Saturday, October 5

Tag: history

Naomi Klein’s ‘On Fire’
Stuff

Naomi Klein’s ‘On Fire’

Naomi Klein’s ‘On Fire’ is a powerful manifesto which stimulates all corners of the climate movement, and stresses the urgency of positive change. Throughout the book, Klein succeeds in both educating and inspiring her young audience, and centres her work within a broader sphere of environmental literature. As a result, ‘On Fire’ provides a unique outlook on the climate crisis, and reflects the same ideological changes which have critiqued the development sphere. Klein overarchingly argues that we will not be able to create any significant change towards environmental preservation until we have recognised and addressed the structural issues within our existing institutions and systems. ‘On Fire’ thus outlines the ideological framework behind the ‘green new deal’ – a grassroots ‘climate ...
The National Geographic Rewind: August 1964
Culture, History, Reviews

The National Geographic Rewind: August 1964

While browsing some garage sales a few weeks ago, I came across a lawn loaded with stacks and stacks of old magazines dating back to the 60s. These included a number of National Geographic magazines, a society well-familiar with bringing to life an exciting combination of history, society, geography, nature and more. These National Geographics instantly stole my attention, because amongst these piles of ads and fads lay some of the most intriguing insights into our social past, which the historian in me was thrilled to uncover. This Rewind series follows my thoughts and reflections upon some of the editions set between the early 60s and late 70s, largely the astounding change between perspectives then and now. In this August 1964 edition I will delve into themes prominent acros...
Exploring ‘Athlete A’: cover-ups, crime, and culture
Culture, History, Reviews

Exploring ‘Athlete A’: cover-ups, crime, and culture

Gymnastics is one of those sports where it seems as if the athletes were born to flip and fly through the air. As a major highlight for many Olympic viewers, the sport invokes unimaginable inspiration and awe for both the athlete's dedication and their talent. However as Netflix's new documentary Athlete A reveals - and as multitudes of other sports scandals can attest - there is scarcely enough attention given to their sacrifices, struggles, or general wellbeing. The case of Larry Nassar In 2017, allegations of sexual abuse against USA Gymnastics' (USAG) team doctor Larry Nassar shocked both the gymnastics community and the rest of the world. Not only was it 'out of character' for the previously beloved community member, but the sheer extent and severity of his abuse remained unbel...
Why did the chicken cross the World? – Andrew Lawler
Culture, History, Reviews

Why did the chicken cross the World? – Andrew Lawler

With a name alluding to the all-time favourite joke category of my young self, this book immediately drew my attention as it played on a question I had no idea how to approach, let alone answer. Written by journalist Andrew Lawler, 'Why did the chicken cross the world?' poses a novel dilemma that many would find puzzling. Is this a joke book? a cookbook? a rhetorical question used to prompt intrigue? The answer, I was soon happily surprised to find, was both none and all of the above. With a wealth of information that would overwhelm the comedically small chicken-brain, this book is ideal for anyone looking to dig their teeth into the riveting life, complex biology and tumultuous history of the basic chook. At a glance... Lawler works to unearth the nested reasons that humans ha...
To Breakfast & Beyond
Culture, History

To Breakfast & Beyond

Exploring the history of breakfast Undoubtedly the best part of the morning, the pinnacle of a reason to wake up, and the perfect way to start your day - is breakfast. The eager stomach drives the routines of many people, and the morning meal has become a staple in the typical modern day. But when did breakfast actually begin? What did people eat before cereal and avo toast? Can we even imagine a time when our mornings weren't centred around the comforting brands of Kelloggs, Quaker Oats, or even Vegemite? Historians and dieticians alike have been intrigued by the breakfast dilemma, morphing from a traditionally religious event where families would 'break' their 'fast', to a health phenomena promoted within our age of advertisement as 'the most important meal of the day!' Today, wh...