Crispina

Nephele, I have a confession. After saying I wouldn't watch the series....I DID. All I wanted to say tonight is (without any spoilers this time I promise!) - OMG. The finale kept me on the edge of my seat! A couple of times I even exclaimed "OH NO!" right out loud. I can only imagine what the next season will be like. Oh, and by the way. You did know that the actor who plays Spartacus was diagnosed with Lymphoma? He's currently under treatment. My Mom has this same type of Lymphoma, she has had chemo on and off over the past 5yrs. but the last time it didn't do much so she had to undergo radiation. NOT FUN. But the lump on the back on her tongue is gone, unfortunately so are most of her salivary glands. Her taste has finally returned after a year and a half. Otherwise she feels fine and her blood work is good again. We just have to keep an eye on any lymph nodes that swell.

I somehow missed this thread. I will definitely start looking for these books to start reading the series. Thanks Nephele.

The video gave me chills. Wish it would have been longer! Thanks for posting this.

I never saw a collection of rings before, thanks for the clip. This is an interesting topic.

"The Later Roman Empire" by Averil Cameron, the only book I could find at my library that looked interesting while I wait on John Hagan's "Year of the Passover". So far, it's a good read (TLRE) but at times I find my eyes growing very heavy and I wake up at the end of a paragraph and don't even remember what I read.

Live not one's life as though one had a thousand years, but live each day as the last. ~ Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Have a happy one.

Which book is that, Crispina? Davis' Saturnalia? I've never read that series you're currently reading. (You cracked me up with: "I have become Brain Explodes".) -- Nephele I'm going to try "Year of the Passover" by John Hagan, one that you listed. Will probably have to wait until next month's pay to buy it, not sure if it would be in the library yet or not. Guess I should check there first.

Library was closed yesterday so went to KMart and bought the first book in the series, began reading last night. Right off the bat, there's a rape. Ugh. But I'm curious how the authors will write this story. Unlike the Under The Eagle series where there are many many written historical records to fall back on, there are only Clovis points and artifacts and archaeology. In an online review, someone mentioned a Jane Auel? Apparently she has written a similar book series. So far, I've made it to Chapter 5; now if I'm able to keep all the names of the characters straight - Runs in Light, Smiles in Sunshine, Dances in Rain, Jumps in Air, Sits on Ground, (ok I made the last three up) I have become Brain Explodes. Whew. And as long as I'm concentrating, the story is finally forming and promises to be interesting. I've decided to read this book ONLY until I find something else worthwhile, one of the books Nephele posted in another thread.

Lucky you. I'm envious. Another great place to ask questions and pick up tips from fellow travelers is on the Fodors travel forum here: http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/ They have a Europe forum, among others, to discuss trips,ect. Very informative group of people. I usually hang out at the Lounge since I don't have money to travel much - but I still enjoy reading the many trip reports posted.

Welcome to UNRV, Okamido. -- Nephele I may try Year of the Passover.

Library was closed yesterday so went to KMart and bought the first book in the series, began reading last night. Right off the bat, there's a rape. Ugh. But I'm curious how the authors will write this story. Unlike the Under The Eagle series where there are many many written historical records to fall back on, there are only Clovis points and artifacts and archaeology. In an online review, someone mentioned a Jane Auel? Apparently she has written a similar book series. So far, I've made it to Chapter 5; now if I'm able to keep all the names of the characters straight - Runs in Light, Smiles in Sunshine, Dances in Rain, Jumps in Air, Sits on Ground, (ok I made the last three up) I have become Brain Explodes. Whew. And as long as I'm concentrating, the story is finally forming and promises to be interesting.

True, however I (and many others probably) would not like the books if they became all about Cato. With the books set in Britain they were both doing the same amount of work together, and now it seems they are going their different ways. We can already see that Cato will probably become an equestrian and marry Julia, but what will become of Macro? He has no political sense and he is only a soldier. So while Cato advances through the ranks, it is obvious that Macro will stay where he is, and possibly go down a promotion from Prefect if he rejoins the legions after staying with the auxiliaries for so long. For example, Gladiator was placed solely on Cato. They had Cato to get the reinforcements, and Cato to rescue the grain ships while Macro was a prisoner. I know they did that to show that Cato is independent, I think that future books will be like this, where Macro gets a second place to Cato. And although Macro is happy with it, I would rather that didn't happen. Macro and Cato need to be on equal footing, and not one towering over the other. I hope future books will keep the two characters together - I like Macro very much also, but it would make for interesting story lines if Cato DID continue to achieve higher rank and because of all the possible conflicts and scenarios that could cause in regard to the friendship. Do you know if there is another book in the works? Honestly, I seriously thought that it was the end for Macro and Julia when they were finally cornered while fleeing. I was sure Macro was going to follow through with Julia's wishes right then and there.

I've seen John Hannah in the short-lived British drama series New Street Law, and he was quite good in that. Spartacus: Blood and Sand is pretty shocking, but I do think the scripts are well written. As with Deadwood, I find the characters (even the bastards) multi-dimensional and compelling. -- Nephele Thanks for the editing!

Library was closed yesterday so went to KMart and bought the first book in the series, began reading last night. Right off the bat, there's a rape. Ugh. But I'm curious how the authors will write this story. Unlike the Under The Eagle series where there are many many written historical records to fall back on, there are only Clovis points and artifacts and archaeology. In an online review, someone mentioned a Jane Auel? Apparently she has written a similar book series.

I know! I didn't like last night's (episode 6) ending, either, but I have to say that I like the fact that every episode so far has been unpredictable. Also, actor John Hannah (Batiatus) continues to amaze with his performance. In last night's episode, he was scarier than any of his gladiators. He doesn't need to look like a gladiator (and he certainly doesn't) to intimidate -- you just know he's a bad dude to cross. He reminds me a little of Al Pacino, in Godfather II. -- Nephele I, on the other hand, have a hard time accepting John Hannah in this role. All I see is his character in Four Weddings and a Funeral whose name escapes right now. When I saw him in that movie "Legion", I was surprised and thought he wasn't very good (well, the entire movie was awful). Now in Spartacus - maybe because his character IS so vile and it isn't the type I've seen him play before, that it is so disturbing....and creates exactly the effect that's required. Does that make sense? EDIT by Nephele, to hide spoiler. (To read spoiler, click on Reply button.)

I did NOT like the ending of tonight's episode. Totally not what I expected.

That perfume jug is wonderful.

I see your point, but then again Macro seems content with his role. He seems to get great satisfaction in seeing Cato achieve, a reflection on his "nurturing" if that's the word (Macro wouldn't use that term however!).

Finished this book last night. I thought the ending was done well, not so abrupt as mentioned; it could have had several different outcomes and I wasn't really sure which one right up until nearly the last. Cato received his rewards, both love and rank! I thought by the 8th book the same formula of "holding down the fort and waiting for reinforcements" was getting a bit tired, but all in all I enjoyed the 9th. just as much. Is this really the end of Macro and Cato? I think I could force myself to read one more.

Happy Birthday.

As far as hearing what Roman musical instruments sounded like you could try Ancestral Sounds site as they have some MP3 samples you can download although they would probably prefer to sell you examples of their work. I believe there is also a group called 'Synaulia' whose work is on You tube and elsewhere. You may also wish to read Fulvia

Oops. I guess I did post this in the wrong forum originally. Sorry! Crispina - I've read that the books are very good. The Gears have written a ton. I'd be interested if others have read them as well... In addition to Rome, I am very interested in pre-conquest and conquest-era Mexico, Central and South America. I believe these are focused on North America... J I may try to find the first book of the series at the library.

I learn something new every day. http://hubpages.com/hub/Hopscotch

Wonderful. How exciting it would be to see all this in person. Thanks for sharing.

I wondered if this had been posted before! Oh well, glad you still find it funny. Izzard is a scream.