Book Review: The Song Of Achillies

 The Song Of Achilles

Author:                          Madeline Miller

Publisher:                      Bloomsbury

Type:                              Soft Cover

Pages:                             352

Genre:                            based on a true story

Published:                      2011

ISBN:                              978-1-4088-1702-5


 This is a large softcover with metallic gold card just behind the cover i am not quite sure if that make it a special edition or something but it is beautiful. Its a historical novel so sadly no artwork adorns the pages. 

 Everyone should know the story of Patroclus they are one of the most famous gay couples in history. While most focus on the abduction of Helen and the siege of Troy this work actually fills in the gaps in the historical record of the love between the two men.

 If you have ever considered watching the movie Troy, don't as it encourages straight-washing, pick up a copy of this book instead. 

 You will know the fate of the protagonists but the beauty is in the journey. And it is a beautiful journey brought alive by a talented writer. keep in mind this isn't erotica and everything is kept very tasteful. 
  
 This is a great book, it should be read by anyone who doesn't understand the gays. It should be on every high school library shelf. You should read this book.

 Homophobes often forget that humanity has a very queer history as is being demonstrated in Australia as the LGBTQ community is being defamed and terrorised by bigots (some Nazi, some not) arguing we shouldn't have equal rights. Just today A homophobic politician Cory Bernardi has claimed that marriage equality is a "rainbow Trojan horse" he is rather silly so he probably doesn't realise the irony of his statement.

 

Book Review: The ghosts of toowong cemetery

 The ghosts of Toowong cemetery

Brisbane's Necropolis

Author:                          Jack Sim

Publisher:                      Jack Sim

Type:                              Soft Cover

Pages:                             40

Genre:                            Non-Fiction

Published:                      2012

ISBN:                              9780975796023

 This is a small book with no spine. It was actually given to me by a friend. There are numerous black and white photographs.  The text is of good size and clear. The book even has a map of all the locations in the cemetery in the back!

 The book deals with the areas of Toowong Cemetery that are haunted or have had paranormal activity reported there.  Some of the uncanny goings on includes strange lights, disembodied voices, found bodies, Nazi- vandalism, moving statues, vampires, ghostly apparitions, haunted celebrity graves, grim reaper sightings, witchcraft, mysterious blood, wailing women, and death parades.

 The cemetery is also home to a spook hill one of many found around the world. You know the story park your car at the bottom of the hill and wait as unseen forces will push your car up the hill, defying gravity and the rules of the living. 

 Each place is given much explanation, with history and legends well explained. Unfortunately the cemetery is locked up at night but there are tours that have access. 

 One company Brisbane Ghost Tours was established by the author of this book. 

  This is a really good book, excellent for anyone interested in ghosts, the and paranormal of course. But just as interesting for those interested in the history of Brisbane in particular and Australia in general.

Book Review: The soul of an Octopus

The Soul of an Octopus 

A surprising exploration into the wonder of consciousness

 

Author:                         Sy Montgomery

Publisher:                      ATRIA

Type:                              Hard Cover

Pages:                             241

Genre:                            Non-Fiction

Published:                      2015

ISBN:                              9781451697711

This book is a nice hardcover and underneath its colourfull dust cover the book is elegant with black cover and silver writing.
 As a cute added bonus the corner of each page has a little octopus in it, if you flick the pages the octopus moves. There are also eight full color pages of photographs.

 The book is a personal journey of the authors interactions with various octopus. It is a fascinating journey and we grow to know her and her friends which does come to include some cephalopods. 

It looks briefly at some octopus legends. It again draws attention to the science establishment and its attempts to minimise the fact that animals show emotion. It brings up some interesting questions about consciousness.   

 There are a lot of facts scattered throughout the personal story, and the knowledge bombs are dropped smoothly. There is even a little about Na Kika the Octopus God of Gilbert Island.

 I recommend this book for anyone interested in animals, consciousness, psychology, octopus, squid, nautiliod, and especially anyone who eats cephalopods. I should point out, the book isn't preachy, that's all me.

Do you care about animals? Then you really shouldn't eat octopus.

Book Review: The Lost City of Z

 The Lost City Of Z

A legendary British explorer's deadly quest to discover the secrets of the Amazon

Author:                         David Grann

Publisher:                      Simon & Schuster UK

Type:                              Soft Cover

Pages:                             274

Genre:                            Non-Fiction

Published:                      2017

ISBN:                              9781471164910

 The book itself is small, average novel size and the writing is tiny and seems pale it made my eyes strain to read it. There are 10 pages of black and white photographs.

 In 1925 Colonel Fawcett set of into the Amazon to prove his theory that a large civilisation had existed there. He never made it back home to tell of his discoveries. 

 This book details the lead up to that expedition and many more who set out in search of it.  The author sets out to discover what happend to the lost expedition after over 80 years.

 The book touches on some interesting topics along the way, racism, and spiritualism being among the worst and best. I probably should point out in our current political climate, with both Australian and USA leaders publicly sympathizing with Nazis that racism is the worst of the two. 

 This was an interesting read, i would recommend it to someone interested in the history of exploration. I may have liked this more if i had not have already read about Fawcett. If your eye sight isn't 100% there is apparently a movie being made.

Book Reviews; Empire of the Dead

 

 In memory of George Romero who introduced the zombie genre to a mainstream audience. 
 

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Empire of the Dead 

Author:                          George Romero

Publisher:                      Marvel Comics

Type:                              Hard Cover

Pages:                             336

Genre:                            Graphic Novel

Published:                      2016

ISBN:                              9780785185185

This book is well made but does suffer the problem of a lot of hardcover comics in that it can be difficult to see the inside parts of the panels. It has a dust jacket that has different art to the actual cover.

 This book centers around a city set in the living dead universe that is ruled by vampires and holds gladiator style games pitting zombie against zombie. 

 The art is pretty good, and has that realistic cartoon look to it. I did have to look twice at a few of the faces to remind myself who they were though. I am not sure about the colouring, it looks very dated but may have been a design choice to show that mot of the panels take place in darkness or shadows.

 The story is cool, who doesn't want to see vampires verses zombies, but this doesn't really give us that. Its still a good story though and shows how some of the humans of the living dead universe have taken back a city from the dead, but perhaps not without some help from an altogether different kind of undead horror.

 Now i would recommend this to a fan of zombie comics, or Romero's work, but the hard cover is a little pricey. Wait for a sale and snap it up with unholy delight.

 

Book Review: Toe Tags

 In memory of George Romero who introduced the zombie genre to a mainstream audience. 
 

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Toe Tags

The Death of Death

Author:                          George Romero

Publisher:                      DC Comics

Type:                              Soft Cover

Pages:                             144

Genre:                            Graphic Novel

Published:                      2014

ISBN:                              9781401249533

 Toe Tags was a DC mini series gathered here in one paperback.
The book is well built and colourfull. I am not actually sure if this work exists in the living dead universe, it seems like it could though, as it shows zombies with variable degrees of intelligence, tool use and comprehension. 

 The story resolves around a man who may or may not be an actual zombie and his elephant friend, He, the man, not the elephant must make a choice as to whether he belongs with the living and the dead.

 The art is pretty consistent thorough. Its kind of got that realistic cartoon feel to it in my opinion. Sadly i did have to wonder what the hell was going on in a few of the panels, as i felt what was being shown was not entirely clear.

 The story is an interesting one, it has a lot of good concepts and elements. But unfortunately i don't feel these elements are fleshed out enough, people seem to be introduced for no real reason, and alliances seem to change suddenly. It really feels rushed to me, like if given maybe double the number of issues the story would really shine.

 Its cheap enough to pick up for any zombie, or Romero fan, but there are better zombie comics out there.

Do not do revenge porn

How not to fight unwanted pics

 

 A friend sent me this pic taken of their local free newspaper. They were shocked as the article seemed to be advocating and encouraging its users to do revenge porn. I tracked down the full article here.

What is Revenge Porn:

 Revenge porn is the distribution of nude or otherwise adult private images without the owners consent. These images can but do not necessarily have to have been originally freely shared or necessarily distributed after a break up. Indeed any sharing of sexually explicit material to humiliate or intimidate can be considered revenge porn.

Is it Legal?

 While there is no current national revenge porn crime in Australia at the time of writing this.  There are national laws against using a device to harass, cause offence or menace, as the right wing in Australia do this all the time, it obviously isn't usually enforced. Some states do have other laws that might apply if you did take the articles advice. 

 Victoria has laws against distributing intimate images without consent. 

 Western Australia can place restraining orders that disallow the distribution of intimate images. 

 South Australia it is a crime to distribute such images.

  Should i send Nudes?

Short answer is probably not, but think about it first. Read the recipients profile, ask your self some questions;
1. Are you legal age?

2. Does the recipient want to see this?

3. Is the recipient legal age?

4. Do you trust the recipient?

5. Is the pic/clip flattering?

6. Are you okay with the chance it could be leaked, hacked or redistributed?

7. Is the recipient at a location that looking at this would be appropriate?

8. Is the pic you?

9. Do you have permission to distribute this?

10. Do you really want to send it?

If you answer no to any of these questions, don't send it!

How should you Fight Unwanted Pics? 

 Firstly do not under any circumstances redistribute intimate or sexual images or clips you have without the persons express permission, and even then get them to distribute them themselves.

 If you receive a nude you don't like just delete it, and block or report the person if that seems like an appropriate response.

 You could let them know that the pic wasn't appreciated, or just wasn't flattering even, ouch! 

 Just chill, i get unsolicited nudes all the time, yer it can be annoying, but i try to think of it as the person has reached out and trusted me with a look at their most private parts, that changes my attitude. 

 I am still unlikely to go on a date with a guy that instead of saying hello just sends me a pic of his junk but i also know that the guys and girls that do that must be being rewarded for it or they wouldn't do it right? 

 Honestly asking for nudes is kind of a turn off for me, i want dinner and a movie first man.

 If you are underage and you are being sent (or asked for) nudes definitely contact the authority!

 If your nudes are being spread definitely get legal advice as i am not a lawyer.

Fact Check laws 

Alternatives to nudes

Breakdown of laws