As we start another wildfire season, this is a rather scary book to read. It explains the chemistry and physics of wildfires, describes the devastatinAs we start another wildfire season, this is a rather scary book to read. It explains the chemistry and physics of wildfires, describes the devastating fires that ravaged Fort McMurray, and goes on to explain the rather bleak path we are on with our continued use of fossil fuels and their contribution to CO2 levels. An important read for anyone interested in the subject of wildfires. ...more
In school we learned that Radisson was an explorer, but he was more of an entrepreneur looking to make money from the fur trade. He did travel throughIn school we learned that Radisson was an explorer, but he was more of an entrepreneur looking to make money from the fur trade. He did travel through much of the land north and south of the Great Lakes, as well as Hudson Bay. The author said Radisson had “fluid loyalty”, frequently switching between the English and the French. He was also around for historical events such as the Great London Fire, the plague, and numerous civil and international wars. It was nice to learn about his entire life....more
Major Baird was a POW in Hong Kong from December 25, 1941 to the end of August 1945. While there he wrote letters home to his wife and daughter - thatMajor Baird was a POW in Hong Kong from December 25, 1941 to the end of August 1945. While there he wrote letters home to his wife and daughter - that were never delivered - this is that collection. As with many POW stories it is quite repetitive. About 3/4 of the book is about food, rice, rice and more rice. The rest of the book talks about their living conditions, their health, their wish to see, or even hear from, loved ones - and of course more about food. I quite liked the book because it is a very personal account....more
The book started off really good. Later there were about 50 pages on Belinda Stronach, and then the "Spreading the Net" fund raising. That was too mucThe book started off really good. Later there were about 50 pages on Belinda Stronach, and then the "Spreading the Net" fund raising. That was too much. Eventually it got back to the RMR Show. The Jann Arden chapter was great. Rick is always quite funny....more
I always enjoy King’s books, but this was not one of my favourites. The story of two cousins, their families, and their adventures one summer between I always enjoy King’s books, but this was not one of my favourites. The story of two cousins, their families, and their adventures one summer between Truth, a city on one side of the river, and Bright Water, the reserve on the other side....more
This is a lovely book about our local lone wolf. It is odd that a wolf would live alone on a few small islands so close to a city. Lots of really niceThis is a lovely book about our local lone wolf. It is odd that a wolf would live alone on a few small islands so close to a city. Lots of really nice photos....more
Overall, an interesting story of an African slave taken to Japan by Jesuit priests, who becomes a samurai warrior and a bodyguard to Oda Nobunaga. A lOverall, an interesting story of an African slave taken to Japan by Jesuit priests, who becomes a samurai warrior and a bodyguard to Oda Nobunaga. A little slow but an action packed, exciting the last 70 or so pages. ...more
A compilation of 24 different stories, mostly from well known personalities, about how their big mistakes eventually turned out to lead to their biggeA compilation of 24 different stories, mostly from well known personalities, about how their big mistakes eventually turned out to lead to their biggest successes. Lots of interesting trivia....more
A lot of needless set up stories and a plot that often didn't make sense. It left an opening for a third book.A lot of needless set up stories and a plot that often didn't make sense. It left an opening for a third book....more
This is the author's account of hiking Northern Ireland's Ulster Trail. There is a nice mix of scenery, history, politics, food and drink, weather andThis is the author's account of hiking Northern Ireland's Ulster Trail. There is a nice mix of scenery, history, politics, food and drink, weather and generally just meeting people along the way. It is told in a very humorous way. If you like Bill Bryson's style of travel humor this might appeal to you. ...more