OT: Comcast

Bill wrote:
> Larry Jaques wrote:
>> On Sun, 16 Sep 2012 18:49:27 -0400, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>> I ordered a cell phone today (yes, this was a hurdle--but the hurdle
>>> seemed lower after I found out I was going to get 1 year's service
>>> and 1200 minutes with it for $99).
>>
>> That's what I pay for my Tracfone annually. I still have 2,197
>> minutes (they roll over with uninterrupted contracts) left with 43
>> days to go on the annual connection contract.
>
> Yep, Tracfone was suggested to me by a friend. I chose the Samsung
> S390G phone, which IIRC, is the first (and almost only?) one they
> have which will let you use Wi/Fi without incurring any cost/minutes.
> If it wasn't for that, and the claimed longer run time, I would have
> got the LG-800G because of it's larger LCD screen When you start
> looking at the features, it's easy to forget that all you (I) want is
> a replacement for an infrequently used landline. The $99 includes
> the phone and the minutes (but not the micro SDHC flash memory,
> screen protector, or carrying case, etc.). This price was available
> at Amazon and was better than the price at Tracfone.com. An
> interested reader might factor in another $30 for the accessories.
>
> I've easily done at least 6 hours of homework on this since yesterday,
> and I surely should have done it sooner. I have been contemplating it
> for a couple years. Service providers know what they are doing when
> they "bundle" your services.
>
>

In general, I've found it more economical to buy a used 'phone and activate
it with the network of choice. You should, of course, check with the network
before purchasing an orphan device. I bought my Blackberry for $35 and had
it hooked up to Verizon. Further, the battery for the Blackberry is $30+ at
the Verizon store versus less than $4 from an internet seller.

On Wed, 19 Sep 2012 03:03:40 +0000 (UTC), Larry Blanchard <[email protected]>
wrote:

>On Tue, 18 Sep 2012 20:01:43 -0500, Roy wrote:
>
>> Nightfall by Isaac Asimov.
>
>Right now I sure can't think of a better one. But "I Have No Mouth and I
>Must Scream" comes close.

Great story. One of the ones I've only read once.

>
>And I'll nominate a movie, just to liven things up. I vote for the
>original B/W version of "The Thing". Or maybe "The Day the World Stood
>Still".

The Day the Earth Stood Still.

Metropolis

When Worlds Collide (1951). The special effects in this movie were superb for
the time. This series was to be a trilogy. The sequel - After Worlds Collide -
still leaves a lot of unanswered questions. Wylie and Balmer supposedly started
on the third and final book, but it has never seen the light of day. WWC is a
very good book for the time. AWC is lacking. The third book might have put it
all together and we might have had another Skylark series. Seems we will never
know. A remake directed by Stephen Sommers is in preproduction, whatever that
means.

Enemy Mine

Close Encounters

2001

Keith Nuttle <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:

> Ever since they converted the cable to digital transmission we have
> not had cable TV. Do we miss it? Sometimes, but a couple of weeks ago
> we spent three days in a motel in the mountains. In those three days
> there was nothing on the cable.
>
> If you get a antenna and connect it to your TV, you will get TV. They
> all broadcast digitally over the air. Most major network stations
> have 2 to 4 side channels.
>

It depends on what area you're in as to just how good of TV you'll get.
My antenna right now is a piece of 300-ohm cable cut to length and
wedged between the suspended ceiling panel and track. Works great if
you're close enough to the transmitters.

The only way I could watch Norm, Roy, Tommy, and Scott (The American
Woodshop) is by putting up the antenna and watching it on the PBS
sub-channel. I seriously doubt the dish companies will add local
sub-channels any time soon. (I don't know about cable... haven't had it
for almost 5 years.)

Puckdropper
--
Make it to fit, don't make it fit.

On 9/16/2012 7:31 PM, Mike Marlow wrote:


> How is over the air reception now (digital), compared to the old analog
> stuff? We live in an area that was just OK for OTA reception in the past,
> so we've been on satellite for years. I would miss the History channel and
> History 2 if I didn't have satellite, but I could probably adjust.
>

Your mileage may vary but we had had somewhat decent OTA reception prior
to the switchover to digital transmission.

Using the same antenna setup, the difference between the analog OTA and
the digital OTA was on a par with the difference between watching a VHS
tape and watching Blu-Ray. Incredible picture but you still don't have
the bells and whistles (and the crap) that you get with cable or satellite.


If you still have your antenna, hook it up to your television
(assumption here is that you have a HD television - if not you're not
going to see much difference)

"Keith Nuttle" wrote:

..... , but a couple of weeks ago we
> spent three days in a motel in the mountains. In those three days
> there was nothing on the cable.
----------------------------------------
Watching TV in a motel during a three day stay in the mountains?<G>

Interesting.

Lew

On 9/17/2012 10:16 AM, Casper wrote:
> I read both fiction (sci-fi primarily)

Read (and re-read) every book I could find by Asimov and Heinlein among
others. I love the weapon maker stories of A.E. van Vogt. One of my all
time favorites is "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester. Current
faves include Robert Asprin and David Weber.

On 09/17/2012 05:49 PM, Richard wrote:
> On 9/17/2012 6:21 PM, Larry Blanchard wrote:
>> On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:22:45 -0600, Just Wondering wrote:
>>
>>> On 9/17/2012 10:16 AM, Casper wrote:
>>>> I read both fiction (sci-fi primarily)
>>>
>>> Read (and re-read) every book I could find by Asimov and Heinlein among
>>> others. I love the weapon maker stories of A.E. van Vogt. One of my all
>>> time favorites is "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester. Current
>>> faves include Robert Asprin and David Weber.
>>
>> "A Canticle for Leibowitz" is often mentioned as the best SF novel ever.
>> I'm not qualified to say if that's right or wrong, but it's certainly a
>> contender.
>>
>> Note that it's definitely written from a Catholic viewpoint which I don't
>> share, but it's so good I don't mind. Besides, I can always counter it
>> with a reread of "The Sayings of Lazarus Long" :-).
>>
>> Heinlein is great, but I prefer Harry Harrison's stuff to the others you
>> mention. I also like Poul Anderson.
>>
>> But if you include fantasy with SF, Terry Pratchett is by far the best
>> IMNSHO.
>>
>
> I don't include fantasy (or horror) with Science Fiction.
> But that's just me.
>
> Leibowitz is good, a classical piece of epoch proportions.
>
> But I wouldn't call it "best". Best is a hard call.
>
> For me that would be Niven/Pournelle -
> The Mote in God's Eye
> Lucifer's Hammer
> would top my list.
>
Inferno is great.


--
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure,the creed of ignorance, and the
gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery"
-Winston Churchill

On 9/18/2012 12:05 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
> On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:09:37 -0700, Doug Winterburn
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> On 09/17/2012 05:49 PM, Richard wrote:
>>> On 9/17/2012 6:21 PM, Larry Blanchard wrote:
>>>> On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:22:45 -0600, Just Wondering wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> On 9/17/2012 10:16 AM, Casper wrote:
>>>>>> I read both fiction (sci-fi primarily)
>>>>> Read (and re-read) every book I could find by Asimov and Heinlein among
>>>>> others. I love the weapon maker stories of A.E. van Vogt. One of my all
>>>>> time favorites is "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester. Current
>>>>> faves include Robert Asprin and David Weber.
>>>> "A Canticle for Leibowitz" is often mentioned as the best SF novel ever.
>>>> I'm not qualified to say if that's right or wrong, but it's certainly a
>>>> contender.
>>>>
>>>> Note that it's definitely written from a Catholic viewpoint which I don't
>>>> share, but it's so good I don't mind. Besides, I can always counter it
>>>> with a reread of "The Sayings of Lazarus Long" :-).
>>>>
>>>> Heinlein is great, but I prefer Harry Harrison's stuff to the others you
>>>> mention. I also like Poul Anderson.
>>>>
>>>> But if you include fantasy with SF, Terry Pratchett is by far the best
>>>> IMNSHO.
>>>>
>>> I don't include fantasy (or horror) with Science Fiction.
>>> But that's just me.
>>>
>>> Leibowitz is good, a classical piece of epoch proportions.
>>>
>>> But I wouldn't call it "best". Best is a hard call.
>>>
>>> For me that would be Niven/Pournelle -
>>> The Mote in God's Eye
>>> Lucifer's Hammer
>>> would top my list.
>>>
>> Inferno is great.
> +1 for Niven, and add Andre Norton, David Weber, David Drake, William
> C. Deitz, and John Ringo to the list of absolute greats.
>
> I simply could NOT read books by Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Neal
> Stephenson, or William Gibson. We have entirely and incompatibly
> different mind warps, evidently.
>
Spider Robinson.

On 9/19/2012 4:40 AM, John H. Gohde wrote:
> On Sep 18, 5:29 pm, Just Wondering <[email protected]> wrote:
>> On 9/18/2012 12:05 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:09:37 -0700, Doug Winterburn
>>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>> On 09/17/2012 05:49 PM, Richard wrote:
>>>>> On 9/17/2012 6:21 PM, Larry Blanchard wrote:
>>>>>> On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:22:45 -0600, Just Wondering wrote:
>>>>>>> On 9/17/2012 10:16 AM, Casper wrote:
>>>>>>>> I read both fiction (sci-fi primarily)
>>>>>>> Read (and re-read) every book I could find by Asimov and Heinlein among
>>>>>>> others. I love the weapon maker stories of A.E. van Vogt. One of my all
>>>>>>> time favorites is "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester. Current
>>>>>>> faves include Robert Asprin and David Weber.
>>>>>> "A Canticle for Leibowitz" is often mentioned as the best SF novel ever.
>>>>>> I'm not qualified to say if that's right or wrong, but it's certainly a
>>>>>> contender.
>>>>>> Note that it's definitely written from a Catholic viewpoint which I don't
>>>>>> share, but it's so good I don't mind. Besides, I can always counter it
>>>>>> with a reread of "The Sayings of Lazarus Long" :-).
>>>>>> Heinlein is great, but I prefer Harry Harrison's stuff to the others you
>>>>>> mention. I also like Poul Anderson.
>>>>>> But if you include fantasy with SF, Terry Pratchett is by far the best
>>>>>> IMNSHO.
>>>>> I don't include fantasy (or horror) with Science Fiction.
>>>>> But that's just me.
>>>>> Leibowitz is good, a classical piece of epoch proportions.
>>>>> But I wouldn't call it "best". Best is a hard call.
>>>>> For me that would be Niven/Pournelle -
>>>>> The Mote in God's Eye
>>>>> Lucifer's Hammer
>>>>> would top my list.
>>>> Inferno is great.
>>> +1 for Niven, and add Andre Norton, David Weber, David Drake, William
>>> C. Deitz, and John Ringo to the list of absolute greats.
>>> I simply could NOT read books by Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Neal
>>> Stephenson, or William Gibson. We have entirely and incompatibly
>>> different mind warps, evidently.
>> Spider Robinson.
> Too much information. No one but you is interested in your crap.
Said the guy whose posts constantly shame him in his mother's eye.

"Mike Marlow" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Keith Nuttle wrote:
>
>> Ever since they converted the cable to digital transmission we have
>> not had cable TV. Do we miss it? Sometimes, but a couple of weeks
>> ago we spent three days in a motel in the mountains. In those three
>> days there was nothing on the cable.
>>
>> If you get a antenna and connect it to your TV, you will get TV. They
>> all broadcast digitally over the air. Most major network stations
>> have 2 to 4 side channels.
>
> How is over the air reception now (digital), compared to the old analog
> stuff? We live in an area that was just OK for OTA reception in the past,
> so we've been on satellite for years. I would miss the History channel
> and History 2 if I didn't have satellite, but I could probably adjust.

I don't have History 2, but the ole History channel is now all Pawn Stars
and Swamp Peeple.... hasn't been any history on the history channel for
about 5 years now.
--
EA


>
> --
>
> -Mike-
> [email protected]
>

> I don't include fantasy (or horror) with Science Fiction.
> But that's just me. Richard

>Preach it brother! Mike Marlow

Me three.

Keith Nuttle wrote:

> Ever since they converted the cable to digital transmission we have
> not had cable TV. Do we miss it? Sometimes, but a couple of weeks
> ago we spent three days in a motel in the mountains. In those three
> days there was nothing on the cable.
>
> If you get a antenna and connect it to your TV, you will get TV. They
> all broadcast digitally over the air. Most major network stations
> have 2 to 4 side channels.

How is over the air reception now (digital), compared to the old analog
stuff? We live in an area that was just OK for OTA reception in the past,
so we've been on satellite for years. I would miss the History channel and
History 2 if I didn't have satellite, but I could probably adjust.

--

-Mike-
[email protected]

On 9/18/2012 1:05 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
> I simply could NOT read books by Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Neal
> Stephenson, or William Gibson.

Stephenson and Gibson are two of my favorites ... "The Diamond Age", and
"Crytpnomicon", both by Stephenson, are my favorite of all time in this
genre. "The Diamond Age" has turned out to be a rare and prescient
glimpse of the future since it was written in 1995 ... unfortunately, in
some aspects, we're getting there rapidly.

--
www.eWoodShop.com
Last update: 4/15/2010
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)
http://gplus.to/eWoodShop

Bill wrote:
> I ordered a cell phone today (yes, this was a hurdle--but the hurdle
> seemed lower after I found out I was going to get 1 year's service and
> 1200 minutes with it for $99).
>
> I'm looking forward to calling Comcast soon and cancelling 2/3 of my
> "Triple Play". That should help get that monthly bill in check!
>
> I'm not sure how we'll get by without the cable, but we will adapt,
> somehow! Maybe some of you were hoping I might cancel my Internet
> access while I was at it, but I'm sticking around! : )
>

"But there's one thing Sir Patrick Stewart [AKA Captain Jean-Luc Picard]
could not do - deal with the local cable company. The British actor spent a
harrowing 36 hours waiting for cable empire Time Warner to come to his
$2million home in Brooklyn, only to tweet that the experience made him lose
'the will to live.' "

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2205680/Patrick-Stewarts-battle-Time-Warner-Cable-saps-live.html#ixzz270xsMxcQ

On 9/16/2012 7:31 PM, Mike Marlow wrote:
> Keith Nuttle wrote:
>
>> Ever since they converted the cable to digital transmission we have
>> not had cable TV. Do we miss it? Sometimes, but a couple of weeks
>> ago we spent three days in a motel in the mountains. In those three
>> days there was nothing on the cable.
>>
>> If you get a antenna and connect it to your TV, you will get TV. They
>> all broadcast digitally over the air. Most major network stations
>> have 2 to 4 side channels.
>
> How is over the air reception now (digital), compared to the old analog
> stuff? We live in an area that was just OK for OTA reception in the past,
> so we've been on satellite for years. I would miss the History channel and
> History 2 if I didn't have satellite, but I could probably adjust.
>

Over the air reception is as good as it gets so to speak. Digital over
the air does not guarantee good reception or any at all. Seems the
channels we had problems with when getting analog have the same problems
with digital. I will say that I am using an amplified indoor HD antenna
and only have problems with getting one station, with it pointed in a
particular direction, that all the other stations seem to do well with.

The biggest advanatages is that over the air is free, you get the extra
alternate stations, and HD

"Leon" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

On 9/16/2012 9:22 PM, CW wrote:
>
>
> "Dr. Deb" wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
> Mike Marlow wrote:
>
>> Keith Nuttle wrote:
>>
>>> Ever since they converted the cable to digital transmission we have
>>> not had cable TV. Do we miss it? Sometimes, but a couple of weeks
>>> ago we spent three days in a motel in the mountains. In those three
>>> days there was nothing on the cable.
>>>
>>> If you get a antenna and connect it to your TV, you will get TV. They
>>> all broadcast digitally over the air. Most major network stations
>>> have 2 to 4 side channels.
>>
>> How is over the air reception now (digital), compared to the old analog
>> stuff? We live in an area that was just OK for OTA reception in the
>> past,
>> so we've been on satellite for years. I would miss the History channel
>> and History 2 if I didn't have satellite, but I could probably adjust.
>>
>
>
> It aall depneds on how close you live to the transmitter, how big of an
> antenna you have and whether or not you are using a signal booster
> (20+DB range). We used to regularly watch stations 90 miles away, now
> we can barely get stations that are 30 miles away, and that is with the
> same
> setup (ie. big antenna and signal booster. Though the antenna is about to
> get an upgrade, and then we will see if things improve. As it is, as
> usual,
> Congress did us no favors.)
> ==========================================================================
> If you are using the same antenna, there's your problem.

Make no mistake in thinking that you can't use the same antenna. My
sister used their same "new" analog antenna for years with great
reception. The condition of the antenna tends to have an effect on
reception. Their now old antenna deteriorated in the weather and
reception suffered. Replacing with new again solved the problem.
=====================================================================
Turns out, a lot of places use the same VHF channels as they did on analog
for their digital transmissions. Around here (Seattle area), the digital
channels are on UHF requiring a different antenna.

On 9/17/2012 6:21 PM, Larry Blanchard wrote:
> On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:22:45 -0600, Just Wondering wrote:
>
>> On 9/17/2012 10:16 AM, Casper wrote:
>>> I read both fiction (sci-fi primarily)
>>
>> Read (and re-read) every book I could find by Asimov and Heinlein among
>> others. I love the weapon maker stories of A.E. van Vogt. One of my all
>> time favorites is "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester. Current
>> faves include Robert Asprin and David Weber.
>
> "A Canticle for Leibowitz" is often mentioned as the best SF novel ever.
> I'm not qualified to say if that's right or wrong, but it's certainly a
> contender.
>
> Note that it's definitely written from a Catholic viewpoint which I don't
> share, but it's so good I don't mind. Besides, I can always counter it
> with a reread of "The Sayings of Lazarus Long" :-).
>
> Heinlein is great, but I prefer Harry Harrison's stuff to the others you
> mention. I also like Poul Anderson.
>
> But if you include fantasy with SF, Terry Pratchett is by far the best
> IMNSHO.
>

I don't include fantasy (or horror) with Science Fiction.
But that's just me.

Leibowitz is good, a classical piece of epoch proportions.

But I wouldn't call it "best". Best is a hard call.

For me that would be Niven/Pournelle -
The Mote in God's Eye
Lucifer's Hammer
would top my list.

Mike Marlow wrote:

> Keith Nuttle wrote:
>
>> Ever since they converted the cable to digital transmission we have
>> not had cable TV. Do we miss it? Sometimes, but a couple of weeks
>> ago we spent three days in a motel in the mountains. In those three
>> days there was nothing on the cable.
>>
>> If you get a antenna and connect it to your TV, you will get TV. They
>> all broadcast digitally over the air. Most major network stations
>> have 2 to 4 side channels.
>
> How is over the air reception now (digital), compared to the old analog
> stuff? We live in an area that was just OK for OTA reception in the past,
> so we've been on satellite for years. I would miss the History channel
> and History 2 if I didn't have satellite, but I could probably adjust.
>


It aall depneds on how close you live to the transmitter, how big of an
antenna you have and whether or not you are using a signal booster
(20+DB range). We used to regularly watch stations 90 miles away, now
we can barely get stations that are 30 miles away, and that is with the same
setup (ie. big antenna and signal booster. Though the antenna is about to
get an upgrade, and then we will see if things improve. As it is, as usual,
Congress did us no favors.)

Deb

"Dr. Deb" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

Mike Marlow wrote:

> Keith Nuttle wrote:
>
>> Ever since they converted the cable to digital transmission we have
>> not had cable TV. Do we miss it? Sometimes, but a couple of weeks
>> ago we spent three days in a motel in the mountains. In those three
>> days there was nothing on the cable.
>>
>> If you get a antenna and connect it to your TV, you will get TV. They
>> all broadcast digitally over the air. Most major network stations
>> have 2 to 4 side channels.
>
> How is over the air reception now (digital), compared to the old analog
> stuff? We live in an area that was just OK for OTA reception in the past,
> so we've been on satellite for years. I would miss the History channel
> and History 2 if I didn't have satellite, but I could probably adjust.
>


It aall depneds on how close you live to the transmitter, how big of an
antenna you have and whether or not you are using a signal booster
(20+DB range). We used to regularly watch stations 90 miles away, now
we can barely get stations that are 30 miles away, and that is with the same
setup (ie. big antenna and signal booster. Though the antenna is about to
get an upgrade, and then we will see if things improve. As it is, as usual,
Congress did us no favors.)
==========================================================================
If you are using the same antenna, there's your problem.

"Leon" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

On 9/17/2012 10:51 PM, CW wrote:
> =
>>
>> If you are using the same antenna, there's your problem.
>
> Make no mistake in thinking that you can't use the same antenna. My
> sister used their same "new" analog antenna for years with great
> reception. The condition of the antenna tends to have an effect on
> reception. Their now old antenna deteriorated in the weather and
> reception suffered. Replacing with new again solved the problem.
> =====================================================================
> Turns out, a lot of places use the same VHF channels as they did on
> analog for their digital transmissions. Around here (Seattle area), the
> digital channels are on UHF requiring a different antenna.
>


Hummmmm Good to know.

Are your channel numbers the same?
===========================================================================
Not for the digital channels. They still transmit the analog signal as well
as the digital. The analog are on the same VHF channels they always were.
The digital are on UHF. I haven't watched over the air TV in years. I have
had satellite since the time when you had to buy your own equipment.
Actually, if it were up to me, I wouldn't even own one but the wife thinks
otherwise. Since it is available, I do watch 2 to 4 hours a week, depending
on what's on.

Richard wrote:

>
> I don't include fantasy (or horror) with Science Fiction.
> But that's just me.
>

Preach it brother!

--

-Mike-
[email protected]

> I am looking forward to the Artistry in Wood show in November in Ohio.
> Huge show, tons of artists, sellers and seminars. Exhausting to do in
> one day but worth it. Like a kid in a candy store. lol!
> `Casper

> If you mean the one in Dayton on the 17th, I hope to be there!
> I've heard it's rather amazing.
>Sorry, I double-checked and it's on the 10th, not the 17th.
>Looking forward! : ) Bill

Yep, that's the one. Thanks for reminding me of the date. First went
there three years ago and have gone ever since. Absolutely awesome
show. Barton should be there. He has been every year I've gone.

Last year I bought a micro power carver. Not sure what I might come
home with this year.Sure be fun looking tho!! ;-)

`Casper

>I am more of a non-fiction, but still artistic, person. My wife brought
>home some chip carving books for me from the library today. I read
>Moor's Workbook on Chip Carving last week and really enjoyed it (I still
>don't have a chip carving knife). I started reading a book on caracature
>carving last week too and I've been drawing (for a relief carving) for
>the practice. When I was in HS I sketched regularly--like a diary, but
>not much since. Wood carving helps rationalize drawing.

I read both fiction (sci-fi primarily) and non-fiction, mostly science
related but occasionally outside the (carved) box. ;-)

I love carving, especially chip carving. I tried Moor's knives, along
with a few others, and finally found a set of Barton's knives on eBay,
cheap. Glad I did because they are the best. More comfortable in my
hand and they help me to keep that angle in a natural way.

Met Barton a few times at the Artistry in Wood show. Real nice guy.
Always making something up for the kids and always willing to shed
some light on what I'm doing wrong.

>I'm pretty good at coming up with projects for myself. It's beginning to
>make my "free time" feel abit rushed, but I'm thankful that I have a job
>and that I'm able to have some fun too.
>Cheers,
>Bill

Ha! I've got too many projects lined up, so I know the feeling. Glad
you have income to feed your hobbies. :-)

On Sep 18, 5:29=A0pm, Just Wondering <[email protected]> wrote:
> On 9/18/2012 12:05 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:09:37 -0700, Doug Winterburn
> > <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >> On 09/17/2012 05:49 PM, Richard wrote:
> >>> On 9/17/2012 6:21 PM, Larry Blanchard wrote:
> >>>> On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:22:45 -0600, Just Wondering wrote:
>
> >>>>> On 9/17/2012 10:16 AM, Casper wrote:
> >>>>>> I read both fiction (sci-fi primarily)
> >>>>> Read (and re-read) every book I could find by Asimov and Heinlein a=
mong
> >>>>> others. =A0I love the weapon maker stories of A.E. van Vogt. One of=
my all
> >>>>> time favorites is "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester. =A0C=
urrent
> >>>>> faves include Robert Asprin and David Weber.
> >>>> "A Canticle for Leibowitz" is often mentioned as the best SF novel e=
ver.
> >>>> I'm not qualified to say if that's right or wrong, but it's certainl=
y a
> >>>> contender.
>
> >>>> Note that it's definitely written from a Catholic viewpoint which I =
don't
> >>>> share, but it's so good I don't mind. =A0Besides, I can always count=
er it
> >>>> with a reread of "The Sayings of Lazarus Long" :-).
>
> >>>> Heinlein is great, but I prefer Harry Harrison's stuff to the others=
you
> >>>> mention. =A0I also like Poul Anderson.
>
> >>>> But if you include fantasy with SF, Terry Pratchett is by far the be=
st
> >>>> IMNSHO.
>
> >>> I don't include fantasy (or horror) with Science Fiction.
> >>> But that's just me.
>
> >>> Leibowitz is good, a classical piece of epoch proportions.
>
> >>> But I wouldn't call it "best". Best is a hard call.
>
> >>> For me that would be Niven/Pournelle -
> >>> =A0 =A0 =A0The Mote in God's Eye
> >>> =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0Lucifer's Hammer
> >>> would top my list.
>
> >> Inferno is great.
> > +1 for Niven, and add Andre Norton, David Weber, David Drake, William
> > C. Deitz, and John Ringo to the list of absolute greats.
>
> > I simply could NOT read books by Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Neal
> > Stephenson, or William Gibson. We have entirely and incompatibly
> > different mind warps, evidently.
>
> Spider Robinson.

Too much information. No one but you is interested in your crap.

On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 22:34:13 -0500, Richard <[email protected]> wrote:

>On 9/17/2012 8:09 PM, Doug Winterburn wrote:
>> On 09/17/2012 05:49 PM, Richard wrote:
>>> On 9/17/2012 6:21 PM, Larry Blanchard wrote:
>>>> On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:22:45 -0600, Just Wondering wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> On 9/17/2012 10:16 AM, Casper wrote:
>>>>>> I read both fiction (sci-fi primarily)
>>>>>
>>>>> Read (and re-read) every book I could find by Asimov and Heinlein among
>>>>> others. I love the weapon maker stories of A.E. van Vogt. One of my all
>>>>> time favorites is "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester. Current
>>>>> faves include Robert Asprin and David Weber.
>>>>
>>>> "A Canticle for Leibowitz" is often mentioned as the best SF novel ever.
>>>> I'm not qualified to say if that's right or wrong, but it's certainly a
>>>> contender.
>>>>
>>>> Note that it's definitely written from a Catholic viewpoint which I
>>>> don't
>>>> share, but it's so good I don't mind. Besides, I can always counter it
>>>> with a reread of "The Sayings of Lazarus Long" :-).
>>>>
>>>> Heinlein is great, but I prefer Harry Harrison's stuff to the others you
>>>> mention. I also like Poul Anderson.
>>>>
>>>> But if you include fantasy with SF, Terry Pratchett is by far the best
>>>> IMNSHO.
>>>>
>>>
>>> I don't include fantasy (or horror) with Science Fiction.
>>> But that's just me.
>>>
>>> Leibowitz is good, a classical piece of epoch proportions.
>>>
>>> But I wouldn't call it "best". Best is a hard call.
>>>
>>> For me that would be Niven/Pournelle -
>>> The Mote in God's Eye
>>> Lucifer's Hammer
>>> would top my list.
>>>
>> Inferno is great.
>>
>>
>Yup. And all the Man-Kizn Wars stories too.
>
>But the subject was "best" (a four letter word if ever there was!)
>

I still have every book Heinlein ever published, and agree that the other titles
listed are outstanding. It is impossible for me to pick the BEST novel in the
genre, however, I can pick the BEST science fiction story ever.

Drum Roll, please.......


Nightfall by Isaac Asimov.


Hands down the best piece of science fiction ever written. I have a copy of the
novel Nightfall he wrote some 50 years after the original short story. It is an
excellent novel, and fills in many details not available in the short story.
But because of the length of the novel (and probably because I knew the ending),
it did not have the mind blowing impact of the short story. I cannot think of
another story that comes close to having the same impact, now 71 years after it
was written.


Roy

On Sep 19, 11:24=A0am, Just Wondering <[email protected]> wrote:
> On 9/19/2012 4:40 AM, John H. Gohde wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Sep 18, 5:29 pm, Just Wondering <[email protected]> wrote:
> >> On 9/18/2012 12:05 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
>
> >>> On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:09:37 -0700, Doug Winterburn
> >>> <[email protected]> wrote:
> >>>> On 09/17/2012 05:49 PM, Richard wrote:
> >>>>> On 9/17/2012 6:21 PM, Larry Blanchard wrote:
> >>>>>> On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:22:45 -0600, Just Wondering wrote:
> >>>>>>> On 9/17/2012 10:16 AM, Casper wrote:
> >>>>>>>> I read both fiction (sci-fi primarily)
> >>>>>>> Read (and re-read) every book I could find by Asimov and Heinlein=
among
> >>>>>>> others. =A0I love the weapon maker stories of A.E. van Vogt. One =
of my all
> >>>>>>> time favorites is "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester. =
=A0Current
> >>>>>>> faves include Robert Asprin and David Weber.
> >>>>>> "A Canticle for Leibowitz" is often mentioned as the best SF novel=
ever.
> >>>>>> I'm not qualified to say if that's right or wrong, but it's certai=
nly a
> >>>>>> contender.
> >>>>>> Note that it's definitely written from a Catholic viewpoint which =
I don't
> >>>>>> share, but it's so good I don't mind. =A0Besides, I can always cou=
nter it
> >>>>>> with a reread of "The Sayings of Lazarus Long" :-).
> >>>>>> Heinlein is great, but I prefer Harry Harrison's stuff to the othe=
rs you
> >>>>>> mention. =A0I also like Poul Anderson.
> >>>>>> But if you include fantasy with SF, Terry Pratchett is by far the =
best
> >>>>>> IMNSHO.
> >>>>> I don't include fantasy (or horror) with Science Fiction.
> >>>>> But that's just me.
> >>>>> Leibowitz is good, a classical piece of epoch proportions.
> >>>>> But I wouldn't call it "best". Best is a hard call.
> >>>>> For me that would be Niven/Pournelle -
> >>>>> =A0 =A0 =A0 The Mote in God's Eye
> >>>>> =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 Lucifer's Hammer
> >>>>> would top my list.
> >>>> Inferno is great.
> >>> +1 for Niven, and add Andre Norton, David Weber, David Drake, William
> >>> C. Deitz, and John Ringo to the list of absolute greats.
> >>> I simply could NOT read books by Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Neal
> >>> Stephenson, or William Gibson. We have entirely and incompatibly
> >>> different mind warps, evidently.
> >> Spider Robinson.
> > Too much information. =A0No one but you is interested in your crap.
>
> Said the guy whose posts constantly shame him in his mother's eye.


How I care for my mother is none of your business. But knowing how
often you act like a dunce gives me a good laugh.

On 9/16/2012 7:52 PM, Keith Nuttle wrote:
> On 9/16/2012 8:31 PM, Mike Marlow wrote:
>> Keith Nuttle wrote:
>>
>>> Ever since they converted the cable to digital transmission we have
>>> not had cable TV. Do we miss it? Sometimes, but a couple of weeks
>>> ago we spent three days in a motel in the mountains. In those three
>>> days there was nothing on the cable.
>>>
>>> If you get a antenna and connect it to your TV, you will get TV. They
>>> all broadcast digitally over the air. Most major network stations
>>> have 2 to 4 side channels.
>>
>> How is over the air reception now (digital), compared to the old analog
>> stuff? We live in an area that was just OK for OTA reception in the
>> past,
>> so we've been on satellite for years. I would miss the History
>> channel and
>> History 2 if I didn't have satellite, but I could probably adjust.
>>
> With Digital you either get it or you don't, there is no in between.

That is not true! With some stations I get just as bad reception with
HD as analog, often with lots of pixilization.

If
> you get it there is a good picture.

That is a 50/50 chance in being correct.




However this can be a problem, with
> analog, you could follow bad stations by watching the fuzzy picture,
> with digital the picture cuts out and you can not follow the story

That is true also.

>
> The biggest drawback to digital is that sometimes the video and the
> voice get out of sync

That tends to be a DVR problem when watching live TV. MY cure was to
change channels and switch back. No that the software and equipment is
better I seldom have this problem any more. I have not yet witnessed
this when watching HD coming straight in from an antenna, over the air.

On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:09:37 -0700, Doug Winterburn
<[email protected]> wrote:

>On 09/17/2012 05:49 PM, Richard wrote:
>> On 9/17/2012 6:21 PM, Larry Blanchard wrote:
>>> On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:22:45 -0600, Just Wondering wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 9/17/2012 10:16 AM, Casper wrote:
>>>>> I read both fiction (sci-fi primarily)
>>>>
>>>> Read (and re-read) every book I could find by Asimov and Heinlein among
>>>> others. I love the weapon maker stories of A.E. van Vogt. One of my all
>>>> time favorites is "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester. Current
>>>> faves include Robert Asprin and David Weber.
>>>
>>> "A Canticle for Leibowitz" is often mentioned as the best SF novel ever.
>>> I'm not qualified to say if that's right or wrong, but it's certainly a
>>> contender.
>>>
>>> Note that it's definitely written from a Catholic viewpoint which I don't
>>> share, but it's so good I don't mind. Besides, I can always counter it
>>> with a reread of "The Sayings of Lazarus Long" :-).
>>>
>>> Heinlein is great, but I prefer Harry Harrison's stuff to the others you
>>> mention. I also like Poul Anderson.
>>>
>>> But if you include fantasy with SF, Terry Pratchett is by far the best
>>> IMNSHO.
>>>
>>
>> I don't include fantasy (or horror) with Science Fiction.
>> But that's just me.
>>
>> Leibowitz is good, a classical piece of epoch proportions.
>>
>> But I wouldn't call it "best". Best is a hard call.
>>
>> For me that would be Niven/Pournelle -
>> The Mote in God's Eye
>> Lucifer's Hammer
>> would top my list.
>>
>Inferno is great.

+1 for Niven, and add Andre Norton, David Weber, David Drake, William
C. Deitz, and John Ringo to the list of absolute greats.

I simply could NOT read books by Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Neal
Stephenson, or William Gibson. We have entirely and incompatibly
different mind warps, evidently.

--
The most decisive actions of our life - I mean those that are most
likely to decide the whole course of our future - are, more often
than not, unconsidered.
-- Andre Gide

On 9/16/2012 9:22 PM, CW wrote:
>
>
> "Dr. Deb" wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
> Mike Marlow wrote:
>
>> Keith Nuttle wrote:
>>
>>> Ever since they converted the cable to digital transmission we have
>>> not had cable TV. Do we miss it? Sometimes, but a couple of weeks
>>> ago we spent three days in a motel in the mountains. In those three
>>> days there was nothing on the cable.
>>>
>>> If you get a antenna and connect it to your TV, you will get TV. They
>>> all broadcast digitally over the air. Most major network stations
>>> have 2 to 4 side channels.
>>
>> How is over the air reception now (digital), compared to the old analog
>> stuff? We live in an area that was just OK for OTA reception in the
>> past,
>> so we've been on satellite for years. I would miss the History channel
>> and History 2 if I didn't have satellite, but I could probably adjust.
>>
>
>
> It aall depneds on how close you live to the transmitter, how big of an
> antenna you have and whether or not you are using a signal booster
> (20+DB range). We used to regularly watch stations 90 miles away, now
> we can barely get stations that are 30 miles away, and that is with the
> same
> setup (ie. big antenna and signal booster. Though the antenna is about to
> get an upgrade, and then we will see if things improve. As it is, as
> usual,
> Congress did us no favors.)
> ==========================================================================
> If you are using the same antenna, there's your problem.

Make no mistake in thinking that you can't use the same antenna. My
sister used their same "new" analog antenna for years with great
reception. The condition of the antenna tends to have an effect on
reception. Their now old antenna deteriorated in the weather and
reception suffered. Replacing with new again solved the problem.

>Read (and re-read) every book I could find by Asimov and Heinlein among
>others. I love the weapon maker stories of A.E. van Vogt. One of my all
>time favorites is "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester. Current
>faves include Robert Asprin and David Weber.


I've read all you mentioned and more. I'll read anything Sci-Fi and,
if I don't like the story, I might not read more of the author but it
will depend on each individual story/plot.

I've read Douglas Adams (decades ago), Poul Anderson, Kevin Anderson,
Piers Anthony, Ray Bradbury, Ben Bova, CJ Cherryh, Arhtur C Clarke,
Gordon R Dickson, David Drake, Philip Jose Farmer, Eric Flint, Alan
Dean Foster, Peter F Hamilton, Frank Herbert, Tobias Buckell, Keith
Laumer, Elizabeth Moon ... ack, too many to name!

Tons of good sci-fi out there if you are willing to dig around. One of
my favorite newer writers is Tobias S Buckell who puts an interesting
twist into space fiction. Met him and he's a nice guy too.
`Casper

On Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:02:55 -0400, Casper <[email protected]>
>I've read Douglas Adams (decades ago), Poul Anderson, Kevin Anderson,
>Piers Anthony, Ray Bradbury, Ben Bova, CJ Cherryh, Arhtur C Clarke,
>Gordon R Dickson, David Drake, Philip Jose Farmer, Eric Flint, Alan
>Dean Foster, Peter F Hamilton, Frank Herbert, Tobias Buckell, Keith
>Laumer, Elizabeth Moon ... ack, too many to name!

I've got hundreds of SciFi books around here and read and occasionally
reread them all, but I haven't yet read one mobi book on my cell phone
or on the tablet that I sold a few months back. It's just not the
same. Not the same life to the stories or even the same feel reading
text on a moible device.

I've gathered a number of those online books for a friend that reads
them including some audio books of E.E.Doc Smith's Children of the
Lens series. Listened to one for about half an hour and fell asleep.
Just a big yawn to me.

On Tue, 18 Sep 2012 06:48:00 -0700, Larry Jaques
<[email protected]> wrote:

>On Tue, 18 Sep 2012 06:39:00 -0500, Markem <[email protected]>
>wrote:
>
>>On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 23:05:39 -0700, Larry Jaques
>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>>I simply could NOT read books by Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Neal
>>>Stephenson, or William Gibson. We have entirely and incompatibly
>>>different mind warps, evidently.
>>
>>Dan Simmons is one author you might look at then.
>
>Thanks. I've read one or two of his Hyperion series. He's OK.
>I long for the authors who have written scores of books and I feel the
>need to read everything they've ever written. Asimov, Bradbury, and
>Heinlein were them when I was a teenager. Since then, Niven, Norton,
>Pournelle, Ringo, Dietz, Weber, Drake, and yes, even Dick Marcinko,
>are the names. Fun stuff!

Might I suggest looking for World Enough & Time by Simmons, collection
of 5 stories. It was the Hyperion series that of his that I found
first, having exhausted Asimov.....

Still want someone to publish Asimov's personal collection of dirty
limericks.

Mark

On 9/16/2012 6:49 PM, Bill wrote:
> I ordered a cell phone today (yes, this was a hurdle--but the hurdle
> seemed lower after I found out I was going to get 1 year's service and
> 1200 minutes with it for $99).
>
> I'm looking forward to calling Comcast soon and cancelling 2/3 of my
> "Triple Play". That should help get that monthly bill in check!
>
> I'm not sure how we'll get by without the cable, but we will adapt,
> somehow! Maybe some of you were hoping I might cancel my Internet
> access while I was at it, but I'm sticking around! : )
>
> Bill
Ever since they converted the cable to digital transmission we have not
had cable TV. Do we miss it? Sometimes, but a couple of weeks ago we
spent three days in a motel in the mountains. In those three days there
was nothing on the cable.

If you get a antenna and connect it to your TV, you will get TV. They
all broadcast digitally over the air. Most major network stations have
2 to 4 side channels.

On 9/16/2012 8:31 PM, Mike Marlow wrote:
> Keith Nuttle wrote:
>
>> Ever since they converted the cable to digital transmission we have
>> not had cable TV. Do we miss it? Sometimes, but a couple of weeks
>> ago we spent three days in a motel in the mountains. In those three
>> days there was nothing on the cable.
>>
>> If you get a antenna and connect it to your TV, you will get TV. They
>> all broadcast digitally over the air. Most major network stations
>> have 2 to 4 side channels.
>
> How is over the air reception now (digital), compared to the old analog
> stuff? We live in an area that was just OK for OTA reception in the past,
> so we've been on satellite for years. I would miss the History channel and
> History 2 if I didn't have satellite, but I could probably adjust.
>
With Digital you either get it or you don't, there is no in between. If
you get it there is a good picture. However this can be a problem, with
analog, you could follow bad stations by watching the fuzzy picture,
with digital the picture cuts out and you can not follow the story

The biggest drawback to digital is that sometimes the video and the
voice get out of sync

Larry Jaques wrote:
> On Sun, 16 Sep 2012 18:49:27 -0400, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> I ordered a cell phone today (yes, this was a hurdle--but the hurdle
>> seemed lower after I found out I was going to get 1 year's service and
>> 1200 minutes with it for $99).
>
> That's what I pay for my Tracfone annually. I still have 2,197
> minutes (they roll over with uninterrupted contracts) left with 43
> days to go on the annual connection contract.

Yep, Tracfone was suggested to me by a friend. I chose the Samsung S390G
phone, which IIRC, is the first (and almost only?) one they have which
will let you use Wi/Fi without incurring any cost/minutes. If it wasn't
for that, and the claimed longer run time, I would have got the LG-800G
because of it's larger LCD screen When you start looking at the
features, it's easy to forget that all you (I) want is a replacement for
an infrequently used landline. The $99 includes the phone and the
minutes (but not the micro SDHC flash memory, screen protector, or
carrying case, etc.). This price was available at Amazon and was better
than the price at Tracfone.com. An interested reader might factor in
another $30 for the accessories.

I've easily done at least 6 hours of homework on this since yesterday,
and I surely should have done it sooner. I have been contemplating it
for a couple years. Service providers know what they are doing when
they "bundle" your services.


>
>
>> I'm looking forward to calling Comcast soon and cancelling 2/3 of my
>> "Triple Play". That should help get that monthly bill in check!
>>
>> I'm not sure how we'll get by without the cable, but we will adapt,
>
> You'll find time to actually read some good -books-, and you'll have
> time to get all your projects done, that's how. DAMHIKT. I'm reading
> _The Apocalypse Troll_ by David Weber right now and one of the new
> words a lady from the future had to share with the protagonist was
> "noises". It is their nickname for "reporters, newscasters, etc."
> I LOVE that word for them. It's so precisely fitting, oui?

I am more of a non-fiction, but still artistic, person. My wife brought
home some chip carving books for me from the library today. I read
Moor's Workbook on Chip Carving last week and really enjoyed it (I still
don't have a chip carving knife). I started reading a book on caracature
carving last week too and I've been drawing (for a relief carving) for
the practice. When I was in HS I sketched regularly--like a diary, but
not much since. Wood carving helps rationalize drawing.

I'm pretty good at coming up with projects for myself. It's beginning to
make my "free time" feel abit rushed, but I'm thankful that I have a job
and that I'm able to have some fun too.

Cheers,
Bill

On 9/17/2012 12:16 PM, Casper wrote:

> I love carving, especially chip carving. I tried Moor's knives, along
> with a few others, and finally found a set of Barton's knives on eBay,
> cheap. Glad I did because they are the best. More comfortable in my
> hand and they help me to keep that angle in a natural way.


It seems like Moor made an effort to shape his in a way that would help
provide *consistency*--he say's after an hour's use. How do Barton's
measure-up in that regard?

I'm going to a woodcarving show in November and hope to be able to get
my hands on both for a comparison--especially since reading your
comments, since I was leaning towards Moor's.

Bill

On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:22:45 -0600, Just Wondering wrote:

> On 9/17/2012 10:16 AM, Casper wrote:
>> I read both fiction (sci-fi primarily)
>
> Read (and re-read) every book I could find by Asimov and Heinlein among
> others. I love the weapon maker stories of A.E. van Vogt. One of my all
> time favorites is "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester. Current
> faves include Robert Asprin and David Weber.

"A Canticle for Leibowitz" is often mentioned as the best SF novel ever.
I'm not qualified to say if that's right or wrong, but it's certainly a
contender.

Note that it's definitely written from a Catholic viewpoint which I don't
share, but it's so good I don't mind. Besides, I can always counter it
with a reread of "The Sayings of Lazarus Long" :-).

Heinlein is great, but I prefer Harry Harrison's stuff to the others you
mention. I also like Poul Anderson.

But if you include fantasy with SF, Terry Pratchett is by far the best
IMNSHO.

--
When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and
carrying a cross.

On 9/18/2012 2:05 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
> On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:09:37 -0700, Doug Winterburn

>> Inferno is great.
>
> +1 for Niven, and add Andre Norton, David Weber, David Drake, William
> C. Deitz, and John Ringo to the list of absolute greats.
>
> I simply could NOT read books by Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Neal
> Stephenson, or William Gibson. We have entirely and incompatibly
> different mind warps, evidently.

I couldn't "get" Douglas Adams either ("Hitch Hikers Guide..."). "Fear
and Loathing in Las Vegas" (Hunter Thompson) didn't stir me much either.

Here is another review/suggestion:

Read Moor's, "Chip Charving Workbook"
BEFORE Barton's, "Complete Guide to Chip Carving".

I base this on reading both of these in the last 2 week. The first is
far more *instructive* (to the beginner), the second mostly features
photos of beautiful projects (largely presented without instruction).

Maybe one of Barton's other books would provide a good introduction to
chip carving--but this one does not. It was fine though after reading
Moor's book. I made through it in one sitting--it would be great if you
need a carving-project idea. Barton's book also contains a few nice
sets of character templates (in several fonts), along with photos of
what they looked like carved in wood. In fact, this may comprise 1/3
of the book!

On 9/16/2012 8:49 PM, Unquestionably Confused wrote:
> On 9/16/2012 7:31 PM, Mike Marlow wrote:
>
>
>> How is over the air reception now (digital), compared to the old analog
>> stuff? We live in an area that was just OK for OTA reception in the
>> past,
>> so we've been on satellite for years. I would miss the History
>> channel and
>> History 2 if I didn't have satellite, but I could probably adjust.
>>
>
> Your mileage may vary but we had had somewhat decent OTA reception prior
> to the switchover to digital transmission.
>
> Using the same antenna setup, the difference between the analog OTA and
> the digital OTA was on a par with the difference between watching a VHS
> tape and watching Blu-Ray. Incredible picture but you still don't have
> the bells and whistles (and the crap) that you get with cable or satellite.
>
>
> If you still have your antenna, hook it up to your television
> (assumption here is that you have a HD television - if not you're not
> going to see much difference)
>
>
>
I beleive you can still by conversion boxes so the digital signal will
work on an analog TV

On 9/17/2012 9:06 AM, Leon wrote:
> On 9/16/2012 7:52 PM, Keith Nuttle wrote:
>> On 9/16/2012 8:31 PM, Mike Marlow wrote:
>>> Keith Nuttle wrote:
>>>

>
> That is not true! With some stations I get just as bad reception with
> HD as analog, often with lots of pixilization.
>
> If
>> you get it there is a good picture.
>
> That is a 50/50 chance in being correct.
>
>
>
>
> However this can be a problem, with
>> analog, you could follow bad stations by watching the fuzzy picture,
>> with digital the picture cuts out and you can not follow the story
>
> That is true also.
>
>>
>> The biggest drawback to digital is that sometimes the video and the
>> voice get out of sync
>
> That tends to be a DVR problem when watching live TV. MY cure was to
> change channels and switch back. No that the software and equipment is
> better I seldom have this problem any more. I have not yet witnessed
> this when watching HD coming straight in from an antenna, over the air.
>

There is no DVR are the system, so the problem with the sync is coming
from the broad cast station. Again without a DVR is the system at my
end I have seen the same gross sync problems on cable.

On Tue, 18 Sep 2012 06:48:00 -0700, Larry Jaques wrote:

> Asimov, Bradbury, and Heinlein were them when I was a teenager.

No Poul Anderson?

--
When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and
carrying a cross.

Casper wrote:

> I am looking forward to the Artistry in Wood show in November in Ohio.
> Huge show, tons of artists, sellers and seminars. Exhausting to do in
> one day but worth it. Like a kid in a candy store. lol!
> `Casper

If you mean the one in Dayton on the 17th, I hope to be there!
I've heard it's rather amazing.

Bill wrote:
> Casper wrote:
>
>> I am looking forward to the Artistry in Wood show in November in Ohio.
>> Huge show, tons of artists, sellers and seminars. Exhausting to do in
>> one day but worth it. Like a kid in a candy store. lol!
>> `Casper
>
> If you mean the one in Dayton on the 17th, I hope to be there!
> I've heard it's rather amazing.

Sorry, I double-checked and it's on the 10th, not the 17th.
Looking forward! : )

On Tue, 18 Sep 2012 20:01:43 -0500, Roy wrote:

> Nightfall by Isaac Asimov.

Right now I sure can't think of a better one. But "I Have No Mouth and I
Must Scream" comes close.

And I'll nominate a movie, just to liven things up. I vote for the
original B/W version of "The Thing". Or maybe "The Day the World Stood
Still".

--
When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and
carrying a cross.

On Sun, 16 Sep 2012 23:36:44 -0400, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:

>Larry Jaques wrote:
>> On Sun, 16 Sep 2012 18:49:27 -0400, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>> I ordered a cell phone today (yes, this was a hurdle--but the hurdle
>>> seemed lower after I found out I was going to get 1 year's service and
>>> 1200 minutes with it for $99).
>>
>> That's what I pay for my Tracfone annually. I still have 2,197
>> minutes (they roll over with uninterrupted contracts) left with 43
>> days to go on the annual connection contract.
>
>Yep, Tracfone was suggested to me by a friend. I chose the Samsung S390G
>phone, which IIRC, is the first (and almost only?) one they have which
>will let you use Wi/Fi without incurring any cost/minutes. If it wasn't
>for that, and the claimed longer run time, I would have got the LG-800G
>because of it's larger LCD screen When you start looking at the
>features, it's easy to forget that all you (I) want is a replacement for
>an infrequently used landline. The $99 includes the phone and the
>minutes (but not the micro SDHC flash memory, screen protector, or
>carrying case, etc.). This price was available at Amazon and was better
>than the price at Tracfone.com. An interested reader might factor in
>another $30 for the accessories.
>
>I've easily done at least 6 hours of homework on this since yesterday,
>and I surely should have done it sooner. I have been contemplating it
>for a couple years. Service providers know what they are doing when
>they "bundle" your services.

...and they take it to the bank.


>>> I'm looking forward to calling Comcast soon and cancelling 2/3 of my
>>> "Triple Play". That should help get that monthly bill in check!
>>>
>>> I'm not sure how we'll get by without the cable, but we will adapt,
>>
>> You'll find time to actually read some good -books-, and you'll have
>> time to get all your projects done, that's how. DAMHIKT. I'm reading
>> _The Apocalypse Troll_ by David Weber right now and one of the new
>> words a lady from the future had to share with the protagonist was
>> "noises". It is their nickname for "reporters, newscasters, etc."
>> I LOVE that word for them. It's so precisely fitting, oui?
>
>I am more of a non-fiction, but still artistic, person. My wife brought
>home some chip carving books for me from the library today. I read
>Moor's Workbook on Chip Carving last week and really enjoyed it (I still
>don't have a chip carving knife). I started reading a book on caracature
>carving last week too and I've been drawing (for a relief carving) for

Relief is my fave. That and intarsia. Chip carving left me cold, and
I think it's because it's so formal and so bloody BUSY!


>the practice. When I was in HS I sketched regularly--like a diary, but
>not much since. Wood carving helps rationalize drawing.

What do you mean by "rationalize?" I think it helps people think more
in three dimensions, so it adds depth (in both senses) their drawings.


>I'm pretty good at coming up with projects for myself. It's beginning to
>make my "free time" feel abit rushed, but I'm thankful that I have a job
>and that I'm able to have some fun too.

+1

--
The most decisive actions of our life - I mean those that are most
likely to decide the whole course of our future - are, more often
than not, unconsidered.
-- Andre Gide

>
>>> I don't include fantasy (or horror) with Science Fiction.
>>> But that's just me.
>>>
>>> Leibowitz is good, a classical piece of epoch proportions.
>>>
>>> But I wouldn't call it "best". Best is a hard call.
>>>
>>> For me that would be Niven/Pournelle -
>>> The Mote in God's Eye
>>> Lucifer's Hammer
>>> would top my list.
>>>
>> Inferno is great.
>
> +1 for Niven, and add Andre Norton, David Weber, David Drake, William
> C. Deitz, and John Ringo to the list of absolute greats.
>
> I simply could NOT read books by Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Neal
> Stephenson, or William Gibson. We have entirely and incompatibly
> different mind warps, evidently.
>
>

I struggled to get through L. Ron's "Battlefield Earth".

But I absolutely loved the movie.

Go figure...

On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 23:05:39 -0700, Larry Jaques
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I simply could NOT read books by Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Neal
>Stephenson, or William Gibson. We have entirely and incompatibly
>different mind warps, evidently.

Dan Simmons is one author you might look at then.

On Sun, 16 Sep 2012 18:49:27 -0400, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:

>I ordered a cell phone today (yes, this was a hurdle--but the hurdle
>seemed lower after I found out I was going to get 1 year's service and
>1200 minutes with it for $99).

That's what I pay for my Tracfone annually. I still have 2,197
minutes (they roll over with uninterrupted contracts) left with 43
days to go on the annual connection contract.


>I'm looking forward to calling Comcast soon and cancelling 2/3 of my
>"Triple Play". That should help get that monthly bill in check!
>
>I'm not sure how we'll get by without the cable, but we will adapt,

You'll find time to actually read some good -books-, and you'll have
time to get all your projects done, that's how. DAMHIKT. I'm reading
_The Apocalypse Troll_ by David Weber right now and one of the new
words a lady from the future had to share with the protagonist was
"noises". It is their nickname for "reporters, newscasters, etc."
I LOVE that word for them. It's so precisely fitting, oui?


>somehow! Maybe some of you were hoping I might cancel my Internet
>access while I was at it, but I'm sticking around! : )

Rats. ;)

--
The most decisive actions of our life - I mean those that are most
likely to decide the whole course of our future - are, more often
than not, unconsidered.
-- Andre Gide

> I love carving, especially chip carving. I tried Moor's knives, along
> with a few others, and finally found a set of Barton's knives on eBay,
> cheap. Glad I did because they are the best. More comfortable in my
> hand and they help me to keep that angle in a natural way. Casper

>It seems like Moor made an effort to shape his in a way that would help
>provide *consistency*--he say's after an hour's use. How do Barton's
>measure-up in that regard?

That may be true but I prefer Barton's, as do most of the other chip
carvers in my guild. Everyone seems to prefer Barton's knives but not
necissarily his books. I find the knives very comfortable.

>I'm going to a woodcarving show in November and hope to be able to get
>my hands on both for a comparison--especially since reading your
>comments, since I was leaning towards Moor's. Bill

Good idea to try before you buy. I did with a few of my guild mates
who were kind enough to let me test out their tools.

I am looking forward to the Artistry in Wood show in November in Ohio.
Huge show, tons of artists, sellers and seminars. Exhausting to do in
one day but worth it. Like a kid in a candy store. lol!
`Casper

On Tue, 18 Sep 2012 06:39:00 -0500, Markem <[email protected]>
wrote:

>On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 23:05:39 -0700, Larry Jaques
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>I simply could NOT read books by Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Neal
>>Stephenson, or William Gibson. We have entirely and incompatibly
>>different mind warps, evidently.
>
>Dan Simmons is one author you might look at then.

Thanks. I've read one or two of his Hyperion series. He's OK.
I long for the authors who have written scores of books and I feel the
need to read everything they've ever written. Asimov, Bradbury, and
Heinlein were them when I was a teenager. Since then, Niven, Norton,
Pournelle, Ringo, Dietz, Weber, Drake, and yes, even Dick Marcinko,
are the names. Fun stuff!

--
The most decisive actions of our life - I mean those that are most
likely to decide the whole course of our future - are, more often
than not, unconsidered.
-- Andre Gide

On 9/17/2012 10:51 PM, CW wrote:
> =
>>
>> If you are using the same antenna, there's your problem.
>
> Make no mistake in thinking that you can't use the same antenna. My
> sister used their same "new" analog antenna for years with great
> reception. The condition of the antenna tends to have an effect on
> reception. Their now old antenna deteriorated in the weather and
> reception suffered. Replacing with new again solved the problem.
> =====================================================================
> Turns out, a lot of places use the same VHF channels as they did on
> analog for their digital transmissions. Around here (Seattle area), the
> digital channels are on UHF requiring a different antenna.
>


Hummmmm Good to know.

Are your channel numbers the same?

On 9/17/2012 8:09 PM, Doug Winterburn wrote:
> On 09/17/2012 05:49 PM, Richard wrote:
>> On 9/17/2012 6:21 PM, Larry Blanchard wrote:
>>> On Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:22:45 -0600, Just Wondering wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 9/17/2012 10:16 AM, Casper wrote:
>>>>> I read both fiction (sci-fi primarily)
>>>>
>>>> Read (and re-read) every book I could find by Asimov and Heinlein among
>>>> others. I love the weapon maker stories of A.E. van Vogt. One of my all
>>>> time favorites is "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester. Current
>>>> faves include Robert Asprin and David Weber.
>>>
>>> "A Canticle for Leibowitz" is often mentioned as the best SF novel ever.
>>> I'm not qualified to say if that's right or wrong, but it's certainly a
>>> contender.
>>>
>>> Note that it's definitely written from a Catholic viewpoint which I
>>> don't
>>> share, but it's so good I don't mind. Besides, I can always counter it
>>> with a reread of "The Sayings of Lazarus Long" :-).
>>>
>>> Heinlein is great, but I prefer Harry Harrison's stuff to the others you
>>> mention. I also like Poul Anderson.
>>>
>>> But if you include fantasy with SF, Terry Pratchett is by far the best
>>> IMNSHO.
>>>
>>
>> I don't include fantasy (or horror) with Science Fiction.
>> But that's just me.
>>
>> Leibowitz is good, a classical piece of epoch proportions.
>>
>> But I wouldn't call it "best". Best is a hard call.
>>
>> For me that would be Niven/Pournelle -
>> The Mote in God's Eye
>> Lucifer's Hammer
>> would top my list.
>>
> Inferno is great.
>
>
Yup. And all the Man-Kizn Wars stories too.

But the subject was "best" (a four letter word if ever there was!)