2005PASP..117.1223R

Time-resolved spectroscopy and photometry of two cataclysmic variables (CVs) are presented. A radial velocity study shows CT Ser (Nova Ser 1948) has an orbital period of 0.195±0.002 days. Its light curve shows only erratic flickering. A radial velocity study shows that V825 Her (PG 1717+413) has an orbital period of 0.206±0.002 days. This CV's spectrum is similar to that of a dwarf nova in outburst, or an old nova: the long-term light curve shows only small, ``stunted'' outbursts, so it is likely to be a luminous nova-like CV, similar to a dwarf nova stuck in outburst all the time. We use time-resolved photometry to discover quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs), with periods between 15 and 24 minutes, not unlike those seen in other luminous CVs.