tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46100850801072939522024-03-13T09:32:15.275-07:00Enlightened AgeMarinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.comBlogger405125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-33978828513655306192016-04-20T12:18:00.001-07:002016-04-20T12:18:11.406-07:00The REAL lifestyles of the rich and famous<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Currently, I am reading a wonderful book, The Biography of Versailles, which gives accounts of the life of the estate, the workings of protocol, the advance of courtiers in a ridiculously detailed and tiered system. The Court, or the collection of nobles serving the King (Louis XIV, in this case), included delightful assignments like bringing the King's shirt to him in the morning when he was to get out of bed and get dressed. Another lucky noble might bring him his walking stick or ceremonial sword. But some had the sad task of delivering and then emptying the royal chamber pot (and that was an honor, if you can believe it). Even a man was "employed" to hold a candle while the King god each night. My! And, the King did not take off his wig until the bed drapes were closed, so that he wouldn't ruin his majestic image. Talk about vanity!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilB_8CGKVVq2NB_ZMvmOoIhxZro_tQyep5DfU0kcs8XohhzcianTG5UVUDCdm3sZbftcprbd27syZCkMG14j8ARlI8tZxCBjqnmHYzuz4bK4udQrwI6hi722pgLgPJEzUPVCJ3A5gdoZY/s1600/thHMR85NRL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilB_8CGKVVq2NB_ZMvmOoIhxZro_tQyep5DfU0kcs8XohhzcianTG5UVUDCdm3sZbftcprbd27syZCkMG14j8ARlI8tZxCBjqnmHYzuz4bK4udQrwI6hi722pgLgPJEzUPVCJ3A5gdoZY/s1600/thHMR85NRL.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">On staff was a gardener, an architect, a maître d'hôtel who arranged accommodations for the visiting nobles, cooks, food tasters, dog handlers for the hunting dogs, two stables and stable staff (one for coaches; one for hunting), chapel attendant. The list goes on and on.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22zcy5jKjdWUFIfqT8N-hM0YoiXapxNiO0dqOkCwSAArq7BJiX1SvAolb22FE-jZnEc9dkUixwTttq0x621ptARhtRwMmJsvQLcHtFvEbmJKAgQSKYsnns5HI2zZ3r1YQh8ipc8iOxws/s1600/th2XZCM2W6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22zcy5jKjdWUFIfqT8N-hM0YoiXapxNiO0dqOkCwSAArq7BJiX1SvAolb22FE-jZnEc9dkUixwTttq0x621ptARhtRwMmJsvQLcHtFvEbmJKAgQSKYsnns5HI2zZ3r1YQh8ipc8iOxws/s1600/th2XZCM2W6.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">It's fascinating to image the lifestyle. Of course, today we have celebrities who think they're royalty, but this was the real deal. </span></div>
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Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-50772378082018444972016-04-07T09:31:00.001-07:002016-04-07T09:31:15.993-07:00One Man's Garbage<div dir="ltr" id="yiv8527692988yui_3_16_0_1_1458148001620_7466" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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<span id="yiv8527692988yui_3_16_0_1_1458148001620_7475" style="background-color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span id="yiv8527692988yui_3_16_0_1_1458148001620_7476" style="color: white; font-family: Calibri;">How true that it! So I decided to look into the 18th Century garbage can, as it were. Following Industrialization and urban growth, the buildup of waste in the cities and its management became more and more difficult to tend to. Streets, for instance in London, became choked with filth, with poor clearance regulations. Calls for the establishment of waste removal began in 1751 for the health and well-being of the citizens. It was proposed by Corbyn Morris that city cleaning would be put into one public management system, the waste conveyed to the Thames River. </span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv8527692988yui_3_16_0_1_1458148001620_7483" style="background-color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span id="yiv8527692988yui_3_16_0_1_1458148001620_7484" style="color: white; font-family: Calibri;">The first occurrence of an organized system appeared, with waste collection established around the "dust yards", the "dust" being coal ash, which had a market value for brick-making and soil improver. Dust-contractors recovered 100% of the residual wastes remaining after readily saleable items and materials had been removed by the informal sector in the streets ('rag-and-bone men'). Kind of a recycle of product.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span id="yiv8527692988yui_3_16_0_1_1458148001620_7493" style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><span id="yiv8527692988yui_3_16_0_1_1458148001620_7495" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span id="yiv8527692988yui_3_16_0_1_1458148001620_7496" style="font-family: Calibri;">But cities were filled with horses and their waste material. Raw sewage ran through the streets. People threw waste out their windows from chamber pots, and fruits, vegetables, spoiled meats were left out in the street to rot. What a different picture, when we love to romanticize about a sweet little muse on a London square! Butcher stalls in the marketplace featured the "lovely" sight of entrails scattered on the pavement. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv8527692988yui_3_16_0_1_1458148001620_7503" style="background-color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span id="yiv8527692988yui_3_16_0_1_1458148001620_7504" style="color: white; font-family: Calibri;">I read once account stating, "In 18th-century London, water was delivered to the city's residents through hollowed-out tree trunks running beneath the streets. Wealthier customers could buy spring water from private companies, but most residents used the sluggish, murky water of the Thames. Like many European rivers, the Thames was both the source of the city's drinking water and the repository of its discharge. It was also crowded with boats and barges, since it served as the city's main thoroughfare for commercial shipping. No attempt was made to filter the water or protect it from pollution until the middle of the 19th-century." No wonder a huge gin craze swept over London!</span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv8527692988yui_3_16_0_1_1458148001620_7574" style="background-color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span id="yiv8527692988yui_3_16_0_1_1458148001620_7573" style="color: white; font-family: Calibri;">Basically, it's not easy to find trash left behind considering the urban landscape, but at Fort Williams in Lochaber, Scotland, in 2007 a treasure trove of domestic waste was found, which included fragments of wine bottles, pottery, clay pipes and buttons! The pipes were generally long in shape, and allowed a cooler smoke, but broke more easily so they were often just thrown away after use. There are many to be found, equivalent to smoking a cigarette and tossing away the butt wherever. Nothing's changed here. </span></span></div>
Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-23514495222654741692016-03-29T14:42:00.002-07:002016-03-29T14:42:12.317-07:00Fate of the Flora<div style="border-image: none; font-family: lucida console, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVue5vug_dqdQEejJmMTWgdvS2Sq_gqZDwGxPVu1z0kCxzPkYtW6hyphenhyphenSIGL9TzSuzGGzZgA6Rd4OLTxN7rm6ZZ3yJWuwT1vQUz6XHRn5mCtUOA1QmzqCWHTB3ymRPFNc6RuCJIMBIZeKB4/s1600/thJO5FYA9J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVue5vug_dqdQEejJmMTWgdvS2Sq_gqZDwGxPVu1z0kCxzPkYtW6hyphenhyphenSIGL9TzSuzGGzZgA6Rd4OLTxN7rm6ZZ3yJWuwT1vQUz6XHRn5mCtUOA1QmzqCWHTB3ymRPFNc6RuCJIMBIZeKB4/s1600/thJO5FYA9J.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">I recently read a very interesting account of the Versailles gardens, and it prompts me to look in to those gardens during the 18th Century. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Of course, the land at Versailles as a long history. They cover nearly 2,000 acres, but during the time of Louis XIV, a goodly portion was transformed into formal gardens in the French style, which was perfected by Andre Le Notre, who became the King's landscape artist, planning special areas to suit the King's taste with bosquets of various themes. Bosquets, from the Italian word "bosco" or grove, are formal plantations of trees with walkways or paths of gravel or stone.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cKPWosL29XIMcjdu02WH8QIZl5yL_2ntCi7oWn1uF13wgBnnlJPbBQOObvSDkQysDgIRqDyh1iEHAO5M9foylq863ton_3M1-D-u5r0VSICMDEkEHNe4Fn0AGnFYwjb0ILxtIlVgjJ4/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cKPWosL29XIMcjdu02WH8QIZl5yL_2ntCi7oWn1uF13wgBnnlJPbBQOObvSDkQysDgIRqDyh1iEHAO5M9foylq863ton_3M1-D-u5r0VSICMDEkEHNe4Fn0AGnFYwjb0ILxtIlVgjJ4/s1600/th.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Upon the King's death in 1715, the palace and gardens entered into a time of uncertainty, and by 1722, the new Louis, the XV, reeled in the funds for non-essential things, including the gardens. The only significant addition to the Gardens was the Bassin de Neptune, built from 1738-1741. Louis VX was an avid botanist, and devoted most of his attention to an botanical garden on site. Botanical gardens generally have scientific, educational or ornamental purpose. But the King fell ill with small pox and died in 1774, and along with this death came the death of the formal garden in preference of a more natural, rambling landscape that the English garden offers. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">But owing to the topography of the land, the attempts to convert Le Notre's work to an English garden failed. Louis XVI ordered palisades, the labor-intensive clipping of hedges that formed walls in the bosquets, to be replaced with lime and chestnut trees. He also had therotte des Bains d'Appolon built, a rockwork in the English style, designed by his landscaper, Hubert Robert.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym18_1_1459285279148_5357"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">In 1792 by order of the National Convention, a political assembly formed during the French Revolution, some of the trees at Versailles were felled, while some parts of the Grand Parc were parceled off and dispersed. Louis Claude Marie Richard, director of the botanical gardens, lobbied to save Versailles. He succeeded in preventing further dispersing, suggesting to use the gardens to grow vegetables and fruits for "the people". The gardens became open to the public, with people seen doing their laundry in the fountains! For shame, but as they say, c'est la vie!</span></span></div>
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Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-54781516555427046602016-03-28T10:06:00.001-07:002016-03-28T10:06:17.277-07:00Off with this Head?<div id="yiv0912124973yui_3_16_0_ym18_1_1458927145071_2841" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Alas, poor William, I knew him, Horatio......well, at least when he was alive and well and had a head on his shoulders!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Recently a team of archaeologists were claiming that William Shakespeare's head was probably stolen from his grave, where he was buried in Stratford-upon-on, in England. They have stated that in 1794, supposedly, trophy hunters took the head as somewhat of a prize. Kind of interesting to have the head of a genius in one's possession. Though the story of his missing head was long ago discredited, new radar technological studies may prove the story needs further investigation. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-x9eZWwnbgj-B9n7aMonqSo9ZfEeXcNRP0bQ_3tcSSFZA9Ijl7cwiooU3Un3LDaREKdIxrmSLb1ML4nz4wxT-bqmF3n-HFYeVhOQKDKxyRA1KETMamrtSPl31ctxOaiz7Hl1bEWVOAho/s1600/11524906-1-1-589x442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-x9eZWwnbgj-B9n7aMonqSo9ZfEeXcNRP0bQ_3tcSSFZA9Ijl7cwiooU3Un3LDaREKdIxrmSLb1ML4nz4wxT-bqmF3n-HFYeVhOQKDKxyRA1KETMamrtSPl31ctxOaiz7Hl1bEWVOAho/s320/11524906-1-1-589x442.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Lead archaeologist Kevin Colls, of Staffordshire University, told The Guardian, British newspaper. "It was very obvious, within all the data we were getting, that there was something different going on at that particular spot. We have concluded it is signs of disturbance, of material being dug out and put back again."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Shakespeare, oddly enough, has an inscription on his grave that reads, "Good friend, for Jesus’ sake forbear, / To dig the dust enclosed here. / Blessed be the man that spares these stones, / And cursed be he that moves my bones." Who wants to play around with a threat like that? Look what happened with those who disturbed King Tut! The vicar of the Holy Trinity Church says that though he is not convinced of the grave robbery theory, church has no plans to allow an exhumation. </span></span></div>
Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-3210999515023410782016-03-15T10:25:00.001-07:002016-03-15T10:25:30.437-07:00A Taste worth Acquiring<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1a2zaRpzn-spUUDCDK42dUUiLhanDl0GKjboXLw0MlU3nvBhnYsGYhEIf8alVJOfrDv65EeaeVyIAwvQQCPijLsNreJp8AZQn_mjTe-3ZfZpR4YsGdS1DAMU-S4bjyAbsA2mgvp4AfYc/s1600/20090430-_mg_1506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1a2zaRpzn-spUUDCDK42dUUiLhanDl0GKjboXLw0MlU3nvBhnYsGYhEIf8alVJOfrDv65EeaeVyIAwvQQCPijLsNreJp8AZQn_mjTe-3ZfZpR4YsGdS1DAMU-S4bjyAbsA2mgvp4AfYc/s320/20090430-_mg_1506.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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With St. Patrick's Day approaching, I wanted to look into 18th Century Ireland, and one of is most important national treasures! And what might that be? Well, its Guinness Stout! Though of as the "national" drink of Ireland, it brings the Irish together, with both men and women enjoying it, with rich and poor wanting a glass, said to have health properties, and administered in hospitals at one time as a source of vitamins! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jfOSq9VsTcIJDFuWfxWWSk7yLurPOT-tJsmBHvmR0XE7GEvwlzpJ09AQbOdX2vM5HJSK4ZE8POaUUergMPWT2iR_Ietvq9uB7bOI0W8P1_d_ulAGbKLCL_y3y4Hso7ct5qQLozo4imQ/s1600/th0Q4X26S6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jfOSq9VsTcIJDFuWfxWWSk7yLurPOT-tJsmBHvmR0XE7GEvwlzpJ09AQbOdX2vM5HJSK4ZE8POaUUergMPWT2iR_Ietvq9uB7bOI0W8P1_d_ulAGbKLCL_y3y4Hso7ct5qQLozo4imQ/s1600/th0Q4X26S6.jpg" /></a>The brewery's founder was Arthur Guinness, son of a land steward, who was employed by the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Cashel. Arthur most have made an impression on the cleric, because, upon his death, he left Arthur 100 pounds in his will! In 1755 Arthur invested the money in a brewery in Leixlip, and partnered up with his brother Richard. </div>
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By 1758, Arthur moved to Dublin to brew beer. He signed a 9,000 lease on St. James' gate Brewery for pounds per year. He was so successful that in 1766 he was named the master of the Dublin Corporation of Brewers. </div>
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In 1761 he married Olivia Whitmore, and had 21 children with her! Ten survived. </div>
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IN 1788 Guinness began producing a dark Porter beer, and had outlets for sale throughout all of Ireland. They say that during the Napoleonic Wars the sale of his Porter increased three-fold. The darker beer was so successful, that lighter ales were dropped. </div>
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During the political unrest in the 1790's, he was at odds with the United Irishmen because he supported the Union of Great Britian, and there was talk of a boycott of his black protestant beer. Arthur lived from 1725 - 1803, and was not only an entrepreneur but a philanthropist too. </div>
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His family is still held in the highest regard, and known for their charitable works done for their employees, Dubliners and Ireland in general. His descendents have been mayors of Dublin, baronets and peers. DNA testing reveals that the family is closely related to a branch of the MacCartin clan, in the baroney of Kinelarty.</div>
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This St. Paddy's Day, don't forget to raise a glass of Guinness. It's got wonderful particular flavor, said to be an acquired taste. I think it's a taste worth the acquiring. <br />
Slainte!</div>
Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-12181655484479265092016-03-10T10:18:00.003-08:002016-03-10T10:18:36.286-08:00A Worthy Woman!<div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqx8nGWINh8sjA5vELbU9eWd5X7dcxweS88maTD4eb9aKePeTtGlAQQQPQDsd8hjq7Bu1xk6ZMf9I6SHy-NkVm_nvfq8HkqjDky0hXSDd-ucSF2ItlhXIc5cuvwglNTwZVwDLhawhyphenhyphen3A/s1600/2539_1077469263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqx8nGWINh8sjA5vELbU9eWd5X7dcxweS88maTD4eb9aKePeTtGlAQQQPQDsd8hjq7Bu1xk6ZMf9I6SHy-NkVm_nvfq8HkqjDky0hXSDd-ucSF2ItlhXIc5cuvwglNTwZVwDLhawhyphenhyphen3A/s320/2539_1077469263.jpg" width="176" /></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">This week has been International Women's Week. In this day and age, personally, I don't see the need, but I guess some women still want to make a point. Nevertheless, I did see an interesting article about the so-called "female Paul Revere". Her name: Sybil Ludington. She lived from 1761 to 1839, but her most proud moment was her evening ride of over 40 miles (more than twice Paul Revere's journey) to warn her father's militia that British solders were coming!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">This is how it went down: In 1777, Someone had come to warn the Ludington's of looting going on in Danbury, Connecticut. The 16 year old Sybil sprung into action, volunteering to rouse the scattered militia. She rode from 9pm that night until daybreak with a stick in hand to ward off bandits. Though the militia was too late to save the town of Danbury, they helped drive the British back to their ships. General Washington thanked her personally. In 1935, a statue was erected in her honor in Carmel, NY.</span> </div>
Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-9404614916533894412016-03-01T10:24:00.000-08:002016-03-01T10:24:00.528-08:00What's in a Name?!<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7689270794yui_3_16_0_1_1456851424567_2343">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Recently we have been appalled, or at least should be, at the lengths to which negative campaigning has gained momentum in this year's political campaigns, especially on the Grand Old Party's side. It's been likened to school yard bullying, with juvenile name-calling, i.e. big ears, sweating like a pig, peeing in his pants, and on and on. You would think we are trying to elect six-year-olds. Being a long-time conservative, I am beyond saddened.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">But I looked into the name-calling phenomenon, and actually it goes way back, and it was just as ugly, though we have the benefit of social media and television to further it along. Monarchies have been bashed, but out own country, going as far back as Washington's time, the mudslinging was on full display, and the political elite were not beyond calling poor old John Adams, "His Rotundity". Today, we'd call that fat-shaming. <div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">IN 1796 Alexander Hamilton, under the pen name "Phocion" (he didn't even use his real name), attacked Thomas Jefferson on the pages of the Gazette of the United States, a prominent Philadelphia Federalist-leaning newspaper. He resorted to the dirty politics of personal behavior, claiming that Jefferson was having an affair with one of his slaves. (Of course, it was true), but he went on to say that Jefferson was a "coward" and that "Mr. Hamilton was a pillar of virtue". Ahhh, remember bid Bill Clinton and his time under the Oval Office desk!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAEgktsqwSduMoij6LX7qHPNWTAUi4jS_rupWYYZJ0Tf5fEJ4nuvod-QZ-NSVy40qtc0jzt5VjTH1k_8GuBhyphenhyphenaJ1-LlTrwmQVr2bUvbDjPuknLoVxmFItWc6oO1eV5hyuIzHkx-tjSTU/s1600/t-jefferson-cartoon-1809-granger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAEgktsqwSduMoij6LX7qHPNWTAUi4jS_rupWYYZJ0Tf5fEJ4nuvod-QZ-NSVy40qtc0jzt5VjTH1k_8GuBhyphenhyphenaJ1-LlTrwmQVr2bUvbDjPuknLoVxmFItWc6oO1eV5hyuIzHkx-tjSTU/s320/t-jefferson-cartoon-1809-granger.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Adams said if Jefferson was elected, the country would descend into civil war, with the freeing of the slaves, and the implication that Jefferson was an atheist. Adams said Jefferson's supporters were “cut-throats who walk in rags and sleep amid filth and vermin.” Jefferson liked the personal, physical trait insult, calling Adams “old, querulous, bald, blind, crippled, toothless Adams.” Geez...these were men we have immortalized as statesmen!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">By Andrew Jackson's election, a bit later on, handbills accused Jackson of being a cannibal after the massacre of 500 Indians, <em id="yiv7689270794yui_3_16_0_1_1456851424567_6643">“the blood thirsty Jackson began again to show his cannibal propensities, by ordering his Bowman to dress a dozen of these Indian bodies for his breakfast, which he devoured without leaving even a fragment.”</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Don't get me wrong, it doesn't make any excuse for today's bad behavior. You would think we have gone beyond these tactics, but I guess not. That's why it's so easy to see why folks choose to stay home on election day, but that's not good either. It's our right, our privilege , our duty to have our say. We may not like the choice, but we do have it, even if we have to resort to writing in a name on our election day ballot!</span></div>
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Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-33191733194185784392016-02-19T10:29:00.000-08:002016-02-19T10:29:01.376-08:00A New Kind of Swan<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1455903280402_4286">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh_Usr9P0-8frVQF50TfdvlQ57irsBwm8AhBIZORGG3if5vVqde_q0eAM3TqBHKkilPIwiD5S9vlmglHa2QSjdF5lkc91Qmf1lqn0X6uIZkI8232f1FrK6oug84olXJYzQQ9wCDKEkfc/s1600/thEO1IF01P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh_Usr9P0-8frVQF50TfdvlQ57irsBwm8AhBIZORGG3if5vVqde_q0eAM3TqBHKkilPIwiD5S9vlmglHa2QSjdF5lkc91Qmf1lqn0X6uIZkI8232f1FrK6oug84olXJYzQQ9wCDKEkfc/s1600/thEO1IF01P.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Last night I watched a wonderful program, PBS's Independent Lens, which featured a documentary about Misty Copeland, ABT's, (American Ballet Theatre's) principal ballerina, crowned on June 30, 2015. But the most striking thing about her coronation is that Misty the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT's 75-year history.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">It's quite an achievement when you think that the most compelling image we generally have of the ballerina is the White Swan from Swan Lake. And, indeed, the ABT and every major ballet company in history has thought that until now!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">How lovely to see that someone can be acknowledged on their merit rather than their race, or nationality, or particular look. I find it so inspiring, as the ballet has always been close to my heart.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtJznsmtcM9q1Et1S0ojufI7gdauRYNXMLJLtCoEn4Z4yqJe2kHUHxP7Y_OBqriQQCnr4CVKEV7HLOE6sj-FnLrrwlXwH36n-r0uqZdAim0ATfOblduVwuOddjSkXKe-TTgQAbHHYQM8/s1600/thHJ2H3RVK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtJznsmtcM9q1Et1S0ojufI7gdauRYNXMLJLtCoEn4Z4yqJe2kHUHxP7Y_OBqriQQCnr4CVKEV7HLOE6sj-FnLrrwlXwH36n-r0uqZdAim0ATfOblduVwuOddjSkXKe-TTgQAbHHYQM8/s1600/thHJ2H3RVK.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">When I was little, my Mom took me to start lessons, as this was her passion from a little girl, and with that love of the art in mind, she took me to see what it was like. Though I loved it in general, I was too scared, too shy to try. I was about 5 or 6, and I cried my way out of it. Understanding me, she did not say you must, and so we left. It was not until much later, that I tried again, more as a form of exercise, and I found it a wonderful, ethereal experience, but now I was too old to pursue it seriously. And so, watching Misty last night, I thought I would look at Ballet in the 18th Century. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxI5eXzVHtM5tLQrahHjXL9SZk0oppRdyBBHVcRre1ePJgeWTPxIUlm87Gfl3yP3Z-PSGexBYZ-ZXVx-xa3w-wtGqW9iyMthnAuDAuIHBV4_iA8MhfWY4Jno7ZvvBZNopN7ShAogUBGUA/s1600/220px-PointeShoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxI5eXzVHtM5tLQrahHjXL9SZk0oppRdyBBHVcRre1ePJgeWTPxIUlm87Gfl3yP3Z-PSGexBYZ-ZXVx-xa3w-wtGqW9iyMthnAuDAuIHBV4_iA8MhfWY4Jno7ZvvBZNopN7ShAogUBGUA/s200/220px-PointeShoes.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Of course, Ballet is a type of performance art that originated in the Italian Renaissance court in the 15th Century, with technique and a vocabulary all its own based in French. But by the 18th Century, the ballet had moved from the royal court to the Paris Opera, with the director Lully preserving the form, but moving it forward to a much larger spectacle with choreography and costuming that liberated the dancer. This also was the point in time (no pun intended) that pointework came into fashion: Wearing the heel-less shoe, with the box toe that you could stand on, known as the demi-pointe.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The mid-18th Century dancer Marie Camargo of the Paris Opera Ballet was the first to hear these shoes, making her able to leap and twirl like never before. Eventually after the French Revolution, the shoe further evolved into the shoe we know today, secured by ribbons and incorporating pleats under the toes to enable dancers to fully extend their feet. It's truly a beautiful and graceful look. But it is not without cost, and I don't mean dollars. Years of physical abuse do take toll on the foot's shape. But I think every ballerina would say it's worth it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Interestingly enough, the first dancers to get up on toe did so with an invention designed by Charles Didelot in 1795. His "flying machine" pointe shoes helped lift dancers up with on their toes before leaving the ground. The look was so airy that choreographers started looking for more ways to employ the technique in the performances. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">By the way, my Mom kept her old "flying machines" and one day gave them to my daughter to keep, because she too loves the ballet. </span></span></div>
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Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-85766076005998201172016-02-11T16:09:00.000-08:002016-02-11T16:09:04.927-08:00Valentine's - 18th Century Style<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1455235068759_2478">
That day of LOVE is coming around again, so I looked into some 18th century information and found the following: </div>
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The Valentine's Day poem can be found in the collection of English nursery rhymes <i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1455235068759_2318">Gammer Gurton's Garland</i> (1784):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1C_9k7aWBXY73k-Sr91fN4y_fN91VBYFunV9sBKEjgooZiWhPO1o6ZyAVId6p2lNKLzuFkAyuZ31fc9rEBbNxRMUROHyg7sCzxXtc9JAGiJNtx-vQkIYxQt-BTF9Xp3jrZstles9hHc/s1600/th95J2NBB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1C_9k7aWBXY73k-Sr91fN4y_fN91VBYFunV9sBKEjgooZiWhPO1o6ZyAVId6p2lNKLzuFkAyuZ31fc9rEBbNxRMUROHyg7sCzxXtc9JAGiJNtx-vQkIYxQt-BTF9Xp3jrZstles9hHc/s1600/th95J2NBB2.jpg" /></a><i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1455235068759_2320">The rose is red, the violet's blue,</i></div>
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<i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1455235068759_2323">The honey's sweet, and so are you.</i><br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1455235068759_2324" /><i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1455235068759_2325">Thou art my love and I am thine;</i><br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1455235068759_2326" /><i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1455235068759_2327">I drew thee to my Valentine:</i><br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1455235068759_2328" /><i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1455235068759_2329">The lot was cast and then I drew,</i></div>
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<i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1455235068759_2315">And Fortune said it shou'd be you.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3Y7-mwRdqfsEG5Pv9dbBek1gOpMplVHm6v6nPye5YgvewUX99MruYWpGumljgdC-x5Ie97OnlirmMzZqErYKtne6mhdp2yU1WgdO_R4HmmFlIpT2HrajSKALwAwts9f-bsD3uwOlSAU/s1600/th65DS9S6D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3Y7-mwRdqfsEG5Pv9dbBek1gOpMplVHm6v6nPye5YgvewUX99MruYWpGumljgdC-x5Ie97OnlirmMzZqErYKtne6mhdp2yU1WgdO_R4HmmFlIpT2HrajSKALwAwts9f-bsD3uwOlSAU/s1600/th65DS9S6D.jpg" /></a></div>
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Sounds familiar, huh?!</div>
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Also, in 1797, "The Young Man's Valentine Writer" was published in England, which held many suggestions for sentimental verse. This was supposed to help out the lovesick, lovelorn, the passionate, the flirtatious, etc. printers had already started producing Valentine stock cards, but there's nothing like a handmade card, with a special, personal greeting.</div>
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Personally, I like to receive a personal card, but lately I like to give a Valentine dessert treat. I'm working on that now as a matter of fact, but if it all goes south, I may have to - last minute - resort to an email greeting?? haha</div>
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Thank God for the option.</div>
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Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-15916658083758326212016-02-05T10:18:00.001-08:002016-02-05T10:18:17.349-08:00May the Best Man (Woman) Win!<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1454623714410_5204" style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There's a lot of whoopla going what with the upcoming election, and selection of candidates. It's something that has evolved over time into the "circus" that it has become today.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By contrast, here is a bit of a time line for the first US election of a President:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<ul id="yiv2883568867yui_3_16_0_1_1454609035881_2341">
<li id="yiv2883568867yui_3_16_0_1_1454609035881_2343"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">July 2, 1788: New Hampshire notified the Continental Congress that it ratified the constitution. Congress then began making decisions about the formation of a new government.</span></span></li>
<li id="yiv2883568867yui_3_16_0_1_1454609035881_2344"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By September 1788: Continental Congress approved a timeline to install the government.</span></span></li>
<li id="yiv2883568867yui_3_16_0_1_1454609035881_2340"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In December 1788 to January 1789: Election too k place for an electorate.</span></span></li>
<li id="yiv2883568867yui_3_16_0_1_1454609035881_2345"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On January 7, 1789: Electors pledged to George Washington were elected through the nation.</span></span></li>
<li id="yiv2883568867yui_3_16_0_1_1454609035881_2346"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In February 1789: The Presidential Electors met in various states to cast their electoral vote</span></span></li>
<li id="yiv2883568867yui_3_16_0_1_1454609035881_2347"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On February 8, 1789: Messengers left their various states to present their certificates of vote to be read by the first Congress</span></span></li>
<li id="yiv2883568867yui_3_16_0_1_1454609035881_2348"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By March 4, 1789: This was the Appointed day to have state votes read in Congress. But, neither the House nor the Senate had a quorum.</span></span></li>
<li id="yiv2883568867yui_3_16_0_1_1454609035881_2349"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On March 4, 1789: This was to be the original Inauguration day, but, the electoral votes had not yet been counted, only eight of the 22 Senators and 18 of the 59 Representatives were present.</span></span></li>
<li id="yiv2883568867yui_3_16_0_1_1454609035881_2350"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On April 5, 1789: First day marked a quorum to count the electoral votes. Washington won the Presidency with a unanimous vote, and John Adams was elected Vice President</span></span></li>
<li id="yiv2883568867yui_3_16_0_1_1454609035881_2351"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On April 6, 1789: The Senate ratified the election; a quorum assembles in both houses and a joint session of Congress took place to count the votes. </span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieejqXvB2d4ycZz-OoqZIgNmR5L8fnR9OP5dhaMdX4S_1Coa2fMwVbFb-IdwI5JWd4Ad9mS2LoD3mvGlaGahckCcaxmG94EFn3NYDhlhyphenhyphenK3_xRBUPLQpxvHYFyeZZIzizp3Vp26jk_6Hs/s1600/e7a75d9cbee34888daf695bc7636bc42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieejqXvB2d4ycZz-OoqZIgNmR5L8fnR9OP5dhaMdX4S_1Coa2fMwVbFb-IdwI5JWd4Ad9mS2LoD3mvGlaGahckCcaxmG94EFn3NYDhlhyphenhyphenK3_xRBUPLQpxvHYFyeZZIzizp3Vp26jk_6Hs/s1600/e7a75d9cbee34888daf695bc7636bc42.jpg" /></a></div>
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<li id="yiv2883568867yui_3_16_0_1_1454609035881_2354"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On April 30, 1789: George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States in New York City, the nation’s capital at that time.</span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJkBmtpl-cAYc74OVqFF_aQ70xFMEXapKnabZqggpVNRMX3hecHQBuKHoz0QGK3gqDPmAWGA66XjHt7Thq9GxwfxSgynAXjNhVBaAcm9Jpf4-E-ZQu2G_wlMNSJG420t2q32AZfx_SFs/s1600/070917_r16581_p233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJkBmtpl-cAYc74OVqFF_aQ70xFMEXapKnabZqggpVNRMX3hecHQBuKHoz0QGK3gqDPmAWGA66XjHt7Thq9GxwfxSgynAXjNhVBaAcm9Jpf4-E-ZQu2G_wlMNSJG420t2q32AZfx_SFs/s1600/070917_r16581_p233.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Simple by contrast to today's elections, but there was some dissention to be noted as time began to pass, and candidates realized the importance of the office and the politics involved. In 1796, the Presidential election was Contested! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4N8C9a5k3PEKjLnWq7a7qgIIoEjtgL2MESCpwsDKMyogN8KZ5y-6x7PK-pIJxWtH9OtV_nuOTXReTjAIAqg7gp-FLs9HvJ0tqh19GchWkedJDs44RhW9-1iwbYAkPK-aV510LFM4Elg/s1600/politics-liberty-pursuit_of_happiness-founding_fathers-john_adams-thomas_jefferson-tobn159_low.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4N8C9a5k3PEKjLnWq7a7qgIIoEjtgL2MESCpwsDKMyogN8KZ5y-6x7PK-pIJxWtH9OtV_nuOTXReTjAIAqg7gp-FLs9HvJ0tqh19GchWkedJDs44RhW9-1iwbYAkPK-aV510LFM4Elg/s320/politics-liberty-pursuit_of_happiness-founding_fathers-john_adams-thomas_jefferson-tobn159_low.jpg" width="258" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Washington had had two terms, and chose not to run again (which was possible then). He actually set the stage for the nation's first two party election! This election would test the system, and whether the government was by, of and for the people, in actuality. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Two main contenders for the office campaigned vigorously, establishing a political battle that would last through the next election of 1800. Two main issues were views on constitutional government and foreign policy. The French Revolution had its say within the United States, with John Adams and his party, the Federalists, supporting the Jay Treaty. Thomas Jefferson and the "anti-Federalists" who would later be the conservatives, opposed the treaty because it favored the British.The Federalist did not want to support the French because they did not want another costly war with Britain. The Jeffersonian party on the other hand felt that it was the duty of the United States to support the French because of the French assistance during the American Revolution.</span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv2883568867azk32821" style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-id="3a2c3e53-9095-e0af-df17-8a731546ee4f" src="http://engine.newsmaxfeednetwork.com/i.gif?e=eyJhdiI6ODU2MzcsImF0IjoxMywiYnQiOjAsImNtIjozNTY4NzAsImNoIjoxNzg0MSwiY2siOnt9LCJjciI6MTIzNTE0MiwiZGkiOiI3MjRiMGI0NTYyOGU0MzhlODZlMTJmYjBjMmFkNzA5NyIsImRtIjoxLCJmYyI6MTQ1NDIwNywiZmwiOjEwMDg2OTcsImlwIjoiMjQuMjM0LjYyLjM4Iiwia3ciOiJhZ2U8MjAsYWdlMjAtNDAsYWdlNDAsYWdlNjAsYWdlPjYwLGJvdGgsZmVtYWxlLG1hbGUsYXBvbGl0aWNhbCxjb25zZXJ2YXRpdmUsZGVtb2NyYXRpYyxyZXB1YmxpY2FuLGZpbmFuY2UscG9saXRpY2FsLGhlYWx0aCxlbnRlcnRhaW5tZW50LHNwb3J0cyxkaWN0aW9uYXJ5LGluY29tZWxvdyxpbmNvbWVtaWQsaW5jb21laGlnaCxpbmNvbWUtYWxsLGluY29tZS1taWRkbGVjbGFzcyxpbmNvbWUtYWZmbHVlbnQscmVsaWdpb3VzLG5vbnJlbGlnaW91cyxjaHJpc3RpYW4samV3aXNoLG90aGVyLGhpc3RvcnksY29uc2VydmF0aXZlLGdvcCxyZXB1YmxpY2FuLHJlYWdhbix0ZWEgcGFydHkscmlnaHQgd2luZyxtb2JpbGUiLCJudyI6OTY1MCwicGMiOjMwMDAsImVjIjozMDAwLCJwciI6NjEyNzUsInJ0IjoxLCJyZiI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20vc2VhcmNoP3E9MTh0aCtjZW50dXJ5K3ByZXNpZGVudGlhbCtlbGVjdGlvbiZmb3JtPVBSVVNFTiZta3Q9ZW4tdXMmcmVmaWc9OGJlN2ZhNWVjZjdkNDhiYzgzYjI1MzE2ZWQ4M2FmNGEmcHE9MTh0aCtjZW50dXJ5K3ByZXNpZGVudGlhbCtlbGVjdGlvbiZzYz0wLTIxJnNwPS0xJnFzPW4mc2s9JmdoYz0xJmN2aWQ9OGJlN2ZhNWVjZjdkNDhiYzgzYjI1MzE2ZWQ4M2FmNGEiLCJzdCI6MjgzMTI2LCJ1ayI6InVlMS05OTJmMTE5OTVlN2I0YjZmOGQzYzQ0Y2I2MzRkYTZmZCIsInpuIjoxMzM3MzEsInRzIjoxNDU0NjEwMTU5OTE2LCJiZiI6dHJ1ZSwicG4iOiJhemszMjgyMSJ9&s=Py-8ull__ebGfvtpViFQNhawv4s" height="0" id="yiv2883568867yui_3_16_0_1_1454609035881_7672" width="0" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The bulk of campaigning took place in the newspapers. Adams had won the election by only 3 votes and Thomas Jefferson, who finished second, automatically became vice-president.The election of 1796 had exposed an inherent flaw in the Electoral College System. The Electors voted on one ballot with two names on it. The candidate, who had the most votes, won the election. The candidate who had the second most votes became the vice president. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Can you imagine if that occurred today? Imagine if Trump won and Hilary became VP; or She won, and Cruz was her Veep, or Sanders won and Rubio was the 2nd man!? Or what if someone is drafted at the Conventions.....how about Joe Biden and Jeb Bush?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Seriously, though, perhaps it's not a bad idea after all. They would be forced to work together, across the aisle as they say! </span></span><br />
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Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-60474640274058490032016-01-26T14:33:00.003-08:002016-01-26T14:33:51.230-08:00Burns and Mozart: a January celebration!<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453846188884_5058">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSk9ppzbl4MSHmSFyKrgsIoaEz-eFVGjKGm81L64W-ylH8cUyUFC8vSvWmXD_IlgFOKvHgseW_zRjxXSn0taILBQeB2SY0OVm9qDxncMyyCgvY-n8igyZ79GwiztHDtgLZUXylO0iRR0g/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSk9ppzbl4MSHmSFyKrgsIoaEz-eFVGjKGm81L64W-ylH8cUyUFC8vSvWmXD_IlgFOKvHgseW_zRjxXSn0taILBQeB2SY0OVm9qDxncMyyCgvY-n8igyZ79GwiztHDtgLZUXylO0iRR0g/s200/th.jpg" width="194" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Let's not let January go by without giving a nod to Robert Burns and Wolfgang Mozart. On January 25, 1759 the great Robert Burns was born, and on January 27, 1752, Mozart entered this world. Two creative geniuses: one literary, the other musical.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">And, the world of fine arts would never have been the same without them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Burns, a Scotsman, was a poet and lyricist, regarded as the national poet of Scotland, writing over 500 poems!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOOPl9Cdf_wXGn_mRWHEnMef-DMajEjiLtBYSgYooi3ecSTkvZaJYSLzAX4_KURhgN3EYCpAFeAZW1UiOuV83iE_8XyjzV5e_EN0hvI8nNmw9Ze2IfCUGiiGj0B7xqohjelT23yNfdms/s1600/thSS05HZD1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOOPl9Cdf_wXGn_mRWHEnMef-DMajEjiLtBYSgYooi3ecSTkvZaJYSLzAX4_KURhgN3EYCpAFeAZW1UiOuV83iE_8XyjzV5e_EN0hvI8nNmw9Ze2IfCUGiiGj0B7xqohjelT23yNfdms/s1600/thSS05HZD1.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Wolfgang, our famous German composer, wrote, in various forms, including symphonies, concerti, sonatas, church music, operas, dances, marches, over 600 works.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Over the years, the celebration of Burns birthday has become a bit of a thing of its own. Known as the Burns Supper, there is the piping in of the guests, the host's welcome speech, the Selkirk Grace prayer, the soup course, haggis course (which receives its own piping in), the main course, toasts and more toasts, an address to the lassies present, a reply to the laddies present, and the hearing of some of Burns' work. Wow!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix529liclzih5AdLcc4unoH6YsFfoKyJFB55ZCAZuK-XbreFWjuG6-e3ueJv723oVukdqw3qCN5kXx2Vu0k35hYCWvodYMxgPlY2zTznJx6QXi79MlsSlEthbRfG01kxv6cUKNFGmPDps/s1600/thS9VRLFV4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix529liclzih5AdLcc4unoH6YsFfoKyJFB55ZCAZuK-XbreFWjuG6-e3ueJv723oVukdqw3qCN5kXx2Vu0k35hYCWvodYMxgPlY2zTznJx6QXi79MlsSlEthbRfG01kxv6cUKNFGmPDps/s1600/thS9VRLFV4.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Poor Wolfgang only receives our thanks individually, if someone choses to remember. I, for once, choose to make an evening of it with my friends, having German food, and a Sacher torte for dessert, though this year we are combining the two "events" and including a Scotch tasting. I think Wolfgang would have approved of this.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlr5Wi6eU-qvk0e02SQFxaK6xWGZ5IugjQMhMJx81vlTs0eEjN_dL2W4Dbqb5goboEBd2dAQGj20pj2834LG3csmrNQHu-uYJWrKKQ8vHCh2k581Q8iYHkT6aGcV8CHw5rpykwgZJOAI/s1600/thQ30KAIJ0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlr5Wi6eU-qvk0e02SQFxaK6xWGZ5IugjQMhMJx81vlTs0eEjN_dL2W4Dbqb5goboEBd2dAQGj20pj2834LG3csmrNQHu-uYJWrKKQ8vHCh2k581Q8iYHkT6aGcV8CHw5rpykwgZJOAI/s1600/thQ30KAIJ0.jpg" /></a></span></div>
Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-35353543016446674122016-01-12T11:58:00.001-08:002016-01-12T11:58:12.166-08:00The Eyes have It!<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452623102238_11274">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">January 10 marked the death of David Bowie, famous musician/performer. He was 69, and was really was the first to explore music, particularly rock music, as performance art, and hence "glam rock" was born. He sang, played guitar and composed some very catchy tunes over his 40 year career, but it was his unique and rather otherworldly quality to his voice and appearance that set him apart. He was truly one of a kind. Regarding his appearance, he donned outlandish and even futuristic type clothing which he changed like a chameleon over the span of his popularity, but there was also something about his physical appearance that gave him an "alien-like" quality. Yes, he was thin, tall and pale, but it was his eyes that were mystical and magical. They appeared to be of two different colors, one blue, one brown or at least very dark. But that was not it. He had a condition as a result of an injury, called anisocoria, that resulted in a difference in the size of his pupils.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbb_Q-mF360_duxgsWVGlcO8DPMzJLNQHCqXrpHuTWp5yWqVopsx1vYi6VgJs0PCq2HUn026EEWKl8tJlxBfxG6URIxFaXi39qNleTT-h_6rlYSYlFpKZ44CG3r_7yy_pH2npg8TMN8c/s1600/thRIBYE88Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbb_Q-mF360_duxgsWVGlcO8DPMzJLNQHCqXrpHuTWp5yWqVopsx1vYi6VgJs0PCq2HUn026EEWKl8tJlxBfxG6URIxFaXi39qNleTT-h_6rlYSYlFpKZ44CG3r_7yy_pH2npg8TMN8c/s1600/thRIBYE88Z.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Historically, Around 200 AD, Galen likened the iris to an elastic circular ring that was passively inflated or deflated by vital spirits sent from the brain to enhance vision. It was not until the first half of the 18th century that it became widely accepted that iris movement and pupil size were due to active interaction of 2 iris muscles: a longitudinal radial dilator and a circular sphincter muscle.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Unusual physical traits have always been fascinating. Some are repulsive, but some are mesmorizing, like Bowie's eyes. Eyes, as they say, are the windows to the soul, and anything odd or different about them can create suspicion, adoration, or obsession, or a definition of beauty depending on the era.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">In the 18th Century, the women of Georgian high society looked beautiful in their satins and silks, but they hardly ever bathed. Sanitation was still quite crude and they preferred to douse their clothes, their bodies and their belongings in toilet waters and perfumes. They wore scented pomanders and carried small scent bottles about their person. They had false teeth, false hair, false bosoms, false calves and induced large eyes which they made to falsely dilate by using Belladonna extracted from the Deadly Nightshade plant. They were a walking deception.By the way, from Latin, <em id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452623102238_11208">bella donna</em> means 'fair lady', perhaps from the use of its juice to add brilliance to the eyes by dilating the pupils.</span></span></div>
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Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-58889346609438198002015-12-29T12:28:00.002-08:002015-12-29T12:28:26.753-08:00As the old year ends, and the New Year begins!<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1451420174859_2224">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Here's an interesting bit to ponder on New Year's Eve:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTm5YsePBaly5xJcd3G3fRnniBZSynAvYRhPE051MmQiBSQagda1GiPRS50Q3YxOqQ8khyCqIs80WMM1Mq5kkkNT7T3LNVB8GPt19qlzVUuZlW3vubpsRa_R6lXcv0vmsd3snhtoO3UIo/s1600/158909356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTm5YsePBaly5xJcd3G3fRnniBZSynAvYRhPE051MmQiBSQagda1GiPRS50Q3YxOqQ8khyCqIs80WMM1Mq5kkkNT7T3LNVB8GPt19qlzVUuZlW3vubpsRa_R6lXcv0vmsd3snhtoO3UIo/s320/158909356.jpg" width="216" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">In Western Europe During the Middle Ages, while the Julian calendar (introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC) was still in use, officials moved New Year's Day around, depending upon locale, to one of several other days, among them: 1 March, 25 March, Easter, 1 September, and 25 December. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">These New Year's Day changes reverted to using January 1 before or during the various local with the adoption of the Gregorian calendar beginning in 1582. The Gregorian was a refinement to the Julian, adding a correction that contituted Leap Year. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The change from March 25 to January 1 took place in Scotland in 1600, before the ascension ofJames VI of Scotland to the throne of England in 1603 and well before the formation of the Kingdom of Great Britian in 1707. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">In England and Wales as well as all British dominions, including Britain's American colonies, 1751 began on March 25 and lasted 282 days, and 1752 began on January 1. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">So, we have been celebrating January 1, at least in the Western world, for only 263 years.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Wishing you a wonderful 2016, filled with a sense of curiosity and imagination (health, wealth and happiness go without saying!!)</span></span></div>
Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-38629984167085429152015-12-22T14:18:00.003-08:002015-12-22T14:18:46.703-08:00Christmas Greetings! Joyeux Noel!With Christmas only days away and all that needs to be done, I have not had the time to blog as much I'd like, but I take this opportunity to wish you Merry Christmas!<br />
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I hope your "Every-Christmas'Wish" comes true, and I look forward to blogging you my thoughts on the Enlightened Age in 2016.<br />
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I leave you with some beautiful images from Christmas at Versailles Palace, Paris, as my gift to you!<br />
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<br />Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-9919276692405835472015-12-10T09:47:00.000-08:002015-12-10T09:47:11.983-08:00A Holiday Treat!<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2273">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8VktW9nm0K_XEGbxUMD8Ik3uCl4H2EeJM-JMf-oNWKeD0VDKxdgcZ8jIk9jRtur_FDP5fvWszfloobKn1iqsBte9dgNw1lXey1jYvTXa4iFRNGbc0o1Vhp3QttPsfRcq5hs8NK2XnIQ/s1600/thOH36UUU5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8VktW9nm0K_XEGbxUMD8Ik3uCl4H2EeJM-JMf-oNWKeD0VDKxdgcZ8jIk9jRtur_FDP5fvWszfloobKn1iqsBte9dgNw1lXey1jYvTXa4iFRNGbc0o1Vhp3QttPsfRcq5hs8NK2XnIQ/s1600/thOH36UUU5.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">We are well into December now, and thinking of holiday parties and festivities to come. At every Christmas gathering, there are the traditional dishes, some based on where one lives around the globe, and some based on tradition, mostly German and English, like the "Dickens Christmas", for instance. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">In 1773, noted English clergyman James Woodforde, was asked to organize a holiday meal at New College, Oxford, and of course, he included Mince Pies! Below is his recipe, that was recorded in 1795.</span></span></div>
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<strong id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2230" style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Parson Woodforde’s Mince Pies</span></strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><strong id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2232">For the mincemeat (2-2 ½ lbs):</strong><br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2233" />¾ lb cooking apples;<br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2234" />8 oz currants;<br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2235" />8 oz raisins;<br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2236" />6 oz shredded suet;<br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2237" />8 oz dark brown muscovado sugar;<br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2238" />4 oz lean beef mince;<br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2239" />grated rind and juice of 1 medium lemon;<br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2240" />1/8 teaspoon ground mace;<br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2241" />1/8 teaspoon ground cloves;<br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2242" />1-2 drops cider vinegar to sharpen (optional);<br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2243" />3-4 dessertspoons brandy, to taste.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Peel and core the apples. Mince them, together with the dried fruit and suet. Then mix in all the other ingredients. Store in airtight, vinegar-proof pots in the refrigerator. Use within three weeks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><strong id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2246">For the mince pies (about 20):</strong><br id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2247" />Do not use the mincemeat uncooked. Grease bun or patty tins and line with puff pastry. Fill with the mincemeat; the quantity above should fill twenty deep 2½ inch diameter tins. Cover if you wish, but remember that fatty meat may float off a little free during cooking; it can be blotted off open tartlets after cooking. If not covered, top each mince pie with a rosette of brandy butter before serving. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">By the way, Woodforde is the author of <strong id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2502"><em id="yui_3_16_0_1_1449693015802_2501">The Diary of a Country Parson. </em></strong>It is a rather detailed and meticulous record of his life. It provides an authentic look at the life of country life in England at the time. You might find it a tasty treat as well!</span></span></div>
Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-36441085700211557352015-12-01T14:05:00.000-08:002015-12-01T14:05:44.023-08:00Little Luxuries and Shared Joy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Well, here we are again....December 1st, and it's exciting to think that there are only 24 days until Christmas. The weather has turned here in the high desert, and I actually had the thermometer indicator in my car flash the little" snowflake" and make a ding sound, as the 38o reading came up on the dash board. I love that! And, it's high time. We have had too much warm weather. It's time to get our the quilts and light the fireplace, and have the evening whiskey.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">I will be placing my advent calendar up in the kitchen; courtesy of the National Gallery in London, where I bought it a couple years ago. It's still fun to open each little door every morning. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">As the years go by, I like the simple things best about Christmas; the baking, the making things for friends and family, the listening to beautiful holiday music, the sharing the time with those I love. I am not feeling compelled to go to the mall. The behavior of the "Door Buster" or "Black Friday" reveler is appalling to me. It's a real turnoff.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">In the 18th Century, the focus was not on buying up a storm, but "church, dinner, dancing, some evergreens, and visiting." For instance, Philip Vickers Fithian's December 18, 1773, diary entry about exciting holiday events mentions: "the Balls, the Fox-hunts, the fine entertainments. . ." </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Gift giving was not to the excess it has become today. Cash tips, lite books, sweets in small amounts were given out by masters to their dependents, whether slaves, servants, apprentices, or children. Children and others did not reciprocate. Our idea of "filling stockings with care" and "eyes all aglow" come more along the 19th Century. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Décor was mostly of natural materials, with the intent of brightening the bleakest time of the year. Evergreens were studded with berries and blossoms, and candles, too. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">There is something very lovely about getting back to basics, and remembering that the holiday really is about Christ's entrance into our world. So, I send you wishes for a blessed and beautiful holiday season ahead, filled with little luxuries and shared joy.</span></span></div>
Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-73115707619050618882015-11-18T14:56:00.003-08:002015-11-18T14:56:30.721-08:00Marchons! Marchons!<div id="yiv4501061657yui_3_16_0_1_1447792168482_2183">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">France's national anthem, La Marseillaise, is one of the most captivating and defiant of all anthems.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">In 1792 Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle, captain in the French army, composed it, after Austrian and Prussian troops invaded France, hoping to stop the revolution. The mayor of Strasbourg asked Rouget to write something that would rally the troops who were under threat. It was originally titled "Chant de guerre pour l'Armee du Rhin", and it was dedicated to Marshal Nicholas Luckner, the army's Bavarian commander. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The lyrics stated that the children of the Fatherland's day of glory has arrived, but there was also a terrible warning, that "ferocious soldiers" were coming under the "Bloody banner" of tyranny to "cut the throats of your sons, your women". Citizens were to take up arms and "Marchons! Marchons" (let's march on !)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Sung by troops from Marseilles as they approached Paris, this is how it got its nickname. It became the French anthem in 1795, but lost its status when Napoleon I reigned.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">La Marseillaise was restored again during France's third republic - from 1870 when the modern idea of what France means was established. Unlike Britian's "God Save the Queen", it is not aristocratic, but about the people, about being a citizen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">And, so, here is the song, and a translation!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Allons enfants de la Patrie, (Arise, children of the Fatherland)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Le jour de gloire est arrive! (The day of glory has arrived!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Contre nous de la tyrannie, (Against us tyranny's)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">L'etendard sanglant est leve (repeat) (Bloody banner is raised)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Entendez-vous dans les campagnes (Do you hear, in the countryside)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Mugir ces feroces soldats? (The roar of those ferocious soldiers?)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras (They're coming right into your arms)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Egorger vos fils, vos compagnes! (To cut the throats of your sons, your women!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Chorus: Aux armes, citoyens, (To arms, citizens)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Formez vos bataillons, (Form your battalions)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Marchons, marchons, (Let's march, let's march)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Qu'un sang impur (Let an impure blood)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Abreuve nos sillons (repeat) (Water our furrows)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">And, if you want to see a great rendition, watch it performed at Rick's in the film Casablanca! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM-E2H1ChJM</span></span><br />
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Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-13291132434427544922015-11-17T09:30:00.003-08:002015-11-17T09:30:27.893-08:00Showing Support!<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7792003019yui_3_16_0_1_1447717530210_3994" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jpAO5wDiCYdbfV4RHnyrRWaMiHyxXtEyba5vXNGEaRg79AKn8W83QQCFMFC39o5BDRWS3otCaj18iWK9UesS7iphyphenhyphenKOQH-zgMMAgppEs0qLFYWegd7VjOsMv97i_en4PkjHWcJdKbNc/s1600/th6V0IPXHZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jpAO5wDiCYdbfV4RHnyrRWaMiHyxXtEyba5vXNGEaRg79AKn8W83QQCFMFC39o5BDRWS3otCaj18iWK9UesS7iphyphenhyphenKOQH-zgMMAgppEs0qLFYWegd7VjOsMv97i_en4PkjHWcJdKbNc/s1600/th6V0IPXHZ.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">With the hideous terrorist attacks in Paris, it is natural to want to show some kind of support for France and the Parisians. I was in Paris not too long ago, and the people were very friendly, helpful and showed support for the United States, especially in the Normandy area where D Day occurred. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">People around the free world are flying the French tri-color flag along with their own. It's a beautiful sentiment. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">I looked into another interesting, if not lovely, way to show alliance during the 18th Century. The "Cockade", or knot of ribbons, arranged in a circular shape and worn on the side of a man's tricorne hat, or on lapels or in the hair of women. The cockade would generally show, at that time, allegiance to some political faction, their rand, or as part of a servant's livery.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">In pre-revolutionary France, the cockade of the Bourbons was all white. In Great Britian, supporters of the Jacobites wore them white, and in the Hanoverian monarchy, they were black.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">In 1780, a blue cockade was worn as a symbol of anti-government feelings worn by rioters in the Gordon Riots.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">During the American Revolution, the Continental army wore them in various colors, until General George Washington stated </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcGuhrs_tRwW0KJ_Ikkt2WgjLnU9gnUp9vV_3RAH1g-ml69DqJ3TJa3wjXN2X2t-GoOaguZyb5iPOJHHfiYhTlxdcZt2VsCVqyo_Fh4N0niOo2if11ukOOQeYMJFzoPbagR2sjHlqTGw/s1600/thH6USLY2L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcGuhrs_tRwW0KJ_Ikkt2WgjLnU9gnUp9vV_3RAH1g-ml69DqJ3TJa3wjXN2X2t-GoOaguZyb5iPOJHHfiYhTlxdcZt2VsCVqyo_Fh4N0niOo2if11ukOOQeYMJFzoPbagR2sjHlqTGw/s200/thH6USLY2L.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"As the Continental Army has unfortunately no uniforms, and consequently many inconveniences must arise from not being able to distinguish the commissioned officers from the privates, it is desired that some badge of distinction be immediately provided; for instance that the field officers may have red or pink colored cockades in their hats, the captains yellow or buff, and the subalterns green."</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypw4E-_jfNoQpNOic0PbdCaI7OurfRS1m15IxM6coOz4RWKp-QZtjV5Gsg-5hP4e5mThhXj8KghcWRkRLmpzZUd-vHXO2j3gf2GtHygLAtVTC0IW84CyZ6zPdHxFlJ1zAVLCW-esEmBA/s1600/thNE2S3XKE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypw4E-_jfNoQpNOic0PbdCaI7OurfRS1m15IxM6coOz4RWKp-QZtjV5Gsg-5hP4e5mThhXj8KghcWRkRLmpzZUd-vHXO2j3gf2GtHygLAtVTC0IW84CyZ6zPdHxFlJ1zAVLCW-esEmBA/s200/thNE2S3XKE.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Eventually the Continental Army reverted to a black cockade that they inherited from the British. When France became a US ally, the Army pinned the white cockade of the French Ancien Regime onto the old black cockade. The French in turn pinned a black circle of ribbons to their white. These became known as the "Union Cockade". Later on, the French would develop the tri-color (red, white, blue - the arms of Paris) cockade, known as the "Tricolore". </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">And there you have it, the origins of a very pretty as well as powerful symbol of allegiance. Makes me want to sew one up right now!</span></span></div>
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Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-47689795622913044412015-11-10T16:02:00.004-08:002015-11-10T16:02:44.748-08:00Crowning Glory!<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1447194090213_4719" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Last weekend I was at a wedding, and the bride wore a lovely tiara, or jeweled ornamental crown. It was quite lovely, and made me think how great it would be to have one, and where it somewhere special. Every girl wants to be royalty for at least one day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The word "Tiara" comes from the Latin and Ancient Greek. They are usually for formal occasions, particularly for a White Tie event.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb14FE9KVTsz9fs8wjm8H2GXbgY2sAjNGMuDIwVVKYM3RYqiYf0G66n7U_9htsy0pZvjCyivymIl2rFYBF6QF8Kgkj85aGZcelZZaZ6lStf50iBe3mmC1nMO-W5vCQhw281vus3kTiJk/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb14FE9KVTsz9fs8wjm8H2GXbgY2sAjNGMuDIwVVKYM3RYqiYf0G66n7U_9htsy0pZvjCyivymIl2rFYBF6QF8Kgkj85aGZcelZZaZ6lStf50iBe3mmC1nMO-W5vCQhw281vus3kTiJk/s200/th.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWef5e-mjef7X1KmBHdUGd6ilvh0VbxlYRpl9fQ7x8nw9Y2uC-U_JtxjvhiNshKpitNiO1oHphuIo_0QysTRv0pfo_9cw0VQv7XzbiGDq2XrLKeMyC_-T-cx9f2S-1vgauOPzoo-YxSfk/s1600/th44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWef5e-mjef7X1KmBHdUGd6ilvh0VbxlYRpl9fQ7x8nw9Y2uC-U_JtxjvhiNshKpitNiO1oHphuIo_0QysTRv0pfo_9cw0VQv7XzbiGDq2XrLKeMyC_-T-cx9f2S-1vgauOPzoo-YxSfk/s1600/th44.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">In the late 18th century, with the Neoclassicism in vogue, tiaras came back into fashion for women. Taking inspiration from Ancient Greece and Rome, jewelers made wreathes of gold, studded with precious gemstones. Josephine de Beauharnais, wife of Napoleon (below left), is credited with popularizing these lovely jeweled crowns along with Empire style dress. Napoleon wanted the French court to be the very grandest, and supposedly gave his wife many fabulous "parures" or matching sets of jewelry which included earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and tiaras all designed around a theme with matching gemstones. In the 18th Century, many of the tiaras featured themes of nature, with highly rendered leaves and flowers, with diamonds certainly a favorite stone to include.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">By the way, the nuptial, or wedding, crown has been worn by many in European cultures, but most common today in Eastern Orthodox weddings. </span></span></div>
Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-24180644553284507582015-11-05T12:23:00.000-08:002015-11-05T12:23:02.108-08:00Remember, Remember, the 5th of November!<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1446753697831_3852">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> Remember, remember the 5th of November!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5m95-pOh-Y1SjFh4o-fXPUprO2zCpkgRjXLkXMvb7OjM7cx_oAD1RGWU3WNn69a7gpvLUUHytDq6v45jBbq2gjutqR5hPh0bKiSAUKBkkOz3InOwKCjaEr_LxwHXDo8f85DV0LHEzps/s1600/Windsor_castle_guyfawkesnight1776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5m95-pOh-Y1SjFh4o-fXPUprO2zCpkgRjXLkXMvb7OjM7cx_oAD1RGWU3WNn69a7gpvLUUHytDq6v45jBbq2gjutqR5hPh0bKiSAUKBkkOz3InOwKCjaEr_LxwHXDo8f85DV0LHEzps/s320/Windsor_castle_guyfawkesnight1776.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> Today is Guy Fawkes Day, originating from the famous Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when a group of conspirators tried to assassinate the Protestant King of England, James I. They failed, but came quite close to pulling it off. Hoping to replace James I with a Catholic royal, Guy Fawkes along with his cohorts set a cache of explosives beneath the House of Lords, hoping to set it off upon James' entrance. They were caught in the act, and the failure has been celebrated ever since, to one degree or the other. The first celebration anniversary was allowed as long as there wasn't any danger, or disorder. It became an official observance with the "Thanksgiving Act", proposed by Edward Montagu, a Puritan member of Parliament. The Church even added to England's Book of Common Prayer, a service for the 5th of November. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The holiday had a ghoulish trend to it as effigies of the Pope or Guy himself were burned in the streets, and of course, there are some who go to great lengths to gain financially from the festival. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlZVHmP0zx08TLcBobUKfhTZxFiAlUMrU66urDnIhEHEAaUTZjJI2aH2qOiQN6R6ZM78tn9WfkbJRZ013_6d0vwWM3bqkItH3hG7YiNfH44S3B3fohqUexb9VppX7rEU1YKC-pfZz7-s/s1600/thM9MDDD28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlZVHmP0zx08TLcBobUKfhTZxFiAlUMrU66urDnIhEHEAaUTZjJI2aH2qOiQN6R6ZM78tn9WfkbJRZ013_6d0vwWM3bqkItH3hG7YiNfH44S3B3fohqUexb9VppX7rEU1YKC-pfZz7-s/s1600/thM9MDDD28.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">In 1790, the Times in London reported instances of children "begging for money for Guy Faux" and a report in 1802, described how a "Set of idle fellows...with some horrid figure dressed up as a Guy Faux" were convicted of begging and receiving money and committed to prison". </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The print above shows a bonfire celebration outside Windsor Castle in 1776.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">For the good of the day, one might care to watch V for Vendetta, a graphic novel turned movie, loosely based on Guy. Fun stuff. I love the mask!</span></span></div>
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Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-10894220106664412722015-10-28T11:51:00.001-07:002015-10-28T11:51:34.110-07:00Wigged Out!<div id="yiv4817385877yui_3_16_0_1_1445876296648_11497" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvzk3c2uJrhEQWWTgHPoILE48lieED9-Aqm86eAFuC1vuxH-nV5tGE8L-kaD1AMR4yJbNlHd2WbgvVKAlemo2ue5XCThiLGHh-lFQhPgEhkeLEfNKq92eg13cCdOkwbaM1-E1VZmW0VA/s1600/Lady%252BPowdering%252Bthe%252BWig%252BThe%252BLewis%252BWalpole%252BLibrary%252C%252BYale%252BUniversity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvzk3c2uJrhEQWWTgHPoILE48lieED9-Aqm86eAFuC1vuxH-nV5tGE8L-kaD1AMR4yJbNlHd2WbgvVKAlemo2ue5XCThiLGHh-lFQhPgEhkeLEfNKq92eg13cCdOkwbaM1-E1VZmW0VA/s320/Lady%252BPowdering%252Bthe%252BWig%252BThe%252BLewis%252BWalpole%252BLibrary%252C%252BYale%252BUniversity.jpg" width="296" /></a><span style="background-color: white;">T</span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">he other day a friend asked me about 18th Century wigs, and how people wore and maintained them; that it might be an interesting subject for my blog. I said yes, that is an interesting subject, and so, here are some good points:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Men's wigs, or perukes, were powdered in our to give them their particular white color. By that time, women didn't wear wigs, but supplemented their coiffure with artificial hair, and powdered it with grey or bluish grey color. The powder was made from finely ground starch, scented with orange flower, lavender or orris root. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8gmnJpAxXKZSLGJCWejG_KiXa29QctxkE2fOQEbUh5_y52u8e0dNpg3RgGXTwdX6Gn5oEGNtz0qQopna242lWtlrEatnCi34jVZ2Ms8atAu7AFWOMpmxgt_rENBWjm2NRljJ4e0r-5A/s1600/thqq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8gmnJpAxXKZSLGJCWejG_KiXa29QctxkE2fOQEbUh5_y52u8e0dNpg3RgGXTwdX6Gn5oEGNtz0qQopna242lWtlrEatnCi34jVZ2Ms8atAu7AFWOMpmxgt_rENBWjm2NRljJ4e0r-5A/s200/thqq.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">These wigs were essential for full dress occasions, and continued so up until the end of the 18th Century. But, powdering these wigs were messy and eventually, powderless wigs were incorporated, made of horsehair. Many of this type were used for court dress and the legal profession as ceremonial wigs for barristers. Women sometimes powdered their own natural hair, from the 1770's onwards. After 1790, women seldom powdered their tresses. The fashion was declining. But also, the British government levied a tax on hair powder, and so there went that. Imagine if Congress instituted a tax on rainbow colored hair dye, or tattoos, for that matter?!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyyuaJ9VXdGkTkINjdqY5Bj807y7HQJ4-eYbcVqpxAKZIhOzjhOjulRCRkGfQZGhB-IWRsSWN7lpkrPxj3_SH0Vah-pcq4wNpkwyCSjWLftor0xqeGfnGTT4oqAfqWgyjhfynydVHl-8/s1600/220px-William_Hogarth_-_The_Five_Orders_of_Perriwigs.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyyuaJ9VXdGkTkINjdqY5Bj807y7HQJ4-eYbcVqpxAKZIhOzjhOjulRCRkGfQZGhB-IWRsSWN7lpkrPxj3_SH0Vah-pcq4wNpkwyCSjWLftor0xqeGfnGTT4oqAfqWgyjhfynydVHl-8/s1600/220px-William_Hogarth_-_The_Five_Orders_of_Perriwigs.png" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">In the late 1700's, in the French court, elaborate themed wigs were in vogue, sometimes called "boat poufs", which included combed up extensions often set with pomades, powders and other ornaments. Here again, the fashion started to die as these coifs became symbolic of the decadence of French nobility, and quickly went by the wayside with the French Revolution, 1789. Politics can well play a roll in fashion! Think of the politics of long hair in the 1960's.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODlhxyUiqMDhj8G12yCYUsAQpjFBPU177GfoGCJTyBRsUIzmsGpHe2xkU7Dm9ePR86aVIW4iT26Wjs9Smqu-MxOFbrZQpsAFTyIWEdZB0MGm97K0NBwNhN0o1uIIFYntVbDL12OpHxNc/s1600/550928186_6976d50477_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODlhxyUiqMDhj8G12yCYUsAQpjFBPU177GfoGCJTyBRsUIzmsGpHe2xkU7Dm9ePR86aVIW4iT26Wjs9Smqu-MxOFbrZQpsAFTyIWEdZB0MGm97K0NBwNhN0o1uIIFYntVbDL12OpHxNc/s200/550928186_6976d50477_z.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Care of wigs was most important. Head lice were everywhere, and "nitpicking" as it was called, was painful, time-consuming, and annoying to say the least. But, people will suffer for style, won't they!? Wigs, though, actually helped with the problem, as people cut their own hair very short, or shaved it off, and the lice stayed on the wigs instead. Ouch! I bet you thought they would be eliminated entirely. But, delousing a wig was easier. You would send your old infested wig to the wigmaker, who would boil it and Ta-dah!, remove the nits. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">During the 170's, the cost of wigs continued to increase, and perukes became a scheme for flaunting wealth. The everyday wig generally at about 25 shillings, or a week's pay for a laborer. Elaborate and enormous creations ran upwards 800 shillings! Snobs were described as "big wigs"!</span></span></div>
Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-10603781301555300502015-10-26T11:05:00.002-07:002015-10-26T11:05:20.406-07:00Remembering Wolfgang<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1445876296648_8214">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguioUVRwkxbOwJ072p4MyUueVh7Jat5sC4FRjEHTQPoPcee4Ydb-LYNGpyNXyEnP0guCZ4YxGFFaWLgf5D3TyWaOE1NI0YrU1VPY2ueEHyyp5AfJ5EQTFJDz7u45ydxwphxu6ECzJW7RM/s1600/Mozart-Statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguioUVRwkxbOwJ072p4MyUueVh7Jat5sC4FRjEHTQPoPcee4Ydb-LYNGpyNXyEnP0guCZ4YxGFFaWLgf5D3TyWaOE1NI0YrU1VPY2ueEHyyp5AfJ5EQTFJDz7u45ydxwphxu6ECzJW7RM/s320/Mozart-Statue.jpg" width="239" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">It has been awhile since I have written about Wolfgang Mozart, but recently I watched a wonderful BBC documentary on his life and works, and heard one piece in particular that made me want to go through my collection of CD's and bring Wolfgang back into the car with me, to listen to him "speak" as it were, as we drive along. I have not enjoyed that for a bit. And I say "speak", because he does speak to us through his music. We hear him jubilant or care-worn, lighthearted or serious. We understand his social and political views through his operas. We see how devoted he was through his spiritual religious works. Of course, we know that at the heights of his despair, he could write as if he was at a festive party. He really is a miracle, writing over 600 pieces of work that really define the Classical era, as well as being as relevant and fresh today as they day they came off his work table.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAfuJa9YRGNsRPhUxzZSLBWCmA5IgMa6vS-s4-uxyhQN3a_Efk0dyykKmqcesP1dF6jooSxB4dDjerpCXWmQCZSykRPWWyaJew_eYa2PTWKmw8uA1zok0vN5XJAdffzA_Ov7spHOSRO8/s1600/thZOVI14WU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAfuJa9YRGNsRPhUxzZSLBWCmA5IgMa6vS-s4-uxyhQN3a_Efk0dyykKmqcesP1dF6jooSxB4dDjerpCXWmQCZSykRPWWyaJew_eYa2PTWKmw8uA1zok0vN5XJAdffzA_Ov7spHOSRO8/s1600/thZOVI14WU.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnzZBkX_bY7a9iyBmtU1y724M8Y4nE5AVcJiGcmit5WykOIOabe2lQHY-5AKfaEWXwOXLfLYSOyN1q78xzXARGmwKvPLc-i6zttHkAwpJH35sV_Bw86L087wZXGcDTnjoQXvFvKCJYSg/s1600/Mozart_-_Piano_Concerto_No__23_-_Opening_Page_of_the_Autograph_Manuscript.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnzZBkX_bY7a9iyBmtU1y724M8Y4nE5AVcJiGcmit5WykOIOabe2lQHY-5AKfaEWXwOXLfLYSOyN1q78xzXARGmwKvPLc-i6zttHkAwpJH35sV_Bw86L087wZXGcDTnjoQXvFvKCJYSg/s1600/Mozart_-_Piano_Concerto_No__23_-_Opening_Page_of_the_Autograph_Manuscript.png" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The piece that just grabbed me is the Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major (K.488). Written on March 2, 1786, it is a mature work. Mozart was 34. He had encountered a good deal of life, personally and professionally, and this work, especially the second movement, the Adagio (sometimes called the Andante), has tremendous depth and longing. It is written in F-sharp minor, 6/8 time. It is the only work he wrote in that key. That same year, around that same time, he premiered Marriage of Figaro. This concerto, though, was on of three subscription concerts that Spring, and Mozart probably also played in it as well as conducted. The concerto is scored for piano solo and an orchestra consisting of one flute,<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1445876296648_2334"> two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns and strings. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Give this beautiful adagio a listen: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf711o8jAQA" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1445876296648_10348">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf711o8jAQA</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Little did he know, that he would live only 6 years more. Sometimes I liken Wolfgang to a magnificent flame, burning extremely bright and white hot, and then all of a sudden, gone. But instead of being silenced, his incredible creation lives on as we listen to his work, and cannot deny that it touches our soul.</span></span></div>
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Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-46906820065683961082015-10-20T10:44:00.002-07:002015-10-20T10:45:31.103-07:00A Bit of Nelson!<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1445270915334_6513">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXs5VLC_gH0_mKcDcGbDSWDHQrr_QEV2pNyM5FR_wXnsrG3K1pQI0Ls8SlYaXpSPzzvn77lXH3AEeKvUbVG6HlnVAh0iMOyfHG2MFwYpnS-QrlZ5oHwaAts91MweBTIFneoErmk5oqdQ/s1600/D3210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGiHeBO5HpSjUo1laOUOt8vZQoUXujjQKyDahkk8c54Bvvm55TA-8tWVQPl26he4f8r_M2gzfLPzCDZclD9Um06931G9o_BatVH9gWgqf-P-mAOdE1knKZ-j5L1f7nxZ3hoPNqp8T1LI/s1600/D3210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGiHeBO5HpSjUo1laOUOt8vZQoUXujjQKyDahkk8c54Bvvm55TA-8tWVQPl26he4f8r_M2gzfLPzCDZclD9Um06931G9o_BatVH9gWgqf-P-mAOdE1knKZ-j5L1f7nxZ3hoPNqp8T1LI/s200/D3210.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Tomorrow is the 210th anniversary of Royal Navy Admiral Lord Nelson's death. Hero of the Battle of Trafalgar, he was killed at the confrontation's end by a French sniper's bullet. He died surrounded by his faithful officers, with knowledge that the British had won the battle, and the war with France was over. The date: October 21, 1805. Known for his aggressive boldness in battles and his many victories, he is considered one of the greatest military heroes of all time, not only of England, but of the world.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Here's an interesting bit: After his death, his pigtail, or queue as it is sometimes known, was cut off and sent to his mistress and true-love, Lady Emma Hamilton. The surgeon who was present at his death records that Nelson asked that Lady Hamilton should have his hair. Nelson's friend Vice-Admiral Thomas Hardy delivered it to Emma after the ship Victory arrived back in England. Small locks of the hair were given to family and close friends, and some of it was mounted in special mourning rings and broaches/lockets. Mourning jewelry was quite popular at the time. Hair was considered a particularly intimate gift. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Today, the pigtail resides in the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, outside of London, England. It is part of the Greenwich Hospital Collection. </span></span></div>
Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-76830719259430372972015-10-19T09:10:00.001-07:002015-10-19T09:10:39.766-07:00A Tribute to Lord Nelson<div id="yiv1536273855yui_3_16_0_1_1444764644861_3391" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Very soon now we will be remembering the famous Battle of Trafalgar, and the victory of the British Royal Navy under the command of Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson, and his unfortunate death. The historic date: October 21st, 1805. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnk4iO0BgQ01RGCB8Mv4Nd8zxBxmbB-Q1aj7U8jLTO94mNjxgioVvWpBeUS8tp3J2O-x4439Dyqsgm6ghler7NIA0OnvEOl_z9ChoQorFEXhDVSKPLceRUoeklzan1dOOlveK2wcF0cR0/s1600/LordNelsonByJohnHoppner.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnk4iO0BgQ01RGCB8Mv4Nd8zxBxmbB-Q1aj7U8jLTO94mNjxgioVvWpBeUS8tp3J2O-x4439Dyqsgm6ghler7NIA0OnvEOl_z9ChoQorFEXhDVSKPLceRUoeklzan1dOOlveK2wcF0cR0/s1600/LordNelsonByJohnHoppner.png" /></span></span></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The battle took place off the Spanish coast at Cape Trafalgar. Using revolutionary tactics, Nelson planned the attack, having waited for the Spanish fleet to leave Cadiz. He achieved his greatest victory, annihilating the enemy and basically ending the long war between the French and Spanish against England. And yet, it was at greatest cost, a shot fired from on high from a French marine aiming at Nelson on the deck of Victory, Nelson's ship of the line. The bullet entered Nelson's left shoulder, going through his lung, and lodging in his spine between the fifth and sixth vertebrae. Four hours later, he was dead. Nelson was England's greatest hero. Personally, a flawed man, but historically accepted, one of the greatest commanders in all history. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">One of the interesting things about naval battles from that time is that one must be carried on the wind and tide. There are no engines to rev up, no brakes to hit, no coming at the enemy going forward. One is at the mercy of the natural elements! That being said, the thing to do was to position the side of one's ship at the enemy, firing broadsides along the enemy' side, or better still, raking the stern with gunshots. This not only opened a gaping hole in the stern, but could take out the rudder, leaving the wounded ship no ability to steer.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-5ADJHbeddm5Zj9UiodCgh3ljDjukJcwgo1IsCnXAHUBrcoE04OpTt-ONWp4Dcpv8kvNvVhvsR24F6lhRDDHIefAwkuoPclhYghJMipPGF41t3bU4wkiN_mYPU2xQkMk7BJEUibFF3E/s1600/th61P7PWDY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-5ADJHbeddm5Zj9UiodCgh3ljDjukJcwgo1IsCnXAHUBrcoE04OpTt-ONWp4Dcpv8kvNvVhvsR24F6lhRDDHIefAwkuoPclhYghJMipPGF41t3bU4wkiN_mYPU2xQkMk7BJEUibFF3E/s1600/th61P7PWDY.jpg" /></span></span></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">So, the effect commander had to be one that "ANTICIPATED" the battle scene, trim sails ahead of the engagement to slow or speed progress, to judge the angle of the winds, the currents, etc. Nelson was a master at this, and proved it time and again. Now he was gone. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">As Nelson's life slipped away, his vice-admiral Thomas Hardy, his loyal naval officer, stayed with him, having him removed from the decks, placing a handkerchief over his face to avoid alarming the crew. He was made comfortable, fanned and brought lemonade as he stated he was hot and thirsty. He asked that the Navy look after his beloved mistress Emma and his child by her, Horatia. His last words were "Kiss me, Hardy". He knew he was dying, and wanted a departing kiss from his faithful officer. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">His body was placed in cask of brandy mixed with camphor and myrrh, and lashed to the Victory's mainmast, and a guard placed. Victory, sustaining some damage, was towed to Gibraltar after the battle, and the body was put into a lead-lined coffin filled with spirits of wine. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2Vn5QBuqSSEiil-gGZz3LTUA5fNtr7SFu5nZSEXqc41MYB8kiuLOajO-PHv0V-jwMj0nvVdwFK-vD45KMqxRI_AtnTGZwX5nSdzkDFBQJ9ly9WyiMHZst56Llmn77sV5nNWuKOFc1lk/s1600/NelsonTomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2Vn5QBuqSSEiil-gGZz3LTUA5fNtr7SFu5nZSEXqc41MYB8kiuLOajO-PHv0V-jwMj0nvVdwFK-vD45KMqxRI_AtnTGZwX5nSdzkDFBQJ9ly9WyiMHZst56Llmn77sV5nNWuKOFc1lk/s320/NelsonTomb.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">It is a good thing for us that the navy kept a log, and the history is documented. Eventually, Nelson was brought back to England. There was an enormous state-style funeral, most usually reserved for royalty. A mighty procession headed first up the Thames from Greenwich to Whitehall, then Whitehall by horse-drawn procession to St. Paul's Cathedral where he was buried in the famous crypt below the church. He was brought by six black horses, adorned with black plumes, the coffin mounted displayed on the horse-drawn carriage resembling the Victory.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Every year, the Cathedral holds a special 'Sea Service' on the Sunday closest to Trafalgar Day, when wreaths are laid at Nelson's tomb. He is remembered each year; unfortunately Emma, Lady Hamilton, was not provided for, but that's another day's story.</span></span></div>
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Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610085080107293952.post-935452927221287642015-10-09T11:48:00.000-07:002015-10-09T11:48:00.304-07:00What'll it be? Tea or Coffee!<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yiv2870074653yui_3_16_0_1_1442523383562_10914" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1SWQZOeVkBH-E8pb2pDvhtZ-wOrjJbwQz90e3BC2SjLnO6LJwbz0K7Azxv52SZK-9YSInKZuEnkwrGHqQWC5JEIMtCEbm06xW9Cj3t341QipoZec8qS6wLHSXqA0IbIkelXrwhO6JXs/s1600/thWFXFNDFY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1SWQZOeVkBH-E8pb2pDvhtZ-wOrjJbwQz90e3BC2SjLnO6LJwbz0K7Azxv52SZK-9YSInKZuEnkwrGHqQWC5JEIMtCEbm06xW9Cj3t341QipoZec8qS6wLHSXqA0IbIkelXrwhO6JXs/s200/thWFXFNDFY.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">It's getting to be tea season again for me. The weather is changing, and I like a nice, hot cup of tea now and then. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">I have put out the fall décor, including some pumpkins and fall leaves. It kind of calls for a pot of Earl Grey.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Tea has quite a history, but in the 18th Century, it continued to be a favored drink in Britian and Europe, even though coffee houses were starting to spring up everywhere. Of course, as you know, coffee houses became the pre-cursor of the stock exchange, but that's a story for another day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Then, when tea in America was being enjoyed all over the Colonies, there came a big change! The Colonists revolted against a heavy tax on tea imposed by King George, and the rest is history! The Boston Tea Party helped change Americans into big coffee drinkers. I'm sure Starbucks would say thanks! I say thanks as well. There's just something about coffee. Where tea is a tasty thin brew, coffee is rich, and substantial (at least I think so).</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Coffee has its beginnings in Africa, where the Oromo people were supposedly the first to recognize the energizing effects of the little bean! Eventually, it makes its way to Sheikh Omar, a man who supposedly cured the sick through prayer. He was exiled once to Mocha, Yemen where we lived on berries to stave off hunger. He found them bitter, but he tried roasting them, and ahhh! then boiled them, and there you have it! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">By the 17th Century the Dutch obtained some of the seedlings, and the plants thrived in Batavia where they were growing them. They soon expanded to Sumatra.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8V2XLKiJfnDtUhrtlXVuEo0RdlN79z6NbMyFebX4ttSWTsrCE638ZVGmiJJpxgZ7G36Kc6FmghldgbNimdOwtKnRgo8ul2bLZS15Xnqi7azZTpdJG6Z7_jax-cESLWBttvkm3_V2WuEA/s1600/thPSEBS2KR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8V2XLKiJfnDtUhrtlXVuEo0RdlN79z6NbMyFebX4ttSWTsrCE638ZVGmiJJpxgZ7G36Kc6FmghldgbNimdOwtKnRgo8ul2bLZS15Xnqi7azZTpdJG6Z7_jax-cESLWBttvkm3_V2WuEA/s1600/thPSEBS2KR.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvgE_XTuiI1Y8incShN_EOpfhsdf7pojHKxomNTMMsxg8ocphNO4AaLnrri67IZbsBBn76omPQRFHxlAfJp9VWD4bN5ASdPz0ylA09Vs6g7EZ_8xdR0SdMXbUvF9HrYHx0ONKRZpZMMk/s1600/th4PSA2UGA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvgE_XTuiI1Y8incShN_EOpfhsdf7pojHKxomNTMMsxg8ocphNO4AaLnrri67IZbsBBn76omPQRFHxlAfJp9VWD4bN5ASdPz0ylA09Vs6g7EZ_8xdR0SdMXbUvF9HrYHx0ONKRZpZMMk/s320/th4PSA2UGA.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Then, in 1714, the mayor of Amsterdam presented a coffee plant to King Louis XIV of France! The King had it planted in the Royal Botanical Garden in Paris. In 1723, naval officer Gabriel de Clieu obtained a seedling from the King's plant, and took it, not without great trouble and pirate attacks, to Martinique in 1750! Those plants are the ones from which coffee spread throughout the Caribbean, South and Central America!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Now, what'll it be? What'll you have? Tea or coffee!</span></span></div>
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Marinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11013945495472352230noreply@blogger.com0