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Book review: Beyond Order by Jordan R Peterson

Book review: Beyond Order by Jordan R Peterson

The message from Jordan R Peterson that attracted sometimes hysterical attention was relatively straightforward. Life is tough, so stand up straight. Stop moaning. Tidy your bedroom. Ditch the victimhood and the identity politics, and, if you are male (as 80 per cent of his YouTube viewers are), man up. Get a job. Get a wife. Have children and bring them up properly. This is what worked for previous societies and it will probably work for you. We review his much vaunted sequel to 12 Rules For Life — Beyond Order.

Book review: Populus by Guy de la Bédoyère

Book review: Populus  by Guy de la Bédoyère

Through the words of Tacitus, Seneca, Martial, and a host of others, including ordinary Romans, Guy de la Bedoyere takes the reader into a world of violent politics, civil disorder, unspeakably brutal entertainments, extravagance, decadence, eroticism, exotica, and staggering inequality, participated in daily by the Roman people from the hyper-rich elite to the lowliest slaves. Populus places those who experienced Rome in person at the forefront of their story, from the rabble-rousing senator Clodius Pulcher to Pliny the Elder and Hortensia who defended the rights of women in court to the ex-slave and celebrity baker Eurysaces. 

Quick books for an after Easter read

Quick books for an after Easter read

It’s Easter time. The sun is occasionally breaking through the clouds, chocolate eggs are on special at Countdown, and we’re looking forward to our after Easter break. Ahhrrr how I love the quaint tradition of Dominion Day! What better time to catch up on some reading? Here are some short-ish, new-ish paperbacks our secret readers group has enjoyed over the past couple of years — just the right length for a glass of SB. Oh alright then, it’s only 2.00pm — a cuppa tea and a sunny couch.

The music list 2023: From the Ashes

The music list 2023: From the Ashes

We call them cyclones here in New Zealand, and that’s exactly what we got this year. Not one, but two, called Hale and Gabrielle. While we all watched the impact on TV, it’s not until you see it with your own eyes just how devastating the cyclones were. Communities had to live with the devastation of the cyclones while cleaning up and rebuilding, which must have taken its toll. Like many, DJ Dave and Coll rose from the ashes.

GCHQ Christmas Challenge 2023: can you solve the trickiest puzzles?

GCHQ Christmas Challenge 2023: can you solve the trickiest puzzles?

The spy agency has issued a challenge for you to put your puzzle-solving skills to the test with the launch of its annual Christmas challenge. And here it is for you, dear reader. It’s a wet day at the bach or crib. Grab a pot of tea and a slab of G’Ma’s fruit cake. The challenge with a Christmas card, fronted by a rare image of a snow-covered Bletchley Park, is designed for a mix of minds to solve. Whether you are an analyst, an engineer or a creative, there is a puzzle for everyone. 

The Harvard professor’s regret-proof guide to making decisions

The Harvard professor’s regret-proof guide to making decisions

I don’t know about you, but I’ve found there are two main character types. When presented with a box of chocolates do you just dive in or must you head to the entire choc box menu and give thoughtful consideration to your options. Ellen Langer has been teaching her decision-making course for more than 40 years. “Almost all the decisions we make are on the trivial side and we can change our minds down the road,” says Ellen Langer.

Emperor of Rome by Mary Beard review — work hard, play hard

Emperor of Rome by Mary Beard review — work hard, play hard

Emperor of Rome, by Britain’s most famous classicist, is a sequel to SPQR, her 2015 book that traced Rome from its founding kings to the embers of the republic. As an ambassador for the ancient world, Beard has become prima inter pares, not just as an author but an advocate for broadly based classical degrees. Trajan, Claudius, and the rest of Rome’s rulers did more than just party: according to Mary Beard’s new book, the paperwork was endless.

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