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Grippe

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Posts posted by Grippe

  1. On 9/7/2018 at 3:17 PM, kopp0e said:

    The XII wouldn't go through all the logistical hurdles of adding the elite brands of the PAC in a merger, ala Big8/ SWC, just to place the "elite brands" in a late kickoff slot...

    Those games for Texas/ USC/ Oklahoma/ UCLA would most likely air in slots between 2:30pm to 8:00pm, to maximize viewership on the east coast...

    You gloss over fact that eventually a late PST game will occur. Pretty graphics are mesmerizing but don't change facts of time zone bias.  I will forever neg any graphic laden post that attempts to occlude human reality. Fuck no to being in any conference servitude in the PST and FUCK NO to more repetitive obligations and less non-con games.  I don't give two ghonnoriac shits about making it `bigger`, as a matter of fact go fuck yourself for thinking `bigger`. I want quality. I want BETTER. 

     

    Nick Saban figured it out.  Wins matter, fuck kowtowing to media: if a program is winning the media will sell their soul to pay you to suck your peen. 

  2. On 9/9/2018 at 8:06 AM, Elmer_Fudd said:

    Had anybody read The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams?  Or better yet the entire Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy?  Was thinking of starting it.

    Reposting from TOS:

    Quote
    1. Belgariad/Mallorean by David Eddings
      - Your first love is always your fondest, so is Eddings storyline here. As others have mentioned, it is very method based writing but the characters are (to this day) some of my very favorites. 6.5/10
    2. Dune saga by Frank Herbert
      - Epic scope and damn fine writing. 7/10
    3. The Books of the Swords by Fred Saberhagen
      - Probably the best series from an author many considered as very influential. 4/10
    4. Elric of Melnibone by Michael Moorcock
      - A classic: Elric is the epitomy of a tortured soul. The style of writing gets a bit mystical at times for my tastes however. 7/10
    5. Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist
      - Once upon a time all of the SF/Fan nerds were idolizing this series. It's solid writing, but compared to some of the more gritty, modern stuff that is out right now it's begun to pale in comparison. 6/10
    6. The King of Elflands Daughter by Lord Dunsany
      - If you're a nerd that wants to read the early stuff to understand the roots of the genre, you start here and can end at the next installment. Lord Dunsany was a master of tightly written prose, but you'd better have the desire to appreciate it or it will go flying way over your head. 8/10
    7. Hobbit/Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
      - What Lord Dunsany started Tolkien brought to the masses, albeit years after it was initially published. Regardless of age, this is still a damn good read. 8/10
    8. Shanarra saga by Terry Brooks
      - I know I'm going to piss a few folks out here so I'll offer this - if you're a T.B. fan I apologize. When I think of this series I relate it to a form of treatment for sleep deprivation. 4/10
    9. Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
      - Bitch can write. The tales aren't as gritty as newer works out there, but when it comes to solid character and plot development this series should be used to teach English students their craft. 6/10
    10. The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Steven R. Donaldson
      - Lots going for it, lots not going for it. Still worth a read as, for it's time, it was considered pretty gritty (rape, lepers, etc). Nom. 5/10
    11. Sprawl Trilogy by William Gibson
      - Fuck. Yes. This isn't even my favorite genre, but goddamn... 9/10
    12. A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin
      - You want to read the best? THIS is the best, unfortunately it's incomplete and probably won't be finished because the author is too fucking lazy. Regardless, the first four books of this IMMENSE series are spectacular in every sense. If it were a complete series with every book as good as the first four it would rate a 10/10 (and would stand alone at that level), but it's not, therefore... 8.5-9/10
    13. Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss
      - I just finished reading the second book in this series and boy-oh-boy, where I thought the first book was a great first effort by a promising writer, this second book has really floored me. I'm really considering the second book as one of the top five books I've ever read, regardless of genre. One more book in the series, but the whole series was completed before the first book was published. 8.5/10
    14. Gentlemen Bastard series by Scott Lynch
      - Recent stuff, very solid, pick it up when you 'need' something to read between the releases of the books you're really excited about reading. Incomplete series. 6/10
    15. Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
      - Qualudes for those who suffer from narcolepsy. Do not want. Big though, if you want to read an infinite storyline of boring drivel. Incomplete series. 4/10
    16. Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (Brandon Sanderson)
      - Sometimes brilliant, sometimes as slow as a 6 hour layover in O'Hare that gets snowed in, much better since Jordan (sadly) passed-away and Sanderson took over. 6.5/10
    17. Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook
      - Cook's writing style for this series blew me away. I know I'm in the minority with my passion for this series but ('Lord Almighty!') this fresh and honest style and gritty storyline has captivated me. 8/10
    18. First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
      - The trilogy is complete, now he's writing stand alone pieces in the same world. When I say gritty, this writer gets it. Whenever Logen Ninefingers looses himself in schizophrenic moments you will stop breathing. 8-8.5/10
    19. Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks
      - Pretty much tit for tat as the Gentlemen Bastards above. 6/10
    20. Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series by Tad Williams
      - Completed this series and thought to myself 'that is the last time I force myself to complete a series that everyone else raves about'. It's ok, but drawn out in many places and not high on my list of fantasy writing. 5/10
    21. The Riyria Revelations by Michael J. Sullivan
      - Charming short stories with an interesting buddy team (think Lethal Weapon sort of buddies) without sex, gratuous violence or content that would make you keep it out of your pre-teen's hands. One more book in the series to be published. 6/10
    22. Demon Series by Peter V. Brett
      - An incomplete series but already noteworthy: the villian in the first book is explained in the second book and becomes, well, almost a hero (almost). Needs a bit cleaner writing style, but another series to try on while waiting for your favorite author to publish again. 6/10
    23. Mistborne trilogy by Brandon Sanderson
      - After hearing that Brandon Sanderson was selected to finish Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time I picked this up to see what to expect. Genuinely entertaining but the finish is a bit weak. 6/10
    24. Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind
      - I could cut and paste my first sentence about the Wheel of Time here, but this is much grittier. Series made into a TV Series. 6.5/10
    25. Drizzt Do'Urden anything by R. A. Salvatore
      - Would anyone be surprised if there weren't a few underground churches to Drizzt Do'Urden found here and there? This character is so loved by so many fantasy fans it goes past cult status into zealousy. Read a few books about Drizzt and see if you catch the drow fever. 6/10
    26. Legends (Twins) by Weis/Hickman
      - When the Majere twins (Raistlin and Caramon) were first released upon the Fantasy nerds of the world they captivated everyone (in the same vein as Drizzt). It's simple fiction, nothing spectacular, but it catapulted Weis/Hickman's career and everyone wanted their next effort. 6/10
    27. Death Gate Cycle by Weis/Hickman
      - Which was a boring, drawn out affair. It did, however, have very nice worlds and a visit from Zifnab from time to time. Props to them for finishing it. 5/10
    28. Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb
      - Good long sets of series set in the same world. Robin Hobb has delivered a lot of fun content even if it's not material that will rock your world like G.R.R.M or Patrick Rothfuss. 6/10
    29. Stormlord series by Glenda Larke
      - Another incomplete series but fairly promising, worthy of a pick-up if you need to pass the time. 6/10

    Since then there has been a lot of changes, Stormlord series finished and Rothfuss decided to camp out and not release book 3.  In the meantime, I still cannot recommend Tad Williams, I shudder at the effort I used forcing myself thru it.

  3. 2 minutes ago, Tailleur17 said:

    Been hiking in the Chugach quite a bit. You could probably hike a trail every day for a year and not repeat any. Kincaid Park on the inlet coast is also really cool. Saw a Moose yesterday there. 

    From the time I was 10 until I was 15 I used to go up into the Chugach on my three wheeler (185S!) and disappear for a few days.  I'd fish, camp and just be alone as a young teen - it was incredible, it got me away from my family and in touch with nature.  Best way in the world to grow up.

  4. I grew up out past Chugiak (Mustangs!) so here's a few notes:

    • Find a bug repellent that works for you (bug repellent is to Alaskans what Sun Screen is to pasty white Texans)
    • Have a personal sidearm, train on it, and use it responsibly
    • Pepper spray is effective on bears, wolves and mama moose (the last one I can speak from experience on)
    • Get an ATV or side by side, have it on a trailer
    • Get a canoe and swap it out on said trailer when not using the ATV
    • If you don't fish/aren't an angler, learn how and do everything you can to avoid the tourist destinations (e.g. the Kenai - stay the fuck away)
    • Make a friend with a private pilot - you can pay tourist prices for flying into the interior or have a friend who only wants you to go dutch
    • Winter blues is BS, I used to hear about people getting depressed - Winter is for social gatherings (Parties, going to UAA hockey/basketball games, celebrating holidays together,  FUR RONDY!!!!), summer is for going out and exploring the wilds individual/family
    • Do NOT drink and drive - the State Troopers are allowed to lock you up for 48hrs on suspicion of being under the influence... this is not a joke
    • Yes, try the fireweed honey when its offered to you, it's awesomeness
    • When skiing at Arctic Valley, you MUST do the 5 mile trail - there's nothing like it anywhere in the lower 48
    • Don't piss your pants over earthquakes, unless the roof on the building you're in collapses it absolutely is NOT a 'big one'
    • Engine heaters are not an option in winter
    • Nether are studs/snow chains - they cost extra to have and to have put on in the fall and taken off in the spring but thems the breaks kid
    • Whore's happen - it's a male dominated demographic and the working ladies have lives to live, don't stick your nose up at them
    • Once you find a bug repellent that works for your, buy more of it

     

    just-alaska-things-2_o_1984323.jpg

    • Like 1
  5. 1 hour ago, Brisketexan said:

    You heard me.  Pick any food that I love -- BBQ, steak, fried yardbird, tacos de lengua, CFS, cheese enchiladas -- make me eat just that for a week, and I'll want to get out of the rut.

    Hot sauces are the same.  They're situational, and variety is your friend.

    Kinda like how sometimes I bang your mom, and other times I bang your sister.  Keeps things interesting.

    But, but! There's SO much BBQ variety - I seriously think I could eat different entrees and sides for a whole month and (despite going super sized) would be happier than a hog in a waller.

    As a matter of fact, we're almost 30 days out now, brb - going to pitch a idea of an awesome month to the wife...

  6. On 6/2/2018 at 3:09 PM, Thujone said:

    Just started Seven Eves. Love it. Maybe to detailed for some but I'm really enjoying. I hope it finishes as strong as it started.

    Did not care for Seven Eves, not because of the technical quality of writing but some of the characters reflected real life personalities that simply annoy the ever living fuck out of me.

  7. Here's what I don't get: in the US Army before I received my commission as an officer I was clearly informed and instructed the penalties for officers committing violations of the UCMJ were more severe and, in adjudication, almost always held to the maximum allowable than standard rank and file.  Heavy handed punishment against officers who violated the legal code was appreciated by the Officer corps because it helped keep the ranks clean of scumbags.

     

    Why can't we have increased penalty codes that are specialized for all public servants?

    • Like 3
  8. I have a personal/professional hatred of the woman (yes Hugo, I had to deal with her).  She's an unapologetic egomaniac who is crass and underhanded that, yes, gets stuff done by everything short of criminal activity.

    Worse yet, her sledge hammer approach is amped up for the benefit of far left agenda items that are out of touch with moderate Americans.

    I miss the days of Tip O'Neill, there was a liberal Speaker who put America ahead of Liberal agendas (and got a LOT more done than Pelosi has).

     

    Pelosi_O'Neill.jpg

     

    I wonder what he's looking at?

    • Like 1
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