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    62 Results with the "Society" genre


    • CHAPTER 33 – The Introducer Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 33 of "Worldly Ways and Byways" humorously critiques the social ritual of unnecessary introductions, highlighting how this well-intentioned but often misguided practice can lead to discomfort and awkwardness. The narrator delves into the peculiar behavior of the "Introducer," a character type overly enthusiastic about connecting people, regardless of their interest or willingness to meet new acquaintances. This individual is driven by a naïve belief in his mission to foster connections between…
    • Chapter 5: The Mysterious Case of the Harvard Women’s Rugby Team “The feeling was that student athletes bring something special to a community.” Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 5 examines the strategic decision by Harvard University to establish a women’s varsity rugby team in 2013, a move that brings attention to the intersection of athletics, admissions, and social engineering. The chapter opens with an analysis of a rainy-day rugby match between Harvard and Princeton, where Harvard fielded a seasoned team, demonstrating its depth and experience. In contrast, Princeton's team was still developing, made up largely of athletes recruited from other sports. Despite the…
    • CHAPTER 2 – The Moth and the Star Cover
      by LovelyMay "The Moth and the Star," Chapter 2 from "Worldly Ways and Byways," explores an intriguing paradox within American society—the widespread fascination among the general populace with the lives of the wealthy and fashionable, despite seemingly no direct connection or similar life experiences. The chapter delves into the puzzling interest ordinary Americans have in the elite's social activities, contrasting it starkly with expectations based on societal norms observed in countries with hereditary nobilities,…
    • by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 8 of the 2008 presidential election was more than just a political contest—it was a moment of cultural reckoning that reflected deep divisions within American society. Sarah Palin, selected as John McCain’s running mate, emerged as a polarizing figure, igniting both passionate support and fierce opposition. Conservatives saw her as a fresh, authentic voice—an embodiment of small-town values, self-reliance, and an antidote to what they viewed as an elitist, out-of-touch Washington…
    • CHAPTER 17 – Royalty At Play Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 17 of "Worldly Ways and Byways" details the intriguing spectacle of European royalty indulging in their leisure time away from the burdens of court life. The author observes with a mix of amusement and insight as monarchs, empresses, and heirs apparent escape their formal duties to embrace the casual, luxurious lifestyle found between Cannes and Mentone. These royal figures, supposedly in pursuit of anonymity and relaxation, converge upon the Riviera, drawn by its sun-soaked shores and societal…
    • by testsuphomeAdmin The creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau marked a significant milestone in protecting everyday Americans from deceptive financial practices. Chapter 22 of financial reform underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in combating predatory lending, hidden fees, and misleading contracts. The agency was a direct response to the unchecked corporate behavior that had contributed to the 2008 financial crisis. By establishing a regulatory body focused solely on consumer interests, the…
    • CHAPTER 34 – A Question and an Answer Cover
      by LovelyMay In "A Question and an Answer," the author responds to an intriguing query from an admirer about the necessities for social success. The admirer's note stands out among the author's usual stack of morning correspondence, sparking his determination to address this complex question. He acknowledges the perplexing nature of social ascendancy—how certain individuals with seemingly lesser qualities triumph in society's eyes, while others, ostensibly more deserving, lag behind. The author delves into…
    • Chapter 6: Mr. Index and the Marriott Outbreak “We assume it was introduced by one person.” Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 6 explores a defining moment in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on Biogen's leadership retreat held at the Marriott Long Wharf hotel in Boston on February 26, 2020. The event, attended by 175 Biogen employees from various parts of the world, began with breakfast meetings, awards ceremonies, and plenty of networking, bringing together colleagues who hadn’t met in person for a long time. Little did they know that they were unknowingly in the midst of a rapidly developing public…
    • CHAPTER 3 – Contrasted Travelling Cover
      by LovelyMay In "Worldly Ways and Byways," Chapter 3, titled "Contrasted Travelling," contrasts the rich, immersive travel experiences of the past with the more superficial approach of contemporary trips. Fifty years ago, a journey to Europe was a rare and significant event. Travelers prepared extensively, soliciting advice, reading extensively, and even making wills before departure. Upon reaching their destination, they penned detailed letters home and kept journals, recounting adventures that were shared and…
    • by testsuphomeAdmin Arriving in Washington for the first time as the incoming president, I was struck by a memory from decades earlier. Chapter 10 of my journey played in my mind as I recalled standing at the gates of the White House as a young man, participating in a protest against apartheid and marveling at the sheer authority the building embodied. It had felt so distant then—a symbol of power, responsibility, and decisions made far removed from the world I inhabited. Back then, I could only dream of such a position,…
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