( To my understanding the Illiad means basically ‘about Illium.’ Welcome to ‘the Robiad.’)
“Washington Wore a Toga” is on itunes and hipcast. It is also posted on this blog. Now I can hear some of you saying…what took you so long?
I admit I’ve been distracted. I am going to make a very real change of jobs soon…so I am trying to decide what my future is going to be. I admit I was away from the podcast too long and missed it…but then…I DISCOVERED THE POWER OF SKYPE. With this new found power I have interviewed Eric Shanower of the graphic novel “Age of Bronze” and Natalie Haynes from London who has written the book “The Ancient Guide to Modern Life.” Both interviews will be in future podcasts.
Mark Schauss of the podcast RUSSIAN RULERS HISTORY gave me an interview, and some comparisons between the CZARs and the Caesars. I strongly suggest that you check out his site as well.
I would very much like to hear from you. Please pick up the phone and call me at the number 855-209-6230. No, no, I can hear you from here. Your saying what would I talk about?
The following are some suggested subjects, ready?
1. A movie review on a film about Rome.
2. A questions about Rome or Greece.
3. A museum exhibit you went to.
4. Something on one of the podcasts you either: a) agreed with b) disagreed with
(This I will definitely put on the show. If you think we got it wrong, then discuss it with us. Cite your evidence, convince us, educate us on your position. Just keep it in the house rules:
1. Educate through ideas
2. Share with us what you know
3. No profanity
4. Cite your sources if possible
5. Attack ideas not people
5. Something about a vacation you went on to a place of antiquity
(I’m not asking for you to sound like a professor, tell us about your vacation. What was best about it. Your experiences will let others explore with you, what you thought of the forum, or what you thought of the wine in Italy. Either way you are exploring and sharing with the viewing audience.)
6. A book review.
7. Or just a shout out, “Hey Rob, I really love the show.”
Rob Cain has traveled extensively through Europe, Italy, and Egypt. He was formerly on active duty with the United States Army. He is a fan of history, and enjoys reading books on the history of Rome. He currently has a podcast presentation on itunes and hipcast. The blog is for the free and open discussion of Ancient Rome based on Mr. Cain's observations noted in his podcast. Most episodes start out with an original dramatic narration written by Mr. Cain. In the podcasts he will include his own unique commentary, and interviews with subject matter experts. Comments are welcome and will be highlighted on the show. 
Episode 10, “Nothing New Under the Sun. Get Over it”, features the book, “The Ancient Guide to Modern Life” written by author, comedian, and TV commentator Natalie Haynes.” Whether political, cultural, or social, there are endless parallels between the ancient and modern worlds. Whether it's the murder of Caesar or the political assassination of Thatcher; the narrative arc of the hit HBO series, The Wire, or that of Oedipus; the popular enthusiasm for the Emperor Titus or President Obama – over and over again we can be seen to be living very much like people did 2,000 or more years ago. It's time for us to re-examine the past. Our lives are infinitely richer if we take the time to look at what the Greeks and Romans have given us in politics and law, religion and philosophy and education, and to learn how people really lived in Athens, Rome, Sparta and Alexandria. 
This is a book with a serious point to make but the author isn't just a classicist but a comedian and broadcaster who has made television and radio documentaries about humor, education and Dorothy Parker. This is a book for us all, not for an elite.
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