Summary package 2

The rediscovery of the Shang began with the discovery of turtle shells or big cattle bones. It is inscribed with ancient Chinese characters. The bones speak of events about national significant, natural disasters, as well as insignificant happenings. It was discovered by legend. Wang Yirong’s family sent out to a pharmacist for turtle plastrons to make medicine. Wang Yirong, an archaeologist, was the first to build up a collection of oracle bones. Oracle bones were found in Xiaotun. Shang fortune tellers foretold predictions about the future. They used the oracle bones to check whether the event would occur. The bones were cleaned and thinned. The diviners applied a hot object until the surface cracked. The cracked bones were presented to the king. King’s interpretation of the cracks was engraved onto the shell together with the original prediction. The oracle bones refer to persons who appear in traditional historical texts. It also dispelled some misconceptions of Shang.

146words

Summary

Reality television, dominating the tube right now, is about the real antics of real people. It is real behaviour in real environment. The shows feature people getting insulted and humiliated. One of the ironies is that they are unreal, key moments are staged. Sports are unscripted drama. These shows are cheap to produce. It is popular with the viewers. People are voyeurs. These shows erase the boundaries between the public and the private. The shows can still genuinely surprise and it is a great and new way of telling. The show also has idea that grabs us in some fundamental place. Reality shows are profitable. There will also have a place for television. The future prospects are dim. It may ruin reputation of network. Producers will eventually soon run out of ideas and the viewers will be bored. They will also face competition from other forms of programming.

138words