...2012 – The Facts Hi there, Thank you for making the effort to become more informed about 2012! The 2012 meme is huge. Hundreds of books have been written, numerous documentaries have been made, and of course there was a blockbuster movie. Unfortunately the facts have been deeply buried, and virtually every piece of information you come across is speculation and trickery, disguised as fact. The aim of this article is to ignore all the extreme speculations and fabrications, and just present the known facts. Plus I’ll throw in some of the more plausible scenarios, to help you understand what might soon be upon us. Everything that follows is either accepted fact, or will be denoted as being disputable or an opinion. Regards, Robert Bast - Melbourne, Australia, 2010 The Long Count Calendar The ancient Mayans had roughly 20 calendars, all of which were short in duration, with the cycles equating to astronomical phenomena, or were intended to relate to history repeating over and over again via prophecy. Except for the Long Count calendar. The Long Count is the Mayan equivalent of our calendar, in that it assigns unique dates over a long period of time. A short numerical description (like 12/6/1976 in our calendar) pinpoints a place in time. Unlike our calendar, which starts with the birth of Christ and heads towards infinity in two directions, the Long Count has a definite beginning and a definite end. The start date of the Long Count calendar rarely gets a mention...
Words: 6233 - Pages: 25
...Case Study: China Myths, China Facts Julliana Schlemper Embry-Riddle Aeronautic University Organizational Behavior & Change MGMT520 Fernando Muniz April 27, 2016 Case Study: China Myths, China Facts Introduction Considered the second-largest economy in the world, that should surpass the US in the next decade, China has a very unique culture. When I think about China, in a business way, I think about very serious people that know what they want and go get it. Chinese people like to know you more than what other people from other nationalities would. This way, Chinese can learn more about the person and know if they can trust you or not. Most of what Chinese do in business has to do with trust and how it’s built. The biggest difference between the West people and the Chinese people is we work on building a trust relationship (Harvard Business Review, 2015). In this case study, I will comment about three myths that surround China’s culture, work ethic and management techniques. The three myths are collectivism, long-term deliberations and risk aversion. Discussion Questions 1. Has this presentation challenged any assumptions you had about China and the Chinese people? Yes. Movies, News, the media in general, have pictured China as a culture that is more inclined to the individualism more than collectivism. It was new to me to know that workers in China are more inclined to self-interest than their communities and the companies they work for. 2. Using your...
Words: 735 - Pages: 3
...Trenton Gang Violence on the Decline Myth or Fact In conducting my research on gangs in Trenton, New Jersey and whether or not their presence and the perception that violence is on the decline; either myth or fact appeared contradicted at best, similar to how our researchers in the context of our reading toggled with the definition of gangs. The scope and methodology of my research consisted of the following approach: Interviews: I spoke with a detective and long time friend B. Mathis on the phone of the Trenton police department on approximately December 17, 2009 regarding his take on how his law enforcement teams were dealing with combating the war on gangs in Trenton. I spoke with Z. Chester, Trenton Central High School classmate on December 17, 2009 who is now running for City Council from whom I wanted to obtain a political view point on the gang progress or decline in Trenton. I conducted a similar interview with a distant friend T. Mack, who is now running for Mayor in Trenton on the same political views on gang violence and potential decline within the city. I had arranged, but was unable to speak with a former security guard of Trenton Central High and Junior High School #1 by the name of B. White about his perception of gang activity in comparison from middle school to high school and some of his experiences as he attempted to uphold discipline in the capacity of his role as a security guard. Lastly, I gathered some small, but factual information from...
Words: 2309 - Pages: 10
...Fact or Fiction: A Critique of the Man-Eating Myth: Anthropophagy and Anthropology The Man-Eating Myth: Anthropophagy and Anthropology by William Arens (1979) examines the evidence or lack thereof in determining what constitutes cannibalism or anthropophagy. Throughout history anthropologists as well as other “explorers” have encountered numerous peoples throughout the world. During their fieldwork they have gathered data which suggest the practice of cannibalism within the communities. There have been countless documents which have substantiated the claim of cannibalism in distant countries. This data has been accepted as fact but in actuality these assumptions contain more fiction that validity. Arens has addressed this issue by scrutinizing these documents and providing secondary information that sheds light on the initial discoveries. Anthropophagy has been an ongoing topic for thousands of years. Cannibals are viewed as exotic, barbaric people whom lack the civilization to realize their customs are inane and fundamentally wrong. Due to this fact, foreign communities have been labeled cannibals to justify ethnocentric views and actions: “This avenue of inquiry has led to the conclusion that our culture, like many others, finds comfort in the idea of the barbarian just beyond the gates.”(p.184) Anthropologists, for this reason, have substantiated accusations of cannibalism or anthropophagy without concrete evidence supporting these statements. “…and almost every...
Words: 1921 - Pages: 8
...a mixture of fact and fiction. A legend is tale, usually told regionally and based in part in fact, usually to strengthen ones belief in his or her country or sitting lord. An example would be the Arthurian legends or the Iliad. Legends are sometimes distinguished from myths in that they concern human beings rather than gods, and sometimes in that they have some sort of historical basis whereas myths do not; but these distinctions are difficult to maintain consistently Legend vs Myth: Myths are generally referred to as traditional stories occuring in a timeless past. They may involve supernatural elements and are beyond the frontiers of logic. Myths may also give a religious explanation. Myths have their chronology of events and cannot be related to present timelines. They may also be imaginary things. Legends, however, are stories about real people who are famous for doing something brave or extraordinary. Legends may be told upon topics of historical importance. It is not an explanation of something nor a symbolic narrative, they're based on an event. Examples of myths and legends It is a Greek myth that Prometheus stole fire from Zeus, the chief god, and gave it to humans so that they could keep themselves warm. To punish him, Zeus chained Prometheus to a rock where his liver was eaten by an eagle every day but grew again every night. There is nothing to prove it and we do not even have a time frame to show so it is a myth. A common contemporary myth is that a cat...
Words: 765 - Pages: 4
...word myth used popularly? For example, what does the statement, “It’s a myth” mean? In contrast, how is the word myth used in the academic context? After considering the definition in your textbooks and course materials, write a definition in your own words. Myth is story or a legend to explain past times in a cultures history. When others tell a myth they are telling a false sense of truth to the type of story, which may have happen with some unexplained events to help teach a moral or lesson. However academically myth is used to address what is real or a false sense of truth in the context of the myth itself. A definition of the word myth does vary from person to person; a myth in this narrator’s sense is a story that cannot be proven to be true or false. For instance some Greeks had sighting of the Greek Gods themselves but cannot be denied or proven because there is no hard evidence. Myths leave the human mind open to explore different possibilities, because nothing is impossible in this world. There are however myths that are created to help children understand changes as Santa Clause or the tooth fairy, these myths were created to give children hope. Why do myths from different cultures around the world address such similar or universal themes? Think about how myths explain the unknown and the tribulations of mankind. As in every culture there are similarities, similar beliefs, foods, clothes and legends. All the different cultures may have similar myths to provide...
Words: 796 - Pages: 4
...In our beloved country America, we are taught many historical events that are distorted or flawed about our country. Ray Raphael’s book “Founding Myths: Stories that Hide Our Patriotic Past,” proves how easily people get confused with what is fiction and what is fact. This essay will discuss how the background of founding myths developed over time, the consequences as a result of the myths being unexplored, the impact of the myths, and whether or not these myths serve as a useful purpose. Since we have grown to the age to go to school we begin to learn our countries history. These myths have developed over time through the historians who tell or write about them. Historians tend to change the perspective or history the way they want you to view it. The founding myth of the Founding Fathers is a great example. The author Ray Raphael gives us a reason that the Founding Fathers became developed over time. Several framers and signers did not have normal names in the past and the author believed that people would not be able to remember all the confusing names. For Americans to recite a good myth Ray Raphael believed that...
Words: 653 - Pages: 3
... June 5, 2014 Sharon Worley A myth is used popularly when it is used in a story or a fact is a legend. Something that is factually true. A myth "Does my butt look big in these?"( Stan Rogal 2006). The word myth can be used to dismiss another culture or belief if it is truer than another’s. It’s a myth means that, something that people believe to be true but isn’t. Something that people will say when telling and explaining something to you wanting you to believe them and think that it is a true fact. A myth is sometimes used as an explanatory narrative to describe how things mysteriously happen in stories and religions. It somehow explains how the world is how it is. The word myth is used in the academic context in a variety of academic setting; its main purpose is to analyze different cultures and their ways of thinking. Within the academic setting, a myth is known as a true fact and over time has been changed within the society. A definition of myth in my own words would be made up stories that explain the existence of different cultures with different religious beliefs from people. Some myths can be legendary stories or just traditional about an event or super hero. I believe different cultures address similar themes as a way to explain a culture's origin and history. For decades myths have been passed on and have become an integral part of many cultures. It is much more likely that myths were perhaps important to us and used throughout the different...
Words: 818 - Pages: 4
...Six Myths About Female Sexuality and Why They're Myths Never underestimate the female libido Published on July 3, 2012 by Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D. in Fulfillment at Any Age 0 inShare The year 2012 may be remembered less for apocalyptic endings (we hope) than for the apparent explosion of women’ssexuality in pop media. Magic Mike is becoming the runaway hit movie of the summer, and the book Fifty Shades of Grey is shaping up to rival Harry Potter at the top of all-time best seller lists. Social critics proclaim their surprise at this burst of female libido into popular consciousness. Despite what you may be led to believe, though, the truth is that women and men just aren’t that different when it comes to basic sex drives. Women are flocking to Magic Mike as do bachelorettes to a Chippendale party. However, this isn't the first movie to appeal to women's lustier tastes. Though the story line may be lighter than its 1997 predecessor, The Full Monty, both movies share a fascination with the male body in motion. The Full Monty did exceptionally well in the box office itself, becoming the top grossing film in the UK until the release of Titanic later in the year. Novels with female protagonists demanding that their sexual needs be fulfilled are not new either. We only have to think back to 1928’s Lady Chatterly’s Lover, written by D.H. Lawrence (and banned in its entirety until 1960), to realize that female sexuality has been the driving force behind the success of plenty...
Words: 5053 - Pages: 21
... How is the word myth used popularly? For example, what does the statement, “It’s a myth” mean? In contrast, how is the word myth used in the academic context? After considering the definition in your textbooks and course materials, write a definition in your own words. Myths are used to simply answer questions that one may have pertaining to his or her very existence. Myth as defined by Mirriam-Webster (2013); a person or thing having only an imaginary or unverifiable existence. Something, such as a tale consisting of unrealistic circumstances or outcomes, superhuman giants, and fire breathing dragons that will come devour one in their dreams. Tales that consist of these things are usually considered to be a myth due to their lack of substantiation. Myths are considered to be an exaggeration, ideation or fabrication of facts. In contrast the word myth when used in an academic context is used with regards to a person, event, being or deity, with or without supported facts or logical explanation. The statement “It’s a myth” possesses a sort of unique meaning. That statement means it is in a way a rumor of sorts, not necessarily a fictional tale. For example the story of David and Goliath; David was merely a man probably of average height and weight for his time period and Goliath was a giant bully. It is said that David slung a stone and slayed the giant, there is no evidence of the events of that particular story ever happening. My definition of a myth; a story, ideation...
Words: 678 - Pages: 3
...December 15, 2012 Alan West Foundations of Mythology Question One Myth is a word used magnanimously with a story. Myth is just that A story with no hard facts but its purpose is to explain the unexplained. Mythology has been around since humans could speak. People had claimed something is a myth; they are referring to something untrue and a fable. Examples of some popular myths are; that sailors were enticed by beautiful mermaids; beware of great creatures of the seas if they angered the gods. Mythology goes hand-in-hand with the word “mystery”. “Myths are ancient narratives that attempt to answer the enduring and fundamental human questions: How did the universe and the world come to be? How did we come to be here? Who are we?” (Leonard, & McClure, 2004, p. 1). In academia, myth is not defined but used as distinctive history of types of people and groups, with written context reminiscent of past events for the those logic cannot explain. Question Two There are different myths with many groups and cultures. Below are some examples that will describe various culture aspects. Myths help man to make order out of chaos or explain things that he cannot understand. Often, myths are based on ideas that affect human beings, regardless of geography or race. Themes like life and death, fear and anxiety, good and evil, and the perennial question of "Why am I here? " ("The impact of," 2013, p. 1). Myths have been around since the first cultures. Indian cultures believe that...
Words: 954 - Pages: 4
...Cosmic Creation Myths Across Taliah Daniels Hum/105 December 19, 2012 GLORIA PUGLIESE Cosmic Creation Myths Across Regarding Creation Although there are a great number of creation myths that are propagated by people of Chinese descent, virtually all of them acknowledge Pan Gu. Those that due generally state that Pan Gu was the first being and that all existence in the universe—especially the earth and the heavens—is comprised of this being. The general story of Pan Gu begins with his conception inside of an egg. In that egg is the yin and the yang, the notion of duality which brings an eternal harmony and balance to life. The egg is a cosmic egg, one of the very first things in existence. Most tradition regarding Pan Gu contends that he matures within his egg for 18,000 years prior to bursting out of it (some traditions say he utilizes an ax for this purpose). What is key about this part of the story is that from Pan Gu’s destruction of the cosmic egg, the upper portion of it formed the heaven and the lower portion of it formed the earth. Pan Gu grew between the earth and the heavens for another 18,000 years, during which time both of these regions matured. Pan Gu was male, and is therefore akin to the universal father of all. Moreover, everything that exists in the earth is quite literally a part of his body after he dies. His eyes, for example become the sun and the moon, his breath becomes the wind, his blood forms rain and water, his hair becomes the stars...
Words: 985 - Pages: 4
...“Suicide” is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. There is always hope. Suicide Warning Signs If you or someone you know exhibits several of the suicide warning signs listed below, immediate action is required, so take action. Thank you. Suicide Warning Signs: * Appearing depressed or sad most of the time. (Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.) * Talking or writing about death or suicide. * Withdrawing from family and friends. * Feeling hopeless. * Feeling helpless. * Feeling strong anger or rage. * Feeling trapped -- like there is no way out of a situation. * Experiencing dramatic mood changes. * Abusing drugs or alcohol. * Exhibiting a change in personality. * Acting impulsively. * Losing interest in most activities. * Experiencing a change in sleeping habits. * Experiencing a change in eating habits. * Losing interest in most activities. * Performing poorly at work or in school. * Giving away prized possessions. * Writing a will. * Feeling excessive guilt or shame. * Acting recklessly. It should be noted that some people who die by suicide do not show any suicide warning signs. But about 75 percent of those who die by suicide do exhibit some suicide warning signs, so we need to be aware of what the suicide warning signs are and try to spot them in people. If we do see someone exhibiting suicide warning signs, we need to do everything that we can to help them. Always take...
Words: 2158 - Pages: 9
... 1. How is the word myth used popularly? For example, what does the statement, “It’s a myth” mean? In contrast, how is the word myth used in the academic context? After considering the definition in your textbooks and course materials, write a definition in your own words. Well, the word myth brings to my mind fantasy tale of good and evil and how good wins over evil. I was reading the material’s for the class but however it has brought me to a new form of thinking. For me it was like playing in the woods as a child with my older brother and younger sister they would say to me to the boogey scare, I would hurry and run home scared out my mind, crying to my mother to help me and she would tell me that “it’s just a myth”, there is no boogey man. So then I learned that a myth was what I would say people who tell lies. I live in this world of 2013, which knowing the facts are a way better of understanding the differences of a myths and the facts are the truth. Seems like if a story is recorded on film and in the least a scientist can have fun in explaining of the unexplained in the stories told. I think the best way to look at the stories of myths is to have an open mind and not a close one (naïve’) so to speak. 2. Why do myths from different cultures around the world address such similar or universal themes? Think about how myths explain the unknown and the tribulations of mankind. By reading the textbook, I believe that some myths from different cultures...
Words: 896 - Pages: 4
...“To be American (unlike being English or French or whatever) is precisely to imagine a destiny rather than inherit one; since we have always been, insofar as we are Americans at all, inhabitants of myth rather than history.” In the context of this quote attributed to Leslie Fiedler, being American means subscribing to a socially constructed national identity--to the collective American Dream. This observation expresses a core truth about Americans, and about an American greatness that is in fact exceptional, but it is also problematic in several ways. First, the public has never felt compelled to fix the meaning of the American Dream, a term that presumably everyone knows. Second, while Fielder’s assertion is true of Americans, it is not uniquely so: All people, in some sense or another, inhabit myths. Finally, while Americans have certainly imagined destinies for themselves, they also live in history. Everyone does. The American Dream is neither a self-evident falsehood nor a scientifically demonstrable principle. Beyond the abstract belief that anything is possible if you want it bad enough, there is no single American Dream. The theoretical basis for the American idea incorporates an explicit allegiance to the concept “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” But as the history of slavery and the struggle for women’s rights make clear, the rights...
Words: 1791 - Pages: 8
