Thought for today December 11th 2023

 Here is a thought for today, December 11th, 2023:

Embrace the beauty of the present moment.

Too often, we get caught up in the past or worrying about the future. This can take us away from the beauty and joy that are present in our lives right now.

Take a few moments today to appreciate the small things that are around you. Notice the color of the sky, the smell of the air, the sound of the birds singing. Savor the taste of your food, and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.

When we are fully present in the moment, we are more likely to experience happiness and fulfillment. We are also more likely to be kind and compassionate to ourselves and others.

So, take a deep breath, and let go of the past and the future. Focus on the present moment, and experience all the beauty that it has to offer.

Here is a poem that captures the essence of this thought:

"The present moment is all you ever have. The past is gone, and the future is uncertain. So make the most of now, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you."

The Enabling Act 1933 probably the worse

Probably the worse act to be given the go ahead, in recent history  

The Enabling Act of 1933 (Ermächtigungsgesetz), officially the Act to Remedy the Distress of People and Reich (Gesetz zur Behebung der Not von Volk und Reich), was an Act passed by the Reichstag of Nazi Germany on March 23, 1933, at the suggestion of Chancellor Adolf Hitler.

The Enabling Act granted the German government, headed by the cabinet led by Hitler, the power to pass laws without the consent of the Reichstag or its President. This effectively gave Hitler dictatorial powers, and allowed him to consolidate his control over Germany.

The Enabling Act was passed by a vote of 444 to 94, with the support of all but 94 of the Nazi Party's Reichstag deputies. The Communist Party of Germany (KPD) and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) boycotted the vote, as they had been prevented from taking their seats in the Reichstag by the Nazis.

The Enabling Act was a turning point in Nazi Germany's history, as it allowed Hitler to establish a totalitarian dictatorship. He used the Act to suspend civil liberties, persecute his opponents, and prepare for war.

The Enabling Act was later declared to be null and void by the Allies after World War II. It is considered to be one of the most important documents in Nazi history, and it symbolizes the beginning of Hitler's rise to power.

Old Neptune

 

Old Neptune is a Grade II listed pub in Whitstable, Kent, England that is known for its history and its association with the town's fishing industry.

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Old Neptune Pub, Whitstable

The pub was originally built in the 17th century and was originally called the "George and Dragon". It was renamed the "Old Neptune" in the 19th century, and it has been a popular watering hole for Whitstable's fishermen ever since.

The pub is located on the seafront in Whitstable, and it has views of the English Channel. It is a traditional pub with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and it is a popular place to go for a drink and a chat.

The pub has a rich history and has been mentioned in a number of literary works, including the novels of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. It has also been used as a filming location for a number of films and television shows.

In recent years, the pub has been renovated and modernized, but it has retained its traditional character. It is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a popular place for local people to go for a drink and a meal.

Here are some of the things that you can see and do at the Old Neptune:

• Enjoy a drink in the pub's bar. The pub has a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits, and there is also a good selection of pub snacks and meals.
• Take in the views of the English Channel. The pub has a large patio area with views of the sea, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
• Visit the Old Neptune Museum. The pub has a small museum on the ground floor that tells the story of the pub's history.
• Attend a live music event. The pub hosts live music events on weekends, and it is a great place to see local musicians.

The Old Neptune is a charming and historic pub that is a great place to visit in Whitstable. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.

The Guinness Clock 1958 to 1972

 

The Guinness Clock was a giant clock that was located at Beachfields on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, England, from 1958 to 1972. It was one of the tallest free-standing clocks in the world, and it was a popular tourist attraction.

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Guinness Clock, Sheppey, 1960s

The clock was built in 1958 to celebrate the centenary of Guinness Brewery. It was designed by architects Sir Hugh Casson and Robert Goodden, and it was constructed by steelworkers from the Clyde shipyards in Glasgow.

The clock was 120 feet tall and weighed 300 tons. It was illuminated by 12,000 light bulbs and had a four-note chime that played every quarter-hour.

The clock was a popular destination for tourists, and it was featured in many films and television shows. It was also used as a landmark for ships sailing in the Thames Estuary.

In 1972, the Guinness Clock was demolished to make way for the construction of a housing estate. The clock's clock face was preserved and is now on display at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland.

The Guinness Clock was a landmark of the Isle of Sheppey and a popular tourist attraction. It was a symbol of the island's heritage and its connection to the brewing industry. The clock's demolition was a loss for the island, but its memory lives on in photographs and in the hearts of those who remember it.

Sir Garnet Wolseley

 

Sir Garnet Joseph Wolseley, 1st Viscount Wolseley, KP, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, PC (1833-1913) was a British Army officer and colonial administrator who served in the Crimean War, the Indian Mutiny, the Anglo-Ashanti Wars, the Second Opium War and the Boer Wars. He was also Governor of Natal and Governor of the Gold Coast.

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Sir Garnet Joseph Wolseley

Wolseley was born in Ireland in 1833. He joined the British Army in 1852 and fought in the Crimean War. He was promoted to general in 1882 and led an army to Egypt to overthrow the Egyptian Khedive, Ismail Pasha. He was also responsible for the defeat of the Ashanti in West Africa in 1873-74.

Wolseley was a charismatic and successful commander who was known for his innovative tactics. He was also a keen student of military history and a prolific writer on military matters. He was one of the most popular figures of his time and was known as "The Hero of the Sudan" after his victory over the Sudanese in 1884-85.

Wolseley was appointed Governor of Natal in 1885 and Governor of the Gold Coast in 1895. He was also the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army from 1895 to 1901.

Wolseley was a controversial figure who was often criticized for his arrogance and brutality. However, he was also a brilliant strategist and a skilled leader who made significant contributions to the British Army. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in British military history.

To the women who is fading away

 

To the woman who is slowly fading away,

Your radiance, once a beacon so bright, Is now dimming, like stars in the night.

Your laughter, once a melody so sweet, Is now silenced, like a gentle breeze that retreats.

Your touch, once a warmth so tender, Is now withdrawn, like a blossom that withers.

Yet, in the fading of your light, A beauty endures, a love so pure and bright.

Your essence, like a fragrance, lingers on, In the hearts you touched, in the lives you've won.

Your spirit, like a bird, takes flight, Soaring high, where troubles fade from sight.

Though you may fade from our earthly domain, Your love, your strength, your spirit will remain.

In the tapestry of life, your threads are woven deep, A memory we'll cherish, a bond that will never sleep.

So rest in peace, dear woman, your journey is complete, Your love will forever bloom, a radiant, eternal feat.

The Shell Grotto

The Shell Grotto, a subterranean passageway in Kent, England, is an intriguing piece of architecture that has baffled archaeologists for centuries. Discovered in 1838, the grotto is adorned with mosaics made entirely of seashells, covering almost the entire surface of its walls and roof.

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Shell Grotto, Kent, England

The grotto's purpose remains a mystery, with various theories proposed over the years. Some believe it was a place of worship or ritual for an ancient pagan religion, while others suggest it was a smugglers' cove or a meeting place for secret societies. However, none of these theories have been conclusively proven.

The grotto's construction is also a source of fascination. The mosaics, made from an estimated 4.6 million shells, are remarkably intricate and diverse. They depict various shapes and patterns, including stars, crescent moons, and crosses, suggesting a mix of pagan and Christian symbolism.

The grotto's construction technique is also peculiar. The shells were not simply glued to the walls but were meticulously pressed into layers of mortar, creating a durable and visually stunning effect. The shells were also sourced from a variety of locations, including the Mediterranean Sea, the North Sea, and the English Channel.

Given the grotto's elaborate decoration and its construction from a vast quantity of seashells, it's likely that it held some significant meaning for its creators. Whether it was a place of worship, a secret meeting place, or a smugglers' hideaway, the Shell Grotto of Kent remains an enigma, a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of its builders and the enduring mystery of its purpose.

Poem for the Homeless

 

In a world of joy and merriment, where snowflakes softly fall, There are those who face the winter's bite, with nowhere to call home at all.

Oh, homeless ones, on Christmas morn, with empty pockets and weary feet, May the warmth of compassion touch you, as you seek solace in the street.

Though the world may seem a barren place, and your hearts may ache with pain, Remember that you are not alone, there are hands that truly care.

In the depths of winter's chill, when the world seems cold and stark, There is a spark of human kindness, that will keep your spirits dark.

So hold your heads up, homeless ones, and let your spirits rise, For there is hope amidst the darkness, as the Christmas star does rise.

May the blessings of this holy season, bring you warmth and peace, And may the spirit of giving guide you, to places you've never seen.

Oh, homeless ones, on Christmas morn, may your spirits rise above, For there is love in every heart, that will forever help you thrive.

The Oldest Football Club

 Sheffield Football Club is the oldest football club in the world. It was founded in 1857 by Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest in Sheffield, England. The club originally played rugby football, but it soon switched to association football, the modern form of the sport.

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Sheffield Football Club

Sheffield FC played its first match on October 21, 1857, against Hallam FC, another Sheffield-based club. The match was played at Hunter's Bar, a pub in Sheffield. Sheffield FC won the match 2-0.

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Sheffield Football Club playing a match

Sheffield FC continued to play matches against other local clubs, and the club's popularity grew. In 1863, the club was a founder member of the Sheffield Football Association, the first football association in the world.

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Sheffield Football Association

Sheffield FC also played a key role in the development of the rules of football. In 1862, the club hosted a meeting of representatives from 11 clubs to discuss the rules of the game. This meeting led to the formation of the Football Association (FA) in 1863.

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Football Association in 1863

Sheffield FC has had a long and successful history. The club has won numerous trophies, including the FA Cup and the League Cup. The club has also produced a number of famous players, including George Henderley, who was the first player to score a hat-trick in an FA Cup final.

Sheffield FC is still a member of the Football League, and the club plays its home games at Bramall Lane, a stadium that has a capacity of 30,000 spectators.

Sheffield FC is a proud and historic club, and it is a testament to the importance of football in the city of Sheffield.

History of Santa

 

The origins of Santa Claus can be traced back to the 4th century AD when Saint Nicholas, a Greek bishop from Myra in Asia Minor, was known for his generosity and kindness. He was particularly known for giving gifts to children anonymously.

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Saint Nicholas

Over time, the story of Saint Nicholas spread throughout Europe and he became associated with the winter solstice, a time of year when people celebrated the return of the sun. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Dutch settlers brought the story of Saint Nicholas to America, where he was given the name Sinterklaas.

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Sinterklaas

In the 19th century, American cartoonist Thomas Nast began to popularize the image of Santa Claus as we know him today. He depicted Santa as a jolly old man with a long white beard, red suit, and hat, riding a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

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Santa Claus by Thomas Nast

Nast's illustrations were widely circulated in newspapers and magazines, and they helped to solidify the popular image of Santa Claus. The Coca-Cola company also played a role in shaping the modern image of Santa Claus, using his likeness in their advertisements from the 1920s onwards.

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Santa Claus in CocaCola advertisements

Today, Santa Claus is a beloved figure around the world, and he is still associated with the spirit of giving and generosity. He is a reminder of the joy of the holiday season, and he brings happiness to children of all ages.

1200 years ago, what was it like

 1200 years ago, the world was a very different place. The Middle Ages were in full swing, and Europe was a patchwork of feudal kingdoms. The Crusades were ongoing, and there was a lot of conflict between Christians and Muslims.

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Europe in 1200 AD

Technology was much more primitive than it is today. There were no cars, no airplanes, and no computers. People got around on horseback or by foot, and they communicated by letter or messenger.

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Medieval technology

Life expectancy was also much shorter than it is today. The average person only lived to be about 35 years old. This was due to a combination of factors, including poor sanitation, malnutrition, and warfare.

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Medieval medical practices

Despite the challenges, life in the 12th century was not all bad. People were generally happier and more content than they are today. They had strong communities and strong religious beliefs, and they found joy in simple things like family, friends, and faith.

Here are some specific events that happened 1200 years ago:

• 1121: The First Crusade ended with the capture of Jerusalem.

• 1130: Pope Innocent II was elected.

• 1144: The Second Crusade began in response to the fall of Edessa.

• 1169: Saladin became sultan of Egypt.

• 1189: The Third Crusade began in an attempt to retake Jerusalem.

• 1202: The Fourth Crusade was diverted to Constantinople, leading to the Sack of Constantinople.

• 1204: The Fourth Crusade ended with the establishment of the Latin Empire in Constantinople.

These are just a few of the many events that happened 1200 years ago. The world was a very different place back then, but it was also a time of great change and upheaval.