• Brain Fog Fix: an excerpt.

    From August Abolins@2:460/256 to All on Fri Mar 4 20:23:36 2022
    Hi All...

    Brain Fog Fix: an excerpt.
    https://brorabbit.g0x.ru/pic/62224b16.jpg


    Ciao!
    /|ug (https://t.me/aabolins)

    --- Want fido for iOS/MacOS/Android/Win/Linux? Info=https://shrtco.de/tpJ9yV
    * Origin: Fido by Telegram BBS from Stas Mishchenkov (2:460/256)
  • From George Pope@1:153/757 to August Abolins on Thu Mar 17 11:50:50 2022
    Hi All...
    Brain Fog Fix: an excerpt.
    https://brorabbit.g0x.ru/pic/62224b16.jpg

    Interesting; I've put it in my reading queue. . .

    Hoping I live long enough to get through it all! Lots of good stuff in that pile(virtual pile)

    Thinking about purchasing the 6-volume set of B.S.A.'s guides, for when everything goes "PM Trudeau" on us, & the pig-farmish reek gets to be too much.

    The boy scouts, over the last century, have discovered & developed much knowledge regarding survival withput the accoutrements of modern living (most notably electricity)

    I'll prolly gett he works via Z-Lib just to read them all, but I want the physical ones, in case electricity no longer finds its way into citizens' homes for wharever reasons.

    I'd miss my Kindle & phone, & computer/BBSing, but I'd live & thrive, too, even with a disability.

    I'm a problem solver & a survivor. My armour & ammo against the Grim Reaper, to date, has always been knowledge(& good fortune when that ran out or didn't apply), but I got to be ever vigilant in increasing it.


    --- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Toy-6
    * Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757)
  • From August Abolins@2:221/1.58 to George Pope on Thu Mar 17 21:27:00 2022
    Hello George Pope!

    ** On Thursday 17.03.22 - 11:50, George Pope wrote to August Abolins:

    Hi All...
    Brain Fog Fix: an excerpt.
    https://brorabbit.g0x.ru/pic/62224b16.jpg

    Interesting; I've put it in my reading queue. . .

    The books has very good practical advice (backed by the reasons
    why, and backed with good clinical info) on how to avoid
    developing anything approaching altzeimers on purpose.

    --
    ../|ug

    --- OpenXP 5.0.51
    * Origin: Mobile? COFFEE_KLATSCH = https://tinyurl.com/y56r9f2o (2:221/1.58)
  • From George Pope@1:153/757 to August Abolins on Tue Mar 29 10:30:28 2022
    Brain Fog Fix: an excerpt.
    https://brorabbit.g0x.ru/pic/62224b16.jpg
    Interesting; I've put it in my reading queue. . .
    The books has very good practical advice (backed by the reasons
    why, and backed with good clinical info) on how to avoid
    developing anything approaching altzeimers on purpose.

    So a ouyropi4eful aproacvh to fending off Alzeimers?

    Sounds good; I actuyally put it in my more immediate queue -- on my kindle -- found out I can send to Kindle without being a donator on Z-Lib. . .

    That was a happy moment, as $60/year is a bit much for me. . . (I can't seem to go a full month without wanting a new book on my Kindle to replace one just finished); now I'm going back to pick up on series my library couldn't find the next one I wanted (& too old to purchase); they check every library(that's a LOT, including loonyversities!) in BC. Happily reading the nexdt Jack Reacher at bedtimes now. . . Did not want t o read any out of order. The movie was cool -- it was asort of composite of a few yearly novels in the dsrties that I'd already finished. I don't think it was big enough hit to have the studios pay Lee Child enough to write for them exclusively. (good! Although, Hollyweird ceretainly needs capable writerswho have imaginations -- I'm getting tired of comic book after comic book being shown as trailers; the last original(to me) concept movie was "Get Out", which I was fortunate enough to be invited to a prescreening--so much more a civilized way to see a film!)

    --- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Toy-6
    * Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757)
  • From August Abolins@2:221/1.58 to George Pope on Wed Mar 30 19:13:00 2022
    Hello George!

    ** On Tuesday 29.03.22 - 10:30, you wrote to me:

    https://brorabbit.g0x.ru/pic/62224b16.jpg
    Interesting; I've put it in my reading queue. . .

    Sounds good; I actuyally put it in my more immediate queue
    -- on my kindle -- found out I can send to Kindle without
    being a donator on Z-Lib. . .

    So.. I've got you hooked on z-lib, eh? :D


    That was a happy moment, as $60/year is a bit much for me.
    . . (I can't seem to go a full month without wanting a new
    book on my Kindle to replace one just finished); now I'm
    going back to pick up on series my library couldn't find
    the next one I wanted (& too old to purchase); they check
    every library(that's a LOT, including loonyversities!) in
    BC.

    You couldn't find it on z-lib?


    Happily reading the nexdt Jack Reacher at bedtimes now.
    . . Did not want t o read any out of order.

    I just list them all in alphabetical order by title in my shop.


    The movie was cool -- it was asort of composite of a few
    yearly novels in the dsrties that I'd already finished.
    I don't

    The Cruise versions? I hear there's a "series" featuring a new
    actor to play Reacher.


    think it was big enough hit to have the studios pay Lee
    Child enough to write for them exclusively. (good!
    Although, Hollyweird ceretainly needs capable writerswho
    have imaginations -- I'm getting tired of comic book
    after comic book being shown as trailers; the last
    original(to me) concept movie was "Get Out", which I was
    fortunate enough to be invited to a prescreening--so
    much more a civilized way to see a film!)

    Many years ago, I went to see The Hunt for Red October in a
    private-screening event just before the official public
    release. The event was very classy.

    --
    ../|ug

    --- OpenXP 5.0.51
    * Origin: Mobile? COFFEE_KLATSCH = https://tinyurl.com/y56r9f2o (2:221/1.58)
  • From August Abolins@1:396/45.29 to George Pope on Thu Mar 31 07:47:00 2022
    Sounds good; I actuyally put it in my more immediate
    queue -- on my kindle -- found out I can send to Kindle
    without being a donator on Z-Lib. . .

    You don't have to be a donator, but you have to have an
    account, I believe. I tried it and it prompted for a login.

    Go ahead.. send them a buck or two. It's a fine/convenient
    system.

    I've donated to the Wikipedia in the past. Seemed right to
    contribute something every once in a while.
    --
    ../|ug

    --- OpenXP 5.0.51
    * Origin: (1:396/45.29)
  • From George Pope@1:153/757 to August Abolins on Thu Apr 7 09:16:18 2022
    So.. I've got you hooked on z-lib, eh? :D

    Indeed you have!

    That was a happy moment, as $60/year is a bit much for me.
    . . (I can't seem to go a full month without wanting a new
    book on my Kindle to replace one just finished); now I'm
    going back to pick up on series my library couldn't find
    the next one I wanted (& too old to purchase); they check
    every library(that's a LOT, including loonyversities!) in
    BC.
    You couldn't find it on z-lib?

    I did find it on Z-Lib, but hadn't in every library in BC. . . (probably in Canada, even, as the librarians usually show me the ones out of province & offer for me to pay their fee to get it for only 1-2 weeks Bleagh)

    Happily reading the nexdt Jack Reacher at bedtimes now.
    . . Did not want t o read any out of order.
    I just list them all in alphabetical order by title in my shop.

    I prefer book order, as there might be references to past books that I'd like to read as they're intended: renminiscences.

    Iguess if a customer wanted publication order, you'd just Google up that list for them, eh? Of course shelf order would be alphabetical by title with author(also alphabetical); book shelvbing requires an abcedarian mind!

    The movie was cool -- it was asort of composite of a few
    yearly novels in the dsrties that I'd already finished.
    I don't
    The Cruise versions? I hear there's a "series" featuring a new
    actor to play Reacher.

    Yeah, plural? I've only sen the one, yup, with Cruise -- why is he made out to be the all-in-one actor -- that's not as bad as recasting Bruce Willis as an action hero -- I'm still stuck on him in Mnonlighting

    Many years ago, I went to see The Hunt for Red October in a
    private-screening event just before the official public
    release. The event was very classy.

    "Get Out" private screening was, too -- no dirty floors, no yelling or throwing of popcorn. It, of course, hrelped the movie was good -- realy capturing the feelings of suspense it neede. & the big reveal near the end. .. WHOOOAAA!!

    I'd've missed so much with screaming 'kids' in the theatre! Kids defined as those acting like such.

    --- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Toy-6
    * Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757)
  • From George Pope@1:153/757 to August Abolins on Thu Apr 7 09:20:30 2022
    Sounds good; I actuyally put it in my more immediate
    queue -- on my kindle -- found out I can send to Kindle
    without being a donator on Z-Lib. . .
    You don't have to be a donator, but you have to have an
    account, I believe. I tried it and it prompted for a login.

    But to "send to Kindle" from within Z-Lib you need to be a donator.

    I realized I can email my boks to my kindle directly, after downloading(possible on a free basic account)

    Go ahead.. send them a buck or two. It's a fine/convenient
    system.

    I have given them $5/month for the first few months of the year, just to get that Send-To-Kindle option, as I thought I had to, & I wanyted these books on my Klindle rather than on my PC or phone.

    I've donated to the Wikipedia in the past. Seemed right to
    contribute something every once in a while.

    I haven't yet, but I know I will, because I use Wiki & I do find it useful (I know the trick to using it as a source -- check their citation list for the subject/patge you're on, & chec out those articles or books (using Z-Lib, if necessary, like when Google can't find a free copy online)

    How'd you initially find out about Z-Lib?

    --- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Toy-6
    * Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757)
  • From Alan Beck@1:229/426.36 to all on Sun Apr 10 09:58:32 2022
    Brain Fog Fix: an excerpt. https://brorabbit.g0x.ru/pic/62224b16.jpg
    Interesting; I've put it in my reading queue. . .
    The books has very good practical advice (backed by the reasons why, and
    backed with good clinical info) on how to avoid developing anything
    approaching altzeimers on purpose.

    So a ouyropi4eful aproacvh to fending off Alzeimers?

    Sounds good; I actuyally put it in my more immediate queue -- on my
    kindle -- found out I can send to Kindle without being a donator on Z-Lib. . .

    That was a happy moment, as $60/year is a bit much for me. . . (I can't seem to go a full month without wanting a new book on my Kindle to
    replace one just finished); now I'm going back to pick up on series my library couldn't find the next one I wanted (& too old to purchase);
    they check every library(that's a LOT, including loonyversities!) in BC. Happily reading the nexdt Jack Reacher at bedtimes now. . . Did not
    want t o read any out of order. The movie was cool -- it was asort of composite of a few yearly novels in the dsrties that I'd already finished. I don't think it was big enough hit to have the studios pay
    Lee Child enough to write for them exclusively. (good! Although, Hollyweird ceretainly needs capable writerswho have imaginations -- I'm getting tired of comic book after comic book being shown as trailers; the last original(to me) concept movie was "Get Out", which I was fortunate enough to be invited to a prescreening--so much more a civilized way to see a film!)

    I like my Kobo. I stupidly signed up for the 10 bucks/mth deal.

    Think I am going to get rid of that because I never even read a book a month.

    But, I do read.

    Alan



    -+- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Toy-6
    @ ORIGINAL: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757)

    --- WinPoint Beta 5 (359.1)
    * Origin: WinPoint (1:229/426.36)
  • From August Abolins@2:221/1.58 to Alan Beck on Sun Apr 10 12:35:00 2022
    Hello Alan Beck!

    ** On Sunday 10.04.22 - 09:58, Alan Beck wrote to all:

    I like my Kobo. I stupidly signed up for the 10 bucks/mth
    deal.

    Think I am going to get rid of that because I never even
    read a book a month.

    Personally, I think $10/mo for an ebook "plan" is a bit
    ambitious. Kobo has an "all you can read" plan for $9.99/mo.

    Considering that the cost of producing an ebook, and offering
    it for download is next to nothing, $2 per book would be my
    idea of a fair price-point.

    Simon&Schuster comes close to a reasonable value per book.
    Every week they publish a list of discounted ebooks anywhere
    from 1.99 to 9.99.

    I think most publishers have yet figured out the ebook price-
    model. For the most part, a monthly plan tends to feel like
    being over-charged for books that one might never have time to
    read. For myself, the z-Lib model is proving to be the most
    logical.

    The Kobo plan goes on to say:

    "Access your library with the free Kobo App for iOS or Android,
    or on any Kobo eReader."

    Unless one has a Kobo eReader device, sounds like a cellphone
    connection is required inorder to authorize access to a book.
    What if you find yourself in an area without coverage or an
    outtage - does that mean you won't be able to even read "your"
    library of books?



    But, I do read.

    My tagline with outgoing emails:

    PREVENT MIND DECAY - READ BOOKS

    --
    ../|ug

    --- OpenXP 5.0.51
    * Origin: Mobile? COFFEE_KLATSCH = https://tinyurl.com/y56r9f2o (2:221/1.58)
  • From August Abolins@2:221/1.58 to George Pope on Sun Apr 10 12:46:00 2022
    Hello George Pope!

    ** On Thursday 07.04.22 - 09:20, George Pope wrote to August Abolins:

    I realized I can email my boks to my kindle directly, after downloading(possible on a free basic account)

    Then, that is good! I can access www internet with my Kobo,
    but I've never tried downloading anything that might be on my
    web-based email accounts.


    How'd you initially find out about Z-Lib?

    I don't really remember exactly. But perhaps it was mentioned
    in a web forum somewhere by someone.

    Another fine one is:

    https://ebooks.darknetproxy.com/index.php

    ..but it currently seems to be down for maintenance at the
    time of this writing.

    --
    ../|ug

    --- OpenXP 5.0.51
    * Origin: Mobile? COFFEE_KLATSCH = https://tinyurl.com/y56r9f2o (2:221/1.58)
  • From August Abolins@2:221/1.58 to George Pope on Sun Apr 10 13:00:00 2022
    Hello George Pope!

    ** On Thursday 07.04.22 - 09:16, George Pope wrote to August Abolins:

    I just list them all in alphabetical order by title in my
    shop.

    I prefer book order, as there might be references to past
    books that I'd like to read as they're intended:
    renminiscences.

    Yes.. the traditional expectation would be to tackle a series
    in publication order. But a successful series won't make too
    many references to the earlier releases. Except for "The
    Killing Floor" which is the 1st book one should probably read
    when starting out in the Jack Reacher series, the other books
    can stand on their own reasonably well.


    Iguess if a customer wanted publication order, you'd just
    Google up that list for them, eh?

    I keep a small printed list of titles sorted by pubdate.

    Of course shelf order would be alphabetical by title with
    author(also alphabetical); book shelvbing requires an
    abcedarian mind!

    It was simply one of those "necessity is the mother of
    invention" moments. I got tired of "looking" across two shelves
    for a Jack Reacher title. But when laid out in title order, I
    know which one's I've got or not.


    The Cruise versions? I hear there's a "series" featuring a
    new actor to play Reacher.

    Yeah, plural? I've only sen the one, yup, with Cruise --
    why is he made out to be the all-in-one actor -- that's
    not as bad as recasting Bruce Willis as an action hero --
    I'm still stuck on him in Mnonlighting

    Yes.. Cruise did two Jack Reacher films: 2012 and 2016

    Cruise's role of Reacher and the Mission Impossible guy tended
    to blend as one character for me.


    I'd've missed so much with screaming 'kids' in the
    theatre! Kids defined as those acting like such.

    Just the overpowering stench of popcorn is enough to make me
    want to never set foot in one ever again.

    --
    ../|ug

    --- OpenXP 5.0.51
    * Origin: Mobile? COFFEE_KLATSCH = https://tinyurl.com/y56r9f2o (2:221/1.58)
  • From George Pope@1:153/757 to August Abolins on Fri Apr 15 10:40:14 2022
    Hello George Pope!
    ** On Thursday 07.04.22 - 09:20, George Pope wrote to August Abolins:
    I realized I can email my boks to my kindle directly, after
    downloading(possible on a free basic account)
    Then, that is good! I can access www internet with my Kobo,
    but I've never tried downloading anything that might be on my
    web-based email accounts.

    If you open a book page on Z-Lib in your browser (e.g. Chrome) you can then email thefile to your Kindle (or any Kindle app on any device -- you need to go on Amazon to get your emails dfor each device, so you aim your email accurately.

    It's great -- I can attach a whole bunch of ebooks or documemts, om most formats & Kindle will convert & display them on the device or app I want them to be on.

    How do you download directly from your Kobo device? Pure ereader, or a tablet?

    Another fine one is:
    https://ebooks.darknetproxy.com/index.php
    ..but it currently seems to be down for maintenance at the
    time of this writing.

    Just tried it in this current browser (Chrome) & got the error & non-connect.

    So I tried it on thedarknet directly, using Tor browser(keeps no history of where you've been, so nobody can track you onto the darknet, nor see your activities there (I imagine that protects the sire owners on the darknet, too)

    Haven't found much of free interest on there, I can buy any drug or weapon, but only using bitcoin. :P

    (was just curious as to the possibility, not actually in the market for any of that stuff)

    --- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Toy-6
    * Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757)
  • From George Pope@1:153/757 to August Abolins on Fri Apr 15 10:53:08 2022
    Yes.. the traditional expectation would be to tackle a series
    in publication order. But a successful series won't make too
    many references to the earlier releases. Except for "The
    Killing Floor" which is the 1st book one should probably read
    when starting out in the Jack Reacher series, the other books
    can stand on their own reasonably well.

    I agree on this -- I read the first, first, & it perfectly laid everything out & his detailed basis for creating Reacher hooked me right there on the series/character.

    Another mut read #1 first is "A Spell for Chemeleon"; the first in Piers Anthony's epically long "Xanth" series (they can be read in sets of three after you'veread that one, or sets of nine -- he wrote them in trilogies containing three trilogies each. Publisghuing, of course, one novel at a time!

    I like Piers -- he personally connects with the reasder in most of his novels - & I love puns -- got hoked with the "Incarnations of Immortality" series I only began reading cuz a girl I liked was doing so & recommended it highly (& mentioned his penchant for punnery); his puns in Xanth gets lame & expected after awhile,. but his attachment & 4th wall usage in using them is funny.

    Iguess if a customer wanted publication order, you'd just
    Google up that list for them, eh?
    I keep a small printed list of titles sorted by pubdate.

    Most of your customers just ask for recommendations & you can point out when the stories are stand-alone?

    It was simply one of those "necessity is the mother of
    invention" moments. I got tired of "looking" across two shelves
    for a Jack Reacher title. But when laid out in title order, I
    know which one's I've got or not.

    You don't have a computerized index/db of your stock?

    The Cruise versions? I hear there's a "series" featuring a
    new actor to play Reacher.
    Yeah, plural? I've only sen the one, yup, with Cruise --
    why is he made out to be the all-in-one actor -- that's
    not as bad as recasting Bruce Willis as an action hero --
    I'm still stuck on him in Mnonlighting
    Yes.. Cruise did two Jack Reacher films: 2012 and 2016
    Cruise's role of Reacher and the Mission Impossible guy tended
    to blend as one character for me.

    I've not seen MI, & maybe never will; now I gotta go find the 2nd Reacher movie. He's not terribleas Reacher in the first one, but doesn't fit the character I pictured in reading "Killing Floor."

    Hollywood really ought to start reading more than just comic books!

    The movie based on "One for the Money" by Janet Evanovich really missed on the characters & castying -- none looked right except Joe Morelli, maybe.

    Ditto "50 Shads of Grey" -- none looked like they do in the novels, IMO.

    But maybe today's gen of movie watchers would recognize them just fine, or don't care as they don't read. (had an adult lady friend once tell me "I don't read" (that was the beginning of the end for me)

    I'd've missed so much with screaming 'kids' in the
    theatre! Kids defined as those acting like such.
    Just the overpowering stench of popcorn is enough to make me
    want to never set foot in one ever again.

    Oh yes, I forgot about that -- ick!

    & the stench of spilled pop (& that stickiness as you walk, & the fear of sitting in something you didn't see in the dark--miss when an usher led you to your seat & shined the flashlight beam on it to direct you to a clean seat.)

    --- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Toy-6
    * Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757)
  • From August Abolins@2:221/1.58 to George Pope on Mon Apr 18 10:52:00 2022
    Hello George Pope!

    ** On Friday 15.04.22 - 10:53, George Pope wrote to August Abolins:

    Another mut read #1 first is "A Spell for Chemeleon"; the
    first in Piers Anthony's epically long "Xanth" series
    (they can be read in sets of three after you'veread that
    one, or sets of nine -- he wrote them in trilogies
    containing three trilogies each. Publisghuing, of course,
    one novel at a time!

    I believe you mentioned that here before. Thx. I have a copy
    of that one at the ready.

    My first Xanth novel was "Board Stiff". I loved the opening
    chapter. The puns were exellent.


    I like Piers -- he personally connects with the reasder..
    ..his puns in Xanth gets lame & expected after awhile,.
    but his attachment & 4th wall usage in using them is
    funny.

    4th wall?

    In Board Stiff, he made the punnery part of solving the mystery
    that the character encountered. That was clever.

    I still get a chuckle at this part at the beginning:

    "... I'm actually a smart girl who would make any man an
    excellent wife. But no man sees that. No man is interested in
    my mind or personality, just my whatevers. So here is my wish:
    I'm board stiff. I want Adventure, Excitement, and Romance."
    Now the ripples made her reflection shimmer. She definitely had
    the wishing well's attention. "I searched all over for a
    suitable offering," she continued. "It occurred to me that how
    you look is governed by the sand on your bottom. It is frankly
    sort of dull. So I found a pretty colored stone that should add
    interest. Here it is: my offering, and I hope you like it." She
    brought out the stone, which was like a faceted blue diamond,
    sparkling all over. She dropped it into the well. Something
    happened. A sudden whirlwind surrounded her, lifting her up and
    ripping off her clothing. She was changing, somehow. Then she
    fell flat on the ground. Literally. She had been transformed
    into a flat, stiff board with two knotholes for eyes."


    I keep a small printed list of titles sorted by pubdate.

    Most of your customers just ask for recommendations & you
    can point out when the stories are stand-alone?

    I havent read them all. But most people tell me that that they
    can enjoy them individually. Sometimes they like to seek out an
    earlier publication to fill in the gap; they tell me it's still
    a good reading experience.


    It was simply one of those "necessity is the mother of
    invention" moments. I got tired of "looking" across two
    shelves for a Jack Reacher title. But when laid out in
    title order, I know which one's I've got or not.

    You don't have a computerized index/db of your stock?

    It's is MUCH easier to just look at the shelf and see what is
    missing. ;) I *can* usually tell what title I still have in
    stock on the computer, but I can only do that one title at a
    time.


    Hollywood really ought to start reading more than just
    comic books!

    LOL.


    The movie based on "One for the Money" by Janet Evanovich
    really missed on the characters & castying -- none looked
    right except Joe Morelli, maybe.

    Ditto "50 Shads of Grey" -- none looked like they do in
    the novels, IMO.

    Did not see that one. I thought the premise of sadomachism is
    too dark for me.


    But maybe today's gen of movie watchers would recognize
    them just fine, or don't care as they don't read. (had an
    adult lady friend once tell me "I don't read" (that was
    the beginning of the end for me)

    I find that people who say that they don't read CAN be made
    interested in non-fiction: biographies, history, politics,
    books on medical topics, cookbooks, etc..

    Same thing with kids. Kids who can't seem to bear struggling
    with Harry Potter, can be fascinated by the Guiness World
    Record books, encyclopedias, game manuals, field guides, maps.

    --
    ../|ug

    --- OpenXP 5.0.51
    * Origin: Mobile? COFFEE_KLATSCH = https://tinyurl.com/y56r9f2o (2:221/1.58)
  • From August Abolins@2:221/1.58 to George Pope on Mon Apr 18 11:13:00 2022
    Hello George Pope!

    ** On Friday 15.04.22 - 10:40, George Pope wrote to August Abolins:

    It's great -- I can attach a whole bunch of ebooks or
    documemts, om most formats & Kindle will convert & display
    them on the device or app I want them to be on.

    I see the "send to Kindle" option there, but it behooves me to
    understand quite how that works. I don't own a Kindle.


    How do you download directly from your Kobo device? Pure
    ereader, or a tablet?

    I have the Clara HD, Kobo. I use Adobe Digital Editions to
    transfer the files to it.


    Another fine one is:
    https://ebooks.darknetproxy.com/index.php
    ..but it currently seems to be down for maintenance at the
    time of this writing.

    Just tried it in this current browser (Chrome) & got the
    error & non-connect.

    It seems to be back up now.


    So I tried it on thedarknet directly, using Tor
    browser(keeps no history of where you've been, so nobody
    can track you onto the darknet, nor see your activities
    there (I imagine that protects the sire owners on the
    darknet, too)

    Interesting.. it never ocurred to me to launch Tor for that.

    I might simply use Windscribe (VPN). It's free.

    But both places seem to be quite "legit" and seems to have
    valid points for existence.


    Haven't found much of free interest on there, I can buy
    any drug or weapon, but only using bitcoin. :P

    I've only ever read about such destinations. Interesting
    though.


    (was just curious as to the possibility, not actually in
    the market for any of that stuff)

    Of course! ;)
    --
    ../|ug

    --- OpenXP 5.0.51
    * Origin: Mobile? COFFEE_KLATSCH = https://tinyurl.com/y56r9f2o (2:221/1.58)
  • From George Pope@1:153/757 to August Abolins on Fri Apr 22 13:02:14 2022
    My first Xanth novel was "Board Stiff". I loved the opening
    chapter. The puns were exellent.
    I like Piers -- he personally connects with the reasder..
    ..his puns in Xanth gets lame & expected after awhile,.
    but his attachment & 4th wall usage in using them is
    funny.
    4th wall?

    As in theatre: when the characters address the audience directly. (There's a presumed "4th wall" besides the 3 you see wheb looking forward, between the stage & the audience. To break this wall is to address the audience directly (in or out of character, scripted, or adlibbed)

    In Board Stiff, he made the punnery part of solving the mystery
    that the character encountered. That was clever.

    He does that in many of his books in that series -- I love it! Each pun is a clue that leads to the next & ultimately provides everything needed to do the task/quest.

    I'vesent himas few puns -- haven't seen my name mentioned yet, but I think I'm behind on the Xanth series now.

    I still get a chuckle at this part at the beginning:
    "... I'm actually a smart girl who would make any man an
    excellent wife. But no man sees that. No man is interested in
    my mind or personality, just my whatevers. So here is my wish:
    I'm board stiff. I want Adventure, Excitement, and Romance."
    Now the ripples made her reflection shimmer. She definitely had
    the wishing well's attention. "I searched all over for a
    suitable offering," she continued. "It occurred to me that how
    you look is governed by the sand on your bottom. It is frankly
    sort of dull. So I found a pretty colored stone that should add
    interest. Here it is: my offering, and I hope you like it." She
    brought out the stone, which was like a faceted blue diamond,
    sparkling all over. She dropped it into the well. Something
    happened. A sudden whirlwind surrounded her, lifting her up and
    ripping off her clothing. She was changing, somehow. Then she
    fell flat on the ground. Literally. She had been transformed
    into a flat, stiff board with two knotholes for eyes."

    Was this one who later became a Princess, through a Sorceror's intervention/powers?

    Ui do recall that scene.

    I get a kick asrt how he maintains his G-rating by invoking The Adult Conspiracy in such a way, olderfolk have no interruption in understanding what's happening, & younger ones will just get peeved at this Conspiracy!

    I one of his latter books in the series, he began creeping into PG territory, but sly & subtly & punnily(of course)

    Some of his series are meant to be more adult in concepts & language, 'though he's not one for gratuitous vulgarity.


    I find that people who say that they don't read CAN be made
    interested in non-fiction: biographies, history, politics,
    books on medical topics, cookbooks, etc..
    Same thing with kids. Kids who can't seem to bear struggling
    with Harry Potter, can be fascinated by the Guiness World
    Record books, encyclopedias, game manuals, field guides, maps.

    My son went straight to encyclopedia type books, & still hasn't gained much interest in Fiction. He read a couple series wshen younger & would giggle like a Luna's Tick while reading them (one was the Dog Man series, IIRC)

    I read both equally voraciously as a child -- usually had 6+ books open & going at once -- as my mood changed, I'd switch to another (like thinking of a question I had abnout the next step/chapter)

    This taught me well to absorb multiple data points & keep exch straight in its own context. Ten years later, I could quote any book I'd read to that point, name the characters & plot, too. In grade school, I read my textbooks in the first couple weeks, then never opened them again, unless commanded to, in class, & I still got straight As. Yup, I was not Mr. Popular for that!

    Fifty years of life's distractions & chemical abuses (only in the first 20 or so) and a major stroke has killed off that skill among others. :'(

    I miss them! Oh well, luckily along the way I've learned how to fake some of it & get acceptable results within a desired range.

    For my job, I've talked with doctors for long phone calls, multiple times & they are all surprised to learn I'm not a doctor or any kind of medically trained person, when something came up that triggered then to ask.

    In earlier times, before the guilds, I'd've been a doctor just fine. . . Surgeries I'd refer to my buddy the barber for a referral fee. . . :D


    --- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Toy-6
    * Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757)
  • From August Abolins@2:221/1.58 to George Pope on Fri Apr 22 22:56:00 2022
    Hello George!

    ** On Friday 22.04.22 - 13:02, you wrote to me:

    ..She brought out the stone, which was like a faceted blue
    diamond, sparkling all over. She dropped it into the well.
    Something happened. A sudden whirlwind surrounded her,
    lifting her up and ripping off her clothing. She was
    changing, somehow. Then she fell flat on the ground.
    Literally. She had been transformed into a flat, stiff
    board with two knotholes for eyes."

    Was this one who later became a Princess, through a
    Sorceror's intervention/powers?

    Dunno. That was my 1st introduction to Piers Anthony.


    --
    ../|ug

    --- OpenXP 5.0.51
    * Origin: Mobile? COFFEE_KLATSCH = https://tinyurl.com/y56r9f2o (2:221/1.58)
  • From Alan Beck@1:229/426.36 to August Abolins on Sat Apr 23 07:52:00 2022
    Hello August!

    ** 22.04.22 - 22:56, August Abolins wrote to George Pope:

    Hello George!

    ** On Friday 22.04.22 - 13:02, you wrote to me:

    ..She brought out the stone, which was like a faceted blue
    diamond, sparkling all over. She dropped it into the well.
    Something happened. A sudden whirlwind surrounded her,
    lifting her up and ripping off her clothing. She was
    changing, somehow. Then she fell flat on the ground.
    Literally. She had been transformed into a flat, stiff
    board with two knotholes for eyes."

    Was this one who later became a Princess, through a
    Sorceror's intervention/powers?

    Dunno. That was my 1st introduction to Piers Anthony.

    I loved Piers Anthony, but when he switched to fantasy, I lost interest.

    I am hard sci fi kind of guy.

    Alan


    --
    ../|ug

    -+- OpenXP 5.0.51
    + Origin: Mobile? COFFEE_KLATSCH = https://tinyurl.com/y56r9f2o
    (2:221/1.58)

    Regards,
    SysOp

    --- OpenXP 5.0.50
    * Origin: Alan's Point (1:229/426.36)
  • From Geri Atricks@1:123/256 to Alan Beck on Sat Apr 23 08:18:08 2022
    I loved Piers Anthony, but when he switched to fantasy, I lost interest.

    I was not aware that he did anything BUT fantasy.
    ---

    Legends of Yesteryear (FIDO 1:123/256) - telnet: furmenservices.net:23322

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/09/29 (Windows/64)
    * Origin: Legends of Yesteryear (furmenservices.net:23322) (1:123/256)
  • From August Abolins@2:460/256 to Geri Atricks on Sat Apr 23 22:15:31 2022
    Hi Geri...

    I loved Piers Anthony, but when he switched to fantasy, I lost interest.
    I was not aware that he did anything BUT fantasy.
    ---
    Legends of Yesteryear (FIDO 1:123/256) - telnet: furmenservices.net:23322

    Yeah. Me too. The Xanth world is quite a fantasy, but includes the puns.

    Ciao!
    /|ug (https://t.me/aabolins)

    --- Want fido for iOS/MacOS/Android/Win/Linux? Info=https://shrtco.de/tpJ9yV
    * Origin: Fido by Telegram BBS from Stas Mishchenkov (2:460/256)
  • From George Pope@1:153/757 to August Abolins on Tue May 10 08:56:22 2022
    Hello George!
    ** On Friday 22.04.22 - 13:02, you wrote to me:
    ..She brought out the stone, which was like a faceted blue
    diamond, sparkling all over. She dropped it into the well.
    Something happened. A sudden whirlwind surrounded her,
    lifting her up and ripping off her clothing. She was
    changing, somehow. Then she fell flat on the ground.
    Literally. She had been transformed into a flat, stiff
    board with two knotholes for eyes."
    Was this one who later became a Princess, through a
    Sorceror's intervention/powers?
    Dunno. That was my 1st introduction to Piers Anthony.

    I meant, in that story.. .

    --- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Toy-6
    * Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757)
  • From August Abolins@2:221/1.58 to George Pope on Tue May 10 20:44:00 2022
    Hello George!

    ** On Tuesday 10.05.22 - 08:56, you wrote to me:

    Was this one who later became a Princess, through a
    Sorceror's intervention/powers?

    Dunno. That was my 1st introduction to Piers Anthony.

    I meant, in that story.. .


    Dunno. I actually don't remember how it ended and how the girl
    got out of her "board" situation. It had to do with breaking
    a spell with the right punnery, I think. All I remember was
    that it was getting quite complex near the end.

    --
    ../|ug

    --- OpenXP 5.0.51
    * Origin: Mobile? COFFEE_KLATSCH = https://tinyurl.com/y56r9f2o (2:221/1.58)
  • From Tommy Lane@1:3634/12 to All on Mon Jun 6 19:11:35 2022
    George Pope <george.pope@1:153/757> wrote:

    Hoping I live long enough to get through it all! Lots of good stuff in
    that pile(virtual pile)

    Thinking about purchasing the 6-volume set of B.S.A.'s guides, for when everything goes

    Have you looked at the foxfire series?
    They’re an excellent resource for off-grid / homesteading know-how.
    It’s kinda weird to read sometimes. They are written as a series following “old timers” and
    they’re efforts to educate a group writing the books.


    --
    -Tommy
    --- SBBSecho 3.11-Linux
    * Origin: SouthEast Star Mail HUB - SESTAR (1:3634/12)
  • From August Abolins@1:396/45.29 to George Pope on Tue Jun 7 08:10:00 2022
    Hello George Pope!

    ** On Thursday 17.03.22 - 11:50, George Pope wrote to August Abolins:

    Thinking about purchasing the 6-volume set of B.S.A.'s
    guides, for when everything goes "PM Trudeau" on us, & the
    pig-farmish reek gets to be too much.

    The boy scouts, over the last century, have discovered &
    developed much knowledge regarding survival withput the
    accoutrements of modern living (most notably electricity)

    This one is a popular seller:

    Country Wisdom & Know-How: Everything You Need to Know to Live
    Off the Land | Paperback

    Editors of Storey Publishing

    Running Press | Black Dog & Leventhal

    House & Home / Sustainable Living / Reference / Reference / Personal & Practical Guides

    Published Jan 3, 2017 | Sales (#49757)

    $24.99 US / $30.99 CA list price


    I'll prolly gett he works via Z-Lib just to read them all,
    but I want the physical ones, in case electricity no
    longer finds its way into citizens' homes for wharever
    reasons.

    Good old z-lib. I like that project.


    I'd miss my Kindle & phone, & computer/BBSing, but I'd
    live & thrive, too, even with a disability.

    There was a modest storm that blew passed this area last week.
    The local repeater for one particular OTA TV channel went out
    for a whole week. Initially, I missed hearing/watching the
    evening news. But then it was rather nice to have peace and
    quiet around the house. I didn't even bother with the news on
    the radio. After a week, when the tv came back to life, it was
    just doom and gloom and bad shit going on.


    I'm a problem solver & a survivor. My armour & ammo
    against the Grim Reaper, to date, has always been
    knowledge(& good fortune when that ran out or didn't
    apply), but I got to be ever vigilant in increasing it.

    +1 Good attitude!

    --
    ../|ug

    --- OpenXP 5.0.51
    * Origin: (1:396/45.29)
  • From George Pope@1:153/757 to August Abolins on Tue Jun 14 23:07:02 2022
    The boy scouts, over the last century, have discovered &
    developed much knowledge regarding survival withput the
    accoutrements of modern living (most notably electricity)

    This one is a popular seller:
    Country Wisdom & Know-How: Everything You Need to Know to Live
    Off the Land | Paperback
    Editors of Storey Publishing
    Running Press | Black Dog & Leventhal
    House & Home / Sustainable Living / Reference / Reference / Personal & Practical Guides
    Published Jan 3, 2017 | Sales (#49757)
    $24.99 US / $30.99 CA list price

    That looks interesting! I have survived weeks off the land, with nothing, no tools -- only the clothes on my back. I'd head into the woods, hiking around, up & down mountains, just enjoying the natural phytochemical antidepressants the trees emit! Went in with no food, no guides, no compass -- just bopped around until bored, then popped out exactly where I wanted to, relativero my entry point (no trailblazing or marking my paths, either; just stubbornness & dead reckoning); Fun -- I miss this.

    Good old z-lib. I like that project.

    Me, too -- I'm completely sold on it -- get all my books via there now! All the ones my library couldn't locate within the free interlibrary network in BBC, I've found! Getting back into a couple series & knowing I wont be missing anything now.

    There was a modest storm that blew passed this area last week.
    The local repeater for one particular OTA TV channel went out
    for a whole week. Initially, I missed hearing/watching the
    evening news. But then it was rather nice to have peace and
    quiet around the house. I didn't even bother with the news on
    the radio. After a week, when the tv came back to life, it was
    just doom and gloom and bad shit going on.

    Negative As all get out -- boring & annoying, & when they're not being negative, & even when they are, so much blatant lying to us!

    I'm a problem solver & a survivor. My armour & ammo
    against the Grim Reaper, to date, has always been
    knowledge(& good fortune when that ran out or didn't
    apply), but I got to be ever vigilant in increasing it.
    +1 Good attitude!

    I discovered the two-step way to living forever: 1. Don't die.
    2. Stubbornness.



    --- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Toy-6
    * Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757)