I live outside DC, which I believe is one of the best cities in the world where museums are concerned. Of course everybody knows the Smithsonian, the federal institutions, the monuments and memorials, and the historic sites. Plus countless private museums, plenty of which (Spy Museum, Holocaust Museum, etc.) are as extensive and famous as … More Museum Review: Planet Word
Every year* I attempt (with varying degrees of success and effort) to watch as many of that year’s Oscar nominees as possible. For the past few years* I’ve posted reviews of these movies here on this blog. At some point before the awards ceremony, I usually write up some sort of over-analysis and maybe some … More 2024 Oscar Reviews: Killers of the Flower Moon
Three star review, originally posted here on February 2, 2024. I was so conflicted on this book. There is so much promise here. The story is so imaginative. At times the storytelling is very engaging (for example, when Dracula’s ship arrived in England and the captain has slashed himself to the wheel with a crucifix.) … More Goodreads Review: Dracula by Bram Stoker
Every year* I attempt (with varying degrees of success and effort) to watch as many of that year’s Oscar nominees as possible. For the past few years* I’ve posted reviews of these movies here on this blog. At some point before the awards ceremony, I usually write up some sort of over-analysis and maybe some … More 2024 Oscar Reviews: Saltburn
Four star review, originally posted here on February 2, 2024. I wanted this book to be a 5 star review. It started off so great. There was so much amazing history to learn here. I relished the pouring on of details about life in post-colonial New York City. I think most history I’ve learned about … More Goodreads Review: The Sewing Girl’s Tale: A Story of Crime and Consequences in Revolutionary America by John Wood Sweet
One of my new year’s resolutions this year is to visit museums. I live in the DC area, where I could probably go to a new museum every day of the year. But this past week I went on a ski trip to Pennsylvania, and something that’s been on my list since it opened roughly … More Museum Review: Flight 93 National Memorial
Four star review, originally posted here on January 20, 2024. This is really a 3.5 star rating. I am glad that Cheney wrote this book, and that I read it. I am glad to have one more record of the madness surrounding January 6th, and of the fight for the truth that followed (and continues … More Goodreads Review: Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning by Liz Cheney
One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to spend this year visiting museums. First up: a museum I’ve VERY much been looking forward to visiting for years. The one I was most psyched for. And, conveniently, the one closest to my own house. The honor of hosting the grand debut of Helga Without the H’s … More Museum Review: Alexandria Black History Museum
Four star review, originally posted here on January 11, 2024. First: Anyone who likes this book should also check out “Astoria: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson’s Lost Pacific Empire: A Story of Wealth, Ambition, and Survival” by David Stark. Both are crazy stories about adventurers getting their asses kicked in the olden days. Second: … More Goodreads Review: The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
Four star review, originally posted here on March 29, 2023. The first several chapters of this book were very informative as Abrams describes everything that is wrong with our election system, and then proposes solutions. The last couple chapters drop off a bit, though, and seemed unfocused.
Helga without the H 