Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Gone with the Wind

On June 30 1936 Gone with the Wind was published which caused a sensation in Atlanta and sold millions of copies in the United States and throughout the world. While the book drew some criticism for its romanticized view of the Old South and its slaveholding elite, its epic tale of war, passion and loss captivated readers. By the time Mitchell won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937, a movie project was already in the works. The film was produced by Hollywood giant David O. Selznick, who paid Mitchell a record-high $50,000 for the film rights to her book. Gone with the Wind became one of the highest-grossing and most acclaimed movies of all time, breaking box office records and winning nine Academy Awards out of 13 nominations.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Ancient Quotes

By desiring little, a poor man makes himself rich.

Do not trust all men, but trust men of worth; the former course is silly, the latter a mark of prudence.

Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.

Hope of ill gain is the beginning of loss.

If thou suffer injustice, console thyself; the true unhappiness is in doing it.

Democritus 460 BC ~ 370 BC

Monday, June 28, 2010

Ancient Quotes

Conceal a flaw, and the world will imagine the worst.
Marcus Valerius Martialis (40 - 103)

Sunday, June 27, 2010

History Trivia

On June 27 0363 the death of Roman Emperor Julian brought an end to the Pagan Revival. In 1693 "The Ladies' Mercury" was published by John Dunton in London. It was the first women's magazine and contained a "question and answer" column that became known as a "problem page." In 1743 King George II of England defeated the French at Dettingen, Bavaria, in the War of the Austrian Succession and in 1787 Edward Gibbon completed "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." It was published the following May.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

History Trivia

On June 26 1096 Peter the Hermit's crusaders forced their way across Sava, Hungary. In 1243 The Seljuk Turkish army in Asia Minor was wiped out by the Mongols. 1483 Richard III usurped himself to the English throne and in 1541Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish Conqueror of Peru, was murdered by his former followers.

Friday, June 25, 2010

History Trivia

On June 25 0841 Charles the Bald and Louis the German defeated Lothar at Fontenay. In 1080,at Brixen, a council of bishops declared Pope Gregory to be deposed and Archbishop Guibert as antipope Clement III and in 1580 the Book of Concord was first published. The book is a collection of doctrinal standards of the Lutheran Church.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

History Trivia

On June 24 1314 Scottish forces led by Robert the Bruce won over Edward II of England at the Battle of Bannockburn in Scotland. In 1340 The English fleet defeated the French fleet at Sluys, off the Flemish coast. In1497 Italian explorer John Cabot, sailing in the service of England, landed in North America on what is now Newfoundland and in 1509 Henry VIII was crowned King of England.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Ancient Quotes

Familiarity breeds contempt, while rarity wins admiration.
Apuleius (124 - 170)

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Ancient Quotes

It is better wither to be silent, or to say things of more value than silence.

Sooner throw a pearl at hazard than an idle or useless word; and do not say a little in many words, but a great deal in a few.

Pythagoras (582 BC - 507 BC)

Monday, June 21, 2010

Rune Cast

Your Rune For Today Wunjo
Wunjo denotes joy and shared bliss. It may also represent a job well done and the satisfaction one feels from completing such a task. Wunjo brings good fortune and harmony.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

History Trivia

On June 20 0451 Roman and Barbarian warriors brought Attila's army to a halt at the Catalaunian Plains in eastern France and in 1397 The Union of Kalmar united Denmark, Sweden, and Norway under one monarch.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Ancient Quotes

A man is his own easiest dupe, for what he wishes to be true he generally believes to be true.

The readiest and surest way to get rid of censure, is to correct ourselves.

To remind a man of the good turns you have done him is very much like a reproach.

What we have in us of the image of God is the love of truth and justice.

Demosthenes (384 BC - 322 BC)

Friday, June 18, 2010

Ancient Quotes

He who confers a favor should at once forget it, if he is not to show a sordid ungenerous spirit.

To remind a man of a kindness conferred and to talk of it, is little different from reproach.

Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master.

Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.

Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true.

Demosthenes (384 BC - 322 BC)

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Ancient Quotes

Justice is simply the advantage of the stronger.
"Just” or “right” means nothing but what is to the interest of the stronger.
Thrasymachus 5th century B.C., Greek philosopher.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

History Trivia

On June 16 0455 Rome was sacked by the Vandal army. In 1487 The War of the Roses ended with the Battle of Stoke and in 1567 Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned in Lochleven Castle in Scotland.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Magna Carta


June 15 1215 : Magna Carta sealed

Following a revolt by the English nobility against his rule, King John puts his royal seal on the Magna Carta, or "Great Charter." The document, essentially a peace treaty between John and his barons, guaranteed that the king would respect feudal rights and privileges, uphold the freedom of the church, and maintain the nation's laws. Although more a reactionary than a progressive document in its day, the Magna Carta was seen as a cornerstone in the development of democratic England by later generations.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Omaha Area Fans - time sensitive

Attention Omaha area fans: Your favorite author is featured in the June 14 edition of the Omaha Herald - Midlands section page 4 b :-) The article discusses my Soldiers Angels involvement and "The Briton and the Dane".

Ancient Quotes

Know thyself.
The past is certain, the future obscure.
A multitude of words is no proof of a prudent mind.
Thales (640 AD - 546 AD)

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Rune Cast

Rune For Today: Dagaz
Dagaz represents the fresh light of a new day. You are close to making a breakthrough. You have the will to change whatever you deem necessary. You may see the world with absolute clarity at this time.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Ancient Quotes

To add insult to injury.
The mind ought sometimes to be diverted that it may return the better to thinking.
The humble suffer when the mighty disagree.
There is danger in both belief and unbelief.
Men in however high a station ought to fear the humble.
Aggression unchallenged is aggression unleashed.
It is destruction to the weak man to attempt to imitate the powerful.
Phaedrus (15 BC - 50 AD)

Friday, June 11, 2010

History Trivia

On June 11 1346, Charles IV of Luxembourg was elected Holy Roman Emperor in Germany. In 1488 James III of Scotland was murdered after his defeat at the Battle of Sauchieburn, Stirling. He was succeeded by his son James IV and in 1509 King Henry VIII married his first of six wives, Catherine of Aragon.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Rune Cast

Rune For Today is Kenaz
Kenaz foretells the coming of clarity and knowledge. It is time for you to grow by exchanging knowledge with others. Opportunities are upon you.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

History Trivia

In 68 A.D. Roman Emperor Nero committed suicide. Also on June 9 1064 Coimbra, Portugal fell to Ferdinand, the King of Castile and in 1534 Jacques Cartier became the first to sail into the river he named Saint Lawrence.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

History Trivia

On June 8, 0452 Italy was invaded by Attila the Hun. In 0632 the prophet Mohammed died and in 0793 the Vikings raided the Northumbrian coast of England.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Ancient Quotes

Those who know how to win are much more numerous than those who know how to make proper use of their victories.

There is no witness so dreadful, no accuser so terrible as the conscience that dwells in the heart of every man.

Polybius (205 BC - 118 BC)

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Words of Wisdom from Alfred the Great

"You know of course that no one can make known any skill, nor direct and guide any authority, without tools and resources; a man cannot work on any enterprise without resources. In the case of the king, the resources and tools with which to rule are that he have his land fully manned: he must have praying men, fighting men and working men. You also know that without these tools no king may make his ability known. "

Alfred the Great

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Alfred the Great

"Desire for and possession of earthly power never pleased me overmuch, and I did not unduly desire this earthly rule, but that nevertheless I wished for tools and resources for the task that I was commanded to accomplish, which was that I should virtuously and worthily guide and direct the authority which was entrusted to me."
Alfred the Great

Friday, June 4, 2010

Ancient Quotes

Not even the gods fight against necessity.
Simonides (556 BC - 468 BC), from Plato, Dialogues, Protagoras

Man is the measure of all things.
There are two sides to every question.
Protagoras (485 BC - 421 BC)

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Webpage alert

Check out the latest update which includes information about the upcoming sequel, "The Briton and the Dane: Birthright." Thanks to my extremely talented and creative illustrator, Steven Novak, for designing the cover I envisioned. KUDOS Steven for another great masterpiece.

http://www.maryannbernal.com

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Rune Cast

Your Rune For Today Wunjo
Wunjo denotes joy and shared bliss. It may also represent a job well done and the satisfaction one feels from completing such a task. Wunjo brings good fortune and harmony.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

History Trivia

On June 1, 0193, the Roman Emperor, Marcus Didius, was murdered in his palace and in
1533 Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s new queen, was crowned.