Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

William Shakespeare: The Writer We Love to Write About

Who doesn’t know the famous writer, William Shakespeare? 
  • I was watching a Bollywood movie, and the Indian grandmother in the film quoted Shakespeare. 
  • I was watching an American movie about life in da hood, and one of the thugs' girlfriends quoted Shakespeare.
William Shakespeare - AI image created by DreamUp
  • Some people practically worship William Shakespeare as if he’s some sort of bard god.
  • Others don’t even want to give him credit for the works that have been credited to him as his original writings. They say someone else wrote the plays and poems, but he took credit for them. 
No matter. If you’re looking for information about this famous writer, you can find all of his works online, along with all kinds of commentary, historical tidbits, quotes, etc., about the man. 

He’s the writer people love to write about and to quote.

Stratford Upon Avon

Shakespeare’s Birthplace - Stratford Upon Avon:

18 Best Things To Do In Stratford-upon-Avon: A Local’s Guide

Just for grins, here is some interesting trivia about William Shakespeare:

  • Shakespeare’s name had 80+ spellings — Surviving documents show his surname written in dozens of forms, including Shappere, Shaxberd, and even his own signatures like Willm Shakspere and Willm Shakp.

  • He introduced nearly 3,000 English words — The Oxford English Dictionary credits him with adding almost 3,000 new words to the language, contributing to an estimated personal vocabulary of 17,000–29,000 words.

  • His skull may have been stolen — A 2016 archaeological investigation suggests grave robbers likely removed Shakespeare’s skull from his shallow grave in Stratford-upon-Avon.

  • He never actually left England — Despite setting many plays abroad (Italy, Denmark, France), evidence indicates he never traveled outside England.

  • He wrote his own grave curse — His epitaph warns: “Curst be he that moves my bones,” likely written to prevent church officials from relocating his remains.

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Learn more:

20 Facts That You Don’t Know about William Shakespeare.

20 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About WilliamShakespeare. | HistorySnob

William Shakespeare - Plays, Biography & Poems. | HISTORY.com Editors


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Thursday, March 19, 2026

Books About Women in History | Oneworld Publications | A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women

📚Recommended Reading: A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women


Well!  Beyoncé did say that girls run the world.😃

Emma Southon has authored a book about women’s experiences in ancient Rome. The book paints a fuller picture of the Roman world — one that includes:
  • family dynamics and domestic life
  • social mobility and class tensions
  • religion and ritual
  • scandal, survival, and political maneuvering
  • the everyday realities that shaped life far beyond the Senate and battlefield

It's a Fresh, Funny Rewrite of Roman History

Most Roman histories follow the same predictable arc: fratricide, tyrants, endless battles, a parade of emperors, and the occasional warning about what happens when women “don’t behave.” This book throws that entire formula out the window. Instead of centering the usual cast of generals and politicians, Emma Southon retells the rise and fall of the Roman Empire through the lives of 21 remarkable women who lived it, shaped it, and were often written out of it. 

Rome in 21 Women

Women Who Lived at the Heart of Empire

Each chapter spotlights a different woman — not just empresses or noblewomen, but figures from across Roman society. Some were powerful, some were ordinary, some were scandalized by ancient writers, and some were quietly influential in ways history rarely acknowledges. Through them, you see the Empire from the inside out: its politics, its domestic life, its dangers, and its contradictions.

A Sharp Look at How History Gets Written

One of the book’s biggest insights is how ancient historians shaped the stories we inherited. Women were often used as moral lessons, political props, or symbols of decline. Southon dismantles those tropes with humor and clarity, showing how much richer and more complex the real stories are. The book becomes not just a retelling of Roman history, but a critique of how history itself is constructed.
Accessible, Irreverent, and Very Well Researched

Southon’s writing is lively, modern, and often laugh‑out‑loud funny — a deliberate contrast to the “appallingly tedious list of battles and generals” that she jokes defines most Roman histories.

Despite the humor, the scholarship is solid. You get real historical depth without the dryness, making it a perfect entry point for readers who want history that feels alive.

Why This Book is Recommended?

If you’ve ever felt that history leaves out too many voices, this book is a refreshing corrective. It’s not just about adding women into the margins — it’s about rewriting the narrative so the margins become the story. It’s smart, funny, and eye‑opening, and it makes the Roman Empire feel new again.

Why would I want to read it?  I just like the history of ancient Rome.  It's like the story that ended, but it's never-ending.  But I am always curious about the contributions of women who are often overlooked.

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RELATED OR SIMILAR LINKS:

Travel and Vacation: Explore the City Rome: Where to Go and What to See (Guest Post)

Wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Ancient Rome vs The Movie 'Gladiator' (2000)

Books for Children: The Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence

What a Horrible Way to Go! : History of Ancient Rome: Executions


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Friday, September 8, 2023

Books for Children: The Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence

Think you might like reading a historical mystery book series set in ancient Rome?  (Written for young readers but nobody has to know you’re an adult. One of my guilty pleasures is reading children's books.)  Here is a recommendation. This series has won awards. It’s called The Roman Mysteries and was written by Caroline Lawrence. Her goal for undertaking this task was to entertain children while reading and educate them about this ancient civilization. She succeeded. In fact, her books received praise from teachers and parents, as well as awards and recognition. This is not the only mystery series she has written but since it deals with life in ancient Rome which is one of my favorite topics, it is being suggested for mystery lovers who also have an interest in the Roman Empire.

Set in 1st century A.D., Book 1 of the series is titled “The Thieves of Ostia”. The last of the series, Book 17 is “Man from Pomegranate Street”. The reading material targets ages 10 through 14 and the novels are available in various formats: hard copy, audio, digital, etc.
♦♦♦♦♦♦

The books were adapted to film and you can watch the episode on YouTube.  Below is the complete Roman Mysteries book series:
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Thursday, October 27, 2022

American Presidents During My Lifetime: Bush Jr. and Obama (with Suggested Reading)

Final post in this series: 
(Donald Trump was elected after Obama.  Worse memory of a POTUS ever!)
 
POTUS Dots from Eisenhower  to Kennedy  to Johnson and Nixon to Ford and Carter to Reagan to Bush Sr. and Clinton ... 


* * * 

43 rd POTUS, George Bush Jr. (2001 – 2009) 
 
Not being disrespectful, but there are lines from a Disney animated film that sum up my thoughts about this administration. 
 
A young deer had received wise advice from his mother, but she had to remind him of her instructions by having him repeat what she had told him. 
  • Momma Deer: “Now, Thumper! What did I tell you?” 
  • Young Deer named Thumper: (Heaves a huge sigh before speaking.) “If you can't say nothing good … (Another huge sigh.) … don't say nothing at all.” 



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44 th POTUS, Barack Obama (2009 – Present) 
 
“Change has come to America.” Indeed. That “change” will be leaving come January 2017.  No doubt your intentions were honorable, and the custodians of American history will likely make a special effort to ensure that the record accurately reflects the highlights of your administration – the good, the bad, and the “questionable”. 

SUGGESTED READING:  Barack Obama: The Story – David Maraniss.  This book explores Obama’s childhood, family history, education, and identity. Ideal if you want to understand the forces that shaped him before the presidency.

 
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So that's it! Presidential DOTs on my timeline from 1955 to 2016. Still proud to be an American, anchored by the belief and knowledge that this country must be standing because of the grace of God. 



glitter-graphics.com
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My original content first published via Persona Paper, Jan 18, 2016, "POTUS Dots on My Timeline: Bush Jr. and Obama".


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Wednesday, October 26, 2022

American Presidents During My Lifetime: George Bush Sr. and William "Bill" Clinton (with Suggested Reading)

POTUS Dots from Eisenhower  to Kennedy  to Johnson and Nixon to Ford and Carter to Reagan ... 

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41st POTUS, George Bush Sr. (1989 – 1993)
 
Was working for the federal government in Washington, D.C., at the time. Bush Sr.'s years in office as POTUS – 1989 through 1993 - coincided with a time of personal crisis for my husband, my young children, and me. Because of our “present distress”, didn't really focus much on what was happening in the world of politics, except if it was a “Bush agenda item” that was in some way work-related. Do remember that the campaigning FOR the presidency took on a ruthless and vicious tone. Once elected, however, Bush Sr. said something about being glad it was over and moving toward “a kinder and gentler America” . You'll have to ask him directly where he was coming from with that statement. Recollections of that time period in my life are very blurry. 


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42nd POTUS, William Clinton (1993 – 2001)

 
People say things got much better for the general population during Clinton's years in the Oval Office. Sadly, the only thing that pops out of my memory box is a brew-ha-ha about him getting a B.J. from a White House intern and cries for his impeachment. And … uuummm … ??? Oh yeah! Lots of Saturday Night Live comedy skits. 
 
Around about the same time, things did start getting better for my family, and life was becoming less stressful and distressful. But the changes or improvements can not be attributed to whoever the leader of the nation was. It's the leader of the Fox family who gets full credit for turning things around. We weathered the storm with my husband at the ship's helm, and he steered us through perilous and treacherous “waters”. 
 
We passed through and survived to meet and greet POTUS Number 43. Next! 
 

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My original content first published via Persona Paper, Jan 18, 2016, "POTUS Dots on My Timeline: Bush Sr. and Clinton".

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Tuesday, October 25, 2022

American Presidents During My Lifetime: Ronald Reagan (with Suggested Reading)

POTUS Dots from Eisenhower  to Kennedy to Johnson and Nixon to Ford and Carter to … 


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40th POTUS, Ronald Reagan (1981 – 1988)


Mr. Reagan truly desired or aspired to be the president. He spent years trying to accomplish this objective. Finally. One day. It happened. He got himself elected. He was inaugurated on the very same day I started working for the United States Customs Service, now known as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
He wasn't too keen on funding health, education and welfare or social programs like that. Just because Jesus said “The poor ye have always with you”, that doesn't mean those in poverty should be a priority budget item. 
 
He wanted to privatize functions like the postal service. 
 
He was really enthusiastic about space and defense programs. But when the Iran-Contra Affair occurred, he told the American people he didn't know a thing about it. He has since departed this life, but - if speaking honestly - I was never fully convinced he didn't know. Too late now to split hairs over it. 
 
All of America is glad - whether we agree with his decisions or not - that he survived an attempt on his life. The shooter wasn't even politically motivated. The idiot guy was just trying to impress a girl. A girl he didn't even know! God spared Mr. Reagan's life. Amen!

That's my recall/wrap-up of MY opinions and views of Reaganomics and his policies. 

  • SUGGESTED READING: A sweeping, modern, one‑volume biography that traces Reagan’s journey from Hollywood actor to governor to president.  An authoritative and highly readable biography of President Ronald Reagan, the book most historians and reviewers point to is Reagan: The Life by H. W. Brands. It’s comprehensive, balanced, and written with the narrative energy of a novel while staying grounded in scholarship.
 
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My original content first published via Persona Paper, Jan 18, 2016, "POTUS Dots on My Timeline: Reagan".
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Monday, October 24, 2022

American Presidents During My Lifetime: Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter (with Suggested Reading List)

POTUS Dots from Eisenhower  to Kennedy  to Johnson and Nixon to …
  • Similar to my previous post, combining these next two POTUS Dots also.
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38th POTUS, Gerald Ford (1974 – 1977)

Served as Vice-President with Nixon and was then elected as President. He pardoned Nixon and some of US were not too happy about that. The overall sentiment went something like:
  • Dirty rotten crooked scoundrel politicians!! Q)Y*X}{@#!R{(TB# … Good old boys network! … (&_R #c ybB6T-!!& &% … etc.
 
Nothing else memorable to report about this administration. Either it was a quiet time or he was a quiet man. Not in the spotlight very often. (O.o) 

 
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39th POTUS, Jimmy Carter (1977 – 1981)

What with Watergate Scandal, Spiro WHO?, and Ford WHO?, and then a Presidential pardon after all of the uproar … the American people started asking a different type of “WHO” question: 
  • “WHO out there is an honest politician?”
Someone suggested:
  • “Well there is this peanut farmer who goes to church every Sunday.”
 Americans are like: “Fine! Vote him in!”
 
After all, he can't be any worse than a dishonest politician. Right?
 
The mild-mannered Mr. Carter encouraged energy conservation; and he was (and still is) a principled man of peace who succeeded in getting two political leaders of countries – not known for being BFFs – Israel and Egypt - to actually shake hands and publicly agree on a peace accord. Regardless of what actually happened after that, he meant it for good.


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My original content first published via Persona Paper, Jan 18, 2016, "POTUS Dots on My Timeline: Ford and Carter".
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Friday, October 21, 2022

American Presidents During My Lifetime: Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon (with Suggested Reading)

POTUS Dots from Eisenhower to Kennedy to ...

  • Will have to combine these next two POTUS Dots. Not a lot to extract by way of recollection for one of them.
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36th POTUS, Lyndon Johnson (1963 – 1969)
 
As Vice-President for John F. Kennedy, he had to step into the shoes of the slain President and pick up where he left off, continuing to move America forward. My memories of this administration are dominated by public protests against the Vietnam War and by a lot of really good music from that time period, with song lyrics inspired by the day's significant political issues. Want to hear the songs of that generation? Just listen to some of the background music for the movie Forrest Gump, which starred Tom Hanks.
 
Of course, my memories include the Civil Rights Movement . It's a perfect day to highlight this important milestone in America's history because the date of this post, January 18, 2016, is also being celebrated as MLK Day, the birthday of Martin Luther King, a notable Civil Rights activist. 


  • SUGGESTED READING: If you want to understand Lyndon B. Johnson in all his complexity, the best book to start with is The Path to Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert A. Caro. But it isn’t one book. It's a multi-volume biography, and it’s widely regarded by historians and reviewers as one of the greatest political biographies ever written. Caro’s work is known for its depth, storytelling, and meticulous research.

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37th POTUS, Richard Nixon (1969 – 1974)  

The Watergate Scandal and Spiro WHO? Remember, people, saying that about the man Nixon chose to serve with him as Vice-President. Spiro T. Agnew. One would think that with a name like that, a person would try to do something more memorable than avoid paying their income taxes. At any rate, Gerald Ford was chosen to take Agnew's place as VEEP, and still people kept asking: WHO?? Seems nobody knew him either! (O.o)

See related and more detailed blog post on Nixon.

Nixon Dots on My Timeline (An Opinion Piece) (archived copy)

  • SUGGESTED READING:  If you want Nixon’s own voice, go with RN: The Memoirs of Richard Nixon. It offers insight into how he understood his own decisions and is naturally selective, but invaluable for a firsthand perspective.

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My original content first published via Persona Paper, Jan 18, 2016, "POTUS Dots on My Timeline: Johnson and Nixon".



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Thursday, October 20, 2022

American Presidents During My Lifetime: John F. Kennedy (with Suggested Reading List)

Continuing to follow the dots on my timeline, which started with Eisenhower. 
 
* * *
 
35th POTUS, John F. Kennedy (1961 – 1963) - What do I recall? 
 
 

The grown folks around me sure thought he was a good POTUS. Didn't know much, but saw no reason to disagree with them. Have always believed that this man would have been one of the best presidents. But we will never know, as he was cut down by an assassin's bullet or bullets. To this day, the identity of his murderer or murderers has never been confirmed. But the day he was shot is etched in my memory forever. People – the adults, that is, in my neighborhood were showing a range of emotions: sorrow, shock, despair, anger, dread. My older sister made a scrapbook of newspaper clippings – everything she could find about JFK. Sadly, don't know what happened to it. Wish I had kept it. Its historical value would have been priceless. 
 

Kennedy's assassination completely changed my understanding of this thing called “politics” in America, and in the world. Politics is dangerous! Not only dangerous but confusing. To want to get rid of a bad leader – like a ruthless dictator or a really cruel monarch - that's understandable. Not saying that's the right thing to do. But to kill a good leader? That is so clearly and obviously wrong. WHY?? Does this mean the good really do die young?? (O.o) 
 
Thoughts from a child's heart. ♥

 
Next two POTUS Dots:  Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard M. Nixon


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My original content first published via Persona Paper, Jan 18, 2016, "POTUS Dots on My Timeline: Kennedy".
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