Many of the most important events of our lives are made even more memorable when we gather with those we love to share a meal, conversation and laughter. Whether the occasion is a special celebration or a simple family meal, a stylish table complements both the food and the company. If you love to entertain, Easy Table Settings for Every Occasion is filled with ideas that will inspire you to create special moments around your dining table. The text includes hints on how to make various décor items, and tips on entertaining with flair.
The aim of this book is to devise a method for approaching the problem of presence in Hellenistic and Roman poetry. The problem of presence, as defined here, is the problem of the availability or accessibility to the reader of the fictional worlds disclosed by poetry. From Callimachus’ Hymns to the Odes of Horace, poets of this era repeatedly challenge readers by beckoning them to explore fictive spaces which are at once familiar and otherworldly, realms of the imagination which are nevertheless firmly rooted in the lived reality of the poets and their contemporaries. We too, when we read these poems, may feel simultaneously a sense of being transported to a world apart and of being seized upon by the poem’s address in the here and now of reading. The fiction of occasion is proposed as a new conceptual tool for understanding how these poems produce such problematic presences and what varieties of experience they make possible for their readers. The fiction of occasion is defined as a phenomenon whereby a poem is fictionally framed as part of a material event or ‘occasion’ with which the reader is invited to engage through the medium of the senses. The book explores this concept through close readings of key authors from the corpus of first-person poetry written in Greek and Latin between the 3rd century BCE and the 1st century CE, with a focus on Callimachus, Bion, Catullus, Propertius, and Horace. The ultimate purpose of these readings is to move towards developing a new vocabulary for conceptualising ancient poetry as an embodied experience.
In "Mastering the Art of Toasting,readers will unlock the secrets to delivering unforgettable speeches that captivate any audience. From weddings to retirement parties, this comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions on crafting the perfect toast for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned public speaker or a nervous novice, this book offers valuable tips and techniques to help you confidently share your thoughts and emotions in a meaningful way. With expert advice on structuring your speech, choosing the right anecdotes, and incorporating humor, "Mastering the Art of Toastingwill show you how to create a touching and memorable tribute to honor your loved ones. The power of words is undeniable, and this book equips you with the tools needed to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Say goodbye to generic and uninspired toasts and learn how to make a lasting impression with your words. Not only does this book provide practical advice on writing and delivering speeches, but it also delves into the history and significance of toasting in various cultures. By understanding the origins of this time-honored tradition, you will be able to infuse your toast with authenticity and sincerity. "Mastering the Art of Toastingis more than just a how-to guide; it's a celebration of the art of public speaking and the impact words can have on those around us. Whether you're looking to toast a newlywed couple, honor a colleague at a retirement dinner, or simply express gratitude to a friend, this book has everything you need to create a heartfelt and memorable speech. With practical exercises and inspirational examples, "Mastering the Art of Toastingwill help you become a confident and engaging speaker in any setting.
The majority of the successful SOE operations in Europe took place in countries occupied by the Germans after the outbreak of war in 1939, Hitler’s forces being regarded as foreign invaders. In Czechoslovakia it was different. The country, which had large numbers of ethnic Germans living within its borders, had been occupied since 1938, allowing the Germans to establish a strong hold on the country which limited the opportunities for subversive action by resistance movements. Nevertheless, resist the Czechs did, despite the Germans conducting savage and indiscriminate reprisals. It was against this background that SOE attempted to infiltrate its agents into Czechoslovakia in 1941, their role being to help in co-ordinating and expanding the resistance movement and to establish communications with the Czech authorities in the UK. Successful actions were admittedly few before 1942 when one of the most successful SOE-backed operations resulted in the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, the highest-ranking Nazi to be killed by any resistance group. The huge wave of reprisals against the civilian population which followed severely hampered SOE activities in the immediate aftermath. Another factor which limited SOE’s ability to infiltrate Czechoslovakia and to supply the resistance was the distance and difficulty experienced by the RAF in flying to the region. During the short nights of summer, no flights could be attempted. This changed in September 1943 when sorties were able to be conducted from Italy, and by 1944 the scale of operations increased both in frequency and scale. More than 300 Czechs were trained by SOE and, in conjunction with local resistance groups, those that managed to infiltrate back into their homeland, kept the occupying forces constantly on the alert, ensuring that Germany’s eastern flank was never entirely secure. This is the first full, official account of SOE in Czechoslovakia, compiled by SOE headquarters staff who had direct access to all the organisation’s records, many of which were destroyed after the war.
