Peace and Justice at Christmas
As some world leaders rattle their sabres for war, be aware of the many groups who are committed to building a just peace through non-violence. The Rossing Centre, based in Jerusalem is one that takes centre stage for me. Sami Awad and Michael Beer, co-founders of Non Violence International also are high on my list. Their post today is worth sharing. "As we honour Human Rights Day , we recall Dr. King's statement that humanity MUST choose between nonviolence or nonexist


Review: "Silk Silver Opium: The Trade with China that Changed History" by Michael Pembroke
Michael Pembroke's Silk Silver Opium is a comprehensive historical narrative that examines the centuries-long trade relationship between Imperial China and the West, arguing that this history of commercial interaction, conflict, and eventual humiliation is the essential foundation for understanding China's modern geopolitical stance and its relationship with the world today. The book traces the transformation of this relationship through three distinct phases. The early phase


BOOK REVIEW - EVERYTHING IS WATER by Simon Cleary
Simon Cleary's invitation to join his twenty-seven day walk on the banks of the Brisbane River rewards the reader with an invigorating, inspirational adventure - from its source to the sea. Cleary brings to life - his River, its brutality and beauty. His careful observance of plants and pebbles, flora and fauna, the bends and eddies of the river, connected to wider stories of waterways and human history, viewed through a global lens, instils a holistic and vibrant dimension


Book Review: Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza by Peter Beinart
Peter Beinart is well credentialed to write on Israeli - Palestinian issues. In the early 2000s he was regarded as one of America's prominent advocates for the State of Israel. He proudly embraced his Jewish faith and developed an elite profile in his career as a journalist leading to his current position as Professor of Journalism and Political Science at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, City University of New York. His latest book, 'Being Jewish after the


REVIEW - GREY BEES by Andrey Kurkov
The opening scene is set in the small village of Starhorodivka in the grey zone between Ukrainians and "separatists". The complexities of...


REVIEW - TWIST by Colum McCann
Colum McCann's 'Twist' is a tale of failed novelist Anthony Fennell who accepts an assignment in the hope it may restore meaning and...


REVIEW - PEOPLE LOVE DEAD JEWS: REPORTS FROM A HAUNTED PRESENT
Dara Horn's collection of essays is a searing and incisive exploration of the ways contemporary society fixates and formulates Jewish...


WHAT AD IRKS YOU MOST PART 2 - CORRECTION
In a previous post, I mistakenly identified a Kayo ad "Get On Board" as promoting gambling. It advertises their sports streaming service,...


THE FOREVER WAR - A REVIEW
There is a time during childhood when we lose belief in the fantasy of the Santa Claus myth. Reality bites. We confront the truth that...



