Sunday, October 12, 2025
Welsh heroes--
AI Overview
History of Wales – She Reads Novels
Novels about Welsh heroes include Sharon Kay Penman's "The Welsh Princes Trilogy" (Here Be Dragons, Falls the Shadow, The Reckoning), which features historical figures like Llywelyn the Great. For a fantasy take, Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain draws on Welsh myths and legends. Other books include historical accounts such as those based on Owain Glyndŵr, a major Welsh leader who led a revolt against English rule, and interpretations of figures from the Mabinogion, a collection of early Welsh prose tales.
Historical fiction
The Welsh Princes Trilogy
by Sharon Kay Penman: A series that dramatizes the lives of historical figures during a tumultuous period in 13th-century Wales.
Here Be Dragons: (Book 1): Focuses on the marriage of a Welsh princess and an English king.
Falls the Shadow: (Book 2): Continues the story into the 13th century.
The Reckoning: (Book 3): Concludes the trilogy.
Novels about Owain Glyndŵr:
While specific novels are not listed, Glyndŵr is a prominent figure in Welsh history, often the subject of historical fiction, as he led a major revolt against English rule in the 15th century.
Fantasy inspired by Welsh mythology
The Chronicles of Prydain
by Lloyd Alexander: A five-book fantasy series inspired by Welsh mythology, with titles like The Book of Three and The High King.
Works based on the Mabinogion:
This ancient collection of Welsh tales serves as a source for many modern stories.
The Mabinogion: by various authors: A direct retelling of the original tales, which feature heroes and magical elements.
Other fantasy novels:
The Tides Between
The Raven Boys: by Maggie Stiefvater: A more modern fantasy that draws on Welsh lore.
Other genres
Romance: Some romance novels feature Welsh heroes, but the focus is often on the romantic plot rather than historical or mythological figures.
Children's books: Roald Dahl, a prominent Welsh writer, wrote many famous children's books.
Poetry and prose: Poetry and prose written in Welsh are a significant part of the country's literary tradition and often deal with heroic themes.
Movie The Fly and Kafka's Metamorphosis.
AI Overview
CRONENBERG + GOLDBLUM: THE 1987 INTERVIEWS | MULTIGLOM
The 1986 movie The Fly is a remake of a 1958 film and is not a direct adaptation of a work by Franz Kafka, but rather director David Cronenberg stated that his film is his version of Kafka's novella, The Metamorphosis. While Kafka's story features a man who turns into an insect, Cronenberg's film adds the elements of scientific ambition, a romantic relationship, and a more graphic, body-horror style of transformation.
Kafka's The Metamorphosis
Protagonist: Gregor Samsa wakes up one day transformed into a giant insect.
Plot: The story focuses on his family's difficult reaction to his transformation and his own struggle to adapt.
Themes: It's often interpreted as a tragic commentary on alienation, family duty, and the burden of the body.
Cronenberg's The Fly
Protagonist:
Scientist Seth Brundle accidentally merges his DNA with a housefly during a teleportation experiment.
Plot:
The film tracks Brundle's horrifying, accelerated physical degradation into a "Brundlefly" and his relationship with his girlfriend, Veronica Quaife.
Themes:
Cronenberg's version explores themes of identity, love, and the terrifying physical and emotional consequences of scientific hubris.
Connection to Kafka:
Cronenberg viewed his film as a modern retelling of Kafka's themes, focusing on the horror of the body betraying the mind and the tragedy of a loved one's transformation.
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Which is the best movie based on Shakespeare's plays.
AI Overview
There is no single "best" Shakespeare movie, as it depends on personal preference, but highly acclaimed options include Henry V (1989), Ran (1985), and Hamlet (1996). Other critically praised adaptations are Throne of Blood (1957), Richard III (1995), and Much Ado About Nothing (1993). For a more non-traditional take, consider the modernized 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) or West Side Story (1961).
Highly acclaimed traditional adaptations
Henry V (1989):
Directed by Kenneth Branagh, this adaptation holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Ran (1985):
A masterful adaptation of King Lear by director Akira Kurosawa, set in feudal Japan.
Hamlet (1996):
Kenneth Branagh also directed this version, which is noted for its epic scale and visual style.
Throne of Blood (1957):
Another Kurosawa film, this is a powerful adaptation of Macbeth set in Japan.
You can watch this video to learn about some of the best movies based on Shakespeare's plays:
58s
Collider
YouTube · Mar 25, 2024
Other notable adaptations
Much Ado About Nothing (1993): A vibrant adaptation also directed by Kenneth Branagh, with a star-studded cast including Denzel Washington and Keanu Reeves.
Richard III (1995): Features Ian McKellen in the lead role and is set in an alternative 1930s England.
Macbeth (2015): A visually striking adaptation starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard.
West Side Story (1961): A musical retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in New York City.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999): A popular teen comedy adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew.
From George Bernard Shaw wiki
Since Shaw's death scholarly and critical opinion about his works has varied, but he has regularly been rated among British dramatists as second only to Shakespeare; analysts recognise his extensive influence on generations of English-language playwrights. The word Shavian has entered the language as encapsulating Shaw's ideas and his means of expressing them.
Re-posting link--Shakespeare's Julius Caesar--I suggest you watch till 49 minutes in--then watch the 2nd part post-assassination.
https://www.google.com/search?q=shakespeare%27s+play+caesar--full+play+youtube&sca_esv=611c10147d17a93d&sxsrf=AE3TifONpDRrsXmhhjOV9DlOFWrHk9Zguw%3A1759573309872&source=hp&ei=PfXgaLC6M6_l5NoPl-SD6As&iflsig=AOw8s4IAAAAAaOEDTa2gStUVSK9Kp4LP50sxpIRnHemt&oq=Shakespeare%27s+play+Caesar--full+play+&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IiVTaGFrZXNwZWFyZSdzIHBsYXkgQ2Flc2FyLS1mdWxsIHBsYXkgKgIIADIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABSJCUAVCjCViuigFwAXgAkAEAmAGBAaABnxyqAQUyMC4xN7gBAcgBAPgBAZgCJqACuh-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-nqAvkgcFMTEuMjegB_3FA7IHBTEwLjI3uAeTH8IHCjAuMi4yNi45LjHIB5gC&sclient=gws-wiz#fpstate=ive&vdild=cid:71b36019,vid:qjG_Huf7tZw,st:0
Shakespeare is Shakespeare and can never be matched.
You will come across many words and phrases, that have worked their way into our everyday speech--such as "The most unkindest cut of all," (even worked its way subconsciously into one of my poems)
and
the last three words of this truly magnificent play--uttered by Mark Anthony "This was a man," of Brutus, here played by Jason Robards.
On another note, I was thinking of going to see Verdi's opera Aida--tickets in front at about $123-125--going fast--but decided not to as I could not hear very well--and have to factor in taxi fare
whereas I can watch this wonderful play as many times as I wish, and I can hear well and on my own time--
It's worth going slowly and studying how Shakespeare did it,based I am sure, on Plutarch.
He was very good with psychology, before psychology was even invented, as were the Greek plays,like Oedipus.
In King Lear (I saw a stage production of it at Annenberg Center in Philadelphia, where I lived 13 years), the most chilling part is when Iago comes up to the footlights and tells his schemes straight off to the audience.
He doesn't have a precise motive; he just did it for his own amusement. What we call today,"A power trip"
Hannah Arendt coined the term "the banality of evil."
I think bad people do bad things because they get some kind of thrill from it.
To go back to this movie, apart from the automatically-generated subtitles, everything else is perfect--the actors' diction,the weapons, the action sequences, The Battle of Philippi, the costumes and armor, even at one point the props--Mark Anthony played by Charlton Heston drinking water out of a piglet skin water "bottle"--and the scenery-- and the color palette to suit the Philippi landscape.
I think we should all watch more serious stuff sometimes,pacing it out with all the useless stuff.
That said, I often watch stereotypical "brain dead" pirated clips when I am tired. Can't tell one clip from the other.
But the greats are like your good and best friends who tell you important things, even if you only saw them a few times, or only once.
Try to make others remember you that way, instead of dishing out drivel and pulling the wool over people's eyes.
I particularly hate whiny, sugary females and puffed up males.
I once amused my mentor Josef Silverstein by telling him about the nature movie about a real bird called Cock of the Rock.
Well, good night.
See you tomorrow, I hope.
KMK
10-11-2025
CBS: Epstein cell in disarray.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jeffrey-epstein-cell-where-he-died-disarray-no-thorough-inspection/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
Even a child like I was at age 7-13 in an underdeveloped country could have said this is not credible--the crime scene has been tampered with.
The problem with this admin is they think they are so smart--and everyone else is dumb.
But it will all come out.
Wait for the other shoe or shoes to drop.
k
10-11-2025
Jim Acosta interviewed Art Cullen author of We Crapped on Our Own Nest--about farmers in Iowa--
about how big corporations like Tyson's Chicken rule Midwest farming.
I have to check the chicken in my frig.
How immigrant workers, about 3000 in Tyson's plant alone are living in "abject terror" of being deported.
To quote Cullen "It's not these workers who are getting the bailouts. It's the big corporations."
If you can, buy your chicken at a local market.
I know it's difficult.
I've only seen cheeses,bread and vegetables and fruit at our local market, which stops at Thanksgiving.
I also try to eat as much beans and bean products like cellophane noodles and tofu.
Stay centered, stay strong, above all do no wrong.
Stay alive,choose your battles.
km
10-10-2025
Friday, October 10, 2025
You should definitely get on Substack and watch AT LEAST The Jim Acosta Show--any time he posts something--
today he talked with Adam Kinzinger about Qataries building jet factory inside US military factory in Idaho, Pam Bondi being caught by surprise about Letitia James indictment--straight on heels of James Comey's indictment.
You don't follow the news at your own peril.
That's why I hate so called "Vipassana Meditation" or Ostrich Meditation.
The Buddha said you should not meditate while there's a war going on or you are sick.
You are just in denial--denial is dangerous. So is superstition.
Collage in process--KMK.
Nobel Peace Prize citation: Maria Corina Machado! Currently in hiding.
https://www.reuters.com/world/nobel-peace-prize-winner-be-announced-year-overshadowed-by-trump-2025-10-10/
A venezuelan family were among my best friends in Poland.
CONGRATULATIONS MARIA CORINA MACHADO.
Photo copyright KMK
The Nobel Peace Prize is the same Prize Burma's Daw Aung San Suu Kyi won--note--It is Nobel not "noble"
Lies, damn lies and bloody lies--BBC: WH blasts Nobel Committee for not giving trump Nobel Peace Prize--
The White House has accused the Nobel Committee of placing "politics over peace" for awarding its most coveted prize to a Venezuelan pro-democracy activist over US President Donald Trump.
On Friday, the Committee announced María Corina Machado would receive the Peace Prize for her "tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela".
Trump has been outspoken about his desire for the award, taking credit for ending several global conflicts. He regularly brought it up, including during his address to the UN General Assembly in September.
He called Machado to congratulate her and say she deserved the award, a senior White House official told CBS, the BBC's US media partner.
"The Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace," White House communications director Steven Cheung said after the announcement on Friday morning.
"President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives," Cheung wrote on X. "He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will."
Trump has played a significant role in forcing a multi-stage deal for a ceasefire in Gaza, which was announced two days before the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded.
The president has also asserted that he ended numerous global conflicts during his nine months in office, and in his previous term.
Following the announcement of the ceasefire deal in Gaza, Trump declared: "BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS." The White House called him "the peace president".
Novels set during the Meiji Restoration.
AI Overview
Several novels are set during the Meiji period, including Natsume Sōseki's "I Am a Cat," "Sorekara," and "Sanshirō," and Futaro Yamada's mystery novel "The Meiji Guillotine Murders". Other titles include "Botchan," "The Wayfarer," and novels based on historical accounts like the Rurōni Kenshin series, which is a fictionalized version of a samurai's story after the Meiji Restoration.
"I Am a Cat"
by Natsume Sōseki: A satirical look at Meiji society from the perspective of a cat.
"The Meiji Guillotine Murders"
by Futaro Yamada: A mystery set in the immediate aftermath of the Meiji Restoration, focusing on crimes solved by two officers in a changing Japan.
"Botchan"
by Natsume Sōseki: A humorous novel about a young, impulsive man from Tokyo who takes a job as a middle school teacher in a rural town.
"Sorekara"
(And Then): A novel by Natsume Sōseki that explores the intellectual and social changes of the era.
"Sanshirō"
by Natsume Sōseki: Another novel by Sōseki, this one follows a university student navigating his way through the new modern world.
"The Samurai's Garden":
This novel is set in a historical period in Japan that includes the Meiji Restoration.
"The Wayfarer"
by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa: This novel explores themes of betrayal and social alienation in a setting that reflects the Meiji era.
Rurōni Kenshin
by Nobuhiro Watsuki: A fictional series set during the Meiji era, where a former assassin who swore to never kill again is now a wanderer.
Interesting find--from AI--FYI--I used to teach MA level Eco.History--Meiji Reforms in Japan.
Sebastiao Liparizi Martial Artist praticioner of Kenjutsu, Amatheur Boxer.Author has 136 answers and 39.9K answer views2y Well, they're all quite different, but that's start by their similarities. They are all Gendayryu, sporticised martial arts born from militarized martial arts created after the Meiji Restoration. Judo and Aikido have a common ancestor on Ju Jutsu. Ju Jutsu itself was a counterpart of Kenjutsu mostly divized to kill opponents on armor on the battlefield, disabling and finishing them on the ground usually with a dagger (Tanto) much like as we see see on historical western fencing with armored combatants. On de "Do" form, Judo takes a more aggressive and active approach on the disabling part, and Aikido kinda waits for the opponent moves to use their own strength to wave them off. I personally find Judo more effective and competitive as Aikido doesn't even have popper competitions and is often not sporticised.
Karate is a martial art focused on bare hands and unnarmed combat. It is meant to be an effective way to deal unnarmed against an opponent (hopefully unnarmed too, but not exclusively).
Kendo is the sporticised version of Kenjutsu which is Japanese medieval fencing. Kenjutsunot only dealt with swords, but traditional schools as Katori Shinto Ryu or Musashi's Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu not only teaches swords but they encompasses also medieval Ju Jutsu and a plethora of medieval weapons like Spears (Iari), Japanese Hallberds (Naginata), Staffs (Bo and Jo), throwing weapons (Shuriken) and some even teaches Kusarigama (Chain Scythe). Kendo focuses exclusively only on some specific aspects of the sword, and a very few instances (Kamais) compared to Kenjutsu. On Kendo competitions only three stances are used, and is mostly focused on Chudan, with Nito and Jodan being rarely used and frequently frowned upon, among more than several dozen more on Kenjutsu. So to summarize it all, Karate is a sport focusing unnarmed combat, Judo is a sport focused on disabling the opponent, Aikido is also a martial art focused on disabling the opponent in a more passive way than Judo, and Kendo is a sport focused on fencing with sparring swords. They are all descendant from militarized martial arts used on battlefields centuries before them. 1.9K viewsView upvotes
Thursday, October 09, 2025
DC,MD, and VA not doing well due to Trump layoffs.
Regional breakdown
On a regional level, at the sharpest end of the recession spectrum is the District of Columbia—to be expected, Zandi said, because of this year’s mass federal layoffs and funding cuts, which have now been exacerbated by a government shutdown. These issues are also dragging down the economies of nearby states like Maryland and Virginia.
Other regions tipping into the red have also likely done so because they are home to industries impacted by White House policy, said Zandi: “A bunch of other states rely on industries that are getting hit hard by the tariffs and even the restrictive immigration policy. They’re a manufacturing base, they’re agriculture, transportation, distribution, mining—those would be some of the Midwest states—even Georgia, which was the state that surprised me the most because historically that’s been a stronger state.
https://fortune.com/2025/10/09/america-feels-recession-state-dependent-income-cohort-moody-zandi/
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
Chili peanut butter noodles-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0RjVhFfoYk
Wish I could feed refuges--everywhere--must try and get in touch with Chef Andres.
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
Monday, October 06, 2025
Wow--just found me a new crochet mentor to take me up to the doctoral program in fine art fiber work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQJIPn7yNH0
Moreover I like her voice and her sense of color.
I'm very particular about these things.
And moreover my hands look exactly like hers.
I hate ugly hands and dirty fingernails.
I use to imitate my father's handwriting and my favorite professors.
It's like when I "met" my latest anesthetis who was about to knock me out for a medical procedure. The nurse had already put in the IV on the back of my left hand.
This anethetist was chatting with me about 7 minutes as he wheeled me to Theater One--at "Good Samaritan."
As he injected the anesthesia in, I have no idea what it was, he said,
"Beautiful hands,"
So I boasted a bit. He's not the only expert in this very cold and very bright room.
"Yes," I said, spreadingmy fingers, "very good at arts and crafts."
My elder cousin Ko Too,the model for my story Black Belt, also admired my hands when I was 8 or so.
"Like candles", he said.
Ko Too himself was a really good-looking man.
All my relatives were. Tank corp commander trained at Fort Knox.
Kyi May Kaung
10-7-2025
AI Overview
There isn't a novel written by Cicero from a fictional "Cicero's point of view," but there are novels about Cicero, such as Robert Harris's "Cicero Trilogy" (Imperium, Lustrum, and Dictator), which presents his life through the eyes of his secretary. Cicero himself wrote many works, including philosophical dialogues, speeches, and letters, that offer his perspective on various subjects but are not novels.
Novels About Cicero:
The Cicero Trilogy by Robert Harris: This series provides a fictionalized account of Cicero's life and the political world of ancient Rome.
Imperium: The first book in the trilogy, it details Cicero's rise as a lawyer. Lustrum (also published as Conspirata): The second book, exploring the power struggles in Rome. Dictator: The third book, focusing on Cicero's later life and struggles during Caesar's dominance. Cicero's Own Writings: While not novels, these works reveal Cicero's thoughts and experiences:
Philosophical Works: Cicero wrote extensively on ethics, philosophy, and the nature of the gods. Speeches and Letters: His powerful speeches and personal correspondence offer insights into his political career and personal life. On the Republic (De Re Publica) and On the Laws (De Legibus): These works present his ideas on governance and law.
Cicero's death--from wiki--scary, violent people.
As reported by Seneca the Elder, according to the historian Aufidius Bassus, Cicero's last words are said to have been:
Ego vero consisto. Accede, veterane, et, si hoc saltim potes recte facere, incide cervicem.
I go no further: approach, veteran soldier, and, if you can at least do so much properly, sever this neck.[124]
He bowed to his captors, leaning his head out of the litter in a gladiatorial gesture to ease the task. By baring his neck and throat to the soldiers, he was indicating that he would not resist. According to Plutarch, Herennius first slew him, then cut off his head. On Antony's instructions his hands, which had penned the Philippics against Antony, were cut off as well; these were nailed along with his head on the Rostra in the Forum Romanum according to the tradition of Marius and Sulla, both of whom had displayed the heads of their enemies in the Forum. Cicero was the only victim of the proscriptions who was displayed in that manner. According to Cassius Dio,[125] in a story often mistakenly attributed to Plutarch, Antony's wife Fulvia took Cicero's head, pulled out his tongue, and jabbed it repeatedly with her hairpin in final revenge against Cicero's power of speech.[126]
I think this explores motivation and interactions the best though the sheer brilliance of Shakepeare's 2 "Roman plays"
can never be denied... Shakespeare must have depended on primary sources Plutarch and Suetonious.
Interestingly,Thornton Wilder and Plutarch were also playwrights.
--
AI Overview
The Ides of March by Thornton Wilder is a novel set in the final months before the assassination of Julius Caesar on March 15, 44 BCE. The novel details the events leading to Caesar's murder and explores the motives of the key players involved. Plot summary Wilder's 1948 epistolary novel is "a fantasia on certain events and persons" rather than a historical reconstruction. Told through a collection of imagined letters, journals, and official documents, the story examines the inner lives of key figures in Caesar's circle. The narrative explores the complex web of political and personal intrigue that leads to Caesar's death and examines themes of destiny versus human freedom. The climax takes place on the day of the assassination, drawing on the famous historical account. Key characters The novel presents a psychological and intimate look at Caesar and those around him: Julius Caesar: Portrayed not just as a powerful ruler, but as a deeply reflective human being contemplating his legacy and the nature of his rule. Cleopatra: Her arrival in Rome creates significant tension, adding to the climate of suspicion and political maneuvering. Marcus Brutus: Initially loyal to Caesar, Brutus is torn by conflicting influences and manipulated by conspirators, creating internal conflict over his decision to join the plot. Clodia Pulcher: A rebellious and influential figure whose tumultuous love affair with the poet Catullus adds to the societal unrest. Other figures: Cicero, Mark Antony, and other historical figures are shown interacting with fictional characters to offer a multifaceted view of Roman society. Consequences and results The novel's exploration of the Ides of March focuses on how the assassination led to the downfall of the Roman Republic and the rise of a new political order. The immediate consequences include: The destabilization of Rome: The assassination triggers chaos and a power vacuum in the Republic, ushering in years of civil war. Punishment of the conspirators: The conspirators, including Brutus and Cassius, are hunted by the forces of Mark Antony and Octavian. They are ultimately defeated at the Battle of Philippi, and many commit suicide. The end of the Republic: The resulting conflicts effectively end the Roman Republic, paving the way for the Roman Empire under Caesar's heir, Octavian. Human drama and themes: Wilder's novel emphasizes the human emotions behind historical events. It explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, ambition, and the philosophical questions about how great leaders and art shape society.
Caesar's sons--AI
AI Overview
Julius Caesar had one biological son, Caesarion, who was never formally recognized by his father
. His other notable "son" was his adopted heir, Octavian, who would become the Emperor Augustus.
Biological son: Caesarion
Name: Ptolemy XV Philopator Philometor Caesar, nicknamed Caesarion ("little Caesar"). Mother: Cleopatra VII, the last pharaoh of Egypt. Life: He was born in 47 BCE, a result of the love affair between Julius Caesar and Cleopatra during Caesar's stay in Egypt. Caesarion reigned as co-ruler of Egypt with his mother from 44 BCE until her death in 30 BCE. Death: He was executed on Octavian's orders shortly after the Roman defeat of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Octavian viewed Caesarion as a rival to his claim as Caesar's sole heir. Adopted son: Octavian Name: Gaius Octavius Thurinus, who later became Caesar Augustus.
Relation to Caesar: He was Caesar's great-nephew. His mother, Atia, was the daughter of Caesar's sister, Julia Minor. Inheritance: In his will, Caesar posthumously adopted Octavian, naming him his son and sole heir.
Legacy: After defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra, Octavian became the first Roman emperor, bringing an end to the Roman Republic. He would rule for over 40 years. Other rumored sons Marcus Junius Brutus: The famous assassin of Caesar was rumored to be his illegitimate son with his longtime mistress Servilia. However, historians believe this to be unlikely due to Caesar being only 15 years old when Brutus was born. Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus: Another of Caesar's assassins, Decimus was favored by Caesar and even named as a secondary heir in his will, fueling rumors that he may have been Caesar's illegitimate son.
AI Overview
A definitive novel told strictly from Brutus's point of view is rare. However, Brutus is a central figure in many works of historical fiction about ancient Rome, and a few notable books place his perspective at the forefront
.
Novels featuring Brutus's perspective
Brutus, Murderer of Caesar: A Chronicle of Ideals, Betrayal, and the Fall of Autocracy by Blackburn: This historical fiction novel explores the complex character of Brutus, focusing on the moral and political dilemmas that led to his pivotal role in Caesar's assassination. The narrative follows Brutus from his inner turmoil in the Senate halls to the battlefield, portraying his commitment to the Roman Republic's ideals.
Brutus In the Shadow of Forgiveness by R.J. Scott: Part of "The Tallow Trilogy," this book takes a unique approach to Brutus's story. It follows a Roman soldier named Brutus who, left for dead, is nursed back to health by a woman and must confront his traumatic past and childhood memories.
Brutus Ultor by Michael Field: This older historical fiction novel from 1886 follows Brutus as he navigates the political intrigue of ancient Rome. After returning from a military campaign, he grows disillusioned with Caesar's rise to power and joins the conspiracy against him.
Series that give Brutus a prominent role
Emperor Series by Conn Iggulden: This fictional series follows the lives of Julius Caesar and Brutus from childhood through their deaths, providing Brutus's perspective on the central conflict. The series includes the volumes The Gates of Rome and The Death of Kings.
Masters of Rome Series by Colleen McCullough: While focused on Julius Caesar, this detailed series includes many historical figures from that period, with Brutus as a major character. The narrative examines his shifting relationship with Caesar.
Other notable works featuring Brutus
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare: Although a play, not a novel, it is the most famous fictional portrayal of Brutus and focuses heavily on his internal conflict. Brutus has far more lines than Caesar, and the central psychological drama revolves around his struggle between honor, patriotism, and friendship.
Brutus: The Noble Conspirator by Kathryn Tempest: For those interested in a deeply researched, non-fiction account that reads like a story, this book delves into the historical records to reveal Brutus's personal struggles and the political conflicts he faced.
AI Overview
Brutus: The Man Behind Caesar's Assassination | HowStuffWorks
No, Brutus was not Julius Caesar's biological son; he was the son of Servilia, a long-time mistress of Caesar, leading to speculation and rumors but also to Caesar viewing Brutus as a father figure and treating him with paternal affection.
Why the confusion?
Servilia's Affair:
Brutus's mother, Servilia, had a prolonged and passionate affair with Julius Caesar. Paternal Affection: Caesar showed significant affection for Brutus and treated him like a son, supporting his career and even pardoning him after he sided against him in the civil war. Rumors and Shakespeare: Ancient historians and playwrights like Plutarch and Shakespeare explored the idea of Brutus being Caesar's son, which fueled the legend. The Reality Brutus's Parents: Brutus was born to Servilia and Marcus Junius Brutus, who was killed by Pompey in 77 BCE. Timing Issues: The timelines make it unlikely Caesar was Brutus's biological father, though not impossible. Father-Figure Dynamic: The strong father-figure bond between Caesar and Brutus made the betrayal at the Ides of March so impactful.
Spartacus and Ben Hur--inluded with AmazonPrime.
Next look for The Ten Commandants, The Robe, Gone with the Wind.
--
An early cave--portent of things to come--
AI Overview
The "Shakespeare in the Park" production of
Julius Caesar in Central Park during the first year of the Trump administration, from May to June 2017, featured the title character in the likeness of Donald Trump. This portrayal, along with the traditional assassination scene, led to a public outcry and significant controversy.
Key aspects of the production and its public reaction:
Trump likeness: The Public Theater's production, directed by Oskar Eustis, depicted Julius Caesar wearing a suit, a red tie, and a blond wig styled like Trump's hair. The character's wife, Calpurnia, also had a Slavic accent, similar to that of Melania Trump.
Controversial scene: The assassination scene, a core part of Shakespeare's play, was staged with the Trump-like Caesar being repeatedly stabbed and killed on stage. News of this, particularly after video clips spread online, caused outrage among Trump's supporters, with some interpreting it as a call for political violence against the sitting president.
Loss of sponsors: The public backlash resulted in corporate sponsors, including Delta Air Lines and Bank of America, withdrawing their funding for the Public Theater. Other companies, like American Express, issued statements distancing themselves from the specific production.
Protests and disruption: The controversy led to protests at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. On June 16, 2017, two right-wing activists stormed the stage during the assassination scene, temporarily halting the performance.
Defense of the production: The Public Theater and many within the arts community defended the staging as a piece of political satire consistent with the long history of reinterpreting Shakespeare to reflect current events. Director Oskar Eustis stated that the play is a cautionary tale against using undemocratic means to defend democracy. He emphasized that the aftermath of Caesar's murder in the play is a disaster for the conspirators and the state.
Judge again blocks Trump guard deployment--Remember the names, like he does.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/05/us/trump-national-guard-california-oregon-newsom.html?utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=gnews&utm_campaign=CDAQm4OBusmf9oWdARjN6r_Y0P-t2qABKg8IACoHCAowjuuKAzCWrzw&utm_content=rundown&gaa_at=la&gaa_n=ASWzDAiU1E-I3rTBpi3ZTtutxZA98c37lTfFP-4C30phEn84SA5Iq0IkyC68Upf2tsJgHS6c6iVcjBBryc9qvNyDkQ2rPGzM&gaa_ts=68e3992d&gaa_sig=ByUiVZ7trr7YWXcuM-KO-x8B1iY9eqygNVnDaUO3CBWxyINi_Hfybq-4DHns12So_ABdZ5jWKqM-Taf7YIhy8g%3D%3D
Copy and paste exerpt below:
Judge Immergut, an appointee of President Trump, called an emergency hearing Sunday, then broadened her restraining order to cover “the relocation, federalization or deployment of members of the National Guard of any state or the District of Columbia in the state of Oregon,” telling Justice Department lawyers that the president was ”in direct contravention” of her order.
The blizzard of moves by the Trump administration, from Texas to California, Illinois to Oregon, has left governors and the courts scrambling to keep pace. First, the administration tried to sidestep Judge Immergut by turning to California. Then the president ordered as many as 400 members of the Texas National Guard to deploy for “federal protection missions” in Portland, Chicago and potentially other cities, according to a letter released by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, on Sunday night.
“We must now start calling this what it is: Trump’s Invasion,” Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois, a Democrat, said in a statement.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas fully backed the deployment.
“You can either fully enforce protection for federal employees or get out of the way and let Texas Guard do it,” he wrote on social media. “No Guard can match the training, skill, and expertise of the Texas National Guard.”
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