I won’t lie. For the first few pages of this book, I wished the pictures of the dogs were photos rather than drawings. If the same feeling happens to I won’t lie. For the first few pages of this book, I wished the pictures of the dogs were photos rather than drawings. If the same feeling happens to you, I suggest you stick with this, as in time, the drawings really grew on me. I LOVED THEM!!
The author takes us through the history of puppers, various breeds, defining a breed, dog types and roles and then – we go through what seems like every dog in the world. Country by country, region by region. Even including street, village and wild dogs. Each accompanied by a delightful drawing.
I couldn’t leave this review without mentioning the first dog ever to be cloned. He was an Afghan Hound called Snuppy, he was born in 2005. He lived a 'normal' life for ten years. I’d never heard of Snuppy, here he is (was):
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Snuppy
If you love dogs, you might just enjoy this. I have no doubt you’ll learn something about our best friends too.
4 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review....more
The History of Torture by Brian Innes is a story of human history as much as it is about the grisly subject of torture. The history of humankind. Our The History of Torture by Brian Innes is a story of human history as much as it is about the grisly subject of torture. The history of humankind. Our need to inflict pain and suffering on others. The ignorance of our beliefs, and the cruelty we show to others who may not share those beliefs.
We start in antiquity – the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. The author makes the salient point that for three thousand years, torture was legal. We also know torture occurs to this day.
The principal purpose of torture was (and is) to obtain information. Of course, we now know – information obtained during torture is likely to be unreliable.
My mind is scarred by the vastness of scope and intensity of the torture involved in the inquisitions and most notably the Spanish Inquisition. The poor victims couldn’t win – if they confessed, they were executed (usually involving more torture), if they didn’t confess, they were killed anyway for lying, often during the torture process.
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The Rack was used extensively in medieval times. A favourite of the inquisitions. There were many other forms of torture employing the excruciating pain of joint dislocations.
England was proficient, notably in the colonies. As were other colonial powers of course. The poor ‘witches’ had a rough time of it, and the descriptions of being burnt to death were harrowing.
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Countless women suffered at the stake, burned as suspected witches
The Far East is covered too, cruelty certainly doesn’t respect international borders.
This book is as much about human history as it is about torture. It is well written, well researched and makes interesting reading. If you want to learn more about human nature, try this book.
4 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review....more
This fascinating book explores sexual diversity and associated behaviours in nature. The author describes same sex relationships, sexual variation, anThis fascinating book explores sexual diversity and associated behaviours in nature. The author describes same sex relationships, sexual variation, and ambiguity within individuals.
This colourful book challenges the so-called normalcy of male-female sex and gender. Stephen Fry is quoted as saying “…this splendid book is a most useful settler of arguments and silencer of bigots”.
I found the chapter on Western lowland gorillas to be particularly touching. Here scientists have made innumerable observations of queer behaviours. Same sex encounters and relationships are commonplace, these relationships are often monogamous. In fact, same-gender acts are more intimate than heterosexual acts. They are invariably ‘face-to-face,’ - lesbian gorilla sex can last five times longer than heterosexual sex.
Green sea turtle sex determination is temperature dependant. It depends on the genetic responses to the temperature of their eggs. Bottlenose dolphins are famous for their same-sex activities, including penetration. I always thought their faces displayed a smug grin of happiness.
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Try and convince me that’s not a self-satisfied grin
The Glass eel, changes sex throughout its life. These creatures seem to appear out of nowhere in rivers and lakes. In fact, Aristotle, who was also a naturalist (I bet he was a good footballer too, you know – show off!), thought these eels spontaneously emerged from the mud, as they appeared to have ‘no sex’, no partner. Adelie Penguins and Black swans are loud and proud – and one will often see male-male partners raising the young.
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Bdelloid rotifers have been asexually reproducing for 40 million years
There are so many more examples in this book, including dinosaurs, trees, plants, insects, frogs, toads, and lizards. Did you know the Morpho butterfly can be divided down the middle (physically) when it comes to sex? One side male, the other female.
One thing I do know, and it also makes me incredibly happy is that many animals – particularly the higher order creatures. Have sex because it feels good. Not just because of reproduction. The description of gorillas having face to face, eye to eye intimate sex makes one’s heart warm.
In many ways, this book tells us more about our own sexuality and gender, than it does about our furry brothers and sisters. It’s all beautiful.
5 Stars
Bonus Material
I often hear a metronomic knocking on a door at the end of the hallway when watching TV. A few months ago – I discovered it was Meg (3-year-old sausage dog) pleasuring herself on Pup’s (9-year-old cattle dog-mixed breed) shoulder. Jesse is unfazed by this.
I used to put a stop to it by calling her. She would then guiltily skulk back to me in the TV room, while Jesse remained stationery and stoic lying on his side. Now my practice has changed. Why can’t she pleasure herself on her older brother’s (NB: Not related) shoulder??
So nowadays I will be watching a Swedish Noir crime series, to the regular thumping sound of Meg’s little head banging into the hallway door as she rams herself against Jesse’s shoulder.
Her stamina is stunning, as is Jesse’s patience – but at least they both seem to be enjoying themselves, and that has to be a good thing.
It’s been a while since I’ve gobbled up an “Hourly History” and I’m happy I snaffled Isaac Newton – a lifetime, beginning to end on Kindle. Newton, a It’s been a while since I’ve gobbled up an “Hourly History” and I’m happy I snaffled Isaac Newton – a lifetime, beginning to end on Kindle. Newton, a man of very humble beginnings managed to significantly advance scientific thinking in areas such a Calculus, Gravity, Optics, and his legendary Laws of Motion over 300 years ago. I remember studying his Laws of Motion at school and university – and back then I was amazed at how someone from the late 1600s had the insight and imagination to create mathematical models to explain ‘simple things’.
Okay the elephant in the room – (spoiler here) – the apple didn’t fall on his head. But he was in a garden with another brainy guy when he asked this same guy “Why should that apple always descend perpendicularly to the ground?.”
”I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies but not the madness of people”
Sure, some of his work has been superseded – for example, Einstein’s work on space time and how it impacts gravity has occurred. But Newton’s work still stands up – it is still taught, and in so many ways is a great (and simple) way to learn about this wonderful world we are in, and how it works.
He did spend much of his time, later in his career thinking about, and working an Alchemy - Mmmmmm, well we all can’t hit the jackpot can we?
I have always admired the mind of people, back in the day – who could explain the world using mathematical formulae, I mean who does that? Thank god they did and do. We need more of a focus on non-applied courses at our Institutions of Thought. More theoretical scientists armed with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, and their mind. We need to create time and space for people to think. These people make a difference.
This was fun, educational, and interesting.
4 Stars
Bonus Material
Porton’s Law of Velocity:
If Body A is travelling faster than Body B, it is said to have greater speed
Crossing the Line by Investigative Journalist Nick McKenzie is a masterful piece of work.
Let’s just start by talking about the subject of this book –Crossing the Line by Investigative Journalist Nick McKenzie is a masterful piece of work.
Let’s just start by talking about the subject of this book – Ben Roberts-Smith, an elite Australian SAS soldier who served numerous tours of Afghanistan. Roberts-Smith was awarded the highest award for an Australian soldier, that is, the Victoria Cross. This for bravery and valour in 2011, taking out two Taliban machine gun posts in 2010. As an act of bravery and worthy of this award.
There is no doubt Roberts-Smith was an elite soldier, his physique is commanding – he is massive, he is brave and a leader. However, there were serious allegations of war-crimes directed against this Australian hero. Allegations brought to light by a couple of brave journalists using the corroborating evidence of often unwilling SAS soldiers. Soldiers who were very uncomfortable with certain actions committed (alleged at the time) by Roberts-Smith.
Nick Mckenzie was one of the Australian journalists (Chris Masters being the other) to bring allegations of war crimes to light. Allegations of murder of people under army control. People who were not Taliban. I don’t like to use this term, but they were referred to as ‘dirt farmers’.
Ben Roberts-Smith lodged a defamation claim in the Federal Court against McKenzie and Masters. This hero or massive proportions, well spoken, looked the part and blessed with the backing of a media magnate in Australian media. This defamation trial was big. For Robert-Smith to win he would receive a massive payout – as there were allegations involving several murders. For him to lose – this would implicate him as a war criminal, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
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This book takes us inside the case and the trial, the difficulties of securing witnesses in a tight knit groups such as special forces, the intimidation of witnesses and much more. This account was absolutely riveting. Important.
On a personal level I have traversed a journey from believing ‘the fog of war,’ can result in atrocious things happening. I still believe that can happen. But there are some accounts, that don’t happen I the fog of war – they happen when a detainee is under control, and they are subject to atrocious behaviour.
Keep in mind, as this was a civil case (defamation), which is interpreted by the Judge (no jury) on the balance of probabilities, the burden of proof in a criminal trial (beyond reasonable doubt) is much higher. But this judge – deemed Roberts-Smith to have committed these acts.
Christopher Hitchens’ intelligent, rational, anti-theistic and witty God is NOT Great - How Religion Poisons Everything, is quite simply brilliant. ThChristopher Hitchens’ intelligent, rational, anti-theistic and witty God is NOT Great - How Religion Poisons Everything, is quite simply brilliant. This critique of theisms is broad in scope and oh boy, does he deep dive.
For those who know Hitch, you will be aware he approaches this topic with the grace of a jackhammer. An extremely articulate sledgehammer.
This book contains nineteen chapters with titles like Religion Kills, Arguments from Design, The Nightmare of the “Old” testament, The “New” Testament Exceeds the Evil of the “Old” one, Religion as Original Sin, Is Religion Child Abuse? and much, much more.
No religion escapes Hitch’s wrath:
"…….unbaptized children were sent to “limbo” who can guess the load of misery that this ‘diseased’ theory has been placed on millions of Catholic parents over the years?"
"The Koran is borrowed from both Jewish and Christian myths"
"Meanwhile, the hoarse proponents of “intelligent design” would be laying siege to yet another school board, demanding that tripe be taught to children."
”The person who is certain, and who claims divine warrant for his certainty, belongs now to the infancy of our species.”
"One must state it plainly. Religion comes from the period of human prehistory where nobody—not even the mighty Democritus who concluded that all matter was made from atoms—had the smallest idea what was going on."
"whole towns were pillaged and massacred in what the Serbs themselves termed “ethnic cleansing.” In point of fact, “religious cleansing” would have been nearer the mark."
Regarding the Mormons "………angels coming from heaven to inscribe messages onto gold plates for Smith to find, as embarrassing."
Do you get the picture?
There’s room for humour too: "A Buddhist hot dog vendor, makes and gives a customer his hot dog. The customer gives the Buddhist his money and waits for his change. He waits and waits. Then he asks the Buddhist “Where’s my change?.” To which the Buddhist replied – “Change must come from within".
Back to the Catholics (We'll put the treaty between the Vatican and Hitler's Nazi Party aside):
"…….advice given by Cardinal Alfonso Lopez de Trujillo, the Vatican’s president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, carefully warning that all condoms are secretly made with many microscopic holes, through which the AIDS virus can pass"
Violence, oppression, misery, paternalism, and subjugation permeate these pages.
On a more contemporaneous note (my view here): It’s laughable the way protestant evangelicals in the US are backing a person like Donald Trump. If that doesn’t make Christians think, what would?
I loved this guy, and it is so sad we lost him, and his brilliant mind, to oesophageal cancer in 2011.
Ancient Egypt – A photographic History by Nigel Fletcher Jones is a feast for the eyes.
One thing that will strike you, well it struck me – is how anciAncient Egypt – A photographic History by Nigel Fletcher Jones is a feast for the eyes.
One thing that will strike you, well it struck me – is how ancient, Ancient Egypt is. This book is divided into chapters covering time periods starting at 6000-2666 BCE – covering prehistory, to early dynastic, and ending in the Greco-Roman period 332 – 395 CE, and seven other time periods in between.
For sure we learn about the main players and the history of these periods, however, due to the MASSIVE number of characters and events involved, these are dealt with at break-neck speed. Believe me, I thought there were periods of the Roman Empire that went through Emperors like Kleenex Tissues, the Egyptians put the Romans to shame at times.
But it is clear here, the focus is the wonderful photographs, and wonderful they are!!
Each page is blessed with one or more high quality photographs, some pages (including double pages) only consist of photographs. This is coffee table fare indeed!
Favourites:
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The Silver Coffin, tomb of Psusennes I, 1001 BCE. Discovered in 1939-40, in an excavation that recovered some of the finest pieces found since the excavation of Tutankhamun’s tomb – this piece is magic isn’t it?
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Portrait of the boy Eutyches – a coffin painting on wood. Attached over the face of mummies buried in the ancient Egyptian tradition, the subjects are in Roman dress, and the inscriptions are in Greek – reinforcing the multi-cultural aspects of Roman Egypt. 100 – 150 CE.
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Statue of Thutmose III, a great military king. Also known as Thutmose the Great – he significantly expanded the Egyptian empire. Thutmose was the sixth pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty and died around 1425 BCE – isn’t this a wonderful statue??
This is a 5 Star book for me – interesting history, combined with beautiful photographs. What more could one ask for?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Note: This review contains 3 pictures. If you can't see them or can't see all of them, it's probably due to the phone app you're using - which is a shame because they're wonderful. Cheers Mark...more
The Byzantine Empire by: A Complete Overview of The Byzantine Empire History from Start to Finish by Eric Brown is a heroic effort. Why? The book is oThe Byzantine Empire by: A Complete Overview of The Byzantine Empire History from Start to Finish by Eric Brown is a heroic effort. Why? The book is only fifty pages and covers a period from the fall of the Western Roman Empire (in 500 CE) to the fall of the Eastern (Byzantine) Empire in Constantinople in 1453 CE.
That is a lot of time, a lot of wars, it involves countless emperors – and there is skullduggery on every page (almost). So, the action here comes at you think and fast. It is also confusing – but the presentation here is as straight forward as you can get. But you need to strap in.
I listened to this on the audio version, perhaps the hard copy has maps and timelines – I don’t know. I reckon that may help.
This is a good introduction. Also, it may be something to keep on hand when reading more detailed studies. So, if you have had your fill of Romulus and King Superbus from the Republican period, Augustus, Nero, and Hadrian from the Imperial period – you may want to dip your toe into the Byzantine period, this is a good introduction book for you.
Health Warning: As well as staying hydrated, looking after your gut biome, getting plenty of sleep and eating well – do not, I REPEAT, do not, read this in conjunction with other Byzantine material..
I made this mistake of trying a total immersion treatment on this topic. I read this book at the same time as listening to a Byzantine podcast and reading a Byzantine book. All moving at different chronologies. I have to say, I disappeared up my own backside a number of times, it was messy, I got my Justinian’s confused with my Basil II’s and was so confused where I was, I expected General George Patton to enter proceedings. Blood and snot everywhere.
If you want to start your learning of the already confusing (but fascinating) Byzantine Empire – just read this book on its own. Then drill down to what interests you. Do not gorge.
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Regards Markus Maximanius Maniakes the Hyperbolic, Pius III (July 2nd, 2pm, 623CE- July 2nd, 2.35pm, 623CE)
As an introduction, this audiobook is worth 4 Stars....more
Japan’s Holocaust by Bryan Mark Rigg provides a forensic account of the atrocities committed by Japan during WWII. There is no need to detail the too-Japan’s Holocaust by Bryan Mark Rigg provides a forensic account of the atrocities committed by Japan during WWII. There is no need to detail the too-numerous accounts presented in this book, safe to say – they are horrific.
The author presents reasons for these atrocities. Japanese society was racist, militaristic and they possessed an absolute devotion to Emperor Hirohito. This belief in their Emperor was total, his line was said to have over 2,000 years of unbroken lineage to the Sun Goddess. The author also describes the violent culture behind such practices as ritualistic suicide and attritional warfare. The Imperial Japanese Army was obsessed with degrading anyone who did not share their beliefs. Atrocities against civilians, POWS and rape against women and children were the norm. The Rape of Nanking being the most notorious.
I was astonished by the never ending and unbelievably brutal violence, both in scale and type, committed against defenceless, innocent people protected by international law. The number of references cited by the author was very high, 1564 in total. In my view it was unbelievable Hirohito escaped the death penalty during the Japanese war crime trials. He lived until 1989, as Emperor and he even opened the 1964 Tokyo Olympics!
The author presents an argument to suggest the dropping of the two atom bombs by the USAF saved many lives, as terrible as those weapons are the death toll would have been significantly more if the Allies would have had to invade Japan and its Islands. The Japanese belief in attritional warfare, their unwillingness to surrender and the practice of suicide (troops and their own citizens) when defeat is imminent, would have made sure of that.
There is a massive message here – we must call out, act on and be aware of the absurdity and danger of all forms of fundamentalism.
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Hirohito – the grandfather of the current Emperor, Niruhito
Hirohito fits comfortably in the same company as Hitler, Stalin and Mao Zedong.
5 Stars (I upgraded my original rating on reflection)
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review....more
Dad’s Army by Graham McCann…..The Story of a Very British Comedy commences with a thorough ‘real’ history of the creation of the HomAhhhh the memories
Dad’s Army by Graham McCann…..The Story of a Very British Comedy commences with a thorough ‘real’ history of the creation of the Home Guard in 1940 during WWII. The British felt the need to prepare an ‘army’ of volunteers of non-conscripted men (many old, women joined later) into a UK based force to repel a German invasion. The politics (Churchill was a big supporter) behind the creation of the Home Guard was fascinating, as were some of the difficulties – for example, no uniforms, no weapons, little organisation, and lack of training. Over 1.5 million were eventually recruited and formal structures, and better organisation implemented.
Dad’s Army was a legendary (9 seasons) BBC weekly comedy TV show created in the 1960s. This book discusses the creation of the show, and some of the many difficulties getting a show like this off the ground. Such as the issue of creating a comedy about a brutal war that only finished a few years ago. The detail here was just brilliant, the author provided a real behind the scenes explanation of program production.
Then we move onto the show. The writers, directors, actors, scripts, sets and so much more. For any fans of this legendary TV series, this really is a MUST READ. We are also treated to many of the funny scenes and lines – there were so, so many.
This clip is typical of the ineptitude of Captain Mainwaring:
One of my favourite memories, and it is still with me today – just like it happened yesterday. Is my brother and I, sitting with mum and dad watching Dad’s Army and Dad, not being able to breathe due to laughing – I’m not sure whether we were laughing at Dad, with Dad or at the show – probably all of that. Even just reading some of the lines and imagining the pompous face of Captain Mainwaring as he scolds Private Pike had bubbles of laughter ready to erupt out of my windpipe. Giving me so many warm memories, I almost wept.
Those who have watched this show will remember the pompous Captain Mainwaring, the posh Seargent Wilson (and their interplay), the dopey Private Pike, the ever obedient and dutiful Lance Corporal Jones, the grumpy and forthright Private Frazer, the old dear – Private Godfrey and the geezer Private Walker. There’s also a host of memorable support characters. If you read this, you’ll learn a whole lot more about them.
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The Cast of Dad’s Army
Sadly, we also learn about them passing away, to the extent that the show needed to be cancelled after an impressive nine seasons.
Now Dad’s Army is just a memory. My Mum and Dad are a memory too, as are the actors. But oh, what an emotional story. I’m sure I won’t be alone on that score. After I finish this review, I will be putting my own copy of this book, back to sleep in my bookcase and just the thought of that makes me choke too. Sometimes it’s nice to be happy and sad.
If a light-hearted show can do that – it can’t be half bad.
Little People, big dreams – LEO MESSI written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Florencia Gavilan. Is a cheeky little graphic book aboLittle People, big dreams – LEO MESSI written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Florencia Gavilan. Is a cheeky little graphic book about the brilliant Argentinian FootballerLeo Messi.
As a passionate football fan, this little book is right down my alley. More importantly, this would be ideal for any young kid (I’d imagine 5-10 years of age) to inspire them to play our great game.
The art here is fun and colourful. I love the way the artist paints Messi, as small. He was and is. He's a wee man. What a wonderful thing to inspire a young footballer - particularly a small or tiny young kid - to become a footballer.
We follow Messi's introduction into team football in Rosario, Argentina – encouraged by his Abuela.
We also learn about his health involving growth hormone treatment because he was so diminutive . But also, his stellar ability, so much so that – Barcelona, one of the world’s biggest clubs (….almost as big as Leeds United), showed interest in the lad at 13 years of age The rest is history.
I will carry my experience to the grave just last year, visiting the Camp Nou in Barcelona and seeing for myself some of the trophies won by this great player.
One thing that strikes one about Messi, apart from his obscene ability, is his humility.
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Often lauded as the best of all-time, for me, it’s close between Messi and Maradona – either way, Leo is brilliant. Winning the World Cup last year was the cherry on the cake for him, as it's often said - and I agree - "one cannot be considered the world's best until one wins a World Cup".
It's a great little picture book for the young ones. A must buy to inspire.
5 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review....more
The Wager is one of the most fascinating true stories you could ever wish to read. This ship was purchased from the East India Company in 1739 by the The Wager is one of the most fascinating true stories you could ever wish to read. This ship was purchased from the East India Company in 1739 by the Royal Navy. In 1741 it formed part of a fleet charged with the mission to sale around the Southern tip of South America (YIKES!!!!) and hang out in the Pacific Ocean to menace the Spanish fleets of the day.
The fleet consisted of six warships (of which Wager was one of the small ones) and two transport vessels. Before leaving Portsmouth, the Navy were required to recruit enough people to make up 120 odd crew. This was a feat in itself, it proved so difficult (with people deserting) they had to employ disabled and injured crew from other ships just returned from previous voyages. Many were stretchered on board no less! Anyway, the Captain of Wager, died before reaching Cape Horn and Lieutenant David Cheap, a young, stern, keen officer, was appointed as acting captain. Captain Cheap was later to become a much maligned (perhaps unfairly) historical figure – all due to the events that were about to unfold.
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OMG!!!
Upon passing through Cape Horn – which is known for the strongest of winds, massive waves, currents, and icebergs disaster struck. Wager had not travelled sufficiently far enough West before turning North (Captain Cheap was often blamed by his crew) and she struck ground within a group of remote and desolated island at the Western tip of Southern Chile and was shipwrecked.
Before the shipwreck of Wager, the sets this up beautifully by introducing us to the main players and detailing what life on a ship of that time was like. The politics, discipline, working the sails, duties, the food, the duties of the surgeon, all the dangers involved, the dreaded scurvy (oh dear!!) and lots more. By the time Wager reached the tip of South America, the crew were in no fit state to operate this ship – largely due to scurvy. The descriptions of the sufferers was horrible, even for someone who’s spent his life working with faeces, sputum, urine, and pus – I found it a bit much.
Once shipwrecked – there were instances of looting, fighting and conflict among groups, murder, mutiny even cannibalism was considered – imagine staring at your workmates with this in mind. The group split into groups, they tried to live off this barren land, and in effect they became walking skeletons, most died. I cannot describe that happens after the crew split into groups and decided on various courses of action to go home. You’ll have to read this to find out.
It is brilliantly written, it is the ultimate ripping yarn.
There is a lot to learn here, but at no stage did this book become an effort. It passed through me with ease. Highly recommended, you will not believe what happens.
5 Stars
Newsflash: I believe there's a movie either in production, or currently being made re theWager, starring Leo DiCaprio (as Cheap??) and directed by Martin Scorsese. Now wouldn't that be a treat?...more
Sam Bloom: Heartache & Birdsong is an emotional memoir, written by Sam who suffered a catastrophic accident in Thailand in 2013 while on holiday with Sam Bloom: Heartache & Birdsong is an emotional memoir, written by Sam who suffered a catastrophic accident in Thailand in 2013 while on holiday with her husband and three boys. Sam suffered severe injuries, resulting in her being paralysed from the chest down. As a physically active person, who loved to travel and get amongst it – her life changed forever.
This memoir starts with Bloom’s childhood – which included working in her father’s Newport Beach bakery in Sydney’s north, her love of surfing and the beginning of her relationship with her husband Cam. She loved the ocean - something that i still very much a part of her life. We witness the couple's shared love of travel, as they visit many ‘off the beaten track’ places, and they eventually settled down and had three boys together.
Sam’s journey to overcome her shocking injuries is described in detail, as are her struggles. One thing I really appreciated about this story was her honesty in stating - “this isn’t a motivational story” and if the reader is looking for someone who is “at one with her wheelchair” – it’s best to look somewhere else. In this way, Bloom’s story is brutally honest, and genuinely faithful to how so many people cope with serious, life-changing/threating illness or injury. She nailed it.
But for me, the prize goes to the baby magpie, named ‘Penguin’, who fell out of a nest and became a member of the Bloom family and was instrumental in Sam’s recovery. This part was truly heart-warming, and further illustrates the beautiful hearts animals possess. This is explained further in the best-selling Penguin Bloom book.
Check out the book cover picture taken by Sam’s photographer husband Cam; it is one of the best photos I’ve seen in a while. Keep in mind this bird has so many of us running for cover during springtime, as they swoop pedestrians and cyclists sometimes causing damage to unsuspecting scalps.
Caligula by Suetonius is one entertaining read. It is worth mentioning the author here, as he writes in a style that anyone would find accessible and Caligula by Suetonius is one entertaining read. It is worth mentioning the author here, as he writes in a style that anyone would find accessible and entertaining.
Biographer of the first twelve Caesars, Suetonius, is the most utilised source of the life of Caligula (b. 12 AD d. 41AD) There are others, mainly Tacitus and Dio Cassius, but in the case of Tacitus his work is incomplete, and Dio wrote a few centuries later. Suetonius was a secretary for emperor Hadrian (reign 117AD – 138AD – he’s one of my favourites) and had access to all the records of previous Emperors. One thing about Suetonius that makes his work so accessible to anyone, is his writing. It is sensationalist, it almost reads like a London daily tabloid rag. It is said, he also relied on gossip and other informal sources, but historians (or the ones I listen to anyway) suggest he is an excellent source.
Gaius Caesar or, Caligula (emperor # 3), was well-bred to be sure, having direct links to both the Julio and Claudian bloodlines. Hi father was the pin-up boy Germanicus, who was touted to be Emperor one day, but a suspicious death in Syria put paid to that. Agrippina was Caligula’s Mum, Augustus his great grandad, Livia his great grandmother. Talk about royal blood!
Unfortunately, his two older brothers were executed, probably by the taciturn, perverted Tiberius (emperor # 2) – in fact, as a late teenager, Caligula was put under the care of Tiberius on the island of Capri. Sounds nice doesn’t it? Not until you know what went on in Tiberius’ lair – it really sounds like a horrible place to be. After his mum, Agrippina, was exiled and killed, this poor young lad was left with three younger sisters. All of whom he was later to have sex with. However, he was particularly devoted to Drusilla – to the point of deifying her.
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"The love of Caligula’s life – his sister Drusilla"
The first third of this biography covers Caligula’s childhood and the early part of him being emperor. He was initially popular, largely due to the unpopularity of the detested Tiberius. But things started to turn rotten soon into his brief four-year reign when he became uber-cruel and increasing extravagant with the Empire’s money.
Suetonius writes, only on page 20 of 50:
”So much for Gaius (Caligula) the emperor; the rest of this history must deal with Gaius the Monster”
What follows is quite simply a litany of atrocities. I won’t detail any of them here, many of you will be aware of much of his behaviour, but there will be others you will learn about fir the first time. If you want to know the details you may want to read this biography, it is as interesting as it is shocking.
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"Let them hate me, so long as they fear me"
Caligula was eventually killed by a mob of elites, in a stabbing frenzy. It seems Caligula’s total disrespect for the Senate and other powerful people was too much. His uncle, Claudius, succeeded him – reluctantly. It’s interesting to note that Caligula, liked to keep Uncle Claudius around his court, as a butt for practical jokes – his uncle had a bad limp, a speech impediment and was a bit of a nerd.
If you read this, I know you won’t regret it.
Simply brilliant.
5 Stars
Fun Fact Those of you who are interested, may note Caligula, as emperor #3 - and Tiberius as #2 - meaning Augustus was #1. Where does that leave Julius Caesar? Well he wasn't an emperor, merely a dictator - the joint was still a republic when he was large and in charge. But he paved the way for Augustus' impressive reign, perhaps the most impressive reign of all? ...more
I’ve enjoyed listening to Drew Gilpin Faust’s memoir Necessary Trouble over the past few days. Reading about this historian’s life experiences was fasI’ve enjoyed listening to Drew Gilpin Faust’s memoir Necessary Trouble over the past few days. Reading about this historian’s life experiences was fascinating, as she touched on some of the most significant events of the late 19th and early to mid-20th centuries.
Faust was born in 1947 in New York City but was raised in a ‘well-to-do’ family in segregated Virginia. She tells her story by introducing us to her family. I was absorbed by the stories of her family’s (grandfather, father, and brothers) involvement WWI and WWII. This provides an excellent context to understand how Faust ended up the way she did, a woman with a formidable sense of social justice, a strong moral compass. A ‘good lefty’ methinks.
As a young girl Faust saw the freedoms her brothers enjoyed and wanted that for herself. This put her at odds with her mother, something that lasted until her mother’s death when Faust was a young woman. I remember her saying, she “didn’t want to return home when her mother was alive, but also didn’t want to return home when her mother had passed”. That was so sad to read.
As a college student in the 1960’s, Faust was an active student advocate as well as being heavily involved in the civil rights and anti-Vietnam movements. I found her experiences in segregated Virginia illuminating, it really wasn’t so long ago.
This story also got me thinking about the never-ending conga-line of important social causes humanity needs to confront and deal with moving forward. To be sure, the 20 century was packed full of significant events and important social issues to be addressed. But this continues – today we have inequality, climate change, LGBTQI+, populism, conflict, AI and so, so much more. This made me feel a little pessimistic (and I’m a glass half-full of cream kind of bloke) about humanity’s ability to deal with these matters.
There is much more in this memoir, it is worth a read. I love the way this woman has a strong moral compass and was and is willing to be active in making this world a better place to live. I like her.
4 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an audio version of this book, in exchange for a review. ...more
This is about Amy Bloom and her husband Brian’s journey after he makes the decision to end his life by assisted suicide following a diagnosis of earlyThis is about Amy Bloom and her husband Brian’s journey after he makes the decision to end his life by assisted suicide following a diagnosis of early on-set dementia.
As a Stage 4 cancer patient myself, in remission for a couple of years now, the idea of being in control of one’s final moments has some appeal. This pesky cancer of mine is incurable and will probably snaffle me up one day. The idea and ability of having the choice of when and where to die, and with whom – is important to me and many others experiencing similar circumstances.
It seems legislation lags the will of the majority on this issue. Brian and Amy therefore cannot follow this course of action in the US and decide to use the services of a company in Zurich, Switzerland, called Dignitas.
This is a heavy, emotional journey. The reader is likely to love Amy and Brian – I did. Not a perfect couple by any means – who is? But totally in love. We follow the onerous application process, Brian’s condition, their story, their lives, and the end. It’s not all sad. It’s even amusing at times – as these things often are. Some of the funniest moments I’ve experienced have happened chatting over a jigsaw puzzle in an oncology waiting room, or dressed in a gown sitting next to some other old codger exchanging unfortunate tales waiting for our blast of radiation.
Having said that – when the event finally occurs and Brian takes the anti-emetic, followed by the sodium pentobarbitol, and the colour and life drain from his body while holding his wife’s hand. A fist punched me and pulled my heart, lungs, and innards out of my body, and even though I knew it was coming, it hit me like a truck.
The Music Maker of Auschwitz IV by Jaci Byrne is an interesting story taken from the diary notes of WWII Prisoner of War, Drum Major Henry Jackson (b1The Music Maker of Auschwitz IV by Jaci Byrne is an interesting story taken from the diary notes of WWII Prisoner of War, Drum Major Henry Jackson (b1898-d1964). The book starts with recollections of the time immediately prior to Henry going to war – we learn about his wife Mabel, his children, and his life in Britain at the time.
Henry was caught by the Nazis on the Franco-Belgian border in mid-1940. Reading the details of a participant in the war in Europe, one realises just how brutal it was – the German’s attacks were ferocious and unrelenting. Henry was part of the medical-corps, and as such was often looking after injured allied soldiers in makeshift conditions, with meagre supplies. You can really feel a sense of hopelessness regarding his situation. When captured – they were kept captive in various labour camps, eventually he and his fellow POWs were marched to Poland to be detained in Auschwitz Camp IV, for POWs. The treatment he and the other POWs received on this march (death march) was appalling. Stragglers were either left to die, or shot.
Henry regularly added to his secret diary up until the end of the war in 1945. Naturally, we read about the atrocities committed by the Nazis, and the even-more brutal way they treated others, such as the Poles and Jews. He survived five years of not knowing if he was going to be alive at the end of the day – imagine the fatigue, mentally and physically?
Henry was a keen musician, and a good one at that. He was given the responsibility of creating and managing the ‘camp band’. They would put on shows periodically for the Germans as well as the POWs. It seemed to be the main thing that kept him going. That and the love for his family, particularly his wife (“the wife”), Mabel.
The final few chapters details Henry’s return home following the end of the war. This was no easy thing, as you could imagine. Sometimes it’s difficult to reintegrate back into family life after a hard day at work, imagine doing the same after 5 years as a POW?
For those interested in WWII history, you will find this a worthwhile read. The book was written by his granddaughter Jaci Byrne, taken from his notes he kept secret during his time in captivity.
If you are looking for an introduction to the Russian Revolution of 1917, The Russian Revolution by Victor Sebestyen is a book for you.
The author starIf you are looking for an introduction to the Russian Revolution of 1917, The Russian Revolution by Victor Sebestyen is a book for you.
The author starts with Tsarist Russia, make no mistake – this lot were autocrats and ruled Russia for 300 years with an iron fist. There were many attempts to usurp power from the monarchy, the Tsars weren’t popular. Nicholas II has been characterised as the most useless of the useless, and early in 1917, under considerable pressure, he abdicated and later in the year the Bolsheviks, lead by Lenin, overthrew the provisional Russian Government.
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Nicholas II, the first, the original, the truest Communist ‘joke’
After several years of brutal civil war – Lenin’s mob, the Bolsheviks, ended up victors. What followed was 70 years of brutal communist rule by the Soviets.
This easy-to-read piece covers the main players during the period leading up to the 1917 revolution(s) and up until Lenin’s death after the Russian Civil War. There is so much to learn here, the amount of information is perfect for lovers of history to learn about this pivotal time. The author skilfully provides just enough information and depth to makes this meaty enough for history lovers. There are some great pictures and photos too.
This piece also gave me reason to really think about the implications of politics. It really is a matter of live and death.
I highly recommend this to those wanting a leg up into this period of Russian history. It is fascinating. I will certainly be digging deeper into various aspects, and actors of this period of Russian history in future.
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Lenin committed many crimes, but by far the greatest was to have left a man like Stalin in pole position to take over from him
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Lenin thought Stalin was a ‘good soldier’ someone to do the dirty work – however, due to Lenin’s early death the vacuum was open for Stalin to step in, and step in he did.
4 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my thoughts.
Time to engage my brain, which is turning into slush – post retirement.
OTHER MINDS - The Octopus and the Evolution of Intelligent Life by Peter GodfreTime to engage my brain, which is turning into slush – post retirement.
OTHER MINDS - The Octopus and the Evolution of Intelligent Life by Peter Godfrey-Smith is a fascinating deep-dive into Cephalopods (Octopus, Squid and Cuttlefish), evolution in general with a focus on the development of intelligent life.
For me, this book is in three distinct parts:
1. Bloody interesting (the Octopus bit) 2. Bloody fascinating (the general evolution bit) 3. Bloody confusing (the lengthy bits about consciousness and the philosophy of consciousness)
The author suggests the octopus is the closest we will come to meeting an intelligent alien. Meaning (I think) , our last common ancestor goes back some 600 million years, hence – the eventual mammalian side of the tree, evolving from our common ancestor, slowly developed into beings of incredible intelligence (us). However, the Cephalopod (octopus) line developed into a whole bunch of other creatures, with limited brain capacity (various invertebrates for example) except for the Cephalopods – who are clever.
So, the author suggests these bright, cheeky, curious creatures – and their intelligence developed independently and separately from our side of the tree. This presents an interesting study of brain development separate to us...............My God, I hope that makes sense.
It's really, intelligence different from our own.
Captive octopuses squirt water at only certain individuals in labs, they escape, they perform well in experiments to demonstrate decision making and intelligence. They have a fascinating relationship between their ‘central’ brain – the one in their cute head – and the brain-like neural structures in their legs. It’s fascinating – the big brain ‘casts’ out the leg towards a target, and then the mini brains do the rest – such as grab a crab for lunch. Amazing stuff. This is just one example of scores of interesting things you can learn in this book.
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Curious, fiendish, mischievous, aware, playful and absolutely BEAUTIFUL – these creatures can maintain eye contact in captivity, usually in a tank, and when the researcher’s back is turned – they make a run for it – they even use tools, to create a place to rest in the wild!!!!!
I was also fascinated by our last common ancestor with Cephalopods. The thin worm-like creature with little slits for ‘eyes’, swimming around the oceans 600 million years ago (other sources I’ve read indicate up to 750 million years ago).
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Bear with me with this idea: If you and your octopus mates were having a barbie and invited this chap around – you and the cephalopods present would both be entitled to say, “Would you like a beer Grandad?”
The lengthy section on philosophy and consciousness – put me to shame. I tried to understand – I achieved this periodically, but I was lost in the woods. More my problem than the author’s (it’s me, not you). But I’m sure there’s some bright sparks out there who will get it.
In some ways this book was a case of ”The more you know, the more you know you don’t know”
My plan now is to have lunch, have a snooze and then re-watch My Octopus Teacher on Netflix through new eyes. Highly recommended.
4.5 stars rounded down due to my scuffles with consciousness and my concern for these bright, sensitive creatures being held in tanks in a lab. There were also results of experiments whereby the poor things were dissected – not by the author, it needs to be said. But I found these very occasional parts incredibly confronting and sad. Oh, we could’ve done with lots of pictures of these beautiful animals too.
Once a year we have a massive, like GIANT, second-hand book sale in Cairns, held by St Vinnies de Paul. We can grab a bag of books for 10 bucks. So, wOnce a year we have a massive, like GIANT, second-hand book sale in Cairns, held by St Vinnies de Paul. We can grab a bag of books for 10 bucks. So, when we’ve been rummaging through boxes, sweating and squirming past fellow bibliophiles for a couple of hours – there is always a space in the top of your canvas bag that must be filled – well this was a book I stuffed into that space.
So, I was wandering around the dining room a couple of weeks ago and yeah, I was bored. Tired of the company of the Pups – I’m over the constant yapping about, which rubber ball belongs to who (it’s endless) so I chose a random book from my bookcase and shoved the little buggers outside – anyway I swore to myself I would read the book I chose.
Luckily it was Rome – from its origins to the present time – and the Vatican - true story!
600 grams 260 mm long 200 mm wide 10 mm deep 120 pages.
This will fit into any suitcase. Or even strapped to your body (remember Midnight Express?) – this is something I will take with me on my next trip to Italy for sure. It details 8 itineraries, containing the history with glossy pictures of the sights to be seen. There are also fold out maps. This is not a travel book alone. It is educational and useful – I can’t believe this was in my bookcase and I forgot about it.
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It’s not all about ancient history, e.g., you can learn about this magnificent structure. It’s at one end of the Forum, you will see this easily, it dominates – it’s modern and massive. The Vittorio Emanuele II was built to commemorate Italian unification and completed in 1889.. This is not something I paid attention to on my first trip to Rome, as it isn’t from antiquity. But next time I will. Because of this book.
The photos are and high quality and numerous, the paper is glossy and heavy/thick. It isn’t cheap. Well, it was but, you know what I mean.
The history and descriptions are serious and scholarly. But most importantly, the itineraries are logical, pragmatic, and followable.
If you’re going to Rome and/or are interested in Roman history or the city – try and find this.
4 Stars
Fun fact: Great thing about 2nd handbooks is – there was a random leaflet in contained within, presumably used as a bookmark - it was about a local Yoga Meditation Group in the City. The things one finds. Maybe..... ...more
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