Egyptian Mummy

I was reading an archaeology magazine the other day and came across an interesting article about the first Egyptian mummy taken to Ireland. It was in 1835. A young woman, 22 yrs. old, the daughter of a priest. Her name was Takabuti. There were a few peculiarities about her, such as an extra tooth and an extra vertebrae. When they did a DNA scan (recent of course) she was a closer match to Europeans than Egyptians. She died young because she was murdered, stabbed in the back. What would a time machine tell us?

Kijiji

Busy lately cleaning out the shed, putting stuff on Kijiji and throwing out some stuff. In the last three weeks I've sold 6 items and given away 2, for a sum of $140. Two more items going to day, if they show up. I think there are people who have the hobby of promising to show up but never do. Usually 3 or 4 people do this. When people say they are coming, I don't even open the shed until they are here. The two coming today are women, so I expect them. It is usually men that are the assholes. 

Obituaries

When you see an obituary in the newspaper, there are always three important parts. The date of birth, the date of death and the dash in between. The dates of birth and death are really unimportant. What is important is the dash in between. It is what you do between those two dates that makes all the difference for you and for others.

Greed

If your country has greed as its God, COVID-19 has to take a back seat.

History

The present recedes, recollections diminish, memories fade to become only words in a history book.

"Valdez Is Coming" by Elmore Leonard

This is a simple story and doesn't take too long to read. A western story that is a bit far fetched, winning when the odds are 19 to 1 and all the adversities are expert gunmen. It is well written but doesn't seem to have an ending. I guess we have to make up our own mind as to how it is supposed to end. 

Cell Phones

They need self driving cars so people can talk on their cell phones.

Ramage & the Guillotine (The Lord Ramage Novels, #6) by Dudley Pope

This is a naval story without cannon balls or battles. Although touted as naval, it is actually a spy novel but a bit boring. As usual, it has long drawn out descriptions and conversations. I noticed that the author installed in the character a dislike of the Catholic Church whether this is personal or a sign of that time we will never know. 

Languages

From "Ancient Origins" magazine I found out about the language of the Vikings. It was called Elfdarian. That sounds mystic doesn't it? At the present time, only about 3000 people can speak it and that is in one village in Sweden.
Speakers of Swedish, Danish and Norwegian can carry on a simple conversation with each other but none can understand Elfdarian. 
As a final point. From the beginning of time, there has been about 30,000 different languages. 

Police State

In a book I am reading, there is a part that concerns the French Revolution. It describes neighbors informing on neighbors and the consequences for the neighbor. It brings to mind the conditions the exist here at the present time. People who inform on those not wearing masks, not social distancing, or not standing on the right spot or in the right line in supermarkets. I've heard of women walking around stores to see if they can confront someone and feeling so righteous. Easy to see how life happened in East Germany or other Communist states. Just this far away from a police state and we would then wonder how it was possible.

Don't Know Jack (Hunt for Jack Reacher, #1) bu Diane Capri

This book is written close to the style of Lee Child. Jack Reacher, who never appears in the book, is used as a come on to attract his readers. The story is fast paced with an FBI agent who seems unable to control her emotions or her life. With a car or plane she races from scene to scene. Where would the story be without Reacher?

Green Bin

Yesterday I heard a heck of a racket outside. Went to have a look and there was a string of cars  going by, all blowing their horn. I think it is the new reality of a birthday party. 
The other noise was my neighbors green bin being cleaned. They hook it up to the back of a truck, tip it and power wash it. Talked to the guy. He liked his job. I clean my own bin with my own power washer. Then I put a brown bag inside, so it doesn't really get too dirty. I also have a compose bin in the back yard which takes care of a lot of stuff. 

Age and Consequences

                                                                       The older I get, the less people there are that are my age. 

True Grit

Read an interesting article in "True West" magazine about "True Grit" the movie with John Wayne. Jay Silverheels AKA Tonto was in that movie but without a speaking part. At the beginning of the movie they were hanging three Indians, he was one of them. I guess a payday is a payday. No residuals though because he didn't say anything.
Glen Campbell was a co-star, his first movie. It was supposed to have been Elvis but his manager, Col. Parker said that Elvis would require top billing, his name above John Wayne. Out the door with Elvis. John Wayne won an Academy Award, his one and only.

"The Fourth Man" (Jack Reacher, #23.5) - by Lee Child

A short story. Short and to the point. A fast and satisfying read.  

"Mr Majestyk" by Elmore Leonard.

A well written book, easy to read. A plausible story with our Rambo like hero. Lots of action.

Light Bulbs in Japan

From "The Economist" magazine I learned that Japan has both 50 & 60 Cycle generators. This came about because at the time of installation, some of the parts were bought in the U.S and the rest in Germany. It is also the only place that has 100 volt power, not 110 or 220. Japan has ten electric companies and they don't cooperate which makes it hard for any moderation to be done.

"The Way to Dusty Death" by Alistair MacLean

Behind the scenes Formula 1 racing. A background of criminal activities, rather than about the racing. Lots of mystery until we finally figure it out. An arrogant hero and a leading lady who acts like someone from "The Perils of Pauline".Their conversations are like those from a Sat. afternoon serial movie.

"The Highway" (Highway Quartet #2) by C.J.Box

I was surprised at the number of negative reviews of this book. I thought it was a great story with excitement from beginning to end. Maybe these people should switch to Amish stories. One item in the book was a great surprise to me. It certainly changed the direction of the story and any books in the future. 

Deadwood

Read in "True West" magazine that "Deadwood" is coming back as a movie. Although it is based on fact, it's a shame that a lot of it is untrue. It gives the audience a warped picture of history. Honest men are sometimes pictured as a villain. An example from "Deadwood' would be Randolph Hearst. Although cast as the villain, in real life, he and his wife were much loved and did a lot of good. The least they could do is change his name.
And the swear words? Most of them were unknown at that time.
I watch German shows with English subtitles. The 'F' is always used but in German there is no such word. There big swear word is "shit" (scheisse).
I've read a lot of history and when I watch a show I want it close to the truth as possible. I don't need them to add crap just to make it exciting.