The Letters of Private Wheeler, 1809-28, by William Wheeler, 1948 Only in the 19th century did soldiers begin to describe their experiences in language modern readers can relate to. Wheeler served as a rifleman through the greatest British campaigns of the Napoleonic wars. His letters home were discovered and published only in 1948. They provide one of the finest accounts of the conflict from the perspective of a ranker. Wheeler's sensibilities were often outraged by the scenes he witnessed, not least the excesses committed by his own comrades. (Published by Cassell) My Early Life by Winston Churchill, 1930 This was the best book Churchill wrote, an exuberant memoir of colonial wars as seen by a shameless adventurer and glory-seeker, such as every conflict produces its share of. Yet while the author rejoiced in his own part in the campaigns which made his name - the north-west frontier of India, Kitchener's march on Khartoum, the Boer war - he also displayed a sympathy for the victims, … [Read more...] about The 10 best… books about war
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10 best Pancake Day facts – and history of Shrove Tuesday
Today, in kitchens around the country, people will be flipping pancakes in an annual tradition. The idea of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday has been around for more than 1,000 years. In the days before people could give up chocolate and crisps, making pancakes was a way of using up rich foods such as eggs, milk and sugar before the fasting season of Lent. Recipes for pancakes appear in cookery books as far back as the 1400s, and it's believed the tradition of flipping pancakes is almost as old. In celebration of Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, here are 10 fascinating facts about the age old tradition: 1. The biggest pancake ever made was 15 metres wide and 2.5cm deep. It contained two million calories. 2. The first pancake recipe appeared in an English cookbook in the 15th century. It is said to have originated in Olney when a housewife was so busy making pancakes that she forgot the time. When she heard the church bells ringing for mass she ran out of her house, still carrying her … [Read more...] about 10 best Pancake Day facts – and history of Shrove Tuesday
Best books for 7 year olds: From Diary of a Wimpy Kid to books for budding activists
As Dr. Seuss said: 'The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go'. We couldn't agree more - and seven-year-olds are well-placed to start getting all of the benefits that reading can bring. Of course, they can still enjoy a picture book with their parents or younger siblings, but at this age, they're also very excited to be reading books by themselves. And - even better - the books they can start to read are a lot more interesting than those intro to phonics books they were reading those first couple of years at school. Some of the best literature for children can be accessed by 7-year-olds, whether they start to get interested in Harry Potter (we'd recommend the first book for this age range, and you might want to read it with them) or go back to the classics, reading beloved novels like E.B. White's Charlotte's Web, that tackle serious, real-life issues and also teach kids about friendship and love. Seven-year-olds are often … [Read more...] about Best books for 7 year olds: From Diary of a Wimpy Kid to books for budding activists
Some gorillas have developed WEBBED FEET and other harmful mutations due to inbreeding as populations plummet, study warns
The world's biggest gorilla is developing webbed feet as a result of inbreeding among its dwindling population, according to a new study. A Grauer's gorilla's chances of being born with harmful mutations that cause fused digits have soared in the last 100 years. Loss of genetic diversity in the critically endangered ape species, which grow to 6.1ft tall and weigh 460 pounds, has also seen losses of male fertility and disease resistance. A Grauer's gorilla's chances of being born with harmful mutations that cause fused digits have soared in the last 100 years. The mutations increase the risk that the magnificent beast is wiped out completely due to disease The findings were made by comparing genes taken from the primate, which is native to forests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from 100 years ago to present day. Only a few thousand of the gorillas remain in the wild after poaching and habitat destruction saw its population plummet by 80 per cent in recent decades. … [Read more...] about Some gorillas have developed WEBBED FEET and other harmful mutations due to inbreeding as populations plummet, study warns
Top 10 galleries, art attractions and events in Atlanta
Borderline Gallery Relatively new on the scene, Borderline has already done well to carve out a niche for itself with a handful of shows that elicit more of a house party vibe, with loud music and cheap drinks, than a typical opening. For example … a curated show dubbed "Infoxicated" had flasks designed by more than 50 local artists, and another featured painted-over vinyl albums. There are also pop-up events such as the summer block parties and artist markets in between.• 858 Dekalb Avenue, facebook.com/borderlinegallery Living Walls Founded in 2009 by Monica Campana and Black Li Rudi Migliozzi, non-profit organisation Living Walls has worked with academics and city officials to make huge strides in turning Atlanta's nondescript public walls and abandoned buildings into canvases for local and international street artists and muralists. Artist ROA's sprawling alligator painting near the 5 Points Marta station, Sam Parker's cosmic mural on the corner of Randolph and Irwin … [Read more...] about Top 10 galleries, art attractions and events in Atlanta