Controversial American elections are nothing new; our elections did not by any means always go smoothly.
A close, contested election in the nineteenth century steered American election practices into unfair, exclusionary territory.
Here are my tips for how to buy in bulk. Buying in bulk can help alleviate much of the stress when it comes to shopping.
Do you spend too much money on food? One great way to cut down on unnecessary spending is to avoid eating out. Learn to prepare your meals at home! Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your own resources to eat well and save money.
Learn how to save by shopping smart! We all know you're not supposed to grocery shop when you're hungry, but there's more to it than that. This article includes specific tips about how to shop with your heart and not your rumbling stomach.
Bring something creative from home, and you won't be tempted to waste money on burgers or fast food at work. Get some ideas for what to pack in your work lunch.
A simple budgeting method anyone can use. Read on to learn all about envelope budgeting.
Budgeting doesn't have to be boring or stressful. Think of it like a game or challenge instead of a chore. Implement the ideas in this article to add some zest to your financial planning.
Here are 10 simple changes you can make at home to cut down your costs and save money.
There are always small things you can do to save money.
Need to feed your family on a tight budget? Here are a few tips to help you feed your family for around $50 a week.
Don't judge a book by its price! Here are some reasons why you should consider supporting a budding author.
Life within Auschwitz was extremely regulated. All, that were not ill, left for work in military marching style and returned twelve hours later in the same manner. Specific details were constructed based on the prisoners’ abilities. The number of...
What was the first flag of the American Colonies? Most of us would answer that it was the flag that Betsy Ross made. That is only partially correct.
The political leaders of the young country, the United States of America, came from a level of society that would be called in today’s words ‘upper-class’. They had wealth and were given quality education. They made up a small percentage of...
Middle Eastern politics has changed throughout history due to external influences pulling the region in new directions and internal turmoil.
Where did the Greek civilization come from? The great civilization that gave us Aristotle and democracy had to come from somewhere. Where was the birthplace of Greece? We can look to the island of Crete and the Minoans for the beginnings of the...
Anytime someone wants to create something huge, like a revolution, you need billows to help the smoldering fire that is hiding to burst forth and burn with fury. When it came to the American Revolution, Samuel Adams was the billows that changed the...
The Silver Age of Russia was a revival of the Golden Age of Russian literature that extended beyond the written word and touched every part of Russian culture. The Silver Age moved into the realm of “theater, music, ballet, painting, and...
The attention of many people is on secret societies. They have been around throughout history. What gets attention drawn to them? Two things: secrets and men of power being a part of them. The Order of the Skull and Bones is one of America’s...
Especially after the Black Death, astrology became a major factor in the field of medicine. What else characterized the medieval period of medicine?
What is the purpose of a historical research paper? It is not what you might think. It is much more in-depth than just reciting history. A research paper in history is an exercise in exploration and supporting theories. Here's what you need to know!
The power of the pen is very strong. It can create an image of someone that might or might not be true. As writers take to paper (or keyboard in today’s age), they paint a picture of an individual that readers absorb. Over the years, other authors...
The battle for Africa became more than just a battle on paper or on a distant map. It spread out from Europe to upturn a continent and create problems that would last for generations. The worst influence of all was that of King Leopold II of Belgium...
You’ve heard of “needless scenes”, but what are they and how do you avoid them? Here’s what to look for.
If you traveled back in time to ancient Greece, you would find that it wasn't exactly the civilization that had miles and miles of agricultural fields ready to feed the masses. In fact, the climate varies and the terrain is so rocky and hilly that...
In studying the Renaissance, it would appear that the period was moving on a more secular route than previous centuries. The Humanistic movement did lessen the hold that religion had over mankind by emphasizing individualism. Yet, this period was...
Each decade or so has it fad whether it be fashion, technology, or books. Some of these fads rise up and sputter out into a very short life. They might not seem to have much of an impact, but even those short lived ones that are forgotten about over...
Writing a historical research paper can be stressful. It can be worse when the instructor requires you to choose the topic and create your own thesis statement. But not any topic will be acceptable. Here's how to pick the perfect topic for your historical paper.
How did the struggle over alcohol influence national politics as the Gilded Age became the Progressive Era? This article examines this question.
Many new authors sit and stare at a blank page. They have no idea where to start. Some think there is a magic formula to get them going. There are many suggestions as to how to get your book started, and I offer a few here.
A look at the factors that led totalitarian governments to power in Europe after World War I.
When the Black Death reached its climax and swept through Europe, it left no area of society untouched. There were effects everywhere including cities, rural areas, every social structure, and religious and non-religious areas. Nothing was protected...
In looking over the Nazi treatment of the Jews, many have felt that it all came down to racial hatred. Upon further analysis, the treatment is more a reflection of the German need to be unique and to be perfect. Germans needed to be all German. The...
When reading a book, you want to take care of it and use a bookmark to mark your place. But sometimes you don’t want to spend money on a bookmark. Find out how to make your own homemade bookmarks!
Bring up an order that has been around since the Crusades and you will find more conspiracy theories than you can imagine. The Knights of Malta have a long history is courage, protection of the Christian faith and as a secret society. In 1048, the...
Dyslexia Does your child struggle with reading? Do they read slow and stumble over words? Do eye exams come out good? Because of this, do they avoid reading as much as they can? Dyslexia might be the reason behind all this. Dyslexia is the...
High school students are showing high levels of poor reading. If you're a teacher, you may have noticed this. What is going on? Here's what I've learned from research and personal experience.
Literary genres cover a wide range of areas, but a few are the main umbrellas they all live under.
Not just any source will be good enough for a research paper. Just because a book, website, or video says what you want it to say does not mean that it should be part of your bibliography. You need to be very selective in what you use as a source in...
Authors have many opportunities to improve their writing, explore new aspects, and challenge their own thoughts and ideas. Sadly, most ignore these opportunities or chase false ones. A good challenge can really help you exercise your writing. So...
Reading a book takes youto a different time in a different place. The more adventurous, the more romantic, the more unusual it is, the more we like it. When it comes to fiction books, the question arises whether or not anything in it can be trusted...
How long should an historical essay or research paper be? Is there a particular number of pages or words? Is there a magic number for a great paper? In a word, yes. In another word, no. It all comes down to the individual teacher and school. The...
Most of our past is full of legend and mystery. We are drawn in by the daring escapades of pirates, soldiers, and explorers. The drama that royalty brings to the table makes our mouths water. We concoct our own stories and add to the mystery of the...
When interviewing an author, you want to be creative. Do you really want to ask the same questions that other interviewers are asking? That gets boring after a while and will not prompt readers to check in on any interview you conduct.
Privateers played a large role in history. They helped many a nation succeed in economic, exploration, and actual wars. The success of England becoming a world power can mainly be attributed to legalized pirating. Imagine the scene. Spain got...
1862 proved to be crucial for the Confederacy in decision making and loses on the battlefield. In losing Nashville, New Orleans, and Memphis, the South lost strategic points in their military planning. Each one would prove to hurt the Confederacy.
The Indians gave a variety of responses to the English colonization. It ranged from tolerance and allies to all out war. The manner of colonization and the impact felt by the Indians determined most of the responses that were received. Initially,...
When one thinks of secret societies, they think of power and clandestine meetings with evil purpose. Overthrowing governments are commonly said to be their goal. Many of these societies just have rumors floating around them because they are so...
As America was changing with new developments in technology, so was the cultural aspects of its life specifically in the world of literature. On the pages with the written word, authors were taking a new look on life and how they communicated it to...
A look at the development of a Jewish nation following the atrocities of World War II.
Thomas Jefferson was a deeply influential president. America would not be the country it is today without him. Here's how Jefferson changed the presidency and the country.
A look at the history of postal systems and how it developed in America.
Learn why keeping notes for your book can be so helpful, plus tips for writing them down.
The farmers involved in Shays’ Rebellion and other similar gatherings throughout Massachusetts found their inspiration in the leaders of the American Revolution.
John MacFarlane discussed in “Sovereignty and Standby: The 1964 Conference on UN Peacekeeping Forces” the desire of having resources earmarked for United Nations use and the issue of sovereignty that arose as the topic was discussed by more and...
A look at how America developed an economy following their independence.
The power of the written word was embraced by those who opposed slavery. Through the work of abolitionists, anti-slavery material exploded onto the scene and became the most prominent. It was numerous, but that was not what gave it a voice. The old...
Democracy in Athens did not occur overnight. The democracy we know today evolved from monarchy through oligarchy and tyrants to the classical form of Athenian government.
History shows time and again how people will grasp at miracles to survive tumultuous times. Russia is not a nation to escape the same phenomenon. As the nation entered the Times of Troubles in 1598, it found itself willing to accept imposters to the...
A look at the development of the first British colony in the Americas
This should really be an entire book by itself. Anything shorter will not do it justice, but we will attempt to at least give you an overview of some of the greatest historical pieces of literature that have ever been put to paper. What Makes a...
Authors, you might think you are in control of your writing. In your mind, you control where the story leads and what words are formed to create the world for your reader. But the truth is that most of the time you are not. Okay, you never are. You...
Important ideologies in 19th-century France swayed political views dramatically. Read on for a historical analysis of the ideologies that shaped the revolution.
Some readers love them, and some hate them. What are the pros and cons of a cliffhanger ending?
Being consistent with your networking online can be a huge positive.
The old, musty libraries of the past are no more. Modern libraries have far more than just books.
When you are reading, there is a need for light...adequate light at that.
President Franklin D Roosevelt had a unique way to connect with the public. He took time out to have fireside chats as though he was right there with everyone else. So reassuring.
If you are about to write an historical research paper, you need to be aware that this is not a literature paper or a paper for a business law class. Each area of academia has its own way of writing and presentation. What can be acceptable in one...
If any movement touches the arts and the education of a society, it cannot avoid the religious areas of society. Religion could be found in all areas of the Medieval world.
Looking back through history many of the discoveries and events were accidental or just plain lucky. One of the luckiest was the discovery of Troy by Heinrich Schliemann. This amateur archeologist found a city that was believed to have been only a...
The Dark Age was necessary to produce Classical Greece as we know it. The Mycenaean civilization would not have brought about all that we obtained from Classical Greece despite their achievements. It was their achievements that were the very...
When a strong individual rises up to lead into the future, he can be perceived with mixed emotions. He could be seen as the answer to prayer or as the one destroying what once was strong. Peter the Great of Russia was such a figure.
As with many historical events, myth begins to take over and the reality of what happened begins to fade into the glamor of legend. It is no different for the Alamo and the stories that swirl around the famous fight. Most of us recount the events...
So many praise the invention of the sewing machine, but in the end did it help mankind or hurt?
Talking and posting too much while networking can be a big negative.
When you are working with an editor, they need to hear you say a few things to help the relationship grow stronger.
The catalyst for the first Persian war stemmed from a revolt by Greek Ionians. It was instigated by Aristagoras, economic burdens, and a feeling of being treated unfairly by the Empire.
Thomas Read Rootes Cobb wrote in 1858 in his "An Inquiry into the Law of Negro Slavery in the United States of America" pamphlet that "the most enlightened have, at some period within their existence, adopted it as a system ..."
Read on to find out if using LibraryThing is right for you.
Books are just books, right? Not really. Many are written with the intent to change the world while others just change it because of the topic. Here are 10 of those books.
How do you get readers to notice your new book? Here are seven ways to spread the word and put your book on the map.
Overusing a word can really turn a reader off. Bust out the old thesaurus to keep the creative language flowing! Here are some alternative ways your characters can smile.
Learn to prioritize your writing. Sometimes that simply means sitting down and doing nothing other than . . . writing. Here are some tips and motivational words to get you started. In fact, after reading this article, why not start writing?
If you've done a book review, be sure to send the author a link to your review. Here are some tips to ensure you're polite when emailing them.
The Reformation changed society and religion in Europe, but humanism was the foundation for it.
The printing press is one of the most wonderful inventions that ever graced this earth. It helped to bring us all these wonderful books we can't get enough of. Here's what you need to know about this incredible invention that changed the world for the better.
Need help getting your characters' conversations to sound natural? Take some time observing people when you're out and about!
The overuse of words in writing can really ruin a piece, making it sound juvenile and reflecting poorly on the author. Learn how to avoid this. You might even be encouraged to self-edit.
This article will breakdown the importance of being humble as a person, especially if you plan on being a great writer.
Mankind is known for his creativity. That creativity stretches even to the horrific side of man, that of torture.
What part did the Marian Reforms play in shaping the Roman military?
If you are considering publishing your writing, you need to have your work professionally edited. Here's why (and how!).
Yes, people do say they have valid reasons for not reading. What do you think?
Let's review the basic key elements of fiction writing. You might think you have a handle on them, but some people need a refresher.
If you are a writer or want to be one, there are five books that will help you develop your style.
When you work from home, there are a few things you can do to make that time enjoyable and much more productive.
Even before World War II, there was tension between Japan and China. After the war, that tension only accelerated. First, there was trouble regarding the Japanese occupation of China, as in the Nanking Massacre. But that was only the beginning. Read on for the full story.
When we gaze upon a work of art, we rarely think of the artist and wonder who the genius was. That is especially true in the case of art that is not as “tangible” as a painting or sculpture. What about the art in the form of the design of a...
Otto von Bismarck's actions and policies shaped hundreds of small principalities into a unified Germany.
Few know of this tree that helped play a role in the founding of our nation.
Where is the evil in Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter"? Within the man called Roger Chillingworth.
European plunder of blood and treasure from Africa provoked independence movements across the continent following WWII.
Surely, you've heard of President Andrew Jackson. Andrew Jackson started off as a nobody, but he was one of the great American success stories that gave the people of his time hope. Read on for his inspiring story!
In the 1790s, America was still floundering, economically, to find its footing after pulling away from Britain. Being part of the British economic system had its advantages which were very apparent to the Americans once they found themselves removed...
Some of the best historical information can be found in personal journals. One way to look into the lives of the Muslims during the 12th century is through the writings of Usamah ibn Muniqidh.
Within every society are smaller versions. No matter where you go, you will find that. The same could have been said about the society developed within Auschwitz concentration camp.
What was the relationship between Church and State in the Middle Ages?
What was behind the American Civil War? Do we really know the causes?
Are you wondering how you can wow your instructor with your research paper? It is not impossible. With some hard work, caution, and communication, anyone can create a research paper that will impress an instructor. Do Not Procrastinate One of...
A lot of history can be found in the art of the time. That includes quilts, which are a form of utilitarian art. Changes in technology, fashion, and culture can be found in them.
Too many big publishers are putting out material with bad proofreading jobs.
Everyone has their own way of writing their stories out. If you interviewed a dozen bestselling authors, they’d all have their own unique ways. No two write exactly the same. That tells you that there is no one formula, but there are certain methods that do help.
Many people have never heard of Beadle and Adams, but their publishing company helped to push the sale of books to an all-time high back in the mid to late 1800s. It was through them that books began to sell at numbers never seen before. Their...
When we think of plagiarism, we typically think of students cheating on their papers. That is one of the most common forms.Yet, it started out long before that here in America in our early newspapers. And it was committed by a founding father,...
Believe it or not, there are many historical fiction works that make you stop and think. It could be the person or event the story is about or it could be the different angle an author takes. It could also be a sensitive topic addressed in a manner...
Take a picture of a baked potato and see how many story ideas you can come up with. You might be surprised.
Too many authors quit early in their writing careers. Why? Here are 10 reasons why authors quit, such as expecting immediate success and not accepting critiques.
I have worked as an accountant for over twenty years for non-profits, governmental units, and manufacturing companies. Budgets have been under my management for many years. I’ve even worked on the budget committee at a church.
Not all grammar is cut and dry. There are some that are debated quite vehemently with no clear answer.
The American Revolution didn't just occur. There were several things that happened to bring it all about.
During the revolution in Egypt in 2011, many atrocities were committed toward the women there.
Why did the South lose the Civil War? During the American Civil War, the Confederate president made several decisions that led to the defeat of the South. Read on to learn what those decisions were and how they changed the course of America.
What was the similarity between Bismarck and Hitler?
A good question to ask. Could the Peloponnesian war been avoided and saved a lot of lives?
Have you ever considered joining a secret society? There's a lot you'll need to know before doing so. What do you know about the Grand Firmament? If you are up on secret societies, you might know a lot. If not, read on for the whole story of this grand alliance between secret societies
Who were the Whigs? What did they do?
I don't get the attraction. Maybe I do. But what do you think is so attractive about shapeshifters?
An historical fiction read that should be on your bucket list is Gone With the Wind.
To understand Luther and the Protestant Reformation, one has to understand humanism. This Renaissance movement had men taking control of their own lives and souls.
The mindset of those involved in a period is best discovered in the writings of the times. The analysis done by historians centuries later can shed some light on the subject, but to fully get the impact one has to read the primary documents from...
All about Shays' Rebellion. The American people wanted relief from what they saw as the financial pressure of an unstable and weak government.
Science did not always carry the weight it does today. In fact, it was superstition that had power over Medieval society. The unknown allowed superstition to fill in the gaps and explain events: “a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic ... etc."
Under the Nazi regime, ghettos became the home for many Jews. By keeping the Jews in one place, the Nazis aimed to ensure the location of all Jews in the area and, in the process, to increase their chances of death. Ghettos once were a place for life but became a place of death under Nazi rule.
In the transition to the world of communism, Stalin initiated several policies in an attempt to bring the Soviet Union to the forefront of the world stage. This involved increasing the productivity of the nation’s industrial products and a better...
Want to be a Writer? Here are 5 laws we suggest you have.
Over and over authors tend to ignore 13 basic grammar rules. Do you fall into that category.
Historical fiction writers, particularly those with less experience, tend to make the same writing mistakes. Here are the top seven to avoid.
Andrew Jackson's reputation is not the greatest, but did he really hate Native Americans, as some claim?
Interested in Russian history? Alexander II of Russia brought about great reforms to his country that have gone forgotten over the years. Read on for an explanation of the changes he initiated.
The Greeks versus the Persians. Who was the best?
When arguments for and against slavery were raised, science was actually used to support to keep slavery as it was just scientifically sound.....
What was slavery like in America? Was it what you were taught? Schools often don't teach students the whole truth of slavery. Here's my perspective.
Carpetbaggers were created after the Civil War ended, and the South was left vulnerable. What role did they play in the New South's economy? Read on for the full explanation.
We have the internet today, but back in the 1790s, there were only newspapers. What role did they have in shaping America?
Working from home? Might not be the healthiest choice. Here are some tips to keep you healthy, so you can still enjoy the benefits of working from home.
The English language isn't always the easiest. In fact, there are some troublesome words that tend to haunt many people especially writers. Here are 34 that are commonly confused.
There are many ways to expand your vocabulary. They can be easy to do and incorporate into your daily life.
Grammar is so troublesome. What makes it so difficult? It's not the usage. It's the constant changes! Read on for my full explanation of what makes grammar so difficult.
Even if it wasn't an abbey, one could find religion of nature when visiting the site.
The first printing press changed the world forever. The effects can still be felt.
PTSD is not new. Many experienced it in years past including Ernest Hemingway who expressed his pain and suffering in The Sun Also Rises.
Many failures were successful in the long run. John Cabot was one of them.
What does the author do? Are they involved in the publishing and marketing aspect? Many authors are surprised at the startling truth.
Slavery wasn't always so cut and dried. There were forms that were entered into willingly and served very useful purposes for all parties.
Take a new look at William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily" using the New Critical Approach.
Today is vastly impacted by all the yesterdays. European imperialism shaped Africa into what it is today socially, politically, economically, and even geographically.
There are many writing techniques that have been used down through the ages. Most have risen and fallen in popularity and even have found themselves being used incorrectly. One is the anaphora.
Study skills are not as commonly known or applied as you might think. Too many parents and teachers assume students know how to study especially if it came easy to them. The truth is that they have to be taught throughout a child's school years even...
Hosting a Bingo party helps you see new dimensions and have more fun. Here are some useful tips to help you organize and host a Bingo party.
December is Bingo Month. This is the month to get reacquainted with a game that many played as a child and usually do not pick up on it again until they are older. It is a game that is fun with many variations that can give hours of entertainment....
How to handle the mother-in-law has been a topic of emotional debate since Eve became a mother-in-law. Comedy routines are based on the actions of the mother-in-law. Movies center around her actions. Marriages have been ruined because of her. What can be done about it? Set the boundaries for...
It has been proposed and even argued that Paul’s teachings are in direct contradiction to those of Jesus. Was the great Apostle Paul actually corrupting the words of the Great Teacher? Let’s dig a little deeper into this thought.
This article will help readers understand some of the most important cultural differences between the U.S. and China.
Ever wonder how the eating utensils you dine with came about? I mean, the cavemen surely did not have the same tools to eat with that we do now. How did they come about to look the way we have them today? Like anything else, our cutlery has a history. But with that history is the reflection of...
Why on earth would we want to learn and study “dead” languages? If they are dead, shouldn’t we give them respect by leaving them alone and letting them rest in peace? That could easily be the reaction any of us give when we hear that learning “dead” languages can be very beneficial. But the...
The majestic eagle. With its powerful and graceful wings, it can soar through the sky and cause traffic to stop on the side of a road for anything but modest picture. It is a symbol of power, strength, and thievery. Surprised? You’ll be interested to know that there are many things that you might...
Albert Einstein. A name synonymous with genius. A man whose picture is next to intelligent in the dictionary. One of the most famous people of the 20th century. A man who had a brain so unlike the rest of the world’s and yet so much like our own. A man who had integrity enough to give up so much,...
When you hear the word homesteading, you might imagine the original pioneers in the 1800's or earlier making their mark on the new land. Well, that is true. But we are in a new century and that term has taken on a different meaning over the last few decades.