Historical Characters from the Novel "Imperator" by Philip Katz

On February 3, 2011, in Guest Writers, Philip Katz, by Philip Katz

Since “Imperator” is a historically accurate fictional recreation of the life and times of Caesar, the principle players in the story are drawn from the historical record. For the purpose of the story the biographies contained here-in are intentionally sparse and contain very little information as to what took place beyond the time in which the novel takes place. Naturally the story of Caesar is a matter of historical record so it is no secret how the story ends. For dramatic effect for those who are not well acquainted with the fall of the Roman Republic I chose to allow the story develop and unfold in a natural way without knowledge of the “future”. In addition ancillary characters are not included beyond their involvement in the text of the story.

Why Write Another Novel About Caesar?

On January 30, 2011, in Philip Katz, by Philip Katz

I set out to write Imperator because I felt I could bring a unique layman’s point of view to the subject of Caesar and the fall of the Roman Republic, free from the traditional dogmatic approach taken by the academic community. In addition I believe the tale of the fall of the Roman Republic is a timely and relevant cautionary tale for us in 21st century America.

How Gail Rebuck Turned Tony Blair's Book Into A Bestseller

On September 13, 2010, in Book Reviews, Writing & Publishing, by Wilfried F. Voss

Tony Blair’s autobiography, A Journey, last week became the fastest-selling memoir ever, and all in spite of being moved to the crime or fiction sections of bookshops by opponents of the former prime minister, and without the usual lucrative serialisation deal with a national newspaper.

Almost Chimpanzee: Searching for What Makes Us Human, in Rainforests, Labs, Sanctuaries, and Zoos by Jon Cohen

On September 11, 2010, in Book Reviews, by Wilfried F. Voss

“Almost Chimpanzee” is an extraordinary journey into a world of great interest but—until now—little understanding. An astute observer and engaging writer on complex issues at the intersection of science and society, Cohen summons his prodigious talents in this examination of chimpanzee research and conservation. For too long, Cohen persuasively argues, chimpanzees have been presented and widely understood as ‘almost human,’ analogues worthy of attention and protection by virtue of their similarities to us.

Tony Blair – British Prime Minister

On September 5, 2010, in Book Reviews, by Wilfried F. Voss

Tony Blair has dominated British political life for more than a decade. Like Margaret Thatcher before him, he has changed the terms of political debate and provoked as much condemnation as admiration.

New Literature – A Journey: My Political Life by Tony Blair

On September 4, 2010, in Book Reviews, by Wilfried F. Voss

Tony Blair is a politician who defines our times. His emergence as Labour Party leader in 1994 marked a seismic shift in British politics. Within a few short years, he had transformed his party and rallied the country behind him, becoming prime minister in 1997 with the biggest victory in Labour’s history, and bringing to an end eighteen years of Conservative government. He took Labour to a historic three terms in office as Britain’s dominant political figure of the last two decades.

Kindle Bestseller: The Truth About Managing People by Stephen P. Robbins

On August 3, 2010, in Amazon Kindle, by Wilfried F. Voss

The Truth About Managing People offers real solutions for the make-or-break problems faced by every manager. You’ll discover: how to overcome the true obstacles to teamwork; why too much communication can be as dangerous as too little; how to improve your hiring and employee evaluations; how to heal “layoff survivor sickness”; even how to learn charisma. This isn’t someone’s opinion; it’s a definitive, evidence-based guide to effective management: a set of bedrock principles you can rely on throughout your entire management career.

Book Review: The Simple Secret to Writing a Non-Fiction Book In 30 Days by Joel Orr

On July 31, 2010, in Book Reviews, by Wilfried F. Voss

I have to admit, I was in the mood again to spend yet another $9.95 for a slap in the face. The slap into the face came in form of buying the eBook version of The Simple Secret To Writing A Non-Fiction Book In 30 Days, At 1 Hour A Day by Joel Orr. I had a feeling the result may be as disappointing as it was, but I needed a confirmation that I was right, and that alone was worth spending the money.

Literature: Tibet's Last Stand? The Tibetan Uprising of 2008 and China's Response

On July 21, 2010, in Book Reviews, The Last Dalai Lama, The Panchen Lama Controversy, by Wilfried F. Voss

Retracing the complex history between China and Tibet, noted expert Warren Smith describes the uprising itself and explores its broader significance for Chinese-Tibetan relations. He sharply critiques China’s use of heavy-handed propaganda to recast the uprising and obscure its origins and significance.

Literature: China's Tibet? Autonomy or Assimilation by Warren W. Smith Jr.

On July 21, 2010, in Book Reviews, The Last Dalai Lama, The Panchen Lama Controversy, by Wilfried F. Voss

Anyone who is a Tibet activist, a serious student of Tibetan Buddhism, or a history buff will find Smith’s book indispensable. What is truly fresh and original in China’s Tibet?–and reveals Smith at his most penetrating and disturbing– is his analysis of China’s greatest propaganda successes. The tug of war between recorded fact and historical revisionism, autonomy and assimilation, Tibetan Buddhist culture and Chinese real estate, will continue while the rest of the world looks on from the sidelines. In the meantime, we should be very grateful that Warren Smith has kept a superb scorecard for us.