MuleSkinner Book Recommendation #13:

The Life of Charlotte Bronte

by Elizabeth C. Gaskell (orig. p 1857)

Penguin Classics 1997 ^{Edited with introduction and notes by Elisabeth Jay}

(494 pages.)

"We only suffer reality to suggest,
never to dictate.
The heroines are abstractions,
and the heroes also."

- Charlotte Bronte(CB), stating in letter
that one shouldn't seek any literary portraits
from her novel Shirley (1849)
(quote from biography)

Mentioned in the forewords – which also contain more detailed and many-sided discussion from the social and historical backgrounds than our afterthoughts and conclusions presented here – is that Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865) is often accounted from almost single-handedly creating the renown Bronte-myth with her book. What may have been the reasons for that view to form is difficult to estimate on the basis of reading just The Life of Charlotte Bronte; However, when comparing to many other popular biographies of the time (19^th century), creating or been of aid in creation of renown personnel 'myths', like fx. William F. Cody (1846-1917) and similar, this literary myth at least seems far less exaggerating in detail and more intended to present versatile view from its subject. In spite of that, from introductory words we also learn that the portrait of CB in biography was actually romanticed one, and an idealization.

Familiar with these remarks, it then somewhat makes us also suppose Gaskell probably(?) had become acquainted with CB not until around 1850s, just five years before the death of the latter. Nevertheless, she was chosen for the task of writing the biography by Charlotte's father, Patrick Bronte. This may have had various reasons, one of the most obvious perhaps that Gaskell also was married to a clergyman (PB a reverend and preacher himself). And so, the first 'full-length biography of female novelist, written by sister-novelist' was wrote down.

It is renown that Gaskell's book helped in formation of portrait, that as such "easily took on a life of its own", mentioned also in the forewords of the 1997 edition. According to Jay, Gaskell may also have hit the popular formula contemporary readers were searching from biographies and novels by successfully mixing Gothic ghost stories atmospheres to the Bronte family's story (ao) of setting on Haworth Parsonage later followed by the deaths of all Patrick Bronte's children at quite early age(even considering the regular circumstances of the time). Also Gaskell's manner of presenting the isolated provincial living-hoods as ideal places to stay for the 'true literary genius' may have fuelled story's popular success.

In spite of previous remarks given, it still would be overstatement to conclude this story presented by Gaskell as an intentional myth-making. Instead, in addition to mentioned popular demand of the 19^th century readers her efforts were likely as well originating from simply the aim to create an appreciated portrait of a woman author (that was post mortem more apt to be accepted as such in popular imagination). The (Bronte) myth of course had started to form earlier, originating from the decision to publish their writings under pseudonyms Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell (which further gained from the fact of younger sisters having died even earlier age, Charlotte as only one having reached wider acclaim as author during her lifetime). Then again, one also notices that CB's successful novel Jane Eyre(1847), was not just popular reading in its times, but also commonly considered as important literary work; often mentioned - with actual basis or not - it having been often seen as first novel by woman author describing heroine's emotions and tensions from such ever-lasting (literary) subject as love (or, socially forbidden relationship). Compared to these days, this could perhaps mean something similar as (some) Christian priest announcing of not seeing anything particularly troublesome in marriages of the three-some (not the best comparison, but I couldn't invent anything better at the moment...). And it still even makes some sense to speculate if this 19^th century book may have really presented a more conflicting case for the accepted social consensus and order. Feminist literary studies later have also stressed fx the gothic influences in novels plot in related to previous mentioned themes. Anyway, for the reading public of the time, perhaps because complete title for Jane Eyre also included in its subtitle the words 'An autobiography', book was also to some level received as been based on CB's (and other siblings) earlier experiences and fates in local school at childhood. Not having read a single page from Charlotte's novels it's not quite possible here to make any further conclusions from all this in background of the Bronte-myth, but nevertheless, along with novels popularity she gained recognization as author in the literary circles of the time.

Gaskell herself was not obedient angel either, however faithful to manners and literary canons she may have liked to remain. After all, she had started writing after having bore children and worked among the poor in her early days and youth. Having then carried out the womanly duties and expectations (of the time), she may have had more space and margins for fulfilling her literary ambitions. She was regular figurine in literary worlds of the time and had also received some place as an acknowledged writer fx with her first novel Mary Barton (1848). Also, another of her main works was published in Dickens magazine as periodical texts (from Sep. 1854 to Jan. 1855) with the name Margaret Hale. Gaskell is then described having been resistant to the editorial demands of the creator of the magazine, that '19th century literary genius' (Charles Dickens 1812-1870). The final version of the novel, North and South (1855), was published with notions (by Gaskell) that "several passaged were inserted and new chapters added" because these had been earlier eluded due to "restrictions of magazine form". As comparison, that sister-novelist, CB then was taking part (at least occasionally) in lectures of that other respected author of the time, satirist William Makepeace Thackeray(1811-1863), whom she considered as (fx in letters cited at biography) far more magnificent talent compared to others she having met in literary circles. Nevertheless, that didn't prevent her from also making criticism from Thackeray's views and recent works in her letters. CB was also changing letters with some other male authors of the time, but all this actually belongs to(and is likely to be found more properly discussed in) the literary studies from history and legacy of this.

From Gaskell it is mentioned that the (created) picture of CB in biography reflects many of the characteristics of the female personnel from her fictional writing, especially when eventually reaching the marriage as some kind of ultimate relieve from moral and social struggles. Much of the same, also pointed in the forewords, can be said from the (Bronte) sisters portraits presented as alternatives for that ideal heroine; a feature which was common and typical in novels faithful to patriarchal narratives of the time. As Jay points out, this probably shows in Gaskells characterization from the Bronte-sisters temperaments; if Charlotte was to be raised for the socially fitting level, the other sisters portraits were to reflect the opposite, especially Emily's. Also, seems likely if Gaskell also hadn't met the other sisters before their deaths.

Just for the interest, let us in the end then also remind ourselves that Gaskell was a talented writer herself and also capable of adding some intensifying details in the story. In the earliest chapters of the book her descriptions show a professional novelist that apparently had no difficulties in weaving together the 'moor pastorals' within the colourful descriptions from backwardness of Haworth and its surroundings. Also the old legends she takes in use, like the earlier mentioned 'ghostie-stories' from 17^th century, that may have been felt as distant and romantic in the 1850s than the time of writing The Life of Charlotte Bronte now feels to us. In a more religious and at the same time superstitious time than ours when fx spiritisism was more or less a common practice (like psychology today) these may also been felt more emotionally and connected to the actual facts in the story. But, Gaskells fictional output seems also to contain works with depictions from the fates and social conditions of the poor in the early industrialized towns and – and as it is mentioned in the forewords – the Haworth Parsonage was situated in a small industrializing town and not the distant rural as the later popular idea persistently has kept (Also Gaskell's text in biography give some view from the Keighley and Haworth areas being well under the process of industrialism and its impacts). Perhaps it is quite just guessing her particular reasons, but all this anyway was meddled into those colourful and quite pointing descriptions from country-side, probably intended to raise curiosity in middle-class readers imagination. The biography also sometimes shows occasional social critique, like remarks from the governesses subordinate situation under service of the engaging family, though all that is generally not much prevailing in the text.

The biography is divided in two volumes (as was popular manner at the time).

The first part consists roughly from Bronte family setting on Haworth, explaining the early years of siblings and their play and prose writing in childhood, and also (mostly) CBs plans to start a school, for which reason Charlotte and Emily Bronte were for a while studying French in Belgium. The second part focuses (fx) on CB's efforts to publish sisters writings from 1846 onwards and continues with snap-shots from her life until the end. Especially latter volume mostly comprises from excerpts of Charlotte's letters, with some explanatory paragraphs inserted in-between by Gaskell. The letters were also of interest by readers of the time, a thing that the biographer probably very well understood. Book also had its controversies and sensations when published. Quite secondary of importance, so we're just mention that the Penguin edition contains the original text as and also an appendix from changes Gaskell was obliged to make to the later editions (in addit to extensive list of explanatory notes within the text).

All in all the book very well comprises and presents the biography and it's histories (and also something from that myth). The excerts from CB's letters give a basic understanding from her opinions and character, even knowing those being selected parts. The language used by Gaskell still feels rather fluent reading today and if the terms or places appear as odd or problematic the end-notes usually offer an explanation. As downside, one can mention that typical for these pocket-editions, typing is with such small letters that it easily starts to exhaust. Also to mention, several more biographies of CB have appeared in during the over 150 years since Gaskell's, probably also post this Penguin edition from the original one. If wishing to study further the subject(Bronte myth), as well as the 19^th century social and religious conditions and other such things, the biography is probably among the first sources to familiarize with. So lastly, we're including here some selections from books/sources recommended in the Penguin edition, that seem to be of interesting kind (considering the above discussed):

J. Barker: The Brontes (1994); A. Easson (ed.): Elizabeth Gaskell: The Critical Heritage (1991); J.Uglow: Elizabeth Gaskell: A Habit of Stories (1993); C.L.Kruger: Women Preachers, Women Writers and Nineteenth Century Social Discourse (1992).

(These are of course purely random picks from books presenting also selections from apparently vast number of related contemporary literature and later studies. Not to mention the more recently published stuff. Also the CB's and other Bronte-letters are often recommended and probably nowadays available as some complete volume.)

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MuleSkinner Book Recommendation #12

Il costume di casa ^{- I suppose this to be the original italian name for these essays (also possible that its the name of only one of these). Texts may have been published in english in book under title Travels in Hyperreality, but didn't have time to check that out...}

(Umberto Eco, 1973)

For the next recommendation we've chosen again a series of short texts, this time some Umberto Eco's essayist writings from behind years, 1970s/80s. These essays are almost like remarks from travelers notebook (but with a common theme and style, which we can summon as glances under the consumerist shine with 'semiotic magnifying glass'). Basically this limited selection from Eco's numerous essays, (semiotics his main field of research, along with the middle-ages, I guess), presents us a cultural journey across the Reaganesque/Nixonian California and America; rather more sarcastic trip than the stories in more typical traveler-books.

In during his travels around Eco visits several places where (he finds) most striking exaggerations of mixing cultural artefacts with counterfeits and copies, the imitations and re-creations from the historical pasts. Most briefly (said): kitsch and coca-cola hand-in-hand, fx original 'art-works' and antique furniture next to the false copies and waxed models of such. His journey then continues through the historical museums, heritage collections of the enormously rich and their castles with odd architectural formations, entertainment towns like Disneyland and also animal gardens and natural (marine) amusement parks. The result is a contemplated, but of course rather pointing interpretations from the building of these overconsumerist dreamworlds.

Despite all the remarks and other sarcastic notions, fx waxed dolls in Superman's miniaturized collections as substitutes of memoirs from past adventures, reader cannot quite escape the feeling that there exists perhaps also some fascination towards his topic of study. Perhaps even something similar as regular tourists occasional keen interest. In the same breath, it must be noted, that Eco's analyses appear no way admiring, neither not necessary too carefully structured, rather they are merely a humorous notions, ironic but also almost judging sometimes.

In these essays reader finds not much 'scientific distance' being maintained. This is sometimes apparent also in some kind of intellectual annoyance, fx when passing through the rebuilt aristocratic salongs in New Yorks Museum. Following, Eco visits the exhibitions showing 3D-wax remakes from works of the great artists of the past, fx Leonardo represented in painting Mona Lisa and several other renown painters shown in like-life scenes along copies of their famous works, as are presentations found in the Palace of Living Arts. (Not to mention the marmor copy from Michelangelo's David in front of the Palace, next to golden Rolls Royce decorating neighborhood Movie land Museums entrance.) And so, the most describing sentence from visiting the Palace's collections, then summarizes (as something like:) ”the basic philosophy isn't 'we're giving you the copy, to raise an interest to see the original”, but instead ”we're giving you the copy, for not anymore having the need to see the original”. Further in these thematics, a short conclusive remark is then reached as (or something like this:) 'industries of absolute fakedom'.

Of course, tours on such boring places as public and household-museums would give a rather limited view and Eco then continues travels to some pure dream-gardens, Disneylands and Amusement parks. His similar findings in those areas (from counterfeited reconstructions, not only from distant corners of the world but also the local adjacent districts as re-created there) now feels perhaps even a bit unjustified. After all such places are generally considered as children's amusement places and fantasy-lands, but Eco only notices the falsified facades of buildings hiding shops selling the American dream and sees even the main message of the various entertainment vehicles in forcing the visitors to line up for each place. Rather one-sided statements, but the view is in sync with his earlier remarks from museums and so the Disneylands just appear to belong in category of the similar kind. Although, these limited picks we've mentioned here don't give quite a complete picture from his use of language and various sources refered; Eco fx mentions along his own remarks Louis Marins essays from Disneyland as well as the text of Giovanni Brino from the development of the 'real' towns like Las Vegas. Plus several other cultural studies and icons.

Eco also visits some animal zoos and marine lands during his journeys, and not surprisingly, according to his views these don't appear much different; the nature in uses of differing signs than its real original appearance. Because animals are there shown by human order and preferences, they are found just as organized places devoted to representing remakes and alterations from the pristine, untamed nature. Even San Diego's large zoo-like animal park, where enclosure areas are designed and built according to wild species natural grazing needs, therefore appears to Eco just as an example of falsification from humans relation to nature.

Nowadays, when basically similar 'faked' worlds take form and/or 'become flesh' in more technical ways and are distributed by even increased numbers of various channels, fx in the seemingly endless generations of consumer goods, Gameboys, Playstations, cars, 3D-cartoons, flicks, games, handhelds, etc, one is not so convinced if these even contain any falsification from the 'original' meaning anymore. Also, as TV and other channels have americanized everyplace with the flow of resemblances of cultural forms and content, it almost feels like the Eco's ironic travels would belong to as distant past as these traditional forms of recycling the western cultural heritage. But, these texts are also very entertaining reading, solely for their clever use of words, even if not thinkin' that any connection would exist between the travels on the search of basis for that 'real thing' (written almost 40 years ago, the essays are) and the current momentum. Some of Eco's lengthy sentences also contain references to works of art and writings that feel (for us, if not the reader) rather distant and odd, but that isn't really any barrier.

Also, one almost feels liking to recommend these as some parallel reading to/with Kerouac's famous road-novel On the Road, since somehow this cultural tourism and view-points make visible similar thematics and such...but perhaps it is only too self-evident and just seems like that, so we'll restrain from making such comparisons.

The 4th Interlude

Our next music recommendation in series of ambitious rock/pop recordings presented here is the 2nd long-player from Mallard (In a Different Climate, 1976). As mentioned previously, it's a bit more experimental and rockin' than groups 1st album. Basically all similar elements are there and that's what makes this also just as 'groovy'. Perhaps the songs are not quite so good this time, but there's nice rough guitar tones, roaming solo's along with more melodic tracks, etc ...like said even more ambitious masterpiece.

Best tracks, (acc. to personal opinion) are Harvest, Green Coyote, the instrumental track Heartstrings, Bigfoot ...and actually the whole of 2nd side makes the best of it. And this is what raises this a most lasting and enjoyable listening, perhaps among the best rock albums of the time. It builds on blues and (and perhaps slightly on early country rock, as well as jazz, too). Of course, this wasn't any mega-seller at its times either, but possibly sold little more copies than the 1st album.

Also, we must mention here; This is the 4th Interlude, and that's quite adequate number - therefore it can be no more interludes.

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"...Far less even than is known from the MuleSkinner World in general, is ensure from The Mule. Some believe he was a 2nd class civil servant among the officials on the planet. Others seem to be quite certain that his malicious tactics point merely towards the couriers in service of earliest bureaucracy. Whatever the case, his motives have remained as obscure as the character itself. Did he believe in anything but himself? Was he into similarly questionable practices before securing the dictatorship? Did he have earlier hidden desires or false steps? These questions are not likely to be answered any time soon if ever, and so most historians of MSW have found rather more useful to focus on other topics..."
(Galactic Cyclopedia; Vol. A-D - Reference Terms: The Mule)

Newspost#180109

On the rim of the backwards countdown to the next oncoming ice ages or the wireless consumer electronics hyperconnected revolutions? Likely a matter of what a person thinks are the most important prerequisitives for the successful turning point towards a more sustainable society and production. Also, not controversial to previous appears the need to develop new solutions somewhat more resource friendly and durable than has earlier (for decades) been the habit. However, us, always viewing things from 'positive angle' are again recommending everybody taking a view of (in ones own consumerism) the Greenpeace Greener Electronics guides and reports...just in case our occasional refering (s) from the current theories (partly) based on Marx's historical materialism and views on the late stages of middle-class consumerism appear too insignificant and meaningless.

The Ocean(ic) acidification ...As is widely known these days, CO2 emissions are acknowledged to increase climate change; what is less general knowledge appears that much of those gases (CO2) then eventually dissolves to the seas (half the amount released in atmosphere, as estimated), ultimately further decreasing seawater Ph. As the emissions are still on the rise, this causes the major disadvantage Ocean acidification. As result seawater Ph has dropped 0.1 in some 200 years, and it is expected to drop further 0.3 -0.5 until about 2100.

The greenhouse effect resulting from human burning of fossil fuels, has been known ever since 1896 when Svante Arrhenius first presented the theory. However, almost until 1960s it was believed that the oceans can absorb the human caused emissions, like they've so far done for the 'natural amounts of CO2 (and other atmospheric gases). But, differing from most other gases CO2 forms carbonic acid in seawater and since that its also been known with certainty that this process slowly acidifies the seas. How slowly? Too fast. Acidification has followed the increase of emissions in the atmosphere since early 19^th century, that is: ever since the burning of fossil fuels was begun within the era of industrialism. In the case of acidification, there seems to be no way to prevent this from happening, but – like they much advertise – tackling the climate change. To make things worse, the acidification remains permanent. In Arrhenius days (he was a firm believer of global warming, and expected it to actually benefit human kind; fx he supposed it would help increase food production and therefore feeding of the growing world populations) it was calculated that it would take 3000 years for CO2 to double in atmosphere with emissions at the times, today with far greater amounts the predicted time appears as 100 years.

The known facts from the most things in ocean acidification isn't quite unquestionable, since the examined data has been collected just from 1950s onwards, yet some (harmful) consequences have been found already happening. Also, which worries most is the rate of change that threatens many marine lifeforms. According to recent studies most vulnerable to reduction in Ph-levels are corals. Some estimates tell that around latter part of the century corals in warmer (surface) waters are expected to be perished completely, 60 per cent gone also in colder waters. Apparently no more sightseeing of the colourful underwater worlds by boat or such sports diving tourism (and no way surprising then appears this (recent) observation from Barrier Reef Corals growth slowing weaker than in 400 years, decline of some 13.3 per cent in just couple decades). Also vulnerable to acidification are organisms that wear their skeletons outside, like mussels, shellfish, etc. ...Noticing all this, then such negative predictions make one wonder whether the development of internal-combustion engine for mass production(about simultaneous with Arrhenius theories) would have taken different directions, had the prospective consequences been understood at the time. But, as we now know over a century later, it wasn't believed to be so...(and obviously, that would not have changed too much, as the main part of the emissions still today consists of coal energy-production, and less from the vehicles all in all) For more from Ocean acidification, check fx this (and the related links) in Ars Technica.

...As for other topics, Google makes different calculations than a researcher who counts two single searches by companys engines to consume as much (energy) as heating a tea-kettle; Microsoft, on it's behalf develops blocks to connect home-PC intelligently to house-hold electronics, but sceptical commentator easily wonders if any of that stuff is even needed ...Slightly more surprising comes the news that the Bit-torrent specification as an integrated part in (most) browsers 'tools' still awaits to be seen (though we've ourselves in our futuristics predicted the protocol to overtake, not just browserware but also phones markets shortly after in coming times), even more surprising it is yet slowly to enter for the living room (entertainment) electronic devices; but not always the most obvious prospective usages are the ones taken in wider uses...

Then, from completely different progressive fields and techniques, there's 2^nd generation biofuels, which are told to be more eco-friendly than ever, cause these “will not affect food production because they will not use non-food crops. Technologies will convert the whole plant or tree to fuel, not just fruit or seed...”. (At least that's the vision, is noticed...) Of course, the question which most urgently needs to be answered still remains; from where the source material is taken and if the adequate standards for plants usage and forests cuttings are maintained. Anyway, commercially viable techniques (for the biofuels 2^nd gen.) are promised to be around in some 10-20 years, so their becoming to more common use would easily take some 10 years more...too late?...Not to mention, the similar question(s) is raised on the basis of recent auto-car shows presenting the latest EVs and hybrids; is all this again just “the 'latest' technology that conveniently never seems to transition from the labs to the lots?“ ...apparently these are in hurry too, because the economic downturn is trumpeted just about as much everywhere.

...Eventually, tired of these frustrating and endlessly discussed topics, we move to observe another kind of horse-powers, or, (relatively) recent conservation stories; the re-introduction of Przewalski's Wild Horse (Equus Przewalski) in its natural habitat. (It was) the only truly wild horse living continuously in its natural habitat, grassy plains of Central Asia even relatively recent times. Elsewhere horses had become extinct (in American continent already at early Holocene period), or been domesticated for the needs of raising civilizations, supposedly about 2000 to 4000 years ago. Tarpan(Equus Ferus Ferus), the Eurasian wild horse survived as species until 1876, when the last died in captivity. According to DNA-researches neither Tarpan or Przewalski's horse aren't counted as direct ancestors of the domesticated horses, though there's very little genetic distinction in between them. From the reasons of the mentioned having remained in the wild has been speculated (fx) that these (may have) been found somewhat less suitable to human usages and therefore avoided the cross breeding with the domesticated horses.

Named after Russian general in 1879, Przewalski's Wild Horse wasn't in threat of disappearing even until the early 20^th century. The animal was legally protected as early as 1926, but growing human populations excluded them from traditional grazing areas and fx vital places to drink, which may have helped their disappearance. Also, interbreeding with domestic horses wondering freely in same areas had caused steady dilution of genetic integrity and the last true Przewalski's horse in the wild was reported around 1969. At the lowest point in zoos there were some 13 left, but their numbers were then raised with successful co-operative breeding programs between different zoos of Soviet Union, Europe and North America(the populations further introduced in the wild in Mongolia and China are all descendants of these. Such small numbers of original horses are also considered a possible threat in form of loss in genetic diversity). From the unmixed horses having survived in the zoo's, the experiment to re-introduce them in the wild was started in 1989. Since their amounts is yet very low, prospective future in the wild was still recently very uncertain. In the categories of endangered animal species (by IUCN) Przewalski's horses were counted EW(extinct in wild) until the re-introduction in the wild, and they remain vulnerable to various other threats even if this eventually proves as successful...

Since this is our last newspost so far (and we have yet no intentions to make any follow-ups in this series), substitutional topics are considered; we could perhaps make some kind of serie from those lovely creatures; the endangered and extinct species. However, this will have to wait for some time. Also if so, we are likely to write during the coming months some short stories from recent technological front-ends and perhaps from other topics as well, but more randomly than before...

Even More veggie receipts...

First, above the pic with butterfly's.
(for starters, serving makes half the enjoyment in meal...).

They're such nice even as plaster models; also these decorative objects contain a handy magnet in backside and therefore can be placed on many suitable places. Don't worry, we'll continue the pics series with real butterflies a bit later on too...

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tHE MSW Cooking companion 2 - Receipts


fOR the reason we have plenty more good receipts of (mainly) veggie foods, and because we're not quite yet posting from other topics, here's few more tasty receipts.


CARROT SPECIAL (STEAKs)

• 2 (medium) Carrots
• 2 potato
  
• 2-3 small squares of frozen spinach (about half a dl)
• tomato sauce
• salt, pepper
• mineral water (about 1/4 dl)
• maize grains
• (vegetable) oil for frying

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Chop the boiled potato(s) to mass, also slice carrots for thin pieces.
Next cook the spinach and pour water away.
Place all the contents in a bowl (fx),
add sauce, grains, spices. Finally add little mineral water.
Then, make little steaks, with oil to frying pan.
If wish, serve with some additionals.

AUBERGINE FLAMBOYANT

• 1-2 Aubergines sliced to 1 cm pieces
  
• salt, pepper, (turmeric)
  
• olive oil
• garlic (crush)
• feta (cheese)
  
• lemon
  

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First add olive oil on pan, then place halved aubergines in it. Next pour some salt over each slice, also garlic crush and lastly small layer of feta. Fry 5-10 min. In the end squeeze some lemon over them. One can also add more spice with pepper and turmeric.

fINALLY but not least recommendable, here's this one;
(I've cooked it recently, though with just broccoli. Fits well with our other veggie favorites too (and you can always make these with other good dishes; fx Greek salad and Aubergine flamboyants mix probably well...)

(Indian) BROCCOLI PAN
(oven gratinated)

• (100 g) Cauliflower
• (300 g) Broccoli
• 1/2 - 3/4 dl cream (cocoa milk originally but this goes just as fine...)
• mild curry paste
• some chili (if like)
• thick (pale) sauce (cook from wheat grains and oil/butter)
• grated cheese (50 g)

-----------------
Heat oven in 225 C. Peel the (washed) broccoli and couliflower to suitable pieces. Cook in pot (with salt) for some 5 min. Pour the water away, put aside. Then add in the pan milk/cream, curry paste (and chili). Stir and boil shortly. Add the sauce and stir, let thicken a bit Add half of the cheese. Place vegetable pieces in oven pan and pour sauce over, also add rest of the cheese.Just gratinate for 15 minutes.

Newspost#060109

Apparently having missed a lot (from findings and theories of the recent years research on human prehistorics) we for now focus shortly on these, with these speculations from evolutionary past...for the other topics, if we'll include yet another newspost, it seems we'll have to leave them for that...

(This post has been shortened and little corrected from some misinterpretations in the earlier version...) Our earlier writings from the (quite) recent speculations and theories on human origins left us wondering whether they really are in belief of the current man, homo sapiens (sapiens) having been first to inhabit Australian and (North-)American continents. Since that we've noticed current archaeological knowledge from that quite uniform; Fx no fossil of earlier human ancestors has been found on these areas. Also, the Out-of-Africa-model seems to be nowadays pretty widely accepted and what most scientist these days think as proven knowledge. Continuing our own speculations from such distant times, the summit dates of the human arrival in mentioned continents have pretty much been reasoned to an understanding that it would have happened around 50000 y. ago in the case of Australia and something like (still nowadays less certaint, even less agreement on exact dates...) 20-30000 y. ago when reaching the American continent. Since timings in archaeology often move further past for thousands of years when new fossil founds are made, we just estimate these are probably close to 'real' timings, and that perhaps most correct would estimate about + 5000-10000 years added(for both). Since we ourselves haven't got any very accurate understanding from prehistoric climatic conditions, our estimates are of course as much guessing. (Would perhaps add:) Similar to most archaeological theory, when presenting strict estimations in time-scales reaching further to the (pre) history, like past tens thousands of years. Of course, that's why theories presenting general lines most always give just estimated timings. Also by glance, appears in our sight This BBC-article which mentions the recent corrected timings (in 2003) for of the remains of Mungo Man, though I think it to not prove anything since it's basicly just an example of foundings in certain area. Not solely unquestioned, because the timings have already been couple times 'corrected' with new methods (earlier estimates were as various about 30000 and 62000 y.), but also because there seems to be not any simple way to prove with co-arguments the conclusions made on the basis of DNA-research, etc.

The early population numbers in certain continents cannot be easily estimated either; these may have varied, gone up and down during periods of climatic changes and other circumstances, perhaps even some areas being inhabited several times continuously just because the preceding wave hasn't been successive for some reasons. Actually that's the supposition which is sometimes presented concerning the 'Out-of-Africa-hypothesis', they've timed the first population flow around 100 000 years ago on the basis of the earliest living sites and fossils found in the Africa/Near East. Subsequently this is thought to have resulted in populating the other continents as well.

Also, many current theories (partly, at least) seem to present early human populations as having gone through periods when populations had temporarily reduced rapidly (during which periods of time or even if as resulting from climatic circumstances isn't probably known with any certainty). One, often mentioned guessing seem to be the theory of Toba earthquake in Sumatra around 71000 y. ago (largest known volcanic eruption in Earths past history, during the last 400 million years), in the middle of ice age at the time. Subsequent fast change of climate to cooler temperatures might then have caused the decline in existing populations. The more recent theory, seems to place more concern on suppositions that in earlier times human populations were down due to other reasons (like continued droughts in Africa) resulting for two divided populations where groups were living in distinct areas of Africa for longer periods. Probably the suppositions on probable timing which follows(of the departure from continent) are not to be considered as definitive either but also, one might suppose that it's also matter of how moving and capable for crossing waters one thinks these early population groups having been.

But, all these views on rather recent theories are developed quite much with methods of Molecular Anthropology as well as findings on some earliest known excavation places in Africa/Near East. One can at least notice that the archaeologist seem quite convinced of human (Sapiens sapiens) populations having been through some times of reduction in between 150 000 – 50 000 ago (sometime during that period of time, whether this can by numbers be proven even in estimated amounts, I'm a bit suspective on that too...). But, also, since we don't seem to have here adequate methods to speculate any further on this basis, and because this field now starts to seem far too complicated to our resources here, we are likely to end our speculations here.

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MuleSkinner Book Recommendation #11

Shaky Ground – the Sixties and It's Aftershocks

(By Alice Echols, 2002)

In our perhaps somewhat fragmented series of book recommendations, we for change, now take under lens rather a collection of texts than complete full-length volume. The book in question, Alice Echols Shaky Ground – The Sixties and its Aftershocks (2002), is basically extraordinary example (from such); it doesn't succeed any better in the difficult task of joining together a variety of loosely related texts, but makes far more complete and interesting collection than most. Our main reason for recommendation this time (not to mention the funny coincidence that this book too, in addition to our previous non-fiction selection uses 'shock'-term in its naming...) – is that these articles present valuable supplementary reading for Echols better known Janis Joplin biography Scars of Sweet Paradise (1999). The latter also a rarer example in (popular) 'academic rock writing', less conventional in contents and also less boring than most popular music biographies.¹

As a sexuality and gender research, the book also is a pretty interesting read for anyone with some preceeding knowledge from the 60ies movements in general. Echols conclusions are perhaps not always shaking the basis of common interpretations from the decade, but anyway it presents a lot questioning of the most typical clichees from 'naive hippies, sexual liberation and the reasons for failure of both'. And, anyone familiar with Abbie Hoffman's textual declarations on behalf of cultural and sexual revolutions, cannot help but to wonder whether the first or latter was of greater importance and merely in close range interest of the (mostly) male-dominated leadership in 60ies radicalism. Echols don't waste time on answering that question, the feminist writing probably already sufficiently having presented that the boys surely weren't too much interested on women's rights or liberations. Instead, she tries to dig deeper on the other common claims and finds out (fx) that perhaps the popular music didn't after all serve as the principal tool in commercial sedation of early hippie radicalism, but that the one-sided sexual revolution may afterall served even better.

Having sometimes occasionally wondered a similar questions - like why it is so that decade (1960) most influensive in the formation(s) of the later youth and consumer culture is also most absent in cultural historics, fx concerning the popular music memoirs or the histories of counter-culture in general - I find these viewpoints refreshing but also challenging. Having virtually not at all any beforehand knowledge from radical feminisms pasts, it is here most delicate histories when read in parallel with the story of early creations of the most "institutionalised" and "male" forms of modern cultural comsumption, that being the rock music (actually the early progressive rock and the later formation of the genre, by critics, etc). Although, articles are from various topics and Echols actually writes more from Women's liberation movements early beginning in the 60ies, than fx from the early 'hippie-cradle' at Haight (but there's one article devoted for that, too).

When discussing the beginning of the early feminism in the 60ies, Echols notices the white feminists having considered themselves as opponents of racism but when similarly neglegted the race-questions, and at the same time not understood why the black women avoided movement – though, basically the same trick had been used against them itself. Also, in her discussions from the later formation of the feminist movement during 1970s and 80s, she finds (simplifying these conclusions here by me, perhaps...) that the continuation of (those) attitudes may have helped to shift the movement away from its early goals and principles of equality, that originated in the 60ies radicalism. She also holds the women's liberation movement among the most understated of radicalist groups of the 60ies, view that I don't as much share, since I think this book also shows that it, at least later on, has secured a place in general conciousness fx on the basis of the amount of research devoted to it. Also, as many of the articles originally written during the 1990s, they also sometimes touch popular themes in those times. She fx notices – perhaps obvious at the time too, but more than interesting when reminded in this connection – that in Oliver Stone's renown Hollywood films 'civil courage, principal resistance and rock'n'roll-genious are presented as male dominated qualities' (in JFK, Born 4^th of July and The Doors, and in that order, she states.) Echols seems also to have no difficulties in finding connections to the sixties 'legacy' from recent pop/rock 'genderbreeding' as well. Actually she states in the forewords as wishing to take under examination, not just 60ies but the overwhelming struggles in the periods since second world war until the recent times; that is (ao)how the questions concerning race, sexuality, gender and the generations divide have in time changed society as a whole - from that the name, Aftershocks, I suppose. Quite unavoidably many of the articles discuss also other areas of importance related to those.

All in all Shaky Ground is less coherent combination than the Joplin biography, like one could expect remembering that the articles originate from time period of three decades. Since we are (again) quite late-comers in our reviews, and the books been published several years ago, we for now leave more detailed interpretations aside and just mention contents being divided in three main chapters. The articles (we just suppose) could also be outlined under these 'categories' as well: Sixties counter-movements in America and their (gender) inheritance, The formation and later outcomes of the radicalism movements (especially the early women's liberation movement), and development of rock and disco in in related to these. That being our own divide, the most interesting (to us) are; Writings mostly devoted to popular music such as 'Hope and Hype in Sixties Haight-Ashbury'; 'Thousands of men and few hundred women:' Janis Joplin, Sexual Ambiguity and Bohemia; 'Shaky ground': Popular Music in the Disco Years. Concerning the radical feminisms early histories most useful for culturally curious(like us) are the renown polemic early 1980s article 'The Taming of the Id': Feminist Sexual Politics. 1968-1983 as well as the 'Totally Ready to Go': Shulamith Firestone and The Dialectic of Sex, but also 'Nothing Distant about It': Women's Liberation and the Sixties Radicalism (the sixties womens movement/Early feminism in related to other radical movements of the time). Also, not to forget, merely a general presentation from literature on homo- and lesbian history, but somehow appears to discuss similar topics, 'Queer like Us?'. Other articles are also worth reading, though some are merely lenghty book listings from certain themes (last three being interviews of some pop musicians/stars).

Conclusively, and reminding ourselves from our limited knowledge from most recent research on these fields, we just recommend the book fx for those who found Janis Joplin biography interesting. Basically widens understanding from some of the 60ies struggles and fights. And, we might add; Echols writings also assert that the renown struggles and the 'failures' of the 60ies 'cultural-' and the 'sex- revolutions' hasn't prevented their diverse and meaningful continuations today (though its not often generally acknowledged them having anything in common). Perhaps the decade appears a bit more distant nowadays, but still remains to be the most apparent transition period of the recent past. Not so much has culturally changed since, say...1967.

Our recommendations having slipped now mostly to the North-american non-fiction books, we (supposedly) are to include next some classics of american (realistic) prose. Later on (in the name of our equality principle...) might as well for change review some writers/books, non-english language in origin...

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Notes:

1. Probably rock writing isn't nowadays as rare and limited phenomenom in academic researches. Only, I suppose, that many such researches aren't much widely published, rarer even to be found by average public. From other more interesting parallel histories for the 'most typical' (like all these stardom memoirs, and the occasional business histories, etc), we ourselves are only familiar with, and can therefore recommend just Simon Friths classic Sound Effects and Clinton Heylin's Bootleg – the Secret History of the other Recording Industry (1996).