Subversives
To subvert is to undermine an established system or institution, to challenge the assumptions on which it is based. We don’t like subversives, as a look at their synonyms indicate: … Continue reading
Freedom
There’s a real possibility that George Carlin will go down as a stand up comedian. A good one, maybe the funniest man on the planet as one fan put it, … Continue reading
Bestsellers
I’ve been fascinated by best sellers for a long time. One of the main attractions has been how the very concept obscures the distinction between great literature, or ‘culture’, and … Continue reading
Family History Internet Sites
This essay is a result of my experience discovering my own family history. It is therefore Australasian based. The sources mentioned are suitable for beginner to intermediate level family historians, … Continue reading
Jean Harlow’s films re-viewed
A photograph is a human construct, not a reality. Nothing lies like a camera, and a Hollywood camera lies like nothing else. I have chosen from a range of photos … Continue reading
The Strange Case of Doctor Doyle
Arthur Conan Doyle was the most highly paid, and among the most popular and most celebrated British authors of his day. In the period between 1890 and 1910 he was … Continue reading
Hidden agendas
The hellfire and damnation preacher is expressing aggression, and fear of aberrant behaviour, not spirituality. Our concern for others helps ward off the harm they may do us. Politeness is … Continue reading
