle aged men in drag!
I'm not sure that she's going to like that much better, tho.
Awe come on. It's not in a gay way. It's more like Vikings. You know...prison style
Hosedragger -
Ok, you're excused.
There's nothing wrong with two grown men alone in a secret apartment spending the afternoon spooning.
Sheesh, what's gotten into Hosedragger (pbuh) today? He's a f'n fountain of poetry. I'll give my "muse" title to him, he obviously is way more deserving of it.
Oh wait, Hosedragger is a "he", right?
sbh -
Maybe you could make an entry in Wikipedia.
That just has to work!
Oh, wait, I know, I know.
It has to show up at Ace or PW, doesn't it?
Huh, huh, is that it?
Wait...let me check (dum dee dum dee dum...wait...what's THAT thing...oh, right...I forgot that it was there...dum dee dee dum)
Yup...all male here
SBH:
Okay, down to one more thing. Hint: context...
oreganmuse -
He was really cranky this morning, stomping around the blog and shouting for coffee.
After he had some, he started making with the master bard stuff. What was in that coffee?
Inquiring minds want to know!
So where'd Deb go?
Heeeere, Frischy Frischy Frischy...
I told you. My Muse finally showed up, opened her gown to show me her gargantuan freckled mammalian protuberances and my mind was freed up. It has been flowing everr since
Ahhhh....the magical mysteries of boobies. Is there anything they can't do?
She is a coward. A low life, yellow bellied no-spine having coward.
Dark red hair? Yup...perfect
Mystery solved. Apparently the coffee came with boobies.
At last sweet mystery of life he's found you.
BH...you are always welcome here and will never be eaten up. If that pathetic coward picks on you, you let me know.
I love teh smell of WTF Vodka in teh morning; it smells like....
Schadenfrisch ;)
sbh -
Joe's last requirement is hinted with: Context.
I dunno, maybe use it in a sentence that better exploits it's frischy-baiting goodness than:
Is that your Schadenfrisch? Yes, that is my Schadenfrisch.
Muse boobies. You know...glowing in a celestial fashion, sweeping gossamer gown...kinda angelic.
The only reason this site exists is to allow those that care about the safty of children, young and old, to enjoy a healthy daily dose of Schadenfrisch. We love taking glee in watching her spin out of control and lose everything.
And there it is:
Schadenfrisch - feeling joy for the pathetic circumstances of Ms. Frisch.
How's that for "context"
The sight of Deb being hauled off to jail released gales of laughter as schadenfrisch engulfed the denizens of DHD.
If Aristotle were here, he'd define "tragedy" as (ahem!)
"an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude...with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish catharsis of such emotions...via Schadenfrisch!"
:p
yoda -
? Kick hose out of what?
Excellent poetry, smokin' song parodies, and freckled Muse boobies?
Man, Hosedragger, I've sporting a serious case of Schadenfriche right about now.
See? 'Twas not so hard.
:P~~~~~~~~~~~~
I got kicked out? When, where...Brenda, is there something you aren't telling me?
new thread, if you want one.
Joe -
Is that...drooling? I just don't know my emoticons like I should.
New thread.
You guys want me to summon the beast?
Dudes:
Check the new addition of the Lexicon.
OK kiddies...I have to go for my daily walk. Nothing like strutting your stuff in a back brace, grimmacing with every step.
Anyway, I'll be back in a bit. Please do not enjoy too much Schadenfrisch while I am gone. And knowing what a piece of cowardly filth Ms. CCFCCP is, I know she will slither in here while I am gone. She is too scared to take me on directly. Schadenfrisch her immensly while I am gone and tell her that she needs to confront me. I have called her spineless ass out.
Yes! Scha-den-FRISCH! Scha-den-FRISCH!
Brenda:
Yesshh. Thatsh drool, frumh being beathen abouth the bhrow fhor Schadenfhrishh.
I second taht, Denny~~
...or at least it should be part of a site motto:
"We enjoy more Schadenfrisch before 6 a.m., than most people do all day."™
Gefilte frisch--
snort. Now that's comedy.
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