Choose the Right Setting for Your Play

Choose the Right Setting for Your Play Before you sit down to write a play, consider this: Where does the story take place? Developing the right setting is essential to creating a successful stage play. For example, suppose you wanted to create a play about a James Bond-styled globe-trotter who travels to exotic locations and gets involved with lots of intense action sequences. It might be impossible to effectively bring all of those settings to life on the stage. Ask yourself: Is a play the best way to tell my story? If not, perhaps you may want to start working on a movie script. Single Location Settings Many plays take place in a single location. The characters are drawn to a specific place, and the action unfolds without dozens of scene changes. If the playwright can invent a plot that focuses on a limited amount of settings, half the battle of writing is already won. Sophocles of Ancient Greece has the right idea. In his play, Oedipus the King, all of the characters interact on the steps of the palace; no other set is needed.  What started in ancient Greece still works in modern theater bring the action to the setting.   Kitchen Sink Dramas A kitchen sink drama is typically a single location play that takes place in a familys home.  Often time, that means that the audience will see only one room in the house (such as the kitchen or dining room).  This is the case with such dramas as A Raisin in the Sun.   Multiple Location Plays Plays with a wide variety of dazzling set pieces are sometimes impossible to produce. British author Thomas Hardy wrote an enormously long play entitled The Dynasts. It begins in the farthest reaches of the universe, and then zooms down to earth, revealing various generals from the Napoleonic Wars. Due to its length and the complexity of the setting, it has yet to be performed in its entirety. Some playwrights don’t mind that. In fact, playwrights such as George Bernard Shaw and Eugene O’Neil often wrote complex works that they never expected to be performed. However, most dramatists want to see their work brought to life on stage. In that case, it is essential for playwrights to narrow down the number of settings. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Some plays take place on an empty stage. The actors pantomime objects. Simple props are used to convey the surroundings. Sometimes, if a script is brilliant and the actors are talented, the audience will suspend its disbelief. They will believe that the protagonist is traveling to Hawaii and then on to Cairo. So, playwrights must consider: will the play work best with actual sets? Or should the play rely upon the audience’s imagination? Relationship Between Setting and Character If you would like to read an example of how details about setting can enhance the play (and even reveal the nature of the characters), read the analysis of August Wilsons Fences.  Youll notice that each part of the setting description (the garbage cans, the unfinished fence post, the baseball hanging from a string) represents the past and present experiences of Troy Maxson, the plays protagonist. In the end, the choice of setting is up to the playwright. So where do you want to take your audience?

Quality & Safety Education for Nurses Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Quality & Safety Education for Nurses - Essay Example The second competency is that of teamwork and collaboration and its relevance is in the effective functioning within inter-professional teams and nursing, open communication fostering, shared decision making and mutual respect to achieve quality care for patients. The third competency is that of evidence based practice (EBP) which aims at integrating best current evidence with patient/family preferences and values and clinical expertise for delivery of best health care. The fourth competency involves quality improvement (QI) which mostly uses data in monitoring the outcomes of care processes and using improvement methods in designing and testing changes to help in continuous improvement of the quality and safety of the health care systems. The fifth competency is safety and involves minimization of risk of harm to providers and patients through both individual performance and system effectiveness. The sixth and last competency is informatics and deals with information and technology use in communicating, managing knowledge mitigating error and supporting decision making. Students should be able to explain why technology and information skills are important for patient care that is

Annotated bibliography Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Annotated bibliography - Assignment Example The dancers therefore wore appropriate costumes and practiced sophisticated dance moves. The French noble created the minuet, which became popular at the time. The dance involved systematic movement of the legs and hands among other body parts. The dancers maintained harmony as they moved the various parts systematically and in tandem with the rhythm of the music. Hilton Wendy and Susan Bindig trace the life of Hilton Wendy, a renowned choreographer, dancer, teacher and dance scholar. In doing this, the two discover the relationship between the various classical dance styles thereby showing that the classical baroque dance metamorphosed into numerous other successive dance styles possibly having influence in some of the contemporary dance styles. They explain that baroque dance just as any other dance style was a cultural product associated with the baroque music. Dancers at the time wore systematic costumes that enhance their body movements as they danced to the sophisticated baroque music. Harmony was an overriding thematic issue in the various dance styles in the baroque era. The two scholars investigation Hilton’s evidence of the relationship in various dance styles beginning with ballerina to ballet among many others before ending with the French Noble style which was a major genre of the baroque dance between 1690 and 1725. Such a systematic relationship between the various dance-styles that became popular in various eras proves their thesis that as a cultural concept, dance has transmuted sequentially through time. Sparti, Barbara. Breaking down barriers in the study of Renaissance and baroque dame. Dance Chronicles Volume 19, Issue 3. 255-276, 1996. Internet resource. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/ref/10.1080/01472529608569249#tabModule Sparti Barbara sets to clarify the difference between renaissance and the baroque dance, which appear confusing to most people. She begins by explaining that the

Disadvantages of Physical Education

Disadvantages of Physical Education Mandatory physical education for students in elementary through high school is designed with the best intentions like promoting a healthier lifestyle, and aiding students in uncovering their potential talent. But as good as these intentions may seem they all fall short of its goals due to restricting students freedom of choice, a mounting budget deficit, and constant bullying. All these countless shortfalls cause a string of unforeseen problems such as impairing academic success, vast emotional damage, immense psychological harm, and painful physical damage. Although many parents consider physical education as an important part of the public education system, children should not have to participate in physical education if they do not want to. Physical Education should not be mandatory in public education for students in elementary through high school since it impairs learning, emotional, and physical harm to students causing immense damage that are not beneficial to students. I am troubled about mandatory physical education for students in elementary through high school. Physical education went through a long journey to become what it is today. It all started in 776 B.C. where Greeks held the first Olympiad. Later on in 1814 Demark establishes the Bill of 1814 the first ever compulsory physical education bill. In 1825 Charles Beck becomes the first teacher to teach physical education. In 1866, California passed the physical education legislation, becoming the first state to ever do so. Afterwards in 1896 Athens, Greece held the first modern Olympic game (Zeigler). Throughout all these years, physical education maintained its core values, fostering an environment for students to improve their comprehension, skill sets, capacities, and principles (Kelso). Problem starts when physical education becomes mandatory especially in schools where all these values begin to shift for the worst part. Students lose their freedom of choice, being forced into a highly co mpetitive world of sports where injuries, psychological drama, and fear of losing become a predominant possibility (FLEMING). Whether physical education should be made mandatory in public education for students in elementary through high school is a highly controversial topic since physical education comes with a heavy price by stripping students of their freedom of choice, and a enhanced education due to lack of funding. Making physical education mandatory in public education for students in elementary through high school intensifies an ongoing budget crisis. In just the state of California alone there is already an 11.2 billion dollar deficit. Across the United States, state tax revenues are down because of the worldwide economic slump. Each year schools receive only limited amounts of state and federal funding, funds depend on population and student academic performance (BBC). According to the Los Angeles Times many schools are already struggling with increased furloughs, and widespread teacher layoffs(Mehta). If physical education were to become mandatory then funds would be stretched even more sparsely. For example making physical education compulsory in elementary and high schools nationwide would be establishing an entirely new department just for physical education, and building new gyms and football fields. All these so called innovations take away scarce resources which could have been bette r used on vital academic lessons. Our students deserve a better future and making physical education mandatory is not the answer. Ms. Weissman, the current head of physical education at Tenafly High School argues that physical education helps students uncover their hidden talent, and helps them use it to their full potential (Weissman). I cannot argue the fact that physical education allows students to try out diverse sports and experience a variety of sports. Nevertheless students can uncover their talents outside of school sidestepping the bullying and physiological damage that usually occurs with physical education. According to a nationwide poll in 2004 done by Southwest Wisconsin Youth Survey 19% of all teens responded to some or quite a bit when asked how much do you worry about being picked on or physically hurt by another teen? (SWYS). Also, 19% is an enormous number that means that two out of every ten students are being bullied. Besides 19% is an understatement since most students that are bulled are too ashamed, scared, or hurt to admit it. There are countless more students that are being bullied but are not documented. Students have a hard time learning when they are constantly being bullied and put down by fellow classmates. Being successful in sports only occurs when both talent and interest are mixed in. Physical education in school only impairs on student academic success it should not be made mandatory. Cristina S. Barroso the current assistant professor of health promotion and behavioral science at University of Texas Health Science Center argues that physical education should be mandatory since the government is concerned about the well being of its citizens by promoting physical activity in students through mandatory physical education assists students in fighting obesity, and maintaining long-term habits of working out (Barroso). While I cannot argue the fact that physical activities promote good health my point is that students should at least be allowed a choice. They should be able to do what they want with their body. They are young sensible adults on the verge of adulthood and deserve to be able to make their own decisions and learn from their own mistakes, it is all part of life and growing up. An essay appeared in Journal of Law and Education, a journal published by the University of South Carolina Law Center. In School Liability: The Danger of Mandatory Physical Educatio n Classes, Heather Sanders the Health argues that forcing students to do what they may not want to do can lead to dire consequences. Consequences like depression, injuries, and anxiety are just a few of the many consequences that occur when physical education becomes mandatory (Sanders). It is also outrageous to say that physical education can actually make a real world difference to students health. Physical education is highly inefficient; there are countless more efficient ways of ensuring a healthy population than forcing students to run a lap once a week, a simple change in their diet to healthier foods and walking instead of driving to school would do just fine (NCCDPH).Taking away freedom of choice for students is a big mistake since having freedom is essential to being an America, physical education should not be compulsory in public education for students in elementary through high school. No one can argue the fact that exercise is highly beneficial for people of all ages but making physical education mandatory for students in elementary through high school is not the answer. The goal of physical education is to encourage a healthier lifestyle, promoting students to become well rounded individuals, and assisting students in finding their potential talent, but in reality all these benefits fall short once physical education becomes mandatory. Once students lose their freedom of choice, have budget cuts kick in, and are constantly being bullied a series of unforeseen problems arises such as underperforming academically, vast emotional damage, immense mental suffering, and constant physical abuse. Disadvantages Of Physical Education Disadvantages Of Physical Education Mandatory physical education for students in elementary through high school is designed with the best intentions like promoting a healthier lifestyle, and aiding students in uncovering their potential talent. But as good as these intentions may seem they all fall short of its goals due to restricting students freedom of choice, a mounting budget deficit, and constant bullying. All these countless shortfalls cause a string of unforeseen problems such as impairing academic success, vast emotional damage, immense psychological harm, and painful physical damage. Although many parents consider physical education as an important part of the public education system, children should not have to participate in physical education if they do not want to. Physical Education should not be mandatory in public education for students in elementary through high school since it impairs learning, emotional, and physical harm to students causing immense damage that are not beneficial to students. I am troubled about mandatory physical education for students in elementary through high school. Physical education went through a long journey to become what it is today. It all started in 776 B.C. where Greeks held the first Olympiad. Later on in 1814 Demark establishes the Bill of 1814 the first ever compulsory physical education bill. In 1825 Charles Beck becomes the first teacher to teach physical education. In 1866, California passed the physical education legislation, becoming the first state to ever do so. Afterwards in 1896 Athens, Greece held the first modern Olympic game (Zeigler). Throughout all these years, physical education maintained its core values, fostering an environment for students to improve their comprehension, skill sets, capacities, and principles (Kelso). Problem starts when physical education becomes mandatory especially in schools where all these values begin to shift for the worst part. Students lose their freedom of choice, being forced into a highly co mpetitive world of sports where injuries, psychological drama, and fear of losing become a predominant possibility (FLEMING). Whether physical education should be made mandatory in public education for students in elementary through high school is a highly controversial topic since physical education comes with a heavy price by stripping students of their freedom of choice, and a enhanced education due to lack of funding. Making physical education mandatory in public education for students in elementary through high school intensifies an ongoing budget crisis. In just the state of California alone there is already an 11.2 billion dollar deficit. Across the United States, state tax revenues are down because of the worldwide economic slump. Each year schools receive only limited amounts of state and federal funding, funds depend on population and student academic performance (BBC). According to the Los Angeles Times many schools are already struggling with increased furloughs, and widespread teacher layoffs(Mehta). If physical education were to become mandatory then funds would be stretched even more sparsely. For example making physical education compulsory in elementary and high schools nationwide would be establishing an entirely new department just for physical education, and building new gyms and football fields. All these so called innovations take away scarce resources which could have been bette r used on vital academic lessons. Our students deserve a better future and making physical education mandatory is not the answer. Ms. Weissman, the current head of physical education at Tenafly High School argues that physical education helps students uncover their hidden talent, and helps them use it to their full potential (Weissman). I cannot argue the fact that physical education allows students to try out diverse sports and experience a variety of sports. Nevertheless students can uncover their talents outside of school sidestepping the bullying and physiological damage that usually occurs with physical education. According to a nationwide poll in 2004 done by Southwest Wisconsin Youth Survey 19% of all teens responded to some or quite a bit when asked how much do you worry about being picked on or physically hurt by another teen? (SWYS). Also, 19% is an enormous number that means that two out of every ten students are being bullied. Besides 19% is an understatement since most students that are bulled are too ashamed, scared, or hurt to admit it. There are countless more students that are being bullied but are not documented. Students have a hard time learning when they are constantly being bullied and put down by fellow classmates. Being successful in sports only occurs when both talent and interest are mixed in. Physical education in school only impairs on student academic success it should not be made mandatory. Cristina S. Barroso the current assistant professor of health promotion and behavioral science at University of Texas Health Science Center argues that physical education should be mandatory since the government is concerned about the well being of its citizens by promoting physical activity in students through mandatory physical education assists students in fighting obesity, and maintaining long-term habits of working out (Barroso). While I cannot argue the fact that physical activities promote good health my point is that students should at least be allowed a choice. They should be able to do what they want with their body. They are young sensible adults on the verge of adulthood and deserve to be able to make their own decisions and learn from their own mistakes, it is all part of life and growing up. An essay appeared in Journal of Law and Education, a journal published by the University of South Carolina Law Center. In School Liability: The Danger of Mandatory Physical Educatio n Classes, Heather Sanders the Health argues that forcing students to do what they may not want to do can lead to dire consequences. Consequences like depression, injuries, and anxiety are just a few of the many consequences that occur when physical education becomes mandatory (Sanders). It is also outrageous to say that physical education can actually make a real world difference to students health. Physical education is highly inefficient; there are countless more efficient ways of ensuring a healthy population than forcing students to run a lap once a week, a simple change in their diet to healthier foods and walking instead of driving to school would do just fine (NCCDPH).Taking away freedom of choice for students is a big mistake since having freedom is essential to being an America, physical education should not be compulsory in public education for students in elementary through high school. No one can argue the fact that exercise is highly beneficial for people of all ages but making physical education mandatory for students in elementary through high school is not the answer. The goal of physical education is to encourage a healthier lifestyle, promoting students to become well rounded individuals, and assisting students in finding their potential talent, but in reality all these benefits fall short once physical education becomes mandatory. Once students lose their freedom of choice, have budget cuts kick in, and are constantly being bullied a series of unforeseen problems arises such as underperforming academically, vast emotional damage, immense mental suffering, and constant physical abuse.

Different Types of Vietnamese Foods Essay

It is amazing how diverse the various types of culture can be. From country to country, even down to the different states and regions within the same nation. Culture is said to have five basic characteristics; it is learned, it is has symbolic structure, it is shared, and it has the ability to adapt. It is a system consisting of variables that constitute a rational way of life (Vien, 2003). A change in social environments results in a change in culture as well, which is why Vietnam has three different regions. Many times, food is a factor that differentiates cultures from various areas. Within Vietnam are three regions: Bac Bo (the north), Trung Bo (the center) and Nam Bo (the south). Each of these regions not only carries their own culture, but they also speak different dialects and are famous for their own kinds of dishes. One of the common traditions within all three regions is rice. Vietnamese culture always includes rice in every meal. With 70% of the Vietnamese population residing in rural areas containing small-scaled paddy rice farmers, Vietnam the second largest exporter of rice in the world (Rutten, Dijk, Rooij, & Hilderink, 2014). Rice is often served as the main complementary entrà ©e eaten with side dishes. The customary way to eat in The Vietnamese involves a family style dinner. Everyone has their own small bowl of rice, while the center of the table consists of many different types of side dishes and sauces (Countries, 2014). These types of dishes are representative of different regions and their wealth. The wealthier the family, the more protein or dishes are served. Everyone uses the chopsticks (the common Vietnamese utensil) to pick at the center dishes and bring food back to their bowl of rice (Countries, 2014). The traditional drink during mealtime is freshly brewed tea served from a teapot. Although the Vietnamese regions share some common food-related traditions, the dishes can differ in their own unique way. Each region is known to have its own specialty dishes that were influenced by its surrounding environment. Climate plays a huge factor in foods that are popular amongst these areas. Climate affects the food in several ways, such as direct effects production of crops, which leads to food supply (Gregory, Ingram, & Brklacich, 2005). Each of these groups has its own distinctive culture and is associated with a specific environmental setting (Vien, 2003). Also, another factor to consider on the different types of food from each region is the influences from the neighboring countries. The first region is North Vietnam; Bac Bo. China influences many of Bac Bo’s dishes. That’s why many of the dishes tend to be more stir fried and include egg rolls, soy sauce and MSG (Destination, 2014). Their dishes tend to have delicate flavors. The weather in North Vietnam is a bit colder; therefore they cannot grow much herbs and spices (Destinations, 2014). Their dishes have less vegetables, fish and meats compare to other areas in Vietnam (Destinations, 2014). Since they don’t cook with chilies, use black pepper and they use less sugar in their dishes. A popular dish that originated from Bac Bo is Banh Cuon. Banh Cuon is a paper-thin rice pancake rolled with ground pork and mushrooms with a side of dipping sauce with herbs and sausages. Southern Vietnam, Nam Bo, is also hugely influenced by China. However, influences from India, France, and Thai have also made an impact on their food (Destinations, 2014). The Red River Delta, in Southern Vietnam which is ri ght beside the Mekong Delta has the highest level of agricultural service distribute from their regions (Adger, 1999). The warmer weather supports the growth of more crops such as animals, vegetables and fruits (Food, 2014). Nam Bo cuisine tends to be richer in flavor since they use more sugar, fresh herbs and garlic. A popular dish from South Vietnam is Cha Tom. Cha Tom is shrimp wrapped in sugarcane. The Central of Vietnam, Trung Bo, is mostly known for their spicy dishes. This region contains the mountainous environment which produces many spices (Food, 2014). The foods in Trung Bo closely resemble the royal cuisine back in ancient Vietnam, very decorative and colorful for the kings and queens (Food, 2014). A popular  dish in Central Vietnam is Bun Bo Hue. Bun Bo Hue is a spicy soup with rice vermicelli and beef. Vietnamese cuisines are infiltrating into America as well. The popular Vietnamese soup, Pho, beef noodle soup has captured the hearts of America (Loh, 2002). Pho cannot be found everywhere in America yet, but it is likely to become the next mainstream Asian cuisine in America (Loh, 2002 ). There is a couple of states that have Pho restaurant but mostly in California. A Campbell Soup Company has partnered with a Vietnamese American chef to create a refrigeration pho broth to the food service industry (Loh, 2002). Also, Chefs at University of Massachusetts in Amherst started serving Pho once a week in the residential dining halls (Loh, 2002). The school’s director of dining services says, â€Å"If it gets more popular, we’ll make it three times a week.† The This Vietnamese broth is one of a couple of Vietnamese cuisines that influence Americans. Banh Mi, Vietnamese sandwiches is the next big food item that America has adopted. In 1983, the first Lee’s Sandwich was created in San Jose CA (Lee’s, 2014). Lee’s sells a mix of modern and traditional Asian-American cuisines: traditional Vietnamese sandwiches and American sandwiches on baguettes or croissants both can be found on their menu (Lee’s, 2014). With this strategy, Lee’s Sandwich has developed to become one of the fastest growing restaurants chains in the West. Lee’s Sandwich was recognized as one of the Top 50 foodservice bakery in the United states by Modern Baking in 2005 (Lee’s, 2014). Standing today with 55 stores country wide. Lee’s sandwich is another wonderful Vietnamese cuisine that is slowly but surely influencing America. The Vietnamese culture is gradually growing throughout America with the help of Vietnamese-Americans citizens. The U.S. does a good job of upholding our reputation of diversity; it is astonishing to see how this country is so open to trying new and different types of food. The willingness to intertwine with other ethic culture and food continues to make huge progress in this development. References Adger, W. N. (1999). Social Vulnerability To Climate Change And Extremes In Coastal Vietnam. World Development, 27(2), 249-269. Countries and Their Cultures. (n.d.). Culture of Vietnam. Retrieved September 28, 2014, from http://www.everyculture.com/To-Z/Vietnam.html Destination Vietnam. (n.d.). Rice, herbs, spices. Retrieved September 29, 2014, from http://www.destination-asia.com/vietnam/about/taste/ Food. (n.d.). Inside Vietnam. Retrieved September 29, 2014, from http://www.insidevietnamtours.com/vietnamese-culture/food/ Gregory, P., Ingram, J., & Brklacich, M. (2005, October 24). Climate change and food security. Climate change and food security. Retrieved September 29, 2014, from http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/360/1463/2139.full.pdf+html Lee’s Sandwiches Franchise. (n.d.). Costs & Fees. Retrieved September 29, 2014, from http://www.thefranchisemall.com/franchises/details/13774-0-lees_sandwiches.htm Loh, L. (2002, May 13). The Next Ethnic Dish of the Day: Vietnamese Pho. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 29, 2014, from http://articles.latimes.com/2002/may/13/business/fi-pho13 Rutten, M., Dijk, M. V., Rooij, W. V., & Hilderink, H. (2014). Land Use Dynamics, Climate Change, and Food Security in Vietnam: A Global-to-local Modeling Approach. World Development, 59, 29-46. Vien, T. D. (2003). Culture, environment, and farming systems in Vietnam’s northern mountain region. Cambridge University Press: Southeast Asian Studies, Vol. 41. Vietnamese Cuisine, Food & Recipes. (n.d.). Asian Recipes. Retrieved September 29, 2014, from http://www.asian-recipe.com/vietnam

The Five Doctrines of Islamic Faith

Axia college The standard beliefs of Islam are identified as theFive Doctrines of Islamic Faith. They are documented as such, the unquestioned unity of God, the belief in the prophets, the recognition of angels, belief in scripture or koran, and belief in the coming of Final Judgment. Islam is built on the five pillars or acts of worship. These FivePillars describe the expected obligations performed by a Muslim follower. These are described as the basic framework for worship in a Muslim life. The five are as follows declaration of faith, prayer, having concern for the needy, self-purification, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Pillar number one is Al-Shahadaor the declaration of faith. The pillar outlines that all followers must announce their faith to enter into Islam in the presence of witnesses. A kep point of this is knowing that Allah is the only one worthy of your worship. Pillar number two is Salat or prayer, which is required of all Muslims once adulthood is established. Prayer is a daily occurance to be exact five timesper day. Prayer lasts five to ten minutes each time. Pillar number three is Zakat or charity. The islam belief is that all prosperity and wealth is only worthy of God, and God’s desire is for Muslims to express generocity in life. Zakat requires the giving of a piece of a persons financial wealth to charity at the conclusion of the year. Pillar number four is Sawm or fasting. Every Muslim is required to fast for Ramadan which falls at month number nine of the muslim calendar. The muslim reasoning for fasting is to cleanse you spiritually and physically as well as focus your attention on spiritual aspects rather than on physical ones. Fasting for Muslims includes refraining from eating or drinking anything as well as having sexual intercourse from dawn to dusk. The last Pillar is Hajj or the pilgrimage to Mecca. Every Muslim outside of those who are physically or financially unable, must makethe pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during the course of life. My thought is that the declaration of faith would be the easiest because its a one time pillar that takes a short time. The most challenging would be the fast from dusk to dawn because I would find it difficult to focus all day with no food for 12 hours or so.

A Timeline of the Building of the Chunnel

Building the Chunnel, or Channel Tunnel, was one of the largest and most impressive engineering tasks of the 20th century. Engineers had to find a way to dig under the English Channel, creating three tunnels under the water. Find out more about this amazing engineering feat through this Chunnel timeline. A Timeline of the Chunnel 1802 -- French engineer Albert Mathieu Favier created a plan to dig a tunnel under the English Channel for horse-drawn carriages. 1856 -- Frenchman Aimà © Thomà © de Gamond created a plan to dig two tunnels, one from Great Britain and one from France, that meet in the middle on an artificial island. 1880 -- Sir Edward Watkin began drilling two underwater tunnels, one from the British side and the other from the French. However, after two years, the British publics fears of an invasion won out and Watkins was forced to stop drilling. 1973 -- Britain and France agreed on an underwater railway that would link their two countries. Geologic investigations began and digging started. However, two years later, Britain pulled out because of an economic recession. November 1984 -- British and French leaders once again agreed that a Channel link would be mutually beneficial. Since they realized that their own governments could not fund such a monumental project, they held a contest. April 2, 1985 -- A contest to find a company that could plan, fund, and operate a Channel link was announced. January 20, 1986 -- The winner of the contest was announced. The design for a Channel Tunnel (or Chunnel), an underwater railway, was chosen. February 12, 1986 -- Representatives from both the United Kingdom and France signed a treaty approving the Channel Tunnel. December 15, 1987 -- Digging began on the British side, starting with the middle, service tunnel. February 28, 1988 -- Digging began on the French side, starting with the middle, service tunnel. December 1, 1990 -- The linking of the first tunnel was celebrated. It was the first time in history that Great Britain and France were connected. May 22, 1991 -- The British and French met in the middle of the northern running tunnel. June 28, 1991 -- The British and French met in the middle of the southern running tunnel. December 10, 1993 -- The first test-run of the entire Channel Tunnel was conducted. May 6, 1994 -- The Channel Tunnel officially opened. French President Francois Mitterrand and British Queen Elizabeth II were on hand to celebrate. November 18, 1996 -- A fire broke out on one of the trains in the southern running tunnel (taking passengers from France to Great Britain). Although all the people on board were rescued, the fire did a lot of damage to the train and to the tunnel.