By: 1batfastard
- 3rd October 2019 at 16:42Permalink- Edited 24th February 2020 at 18:45
Hi All, Just spent a few days in hospital having a stent fitted, while held inside I read J.B.Priestly's short biographical book (Postscripts ). I did enjoy this quick read as it was his personal experience and comment of the beginning of WW2, basically a written account of his radio broadcast that he had done. On the whole though very readable and a little incite to those early days of the war from one of literatures greats. The second book I started that I am continuing is a 2011 Wilbur Smith novel called (Those In Peril) a bit racy but still that is his style mixed with good descriptive action scenes. '' Those in Peril is a book by the author Wilbur Smith. The book focuses on the lives of billionaire Hazel Bannock, who is the owner of the Bannock Oil Corp and Major Hector Cross, an ex-SAS operative and the owner of a security company Cross Bow Security.'' Geoff.
By: Newforest
- 11th October 2019 at 07:50Permalink
Just finished Sidney Sheldon's book, 'Master of the Game' which has encouraged me to order more of his works as they seem to be in my vein. Sorry, no aeronautical connections yet!
New
By: Anonymous
- 3rd January 2020 at 16:33Permalink- Edited 10th April 2020 at 19:45
Tarzan of the Apes, Edgar Rice Burroughs, about halfway through.
By: 1batfastard
- 24th February 2020 at 18:59Permalink
Hi All,
Jurassic Jail from the fertile imagination William Alan Webb, who has authored a couple of fantasy and Fictiion book series as well as a couple of historic books on WWII.
Future America is dangerous and bankrupt. The interstate highways are littered with the rusted hulks of ambushed cars and trucks, and only Mad Max would dare travel the back roads.
When an arms race with Russia and China to develop time travel for military purposes achieves success, the body count skyrockets as both patriot and enemy try to hijack the new technology. Like the Manhattan Project and Operation Overtime before it, such a project attracts the best and the brightest as well as the worst and the psychotic.
But not everyone has given up on the rule of law. In Tennessee, Fayette County D.A. Pete Dance wants to prosecute the murder of a man whose fossilized remains turn up after a series of devastating earthquakes. The problem is that the victim is still alive.
When the violence starts, it doesn’t stop until the final whirlwind of teeth and claws and lasers.
described by one critic as “…Spectre agents chasing Fast and Furious through Jurassic World,” while another reviewer added “…with a heavy dose of Harry Bosch for good measure.”
By: 1batfastard
- 1st March 2020 at 17:53Permalink- Edited 7th March 2020 at 09:01
Hi All,
Just started SOLO by William Boyd first ever reading of a James Bond novel and at that by another bond author other than Ian Fleming.
Solo is a James Bond continuation novel written by William Boyd. It was published in the UK by Jonathan Cape on 26 September 2013 in hardback, e-book and audio editions, and in the US by HarperCollins on 8 October 2013.
The plot centres on Bond's mission to the civil war in the fictional country of Zanzarin—a thinly veiled version of Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War—where he meets the local MI6 contact, Efua Blessing Ogilvy-Grant, and a Rhodesian mercenary, Kobus Breed. After being shot by Ogilvy-Grant, Bond tracks both people to Washington on a revenge mission, finally establishing that Breed is trafficking heroin into the US.
EDIT: I really enjoyed my first Bond read so now I'll have to get all Ian Flemings and Williams books....?
By: 1batfastard
- 7th March 2020 at 09:15Permalink- Edited 7th March 2020 at 09:20
Hi All,
Six chapters in with Bible Code 2 by Michael Drosnin, must say even if you aren't religious it is a good read. It is quite fascinating how certain events have been uncovered within recent history that are foretold through the bible using as back up sources and proof of theory other biblical books using the same code.
Also consulting various professionals in a variety of fields including the Dr who discovered a possible link many moons ago, all to aid this non believing journalist (Author) to take up what can only be a quest/challenge that would do Indiana Jones proud.
As the title suggests there is the BC 1 that was also a good read , so I just need to buy the BC3 for the next instalment.
By: 1batfastard
- 9th March 2020 at 17:50Permalink- Edited 13th March 2020 at 20:32
Hi All,
Just about to start Sesame And Lilies by John Ruskin (1871- Roughly).
First published in 1865, stands as a classic 19th-century statement on the natures and duties of men and women. Although widely popular in its time, the work in its entirety has been out of print since the early 20th century.
Will be interesting to comparing life from the 19th century as apposed to todays 21st century.....?
By: 1batfastard
- 13th March 2020 at 20:41Permalink- Edited 15th March 2020 at 16:59
Hi All,
TPTWM (2002) I loved this series with the great George Cole plus Dennis Waterman,Glynn Edwards and a host of other known walk-on's. Definitely went downhill after DW left the show as the chemistry between George Cole and Gary Webster (1991–1994)/Shane Richie and Lex Shrapnel (2009) although watchable it was never the same sadly.
Still all in all a classic comedy/Drama all the same.
EDIT: A quick read as it contains roughly 71 pages regarding the series and make up of it including comments from the main stars. The remainder is all material that you would use in your own research i.e.:- Bibliography,Lists of the Stars/Directors/Characters/Episode synopsis etc.etc.
By: 1batfastard
- 15th March 2020 at 17:14Permalink
Hi All,
Just starting King Of Swords by Nick Stone 2009. A big crime novel. . . . Stone has a grand story to tell, and he does it with panache. It’s the story of a city and an era (the Reagan reference isn’t gratuitous), at once hilarious and tragic. It’s a story filled with characters that range from honorable to morally ambiguous to frighteningly evil. It’s filled with voodoo rituals, crooked cops, street life, and wrenching descriptions.
Never really read any crime novels so why not start as the Google description says Big - 559 pages...….?
By: 1batfastard
- 25th March 2020 at 18:35Permalink- Edited 30th March 2020 at 19:50
Hi All,
About to start two quick reads by the Ingersoll Lockwood the 1st is 1900 or The Last President the 2nd is Baron Trumps Marvelous Underground Journey.
Yes I know a bit controversial reading but I am into these books that appear to foretell current events Nostradamus and the like.
1900 - This little booklet was penned at the end of the 19th century, and ostensibly involves events mere years later. A work of political satire, it chastises the rise of socialism and populism, inferring their fictional rise here as disastrous and leading to chaos. It is of note here that this work, along with others by Lockwood, appear to prognosticate the current political climate of the United States and West at large- and for an apparent religious Catholic of his era, it is not altogether impossible that Lockwood- wittingly or unwittingly- tapped into some mystic forces. Regardless, it is an interesting little political story from its time and is reflective of some of the social ideologies and movements of the age.
BTMUJ - The Baron Trump novels are two children's novels written in 1889 and 1893 by the American author and lawyer Ingersoll Lockwood. They remained obscure until 2017, when they received media attention for perceived similarities between their protagonist and U.S. President Donald Trump.
EDIT: (1900) - Some interesting parallels/coincidences with todays political climate since Mr Trumps election. (MTMUJ) - Other than Mr Trumps son also being named Baron nothing.
By: 1batfastard
- 30th March 2020 at 19:54Permalink- Edited 2nd April 2020 at 00:51
Hi All,
One chapter into another Prophecies book (1917 Edition by A.Lang), this may be of particular interest to our friends north of the border. I would be interested if anybody can confirm or deny some of the prophecies since the book was written, apparently some have come to pass after the prophesised dates according to the books author.
The Brahan Seer worked for Kenneth Mackenzie, 3rd Earl of Seaforth. As with Nostradamus, who wrote in Provençal, most of his prophecies are best known in translation, which can in itself be deceptive. However, there are no contemporary manuscripts or accounts of his predictions, so it is impossible to verify them.
EDIT:- While this book of prophecies does not elude to Mr Trump directly (Ref below passage) it does however mention a certain Donald son of Donald, son of Donald also is it a coincidence of Mr Trumps mother (Mary Anne MacLeod-Trump) being left handed ? it seems these would be indicators of another of the seer's prophecies bearing fruit.
I would be more inclined though to think that the prophecy relates to a rather tragic incident just weeks after the end of WW1 and that is the sinking of the HMY Lolaire 01/01/1919. The vessel was returning young men who had fought in the war, (over 1000 from the island perished during the conflict) Ref links below.
There are a couple of coincidences with a certain Mr John Macleod and a Mr Donald Morrison , who both survived indeed Mr Mcleod acting the hero of the hour. Although the location is different (Further up the coast line) to what is in the above prophecy I cannot help but wonder if this was the true meaning ? if so it is yet another prophecy of The Brahan Seer that has come true.
By: 1batfastard
- 4th April 2020 at 19:06Permalink- Edited 4th April 2020 at 19:10
Hi All,
About to start The Tango Briefing (1973) by Adam Hall, one of his Quiller spy novels that spawned a 70's UK Tv series and a film starring George Segal and Alec Guinness.
It was just a medium twin-prop transport plane and all it had done was to crash in the desert, its crew picked by vultures, its nightmare cargo a trap for any who goes near . The nearest anyone had dared go was with a high altitude camera at sixty-five thousand feet, so Quiller wanted to go to it ... Thus begins another Quiller story in Adam Hall's terrific style.
By: 1batfastard
- 10th April 2020 at 10:04Permalink
Hi All,
Just starting a Charles Dickens classic David Copperfield (1930 Edition).
David Copperfield is the eighth novel by Charles Dickens. The novel's full title is The Personal History, Adventures, Experience and Observation of David Copperfield the Younger of Blunderstone Rookery. It was first published as a serial in 1849–50, and as a book in 1850.
By: 1batfastard
- 4th July 2020 at 19:24Permalink- Edited 4th July 2020 at 19:41
Hi All,
Well that was hard going (For my ltd brain power anyway 😉) 764 pages of Dickensian drama. Has some likable characters (His Mother,His carer Clara, his Aunt and Mr Dick,The Micawbers and Peggoty's,The Doctor, Traddles and some not so His Father in law Murdstone and his sister, Steerforth and his Mother, Uriah Heep (Who the band UH changed they're name from Spice in 1969) and his mother, Mr Creakle his teacher but I have to say a good read none the less.
Anyway one chapter into my next book Chubby Brown - Common As Muck! his autobiography. While his comedy shows have always been very,very blue (Since he was advised to change tack as his straight act wasn't going down to well ) they are now viewed as not very PC. Having said this he has always been honest like he has said if your easily offended then his shows are not for you!
A chapter into The Day After Roswell - Col Philip J Corso (Ret)
The Day After Roswell is an American book about extraterrestrial spacecraft and the Roswell UFO incident. It was written by United States Army Colonel Philip J. Corso, with help from William J. Birnes, and was published as a tell-all memoir by Pocket Books in 1997, a year before Corso's death.
By: 1batfastard
- 21st July 2020 at 23:25Permalink- Edited 2nd August 2020 at 17:41
Hi All,
Just about to start Coronation Street The War Years, always followed Corry ever since Ena and Minnie where on the screen. Remembering from being a youngster when it was on in the background or watching when I was up late.
The best era I liked personally was the comedic talents of Bill Tarmey and Liz Dawn along with Ken Morley as Reg Holdsworth…..😄
Coronation Street - The War Years is a compelling wartime saga that embraces all that the show's twenty million fans love about Coronation Street, beautifully packaged as a hardback gift edition. In Coronation Street at War, it is September 1939 and sixteen-year-old Elsie Tanner walks into Coronation Street.
EDIT: - Apart from a couple of minor technical errors this turned out to be quite better than I was expecting, funny in places and touching in others. If you are a fan of corrie it's worth a read as the book tells the background story's of some famous characters from one of the UK's favourite soaps.
Posts: 130
By: A and D - 23rd August 2019 at 14:10 Permalink
New Rules Of War - Sean McFate
Posts: 24
By: barongan - 25th August 2019 at 17:49 Permalink - Edited 25th August 2019 at 17:51
Gli Amori Difficuli
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 3rd October 2019 at 16:42 Permalink - Edited 24th February 2020 at 18:45
Hi All, Just spent a few days in hospital having a stent fitted, while held inside I read J.B.Priestly's short biographical book (Postscripts ). I did enjoy this quick read as it was his personal experience and comment of the beginning of WW2, basically a written account of his radio broadcast that he had done. On the whole though very readable and a little incite to those early days of the war from one of literatures greats. The second book I started that I am continuing is a 2011 Wilbur Smith novel called (Those In Peril) a bit racy but still that is his style mixed with good descriptive action scenes. '' Those in Peril is a book by the author Wilbur Smith. The book focuses on the lives of billionaire Hazel Bannock, who is the owner of the Bannock Oil Corp and Major Hector Cross, an ex-SAS operative and the owner of a security company Cross Bow Security.'' Geoff.
Posts: 8,831
By: Newforest - 11th October 2019 at 07:50 Permalink
Just finished Sidney Sheldon's book, 'Master of the Game' which has encouraged me to order more of his works as they seem to be in my vein. Sorry, no aeronautical connections yet!
By: Anonymous - 3rd January 2020 at 16:33 Permalink - Edited 10th April 2020 at 19:45
Tarzan of the Apes, Edgar Rice Burroughs, about halfway through.
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 24th February 2020 at 18:59 Permalink
Hi All,
Jurassic Jail from the fertile imagination William Alan Webb, who has authored a couple of fantasy and Fictiion book series as well as a couple of historic books on WWII.
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 1st March 2020 at 17:53 Permalink - Edited 7th March 2020 at 09:01
Hi All,
Just started SOLO by William Boyd first ever reading of a James Bond novel and at that by another bond author other than Ian Fleming.
Solo is a James Bond continuation novel written by William Boyd. It was published in the UK by Jonathan Cape on 26 September 2013 in hardback, e-book and audio editions, and in the US by HarperCollins on 8 October 2013.
The plot centres on Bond's mission to the civil war in the fictional country of Zanzarin—a thinly veiled version of Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War—where he meets the local MI6 contact, Efua Blessing Ogilvy-Grant, and a Rhodesian mercenary, Kobus Breed. After being shot by Ogilvy-Grant, Bond tracks both people to Washington on a revenge mission, finally establishing that Breed is trafficking heroin into the US.
EDIT: I really enjoyed my first Bond read so now I'll have to get all Ian Flemings and Williams books....?
Well done staff better choice of emoji's...?
Geoff.
Posts: 1
By: AndrewJUK - 5th March 2020 at 13:14 Permalink
Probably already has already been suggested. Skyfaring: A Journey with a Pilot by Mark Vanhoenacker is good,
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 7th March 2020 at 09:15 Permalink - Edited 7th March 2020 at 09:20
Hi All,
Six chapters in with Bible Code 2 by Michael Drosnin, must say even if you aren't religious it is a good read. It is quite fascinating how certain events have been uncovered within recent history that are foretold through the bible using as back up sources and proof of theory other biblical books using the same code.
Also consulting various professionals in a variety of fields including the Dr who discovered a possible link many moons ago, all to aid this non believing journalist (Author) to take up what can only be a quest/challenge that would do Indiana Jones proud.
As the title suggests there is the BC 1 that was also a good read , so I just need to buy the BC3 for the next instalment.
Geoff.
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 9th March 2020 at 17:50 Permalink - Edited 13th March 2020 at 20:32
Hi All,
Just about to start Sesame And Lilies by John Ruskin (1871 - Roughly).
First published in 1865, stands as a classic 19th-century statement on the natures and duties of men and women. Although widely popular in its time, the work in its entirety has been out of print since the early 20th century.
Will be interesting to comparing life from the 19th century as apposed to todays 21st century.....?
EDIT: Not for the snowflake generation...... ?
Geoff.
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 13th March 2020 at 20:41 Permalink - Edited 15th March 2020 at 16:59
Hi All,
TPTWM (2002) I loved this series with the great George Cole plus Dennis Waterman,Glynn Edwards and a host of other known walk-on's. Definitely went downhill after DW left the show as the chemistry between George Cole and Gary Webster (1991–1994)/Shane Richie and Lex Shrapnel (2009) although watchable it was never the same sadly.
Still all in all a classic comedy/Drama all the same.
EDIT: A quick read as it contains roughly 71 pages regarding the series and make up of it including comments from the main stars. The remainder is all material that you would use in your own research i.e.:- Bibliography,Lists of the Stars/Directors/Characters/Episode synopsis etc.etc.
Geoff.
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 15th March 2020 at 17:14 Permalink
Hi All,
Just starting King Of Swords by Nick Stone 2009. A big crime novel. . . . Stone has a grand story to tell, and he does it with panache. It’s the story of a city and an era (the Reagan reference isn’t gratuitous), at once hilarious and tragic. It’s a story filled with characters that range from honorable to morally ambiguous to frighteningly evil. It’s filled with voodoo rituals, crooked cops, street life, and wrenching descriptions.
Never really read any crime novels so why not start as the Google description says Big - 559 pages...….?
Geoff.
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 25th March 2020 at 18:35 Permalink - Edited 30th March 2020 at 19:50
Hi All,
About to start two quick reads by the Ingersoll Lockwood the 1st is 1900 or The Last President the 2nd is Baron Trumps Marvelous Underground Journey.
Yes I know a bit controversial reading but I am into these books that appear to foretell current events Nostradamus and the like.
1900 - This little booklet was penned at the end of the 19th century, and ostensibly involves events mere years later. A work of political satire, it chastises the rise of socialism and populism, inferring their fictional rise here as disastrous and leading to chaos. It is of note here that this work, along with others by Lockwood, appear to prognosticate the current political climate of the United States and West at large- and for an apparent religious Catholic of his era, it is not altogether impossible that Lockwood- wittingly or unwittingly- tapped into some mystic forces. Regardless, it is an interesting little political story from its time and is reflective of some of the social ideologies and movements of the age.
BTMUJ - The Baron Trump novels are two children's novels written in 1889 and 1893 by the American author and lawyer Ingersoll Lockwood. They remained obscure until 2017, when they received media attention for perceived similarities between their protagonist and U.S. President Donald Trump.
EDIT: (1900) - Some interesting parallels/coincidences with todays political climate since Mr Trumps election. (MTMUJ) - Other than Mr Trumps son also being named Baron nothing.
Geoff.
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 30th March 2020 at 19:54 Permalink - Edited 2nd April 2020 at 00:51
Hi All,
One chapter into another Prophecies book (1917 Edition by A.Lang), this may be of particular interest to our friends north of the border. I would be interested if anybody can confirm or deny some of the prophecies since the book was written, apparently some have come to pass after the prophesised dates according to the books author.
The Brahan Seer worked for Kenneth Mackenzie, 3rd Earl of Seaforth. As with Nostradamus, who wrote in Provençal, most of his prophecies are best known in translation, which can in itself be deceptive. However, there are no contemporary manuscripts or accounts of his predictions, so it is impossible to verify them.
EDIT:- While this book of prophecies does not elude to Mr Trump directly (Ref below passage) it does however mention a certain Donald son of Donald, son of Donald also is it a coincidence of Mr Trumps mother (Mary Anne MacLeod-Trump) being left handed ? it seems these would be indicators of another of the seer's prophecies bearing fruit.
I would be more inclined though to think that the prophecy relates to a rather tragic incident just weeks after the end of WW1 and that is the sinking of the HMY Lolaire 01/01/1919. The vessel was returning young men who had fought in the war, (over 1000 from the island perished during the conflict) Ref links below.
There are a couple of coincidences with a certain Mr John Macleod and a Mr Donald Morrison , who both survived indeed Mr Mcleod acting the hero of the hour. Although the location is different (Further up the coast line) to what is in the above prophecy I cannot help but wonder if this was the true meaning ? if so it is yet another prophecy of The Brahan Seer that has come true.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMY_Iolaire / https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-46522918
Geoff.
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 2nd April 2020 at 00:54 Permalink - Edited 2nd April 2020 at 17:25
Hi All,
Three chapters into I Am The Secret Footballer (2012) by ???? & The Guardian newspaper.
Geoff.
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 4th April 2020 at 19:06 Permalink - Edited 4th April 2020 at 19:10
Hi All,
About to start The Tango Briefing (1973) by Adam Hall, one of his Quiller spy novels that spawned a 70's UK Tv series and a film starring George Segal and Alec Guinness.
It was just a medium twin-prop transport plane and all it had done was to crash in the desert, its crew picked by vultures, its nightmare cargo a trap for any who goes near . The nearest anyone had dared go was with a high altitude camera at sixty-five thousand feet, so Quiller wanted to go to it ... Thus begins another Quiller story in Adam Hall's terrific style.
Geoff.
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 10th April 2020 at 10:04 Permalink
Hi All,
Just starting a Charles Dickens classic David Copperfield (1930 Edition).
David Copperfield is the eighth novel by Charles Dickens. The novel's full title is The Personal History, Adventures, Experience and Observation of David Copperfield the Younger of Blunderstone Rookery. It was first published as a serial in 1849–50, and as a book in 1850.
Geoff.
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 4th July 2020 at 19:24 Permalink - Edited 4th July 2020 at 19:41
Hi All,
Well that was hard going (For my ltd brain power anyway 😉) 764 pages of Dickensian drama. Has some likable characters (His Mother,His carer Clara, his Aunt and Mr Dick,The Micawbers and Peggoty's,The Doctor, Traddles and some not so His Father in law Murdstone and his sister, Steerforth and his Mother, Uriah Heep (Who the band UH changed they're name from Spice in 1969) and his mother, Mr Creakle his teacher but I have to say a good read none the less.
Anyway one chapter into my next book Chubby Brown - Common As Muck! his autobiography. While his comedy shows have always been very,very blue (Since he was advised to change tack as his straight act wasn't going down to well ) they are now viewed as not very PC. Having said this he has always been honest like he has said if your easily offended then his shows are not for you!
Geoff.
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 9th July 2020 at 09:36 Permalink
Hi All,
A chapter into The Day After Roswell - Col Philip J Corso (Ret)
The Day After Roswell is an American book about extraterrestrial spacecraft and the Roswell UFO incident. It was written by United States Army Colonel Philip J. Corso, with help from William J. Birnes, and was published as a tell-all memoir by Pocket Books in 1997, a year before Corso's death.
Geoff.
Posts: 3,420
By: 1batfastard - 21st July 2020 at 23:25 Permalink - Edited 2nd August 2020 at 17:41
Hi All,
Just about to start Coronation Street The War Years, always followed Corry ever since Ena and Minnie where on the screen. Remembering from being a youngster when it was on in the background or watching when I was up late.
The best era I liked personally was the comedic talents of Bill Tarmey and Liz Dawn along with Ken Morley as Reg Holdsworth…..😄
Coronation Street - The War Years is a compelling wartime saga that embraces all that the show's twenty million fans love about Coronation Street, beautifully packaged as a hardback gift edition. In Coronation Street at War, it is September 1939 and sixteen-year-old Elsie Tanner walks into Coronation Street.
EDIT: - Apart from a couple of minor technical errors this turned out to be quite better than I was expecting, funny in places and touching in others. If you are a fan of corrie it's worth a read as the book tells the background story's of some famous characters from one of the UK's favourite soaps.
Geoff.