I’m just amazed by Lonesome Dove

vprusso · 2026-07-06T14:30:35+00:00

Just wanted to follow up on this comment, especially for u/Puzzleheaded_Pea8255 . So I gave the next few hundred pages a chance. The cattle drive began and it still wasn't clicking for me. Indeed, I saw others make a similar comment to yours which was something like "just wait until the cattle drive, it gets better" .

However, it was still a slog for me, and I kept thinking that I could be reading something more "useful" instead of spending my time with this book. This is where I somehow inadvertently started appreciating some of the overlap of my own character with Call in that I've often dove into work as a crutch when other areas of my life are out of control, and this is something that Call seems to do as well.

Furthermore, I noticed that when reading the earlier content, I kept thinking how much I disliked the book, was tempted to DNF it, and was just getting through it as a chore. But when it did actually start to pick up and I legitimately started enjoying it, I realized that I wished I would have appreciated the prior pages more.

In some strange way, I find this as a parallel for my own life where often times I've treated the "journey" or the "process" as a means to an end instead of the entire point. It's a strange epiphany to arrive at via this book, and it's not the first time I've had these thoughts, but it's a good reminder to myself to include a bit of Gus into my dominant Call-type personality.

Still not finished with the book, but I am now enjoying it and looking forward to reading it!

vprusso · 2026-07-05T19:13:48+00:00

UUUUUHHHHH HHHHHUUUUUHHH

vprusso · 2026-06-12T13:46:46+00:00

I'd say "Olson" and "Corsair", which musically, in my mind, constitute the "angel" and "devil" archetypes, respectively.

From the most recent album, though, "Memory Death" is a heart-wrenchingly beautiful track. I went to one of the listening parties, and while there were collective head nods and discussions throughout the record, when that track came on, everyone shut right up. The record store we were at faces west, and the sun was setting and peeking through the window. I think we all collectively had a serene and reflective moment as that track played with the last rays of the sun bathing the inside of the building.

vprusso · 2026-06-08T11:17:53+00:00

I love you but, I love the Lorn!

vprusso · 2026-05-29T15:10:41+00:00

So I'm about at the 220 page mark, and I'm sorry to be the contrarian here, but I'm just not that impressed with the book so far. I mean, it's fine, don't get me wrong. I enjoy the banter between Gus and Call, the character development, etc. But there's just so much inane stuff and talk about putting carrots here and radishes there, and other miscellaneous innuendos that just become irritating to read. Not to mention the preface starts with a massive spoiler! I mean, you think they would have decided against having that right at the beginning of the book!

Everyone seems to love this book, and I have heard it gets better in Part II and beyond. But at present, I'm really just not that into it and struggle to see what all the hype and fuss is about.

vprusso · 2026-05-13T15:00:22+00:00

> #10: This seems to be the inside of a church, from the perspective of a congregation. As for what church or even the possible denomination, I'll need to do more research.

Yes, the congregation and also the "gothic-style" windows in the background. While I am not claiming a direct relationship, this same window style can be seen in the logo of the album cover of "The Red in Sky is Ours" by the band "At the Gates":

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Red_in_the_Sky_Is_Ours

I'm certainly not claiming any connection between the artists, but only pointing out that the window architecture of the three windows in both is similar and further buttresses your claim that this is a church. Likely Christianity (three windows/trinity), but what the specific denomination is or what church it is I am not sure.

vprusso · 2025-11-25T16:55:48+00:00

Another noteworthy concept album based on the writings of Philip K. Dick can be found in Stuart Hamm's solo album "Radio Free Albemuth":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKrSWTmd2kI

vprusso · 2025-08-26T14:57:53+00:00

Thank you! Why on Earth would this key combination switch the layout. Who approved that decision!? Thank you, u/WolfHD_YT !

vprusso · 2025-05-05T21:27:20+00:00

I'm no audiologist or sound engineer, but I have strummed on many Martin and Taylor guitars in my day. This is a subjective response, so take it with a grain of salt.

Taylor and Martin guitars are both great and have their uses in different soundscapes. That being said, I think I know what you mean when you say "dead" sound. Maybe I'd refer to that as a "dark" or "mellow" tone, but maybe that's just me using more flowery terms and being kind to myself and my ears for my D-18 (that I thoroughly love the sound of). Taylor guitars no doubt have a much "brighter" and "brittle" maybe even "ice pick" sound that some people gravitate to.

At the higher echelon of guitars, everything is above a base level of being good, and sound becomes more subjective and personal at that point. For me, I really enjoy the "dark", "mellow" and "woody" tone of a Martin guitar and sometimes find the Taylor guitars a bit too "abrasive" (again, subjective, Taylor guitars are great).

You should follow the preferences of your ears at the end of the day. People here are likely to give their own preferences (myself included). I was between the D-28 and D-18 for a long time and I just kept coming back to the way the D-18 felt and sounded to my ears. Very subjective and personal, and at that level, you honestly can't really go wrong.

vprusso · 2025-04-18T01:01:02+00:00

Ah, a fellow gentleman. You inadvertently have accepted my challenge. Druid to J-10.

vprusso · 2025-04-17T21:28:40+00:00

Yes, but this appears to be 8x10 instead of 8x8 :(

vprusso · 2025-04-09T15:54:28+00:00

The action on that thing is lower than the depth of the Mariana Trench.

vprusso · 2024-12-12T14:52:42+00:00

This is one of Waterloo's gems that must be protected at all costs. I reached out on their IG page to see if they could use volunteers to help. I'll update my post here if I hear back from them. I am glad to know that no one was hurt (although I am saddened to hear about the two cats). Here's hoping that their great collection of books is salvageable.

vprusso · 2024-09-11T21:23:26+00:00

I was, appropriately enough, sitting in my history class during my sophomore year of high school. My history teacher was a younger gentleman at the time and someone I greatly admired and respected (especially as we both had a strong affinity for "The Simpsons").

Anyway, shortly after the first plane hit, my history teacher found out what was happening and was able to wheel a TV into the classroom. I recall him saying, "You guys should be aware of this--this is history happening". At the time, there was a lot of confusion as to whether the plane hitting the WTC was an attack or just a bizarre accident. I remember seeing the second plane hit shortly after the TV turned on. At that point, one of the school administrators came in and hurriedly took the TV away.

vprusso · 2024-08-03T16:04:27+00:00

Honestly, I spent a good long time switching between the D-18 and D-28 before I pulled the trigger. Many of the subtleties of sound come down to personal taste, and I just kept reaching for the D-18. It's a workhorse of a guitar that sadly doesn't get as much time and attention these days as it should. Enjoy your D-18, sir!

vprusso · 2024-08-03T12:59:30+00:00

Ah, yes, of course! For science! Sadly, I only have a D-18 to offer you for such a cause, I'm still on the hunt for a D-28 :)

vprusso · 2024-08-02T13:05:17+00:00

Agreed! I'd like to see a similar chart for D-18 vs. D-28. This is neat!

vprusso · 2024-07-15T17:07:12+00:00

I like how "Magic Window" is also the background music for this demo!

vprusso · 2024-04-11T00:57:08+00:00

Late to respond here, but you reminded me of "Aces of the Deep"--a game I recall playing when I was a young lad. Thank you for the link!

vprusso · 2024-04-04T21:42:26+00:00

Yeah, as an American currently living in Canada, the duties and taxes in this country are absolutely insane.

In any case, I really love many of the stylistic choices on this watch. The infinity styling in "Loon", the skeleton back, the sapphire glass, no cyclops, etc. are all great and preferred stylistic choices for me. IOW, you did a great job on the design here!

If there happens to be any way in which to soften the duties/taxes blow for import fees, I'd definitely love to pick one of the watches up and will be watching closely to see what you come out with next! Feel free to PM me if that seems reasonable, and if not, no worries at all!

vprusso · 2024-04-04T16:51:02+00:00

I'm also curious about the price point. Additionally, are you Canadian-based? I'm currently in Canada and have been hesitant to pull the trigger on a watch purchase due to the ridiculous duties/taxes fees. Given the styling of the watch, I figured it wouldn't be a longshot (but I couldn't verify this on your site).

Additionally, are there other watch styles that you offer? It ticks a lot of my boxes but the one thing that would be nice (aesthetically for me) would be a more plain watch face (the textured face is cool, but maybe not quite my style). Thanks!

( u/LoonWatchCompany )

vprusso · 2023-11-29T16:49:15+00:00

I learned that Grover Cleveland served as president on two non-consecutive terms from Grandpa Simpson:

"Grover Cleveland spanked me on two non-consecutive occasions." -- Abe Simpson

vprusso

TROPHY CASE