Book review: the California gold rush

The California Gold Rush and the Coming of the Civil War by Leonard L. Richards

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The book illustrates some of the tension that broke up the federation of states, and led to the civil war. The miners were a microcosm of America in the mid nineteenth century.  Some of the men southern others northern, but all reshaping what the confederation stood for.  The conflicts of states' rights, slavery, and the correct faith.  Also of interest was the exploration of the mormon problem.   Sometimes, I felt overwhelmed by facts, and lost the narrative.  The book overall was interesting.



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Twisted Proverbs

 

week of June 1st

First Published on Twitter
Follow me at Polycarp55,  I will attempt to be entertaining but at times may seem like an obtuse ignoramus .

1. If a goat has a beard that does not make him a rabbi, nor a member of ZZ Top.
2. If you knock the nose, the eyes cry, and you need a new nose job.
3. When two quarrel the third steals the hat, or sits watching ESPN at home.
4. If grandma's had wheels they would be a wagon, or a monorail in Summer's Amusement park.
5. There is no gift like a those darn overgrown banana trees in ones backyard, untended for five years.

Explanation:  These proverbs are ways for me to rewrite famous, or not so famous, proverbs.  The new writing will be an attempt at being funny in a cynical 21st Century. I hope you enjoy.

Review of Books:

Strange Things Happen: A Life with The Police, Polo, and Pygmies by Stewart Copeland

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Stewart Copeland is a great insider into what it is to be a musician.  He goes deep into his psycho-babel hum drum thoughts ; I finally (partially) understood my friend Perry's addiction to playing the drums. Stewart Copeland does a fine job of reading his book.   The sound production, including tunes by Copeland, added spice and a bit of fun to the book. All in all a great listen.

Recommended Movie:

Beware Mr. Baker

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