Lance Greenfield's Blog, page 66
February 24, 2016
Review: The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure
The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure by Hans Magnus Enzensberger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book makes maths fun, even for those little people who believe it to be a laborious trudge through treacle. In fact, that would describe Robert, the main character in this book. He has been struggling with maths for as long as he can remember. One night, he dreams that he meets a little devil, The Number Devil, who teaches him, as he sleeps, all sorts of useful tricks with numbers.
When you enjoy something, and gain immediate benefit, you obviously learn more.
My Dad made all aspects of mathematics enjoyable for me from a very early age, almost from when I could walk and talk, by relating what we were seeing in the real world to mathematics in some way. He didn’t label the principles as geometry, algebra, arithmetic, and so on. He just mde it all part of my world. Consquently, I never scored less than 90% in any maths test or exam in my life. I just enjoy maths as much as living.
The same holds for Robert, and for readers of this lovely little book.
My grandson was hating maths, and couldn’t see the point. When I took him through the first chapter of The Number Devil, he could suddenly, and effortlessly, multiply 11 by 11, 1111 by 1111, 1111111 by 1111111 and so on. He also learned, through self motivation inspired by his “new trick” to multiply any number you could throw at him by eleven.
This may seem a small step, but you can believe me when I tell you that it was a massive step for Alfie. Furthermore, he couldn’t wait to get to school the next day to show his new skills to his class-mates and his teacher.
That wasn’t all. There was much more magic to be revealed in this great little book, and I would encourage anyone to share it with their children, even if they are already very numerate. It just gives them, and you, a new spin on an ancient subject.
February 22, 2016
Review: Our Mutual Friend
Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I first read Our Mutual Friend when I was thirteen years old, and I awarded it five stars on Goodreads based on my memory of that first read. I always remembered this as my favourite Charles Dickens novel, and I am still strongly of that opinion. If I could award it yet another five stars, I would. This is a classic masterpiece.
Yards of literary analysis has been written about this book over the decades, and I could not possibly compete with those who have written before me. After all, English Literature was the only GCE O level that I failed. O levels are the exams that we usually take in UK at the age of sixteen.
Instead, I’ll just tell you what I think from my own heart and head.
First of all, the wonderful use of the English language employed by Dickens, and the extent of vocabulary, just amazed me and is a lesson for all of us.
Secondly, the character building of all of the characters, and their development throughout the story, is so strong that one can visualise them all, and start to imagine how they are all thinking and interacting. It is very difficult to understand who the leading characters are, as it seems that there are more than a dozen principals. I think that this is great.
Then I would say that everyone should read this book at least twice. Knowing the conclusions does not spoil the reading. I had forgotten much, but I knew roughly where we were going, even though it is over four decades since I first read it. In fact, the second reading is better than the first, because I understood more of why the conclusions were reached as I staggered my way through. I shall definitely read Our Mutual Friend again before long.
The complex, interwoven plots are marvellous, and I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It is a very thick volume, agreed, but every word is a gem in a treasure trove of jewels.
February 21, 2016
Uncle Norman is a Legend!
All over the world, when I meet people from the North East of Scotland, I ask them if they have heard of Lawrence of Kemnay. For those of you who don’t know, I am referring to a large and well-established car dealership which was founded by my Great Uncle Norman [Lawrence]. He is the brother of my Granddad, Ed Lawrence, known to me and my sister as Nandy.
Invariably, the people to whom I ask this question will give a positive response. They have heard of Lawrence of Kemnay. I am justifiably proud of Uncle Norman. He is a legend.
Uncle Norman left school at the age of thirteen. He initially earned an income by repairing bicycles. It’s a long story, but through a series of steps, he ended up running the largest car sales franchise in the North East of Scotland.
I know that this story is now three years old, but it has only just been brought to my attention. Uncle Norman is still alive and well, and driving, at the age of ninety-eight. This article was published when he was a mere ninety-five years old. As well as reading it, you should also watch the video.
Be inspired!
Read the original article here.
‘You won’t find me holding anyone up’: Motorist becomes Britain’s oldest to pass advanced test – aged 95
A World War Two veteran has become the UK’s oldest motorist to pass an advanced driving test – at the age of 95.
Sprightly Norman Lawrence was left seething after hearing callers to a radio show saying pensioners should forfeit their licence when they reach the age of 90.
In a bid to prove them wrong, the retired businessman joined up with the Gordon Institute of Advanced Motorists and picked up his certificate faster than drivers half his age.
He was so determined to pass his test that he insisted he be placed in a group of participants who were already half-way through their course.
But after a few hours out on the roads with advanced drivers and a police instructor, it was clear Norman was ready for the test.
Watch this video
Norman, from Kemnay, Aberdeenshire, said: ‘I heard a radio programme that said people over 90 couldn’t drive and I wanted to prove them wrong.
‘I signed up with the Institute of Advanced Motorists and I think they thought I was joking to start with, but I said ‘Look, I’ve come here to pass my test’ and eventually they let me do it.
‘My instructor said I was a very aware, confident driver and that I was one of the best.
‘In my view, as long as you’ve got the confidence to drive, then there’s nothing stopping you, no matter how old you are.’
On the test, Norman had to drive through narrow country lanes and motorways, as well as performing a number of tricky parking manoeuvres, which he passed with flying colours.
The grandfather, who fought in Dunkirk and the Battle of El Alamein in 1942 said he has been driving for over 70 years and couldn’t live without his car.
He said: ‘I started driving when I was about 20, so in total it’s probably about 70-odd years experience I’ve got and I still love it.
‘My first car was a Morris Eight which was a real beauty and now I’ve got a Ford Mondeo, which is a cracking car, too.
‘I’m out in the car every day – golfing twice a week, bowls in the winter and I take a crowd of OAPs out every Sunday for a run and some lunch.
‘I’m a better driver now, than I was as a young man. You settle down as you get older and you don’t take the same risks.
‘Not that I get in other folks’ road, though. You won’t find me holding anybody up.’
John Buchan, the secretary of the IAM’s Gordon group, said: ‘He joined the group after all the other people had already started but Norman being Norman, he made sure he went out with other advanced drivers and even a police instructor and passed in no time at all.
‘He’s definitely our oldest advanced driver. People say there was once a 100-year-old who passed in England, but if that’s true it was a long time ago, so Norman is certainly the oldest around.
‘The examiner said he was an excellent driver. He’s confident, observant, his reactions are very good and there’s no hanging about below the speed limit.
‘He’s a great advert for older drivers.’
February 20, 2016
Review: The Road Home
The Road Home by Rose Tremain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fiction so convincing that it could be a true story.
The journey begins with Lev’s bus journey from his home in Eastern Europe to the loneliness of impersonal London. Lev is into his early forties, has recently lost his wife to cancer and believes that the only way that he can support his very young daughter and his mother is to find himself a job in London. His life-long friend, who supposedly knows such things, has told Lev that he should be able to get by in London on £20 a week. The truth becomes apparent within 24 hours of his arrival at Victoria Bus Terminus when he finds out how much it’s going to cost for one night’s B&B.
During the bus journey, Lev has struck up a friendship with a female teacher who already has good contacts in London. Throughout the book, this lady comes to Lev’s rescue in times of trouble. Unsurprisingly, finding work is not as easy has Lev had thought it would be. However, following his adventures, with their ups and downs, is an enjoyable ride, liberally splashed with some good humour and many touching moments and reminiscences.
This book will make you laugh and it will make you cry. It will make you think about the society that we live in. It is a wonderful book.
February 18, 2016
Review: Tantric Quest: An Encounter with Absolute Love
Tantric Quest: An Encounter with Absolute Love by Daniel Odier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Through the telling of the story of his own personal journey into tantra, Daniel Odier explains the depths and profound beauties of all of the relationships and energies involved, and yet, he manages to keep it simple.
This is an amazing book. It is short enough to read in one sitting, which I recommend, and it took me just over two hours to get through.
Almost by chance, Daniel encounters Devi, a female tantric master, in a remote Himalayan woodland. She takes him through a detailed exploration of his own spirituality using a series of very challenging, and sometimes dangerous, tasks and trials.
Shaivism is broken down into 36 tattvas. The first five are earth, water, air, ether and fire. Devi guides Daniel through making contact with every single one of the thirty-six along a very tough path.
Before it all starts, we witness the following conversation.
“What should I call you?”
“Sometimes I am called Kali, the destroyer, sometimes I am called Lalita, the playful one, sometimes I am called Kubjika, the potter, but I am always called Devi, the goddess. So call me Devi.”
This is a sign of what is to come. As I said, it is a tough path to travel.
The sexual initiation is as intense, if not more so, than the rest of the path.
You can almost feel the depth and intensity of it all as you read.
Read this and feel the power.
Additional note – an after-thought
If my review inspires you to want to read this book, don’t just add it to your to-read stack and leave it festering there. As I recall, it took me just over two hours to read, and it is mind-blowing.
I actually read is AFTER I had already had some tantric encounters with a Ukranian shaman, not even realising that the word “tantric” came into it. She described what was happening using different terminology. What I went through with her was a mini journey, which was nothing when compared to Daniel Odier’s journey as he describes it in this book. Nevertheless, my journey was life-changing.
I’d also had an experience with a shaman near the Rio Napo in the Ecuadorian (Amazon) jungle. That was different, but still amazing. Almost unbelievable, actually.
February 16, 2016
Book Tuesday: Historical Fiction
I was flattered to be asked by Mello-Elo to write the following guest post on her Book Tuesday spot.
She runs a great blog. Hop across there right now and have a look around.
Lance Greenfield
This week, I am delighted that my fellow author and blogger, Lance Greenfield, has agreed to be my guest on Book Tuesday and share his thoughts on his favourite genre.
Take it away Lance!
Thanks for the invitation Mello-Elo. I hope that I can live up to your expectations and those of your followers.
My favourite genre since the age of eight has always been historical fiction. At the time, this was seen by my friends, family and teachers as a strange choice. They all knew that I just tolerated history lessons at school.
That was until I read TheEagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff. This book suddenly brought the Roman occupation of Britain to life for me. Before I read this wonderful work, it was just names and dates and Latin names for familiar places. It was so dry. Suddenly, these characters were…
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February 13, 2016
Review: A Spot of Bother
A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A good holiday read
This is the story of Kate’s wedding. That seems straightforward enough, but she has a mother who is having an affair with her father’s ex work colleague. Her father believes that he has cancer and cracks up with near disastrous consequences. Her brother is homosexual and worried about inviting his partner to the wedding. Actually, her brother is probably the most sane character in the whole book; or maybe his partner is. With all of these nutters around, the wedding may never happen. And if it does, there are bound to be ructions.
This book is just hilarious, Despite seeming to be very far-fetched, there are parts of the lives of each of the characters with which I am sure any of us can identify.
Once again, Mark Haddon succeeds in writing in a style that imitates him sitting in your front room telling you the story.
Just a very pleasant and easy read.
We are of the same blood, you and I
I am so totally with Lucie on all that she says here.
One world. One people. Care for them all.
Travelling in Germany.
I am in Cologne. It is a nice city. All that history, from the Roman times. Must have been even nicer before all those precious old churches were destroyed by the Allied bombing. But, as my German friend Hans said, it was the Germans that started it all. And copies of those churches are here now, to remind us.
It is strange to be here. I have known Hans for 40 years. He was my first love. Did not last long, he was a West German student spending two months in Prague on a work experience. Then he left. But our friendship lasted through all those political changes, our marriages, and our divorces. We are close. I came to visit and meet his new partner, a nice, kind, but very formal woman, who is everything I am not. She is petite, blond, reserved, polite, anxious, quiet. I…
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Laughter the best medicine – Oh Heavens Above…
Grant yourself some time out to read these excellent jokes which are completely surpassed by the wonderful video at the end.
Smorgasbord - Variety is the spice of life
Watch out for ducks.
Three women die together in an accident and go to heaven. When they get there, St. Peter says, ‘We only have one rule here in heaven. Don’t step on the ducks!’
So they enter heaven, and sure enough, there are ducks all over the place. It is almost impossible not to step on a duck, and, although they try their best to avoid them, the first woman accidentally steps on one.
Along comes St. Peter with the ugliest man she ever saw. St Peter chains them together and says, ‘Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to spend eternity chained to this ugly man!’
The next day, the second woman steps accidentally on a duck and along comes St. Peter, who doesn’t miss a thing. With him is another extremely ugly man. He chains them together with the same admonishment as for the first woman.
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February 10, 2016
Dragon Dancing in San Francisco
Over twenty years ago (which I can hardly believe!), I was a trainer at Ingres, a database company. One of my loveliest friends was a lady called Lai Chueng. She emigrated to San Francisco, but we kept in touch. Every year, we exchange “Gong Hey Fat Choy!” wishes when Chinese New Year comes around.
This year, Lai sent me a link to a video of her beautiful daughter, Alice, performing in the school lion dance. She is the first dragon to enter the hall and on the left for most of the film. It is very festive and reminds me of the wonderful parades in Hong Kong where I lived as a teenager.
Take a look. Lai has every right to be a proud Mum. Well danced Alice!
