Showing 1 - 10 of 14
Down Mexico way
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 17/01/2020
» Brit turned American Lee Child is perhaps the most respected author in the crime-thriller genre. His 6-5, 250-pound literary creation Jack Reacher is the most popular of heroes. No small part of the reason is that he's played on the screen by -- rather shorter -- star Tom Cruise. On his own, the behemoth is likeable.
Isis destroyed
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 06/09/2018
» As most of the hijackers responsible for the 9/11 outrage were Saudi Arabian, it stands to reason that the US would take the kingdom to task. Instead, Washington turned its ire on Afghanistan and Iraq. How could that be? In fact, it made sense. America is Saudi's biggest oil customer and didn't want it to stop flowing, the more than 3,000 dead at New York's Twin Towers notwithstanding.
A treaty for peace
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 23/11/2017
» Following the two-decade-long Napoleonic Wars, Europe, not least France, licked its wounds and agreed "never again". Then they set about making a lasting peace. They felt able to do it. It was the Age of Reason and they were was intelligent as one could be in 1815.
Supply and demand
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 22/09/2017
» During the era of the Raj, India was the leading poppy grower. It was sold worldwide as a treatment for hysteria in women and hyperactivity in children. Only China refused to have anything to do with it because it was addictive, but two opium wars taught them how to take it.
Renaissance history
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 14/07/2017
» I am so conditioned when I pick up a new book about Italy that I expect it to be a historical novel about Ancient Rome. That period seems to fascinate historians and historical novelists. This reviewer finds it no more than somewhat interesting.
The Chinese spy
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 10/02/2017
» If the majority of cloak and dagger scriveners are to be believed, look no further than the CIA for enemy spies (or MI6 as the case may be). In their espionage thrillers, both top secret intelligence agencies are infested with foreign moles and domestic traitors, often in high positions.
Pulls no punches
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 25/07/2016
» In the States, its sizeable police forces notwithstanding, millions of people buy guns, often giving the same reason that they don't feel safe without them. For all the miscreants in prison, there are many more at large. The cops are doing the best they can but are hamstrung by rules and regulations.
Be wary of your spouse
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 16/05/2016
» It's said that men marry for sex, women for security. An oversimplification yet consistent with the undeniable fact that each party enters matrimony with expectations. Before exchanging vows, they've probably discussed and agreed on children, one or two jobs, family relations, domicile, time with friends.
Serial Killer
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 21/12/2015
» If crime novelists are to be believed, the world is filled with serial killers -- five victims qualifying them for the role. Tyrants Hitler and Stalin, with tens of millions victims to their discredit, are overqualified. They were butchers. No accepted term in-between.
Criminals, cops, competition
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 16/11/2015
» One of the first things all living things realise is they must compete to survive. The planet has limitations. Not nearly enough of everything to go around. Competition defines who are the winners, who fall by the wayside. In sports and war, business and romance, the winners get what the prize is they seek.