The author, American by birth, New Zealander by choice; has lived in NZ since January 1971. He gained an MSc degree in Geology from Victoria University which taught him how to read the history of the earth. In recent years his reading of history has advanced to human times. He has a particular interest in alternative histories that might develop from seemingly trivial changes to actual historical events. He has a special interest in the history of the first half of the 20th century.