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Harry Potter (Movie)

2011-07-18T03:26:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by the British author J. K. Rowling. The books chronicle the adventures of the adolescent wizard Harry Potter and his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The main story arc concerns Harry's quest to overcome the evil dark wizard Lord Voldemort, whose aim is to conquer the wizarding world and subjugate non-magical people, and who seeks to destroy all those who stand in his way, especially Harry himself.

Since the 30 June 1997 release of the first novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (re-titled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the United States), the books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide.[1] The series has also had some share of criticism, including concern for the increasingly dark tone. As of June 2011, the book series has sold about 450 million copies and has been translated into 67 languages,[2][3] and the last four books consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history.

A series of many genres, including fantasy and coming of age (with elements of mystery, thriller, and romance), it has many cultural meanings and references.[4][5][6][7] According to Rowling, the main theme is death,[8] although it is primarily considered to be a work of children's literature. There are also many other themes in the series, such as love and prejudice.[9]

English-language versions of the books are published by Bloomsbury in the United Kingdom, Scholastic Press in the United States, Allen & Unwin in Australia, and Raincoast Books in Canada. By 2010, the first six books had been made into films by Warner Bros. Pictures; it is the highest grossing film series of all time. The seventh book was split into two films: Part 1 was released on 19 November 2010 and the series finale on 15 July 2011.[10] The series also originated much tie-in merchandise, making the Harry Potter brand worth in excess of $15 billion.

Plot

The novels revolve around Harry Potter, an orphan who discovers at the age of eleven that he is a wizard, living within the ordinary world of non-magical, or Muggle, people.^[12] His ability is inborn and such children are invited to attend a school that teaches the necessary skills to succeed in the wizarding world.^[13] Harry becomes a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and it is in here where most of the novels' events take place. As Harry develops through his adolescence, he learns to overcome the problems that face him: magical, social and emotional, including ordinary teenage challenges such as friendships and exams, and the greater challenge of preparing himself for the confrontation that lies ahead.^[14]
Each book chronicles one year in Harry's life^[15] with the main narrative being set in the years 1991–98.^[16]^[17] The books also contain many flashbacks, with a significant number being from the year 1976 when Harry's parents were in their fifth year at Hogwarts. Other memories date from various determinable and undeterminable periods after 1945, although little reference is made to historic features or events of any period. The only specific dates given in the series are in the second and seventh book. In the second, Chamber of Secrets, a 500th anniversary of a date of death is stated to be measured from 1492 (making the year of the 500th anniversary 1992). In the final book, on the grave of Harry's parents, James and Lily Potter, their year of death is given as taking place in 1981.

Wizarding world

When the story of Harry Potter opens, it is clear that some remarkable event has taken place in the wizarding world, an event so very remarkable that even the Muggles notice signs of it. The full background to the stories and to the person of Harry Potter is only revealed gradually, through the series. In the first book Harry discovers that as a baby he witnessed his parents' murder by the power-obsessed dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, who then attempted to kill him also.^[18] For reasons not immediately revealed, the spell with which Voldemort tried to kill Harry rebounded. Harry survives with only a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead as a memento of the attack, and Voldemort disappears. As its inadvertent saviour from Voldemort's reign of terror, Harry becomes a living legend in the wizard world. However, at the orders of his patron, the venerable and well-known wizard Albus Dumbledore, the orphaned Harry is placed in the home of his unpleasant Muggle (non-wizard) relatives (The Dursleys), who keep him safe but hide his true heritage from him in hopes that he will grow up "normally".^[18]
The first novel in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (changed in the U.S. to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone), begins near Harry's eleventh birthday. Half-giant Rubeus Hagrid reveals Harry's history and introduces him to the wizarding world.^[18] The environment J. K. Rowling created is completely separate from reality yet intimately connected to it. While the fantasy land of Narnia is an alternative universe and the Lord of the Rings’ Middle-earth a mythic past, the wizarding world of Harry Potter contains magical elements similar to things in everyday life. Many of its institutions and locations are recognizable, such as London.^[19] It comprises a fragmented collection of hidden streets, overlooked and ancient pubs, lonely country manors and secluded castles that remain invisible to the Muggle population.^[13]
With Hagrid's help, Harry prepares for and undertakes his first year of study at Hogwarts. As Harry begins to explore the magical world, the reader is introduced to many of the primary locations used throughout the series. Harry meets most of the main characters and gains his two closest friends: Ron Weasley, a fun-loving member of an ancient, large, happy, but hard-up wizarding family, and Hermione Granger, a gifted and hard working witch of non-magical parentage.^[18]^[20] Harry also encounters the school's potions master, Severus Snape, who displays a deep and abiding dislike for him. The plot concludes with Harry's second confrontation with Lord Voldemort, who in his quest for immortality, yearns to gain the power of the Philosopher's Stone.^[18]
The series continues with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets describing Harry's second year at Hogwarts. He and his friends investigate a 50-year-old mystery that appears tied to recent sinister events at the school. Ron's younger sister, Ginny Weasley, enrols in her first year at Hogwarts, and finds a notebook which turns out to be Voldemort's school-time diary. Ginny becomes possessed by Voldemort through the diary and opens the "Chamber of Secrets", unleashing an ancient monster within, which begins attacking students at Hogwarts. The novel delves into the history of Hogwarts and a legend revolving around the Chamber. Also, for the first time, Harry realises that racial prejudice exists in the wizarding world, and he learns that Voldemort's reign of terror was often directed at wizards who were descended from Muggles. Harry is also shocked to learn that he can speak Parseltongue, the language of snakes; this rare ability is often equated with the dark arts. The novel ends after Harry saves the life of Ginny Weasley, by destroying a Basilisk and the diary, in which Voldemort saved a piece of his soul (although Harry does not realise this until later in the series). The concept of storing part of one's soul inside of an object in order to prevent death is officially introduced in the sixth novel under the term "horcrux".
The third novel, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, follows Harry in his third year of magical education. It is the only book in the series which does not feature Voldemort. Instead, Harry must deal with the knowledge that he has been targeted by Sirius Black, an escaped murderer believed to have assisted in the deaths of Harry's parents. As Harry struggles with his reaction to the dementors—dark creatures with the power to devour a human soul—which are ostensibly protecting the school, he reaches out to Remus Lupin, a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher with a dark secret. Lupin teaches Harry defensive measures which are well above the level of magic generally shown by people his age. Harry learns that both Lupin and Black were close friends of his father and that Black was framed by their fourth friend, Peter Pettigrew.^[21] In this book, another recurring theme throughout the series is emphasised—in every book there is a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, none of whom lasts more than one school year. In the sixth book, it is implied that the job has actually been jinxed.

Voldemort returns

"The Elephant House" – A Café in Edinburgh in which Rowling wrote the first part of Harry Potter.

During Harry's fourth year of school (detailed in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) Harry is unwillingly entered as a participant in the Triwizard Tournament, a dangerous contest with witches and wizards of visiting schools.^[22] Harry attempts to discover who entered him in the tournament and, more importantly, why.^[23] Harry is guided through the tournament by Professor Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, who turns out to be an impostor — one of Voldemort's supporters in disguise. The whole event turns out to be a plan to bring Voldemort back to power. The point at which the mystery is unraveled marks the series' shift from foreboding and uncertainty into open conflict. The novel ends with the death of Cedric Diggory, one of Harry's opponents in the tournament, and Voldemort's resurgence.
In the fifth book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry must confront the newly resurfaced Voldemort. In response to Voldemort's reappearance, Dumbledore re-activates the Order of the Phoenix, a secret society which works from Sirius Black's dark family home to defeat Voldemort's minions and protect Voldemort's targets, especially Harry. The Order includes many of the adults Harry trusts, including Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and members of the Weasley family, but also some surprising members; the loyalties of some characters are not so obvious, such as Mundungus Fletcher. Despite Harry's description of Voldemort's recent activities, the Ministry of Magic and many others in the magical world refuse to believe that Voldemort has returned.^[24]
In an attempt to counter and eventually discredit Dumbledore, who along with Harry is the most prominent voice in the Wizarding World attempting to warn of the Dark Lord's return, the Ministry appoints Dolores Umbridge as the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts. She transforms the school into a dictatorial regime and refuses to allow the students to learn ways to defend themselves against dark magic.^[24] Harry forms "Dumbledore's Army", a secret study group to teach his classmates the higher-level skills of Defence Against the Dark Arts that he has learned. The novel introduces Harry to Luna Lovegood, an airy young witch with a tendency to believe in oddball conspiracy theories. An important prophecy concerning Harry and Voldemort is revealed,^[25] and Harry discovers that he and Voldemort have a painful connection, allowing Harry to view some of Voldemort's actions telepathically. In the novel's climax, Harry and his school friends face off against Voldemort's Death Eaters, who include the rich and arrogant Malfoy family. The timely arrival of members of the Order of the Phoenix saves the children's lives and allows many of the Death Eaters to be captured and imprisoned.^[24]
In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the protagonists, who are in their sixth year, have passed their Ordinary Wizarding Level (OWL) exams and start on their specialist Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test (NEWT) courses. Voldemort is leading another wizarding war, which has become so violent that even Muggles have noticed some of its effects. Although Harry and friends are relatively protected from that danger at Hogwarts, they are subject to all the difficulties of adolescence. At the beginning of the novel, Harry stumbles upon an old potions textbook filled with annotations and recommendations signed by a mysterious writer, the Half-Blood Prince. While the shortcuts written in the book help Harry to excel at potions, he eventually learns to mistrust the anonymous writer's spells. Harry also takes private tutoring with Albus Dumbledore, who shows him various memories concerning the early life of Voldemort. These reveal that Voldemort's soul is splintered into a series of horcruxes, evil enchanted items hidden in various locations.^[26] Harry's snobbish adversary, Draco Malfoy, attempts to attack Dumbledore, and the book culminates in the killing of Dumbledore by Professor Snape.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the last book in the series, begins directly after the events of the sixth book. Voldemort has completed his ascension to power and gains control of the Ministry of Magic. Harry, Ron, and Hermione drop out of school so that they can find and destroy Voldemort's remaining horcruxes. To ensure their own safety as well as that of their family and friends, they are forced to isolate themselves. As they search for the horcruxes, the trio learn details about Dumbledore's past, as well as Snape's true motives.
The book culminates in the Battle of Hogwarts. Harry, Ron, and Hermione, in conjunction with members of the Order of the Phoenix and many of the teachers and students, defend Hogwarts from Voldemort, his Death Eaters, and various magical creatures. Several major characters are killed in the first wave of the battle and Voldemort resumes his intention to kill Harry. In an effort to save the survivors, Harry surrenders himself but the battle resumes as the parents of many Hogwarts students, residents of the nearby village Hogsmeade and other magical creatures arrive to reinforce the Order of the Phoenix. After a while, Harry returns from the dead. With the last horcrux destroyed (Harry), Harry finally faces Voldemort. Harry offers the Dark Lord a chance at remorse, but Voldemort ignores this and attempts to kill Harry one final time; resulting in Voldemort's death, again, by a rebounding spell (the complications of which are described in depth near the end of the novel). An epilogue describes the lives of the surviving characters and the effects on the wizarding world.

Supplementary works

Structure and genre

The Harry Potter novels fall within the genre of fantasy literature; however, in many respects they are also bildungsromans, or coming of age novels,^[34] and contain elements of mystery, adventure, thriller, and romance. They can be considered part of the British children's boarding school genre, which includes Rudyard Kipling's Stalky & Co., Enid Blyton's Malory Towers, St. Clare's and the Naughtiest Girl series, and Frank Richards's Billy Bunter novels: the Harry Potter books are predominantly set in Hogwarts, a fictional British boarding school for wizards, where the curriculum includes the use of magic.^[35] In this sense they are "in a direct line of descent from Thomas Hughes's Tom Brown's School Days and other Victorian and Edwardian novels of British public school life".^[36]^[37] They are also, in the words of Stephen King, "shrewd mystery tales",^[38] and each book is constructed in the manner of a Sherlock Holmes-style mystery adventure. The stories are told from a third person limited point of view with very few exceptions (such as the opening chapters of Philosopher's Stone and Deathly Hallows and the first two chapters of Half-Blood Prince).
In the middle of each book, Harry struggles with the problems he encounters, and dealing with them often involves the need to violate some school rules—the penalties, in case of being caught out, being disciplinary punishments set out in the Hogwarts regulations (in which the Harry Potter books follow many precedents in the boarding school sub-genre).^[35] However, the stories reach their climax in the summer term, near or just after final exams, when events escalate far beyond in-school squabbles and struggles, and Harry must confront either Voldemort or one of his followers, the Death Eaters, with the stakes a matter of life and death–a point underlined, as the series progresses, by one or more characters being killed in each of the final four books.^[39]^[40] In the aftermath, he learns important lessons through exposition and discussions with head teacher and mentor Albus Dumbledore.
In the final novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry and his friends spend most of their time away from Hogwarts, and only return there to face Voldemort at the dénouement.^[39] Completing the bildungsroman format, in this part Harry must grow up prematurely, losing the chance of a last year as a pupil in a school and needing to act as an adult, on whose decisions everybody else depends—the grown-ups included.^[41]

Themes

According to Rowling, a major theme in the series is death: "My books are largely about death. They open with the death of Harry's parents. There is Voldemort's obsession with conquering death and his quest for immortality at any price, the goal of anyone with magic. I so understand why Voldemort wants to conquer death. We're all frightened of it."^[8]
Academics and journalists have developed many other interpretations of themes in the books, some more complex than others, and some including political subtexts. Themes such as normality, oppression, survival, and overcoming imposing odds have all been considered as prevalent throughout the series.^[42] Similarly, the theme of making one's way through adolescence and "going over one's most harrowing ordeals—and thus coming to terms with them" has also been considered.^[43] Rowling has stated that the books comprise "a prolonged argument for tolerance, a prolonged plea for an end to bigotry" and that also pass on a message to "question authority and... not assume that the establishment or the press tells you all of the truth".^[44]
While the books could be said to comprise many other themes, such as power/abuse of power, love, prejudice, and free choice, they are, as J. K. Rowling states, "deeply entrenched in the whole plot"; the writer prefers to let themes "grow organically", rather than sitting down and consciously attempting to impart such ideas to her readers.^[9] Along the same lines is the ever-present theme of adolescence, in whose depiction Rowling has been purposeful in acknowledging her characters' sexualities and not leaving Harry, as she put it, "stuck in a state of permanent pre-pubescence".^[45] Rowling said that, to her, the moral significance of the tales seems "blindingly obvious". The key for her was the choice between what is right and what is easy, "because that ... is how tyranny is started, with people being apathetic and taking the easy route and suddenly finding themselves in deep trouble."^[46]

Origins and publishing history

The novelist, J. K. Rowling.

In 1990, J. K. Rowling was on a crowded train from Manchester to London when the idea for Harry suddenly "fell into her head". Rowling gives an account of the experience on her website saying:^[47]

"I had been writing almost continuously since the age of six but I had never been so excited about an idea before. I simply sat and thought, for four (delayed train) hours, and all the details bubbled up in my brain, and this scrawny, black-haired, bespectacled boy who did not know he was a wizard became more and more real to me."

Rowling completed Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1995 and the manuscript was sent off to several prospective agents.^[48] The second agent she tried, Christopher Little, offered to represent her and sent the manuscript to Bloomsbury. After eight other publishers had rejected Philosopher's Stone, Bloomsbury offered Rowling a £2,500 advance for its publication.^[49]^[50] Despite Rowling's statement that she did not have any particular age group in mind when beginning to write the Harry Potter books, the publishers initially targeted children aged nine to eleven.^[51] On the eve of publishing, Rowling was asked by her publishers to adopt a more gender-neutral pen name in order to appeal to the male members of this age group, fearing that they would not be interested in reading a novel they knew to be written by a woman. She elected to use J. K. Rowling (Joanne Kathleen Rowling), using her grandmother's name as her second name because she has no middle name.^[50]^[52]
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was published by Bloomsbury, the publisher of all Harry Potter books in the United Kingdom, on 30 June 1997.^[53] It was released in the United States on 1 September 1998 by Scholastic—the American publisher of the books—as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,^[54] after Rowling had received US$105,000 for the American rights—an unprecedented amount for a children's book by a then-unknown author.^[55] Fearing that American readers would not associate the word "philosopher" with a magical theme (although the Philosopher's Stone is alchemy-related), Scholastic insisted that the book be given the title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for the American market.
The second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was originally published in the UK on 2 July 1998 and in the US on 2 June 1999. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was then published a year later in the UK on 8 July 1999 and in the US on 8 September 1999.^[56] Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was published on 8 July 2000 at the same time by Bloomsbury and Scholastic.^[57] Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the longest book in the series at 766 pages in the UK version and 870 pages in the US version.^[58] It was published worldwide in English on 21 June 2003.^[59] Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was published on 16 July 2005, and it sold 9 million copies in the first 24 hours of its worldwide release.^[60]^[61] The seventh and final novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was published 21 July 2007.^[62] The book sold 11 million copies in the first 24 hours of release, breaking down to 2.7 million copies in the UK and 8.3 million in the US.^[63]

Translations

Main article: Harry Potter in translation

The series has been translated into 67 languages,^[2]^[64] placing Rowling among the most translated authors in history.^[65] The books have seen translations to diverse languages such as Ukrainian, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, Welsh, Afrikaans, Latvian and Vietnamese. The first volume has been translated into Latin and even Ancient Greek,^[66] making it the longest published work in Ancient Greek since the novels of Heliodorus of Emesa in the 3rd century AD.^[67]
Some of the translators hired to work on the books were well-known authors before their work on Harry Potter, such as Viktor Golyshev, who oversaw the Russian translation of the series' fifth book. The Turkish translation of books two to seven was undertaken by Sevin Okyay, a popular literary critic and cultural commentator.^[68] For reasons of secrecy, translation can only start when the books are released in English; thus there is a lag of several months before the translations are available. This has led to more and more copies of the English editions being sold to impatient fans in non-English speaking countries. Such was the clamour to read the fifth book that its English language edition became the first English-language book ever to top the bestseller list in France.^[69]
The United States editions of the Harry Potter novels have required the adaptation of the texts into American English, as many words and concepts used by the characters in the novels may have not been understood by a young American audience.^[70]

Completion of the series

In December 2005, Rowling stated on her web site, "2006 will be the year when I write the final book in the Harry Potter series."^[71] Updates then followed in her online diary chronicling the progress of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, with the release date of 21 July 2007. The book itself was finished on 11 January 2007 in the Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, where she scrawled a message on the back of a bust of Hermes. It read: "J. K. Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room (552) on 11 January 2007."^[72]
Rowling herself has stated that the last chapter of the final book (in fact, the epilogue) was completed "in something like 1990".^[73]^[74] In June 2006, Rowling, on an appearance on the British talk show Richard & Judy, announced that the chapter had been modified as one character "got a reprieve" and two others who previously survived the story had in fact been killed. On 28 March 2007, the cover art for the Bloomsbury Adult and Child versions and the Scholastic version were released.^[75]^[76]

Achievements

Cultural impact

For more details on this topic, see Harry Potter fandom.

Crowds wait outside a Borders store in Newark, Delaware for the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Fans of the series were so eager for the latest instalment that bookstores around the world began holding events to coincide with the midnight release of the books, beginning with the 2000 publication of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The events, commonly featuring mock sorting, games, face painting, and other live entertainment have achieved popularity with Potter fans and have been highly successful in attracting fans and selling books with nearly nine million of the 10.8 million initial print copies of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince sold in the first 24 hours.^[77]^[78] The final book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows became the fastest selling book in history, moving 11 million units in the first twenty-four hours of release .^[79] The series has also gathered adult fans, leading to the release of two editions of each Harry Potter book, identical in text but with one edition's cover artwork aimed at children and the other aimed at adults.^[80] Besides meeting online through blogs, podcasts, and fansites, Harry Potter super-fans can also meet at Harry Potter symposia. The word Muggle has spread beyond its Harry Potter origins, becoming one of few pop culture words to land in the Oxford English Dictionary.^[81] The Harry Potter fandom has embraced podcasts as a regular, often weekly, insight to the latest discussion in the fandom. Both MuggleCast and PotterCast^[82] have reached the top spot of iTunes podcast rankings and have been polled one of the top 50 favourite podcasts.^[83]

Awards and honours

The Harry Potter series have been the recipients of a host of awards since the initial publication of Philosopher's Stone including four Whitaker Platinum Book Awards (all of which were awarded in 2001),^[84] three Nestlé Smarties Book Prizes (1997–1999),^[85] two Scottish Arts Council Book Awards (1999 and 2001),^[86] the inaugural Whitbread children's book of the year award (1999),^[87] the WHSmith book of the year (2006),^[88] among others. In 2000, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was nominated for Best Novel in the Hugo Awards while in 2001, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire won said award.^[89] Honours include a commendation for the Carnegie Medal (1997),^[90] a short listing for the Guardian Children's Award (1998), and numerous listings on the notable books, editors' Choices, and best books lists of the American Library Association, The New York Times, Chicago Public Library, and Publishers Weekly.^[91]

Commercial success

Reception and controversy

Literary criticism

British editions of the seven Harry Potter books.

Early in its history, Harry Potter received positive reviews. On publication, the first volume, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, attracted attention from the Scottish newspapers, such as The Scotsman, which said it had "all the makings of a classic",^[104] and The Glasgow Herald, which called it "Magic stuff".^[104] Soon the English newspapers joined in, with more than one comparing it to Roald Dahl's work: The Mail on Sunday rated it as "the most imaginative debut since Roald Dahl",^[104] a view echoed by The Sunday Times ("comparisons to Dahl are, this time, justified"),^[104] while The Guardian called it "a richly textured novel given lift-off by an inventive wit".^[104]
By the time of the release of the fifth volume, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the books began to receive strong criticism from a number of literary scholars. Yale professor, literary scholar and critic Harold Bloom raised criticisms of the books' literary merits, saying, "Rowling's mind is so governed by clichés and dead metaphors that she has no other style of writing."^[105] A. S. Byatt authored a New York Times op-ed article calling Rowling's universe a "secondary world, made up of patchworked derivative motifs from all sorts of children's literature ... written for people whose imaginative lives are confined to TV cartoons, and the exaggerated (more exciting, not threatening) mirror-worlds of soaps, reality TV and celebrity gossip".^[106]
Michael Rosen, a novelist and poet, advocated the books were not suited for children, who would be unable to grasp the complex themes. Rosen also stated that "J. K. Rowling is more of an adult writer."^[107] The critic Anthony Holden wrote in The Observer on his experience of judging Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban for the 1999 Whitbread Awards. His overall view of the series was negative—"the Potter saga was essentially patronising, conservative, highly derivative, dispiritingly nostalgic for a bygone Britain", and he speaks of "pedestrian, ungrammatical prose style".^[108] Ursula Le Guin said, "I have no great opinion of it. When so many adult critics were carrying on about the 'incredible originality' of the first Harry Potter book, I read it to find out what the fuss was about, and remained somewhat puzzled; it seemed a lively kid's fantasy crossed with a "school novel", good fare for its age group, but stylistically ordinary, imaginatively derivative, and ethically rather mean-spirited."^[109]
By contrast, author Fay Weldon, while admitting that the series is "not what the poets hoped for", nevertheless goes on to say, "but this is not poetry, it is readable, saleable, everyday, useful prose".^[110] The literary critic A. N. Wilson praised the Harry Potter series in The Times, stating: "There are not many writers who have JK’s Dickensian ability to make us turn the pages, to weep—openly, with tears splashing—and a few pages later to laugh, at invariably good jokes ... We have lived through a decade in which we have followed the publication of the liveliest, funniest, scariest and most moving children’s stories ever written".^[111] Charles Taylor of Salon.com, who is primarily a movie critic,^[112] took issue with Byatt's criticisms in particular. While he conceded that she may have "a valid cultural point—a teeny one—about the impulses that drive us to reassuring pop trash and away from the troubling complexities of art",^[113] he rejected her claims that the series is lacking in serious literary merit and that it owes its success merely to the childhood reassurances it offers. Taylor stressed the progressively darker tone of the books, shown by the murder of a classmate and close friend and the psychological wounds and social isolation each causes. Taylor also argued that Philosopher's Stone, said to be the most light-hearted of the seven published books, disrupts the childhood reassurances that Byatt claims spur the series' success: the book opens with news of a double murder, for example.^[113]
Stephen King called the series "a feat of which only a superior imagination is capable", and declared "Rowling's punning, one-eyebrow-cocked sense of humour" to be "remarkable". However, he wrote that despite the story being "a good one", he is "a little tired of discovering Harry at home with his horrible aunt and uncle", the formulaic beginning of all seven books.^[38] King has also joked that "Rowling's never met an adverb she did not like!" He does however predict that Harry Potter "will indeed stand time's test and wind up on a shelf where only the best are kept; I think Harry will take his place with Alice, Huck, Frodo, and Dorothy and this is one series not just for the decade, but for the ages".^[114]

Social impacts

Although Time magazine named Rowling as a runner-up for its 2007 Person of the Year award, noting the social, moral, and political inspiration she has given her fandom,^[115] cultural comments on the series have been mixed. Washington Post book critic Ron Charles opined in July 2007 that the large numbers of adults reading the Potter series but few other books may represent a "bad case of cultural infantilism", and that the straightforward "good vs. evil" theme of the series is "childish". He also argued "through no fault of Rowling's", the cultural and marketing "hysteria" marked by the publication of the later books "trains children and adults to expect the roar of the coliseum, a mass-media experience that no other novel can possibly provide".^[116]
Librarian Nancy Knapp pointed out the books' potential to improve literacy by motivating children to read much more than they otherwise would.^[117] Agreeing about the motivating effects, Diane Penrod also praised the books' blending of simple entertainment with "the qualities of highbrow literary fiction", but expressed concern about the distracting effect of the prolific merchandising that accompanies the book launches.^[118]
Jennifer Conn used Snape's and Quidditch coach Madam Hooch's teaching methods as examples of what to avoid and what to emulate in clinical teaching,^[119] and Joyce Fields wrote that the books illustrate four of the five main topics in a typical first-year sociology class: "sociological concepts including culture, society, and socialisation; stratification and social inequality; social institutions; and social theory".^[120]
Jenny Sawyer wrote in 25 July 2007 Christian Science Monitor that the books represent a "disturbing trend in commercial storytelling and Western society" in that stories "moral center [sic] have all but vanished from much of today's pop culture ... after 10 years, 4,195 pages, and over 375 million copies, J. K. Rowling's towering achievement lacks the cornerstone of almost all great children's literature: the hero's moral journey". Harry Potter, Sawyer argues, neither faces a "moral struggle" nor undergoes any ethical growth, and is thus "no guide in circumstances in which right and wrong are anything less than black and white".^[121] On the other hand Emily Griesinger described Harry's first passage through to Platform 9¾ as an application of faith and hope, and his encounter with the Sorting Hat as the first of many in which Harry is shaped by the choices he makes. She also noted the "deeper magic" by which the self-sacrifice of Harry's mother protects the boy throughout the series, and which the power-hungry Voldemort fails to understand.^[122]
In an 8 November 2002 Slate Magazine article, Chris Suellentrop likened Potter to a "trust-fund kid whose success at school is largely attributable to the gifts his friends and relatives lavish upon him". Noting that in Rowling's fiction, magical ability potential is "something you are born to, not something you can achieve", Suellentrop wrote that Dumbledore's maxim that "It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities" is hypocritical, as "the school that Dumbledore runs values native gifts above all else".^[123] In a 12 August 2007 New York Times review of The Deathly Hallows, however, Christopher Hitchens praised Rowling for "unmooring" her "English school story" from literary precedents "bound up with dreams of wealth and class and snobbery", arguing that she had instead created "a world of youthful democracy and diversity".^[124]

Controversies

Main articles: Legal disputes over the Harry Potter series, Religious debates over the Harry Potter series, and Politics of Harry Potter

The books have been the subject of a number of legal proceedings, stemming either from claims by American Christian groups that the magic in the books promotes witchcraft among children, or from various conflicts over copyright and trademark infringements. The popularity and high market value of the series has led Rowling, her publishers, and film distributor Warner Bros. to take legal measures to protect their copyright, which have included banning the sale of Harry Potter imitations, targeting the owners of websites over the "Harry Potter" domain name, and suing author Nancy Stouffer to counter her accusations that Rowling had plagiarised her work.^[125]^[126]^[127] Various religious conservatives have claimed that the books promote witchcraft and are therefore unsuitable for children,^[128] while a number of critics have criticised the books for promoting various political agendas.^[129]^[130]
The books also aroused controversies in the literary and publishing worlds. In 1997 to 1998 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone won almost all the UK awards judged by children, but none of the children's book awards judged by adults,^[131] and Sandra Beckett suggested the reason was intellectual snobbery towards books that were popular among children.^[132] In 1999 the winner of the Whitbread Book of the Year Award children's division was entered for the first time on the shortlist for the main award, and one judge threatened to resign if Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was declared the overall winner; it finished second, very close behind the winner of the poetry prize, Seamus Heaney's translation of the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf.^[132]
In 2000, shortly before the publication of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the previous three Harry Potter books topped the New York Times fiction best-seller list and a third of the entries were children's books. The newspaper created a new children's section covering children's books, including both fiction and non-fiction, and initially counting only hardback sales. The move was supported by publishers and booksellers.^[133] In 2004 The New York Times further split the children's list, which was still dominated by Harry Potter books into sections for series and individual books, and removed the Harry Potter books from the section for individual books.^[134] The split in 2000 attracted condemnation, praise and some comments that presented both benefits and disadvantages of the move.^[135] Time suggested that, on the same principle, Billboard should have created a separate "mop-tops" list in 1964 when the Beatles held the top five places in its list, and Nielsen should have created a separate game-show list when Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? dominated the ratings.^[136]

Audiobooks

The Harry Potter books have all been released in unabridged audiobook versions. The UK versions are read by Stephen Fry and the US versions are read by Jim Dale. Dale is also the narrator for the special features disc on the DVDs.

Films

Main article: Harry Potter (film series)

The locomotive that features as the "Hogwarts Express" in the film series.

In 1998, Rowling sold the film rights of the first four Harry Potter books to Warner Bros. for a reported £1 million ($1,982,900).^[137]^[138] Rowling demanded the principal cast be kept strictly British, nonetheless allowing for the inclusion of Irish actors such as the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore, and for casting of French and Eastern Europe actors in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire where characters from the book are specified as such.^[139] After many directors including Steven Spielberg, Terry Gilliam, Jonathan Demme, and Alan Parker were considered, Chris Columbus was appointed on 28 March 2000 as director for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (titled "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in the United States), with Warner Bros. citing his work on other family films such as Home Alone and Mrs. Doubtfire and proven experience with directing children as influences for their decision.^[140] After extensive casting, filming began in October 2000 at Leavesden Film Studios and in London itself, with production ending in July 2001.^[141]^[142] Philosopher's Stone was released on 14 November 2001. Just three days after the film's release, production for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, also directed by Columbus, began. Filming was completed in summer 2002, with the film being released on 15 November 2002.^[143] Daniel Radcliffe portrayed Harry Potter, doing so for all succeeding films in the franchise.
Columbus declined to direct Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, only acting as producer. Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón took over the job, and after shooting in 2003, the film was released on 4 June 2004. Due to the fourth film beginning its production before the third's release, Mike Newell was chosen as the director for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, released on 18 November 2005.^[144] Newell became the first British director of the series, with television director David Yates following suit after he was chosen to helm Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Production began in January 2006 and the film was released the following year in July 2007.^[145] After executives were "really delighted" with his work on the film, Yates was selected to direct Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which was released on 15 July 2009.^[146]^[147]^[148]^[149]

David Yates directs Daniel Radcliffe on location for Deathly Hallows, 2009.

In March 2008, Warner Bros. President and COO Alan F. Horn announced that the final instalment in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, would be released in two cinematic parts: Part 1 on 19 November 2010 and Part 2 on 15 July 2011. David Yates returned to direct his third and fourth Potter films, becoming the only director to have helmed more than one film since Columbus. Production of both parts started in February 2009, with the final day of principal photography taking place on 12 June 2010.^[150]^[151]
J. K. Rowling gained creative control on the film series, playing an active role within the filmmaking process of Philosopher's Stone and serving as producer on the two-part Deathly Hallows, alongside David Heyman and David Barron.^[152] The Harry Potter films have been top-rank box office hits, with all seven current releases on the list of highest-grossing films worldwide. Columbus' Philosopher's Stone became the highest-grossing Potter film upon completing its theatrical run in 2002, but it was eventually topped by Yates' Deathly Hallows. Yates' first two instalments grossed higher than any other film after Philosopher's Stone, while Cuarón's Prisoner of Azkaban grossed the least.^[153] As well as financial success, the film series has also been a success among film critics.^[154]^[155]
Opinions of the films are generally divided among fans, with one group preferring the more faithful approach of the first two films, and another group preferring the more stylised character-driven approach of the later films.^[156] Rowling has been constantly supportive of all the films and evaluated Deathly Hallows Part 1 as her "favourite one" in the series.^[157]^[158]^[159]^[160] She wrote on her website of the changes in the book-to-film transition, "It is simply impossible to incorporate every one of my storylines into a film that has to be kept under four hours long. Obviously films have restrictions novels do not have, constraints of time and budget; I can create dazzling effects relying on nothing but the interaction of my own and my readers’ imaginations".^[161]
At the 64th British Academy Film Awards in February 2011, Rowling was joined by producers David Heyman and David Barron along with directors David Yates, Alfonso Cuarón and Mike Newell in collecting the Michael Balcon Award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema on behalf of all the films in the series. Actors Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, who play protagonists Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, were also in attendance.^[162]^[163]

Games

There are eight Harry Potter video games which correspond with the films and books. The games are produced by Electronic Arts, with the game version of the first entry in the series, Philosopher's Stone, being released in November 2001. The video games are released to coincide with the films, containing scenery and details from the films as well as the tone and spirit of the books. Objectives usually occur in and around Hogwarts, along with various other magical areas. The story and design of the games follows the selected film's characterisation and plot; EA worked closely with Warner Brothers to include scenes from the films. The last game in the series, Deathly Hallows, was split with Part I released in November 2010 and Part II debuting on consoles in July 2011. The two-part game forms the first entry to convey an intense theme of action and violence, with the gameplay revolving around a third-person shooter style format.^[164]^[165] A number of other non-EA Harry Potter games have been released, including DVD/board games such as Cluedo: Harry Potter Edition, Scene It? Harry Potter and Lego Harry Potter which are influenced by the themes of both the novels and films.^[166]^[167]

Attractions

United States

Main article: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

After the success of the films and books, Universal and Warner Brothers announced they would create "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," a new Harry Potter-themed expansion to the Islands of Adventure theme park at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. The new land, promoted as the seventh themed "island" of the park, was built from land reserved for expansion outside of the park's original border, as well as from much of the existing "island," The Lost Continent. A soft opening was held at the end of March 2010, with the land opening on 16 June 2010 for reserved guests. The land officially opened to the public on 18 June 2010.^[168]
Guests enter the land through a recreation of the Hogsmeade station,^[169] leading into the village of Hogsmeade, with a forced-perspective Hogwarts castle at the very end of the street. The castle contains the expansion's centrepiece attraction, Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey, a KUKA arm attraction which takes passengers through many realistic scenes influenced by the movies and books, including soaring over Hogwarts, getting involved in a Quidditch match, and having close encounters with dragons, dementors, and the Whomping Willow.^[170] Other attractions include a twin high-speed rollercoaster named the Dragon Challenge, a renovation of the previously existing rollercoaster, Dueling Dragons, and a family roller coaster called Flight of the Hippogriff, a renovation of the previously existing ride, Flying Unicorn. In addition to the three rides are several themed shops and restaurants, heavily inspired by their appearances in the books and films: Honeydukes sells sweets, such as chocolate frogs and Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans, Ollivander's offers personalized magic wands, Zonko's Joke Shop sells various items including Sneakoscopes, and the Three Broomsticks serves food and drink, most notably Butterbeer and pumpkin juice.
Developed at a cost of $265 million, the new land "has seen capacity crowds [and] waits of up to two hours just to enter the ... merchandise shop." Islands of Adventure saw a massive increase in attendance following the expansion, seeing gains of as much as 36%,^[171] a period during which attendance to competitor resort Walt Disney World dropped slightly.^[172] Disney had itself entered negotiations for a Harry Potter-themed expansion, but ultimately turned down the opportunity.^[173]

United Kingdom

In March 2011, Warner Bros. announced plans to build a tourist attraction in the United Kingdom to showcase the Harry Potter film series. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London will be a behind-the-scenes walking tour featuring authentic sets, costumes and props from the film series. The attraction will be located at Leavesden Film Studios, where all eight of the Harry Potter films were made. Warner Bros. stated that two new sound stages would be constructed to house and showcase the famous sets from each of the British-made productions, following a £100 million investment.^[174]

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Dream High 드림하이 (Korean)

2011-07-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

Metrotainment.net - If Hollywood has Glee as a film featuring Serian is always dancing, singing, and a bit of life issues, Koreans are now launching a film with similar themes raised.

Dream High is the country belongs to the ginseng. As the meaning of the title, High Dream talked about some people trying to reach the dream.

Dream High dwell about 6 people trying to reach their dreams to be successful in the entertainment world, but before they have to pursue education in a school who scored a top singer, Kirin Art High School.

Together Ha Jung Myung as a managing director of the school with its own way.

Myung Ha found that schools do not operate at capacity.

Therefore, Ha Myung make an audition, but unlike the previous practice Kirin Art High School.

If the first interview conducted in private and later advised acceptance announcement, is now the method used interviews will be conducted openly.

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In that sense the media is highlighted. And the announcement of the success or failure to attend the prestigious school was immediately announced on the spot.

Because of this controversial method makes Ha Myung much disliked by the other teachers.

Auditions produce 6 people who have different characters with different purposes.

Suzy, Kim Soo Hyeon I, Taecyeon, Ham Eun Jeong, Wooyoung, and IU

Sam Dong Song (Played by Kim Soo Hyun)

Sam Dong is seprang man somewhat out of date because it lived in the suburbs with his mother.

His dream has only a large and successful farm.

However impiannnya changed direction when he met with Hye Mi, a city girl who has many advantages.

His love makes Sam Dong willing to do anything for Hye Mi.

Including follow Hye Mi set foot in school Kirin Art High School and studied there. But it was through her love he found a hidden talent.

Talent to become a musician and open road never mind.

Go Hye Mi (Played by Suzy Miss A)

Beautiful, rich, clever, and voice of gold. Mi Hye spotless as impeccable as always succeed in everything. But not in his personality.

Hye Mi a selfish and do not know the etiquette. He did not hesitate to lie to hide a dark family life.

Bankruptcy makes the father had to quit his dream of becoming a classical singer on board. The debt collectors, Doo Sik, continue to pursue in order to pay father's debts.

When his father turned out blurry and just leave him and his sister, Hye Mi no choice but to follow the contract proposed by Doo Sik.

In the contract, required to attend school at Mi Hye Kirin Art High School for three years and then became a famous singer and pay all debts with interest.

Hye Mi want to reject. Hye Mi Kirin hated school. Kirin deems it as the school outcast who can only produce a cheap pop singer, a low profession that is not promising.

Hye Mi Dong realized that Sam liked it. But Hye Mi do not like the appearance of Sam Dong who like a bum. But after the make over, Hye-Mi was struck by the handsomeness Sam Dong.

Jin Gook (Played by Taecyeon)

Besides Sam Dong, Jin Hye Mi Gook also liked. Jin Gook is the figure seoran handsome man who prefers to live on the street with her friends rather than luxurious living with his grandfather.

His talent in the world of dance makes auditioned at schools Kirin and pave the way for him to become a star.

His meeting with Mi Hye unintentional make it a little hate Hye Mi.

Hye Mi regarded as women who do not know themselves and selfish.

But their time together at the Kirin Art High School makes love blossom in his heart too.

Baek Yoon He (Played by Eunjung T-Ara)

Behind them that shines there is always shadow. This phrase is very appropriate for Baek He. He Baek Hye-Mi is a close friend who is often treated as servants.

I was so high admiration of his friends, style Baek Hye-Mi He followed the style from head to toe.

Ranging from haircuts, accessories, key chains, bags, shoes are very oriented to the style of Mi Hye. Due to the popularity of light is always covered by Hye Mi, Baek He often ignored the people around him including his mother.

But in art school audition Kirin changed everything. They did take the opportunity to audition together. But it turns out Baek He can directly penetrate the audition.

In contrast to Mi Hye who was initially not pass the audition. Well, although always shines Hye Mi, Mi Hye initially failed the audition.

Seeing this difference, Baek He began to feel he has potential. And can be equated with the star. So began their role as a rival of the most shining.

Jason (Played by Wooyoung)

Jason is an old Korean who lives in America.

Dancing and singing talent in place as the person who got the highest score in the auditions at Kirin.

Easy going nature makes it not excited in the competition that occurs in the Kirin.

For him, music and dance is to be enjoyed. Not for competition.

Pil Sook (Played by IU)

Fat is sometimes hinder a person's talent because insecurity. But not for Pil Sook.

Although physically unreliable, Pil Sook has a remarkable talent in singing.

Its cheerful but sensitive, making it easy to fall in love with the opposite sex. Including to Jason.

Favoritenya artist is Kim Hyun-joong. So ngefansnya, he once even invited to sing on stage with the artist's idol.

And make it as material pembiacaraan among other fans.

One of the advantages of a 16-episode drama is that they are the original singers.

As TaecYeon and Woo Young from 2PM, Suzy from Miss A, Eun Jung from T-ARA, and IU. They can not doubt his skill in extracting beautiful tones.

In Korea alone drama is still running until February next. Not yet known exactly when his debut in Indonesia.

Did they reach their dreams?

10 Predictions On The Apocalypse Not happening

2011-07-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

Islam teaches when doomsday comes only God knows. Even the Prophet Muhammad was once asked about it. The answer is only God who knows.
Even so, estimate of when the End comes keep popping up, including among non-Muslims.
Here are 10 date of doomsday predictions that are not proven:

Even so, estimate of when the End comes keep popping up, including among non-Muslims.
Here are 10 date of doomsday predictions that are not proven:
October 3, 1533
The Germans named Miachael Stifel, Reman Martin Luther, asked his followers to sell all their possessions due to the apocalypse will come as sure of mathematical calculations. On the appointed day he and his followers rose to the top of a hill with a reason to be easily lifted to heaven. A few hours later, the doomsday is not coming. Stifel and his followers down. Nmaun because TATP'm sure he was imprisoned for the protection of the coming Day of Ruin.
October 22, 1844
The followers of Baptist preacher William Miller believes doomsday will come on the above date. But because it is not proven, they reject the preacher's conviction.
1914
Watch Tower magazine founder, Charles Taze Russell, said Jesus would uphold the rule of God on Earth in 1914. The outbreak of World War I had time to strengthen the prediction.
1969
Charles Manson believed racial tensions between blacks and whites will be a war Apocaliptus. After that, he said, the Manson Family who will rule the world. Because racial war is not the case, his gang launched the killing of whites. He is now imprisoned for life.
1980s
Evangelical pastor from the United States, Hal Lindsey, believes Armageddon will come if the 10 EU countries ruled by leaders of the anti-Christian. But he never set a date. Until now he still menyerbaluaskan homemade gospel through evagelis network.
11-13 September 1988
Books nmantan NASA engineer Edgar Whisenant, sold 4.5 million copies in evangelical Christian circles. The book was mentioned 88 reasons for coming apocalypse on the above date.
1993
David Koresh and more than 100 of his followers holed up in an area ranch in Waco, Texas. They are waiting for the apocalypse. After a siege by the FBI for 51 days, they refused to come out. Finally, a shootout occurred, killing 76 people, including Koresh.
March 1997
Door of Heaven cult members believe the destruction of the Earth came after the comet Hale-Bopp passed by. The only reason to survive is to commit suicide so their souls could be transported to the spacecraft and cutting behind the comet tail. A total of 38 bodies of cult followers were found in a house in California on March 26, 1997.
January 1, 2000
The coming of the new millennium to make dozens of Christian cult members believed doomsday was coming. Moreover, the arrival of the second millennium it will shut down the computer system universal. Until = until Kipper Argentina Carlos Roa Menken refused a contract extension with the Spanish club because it believes the Last Day will come.
May 2008
A total of 35 members of the True Russian Orthodox Church for six months hiding in a cave because it believes doomsday will occur. They started out from there after they inhabit caves collapsed. Cult's leader, Pyotr Kuznetsov, who did not hide eventually undergo psychiatric therapy.
Sources: tempointeraktif.com
Source: "http://gosipxxx.blogspot.com/2011/05/10-prediksi-tanggal-kiamat-tidak.html"

Accident history of the Titanic

2011-07-09T03:53:00.000-07:00

RMS Titanic (also SS Titanic) was the second of three super-passenger ship that aims to initiate the trip trans-Atlantic commerce. Owned by the White Star Line and built at the Harland and Wolff shipyard, the Titanic was the largest passenger steamship in the world at the time of its release. At first voyage, Titanic struck an iceberg at 23:40 (ship time), Sunday, April 14, 1912, and sank about two hours and forty minutes later at 2:20 Monday morning.
The disaster resulted in the deaths of more than 1,500 people, and make it as the worst marine disaster in history during the era and until now most famous. Titanic is equipped with most advanced technology in those days and lay people believe that he "can not possibly sink". He was very surprising to many people that even with modern technology and an experienced crew, Titanic still sank with a high number of deaths. Mass media excitement about the Titanic's famous victims, the legends about what happened on board, resulting in legislation replaced the sea, and the discovery of the ship that broke out in 1985 by troops led by Jean-Louis Michel and Robert Ballard Titanic made famous in the next year .
Manufacture
Titanic is a passenger ship owned by White Star Line, built at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland, designed to compete with Cunard's Lusitania and Mauretania Line. Titanic, along with her twin sister ship Olympic, Olympic and Britannic which will be created (originally named Gigantic, aims to become the largest and most luxurious ship ever built. Making the RMS Titanic, funded by the American JP Morgan and his International Mercantile Marine Co.., began on March 31, 1909. Titanic's hull is finished manufactured on May 31, 1911, and outfitting was completed on March 31 next year. Titanic along 269 meters (882 feet 9 inches) and 28 meters (92 feet 6 inches) wide, dead weight 46,328 tons, and the height of the water surface to the deck as high as 18 meters (60 feet). Although he covers a lot of space and with a large dead weight, the Titanic is as long as the Olympic boat. Titanic is equipped with two four-cylinder engine, three-rotor blades, and one low pressure Parsons turbine that drives the three propellers. There are 29 boiler is heated by a coal furnace 159 is capable of producing speeds up to 23 knots (43 km / h). Only three of the four chimneys tall ships 19 meters (63 feet ) functioning; the fourth chimney is used as air holes, and to show the greatness of the ship. Titanic capable of carrying 3547 passengers and crew, because he also sent a letter, the name given the addition of the preposition RMS (Royal Mail Ship) as well as ship steam - SS (Steam Ship).
At that time, facilities and luxury can not be matched. It offers a swimming pool, gymnasium, Turkish bath, library and squash arena. The main class room decorated entirely with wood paneling, plush furnishings and other beautiful jewelry. He offers three passenger elevators to be used and the main class, an innovation at that time, one lift for second-class passengers.
Titanic regarded as the pinnacle of naval architecture and technological achievement. He is considered by the magazine as a ship Ship Builders are "almost impossible to sink." Titanic was divided into 16 watertight room with doors that give an electric lock and will close at the push of a button from the deck on boats, though, the bulkhead does not impede the overall height of the ship deck (only up to Deck-E). Titanic could float well despite the two living room filled with water or water filled the first four parts; if more than that then it will sink.
Maiden voyage Titanic started her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, en route to New York City, New York, on Wednesday, April 10, 1912, under the control of Captain Edward J. Smith. When the Titanic left the place berlabuhnya moves, the waves generated by the vessel causing New York's passenger ship, which docked nearby, to break the rope tambatnya and attracted almost (about 4 feet) from the Titanic before the ship left New York's delay. The incident only stopped after one hour. After crossing the English Channel, the Titanic stopped at Cherbourg, France, to reduce and take additional passengers and stopped again at Queenstown (known today as Cobh), Ireland, before continuing the voyage to New York with 2223 passengers.
Titanic passenger has three parts separated classes. Also known as third-class deck, consisting of a small cabin on the lower deck, mostly filled by immigrants from the English who expect a better life in America. Second-class cabins and rooms, located on the back, has the same facilities with first class on other ships. Most second-class passengers on first class on other ships but, due to unavailability of coal, then transferred to the Titanic. The main class is part of the most luxurious ship.
Some of the famous people who participated yachting as first-class passengers. These included millionaire John Jacob Astor and his wife Madeleine Force Astor; refinery owner Benjamin Guggenheim; owner of Macy's, Isidor Straus and his wife Ida; Denver millionaire Margaret "Molly" Brown; Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon and his wife Lady Lucille Duff-Gordon; George Elkins Widener and his wife Eleanor; John Borland Thayer, his wife Marian and their son who was seventeen, Jack; journalist William Thomas Stead; Countess of Rothes; presidential aide Archibald Butt, USA; author and community leader Helen Churchill Candee; author Jacques Futrelle, and his wife May, and their colleagues, editors Broadway Henry and Irene Harris; silent film actress Dorothy Gibson, and others. Join together in class the other main business editor J. White Star Line Bruce Ismay who planned to construct the Titanic and the ship's builder Thomas Andrews, who participated together to monitor all the problems and assess the overall performance of the new vessel.
Havoc On Sunday night, April 14, the temperature dropped to nearly freezing stage and the sea calm. Moon did not come out and clear skies. Captain Smith, iceberg warnings received via wireless over a few days ago, has transformed the Titanic's course slightly to the south. On Sunday at 13:45 local time, an employee of the wireless communications from the steamer Amerika warned that large icebergs in Titanic's path, but the warning was never relayed to the bridge. That evening, another report on a large iceberg that much, this time from the Mesaba, also failed relayed to the bridge.
At 23:40 local time when sailing south of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, lookouts Fredrick Fleet and Reginald Lee spotted a large iceberg right in front of the ship. Fleet sounded the ship loceng three times and called the deck guards to tell, "Iceberg, right ahead!" First Officer Murdoch directing the steering wheel to the left and reduce speed, then backing the boat engines. The collision was inevitable, and the iceberg is rubbing against the right side of the ship, and ripped the hull in the first four sections and break the steel spikes on the bottom of a closed vessel along the water surface about 91 m (300 feet). The new water-tight door managed to close the meeting when the water has entered the first five parts of water-resistant, more a part of what can be retained in order not to sink the Titanic. Weight five sections into which the water impermeable pull the boat down the wall height exceeds the water-resistant, then the water entered the rest. Captain Smith, felt the shocks blow it, when he got to the deck and ordered the guards to stop completely. After examination by the ship's officers and Thomas Andrews, aware that the Titanic would sink, and after midnight on April 15, the lifeboats to be prepared and notified emergency calls.
The first rescue boat, down at 00:40 local time on the right with text only 28 people were passengers on it. Titanic carry 20 lifeboats with a full capacity of 1178 passengers. Although not sufficient to carry all passengers and crew, Titanic carry enough lifeboats and life jacket because the regulations set by the Institute of British Rule. At that time, the number of lifeboats required determined by the weight off the ship, rather than the number of passengers carried.
The main and second class passengers can easily reach the lifeboats with steps leading on to the boat deck but third-class passengers more difficult. Many found the corridors leading from the bottom of the ship elusive and difficult for them to get to the lifeboats. Even worse, third-class passengers when the door is locked by a crew waiting to allow passengers up to the deck. Titanic's reported position at 41 ° 46 'N, 50 ° 14' W. The wreck was found in 41 ° 43 'N, 49 ° 56' W.
Wireless radio operator Jack Phillips and Harold Bride busy sending CQD, the distress call. Several ships responded, including Mount Temple, Frankfurt and Titanic's sister ship, Olympic, but everything is too far away to reach before the Titanic sank. The closest ship was Cunard Line's RMS Carpathia which as far as 93 kilometers (58 miles) and only about four hours too long to save more than half the passengers because the ship was sinking Titanic. The only land that received Titanic's distress call is a wireless station at Cape Race, Newfoundland.
At first, reluctant to leave the Titanic's passengers to board the lifeboats are small because the Titanic felt safer and there is no sign of any being is in danger or drowning. This causes most of the lifeboats off with half empty one boat capable of carrying 40 passengers get off with just 12 passengers on it.
"Women and children first" priority for boarding the lifeboats, the second officer Lightoller, who fill the lifeboats on the left, allow only men are required as a rower and not for any other reason; although there are still vacant places. First Officer Murdoch, who fill the boat on the right, allows men to increase if the woman no one wants to ride again. When the ship sank, the passengers began to worry and partially rescue boat filled with passengers released. At 02:05 local time, the entire front of the bow of the ship sank beneath the water, and except for two boats, all the other lifeboats had been lowered.
Around 02:10 local time, the rear of the ship lifted off the surface of the water showing the bottom of the boat, rudder, and propeller ship, and at 02:17 local time the surface of the water flooding the boat deck. The situation worsened during the last two lifeboats floated from the deck, one inverted and one half has been filled with water. Not long after, the chimney at the front fell, crushing some deck guards and those floating in the water. On deck, the passengers ran toward the back or jump into the sea, hoping to get to the lifeboats. The back of the ship slowly lifted up, and goods that are not tied to falling into the sea. When the rear of the ship is raised, the system eletrik dead and the lights going out. Not long after, on the hull that would not hold the load resulted in the Titanic broke into two parts between the last two chimneys, and the front of the sink completely. The back of the ship directly tehempas back on the water surface and lifted upright. After a few moments, at 02:20 local time, everything is sinking into the sea.
From some 2223 passengers, only 706 survivors; 1517 passengers were killed. Most passengers were killed because the victim exposed to hypothermia in water 28 ° F (-2 ° C). Only two of the 18 lifeboats returned to rescue the victim from the water after the ship sank. Rescue boat number four back and save the five people, two of whom later died. Almost an hour later the number fourteen lifeboats back and rescue the four passengers in which one passenger later died too. Another passenger who managed to climb the lifeboats that float from the deck. There is debate among the survivors. some passengers who survived the initiative to go back, but most survivors afraid if they will sink the lifeboats as a result ridden victims who tried to mount them or pulled by a boat that sank the Titanic, even though only a little tug there. Victims in the lifeboats.
Both parts of the ship sinking in a different way. The front of the dug approximately 609 m (2,000 feet) below the sea floor and landed with a bit slowly. While the back of the sink quickly into the ocean floor; hull spilled as a result there is air trapped inside the ship. The back of the ship hit the bottom at high speed, sinking deep into the mud. [Edit] Saved
Nearly two hours after the Titanic sank, RMS Carpathia arrived on the scene and took the lifeboats first. Within a few hours later, those still alive be saved. On the deck of the Carpathia, a short fervent prayer for which they are saved and to commemorate those who perished was held, and at 8:50 AM, Carpathia headed to New York, and until April 18.
When people are given compensation, White Star Line ship MacKay-Bennett hired to evacuate the bodies. Some 338 bodies were eventually found. Most of the bodies were evacuated to Halifax, Nova Scotia, while an unknown corpse interred in Fairview Cemetery.
The impact after the event When news of the disaster spread, many people are surprised that the Titanic had sunk with the death toll is so high even though equipped with advanced technology. Newspapers full of news and overview of the disaster and they did not stop to get the latest news. Many charity box was made to help the victims and their families, many who lost a breadwinner, or in the case of third class passengers, all goods which they have sunk.
Sinking of the ship gave a profound impact on the population of Southampton. According to the Hampshire Chronicle on 20 April 1912, nearly 1,000 local families directly affected. Almost every street in the Chapel area of the city lost more than one population of nearly 500 homes lost and families.
Before the victim who was saved up to New York, the examination has been made to find out what happened to the Titanic, and what can be done to avoid a repeat of the incident. Senate of the United States began the examination of the Titanic disaster on April 19, the day after the Carpathia arrived in New York with the survivors. Inquiry chairman, Senator William Alden Smith, wanted to collect the testimony of passengers and crew while still fresh in their memories. Smith also British citizens require a written call for the court when they were still in the Americas. U.S. examination lasted until May 25, Lord Mersey was appointed to chair the Council for Trade in UK investigation of the accident. Examination of England took place between May 2 and July 3. Each examination took the opinion of both passengers and crew of the Titanic, and ABK Californian and other experts.
Investigators found many safety regulations were outdated and with various new safety measures put in place. Both inspection of the accident found the captain and the ship Californian failed to provide reasonable assistance to the Titanic. The examination found that the Californian is closer to Titanic within 31 km (19.5 miles) The unfortunate by Captain Lord and that Lord should have awakened the wireless operator after firing flares were reported to him. Due to the Californian wireless operator is not on duty, 29 countries ratified the Deed of Radio 1912, which equates to radio communications, especially in a state of danger.
Disaster have promoted the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea in London, England, on 12 November 1913. On January 20, 1915, agreement signed by the organization and result in the establishment and financing of the International Ice Patrol, U.S. Coast Personnel agency that to this day to monitor and report the location of the iceberg of the Atlantic that could become a threat to trans-Atlantic sea lanes. Also approved the new regulations that all passenger ships need to have sufficient lifeboats for all passengers on board, and appropriate safety training is done, and all radio communications are controlled 24 hours a day with a second control center, so as not to miss an emergency call. In addition, it was agreed that a red flare shot from the ship should be regarded as a sign of emergency and danger.
source: http://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Titanic

how to make the lives of the husband-wife re-excited

2011-07-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Many ways to make the lives of the husband-wife re-excited. Avoid sexual activity is monotonous, aka so-so only. Sheknows.com online media writes articles about various ways to rediscover the joy in the lives of married couples.
1. Try various positionsIn order for your sex life is not monotonous, try doing a variety of styles while doing the activity between husband and wife. The more frequently practiced, the more know it, a position which is more okay for you and your partner. Let more fun, try to compete with your partner in providing "services".
2. Making love in the openTry adventurous sex with your partner in the open. Experience the fun of course will never be forgotten. Based on polls conducted by Playboy magazine, carries on the main menu on the outside, making the husband-wife relationship more harmonious.
3. Recording the activity of the husband-wife relationshipRecord your activities and your partner makes sexual activity becomes more exciting main menu. You and your partner even more excited and want to show the 'total' when to do it. But of course, the video recordings of sexual activity you must be stored carefully, do not fall into the hands of irresponsible.
4. Begin to fall in love again with your partnerIf the habit early in a relationship, such as sending SMS or calling your spouse, have long stopped, nah ... try to start it again romance. By trying to restore a sense of 'passionate' time with him, of course, make your sexual activity becomes more excited. You and your partner will continue to feel the pleasure of living like newlyweds.
5. More frequent sexSometimes the best way to improve the quality of sexual relations is by doing it kept all the time. Let your instincts and the way that desire that will guide you with my beloved partner. Even though you're feeling in the mood to perform sex with your partner. (Sheknows.com / Vin)

10 accidents mortallyest in history

2011-07-08T01:55:00.000-07:00

a lot of accident that in all the world. i don't know at sea at land and also on the air. but between that accident only 10 accidents mortallyest in history. like in title on, because tenth it accident mortallyest.
1. chernobyl - 200 milliards
on 26 aprils 1986, world watchings costliest accident in history. chernobyl disaster that called biggest sosial-ekonomi history disaster at peacetime. 50% from vast area ukraina in a few manner ketularan. more than 200.000 person forced evacuated and temporary residence 1,7 million one who directly is hitted disaster impact. death mengaitkan with chernobyl toll, belong people who dies because cancer year then, estimated at 125000. total cost belongs cleanup, transmigration, and compensation to victims has been estimated to have come to around 200 milliards. place steel new cost for nuclear plants chernobyl cost 2 milliards. accident officially mengaitkan with operator plants power that break procedure and ignorant plants that is need welfare rules.

2. space shuttle columbia - 13 milliards
space shuttle columbia first at proper space shuttle nasa's orbital fleet. he is crashed moment enter to return to pass texas on 1 february 2003 after hole has been jabed at one of [the] wing has begun during 16 previous days. original cost shuttle was 2 milliards in the year 1978. incoming to 6,3 dollar milliards at today. 500 million taked in quest, be costliest aeroplane accident investigation in history. livelihood and cost ruins restoration 300 million.
in the end, accident total cost (doesn't belong replacement shuttle) comes to 13 milliards follows american institute of aeronautika and astronautics.

3. prestige oil spill - 12 milliards
on 13 novembers 2002, gasholder truck presstige that bring 77.000 heavy oil fuel ton when one of the twelve tanks burst moment storm off galicia, spain. afraid that ship will sink, called captain to help to resque worker from spain, expect them to take ship to port. but, pressure from in charge side that forced to lead ship captain far from coast. captain that try to get france aid and authoritative portuguese, but also command their ship far from coast. storm final bring tolls at ship is produced in half tank tickles and release it 20 million oil gallon to sea.
follow report by council pontevedra economist, total cost cleanup 12 milliards.

4. challenger explosion - 5,5 milliards
space shuttle challenger crashed 73 second after takeoff because in 28 januaries 1986 caused by defect o-ring. he fails postage one of [the] hinge, make possible to achieve gas is given air pressure outside. this is in turn causes external tank to dump its payload liquid hydrogen that causess big explosion. replacement cost space shuttle was 2 milliards in the year 1986 (4,5 dollar milliards at this day). investigation cost, correction problem, and that device replacement cost 450 million 1986-1987 (1 billion on this day dollar).

5. piper alpha oil rig - 3,4 milliards
unsightly at world off-shore disaster oil. in one time, he is at world one biggest oil producers, spewing from 317.000 oil barrel per day. in july 6, 1988, as part from routine treatment, and technician is wiped off mencentang important valve welfare in prevents dangerous well from liquid gas. found 100 identical valve welfare mencentang. unfortunately, technician does error and forget to replaced one of them. in 10 evening same, a technician that begin button is depressed for liquid pump and gas at oil costliest world rig that accident moves.
during 2 clocks, 300 foots platform engulfed in fire. that is final collapse, menewas 167 workers and cause 3,4 milliards at damage.

6. exxon valdez - 2,5 milliards
oil exxon valdez spilled not big in the hook with world spills biggest oil, but this matter is one expensive because location far from prince william sound (only can be accessinged by helicopter and ship). on 24 marches 1989,10,8 million oil gallon has fallen when monsieur ship, yusuf hazelwood, left control and ship crashed be reef. the cleanup cost exxon 2,5 milliards.

7. b-2 bomber crash - 1,4 milliards
here we have we are accident dollar milliard first (and we only 7 in list). this is b-2 stealth bomber crashed soon after take from a airbase at guam in 23 februaries 2008. disgrace earcher piuh data in computer control aviation that caused by aqueous vapour in system. this matter causes aeroplane suddenly make nose bergerak-up that made b-2 crash and cafe. this 1 from only 21 ever built and be part costliest in accident aviation history. second pilot can to ejaculate for welfare.

8. metrolink crash - 500 million
in 12 septembers 2008, in what be one other unsightly at california crash history carriage, 25 person killed when a train metrolink commuter crashed kepala-on into uni carriage delivery pacific at los angeles. this matter is of opinion that carriage metrolink may be is run to pass text message busy conductor temporary red signal. wrong death lawsuits supposed causess 500 million for loss at metrolink.

9. tank truck vs bridge - 358 million
on 26 augusts 2004, a car collided with full tank truck 32.000 fuel litre at bridge wiehltal at german. tank crashed pass guardrail and fall 90 foots at part a4 autobahn produced in a big explosion and crashed fire beban-bearing bridge ability. temporary repair cost 40 million and cost to replaced bridge is estimated in 318 million.

10. titanic - 150 million
sink at titanic accident possibility famousest at world. but recently we make list top 10 costliest. on 15 aprils 1912, the titanic sank in first voyage and assumed luxuriousest ocean liner ever built. more than 1.500 person loses when does ship run to be a ice mount and dived in cold water

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2011-07-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

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2011-07-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Waterboom In Banjarmasin

2011-07-06T22:57:00.000-07:00

Banjarmasin and surrounding residents to enjoy the new recreational vehicle in the Water Boom Enchantment A Modern Way yani Km. 11, Banjar, South Kalimantan. Place leisure world famous water in Jakarta is already in Banjarmasin and be sure not to lose with waterboom in Jakarta.

Admission price Waterboom Banjarmasin:
30 thousand rupiah (Monday-Friday)
60 thousand rupiah (Saturday, weeks, days off)

How To Approach Girls ignore

2011-07-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

For some men, approaching women ignorant is a challenge that must be done. if they want to say great men.

Now I'll give "How To Approach Girls ignore". The trick is:

1. Have a chat first
Because the girl is cool aka hard to get, because it's a real man we have an aggressive or start a first step. Usually it's hard to get pretentious girl prestige for first chat invites, so we are going to start. Well if already invites conversation would automatically be answered with someone, even though the answer is short, but still .... try to open the opportunity to speak to the fun so not bored.

2. Approach slowly
If there has been no response from him we must be patient, deketin he continued to slowly .... take it easy. The way you can give more attention to him, but not too much later could make him tired.

3. Chase continues!
Do not give up so alone, even though he ignored anything but if you're after he'll continue to melt. This proved efficacious said many people (I've never tried to be less tau ... hehehe)

4. Back ignore
Since you are fighting it out but no results, try to ignore back .... maybe he'll miss you. It because you already give more attention to him, he must feel your loss and you feel important.