• Clarke Award Finalists 2001

    From James Nicoll@3:633/280.2 to All on Mon Jun 16 23:59:55 2025
    Which 2001 Clarke Award Finalists Have You Read?
    Perdido Street Station by China Mieville
    Ash: A Secret History by Mary Gentle
    Cosmonaut Keep by Ken MacLeod
    Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
    Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
    Salt by Adam Roberts

    All but the Mieville.
    --
    My reviews can be found at http://jamesdavisnicoll.com/
    My tor pieces at https://www.tor.com/author/james-davis-nicoll/
    My Dreamwidth at https://james-davis-nicoll.dreamwidth.org/
    My patreon is at https://www.patreon.com/jamesdnicoll

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: PANIX -- Public Access Networks Corp. (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Dimensional Traveler@3:633/280.2 to All on Tue Jun 17 00:03:25 2025
    On 6/16/2025 6:59 AM, James Nicoll wrote:
    Which 2001 Clarke Award Finalists Have You Read?
    Perdido Street Station by China Mieville
    Ash: A Secret History by Mary Gentle
    Cosmonaut Keep by Ken MacLeod
    Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
    Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
    Salt by Adam Roberts

    All but the Mieville.

    Revelation Space

    --
    I've done good in this world. Now I'm tired and just want to be a cranky
    dirty old man.

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Bobbie Sellers@3:633/280.2 to All on Tue Jun 17 00:31:55 2025
    Reply-To: blissInSanFrancisco@mouse-potato.com



    On 6/16/25 06:59, James Nicoll wrote:
    Which 2001 Clarke Award Finalists Have You Read?
    Perdido Street Station by China Mieville
    Ash: A Secret History by Mary Gentle
    Cosmonaut Keep by Ken MacLeod
    Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
    Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
    Salt by Adam Roberts

    All but the Mieville.

    Meiville, Gentle, Butler but the only one I remember kindly
    is the Butler. Butler died too soon.

    bliss



    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: dis (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From William Hyde@3:633/280.2 to All on Tue Jun 17 04:05:31 2025
    James Nicoll wrote:
    Which 2001 Clarke Award Finalists Have You Read?
    Perdido Street Station by China Mieville
    Ash: A Secret History by Mary Gentle
    Cosmonaut Keep by Ken MacLeod
    Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
    Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
    Salt by Adam Roberts

    All but the Mieville.

    Mieville, MacLeod, Reynolds.

    Lost my copy of Ash, somehow.

    William Hyde

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Michael F. Stemper@3:633/280.2 to All on Tue Jun 17 05:00:02 2025
    On 16/06/2025 08.59, James Nicoll wrote:
    Which 2001 Clarke Award Finalists Have You Read?
    Perdido Street Station by China Mieville
    Ash: A Secret History by Mary Gentle
    Cosmonaut Keep by Ken MacLeod
    Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
    Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
    Salt by Adam Roberts

    I read the Reynolds, but Andrew convinced me that I should try him again. Andrew
    was right.

    I've also read the MacLeod, along with several others by him. I enjoyed them, but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc Smith.

    --
    Michael F. Stemper
    Isaiah 58:6-7


    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Lynn McGuire@3:633/280.2 to All on Tue Jun 17 05:58:23 2025
    On 6/16/2025 8:59 AM, James Nicoll wrote:
    Which 2001 Clarke Award Finalists Have You Read?
    Perdido Street Station by China Mieville
    Ash: A Secret History by Mary Gentle
    Cosmonaut Keep by Ken MacLeod
    Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
    Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
    Salt by Adam Roberts

    All but the Mieville.

    Zero.

    Lynn


    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Titus G@3:633/280.2 to All on Tue Jun 17 15:45:37 2025
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc Smith.


    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes than sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Titus G@3:633/280.2 to All on Tue Jun 17 15:46:33 2025
    On 17/06/25 01:59, James Nicoll wrote:
    Which 2001 Clarke Award Finalists Have You Read?
    Perdido Street Station by China Mieville
    Ash: A Secret History by Mary Gentle
    Cosmonaut Keep by Ken MacLeod
    Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
    Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
    Salt by Adam Roberts

    All but the Mieville.

    Mieville's was the first steampunk I had ever read and also the first
    book that included vampires that wasn't thrown at the wall. Five stars.
    I have read, (and enjoyed), some but do not remember which, Ken
    MacLeods' and sometimes wonder if I love Reynolds' more than Banks'.
    Five stars for Revelation Space.
    I want to read Salt and will shift it higher up the TBR list. Jack Glass
    was five stars but others of his have just scraped in with twos. He has
    the ability to adapt or copy any writing style, several of which
    disappointed me.

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Tony Nance@3:633/280.2 to All on Tue Jun 17 23:30:24 2025
    On 6/16/25 9:59 AM, James Nicoll wrote:
    Which 2001 Clarke Award Finalists Have You Read?
    Perdido Street Station by China Mieville
    Ash: A Secret History by Mary Gentle
    Cosmonaut Keep by Ken MacLeod
    Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
    Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
    Salt by Adam Roberts

    All but the Mieville.

    Just the Reynolds (and I very very very much enjoyed it), but the Butler
    is on the short list.

    Tony

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Bobbie Sellers@3:633/280.2 to All on Wed Jun 18 01:09:34 2025
    Reply-To: blissInSanFrancisco@mouse-potato.com



    On 6/16/25 22:45, Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc Smith. >>

    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes than sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    Books I read in the 1960s and thoughly enjoyed were recently
    reopened and closed for the very same reason as I found the smoking
    scenes too objectionable. And nearly every character just had to have
    another cigarette to talk to friends or tell off the enemies.
    I myself never seriously smoked tobacco at any time but most
    was after i was 25 yoa. The smoking did not offend me when i read
    the books the first time. Now it disgusts me to read about it. The
    result of anti-smoking propaganda or the thought of my former
    room mate who had smoked since she was 14 yoa and died at
    75 of brain cancer that had spread from a lung cancer.

    bliss

    bliss

    bliss

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: dis (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Scott Lurndal@3:633/280.2 to All on Wed Jun 18 01:27:34 2025
    Reply-To: slp53@pacbell.net

    Bobbie Sellers <bliss-sf4ever@dslextreme.com> writes:


    On 6/16/25 22:45, Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc Smith. >>>

    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes than
    sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    Books I read in the 1960s and thoughly enjoyed were recently
    reopened and closed for the very same reason as I found the smoking
    scenes too objectionable. And nearly every character just had to have
    another cigarette to talk to friends or tell off the enemies.
    I myself never seriously smoked tobacco at any time but most
    was after i was 25 yoa. The smoking did not offend me when i read
    the books the first time. Now it disgusts me to read about it. The
    result of anti-smoking propaganda or the thought of my former
    room mate who had smoked since she was 14 yoa and died at
    75 of brain cancer that had spread from a lung cancer.

    As a lifelong non-smoker, I recall having difficulty enjoying
    a restaurant meal due to smokers at the next table, walking out
    of a bar smelling like an ashtray, or trying to survive a six
    hour flight in the last non-smoking row of an airplane.

    I'm happy that all three are no longer issues.

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: UsenetServer - www.usenetserver.com (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From James Nicoll@3:633/280.2 to All on Wed Jun 18 03:37:25 2025
    In article <GPf4Q.234265$VIE2.181216@fx33.iad>,
    Scott Lurndal <slp53@pacbell.net> wrote:
    Bobbie Sellers <bliss-sf4ever@dslextreme.com> writes:


    On 6/16/25 22:45, Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc Smith. >>>>

    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes than >>> sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    Books I read in the 1960s and thoughly enjoyed were recently
    reopened and closed for the very same reason as I found the smoking
    scenes too objectionable. And nearly every character just had to have >>another cigarette to talk to friends or tell off the enemies.
    I myself never seriously smoked tobacco at any time but most
    was after i was 25 yoa. The smoking did not offend me when i read
    the books the first time. Now it disgusts me to read about it. The
    result of anti-smoking propaganda or the thought of my former
    room mate who had smoked since she was 14 yoa and died at
    75 of brain cancer that had spread from a lung cancer.

    As a lifelong non-smoker, I recall having difficulty enjoying
    a restaurant meal due to smokers at the next table, walking out
    of a bar smelling like an ashtray, or trying to survive a six
    hour flight in the last non-smoking row of an airplane.

    I'm happy that all three are no longer issues.

    At work, I explained to a horrified student that certain heavy
    benches are spaced the way they are to make room for the ash-tray
    stands that used to be at regular intervals in that hallway.

    --
    My reviews can be found at http://jamesdavisnicoll.com/
    My tor pieces at https://www.tor.com/author/james-davis-nicoll/
    My Dreamwidth at https://james-davis-nicoll.dreamwidth.org/
    My patreon is at https://www.patreon.com/jamesdnicoll

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: Public Access Networks Corp. (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Scott Lurndal@3:633/280.2 to All on Wed Jun 18 04:07:27 2025
    Reply-To: slp53@pacbell.net

    jdnicoll@panix.com (James Nicoll) writes:
    In article <GPf4Q.234265$VIE2.181216@fx33.iad>,
    Scott Lurndal <slp53@pacbell.net> wrote:
    Bobbie Sellers <bliss-sf4ever@dslextreme.com> writes:


    On 6/16/25 22:45, Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc Smith.


    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes than >>>> sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    Books I read in the 1960s and thoughly enjoyed were recently >>>reopened and closed for the very same reason as I found the smoking >>>scenes too objectionable. And nearly every character just had to have >>>another cigarette to talk to friends or tell off the enemies.
    I myself never seriously smoked tobacco at any time but most
    was after i was 25 yoa. The smoking did not offend me when i read
    the books the first time. Now it disgusts me to read about it. The
    result of anti-smoking propaganda or the thought of my former
    room mate who had smoked since she was 14 yoa and died at
    75 of brain cancer that had spread from a lung cancer.

    As a lifelong non-smoker, I recall having difficulty enjoying
    a restaurant meal due to smokers at the next table, walking out
    of a bar smelling like an ashtray, or trying to survive a six
    hour flight in the last non-smoking row of an airplane.

    I'm happy that all three are no longer issues.

    At work, I explained to a horrified student that certain heavy
    benches are spaced the way they are to make room for the ash-tray
    stands that used to be at regular intervals in that hallway.

    When I got my first private office at work (mid 80s), the prior
    occupant had been a chain smoker and it took me several days
    to clean the tar off furniture and walls. Still stunk for
    a year or so afterwords.

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: UsenetServer - www.usenetserver.com (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Christian Weisgerber@3:633/280.2 to All on Wed Jun 18 04:15:17 2025
    On 2025-06-16, James Nicoll <jdnicoll@panix.com> wrote:

    Which 2001 Clarke Award Finalists Have You Read?
    Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds

    This put Reynolds on my must-read list... Unfortunately, around
    this time I also ran out of time to read fiction.

    --
    Christian "naddy" Weisgerber naddy@mips.inka.de

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: ---:- FTN<->UseNet Gate -:--- (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Stephen Harker@3:633/280.2 to All on Wed Jun 18 06:12:55 2025
    scott@slp53.sl.home (Scott Lurndal) writes:

    jdnicoll@panix.com (James Nicoll) writes:
    In article <GPf4Q.234265$VIE2.181216@fx33.iad>,
    Scott Lurndal <slp53@pacbell.net> wrote:
    Bobbie Sellers <bliss-sf4ever@dslextreme.com> writes:


    On 6/16/25 22:45, Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc Smith.


    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes than >>>>> sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    Books I read in the 1960s and thoughly enjoyed were recently >>>>reopened and closed for the very same reason as I found the smoking >>>>scenes too objectionable. And nearly every character just had to have >>>>another cigarette to talk to friends or tell off the enemies.
    I myself never seriously smoked tobacco at any time but most
    was after i was 25 yoa. The smoking did not offend me when i read
    the books the first time. Now it disgusts me to read about it. The >>>>result of anti-smoking propaganda or the thought of my former
    room mate who had smoked since she was 14 yoa and died at
    75 of brain cancer that had spread from a lung cancer.

    As a lifelong non-smoker, I recall having difficulty enjoying
    a restaurant meal due to smokers at the next table, walking out
    of a bar smelling like an ashtray, or trying to survive a six
    hour flight in the last non-smoking row of an airplane.

    I'm happy that all three are no longer issues.

    At work, I explained to a horrified student that certain heavy
    benches are spaced the way they are to make room for the ash-tray
    stands that used to be at regular intervals in that hallway.

    When I got my first private office at work (mid 80s), the prior
    occupant had been a chain smoker and it took me several days
    to clean the tar off furniture and walls. Still stunk for
    a year or so afterwords.

    I recall when working at TU Delft around 2000 I was surprised to find
    that smoking was allowed in the buildings. It had been banned in
    Australia for some time. The smell was noticeable and I sometimes
    opened the window in my office in the early morning to reduce the smell
    (even in mmid-winter).

    --
    Stephen Harker sjharker@aussiebroadband.com.au

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: Aussiebroadband connection (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From James Nicoll@3:633/280.2 to All on Wed Jun 18 07:58:07 2025
    In article <z9i4Q.1485050$G6Lf.138331@fx17.iad>,
    Scott Lurndal <slp53@pacbell.net> wrote:
    jdnicoll@panix.com (James Nicoll) writes:
    In article <GPf4Q.234265$VIE2.181216@fx33.iad>,
    Scott Lurndal <slp53@pacbell.net> wrote:
    Bobbie Sellers <bliss-sf4ever@dslextreme.com> writes:


    On 6/16/25 22:45, Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in
    Doc Smith.


    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes than >>>>> sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    Books I read in the 1960s and thoughly enjoyed were recently >>>>reopened and closed for the very same reason as I found the smoking >>>>scenes too objectionable. And nearly every character just had to have >>>>another cigarette to talk to friends or tell off the enemies.
    I myself never seriously smoked tobacco at any time but most
    was after i was 25 yoa. The smoking did not offend me when i read
    the books the first time. Now it disgusts me to read about it. The >>>>result of anti-smoking propaganda or the thought of my former
    room mate who had smoked since she was 14 yoa and died at
    75 of brain cancer that had spread from a lung cancer.

    As a lifelong non-smoker, I recall having difficulty enjoying
    a restaurant meal due to smokers at the next table, walking out
    of a bar smelling like an ashtray, or trying to survive a six
    hour flight in the last non-smoking row of an airplane.

    I'm happy that all three are no longer issues.

    At work, I explained to a horrified student that certain heavy
    benches are spaced the way they are to make room for the ash-tray
    stands that used to be at regular intervals in that hallway.

    When I got my first private office at work (mid 80s), the prior
    occupant had been a chain smoker and it took me several days
    to clean the tar off furniture and walls. Still stunk for
    a year or so afterwords.

    My mother was a chain smoker and after she died, the wooden cabinets
    in her kitchen bled tar...
    --
    My reviews can be found at http://jamesdavisnicoll.com/
    My tor pieces at https://www.tor.com/author/james-davis-nicoll/
    My Dreamwidth at https://james-davis-nicoll.dreamwidth.org/
    My patreon is at https://www.patreon.com/jamesdnicoll

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: Public Access Networks Corp. (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From William Hyde@3:633/280.2 to All on Wed Jun 18 10:05:55 2025
    Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc Smith. >>

    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes than sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    In many of his works, the moments the characters spend smoking make the difference between their drinking themselves to death immediately, and a somewhat postponed death.

    William Hyde

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Lynn McGuire@3:633/280.2 to All on Wed Jun 18 10:27:26 2025
    On 6/17/2025 10:27 AM, Scott Lurndal wrote:
    Bobbie Sellers <bliss-sf4ever@dslextreme.com> writes:


    On 6/16/25 22:45, Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc Smith. >>>>

    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes than >>> sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    Books I read in the 1960s and thoughly enjoyed were recently
    reopened and closed for the very same reason as I found the smoking
    scenes too objectionable. And nearly every character just had to have
    another cigarette to talk to friends or tell off the enemies.
    I myself never seriously smoked tobacco at any time but most
    was after i was 25 yoa. The smoking did not offend me when i read
    the books the first time. Now it disgusts me to read about it. The
    result of anti-smoking propaganda or the thought of my former
    room mate who had smoked since she was 14 yoa and died at
    75 of brain cancer that had spread from a lung cancer.

    As a lifelong non-smoker, I recall having difficulty enjoying
    a restaurant meal due to smokers at the next table, walking out
    of a bar smelling like an ashtray, or trying to survive a six
    hour flight in the last non-smoking row of an airplane.

    I'm happy that all three are no longer issues.

    I was flying from South America to Miami on TACA Airlines about 35 years
    ago when the dude sitting next to me lit up a Churchill cigar. The last
    hour+ of that flight was miserable.

    Lynn


    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From William Hyde@3:633/280.2 to All on Wed Jun 18 10:41:46 2025
    James Nicoll wrote:
    In article <GPf4Q.234265$VIE2.181216@fx33.iad>,
    Scott Lurndal <slp53@pacbell.net> wrote:
    Bobbie Sellers <bliss-sf4ever@dslextreme.com> writes:


    On 6/16/25 22:45, Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc Smith.


    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes than >>>> sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    Books I read in the 1960s and thoughly enjoyed were recently
    reopened and closed for the very same reason as I found the smoking
    scenes too objectionable. And nearly every character just had to have
    another cigarette to talk to friends or tell off the enemies.
    I myself never seriously smoked tobacco at any time but most
    was after i was 25 yoa. The smoking did not offend me when i read
    the books the first time. Now it disgusts me to read about it. The
    result of anti-smoking propaganda or the thought of my former
    room mate who had smoked since she was 14 yoa and died at
    75 of brain cancer that had spread from a lung cancer.

    As a lifelong non-smoker, I recall having difficulty enjoying
    a restaurant meal due to smokers at the next table, walking out
    of a bar smelling like an ashtray, or trying to survive a six
    hour flight in the last non-smoking row of an airplane.

    I'm happy that all three are no longer issues.

    At work, I explained to a horrified student that certain heavy
    benches are spaced the way they are to make room for the ash-tray
    stands that used to be at regular intervals in that hallway.


    Ah, smoke.

    I used to take a night express bus from Toronto to Kitchener, but on
    one occasion missed the last such and had to take the milk run, which
    stopped at every post office in between the two cities and took an hour longer.

    I was reading the SF collection, "Sometime, Never", and didn't mind.

    What I did not realize is that apparently everyone in small-town Ontario
    then smoked, and when I looked up from my reading an hour into the trip,
    the air was very hazy indeed - a beautiful curl of smoke was drifting,
    caught in the reading light, just past my eyes.

    It was not possible to open windows. I was used to smoke, and didn't
    suffer on the trip, but I had an hour's walk from the end of the bus
    route, and barely made it, coughing badly. As I did the next day also.

    I used to joke that the Toronto chess club was so smoky that I couldn't
    see the other side of the board. An exaggeration, but figures across
    the room were hazy. This probably worked to my benefit, keeping me at
    the University working, as opposed to wasting even more days at the club.

    And as a pub goer ... I can recall a young man who smoked some kind of cigarettes that produced vastly more smoke than usual. He could render
    a large room uninhabitable in ten minutes. But even without his presence
    the smoke was terrible. We headed for a reputedly low-smoke pub once,
    opened the door, and smoke billowed out.

    I recall the howls of protest when smoking was banned in Ontario pubs.
    Nobody would come! The pubs would go bust! Government overreach! Nanny
    state! Every pub I used to go to is sill in business, of course.
    People who wanted a decent pint and pub food, but not a smoke bomb,
    actually existed and more than made up for the loss of smokers, if any.

    ER admissions for several smoking-related diseases dropped sharply at
    the same time. The ban was a remarkably effective health measure and
    saved money, too.

    I do not miss those days. Or as my doctor said when he looked at my
    lung x-rays - "Are you *sure* you never smoked?".

    But I don't object to smoking in books or movies. I read historical
    novels involving worse.

    I think MacLeod his having fun with the idea that, once medical science
    can deal with all smoking-related illnesses easily, smoking may make a comeback. Which I found amusing in the novel.


    William Hyde

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Michael F. Stemper@3:633/280.2 to All on Wed Jun 18 23:33:50 2025
    On 17/06/2025 10.09, Bobbie Sellers wrote:


    On 6/16/25 22:45, Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc Smith. >>>

    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes that
    sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    ÿÿÿÿBooks I read in the 1960s and thoughly enjoyed were recently
    reopened and closed for the very same reason as I found the smoking
    scenes too objectionable.

    Well, I don't find them objectionable, just disconcerting.

    Somewhat timely:
    <https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57246206>

    --
    Michael F. Stemper
    There's no "me" in "team". There's no "us" in "team", either.

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Scott Lurndal@3:633/280.2 to All on Wed Jun 18 23:58:31 2025
    Reply-To: slp53@pacbell.net

    "Michael F. Stemper" <michael.stemper@gmail.com> writes:
    On 17/06/2025 10.09, Bobbie Sellers wrote:


    On 6/16/25 22:45, Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc Smith. >>>>

    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes that >>> sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

        Books I read in the 1960s and thoughly enjoyed were recently
    reopened and closed for the very same reason as I found the smoking
    scenes too objectionable.

    Well, I don't find them objectionable, just disconcerting.


    If I recall correctly, most of James P. Hogans lead characters were
    smokers.

    Just started _Revelation Space_, and the first 25 pages already has
    a character smoking in an elevator on a generation ship.

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: UsenetServer - www.usenetserver.com (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Paul S Person@3:633/280.2 to All on Thu Jun 19 01:19:11 2025
    On Wed, 18 Jun 2025 08:33:50 -0500, "Michael F. Stemper" <michael.stemper@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 17/06/2025 10.09, Bobbie Sellers wrote:
    =20
    =20
    On 6/16/25 22:45, Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc = Smith.


    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes =
    that
    sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.
    =20
    =A0=A0=A0=A0Books I read in the 1960s and thoughly enjoyed were =
    recently
    reopened and closed for the very same reason as I found the smoking
    scenes too objectionable.

    Well, I don't find them objectionable, just disconcerting.

    Somewhat timely:
    <https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57246206>

    Ah ... the French!

    I wasn't aware that Mathieu Kassovitz was the "the ... star of
    /Amelie/". I always that that Audrey Toutou was the star. But then, I
    am not French and so do not automatically assign top billing to the
    male, particularly when the female is clearly the person that the film
    is about.
    --=20
    "Here lies the Tuscan poet Aretino,
    Who evil spoke of everyone but God,
    Giving as his excuse, 'I never knew him.'"

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Christian Weisgerber@3:633/280.2 to All on Thu Jun 19 04:04:27 2025
    On 2025-06-18, Paul S Person <psperson@old.netcom.invalid> wrote:

    <https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57246206>

    I wasn't aware that Mathieu Kassovitz was the "the ... star of
    /Amelie/". I always that that Audrey Toutou was the star. But then, I
    am not French and so do not automatically assign top billing to the
    male, particularly when the female is clearly the person that the film
    is about.

    My lad, you're quoting a BBC article. Don't blame the French for
    British misdeeds. Also, the BBC in general has the habit of
    identifying actors by the most popular movie they've been in, so
    if an actor with a long and distinguished career dies, the headline
    will be "Star Wars actor dies" or "Harry Potter actor dies" or some
    such, for a tiny role they played in one of those movies.

    --
    Christian "naddy" Weisgerber naddy@mips.inka.de

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: ---:- FTN<->UseNet Gate -:--- (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Titus G@3:633/280.2 to All on Thu Jun 19 14:02:41 2025
    On 18/06/25 12:05, William Hyde wrote:
    Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc
    Smith.


    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes than
    sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    In many of his works, the moments the characters spend smoking make the difference between their drinking themselves to death immediately, and a somewhat postponed death.

    William Hyde

    Vengeance was the fifth of his Quirke series. Copyright 2012. As well as constant cigarette references, specific English brand names were used.
    I am currently reading Mick Herron's Slough House series in which the
    serious drinkers outperform the smokers with the exception of the main character who excels at both but that aspect is a necessary part of the background and sometimes humourous. In Vengeance, it seemed unnecessary.
    I have only read the Quirke novels. I tried The Book of Evidence but it
    was too literary for me.

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From William Hyde@3:633/280.2 to All on Fri Jun 20 07:27:43 2025
    Titus G wrote:
    On 18/06/25 12:05, William Hyde wrote:
    Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc
    Smith.


    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes than >>> sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    In many of his works, the moments the characters spend smoking make the
    difference between their drinking themselves to death immediately, and a
    somewhat postponed death.

    William Hyde

    Vengeance was the fifth of his Quirke series. Copyright 2012. As well as constant cigarette references, specific English brand names were used.


    Just in case I did not previously recommend Banville's "Snow", let me do
    so now. It is a mystery, but not involving Quirke.


    I am currently reading Mick Herron's Slough House series

    How I envy you! If you like the series don't skip the novellas, now
    bound into one volume. There's little overlap with the Slough house
    crowd, but the stories are worthwhile in themselves, and do connect with
    the later novels.


    in which the
    serious drinkers outperform the smokers with the exception of the main character who excels at both but that aspect is a necessary part of the background and sometimes humourous. In Vengeance, it seemed unnecessary.
    I have only read the Quirke novels. I tried The Book of Evidence but it
    was too literary for me.

    That I have not seen. His only non-mystery I have read was to some
    degree mystery-adjacent, as it was based on the life of Anthony Blunt.

    William Hyde



    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Titus G@3:633/280.2 to All on Fri Jun 20 12:38:05 2025
    On 20/06/25 09:27, William Hyde wrote:
    Titus G wrote:
    On 18/06/25 12:05, William Hyde wrote:
    Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc
    Smith.


    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes
    than
    sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    In many of his works, the moments the characters spend smoking make the
    difference between their drinking themselves to death immediately, and a >>> somewhat postponed death.

    William Hyde

    Vengeance was the fifth of his Quirke series. Copyright 2012. As well as
    constant cigarette references, specific English brand names were used.


    Just in case I did not previously recommend Banville's "Snow", let me do
    so now.ÿ It is a mystery, but not involving Quirke.

    Thank you. I wasn't going to look at any more Banville novels, just
    Black and I think there are only seven Quirke novels so only two to go.

    I am currently reading Mick Herron's Slough House series

    How I envy you!

    I read the first four over a year ago and wasn't aware until recently
    that he had written so many so I have been having a real treat!

    ÿ If you like the series don't skip the novellas, now
    bound into one volume.ÿ There's little overlap with the Slough house
    crowd, but the stories are worthwhile in themselves, and do connect with
    the later novels.

    Yes. I have strictly stayed to publication order. The shorter stories
    are gems in themselves and a fascinating background to the following
    longer story.


    in which the
    serious drinkers outperform the smokers with the exception of the main
    character who excels at both but that aspect is a necessary part of the
    background and sometimes humourous. In Vengeance, it seemed unnecessary.
    I have only read the Quirke novels. I tried The Book of Evidence but it
    was too literary for me.

    That I have not seen.ÿ His only non-mystery I have read was to some
    degree mystery-adjacent, as it was based on the life of Anthony Blunt.

    It is the first in his Frames trilogy which may have won a literary award.

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Robert Carnegie@3:633/280.2 to All on Sun Jun 22 00:12:57 2025
    On 18/06/2025 02:41, Ted Nolan <tednolan> wrote:
    In article <102t20p$2ne82$1@dont-email.me>,
    William Hyde <wthyde1953@gmail.com> wrote:

    I think MacLeod his having fun with the idea that, once medical science
    can deal with all smoking-related illnesses easily, smoking may make a
    comeback. Which I found amusing in the novel.


    William Hyde

    I don't know if it's still a character point, but in the Claremont era, Wolverine was a smoker, because, mutant healing, why not?

    I don't know if this stuck, but at one point,
    I think Wolverine told Kitty Pryde that he
    no longer smoked and that "that has Jeannie
    written all over it" - Jean Grey, powerful
    telepath team member, presumably doesn't like
    the smoke, and either deliberately made
    Wolverine a non-smoker, or else involuntarily
    radiated distaste from her mind to his.


    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Robert Carnegie@3:633/280.2 to All on Sun Jun 22 00:25:08 2025
    On 18/06/2025 16:19, Paul S Person wrote:
    On Wed, 18 Jun 2025 08:33:50 -0500, "Michael F. Stemper" <michael.stemper@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 17/06/2025 10.09, Bobbie Sellers wrote:


    On 6/16/25 22:45, Titus G wrote:
    On 17/06/25 07:00, Michael F. Stemper wrote:
    snip
    but all that I can remember about them is: more smoking than in Doc Smith.


    I was surprised at characters spending more time smoking cigarettes that >>>> sticking to the plot in some recent reads.
    Meet the Tiger. Leslie Charteris.
    The Ministry of Time. Kaliane Bradley.
    Hardwired. Walter Jon Williams.
    The worst was non SF, Vengeance by Benjamin Black.

    ÿÿÿÿBooks I read in the 1960s and thoughly enjoyed were recently
    reopened and closed for the very same reason as I found the smoking
    scenes too objectionable.

    Well, I don't find them objectionable, just disconcerting.

    Somewhat timely:
    <https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57246206>

    Ah ... the French!

    Four years ago - but going by the story,
    change wasn't expected to happen soon.

    However, smoking is now being legally banned
    more in France - in outdoors places with children. <https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2025/06/01/2003837832>

    I can't tell from the information here but
    I think this may be a pro-smoking comedy film <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking_Causes_Coughing>
    about a superhero team called Tobacco Force.
    It may be one of those corporate sponsored teams?

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Robert Carnegie@3:633/280.2 to All on Sun Jun 22 00:29:13 2025
    On 18/06/2025 01:41, William Hyde wrote:
    I think MacLeod his having fun with the idea that, once medical science
    can deal with all smoking-related illnesses easily, smoking may make a comeback.ÿ Which I found amusing in the novel.

    And in the sci-fi comic _Transmetropolitan_.
    Anti-hero journalist Spider Jerusalem tells
    a series of assistants to get anti-cancer
    trait sdministered and then start smoking,
    because journalism requires it. I say don't.

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Scott Dorsey@3:633/280.2 to All on Mon Jun 23 11:19:21 2025
    Scott Lurndal <slp53@pacbell.net> wrote:
    As a lifelong non-smoker, I recall having difficulty enjoying
    a restaurant meal due to smokers at the next table, walking out
    of a bar smelling like an ashtray, or trying to survive a six
    hour flight in the last non-smoking row of an airplane.

    I remember being on a BA flight where the stewardess handed out complementary cigarettes to everyone on board. My father pointed out that as a child I
    could not smoke and offered to take mine as well as his. They did give
    him two.

    I also remember Fine Dining Establishments which sold cigars at the counter
    so that you could smoke something really stinky and annoy everyone around
    you after your meal. Nick's Seafood Pavillion was still doing this until
    they closed in 2003, but I suspect the cigars they had available were
    probably decades old by then and very dried out.
    --scott

    I'm happy that all three are no longer issues.


    --
    "C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: Former users of Netcom shell (1989-2000) (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Titus G@3:633/280.2 to All on Tue Jun 24 16:16:56 2025
    On 20/06/25 14:38, Titus G wrote:
    On 20/06/25 09:27, William Hyde wrote:
    Titus G wrote:
    snip
    Vengeance was the fifth of his Quirke series. Copyright 2012. As well as >>> constant cigarette references, specific English brand names were used.

    Just in case I did not previously recommend Banville's "Snow", let me do
    so now.ÿ It is a mystery, but not involving Quirke.

    In Chapter 1, Senior Service cigarettes are smoked and later on the
    Priest smoked Churchmans cigarettes which will be English or Irish
    brands. In Chapter 3, the body is sent to pathologist Quirke, an in joke
    as there is no further reference.
    I really enjoy his prose. Thank you for the recommendation.


    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Robert Carnegie@3:633/280.2 to All on Thu Jun 26 18:16:17 2025
    On 24/06/2025 07:16, Titus G wrote:
    On 20/06/25 14:38, Titus G wrote:
    On 20/06/25 09:27, William Hyde wrote:
    Titus G wrote:
    snip
    Vengeance was the fifth of his Quirke series. Copyright 2012. As well as >>>> constant cigarette references, specific English brand names were used.

    Just in case I did not previously recommend Banville's "Snow", let me do >>> so now.ÿ It is a mystery, but not involving Quirke.

    In Chapter 1, Senior Service cigarettes are smoked and later on the
    Priest smoked Churchmans cigarettes which will be English or Irish
    brands. In Chapter 3, the body is sent to pathologist Quirke, an in joke
    as there is no further reference.
    I really enjoy his prose. Thank you for the recommendation.

    By the way, Churchman was a real cigarette
    brand which doesn't appear to have religious
    meaning, Wikipedia says that William Churchman's
    pipe tobacco shop was opened in 1790.

    Also from Wikipedia, Senior Service was
    an expensive filterless cigarette brand
    launched in 1925. "Senior Service" also
    is a colloquial name of the British Navy.
    I'm assuming that this name is older than
    the cigarettes.

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Paul S Person@3:633/280.2 to All on Fri Jun 27 01:55:56 2025
    On Thu, 26 Jun 2025 09:16:17 +0100, Robert Carnegie
    <rja.carnegie@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 24/06/2025 07:16, Titus G wrote:
    On 20/06/25 14:38, Titus G wrote:
    On 20/06/25 09:27, William Hyde wrote:
    Titus G wrote:
    snip
    Vengeance was the fifth of his Quirke series. Copyright 2012. As =
    well as
    constant cigarette references, specific English brand names were =
    used.
    =20
    Just in case I did not previously recommend Banville's "Snow", let =
    me do
    so now.=A0 It is a mystery, but not involving Quirke.
    =20
    In Chapter 1, Senior Service cigarettes are smoked and later on the
    Priest smoked Churchmans cigarettes which will be English or Irish
    brands. In Chapter 3, the body is sent to pathologist Quirke, an in =
    joke
    as there is no further reference.
    I really enjoy his prose. Thank you for the recommendation.

    By the way, Churchman was a real cigarette
    brand which doesn't appear to have religious
    meaning, Wikipedia says that William Churchman's
    pipe tobacco shop was opened in 1790.

    Are you sure his name did not come from an ancestor being ... a Church
    man? Just like "Smith" or "Miller" (among others).

    Also from Wikipedia, Senior Service was
    an expensive filterless cigarette brand
    launched in 1925. "Senior Service" also
    is a colloquial name of the British Navy.
    I'm assuming that this name is older than
    the cigarettes.

    Very likely. Cigs for tars, how nice.
    --=20
    "Here lies the Tuscan poet Aretino,
    Who evil spoke of everyone but God,
    Giving as his excuse, 'I never knew him.'"

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From William Hyde@3:633/280.2 to All on Fri Jun 27 05:32:11 2025
    Paul S Person wrote:
    On Thu, 26 Jun 2025 09:16:17 +0100, Robert Carnegie
    <rja.carnegie@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 24/06/2025 07:16, Titus G wrote:
    On 20/06/25 14:38, Titus G wrote:
    On 20/06/25 09:27, William Hyde wrote:
    Titus G wrote:
    snip
    Vengeance was the fifth of his Quirke series. Copyright 2012. As well as >>>>>> constant cigarette references, specific English brand names were used. >>>
    Just in case I did not previously recommend Banville's "Snow", let me do >>>>> so now.ÿ It is a mystery, but not involving Quirke.

    In Chapter 1, Senior Service cigarettes are smoked and later on the
    Priest smoked Churchmans cigarettes which will be English or Irish
    brands. In Chapter 3, the body is sent to pathologist Quirke, an in joke >>> as there is no further reference.
    I really enjoy his prose. Thank you for the recommendation.

    By the way, Churchman was a real cigarette
    brand which doesn't appear to have religious
    meaning, Wikipedia says that William Churchman's
    pipe tobacco shop was opened in 1790.

    Are you sure his name did not come from an ancestor being ... a Church
    man? Just like "Smith" or "Miller" (among others).

    Usually the name came from people who worked for the church but were not ordained, sextons, vergers, and so on. At the time the name arose
    clerics were Catholic, and thus did not acknowledge their children.


    Also from Wikipedia, Senior Service was
    an expensive filterless cigarette brand
    launched in 1925. "Senior Service" also
    is a colloquial name of the British Navy.
    I'm assuming that this name is older than
    the cigarettes.

    Very likely. Cigs for tars, how nice.

    The ads were more about officer-class types, officer class being in
    those early days always upper class as well.

    William Hyde

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Bobbie Sellers@3:633/280.2 to All on Fri Jun 27 10:42:34 2025
    Reply-To: blissInSanFrancisco@mouse-potato.com



    On 6/26/25 12:32, William Hyde wrote:
    Paul S Person wrote:
    On Thu, 26 Jun 2025 09:16:17 +0100, Robert Carnegie
    <rja.carnegie@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 24/06/2025 07:16, Titus G wrote:
    On 20/06/25 14:38, Titus G wrote:
    On 20/06/25 09:27, William Hyde wrote:
    Titus G wrote:
    snip
    Vengeance was the fifth of his Quirke series. Copyright 2012. As >>>>>>> well as
    constant cigarette references, specific English brand names were >>>>>>> used.

    Just in case I did not previously recommend Banville's "Snow", let >>>>>> me do
    so now.ÿ It is a mystery, but not involving Quirke.

    In Chapter 1, Senior Service cigarettes are smoked and later on the
    Priest smoked Churchmans cigarettes which will be English or Irish
    brands. In Chapter 3, the body is sent to pathologist Quirke, an in
    joke
    as there is no further reference.
    I really enjoy his prose. Thank you for the recommendation.

    By the way, Churchman was a real cigarette
    brand which doesn't appear to have religious
    meaning, Wikipedia says that William Churchman's
    pipe tobacco shop was opened in 1790.

    Are you sure his name did not come from an ancestor being ... a Church
    man? Just like "Smith" or "Miller" (among others).

    Usually the name came from people who worked for the church but were not ordained, sextons, vergers, and so on.ÿ At the time the name arose
    clerics were Catholic, and thus did not acknowledge their children.

    But when the monasteries were dissolved there were a lot of former churchmen
    running around without last names, places to live or even work because
    prayer was
    no longer a job. The literate could find work of course being able to
    read and write
    when these were more rare skills. Lots of people became whoever "priest"
    or even
    "Priestly".



    Also from Wikipedia, Senior Service was
    an expensive filterless cigarette brand
    launched in 1925.ÿ "Senior Service" also
    is a colloquial name of the British Navy.
    I'm assuming that this name is older than
    the cigarettes.

    Very likely. Cigs for tars, how nice.

    Tars for tars.

    The ads were more about officer-class types, officer class being in
    those early days always upper class as well.

    Well of course they were upper class in most nations as why would entrust a peasant with an expensive ship and crew.
    Education was not evenly distributed then or now.

    William Hyde

    bliss


    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: dis (3:633/280.2@fidonet)
  • From Paul S Person@3:633/280.2 to All on Sat Jun 28 01:47:47 2025
    On Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:42:34 -0700, Bobbie Sellers <bliss-sf4ever@dslextreme.com> wrote:

    On 6/26/25 12:32, William Hyde wrote:
    Paul S Person wrote:

    <snippo -- reference is to "Senior Service" as the British Navy and a
    cigarette brand>

    Very likely. Cigs for tars, how nice.

    Tars for tars.
    =20
    The ads were more about officer-class types, officer class being in=20
    those early days always upper class as well.

    Well of course they were upper class in most nations as why would
    entrust a peasant with an expensive ship and crew.
    Education was not evenly distributed then or now.

    Just a note: I rather think William Hyde's point is that they were for /officers/, not tars (who were common seamen).
    --=20
    "Here lies the Tuscan poet Aretino,
    Who evil spoke of everyone but God,
    Giving as his excuse, 'I never knew him.'"

    --- MBSE BBS v1.1.1 (Linux-x86_64)
    * Origin: A noiseless patient Spider (3:633/280.2@fidonet)