Things get stolen all the time. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a robbery occurs every 1.7 minutes in the United States, and sadly, many of them go unsolved. While stealing ranges from petty theft to grand larceny, it takes a special kind of thief to steal things that can land you in jail for the rest of your life. Surprisingly, some people have committed such crimes and have gotten away with it. Let’s take a look at some amazing items that were stolen.  

The Empire State Building 

In 2008, it took a New York based newspaper, Daily News, 90 minutes to steal the Empire State Building. The company drafted fake documents with a fake notary stamp which they later submitted to the city who then put their stamp on the documents. The stamp from the city allowed the deed to the $2-billion-dollar property to be turned over to the Daily News. Their experiment exposed a major flaw in the city’s record keeping system and it forced lawmakers to make the much-needed changes. Luckily, Daily news returned the building to the city within the day, and no charges were made against the company.  

The Concert Painting 

The Concert was a 1664 Johannes Vermeer painting housed at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts. The famous painting, worth an estimated $200 million was stolen on the morning of St. Patrick’s Day in 1990. The thieves who disguised themselves as police officers requested entry into the museum to investigate a reported disturbance. Once inside they handcuffed the guards, and for 81 minutes, they went on a shopping spree, taking 13 items worth an estimated $500 million. The items were never found, and the museum is still offering a $10 million reward for information that will lead to the art’s recovery. 

The Stradivarius Violin 

The Stradivarius violin, made by famed string instrument craftsman Antonio Stradivari was purchased by concert violinist Erica Morini’s father for $10,000 in the early 1900s. Almost a century later and now in the possession of his daughter, the $3.5 million violin was stolen from her New York City apartment when she was preparing for a stay at the Mount Sinai Hospital. Her friend discovered that it was missing from the locked cabinet and Morini died without knowing that her beloved violin was gone. The violin is still missing, and it remains on the FBI’s top 10 list of art crimes.  

Dorothy’s Slippers 

On a summer day in 2005, the famed ruby-red slippers worn by Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz were stolen from the star’s namesake museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Estimated to be worth $3 million, the slippers were taken from its case after a thief smashed the glass and took off. Investigators were left with very little to work with as there was no camera footage, DNA, or fingerprints. Thirteen years went by, and someone called the insurance company claiming to have information about the missing shoes. Sources claim that the person was planning to make money off the company and was likely the culprit or co-conspirator. The shoes were recovered, and the informant was not given the $1 million reward.  

The Fabergé Easter Eggs 

The creation of Fabergé eggs started with Tsar Alexander III when he wanted to give his wife, Maria Feodorovna something special for Easter. He and his son Nicholas II continued the tradition every year and in total 50 unique eggs were created. In 1918, during the Bolshevik Revolution, Nicholas’ family and close retainers were murdered and the eggs were taken to the Kremlin in Moscow. Some 20 years later, when the Russian economy declined, the eggs were sold to buyers across the world and can now be found in different museums. Unfortunately, the whereabouts of seven of the eggs have yet to be determined. Each one is estimated to be worth $1 million.

Getting a book published isn’t as easy as many believe it to be, the book must be edited to perfection, then a target audience must be identified. After that, authors must find an agent who will determine the likelihood of the book being published. If all goes well, the book is then sent to a publisher who then makes the final decision, which more times than not isn’t the outcome that authors hope for. It may be hard to believe, but many of the books we know and love were initially rejected, and not just once. William Golding’s award-winning novel, Lord of the Flies, was rejected at least 20 times before a publisher gave him a chance and he’s not the only one. Let’s take a look at some of the most famous books to be rejected.  

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone 

It’s hard to believe that the Harry Potter franchise almost didn’t exist. Not only does the series hold the record for best-selling book series of all-time, but the novels made the author richer than the Queen of England (before she gave away much of her fortune). The series was rejected 8 times and was on its way to its ninth when a publisher’s 8-year-old daughter read the first chapter of the book and begged her father to get the rest of the story. The books went on to sell over 500 million copies and were adapted into films and raked in over $7.73 billion dollars- the magical world has been brought to life in theme parks around the world, raking in even more money for Rowling.  

2. Gone With the Wind 

Gone With the Wind was written by Margaret Mitchell, an Atlanta-based reporter who was forced to quit her job due to an injury. A typewriter given to her by her husband to help cope with her “free time” was what led her to create the Pulitzer Prize winning piece. The novel was rejected 38 times before being published in 1936. The novel sold over 25 million copies and its popularity led to an adapted film just three years later. Today, the movie can be found on every “top 10 movie list” of substance.  

3. Diary of Anne Frank 

The Diary of Anne Frank tells the story of the lives and experiences of Anne Frank and her family who were all arrested and sent to a concentration camp in 1944. The only surviving member, Anne’s father Otto, was given his late daughter’s diary which he decided to publish. The book detailed her experiences and the threats that Jews faced. Not surprisingly, the book was rejected 16 times as many publishers believed that the world wasn’t ready to relive the horrors associated with World War 2. It was eventually published and although the critically acclaimed novel sold over 30 million copies, it was later banned in some countries for being too depressing.  

4. Dune 

Dune was rejected 23 times before a publisher decided to take a chance on the novel. Their gamble paid off; the 1965 book became the best-selling science fiction novel of all time. Just a year later, the book which tells the story of life on the desert planet of Arrakis, won the Nebula award for best novel. It was then unsuccessfully adapted into a film in 1984 which was then remade in 2020 with an all-star cast of Oscar Isaac, Zendaya, Jason Momoa and Rebecca Ferguson.  

5. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was one of the fastest and best-selling books in the history of literature, but not many people know it was rejected so many times that Baum kept a journal called “A Record of Failure.” According to publishers the novel was “too radical of a departure from traditional juvenile literature,” and they believed that the book wouldn’t sell. Although the book never won any awards, it is one of the most celebrated books of all time and it’s adapted film was nominated for six Academy Awards.

Powerful writers are not born…they are made. While tackling the task of creating profound impact with your words can seem daunting at best and terrifying at worst, you can be sure that with practice, you will be able to turn your sentences into art. Words are one of the most powerful things known to man ⸺ and learning how to wield them well can save you time, cost, and amplify your messaging to entirely new levels. In this article, we cover how you can reduce redundancy in your writing, as well as three additional steps that you can take today to become a better writer.  

How to reduce redundancy in your writing  

While this seems simple enough, there are many hidden sources of redundancy in our writing that can detract from our powerful points. The most common culprit of this is the overuse of adverbs. Adverbs are tools that help to describe the verb that is actioned in a sentence, and introduce the reader to a richer experience and understanding of your book’s universe.  

An example of adverbs in overuse include:  

• She extremely angrily slammed the phone down, bumping the vase both aggrevatedly and markedly.  

While this may seem obviously wrong, this trap is all too easy for writers to fall into as they seek to build their world and character constructs. It also presents layers of redundancy. Other examples of redundancy look like:  

• Maria cried sadly, looking over the horizons.  
• “NO!” John shouted loudly and angrily, bellowing.  

Crying already gives a sad connotation, and shouting is already understood to be loud. Instead, you can opt for clarity, and simplify your sentences. See below:  

• Maria wept, looking out at the horizon. She missed home.  
• “NO!” John shouted, dashing across the room.  

3 Steps to better writing  

On the journey to becoming a better writer, it’s important to understand that you will always see opportunities for improvement. With this understanding in mind, there are several methods that you can implement today to give your writing an instant face lift. Below are three steps that you can use to better your writing:  

1. Expand your vocabulary 

Spending equal time reading as you do writing can be extremely beneficial for your writing skills. Reading helps you to enrich your vocabulary, which becomes evident in your writing. Complex words can complicate your piece, but they can also present ways of being more concise throughout your work ⸺ making your writing more impactful.  

2. Review grammar rules 

Understanding and using grammar correctly can improve your writing drastically. Now, it is even easier to do this thanks to plugins such as Grammarly. Reviewing the ever-changing rules of diction can help you to create compelling content that is easy to understand.  

3. Simplify wherever possible 

Your goal in writing should be to say the most with as little words as possible. Reducing instances of redundancy can help with this goal, and this will happen naturally as you gain experience creating content.  

Characterization is what serves as the undercurrent of every compelling book that you’ve read. This simple structural addition allows you to truly step into the mind and setting of your favorite character, understanding them in an entirely new way. This makes learning the nuances and use of characterization necessary for new writers to find their footing and win their audience with immersive and believable worlds. In this article, we cover the types of characterization available to use, and offer tips for implementing them throughout your writing ⸺ no matter what genre you write for!  

What is characterization?  

Characterization comes in two main forms in writing: direct and indirect characterization. Both types add different levels of complexities to your character, and can aid the reader in the immersion process of your book. Below is a brief explanation of both types of characterization, as well as examples of each. 

Direct characterization 

Direct characterization is where the author uses their omniscient point of understanding to tell the reader different things about the character in question. Examples of direct characterization include:  

• Sarah was a well-read girl who enjoyed rainy days and thunderstorms.  
• Michael was nearly always aggressive, but with Clara he felt calm at last. 
• Juliet was a stage star from her youth.  

Indirect characterization  

Indirect characterization uses more subtle nuances throughout the book that helps the reader to imply different components of the character’s personality over the course of the book. Authors skillfully navigate this process by using careful dialogue and setting to put the characters in situations that allow their true selves to shine through.  

• Lance stood strong, but inside he was crumbling – just as he always had felt in his youth.  
• “No, don’t!” Laura commanded, taking ownership of the situation. “I can do this.”  

• August sighed. She watched the rain roll down the window, completely heartbroken and hopeless. She felt that same dull depression creeping in, and didn’t know if she would succeed in suppressing it this time.  

Tips for using characterization in your writing  

Characterization is a powerful tool, which can be enhanced by proper utilization and planning throughout your writing. No matter what type of book you are writing or the piece you are working on, characterization can benefit your writing and add the depth that you’re looking for. Below are a few tips you can use to get started in using characterization in your writing.  

Plan your characters ahead of time  

Defining who your characters are is a vital part of writing planning, and should be done before you begin. This can help to guide the progression of your book, and ensure that there is cohesion in your character construction throughout.  

Determine your setting  

Creating settings that work well with your timeline can help you to create instances where characterization can shine through. Your characters will navigate these situations, and you can determine exactly what they’ll feel, say, and do at every point – letting the reader know little by little who your characters are and what motivates them.  

Memes have taken the internet by storm since their rise to popularity in the early aughts. These graphic images, GIFs, and text posts have several things in common, most of which are their shocking yet humorous contents, and their ability to go viral thanks to their relatability and impact. While teenagers helped elevate these internet pieces ascent the viral ladder, now adults and elders alike are enjoying the fun. In this article, we explore how memes can act as a second language, and explore what makes memes so virally popular.  

Could memes act as a substitute for language?  

While this sounds absurd to previous generations, there have been several scientific studies that point to the efficacy of memes as a substitute or complementary nuance to language as we understand it today. Some memes have reached a level of virality that helps them to cross language and social barriers, and have risen to global popularity. This has connected users from around the world in new ways that wouldn’t have otherwise been possible.  

Researchers have found that memes are great icebreakers, and can foster strong relationships. At the beginning of a relationship, whether it is deemed platonic or romantic, it can be difficult to find that initial spark of connection to build into a comfortable conversation. With memes, this process can be streamlined ⸺ and in the age of digitalization, this allows others to communicate and connect in a pandemic-safe way.  

Other studies have found that memes are attractive and novel ways to communicate thanks to the globalization of language that they provide. While there are obvious language barriers between members of different countries, current meme templates allow for a certain unity of language expression that wouldn’t otherwise be found with language learning methods. Our methods of expression may be diverse, but memes help members of the global populous connect with certain presentations of relatable emotions.  

What do all viral memes have in common?  

The range of memes available on the internet are almost as diverse as the members who enjoy them. However, there are certain components that viral memes have in common, and that can be used for your own meme-making use. We’ve summarized a few of these below:  

Relevancy and utility  

Many people use the internet for selfish gain. This isn’t all bad – think of when you scour the sites for the perfect scone recipe, or for a Starbucks near you. Memes incorporate elements of human utility and relevancy, even if that means giving others a voice that echos their beliefs that they wouldn’t be brave enough to share on their own.  

Humor  

Humor is entirely subjective, but there are certain things that inspire us to laugh…such as a cat shoveling down food from a broken dispenser. Humor is vital to making things go viral, and can give viewers a form of escapism from the stress of current global events.  

Shareability  

Memes should ultimately be shareable. Those on sites that facilitate easy sharing (such as Facebook or Reddit) tend to perform better than those not.  

 

The holidays are a time where we can enjoy the company of friends and family and gather over our shared, enjoyed traditions ⸺ and these normally start with delicious food! But where have our favorite family recipes gotten their names from? What inspired the changes and delicious combinations that set the scene for the holiday season? In this article, we’ll be covering rare holiday food and drink names and their origins, as well as outlining what you can expect with each delicious treat!  

Mulled wine  

Mulled wine is a delicious treat. Piping hot and filled with brandy, spices, and aromatic fruits, this beverage makes the perfect addition to your holiday party. Originally called “Ypocras” by the Greeks, this drink swept across the empires around the first or second centuries. This word was assigned to the drink due to the unique sleeve that was used to keep it warm as it was poured. Later, as it grew in popularity across Europe, settlers coined the term mulled wine. It soon became a winter favorite due to the warmth it gave across the frigid months.  

Bûche de Noël 

This unique treat translates directly to Yule Log in English – and hails from a time past. In medieval times, feudalism prevailed and created a strict class system throughout Europe. Often, serfs and the lower class were required to take these logs to the wealthy to heat their homes and castles throughout the winter, as a token of their gratitude. The serving class went on to keep this tradition alive, and paganism gave it additional meaning and assigned rites of their own to this tradition. While many opted for upgrades in their homes at the turns of the centuries (such as central heating,) many families keep the memory alive and enjoy these cake rolls every holiday season.  

Piernik  

Piernik is a Polish delicacy that finds its roots at the turn of the twelfth century. Now commonly known as Polish gingerbread, Piernik is rooted in the centuries-old Polish term, “pierna,” which translates to spices. This is aptly named, as the delicacy is a cross between a thickened gingerbread and a thin spice cake. The rich blend takes you on a journey with ginger, cinnamon, clove, and more with every bite, and makes for the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table!  

Latkes  

While latkes are commonly associated with Hannukah and Jewish tradition, the root of the word stems from Hellenistic Greek language for “olive,” and is mixed with the Slavic “oladka” which is indicative of “small fried patch” or “small fried pancake,” respectively. That’s exactly what this delicacy is, as its made of finely shredded potatoes, spices, and fried in hot fat or oil. These delectable crunchy bites are delicious topped with sour cream, chives, ketchup, or virtually any of your favorite toppings or condiments. While they are perfect to enjoy in the freezing winter months, this entree is suited to be enjoyed at any point throughout the year – dig in!