PRIMITIVE MAN was easy enough for Homo Sapiens to read but Neanderthals or would have probably just used it for kindling. Considering that this littlePRIMITIVE MAN was easy enough for Homo Sapiens to read but Neanderthals or would have probably just used it for kindling. Considering that this little book was copyrighted in 1961 it still made for some interesting reading. As I used to tell my martial arts students, when you think you know everything is when you stop learning.
The story is told about how the earth was formed and how life evolved over millions and millions of years. Darwin and his theories are touched upon, and in a way they make sense. But is the Creator's hand mentioned in this? No, but who is to say what the length of a 'day' is to an eternal being?
A brief history is given of not only the rise of man but also the discoveries of those seeking to discover our past buried in the earth. The comings and goings of the glaciers are mentioned and how that affected the migrations of man and animals.
What is interesting is that the Neanderthals of the past had a lot in common with the Neanderthals of today. These stupid beings just left trash anywhere leaving telltale signs of where they have been. The prehistoric ones left bone fragments, chipped flint tools and paintings on the walls in the deep recesses of caves while the modern ones leave their beer cans and plastic food wrappers along our highways and spray paint their graffiti on walls of buildings.
I don't know what future archeologists will think when they uncover Bud Light beer cans or McDonald's wrappers years from now but the items found in caves shed some light on the use of tools and eating habits of the former inhabitants. Before man was a food producer (farmer) he hunted and gathered food. He traveled from place to place following the food source. Upon examining the bones found in caves it appeared that many of these beings were cannibals. Were they the enemy or just food of a last resort? We don't know, but some scientists think that the more intelligent beings killed off the others who were more savage and hostile.
An interesting point made was that some of these different 'races' may have intermarried or simply took mates.
A good point made, considering this was for children, was that although there are races in the human family, one needs to be careful not to interrupt this in the way the Nazis did concerning racial superiority.
RUTH BADER GINSBURG was another of those kids' books I picked up at the library for a quick study of a popular topic. In this case I wished to know a RUTH BADER GINSBURG was another of those kids' books I picked up at the library for a quick study of a popular topic. In this case I wished to know a little bit more about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and I am glad that I did. Her story is more than just a big fuss over a female Supreme Court Judge, and she wasn't even the first one. Ruth was a champion for equal rights for women. It was a bit ironic that she also fought for a man when the government wouldn't give him the same support it gave women when their spouse died.
This little book stated the important milestones in her life. She married after college and helped raise two kids. That didn't stop her from continuing her education and career, even when her husband battled cancer. In one of her most famous cases as a Supreme Court Judge she 'lost', but her dissenting opinion paved the way for Congress to pass the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
Some interesting facts about Ruth are as follows. Her first name is Joan but she went by her middle name because so many other little girls in her kindergarten were named Joan.
Being Jewish, she saw the prejudice prevalent in many places in America as a child. This inspired her to work for equal rights.
She spent many hours in the public library reading. She said, "Reading is the key that opens doors to many good things in life. Reading shaped my dreams, and more reading helped me make my dreams come true."
In high school she was a baton twirler, cheerleader, and played the cello.
At age 83 she still did 20 pushups every day. I only do 10!
Male judges wear black ties so she continued former justice Sandra Day O'Connor's tradition of wearing collars. A gold one when she agreed with the court's decision, black when she disagreed, and white for everyday wear.
She passed away on September 18, 2020 at age 87. She will be missed....more
What little I know about Taylor Swift I picked up from headlines. I did know that I liked some of her music and that she was dating a football player.What little I know about Taylor Swift I picked up from headlines. I did know that I liked some of her music and that she was dating a football player. Some of the things I heard about her were nice, like when she gave those truck drivers a nice bonus. So when I saw the Taylor Swift display in my library I took a closer look at the books available on the table. So why did I choose this one?
I had fond memories of the Little Golden Books from my childhood. Being such a short book, that I could probably read cover to cover while holding my breath, I knew they would get right to the point. And based on my past experience, I figured that they would stick to the facts and not get all nasty digging up dirt for some expose. Like my dad used to say when I was fighting with my brother, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything!"
According to the book, Taylor, who was named after James Taylor, was born on December 13, 1989. Maybe that is one of the reasons '13' is her lucky number. She had a happy childhood doing many things that little girls like to do, like riding horses and making snow angels. Eventually she learned to play the guitar and write her own songs. When she was eleven her parents took her to Nashville where she handed out CDs of her music to offices of various record labels. She performed everywhere she could, singing country music. Some of her classmates were mean to her because they thought she was weird to like country music so much. At thirteen RCA Records wanted to work with her. Her dreams of being a country music star were about to come true!
She did become a star, and her fans love her, and she loves them. To quote the book, "For a few of her albums, she surprised special groups of fans by inviting them to secret parties to listen to the album before anyone else. They got to hang out at her house, meet her family - and even bake cookies together!"
This would be a great book for kids as it shows that it is possible to follow your dream. As with other books in the series, there are plenty of illustrations.
You are an amazing young woman, Taylor Swift!...more
This was a cute little book that uses the story of a pine tree seedling to illustrate how trees seem to communicate. It starts off with the squirrel bThis was a cute little book that uses the story of a pine tree seedling to illustrate how trees seem to communicate. It starts off with the squirrel burying a pine cone and the seed within sprouts into a sapling. Being on the forest floor, it doesn't get much sunlight. However, the root system draws what it needs from the roots of older trees. Fungi in the earth interacts with the roots to exchange needs as well. In time the sapling grows and when the older tree is attacked by bugs or struck by lightening other trees help it to survive.
What scientists don't know is how the root systems know which way to send the nutrients, or how they can tell pine from another type of tree.
This was a nice little, yet informative, book for kids....more
I grabbed this book at the library when I saw the picture of a whale on the cover as my friend Persephone loves whales. Unfortunately, they didn't sayI grabbed this book at the library when I saw the picture of a whale on the cover as my friend Persephone loves whales. Unfortunately, they didn't say much about whales in the story other than they like to eat sardines. However, in the back of the book there are additional notes about each animal mentioned in the book. What it said about the Humpback whale was this. "They can grow to be to over 60 feet (18.3 meters) long. They eat krill, anchovies, and sardines and sometimes work together when they fed on schooling fish. Using a technique called "bubble netting," a few humpbacks make bubbles around the fish to create the illusion of a net - a barrier the fish can't swim through. Meanwhile, other whales dive below the school, forcing the fish up to the surface. Then the whales all lunge through the school with their mouths open to feast."
This would be a great book to read as a bed time story or to read along with a child. There are nice illustrations in the book....more
WILDFIRE by Taylor Morrison is another children's book that furthered my adult education. And it was done in one sitting while eating my soup! Sure, tWILDFIRE by Taylor Morrison is another children's book that furthered my adult education. And it was done in one sitting while eating my soup! Sure, they had plenty of pictures that took up a lot of page space, but they complemented the written word rather well. To tell the truth, sometimes I find that colorful artwork conveys the image better than photography.
Not only does this little book explain how forest fires start in nature, but how beneficial they are to the environment and the critters that live there. Did you know that while a fire may destroy brush and small trees, big ones can survive? What happens is that all the dead brush and wood accumulates faster than it can decompose, and during a dry spell all this kindling can catch fire. It burns away all the dead wood and enriches the soil.
Fire fighting techniques are covered. Mention is made of smoke jumpers in their kevlar jumpsuits, who come down through treetops, helitack crews repelling hundreds of feet from choppers, and the rest who trek in miles on foot. Aircraft dump water and red fire-extinguishing chemicals which, ironically, are not good for the environment.
These fire-fighters can be dispatched from the National Interagency Fire Center anywhere from Alaska to Florida. They can even respond to events such as hurricanes and the 9/11 attack.
Before the twentieth century forest fires ran their course. Even American Indians would set fires at times intentionally. Now the loggers and people living out there in the wilderness want their investments protected, but that just makes matters worse. Now the fires are more destructive once they start.
This wasn't in the book but some years ago my uncle's subdivision was burnt out when a government run forest fire to clear brush got out of control. During WWII the Japanese launched light planes from submarines with the intention of starting forest fires by dropping incendiary bombs, but the weather was too wet. Much like the Chinese spy balloons, the Japanese also sent over balloons that dropped bombs at random. Today we now have to worry about dangerous crazy people intentionally setting fires as well. Several have been caught and arrested.
For those interested, this is a great book for kids of all ages....more
SICK: THE TWISTS AND TURNS BEHIND ANIMAL GERMS would have been a great book to read when I was a kid! It is a typical 'little boy' book, you know, becSICK: THE TWISTS AND TURNS BEHIND ANIMAL GERMS would have been a great book to read when I was a kid! It is a typical 'little boy' book, you know, because they are made of snips, snails, and puppy dog tails while girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice.
Although there are disclaimers in the front of the book that state it isn't an encyclopedia nor a textbook, the big me learned a lot that I should have learned long ago, or maybe just forgot. The book is about germs, some that cause sickness as well as those that are beneficial.
Though packed with information, it is written in a manner meant to capture and hold a kid's attention. Besides the colorful, comic book-like illustrations adorning every page is a simple yet logical explanation of the microorganisms and the impact they have on higher life forms. The scientific names are given, such as Staphylococcus aureus, but to help a kid remember, and for me to pronounce, other names are used. In this case, Stephanie Staph. This bacteria is infected with at least one phage, which the book says is a teeny-tiny virus, and there are more phages than any other organism on earth. As I read the paragraph I remembered taking the samples every morning of the huge fermentors growing the bacteria that would produce erythromycin, an antibiotic. A common contaminant checked for was simply referred to as 'phage.' If contaminated the whole fermentor was heated and dumped.
Everybody loves cute Koala bears, right? Don't you just want to pick them up and hug them? There is a series of cartoon drawings explaining that eucalyptus leaves are toxic enough to kill most mammals. Bacteria living in momma koala's belly tame the toxins. But a baby's gut is squeaky clean. No bacteria here! In the next frame momma koala is taking a dump and baby is scooping up handfuls saying, "Yum-yum!" Now the baby can safely eat the leaves as well.
More cartoons and fun facts. Turkey vultures are dirty birds. They are nature's garbage men often cleaning up roadkill. They need help cutting bodies open so if there is nobody around to slice and dice they will poke and prod their way through the easiest opening - the one at the animal's rear end! And being as vultures only have one opening to poop and pee it comes out in a greasy mix that runs down their legs. In spite of all this they rarely ever get sick. Some think it is due to a bacterium named clostridium inside the vulture. Reading further you are introduced to Presley Perfringens, scientifically known as Clostridium perfringens. To quote, "Say you swallowed some stew that was not cooked completely, then ten hours later your stomach was swirling as if it had set sail in a storm. Or perhaps you tucked into turkey that sat on the counter too long. Later, your tummy felt crummy, and you spent all night squatting and squirting." Thus different germs are either beneficial or harmful.
And after reading these bedtime stories, if mom's curiosity is aroused, she can later go online using the sources stated at the back of the book and read the lengthy articles complete with all the fancy words and medical terms, you know, in case the kid has further questions.
HOORAY FOR HENRY is what my dear Mom had me first read so many years ago. I can't believe I still had it laying about! It was a cute story about a litHOORAY FOR HENRY is what my dear Mom had me first read so many years ago. I can't believe I still had it laying about! It was a cute story about a little boy at a picnic who desperately wanted to win a prize. Every page had an illustration, which held my attention even now.
The book is from a series called 'Easy Reader.' As explained on the inside cover, it was written to keep the young reader's interest high. It was told in a simple style with a strong rhythm that added enjoyment. A high percentage of the words were repeated and only 72 different words were used. This is my kind of book!...more
DON'T LET LIFE GET YOUR GOAT is an adorable little book with a bit of wisdom on every other page with an accompanying color photo of a goat. Some seemDON'T LET LIFE GET YOUR GOAT is an adorable little book with a bit of wisdom on every other page with an accompanying color photo of a goat. Some seem to be the perfect combination of photo and caption. Anyone who loves goats would enjoy this. It would make a fine book of kids for kids as you sat their reading to the little tykes, giving them advice to get through life, and by associating the goats with what you are to reading them, they just might remember a thing or two. So instead of butting heads with them, make learning fun.
My wife got this for Christmas and we enjoyed reading it in one sitting....more
BRIGHAM YOUNG; PIONEER AND MORMON LEADER is a kids' book with only 48 pages, but it has plenty of information in it for inquiring minds. Heck, even I BRIGHAM YOUNG; PIONEER AND MORMON LEADER is a kids' book with only 48 pages, but it has plenty of information in it for inquiring minds. Heck, even I learned a few things, which happens far too often with kids' books.
Several topics from Brigham's life are touched upon. Of course a condensed story his life is told, but being as he was the next prophet and president of the Mormon Church after Joseph Smith was murdered, important phases of the church history are included. The saints (church members) had been driven out of their homes and communities in Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri before Joseph led them back again to Illinois. During these years the mob instigators had either been clergy from other denominations or those who were pro-slavery. And being as Mormons congregated in large communities they were feared as block voters. It was in Illinois that they cleared and drained marsh land along the Mississippi River to build Nauvoo, the largest city in Illinois. Persecution followed them there and it was while the saints were at Nauvoo that a mob finally murdered Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. Fearing for their lives and a hostile government, Brigham led the saints on an exodus to the Salt Lake Basin where they hoped to live and practice their religion in peace.
Other topics briefly touched upon but clearly explained are the migration of converts to Utah, the development of Utah under Brigham, the Mormon Battalion in the war with Mexico, further troubles with the US government, the Mountain Meadows massacre, and of course the Mormon practice of the time of plural marriages.
Fine illustrations round out this nice little book from the series of legendary heroes of the wild west....more
MORE BONES was a cute book of horror stories. Is that an oxymoron? Not if you want to read it to your kids, under the blanket tent, with a flashlight.MORE BONES was a cute book of horror stories. Is that an oxymoron? Not if you want to read it to your kids, under the blanket tent, with a flashlight. The little bedwetters might be wanting you to leave the light on and the door open when you try to tuck them in.
The title states that these are stories from around the world. I suppose there is just enough background material to sound like it. There are just enough creepy illustrations to give kids something to think about as you read this to them. Of course most kids would have no trouble reading these stories themselves. Definitely no gore fest here. Younger kids might enjoy it. I wasn't scared, but then I read most of it sitting next to my wife with a bright light on....more
TRUE-LIFE FORENSIC FILES: POISON, PICTURES, AND PROFILERS is an easy read kids' book but still informative enough for us big kids. Among the topics coTRUE-LIFE FORENSIC FILES: POISON, PICTURES, AND PROFILERS is an easy read kids' book but still informative enough for us big kids. Among the topics covered are the forensic team, their function, background information as to the reason for these functions, a dictionary of words from the text, some case files, and how one can become a member of the team. What I thought was a nice touch was that the authors pointed out the need for a good education.
As I read through the chapters I noticed that they often mentioned the team member known as the criminal profiler. It just so happened that we were watching the old US TV series "The Mentalist" as I was reading this. He was a criminal profiler, sort of like Sherlock Holmes, so I really got into this. Another TV show was "Dexter," who studied blood splatter patterns to help solve crimes. These were not the only things I could relate to.
The team members who analyzed samples for evidence used techniques I was familiar with, mainly gas and thin layer chromatography. So I knew what they were talking about. These guys and gals can analyze residue and tell you what kind of accelerator is used in arson, or what kind of poison killed the victim.
By the way, did you know that a special computer crimes profiler helped solve not only a cyber crime but uncovered espionage as well?
Among the case files was something very relevant today. In September of 2004 Viktor Yushchenko, the popular peoples' choice who was running for president of the Ukraine, was poisoned by political enemies friendly to Putin. He lived, and it was never really proven that Putin's people did it, but in the light of recent developments, I would wager that they did.
I think a lot of my adult friends that are interested in crime solving would find this interesting....more
Hans Brinker was written by Mary Mapes Dodge in 1865. My copy is a first edition from 1925, published by Saalfield Publishing Company which is no longHans Brinker was written by Mary Mapes Dodge in 1865. My copy is a first edition from 1925, published by Saalfield Publishing Company which is no longer in business. Reading a book that is nearly 100 years old sure took me back in time. As I carefully turned the brown, brittle pages and read the story from a bygone era, I felt a physical as well as mental connection with the characters in the story.
Although she had never been to Holland, Mary wrote this story after doing a little research from other books. Considering that she just couldn't Google everything or go online for information, I have to give her a lot of credit for the story she put together. It was believable. If you are Dutch, or have their blood in you, this is an excellent book for discovering your heritage. Not only is everyday life described, but the topography of the land as well. Customs and Dutch words are mentioned, and I thought it a little strange that the children referred to their parents as 'the mother' and 'the father.' But maybe that was how it was back then. And being as this was written well before the world wars; the Spanish are often referred to with as much venom as later Dutch would refer to the Nazis because of what we would now consider war crimes.
Basically, the story centers around Dutch children, some rich, some poor. From the sound of it, most travel was done on ice skates in winter and towards the end of the story the children are competing in a race where the prize is a very fancy and expensive pair of ice skates.
Now some today might think that the children obeying their parents and having manners is a bit corny, but I tend to believe that was how things were back then. This is not to say there wasn't any crime, but their environment was much more controlled back then with a closed society. There weren't any books or music that promoted sex and violence that targeted the teens. The kids appreciated the music, art, and literature of the masters. Though some might think this has the makings of a Hallmark movie, I think anybody interested in history would appreciate it....more
I just read "Winnie the Pooh" for the first time. I am old, but my copy of the book is older than me. What can I say about it that hasn't been said alI just read "Winnie the Pooh" for the first time. I am old, but my copy of the book is older than me. What can I say about it that hasn't been said already? I'll give you my take on it. This was clearly written either as a funny story to read to a child or it was written by somebody that was on drugs or a bit insane! It did, however, make me laugh in my head at times.
My copy had a few illustrations which played with my head at times. Chrisopher Robin, in the illustrations, looked like a little girl due to the cut of his hair and style of dress. But that was okay for the time period in which it was written. That is not to say they had the gender issues they have today. That was just how things were back then.
My copy of the book that was first printed in 1926 was published in 1947, which was the 200th printing, so this book must still have some appeal even today....more
Mary Pope Osborne's Magic Treehouse series is quite extensive. I read "The Knight at Dawn." This was rather cute, and I will hang onto it for the greaMary Pope Osborne's Magic Treehouse series is quite extensive. I read "The Knight at Dawn." This was rather cute, and I will hang onto it for the great grandkids, as it will be fun to read to them. The text is short, but I have a vivid imagination, and think like a kid, so my wife says, so it will be fun. Where were these books when I was a kid?...more
"A Charlie Brown Christmas" tells the story of the true meaning of Christmas. It isn't about Santa Claus or finding gifts under the tree. Sure, many h"A Charlie Brown Christmas" tells the story of the true meaning of Christmas. It isn't about Santa Claus or finding gifts under the tree. Sure, many have come to believe that is what it is all about, especially when certain individuals don't want to allow manger scenes around hospitals and other public places, even though hospitals are the one place you would think you want that, as well as any other religions' presence. Leave it to little Linus to set the record straight.
For many of us this cute little book is full of nostalgia too. Remember when you could buy something for a nickel? Do you remember when most everyone put up lights and decorations, and the trees came from the corner lot? Those falling pine needles were everywhere, but the smell of a fresh tree wafted through the air to help set the mood. Getting that tree home was work, sure, but it was worth it. And remember the school plays and programs? Those were different times. This is a cute little book to read to the young'uns. And who doesn't like Snoopy?...more
This kids' book was an easy read but it got right down to the nitty-gritty. This book had large print with plenty of color photos. Most of the text waThis kids' book was an easy read but it got right down to the nitty-gritty. This book had large print with plenty of color photos. Most of the text was merely stating facts, though I found some interesting. Did you know that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which overlooks the bridges, tunnels, and airports, has its own police force of 1,600?
Also, the United States has more than 550 different Native American tribal governments which own businesses like the Hard Rock Café. They also have tribal councils that can collect taxes from their people.
I couldn't get enough of these books as a kid. Lucky me, I got my hands on this one.Of course "The How and Why Wonder Book of the Polar Regions" is ouI couldn't get enough of these books as a kid. Lucky me, I got my hands on this one.Of course "The How and Why Wonder Book of the Polar Regions" is outdated, but here is the thing. By not covering what's new they could cover more past history! And that is the case here. It was so interesting to read about the early explorers of the polar regions. Did you know that Irish monks colonized Iceland before the Vikings? That is what this book says. An ancient Greek first sailed to northern waters off Norway to discover a land of perpetual winter. Must have thought he was at the end of the earth!
Many of the early explorers perished trying to find the route to the orient or just trying to be the first to reach a pole.
The short write up on the Eskimo way of life was very interesting. Did you know that an Eskimo can build an igloo in about 20 minutes and that it will be so warm that he will want to undress inside? Evidently warming up to 32 degrees F is getting pretty hot for an Eskimo. My dad shared a room with one while at school and the guy would sleep on the floor with the window open in winter!...more
"If Stones Could Speak" was interesting. I am just glad that it was a quick easy read because otherwise it would not have held my interest long enough"If Stones Could Speak" was interesting. I am just glad that it was a quick easy read because otherwise it would not have held my interest long enough to finish. However, those really interested in archeology might enjoy this.
In the way of a minor spoiler, the team here tried to prove the Stonehenge site was actually for mourning and remembering the dead and not a Druid temple. Of course other digs later may prove yet other theories. What I did find interesting was that Ramilisonina, an archaeologist from Madagascar, claimed to recognize it for what it was as soon as he saw it. Back where he came from, many still lived in mud and wood huts yet built stone edifices to honor their dead. Also, Richard Atkinson, one of the most famous men of his field in his time, thought it was a temple too. However, one of his helpers knew he was mistaken but was told not to question the great man. It turns out the great man was wrong.
"Lego Friends: Let's Explore!" was real cute. It is the story of five girl friends and their adventures together. Although it is aimed at little girls"Lego Friends: Let's Explore!" was real cute. It is the story of five girl friends and their adventures together. Although it is aimed at little girls, they might need mom or dad to help read it because there are some big words. However, there is a small glossary in the back. The story would probably be corny to older kids as these high school age girls spend their summer as vets, performing at a rock concert, flying helicopters and exploring a jungle free of hazards. What was kind of neat though was that it is richly illustrated in color with a world made of Legos. Sadly, one would have to spend about $5000 to buy all the kits to recreate this world. What surprised me was the quiz they had in the back of the book. A four year old girl would probably have gotten more answers right than me!...more
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