The AH Coffee Shop and Reading Room 09

[ChloeTzang]

Saturday morning coffee anyone?

 

[Candy_Kane54]

More rain and I can't get out to smell the lilacs blooming. Bummer ...

There's a fresh pot of coffee going and the teapot is hot. I see that someone has been trying the cappuccino machine. I hope they enjoyed it. I've got some danish and donuts on the counter for those who need a snack.

I'll be over in the corner working on the last two scenes of my story. I got one finished this morning which is why I'm a little late. Now to get those last two done ...

 

[NotWise]

I'm sore this morning. I'm going to take a break from the heavy garden chores and let my back recover. I have plenty of light chores to fill the time. The weather service dialed back on their expectation for rain today, but they've given us a pretty high probability of rain starting tomorrow, with about a half-inch of rain expected. They're a bunch of Pollyannas.

Plus, I can write. The first actual sex in my WIP has been pushed back to the top of Lit page 3.

 

[MrPixel]

Good morning afternoon, all. Was up 'til 0400 working on stories. Finished one with a surprise and very sexy twist in the last 250 words, and the scene's aftermath started the following installment. I'll be exploring an area in this story I swore I absolutely would not write, but it is a natural progression for this particular story line.

More rain...

Yep. Stuck record here. Only another 1/8" last night, but the ground is so saturated it can't go anywhere, and the lake in the backyard grew. Windstorm night before last blew over my newly-planted cedars. I stood everything back up and was a little more "energetic" this time in tamping down the soil around them. I have long enough stakes if I have to do that.

 

[MillieDynamite]

So, I'm checking out my sales at Amazon and Bookapy, and I discover Bookapy is all f'd up right now. I'm drinking my third cup of coffee, staring at the screen, and seeing years-old books in the just-released sections. There are missing author pages, truncated author pages (mine shows two Novellas and nothing else), and a best-seller (by one of my pens) with no page for that writer. And I'm thinking, WTF! I contacted my publisher, and he's checking on it. There are no answers from the site owner. I find out, its been screwed up since Wednesday noon, and my editor/publisher has been trying to get answer since then. Anyone else there noticed this major pain in the ass?

Oh, yes, how's everyone else's weekend?

 

[NotWise]

So, I'm checking out my sales at Amazon and Bookapy, and I discover Bookapy is all f'd up right now. I'm drinking my third cup of coffee, staring at the screen, and seeing years-old books in the just-released sections. There are missing author pages, truncated author pages (mine shows two Novellas and nothing else), and a best-seller (by one of my pens) with no page for that writer. And I'm thinking, WTF! I contacted my publisher, and he's checking on it. There are no answers from the site owner. I find out, its been screwed up since Wednesday noon, and my editor/publisher has been trying to get answer since then. Anyone else there noticed this major pain in the ass?

Oh, yes, how's everyone else's weekend?

Maybe better than yours, Millie.

 

[Tio_Narratore]

Has anyone else watched the Sharpes Rifles TV series? I just ran into every single full episode on youtybe and I've been binge watching. Never come across them before - himzself has the books and I've read a few of them but I love the TV series - just watched Sharpe's Waterloo and it was marvellous. Only two left to go now.......

Here's the 1st if anyone's interested. And made back in 1993 - I never realized Sean Bean was this good......

Had it on Canadian TV some years ago. An interesting action series underlaid by much social commentary and criticism. Fiction, of course; Wellington would never have commissioned a commoner. In fact, no commoners ever became commissioned officers in the old British army. I found it interesting historically as well; rifles were significant for the American Revolution, and here they were "special forces" for the British over thirty years later. (The American colonists invented rifled barrels for subsistence; you can't successfully hunt deer or turkey with a musket. And, as a future note with American Thanksgiving in mind, Colonial middens are devoid of turkey bones.)

 

[ChloeTzang]

Had it on Canadian TV some years ago. An interesting action series underlaid by much social commentary and criticism. Fiction, of course; Wellington would never have commissioned a commoner. In fact, no commoners ever became commissioned officers in the old British army. I found it interesting historically as well; rifles were significant for the American Revolution, and here they were "special forces" for the British over thirty years later. (The American colonists invented rifled barrels for subsistence; you can't successfully hunt deer or turkey with a musket. And, as a future note with American Thanksgiving in mind, Colonial middens are devoid of turkey bones.)

Well the British Army had learnt the value of rifles from their experience in the American Revolutionary War but they didn't bring them in themselves until around 1800 - in time for Sharpe. LOL. The "Baker" rifle. You got me reading up on it. It was issued officially only to rifle regiments. Many regiments acquired rifles for use by some in their light companies during the time of the Peninsular War. With the advantage of the greater range and accuracy provided by the Baker rifle, the highly trained British skirmishers were able to defeat their French counterparts routinely and in turn disrupt the main French force by sniping at officers and NCOs. Something that is frequentl mention in Sharpe. A lighter and shorter carbine version for the cavalry was introduced, and I think Sharpe uses that in some of the later episodes.

All sorts of little historical snippets in the TV series. The bit where Sharpe shoots the Dutch Prince at the Battle of Waterloo is loosely based on reality too. William (the Dutch Prince) had been promoted to lieutenant-general in the British Army in 1814 and on 25 July to general whuch made him the senior officer of the Allied army in the Low Countries when Napoleon I of France escaped from Elba in 1815. He relinquished command on the arrival of the Duke of Wellington, and, though this was his first real battle, served as commander of the I Allied Corps, first at the Battle of Quatre Bras (16 June 1815) and then at the Battle of Waterloo (18 June 1815), where he was wounded in his left shoulder by a musket ball. Military historian William Siborne blamed many casualties suffered by Coalition forces during the Waterloo campaign to William's inexperience, something that is included in Sharpe's Waterloo, where Sharpe shoots him in order to prevent any further screw-ups. Take history and twisting it a little to make it more entertaing but maintaining the hsitorical accuracy, more or less.

As for officers being promoted from the ranks, it did happen.

A real lofe Richard Sharpe - John Shippe. Joined as a drummer at age 10, promoted to Corporal and then to Sergeant at 18 and taught to read and write by a friendly Captain. He led not one but THREE forlorn hopes in the seige of Bhurtport (now Bharatpur). As a result, Shipp found himself commissioned as an Ensign in his majesty’s 65th regiment and was then promoyted to full Lieutenant in the 76th Regiment. On returning to England, he lived beyond his means, got deeply into debt and was forced to sell his commission. After finding himself with no money and homeless in London he decided to re-enlist. This time he opted for a cavalry regiment – the 24th Dragoons. While doing his basic training he was recognized by an officer who had served in India and he was quickly promoted to the rank of Sergeant and sent back to serve in the sub-continent. Once back in India he soon rose to RSM and then, shockingly was given another commission – this time as an Ensign in the 87th regiment. Often officers up from the ranks could be given a hard time by their colleagues and also by the men they commanded but Shipp found he was welcomed. He wasnlt as astute as Sharpe tho, got caught up in gambling and was court-martialed but let off, sold his commission and retired with a pension. He branched out into writing books and plays, served in the police and ran a workhouse in Liverpool. Eventually, at the age of 50, Shipp died in Liverpool leaving a widow and children. He’d had a remarkable life – joining the army at ten years old and then twice rising from the ranks to become an Officer.

https://redcoathistory.com/2017/01/08/johnshipp/

Overall, about 5% of the officers during the Napoleinic wars were promted from the ranks. The rest bought their commissions. In "Redcoat" by Richard Holmes, he says that during the Napoleonic Wars about 10% of officers came from the ranks, whether from battlefield commissions, or serving as 'gentleman volunteers', a system where gentlemen without the money to buy a commission would serve in the ranks but eat and socialise with the officers waiting for battle or disease to offer a vacancy in the battalions officers whereupon they could be made officers.

Officers ranged a lot in background - which was not what I'd thought. They were expected to be literate, but otherwise came from varied educational and social backgrounds. Although an officer was supposed also to be a "gentleman", this referred to an officer's character and honourable conduct rather than his social standing.

The system of sale of commissions officially governed the selection and promotion of officers, but the system was considerably relaxed during the wars. One in twenty (5%) of the officers from regular battalions had been raised from the ranks, and less than 20% of first commissions were by purchase. Only a small proportion of officers were from the nobility; in 1809, only 140 officers were peers or peers' sons. A large proportion of officers came from the Militia, and a small number were gentlemen volunteers, who trained and fought as private soldiers but messed with the officers and remained as such until vacancies (without purchase) for commissions became available. Promotion was mainly by seniority; less than 20% of line promotions were by purchase, although this proportion was higher in the Household Division. Promotion by merit alone occurred, but was less common. By 1814 there were over 10,000 officers in the army. Fascinating

 

[MillieDynamite]

Hard to sell shit, especially when they can't find them.

Maybe better than yours, Millie.

 

[TarnishedPenny]

Well the British Army had learnt the value of rifles from their experience in the American Revolutionary War but they didn't bring them in themselves until around 1800 - in time for Sharpe. LOL. The "Baker" rifle. You got me reading up on it. It was issued officially only to rifle regiments. Many regiments acquired rifles for use by some in their light companies during the time of the Peninsular War. With the advantage of the greater range and accuracy provided by the Baker rifle, the highly trained British skirmishers were able to defeat their French counterparts routinely and in turn disrupt the main French force by sniping at officers and NCOs.

Minor correction, Chloe. A relatively small number of Ferguson breechloading rifles were used by the British during the Revolution. Not many and not particularly successfully, but they were there.

Fascinating detail on commissioning - thank you!

 

[XerXesXu]

Minor correction, Chloe. A relatively small number of Ferguson breechloading rifles were used by the British during the Revolution. Not many and not particularly successfully, but they were there.

Fascinating detail on commissioning - thank you!

Ferguson invented the rifled breach-loading musket. The significance of that was that it was a functional military weapon, it could be rapidly reloaded and fired with accuracy at range. Rifled muzzle-loading muskets were designed as weapons for hunting small game. Accuracy was improved, but they were difficult to load and impractical for military use.

 

[ChloeTzang]

Ferguson invented the rifled breach-loading musket. The significance of that was that it was a functional military weapon, it could be rapidly reloaded and fired with accuracy at range. Rifled muzzle-loading muskets were designed as weapons for hunting small game. Accuracy was improved, but they were difficult to load and impractical for military use.

But the Baker was muzzle-loading, right? In Sharpe they seemed very similar to a musket to load - as in this clip. Two rounds per minute, skilled riflemen could do three, as compared to four for the Brown Bess.

And here's one on the Ferguson - which was breech loading, where the Baker was a muzzle loader. Seems you could do 6 shots a minute with the Ferguson

Wow, and here's a repeating Flintlock from 1785 - here's an alternative history - combine this with a Ferguson and you have a self-loading rifle!

 

[Tio_Narratore]

Thanks for the history lessons, ChloeTzang, and, at least according to an Irish song of the time, some even were armed with firelock muskets in the Napoleonic Wars:

"Oh, the French are fighting boldly;
Men are dying hot and coldly.
Give every man his flask of powder,
His firelock on his shoulder . . ."

 

[Belegon]

Sorry I'm late with the coffee today. I've been working on my story which took a really dark turn this morning and I got caught up in trying to figure out what to do.

The new cappuccino machine is up and running and the instruction book is next to it. I'm afraid you're on your own to use it because I haven't had any time to read the instruction book. Instead, I started a fresh pot of coffee and made sure the teapot is hot. I stopped by the bakery and picked up some scones for snacking.

I'll be over in the corner working on my story and trying to manage the changes to it ...

Good luck with the story derailment, Candy

 

[Candy_Kane54]

@Belegon - luckily, I managed to back out of the dark turn that the story wanted to take. I've worked it out with my Muse and the story is back on track and should wrap up in a week or so.

@ChloeTzang - I enjoyed your history even though I'm not into firearms ...

It is quite chilly this morning and gray and damp so I'm glad I can hang out here while sipping my Earl Gray.

The coffee pot is full and hot and the teapot is steaming. The cappuccino machine is staring at me, daring me to try to make something with it. I think I'll pass for now. There are assorted donuts and pomegranate scones on the counter.

I'll be over in the corner working on the second to last scene. Then, I just have the hot and steamy sex scene to write and I can start the final editing process. Yay!

 

[NotWise]

I just killed one of my darlings. It was a scene that's been part of the story for quite a while. It provided a nice visual but turned out to have no role in the telling. I might still be able to rescue the visual. We'll see.

 

[Belegon]

Morning all. grabbing a to go cup of coffee as we head for a ballgame!

 

[ChloeTzang]

Morning right back at you all

Got my pot of French Vanilla, playlist is on, frantically working to finish my next installment of Jeong Park so I can finish my Geek Day story ("Timeo Artifices et Membra Virilia Denudens" - with thanks to Ogg for the Latin) and then wrap 2 novela and get them out. So today is Jeong Park day while frantically trying to avoid distractions like Baker Rifles, self-loading muskets and machineguns and all those other fascinating things - altho I keep thinking an alternative history where some of Wellington's Army Regiments are equipped with self-loading Fergusons with 7 round magazines, as well as early machineguns, would be truly fascinating.

Instead of Brown Bess muskets at 4 shots a minute, imagine a line of Redcoats with self-loading Fergusons capable of firing 20 shots a minute and pouring that into the French line outside the range of their muskets. Backed up by early machineguns. Whoa.....I could go down so many rabbit holes here.

I better grab another coffee and get back to writing LOL

 

[MrPixel]

I managed to back out of the dark turn that the story wanted to take.

Same here. I saved the scene for later use; it may have been dark, but it was very emotional and served to explain some of the motivations behind one of the main characters. However, leaving it in was going to bugger where I wanted to go with the greater story.

Rain is forecast for the entire week, except Tuesday. I have construction things to do outside to make other stuff happen - never mind getting the fence installed - and this crap is throwing off deadlines. Tuesday pisses me off, however, because I have a huge commitment elsewhere that takes the entire day. One dry day, and I can't take advantage of it to get shit done. [grumble]

 

[ChloeTzang]

It's a constant struggle that I lose every time....

 

[Kumquatqueen]

Managed to do a little writing this week, and also taken notes on the first 5 chapters of Matchmaking for the Shy so I can start plotting out the finale.

The weather is cooler today which is nice, but hoping it remains dry for our street party tomorrow. Technically it's celebrating 80 years since VE Day. Much better selection of food this time. One neighbour (sadly died a couple years ago) remembered the actual VE Day. We'll have a drink in her honour.

 

[Rustyoznail]

Morning all! The new machine works well, Candy. Thanks for that.

Nice to see some different faces, old and new around.

 

[NotWise]

My back recovered enough that I thought I could turn the dahlia beds today. I'll find out later if I was right about that.

I haven't turned the in-ground vegetable plot yet. That will probably be next, and the remaining raised bed will be last.

The WIP seems fine without the scene I deleted, but I haven't gone far beyond that point.

 

[JGittes]

The weather is cooler today which is nice, but hoping it remains dry for our street party tomorrow. Technically it's celebrating 80 years since VE Day. Much better selection of food this time. One neighbour (sadly died a couple years ago) remembered the actual VE Day. We'll have a drink in her honour.

When I moved to this little village 10 years ago, I befriended the itinerant fishmonger who set up shop on Thursdays in the Red Lion car park. He was born in 1939 and vividly remembered the actual VE Day. For three years, we made annual pilgrimages to Beaune and Cortona, and it took four mule wranglers to dismount him after a short mule ride on the rim of the Grand Canyon. It's three years since he died, and I'm hoisting a glass of pleasant Mourvedre to his memory.

Oh, and there are six goslings in the pond.

 

[MrPixel]

Finally uploaded. I've been sitting on the "next" story in my Barstow series for a month, mostly because it contains a couple of cuckolding scenes and I feared the wrath of the LW crowd crossing over into GS. I guess we'll see what happens. Three finished stories in the can waiting for the logjam to clear.