The Great Cat Massacre: 18th Century French Event

Link to article: http://www.misterdann.com/earlyargreatcatmassacre.htm

An event that showed the great rebellious and clever characteristics of the eighteenth-century French society, while also expressing the beginning of the disintegration of artisanal culture under the Old Regime (the separation of masters and workers working together peacefully). This great cat massacre expresses a message that is relative to our industrial world today. Our society's social and economic structure is formed by extreme classification, which inevitably leads to the separation and isolation of specific levels within this hierarchy, leaving the remote notion of unity aside.

Henry David Thoreau Poem: Conscience

Conscience

Conscience is instinct bred in the house, 

Feeling and Thinking propagate the sin 

By an unnatural breeding in and in. 

I say, Turn it out doors, 

Into the moors. 

I love a life whose plot is simple, 

And does not thicken with every pimple, 

A soul so sound no sickly conscience binds it, 

That makes the universe no worse than 't finds it. 

I love an earnest soul, 

Whose mighty joy and sorrow 

Are not drowned in a bowl, 

And brought to life to-morrow; 

That lives one tragedy, 

And not seventy; 

A conscience worth keeping; 

Laughing not weeping; 

A conscience wise and steady, 

And forever ready; 

Not changing with events, 

Dealing in compliments; 

A conscience exercised about 

Large things, where one may doubt. 

I love a soul not all of wood, 

Predestinated to be good, 

But true to the backbone 

Unto itself alone, 

And false to none; 

Born to its own affairs, 

Its own joys and own cares; 

By whom the work which God begun 

Is finished, and not undone; 

Taken up where he left off, 

Whether to worship or to scoff; 

If not good, why then evil, 

If not good god, good devil. 

Goodness! you hypocrite, come out of that, 

Live your life, do your work, then take your hat. 

I have no patience towards 

Such conscientious cowards. 

Give me simple laboring folk, 

Who love their work, 

Whose virtue is song 

To cheer God along.

Work located at: http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/conscience/

This Day in History: Josef Mengele "Angel of Death" Arrives at Auschwitz

Link to article: Joseph Mengele Arrives at Auschwitz

Abstract: Nazi persecution, arrests, and deportations were directed against all members of Jewish families, as well as many Gypsy families, without concern for age. Homeless, often orphaned, many children had frequently witnessed the murder of parents, siblings, and relatives. They faced starvation, illness, brutal labor, and other indignities until they were 

“Monsters exist, but they are too few in numbers to be truly dangerous. More dangerous are…the functionaries ready to believe and act without asking questions.” 

― Primo Levi

The Balfour Declaration and its Consequences

Link to article:  The Balfour Declaration and its Consequences. by Avi Shlaim

In order to understand the current issues that are present within the middle east today, we must understand the modern historical events that transpired since the turn of the century 



All rights to the image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AOXX7jIv0xY/TvgeLQDJeWI/AAAAAAAABJw/6NnAQy65l18/s1600/balfour_portrait_and_declaration.jpg

This Day in History: J. Edgar Hoover begins his career with the FBI

Link to biography: http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAhooverE.htm

Harlem Renaissance Art Work Video

Link to Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGZh9VUllVs

History is shown through the art of specific cultural movements, the Harlem Renaissance holds no
exception.

Odd 14th Century Bubonic Plague Hazmat Suits- "Beak Doctor"

Link to article: Anatomy of 14th Century Bubonic Plague Hazmat Suits

Odd times in history:

Abstract: "In those times, physicians didn't know what was causing the disease to spread, but they did know it was highly contagious. To provide medical care and to protect themselves, doctors of the time invented the medieval version of the hazmat suit."

When will president Obama show his hand...only time will tell-U.S. Diplomacy on Syria

Link to Article: Israel Airstrikes Loom Over U.S. Diplomacy on Syria 

Abstract: "Israel's willingness to hit Syrian targets it sees as threats to its own existence has complicated the Obama administration's internal debate over arming President Bashar Assad's foes and may change the way U.S. approaches allies as it tries to boost the rebels, including with possible military aid."

This Day in History: Congress Passed the Chinese Exclusion Act

Link to article: Chinese Exclusion Act

We have come a long way, or have we? Let this day in history act as a model for our policies and stance today.

Abstract of article: "In the spring of 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Chester A. Arthur. This act provided an absolute 10-year moratorium on Chinese labor immigration. For the first time, Federal law proscribed entry of an ethnic working group on the premise that it endangered the good order of certain localities."

All rights to the images go to: http://nhdrandq.weebly.com/uploads/6/7/1/7/6717516/5755390.jpg?531

This Day in History: Niccolo Machiavelli is Born

Link to the biography about Niccolo Machiavelli: http://www.egs.edu/library/niccolo-machiavelli/biography/

Link to a short video biography: