The Value of Fiction - The uses of fiction in bringing history to life

The Value of Fiction - The uses of fiction in bringing history to life We history buffs are a rare breed. Happy are the hours we spend poring through pages of dusty old books, wandering through museums full of armor and tapestries, and deciphering forgotten languages in primary sources. Those who have never been bitten by the history bug find it hard to understand what attracts us until they are bitten themselves. There are many different ways history lovers have been drawn into the fascinating world of the past, but perhaps the most common is through a good story. The moment we begin viewing history as stories about real human beings with human motivations instead of mere dates, places and statistics, history can take on a whole new luster. Period literature can help bring the past alive with an epic tale, and so can modern historical fiction. If you are a history buff hoping to get a friend to share your passion for the past, or if you are new to history as a hobby and are trying to understand what others see in it, the best introduction may very well be a historical novel or film. Entertainment has ways of opening the mind to ideas that even the friendliest or most erudite of straight historical texts can never hope to achieve. It helps, of course, when the book is well-written or the film well-directed, and unfortunately historical fiction, just like any other genre, has many more mediocre examples than it does splendid ones. Yet once you find a truly excellent piece of historical fiction, the results can be highly rewarding. However, the trouble with getting your history from fiction is that its, well, fiction. This may seem excruciatingly obvious, but its surprising how many intelligent, educated, well-read individuals take what they read in a historical novel or see in a period film as fact. The Trouble with Fiction When done really well, fiction leaves its audience thinking they know what the medieval world was really like. If the work is accurate, thats wonderful; but alas, novels and films have been known to present a skewed version of events and to perpetuate common misconceptions about the Middle Ages. Of course, most readers realize that much of the dialogue and the private moments of real historical figures that are captured in text or on film are only speculation. They may be aware on some level that events are open to interpretation, and that what they read or see is just one of many versions of what might have happened. Yet even readers who are acutely aware of these facets of historical fiction often ignore any question of accuracy concerning general historical background, settings and costumes, and the details of daily life, accepting as given that this much, at any rate, is authentic. This may be the most dangerous pitfall of using fiction as a doorway to the past. In order to enjoy the experience of fiction, we can (and should) suspend disbelief, and suspend as well any analysis of its veracity as history while reading the story or watching the film. But once you close the book or leave the theater, its time to think again. Even the most carefully-researched historical novel can contain errors of fact, and the sad truth is that many such novels arent carefully researched to begin with. Unlike a historian writing a scholarly treatise, novelists dont have to support every assertion with documentary, archaeological or even secondary evidence in order to get their work published;* they just have to write a good story. And films are so notorious for lacking accuracy that some moviegoers take particular delight in counting the mistakes. Furthermore, scholarly views of the medieval world are constantly evolving; what was considered a fairly accurate picture of the Middle Ages in, for example, the 1970s may be rendered much less authentic by the research and new evidence uncovered in the last few decades. You will sometimes find authors standing on the shoulders of earlier writers and passing along the erroneous or outdated details of their predecessors, with very few readers ever the wiser. Evaluating Fiction Fortunately, historical fiction doesnt always misrepresent the past. There is excellent fiction available, works that bring the Middle Ages to life in a wealth of accurate detail (and tell a good story, too). And more and more, modern historical novelists are making serious efforts to provide an accurate version of medieval times. But how do you know how much of whats presented in fiction is true to life? Do you take the word of the blurb on the back cover? Can film reviewers really tell you when a picture of the past is realistic? Theres only one way to know for sure: find out for yourself. Pick up a factual history book, visit some websites, go to a museum, join a discussion list, and start your journey into the fascinating world of historical discovery. If fiction is the trigger that launches you into the past, its value cannot be denied. Review a Medieval NovelShare your thoughts on a medieval-set historical novel good or bad at this review page. Note *Unfortunately, the same could be said of much popular history that gets published, as well. Guide Note: This feature was originally posted in May of 2000, and was updated in August of 2010.

Cracking the Alumni Magazine Market

Cracking the Alumni Magazine Market Cracking the Alumni Magazine Market  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      In December, 1996, my wife Tina was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had her last radiation treatment in August, 1997. (Shes doing fine today.) I wrote a piece about the experience (David, I Have a Lump: Breast Cancer, One Husbands Story) and sent it off to several womens magazines. No magazines bit, although one person responded that while she loved the piece it didnt meet their current requirements. That was a kind way of saying that it didn’t fit in a magazine filled with such lofty pieces as Ten Ways to Please Your Man and How to Lose 25 Pounds in Two Weeks.  A few years later, I decided to tackle the alumni magazine market. (My career to that point had focused on writing admissions and fund-raising materials for colleges and schools.) Id always admired CC, the alumni magazine of Tinas alma mater Connecticut College, so I wrote to the editor, complimenting her on the magazine, expressing my intention to write for the magazine and including the cancer piece as a sample o f my work. She immediately offered to buy the piece, and it was published in 2001.  Since that time, Ive written over 50 articles and profiles for about 15 alumni magazines.   A cover article about one woman led to a deep friendship and to my writing her

Should overweight passengers be charged for two seats when flying Essay

Should overweight passengers be charged for two seats when flying - Essay Example This is already happening in the United States. The argument is raised since this is discrimination against passengers with obesity. To be charged by the kilo is quite embarrassing for somebody with twenty kilograms above the limit. If an individual is 20kg above the limit and is a regular flyer, they will actually suffer both emotionally and financially. Having to meet the fat tax expenses will be rather embarrassing (Sullivan 6). The majority of obesity and health organizations are supporting this suggestion claiming that it is only fair since the airline will need to carry extra weight. A number of airlines as an alternative make passengers who can not fit into one seat pay for two seats, for twice the cost of the journey (Appleton). Those who require extra seatbelt extension will have to buy a new an update or purchase an extra seat. America has for a long time taxed and charged to discourage some manners. Taxes in cigarettes are increasing, taxes in liquor are rising in various states, seatbelts are now mandatory by law and some particular areas are currently charging obese workers more for health insurance. For better or worse, the tendency to transform behavior through economics is upon us. As medical expenses rises the debate over charging for obesity is indeed only going to grow. Airlines are too increasingly subject to customer grievances and even losing court cases over travelers being injured by fellow obese passengers. Using two seats uses twice the fuel. This actually sounds nice even though this may not be true. The space which a passenger takes does not affect the amount of fuel used but the weight may affect (Appleton). It sounds good even if it is not actually true. The space you take does not impact on fuel, the weight does. The question arises as to whether a weight lifter weighing more and has more mass of muscles must also be charged more. This could be just a technique used by the airlines to get more money from the passengers. There are writings seen in one of the American airlines. It said something to the effect that if you can not fit into the seat, you will have to pay for a second seat and that if the seats are not fully occupied; you will only pay a child's fare on the second seat (Kate) There are some necessities regarding the seat being a window seat or something of that sort. The airlines prerequisite is that if an individual can not fit in the seat without hanging over the arm rest then he will be charged twice and it sounded like a fair rule. The airline companies should come up with a practical means of determining who is overweight and who is not. It is even better to argue that an individual is overweight due to medical reasons other than the notion that one is lazy and overweight. The airlines must not be forced to give an individual a free extra seat since he or she can not fit in one. The person has to pay for his or her seat, likewise to overweight individuals. That is prejudice and another effort by the airlines to make more money. The airline seats are actually too small period. Tall individuals, overweight individuals and skinny individuals are all not comfortable in a flight. The airlines in their effort once more to make more money squeezed in as many seats as possible at the expense of comfort of passengers. People complain that they don not want to sit next to an overweight passenger as a trick to get bumped

Conflict, Decision Making, and Organizational Design Essay

Conflict, Decision Making, and Organizational Design - Essay Example On the other hand, professional differences, which entail approach to assignments, skills and knowledge, also lead to conflicts, especially when an assignment is handled by a team. In the current world, various technological developments have led to more efficiency in the conduction of various assignments. As such, when two people conduct the same assignment using varying technologies, conflicts usually arise. Moreover, as businesses develop, there is usually the necessity of mergers or recruitment of new professionals, which may lead to the rise of conflicts. Despite the presence of such conflicts, many people usually find themselves in unhealthy conflicts, which usually poison the work environment. As such, it is necessary for employees, and management to understand the best way to solve such conflicts when they arise. This paper seeks to give an in-depth evaluation of the negotiation strategies used to address various workplace conflicts. Additionally, how evidence-based managemen t could be applied to the work environment, blocks, stages, and methods of creative decision making to determine the best approach T-Mobile should follow when making managerial decisions, and the environmental and strategic factors that affect the organizational design of T-Mobile will be evaluated. How I could apply negotiation strategies to address potential conflicts in the workplace. Negotiations are very essential in coming up with the best solution for different engagements in the workplace. In most cases, negotiations are unavoidable and thus being knowledgeable on the best negotiation strategies is essential. Negotiation involves various stages, which include preparation, dialogue, clarification of goals, negotiating towards a win-win situation, agreement and implementing the solution realized. Since conflicts also occur in my workplace as a customer service professional for T-Mobile, a clear understanding of how to handle conflicts as they arise and avoid poisoning of the w ork environment is necessary. Therefore, an understanding of factors such as technological developments, culture, age, personality, professional differences among others will help in taking the best approach in handling conflicts by making good negotiations. In this case, getting a clear overview of the underpinning factors leading to such differences is essential. In most cases, when conflicts arise, people usually make personal judgments, which in some cases do not solve the conflicts as anticipated. As such, having been well informed on how conflicts arise, I will always withhold judgment and use efficient problem solving techniques to ensure that the problem is solved completely, and that future occurrences of such conflicts are effectively handled. I will never ignore any conflict that arises as they usually arise out of something. In this regard, I will always utilize the structures implemented by T-Mobile to effectively handle the conflicts. Additionally, I will be very obser vant on how I handle every person or situations to avoid being at the centre of any conflicts. This is because, despite an act being minute, it can have adverse effects, which are beyond the expectations of many. Thus being extra cautious will help a great deal in avoiding occurrences of conflicts in future. Sharpening my negotiation skills and conflict management skills will be very effective in handling confl

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Essay Example for Free

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Essay Whether or not there is a doomed afterlife in which is called â€Å"hell†, everybody has their own perception of what their â€Å"hell† would be like. Rather your view of hell is eternal detonation or a place consisting of deathly flames and Satan’s head down in a bucket of ice, most people do not wish to be summoned into the depths of hell. However; Jonathon Edward’s sermon, â€Å"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,† portrays briefly the vivid imagery of how hell was represented during the Second Great Awakening. In addition, Edwards aim was to teach his listeners about the horror of hell. Thus, Edwards’s dramatic interpretation of hell frightened the people who followed by God’s word and urges those who don’t to call upon Christ to receive forgiveness. Jonathon Edward’s briefly described hell in his sermon. His justification regarding hell was a â€Å"lake of burning brimstone,† (Edwards 98). Edward’s Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, emphasized the belief that hell is real and he did not tolerate the voices of opposing opinions, urging that they had a â€Å"black cloud of God’s wrath now hanging directly over your heads†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Edwards 98). Edwards anticipated that the imagery and the message contained in his sermon would instill the reality of being doomed into hell if they did not take the step into following Christ. Therefore, the preaching’s made by Edwards were not sympathetic toward the nonbelievers, and infused the believers with terror of being summoned to hell. There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of Hell, but the mere pleasure of God (Edward 100). Edward’s words represented God’s power in being able to cast wicked people in hell at any moment. The people sitting in the pews of the Church were most likely coped with fear as a result of Edward’s harsh speech. He further warns the people of the only thing keeping them from hell is the thin air which God creates as a barrier. According to Edward’s, God would have no pity for those people casted into hell since he provided humans with a chance to resolve their sins. Since the sermon of Edwards was conducted during the Second Great Awakening when people were regaining their religion, people would most likely be on edge from the words of Jonathon Edwards. In summation, the brief representation of hell from Edwards commended God’s lack of sympathy for those people who did not abide by God’s words and instilled fear in the hearts of people who attended Church. Accordingly, Edwards’s remarkable explanation of hell frightened the people who pursued in God’s word and recommend those who didn’t to follow Christ in order to receive forgiveness. Edwards, in addition assisted in teaching his community the horrors and lifelong detonation of hell. Therefore, in Jonathon Edward’s sermon, â€Å"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,† his brief but vivid descriptions of how hell was characterized gave the era of the Second Great Awakening great fear if they did not chose to obey by Christ. He wanted to preach to the people about the lasting effects not obeying by God had. Thus, Jonathon Edwards approached the people of his teachings with fear of hell and the representation he had of hell.

The Legend of The Scottish Play :: Urban Legends

The Legend of "The Scottish Play" 1) Background I interviewed a freshman theater major at the University on the topic of urban legends. The interview was conducted in my dormitory room. The nineteen-year-old female college student is originally from Delaware, and her parents are both real estate appraisers. When inquired about urban legends, she recalled the theater lore and superstitions that she knew intimately as an actress. The interviewee was particularly eager to talk about the curse associated with Macbeth, the Scottish Play. 2) Transcription of the Legend of the Scottish Play Macbeth! That’s not a superstition! That’s truth and fact! [gestures emphatically with fist] If you do Macbeth, something bad will happen; if you say, â€Å"Macbeth† in the theater, something bad will happen. I have true stories to testify to that one. Let’s see, umm what show were we doing?... Our Town, we were doing Our Town. And there are [clears throat] people in my school like to mess with people like me who believe in the Macbeth superstition, and so they’ll go into the theater and they’ll just go, â€Å"MACBETH!† and I will freak out and I tell them to go outside and spin around three times and spit over their left shoulder, because that’s the [antidote]. But they don’t, because they’re trying to mess with me, and something bad always happens. So when we’re doing Macbeth, this kid, who is one of the stage managers, I wasn’t there when it happened so I couldn’t make him go outside, but my director told me that he said, â€Å"Macbeth,† in the theatre, and so I was like freaking out and everyone was like, â€Å"don’t freak out, it’s not a big deal,† but it was, because our curtain broke. That day. Later that day, the curtain broke. It was two days before the show. Yeah. His fault. Another example. We were doing Romeo and Juliet and okay, now I know this is not an accident, but it doesn’t matter. Still, somebody said â€Å"Macbeth† in the theatre, and I told them to go outside and spin around but they didn’t do it, and then somebody stole all my costumes, and I was Juliet so it was kind of a big deal and kind of bad. It came from, because the um, the spells that are said

Market Development

In this report I will be analysing and comparing the marketing techniques used by ASDA and Cancer Research UK taking into account the similarities and differences between them and how they contribute to the company’s success. Igor Ansoff developed a description of the strategies available for growing in a business in 1957. He have identified for categories for the growth of the business these are Market Penetration, Market Development, Product development and Diversification. Ansoff used these four categories in a matrix to show how the opportunities differ in term of new and existing products and markets. Marketing Techniques used by ASDA Market Penetration What is Market Penetration? Market Penetration is when increasing market share of an existing product, or promoting a new product, through strategies such as bundling, extensive advertising, lower prices, or volume discounts. ASDA uses TV adverts to advertise their product. Advertising on TV will catch the interest of their customers as it will have sound and colour. They also use their own website to advertise. By having a website it will allow their customers to see what products they have with prices and also to shop online. They also let their customer know what product they have and also to promote by giving out leaflets. To make sure that their new products are trustworthy ASDA will have samples for their customers to try. ASDA will advertise their business by using newspapers and Billboards. ASDA should advertise as much as possible for the business to run for a long term. They also make sure that they are presenting their brands well from till receipts, plastic bags and staff uniform. Cancer Research sells its existing products into existing markets by advertising their new campaigns such â€Å"Race for Life†. The charity advertises their campaigns on TV’s, Newspapers, Leaflets, Charity shops, posters, billboards on busses and using their own website. Cancer research uses these methods of advertising to increase the awareness and encourage people to donate. Tesco have supported Race For Life for ten years, which has contributed to Cancer Research UK raising over ? 62m for the fight against cancer sine the series began in 1994. Tesco now is working in partnership with Cancer Research to recruit 1 million women and raise ? 80million to fund life-saving work. Market Development What is Market Development? Market Development is a marketing technique aimed at increasing a company’s market in order to widen the customer base for the pur pose of selling more products. ASDA is continuing to open new stores in UK. They are now planning to open ASDA in Tottenham High Street. Opening new stores gives the idea of them doing really well in the business and is meeting the needs of their customers. They also advertise themselves online and in the store. However, they can use different languages on website for the people who are not able to understand English. As there are different ethnic backgrounds in UK, Cancer research should have different languages available in their website. This will allow them to attract more people to the charity from different ethnics. Cancer research can also operate overseas such as Europe. This will help to