Reading Log: February 2023

The books that I finished reading in the month of February 2023

February 2023 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"Gaia," James Lovelock

"The Big Ones: How Natural Disasters Have Shaped Us," Dr. Lucy Jones

"The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less,' Christine Platt

"The Forgotten Man." Robert Crais

Cliff's Notes:

"Gaia"

This book proposes that the earth is a living, self regulating organism. I firmly believe that this is a worthy hypothesis that bears investigation. I also feel that that Lovelock, the progenitor of the theory, seems to be one of the most ill-equipped scientists to argue in its favor. 

My concern arises from his beliefs that pollution is not a a major concern, Big Oil would not lie to us about the effects of burning fossil fuels, and that non-industrial countries present a bigger threat to the environment than Europe or America. 

All in all, I do not recommend this book.

"The Big Ones"    

A very cool book about natural disasters, of all stripes, and how they have shaped history and (perhaps) the human psyche. 

By waiting so long to write this review I have the benefit of seeing how the current flooding in California is evocative of what occurred in 1861-62; a history of which most Californians are unaware. 

One lesson more of us should take to heart: "Love, thank, and cherish your loved ones every day of your ... ."

"Living with Less"

One of the things that I have trying to accomplish, with little success, over the past few years is paring down my possessions so that I can move to a much smaller home. Having stalled out in this endeavor I was hoping that this book might give me a jump start. It was not much of a help. But, that may just be me.

The author puts a lot of emphasis on discovering one's authentic self. It seems that my authentic self is someone who is mildly depressed and sits around the house wearing sweatpants.

"Forgotten"

Another fun read in the bestselling series of Elvis Cole and Joe Pike stories. 

Spring?

 Has Spring sprung?

Wisteria: photo by Cliff Hutson

March 20  is the official first day of Spring this year. Your mileage may vary, but around here it is cold and it is damp and it feels that spring is far off. This runs counter to what much of the US is experiencing as one of the earliest springs in recent memory. 

So, to cheer myself up, I have posted a photo taken on March 19, 2005. The Washington Post article says that for my town the leaves have appeared just five days later than average. But, the plants around my house apparently missed the memo.  All I can do is sit around and wait for better days.

And, a dark and stormy day seems to cry out for a bowl of clam chowder.

Clam Chowder: photo by Cliff Hutson

Street Photography

 Street Photography

North College Avenue: photo by Cliff Hutson

British Pie Week

British Pie Week

 

Beef and Ale Pie: photo by Cliff Hutson

British Pie Week takes place every year on the first full week of March. It was founded by Jus-Rol, a company that crafts ready-to-bake pastries and doughs for any occasion, back in 2007.  

I post about this Untied Kingdom observance because I happen to like my photo of a Steak and Ale pie (from 2014) which according to research conducted by hungryhouse.co.uk, is the UK's highest rated pie. It is also a small way of of getting in touch with my 31.0% British and Irish ancestry - as assigned by 23andMe.

Motto: photo by Cliff Hutson

By the way, this pie pairs really well with a stout, in my humble opinion.

Hockey Jersey (detail): photo by Cliff Hutson