Tag Archives: rant

Medieval vs Renaissance

Posted in Book Reviews, Misc, My other sites by

So, those of you who know me know that I have a distinct affection for history. I will not say I am a history buff, but I am interested in almost anything historical – within reason, please, lol. Beginning early in my life, I have been fascinated by the thoughts, activities and stories of those who have passed before me. This includes ancient history through to modern history. I think because I am introspective about myself, looking back on past actions is easier for me than looking forward.

Anyway, one thing that does bother me is the abuse of history by authors of popular novels. This goes for everything from describing clothing incorrectly to having the wrong King on the throne in the timeline of the novel. I’m just a jerk that way I guess. I try not to let it bother me for the most part, but some things really really irritate me, mostly because I think these peccadilloes just show the author was lazy in his or her research. Especially in these days of Google and Wikipedia, there is no excuse for incorrect dates, fashion information, political events and social activities.

For instance, I used to read this one author who always described her heroines as “progressive” and said they didn’t wear a corset. While I allow this helps along the love scenes, not wearing a corset deemed a woman as a “loose” woman in the 19th century. As progressive as a woman was, it’s fairly unlikely that in the scenarios put forth of shop girls to high born ladies, they wouldn’t sacrifice their reputation for the sake of comfort. This one bothered me so much it inspired a “top ten” list of corset myths over at Who Were They?, one of my sister sites.

Now, I am the queen of suspending my disbelief. I can accept all the crazy stuff that happens in the vampire world, werwolves, fantasy worlds, Game of Thrones, witch craft, all of it, so I’m not saying poetic license or creative timelines are inappropriate. But, I refer you back to the existence of Google and Wikipedia for simple historical research.

Currently I am reading a book that is modern but set in a Renaissance fair. It’s quite fun, particularly since I spent enough weekends of my own working at the Ren Fair back in the day. I can totally relate to so much of what is happening, I really am enjoying the book.

But.

And there’s that “but.”

The author insists on referring to the time period as Medieval and Renaissance interchangeably.

There is a difference! The confusion may stem from the fact that the Renaissance began at different times throughout Europe, so some countries were in the Middle Ages while others had moved on to the Renaissance. England entered the Renaissance period later than most other European countries, and so Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) is a popular figure at Ren Fair, right along side Christopher Columbus (1451-1506). But while we all sort of know that Christopher Columbus and his contemporary Leonardo DaVinci are pivotal characters of the Renaissance, it is easy to forget that while they were discovering new worlds and painting masterpieces, other parts of the world were still mucking about in the Middle Ages and William Shakespeare (1564-1616) hadn’t even been born!

Granted, a Renaissance Fair celebrates the entire period (generally 1347-1605 or thereabouts), and seriously a Ren Fair is almost as far from historical accuracy as one can get, but it is not Medieval Times and that is what bugs me.

So there you go.

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Shut down the government, great idea!

Posted in Misc by

I don’t have a lot of information to spout, no statistics, no political side-taking. My reaction to this is more visceral. I am disgusted. It seems the two party system has lost its ability to function without collateral damages to the public. You remember us….?

We are the ones you are hurting.

Hey, Mr. Congressman, are you getting paid while the government is shut down? If the answer is yes, then shame on you. We are hardly out of a very difficult economic crisis, a recession that put thousands out of work, out of homes, and out of hope. All the while, YOU got paid. You dithered about this agenda or that agenda, never considering that the people ultimately affected by your inability to turn away lobbyists, special interests, and your party-line agendas are the middle and lower classes. We are the ones paying the taxes. We are the ones paying your salary.

Let’s hope no natural disaster occurs while you children finish your tantrums and decide to play nice in the sandbox, because FEMA is shut down. Hurricane or super storm, come on down!

Let’s hope no serious chemical leaks and/or explosions occur (remember West, Texas?), because the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board is shut down.

Let’s hope no dangerous products are imported or marketed (like Chinese dog-killing food and lead filled baby toys), because the Consumer Product Safety Commission is closed.

Your precious Department of Homeland Security is hobbled. Hopefully there won’t be any large public events taking place that can be threatened by terrorists.

Major union strike takes place? Let it happen, because the Department of Labor will be at a minimal staff.

But hey, Mr. Congressman, you are getting paid, so how will this possibly affect you?

EPA, EEOC, FDIC, FCC, FTC, NTSB.…..and so many more, all put in place for the American people, yet unable to function because of you.

You continue to take your pay, get your government subsidized healthcare, and live insulated from what the rest of America might be experiencing, and then have the gall to claim you are doing “your very best” for the American people? You disgust me.

There was a time when a seat in Congress was a position of great respect and honor. You dishonor your title every second you hold yourself above the rest of America. When your family suffers because you are out of a job, your house is in foreclosure, and you don’t know where the next meal is coming from, you can call yourself a regular American. When budget cuts at your employer force you to take a pay cut just to stay employed, then you can join us. Until then, you are a politician, playing with peoples lives and livelihoods. You can surround yourself with yes-men who tell you what you want to hear, but only you will believe it. The people out here who have to hear your pompous meanderings about working for Americans are pretty well fed up.

Your job, your one and only job, is to serve the American people. I am so disappointed in you. Maybe if we get lucky, you will be out of work soon.