The remarkable story of Bluefield represents a unique combination of geology; geography; and opportunity. Once just the confluence of a handful of family farms in southern West Virginia; Bluefield was put on the map; literally;in the 1880s; when the Norfolk Western Railway came to town. The company�s influence on the rural landscape was overwhelming; and soon; Bluefield was transformed into the center of a coal-fired universe and became a major thoroughfare for the then-thriving mining industry. Though the company�not the coal�was king in Bluefield; enterprising men and women could; and did; share in itssuccess. The city evolved into a successful supply center for the enormous network of towns that sprung up almost overnight throughout the region�s coalfields. For the next 60 years; Bluefield experienced dramatic growth; enticing a diverse group of newcomers who helped to build the strong cultural heritage that continues to play a prominent role in the community to the present day.
#4181674 in eBooks 2012-05-03 2012-05-03File Name: B009C8U48O
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The hidden power of reality TVBy Deborah KaminskiAn eye-opening look at the commercial interests behind reality TV. Deery examines the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that reality TV is used to push products and ideologies. The real measure of the power of her ideas is in their applicability to a broad range of shows. As I was reading about home makeovers. I could see how the same techniques of product placement and corporate image-making were used in my favorite reality show. the Amazing Race.One should not underestimate the power of Reality TV. It has been a springboard for individuals to rise in the public consciousness. Would we see so many Michael Koors bags in the mall if Project Runway had not been so successful? Would Donald Trump have had a shot at the Presidency if not for The Apprentice? Deery examines the ways Reality TV is shaping our lives. Most of all. she induces you to think and question.Consuming Reality is a scholarly work that is accessible to the lay reader. It is beautifully written. lavishly referenced. and filled with nuggets of information. such as the appalling rise in elective plastic surgery in recent years. The book will surprise you and may shine a new light on your favorite reality show.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. smart. elegant bookBy Leigh H. EdwardsThis smart and elegant book is a must-read for scholars and students interested in reality TV and in the encroachment of public relations and advertising rhetoric into all aspects of everyday life. June Deery provides a thorough and rigorous analysis of commercialization in reality television. She includes such practices as product placement. donorship. sponsorship. brand extension. and how TV commodifies viewers across different media platforms in our convergence culture era. The book is an important contribution to academic discussions of reality TV because it provides a much more extensive study of advertising practices in the genre than is available in the current scholarship. Its also a lively. fun read. Highly recommended!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good Overview On Reality TelevisionBy Carlos G. GodoyThis is a really good overview of how reality television has evolved over the years. Its nice to see both an academic discussion and a real-world perspective. I just wish the cover had a Kardashian on it!
