So trivial, yet it really ticks you off.

[Hercule]

I'm afraid that an audio book would be the only way I'd do fiction, which I otherwise refuse to read.

 

[LizzieMaine]

I wouldn't object to an audiobook of "A Confederacy of Dunces," but only if it was read by Ignatius J. Reilly in person, with due regard for "theology and geometry."

 

[Edward]

There is a certain mental discipline that’s becoming less necessary. It spills over into other aspects of our existence. It frightens me when I hear serious speculation of a post-literate humanity. It doesn’t seem nearly so far-fetched as it did just a few years ago.

I blame George Lucas. Ever noticed that nobody ever reads anything in Star Wars, and there never seem to be labels on anything - just a few rudimentary symbols? I think the first time I saw a single book in any of those films was The Last Jedi, and they were the preserve of an elite few...

I've had this discussion with people -- I know quite a few folks who would consider themselves well-read, but most of their "reading" comes from audiobooks. These certainly have their place, but my argument is that having a book read to you is not the same as reading a book. When you're listening to a reading, you're taking in the reader's own perspective on the material along with it, conveyed in the pacing and the inflection of the words. Those are as much a creative choice on the part of the reader as the selection of the original words by the writer -- and they may not be the same choices or interpretations that you yourself would make in actually reading the words off the page yourself. It's a subtle difference, but it can be a very telling one -- especially in audiobooks dealing with history or controversial subjects, or even in the way we interpret fiction.

How many layers of interpretation do we want as we "consume our content?"

I'll take audiobooks over "Well, I've seen the film and it's basically the same thing."

 

[KILO NOVEMBER]

I take a walk every day for an hour or so. I always listen to an audio book while walking. Now that I am rapidly approaching three score and ten, I find that listening is much easier than looking. I still read books, but not so much as when I was young.

I do find that when the audio book performer mangles a pronunciation I wince. Maybe I can cross-post to the "You know you're getting old when ..." and "It's trivial, but it really ticks you off" threads.

 

[KILO NOVEMBER]

I wouldn't object to an audiobook of "A Confederacy of Dunces," but only if it was read by Ignatius J. Reilly in person, with due regard for "theology and geometry."

I have listened to a recorded book version of this, and the performer was spot on with the speech patterns and accent that I imagine Mr. Reilly has.

 

[tonyb]

Back when I was compelled by a professor to read and opine on Marshall McLuhan (the professor was in his thrall), I found him among the most painful of academics to read. And that’s saying a lot, considering how painful the writings of academics generally are.

Too bad, really, because his ideas are worthy of consideration. Yes, of course, Marshall, when you change the medium, you change pretty much everything, to at least some degree. Reading is not the same as listening, even when the content is identical.

We of a certain seniority have witnessed a fast-moving media revolution. About the time we get a handle on what all it might portend, it gets upended again.

A “retribalization” of humankind, as McLuhan predicted? Maybe. There’s evidence of it, but only if that’s the model one prefers. Just what is “tribal” anyway? And have we ever not been?

 

[ChiTownScion]

While I would tend to agree, my issue is that I want more lead time in the directions than GPS voice gives, and often I'll take a turn when I know better that the route being given. It's funny to see the GPS give up at that point.

A GPS equipped car can indeed be a godsend when renting a car in an unfamiliar city. We flew into Boston and rented a car to go down to the cape to meet up with my family for my father's 80th birthday. The GPS's "go home" feature was VERY much appreciated in that instance.

When you retire to an area where you have no familiarity from prior trips it's very helpful. That first year we could barely find our way to Costco or Trader Joe's, and travelling across the city to find some obscure fabric store would be unthinkable without GPS.

What we did discover is that there is often a Point of Return on the trip back home when one of us will command, "Okay, I know where I am. Shut her up!" We're learning to navigate the area without GPS, but it's been helpful in getting us to that point.

 

[Trenchfriend]

See, that's always the fascinating thing about german "Apotheke"!!

Of course, they have to pay much more attention on what free/non-free medicament (not food-suppl.) you're buying, since a german law change, some years ago. And they have the duty to counsel you. If they don't, they theoretical could be made accountable in case!

BUT since many years, I know, that it depends on how you're looking and how much you want.
If you're coming in, looking too youthful and beeing extroverted, they get immediately sceptical and ask about the medical backound, like they normally have to. I made this mistake once, wearing no cap and a blue denim jacket.
But if you're coming in, looking visible adult and beeing introverted, diplomatic kind, they normally don't question your purchase. And it depends on the staff person, too!

Today, they even sold me two 200 pcs.-boxes of my classic 1.000 IU Vitamine D3, because I wanted two boxes and she came back with the 200 pcs.-boxes, which they hadn't available the last time.
Even better! 400 tablets means 200 days peace. Of course medicament with real 1.000 IU by law, NOT food-supplement!

PS:
Wanna learn German?

Medicament is Medikament.

But Food-Supplement is Nahrungsergänzungsmittel.

 

[Trenchfriend]

Pick-up line:
"Hey girl, I shower daily, come with me!"

 

[Tiki Tom]

Pick-up line:
"Hey girl, I shower daily, come with me!"

You stole that one from Cuomo.

 

[Trenchfriend]

You stole that one from Cuomo.

I don't know any "Cuomo".

 

[tonyb]

Pick-up line:
"Hey girl, I shower daily, come with me!"

I’ve heard worse.

 

[Zombie_61]

You stole that one from Cuomo.

Right. Like he showers daily.

 

[Harp]

I returned to the office Monday after a three month leave and the sparsity of commuters still reflects
the adjustment Covid has wrought on the corporate workforce. Several ladies with kids in high school
and college have told me how their children are dissatisfied with distance learning. The work place
I guess now accepts what was to be a temporary expedient is now a permanent fixture.

 

[KILO NOVEMBER]

I have been working remotely for just about a year now. As a card-carrying introvert, let me say that I LOVE IT! My commute is now fourteen steps down to the basement and across about another fifteen steps to my desk.

I do not look forward to returning to the office. Maybe mutant corona viruses can keep this thing going for a while longer.

 

[GHT]

You claim to be a card-carrying introvert, but is there really a closet extrovert just waiting to get out of there? The distinguished clothes and fine hats you wear, mark you out. Maybe not an extrovert but definitely as, one who has standards.

 

[KILO NOVEMBER]

You claim to be a card-carrying introvert, but is there really a closet extrovert just waiting to get out of there? The distinguished clothes and fine hats you wear, mark you out. Maybe not an extrovert but definitely as, one who has standards.

Here's what I've said about the clothes when asked why I trouble to dress the way I do.
"When I walk up to a glass door or past a plate glass window, I want to like what I see looking back."

If others notice it and like it, so much the better, but the style is there to satisfy my own tastes and self image.

I'm an "out" introvert, but maybe a closeted narcissist.

 

[Trenchfriend]

When you have to fart so bad like a touch from hell, you can use the excuse "Sorry folks, that was the Sauerkraut juice...".

 

[Turnip]

I would prefer „yesterday’s unfiltered beer“.

 

[Trenchfriend]

What do you think is the reason, when primary-school kids, walking their way home or to the station, greet you with friendly "Hello."?

Looking interesting?