text:
Tag Archives: Charlotte Lucas
August 27, 2019 by Moreland
Rational Creatures: Elizabeth Bennet & Charlotte Lucas
Rational Creatures edited by Christina Boyd
For those of you who might have missed the last post, Rational Creatures is an anthology of short stories on the different women of Jane Austen:
But just not the main heroines-there are a few other side characters like Miss Bates-and of course a couple of bad girls like Mary Crawford and Mrs. Clay.
Each story gives us a look at the ladies we love (or hate).
The last post was on Elinor and Marianne Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility: Self-Composed by Christina Morland and Every Past Affliction by Nicole Clarkston. And I LOVED both of them!
This one will be on Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Lucas from Pride and Prejudice.
Pride and Prejudice is the story of a mother wanting to marry off her daughters, as with their father's death they will have very little-but the story is more than that. It deals with the concepts of pride and prejudice, first impressions, whether you should be overt in how you feel or play it close to the heart, etc. It has amazing wit and characters.
So Elizabeth is a character that has been adapted again and again. Some have been very good and some have been only okay, and a few have been just awful. To read the ones I have reviewed you can check out this post and this one.
Charlotte on the other hand, I have yet to read anything that just focuses on her. When I saw that, I got very excited. I always thought Charlotte was an interesting character-seen as plain but very intelligent and cunning.
Happiness in Marriage by Amy D'Orazio
The story starts off November 1811, right before the Netherfield Ball, Jane coming up with an idea to do Lizzie's hair, and like every good sister-wants to try it out before the actual day of the ball. Elizabeth and Jane are talking, when Elizabeth says that she is going to accept Mr. Collins if he proposes.
I was reading this on my lunch break and actually starting choking on my food. WHAT THE HECK DID I JUST READ? I had to read it again!
What the heck!
Reading it again did nothing-the words stayed the same. Oh My Goodness!!! All I could feel was:
I was always interested in the story, but after reading that line, I was super invested. I don't care how much time is left on my lunch I AM FINISHING this story, right here right now.
I'm just going to stop for a quick moment and go on a side note here…I personally think that it is hard to write a new adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, just because there are so many out there. I have personally reviewed over thirty-and that's like a drop in the bucket of all the different variations out there.
I mean you really have to think of a different hook, a new view, something unique to set you apart and D'Orazio did that. How she writes this is not for shock value, but she puts a completely different spin on it. Typically we see Elizabeth instantly not liking Mr. Collins and never considering marrying him-but having her think about it, showing how she would sacrifice herself for her sisters-I liked it. We see how much she loves her sisters, especially Jane, I think it fits her character to consider even for a moment if it would protect the people she loves. It made me think of Jane Austen herself. At one time she did become engaged to a man who's wealth would have solved all the financial issues, but in the end broke it off.
Anyways, the two girls talk as they prepare, and I love their conversations, they sound like real sisters discussing sisterly things.
The two move on to discuss their parent's marriage and I really loved this passage. True, most women in Regency times didn't marry for love and often, as Charlotte Lucas says
"happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance…It is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life…"
But I like that they discuss it and think about it. Most people view their parent's relationship as either a guide to how to be or how we desperately don't want to be. I like how they also look at their aunts' and uncles' relationships.
And I love how she wrote Jane. Jane of course doesn't like Mr. Collins either- and is about to talk smack about him, but can't:
"Jane hesitated by her natural inclination to approve of everyone said, 'Of course, as a clergyman, Mr. Collins is always due respect."
The girls talk some more, Elizabeth sharing the list she made of her perfect guy, here it is:
Likes to Read
Is good to his family and mine
Likes to walk and be outdoors
Has a good sense of humor
Okay, just to put a pause on this. Maybe this isn't as weird as it felt when I was reading this, but no joke I made a list of my perfect guy when I was a tween and this is an exact replica.
Speaking of which, I don't remember what I did with it. It was in a shoebox under my bed but I lost it when we moved. Did you..did you find it?
Nah, I'm sure many of us had the same list, which made me love it even more!
The ball comes and goes and then we cut to Elizabeth visiting CHarlotte and Mr. DArcy joining her on her walks and I love the wit of D'Orazio, I think Jane would be proud.
They continue on to the second proposal of Mr. Darcy and when they are engaged. The whole story is cute fun, with an adorable ending, like when drinking a cup of tea and it warms you. This story just warms your heart. I loved it!
For more by Amy D'Orazio, go to "For Mischief's Sake" from Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen's Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues
For more on Elizabeth Bennet, go to Call Me, Maybe: Austentatious (2015)
Charlotte's Comfort by Joana Starnes
So Charlotte has married Mr. Collins and is happy in the home. She likes her gardens, the kitchen, the parsonage. But she does not care for Lady Catherine and all her opinions, in which Mr. Collins implements them right away.
But she is happy, spending most of her time alone. She does miss her family and friends, but she is content in what she has.
Time passes and her father, Sir Lucas, sister Maria, and Elizabeth come to visit. Of course, when they come-Mr. Darcy does too, and Charlotte sees what is going on with him and surprised to see him not propose.
Or the face you give your friend when the person crushing on them comes in the room.
Of course when he does propose-Lady Catherine brings hellstorm upon them. I find this extremely interesting as I've never really thought about what happened on that end. I mean you read about Lady Catherine being unhappy, Darcy and Elizabeth in love and so happy, and Jane is going to marry Bingley-I never considered how Lady Catherine would treat the Collinses or blame them. Which is true. I could definitely see her blaming Mr. Collins for his cousin and Charlotte for her friend.
Lady Catherine in this makes me think if Greek gods in mythology-you want them to not like you or give you notice as bad things will happen-but you also don't want them to dislike you as bad things will happen.
Charlotte and Mr. Collins attend the weddings of Jane & Bingley and Darcy & Elizabeth. Charlotte is also pregnant, and eager for the child, but she finds a new emotion putting a damper on her happiness. She sees the way Elizabeth and Darcy look at each other and for the first time envies her friend, wishing she had someone to love her like that.
Lady Catherine calls Mr. Collins home early and he is thrown from his horse-dead.
At first I was surprised , but then I realized this was called Rational Creatures, so of course it made sense that Mr. Collins had to exit it.
From there Charlotte has to return home, where she gives birth to a son, naming him William. She named him after her father, but of course Mr. Collins shared the same name. Which for a second I was a bit surprised, I forgot he had one. LOL
Mr. Bennet loves little William just as much as his grandpa does, and even Mrs. Bennet does even though she was determined to hate him. But Charlotte doesn't stay there, instead she goes to visit the Darcys and remains with them. And while there, is there is a possibility of love, real love?
I thought this story was also really cute, especially the ending. Another sweet one.
For more by Joana Starnes, go to "Willoughby's Crossroads" from Dangerous to Know, Jane Austen's Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues: MODERATE
I really liked both these stories and I and thought they were cute and romantic.
I loved that Charlotte finally got her spot in the limelight.
So far all four stories have been fantastic, which gives me a strong feeling I'm going to like the rest, but I guess I'll just have to wait and see! 🙂
For more reviews of Rational Creatures, go to Rational Creatures: Elinor & Marianne
For more by Christina Boyd, go to Five Jane Austen Adaptations That Should be Turned Into a Film or TV Show
For more Pride and Prejudice, go to I Wrote Mr. Darcy a Letter
Posted in Austenite, Pride and Prejudice
Tagged Agent Phil Coulson, Amy D'Orazio, Arranged Marriage, Can't Stop Reading, Charlotte Lucas, Charlotte's Comfort, Christina Boyd, Elizabeth Bennet, Frank Zappa, Green Dolphin Street, Happiness in Marriage, Jane Austen Quotes, Jane Bennet, Joana Starnes, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Maria Lucas, Marianne Patourel, Mr. Collins, Netherfield Ball, Parent's Marriage, Pride and Prejudice, Pride and Prejudice (1995), Rational Creatures, Rational Creatures: Elizabeth & Charlotte, Sir William Lucas, The Avengers
It Sucks to Be Lady Elliot
So everyone out there has dated a minimum of one total jerk in their lifetime, some of us more.
And girls
Male or female-you have met someone they seem great and wonderful. You begin dating, you get caught into love or extreme like:
Then things go bad, you see them for what they are. Some break up, some try to change them, some get divorced, etc-Angry, upset, wishing it never happened, thinking how could they have gotten involved.
Some people stay-and for a variety of reasons. Maybe they don't feel they can leave, maybe some are abused and don't see a way out, some think they can make it work, some want to stay for the kids, there are a thousand reasons and for those who stay and don't leave-it sucks.
It sucks!
Leading us to today's topic: Lady Elliot, mother of Elizabeth, Anne, and Mary; and wife of Sir Walter Elliot.
Ugh, this guy!
Poor Lady Elliot-she's intelligent, logical, sensible, kind and caring-how the heck did she end up with Sir Elliot?
We all know how-as we have all been there at least once. She was young, he was handsome, he seemed great, and she married him, only to find out afterwards that she made a mistake.
It's funny, but I never realized this before, but Lady Elliot's story could be a lot of Austen heroines if they had married the other person rather than the one they did. Fanny and Henry, Emma and Frank, Anne and William Elliot, etc. Also like what happens with Mrs. Tilney and General Tilney in Northanger Abbey
But Lady Elliot is one classy lady. She realized that she married wrong, but did her best to do what she could to make the best of her situation, a real Charlotte Lucas.
She concealed his faults, managed the estate, and found a filled life with her friends, children, and other duties; not a happy life but a filled one.
In fact, I really recommend checking out "One Fair Claim" by Christina Morland from Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen's Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues. I really thought she captured what happened and how Lady Elliot "saw" Sir Walter one way, only to have her illusions destroyed when she realized what a jerkwad she married.
It is very Rebecca as well. Man I keep referencing it, I need to review it. But which to do first, the book or movie?
Anyways, sorry for that rabbit trail.
Yes, poor Lady Elliot. And then when she passes away she has to leave her children to be raised by that Neanderthal. Thank goodness for her friend, Lady Russell, but more on her later.
Yes, poor Lady Elliot.
For more Persuasion, go to Austen Avengers Assemble
For more on Lady Elliot, go to Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen's Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues
Posted in Persuasion
Tagged Anne Elliot, Break Up, Charlotte Lucas, Christina Morland, Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen's Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues, Daphne du Maurier, Doesn't Want to Repair Relationship, Elizabeth Elliot, In a Relationship, Lady Elliot, Mary Elliot, Northanger Abbey, One Fair Claim, Persuasion, Rebecca, Ruins Her Relationship, Sir Walter Elliot, William Elliot
May 25, 2019 by Moreland
Desire & Decorum: Chapter 9, An Indelicate Proposal
So in the last episode I went to the Opera where the stupid Duke assaulted me all night.
And I went off with Mr. Sinclaire, to get away from the Duke, and had a nice moment with him.
So first things first, I hate the title for this chapter because all I can think of is:
An that title has nothing to with this chapter-I don't even get proposed to. Seriously people.
Anyways, so grandma has arrived to give me a dressing down for my behavior, but I've been good except last night when I was with Mr. Sinclaire. And that was mostly because I knew the Duke would assault me if I road with him.
It's not fair!
Grandma reads me the riot act:
Miss Sutton! Not only is she saying that but that the Earl is not my father and that I am seducing men.
Forget you!
I"M SO ANGRY, but I know it's not Miss Sutton:
My grandmother agrees with me, but it doesn't matter the truth. My reputation is on the line ad I need to restore it before it is too late. After all a reputation is all a woman has.
So Grandma is going to have Mr. Marcastle host a card game. This will give me a chance to win people over with the home court advantage.
The next morning, Grandma sets out to settle the rumors surrounding me. But before she sets out to do that, she wants to know who I am interested in. We talk about it:
Grandma is still pushing the Duke, but as I try and share what Mr. Sinclaire shared with me about him, but before I get a chance to we are interrupted by Miss Parsons.
Grandmother urges Miss Parsons and I to paint. This is something that Catherine has no training in and I think it is one of those in my "quest" to achieve.
It looks like a palette is there in front of the fireplace.
Miss Parsons invites me to accompany her to the greenhouse so she can paint me. Then I can send off miniatures to my father, friends, and maybe…Mr. Sinclaire?
Trying to flirt
So in this game there are quite a bit of things that are not correct for Regency history and culture, and I have forgiven them for this-but looking at the Greenhouse, I noticed it had a lot of glass and was more open. To me that doesn't seem quite right, as I know the Crystal Place wasn't constructed until 1854 (thank you Art History). So I did some research, and like I thought because the technology wasn't invented yet, most greenhouses were regular buildings with just a lot more windows.
From History Hoydens
But I guess that isn't a huge issue. Still though, it wouldn't take you guys too much at Choices to google it. I mean there are tons of books, blogs, and more on it.
Anyways…we try to paint.
This reminds me of the scene in Emma when Emma paints Harriet.
"Miss Woodhouse has given her friend the only beauty she wanted,'—observed Mrs. Weston to him—not in the least suspecting that she was addressing a lover.—'The expression of the eye is most correct, but Miss Smith has not those eye-brows and eye-lashes. It is the fault of her face that she has them not.' 'Do you think so?' replied he [Mr. Elton]. 'I cannot agree with you. It appears to me a most perfect resemblance in every feature. I never saw such a likeness in my life. We must allow for the effect of shade, you know.' 'You have made her too tall, Emma,' said Mr. Knightley. Emma knew that she had, but would not own it…"
But while that is fun, something is bothering my friend Miss Parsons. I ask her about it and she wants to discuss it outside the greenhouse, so we walk outside.
Her family is eager to marry her off, as her fiancé died (my half brother who passed away before the game starts) and they want her to marry an old geezer who can't hear and is on wife number 5. Looks like he's giving Henry the VIII a run for his money.
I'm shocked, but that's how it was then. It's funny but this exchange reminds me of the book Prada and Prejudice, a teen YA retelling I read back when I was 17. In the story the girl buys these prada heels at a thrift store and trips, waking up in 1812! They all think she is the long lost friend recently returned from America. She then tries to help Emily (the girl who thinks she is her long-lost friend) from marrying an old man.
Well, now that I have brought it up, I'll need to review the book. Watch out for it!
What was I talking about?
Oh, yeah-tonight the geezer plans to propose at Mr. Marcastle's card game. Just like in Prada & Prejudice, I decide that I will do all in my power to help stop it.
She kind of reminds me of Charlotte Lucas, how she feels at the end of her rope and her family is willing to have her go off with almost any guy.
Miss Parsons feels stuck, but I'm there for her and promise that of she gets thrown out of her home for refusing the Viscount, that I will open my home for her.
So after the painting, I head back to get ready for the card game. They offer a green dress, but I don't really like it. Not to be mean, but I find it kind of ugly. So I wear the red one I bought for Mr. Sinclaire's party.
Briar, my maid (and best friend from the country) and I talk and she tries to convince me that Mr. Marcastle is just the greatest thing ever. Nothing I say will convince her that this is a bad idea. He's an engaged gentleman, and you are a servant, seriously Briar, he's just messing with you.
So the card game I am playing Old Maid with Miss Holloway and my Grandma, but I don't think that was something they played in regency times. So let's do some more research…
So it was created in the late 1700s, but wasn't popular until Victorian times. Still it fits in the timeline, so its good. However, I would prefer them playing Whist.
And of course this is a great metaphor as Miss Holloway and I are not only competing in the game but in real life as to who will end up "the Old Maid".
Ooohh…she angry. Haha
Sucks to be you
So interestingly, even though Mr. Marcastle is engaged he is trying to get with Miss Holloway-oh no! That's not how it was done! It was practically a contract-people would go to court and have to pay a fine over broken engagements. So he wouldn't be doing that-especially with the question of his inheritance up for grabs.
I really don't think you guys did any research.
Miss Parsons is just as shocked and all I can think is this dude needs to get his act together, three ladies? He's just asking to be murdered.
You are just asking to be killed.
So I'm there mostly for my bestie, Miss Parsons:
Yep, don't mess with me!
We take a turn about the room to escape from the Viscount.
Grandma notices the attentions that Mr. Marcastle is giving Miss Holloway and slams him.
So Miss Parsons and I go clue crew on why is Mr. Marcastle trying to flirt with Miss Holloway?
We conclude it must be my evil-stepmother, but why would she do that? It doesn't make sense.
Miss Holloway hears about my painting lesson and makes fun of the artwork, but she ends up making fun of my grandma's ands gets a dressing down.
Miss Parsons is still ignoring the Viscount, and w step outside for a minute. I try to encourage her to not give in and marry him, as she won't be happy.
When he follows us outside, Miss Parsons says she can't spend any time with him as she promised me some painting lessons. Painting lessons in the middle of a party? Sounds weird, but whatever.
She teaches me how to paint and I create a masterpiece! An apple!
For those of you who have played the other Choices games, it's the same one that Kira's mom, Joelle, makes in The Royal Romance: Book 3. And she's a famous artist, so that means mine is fantastic!
And I gained the painter's easel and palette:
I'm not sure what is left as that looks like I've accomplished everything!
Despite our best efforts, the viscount proposes and Miss Parsons turns him down cold-in front of everyone. And as he has horrible hearing-all HEARD it.
Mr. Marcastle tries to propose to Miss Holloway, again-would NOT have been done. But she slams him with his behavior with Briar:
But news comes that my father has been stricken ill. I want to return home, but grandma wishes me to stay. My dad should be okay…right?
I guess we will just have to wait and see…
For more Desire & Decorum, go to Desire & Decorum: Chapter 8, Ill Repute
For more Choices, go to Desire & Decorum: Chapter 7, Opera St. James
For more Bible verses, go to Book Club Picks: Julie
For more painting, go to Book Club Picks: The Masterpiece
Posted in Austenite
Tagged An Indelicate Proposal, Art History, Bible Verse, Briar, Card Game, Charlotte Lucas, Choices, Countess Henrietta of Edgewater, Crystal Palace, Desire & Decorum, Dowager Countess, Duke Tristan Richards of Karlington, Earl of Edgewater, Eliza Parsons, Emma, Emma Woodhouse, Felicity Holloway, Glass, Greenhouse, Harriet Smith, Headstrong, History Hoydens, Indecent Proposal, Jane Austen Quotes, Jane Austen Video Game, Lady Catherine of Edgewater, Luke Harper, Mandy Hubbard, Miss Sutton, Mr. Elton, Mr. Knightley, Mr. Marcastle, Mr. Sinclaire, Mrs. Weston, Obstinate, Old Maid, Opera, Opera House, Paint, Painting, Prada and Prejudice, Prada Heels, Prince Hamid, Proposal, Propose, Reputation, Shimmering Splendor, Stubborn, VIdeo Games, Viscount Westonly, Westminster Bridge, William Shakespeare
March 16, 2019 by Moreland
Pride, Prejudice, and Personal Statements
Pride, Prejudice, and Personal Statements by Mary Pagones
I was given this book free in exchange for an honest review. I had planned to post the review earlier, but I had to go out of town for my grandmother's funeral, and then the rest of the week was packed.
But then I began to put it off as I have been having such a hard time reviewing this book.
But I'm actually glad I did. I don't know if you have been following the college bribe scandal involving Lori Loughlin and Felicity Hoffman-but this book is right up that alley. Crazy parents who will do practically anything to have their kids go to a "good" college. Expensive college application tutors doing all they can to get the kids placed and increase their application. If interested, go to this link. For the review-keep reading.
First let me start that I want to give props to Mary Pagones. Writing is hard…
Writing a whole book is even harder, and then putting your work out there for people to praise or pull apart-
That's hard. So for finishing your book, Mary Pagones-
So I have been having such a hard time reviewing this book. I thought it was interesting but I'm sorry, I know that this will probably make the author angry-but I didn't see Pride and Prejudice at all, but Emma.
Yep-
Yes, I…well let'd back up. I'll go over that later, let's do a quick plot synopsis first:
So this is the story of Lissa- Jane Austen megafan who is getting ready to apply to college. She faces all the difficulties of branding herself, having a personal statement, using the scholarship from one school to leverage getting more money out of the other, etc. Besides that, she has her senior year with her friends, and a new boyfriend, and trying to do what she can to ace her SATs, pad her application, and hopefully-get into the school of her dreams!
So the first thing that made this book hard for me was that this concept was so foreign to me. I was shocked and confused, is this really how it is like? My experience was soooo different. I graduated in 2010 and am the first in my family to ever go to a four year university, and one immediately out of high school. I had no clue how to do anything and had knew no one to ask about it. There were no "college applications tutors". We didn't even have a guidance counselor-just the former principal who had retired and volunteered. I had never even heard of a college application tutor until reading this book.
I am biracial and the running joke in my family is that the only college fund we have is that my mom is Mexican-and I could hopefully get scholarships. I'm from a low-income area, mostly agriculture, but I did go to college prep/art school. I applied in mass (thank you fee waivers) to four UCs and four CSUs. I was lucky to get into al but one, UCLA. There were no interviews-just my resume of extracurriculars (which I had a ton of), transcripts, letters of references, and a personal statement (that I cant even remember what I wrote but I did have a teacher review it for me). I received my letters and then judged them based on the amount I received in scholarship money-I didn't even know that you could use one's amount as leverage as stated in this book. Basically I ended up split between two schools that were giving me the most. The school I chose, my first year was paid for, I had to take loans out the next three years, and work two jobs to put myself through school.
I had a hard time reading this book and hearing Lissa whine about being poor when she and her sister have iPhones and each have a laptop. I had a CD player because I and my family couldn't afford anything. We had one computer growing up-that was my dad ad I only got my laptop my first year of college through my scholarship funds, and because I had a family friend who worked with Apple. Unfortunately, the one I purchased was outmoded the next year. Only by the grace of God is it still running. My first cellphone was a flip phone I got for free from the company because they were outmoding them, and it cost $40 a month, the cheapest I could get.
Lissa and her family eat all kinds of hamburger, pizza, turkey meatballs, name brand cereal, etc-and she can afford to buy lunch everyday from the cafeteria. Poor is surviving on 1/4 cup of oatmeal, hot chocolate instead of milk, and having to choose between fruit and dairy (which I did in college until I got my two jobs). She says that she is poor, but snubs her nose at a school that has maid service-if she was really poor she'd be down on that. If I didn't have to clean my four years-woohoo. Do you know how much cleaning supplies can add up to? Luckily, today the Dollar Tree carries a lot.
As poor as these ladies
The other part I had trouble connecting to is when Lissa describes being at the college and meeting all these goth/all black wearing, alternative, pieced people-in a Jane Austen literature class. Really? In a Jane Austen class? I'm not surprised there would be some-but what about all the other people who would be in such a class.
My junior year I took an upperclass history class: The History of the Novel. Half the kids were in there for history, half were English majors. There is a picture of us and I will describe how we look. First there is Kevin: Kevin was a super outdoorsy, park ranger, hiker type guy. Hiking boots, loved the outdoors, all-american blonde football-type, in a baseball cap, tee shirt, and jeans. Then there was Thomas, noir-loving, Sundance, type guy-like Jughead Jones in TV's Riverdale stole his look with the long hair, jacket, etc. Angelica-long curly hair/afro, always wore big rings, and smart jackets-very professional. Gwynn wore her hair long, with side bangs over one eye-dark eyeshadow and liner, jeans, and thin hoodies. Belinda was in a sorority and always had perfectly straightened hair and wore a shirt/sweater with the sorority letters on it. Kate was full athlete-always workout gear and hair in braid or ponytail. And then me-I'm wearing a little jacket my mom made, lacy "Jane Austen" inspired shirt and cowboy boots. A large variety of personalities, clothes, and interests.
So I have to say that this book wasn't for me. I just couldn't connect with the characters or the plot. I guess a lot has changed in nine years. Or it might have been the area I grew up in versus where this is set.
I guess I'm too old.
So lets move on to why do I think this is Emma?
So the story is of a widowed father who loved his wife dearly, and lost her suddenly. He has two daughters which he cherishes, has a close relationship too, and worries constantly about.
Then we have the main character, Lissa. Lissa is headstrong and stubborn-but at the same time she is also a tad manipulative, thinks she knows everything, and can be harsh and judgmental. True-Elizabeth does share some of these qualities but I feel Lissa is way more Emma. Like Emma she thinks she knows everything and in the end discovers that she was much more naive than she thought.
She can be very controlling of her friends-pushing Calvin to "officially" out himself, instead of letting him do things how he wants. She is also constantly trying to match her friend Jacqui up-first with a guy they go to school with, Noel, but when she determines that he is not worthy-tries to get her to match up with a guy Jacqui met on a school tour.
She meets a guy, Hugh Fitzgerald, and because of how he dresses basically she believes that he is perfect-not really getting to know him and enjoying his sarcastic jabs at everyone and everything…
That is until his jabs are aimed at her and she realizes that he is not that great of person after all-very much like how Emma realizes Franck Churchill is a major jerk. Hugh is so Frank Churchill, he uses Lissa to get him through English and write a screenplay for his movie which he takes full credit for-while at the same time boinking her sister; just as Frank used Emma to deflect he was involved with Jane.
Jacqui is so a Harriet in my opinion. Jacqui is Lissa's best friend and is kind, sweet, and completely convinced into doing whatever Lissa thinks she should do. Lissa thinks she should get closer to Noel, Jacqui does. Lissa thinks that Jacqui should go with her to the Regency Fair, even though Jacqui isn't into it-Jacqui not only does, but has a dress made, gloves, etc. Then Lissa pushes Jacqui to another guy, and she does go after him.
Lissa hates on a classmate Charlotte so much, but I don't see any real reason to dislike her. Charlotte is wealthy, goes on lots of trips, talks about her grades and Princeton constantly-but she cares about people and never flaunts what she has in other people's faces. She may gossip a lot but she's not mean about it or cruel. Lissa just hates on her because she is jealous-and all her reactions reminds me of Emma and Jane Fairfax. Jane Fairfax is Emma's number-one hated person but there is no real reason to dislike her. Emma just does because she is jealous off all her talents.
I think Calvin was supposed to be Charlotte from Pride and Prejudice, but I see a Mrs. Weston vibe. Calvin tries to help Lissa and give her some advice, but then is also easily led by Lissa.
And then there is Mr. Clarke-he is so Mr. Knightley. He tries to help Lissa, instructing her in books, schools, and life.
They even dance together and quote from Emma (although that's not something I think Mr. Clarke should have with all the teacher/student romantic relationships that have been in the news.)
This has nothing to with Emma, but Lissa's little sister-ouch. Lissa should have told her father that her sister makes awful decisions about boys and will be ending up pregnant or with an STD if dad doesn't get into checking on her. But really Lissa, giving your skeezy boyfriend's number to your young, naive, impressionable sister and setting them up to all kinds of things together alone-reminds me of my friend Shannon, who had her friend Samantha tutor her boyfriend Vincent, and next thing you know-Vin and Sam were together.
So I know I have been harsh, as I said I don't think this book was for me. I will say that I really enjoyed her writing style, it was a very engrossing read.
And I LOVE how she wove points and quotes from Jane Austen throughout her work. It is littered with it, and a fangirl's delight.
She was able to tell a story based on a Jane Austen work, but it is something that an non-Austen fan can easily follow along with.
I also think that she made some very strong points and observations of Austen and her novels in her work. You might not agree with everything, but she has sound reasoning and presents a good case and an interesting view.
I liked her depictions of teenagers and how Lissa thinks she knows everything, but is not as on it as she thought she was-falling for a narcissistic pig like so many young teens and women fall victim too.
As I said it was a hard review to write. I think it is definitely worth checking out, especially in light of the recent scandal and how far parents will go to get their kids into school. I mean bribing admissions so your kids can get in? I could see Mrs. Bennet doing it.
If you do read it, comment below what you think. I'd love to hear it.
For more Emma, go to Jane Austen Chinese Zodiac
For more Emma variations, go to Dangerous to Know, Jane Austen's Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues: MODERATE
For more Pride and Prejudice, go to Dangerous to Know, Jane Austen's Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues: MATURE
For more Pride and Prejudice variations, go to Why Do People Love Bridget Jones' Diary?
For more Young Adult novels, go to Victoria and the Rogue
Posted in Austenite, Emma, Pride and Prejudice
Tagged Applying to College, Austenite, Based on Jane Austen, California State University, Charlotte Lucas, Cher Horowitz, Clueless, College Applications Tutor, Emma, Emma Woodhouse, Felicity Hoffman, Frank Churchill, Harriet Smith, Hugh Fitzgerald, Isabella Woodhouse Knightley, Jacqui, Jane Austen, Jane Austen Fan, Janeite, Lori Loughlin, Mary Pagones, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Knightley, Mr. Woodhouse, Mrs. Weston, Noel, Personal Statement, Pride and Prejudice, Pride Prejudice and Personal Statements, Regency Fair, SAT, Scholarship, Senior Year, The History of the Novel, University of California, Young Adult
The Darcy Monologues: Part I, The Regency
The Darcy Monolgues edited by Christina Boyd and written by Various
So I was contacted by Christina Boyd to do a honest review in return for a free copy of the ebook. I agreed as you know I will review anything Jane Austen.
This is so me
I promised to have the review posted by the 21st, which I saw as no problem as you know how fast I read.
But the day came closer and closer and I realized I hadn't posted my review!
Let me say that when I first heard of the story, I thought it sounded interesting but had no idea what to expect.
Was it going to be a view of Darcy at different times in the story? Will they follow the original text or do their own thing? Hmm…
I began reading the book
But then I was sucked in:
Or story in this case.
So the book is a collection of monologues or short stories; told from the point of view of Mr. Darcy.
Some take place in the Regency time period, some take his point of view of the novel, some after the novel, and some asking the question of what would happen if..?
The book is divided into two collections: those that take place in the Regency time period and those that span all time periods. I have decided to review the first collection on the Regency time today, and the second one later on this week.
Death of a Bachelor by Caitlin Williams
This monologue tells of Mr. Darcy's feelings as his wedding day grows closer and there will be an end to his bachelor ways. As his wedding occurs and they head out to London for their honeymoon, they get stranded at a less than fabulous inn in a blizzard. Will Darcy enjoy being married? Or will it be his biggest regret? And how can he fix his honeymoon to be memorable for all the right reasons?
Things I Pondered: The only thing I can see Janeites/Austenites getting upset over is when Darcy says that he has been with many women before Elizabeth. This is historically accurate, as gentlemen had more social freedom; however some might not care to have Darcy be anything than their version of a romantic hero.
What I Like: I thought it was very well written and that Williams truly captured the spirits of the characters. I really enjoyed her story, especially as she was not graphic but allowed the reader to use their own imagination.
From the Ashes by J. Marie Croft
This story takes place right after Darcy has proposed to Elizabeth, only to have her reject him in every way. We have Darcy as he goes through every emotion from anger to sadness at having his love refused.
Things I Pondered: Who is Richard? Is that supposed to be Colonel Fitzwilliam's middle name or something?
What I Like: I thought that Croft truly captured the emotions of anyone who has been heartbroken and I found her portrayal of Mr. Darcy not only to be likable but 100% relatable, as who hasn't gone through a painful rejection?
I thought that he might be a little more composed than her portrayal:
But I think the beauty of this piece is that Croft shows that temper Darcy spoke of in the original novel, giving it a strong connection to Austen's work.
I also loved her character of Anne de Bourgh and if Croft wrote a novel that featured or continued this expanded character of Anne, I would read that in a heartbeat.
For more quotes from J. K. Rowling, go to Don't Fear the Reaper
If Only a Dream by Joana Starnes
Mr. Darcy has been rejected by Elizabeth and is so upset after giving her the letter that he wants to leave Rosings Park and never see her again. However, things do not go according to plan as his Aunt Catherine de Bourgh's ploy at faking a heart attack turns to a real malady when she trips on the stairs and breaks her ankle.
Now Darcy must remain there, as it is his nephewly duties; and as the Collins are such great neighbors that they (along with Elizabeth and her sister Maria) come over all the time. Will this constant proximity change things? Or drive a deeper wedge between Darcy and Elizabeth.
Things I Pondered: I didn't like this story as much as having them fall in love so early cuts out a lot of growth in the characters, along with all the events that changed Elizabeth's view on him and showed her own pride and prejudices.
What I Like: While I didn't like losing so much of the story Starnes wrote the answer to this "What if" very well and provided an interesting twist: Lady Catherine's plot to get her nephew to marry her daughter results in him marrying Elizabeth. Oh Lady Catherine, I think your conspiring days are over:
I also liked this Anne de Bourgh character as she was interesting and witty. If Starnes decided to expand her version into a novel, I would definitely read it as well.
Clandestiny by KaraLynne Mackrory
This story takes place during the ball at Netherfield. Georgiana had only been attacked four months earlier by Mr. Wickham and Darcy is still upset over it. However, his mind is split between that and Elizabeth as he thinks she has feelings for him. Things take an interesting turn when a trap door brings the two together. Will this help the situation or only cause more issues?
Things I Pondered: By moving up them having that time when Darcy is less reserved and more himself, we miss out on all the meat of the story. It is cute, but too short and missing the whackam-sockum appeal of Jane Austen's revelations as how all the characters connect.
What I Like: Even though I didn't like how much was to be cut out of the story with this earlier connection, I still thought this was interesting to see what would have happened if Elizabeth saw the "real" Darcy earlier in the novel. This was a good part to do it in as her real only problem was that he hurt her feelings. After all she doesn't know Wickham all that well and seeing Darcy behaving in a different way, more natural, and apologizing for his earlier rudeness would help sway her from the fake charm to the real deal.
The Beast of Pemberley by Melanie Stanford
So in the past I have compared Pride and Prejudice with Beauty and the Beast :
But in this story, Stanford rewrites the story so that it is Beauty and the Beast, with all its magic and characters, but set in Regency England.
In this tale, Darcy has saved Pemberley and the village by standing in when Wickham (a powerful wizard) tried to destroy it. For his efforts he has been cursed with hideous scars, while each of his staff (Cogsworth, Lumiere, etc.) suffer from one scar. All he does is look in his magic mirror hoping that he might see something to lift him out of his depression and pain. He sees Elizabeth Bennet, and when her father plans to marry her off to Mr. Collins to pay his debts, Darcy steps in.
Things don't go well as she refuses to have Darcy wear a mask, wanting to see his face:
But when wolves almost attack Elizabeth, Darcy manages to save her and after that things start improving.
Especially when he gives her the Pemberley library.
But will they be able to end the curse? Will Elizabeth ever see more in Darcy? Or just a Beast?
What I Like: I thought it was a cute fan service story. And when I say "fan service", I mean this is something people have been talking about and wanted. It was a very fun and adorable read that I really enjoyed.
For more on Beauty and the Beast, go to Xactly Why I Think Beastly is An Xcellent Story
A Resentful Man by Lory Lilian
Mr. Darcy has proposed to Elizabeth, been rejected, and has left Rosings. He is celebrating Georgiana's 16th birthday with the Bingleys and other family friends. They are heading back to Pemberley when Darcy decides to return ahead of schedule. When he gets there, who should he run into? Elizabeth and her aunt and uncle, the Gardiners. They spend the time together walking the grounds and talking. Will they be able to reconcile? Or will this just make things more awkward?
What I Like: I thought it was cute and adorable.
In Terms of Perfect Composure by Susan Adriani
So the story starts off with a brief recap about all that happened. Lydia had run off with Wickham and he's been paid off so that the reputation of the Bennet family would be saved. Darcy is having dinner with Mr. Gardiner, and the latter man is trying to find out why Darcy would help them out – is there an understanding he hasn't been told? Darcy tells him about his proposal and how it went:
And how he still cares but has given up. Mr. Gardiner encourages him to try again, as he believes Elizabeth still has feelings for him. Darcy goes to stay at Netherfield and when he and Bingley visit the Bennets, as Bingley and Jane are now engaged, Darcy overhears Lady Catherine's tirade at Elizabeth.
Will this bring them together or force them farther apart?
Things I Pondered: I don't get why she has Elizabeth avoid Darcy as in the original novel, at this point in time she wants to see Darcy and be with him.
What I Like: I really enjoyed how she has Darcy build upon his relationship with the Gardiners when he is in town as he greatly enjoyed their company and this showed that to a further extent. I also like how the author made her Darcy expect nothing in return for his deeds in helping the Bennets as is closely followed how Austen's Darcy was.
Without Affection by Jan Hahn
It has been fifty years since Darcy proposed to Elizabeth the second time and she accepted. The two are in their golden years and Darcy reflects back on his life, to a time he almost lost Elizabeth…
Elizabeth gives birth to their son and almost dies in the process. After the birth she has to rest, but while her body is weak her spirit is strong. Darcy is heartbroken and decides that he cannot, will not lose her. He is determined to have her never experience childbirth again and risk her life. But will Elizabeth comply to his plan or have her own ideas?
Things I Pondered: Darcy talks about how he knows little of women's bodies and never thinks to consult with a doctor to see if she shouldn't give birth. I thought it was strange as I imagine that a man with all his wealth and power would seek several people's opinions.
What I Like: It was sweet to see them still so in love and talk about their great years together. Just adorable and a great way to end the first collection.
So what did I think?
I enjoyed every one.
Yes there may have been changes I wouldn't have done or things altered that weren't my favorite, but those were really minute things. I found each of these tales to be extremely enjoyable and I loved looking at all the interpretations these authors gave to a story they and we love.
And no matter what changes, additions, etc that the authors did, there is one very important thing that they all made sure to do. And that was to get inside the character's head and actually give a voice to Darcy.
Yes, you have heard me complain again and again about different writers never really ever go that far to bring Darcy to life, always stopping short in their interpretations.
But these authors don't do that. Whatever changes they have made or ways they interpreted the characters; they tried to make sure they gave Darcy a personality and looked deep into him and how he would react to the situations, not through another's eyes but through the depths of his spirits.
That is a hard feat to do I commend all of them:
I think all did a fantastic job in presenting "their" Darcy and I highly recommend you read this book.
But what do I feel about part two, Darcy and Elizabeth through time?
I guess you will just have to wait and read.
For more Mr. Darcy, go to Whether Presentable or Not, I Love Spending Time With You: Episode Four, Pride and Prejudice (1995)
For more on Pride & Prejudice, go to Prom & Prejudice
For more Pride & Prejudice variations, go to Brought Shame and Scandal to Pemberley: Death Comes to Pemberley, Episode Two (2013)
For more books based on Jane Austen, go to Suspense & Sensibility (Or First Impressions Revisited)
For more Jane Austen quotes, go to For Darkness Shows the Stars
Tagged A Resentful Man, Anne de Bourgh, Austenites, Based on Jane Austen, Beast, Beauty and the Beast, Belle, Caitlin Williams, Charlotte Lucas, Christina Boyd, Clandestiny, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Death of a Bachelor, Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy, From the Ashes, Georgiana Darcy, Heartbroken, If Only a Dream, In Perfect Composure, In Terms of Perfect Composure, J. K. Rowling, J. Marie Croft, Jan Hahn, Jane Austen, Jane Austen Quotes, Janeite, Joana Starnes, Karalynne Mackrory, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Library, Lory Lilian, Maria Lucas, Melanie Stanford, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Collins, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner, Netherfield, Pemberley, Pride and Prejudice, Regency England, Regency Era, Remake, Susan Adriani, The Beast of Pemberley, The Darcy Monologues, Without Affection
Prom & Prejudice
Prom.
Some of us loved it,
Some of us hated it.
Whether we planned for it
Or ignored it,
it is something that every person in public school in the United States encounters in their lifetime.
For me, I enjoyed prom. I tried to spend as little money as possible on everything and did extremely well. I had a beautiful blue gown, cost $2.50 at a thrift store sale, $8 to get it dry cleaned.
My shoes? Beautiful silver heels, extremely comfortable, and free-with the purchase of a bracelet for $8 (Kohl's cash buy something $8-10, get something $8-10 free).
Make-up? Free, my sister did it.
Hair? Only $16 as I knew a hairstylist.
Limo? Free, my friend's date father owned a limousine rental.
Dinner? Free, my friend had coupon that covered everything.
The most expensive thing? $25 tickets. So a total of $59.50, not bad.
But we don't want to just hear about my experience. Oh no, this is a book review post:
Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg
**Contains Spoilers**
Yes, if we go through prom, why not the Austen characters? (Or at least Pride & Prejudice Austen characters.)
In Eulberg's book Jane, Elizabeth, Lydia, Caroline, Mr. Darcy, Charlotte, Mr. Collins, and Mr. Bingley all get an opportunity to go to prom.
This book came out when I was a young adult and I just happened on to it accidentally, started reading and LOVED it! In fact I think it is one of the best modern adaptions.
Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bennet is a scholarship student at the elite prep school, Longbourn. She was recruited for her musical talent, as she is an accomplished piano player.
Sadly, piano playing is the only nice thing about being there at the school. Everyone treats her horribly as they want her to "know her place." They dump drinks on her, call her names, give her the wrong room when she asks for directions, etc.
She does have two friends in the school, one is a fellow scholarship student, Charlotte, and the other is the incredibly nice Jane.
So Lizzie has just returned from Hoboken, New Jersey to the school from winter break. While she is thinking about the spring concert and her studies; every other girl at Longbourn and every boy at Pemberley (school for boys) have only one thing on the brain: prom.
To not have a date would be the biggest faux pas; so all are prepping and conniving to have the best date.
While Jane is excited for prom, she is also thrilled that Charles Bingley will be returning from England where he spent the previous semester. Before he left the two had been heading toward something, and spent the whole summer emailing and writing; so Jane is eager to see if they will become more.
At the welcome back dance Lizzie is pleased to meet Charles as he is extremely nice and appears to be perfect for her friend Jane. Unfortunately, his twin sister Caroline is a real jerk.
Charles also brought his best friend Will Darcy, who is attractive and seems like a good guy, that is until he finds out Elizabeth is a scholarship student and just takes off, major diss.
What a jerk
Later she overhears him saying how he spent a year in London to try and get away from those kinds of people.
Elizabeth tries to leave, but is stopped by Colin Williams (Mr. Collins) the only other person nice to her and the most boring person she has ever met.
Blah, blah
Oh, Mr. Collins:
While her way at school is paid, she still needs money to fund everything else and works at the local coffee shop as a barista. She runs into Darcy there, but the fate is sealed. She is not going to like him for anything.
Charles invites Jane and Lizzie to come with him, Caroline, and Darcy as they are headed to Vermont to ski. Lizzie agrees to support Jane although she has no clue about skiing. She decides to just wait inside playing the steinway (piano), doing homework, and sipping hot tea.
The next day everyone heads out to the slopes while Lizzie decides to head to the bookstore to pick up a book for school. Darcy offers her a ride, but Lizzie doesn't want help. She finally agrees and the two talk on the drive. Darcy doesn't get why she is being so snobby and down about school, while Lizzie lets everything out about how people are treating her.
That night things go a bit sour as Charles is taking Jane out and Lizzie is to be stuck at the house with her two favorite people, Caroline and Darcy.
Darcy isn't so bad, but Elizabeth Lizzie has to be there while Caroline tries to impress him. She starts with commenting on his email writing, then doing yoga moves, etc. The conversation moves to involve only Lizzie and Darcy, but Caroline doesn't like that.
They all return to school, and in Lizzie's case work, and things are back to normal. However, Lizzie meets George "Wick" Wickham who is handsome, charming, and hates Longbourn and Pemberley as much as she does. Wick tells her that Darcy and he became very good friends, but when Darcy's father was paying too close attention to him Darcy got jealous and had him kicked out.
Charles is having a party and invites all kinds of people. Jane and Lizzie are going of course, and because Jane is going, her sister Lydia squeezes her way in. Jane's father recently lost his job and that has downgraded her status at the school. It doesn't help that Lydia is all kids of crazy and embarrassing and can't stop about prom or boys.
If only she followed this advice.
Wick was supposed to come to the party but changed his mind, leaving Lizzie sad and upset as she wanted to spend the time with him. However, Darcy pays quite a bit attention to her and even asks her to dance.
The night ends even worse with nonstop attention from Colin, Lydia doing a bad dance/rockette/cheerleader routine, and her coat getting stolen. Could things get worse?
The next day things get even worse, as Colin asks her to prom and doesn't want to take no for an answer. He then insults her and says that she will have no one else ask her poverty-stricken patootie (I added that).
When Elizabeth gets home, she is surprised with a new coat. Life seem to be brightening up, but then the dark cloud comes back as Charles just breaks off contact with Jane as "things came up."
Two weeks pass and no Charles. He just drops off the face of the earth and poor Jane is heartbroken.
To add to that, it turns out that Wick didn't consider he and Lizzie a couple, but has been dating a wealthy Longbourn girl who's family has great connections. What a jerk!
But strangely enough, who should come every day to the coffee shop? Mr Darcy. And not only does he see her every day bit he leaves a big tip.
One day as she was walking, she runs into him and his cousin Fitzpatrick, and discovers that he broke up his friend's relationship as the girl wasn't right. Lizzie hooks on that it must be Jane and Charles. She is furious!
She tells Darcy her hours and hopes that he will avoid her. It is the opposite as Darcy seens to come more than ever.
And out of nowhere he drops the bomb:
And he asks her to prom. Elizabeth Lizzie's reaction?
She is furious with him for Jane, Charles, Wick, Longbourn, everything!
She goes to write an email to her New Jersey friends, but finds one from Darcy instead! His letter contains the following:
He's had scholarship kids in the past try and get things from him-money, connections, social status, etc.-so now he avoids them. He's sorry to have been so rude to Elizabeth, but that has became his instant reaction.
He wasn't the one who really pushed Jane and Charles apart, although he didn't try and have them be together either.
The guy and girl he was talking about? It was Colin who wanted to ask Lizzie out again and Darcy thought it was a bad idea.
He had Wick kicked out of school because of two reasons:
He got Darcy's young sister, Georgiana drunk to try to get her to have sex with him.
He broke into their house and stole a bunch of things.
Elizabeth realizes that she thought Darcy was the prejudiced and prideful one, but it turns out that she was as well. Because he was rich she thought the worse of him, and because he hurt her pride she was willing to believe anything horrible that was said of him.
They both are.
Things get weirder as it turns out that Wick and Lydia are "together".
I guess his rich girlfriend didn't work out.
Lizzie sees this and is horrified as she now knows that Wick is a sexual predator, looking for young, freshmen girls. She goes to Jane and lets everything out. She is just as shocked when she hears it all.
They keep a tight leash on Lydia and argue whether or not to reveal what happened to Darcy's sister to keep Lydia away from Wickham. They decide to wait as it isn't their story to tell.
They are both pleasantly surprised when Charles comes with a bouquet and begs Jane's forgiveness. And as she is so sweet and adorable, she forgives him.
Midterms end and Lizzie heads home for break, but she gets an even better surprise. Her piano teacher, Mrs. Gardiner, gives her two tickets to see her favorite pianist, Claudia Reynolds.
When Lizzie and her mother go to the concert they are thrilled with the amazing music, and Elizabeth is floored when she discovers that Claudia Reynolds is Darcy's mother.
She meets Darcy in his own setting and sees all pretense gone. She also meets his adorable sister and sees how cute their little family is.
The have a great time and even make plans for Darcy and Georgiana to visit her in New Jersey. Their fun trip is cut short when Lydia goes missing with Wick and Lizzie and Darcy set out to find her.
Darcy goes through everywhere that Wick would want to stay at and finds the two utterly wasted in a trashed hotel room. He uses his father's money and influence to remove Wick and settle the bill.
The rest of the break is uneventful and quiet, with no calls from Darcy. It seems that now that she wants him, nothing is heard from him. Don't you just hate that? When they return to school Charles has a big dinner party for their friends, but Darcy doesn't sit with Elizabeth Lizzie or talk to her, no matter how hard she tries to get his attention.
Soon Lizzie's recital comes up and she rocks (figuratively). Afterwards Darcy asks her out, telling her he was waiting as he didn't want to break her concentration.
Aw!
However, they will not be going to prom but be going out to enjoy their night together.
Even though they didn't follow the book exactly I thought Eulberg was able to capture the life of the characters and bring across what Jane wanted.
The only thing I din't like was Darcy didn't take her to prom. Come on, you guys could have just dressed casual or not spent a lot of money. I mean seriously.
But there is something that really surprised me. I spotted this in the acknowledgements:
"I'd especially like to thank Stephanie Meyer for being so enthusiastic for my writer life and having that conversation about Pride and Prejudice that led me to the idea for this book.
Stephanie Meyer?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Stephanie Meyer who wrote Twilight?
The horror!
I can't believe I have to thank her for something good!
Well that aside, it is a fantastic book and I recommend it for any Austen fan.
For more on Pride & Prejudice, go to Brought Shame and Scandal to Pemberley: Death Comes to Pemberley, Episode Two (2013)
For more Pride & Prejudice variations, go to Suspense & Sensibility (Or First Impressions Revisited)
For more books based on Jane Austen, go to For Darkness Shows the Stars
For more Jane Austen quotes, go to Perfectea, A Perfect Cup of Tea or Tea for Two
For more on prom, go to Oh What A Night
Posted in Austenite, Book Lover, Pride and Prejudice
Tagged Barista, Based on Jane Austen, Caroline Bingley, Charles Bingley, Charlotte Lucas, Claudia Reynolds, Coffee Shop, Colin Williams, Competition, Dance, Elizabeth Bennet, Elizabeth Eulberg, Eye Makeup, Fitzpatrick Darcy, Free, Free Food, Free Stuff!, George Wickham, Hairstyles, High Heels, Jane Austen Quotes, Jane Bennet, Junior Prom, Limousine, Longbourn, Lydia Bennet, Makeup, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Collins, Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Gardiner, Pemberley, Pianist, Playing the Piano, Prep School, Pride & Prejudice, Pride and Prejudice, Prom, Prom & Prejudice, Prom Dress, Psych, Recital, Scholarship, Semester Abroad, Stephanie Meyer, Twilight, Will Darcy
January 20, 2017 by Moreland
Bridget Jones' Diary (2001)
So this film is supposed to be a modern day retelling of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice.
Strangely enough it stars two people who had been in films based on Jane Austen's work. Hugh Grant plays Daniel Cleaver, our George Wickham, when he was in the 1995 Sense and Sensibility as Edward Ferras.
And then we have Colin Firth as Mark Darcy, having played Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice (1995).
Now I understand why Colin Firth decided to be in the film, I read online that he thought it would distance him from the 1995 miniseries, along with killing the wet shirt.
But oh Colin Firth, you were so wrong.
That will never die
So let's look at the film:
So prior to this viewing, I had seen the part where the mom has left the dad for another guy, the "vicars and tarts party", and the very end in the snow.
From what I had seen I wasn't really interested as I didn't think it looked that good at all.
However, lots of people love it. Everyone says they are funny and it was just given a third installment.
Truth be told I don't
My friend is one of those who loves this film and she convinced me to watch it with her.
I did and I really didn't like it.
I just don't get the love for this film!
It mean doesn't really follow Pride & Prejudice, the characters aren't that likable, the situations silly ands not really making sense.
I think this movie is horrible, and I'll tell you why.
Mark & Bridget Falling in Love
Mark (Mr. Darcy) and Bridget (Elizabeth) barely have any screen time together, so they don't really have the opportunity to grow in a relationship. This is a problem with modern adaptations as in the original tale (and in history), when people visited they didn't stay a few days, they stayed weeks or months. Darcy spent a long time with Bingley, encountering Elizabeth when she came to assist in her sister's recuperating. And then again when Elizabeth stayed with Charlotte, but here they meet up at a family party her parents are throwing, a dinner party, accidentally while she is on vacation with Daniel (Wickham), and they fall for each other?
It doesn't really work. They should have had them spend more time together. I mean he decides to forgo a new career in New York, throws himself at her feet, etc. We should see why he would.
Bridget is an Empowering Character. Or is She?
Bridget is constantly being sexually harassed but does nothing about it.
I know! Look at the little tagline there, it says
"For anyone who's ever been set up, stood up, or felt up"
And it acts like it is going to be real empowering or something. And is it? No!
Bridget never stands up for herself or does anything about; choosing to just suffer through it. We have her creepy uncle who every time he sees her grabs her butt. Does she tell him off or her parents so they stop inviting him? No. Instead she just lets him continue.
And then when Daniel gropes her in the elevator and says inappropriate comments, does she do anything? No She just lets him do whatever.
And then there is the way that her new job treats her, as breasts and a butt.
What kind of message is that saying, especially since it is "based" on a character who is renowned for the beauty of her wit?
I mean I'm not asking her to go all out like this:
I'm just asking for her to stand up for herself.
Where Oh Where is the Witticism?
Where is the wit? Elizabeth was a great character who always put her two cents in.
In this Bridget is made to be more of not a bimbo, but one who never thinks but just spouts off the first thing that pops in her head.
If only people followed this advice.
She is nothing like who she is based on at all.
Why Does Bridget Continue to Believe Daniel?
Why does Bridget go on believing Daniel after she finds out that he is a big fat liar?
Daniel tells Bridget this story about how Mark Darcy slept with his fiancé, being the nail in the coffin of hate. But then we find out that Daniel is a a liar and was not only cheating on Bridget, but she is the other woman.
What jerks
Yes, he was in a relationship the whole time and leading Bridget on with no intention of ever having it be more. Then when Bridget quits, we discover that Daniel had been keeping Bridget from moving ahead as he wanted to keep her to dabble in.
Why does she think anything he said is the truth? When I found out my ex cheated in me I was really angry:
But it also made me question everything he did and said. Why wasn't it the same for her? I mean in the book Elizabeth doesn't find out that Wickham is a liar until Darcy reveals what he did. And as soon as she sees him again, she lets him know that his drivel isn't welcome here.
Why Did They Have Her Parents Separate?
I really don't understand why the film has the mother and father split up. It doesn't really enhance the plot or create growth for the characters. I mean the only thing it "adds" is that with the mom out of the way the truth about Daniel's lie isn't given until the end. I don't know why they did but I sure didn't like that she comes home on Christmas and everything is okay, they are back together. There isn't even an emotional payoff in that.
Why Would Darcy Read Bridget's Diary?
So Bridget leaves Mark downstairs while she changes out of her embarrassing underwear. She tells him to make himself comfortable and read some magazines and he reads her diary.
Really? I do not see Mark ever doing something like that when he has other options. He's just not that type of guy at all.
And her running after him in the snow with no pants or coat. Yeah right, she would freeze before she met up with him.
Bridget's Friends are Atrocious
See Hook agrees with me.
Bridget's friends are awful.
All they do is give horrible advice or make the situation worse.
Where is level-headed and realistic Charlotte?
Where is the kind, caring, always seeing the good Jane?
We have Tom who makes the situation worse, bringing the fight into the restaurant and the wait staff out; Shazzer who just complains and places all kinds of doubts in Bridget's mind; and the other friend who just cries all the time.
So I haven't read the book, (maybe I will like that better), but as for this film, except for a few good moments, I see it as a dud.
For more on Pride & Prejudice, go to Pride & Prejudice & Zombies
For more Pride & Prejudice adaptations, go to Austenland
For more Jane Austen films, go to Is Love at the Thanksgiving Parade Really Just Pride & Prejudice?
For more Jane Austen adaptations, go to Midnight in Austenland
For more Colin Firth, go to When I Get Into a Novel
For more Hugh Grant, go to The Eye of the Storm
Tagged Admits Being a Liar, Alice in Wonderland, Based on Jane Austen, Bridget Jones' Diary (2001), Certified Creepo, Charlotte Lucas, Cheating, Colin Firth, Daniel Cleaver, Edward Ferras, Elizabeth Bennet, Found Out He Cheated, George Wickham, Hugh Grant, Ice Queen, Jane Austen, Mark Darcy, Modern Day, Modern Remake, Modern Retellings, Mr. Darcy, Pride & Prejudice, Pride and Prejudice (1995), Renée Zellweger, Sense and Sensibility, Sense and Sensibility (1995), Sexually Harassed, Tart, Vicar, Witticism, Witty


text:
Red Dirt: A Tennis Novel, by Joe Samuel Starnes
"An ace of a novel, an ace of a writer."
--Tom Franklin, author of Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter
Paperback 352 pages, $14.95 (discounted to $11.80 on Amazon)
E-book $8.99 Kindle Kobo Google Nook iBooks
Red Dirt is the story of Jaxie Skinner, an unlikely professional tennis player from a blue-collar family in the sticks of rural Georgia who takes up the game at the age of three when his father scrapes a court out of the red clay behind their farmhouse. He is a natural, rising to the top of junior tennis, and at eighteen has great success at the French Open. He falls as quickly as he rose, however, when troubles back home and injuries arise. He quits the game for years, but then mounts a comeback, struggling for almost a decade in the unglamorous, low-paying minor leagues of tennis, often living out of his van, before getting one last big shot. A fascinating study of tennis, its demands and tactics, as well as a look at the insular and often selfish character required to reach the pinnacle of the sport, Red Dirt is the Rocky of tennis novels.
PRAISE FOR RED DIRT
"Starnes spins a tale with the pace and power of a Rafael Nadal forehand."
--Jay Jennings, editor of Tennis and the Meaning of Life: A Literary Anthology of the Game
"Alright, literate tennis fans, it's time to put down the remote and set aside those stat sheets and take an alternately amusing and inspiring trip from the top of the pro tennis barrel to the bottom--and back again. Joe Samuel Starnes's book radiates an aficionado's understanding of not just how the game is played (on and off the court) but what it takes to triumph in the hyper-competitive pro game."
--Peter Bodo, Tennis magazine senior writer, ESPN columnist,
and co-author of Pete Sampras's autobiography, A Champion's Mind
"Red Dirt is solid pleasure. Starnes knows what it is to compete, to hope to be made whole by competition, to overcome not just your opponent but your own unquiet. This is a tennis novel, but any athlete--no, any reader--will learn a lot and enjoy the learning."
--John Casey, author of Spartina, winner of the National Book Award
"Red Dirt isn't just a terrific sports novel; it's a terrific novel, period. Jaxie Skinner is a complex and compelling character, and Starnes gives him a clear, fresh, lively voice."
--Michael Griffith, author of Spikes
Joe Samuel "Sam" Starnes was born in Alabama, grew up in Cedartown, Georgia, and has lived in either New Jersey or Philadelphia since 2000. Red Dirt is his third novel. His first novel, Calling, was published in 2005, and was reissued in 2014 as an e-book by Mysterious Press.com/Open Road. NewSouth Books published his novel Fall Line in November 2011, and it was selected to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Best of the South" list. He has had journalism appear in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and various magazines, as well as essays, short stories, and poems in literary journals. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Georgia, an MA in English from Rutgers University in Newark, and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Goucher College. He was awarded a fellowship to the 2006 Sewanee Writers' Conference. He works in the administration at Widener University and has taught writing courses at Widener, Rowan University, and Saint Joseph's University.
For more, visit his website: www.joesamuelstarnes.com
Or follow him on Twitter @jsamuelstarnes
Also on Blogspot: http://joesamuelstarnes.blogspot.com/
and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joesamuelstarneswriter
Represented by Scott Miller at the Trident Media Group.
The perfect gift for any tennis player.
Buy RED DIRT now:
Click here to return to Breakaway Books home page

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I always look forward to 3 kings day only because of the Rosca, when I was younger it was because of the present but now it's always because of the rosca. It is once a year that it comes out, the 7th of January to be exact.
It's also always fun to see who gets the baby jesus, that means they bring tamales on February 2nd.
Did I get the baby jesus?
Make sure to check out my vlog here, so you can see who got the doll?
What's your favorite part about 3 Kings Day?


Advanced Energy Innovations assisted their clients by assessing their existing energy usage.
Researching and recommending energy efficient alternatives and rebates & incentives.
This led to the design of a computer program to aid in the computations, recommendations, replacement product and rebates available included with the audit procedures.
(B) - Research quality replacements for each. With an emphasis on "Energy Star", LEED, etc and projected long term life products to assure the replacements are the best for the client.
Our service includes assisting the client to receive the highest possible local utility incentives and tax deductions/credits to build a financial projection of savings and true cost of ownership.
We train the client's key staff on the maintenance and modified behaviors required by the new energy efficient equipment, plus we follow up with post-installation visits.
Advanced Energy Innovations, Inc. also assists their clients to take advantage of The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct). This program offers commercial enterprises a one-time tax incentive for energy-efficiency upgrades. The service provided by Advanced Energy Innovations Inc includes the data point gathering and a complete report for the client's CPA to apply for the deduction. Although the program was originally slated to expire in 2008, Congress approved extending it through 2013.


The data and trends that we are collecting are meant to reflect how governments use social media. Our primary interest is in the U.S. federal government, but we also are interested in state and local governments in the U.S., as well as international governments.
Over the last few years, the U.S. military has become more active on social media. Some branches have been more active than others. For example, over a three week period the US Coast Guard posted 110 pictures and videos on Instagram, where as the US Army posted only 25. However, post activity on Instagram only tells part of the story.
In our evolving dashboard below, we are collecting data and reviewing posts to determine how the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy use Instagram, as well as how people interact with their accounts. What images and videos tend to be most popular and why? Who does our military communicate with on Instagram and why? And who are the most visible leaders in Instagram when it comes to our armed forces?
The purpose of this data is to help citizens, businesses, and other government agencies understand what is of interest to, and how to communicate with, the different branches of the US military on Instagram.
Social Web Tactics is a digital marketing and sales agency that creates dynamic research reports, and conducts detailed analysis on industry trends covering a wide variety of industries and audiences. Interested in gathering greater insights and developing new strategies for your business? We are ready and able to help your company develop and execute a successful strategy that leads to greater growth.


text:
Schoeps ST 20-3/8 Mounting Cylinder for AF 1, 3/8", 20mm
This cylindrical mounting adapter is inserted into the AF 1 elastic suspension. Its 3/8" tap screw can hold a support rod or gooseneck. The adapter exists in a long and a short version.
adapter from 20 mm to 3/8''
for use with the flanged mounting adapter with internal shock mount AF1
ST 20-3/8, standard and long version
There are two notches in the sides of the adapter, through which the cable or cables can be passed. Alternatively, the cable can be passed through the centre of the adapter. For this purpose, the adapter has a hole drilled in the center of its top which can be used to pass a miniature cable through. However, the connector has to be dismantled to do this. The only exception is the RC KC cable, since its connector at the amplifier end does not fit through the 20 mm opening.
STR 20-3/8
Length cylinder: 27 / 64 mm
Thread 3/8''
Schoeps H 20 Cable Hanger for 20/21 mm
Schoeps MAB 1000 A/B and OCT Stereo Mounting Bar in...
Schoeps W 140 g Foam-Type Windscreen for MiniCMIT/C...
Schoeps MDZ 20 U Inline Attenuator 20dB, XLR


In fact, while comparing herself to other icons like Taylor Swift and Madonna, the 27-year-old confessed that she thinks its actually dangerous to try to re-invent yourself so often!... Love Story. Rumors swirled that Taylor was dating Lucas Till, her co-star in the "You Belong With Me" video and according to PopStar, there's some truth to that.
Her first album, Taylor Swift, was released in 2006. She has gone on to become one of the most successful female artists in the world. Taylor is known for songs like Shake It Off, Blank Space how to change a caliper 26/09/2018 · Taylor Swift Is The 21st Century's Most Disorienting Pop Star Many people have surmised the mega-star learned her knack for extensive personalization from her country roots.
How, why, is Taylor Swift the world's biggest pop star? The best place to seek answers may be Nashville, the city that shapes Swift's approach to art, business, and the intersection of the two. how to become a hockey timekeeper heo In fact, while comparing herself to other icons like Taylor Swift and Madonna, the 27-year-old confessed that she thinks its actually dangerous to try to re-invent yourself so often!
When Taylor Swift released her "Shake It Off" single and music video earlier this month, it was it official: The former country singer has made the switch to full-blown pop star!
How, why, is Taylor Swift the world's biggest pop star? The best place to seek answers may be Nashville, the city that shapes Swift's approach to art, business, and the intersection of the two.
RIP Taylor Swift: buried by Kim Kardashian West on 18 July. Or so those gleefully celebrating the supposed downfall of megastar Swift want the obituary to go.


text:
Hunger for Authenticity: "Cultivate a Better World"
by Garrett JohnsonControversial Subjects, Faith & Life, World's View
An impressive ad for their new game released, Chipotle's Scarecrow depicts the story of a Scarecrow whose mission is to "rescue the City of Plenty from Crow Foods, the powerful industrial food corporation that has taken over the city. Tilt and tap your way through four unique worlds to protect vulnerable veggies, rescue caged animals, and bring fresh food to the citizens of Plenty, all while dodging the menacing Crowbots."
The video is eerily set to the song "Pure Imagination", painting a stark contrast between the song's lyrics and the utter lack of imagination painted on the screen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUtnas5ScSE#t=84
Moving beyond the obvious aspects of the video –the outcry against industrialization and artificialization in the food industry that has reached breaking point levels– I would like to talk about authenticity. It seems that at least for a time, if the salesperson is capable enough, we tend to content ourselves with cheap imitations and more convenient commodities. It is a gradual process, one in which the paradigms of how things should be done are slowly mutated. We stop asking for what is natural and simply ask for what is common. Little by little, we allow ourselves to be dragged further and further away from how things are, to how we decide to make them instead. We lose that childish entrapment before the miracle of a plant that grows and instead indulge ourselves in a confident pride for how we have "understood, manipulated, and improved" that very same miracle.
Still, there comes a time when a voice inside of him says, "Enough is enough! This is all wrong! This isn't the way things were supposed to be!" You see, sooner or later, we come to realize that more than ridiculously convenient quantities can never satisfy that deeper hunger within: the hunger for authenticity. It is a hunger that expresses itself more and more in today's society, especially amongst the youth. We are tired of counterfeits! Who cares if the fruits of artificiality shine, when its content only makes us feel the twinges of our authentic hunger more!
As we see in the video, the path towards authenticity can be summarized in three fundamental steps:
1. Peeling back the masks: The experience of perceiving the onslaught of contradictions present between what the world advertises and the reality truly behind it, creates in the scarecrow a feeling of disappointment, of sadness that borders on despair, till the point when he returns to his home to rediscover the beauty that he is truly seeking.
2. A brush with authenticity: The key moment is when he grabs the red pepper. There, things begin to make sense again. Life takes on a whole new shade of color, of meaning, of richness, of flavor. It is the passage moving from two dimensions to three. It is just a moment, a brush with authenticity, but it is enough to change a life.
3. Setting up shop: Ever tasted something so amazing that the first words that popped out of your mouth were, "You've gotta try this!". That is the experience of authenticity that cries out through the pores of our being. The only way to savor things more is by sharing them..
Thinking like an Apostle
At times, we too can feel overwhelmed by the massiveness of the world's counterfeiting capacity. How on Earth can we compete with that? What we must always remember is that we have an ally: the human heart. Each day, we must wake up in the morning with the conviction that the human heart, molded in the hands of a God's love that surpasses all imagination, desires something more than what the world bargains for. The longing for authenticity is a most human desire. Certainly many have tried to silence it or overwhelm it in a deluge of falsity, but there it lies, firm in the storm. This must renew us in our efforts to set up shop, to present that Gospel in all its freshness and vitality. What is our product? Well, it's not really ours at all, it's rather a gift, a gift to be shared with the same generosity with which it was given. It is the gift of a life in Christ, whose grace is the only ingredient to an existence of joyful authenticity.
When You Can't See Past Your Own Hunger, It's Hard To See Jesus The Reason Why We Lack Hunger For God Will the Final Hunger Games Movie Be Too Violent? The World's Search For Meaning… 3 Quotes to Help You When You Feel the World is Falling Apart Around You When You Can Only See the World With Sarcasm Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels: 4 Mass Prayers to Help Cultivate a Relationship With Your Own In a World So Connected, Why Do I Feel So Alone? A video on social media and loneliness Creating Circumstances to Flourish: How to Cultivate Good Soil in Your Life I Catholic Bible Study
Born in Texas, I spent 12 years living and working in Peru and Italy. A philosopher and a theologian, I have a passion for the power of stories in our lives.


text:
Treaty of Waitangi
Waitangi meeting house, Bay of Plenty
By David Kirkland
Facts about New Zealand
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 and was an agreement between the British Crown and a large number of Māori chiefs.
Today the Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) is widely accepted as a constitutional document that establishes and guides the relationship between the Crown in New Zealand (embodied by our government) and Māori.
Te Ara: Treaty of Waitangi angle-right
Treaty 2U Te Papa angle-right
Waitangi History angle-right
The Treaty of Waitangi drafted and signed
Experience Waitangi, Northland & Bay of Islands
By Ruth Lawton Photography
Around this time, there were 125,000 Māori and about 2000 settlers in New Zealand. Sealers and whalers were the first European settlers, followed by missionaries. Merchants also arrived to trade natural resources such as flax and timber from Māori in exchange for clothing, guns and other products.
As more immigrants settled permanently in New Zealand, they weren't always fair in their dealings with Māori over land. A number of Māori chiefs sought protection from William IV, the King of England, and recognition of their special trade and missionary contacts with Britain. They feared a takeover by nations like France, and wanted to stop the lawlessness of the British people in their country.
As British settlement in New Zealand increased, the British Government decided to negotiate a formal agreement with Māori chiefs to become a British Colony. A treaty was drawn up in English then translated into Māori.
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed on February 6, 1840, at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. Forty-three Northland Chiefs signed the treaty on that day. Over 500 Māori Chiefs signed it as it was taken around the country during the next eight months.
The Treaty today
Experience Waitangi-1.jpg, New Zealand
Following its signing, many of the rights guaranteed to Māori in the Treaty of Waitangi were ignored. To help rectify this, the Waitangi Tribunal was set up in 1975. It has ruled on several claims brought by Māori iwi (tribes), and in many cases, compensation has been granted.
While disagreements over the treaty terms continue to this day, it is still considered New Zealand's founding document.
The grounds and buildings where the treaty was signed have been preserved. Today, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a popular attraction to learn more about the treaty. Here you can explore the museum, watch a cultural performance inside the carved meeting house, and visit the colonial mission house, historic flagstaff, and beautiful waka taua (Māori war canoe).
#MāoriCulture
Waitangi Treaty Grounds long-arrow-right


text:
Q: Two Errors in IE11 for React 15.5.4: "Invalid prop `children` supplied to `HashRouter`, expected a ReactNode. " and "unknown browser " in bundle.js My React+Webpack App runs fine in Chrome and FF in dev mode, but not in IE11. I also used the babel-polyfill, but it didn't work.
There are two main problems as beblow:

*

*Warning: Failed prop type: Invalid prop children supplied to HashRouter, expected a ReactNode.

*SCRIPT5022: unknown browser :(
This problem pointed out that the error happende in bundle.js as follow:
if (isChrome()) {
    regex = /^ +at.+\((.*):([0-9]+):([0-9]+)/;
    expected_fields = 4;
    // (skip first line containing exception message)
    skip_lines = 1;
} else if (isFirefox()) {
    regex = /@(.*):([0-9]+):([0-9]+)/;
    expected_fields = 4;
    skip_lines = 0;
} else {
    throw new Error("unknown browser :(");
}

This code means when I use IE, the Error unknow browser :( will be thrown. But why there are these codes in my bundle.js? I don't know how to fix this kind of problems. I searched for long, but unfortunately didn't find the relevant answer.
Here are the project dependencies:
"dependencies": {
    "antd": "^2.11.0",
    "babel-plugin-react-html-attrs": "^2.0.0",
    "babel-polyfill": "^6.23.0",
    "babel-preset-es2015": "^6.24.1",
    "babel-preset-react": "^6.24.1",
    "babelify": "^7.3.0",
    "css-loader": "^0.25.0",
    "fetch": "^1.1.0",
    "history": "^4.6.1",
    "react": "^15.5.4",
    "react-dom": "^15.5.4",
    "react-hot-loader": "^3.0.0-beta.7",
    "react-mixin": "^2.0.2",
    "react-responsive": "^1.3.0",
    "react-router": "^4.1.1",
    "react-router-dom": "^4.1.1",
    "style-loader": "^0.13.1"
  },
  "devDependencies": {
    "babel-core": "^6.24.1",
    "babel-loader": "^7.0.0",
    "babel-plugin-import": "^1.2.1",
    "extract-text-webpack-plugin": "^2.1.2",
    "file-loader": "^0.11.2",
    "url-loader": "^0.5.9",
    "webpack": "^2.6.0",
    "webpack-dev-server": "^2.4.5"
  },

Is there anyone having the same problems, any advice will be very appreciate it.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Three Russian Universities Add Crypto Courses and Diplomas
More academic institutions in Russia are starting educational courses and even postgraduate programs in crypto and blockchain technologies. Three universities will be teaching related subjects like cryptography and digital economy during the new academic year beginning in September. Some of the courses will be conducted in English and with guest lecturers from Europe, India, and the US.
Also read: London School of Economics Launches "Cryptocurrency Investment and Disruption" Course
Higher Crypto Education
Three Russian universities have announced new courses and majors related to cryptocurrencies and crypto technologies. The educational programs will be offered with the start of the new academic year this fall. They cover a wide variety of subjects, including cryptography, blockchain and distributed ledger technologies, alternative payment systems, digital economy, accounting and management. Some of the courses will be taught in English targeting foreign students, but also Russians seeking career opportunities in the international environment of the crypto space.
The Voronezh State University (VSU) has established a bachelor's degree program focused on studying digital economy and blockchain technology, the institution announced on its website. The new major called "Models and methods for analyzing the digital economy" is offered by the Department of Information Technologies and Mathematical Methods in Economics. Classes will begin from September 18.
The program's curriculum provides in-depth training in the use of modern information technology analysis. It ensures the universal character of the acquired knowledge, as well as the wide scope of its application in various types of economic activities and at different levels of government, the university said in the statement. The announcement also notes the importance of the development of new technologies and the training of specialists in light of the implementation of the Digital Economy Program adopted by the Russian government.
Two master's programs in blockchain technologies will be offered by the Don State Technical University (DSTU), its press service announced this week – "Intellectual systems based on blockchain technologies" and "Digital accounting and management." Students will be taught knowledge needed to develop new information systems and create modern electronic payment methods and structures.
"We offer graduate students [the opportunity] to study in depth the distributed ledger technology. Blockchain is a promising technology that is rapidly introduced in many areas of life. Demand for specialists in this field is growing every day," said DSTU's Vice-Rector Alexey Belskopilniy, quoted by RIA Novosti. The MS programs have been developed in cooperation with the University of Nicosia and foreign lecturers will be invited to teach. The Russian university plans to also offer English language courses in the future.
Master's Degree in Cryptography
Another Russian higher education institution, the Novosibirsk State University (NSU), is already conducting similar courses in English. In September, its Mechanics and Mathematics Faculty will accept the first 15 students of its MS degree program in cryptography, according to an announcement posted on its website. They will study encryption techniques and blockchain technologies as part of a two-year intensive modular training scheme.
Experts in the field from Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Norway, France, India, and the US, as well as Russian crypto specialists, have been invited to teach. The classes will be held in English in order to attract students from all over the world. The Russian university also hopes to acquire international certification and accreditation for its diplomas.
The new programs are being introduced after last year leading Russian universities announced specialized courses in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies. Among them are the Moscow State University, the National Research University Higher School of Economics, the National University of Science and Technology "MISiS", the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, and the Saint-Petersburg State University of Economics. The introduction of these curriculums comes in response to the rising popularity of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and also the strong demand for crypto and blockchain professionals in Russia.
Do you think the increasing number of crypto-related educational courses in Russia indicates a growing interest among Russians in a future career in the crypto space? Tell us in the comments section below.
Images courtesy of Shutterstock.
Bitcoin, Blockchain, courses, crypto technologies, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrency, Cryptography, cryptos, Higher Education, N-Featured, Russia, russian, russians, Students, universities
Make sure you do not miss any important Bitcoin-related news! Follow our news feed any which way you prefer; via Twitter, Facebook, Telegram, RSS or email (scroll down to the bottom of this page to subscribe). We've got daily, weekly and quarterly summaries in newsletter form. Bitcoin never sleeps. Neither do we.
Elon Musk Reaffirms Offer to Eat Happy Meal on TV if McDonald's Accepts Dogecoin
FEATURED | 2 days ago
Financial Advisors See Strong Interest in Crypto — 90% Receive Inquiries About Crypto Investing, Survey Shows
This Week in Bitcoin: New Exchanges, Bancor Breach, Binance CEO vs Vitalik
Have You Tried Blockchain 5.0 Yet? Nobody Else Has Either
NFT Sales Volume Saw a Small Uptick This Week — Moonbirds, Mutant Apes Take Top Sales
Non-fungible token (NFT) sales saw a small uptick over the last week as $658.4 million in NFT sales were recorded, up 3.35% in seven days. Out of 15 blockchains, Polygon-based NFT sales saw the largest increase in volume, jumping 106.68% ... read more.


IWSG: January 2018 and Flaming Crimes blogfest!
Welcome to the first IWSG posting day of 2018! The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a large network of writers--we post our insecurities to the world every first Wednesday of month.
This month's question: What steps have you taken or plan to take to put a schedule in place for your writing and publishing?
So, a fair portion of my life is scheduled to the nth--work, mainly. I'm outlining a new series idea--I'm still on the first story outline, though I have characters and stories mapped out for the other three stories--and I plan on getting all four outlines finished before writing any of the books.
Because before you can schedule writing or publishing, you have to be sure your ideas actually work. And my longer story ideas tend to fall into mid-drafting meltdown, so we're taking care of the underlying structure first. Without a foundation, there can be no building. Without a decently worked-out plan for a story, there's no way my brain can spin out full-on book-size tales.
Prompt: What is something ridiculous you would save if there was a fire?
panic-grab in the event of a fire are a pair of fuzzy socks.
BLURB: Beth and Donovan are now happily married, and what Beth wants more than anything is a baby. Her dream of starting a family is put on hold as fires burn dangerously close and Donovan becomes a victim of sabotage.
Donovan escapes what could've been a deadly wreck. Their past enemies have been eliminated, so who is cutting brake lines and leaving bloody messages? He vows to find out, for the sake of the woman he loves and the life they're trying to build.
About the Author: Chrys Fey is the author of the Disaster Crimes Series, a unique concept blending romance, crimes, and disasters. She's partnered with the Insecure Writer's Support Group and runs their Goodreads book club. She's also an editor for Dancing Lemur Press.
I could definitely use more fuzzy socks. :D I would be okay if cold air would stop seeping into the house.
Mid-story freakout is *incredibly* depressing. Let's get rid of it.
Love the fuzzy socks. I'd probably grab my Bob Ross socks.
Yup, yup, yup. Bob Ross!
Good advice on outlining and making sure your ideas work. I'm trying to do a better job outlining up front on my second book. Hopefully, it will make things go more smoothly this time around.
Happy New Year! I hope it does make things go more smoothly.
I hope those socks have the little rubber treads so you can make a speedy getaway!
Oh, I love the ones with the rubber treads!
My feet are always cold, too. And I live in Florida. lol I wear socks every day, even in the summer.
There are just some people who have extremely cold feet and I'm one of them. We've had several days of being under 25 degrees recently, so I wear fuzzy socks to bed.
That's strange. On Safari, the blog looks normal. I noticed it seemed strange on Firefox though.
Mid-story meltdowns are a pain (I suffer those a lot.) Here's to getting through!
And fuzzy socks are a must. I have a drawer full...that and self-knit ones. How can one survive winter without them?
You cannot survive winter without them. Or at least, I can't.
It's when you're in the middle of a draft and you suddenly feel stuck or terribly uncertain about where this is going and you hate it and you wonder why you didn't just outline the stupid thing to avoid this bit of turmoil anyway.
Hey, at least you'd be comfortable wearing your fuzzy socks!
Good luck with your writing project!
Iceberg tootsies are no kinda fun, no sirree. Are you square dab in the middle of that looming blizzard? Grab those socks, chug down a cup of hot cocoa (from Gum Drop Island, of course) and curl up before a blazing fire. Then when you're comfortable and chomping at the bit to get to work -- conk out and snore your head off! Heh heh.
We're expecting snow. I'm hoping it's not a blizzard, though.
I have a bad habit of just attacking a story head on and then finding all the kinks in my plan later. I hope your plans work out!
When your feet are cold, you're cold all over. So socks are great choice. Plotters need that security of a strong foundation on which to build. Pantsers just take off and often suffer from mid-story slump. I'm sort of in between. I take off then have to stop and make sure I know where I'm going. Good luck with your goals.
Michelle, I like the fuzzy sock idea! It has been super cold where I live so definitely good to have warm fuzzy thoughts! Good luck on your outlining goals this year. Hope it helps your stories sing.