Whatever Wednesday - Veteran's Day Version

Hoorah America.  Navy Blue Angels in flight a year or so ago. I like fighter jets zooming about in non-combat shows. Salute our veterans and all who serve. 

America unbound, unfettered.  Celebrate democracy and the process. It's going to work. It has to work. 

Meanwhile, I go to work. 

Yes we can. As Covid cases rise along with hospitalizations, let science make sense. Wear a mask and use some sense. How can it be so hard?

Quick review of something completely different. The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson is a nonfiction take on Winston Churchill's first year as Prime Minister of England. WWII has kicked off in full swing, air raids are nightly, bombings, speeches,  Dunkirk, and hope for the USA to enter the war - this book covers a lot in very readable fashion.  Larson did his research and kept it to one year of detail - following Sir Winston, Clementine,  and the family as they navigate the war. Oh the speeches, the leadership! This is an excellent read, and a good recommendation for their Remembrance Day,  our Veteran's Day.  Strong leadership and heartfelt caring about country and people. 

Here's a vet. My dad is 89 and served in the US Navy, just after the Korean War. Yes,  he's always cold now. This picture was taken at my brother's place this past weekend - they treated dad to good meals, a nice push around the block, fresh air on the patio,  and yes, he snoozed (a lot) under the blankets. Thanks dad. 

Ray's dad served in the Navy,  and Ray created two Marines. Thank you Chris and Kevin for your service, honorable and stalwart.  

 

Book Review: Dead Wake by Erik Larson

It’s funny how you think you know something about history, but you find you really don’t. Erik Larson’s book Dead Wake brings to life the harrowing tale of the Lusitania, and its effect on America and World War I. This author is the master of narrative nonfiction, and his writing will keep you turning pages.  May 1, 1915, the Lusitania, the crown jewel of the Cunard Line, set sail from New York to Liverpool with close to 2000 people aboard, including a record number of women and children. Passengers were at ease despite the increased German U-boat attacks in the North Atlantic. America had stayed out of the World War after ten months with no inclination to join.  

Cover blurb – As U-20 and the Lusitania made their way toward Liverpool, an array of forces both grand and achingly small- hubris, a chance fog, a closely guarded secret, and more – all converged to produce one of the great disasters of history. 

We meet the real life passengers aboard ship and care about their lives. We meet the captain, William Thomas Turner, a knowledgeable seamen. And the U-boat captain Walther Schwieger, an aggressive fighter with no qualms about changing the game of war. Who would aim and shoot a torpedo at a boat carrying civilians? Why was the Lusitania not traveling at its highest rate of speed through dangerous war zone waters? What information was sent and how was the data interpreted? 

Dead Wake is a thriller, only it’s a true story. We see President Woodrow Wilson, a man in mourning, at the helm of a nation. And we see the convergence of disaster as U-20 glides underwater to blast the Lusitania. You will hold your breath and gasp at the frigid Atlantic temperature as you fight for your life reliving the anguish and fascinating story in Dead Wake.