What if Germany had won the First World War?

What if the Germans had won the first world war? | Martin Kettle

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TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY!

All shall be revealed in the new year!

Steve

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Wishing everybody a Merry Christmas and New Year.   I think the snowman in the Heino medley to be a little sinister which brings me to my fondest memories of Christmas when a child. It was a tradition in our household on Boxing Day, to tell a ghost story. My sister,  Cassie and I would gather in the darkened dining  room,  the only illumination being the red glow of the fire,  its logs crackling and hissing,  which we would huddle before while father,  seated in a high backed old leather chair,  read to us a ghost story. More often than not it was by the master of the craft MR James. Many of the stories involved Oxford Dons, Anglo Saxon legends and archaeologists so Mr MR James has a lot to answer for!   Needless to say, we were transfixed by father's tales and wonderfully scared throughout. We were both  so frightened that we looked forward to it every year!

I've set this post on a timer so it ought to reach you at the witching hour and on Christmas day!

Here is a documentary on the man who collaborated with father to frighten us delightfully.  Thank you for taking the time to read my posts this year.

Lyds



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MERRY CHRISTMAS

What better way to celebrate than with Heino and company singing lots of traditional German Christmas Songs?   MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Steve




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VIENNA: CITY OF A LOST EMPIRE BUT OF A CONTINUING GLORY

Exitus acta probat

Steve

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OCTOBER 2012 ON A DIG IN THE MED

Reminiscing over the last eighteen months.  The equivalent of taking the waters and recuperating last year -  a short sojourn to an excavation in the Greek Islands. A wholly enjoyable and energising five days.   Thanks to Lyds and all involved for arranging and obtaining the requisite permissions.  

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VIENNA

With one foot in the past,  Vienna is the real epicentre of Mittel-Europe.   One could spend a month here and never tire of its charms and surprises.   Cultured and grand, haughty bordering on arrogant but possessing an old-world charm which is alluring. Cosmopolitan yet parochial,  this city is built on contradiction and this is one of its many charms.

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BUDAPEST

Elegant and sophisticated and perhaps the junior partner in its relationship with Vienna. However, more forward thinking and innovative than its Austrian counterpart. If my photograph reminds you of the British Houses of Parliament, you would be right, as the Hungarian design was inspired by the former.

Two down, one to go...

PRAGUE AT DUSK

One of the three great cities of the Austrian Hungarian Empire. Evoking the former glories of the past, of martial prowess, court intrigue and illicit love. One down, two to go.

CHI RHO

Was complimented today for marking work as good by using the Chi Rho. The person clearly knew his classics.

This symbol predates Christianity and was used by Greek scribes to indicate a particularly good passage. My old History Master used to mark our efforts in this manner and the habit has stuck.

THE GOOGLE+ SITE

Don't forget to join the Google+ circle version of the blog. It's really easy to do and is extremely interactive.

Steve

IN THE GREAT SWAY OF HISTORY, WHO COULD ARGUE WITH THIS?

A WOMAN I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE MET

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YOUR PRESENTATIONS

I thought all your presentations went well for many different reasons and that all of them had their own strengths. Well played lady and gentlemen, well played indeed!

Steve




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Une question pour vous...

I'm sure that most of you view France as the land of Simone de Beauvior, Sartre, Descartes and Cantona: a country that boasts a rather superior capital city than our own and a culinary diversity more  than we "roast beefs" can muster (or should that be mustard?).  I believe you share these views rather than seeing this cultural heaven to be nothing more a handy spot for the booze cruise and cig run to the local hypermarche or the home of the l'Arc de Triomphe horse race.  I would like to share this photograph with you dear reader of this blog which typifies typical French savoir faire and sophisication.  You may need to click on the picture to enlarge it in order to see what the staff have written on the bottom right of the menu board.

May I also pose a question for you?  In life do we wear a mask that hides the real us or do we in time become that mask?

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Pour Circe

Circe, j'espère que vous avez apprécié l'irlande.  Merci pour votre correspondance intéressante sur ces mois et bonne chance pour mardi et de belles vacances en France.  Noël heureux!

Steve

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THREE MORE BARNSTORMERS AND RACERS

A WOMAN WHO REALLY "DRANK LIFE TO THE LEES"

Would have welcomed the opportunity to have met her.

ASSIGNMENT 3: LENIN AND THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION

I know we haven't buried Caesar yet but following your presentations we will be moving swiftly on to Assignment 3.  It also gives me the opportunity to inflict you with my awful Ken Dodd gag about Lenin.  What an incentive!

Steve




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ASSIGNMENT 2 PRESENTATIONS

Lady and gentlemen, on Monday, please remember to bring your PowerPoint presentation on a memory stick.  Many thanks,


Steve







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THIS MAN IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN SHAPING THE MODERN WORLD

The man below is one of the most important people in modern history and responsible for creating much of the modern world we inhabit. All will be revealed in Monday's lesson.

 Steve




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ASSIGNMENT 2 DEADLINE DATES

The deadline for submitting your presentation by email is Friday i.e. tomorrow.  The deadline for submitting the hard-copy of your PowerPoint is Monday's lesson prior to you giving the presentation.  You cannot print off your copy after you have given your presentation, so please have your hard-copy ready to give me at the lesson's start.  I cannot print a copy off for you.  You are responsible for doing this as this is part of your brief.

Steve



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STONEHENGE ARTICLE FROM THE GUARDIAN

Stonehenge unveils its £27m makeover in time for the winter solstice

http://gu.com/p/3y2mf

"DRY RUN" MONDAY

Don't forget that Monday morning is the dry-run for your PowerPoint and video presentations in order to sort out any teething issues.  It is not the presentation but geared to sorting out any technical and presentational issues.  Wole, I've sent you a message on Google+.  David and Lauren, Jim was going to give you the work-sheet when he saw you in the other class you all attend.  

Steve





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MS EMILIE AUTUMN

This is Ms Autumn the creator of the 

The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls.   Lyds

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THE ASYLUM FOR WAYWARD VICTORIAN GIRLS

As Mr Evans often refers to me as "wayward" and although I feel more Edwardian than Victorian I would like to draw your attention to:

The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls Quotes  at:

http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/8942728-the-asylum-for-wayward-victorian-girls

I particularly like this quote for all who have been pained (worse than hurt) by the betrayal or insensitivity of others.  This one is for Mr E, which does describe one aspect of him to a "t" although he'd never admit it, being the all rounder and good egg that he is.  At least he doesn't have to explain the sword of Damocles to me... Indeed, he can describe it in his fluent Latin and I'd understand.  Lyds

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MEAD: BASICALLY ANGLO-SAXON BEER

Any guesses who was interested in this historic drink?

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TODAY AT THE EXETER AGORA

A wonderful,  truly historic city.   My 18th visit to this gem this year.  

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A QUESTION FOR YOU...

 You're probably wondering what token of seasonal thanks to give  your housemaid or Moroccan house-boy, most likely to sugar the bitter pill of retrenchment in your household in the New Year.  Naturally, brandy for your cutter but nothing more than a small,  perfunctory seasonal greetings card for his presser.  Yet stranger,  take some time to ponder this...   Can we have too much choice in life?   Is choice always and without exception good for one? 

BTW someone in the photograph looks familiar, perhaps showing a penchant for pastries after a tour of duty in the trenches...   

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HISTORY ALL AROUND US: QUARRY BANK MILL, STYAL, CHESHIRE

Quarry Bank Mill  is run by the National Trust and an amazing place to visit, especially if you're interested in social and economic history.  There is working machinery and just up the lane the apprentice house which housed orphans who worked in the cotton mill.  Give yourselves plenty of time in order to spend an unhurried day exploring the mill, the apprentice house, Styal village and its churches.

Here is a link to the property:

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill/


Steve




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ANGLO-SAXONS!

An interesting period in British and European history.  Chilly in the trenches this time of year though!  Thank you Historic Media.

Lydia


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THE CUCKOO CLOCK SPEECH

"You know what the fellow said – in Italy, for thirty years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had five hundred years of democracy and peace – and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock."

Lydia





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THE RIESENRAD

This is a one of my favourite scenes from one of my favourite films, "The Third Man".  Set in Vienna naturally.  Dots and cuckoo clocks indeed!

Lydia




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VIENNA: MY KINDA TOWN...

 Ah memories...  Shh, don't tell a soul, but Mr Evans used to sport a 'tash and it was not for Movember!  I have seen photographs of said 'tash and said Mr Evans, in extreme close proximity to one another.  He did look like Mr Midge Ure or perhaps Mr Midge Ure looked like Mr Evans.  Vienna is certainly a wonderful city to visit, especially if you enjoy European history.  Wrap up warmly as it can get chilly even in March and especially in October.  I wasn't born when  this was released but I do like it because it brings back many happy memories, many of which are recent.  What music do you like or associate with a memory?

Lydia




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FOR LAUREN AND DAVID: HEINO SINGS A BERLIN MEDLEY

Have a great time - hope you learn all these songs before you leave.  Happy Birthday for next week Lauren and don't forget my musical ice rink!  

Steve  



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PRESENTLY LISTENING TO

THE NORMAN CONQUEST: THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS AND THE FALL OF ANGLO-SAXON ENGLAND


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PRACTISING MY PARTY PIECE FOR SAM AND OLLY'S WEDDING

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REMEMBRANCE OF TIMES PAST AND HOPING FOR A BETTER FUTURE

BURY 2013. HERE'S TO A BETTER 2014!

THIS EVENING AT THE AGORA

MY LOVELY CLASSROOM AT MMU DIDSBURY TODAY - HAPPY DAYS AND HAPPENED DAYS!

Given a Makeover but is it ethically right?

Historical photographs get a 'colorized' makeover - in pictures

http://gu.com/p/3kfc9

POWERPOINT ADVICE

You Suck At PowerPoint! from Jesse Desjardins - @jessedee

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ASSIGNMENT 2: SUFFRAGISTS AND SUFFRAGETTES VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJBdPFfnZHU&feature=player_embedded


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ASSIGNMENT 2 VIDEO ON THE SUFFRAGETTES

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ASSIGNMENT TWO: IMAGES FOR YOUR PRESENTATIONS

Type in "Suffragette" to the search box to obtain access to 123 images.

http://www.maryevans.com/search.php


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ASSIGNMENT 2

Link to video resources from the BBC.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/britain1906to1918/g3/gallery3.htm




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The arguments for and against votes for women

More resources and sources for you to use from the National Archives.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/britain1906to1918/g3/gallery3.htm



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ASSIGNMENT 2

Link to the National Archives where there are a wealth of resources for you to use in your studies.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/britain1906to1918/g4/cs2/g4cs2.htm


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ASSIGNMENT 2 : THE SUFFRAGISTS AND THE SUFFRAGETTES

Link to a quiz on Victorian women's rights from the BBC History website.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/victorians/launch_gms_womens_rights.shtml




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SOMETHING SIMILAR HAPPENED TO ME LAST NIGHT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GcIIOkIzIk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

NORFOLK

Good evening to the reader of my blog.   I noticed we have not looked at any poems for a while.   A poem much in my mind lately is Norfolk by John Betjeman.   It conjures up the days of innocence spent as a young boy with his father wandering the Norfolk lanes.   A halcyonic time before all the problems,  fears and doubts of adulthood arrive.  Haven't we all at some time wished for a return to a time of innocence and happiness -  a time when pleasure came from simple pastimes, even  if only for one hour?

How did the Devil come? When first attack?
    These Norfolk lanes recall lost innocence,
The years fall off and find me walking back
    Dragging a stick along the wooden fence
Down this same path, where, forty years ago,
My father strolled behind me, calm and slow.

I used to fill my hands with sorrel seeds
    And shower him with them from the tops of stiles,
I used to butt my head into his tweeds
    To make him hurry down those languorous miles
Of ash and alder-shaded lanes, till here
Our moorings and the masthead would appear.

There after supper lit by lantern light
    Warm in the cabin I could lie secure
And hear against the polished sides at night
    The lap lap lapping of the weedy Bure,
A whispering and watery Norfolk sound
Telling of all the moonlit reeds around.

How did the Devil come? When first attack?
    The church is just the same, though now I know
Fowler of Louth restored it. Time, bring back
    The rapturous ignorance of long ago,
The peace, before the dreadful daylight starts,
Of unkept promises and broken hearts.



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FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOLS

I agree with the article but should I? I went to a boys' grammar school and my experience on the whole is a positive one. What do you think?

Steve


http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/end-stagnation-and-create-aspiration-with-free-grammar-schools-8936544.html

EMMELINE PANKHURT

Link to an article on Emmeline Pankurst in History Today by Paula Bartley.

Emmeline Pankhurst

Steve


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EMMELINE PANKHURST SPEECH - GREAT SPEECHES OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

Freedom or death

This speech was delivered in Hartford, Connecticut on November 13 1913

http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2007/apr/27/greatspeeches



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EMILY DAVISON THE GOOD TERRORIST

An interesting article by Martin Pugh in June's History Today magazine.  Follow the link.

Steve

Emily Wilding Davison: The Good Terrorist






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ANOTHER VICTIM OF DERBY DAY

Anmer the King's horse had to be put down as a result of the injuries sustained by Emily Davison's intervention.  This was one more factor in the growing public hostility towards the Suffragettes, who viewed Emily Davison's actions as reckless and unpatriotic in targetting the King's horse.





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SUFFRAGETTE

Plenty of source materials you can use in your presentations but use sparingly to support some of the poinst you will be making.

Steve







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TODAY'S LESSON

Interesting discussion following the footage of the Derby and Miss Davison.  Her death is recorded in an almost matter-of-fact dispassionate way.  I thought you came up with some very good reasons why this might be so.  Imagine in the age of "rolling news" how it would be reported today: endless slo-mo repeats and witnesses being interviewed, counselling being arranged, experts being wheeled into the studio to discuss the issue of women's suffrage  and  crowd safety; Facebook community sites and blogs being set up, people posting on newspaper sites etc.

As an aside, I thought the policeman drinking a glass of stout for breakfast particularly professional.

Steve


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SUFFRAGETTE EMILY DAVISON AND THE KING'S HORSE

Footage of the event.  Remember: she  did not "throw herself under the King's horse" in some act of martyrdom.  She attempted to attach a "Votes for Women" rosette or scarf or a sash (accounts differ) to the beast.  She had made plans to visit France some days after the event.  





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LLOYD GEORGE'S HOUSE BOMBED! BUT WHO DID IT?

The Suffragettes of course!





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THE 1908 PAGEANT - EMBANKMENT TO THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL 1908

Interesting article from the Observer of the time.  Here's the link.

Steve





http://www.theguardian.com/news/2012/jun/17/archive-1908-suffragette-march






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THE KENNEDY CONNECTIONS

When we talk about a well connected family, the Kennedy family must be an archetype. From the excellent All About History magazine. Click on the image to enlarge.

Steve