Ryon

A: Principles of American Democracy B: System of Government C: Rights and Responsibilities AMERICAN HISTORYA: Colonial Period and Independence B: 1800s C: Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information INTEGRATED CIVICSA: Geography B: Symbols C: Holidays

Leo Tolstoy’s “How Much Land Does a Man Need?” is a cautionary tale delving into the destructive consequences of human greed. The narrative revolves around Pahom, a peasant enticed by a deal offered by the Bashkirs, allowing him to purchase as much land as he can encompass in a single day for a fixed price. As the story unfolds, Pahom’s relentless pursuit of land reveals the corrosive nature of greed. He becomes consumed by the desire for more, pushing himself … Read more

“The White Heron” by Sarah Orne Jewett is a short story set in rural New England. The narrative revolves around Sylvia, a young girl who stumbles upon a rare white heron in the woods. This discovery sets the stage for a moral dilemma when a hunter offers her money in exchange for information about the bird’s whereabouts. As the story unfolds, Jewett delves into themes of nature and morality. Sylvia finds herself torn between preserving the beauty of the natural … Read more

“The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant is a short story that delves into the life of Madame Mathilde Loisel, a woman yearning for a life of luxury but confined to a lower-middle-class reality. Dreaming of social acceptance, she borrows a stunning necklace to wear to a high-society event. However, tragedy strikes when she loses the necklace. Instead of confessing the truth, Madame Loisel and her husband embark on a desperate journey to replace the lost jewelry, leading them down a … Read more

“How I Killed a Bear” by Charles Dudley Warner is a humorous and satirical essay. In this entertaining piece, Warner recounts an exaggerated and comical hunting adventure involving a bear. The narrative skillfully blends elements of fiction and absurdity, creating a whimsical atmosphere that engages readers. Throughout the essay, Warner employs humor to highlight the foibles of human nature, particularly the tendency to embellish stories and boast about one’s accomplishments. The author’s witty storytelling and playful tone make the narrative … Read more

In “The Peterkins Decide to Learn the Languages” by Lucretia P. Hale, the Peterkin family, known for their humorous and unconventional approach to problem-solving, decides to learn various languages. Each family member chooses a different language, leading to comical misunderstandings and miscommunications. The story highlights the Peterkins’ amusing attempts to grasp the complexities of language learning, resulting in entertaining and lighthearted situations.

“The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky” by Stephen Crane is a short story set in the Old West. It follows a newlywed couple, Jack Potter and his wife, as they return to Yellow Sky. The town sheriff, Scratchy Wilson, hears about Jack’s marriage and becomes agitated. However, when they meet, Scratchy is unsure how to react, leading to a surprising and somewhat humorous resolution. The story explores themes of change, tradition, and the unpredictability of human behavior.

“The Literary Nightmare” is a short, satirical essay by Mark Twain in which he recounts a whimsical dream he had. In this dream, Twain finds himself in a topsy-turvy literary world where he encounters a series of absurd and comical situations.  In his dream, Twain interacts with eccentric characters, including authors who have lost their own identities and can’t remember what they have written. The dream also features books coming to life, and characters from literature stepping out of their … Read more

“This Is Going to Suck” by Matthew Dicks is a memoir that chronicles the author’s experience dealing with a severe illness and the challenges that came with it. It explores how Dicks faced life-threatening health issues, including a heart condition and a rare bone infection. Throughout the book, he shares the emotional and physical struggles he encountered, as well as the impact on his family and his perspective on life. Dicks uses humor and candid storytelling to provide a compelling … Read more

chapter 10 provides an overview of the various trust structures available for estate planning. The chapter explores the diverse range of trust options, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, living trusts, testamentary trusts, and special needs trusts. Sharp delves into the benefits and limitations of each type, offering insights on how individuals can use trusts to protect their assets, manage their wealth, and achieve specific financial and estate planning goals. The book serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to … Read more

“The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” is a humorous short story by Mark Twain. It revolves around a man named Smiley, who is known for his knack for training animals. Smiley discovers a remarkable frog named Dan’l Webster, which he trains to jump impressively high. He uses Dan’l Webster to win bets in frog-jumping contests, earning a reputation for himself as a master frog trainer. The story takes a turn when a man named Wheeler comes to town and … Read more

“Crimes Against the Person” is a legal category that encompasses various offenses involving harm, threats, or violence directed at individuals. These crimes typically involve actions that cause physical or psychological harm to another person. Specific crimes against the person can include assault, battery, homicide, sexual assault, and other violent or threatening acts.

Matthew Dicks, a storyteller and author, advocates for the “Principle of But and Therefore” as a storytelling technique. This principle encourages storytellers to structure their narratives in a way that maintains engagement and progression. Here’s a brief summary: The “Principle of But and Therefore” suggests that in storytelling, each plot development should be connected using “but” or “therefore” rather than “and then.” Instead of events occurring in a linear and disconnected fashion, they should be linked causally. When something happens, … Read more

“Cinema of the Mind,” also known as “Where the Hell Are You” by Matthew Dicks, is a short story that explores the concept of imagination and perception. In the story, the protagonist is sitting in a park and observes people passing by. As he observes them, he creates elaborate and imaginative backstories for each person he sees, inventing intricate lives, relationships, and situations for them. The story delves into the power of imagination and how our minds can construct intricate … Read more

“A Jersey Centenarian” by Bret Harte is a short story centered around the character of Jeremiah Ingraham, a man who has reached the remarkable age of one hundred years. The story is a character-driven narrative, offering insight into the wisdom and experiences of this elderly figure. Jeremiah Ingraham, who hails from New Jersey, is a living link to the past, and his life story is one of great interest. Ingraham is known for his storytelling abilities, and throughout the narrative, … Read more

“The Luck of Roaring Camp” is a short story set in a rugged mining camp, known as Roaring Camp, in the California goldfields. The camp is populated by rough and lawless miners who live hard and unforgiving lives. Their existence is marked by violence, gambling, and an absence of women and children. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Cherokee Sal, a woman from a nearby settlement, gives birth to a baby boy in the camp. This unexpected event disrupts … Read more

“You Do Not Need a Trust If” is a chapter that offers insights and guidance on estate planning and financial matters.  The chapter challenges the conventional wisdom that trusts are always essential in estate planning. Ronald Farrington Sharp suggests that there are alternative methods for managing assets and planning for the future that may be more suitable for some individuals.  By providing advice and strategies, the book aims to help readers make informed decisions about their estate planning, taking into … Read more

“Cinema of the Mind” by Matthew Dicks is a guidebook on the art of storytelling. It provides insights and techniques for crafting engaging and memorable stories. Dicks emphasizes the power of imagination and encourages readers to develop their storytelling skills. The book offers practical advice and exercises to help individuals become better storytellers, whether it’s for writing, public speaking, or any other form of communication. With a focus on captivating an audience through the use of narrative, “Cinema of the … Read more

“The Pope’s Mule” by Alphonse Daudet is a short story set in a small French village. It revolves around the local priest and his stubborn mule, who is surprisingly favored by the Pope. The mule’s unexpected papal blessing causes tension and rivalry among the villagers. It highlights human nature’s tendency to become envious and competitive over even the most unexpected blessings. Daudet’s story offers a satirical and humorous commentary on human behavior and the often irrational pursuit of status and … Read more

“The Cold Embrace” is a short story written by Mary Elizabeth Braddon. It tells the haunting tale of a man named Mark whose deceased fiancée, Lucy, seems to return from the grave to visit him at night. The story explores themes of love, guilt, and the supernatural. Mark grapples with the eerie and mysterious appearance of Lucy’s ghostly figure. The tale delves into the psychological and emotional effects of loss and the blurring of the boundaries between the living and … Read more

Chapter eight provides guidance to individuals who want to set up and manage a trust. In this book, Sharp offers detailed instructions on how to establish a trust, manage its assets, and ensure that the trust serves its intended purpose. As the grantor, you are the person creating the trust. Sharp’s instructions help you understand how to structure the trust, select the right beneficiaries, and specify the terms and conditions under which the trust assets will be distributed. He emphasizes … Read more

Matthew Dicks has outlined what he calls “The Five Permissible Lies” in storytelling. These are principles that allow storytellers to enhance their narratives without straying too far from the truth: 1. The Lie of Time Compression: This allows storytellers to condense time for the sake of brevity and pacing. It means omitting non-essential details or events to keep the story moving. 2. The Lie of Dialogue: Storytellers often recreate conversations from memory, but they may not recall exact words. The … Read more

“The Lightning-Rod Man” is a short story by Herman Melville. The story centers around a mysterious and persuasive salesman who peddles lightning rods to homeowners. He arrives at the home of an initially skeptical narrator and employs a mixture of charm, fear, and flattery to convince the homeowner of the dire necessity of his lightning rods. Throughout the story, the lightning-rod man plays on the homeowner’s fears and anxieties, capitalizing on the unpredictability of nature’s wrath. He ultimately succeeds in … Read more

“The Fiddler” is a short story by Herman Melville that delves into the world of sailors and their superstitions. At its core, it revolves around the ship’s fiddler, a talented musician who provides entertainment and solace to the crew during their long sea journeys. His fiddle playing is exceptional, and his music becomes a source of comfort and camaraderie among the sailors on board. However, as the story unfolds, the fiddler becomes embroiled in a tense and superstitious atmosphere. A … Read more

“Making Your Trust Work” by Ronald Farrington Sharp offers several insights and strategies for effectively creating and managing trusts: 1. Choosing the Right Type of Trust: Sharp provides guidance on selecting the most suitable type of trust based on your specific goals and circumstances, such as revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, or special needs trusts. 2. Understanding Trust Roles: The book explains the roles and responsibilities of trustees, beneficiaries, and grantors, ensuring clarity on each party’s obligations and rights. 3. Effective … Read more

Chapter seven is a comprehensive guide that offers insights and strategies for effectively managing and maximizing the benefits of a trust. Sharp explores various aspects of trust administration, including selecting trustees, defining trust objectives, and ensuring the trust serves its intended purpose. The book emphasizes the importance of clear communication and transparency among all parties involved in the trust, which can help prevent conflicts and misunderstandings. It provides practical advice on how to structure trusts, make informed decisions about assets, … Read more

1. Conflict and Tension: The heart of a captivating story often lies in the presence of conflict or tension. Introduce a central problem, obstacle, or challenge that your characters must grapple with throughout the narrative. The sustained presence of conflict keeps the audience hooked, eager to witness how it will be resolved. 2. Character Development: Crafting multidimensional and relatable characters is pivotal. Your characters should possess depth, flaws, and motivations that breathe life into them. When the audience forms a … Read more

“The District Doctor” by Ivan S. Turgenev is a short story written in the 1852. It revolves around the life of Ivan Dmitrievich Aksyonov, a district doctor in a rural Russian village. Aksyonov is portrayed as a dedicated and conscientious physician who takes his responsibilities to his patients seriously. He grapples with the challenges of practicing medicine in a rural setting, where poverty and superstition often hinder his efforts to provide proper care. The story takes a poignant turn when … Read more

Chapter four explores the profound impact architects have on society beyond the physical structures they design. Dr. Willkens delves into the broader social, cultural, and environmental implications of architectural decisions. In the chapter, Dr. Willkens discusses how architects play a pivotal role in shaping the character of communities and influencing the way people interact with their environments. She emphasizes that architecture extends beyond aesthetics and functionality, addressing the ways in which it can reflect and affect social values, inclusivity, and … Read more

Chapter 4 covers the essential principles and concepts related to transistors. It explains how transistors work, their different types (e.g., bipolar junction transistors, field-effect transistors), and their applications in amplification and switching circuits. The authors delve into transistor characteristics, such as voltage gain and current gain, and discuss transistor biasing and amplification configurations. Moreover, the book addresses the concept of integrated circuits (ICs). It elucidates the integration of multiple transistors and other components onto a single semiconductor substrate to create … Read more

“Introduction to Criminal Law” This chapter covers the essential elements of criminal law, including the definition of a crime, the role of criminal intent, and the classification of various offenses. It introduces readers to the fundamental concepts of mens rea (guilty mind) and actus reus (guilty act), which are central to understanding criminal liability. Furthermore, “Introduction to Criminal Law” explores the elements of different types of crimes, ranging from property crimes to violent offenses. It helps readers grasp the distinctions … Read more

chapter six delves into the multifaceted world of trusteeship, offering a comprehensive exploration of the roles and responsibilities of trustees in managing trusts, estates, and various fiduciary duties. Drawing from his extensive expertise in the field, Sharp provides invaluable insights into the complex world of trust management. The book meticulously outlines the duties and ethical considerations that trustees must grapple with, shedding light on the intricacies involved in safeguarding and growing the assets under their care. Readers can expect practical … Read more

“Finding Your Beginning” by Matthew Dicks is a valuable resource for aspiring writers. In this book, Dicks shares practical advice and strategies to help writers overcome common obstacles like writer’s block. Drawing from his own experience as a successful author and storyteller, Dicks provides insights into the creative process. He emphasizes the significance of curiosity and keen observation as tools for generating compelling story ideas. Dicks encourages readers to take risks in their storytelling, pushing them to step out of … Read more

“The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe is a dark and chilling short story that unfolds a tale of revenge. The narrator, Montresor, harbors a deep grudge against Fortunato, a fellow nobleman who has insulted him. Montresor craftily lures Fortunato into the catacombs of his family’s wine cellar, enticing him with the promise of tasting a rare and exquisite wine known as Amontillado. As they venture deeper into the dark and damp labyrinthine tunnels, Montresor, with a sinister agenda, … Read more

“The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe is a gripping short story centered around an unnamed narrator who fixates on an old man’s pale blue eye, insisting on their sanity even as they plan and commit the murder of the old man. Following the gruesome act, the narrator is haunted by overwhelming guilt and plagued by vivid hallucinations, believing they can hear the old man’s heart still beating beneath the floorboards where they buried him. The relentless thumping drives them … Read more