The Colossus of Rhodes – The First Ancient Wonder Destroyed?

If you blinked, you might have missed it. Well, not quite. But the lifetime of the Colossus of Rhodes as a Wonder of the Ancient World was fleeting compared to some of the other six wonders. It’s reputation must’ve been very great, then, if 56 years was enough to earn everlasting fame. The Colossus is […]

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia – Power & Art Perfected?

A second of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was the statue of Zeus at Olympia. Like six of the seven wonders, sadly, it is not extant. You cannot travel to see it today like you can visit the pyramids of Giza in Egypt. And unlike some of the other great statues of antiquity, […]

Shakespeare for Squirrels – Is This Strange Book Worth Reading?

The recent novel Shakespeare for Squirrels is the work of Christopher Moore. A particularly well-read aunt introduced me to Moore’s books several years ago. He writes funny books, and his sense of humor border on insane, but in the best possible way. Moore’s trilogy You Suck, Bite Me, and Bloodsucking Fiends remain the funniest books […]

Pyramids of Giza – The Greatest Wonder of the Ancient World?

It’s probable that no structures ever built by humans command more wonder than the pyramids of Giza. Everything about these funeral monuments beggars description. Their size is monumental. The pyramids of Giza also stand out from the landscape around them in a way that few other structures do. They give the appearance of awesome power […]

Japan’s Occupation of Manchuria in 1931 – The Risk of Allowing Aggression

Today, Japan is famous for cheap consumer electronics, fuel-efficient cars, and anime. It’s easy to forget that one hundred years ago it ranked as perhaps the most militarily aggressive nation on earth. Japan’s occupation of Manchuria in 1931 is a case in point. In fact, it’s an easy temptation to compare Japan’s occupation of Manchuria […]

Totally Rad Wormhole – My Review of This Most Excellent Book

Totally Rad Wormhole is the story of two high school losers, Bill and Ted. Wait, no, it’s Alex and Roger. But if you remember the sorta classic film Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Alex and Roger will sound rather familiar. The book isn’t a complete knockoff. Instead of forming the superband Wyld Stallyns, Alex and […]