tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post3366754872432604073..comments2023-05-24T23:33:57.516+10:00Comments on My Unwelcome Stranger: A Journey in Other WorldsDenis Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786035137418348609noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-62742213295001830612012-02-27T11:52:15.746+11:002012-02-27T11:52:15.746+11:00The wonderful wealth of reading available free is ...The wonderful wealth of reading available free is breathtaking. Only this month, some great classics have been added to Gutenberg. You can choose just text versions of many for the Kindle itself, or the richly illustrated versions for the computer.<br /><br />Would that I had more time.... If I did, I'd become a proof-reader for Gutenberg, and give something back. One thing I do have is high quality editorial skill for proofing text.Denis Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786035137418348609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-80084569536127795532012-02-26T11:00:25.205+11:002012-02-26T11:00:25.205+11:00Your story about attitudes towards other planets a...Your story about attitudes towards other planets around a century ago - reminded me of something I recently read in a contemporary novel. In it, the eco-friendly slogan of a business/mining conference was 'Earth First'. Then the keynote speaker opened with: "That's right folks, Earth first. Then we'll start mining the planets." Laughter all round.<br /><br />Back to Gutenberg. I discovered this wonderful resource a few years ago, first downloading audio books to my MP3, and later to a USB stick to play in the car on long journeys. Then, a year ago, we got eReaders and I began to download the books of my schooldays and youth - Rider Haggard, Conan Doyle, the Bronte sisters, Charles Dickens, the poems of Kipling, Banjo Paterson ... and many others. <br /><br />Also on to my eReader - from the Internet generally, I have downloaded some of my own poetry, the rules of snooker, table tennis and darts, our community bylaws and many other things for daily reference. <br /><br />Currently I am reading Jane Eyre with more pleasure than I read most contemporary novels and I have before me thousands of similar treats. So far I have used about 10% of my $99 eReader ... and that includes War and Peace!<br /> <br />If only we were as clever in our planet and human management as we are in our technology. We have brought so much information, access, culture and beauty to the masses through our gadgets. We have also produced weapons of mass destruction, including 16 free-to-air television channels of which (TV Guide and red pen at Sunday breakfast) I have marked up just two shows to watch this week. We are definitely not installing Foxtel!Bob Lakenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-35350854616312119332012-02-25T18:30:23.032+11:002012-02-25T18:30:23.032+11:00Yeah! Can't wait to get down there and start c...Yeah! Can't wait to get down there and start changing everything! Such a pity they didn't have some foxes and rabbits to drop in as well. And drain those useless swamps and make that big old planet <i>work</i> for its living!<br /><br />I must admit I found that somewhat depressing. But I did like the idea of just hopping out on Jupiter with its earth-like atmosphere and gravity and having fun with things that went bang.Denis Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786035137418348609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-16431256506625869162012-02-25T12:02:28.077+11:002012-02-25T12:02:28.077+11:00How exciting! Fantastic illustrations. It's in...How exciting! Fantastic illustrations. It's interesting when Ayrault wants to find some game, keen to use their 'explosive magazine rifles'. He shows the eager, go ahead, manly and scientific bent of the period, all in one sentence.<br /><br />Heavens! Whatever is happening in 'the journey home' -LOTS, by the look of it. A definite precursor to DR Who. (And many others)<br /><br />Julie MAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com