America At Its Best

El Captain, Yosemite National Park

Editorial: In Defense of Johnson And Boswell

Why read any other biography of Samuel Johnson other than Boswell’s? Well to get the other side of the story. Perhaps, there was much more to Samuel Johnson than the picture Boswell paints. Subsequent biographers have pointed out all of Johnson’s foibles the depression, the bad disposition, the meanness, the rudeness etc. And many also have pointed out his literary greatness as well. And he certainly wasn’t pretty. But still none of these biographies, and many are good, approach the greatness of Boswell’s “Life of Samuel Johnson.” Boswell’s Life of Johnson is one of the few books that should be read by everyone. In terms of showcasing Johnson’s mental force, his wit and his wisdom none excels Boswell’s. Besides being a seminal work in the development of biography it’s considered by many to be the best biography written. Yet by modern day standards some scholars such as Edmund Wilson believe it isn’t biography at all, but merely a collection of entries in Boswell’s diary. And it is. We know that Boswell changed and edited many of Johnson’s quotations, yet still the force of Johnson’s or perhaps Boswell’s wit and wisdom comes through. Did Boswell create a myth? Undoubtedly, but what emerged in “The Life of Samuel Johnson,” be it a total creation, an embellishment, or an actual rendering, is an essential kernel of truth and wisdom that pervades reality. Somehow Boswell through the foibles of his human vessel was able to give us a clearer vision of reality. Am I drawing too much from this work? Maybe, but read it, gauge your overall impression, see if it moves you, see if you are not a better person when you have finished. Most likely you will look at the world a bit differently, perhaps with a fuller view of character, meaning and the daily vagaries of life. What is rendered in Boswell’s Life is a clear vision of human experience delivered via a profusion of entertaining conversation. It is a consummate masterpiece still read almost 220 years after its creation, and rightly so. Those critics, and there have been many, who criticize its structure, organization or veracity have a point but miss the point. The mechanics of the work are not the reality, but the message. Thomas Carlyle said it best referring to The Life of Johnson”, it is the “best possible resemblance of a Reality; like the very image thereof in a clear mirror". Read it.

BOOKS: Bohemian Manifesto: A Field Guide To Living On The Edge

We’re all a bit odd, but when do you classify yourself as “Bohemian.” When have you crossed the line of convention and entered the realm of unconventional? When do you deserve a label? Need some help and a little how to? Laren Stover’s book, “Bohemian Manifesto: A Field Guide To Living On The Edge,” might just provide that Bohemian jump-start. According to Stover, Bohemianism is a way of life, a state of mind, and an atmosphere. It’s about living uninhibited, unbuttoned and free. Is Stover’s book for real? Well it’s a bit tongue in check, but still quite serviceable as a field guide to a timeless way of life that extends through generations. There are always been oddballs around, ya know, several in every crowd. So get away from that consumerist culture, put on those plaid pants that you found at a garage sale and open up Stover’s book for a fun look at Bohemian style. Stover’s book claims to distill the penchants, peccadilloes, vanities, and passions that characterize the Bohemian. First she provides self diagnose. Then the following chapters cover the various elements that you need to master to become a bona fide Bohemian such as: Bohemian beauty, health, hygiene, housing, clothes, cars, cuisine, love, reading material, art, movies and nudity. Yes nudity, apparently Bohemians like to parade about in the nude more than the rest of us. Hey, this is a lifestyle! Also included are nine fictionalized profiles from Bohemians from around the world. Learn by example. Then take the quiz at the end of the book. If you pass welcome in to the wonderful world of Bohemian living.

Anticipation

The Apple Tablet. Can't Wait!

BOOKS: Lady in the Tower

Anne Boylen , In the Tower of London

In May 6th 1596, Queen of England Anne Boylen, now imprisoned in the Tower of London, wrote a letter to her husband King Henry VIII addressed: “To the King from the Lady in the Tower.” On May 13^th she would be executed, charged with high treason and incest. The story of Anne Boylen is well known and covered in numerous books. Unable to bear Henry a son, Henry plotted to rid himself of her and move on to his next wife. (Of course her biggest legacy is her daughter Elizabeth I). Historians have also theorized that the real cause of Anne’s execution was a falling out with Henry’s chief minister, Thomas Cromwell. Whatever the cause it was a grisly affair. Anne’s head was in the basket within months. In her recent book “Lady in the Tower The Fall of Anne Boylen,” Alison Weir joins the fray of historians offering her account of the most likely cause and course of these events. Weir concentrates on the period from January 1536 to Anne’s beheading in May of the same year. Because Weir’s takes a narrow focus her account includes a wealth of detail often glossed over in other books and it is these details that makes Boylen’s plight even more fascinating. What exactly were those intrigues concerning Thomas Cromwell? They are covered here. At one point Weir even muses about how long Anne’s eyes and lips could keep moving after her head was severed from her body! The marital and legal problems presented are also fascinating. In order to marry Anne, Henry VIII needed a divorce from Anne’s predecessor Katherine of Argon. This is of course is the famous marital conundrum that caused the break with the Roman Church and the event instrumental in making England a Protestant country. When things went sour with Boylen Henry needed an assurance of a legal annulment. Therefore Katherine must die and that she did. But how and by whose hand? Plus how could he try the barren Anne for adultery unless his marriage to her was legitimate. And what about that letter “to the king from the lady in the tower.” Was it real? Weir offers a considered opinion on all these matters based on her extensive research. This all makes out for a good story of greed, duplicity, ambition and political rivalry and Weir does well by all the facts she has assembled. One thing to note this is that this is not a biography of Anne Boylen’s entire life but only the months leading up to her death. However, Weir manages to make this short period from Anne’s trial to her execution an engrossing read. This is a perfect book for those interested in Tudor and Elizabethan history. Recommended.

BOOKS: The Battle Of Salamis

In 480 BC the great Persian King Xerxes, eager for victory against the Greeks, brought his mighty fleet to bear into the Straits of Salamis to smash the outnumbered Greek navy. Using the subterfuge of Themistocles the Greeks goaded Xerxes fleet into the narrow passage of Salamis rendering their superior numbers useless. Thinking themselves wise the Persians attempted to block both entrances. With ship close to ship things became disorganized. The line of attack became unclear. The cramped quarters proved devastating. Chaos ruled. Effective movement of Xerxes superior forces was impossible. The Greeks struck in line and scored a decisive victory. But the Battle of Salamis was more than an isolated victory in a bigger conflict. Salamis was a decisive turning point. It changed the course of history. The tide was turned and the development of ancient Greece, aka Western Civilization could proceed apace. Western culture with all its philosophies, all its art and ideas was now on course. Why was this battle so important? The details of this important event get excellent treatment in Barry Strauss’s 2004 book, “The Battle Of Salamis: The Navel Encounter That Saved Greece And Western Civilization.” His main source: Herodotus, whom Strauss calls an “excellent historian.” Well that’s debatable. Herodotus reliability has been debated for centuries. Strauss believes he was “mainly reliable.” Combining this traditional Greek source with current scholarship Strauss manages to present a vivid and readable piece of popular history. Strauss uses all of Herodotus’s lurid details. (Herodotus was given to embellishment.) But Strauss does a nice job toning down and gently correcting here and there. In addition to the excellent details of the Battle Strauss fills the storyline nicely with background information to give the reader a proper historical perspective of the battle as well as colorful character portraits such as Xerxes. Themistocles and the admiral-queen Artemisia of Halicarnassus who Strauss says, "combines the cunning of Athena and the seductiveness of Aphrodite." Combing all this with cross and double cross among Greeks themselves and the reader gets a riveting story of one of the most important battles in history. Recommended.

BOOKS: The Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini

Saliera of Francis I, 1543

The autobiographical writings of Renaissance sculptor Benvenuto Cellini are some of the most interesting ever written. Written in Florence in 1558 and simply called, “The Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini,” Cellini recounts in detail his colorful life of wild adventures. And what a life it was! This is one fantastic story. Not only was Cellini one of the greatest goldsmiths and sculptors that ever lived, but he was also one of the most notorious characters who ever lived which makes his autobiography the most important that emerged from the Italian Renaissance. His patrons were the Medici, kings, bishops cardinals and the pope. Many of which he “told off.” Are the stories true? Many have been backed up by contemporary accounts. From these writings historians can draw a vivid portrait of the manners and morals of the rulers of the Renaissance. Cellini also had one of the largest egos in history and spares no ink to tell the reader how highly he thinks of himself. The writing is coarse and bawdy in spots as Cellini tells his tales of loves, plots, duels, and brawls. He even claims to have committed several murders and then brags about his ingenuity. Speaking of two men who brought a court case against him he states; “The first man I attacked was a plaintiff who had sued me; and one evening I wounded him in the legs and arms so severely, taking care, however, not to kill him, that I deprived him of the use of both his legs. Then I sought out the other fellow who had brought the suit, and used him also such wise that he dropped it.” In addition to his other activities Cellini seemed to have time to woo many mistresses at which he delights to give the reader the details. He also had several male lovers. One such affair landed him in jail on charges of sodomy. History would have regarded Cellini as nothing more than a braggart and a scoundrel had it not been for his beautiful sculptures. He produced stunning work both in marble and in gold. Today Cellini is consider one of the colossi of the Italian Renaissance. Even his writing is excellent and his autobiography, regarded as a classic for hundreds of years, is seen as the progenitor of the Romantic novel. As history and autobiography there are few greater works, however an added bonus is that Cellini’s Autobiography is fun to read.

Note: On May 11, 2003, Cellini’s Saliera was stolen from the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. It was recovered on January 21, 2006 buried in a lead box in a forest near the town of Zwettl, Austria. 50 miles north of Vienna. The theif Robert Mang, who demanded a 12 million dollar ransom for 3 years, eventually turned himself in done in by his own cell phone text message.

BOOKS; The Case For Books

In Robert Darnton’s 2009 book, “The Case For Books Past, Present and Future,” the ubiquitous, Marion the Librarian, when asked about what it’s like to be a librarian, says, “It’s all about power and money.” Yeah right, you might be thinking. Really, according to Darnton it is all about power and money which essentially means librarians need the money to purchase information and when they have it they exercise the power of access. However it’s not quite that simple because many other forces both political and economic, as well as public policy, can figure into this money and power equation. All this power and money stuff equals out to mean: what is the future of information access especially books both print and electronic? And what about this thorny issue of e-books? How will they affect the printed word? And then what about google and its project to digitize millions of books? Google looms big in Darnton’s book. He seems to like the access that Google can give the public to thousands of books, but also fears putting that access into the hands of just one commercial giant. Hmm does the smell of filthy lucre waft up from all this Google digitizing? People familiar with scientific publishing know about monopoly. Also included in these Google musings is an excellent assessment of the Google Book settlement, if you are so inclined.. But Darnton’s book is not just about Google, instead we get an eclectic collection of essays covering: the history of reading, the Gutenberg Project, the publishing industry, the archiving of information, the future of libraries, and open access to name a few. Darnton sums up his book by saying that it is an argument about books in the digital environment, their place and their access. Well other topics, although related, get covered as well and this is for the good as it makes for an interesting thought provoking read for any book lover. In the end, Darnton believes books will not disappear, but may change format, morphing into something different, just as they have done in the past. As Marion the Librarian says: “its all about power and money.”

BOOKS: Scramble For Africa

In the 1800’s six European countries, England, Germany, Italy, Belgium Portugal and France descended on the African continent and divided it up like a cake. The Europeans acquired 110 million new subjects many of whom were treated shabbily and with little regard for their humanity. It was a scramble for loot, land and slaves. In his 1992 book, “Scramble For Africa, “ Thomas Pakenham presents a comprehensive single volume account of that mad scramble for Africa that took place from 1876 to 1912. Thirty colonies were created during those years mostly without military conquest. The story is a sprawling one, complicated with many characters both good and bad, black and white. Pakenham does an excellent job distilling all these disparate facts into a story that is both comprehensible and enjoyable to read. Pakenham covers the exploits of the British in most detail however, the central figure that emerges in the book, the prime mover behind the exploitation of Africa, is King Leopold of Belgium whose actions more than anything else help to incite Europe’s voracious drive toward imperialism. Professing Christianity, commerce and civilization Leopold facilitated a way of thought, a justification and a mechanism to quickly extract from continent its unlimited wealth, both in manpower and natural resources. To Leopold what more nobler a reason could there be than to civilize the natives, to bring them out of their darkness and to give them a better way of life. Using this justification the Europeans quickly divvied up the continent into spheres of agreed upon influence and extracted a waste amount of wealth. What makes Pakenham’s book so good is how he controls the flow of events that make up this complex story, a story full of twist and turns, filled with people with different motivations from both people and governments. This is an excellent overall study of a European foreign policy that still affects the world and the people of Africa today. Recommended.

PLACES: Capri

BOOKS:Stanley: The Impossible Life of Africa’s Greatest Explorer

“Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Henry Morton Stanley’s famous words were most likely a fabrication, but many have suspected as much. Stanley added to the obfuscation by tearing out the pages in his diary relating to the encounter. Stanley was like that he was one of the first nineteenth century celebrities to carefully craft an image by embellishing his tales or out right lying. His name is even fake taken from the famous nineteenth century cotton broker Henry Hope Stanley, who Stanley claimed adopted him; this too is also doubtful. Because of all these self created embellishments and fabrications it has been difficult for biographers to sift through all the gloss of legend and half-truths that Stanley weaved around himself. Tim Jeal’s , 2008 biography, “Stanley: The Impossible Life of Africa’s Greatest Explorer,” is a remarkable reassessment of Stanley’s life and throws new light on the true character of the man and his wild adventures through the heart of Africa. This biography is based on previously unavailable letters and archives that have recently been made public. Other biographers have had to rely on limited information that has often distorted their portrait of Stanley. Soon after Stanley’s adventures enthusiasm for his exploits began to fade and he became known for the ruthlessness of his achievements. He regularly talked about beating his African porters to perk up "the physical energy of the lazily inclined." He was also unfazed by the slaughter of 33 Bumbireh warriors, saying in would teach the survivors, “to behave with some regard to the rights of strangers." Was Stanley just playing to Victorian sensibilities of what was expected of a white adventurer in Africa? According to Jeal most likely. He believes Stanley regularly exaggerated the violence he perpetrated. In reality Stanley was not a racist and once said he was, "prepared to admit any black man possessing the attributes of true manhood, or any good qualities, to my friendship, even to a brotherhood with myself." It appears that Stanley was a bit more complicated than previously thought. And what drove him? Did he have psychological issues? According to Jeal, Stanley was driven by the inner abandoned child. Well perhaps? Whatever the reasons for of Stanley actions he as been one of the most misunderstood and mischaracterized individuals in history. Tim Jeal’s book does an admirable job in clearing some of the smoke created by time and Stanley himself. Recommended.

Gratuitous Beauty

Aston Martin DBS

PEARL HARBOR TRIBUTE

BOOKS; Day Of Infamy

Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”__ the words of Franklin Roosevelt before Congress on the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. What book to read? There have been so many chroniclers of that day. If you intend to read only one book on Pearl Harbor, the best choice would be, Walter Lord’s 1957 book, “The Day of Infamy.” Lord’s book reads like a novel because it is based on personal accounts and the detail needed to make it read like a novel is what under girds his account. Lords research was deep and comprehensive and it shows. Lord interviewed 577 particpants bith Japanese and American. As such this book that puts the reader there at Pearl Harbor on December 7^th 1941. It is extraordinarily intimate. You learn what it felt like, looked like and smelled like. You experience the chaos, the pain and the anger. captures a sense of the violation that Americans felt after the attack. Lord uses the same storytelling skills in this book as were so evident in his riveting account of the sinking of the Titanic in “Night To Remember.” The reader also experiences what it was like on the Japanese side planning and executing the attack. That day the US lost 2345 military and civilians personnel, plus 4 battleships and 4 destroyers. Luckly the US carriers, Enterprise, Lexington, Saratoga and Yorktown were out to sea and would return to cripple the Japanese fleet in the Battle of Midway. Today the battleship the USS Arizona remains the permanent watery grave for the 1,102 men who perished on board that ship that day. Lord’s book is a fitting tribute. No finer account has been written.

Where Exactly Was The Rest Of The U.S. Fleet During The Pearl Harbor Attack?

Enterprise: On 28 November 1941, Admiral Husband E. Kimmel sent TF-8, consisting of Enterprise, the heavy cruisers Northampton (CA-26), Chester (CA-27), and Salt Lake City (CA-24) and nine destroyers under Vice Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., to ferry 12 Grumman F4F-3 Wildcats of Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF) 211 to Wake Island. Upon completion of the mission on 4 December, TF-8 set course to return to Pearl Harbor. Dawn on 7 December 1941 found TF-8 about 215 miles west of Oahu.

Lexington: On 5 December 1941, TF-12, formed around Lexington, under the command of Rear Admiral John H. Newton, sailed from Pearl to ferry 18 Vought SB2U-3 Vindicators of Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 231 to Midway Island. Dawn on 7 December 1941 found Lexington, heavy cruisers Chicago (CA-29), Portland (CA-33), and Astoria (CA-34), and five destroyers about 500 miles southeast of Midway. The outbreak of hostilities resulted in cancellation of the mission and VMSB-231 was retained on board [they would ultimately fly to Midway from Hickam Field on 21 December].

Saratoga: The Saratoga, having recently completed an overhaul at the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, reached NAS San Diego [North Island] late in the forenoon watch on 7 December. She was to embark her air group, as well as Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF) 221 and a cargo of miscellaneous airplanes to ferry to Pearl Harbor.

Yorktown (CV-5), Ranger (CV-4) and Wasp (CV-7), along with the aircraft escort vessel Long Island (AVG-1), were in the Atlantic Fleet; Hornet (CV-8), commissioned in late October 1941, had yet to carry out her shakedown. Yorktown would be the first Atlantic Fleet carrier to be transferred to the Pacific, sailing on 16 December 1941

Source: Naval History and Heritage Command

Roosevelt's Speech to Congress, December 8th, 1941

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander in Chief of the army and navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but Will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

PLACES: Tiger's Nest Monestery

Takeshang Gompa, Tiger's Nest Monestery

BOOKS: Secret Life Of Oscar Wilde

Most biographies about Oscar Wilde mention little about his sexuality, which is ironic since Wilde’s sexuality played such a big part in his life as well as his fiction. Neil McKenna’s 2006 biography of Wilde, “The Secret Life of Oscar Wilde,” fills the gap nicely on all the titillating aspects of Wilde’s life. Many have wondered, now we know. This is the “ E True Hollywood Story’ so to speak. But not to make light of this book, it is a fine peace of writing, well written and researched, full of facts from many sources that are little known. And it does round out the picture of a brilliant writer who has fascinated literary circles as well as the public for over a century. So finally at last someone has gotten up the courage to right about the true facts of Wilde’s life and the desires that drove him. The facts that everyone wants to know. And what about Wilde’s scandalous trial, it’s all here in interesting detail, right down to the soft tear in Wilde’s eye as he was being convicted. Mckenna covers all in great detail and what unfolds is a riveting picture of Wilde’s long and ultimately tragic journey of self discovery. As Mckenna states: “For years Oscar had a secret sexual and emotional life..He was torn between the desire to proclaim the existence of his secret life and the need to conceal it. These conflicting imperatives fired Oscar’s creativity and found expression in his writing.” In this book we find Wilde’s sexual life “laid out” in all its voyeuristic detail, but detail that is skillfully drawn from the writings of Wilde as well as his contemporaries. Nothing is here that Wilde wouldn’t want us to know. Mckenna says that he wanted to “present a coherent and psychologically convincing account of [Wilde’s] sexual journey.” And that he does. If you are interested in that journey it's here. In many ways this book has been needed to finally cover in detail the “10,000 pound elephant in the room” that other biographers have ignored. This important aspect of Wilde’s life has been marginalized to the detriment of actually understanding fully many of Wilde’s writings. The big news that comes from this biography is the suspected conspiracy of some Liberal Party members to trade Wilde’s prosecution in order to protect the secret sexual proclivities of the British Prime Minister Lord Rosebery. Hmm. Read in conjunction with other biographies of Wilde such as Richard Ellmann’s, “Oscar Wilde,” a full picture of Wilde finally emerges.

BOOKS: And Then There’s This

Remember the ‘flash mob” phenomenon of 2003, where by using the Internet hundreds of people were asked to gather in a public place for no apparent reason. Well the creator of the flash mob, Bill Wasik, has written a book: “And Then There’s This How Stories Live And Die In Viral Culture.” In this book Wasik examines then peculiar modern phenomenon of the “viral story.” If you noticed this type of story has gotten shorter, shallower and more absurd. It spreads quickly over the Internet and just as quickly dies. Why are we living off stories like this? What’s up here? Wasik means to find out. Wasik seems to be saying two things with his analysis. First viral stories become hot because of good promotion and second stories don’t become hot because they have great content. Essentially viral stories are massive publicity for nonevents. Those who know how to create the publicity on the Internet get the most attention. Because we are so addicted to the Internet and the massive amount of information that bombards us each day, we can’t see the “forest for the trees,” we can’t tell the good from the bad. The good story gets drown out in a sea of competing nonsense. But for some reason we like the nonsense. Wasik tries to sort all this out in a book that at times is witty and entertaining. The curious thing about this book is that it is written by a master of Internet publicity yet the book itself has not gotten much publicity.

Books Put To Practical Use

BOOKS: Vanished Smile

In 1911 the Mona Lisa was stolen, gone for two years before it was recovered. It’s quite a story, but it’s a story not much told today, especially the details. R.A. Scotti in her recent book, “Vanished Smile The Mysterious Theft Of The Mona Lisa,” fills in the gaps with a fine detailed account of all the evidence that we know today. The circumstances surrounding the theft are intriguing and the crime has still not been fully solved. Who exactly was involved and what were their motives? Renowned French criminologist Alphonse Bertillon was called in but the trail was cold. Some of the facts as we know them: no one noticed it was gone for 24 hours, Pablo Picasso was a prime suspect, it was gone for over 2 years and a letter signed, “Leonardo” finally led police to the painting. The painting was found in Florence in 1913 and the official explanation was that a young Italian patriot stole it to return it rightfully to Italian soil. But not so fast?? Scotti doesn’t buy it. She thinks the crime is far from being solved. In her engrossing account, akin to a crime novel, Scotti pieces together what she thinks may have happened. She summons all the personalities involved: the perpetrator, the museum officials, the police inspectors, the French officials, the criminologist, the petty thieves, the forgers, and the number one suspect, Pablo Picasso. Interwoven into this milieu of mystery is the story of Leonardo, his era and his famous painting as well as the unique painting techniques he used to produce the Mona Lisa. In the end we find out how the thief was apprehended and how he suggested that others were involved. Was a ring of art thieves involved? No spoilers here. Scotti makes accessible the riveting story of one the most audacious thefts ever committed and tells the story with the mystery and intrigue of a novel. Recommended.

BOOKS: D-Day

D-Day, the beginning of the Allied invasion of Europe, the assembling of the largest fleet ever put to sea, the battle for Omaha Beach, the struggle and carnage and the inch by inch victory. It’s a momentous historical event that has been written about many times. Can anything new be said? Well if you restrict most of the central account to Omaha Beach say the first 25 pages of a 600 page book and then concentrate on the Battle of Normandy. This is what makes Anthony Bevoor’s book, “D-Day Battle of Normandy” different from other accounts. He tells the reader the essential bloody chaotic account of Omaha, but then goes further much further beyond the beachhead, covering the brutal struggle for Normandy unlike any other I have read. In terms of savagery the fighting for Normandy was on par with the Eastern front and other theaters in the war. The Allies faced insurmountable terrain, a formidable enemy with superior equipment and the "military prima-donnaship," of their own generals, notably Patton and Montgomery. Bevoor also details the tragedy of the French population caught in the middle. The most famous example is Caen, which was bombed into submission with much loss of civilian life. Bevoor has called it a “war crime.” Perhaps? But many think Bevoor’s was grandstanding to sell books. This is an interesting and well written book, however it does not reveal much new information. So why read it, especially if you are a seasoned veteran of D-Day accounts? Because it looks at D Day from a slightly different perspective, combined with Hasting’s account and Ambrose, it gives the reader a better understanding of a complex and monumental event. Bevoor’s is easily one of the most accessible accounts due largely in part to his clear writing and also because the maps used through out are tightly correlated to the text. Recommended.

I Think We Made The Wrong Turn Marge!

BOOKS: Hemingway's Patrols

Hemingway's Yacht

The idea seemed grand__lure a German U Boat to the surface and throw a grenade into an open hatch. Quixotic? Definitely__ but just plausible enough and more importantly, just exciting enough for a scheming and adventure seeking Ernst Hemingway to put it into action. Hemingway’s 1942 plan to rid the Caribbean of German U-Boats by using his 40 foot yacht Pilar has been given scant coverage in biographies until recently with the publication of Terry Mort’s book, “Hemingway’s Patrols: Ernst Hemingway And His Hunt For U-Boats.” Where the expeditions silly? Somewhat, but Mort’s book gives the reader an intimate glimpse into Hemingway’s multifaceted personality. Was the line between Hemingway’s’ fictionalized imagination and real world becoming blurry? Mort thinks perhaps, but justifies Hemingway’s behavior saying, “Maybe the patrols were quixotic, but that was part of their appeal--that and the sense of doing something useful and of being in command." What’s brought out by Mort is a portrait of Hemingway as both brave and foolhardy, a domineering man full of storytelling bravado. I got the sense that Hemingway was looking to use the patrols as fodder for his stories. Whatever the reason for the patrols Hemingway’s wife, Martha Gellhorn thought his expeditions were little more than excuses for fishing and drinking with his cronies. Their marriage didn’t last long. In addition to Hemingway’s adventures the book contains an excellent overview of the German submarine threat in the Atlantic during WWII, as well as the Nazi spy threat in Cuban and the atrocities of the Spanish American War. “Hemingway’s Patrols,” is a fascinating book and an intimate portrait into his thoughts, feelings, adventures and relationships. This is an entertaining and informative read.

PLACES: Barcelona

OBSERVATIONS: Driving Italian Style

Lamborghini GTT

Beautiful Tuscany

BOOKS: Ender's Game

This is the story of Ender Wiggin., taken at a young age and trained at the “Battle School” to fight an insectoid race that are invading the earth. Sound like a hokey plot? Yes but, “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scot Card is one of the all time classics of the science fiction genre. Ender is special, a gifted child, a tactical genius, but also a bit violent. In this futuristic world all children on earth are tested and only the brightest will be trained to battle the Formics also known as the, “Buggers.” Because of Enders’s genius he is immediately resented by the other children at the “Battle School” and is isolated. Over time and after suffering grueling battle simulations he is promoted. His final exam is to defeat a Formic fleet that outnumbers earth’s fleet a thousand to one. Ender decides to use a new very destructive weapon, the “Molecular Disruption Device,” knowing it will destroy the entire race of the attacking enemy. Thinking this is only a simulation and knowing the use of this weapon violates the rules of the game he decides to use it anyway hoping that he will be kicked out of “Battle School’ and sent home. Unfortunately he is told that the simulation was actually real and he is now responsible for the destruction of an entire race. The guilt from his action sends him into a coma. He recovers, of course, but that is not where the story ends… Is the ending worth it? Yes. “Ender’s Game” is a great read. Even though the plot sounds like a B movie, Card does an extraordinary job of making this story and the angst of its characters come to life. There has been criticism of this book for its justification of genocide and violence. The thing is Card seems to be saying that every bad thing Ender does is for the greater cause. Is that proper? Ultimately I think it’s a tale of tough decisions. Some read justifications galore into it some do not. You decide. If you enjoy science fiction in the hands of a skillful author “Ender’s Game should be on your list.

BOOKS: China Mountain Zhang

China Mountain Zhang” has been on my reading list for sometime. A friend suggested it and I told him yes I know it exists and I know I should read it, but… Well I finally got to it about a month ago. It took me a while. It was published in 1997, but hey I read a lot of books. Everything gets stuck in a queue. I’ve always liked speculative fiction about the future and “China Mountain Zhang” fit the bill better than I had thought. If I knew it was this good I would have bumped it up in the old queue a few slots. The plot? It’s the future. The world is dominated by China. Mandarin is the new world language. The United States is now the "The Socialist States of America" and the main protagonist a Asian American man and various other characters must make their way and live their lives within a technologically advanced and oppressive society. If your looking for a neat story with a happy ending__not here. “China Mountain,” has a loosely devised plot. This book is more dependent on characterization than plot. But it works. One main character emerges but it’s still more like a series of biographies, each with its own chapter, with some overlap. The character lines all come together slightly at the end of the story. The relationships are what’s interesting and how the characters have to interact with this draconian society. Because the Chinese dominate the world all the best jobs go to the Chinese so the main character Zhang, who is half Chinese half Hispanic must hide is genetic inheritance as well as his sexuality if he is to make his way in life. First he loses his job as an engineer because he won’t go out with his boss’s ugly daughter. Then out of desperation he takes a job at the Arctic Circle which he is then able to parlay into admission into Nanjing University. From there he is further educated and then returns to New York. Does he finally achieve personal fulfillment? Well.. it’s a pretty nasty society. The strength of the author's portrayal is that the society she creates is quite believable and it makes reading about it fascinating. Unfortunately the writing is somewhat unfocused (plot wise) and that detracts, but even still it’s interesting to read about interesting characters making their way in a possible scenario of the future.

OBSERVATIONS: An Artist And His iphone

Hockney's Phone on an ease. Photo: MailOnline, UK

Artist meets iphone__British artist David Hockney fell in love with his iphone. It wasn’t long before he discovered an app called Brushes, that allowed him to create ipaintings, miniature masterpieces of iphone art. And they are very good. Of course Hockney is no stranger to using the latest technology with his work. In the past he has created art using faxes and Polaroid collages. But what does this all mean? A phone? Art? “Surely you jest,” as the saying goes. Well for one it says that a great artist can use just about anything to create. But it also shows just how versatile the iphone can be. Remember this device is a cell phone not paint and tempera. Hockney’s creations gives new meaning to the Apple advertising slogan, “there’s an app for that.” Hockney paints mostly landscapes and flowers with his phone and beautiful ones at that. He likes to email the flowers to friends so that they have fresh flowers that won’t die. What has Hockney said about his phone? He told the British newspaper the Telegraph that the iphone has a, “"a sense of the absurd about it and is therefore close to life". I haven’t heard any better description of this strange, but wonderful device. Hockney has even taken sides in the iphone BlackBerry war, telling the Telegraph that, "BlackBerries are for secretaries and clerical workers while the iPhone is used by artistic people." And advice for aspiring iphone artists, Hockney says, "stroke the screen very softly.” Indeed. Who would have thought a cell phone would usher in a renaissance of drawing. Hockney’s iphone sits proudly on a little easel on his desk at his studio in London.

BOOK: Lost City of Z

Percy Fawcett at Mato Grosso where he disappeared.

They were never heard from again, gone disappeared swallowed by the jungle of the Amazon. Percy Fawcett’s, his son and a companion seemly swallowed by unknown factors as they searched for the legendary “Lost City of Z.” The expedition and it's inconclusive end have fascinated the world since 1925. Fawcett was the last of the great expeditionary explorers financed by the Royal Geographical Society in London. He was obsessed with this legendary, “city of gold,” supposedly an ancient place of great sophistication and culture; a city that beckoned with the lure of ancient riches and treasures, yet was shrouded in danger, mystery and excitement. It all sounds like an Edgar Rice Burroughs novel and it is out of that era of exploratory jungle adventures that this story grew and had its genesis. The legend had been around for 400 years and many had perished in the jungle trying to find what was also called El Dorado. Fawcwt believed the stories and headed for the jungle. But word never came from that jungle, months passed then years, Fawcett had vanished like others before him. The mystery went unsolved for decades, but in 2004 author David Grann stumbled upon the story and also became obsessed. The result, Grann’s own expedition and then book, “The Lost City of Z A Tale of Deadly Obsession In the Amazon.” If you like classic tales of adventure this book is for you. In the first part of the book Grann describes the jungle terrors that Fawcett and his small party of three faced daily: starvation, bloodthirsty tribes, maggot infestations, tropical diseases, deadly rapids, poisonous snakes, anacondas and piranha. But the draw of this book is the mystery__what happened to Fawcett? Did you think I would tell you and spoil the book and your fun. And fun it is, which comes from reading this book and anticipating its ending. It’s truly an adventure and a well written one at that. But I can say there is a satisfying ending. Does Grann romanticize Fawcett’s story? Perhaps, but this is just too good of an adventure story not to read. And my hunch is that Grann’s assessment of Fawcett’s expedition is pretty much on the money. If you want to read a true to life adventure in the vain of Edgar Rice Burroughs or H. Rider Haggard, read this book.

BOOKS: The Rivalry Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain And The Golden Age of Basketball

Chamberlain and Russell

The “Rivalry”__ number 13 and number 6, There has been nothing like it ever since, at least for basketball fans. Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell__Chamerblain on the Sixers, Russell on the Celtics and the whole milieu that swirled around them. It was the golden age of basketball, the fledgling days of the NBA. I must admit Wilt Chamberlain is my all time favorite athlete, so when a friend gave me a copy of, John Taylor’s 2005 book, “The Rivalry Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain And The Golden Age of Basketball,” I couldn’t wait to finish the book I was reading and start Taylor’s book. I wasn’t disappointed. If you are a basketball fan and even if you are not, Taylor’s book is a fine example of social history made accessible through the medium of sports. You don’t necessarily have to like basketball to enjoy this book. Why? The characters of Chamberlain and Russell and the competition that existed between them are so compelling. This book is better than biography because you get not only enough biographical information on Chamberlain and Russell and Red Aurbach to satisfy any fan, but also a social context in which to better understand it. The “Rivalry,” can be seen as a treatise on the psychology of conflict as well as rivalry presented in an entertaining and readable format. Taylor describes the racism that was rampant in the 1960s and how that racism affected blacks coming into the league. But more than that he gets inside the heads of these titanic sports figures and tries to show why they did and said the things they did. The most interesting part to me was the Chamberlain information. There are just so many “Chamberlain stories” floating around. Know one knows if most of them are true. But to many they seem believable because Chamberlain was such an unbelievable athlete and personality. A prime example is the claim that Wilt sleep with 20,000 women. Could that be true? You do the math. He died at 63. But it’s all part of the lure and its what makes reading about Chamberlain so fascinating. If you combine these fascinating personalities with the social context in which they moved you have one great book.