63 Results with the "Society" genre


    • Chapter 3: Poplar Grove “The parents are outta their f—ing mind.” Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 3 delves into the complexities of life in Poplar Grove, an affluent community that initially appears to be an ideal place for families. The story is told through the perspective of Richard, a local real estate agent with deep knowledge of the town's culture. Known for its family-oriented values, Poplar Grove is a place where many come to raise children due to its safety, strong community spirit, and abundant recreational facilities, including parks, sports complexes, and well-regarded schools. The…
    • Chapter 3 — Contrasted Travelling Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 3 – Contrasted Travelling contrasts the meaningful and immersive travel experiences of the past with the superficial nature of modern travel. Fifty years ago, a trip abroad was a rare, significant event that required careful planning and preparation. Travelers would seek advice from experts, read extensively, and even make wills before embarking on their journey. Upon reaching their destinations, they would write long letters home, sharing the details of their adventures with friends and family,…
    • Chapter 29 — Husks Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 29 – Husks begins by spotlighting how resourcefulness emerges when people are pushed into corners of necessity. It revisits a historical account of French Protestant artisans, expelled from their homeland by Louis XIV and forced into England’s Spitalfields neighborhood. These weavers, living in poverty, noticed that the English butchers discarded the tails of slaughtered cattle—what others considered trash, they saw as an opportunity. By simmering them into a flavorful broth, they introduced…
    • Chapter 26 — The Climber Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 26 – The Climber opens with a satirical exploration of those driven less by purpose and more by prestige, shedding light on individuals who climb social ranks not out of necessity, but to gain validation from proximity to wealth or aristocracy. While ambition rooted in improvement or moral betterment is respected, the author distinguishes this from the hollow motives of social climbers obsessed with exclusivity. These characters are portrayed as fixated not on achievement, but on…
    • Chapter 24 — Changing Paris Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 24 – Changing Paris presents a city caught in a moment of transition, where its physical and social structures are being reshaped ahead of the 1900 Exhibition. Iconic landmarks like the Palais de l’Industrie, once a stage for elegant gatherings and major exhibitions, are being torn down. In its place, a grand avenue will stretch from the Champs Elysées to the Esplanade des Invalides, drawing a visual line to Napoleon’s tomb—a deliberate nod to legacy amid change. Yet this act of honoring…
    • CHAPTER 23: Election Aftermath and Political Challenges Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin November 2, 2010—I knew we were headed for a bad night. I watched the returns come in from the Treaty Room, my usual election-night perch, Valerie and Axe and Gibbs with me. It was not the bloodbath that some had predicted—thank you, consistency!—but as the evening wore on, it was clear that we were losing the House of Representatives. By the time I went to bed, Republicans had picked up at least sixty-three seats, more than enough for a majority. To say I was discouraged would be an…
    • Chapter 21 — “Like Master Like Man.” Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 21 – "Like Master Like Man." begins with a wry commentary on the frustrations voiced by many housewives about the perceived decline in servant quality. These complaints often overlook the complexities of domestic service and focus instead on minor inconveniences or personality flaws. The irony lies in how much is expected of servants with so little reciprocated in understanding or regard. Unlike in earlier times when household staff were viewed almost as extended family, the modern arrangement,…
      Culture • Relationship • Society
    • Chapter 20 — “The Treadmill” Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 20 – "The Treadmill" begins with the weary voice of a woman crushed beneath the weight of her daily obligations. Her letter outlines a life dictated by endless engagements—sporting events, committee meetings, fundraising luncheons, music lessons, and obligatory dinners—all leaving no space for reflection, rest, or even a moment with a book. Her schedule, far from being leisurely or fulfilling, reads more like the itinerary of a public figure than that of a private individual. This exhausting…
    • Chapter 2: The Trouble with Miami “He would smoke a blunt, and then between eight and, say, noon he would launder upwards of a million dollars.” Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 2 explores the rise and eventual downfall of Philip Esformes, who became central to one of the most significant Medicare fraud cases in U.S. history. His conviction on September 12, 2019, marked the conclusion of an extensive trial that revealed a network of bribery, illegal kickbacks, and a complex series of financial transactions involving 256 bank accounts. Initially, Esformes had built a reputation as a successful businessman, but his story eventually turned tragic, as the web of deceit he wove…
    • Chapter 2 — The Moth and the Star Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 2 – The Moth and the Star delves into an intriguing paradox within American culture—the fascination that ordinary people have with the lives of the wealthy, despite having no direct connections or shared experiences with them. This deep interest in the lifestyle of the rich and fashionable is explored in contrast to the norms of European societies, where the admiration for aristocracy is often rooted in centuries of tradition and hereditary privilege. In contrast, America’s lack of a…
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