Latest news with #Neanderthal-like
Hamilton Spectator
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Book Review: ‘Whack Job' tells the story of a simple survival tool turned murder weapon
From the murder of a Neanderthal-like man to the infamous Lizzie Borden, 'Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder' provides a sarcastic, witty and quirky look at the history of a rather simple tool often found at the scene of a crime: an axe. Rachel McCarthy James spends each chapter of 'Whack Job' detailing an instance where 'axe murder' has occurred, but for true crime fans the book might not make the cut. Instead of looking at the gory details and dramatizing events, James examines the social-economic, political issues and human nature that caused these individuals to befall their fate to an axe. As such, the book, while having a true crime element, is ultimately a history crash course on the axe's evolution — from a survival tool in 430,000 BCE to a modern-day weapon of murder. Still, this is what makes the book intriguing — even if, like me, you were hoping it would dive deeper into the axe murder itself. James has fun with the topic, describing what makes the axe the perfect weapon in each instance, keeping the true crime fan in me thoroughly engaged. A book such as this, focused on history and facts, could become tedious to a casual reader, but James knows how to disarm readers with properly timed humor and quippy theories. True crime fan or not, James' book is a great primer of 'axe murder' in all its shapes and forms ___ AP book reviews:
Winnipeg Free Press
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Book Review: ‘Whack Job' tells the story of a simple survival tool turned murder weapon
From the murder of a Neanderthal-like man to the infamous Lizzie Borden, 'Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder' provides a sarcastic, witty and quirky look at the history of a rather simple tool often found at the scene of a crime: an axe. Rachel McCarthy James spends each chapter of 'Whack Job' detailing an instance where 'axe murder' has occurred, but for true crime fans the book might not make the cut. Instead of looking at the gory details and dramatizing events, James examines the social-economic, political issues and human nature that caused these individuals to befall their fate to an axe. As such, the book, while having a true crime element, is ultimately a history crash course on the axe's evolution — from a survival tool in 430,000 BCE to a modern-day weapon of murder. Still, this is what makes the book intriguing — even if, like me, you were hoping it would dive deeper into the axe murder itself. James has fun with the topic, describing what makes the axe the perfect weapon in each instance, keeping the true crime fan in me thoroughly engaged. A book such as this, focused on history and facts, could become tedious to a casual reader, but James knows how to disarm readers with properly timed humor and quippy theories. True crime fan or not, James' book is a great primer of 'axe murder' in all its shapes and forms Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. ___ AP book reviews:
The Independent
01-04-2025
- Science
- The Independent
How the discovery of an ancient stone tool could rewrite human history
Neanderthal-like stone tools, made using the Quina method, have been discovered in China, challenging the conventional understanding of human evolution in East Asia. This discovery disputes the idea that the Middle Stone Age (between 300,000-30,000 years ago) was a period of stagnation in East Asia, while Europe and Africa saw significant advancements. A Quina stone scraper, thick and asymmetrical with a broad and sharp working edge, was found with clear signs of use and resharpening. Researchers are uncertain whether this technology was introduced to East Asia by westward migration or developed independently. Further investigation, including the search for ancient human remains, may reveal whether this technology is linked to Neanderthals, Denisovans, or even an unknown human ancestor.
