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A beautiful documentary series
Let's face it, you really can't go wrong with a David Attenborough documentary series. He's never made anything less than brilliant, and this Dynasties series is no exception.
Focusing each episode on a different species, the crew have really gone all out on the cinematography to make a truly stunning series. They've spent years filming each set of animals to give you an insight into their lives, which is fairly heartbreaking at times as they don't leave anything out, not even the sadder realities of animal life. My favourites out of the series were definitely the tigers and penguins, shining an informative look into how they bring up their young.
I loved as well how they include a brief behind the scenes segment at the end of each episode, getting to see a little more truth behind the documentary. And it's nice to see how dedicated the crew are to their work and that sometimes human intervention isn't actually a bad thing.
The series also highlights important points about the environment and conservation, and I really hope more people would watch this and get an understanding of the effects we're having on wildlife.
Focusing each episode on a different species, the crew have really gone all out on the cinematography to make a truly stunning series. They've spent years filming each set of animals to give you an insight into their lives, which is fairly heartbreaking at times as they don't leave anything out, not even the sadder realities of animal life. My favourites out of the series were definitely the tigers and penguins, shining an informative look into how they bring up their young.
I loved as well how they include a brief behind the scenes segment at the end of each episode, getting to see a little more truth behind the documentary. And it's nice to see how dedicated the crew are to their work and that sometimes human intervention isn't actually a bad thing.
The series also highlights important points about the environment and conservation, and I really hope more people would watch this and get an understanding of the effects we're having on wildlife.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) in Movies
Jun 17, 2020
I thought this film was super interesting and very informative. You can tell, right off the bat, that there's definitely a bias but I don't think it's a bad thing. I think that, in general, it's very well known how awful the Bush administration was and how his decisions have continued to impact not only the United States but the world in general.
The military-industrial complex is horrendous and I think this is a good film to watch to understand why. I was shocked but unsurprised on some level that one of the soldiers said he would rather go to jail than go back to Iraq. The purpose of our being there was so beyond not okay so I sympathize and understand what he meant. I would love for Bush to sit down with every one of those families who lost people and explain to them why we were there in the first place. It didn't make sense then. It doesn't make sense now. Those men and women didn't have to die and the fact that they did, their blood is solely on Bush's hands.
The military-industrial complex is horrendous and I think this is a good film to watch to understand why. I was shocked but unsurprised on some level that one of the soldiers said he would rather go to jail than go back to Iraq. The purpose of our being there was so beyond not okay so I sympathize and understand what he meant. I would love for Bush to sit down with every one of those families who lost people and explain to them why we were there in the first place. It didn't make sense then. It doesn't make sense now. Those men and women didn't have to die and the fact that they did, their blood is solely on Bush's hands.
ClareR (5603 KP) rated The Philosopher Queens in Books
Sep 15, 2020
This is a really informative and thoroughly interesting introduction to female philosophers. The Philosopher Queens is a series of chapters about 20 influential female philosophers. I say “influential”, but it’s not until you read about them that you realise just how influential they were and continue to be. Anyone would think that there are NO female philosophers for all the exposure that they’ve had in the mainstream. As with so many subjects in academia and society, women were studying and making contributions to philosophy, but it was nearly always the men who were in the limelight. When I read this book though, I could see just how much these women have formed my thoughts and opinions: feminism' politics, morality - as well as things that I haven’t ever really thought or heard of, including phenomenology.
This is a really accessible route into learning about philosophy, whilst at the same time it’s not overly simple either. They’re great overviews, and they explain some quite difficult concepts in a way that I could understand. I’m glad that I read it!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this.
This is a really accessible route into learning about philosophy, whilst at the same time it’s not overly simple either. They’re great overviews, and they explain some quite difficult concepts in a way that I could understand. I’m glad that I read it!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this.
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated Endangered Species Superheroes in Books
Jan 9, 2020
Honest Review for Free Copy of Book
Endangered Species Superheroes by Dakota Duncan is a graphic novel that was not quite what I was expecting. Going off of the title I was expecting the story to be about a group of people that used abilities of endangered animals to be superheroes. That is not quite what this book actually is about. The actual concept of the book is much more interesting than the classic superhero book.
Lindsay lives with her grandfather who owns The Smiling Sloth Wildlife Sanctuary. Lindsey loves helping out at the sanctuary and has a very close relationship with many of the animals that live there. At the sanctuary she assists in taking care of some of the animals by drawing their blood for tests, feeding them, and checking their vitals. Many of these animals at the sanctuary bave been hurt in some way by human carelessness. Lindsay and the animals at the sanctuary have a secret that doesn't come out until Lindsay is attacked by a thug hired by Mace Zogan.
Mace at one point was working with Lindsay's grandfather at the sanctuary. He was arrested at some point for poisoning a bunch of sloths on purpose. Mace breaks out of jail and decides to get his revenge on Lindsay's grandfather by going after Lindsay herself. Mace kidnaps Lindsay and takes her back to his Lab on an island. Mace admits that her was trying to chemically alter animals at his lab to make them more useful to humans. With some help from a few unlikely sources Lindsay gets rescued and Mace is arrested once again.
This book teaches readers about animals and the problems that humans are causing because of all the pollution and trash that we leave laying. At one point it talks about a beach clean-up and the importance of trying to get more people involved. While the book dose have the classic chemicals
creating superheros and bad guys pretending to be police officers it even offers helpful information during a kidnapping. Lindsay calls her grandfather and keeps her phone safely hidden in her backpack when Mace grabs her so that she is able to tell details about what is going on to her grandfather by talking to Mace.
What I liked best about this is that I was surprised to find that it was not Lindsay who had superpowers. The artwork is also bright amd simple enough that I do not think it would distract from the story yet would still be interesting to young readers. The information packed in this book was both a posititve and a negative for me. I didn't really like how the entire thing was so informative that the dialogue felt forced at times. There were multiple times when the flow of the story was disrupted by the addition of extra facts.
The target readers for this book are school aged children, mainly those in early middle school. Elementary students might enjoy this book as well but I feel like it might actually be a bit too long to hold the attention of younger elementary students. I rate this book 2 out of 4 because it felt a little too boring for a children's book with how informative the story was. At the same time some children tend to be very interested in anything that has to so with animals so it might be more interesting than I give it credit for.
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Lindsay lives with her grandfather who owns The Smiling Sloth Wildlife Sanctuary. Lindsey loves helping out at the sanctuary and has a very close relationship with many of the animals that live there. At the sanctuary she assists in taking care of some of the animals by drawing their blood for tests, feeding them, and checking their vitals. Many of these animals at the sanctuary bave been hurt in some way by human carelessness. Lindsay and the animals at the sanctuary have a secret that doesn't come out until Lindsay is attacked by a thug hired by Mace Zogan.
Mace at one point was working with Lindsay's grandfather at the sanctuary. He was arrested at some point for poisoning a bunch of sloths on purpose. Mace breaks out of jail and decides to get his revenge on Lindsay's grandfather by going after Lindsay herself. Mace kidnaps Lindsay and takes her back to his Lab on an island. Mace admits that her was trying to chemically alter animals at his lab to make them more useful to humans. With some help from a few unlikely sources Lindsay gets rescued and Mace is arrested once again.
This book teaches readers about animals and the problems that humans are causing because of all the pollution and trash that we leave laying. At one point it talks about a beach clean-up and the importance of trying to get more people involved. While the book dose have the classic chemicals
creating superheros and bad guys pretending to be police officers it even offers helpful information during a kidnapping. Lindsay calls her grandfather and keeps her phone safely hidden in her backpack when Mace grabs her so that she is able to tell details about what is going on to her grandfather by talking to Mace.
What I liked best about this is that I was surprised to find that it was not Lindsay who had superpowers. The artwork is also bright amd simple enough that I do not think it would distract from the story yet would still be interesting to young readers. The information packed in this book was both a posititve and a negative for me. I didn't really like how the entire thing was so informative that the dialogue felt forced at times. There were multiple times when the flow of the story was disrupted by the addition of extra facts.
The target readers for this book are school aged children, mainly those in early middle school. Elementary students might enjoy this book as well but I feel like it might actually be a bit too long to hold the attention of younger elementary students. I rate this book 2 out of 4 because it felt a little too boring for a children's book with how informative the story was. At the same time some children tend to be very interested in anything that has to so with animals so it might be more interesting than I give it credit for.
https://www.facebook.com/nightreaderreviews
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Blackfish (2013) in Movies
Nov 6, 2017 (Updated Nov 6, 2017)
Harrowing and thought provoking
For anyone who's grown up watching films like Free Willy, or visited any of the Seaworld parks, this documentary is going to be a cruel but necessary eye opener.
For me, I've been to Seaworld in Florida numerous times when I was younger and have seen Tilikum in the flesh, and although this documentary pretty much ruins my childhood memories, I'm actually glad in a way that I'm no longer in the dark. It's a tough watch, but very informative with gripping video footage and interviews with ex Seaworld employees. It also really illustrates the whales temperaments and intellectual and emotional capacity, which just further pushes the point the documentary is trying to make. Yes as with most documentaries, its fairly one-sided. But that doesn't mean it's wrong.
Seaworld have called this documentary propaganda, but having visited Seaworld again just over a month ago (after having seen this), it's the nonsense they're showing at the parks that's the propaganda, not this. It can't have done any damage to the parks, as they were still full of people who were obviously ignorant to this documentary. I just wish they'd all watch this before being taken in by the propaganda pushed by the company.
For me, I've been to Seaworld in Florida numerous times when I was younger and have seen Tilikum in the flesh, and although this documentary pretty much ruins my childhood memories, I'm actually glad in a way that I'm no longer in the dark. It's a tough watch, but very informative with gripping video footage and interviews with ex Seaworld employees. It also really illustrates the whales temperaments and intellectual and emotional capacity, which just further pushes the point the documentary is trying to make. Yes as with most documentaries, its fairly one-sided. But that doesn't mean it's wrong.
Seaworld have called this documentary propaganda, but having visited Seaworld again just over a month ago (after having seen this), it's the nonsense they're showing at the parks that's the propaganda, not this. It can't have done any damage to the parks, as they were still full of people who were obviously ignorant to this documentary. I just wish they'd all watch this before being taken in by the propaganda pushed by the company.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Churchill and Orwell: The Fight for Freedom in Books
Jan 2, 2018
Intriguing comparison between opposing men
Thomas E. Rick's fascinating account of the lives two of the most renowned British men seems an unlikely match, but nevertheless a good comparison. Literary leftist giant George Orwell and Conservative heavyweight Winston Churchill appear to be as far apart from one another, however, their visions of freedom actually divulge.
Ricks points out, both men's "dominant priority, a commitment to human freedom, gave them common cause", despite Orwell being an introvert and Churchill being a prominent orator - and it seems to be the common thread that ties them throughout.
The author's focus on Orwell felt far more interesting than Churchill's background, given that Orwell served in various armed forces around the world by choice, and usually fighting with the underdog. He was also poverty-stricken for a period of time, in which he wrote the classic memoir Down and Out in Paris and London. But Churchill's ability to change minds across the political sphere is legendary.
While certainly not exhaustive, this book provides an overview of the lives of both influential men, delving into each's careers as the themes of war, politics, and personal liberties are explored. It may be seen as a bit of a stretch given the two never actually met, however, it is still informative and entertaining.
Ricks points out, both men's "dominant priority, a commitment to human freedom, gave them common cause", despite Orwell being an introvert and Churchill being a prominent orator - and it seems to be the common thread that ties them throughout.
The author's focus on Orwell felt far more interesting than Churchill's background, given that Orwell served in various armed forces around the world by choice, and usually fighting with the underdog. He was also poverty-stricken for a period of time, in which he wrote the classic memoir Down and Out in Paris and London. But Churchill's ability to change minds across the political sphere is legendary.
While certainly not exhaustive, this book provides an overview of the lives of both influential men, delving into each's careers as the themes of war, politics, and personal liberties are explored. It may be seen as a bit of a stretch given the two never actually met, however, it is still informative and entertaining.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019) in Movies
May 3, 2019
Well done and gripping
I can't lie, whilst I know of Ted Bundy I dont know the details about everything he did, so I found this film to be really gripping and informative. Ted Bundy is truly a fascinating individual, its almost unbelievable that after so many years on death row he wa still proclaiming his innocence. Zac Efron isn't someone you'd usually associate with being a good actor but he plays Ted very well. He has the right amount of charm and looks but beneath that you can still see the simmering sinister murderous side. Just goes to show Efron can act in something serious after all.
The rest of the supporting cast too are very good, and the entire film moves along a fairly decent pace. This is one film that definitely can't be accused of dragging, but for me its maybe a little too short. I feel like they could have elaborated or gone into more details, especially those that didnt occur during the timeline of the film. However I suppose that wouldn't make sense as this is the story of Liz and her time with Bundy. But still, for me I would've liked a little bit more although its still a very intriguing and enthralling film with some very good acting.
The rest of the supporting cast too are very good, and the entire film moves along a fairly decent pace. This is one film that definitely can't be accused of dragging, but for me its maybe a little too short. I feel like they could have elaborated or gone into more details, especially those that didnt occur during the timeline of the film. However I suppose that wouldn't make sense as this is the story of Liz and her time with Bundy. But still, for me I would've liked a little bit more although its still a very intriguing and enthralling film with some very good acting.
Mayhawke (97 KP) rated Windtalkers (2002) in Movies
Feb 7, 2018
Not the film it was pitched as
I bought this when it first came out on video (yes, that long ago) excepecting a good action film centered around an interesting historical fact. If that is what you are hoping for, don't bother.
The trailers and the blurb made a great deal about the American use of the Navajo language as an unbreakable 'code' during WW2,and gave the impression that this was the central theme of the film. It is not. In fact that aspect of the story is almost completely incidental. Instead the film focuses on the character of Joe Enders (Nicholas Cage), in a thin and worn out story of the 'Only-Man-To-Survive-Out-Of-his-Unit-and-Now-he's-racked-with-Guilt' genre.
Trouble is, it's not even a good example of it's kind, and rapidly degenerates into the worst kind of John Wayne-esq war film, where one good/troubled/hard-arse American Marine manages to defeat the entire force of the Japanese/Germans/whoever.
It's a real shame, because the opportunity was there to do something really interesting and informative but - it seems - once again Hollywood has been blinded by the myopic belief that Testosterone, lots of big bangs and screaming characters makes for better entertainment.
The trailers and the blurb made a great deal about the American use of the Navajo language as an unbreakable 'code' during WW2,and gave the impression that this was the central theme of the film. It is not. In fact that aspect of the story is almost completely incidental. Instead the film focuses on the character of Joe Enders (Nicholas Cage), in a thin and worn out story of the 'Only-Man-To-Survive-Out-Of-his-Unit-and-Now-he's-racked-with-Guilt' genre.
Trouble is, it's not even a good example of it's kind, and rapidly degenerates into the worst kind of John Wayne-esq war film, where one good/troubled/hard-arse American Marine manages to defeat the entire force of the Japanese/Germans/whoever.
It's a real shame, because the opportunity was there to do something really interesting and informative but - it seems - once again Hollywood has been blinded by the myopic belief that Testosterone, lots of big bangs and screaming characters makes for better entertainment.
Smashed, Mashed, Boiled, Baked - and Fried, Too! by Ragavan Iyer is a beautiful. It has wonderful pictures, beautiful fonts. It has section at the end that lists the recipes out by categories including entrees vs sides, apps etc as well as by allergens.
This cookbook outlines potato appetizers, soup, main entrees, side dishes, and desserts from a full spectrum of cuisines and cultures, plus each recipe is beset with 'Tater Tips' or details pertinent to the history, procurement, variety, storage, and perishability of the potato being used. Iyer is cheeky, yet endearing and incredibly informative, like a friend that you adore grocery shopping with after a hearty cafe lunch.
Overall, I want to make everything in this cookbook, and I also think that by making Iyer's, "ultimate mashed potatoes" I will become everyone's favourite person over the holiday season (they look SO yummy!). Unfortunately, I worry that with so many people on strict diets, or low-carb diets, this cookbook may not sell as as much as it should. However, if you have a potato lover or carb queen in your life, get this cookbook for them - they will love you for it!
I received this book from Workman Publishing Company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This cookbook outlines potato appetizers, soup, main entrees, side dishes, and desserts from a full spectrum of cuisines and cultures, plus each recipe is beset with 'Tater Tips' or details pertinent to the history, procurement, variety, storage, and perishability of the potato being used. Iyer is cheeky, yet endearing and incredibly informative, like a friend that you adore grocery shopping with after a hearty cafe lunch.
Overall, I want to make everything in this cookbook, and I also think that by making Iyer's, "ultimate mashed potatoes" I will become everyone's favourite person over the holiday season (they look SO yummy!). Unfortunately, I worry that with so many people on strict diets, or low-carb diets, this cookbook may not sell as as much as it should. However, if you have a potato lover or carb queen in your life, get this cookbook for them - they will love you for it!
I received this book from Workman Publishing Company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Irene M (130 KP) rated Infographics for Kids in Books
Dec 7, 2018
I received this book from Toppsta to review
"Infographics help us to understand information, learn and remember it!" ... and this book has that in abundance.
My own first impressions included how wonderful bright and colourful this book was, and the great thick quality of the pages.
Every double-page infographic in the book has something interactive for the little ones to expand on, be it simple colouring in or a question to make them think, and so packed full of informative facts that even if you don't read from cover to cover and just open and point there will be something of interest.
I have two boys so needless to say the fact about a human poop weighing the same as two apples was MOST entertaining and I have a feeling it might get repeated often at school today.
My 8 year old had no problems reading thru the book, my 6 year old only needed help with one or two words, and both showed much glee at regurgitating their new found information with their Dad at the dinnertable even a couple of days after reading the book ... so they definitely did take in the information which is exactly what the cover says.
A great read for all ages.
"Infographics help us to understand information, learn and remember it!" ... and this book has that in abundance.
My own first impressions included how wonderful bright and colourful this book was, and the great thick quality of the pages.
Every double-page infographic in the book has something interactive for the little ones to expand on, be it simple colouring in or a question to make them think, and so packed full of informative facts that even if you don't read from cover to cover and just open and point there will be something of interest.
I have two boys so needless to say the fact about a human poop weighing the same as two apples was MOST entertaining and I have a feeling it might get repeated often at school today.
My 8 year old had no problems reading thru the book, my 6 year old only needed help with one or two words, and both showed much glee at regurgitating their new found information with their Dad at the dinnertable even a couple of days after reading the book ... so they definitely did take in the information which is exactly what the cover says.
A great read for all ages.