1177: The Year Civilization Collapsed, Eric Cline

The Bronze Age Collapse has historically been one of the great mysteries of history. While we know that several societies in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean collapsed or fell on hard times during, roughly, the 12th century BCE, the causes are a source for speculation and debate even today. This book is a good, well-written and up-to-date account of both the collapse and the leadup. Interesting seeing how all the societies from Egypt up through the Levant and Asia Minor to Crete and Mycenean Greece were connected economically and diplomatically in an early form of globalization and then how that all fell apart in the collapse. I am reading the 2021 edition which was updated with new data supporting the core hypothesis, that a massive drought in the Mediterranean and Near East was a major factor. Good book if you're into ancient history or just how civilizations rise and fall.

(And even Cline concedes that the date in the title is mostly his publisher's doing. The collapse actually happened over a period of decades, not in a single year.)

Quote by gillianleeza
He performed it at the Grammy's last night.

With Laufey (winner for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album) playing cello (besides singing, Laufey plays guitar, piano, and cello), no less. Other Laufey fans caught that so I was watching for her when I finally watched a clip of his performance.

And, yes, I am thrilled to see Laufey winning her first Grammy. Bewitched, the album she won for, was one of my favourite albums of 2023 and at 24 going on 25, she's got plenty of life ahead of her to put out more.

And I think I am finally getting her name straight in my head. It is actually pronounced "Lay vay". Thank you Rufus Wainwright for getting it right, which helped me finally start remembering.

Okay, so here she is. This performance of "From The Start" from the winning album features an appearance by her twin sister Junia Lin, who she profusely thanked in her acceptance speech.

Good morning! Another nice, if chilly, day. I have returned to the office. Mostly okay, though I still have some sinus irritation and coughing fits but those are par for the course for me after an upper respiratory infection. As long as it doesn't develop into an actual sinus infection, I'll be fine.

Coffee is Jamaican Blue Mountain. Teas are Red Rose and Russian Caravan. Cold drinks are looking good as is the stock of hot chocolate and other fine teas.

Have a good one!

Quote by AnnaMayZing
Sadly, JWren, Alan has passed away after fighting a long illness. Rest in Peace, Alan.

Bummer. RIP, Alan. Did not know him well, but did cross paths a few times. And I know he was an important member here in the past.

New month, new list. As usual, it is quite the mixed bag. Cats, strange locations, disobedience, and scary clowns are among the themes. There's also some themed competitions at the end. Have a look, see if you have, or can come up with, something that fits.

» 36 Themed Submission Calls and Contests for February 2024 (authorspublish.com)

Hey there. Good morning and happy new week!

Here's some Costa Rican coffee to liven you up. Teas are Scottish Breakfast and Sunday Tea (vanilla). Cold drink pitchers are washed and refilled with unsweet iced tea and lemonade.

Weird winter right now. Feels more like early Spring here. Not complaining, but wondering when the other shoe will drop. With this kind of weather, we'll probably get dumped on in April or something.

Neither, but I guess the former if I had to do one

Pizza from a pizzeria or a grocery store (deli, not frozen)?

(The) Killing Fields

Disheartening words should remain unspoken.

Bunk - bank

Hey, gil. The bugs are really flying around, eh. Mostly recovered from mine, COVID or no. Still have some lingering sinus congestion and the odd coughing fit but that's normal for upper respiratory bugs with me. This could go on for the rest of February. 🙄

Good morning. Been doing geek work on the site where I am the admin plus shopping so I am a bit late here. Brewing up some Tobermory Grotto coffee and some Red Rose tea.

Later.

With a month to go until the launch of their 19th (yes, really) studio album, Judas Priest are keeping things moving. Crown of Horns is the latest release from Invisible Shield.

Suck - duck

Flowers are always nice but even the green of plants is pleasant.

Houseplant or cut flowers?

Coffee is brewing. Since I am now back a week, I pulled out the Colombian dark. Teas are on, too. I went with an English Breakfast and Raspberry Royale. Cold beverages and hot chocolate supply looks good.

A nice day, by January standards, is expected here today. 5C and sunny, though it seems to be struggling a bit on the latter front right now. Brighter than the last couple days, but still a fair bit of cloud. Still, if it turns out that nice, might get in a walk.

I have some notes together on the background of my new "urban fantasy" universe. My old story "Songs to Keep Monsters Away" may or may not end up in this universe. Probably not. The fit isn't great and I was hoping to spin something else off from that story.

Quote by Cora
Tonight is Candlemass, a special Mass said in the Catholic faith every Feb 2. It marks the end of the Christmas Season. After Mass concludes, the faithful go up to the Communion rail and kneel where a priest blesses the throats of each individual with blessed candles. It's going to be beautiful. Right now I'm tired but I'm really looking forward to tonight.

As a non-Catholic (raised Protestant, currently unchurched), I know little about some of these less known festivals and special masses. Hope you had a good evening.

Quote by AnnaMayZing

One of my absolute favourite pieces. It sends shivers up and down my spine whenever I hear it. Best loud!

Wagner Götterdämmerung - Siegfried's death and Funeral march Klaus Tennstedt London Philharmonic

Followed by, of course, Brunnhilde basically singing herself to death. Wagner is epic, if nothing else.

Nothing but birdies right now.

Loving people have more friends.

Iron Man

If I could find a good artist to work with (since my visual art skills kind of suck), sure.

WYE try your hand at writing a song (could be as a lyricist or as composer, too)?

Quote by redwriter

How did you both know it was 18? I thought I'd kept it a secret.

I'm psychic. Or is that psycho. I forget which now. 😜🤣

I doubt it. Retail isn't my thing and if I was going to do it, I'd probably try my hand at something like a comic and/or game store.

WYE migrate to a foreign country where you did not know the language?

Promises are something to keep.

(The) Greatest Story Ever Told

Quote by redwriter
Today I moved on to seven in the morning.

I'm at four but only three different drugs. One I take two of.

Quote by verbal
Cold and snow are moving in, just in time for the weekend. I’m not complaining!

Quite the opposite here. 4-5C and sunny is our forecast. I might even try going for a walk tomorrow.

Well, no one has done the prep yet, so.........

Here's some Nicaraguan dark roast from Las Chicas. Teas are Raspberry Royale and Earl Grey. Cold drinks looking good but I've restocked the hot chocolate and marshmallows.

I have an idea for a "universe" but still trying to figure out a story to set in it. It's urban fantasy, basically.

Quote by redwriter

April 4th---the big one!

Wow, so you're turning 18 this year? 🤣 Marking it on my calendar!

Curse of the Werewolf

A little over 50 years after his first big hit "Piano Man" (which came out in November 1973), Billy Joel has returned from a lengthy break from songwriting this morning. Here is "Turn the Lights Back On". It's vintage Joel. Not his best, perhaps, but definitely a Billy Joel song and a pretty good one.

Quote by redwriter
Wow, only one error and done in good time. Things are get better! And the speech therapy is due today! Hope she is pleased.

Good to hear. Take care and keep working at it!

Ape comes in bangin' his head. Snarfs a couple maple walnut cookies from Snoopy

Getting better all the time, but still a bit stuffed up and low on energy.

Coffee is an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe from Fire Roasted. Teas are Scottish Breakfast and Earl Grey Supreme (EG but with more bergamot). Washed the cold drink pitchers and whipped up some fresh iced tea and lemonade.

We are into the back half of the week. What's up, folks?