My Content: Hubs, Answers, and Forums
0Christmas Gift Books - Too Late at Christmas
If you intend to buy Christmas gift books, try not to leave it it too late! For one thing, you need to be sure to obtain your chosen gifts before they sell out. For another, it's important to remember that some items simply don't work quite as well, if they are received actually on Christmas Day, itself.
7Write Romantic Fiction for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Select
Everyone seems to love a love story. Have you noticed how many films, which are not even advertised as love stories, still managed to contain some romantic elements? And think about some of the most popular TV series. How about 'Cheers'? Or 'Moonlighting'? Or 'The X-Files'? Do you remember just how romantic they actually were? Have you noticed how many films, which are not even advertised as love stories, still managed to contain some romantic elements? I have decided to write romantic fictio
7'Childhood Wishes?' - A Poem
How the old perceive the young and the young perceive the old. A poem.
22One Is Invited - A 'Found' Poem
What is a 'found poem'? Interesting question ~ answered by Natalie Sack, in her HubPages article, 'Think you don't know how to write poetry? Try Found Poems'. 'One is invited' is my example of such poem, as described by Natalie. Why not try one yourself?
23There, Their, They're! ~ Help Required?
There are three similar-sounding little English words, with which writers appear to have problems: 'There'. 'Their'. 'They're'. Note that they all sound the same and that they all begin with the same three letters: 'the'. How can you remember the differences and the spellings? ~ This article should help!
33Jesus Christ or Julius Caesar ~ Who is More Likely to Have Been a Real Person?
It is frequently said that there is more evidence for Jesus Christ than for Julius Caesar. Surely, that is not true! I have a history degree and I am quite certain that it isn't true.
18'Thank You!' ~ A Two-Word Phrase
Thank you!' is a two-word phrase ~ an interjection or exclamation ~ that one uses in order to express gratitude towards another person. Short and sweet 'thank you' may be, but it would appear that some writers of English still manage to have trouble with its use! For one reason or another, some people seem to believe, quite mistakenly, that 'thank you' is one word. It is not.
32'Ceylon' ('Sri Lanka'), My Father and National Service
The beautiful island of Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, was part of the 'British Empire' for many years ~ well over a century! As such, some national servicemen carried out their 'armed service' obligations on the island, even after independence. It was a very long way from home, so there were no visits to parents during 'leave', but it was a wonderful opportunity for the men to see a very different way of life, on an island paradise. One of the 'lucky' chosen ones was my father, Dave Neale. He
24Et Cetera, Etcetera, Etc. and Related Errors in English
Many of us use the abbreviation 'etc', for 'et cetera' or 'etcetera', on a regular basis. It is used at the end of a list and means: 'and other things of a similar nature'. The implication being that these other things can easily be guessed and are not important enough to mention individually. But are we using it correctly and are we spelling it correctly?
61If Jesus Were Proven to be Son of God / God Incarnate, Would Atheists Become Christians?
if Jesus were Proven to be Son of God / God Incarnate, Would Atheists Become Christians - Or Would They Still Reject Him? This question was posed in the HubPages forum, but I feel that it is not quite as straightforward as it at first seems.
9Friends, Pals, Chums, Amigos; Lend Me Your Ears ~ Word Origins and Meanings.(Etymology)
Have you ever wondered where the word 'friend' comes from? Or 'amigo', or 'pal', or 'chum', or 'mate', or 'buddy'? Let's find out!
12Carousels and Kings
The carousel, as we know it today, is a rotating (fairground) attraction, consisting of horses, carriages and perhaps other animals. The artwork is usually very attractive and highly decorative. There are, generally, pretty lights glinting, and stirring music playing, as the horses, and their riders, travel round and around, up and down ~ sometimes at quite high speeds! Compared to many fairground attractions, it is usually considered to be a fairly sedate and gentle ride.
29The Facts of Life: Reproduction and Evolution
An new way of looking at evolution and creationism: Where do babies come from? Where did I come from? Was there really a time when I simply didn't exist? Was there really a time when I might never have existed? Will there be a time, again, when I shall not exist? Did mankind evolve? Is Genesis true? Is God the answer to everything? Pregnancy and evolution are parallel phenomena.
27The Tragic 'Titanic' - In Film and History
There can be very few people, who have not heard of the 'Royal Mail Ship (RMS) Titanic'. 'Titanic' was a huge ocean-going liner, built by Harland and Wolff, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, 100 years ago, between 1909 and 1911. It was launched at Southampton, by the White Star Line of Liverpool, on the tenth of April, 1912. Thence to Cherbourg, France, and, finally, to its last port of call ~ Queenstown, in Southern Ireland (formerly Cove of Cork; now Cobh) ~ before setting sail for New York, in
4'Constable Country': England's Suffolk - and Solihull ???
Those who enjoy landscape art may have heard about 'Constable Country'. John Constable is one of England's favourite artists and his works are associated with the areas where he lived ~ but where actually is 'Constable Country'?
14"Goodnight John-Boy!" - "Goodnight Elizabeth!" ~ 'The Waltons' was Originally A Christmas Film: 'The Homecoming'.
The Waltons, America's favourite family, celebrate 40 fabulous years this month ~ December 2011. Happy Anniversary, John Boy!
21Turek and Geisler Say 'I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist' But They Believe in God's Morality and the Bible
Christian Morality ~ Christian Authors Claim to Prove God! "I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist", claim Christian authors Frank Turek and Norman L Geisler, but they do have faith in their ability to prove the existence of God. Turek and Geisler believe in a theistic God ~ the God, whom they find in the Bible. Turek and Geisler also believe in 'objective morality', and that this is evidence, which can help them to prove that God really is there ~ a 'morally perfect' God! But, are they
25Adult Education: The Benefits of Post-Compulsory Education - The Older Learner
Becoming a mature student, when one is an 'older learner' can benefit both mind and body ~ and can be rewarding for both student and teacher alike.
39'Top Ten Atheist Inconsistencies' Examined
'Top 10 Atheist Inconsistencies' is an article on HubPages, to which, this is a response. Are atheists really Christians in disguise? Are atheists inconsistent? Can atheists be moral? Let us examine some aspects of atheism!
14God, Ghosts and Guesswork
Where did man discover his belief in God? Did God make man in his own inage, or did man make God in his own inage? How important are and were 'spooky' experiences ~ ghosts, near deatb experiences, visions, voices? Did ancient man ~ and woman ~ weave religion out of fears and ignorance?
22Travel to Europe: Visit Spain for a Dream Holiday - Perhaps a Parador Vacation in a Spanish Castle, Palace or Alcazabar
Spend your Spanish vacation in a Medieval castle or a Moorish palace. Romance and history are all around you, when you visit glorious, passionate, sunny Spain.
18Confusing Words: "Then" and "Than"
Do you confuse 'than' and 'then'? Do you wonder what the difference is? Did you know that 'than' relates to comparison and 'then' relates to time? 'Then' and 'than' explained!
8Chaucer, The Physician’s Tale and the Bible
Geoffrey Chaucer's 'the Physician's Tale' ~ one of the 'Canterbury tales' ~ simple or complex? Did Chaucer simply use up an old story, or are there hidden depths for us to explore?
12Bejeweled Bookmarks and other Artazia Jewelry / Jewellery Delights
'Artazia' ~ captivating jewelry and decorative pieces! Such pretty pieces! Intricate works of art! Really delightful! And refreshingly different ~ a plethora of delights. They would make very attractive and welcome gifts. Some Artazia items are hypoallergenic. Artists are especially chosen for their talents, which particularly complement Artazia.
15The Execution of the Wood-Gatherer in Numbers 15 (Bible Old Testament / Hebrew Scriptures)
Biblical violence and cruelty! Numbers 15 tells of the execution of the Wood-Gatherer ~ a man who collected firewood on the Sabbath. God told Moses that he had to be stoned to death ~ and he was.
18A '17 Day Diet' Basic Recipe for Everyone!
The '17 Day Diet' has been designed by Dr Mike Moreno and is based on healthy eating. The idea is attractive, since it allows for variety, the food is healthy and, if you follow the advice, the pounds melt away. For the first seventeen days, the diet is at its most limited, but, perfectly 'do-able', since, even here, there is a variety of delicious foods to choose from. My recipe is a sort of adaptable 'stir fry'. It is a basic main meal, using foods from this first part of the system ~ cycle
49"How could the Earth, and all Creation, be so Beautiful, without a Creator?" [Quote]
Is the existence of beauty in nature the proof of a Creator God? If so, how do we explain the more ugly and horrific aspects of nature? What about the deaths caused by an earthquake or volcano or tsunami? Animals are beautiful ~ but is it beautiful to see a lion or a fox rip apart a weaker creature, in order to eat and survive? Could the earth, and all creation, be so beautiful, without a creator God? Could the earth, and all creation, contain horrors and natural disasters, with a creator God?
36Genghis (Chingis) Khan, Mongol Emperor ~ and The Bible: A Comparison of Morality
Is Genghis Khan in the Bible? ~ No. Genghis Khan, or Chingis Khan ~ born Temujin ~ was the famous twelfth century ruler of the Mongols, known for his military prowess, his ruling ability and his violent cruelty. But, strangely enough, many of his violent stories mirror Biblical violent stories. This looks at the coincidences between the stories of Genghis Khan and the stories in the Bible.
41Firing Squad at Dawn - Executions in World War One (WWI)
During the First World War, several hundred men were shot at dawn, by firing squads, made up of their own comrades, supposedly for cowardice and desertion. Many were suffering from trauma and other physical, psychological and / or emotional health problems. A number of them were young boys, who had lied about their age, when they enlisted, and then simply could not cope with the horrors that World War One forced upon them. They died a horrific and terrifying death, when they should have been sen
59Now It's 'All Quiet on the Western Front'
During 'The Great War' ~ World War One ~ it certainly was not 'all quiet on the western front'. War poetry bears witness to this! But it is peaceful there now. Where once there was death and horror, there is now agriculture once again. And the quietest spots in Northern France are the military cemeteries, where the graves of dead young soldiers can still be seen ~ standing 'row on row'.
19'God is Love' by Percy Dearmer ~ Analysis of a Popular Hymn (And Bible Analysis)
'God is love', wrote Percy Dearmer, in his popular hymn, but is that how the Bible really describes God? Does God, as described in the Old and New Testaments, really love and care about every one of us?
16Demis Roussos - The Soundtrack to Summer Forever and Ever.
Demis Roussos, Greek singing phenomenon, was a huge star of the 1970s. His hits included 'Happy to be on an Island in the Sun'; 'Forever and Ever'; 'When Forever has Gone'; and many more! He really was the soundtrack to summer. And he is still going strong!
0Michael Frayn's 'Spies' - How The Author Presents Mystery and Intrigue.
'Spies' by Michael Frayn, is a 'coming of age' novel about two young boys, their families and their neighbours, during World War Two. Set in a London suburb, it is mostly written in flashback, as the narrator ~ an elderly man ~ attempts to remember, understand, and come to terms with, some long-forgotten events of his childhood. But have they been forgotten because of the time that has elapsed, because an old man's memory is unreliable, or because there are some things best not remembered?
18David Cassidy - Could it be Forever? - Oh Yes Indeed! How Can I Be Sure? - I Just Know!
David Cassidy! Teenage heart-throb of the 1970s! Was his picture on your wall? Did you dream of meeting him? Do you still love his music?
0A Story of Palm Sunday, Easter Week, Jesus and Insurrection!
What really happened at the first Palm Sunday; the first Easter? Who was the real Jesus? Why was Jesus crucified? What part did the twence disciples play?
2'Swords' in the Gospels of the Bible - New Testament?
Would You Expect to Find 'Swords' in the Gospels of the Bible? Why are there weapons of violence in the 'Good News' books of the 'New Testament'? Some references may have been quite innocent ~ but others are certainly questionable! Why did Jesus order swords? Why did the apostles get involved in a sword-fight?
10A Royal Wedding Day Toast To William and Catherine. 29th April 2011
Princess Diana would have been so proud! To see her elder son, Prince William, walk down the aisle of Westminster Abbey ~ supported by his younger brother, Harry ~ to await the arrival of his new bride!
20‘Remember Remember the Fifth of November' ~ Guy Fawkes and Gunpowder Plot (And Bonfire and Fireworks!)
On the 5th of November, every year, throughout the length and breadth of England, soon after the sun sets, bonfires are set ablaze and scintillating fireworks light up the skies! It is a night of fireworks displays, where ‘Bonfire Night’ party food is a must. Everyone wraps up against the autumn chill and joins the celebrations. But why? What are they celebrating with such enthusiasm and joy? ~ Guy Fawkes and Gunpowder Plot!
39Writing for the Internet – A Rewarding Experience or ‘A Total Waste of Time’?
Writing ~ be it journalism or literature ~ is no longer about pen and paper. Computers are here to stay. The Internet ~ with all of its opportunities and its problems ~ is a part of everyday life and cannot be ignored. Online article-writing is for today's writers
6Half A Dozen Family History / Genealogy / Family Tree Books
Are you interested in family history books / genealogy books? Family History / genealogy - is one of the most popular hobbies in the world today.
14Sir Thomas Tresham's Intriguing Tudor Triangular Lodge - Rushton (Northants. UK)
Thomas Tresham's 16th century 'Triangular Lodge' is intriguing ~ quite simply because it is, indeed, triangular. There are not too many three-sided buildings around! But there is more to it than that. Triangles permeate the building ~ equilateral triangles, that is. It is symbolic of Sir Thomas's religious beliefs. Tresham was a very devout Christian ~ and, specifically, a Roman Catholic Christian.
122Evolution - Creationists Right and Darwin Wrong ??!!
In the 19th century, the naturalist Charles Darwin formulated a theory of evolution, which allowed for adaptation and change of organisms ~ even into new species ~ as a result of natural selection, mutation and genetic drift. The Bible, however, tells a different story ~ a creation story, whereby God, in seven Biblical days, created all creatures of land, sea and air, along with humans to have dominion over them. Which explanation for life on Earth is the correct one?
16'Adam and Eve' - Could The Creationists Have Got It Right ??!!
Creationists believe that God designed and created ~ well, that He designed and created everything. In the case of Christian Creationists, they believe that this occurred just as described in the Holy Bible ~ in the Book of Genesis. Even some highly educated and highly qualified scientists believe this ~ and a scientific gloss has been placed on this religious belief ~ it is often called 'Intelligent Design. Is it at all possible that the creationists could have got it right?
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Gems and Rocks; Minerals and Precious Metals - Some Information
What are 'gems' and 'jewels'? Both the words 'gem' and 'jewel' are used for precious 'stones'. They are often one single crystal, cut, shaped and polished, so that its beauty is enhanced. One might think of rubies, emeralds, diamonds.
30Afternoon Tea with the Queen of England at Buckingham Palace
My husband and I had tea, with Her Majesty the Queen of England, in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. We were not alone with her, though, as it was a royal garden party!
6'The Jesus Dynasty' by James D Tabor
James D Tabor, author of 'The Jesus Dynasty', is an academic, who has studied and taught theological matters for about three decades. He is an expert on his subject. Although there is no real corroborative evidence for the existence of Jesus, outside of the Bible (except, perhaps, for a controversial comment in the histories of Josephus), Tabor believes that he did exist and that he was of the line of David.
16'Will and Ted' - A "Shakespearean" Fictional Short Story
Kate loved school and Shakespeare and her English teacher, but family problems meant that she had to give them up. Was there any way of helping her family, while continuing to study the subject she loved? A fictional short story inspired by William Shakespeare and Stratford Upon Avon.
25The Human Difference: Chimpanzees and Bonobos - Men and Women
Our closest relatives are the chimpanzees and the bonobos. We share almost 99% of our DNA. That is a very close relationship! Yet we are noticeably different. In spite of their obvious talents, chimpanzees do not do what we do. They do not study astronomy, or build rockets to explore outer space. They do not write symphonies or choreograph ballets. They are very able, though. We must not under-estimate them. But they are not human ~ not quite. There are subtle but very real differences. Wh
16The Destruction of the Babies and Children of Amalek - God's Slaughter of the Amalekites
Picture them. Picture the pregnant women having a sword thrust into their bellies. Picture the mothers, as they see their toddlers cut down by a sword, in the hand of a huge fighting man. Picture the new-borns, ripped apart, with their mothers, as they suckle. Picture the children, watching their mothers and baby siblings being ripped apart ~ before the man with the sword comes after them. Imagine the screams of old and disabled people, who cannot even attempt to run! Imagine the screams o
8Saint Valentine - and Romance
Who was Saint Valentine, and just what, exactly, was so romantic about him? When it comes to Saint Valentine, it seems that I should not be asking ‘who was?’, but, rather, ‘who were?’ Yes, there was more than one. In fact, there were more than two! There were three of them! (Actually, New Advent states that there were ‘at least’ three of them, so there could even be more!) Christian martyrs all; recorded in the ‘martyrologies’ ~ and all under 14th February!
43Evolution and Creationism - My Take On Them and How I Arrived Here
Where do I come from? Why am I here? What is the origin of life? Should we look to science or to the Bible for answers? Or both? Did God create us, or did we evolve from simple sea creatures? Are we related to apes, or especially made in God's image? 'Darwinism' or Genesis?
6Travel Delightfully with Karen Brown's Guide Books to The USA and Mexico
Travel Beautifully with Karen Brown's Guide Books to The USA and Mexico The reason I named the Karen Brown articles 'Travel Beautifully', is because of the delightful artwork on the covers of her guide books. The artist responsible for these alluring images is Jan Pollard. Her cover images are absolutely beautiful! You will want to step directly into those gorgeous pictures!
16'The Gruffalo' - A Wonderful Donaldson and Scheffler Book for Children
The children's book, 'The Gruffalo', by Julia Donaldson (author) and Axel Sheffler (artist) has been a firm favourite, in the UK, for some time. In the year 2000, it was the best seller amongst children's picture books. On 19th October, 2010, the BBC announced that 'The Gruffalo' had come top in a survey of books for children. It has sold millions of copies since publication.
0Britain - Recent British X-Factor Winners and Runners-Up
'The X Factor' is a television talent show, which seeks out singers ~ solo or in bands ~ who could, potentially, be pop stars. It originated in the UK, but there is now an international 'X Factor' franchise. This item looks at the British 'X-Factor' winners and runners-up ~ as well as some of those acts, which are confused with X-Factor winners ~ eg 'Pop Idol' Winners and 'Britain's Got Talent' winners.
6Visits to the Ballet ~ Tchaikovsky's Famous 'Swan Lake', 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'The Nutcracker'
The first time I went to the theatre, to see live ballet on stage, was when I was five years old! It was a school trip, by coach, and I was both excited and apprehensive, as I had never been on such an outing before.
13Local and Family History: Some Genealogy Books
Family History ~ or genealogy ~ is a fascinating and addictive hobby. Hundreds of books have been published on the subject. Here are just a few of them.
10Return to Jafre, Catalonia
Jafre, in Catalonia, Spain, is an ancient and beautiful little town, just inland from the sandy bays of the Spanish Costa Brava! And it has a secret ~ a delightful old shrine, with a story to tell!
10Brilliant Venus - Goddess and Planet
As goddess of love and beauty, Venus may have been associated with fertility and sexuality and one of her epithets, 'Venus Genetrix', indicates that she was a 'mother goddess'.
38Lucifer - Devil, or King, or Morning Star, or Fallen Bible Angel, or Something Else?
Who or what is, or was, Lucifer? Christians say that he is 'a fallen angel' and / or 'the devil'. How do we / they know that? Is Lucifer mentioned in the Bible? If so, in what context? Does The Bible say that he is 'the devil'? What is the truth about Lucifer?
11William Shakespeare ~ Did He Hate Christmas?
What did Shakespeare have to say about Christmas? ~ Not very much, it seems. One of his plays is called 'Twelfth Night' ~ which is the 12th day of the Christmas festivities ~ and there is a reference to Christmas night in 'Hamlet'. And that's it. We could add some 'Winter' references ~ there is 'A Winter's Tale' and there are some poems. But why the scarcity of festive compositions???
4'In The Bleak Midwinter' - Just Imagine!
What are we celebrating at Christmas? The story of the baby in the manger? This may be considered, by some, to be 'the true meaning of Christmas' ~ as in 'Christ's Mass ~ but it is not the origin of the midwinter celebrations, which have come to be known as Christmas. So what are the origins of Christmas, as celebrated 'in the bleak midwinter'?
4Wonderful New Christmas Song ~ 'My Favourite Time of Year'.
There is a new traditional Christmas song ~ the type that make you feel all warm inside, even on the coldest of winter days! Yes a new 'old-fashioned' Christmas song ~ and an independent release, at that! It's by the Florin Street Band and it is called 'My Favourite Time of Year'.
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A Few Words About Diamonds - A Girl's Best Friend - and the Kimberley Process
The films tell us that 'Diamonds are Forever' or 'Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend' ~ and, certainly, diamonds are beautiful ~ but is everything about them sweetness and scintillating light? It seems not!!! The 'Kimberley Process' is an international initiative, set up in an attempt to prevent diamonds from being used to finance horrific conflicts and illegal wars. In such cases, they are named 'blood diamonds' or 'conflict diamonds'.
8Saint George, Patron Saint of England ~ ~ (St George's Day)
Saint George is the Patron Saint of England ~ celebrated on 23rd April. But who is ~ or was ~ this George? And how did he become the patron saint of the English? And was he really a 'dragon-slayer'?!
17Jean M Auel and 'Earth's Children' ('Clan of the Cave Bear' Series)
Jean Auel is the author of a series of books which tells of the life and loves, struggles and adventures of the beautiful and talented Ayla ~ a thoroughly modern woman who lived around 30,000 years ago! Ayla is the heroine of the stories and, through her, we meet other member of 'Earth's Children'. 'Earth's Children' are us! Or, rather, they are our ancestors ~ ancestors who lived in the long-distant past.
4'Arkansas' and 'Little Rock' - Place Names History
Let us look at 'Little Rock' ~ the name of the capital of Arkansas. Most English speakers would understand the meaning of the two individual words that make up this name. A 'little rock' might be a stone, or a small boulder, perhaps. It would have to be a very noticeable little stone, though, for it to have stuck as a place name. Just how 'little' was this little rock? Why was it so important? Is it still there?
5Do You Want A Small Mini-Fridge / Refrigerator or Personal Cooler?
A mini fridge, personal cooler, travel cooler, or compact refrigerator ~ call it what you will, this is an item that could be extremely useful to you!
6Favourite Tupperware - Available Online
The Tupperware 'quick shake container' is great for making gravy, custard, dressings, batter, milk shake, smoothies, cocktails ~ in fact, anything that needs whisking, blending or mixing. The blender works well and evenly.
4Buy Beautiful Inexpensive (Cheap) Garnet Jewelry (Rings, etc) Online For Under $20
Buy Beautiful (But Cheap) Garnet Jewelry (rings, etc) Online For Under $20. Decorate yourself like an Anglo-Saxon Royal!
2Garnets - Gems of the Anglo Saxon Royals
Garnets are beautiful semi-precious gemstones, which can be purchased inexpensively online. They come in a range of colors, but the red ones are particularly attractive and rich-looking ~ as well as being some of the cheaper stones. The reddish pink ones ~ rhodolite ~ are also very lovely and could compete with rubies for beauty.
13Travel Beautifully with Karen Brown's Guide Books - Europe (France, Spain, England, etc)
Travel to Europe with Karen Brown's Guide Books. They are the ones, with the delightfully beautiful front covers, painted by Jann Pollard. Visit France, Spain, England, etc, in the company of these useful and attractive guide books.
4Hamlet's Last Long Soliloquy (How all occasions do inform against me) - Shakespeare Analysis and Commentary
'How all occasions do inform against me' [Act 4 Scene 4 Audiences can access Hamlet's thoughts, emotions and feelings via a soliloquy. Here, Hamlet feels lost; defeated; a failure, and he cannot understand why. He has tried to do the right thing; yet nothing has gone right for him. He is disgusted with himself; contemptous of his own weak inadequacy and fearful failings. We learn about Hamlet's confused emotional state; his depression and guilt.
12'Hamlet', by William Shakespeare - DVD Play Reviews
Of all the plays by William Shakespeare, Hamlet remains one of the most intriguing and popular. When he wrote 'Hamlet', Shakespeare was creating a long-lasting phenomenon. Could he have ever have imagined that it would still be playing to packed audiences today? Actors are eager to play the lead and it is enacted in theatres all over the world, regularly. For those who prefer to watch in the comfort of their own home, it is also available on DVD. And there are a number of versions!
6An Easter Miscellany (Holy Week / Springtime)
Without the Christian belief in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, it seems unlikely that Christianity would be what it is today, which is why, for many believers, Easter is the most important day in the Christian calendar.
16'A Wife in London' and 'Drummer Hodge' by Thomas Hardy - Analysis
'A Wife in London' Analysis and 'Drummer Hodge' Analysis. Thomas Hardy was a great writer ~ of poetry and prose. His novels are probably better known than his poems ~ but his war poetry is well worth a look. This article examines two Thomas Hardy war poems: 'A Wife in London' and 'Drummer Hodge'.
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Geoffrey Chaucer and His Canterbury Tales
Geoffrey Chaucer ~ fourteenth century English writer, poet, courtier, soldier and pilgrim / traveller; related to members of the royal court; possibly a spy! What do we actually know about him? What can be learned? How much can his 'Canterbury Tales' teach us? This is a brief introduction to a fascinating man.
4Saint Patrick and Saint Patrick's Day
Since the 8th century, Patrick has been known as the patron saint of Ireland, but he was not born on 'the Emerald Isle'. He was born in Britain, probably in or around 387 AD. He gives his birthplace as 'Banna Venta Berniae', but this has not been definitely identified. Whilst checking the Internet, I have seen the following suggestions: Birdoswald in Cumbria, Barnstable in Devon, Banwen in Wales, Kilpatrick in Scotland and even Boulogne-sur-Mer in France.
12'New York' and 'Albany' - United States Place Names History
How did 'New York City' and 'New York State' - in the United States of America - get their names? Can we assume that the city and the state names originate in the same place? Was that York, in England? If so, why? And what about 'Albany', capital of New York State? Where does that name come from?
16War Poetry: 'Break of Day in the Trenches' by Isaac Rosenberg - The Impact of War. (Analysis)
Isaac Rosenberg 'Break of Day in the Trenches' Analysis. Rosenberg's 'Break of Day in the Trenches', is one example of a huge range of poetry, prose and drama concerning war. Some items, like this one, are contemporary, while others were written after the event, with knowledge of opinions that have been expressed over the years. Much of this literature can be divided into two groups; pro-war sentimentalism and/or jingoism and anti-war realism.
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Does Gertrude ~ Hamlet's Mother ~ Know that King Claudius has Murdered her Husband?
Does Gertrude know that Claudius killed Hamlet's father? In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', is there any evidence of Gertrude's guilt, in connection with the death of her husband? Or did she know of Claudius's guilt? No, it seems not. Indeed, there is evidence, in Gertrude’s behaviour, and her words, that she did not know that 'Old Hamlet' had been murdered ~ and certainly not by her new husband, Claudius.
2In 'Hamlet', Is Claudius a careful ruler, a good king and loving husband; or a hateful, lying villain?
Is Claudius a good king? In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', is Claudius a careful ruler, a good king and loving husband, or is he a hateful, lying villain? “Claudius makes a good king. He is a careful ruler and a loving husband, providing stability for his country and his wife” “Murderer of the rightful king, Claudius is the play‘s hateful, lying villain.” Which of these two quotes gives the better and truer description of Claudius?
0Hamlet - The Sources of His Tragedy
Hamlet's tragedy stems from a number of origins. The obvious one is the death of his father. Hamlet is a tragic figure from the moment the audience encounters him, dressed in 'solemn black'. The second cause of Hamlet's tragedy is his mother's behaviour. Instead of sharing her son's grief, and supporting him through it, she has remarried with indecent haste.
6Hamlet and his 'Foils' - Fortinbras and Laertes.
Who are Hamlet's foils in Shakespeare's play? Indeed, what is a foil? A foil is a character, who sets off another person, by being a contrast to that person. So, how do we recognise Hamlet's foils? For a character to be a foil to Hamlet, he or she must have things in common with him, in order for any differences to become more obvious. One example is Ophelia: her apparently genuine madness is a foil for Hamlet's supposedly feigned 'antic disposition'. There are other examples, and this article w
24Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' - What does each Soliloquy, in Acts 1, 2 and 3, reveal about Hamlet's true Feelings? (To be ...)
Soliloquies in Hamlet ~ what can we learn from Hamlet's soliloquies? Do they help us to understand Hamlet, the character, and 'Hamlet', the play, better? How does Shakespeare show his own talents through the soliloquies? Shakespeare's soliloquies give the reader ~ or the audience ~ the opportunity to find out what is going on in a character's mind; and possibly to access some of Shakespeare's own thoughts and ideas. This article concentrates on the Hamlet's soliloquies on Acts 1,
12Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' - Are they "Half Men"?
The characters, 'Rosencrantz' and 'Guildenstern', are something of a double-act in William Shakespeare's play, 'Hamlet', but is there any justification for describing them as 'half-men' ~ and, if so, why?
7Spain's Story: From the 9th Century to the 16th Century ~ a Historical Timeline
The history of Spain is a fascinating story. Reminders of the past can be seen throughout the country. 'Spain' was part of a Muslim empire for many years, but, in 1492, she became independent, only to establish an empire of her own, in that same year.
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'The Charge of the Light Brigade' - Honour and Glory in War? (Tennyson Poem Analysis)
'The Charge of the Light Brigade' analysis 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' concerns an event of the Crimean War (1854-56), which occurred during the year that the war broke out ~ 1854. At this time, Alfred Tennyson was poet laureate and, as such, was the mouthpiece, via poetry, of the British establishment.
1'Spies', by Michael Frayn - the Beginning Chapter of the Novel - Summary and Analysis
The beginning of a novel must draw readers in, if it is to be truly effective. Does 'Spies' do this? Yes! First there is the title. 'Spies'. Who are they? Who is spying on whom? The reader is hooked
4How To Serve Delicious Peas
How to serve delicious peas. Petits pois!!! MMmmm... Yummy!!! If you serve up delicious peas, then your family and your guests will be impressed ~ and your kids will happily eat up their greens. Frozen petits pois, served just right, will be everyone's favourite.
24The Fantastic Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra - as seen on TV and 'You Tube'
Rieu created, first, 'The Maastricht Salon Orchestra' and, in 1987, 'The Johann Strauss Orchestra'. His talent and personality, together with the engaging musical style of both himself and his orchestra, have contributed to a renaissance in waltz music
10Place-Names 'Alabama' and 'Montgomery'.
Place names can tell us a lot about the history of a settlement. Why can the names 'Alabama' and 'Montgomery' teach us?
6Shakespeare's Presentation of Colonialism and Colonisation / Colonization in ‘The Tempest' - Theme Analysis
William Shakespeare wrote 'The Tempest' in around 1610. I interpret this play as a metaphor on colonisation. The story, which tells of a usurped duke and the shipwreck he arranges in order to to exact retribution, includes a number of themes: conflict and resolution; love and romance; nature and nurture; illusion and reality; vengeance and repentance; power and the abuse of power; colonisation and ‘otherness‘. Colonisation and otherness are a particularly interesting aspect of this Shakespeare p
29How to Teach and Learn Plurals and the Apostrophe
Basically the apostrophe is used in 'omission' and 'possession', so let's look at the 'apostrophe rules'. Remembering when and how to use the apostrophe does not have to be too difficult.
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Click For Charity
Most people agree with supporting charitable causes. Some can afford to give a lot, and some can only afford to give a little ~ but it all helps. HOWEVER there is a way of helping charities, without it costing you anything! You can do this very easily, as well as supporting your other favourite causes.
23'Bertha' in Charlotte Bronte’s 'Jane Eyre' and Jean Rhys’s 'Wide Sargasso Sea' - Comparison and Analysis
In Charlotte Bronte's novel, 'Jane Eyre', there is a terrifying character, named Bertha ~ the original 'madwoman in the attic'. In Jean Rhys's novel, 'Wide Sargasso Sea', the main character is a sympathetic young girl, named Antoinette. But Bronte's wild 'Bertha' is Rhys's sweet 'Antoinette'.
12The Dungeon - A Poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Plus Wordsworth's 'The Convict') - Analysis
'The Dungeon' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge analysis In 1798, the poets and friends, William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, published their 'Lyrical Ballads with a Few Other Poems’. It was experimental and revolutionary in style. ‘The Dungeon' is one of Coleridge’s contributions. The poem concerns a dungeon of 'The Inquisition' and it forms part of a longer work ~ a play called 'Osorio'. 'The Convict', by William Wordsworth, is also included in 'Lyrical Ballad's, and is on a similar theme
18Tennyson and 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' (Poetry Analysis)
'The Charge of the Light Brigade' Analysis "Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward, All in the valley of Death Rode the six hundred." Tennyson has written a rousing poem, with a hypnotic beat. The thumping, rhythmic tempo, echoing the galloping hooves of the chargers, is alluring and has made this poem a popular favourite over the years, in spite of its description of a military failure.
14Brain Size, Evolution and Usage
Do we really use only 10% ~ or even less ~ of our brains? Or is this a myth? Apparently it is a myth!!! We each use our entire brain, but not all of it may be fully active all of the time.
12The Staffordshire Hoard and Anglo-Saxon England
The 'Staffordshire Hoard' is a collection of hundreds of beautiful Anglo-Saxon gold items ~ often decorated with garnets. There are religious artefacts and items of jewelry. For some reason they were hidden ~ buried in a Staffordshire field ~ and there they lay, undiscovered, for hundreds of years, until a man with a metal detector unearthed them in the year 2009. Staffordshire is in the English Midlands, and belonged, once, to the Anglo Saxon kingdom of Mercia. Tamworth in staffordshire was a
8Beginning Family History (Family Tree) Research ~ Family Interviews
Family History? Genealogy? Do they interest you? Would you like to begin? Read about how to start with your family ~ with family interviews.
4Travelling in Europe - Essential Travel Guides / Books (European Vacation)
European Travel If you are travelling abroad, then travel guides ~ and language guides, if applicable ~ are essential.
9Star-Spangled Shakespeare
The writings of Stratford-Upon-Avon's William Shakespeare ~ both poetry and prose ~ are positively frosted with starlight! ~ "Not from the stars do I my judgement pluck"; "Star-crossed lovers"; "O happy fair! Your eyes are lode-stars"; "The skies are painted with unnumber'd sparks"; "spangled starlight sheen"; "constant as the northern star"; "find him by starlight".
11Bollywood ~ Om Shanti Om (Movie / Film)
"Om Shanti Om" Plenty of Bollywood songs, Bollywood music and Bollywood dance in this lively Bollywood movie ~ but it's not all sweetness and light; there is a darker side to it. Shah Rukh Khan stars.
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Bowen Technique / Therapy and Cranial Osteopathy (Osteopath)
Bowen technique is an 'alternative' therapy that works for many muscular ailments ~ bad backs, for example, and neck and shoulder problems. Cranial osteopathy can help with many musculo-skeletal problems and is ideal for babies and children who have been the victims of complicated or difficult births.
