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The First, Second and Third Reich
Posted by PITHOCRATES - April 1st, 2014
The Holy Roman Empire was the First German Reich
At the height of the Roman Empire the Mediterranean Sea was a Roman Lake. For the Romans controlled all the land around the Mediterranean Sea. As the Roman Empire controlled most of the civilized world. From Africa to Britain. From Spain to the Middle East. And its presence in Europe would shape Europe and the world we know today. But before the Romans could shape our world the barbarians had to destroy theirs.
The northern frontier of the Roman Empire ran along the Rhine and Danube rivers. West of the Rhine and south of the Danube was the civilized Roman Empire. On the other side of those rivers were the Ostrogoths, the Visogoths and the Vandals. Barbarians. Germanic people. Who would sweep down (along with the Huns from Central Asia) and conquer the Western Roman Empire. With a Germanic chieftain, Odoacer, deposing the last Roman emperor in the West. Romulus Augustus.
After about 3 centuries Charlemagne, King of the Franks (Germanic tribes in and around modern day France), would unify Western Europe. In a Christian kingdom. Pleasing Pope Leo III. Who went on to crown Charlemagne emperor of the Roman Empire. But after he died his empire broke apart. Meanwhile to the east Otto I was unifying the Germanic tribes into a single kingdom. A German empire that stretched from northern Italy to the North and Baltic seas. Encompassing a huge swathe of Central Europe (including but not limited to modern day Germany, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, The Netherlands, Switzerland, France (eastern lands), Italy and Poland). A Christian empire. Pleasing Pope John XII. Who crowned Otto emperor. And the First Reich (the first German empire) became the Holy Roman Empire.
Winning the Franco-Prussian War ushered in the Second German Reich
The First Reich would last for about 850 years. Coming to an end in 1806 when the last Holy Roman Emperor, Francis II, abdicated after fighting and losing to Napoleon. Who reorganize it into the German Confederation. And reduced the First Reich to a French satellite. Up until this time there were two large powers in the Reich vying for power. Austria in the south. And Prussia in the north. Otto von Bismarck was a Prussian. And Prussia was a militaristic nation. That believed less in diplomacy and more in power. And Bismarck would use force to unite the German states into a Prussian-dominated Germany. While getting rid of its rival. Austria.
War followed. The Austro-Prussian War (1866) ended the German Confederation. Prussia replaced the German Confederation with North German Confederation that excluded Austria. This confederation included much of the northern lands of the First Reich. To sooth the feelings between the north (led by Prussia) and the south (led by Austria) Bismarck made the French declare war on Prussia. And when they did the southern German states sided with Prussia. The Prussians and Germans moved quickly into northern France. And after a long siege of Paris the Germans won the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). They took back a lot of lands lost to France. Including Alsace-Lorraine. Much to the chagrin of the French. And unified the German states into a German Empire. The Second Reich.
The German Empire industrialized. Greatly increasing its economic and military might. Shifting the balance of power in Europe. Germany was now the most powerful nation in Europe. Which concerned the other powers of Europe. So they began to enter treaties with each other. Such that if Germany attacked one nation another nation (or nations) would declare war on Germany. To provide a deterrent against German aggression. And rebalance the balance of power in Europe. But then Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, traveled to Sarajevo. Where Gavrilo Princip assassinated him. Pushing the first domino in a sting of dominos to fall as all of Europe honored their treaties.
The Third Reich was the Largest and Shortest-Lived German Reich
Austria-Hungary invaded Serbia. In support of Austria-Hungary Germany invaded Belgium and Luxembourg on their way to France. Causing the United Kingdom to declare war on Germany. In support of Serbia Russia declared war on Austria-Hungary. Allying with France and the United Kingdom. The Ottoman Empire declared war on Russia. Then nation after nation joined a side and entered the war. Even the United States. By the time it was all over some 16 million people were dead. As were the Russian, Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman and German empires. The map of Europe changed. And the Second Reich was over. Having lasted 47 years. Large chunks of the Second Reich were taken away. Including Alsace-Lorraine. And much of Prussia. Which was restored to Poland. Which infuriated a lot of Germans. Especially one German war veteran in particular. A corporal. Adolf Hitler.
World War I ended in an armistice. Meaning that no one surrendered. But the American entry into the war pretty much meant that the Germans were going to lose. All the nations had long grown weary of the war. But here was a fresh nation that could field fresh troops against Germany. Which was exhausted. It had nothing left. Which gave the Allies the upper hand in the peace that followed. And it was a bitter peace for the Germans. Who were singled out as the sole responsible party for the war. Well, one thing led to another and Adolf Hitler inaugurated the Third Reich. And he set about retrieving all that lost German territory. He annexed Austria. The Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia. Then he took the rest of Czechoslovakia. A country that conveniently ran along the southern border of Poland. And then he kicked off World War II.
The Third Reich invaded Poland. Norway. The Low Countries. France. And the Soviet Union (the former Russian Empire). Reclaiming all lost German lands. Including Alsace-Lorraine. And unifying them once again. Even adding on to them. Through the use of force. The Prussian way. The Third Reich was the largest German Reich yet. But it was the shortest lived Reich. Lasting only 12 years. By the time World War II was over some 70 million people were dead. Making the Third Reich the bloodiest Reich. The Allies helped to rebuild West Germany (East Germany was behind the Iron Curtain) to keep her out of the Soviet Sphere. To give it a thriving free market economy. And prosperity. By providing full employment. Which also helped to prevent gangs of unemployed young men from getting nationalistic fervor. Again. West Germany integrated into the west. Away from the Soviets. And away from her Prussian past.
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Tags: Adolf Hitler, Alsace-Lorraine, Austria, Austria-Hungary, balance of power, barbarians, Bismarck, Central Europe, Charlemagne, Christian, Czechoslovakia, Danube, Europe, First Reich, France, Franco-Prussian War, German Confederation, German empire, German Reich, German states, Germanic, Germanic people, Germanic tribes, Germany, Hitler, Holy Roman Empire, Otto, Ottoman Empire, Poland, Prussia, Rhine, Roman, Roman Empire, Russia, Second Reich, Third Reich, United Kingdom, West Germany, World War I, World War II
FT212: "If liberals keep winning elections the United States will fall like the Roman Empire." —Old Pithy
Posted by PITHOCRATES - March 7th, 2014
Fundamental Truth
The Roman Empire survived for about 1500 Years
The Roman Empire was one of the greatest empires of all time. It lasted some 500 years in the West. And another thousand years in the East. Give or take. As empires go they don't come much bigger. Or last longer. The Romans ruled the world. It stretched from Northern Africa to Britain. And from Spain to the Middle East. It was huge.
There have been bigger empires. The British Empire. The Mongol Empire. The Russian Empire. The Spanish Empire. And others. But none of them lasted as long as the 1500 years of the Roman Empire. The British Empire lasted about 400 years. The Mongol Empire lasted about 50 years. The Russian Empire lasted about 200 years. And the Spanish Empire lasted about 500 years. Adolf Hitler said the Third Reich would last a thousand years. But it lasted only 12. Proving that empire building—and empire maintaining—are easier said than done.
Yet the Romans did it for 1500 years. Give or take. So they knew a thing or two about empire building. And maintaining that empire. Yet even this mighty empire fell. Why? Historians still debate this question today. As do the laymen. With a person's political persuasion sometimes determining what they believe.
A Debased Coin and High Taxes made the Roman Citizenry very Unhappy
Empires are costly. As Rome built her empire she paid for it by conquering new lands. So as her borders pushed out treasure flowed back the other way to Rome. Which paid for her massive military. And her massive bureaucracy to govern that sprawling empire. So the Roman people went about their business. Shielded from the cost of empire. Farming and taking their goods to market. Safe within their empire. For her enemies were outside the borders of the empire. And those borders were pushed a very long way out.
But then something happened. Those borders stopped moving. They were not conquering new lands. And there was no more treasure flowing back to Rome. Which was a problem. For the Roman Empire covered a lot of land that they had to govern. And defend. So the cost of the Roman Empire was never higher than when her borders stopped pushing out. While her revenue to pay for that empire was never smaller. So they had to do something. And that something was taxes. Lots of them. All of a sudden the Roman citizenry was feeling the cost of their bloated bureaucratic state. And the cost of that massive military that defended the frontier.
So taxes soared. Making the Roman citizenry unhappy. But the tax revenue proved to be insufficient. So they started debasing their currency. Adding more and more lead to their silver coins. But not their gold coins. For they used gold to pay the military and to pay the government bureaucrats. So they only debased the silver coin. The coin of the Roman citizenry. Which, of course, resulted in inflation. As the coins had less and less silver in them they bought less and less. So prices soared. As did taxes. Making the Roman citizenry very unhappy.
The Cost of Mercenaries and the Roman Bureaucracy and Welfare State bankrupted the Roman Empire
So the Romans started building things to entertain the people. And they grew a welfare state to help feed those who could not afford to buy food. Public works and the new welfare state may have eased some of the animosity towards the state. But it only increased the costs of the state. Requiring higher taxes. So high that people lost money on their farms and businesses. So they quit. Causing food and goods shortages. So the Romans passed laws forcing them to stay in their jobs. And forcing their children to do the same work their parents did. Which eventually evolved into feudalism.
Eventually the Roman citizenry no longer wanted to serve the empire. Leading to the use of mercenary armies. Which were costly. And only increased the cost of empire. With the silver coin so debased the Roman government would not even accept it in payment of taxes. So the government took a portion of the food grown and goods made. Making it more difficult to pay for the welfare state (just imagine your employer paying you in food, toilet paper, soap, etc.). And the mercenary armies guarding the frontier. Which could prove troublesome. As they had no loyalties to the Roman Empire. They were just hired muscle. Their blood loyalties were often to people on the other side of the border they were guarding. Having come from those people.
So the massive cost of hired mercenaries and the massive cost of the Roman bureaucracy and welfare state basically bankrupted the Roman Empire. Of course the American left prefers not to think about this. As they are very fond of their large welfare state. So some on the left often cite the decadence of the Roman Empire that caused her fall. They talk about the feasts, the drink, the gladiators, the orgies and other acts of debauchery that caused a societal decay that eroded the empire from within. Even while they are in the business of societal decay themselves. Free birth control, abortion on demand, the decriminalization of marijuana, the rejection of virtue and morality, their extreme secularism to remove any vestige of restraint from their lives of excess, etc. The kind of things a debauched Roman citizenry no doubt would have enjoyed. So either way the Roman Empire fell because of principles the American left embraces. Which means if liberals keep winning elections the United States will fall like the Roman Empire.
Posted in Fundamental Truth - Comments Off on FT212: "If liberals keep winning elections the United States will fall like the Roman Empire." —Old Pithy
Tags: American Left, borders, bureaucracy, debase, debauchery, decadence, empire building, empire maintaining, food, frontier, gold coins, goods, liberals, mercenary armies, military, Roman citizenry, Roman Empire, Romans, silver coins, societal decay, taxes, United States, welfare state
Bad Guys won't open their Can of Whoop-Ass if there is a Chance they'll get their Ass Kicked
Bullies generally pick on smaller and weaker people. Smaller and weaker people don't pick on tough guys. They don't walk up to a bully and give him a wedgie. They'd like to. But they don't. Why? Because if a small and weak person did they'd get their ass kicked. That's why. And people don't like getting their ass kicked. But sometimes it's the tough guys that save the day.
In the opening scene of V for Vendetta Evey was about to get raped by some government thugs. Then tough guy V came along and kicked their asses. Saving Eve from a brutal rape. In Die Hard the evil Hans Gruber was going to kill everyone in that building until tough guy John McClane happened on the scene. And started killing the bad guys. Saving the day. In the movie Patton everyone wanted him thrown out of the Army after he slapped that crying soldier. But when the Allies' drive stalled in the Normandy hedgerow country who did they turn to? That's right. Tough guy General Patton. Who started kicking Nazi ass big time. Breaking through their lines and advancing in every compass direction while British General Bernard Montgomery was still struggling o take his D-Day objective. Caen.
People don't like getting their ass kicked. But if they are in danger of a good ass-kicking they'd want someone on their side who can kick ass as good as the next guy. For even bad guys don't want to get their ass kicked. And if there is a chance of that happening they're going to think long and hard before opening their can of whoop-ass. Especially when someone else's can of whoop-ass is bigger.
Only the Military Might of the United States could contain Soviet Expansion
The Roman Empire had one mighty can of whoop-ass. Something her potential enemies understood. And feared. So they didn't cause any trouble. Because they didn't want to get their ass kicked. Which is why from approximately 27 BC to 180 AD there was relative peace in the world. Pax Romana. For the Romans had the mightiest military force in the world. And if you went up against them you were most likely going to lose. So they didn't. Instead, choosing to live in peace.
The British Empire was even larger than the Roman Empire. And had an even larger can of whoop-ass. Not only did they have armies throughout their empire which was so large that the sun never set on it. The Royal Navy ruled the seas. Which meant if you caused any trouble in the world you could expect an ass-kicking. Either from her mighty military power. Or her aid to a smaller and weaker country under threat from an aggressive neighbor. The bad guys learned. It wasn't worth it. If you tried to break the peace you were going to get your ass kicked. Which is why from 1815 through 1914 when the British Empire ruled the world there was relative peace. Pax Britannica.
The United States of America had come of age during the 20th century. Growing even bigger and stronger than the empire that sired her. The British Empire. Who went into decline during the 20th century. But just as Pax Britannica drew to a close and the world became a more dangerous place the United States stepped in. Allowing the Allies to defeat Nazi Germany. And Imperial Japan. She grew to have the biggest can of whoop-ass in history. And became the world's policeman. Pushing back against Soviet expansion. In Europe. The Balkans. The Middle East. And Southeast Asia. The Soviets wanted to conquer the world. And would have if not for America's mighty military to counter their threat. Leading to a period of relative peace following World War II. Pax Americana. As only the military might of the United States could contain Soviet expansion.
Vladimir Putin feels that he can put the old Soviet Union back together during the Obama Administration
During a sound check before a radio address President Reagan made a joke. He said, "My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you today that I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes." Reagan had a sense of humor and those present laughed. The joke leaked. The Soviets heard it. And they put their Soviet Far East Army on alert. You see, they had great respect for the awesome military power of the United States. And they respected Reagan. They did not like him. But they respected him. And if he said he was going to open a can of whoop-ass on them they got nervous. For President Reagan may have spoken softly. But he was not afraid to kick ass.
The Soviets had no such respect for Reagan's predecessor. Jimmy Carter. In fact, they had so little respect for him that they developed a nuclear first-strike plan. For Carter was gutting the military. And wasn't a tough guy when it came to foreign policy. He was a president who wanted to focus on domestic policy. A sign of weakness the Soviets could smell. Anyone who gutted the military to pay for more domestic spending would never pull the nuclear trigger. At least that's what the Soviets thought. Which is why they prepared a nuclear first-strike plan during the Carter administration. Sure they could win a nuclear war against him. The Soviets thought no such thing during the Reagan administration. So instead of a nuclear war (which may have happened in a Carter second term) we had peace. Because of our strength.
Peace through strength. If you're a bad-ass people will leave you alone. Because no one wants to get their ass kicked. If you're hell-bent on beating the crap out of your neighbor so you can take her resources and there is a bad-ass in the world that can bring a world of hurt down on you it will make you think. And pause. This is why there was a Pax Romana. A Pax Britannica. And a Pax Americana. Because people respect a bad-ass. And will not incite it. They may hate the bad-ass. But they will respect it. And not piss it off.
President Obama has a strong domestic agenda. Like Jimmy Carter. He doesn't want to deal with foreign policy. Like Jimmy Carter. And he is not respected or feared by the world's bad guys. Like Jimmy Carter. Who is far more inclined to make a speech and threaten action. But is far less likely to open a can of whoop-ass. Like Ronald Reagan. Which is why Vladimir Putin feels that he can put the old Soviet Union back together during the Obama administration. Because he doesn't fear the wrath of President Obama. As no one does. For he is all bark and no bite. At least, so far. Apart from killing a bunch of people that can't fight back. Drone strikes. Bombing Libya (that was no threat to American interests). And killing Osama bin Laden with a SEAL team. More of an imperial use of force than acting as the world's policeman to safeguard liberty and democracy. So Vladimir Putin has little to worry about during an Obama presidency. Unlike conservatives in America.
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Tags: ass kicked, ass-kicking, bad guys, bad-ass, British Empire, bully, Carter, first-strike, foreign policy, Jimmy Carter, kick ass, military, military might, military power, nuclear, nuclear first-strike, Obama, Obama administration, Pax Americana, Pax Britannica, Pax Romana, Peace, peace through strength, President Obama, President Reagan, Putin, Reagan, Roman Empire, Soviet, Soviet expansion, Soviet Union, tough guy, Vladimir Putin, whoop-ass, world's policeman
The Russian Empire
Posted by PITHOCRATES - February 11th, 2014
The Europeans built Larger Ships and used Advanced Navigational Skills to sail from Europe to the Far East
The Anatolian peninsula (roughly the area of modern day Turkey) has long been a trade crossroads. It's where the Black Sea (and the rivers into Europe and Russia) met the Mediterranean Sea. It's where Europe met Asia. Where East met West. All important long-distant trade traveled through the Anatolian peninsula. Right through the Bosporus. The straits between East and West.
The Greeks, the Persians, the Romans and the Ottoman Turks all coveted this region. When the Western Roman Empire fell the great Italian city-states rose. They dominated the Mediterranean. And the trade through the Bosporus. Where the Silk Road for centuries brought riches from the Far East into Europe. The Italian merchant banks controlled that trade. Until the Eastern Roman Empire (the Byzantine Empire) fell to the Ottoman Turks. Which, lucky for the Europeans, happened at the time of the Renaissance. Bringing an end to the Middle Ages. And ushering in the modern era.
It started in Italy. And then spread into Europe. A rebirth (hence Renaissance) of all that Greek learning. Which shifted the trading center from the eastern Mediterranean to Europe. Where the Europeans built larger ships and used advanced navigational skills to sail from Europe to the Far East. Bypassing the Silk Road. And the Ottoman Turks in the Anatolian peninsula. Making the Europeans the new rich traders. Knowledge and wealth created more ships for trade. And advanced armies and navies. Making the Europeans the masters of the world.
Peter the Great pulled Russia out of the Middle Ages by making it more European
While the Mediterranean and European nations were ushering in the modern world not all of Asia followed them. Russia in particular remained in the Middle Ages. A vast land full of disparate peoples. Not a unique and singular Russian people. Until Ivan the Terrible came along. The Grand Prince of Moscow from 1533 to 1547. Then Tsar of All the Russians. Ivan the Terrible united Russia by conquering it. But at a cost. Continuous wars killed a lot of Russian people. Which left a lot of farmland fallow. Giving Russia a chronic problem they would have for centuries. The struggle to feed themselves.
Tsar Peter the Great (1682 – 1725) modernized Russia. To be a more modern country like those in Europe. He even went to Europe incognito to learn as much as he could about advanced European ways. And had Europeans help him pull Russia out of the Middle Ages. He made his army to be like European armies. Learned about shipbuilding. And built a Russian navy. Which was a problem as the only access to the sea Russia had was the Arctic Ocean via the White Sea. Which meant, of course, war and conquest. He fought the Swedes for access to the Baltic Sea. And he fought the Ottoman Turks for access to the Black Sea.
The disparate people of Russia were not all that happy with his ideas or the money he spent. So he brutally suppressed any discontent. Peter built his navy. And a new capital on the Baltic Sea. Saint Petersburg. A European cultural center. And the Imperial capital of Russia. He also attacked the Ottoman Empire. And lost. Losing his Black Sea ports. But Russia would return to fight the Ottoman Turks. Under Catherine the Great.
The Bolsheviks killed Tsar Nicholas and his Family and ushered in the Oppressive Soviet Union
Catherine the Great ruled during Russia's Golden Age. Continuing the work started by Peter the Great to modernize Russia. Making Russia a great European power. Through military conquest. And diplomacy. She was even an international mediator. And established the League of Armed Neutrality to protect neutral shipping from British attacks during the American Revolutionary War.
Catherine pushed Russia's borders out largely at the expense of the Ottoman Empire. And the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. These conquests cost, though. And she turned to the nobility to pay for them. In return she supported the nobility. But the wealth she got form the nobility came from the serfs (basically slave laborers) working their land. Which took a lot of work to pay for her conquests. Leading to a peasant uprising or two. But serfdom would continue in Russia. Tsar Alexander I advanced the status of Russia with his defeat of Napoleon. They even called him the Savior of Europe. But serfdom remained as the Industrial Revolution took off in Europe. Halting the modernization of Russia.
Tsar Alexander II emancipated the serfs in 1861. Ending the landed aristocracy's monopoly of power. Serfs left their lands. And moved into the cities. Selling their labor. Industrializing Russia. Still, their freedom favored the landed aristocracy. Who were compensated for their serfs' freedom with a tax paid by the freed serfs. Which little improved the life of the freed serfs. And did little to ease the revolutionary fervor long simmering in the Russian people. Especially those outside the nobility.
When Tsar Nicholas II entered Russia into World War I things did not go well for Russia. Military losses, food shortages, fuel shortages, inflation and striking factory workers made the nation ripe for revolution. Tsar Nicholas went off to command the Russian Army personally. Leaving his wife Alexandra to run the country in his absence. Who turned to Grigori Rasputin for help. Which didn't help quell the revolutionary fervor simmering in the Russian people. They didn't like Rasputin. Or the Tsar. And made Tsar Nicholas the last emperor of the Russian Empire. Which the Bolsheviks made permanent. By killing Nicholas and his entire family. Which ultimately ushered in the Soviet Union. One of the most oppressive regimes of all time.
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Tags: Anatolian peninsula, aristocracy, Asia, Black Sea, Bolsheviks, Bosporus, Catherine the Great, East, Europe, Europeans, Far East, Greek, Italy, Ivan the Terrible, Mediterranean, Middle Ages, modern era, nobility, Ottoman, Ottoman Empire, Ottoman Turks, Peter the Great, Rasputin, Renaissance, revolution, revolutionary fervor, Roman Empire, Russia, Russian Empire, serfdom, serfs, Silk Road, Soviet Union, trade, Tsar, Tsar Alexander, Tsar Nicholas, Turks, West
How Christianity gave us the United States and made the World a Better Place
Posted by PITHOCRATES - December 31st, 2013
The Pope kept European Rulers from Oppressing their People lest they get Excommunicated from the Church
In 39 AD the Romans crucified Jesus of Nazareth. Because they said he called himself the King of the Jews. Or rather those with political power who felt threatened by Jesus' popularity said this. His death was to protect power and privilege of those who had it. Ultimately, though, His death would do more to destroy power and privilege. For the Golden Rule allowed people to live together in peace. To build communities. And to help one another.
Emperor Diocletian split up the vast Roman Empire into four parts. The tetrarchy. The rulership by four. Each of the four parts had its own emperor. When Diocletian stepped down from power those emperors began vying for power. By 312 two emperors were in open war with each other. Constantine. And Maxentius. On October 28, 312, they met in battle near the Milvian Bridge over the Tiber. On the eve of battle Constantine had a vision. The Christian God would help him win the upcoming battle if he placed the Christian symbol on his soldiers' shields (accounts differ it was either the Chi-Rho sign or the Latin cross). He did. He won. And became Constantine the Great. Sole ruler of the Roman Empire. And because of his victory in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge he began his conversion to Christianity. Making the Roman Empire Christian.
Christianity spread throughout and united Europe. And the Pope kept European rulers from oppressing their people. Lest they get excommunicated from the Church. In time, though, some resented rule from Rome. In particular when Pope Leo X sold indulgences (a way to help purify one from sin) to fund the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. This was one of many problems that had many calling for a reform of the Church. One in particular, Martin Luther, published his The Ninety-Five Theses in 1517. Kicking off the Protestant Reformation.
Plymouth Colony succeeded when Communal Property became Private Property
Henry VIII, King of England, was a good Catholic. But his wife wasn't giving him any sons. And he wanted a male heir. So he asked the Pope for an annulment from his wife. Catherine. So he could marry Anne Boleyn. The Pope refused. So Henry left the Catholic Church. And initiated the English Reformation. Making England Protestant. England would swing back and forth between Catholicism and Protestantism without being either but something in between. Making a group of Protestants very unhappy. As they felt the English Reformation did not go far enough. A group referred to derisively as Puritans. They were so hated that they were being persecuted along with the Catholics. So they left England. Landing in the Netherlands first. Then they sailed across the Atlantic. They sighted land on November 9, 1620. They eventually came ashore and established Plymouth Colony.
About half of Plymouth Colony died within the first few years. From disease. And hunger. The economic system they were using was killing them. Communal property. Everything the colonists produced belonged to everyone. People produced according to their ability and took from the common store according to their needs. A sort of Marxism. Before there was even a Karl Marx. To save the colony Governor William Bradford abandoned the idea of communal property in 1623. Communal property became private property. And the colony was saved. As people worked twice as hard to produce more on their land than they did on communal land. And because they did they replaced famines with bumper crops. So instead of dying off the American colonies became the prosperous New World.
The Seven Years' War (1756–1763) came to the New World. By the time it ended Catholic France lost its North American possessions to Protestant Great Britain. To pay off the enormous debt of that war Parliament decided to tax their British American colonists. Who made out very well in the conflict without the costs the British incurred. But they did this without discussing it with the colonists. Treating them as second-class citizens in the British Empire. Who had no representation in Parliament. Which led to anger over taxation without representation. Leading to the Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773). Which led to the Intolerable Acts and the Quebec Act (1774-1775). Which led to the shot heard 'round the world. The Battles of Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775). Which ultimately led to July 2, 1776. When the Continental Congress voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence. After a few revisions it was formally passed 2 days later. On July 4, 1776. Known forever after as Independence Day in the United States.
In the United States your Last Name does not Determine the Quality of your Life
The American Revolutionary War did not start out well. As the British pushed them back with little effort. Until Benedict Arnold (future traitor) did some superb soldiering. Impeding the advance of General Burgoyne. The Americans met him in battle for the last time on October 7, 1777. On the second day of fighting in the Battle of Saratoga. And won. Forcing an army in the mightiest empire in the world to surrender. Shocking the world. And getting the French to take notice. Who then entered the American War of Independence. The turning point of the war. And world history. For France was anxious to get back what they had lost to the British. As was Spain. Who joined the conflict as France's ally. Turning the American War of Independence into a world war. And a war of attrition. As their new foes forced them to send British forces all around the globe. Leaving fewer to fight in North America. With a British public growing weary of the war in North America.
America won. Eventually. Taking 8 years until the Treaty of Paris officially ended the conflict (September 3, 1783). And peace and prosperity followed. Thanks in large part to Jay's Treaty (ratified by the Senate in November 1794). Which improved relations between Great Britain and the new United States of America. And began a Special Relationship between two nations of a common people, culture, religion and tradition. When the treaty expired there was a minor hiccup in that Special Relationship that resulted in war. The War of 1812 (1812-1815). But peace and prosperity soon resumed. With the South having a larger say in the national direction thanks to the Three-Fifths Compromise in the United States Constitution (1787). Giving the South greater representation in the House of Representatives as they counted 3/5 of each slave to determine their number of representatives. As the North industrialized and immigration filled their factories and swelled her population the South was losing that larger say. One thing led to another that eventually resulted in the American Civil War (1861-1865).
The agrarian South had more in common with feudal England than they did with the industrial North. Rich landowners (the planter elite) comprised an aristocracy that controlled politics. While peasants/slaves worked the land. The South was holding onto the Old World. Where there was power and privilege. While the North was building the New World. Though the South talked about states' rights they used the power of the federal government wherever they could. Such as the Fugitive Slave Act (1850). When war broke out the South won most battles. Until General Grant started his great advance down the Mississippi River. With the Vicksburg Campaign (May 18 – July 4, 1863) culminating in the capture of Vicksburg. And control of the Mississippi River. Severing the Confederacy into two. Pretty much guaranteeing a Union victory. It was just a matter of time. In the east the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863) also ended in a Union victory. President Lincoln went to the Gettysburg battlefield for the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery there. Where he gave his Gettysburg's Address (November 19, 1863). Which ended with "we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." And so far it hasn't. Remaining that shining city upon a hill. The destination of people everywhere yearning liberty. And a better life. Where all men are created equal. And your last name does not determine the quality of your life.
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Tags: British Empire, Catholic, Christian, Christianity, Church, communal property, Constantine, Declaration of Independence, Diocletian, England, English Reformation, France, Gettysburg, Great Britain, Jesus, Marx, Milvian Bridge, New World, North, Old World, Parliament, Plymouth Colony, Pope, power, private property, privilege, Protestant, Reformation, Revolutionary War, Roman Empire, Romans, Rome, South, Special Relationship, Vicksburg
Trade, Colonization, South Africa and Apartheid
Posted by PITHOCRATES - December 10th, 2013
Alexander Spread the Advanced Greek Civilization from the Mediterranean to the Indus River Valley
The first civilizations grew up on the great rivers. The Nile. The Tigris and Euphrates. The Indus. And the Yangtze. For the river was the source of life. The flooding of its banks produced the rich black earth that gave us farming. They helped us irrigate land further from the banks. And they allowed the spread of civilizations. For these rivers provided our first means of transporting people and cargo. Allowing food and goods to travel between settlements. This cross-pollination of settlements of different people and resources flowered into the great civilizations of the world.
The Chinese civilizations along the Yangtze grew in isolation from the rest of the world due to the geography at first. Then, later, by choice. The other three great civilizations came into contact with each other. The Egyptians on the Nile spread east and made contact with the Sumerians of the Tigris and Euphrates. Who were in contact with the Harappan of the Indus River valley. These civilizations traded with each other. And fought with each other. As their civilizations flourished they attracted the attention of envious neighbors. Who wanted what they had. And conquered them.
Wars pushed boundaries back and forth. Civilizations rose and fell. One of the last great empires of the ancient world, the Persian Empire, bumped into a new rising power. Athens. Which was conquered by a Greek-trained king from the north in Macedonia. Whose son, Alexander, went on to conquer the known world. Spreading the advanced Greek civilization from the Mediterranean world to the Indus River valley. Creating a Greek-speaking world steeped in science and philosophy. Creating a greater Hellenistic civilization out of the lands Alexander conquered. The shared Greek culture allowing an explosion of trade and commerce.
In Time the English and the Dutch would Bump Heads in South Africa
The Romans adopted Greek knowledge and used it for great engineering projects. Roads, aqueducts, ships, weapons of war, etc. Soon the Roman Empire displaced the Hellenistic civilization and spread even further. Ironically, it was the cost of empire that began the fall of the Roman Empire. High taxes to fund a huge army on the frontier and to pay for a massive bureaucratic state. Including welfare programs. The empire first collapsed in the West. It lasted another 1,000 years in the East as the Byzantine Empire. With its capital in Constantinople (modern day Istanbul, Turkey). Named by the Roman Empire Constantine the Great. Who helped turned the Roman Empire Christian.
Constantinople was the center of the world. It was where East met West. Where Europe met Asia. All trade from the East went through Constantinople on its way to the West. For the Silk Road passed through Constantinople. Making it a very rich city. As it controlled trade. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire the great Italian city-states rose. Venice, Milan, Florence, Genoa, Pisa, Siena, Lucca and Cremona. With their merchant banking they controlled the Mediterranean trade. Until the Muslims conquered Constantinople. Which is when the center of economic power moved north to Europe. Thanks to advances in navigation that allowed ships to sail around Africa to the East. Bypassing the Muslim-held Constantinople.
It was the Age of Discovery. And the great European powers discovered new lands full of valuable resources. The Portuguese and the Spanish lead the way. And were soon followed by the Dutch. And the English. These nations established colonies around the world. And, in time, the English and the Dutch would bump heads in South Africa. Where they discovered gold. Leading to a century of conflict between the British Empire and the Dutch settlers. Known as Boers. During the Napoleonic Wars the British defeated the Boers in Cape Colony in 1806. And officially took possession of the colony in 1814. Then it was Britain's turn to send settlers to the region. As a prosperous colony at the southern tip of Africa would come in handy for the empire that controlled the trade routes with the most powerful navy in the world.
Mandela Languished in Jail in part because of his Being a Communist
The Boers resented British rule. And they didn't like their abolishing slavery. So they moved north. Establishing two Boer independent republics. The discovery of diamonds and more gold would make the region the richest and most powerful in southern Africa. There was only one problem. They didn't have the manpower. Or an industrial base. Which led to another wave of immigration. Mostly from Britain. Which soon outnumbered the Boers. Tensions led to the two Boer Wars. The second one being the longest, costliest and bloodiest war the British fought in the century following the Napoleonic Wars. With the British ultimately winning the African territories from the Boers in 1902.
The contested areas were all absorbed into the British Empire in 1910 as the Union of South Africa. And became independent of the British Empire in 1931. As the foreign powers fought over the African lands they pushed aside the native blacks. And segregated them. In 1948 the National Party rose to power. And began to make segregation law. The official beginning of apartheid. Where the whites lived in a first-world nation (which they built with their capital along with black labor). While the blacks lived in third-world conditions. The African National Congress (ANC) fought apartheid. Which was good. But the ANC was a communist organization during the height of the Cold War. Which did not make it a friend of the Western World. Nor was Nelson Mandela. Who was a communist. Mandela co-founded the militant wing of the ANC in 1961. Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). Which planned a campaign of sabotage against the apartheid government. Landing Mandela in jail for 27 years.
Mandela languished in jail in part because of his being a communist. For they didn't want what happened in Southern Rhodesia to happen in South Africa. Alignment with the Soviet Union. And bloody civil war. This is what they feared if the ANC/MK rose to power under the charismatic Mandela. Civil war in South Africa fueled by the Soviet Union to aid in their war with the West. As it turned out, though, Mandela was more like Abraham Lincoln when he emerged from jail. Who told his generals that once the American Civil War was over there was to be no reprisals or retaliation against the South. For once the war was over they would move on together as Americans. Both North and South. Which made the peace that followed much easier on the South. Allowing the nation to heal her wounds more quickly than if there had been a period of bloody purges and reprisals. And this is the gift Mandela gave to South Africa. Allowing the nation to move forward after apartheid without bloody purges or reprisals. Which is why South Africa went on to become one of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) economies. While another former member of the British Empire in Africa, Southern Rhodesia (today's Zimbabwe), suffers corruption, poverty, human rights abuses and one of the lowest life expectancy in the world. Because Mandela spoke of peace and reconciliation when released from prison. Not vengeance. Like they did in Zimbabwe.
Posted in History 101 - Comments Off on Trade, Colonization, South Africa and Apartheid
Tags: Africa, Alexander, ANC, apartheid, Boer, British Empire, Byzantine Empire, Civil War, civilizations, Cold War, colonies, commerce, Communist, Constantinople, Dutch, East, English, Euphrates, Greek, Hellenistic civilization, Mandela, Mediterranean, MK, Napoleonic Wars, Nelson Mandela, Nile, Roman Empire, segregation, South Africa, Southern Rhodesia, Soviet Union, Tigris, trade, West, Yangtze
Catholics, Protestants and the Gunpowder Plot
Posted by PITHOCRATES - November 5th, 2013
The East-West Schism of 1054 gave us the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church
Constantine the Great won the Battle of the Milvian Bridge (312 AD) thanks to divine intervention. Or so the story goes. The Christian God communicated to Constantine and his soldiers in a vision on the eve of battle. If they put the first two letters of Christ's name in Greek on their shields they would be victorious in battle. So they did. And they were. Thus beginning Constantine's transformation from paganism to Christianity.
Christianity was illegal in the Roman Empire. And persecuting Christians was a national pastime. But Constantine changed all that. By first decreeing religious tolerance with the Edict of Milan (313). And following that up with the First Council of Nicaea (325). Where Christian bishops met to resolve some of their differences. And try for the first time to reach a consensus for the Christian church.
In time Christianity would spread throughout the empire. Through northern Europe. And all the way to Britannia (Roman Britain). But things were a little different going east. Where the eastern Christians did not see things the same way the western Christians did. Leading to the East-West Schism (1054). Giving us the Roman Catholic Church in the west. And the Eastern Orthodox Church in, of course, the east.
King Henry VIII was no fan of Martin Luther and he defended the Catholic Faith
The schism between east and west would prove to be a costly one. The Fourth Crusade (1202-1204) went to free the Holy Land from Islam. The European Crusaders were from the Latin Catholic Church. Who never made it to the Holy Land. But they did sack Constantinople. Where the Latin Crusaders slaughtered Orthodox Christians. Weakening the Eastern Roman Empire. Opening the door for Ottoman conquest (1453). And making the way clear for Islam to spread into Europe. So instead of freeing the Holy Land from Islam they brought Islam into Christian Europe. But that wouldn't be the last Christian-on-Christian fighting.
In 1517 Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses attacking the Roman Catholic Church. In particular its selling of indulgences to buy your way into heaven. A funding scheme by Pope Leo X to pay for the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Thus kicking off the Protestant Reformation. A schism in Western Christianity. Splitting up Christianity in Europe between the Catholics and Protestants. Leading to centuries of warfare. Especially between Catholic Spain & France and Protestant England & Germany.
In England King Henry VIII was no fan of Martin Luther. And he defended the Catholic faith. But he had a problem with the Pope. For he wanted a divorce from his queen. Katherine of Aragon. So he would be free to marry Ann Boleyn. Well, the Pope said 'no'. So Henry said goodbye to the Roman Catholic Church. And set up the Church of England. With Henry himself as the head of the church. Soon England was full of Catholics and Protestants. And they fought each other to maintain the true faith. Bitterly. And cruelly. The Church of England would swing between Catholicism and Protestantism through these turbulent times. From Henry VIII to Edward VI to Queen Mary to Elizabeth to James I.
James continued Elizabeth's Persecution of Catholics which led to the Gunpowder Plot
James I was King James VI of Scotland. On the death of Elizabeth he moved south and took the English throne. Becoming James I of England. Scotland was Presbyterian (which fell in the Protestant camp). The Presbyterians did not like the Church of England for they felt it was virtually Catholic. Something the Catholics would disagree with. The Puritans (basically Protestants) also criticized the Church of England for being too Catholic. Which annoyed Elizabeth. So she persecuted both Puritans and Catholics. James was raised a Presbyterian but he hated Presbyterians. And Puritans. Who he thought were nothing more than Presbyterians who spoke more eloquently.
So the Puritans were a thorn in James' side. This animosity between the Puritans and James would lead to the Puritans leaving England and eventually landing in the New World. James hated Puritans so much that he preferred Catholics over them. However, Elizabeth had taken England into a very anti-Catholic direction. And he did not want to appear to be soft when it came to Catholics. So he made life unpleasant for them. Even banished Catholic priests. Sick of this persecution of Catholics someone did something about it.
Remember, remember, the 5th of November
The gunpowder treason and plot
I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot
Robert Catesby planned the Gunpowder Plot. To rid England of anti-Catholic rule. The plan was to blow up Parliament by filling a cellar beneath the House of Lords with barrels of gunpowder. But someone tipped off Lord Monteagle. Authorities arrived in the cellar to find Guy Fawkes surrounded by barrels of gunpowder, a fuse in one hand and a match in the other. Leading to a new holiday in Britain. Guy Fawkes Day. Where people burned effigies of the Pope. To celebrate the Protestant victory over the 'Catholic' plot that tried to topple the government on the 5th of November in 1605. And providing even more animosity between Protestants and Catholics in England. Which would later erupt in the English Civil War (1642–1651). But today Guy Fawkes Day is just about fireworks and celebrations. Without the religious overtones it once had.
Posted in History 101 - Comments Off on Catholics, Protestants and the Gunpowder Plot
Tags: 5th of November, Catholic Church, Catholics, Christian, Christianity, Church of England, Constantine, East-West Schism, Eastern Orthodox Church, Elizabeth, England, Gunpowder Plot, Gunpowder Treason, Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes Day, Henry VIII, Holy Land, Islam, James I, Latin, Martin Luther, Pope, Presbyterian, Protestants, Puritans, Roman Catholic Church, Roman Empire, Scotland
Melting Glacier reveals life it Previously Killed
Posted by PITHOCRATES - October 13th, 2013
Once upon a time the glaciers nearly reached down from the poles to the equator. Then they retreated back towards the poles. And they moved these great distances before man was adding any carbon to the atmosphere. Which means glaciers were melting more before man started adding carbon to the atmosphere. Pretty much debunking the theory of manmade global warming. Yet when a glacier moves a fraction of what they once did people believe it's global warming Armageddon (see Ancient forest revealed 1,000 years after being 'entombed' in gravel as Alaskan glacier melts by Steve Nolan posted 10/10/2013 on Mail Online).
An ancient forest which is thought to have been hidden for at least 1,000 years has been discovered beneath a melting glacier…
The forest is said to have been shielded from the ice by a tomb of gravel which most likely encased the forest as Initial carbon dating tests suggest that the gravel tomb, which is around 5ft high, may have been formed at least 1,000 years ago.
As glaciers develop they often emit summer meltwater streams which produce aprons of gravel…
But while the find has excited scientists, locals are concerned about the prospect of glacial melting.
They are worried about the threat of rising sea levels and the loss of freshwater sources relied upon for drinking water.
If you go back 1,000 years you are in the era of the Eastern Roman Empire. Or the Byzantine Empire. With its capital Constantinople on the Bosporus. Modern day Istanbul. The Western Roman Empire may have fallen by then but the Eastern half was still around. So there were Romans walking the earth the last time these trees saw the light of day.
Now, interesting thing about the Roman Empire was that they did not have the internal combustion engine. They did not have jet planes flying across the globe. They did not have coal-fired power plants. They did not even have the steam engine. So the Romans were putting little carbon into the atmosphere. In fact, manmade carbon during the Roman Empire was little different than it was for all of time before the Roman Empire. Yet the glaciers moved down from the poles towards the equator and retreated numerous times. All without the help of manmade global warming.
Another way to look at this is this life-killing glacier entombed a forest. Killing all forest life. And forcing what life remained fleeing in front of this life-killing glacier as it advanced down from the poles. Now this killer is retreating. Allowing life to return where it once had killed it. Funny we don't celebrate that. We celebrate the end of winter. When life returns after a few months of winter. But when a glacier gives up its dead people feel sorry for the glacier. Not its victims.
Posted in Global Warming, Week in Review - Comments Off on Melting Glacier reveals life it Previously Killed
Tags: ancient forest, atmosphere, Carbon, glacier, life-killing glaciers, manmade global warming, melting glacier, Poles, Roman Empire
Constantinople, Byzantine Empire, Ottoman Empire, the New World, Tobacco and Slavery
Posted by PITHOCRATES - July 16th, 2013
With the Fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans in 1453 Islam spread Unchecked into Christian Lands
Constantine the Great moved the capital of the Roman Empire to a place on the Bosporus. Where the ancient city of Byzantium once sat. Where Asia met Europe. Where the Mediterranean Sea met the Black Sea. And the great rivers beyond. The Danube. Dnieper. And the Don. Constantine named his new city Constantinople. And made it a jewel. With great Christian churches. To celebrate his new conversion to Christianity. Which started following the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Where on the eve of battle Constantine and his soldiers had a vision of the Christian God. Promising them victory if they placed His symbol on their shields. Which they did. And they won.
Constantine spared no expense in his new city. Which was easy to do because it was a very wealthy city. For the greatest trade routes went through the Bosporus. Which is why when the western half of the Roman Empire fell the eastern half, or the Byzantine Empire, carried on for another thousand years. Give or take. As it thrived on that trade pouring through it. Especially from the Far East. Along the Silk Road. Which peaked during the Byzantine Empire. Bringing the exotic goods of the Far East west. From silk to porcelain to spices. Which flowed unhindered to Christian Europe while the Christians still controlled the Byzantine Empire.
But all good things must come to an end. Thanks to the Seljuk Turks. And the rise of the Ottoman Empire. Islam had united the Arab people. And with the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans in 1453 Islam spread unchecked into Christian lands. Up through the Balkans into southern Europe. Lands they would contest for time and again. Making for some bitter Christian-Muslim animosity that continues into modern times. But more crucially at the time was the loss of control over that trade from the Far East. Making those goods not as reasonably priced as they once were. Which proved to be quite the problem. As the European Christians had grown quite fond of them. Luckily for them, they could do something about that. Thanks to all of those wars they fought with the Muslims. The Crusades. Which brought back a lot of Greek books of science that were collecting dust in some of the old great Greek cities all around the Mediterranean. Founded during the Hellenistic period. Which came before the Roman Empire. Thanks to a fellow by the name of Alexander the Great. Who spread Greek learning throughout the known world after he conquered it.
Christopher Columbus sailed West to establish Far East Trade without going through Muslim-Controlled Constantinople
From those books the Europeans were able to become better sailors. On ships that could catch the wind and navigate their way great distances. Portugal and Spain led the way. Prince Henry (1394-1460), the Navigator, trained navigators in Portugal. His students pushed further and further down the African coast until Bartholomeu Dias rounded the Cape of Good Hope (1486). Vasco de Gama would round the Cape of Good Hope and sail up the eastern coast of Africa all the way to India (1498). Pedro Álvares Cabral was heading south to round the Cape of Good Hope in (1500). Swung out too far west. And ran into Brazil in South America.
Spain then financed the voyages of Christopher Columbus. Who had read that the earth was round. And wanted to prove it. As well as spread Christianity. Columbus wanted to find a way west to the Far East. Sure it was just beyond the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean. After a voyage longer than his near mutinous crew expected they finally landed on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas (1492). Thinking he found an ocean passage to the Far East. Around the Muslim controlled land route. He would later understand that he had found the New World. Which we would be calling Columbia. Had his dispatches beat a Florentine passenger's on a Portuguese ship who wrote about what he saw. Amerigo Vespucci. Which is why there is not a North Columbia, a Central Columbia and a South Columbia. Instead, there is a North America, a Central America and a South America.
With Columbus' success Spain financed others. Vasco Núñez Balboa. Who crossed the Isthmus of Panama and reached the Pacific Ocean (1513). Ferdinand Magellan. Who sailed around South America through the Straits of Magellan and into the Pacific Ocean. Sailing on to the Far East. And back home. Being the first to circumnavigate the globe (1519-1522). Hernán Cortés. Who conquered the brutal Aztec regime in Mexico (1521). Eventually the Spanish would bring great riches of gold and silver back to the Old World. Meanwhile France financed Jacques Cartier in his attempt to find a Northwest Passage to the Pacific. Who sailed up the St. Lawrence River to Montreal (1534). Then Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec (1608). Where they established a lucrative fur trade with the native Indians.
Cultivating Tobacco took Large Tracts of Farmland which required more Laborers that they had in the Colonies
Queen Elizabeth of England financed Walter Raleigh. Who explored the coast of North America (1584). Looking for a place to settle a colony. On a subsequent voyage he brought 100 settlers with him. And settled a colony at Roanoke, North Carolina (1585). Which became the Lost Colony of Roanoke (1591). The Virginia Company of London, a joint-stock company, would have better luck. They raised financing by selling stock shares to investors who would share in any profits of the colony. Christopher Newport led a voyage that established the first permanent English settlement in the New World. At Jamestown (1607).
Though the Americas were not the Far East it was a vast landmass with inexhaustible resources. And endless tracts of fertile soil. The possibilities were endless. The marriage of John Rolfe to Pocahontas (1614) provided an uneasy peace between the settlers and their Indian neighbors. Then Rolfe figured out how to cure tobacco (1612). Something the English began smoking after Columbus observed the Cubans sticking burning rolls of tobacco in a nostril. The English refined smoking with a pipe. And they really enjoyed it. Importing vast quantities from the Spanish colonies in America. Thanks to Rolfe, though, the English could produce their own tobacco. Once they worked out a few problems.
Cultivating tobacco took large tracts of farmland. But to put large tracts of farmland into production you needed laborers. And in 1612 Virginia there just weren't a lot of colonists living there yet. The demand for labor far outstripped the supply. So they tried to satisfy that demand with indentured servants. Preferably from Europe. Even criminals from English jails. As well as from Africa. Who worked in bondage during their indentures. Then went free. Until around the 1660s. When things changed. Starting in the southern colonies. Where slavery became hereditary. For Africans, at least. Like it was in the Old World. Where peasants and serfs were bonded to the land. Once a slave. Always a slave. And if your parent was a slave so were you. Like it was in ancient Athens. At the end of the Western Roman Empire. And in the Muslim world.
Muslim didn't only enslave Christians. They also established slave markets with African slave traders. Who opened their markets to the Portuguese, the Spanish, the French and the English. To help them meet that soaring demand for labor during the early days of the New World colonies. When there were so few colonists. Who found their way to the New World in the first place because of the Muslim conquest of Constantinople. Which sent the Europeans to the seas to find a western way to the Far East. And when they did they discovered the New World. Creating the largest market ever for African slaves. And the greatest convulsions in the New World as they struggled to end slavery in the Americas.
Posted in History 101 - Comments Off on Constantinople, Byzantine Empire, Ottoman Empire, the New World, Tobacco and Slavery
Tags: African slaves, America, Bosporus, Byzantine Empire, Cape of Good Hope, Christian, Christianity, Christopher Columbus, colonies, colonists, Columbia, Columbus, Constantine, Constantinople, England, Far East, France, Islam, Mediterranean, Muslim, New World, North America, Old World, Ottoman, Ottoman Empire, Portugal, Roanoke, Rolfe, Roman Empire, slave, slavery, South America, Spain, tobacco, trade, Virginia
Roman Denarius, New World Gold and Silver, American Continental and German Mark
Posted by PITHOCRATES - June 25th, 2013
Money that is not Scarce is a Poor Temporary Storage of Wealth
They say money doesn't grow on trees. And it's a good thing it doesn't. For money is a temporary storage of wealth. It temporarily stores value. And one if its attributes is that it has to be scarce. For example, let's say you are a highly skilled tomato grower. And you work in your garden 12 hours each day weeding, fertilizing, watering, tying, pruning, etc., your many fields of tomato plants. Producing beautiful tomatoes that everyone just loves. You love your tomatoes so much that you actually gave up your day job to grow them full time. And support your family with the proceeds from selling your tomatoes. Which you will exchange with others for money. Provided that money is scarce. And will hold the value of your tomatoes. Until you can exchange that money for something you want.
Now let's assume money grows on trees. Anyone can plant one in their backyard. And it grows like a weed. That is, you don't have to fertilize it or water it or do anything else for it. And anytime you want something you just walk to your money tree and pick the bills you need. We would never have to work again if we all had money trees in our backyard. Wouldn't that be great? Or would it? What would happen if everyone quit working because they, too, had a money tree in their backyard? If no one worked then there would be nothing to buy with the money from your money tree.
But there is another problem. If everyone had a money tree there would be such much money in circulation that it would no longer be scarce. And if it's not scarce it isn't money. It isn't a temporary storage of wealth. It won't temporarily store value. Because someone that has something of value, say delicious tomatoes, won't want to trade them for something that he or she can just pick off of his own money tree. Instead, he or she would rather trade those tomatoes for something that does have value. Like, say, mozzarella cheese. So a skilled cheese-maker and the skilled tomato-grower can meet to trade things of value with each other. Tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. And then each can make a delicious Caprese salad. Which also has value. Unlike money that grows on trees that anybody can pick whenever they want to. Filling the world with people with lots of money but nothing to buy. Because no one works to grow or make anything.
When Spain brought back New World Gold and Silver it unleashed Inflation in the Old World
For anything to be money it must be scarce. Just think of the laws of supply and demand. If there are droughts all summer long farmers have smaller harvests. Which raises the price of what they bring to market. Because demand is greater than the supply. If there was a great growing season they have bumper crops. Which lowers the price of what they bring to market. Because supply is greater than demand. So the scarcer something is the more valuable it is. And so it is with money.
The main Roman coin was the silver denarius. As the Roman Empire reached its zenith her borders stopped moving out. The Roman legions stopped conquering new lands. And without new conquest there were no spoils to send back to Rome. So the Romans had to raise taxes to pay for the cost of empire. The administration of it. The protection of it. And a growing welfare state to keep the people content. To help with these great expenditures they began to debase the denarius. Mixing more and more lead into the coin. Reducing the silver content. So they could make more coins with the available silver. Thus making these coins less scarce. And less valuable. Unleashing an inflation so bad that it devalued the denarius so much that no amount of them could buy anything. Eventually even the Roman government would refuse to accept it in payment of taxes. Demanding gold instead. Or payment in kind.
When Spain arrived in the New World they found a lot of gold and silver. Which Europeans used as money in the Old World. The Spanish brought so much gold and silver back to the Old World that it greatly expanded the money supply. Making gold and silver less scarce. And less valuable. Requiring more of it to buy the things it once bought. So prices rose. Because of the inflation of the money supply.
The War Reparations the Versailles Treaty imposed on Germany led to their Hyperinflation
During the American Revolution there was little specie (i.e., gold and silver coin) in the colonies. As wars are expensive this made it difficult to finance the war. The Continental Congress asked for contributions from the states. And could only hope the states would give them some money. For they had no taxing powers. But they never were able to raise enough money. So they borrowed what they could. And then started printing paper money. The continental. But they printed so many of them that they were far from scarce. The massive inflation devalued the continental so much that it created the expression "not worth a continental." Which meant something was absolutely worthless. The people would refuse to accept them as legal tender from the Continental Army because they were worthless pieces of paper. So the army took what they needed from the people. And gave them IOUs that Congress would settle at some later date.
The Germans paid for World War I by borrowing money. The increased debt of the nation during the war devalued the currency. The German mark. It took more and more of them to exchange for stronger currencies. Like the U.S. dollar. The Versailles Treaty that ended the war saddled Germany with the responsibility for the war. And made them pay enormous amounts of war reparations. In gold. Or foreign currency. So the Germans turned up the printing presses. And printed marks like there was no tomorrow. Making them less scarce. And worth less. It took more and more of them to exchange for foreign currency to make their reparation payments. But they didn't care what the exchange rate was. For whatever amount of devalued marks they needed to exchange they just turned to their printing presses. And printed whatever they needed. This rapid inflation devalued the mark more. Requiring them to print more. Which just fed into the inflation. Eventually bringing on a hyperinflation where it took enormous amounts of marks to buy anything. For example, it was cheaper and easier to burn marks than it was to buy firewood to burn.
Anytime you make money less scarce you make it worth less. The inflation of the money supply devalues the currency. Which raises prices. Because it takes more of the devalued currency to buy what it once did before the inflation. So expanding the money supply leads to price inflation. Good if you're a rich investor. But if you're someone just trying to buy firewood to keep from freezing to death during the winter? Not so good. The Romans, the Europeans, the Americans and the Germans all suffered from bad inflation. Some worse than others. If the inflation is so bad, such as in the case of hyperinflation, people may lose all confidence in the currency. And simply stop using it. Going to a barter system instead. Like when a tomato-grower trades his tomatoes for a cheese-maker's mozzarella cheese.
Posted in History 101 - Comments Off on Roman Denarius, New World Gold and Silver, American Continental and German Mark
Tags: American continental, coin, Continental, currency, denarius, devalued, German mark, gold, hyperinflation, inflation, legal tender, Mark, money, money supply, New World, Old World, printing presses, reparation, Roman, Roman denarius, Roman Empire, scarce, silver, Spain, temporarily store value, temporary storage of wealth, value, war reparations
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Do your suppliers have a code of conduct?
Who, at your company, is responsible for compliance measurements and requests?
Is any part of an employees benefit structure taken out of their compensation. If so, what type of benefit, and what percentage of compensation is taken out?
Do you utilize labor agents when hiring new staff?
Risk management is not a "one size fits all" business process. Each company approaches risk management in their own, unique way – and rightfully so. Unique industry standards, NGO industry focus, sourcing efficiencies and more make risk management a delicate issue.
Some companies have a tried and true process that combines supplier pre-screening with regular field audits. Other companies find themselves doing the bare minimum and often miss clear indicators of unethical supply chain practices.
Most companies find themselves somewhere between these two extremes, but struggle to find a scalable process that doesn't exceed their budget. Regardless of your approach, risk management processes follow very similar workflows.
Easier said than done, we might add.
Collecting meaningful ethical sourcing data is reliant on your ability to design a series of supplier assessments that collect both direct and indirect data points around ethical sourcing practices.
California Transparency in Supply Chains Act. Download now.
Think about external risk factors as the characteristics or qualities of a company that are not driven by the way they choose to run their business.
External risk factors can give you a high level, objective overview of a particular suppliers risk. You'll find that many external risk factors are well documented by special interest groups and non-governmental organizations that analyze global ethical supply chain practices.
Supply chain geographical risk data is well documented. In the case of ethical sourcing, violations typically occur in global pockets where labor oversight is weak, and workers rights are not upheld.
Real world application – the Democratic Republic of the Congo is considered an area of very high risk due to its low labor oversight and rebel groups who push workers to the edge, mining for highly sought after raw materials (conflict minerals, cobalt, and other special materials hotspot).
Internal risk factors have a tendency to be less transparent than external factors. As a good practice, Internal risk factors should be closely monitored and validated.
Global recruitment for labor-intensive jobs is a historically brutal process that can lead to severe human rights violations. Large output suppliers in developing countries have been known to utilize labor agents who contract employees from other countries who are in need of employment.
Real world application – a person who desperately needs work finds the opportunity to get hired by a labor agent who assigns them temporary work. The employment requires the person to relocate to a new country, but consists of a wage, food and housing.
Fast forward two months – the person finds out the compensation they were supposed to receive is far less, if not zeroed out because the labor agent [agent that originally contracted the person] did not clarify the details (food and housing factored into the wage, not in addition to the wage) of compensation – the downward spiral of bonded labor begins.
Regularly assessing your suppliers with questions that ask them to outline their recruitment process can uncover unethical business practices like the one described above.
The examples above outline why it is imperative to look at your ethical sourcing initiative and dig deep into the indirect reasons behind ethical sourcing violations. Taking the time to reverse engineer your initiative will drastically improve the data you collect and the overall success of your ethical sourcing risk management system.
Risk management is an ongoing process and should be treated as such. Putting strong risk management systems in place can allow you to assess your supply chain on a variety of categories, gather meaningful data and help you develop an effective corrective action plan. To learn more about supply chain risk management, click here.


The accessories market for Apple devices is quite diverse, and considering its fashion-centric nature, is especially so for the Apple Watch. The variety of bands available allows the wearable computer to be used in a wide variety of events, occasions, and dress styles, but there is always room to push the envelope.
A patent granted to Apple on Tuesday for a "Watch glow light band", simply put, describes how light tubes can be used within the design of a band. Depending on the style of band used, there could be multiple tubes of light in both the top and bottom sections of the band, and could give the appearance of wrapping around the wrist.
The light tube consists of the clear tube itself, a light fiber within the tube that runs its entire length, and a light-emitting diode at one end for illuminating the fiber, though it is also suggested an LED could be placed at opposing ends. There are many variations on the theme in the patent, including tubes with multiple LEDs, where the tube itself is made from extendable material and the light fiber is "helically coiled" within the tube, tubes with varying refractive indexes, and tubes with opaque and transparent sections.
While the basic version may allow for predefined light levels and colors to pass through the tubes, Apple also suggests there could be some considerable customization options available, by taking advantage of the Apple Watch's screen to define individual tube colors. In one version, the colors could be based on a captured image from a camera embedded in the watch band itself.
The use of clear tubes and multi-color LEDs would give the opportunity to change the color of the band to whatever the user wants, which would make one band seem more useful for multiple styles. For road users, including cyclists and runners, it may be more useful for night rides and running sessions, as a bright wristband would make them more visible to other road users.
An illustration of the helically coiled light fiber within an extendable light tube in the watch band.
While Apple does file numerous patents on a weekly basis, it isn't a guarantee that the concepts described in a patent make their way into a consumer product.
This is certainly not the only instance of Apple considering alternative Apple Watch band applications, but is likely to be considered the most low-tech idea for the accessory so far.
In November, a patent for an "Image-capturing watch" suggested the use of cameras embedded into the watch band to allow for photographs to be taken, or for use as a FaceTime camera for video calls. Given that system, and the mentions of a camera for band color selection in the above patent, it is plausible the two ideas could be combined together into one band.
Apple has also considered the possibility of adding other indicators to the band, allowing users to see a basic status for various items without using the main Apple Watch display.
Outside of indicators, Apple has looked into a multitude of other Apple Watch additions for the band, such as extra sensors, batteries, hiding components in bracelet links, self-adjusting bands with an onboard tensioner, back plates adding more functions, and the often-rumored non-invasive glucose monitoring system.


text:
var program = require('commander'),
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	econf = require('../lib/index.js');

program
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program
	.command('init')
	.description('add .econf.js file to your project')
	.action(function() {
		econf.createEconfFile()
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program.parse(process.argv);

if (program.args.length === 0) {
	econf.showEconfContent()
}

var path = program.rawArgs[3] || '.';

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


I recently took a trip to A.C. Moore to buy one specific item: a mason jar or two for my succulents. As always, I ended up buying more yarn than I know what to do with. I will admit it has honestly become a real spending problem. I would rather not tell you how many different colors and textures of yarn I have amassed. I found a funky, lime yellow skein of yarn by of one of my favorite brands, Bernat, on sale! How could I not buy it? Below is a simple knitted pattern for the stylish infinity scarf.
I am using a #6 super bulky yarn made by Bernat. Bernat Blanket yarn comes in a ton of solid and multi-color styles, so pick whichever you like best! Begin by casting on 25 stitches using size 11 straight needles.
First Row: K1, P1, repeat until the last stitch, K1 (repeat all rows).
Below I have knitted a couple of rows with the knit one, purl one pattern. Repeat the same pattern on both sides of the work. When working on either side of the piece, you will be knitting the purl stitches and purling the knit stitches. This stitch pattern is one of my favorites for a scarf, besides stockinette, because it creates a thick scarf with some natural gaps between the stitches.
If you knit while watching a show on TV, like I do, you will often lose your place. Above you can see the difference between the knitted stitches and purled stitches. If you lose your place and forget if your next move should be to purl or knit just check if there is a bump in the stitch! No bump, move your working yarn to the front and purl. If there is a bump, simply knit the stitch.
Depending on how snug to the neck you want your scarf to be, continue knitting until the scarf is about 60-70 inches long. Above I have added six rows of stockinette just to break up the pattern and give it a more interesting look. When you have reached the desired length, you may begin to cast off. Leave a tail with the yarn long enough to weave both ends of the scarf together with a large sewing needle. Make sure to twist one end of the scarf upside down to give the scarf the final infinity look.
If you have any questions or want to post a photo of your own scarf with this pattern, do so below in the comments!
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Beyond Darkness (Japanese: 暗闇の向こう Beyond the Darkness) is the final chapter of Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade.
Note: All reinforcements will carry elixirs.
Starting from turn 2 or 3, manaketes will appear randomly and indefinitely from the four statues on the map.
English Beyond Darkness Used in Fire Emblem Heroes. Also used in leftover text from the data transfer menu in the English version of Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade.


text:
Gallowayyys
is creating Music you experience
"One day if you're lucky, you'll start to see the world from a holistic perspective. At which time you cant help but feel responsible for its care. And in your effort to make the world a better place. You'll fall in love with total strangers, just for being alive to contribute to the world you love so much." - Gallowayyys
Gallowayyys was born in South Houston in 1994. Up until his junior year in high school, he spent his summer's in Memphis, TN where the musicians in his family introduced him to Motown sounds & the world of live performance. His mother raised him to be a self sufficient man with great care for the environment, history, spiritual science, and for his relationships. His fascination with music lead him to dance, poetry, and visual arts. He attended college at UNT near Dallas, TX where he received a degree in Finance and began his career as a recording artist.
He recently finished recording, mixing, and mastering his Debut DIY Album Wyndham. The album consist of 10 original songs and will debut May 3rd, 2019. His debut EP, "Y19" which was released January 1st, 2019 is the embodiment of the same energy felt during Y2K; when the whole world was waiting to see what tomorrow would bring. The EP is now available on all major streaming platforms
Gallowayyys Youniverse
Member 's of " Gallowayyys Youniverse " will receive Link(s) to private upcoming music videos, short films, visual albums, & more!
Youniversal Patron
Member 's of " Youniversal Patron " Tier will receive Link(s) to private upcoming music videos, short films, and visual albums
+ Access to behind the scenes footage (instagram) to music videos, shows, Exclusive Concept Photography
+ Access to Visual Online Art Book For Album Art which Includes unofficial cover arts
Excited to welcome you!
Recent posts by Gallowayyys

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I first met Tommy Jarrell at a fiddlers convention in 1971. He wasn't known around the country at that time. He was just an old time fiddler and banjo player living in Toast, NC. When I first heard him, he was in a jam session with bluegrass fiddler Big Joe Greene. It was some of the best music I ever heard. I started going to visit Tommy over the years after that and so did many other young players from around the country. Tommy had an archaic, driving style of playing. He had the most amazing and dexterous bow arm. You couldn't help but get up and move when you heard him play and sing.
made the pilgrimage to Surry County, NC. They found other great players, too, like Kyle Creed, Fred Cockerham, Earnest East, Benton Flippen, just to name a few.
In time the driving sound of Surry Co. influenced everyone who played old time music even though there were many other distinct styles of old time music in the mountains.


Your tax-deductible gift or volunteer service to the Foundations serving Hampton Roads helps us provide the best care to every patient, every day, and to pioneer medical innovations that may help those in need around the world.
Your gift may be designated to a specific area close to your heart at the facility of your choosing and we will confirm your gift in writing. Find out how to become part of our team by visiting our Donor Connect page.


Francisco Noya is a prominent figure in the Boston and New England music scene, where he has earned a reputation as a versatile interpreter of symphonic and operatic literature. He served as music director of the Longwood Symphony Orchestra in Boston and Symphony by the Sea in Manchester. Mr. Noya currently serves as resident conductor of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, where he represents the Philharmonic artistically and educationally throughout the Rhode Island community. He is also the music director of the New Philharmonia Orchestra in Newton, MA.
Noya is also a respected member of the conducting faculty of the Berklee College of Music in Boston. In the fall of 2008, he began his tenure as music director of the Berklee Contemporary Symphony Orchestra, where he is actively engaged in the exploration of cutting-edge orchestral repertoire.
Noya began his professional career in his native Venezuela, as conductor of the Youth Orchestra of Valencia, one of the original ensembles of "El Sistema." After earning advanced degrees in composition and conducting from Boston University, Noya was appointed to serve as assistant conductor of the Caracas Philharmonic and assistant to the music director of the Teatro Teresa Carreño, one of the most prestigious theaters in Latin America. Noya continued his conducting career in the United States by serving as music director of the Empire State Youth Orchestra in Albany, New York for ten seasons. During his tenure, he led the group on two European tours as well as in concerts at both Carnegie Hall in New York City and in Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood.
In the U.S., Noya has appeared as guest conductor of the Boston Pops, Baltimore, Nashville, San Antonio, and Omaha Symphony Orchestras, and the Cape Cod Symphony, among others. In addition, he has performed internationally with orchestras in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Spain, Italy and Russia. In Venezuela, Noya has collaborated with "El Sistema," teaching Master Classes and conducting orchestral performances throughout the country. For the past three seasons, Noya has been a guest conductor with the Orquesta Académica of Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.
Parking Recommendations for each of our performing venues.
Browse recommended area restaurants for your visit.
Find directions to each of our performing venues.


text:
Garat (, 1931-ig Ștena, ) falu Romániában, Erdélyben, Brassó megyében.

Fekvése
Kőhalomtól 7 km-re nyugat–délnyugatra, az egykori Királyföldön fekszik.

Nevének eredete
Mind magyar, mind német neve egy szláv eredetire megy vissza. A szláv grohot jelentése 'kőrakás, kőgörgeteg' (így vsz. összefügg a szomszédos Kőhalom nevével). Ennek hangtanilag módosult formája a magyar, tükörfordítása a német név (Stein 'kő'). Első említésekor, 1309-ben neve Lapis, ami latinul ugyanazt jelenti. Később, 1432-ben Stein, 1532-ben Steya, 1733-ban Garad, 1750-ben Sztena, 1850-ben Styena. Eredeti román neve a németből való.

Története
Szász falu volt Kőhalomszékben, majd 1876-tól Nagyküküllő vármegyében, több sósforrással.

Népessége
 1850-ben 1263 lakosából 627 volt német, 507 román és 128 cigány nemzetiségű; 635 ortodox és 626 evangélikus vallású
 1910-ben 1358 lakosából 744 volt román és 606 német anyanyelvű; 744 ortodox és 604 evangélikus vallású
 2002-ben a népszámlálás 671 lakost írt össze: 418 román, 232 cigány és 16 magyar nemzetiségűt; 652 ortodox és 7 református vallásút

Látnivalók
 A szász evangélikus erődtemplom. Mai formájában 1845-ben épült, amikor a középhajó fölé épített, védelmi célú emeletet elbontották és a hajót nyugat felé meghosszabbították, belső várfalát pedig lebontották. Tornya újkori építmény, védőművei a 15. században épültek. Egyik harangja a 13–14. századból, a másik a 15. század közepéről származik.
 1905-ből való evangélikus parókiáját felújították és közösségi házzá alakították át. Szállást is kínál.

Jegyzetek

Források

További információk
 A falu blogja
 Az erődtemplom a "jupiter.elte.hu"-n
 Klip a faluról

Brassó megye települései
Nagy-Küküllő vármegye települései

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


William Mazzarella, Journal of Anthropological Research, vol. 62, 2006, pp. 414-5.
Shanti Pillai, The Drama Review 50:4 (T192) Winter 2006, pp. 185-6.
Hanne M. de Bruin, Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute (N.S.) 12, 2006, pp. 991-993.
Lakshmi Subramanian (Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta), South Asia 29:2, August 2006, pp 319-320.
Stigmas of the Tamil Stage: An Ethnography of Special Drama Artists in South India. 2007. Calcutta, India: Seagull Books.


A deadly house fire at an illegal rooming house in North Philadelphia last March had city officials calling for reform. But one year later, nothing has changed. It's unclear how many of these places there are, but the city thinks there could be thousands. While some argue they should be legalized to fill a need for more affordable housing, others push back over concerns about property values. Why can't officials decide on the best way to deal with these homes? On this episode of The Why, PlanPhilly reporter Jake Blumgart walks us through the debate.
In December, Minneapolis City Council voted for the ban to confront a growing affordability crisis and longstanding patterns of racial segregation.
The energy-efficient, 1,300-square-foot homes are already being promoted for sale at $229,999 each.


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« Jordan High Heels and by that wobbling
We waited Asics Tiger Shoes awkwardly, »
The various authorities on which Red Bottom Heels this assertion
Poyser's family: his grandmother was named Charlotte. But we began with calling her Lotty, and now it's got to Totty. To be sure it's more like a name for a dog than a Christian child." "Totty's a capital name. The various authorities on which Red Bottom Heels this assertion was based were then produced in due order; along with some curious particles of evidence culled from old manuscripts, which it must have cost much trouble to collect and decipher. Timberland ShoesThe second section was devoted, at great length, to the reasons which induced the writer to think it his absolute duty, as an affectionate son and faithful servant of the Church, not to rest until he had restored to the successors of the apostles in his day the property which had been fraudulently taken from them in days gone by. The writer held himself justified, in the last resort, and in that only, in using any means for effecting this restoration, except such as might involve him in mortal sin.
He is seized by ruffians, locked in, and expects to be murdered, which he knows Jeremy Scott Adidas that he cannot stand, for he is timid by nature. In fact, a ruffian puts a pistol to La Motte's breast with caadfgad2 one hand, while with the other he drags along a beautiful girl of eighteen. "Swear that you will convey this girl where I may never see her more," exclaims the bully, and La Motte, with the young lady, is taken back to his carriage.
(Philadelphia lawyer), Legal Adviser; and the Astrological Adviser was to be Professor HENRY of Washington. (Belfast's blunder had injured him so much in public estimation, his former partisans having become his most merciless revilers, that it was considered advisable to omit his name altogether even in the list of the Directors.) From the very beginning, the moneyed public looked on the G.I.C.S, with decided favor, Adidas Wings Shoes and its shares were bought up pretty freely. Conducted on strictly honorable principles, keeping carefully aloof from all such damaging connection as the _Credit Mobilier_, and having its books always thrown open for public inspection, its reputation even to-day is excellent and continually improving in the popular estimation.
The persuasions which urge him to this course are admirably presented: England, Edith, his brother's freedom, were at stake. Casuistry, or even law, would Timberland Canada have absolved him easily; an oath taken under duresse is of no avail. But Harold's "honour rooted in dishonour stood," and he cannot so readily absolve himself.
When I opened my eyes, the morning star was peeking over the horizon. We lay together on the hillside. Pieces of our clothing pillowed my head. But Francis was not interested in his friend's experiences. For Francis had had a job in the War Office–whereas Angus was a war-hero with shattered nerves. And let him depreciate his own experiences as much as he liked, the young man with the monocle Red Bottoms kept tight hold on his prestige as a war hero.


An exclusive pocket, an easy stroll to the village and opposite Chadwick Park with its playground, BBQ area and space for the kids and pets to run off steam, is the highly prized location for a brilliant lifestyle with this immaculate family home.
Superbly appointed for flexible low-upkeep living, the clever two storey design introduces three generous living spaces. On the entry level a lounge / theatre room (depending on your needs) complements an expansive living meals with gourmet stone kitchen opening to an elevated deck, where you can entertain long into the night against a backdrop of the Kinglake Ranges!
Complementing the living spaces on this level are three bedrooms. The main includes a walk-in robe, and a stone ensuite fitted with dual basins and an oversized shower, the others share a deluxe family bathroom.
The lower level offers up a generous rumpus room opening to a paved entertainment area, fourth bedroom and powder room, making the entire level idea for teens!
Stone family bathroom, double garage with internal access, gated trailer parking, ducted vacuum, ducted heating and evaporative cooling to ensure family excellence in a premium pocket.


text:
ArtistsExhibitionsFairsNewsPublicationsInfo
Images Videos Exhibitions Publications Selected Press News Biography Back
John Miller was born in 1954 in Cleveland, Ohio, and lives and works in New York and Berlin. Along with Mike Kelley and Jim Shaw, Miller was part of an influential group of artists who studied at CalArts in the 1970s. In 2016, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, presented the first major American survey of his work. Miller has also had one-person exhibitions at Museum Ludwig, Cologne; Kunsthalle Zürich; Musée d'art moderne et contemporain, Geneva; Magasin Centre National d'Art Contemporain, Grenoble, France; and Kunstverein Hamburg. He has participated in major group exhibitions at the New Museum, New York; CAPC Musée D'Art Contemporain, Bordeaux; Museo Reina Sofía, Madrid; and MoMA PS1, New York. His work was included in the 1991 Whitney Biennial and the 2010 Gwangju Biennale. His writing and criticism have appeared in Artforum, e-flux, and Texte Zur Kunst and has been compiled in the publications The Price Club: Selected Writings, 1977-1996 (JRP Editions and the Consortium, 2000) and The Ruin of Exchange (Geneva and Dijon: JRP-Ringier and les Presses du Reel, 2012).
Artist's CV
gallery@metropictures.com


text:
Plastic Figurines @ The New Diorama Review
In recent months, there has been a lot of press about the power of small theatres and the high standard of plays they produce. I visited the New Diorama Theatre, Camden, last week. This small, intimate space is perfect for presenting the close and inescapable bond between siblings that Plastic Figurines explores.
This new play by Ella Carmen Greenhill, is an excellent example of what is on offer in fringe theatre. The script is excellent and one of the most realistic presentations of the unique relationship shared between siblings. Irreverent, frustrating but ultimately loving, their relationship is tested through the difficulties of everyday life, loss and growing up. Remmie Milner and Jamie Samuel are brilliant as Rose and Michael. These are not easy roles: the play is a two hander and demands a lot from the actors, not only in the time they spend onstage but emotionally and physically as well. The creative team make impressive use of the limited space and fixed scenery to move between a wide range of scene locations and this is made believable by the brilliant commitment demonstrated by these young actors. I expect we shall see great things from them in the future. But for now, catch them in the poignant and funny Plastic Figurines – a steal at £13.50. Fantastic theatre at a fraction of the West End price. 4/5
Review written by Emily Channon.
Plastic Figurines was on at the New Diorama Theatre from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th April. For more information on theatre company, Box of Tricks Theatre, visit here…
Box of Tricks, Ella Carmen Greenhill, Jamie Samuel, New Diorama Theatre, Plastic Figurines, Remmie Milner
20th April 2015by Theatrefullstop
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Measure For Measure @ The Barbican Review


Callaghan Innovation supported by NZTE are leading another Kiwi delegation to SaaStr Annual 2019 in San Jose.
SaaStr Annual is the biggest SaaS conference on the planet, attracting the worlds' SaaS founders and leaders to one place for three action packed days.
Callaghan Innovation will be presenting an exclusive programme for New Zealand's SaaS community around the conference.
Applications for financial assistance closed on 8 October. However registrations for the delegation will now be open until 29 October.
There is a limited amount of financial support available for companies who have not attended SaaStr Annual before and who without it would not be able to afford the trip. If you wish to apply for financial assistance, additional questions are required through the registration process.