The Arc of History - Bill Maher

Not Being Woke - Bill Maher

Marvelous Thing About a Joke - Ronnie Barker

NASA Found a What You Say?

This was a response to a blog post put up by the ill fated Leucrota Press.

15^th January 2011

NASA found a what you say? Last time it was warp bubbles and the time before that life on Mars.

    
Sorry to tell you, but I’ve been following this story and the science was a little fuzzy. First off the Arsenic they fed the bacteria had phosphorus in it so the bacteria could have just eaten that, second the extracted DNA was poorly cleaned so it could have been contaminated. This is a long way from proof of arsenic life.

Proof is a bad word when dealing with one study to begin with. My teachers always told me to say ‘this study suggests’ rather than it proves because proof can be unproven.

Moreover, if you’re coming up with a strange body for your aliens you also need to come up with a reason for the morphology. With my massive Red Stone warriors I came up with a clear evolution that molded them into their present state. Every now and again people keep saying ‘I thought they weren’t humans because they were so tall.’ 

They’re tribe is no different from you or I than a pigmy, but the diversity among the ranks of the human race is lost on many a modern American. There are lots of humanoids running around on earth for us to make into aliens and even more strange things in the sea to give intelligence. Still, let us set that aside for now.

Things evolve out of utility and if you’re going to make a true alien the first question is “why did it evolve?” It needs hands to hold with and feet to walk with, eyes to see, and a brain to wonder. If something is going to be so different from humanity that it is truly bizarre then why did that life form become dominant?

The final note in this alien song is, “what does it have to do with the story?” Remember that people can’t see what you’re talking about so you need to show them with words. My Red Stone are giants and so I have to keep reminding the reader that they are dealing with a being bigger and stronger than normal humans. If I forgot to do that they would just be people who use different words and their uniqueness would be lost.

Different isn’t always good so if you’re coming up with something to be different you’re thinking too hard. 

The Fairies by William Allingham

Vote Against Somebody - Franklin P. Adams

Superfluous War - Charles Adams

Tends to Corrupt - Lard Acton

Oderint, Dum Metuant - Accius

Follows the Crowed - Einstein

Tell Me it's Raining - Judge Judy

Monster Hunt: Exploring Mysterious Creatures with Jim Arnosky

'Monster Hunt: Exploring Mysterious Creatures with Jim Arnosky'

is a survey of cryptozoological creatures. I would say this book is a great one for beginners, but will fall flat with more experienced monster geeks.

I will admit that knowing most of what was in this book made it something of a flat read for me, but this text may serve as a great bedtime story for monster loving children.

Who should read this book? Monster loving children.

Books read: 77 of 5000

'The Flying Fox Warriors' by Percy Trezise and Dick Roughsey Book Review

'The Flying Fox Warriors' by Percy Trezise and Dick Roughsey is

the story of how the largest bat in the world came to be. In the world of some Australian Aborigines all creatures were once human and at some point they changed and became what they are now. 

In this book we see the creation of birds and bats as a result of tribal warfare. It should be understood from that point that this book may be too graphic for children. This is further illustrated by the bare butt warrior on the cover in the left hand corner. 

Who should read this book? People who can deal with bare butt warriors. 

Books read: 76 of 5000

Myths and Monsters: From Dragons to Werewolves by Laura Buller

'Myths and Monsters: From Dragons to Werewolves' by Laura

Buller is a book about monsters and history that may or may not be too graphic for your children. 

I will say that given that some of this is right out of history and some is more mythology and folk stories I would have like to see the author cite their sources. Then again this is a children's book and children's books are rarely so well put together.  

The defining factor of this book is 'are you okay with your child reading a book about a person who dips their bread in human blood?' If yes, then get a copy of this book. 

Who should read this book: People who can deal with bread dipped in human blood.

Books read: 75 of 500

Creatures of Abyss (Unsolved Mysteries)by Sue Hamilton

Creatures of the Abyss (Unsolved Mysteries)by Sue Hamilton is a book that talks both about facts and superstitions surrounding the

deep oceans. This book has a mix of illustration and photographs.

All and all this is a text book, but it does have a few graphic images, particularly rotting sharks, that may upset your child.  Then, some children will just think these images are cool and want to see more of them.

This is a great book to get your child into biology and oceanography. 

Who should read this book? Second and third graders. 

Books read: 74 of 5000

We're Going On a Lion Hunt by David Axtell

'We're Going On a Lion Hunt' by David Axtell is a children's book

that has repetitive words that will help your child learn to spell.

This book features two sister who go on looking for a lion through various features of the landscape. This is a great book for class participation as the wording is repetitive and the class will be able to follow along. 

This is a well illustrated book with fun colorful images that most children will love. However, these images will make your child wake up and have energy so this is not a good bedtime story. 

Who should read this book: Children early in the day.

Books read: 73 of 5000

'How Spiders Make Their Webs' by Jill Bailey Book Review

'How Spiders Make Their Webs' by Jill Bailey is a book about

spiders. It's not the most accurate of books, because not all spiders weave webs.  

This book is very informative but not all that entertaining unless  your child is already engaged in the topic. There is a lot of good information here. It's just not meant to make you smile. 

The information is accessible, and the book is well organized.  

Who should read this book? People who want to know about spiders. 

Books read: 72 of 5000

'Black Duck and Water Rat' by Percy Trezise & Mary Haginkistas Book Review

'Black Duck and Water Rat' by Percy Trezise & Mary Haginkistas

is the story of how the Platypus came to be according to Australian aborigines. In this case a river rat takes a Black Duck as an unwilling wife and she is the mother of all Platypodes.

If you're thinking of getting this book for your children it is a little on the violent side and the idea of a rat forcing itself on a duck is just bizarre. On the other hand this book is nicely illustrated and something I had never heard of before. 

Who should read this book? Adults 

Books read:  71 of 5000

That's Our teacher By Ann Morris Book Review

'That's Our teacher' By Ann Morris is a book about a real teacher who teaches a class of young kids. It is a book with pictures not

illustrations. 

If you're looking for a fun read look elsewhere, because this book is rather matter of fact and frank in its presentation. This is a book that shows children that teachers are just people. 

If your child has a problem with that concept then this book is a must read for them. 

Who should read this book? Children that are going to school for the first time.

Books read: 70 of 5000