Author Archives: pingcognito

September 28

Good Boy in Chief, Bark Twain, explains the day!

Ah, September 28th, another day worth talkin’ about. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

On the feast day front, we’ve got Saint Wenceslaus’ day. He was a Duke of Bohemia back in the 10th century, known for his piety and kindness. I reckon folks remember him with a bit of reverence.

Now, for a historical tidbit, on this day in 1066, William the Conqueror set sail from Normandy to conquer England. That journey led to the famous Battle of Hastings, and it changed the course of English history forever. Imagine packin’ your bags for a conquest like that!

Speaking of conquerors, in 1542, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, a Spanish explorer, sailed into what’s now known as San Diego Bay. He was one of the first Europeans to set foot on the west coast of what we now call the United States. Quite the explorer, if you ask me.

As for notable figures born on September 28th, well, you’ve got Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher whose sayings and teachings have influenced folks for centuries. And let’s not forget the brilliant French writer, Prosper Mérimée, known for bringin’ us the tale of Carmen, a story that’s been adapted into operas, films, and more.

Now, in terms of cultural observances, September 28th might not be a holiday, but it’s right there in the midst of autumn. The leaves are rustlin’, the air is crisp, and folks start thinkin’ ’bout Thanksgiving, which is just ’round the corner.

So, there you have it, September 28th, a day with its own unique blend of history, saints, explorers, and thinkers. Just goes to show, every day’s got its own story to tell.

September 26

Good Boy in Chief, Bark Twain, explains the day!

Well, now, September 26, let me tell you, it’s a day that’s danced its way through history, and it’s got a few stories to tell.

First and foremost, there’s Johnny Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, born on this day in 1774. That fella wandered the frontier planting apple trees like there was no tomorrow. He’s the reason we have apples aplenty in the United States, and every time we take a bite of a crisp apple, we owe him a nod of appreciation.

But there’s more to this day. In 1960, the first-ever televised presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon happened on September 26. They squared off, and Kennedy’s charisma and a bit of makeup magic gave him an edge. It was a turning point in politics, and TV became a new battleground for politicians.

And for all you European history buffs, on this day in 1580, Francis Drake sailed the Golden Hind into Plymouth, England, after completing his circumnavigation of the globe. Quite the feat, I must say.

Now, let’s talk about the feast days. You see, September 26 is the feast day of Saints Cosmas and Damian, the patron saints of doctors. They were twin brothers, skilled physicians, and they didn’t charge a dime for their services. That’s right, free healthcare back in the day!

So, whether you’re munching on an apple, tuning into a political debate, or giving a thought to those selfless doctors, September 26 has a little something for everyone. It’s a day to remember the past, savor the present, and maybe plant a seed for the future.

September 25

Good Boy in Chief, Bark Twain, explains the day!

Well now, it appears you’ve stumbled upon a date of some significance, September 25th! Now, let me dig into my storytelling bag and weave a tale or two for you.

In 1789, the very first Congress of the United States proposed twelve amendments to the Constitution, ten of which would become the Bill of Rights. These amendments, inspired by the principles of liberty and justice, have since played a significant role in shaping the nation’s identity.

Now, speaking of liberty and justice, let us not forget the wordsmith William Faulkner, who was born on this very date in 1897. His pen danced upon the pages, painting vivid pictures of the American South in all its complexities. His works, like “The Sound and the Fury” and “As I Lay Dying,” stand as literary treasures of our time.

And if you’re of a musical inclination, spare a thought for Glenn Gould, that gifted Canadian pianist who graced us with his talents. He was born on this day in 1932, and his interpretations of Bach’s keyboard works remain cherished by many.

So, you see, September 25th has woven its threads into the tapestry of history, connecting us with explorers, lawmakers, wordsmiths, and musicians. It’s a date that reminds us of the adventures and achievements of the human spirit.

▼ The Descent of God’s Grace ▼

Man, dig it, the descent of God’s grace, it’s like this wild journey through the beatific realms of Christianity, you know? It’s all about God, that cosmic hipster, showering us with His unearned favor, His mercy, and His divine blessings. It’s a trip, man, when God reaches out to us cats with love and forgiveness, offering up His divine assistance.

See, in Christian theology, grace is like the ultimate jam, man. It’s the key to grooving with the big man upstairs. Grace is this totally free and undeserved gift, flowing from God’s righteous vibes. It ain’t something you can hustle or earn, no way, it’s a pure and righteous move from God Himself.

The descent of God’s grace is like a righteous riff that echoes through every aspect of Christian belief. Take salvation, for instance. Christians dig that God’s grace flowed down to us in the form of His son, Jesus, man. Jesus came on down from heaven, bringing redemption and eternal life to all us cool cats. It’s like this divine descent, man, bridging the gap between the divine and us mere mortals.

Then there’s the sacraments, brother. In those rituals like baptism and the Eucharist, God’s grace is like this crazy energy, flowing through the cosmic ether. It’s this direct connection to the divine, a way for us cats to tap into God’s grace and feel it coursing through our veins.

And let me tell you about spiritual growth, man. The descent of God’s grace is all about this ongoing trip of transformation. It’s the Holy Spirit doing its thing, guiding us cool cats on the path to righteousness. God’s grace pours out, man, like a never-ending stream, helping us grow in faith, love, and all that jazz.

So, dig it, man. The descent of God’s grace in Christianity is like this cosmic odyssey, a journey that connects us beatniks with the divine. It’s a recognition that we dig on God’s unearned favor, that we’re dependent on His righteous vibes. It’s the rhythm that keeps us grooving, man, on this wild ride through the heart of faith.

Grace is a concept that holds different meanings across various contexts, including religious, philosophical, and cultural spheres. In its most general sense, grace refers to a quality or state of elegance, beauty, charm, or goodwill. However, when discussing grace in a religious or theological context, it takes on a deeper and more specific significance.

In Christianity, grace is a central theological concept that emphasizes the unmerited favor, love, and divine assistance bestowed upon humanity by God. It is often described as a gift freely given by God, regardless of a person’s actions or deservingness. Grace is seen as an expression of God’s boundless love, mercy, and forgiveness.

Grace…

Christian theologians and scholars have explored different dimensions of grace. Here are a few key aspects:

1. Soteriological Grace: Soteriological grace refers to the grace of salvation. It is the divine intervention and unmerited favor that brings about redemption and eternal life for believers. Christians believe that they are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by their own efforts or righteousness.

2. Sanctifying Grace: Sanctifying grace is the ongoing work of God’s grace in the life of a believer. It is the transformative power that enables spiritual growth, righteousness, and conformity to the image of Christ. Christians understand that through sanctifying grace, they are enabled to live a holy and righteous life.

3. Prevenient Grace: Prevenient grace is a concept within certain branches of Christianity, particularly within Wesleyan theology. It refers to the grace of God that goes before, preparing and enabling individuals to respond to God’s call. It is seen as a divine initiative that draws people toward God and opens their hearts and minds to receive His grace.

4. Common Grace: Common grace is a concept that extends beyond the realm of personal salvation. It is the idea that God’s grace is present and active in the world, benefiting all of humanity. Common grace is understood as the goodness, mercy, and blessings that God bestows upon both believers and non-believers alike, such as the provision of food, shelter, and the beauty of creation.

King Peter Falls in Love

The Bellingham Herald (Bellingham, Washington – 09 Sep 1905, Sat) Page 2

It has been rumored that King Peter of Serbia has fallen in love with Princess Lwoff, a painter. Ever since his first wife, Princess Zorka of Montenegro, died, the King has shown very little interest in the fair sex, but some time ago he unexpectedly fell in love. Now it is more than likely that a new queen will soon rule in the Konak, where Queen Draga was assassinated.

Princess Lwoff is better known under her artist name of Parlaghy. In the last fifteen years, the Princess has painted almost every crowned head of Europe. The first husband of the artist was a Prussian official, from whom she was divorced after two years. Then, once more free, she married Prince Lwoff, but this second marriage did not last long.

Soon after King Peter was placed upon the throne, he had her paint his portrait, and it was while sitting for her that he lost his heart. [New York Times]

This story is crafted from a PR photo of The Princess Vilma Lwoff-Parlaghy painting Peter I in December 1903.

9 months after this event, was born…


born on July 11, 1844

Peter I of Serbia

Last king of Serbia (1903–1918) and as the first king of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (1918–1921)

born on June 22, 1906

Billy Wilder

Austrian-American filmmaker

King Peter I of Serbia (1844-1921) posing for the painter Vilma Lwoff-Parlaghy in the Konak in Belgrade, November 8, 1903, Serbia, photograph by Parkson, from L’Illustrazione Italiana, Year XXX, No 51, December 20, 1903. De Agostini / Biblioteca Ambrosiana

This item was published on the front pages of half a dozen papers between September 8-13, 1905.

Meanwhile, this interesting gossip gets buried on page 6 of the Jackson Daily News!

This placement is profoundly symbolic. It tells the world that knows how the world truly works that everything is fine and that Peter I is under the soul care of exactly the right person, The Princess Vilma Lwoff-Parlaghy, who is related to his late wife, Princess Zorka of Montenegro.

Peter I did not marry The Princess Vilma, but for a while this 17 operation upset just the right people, about just the right thing, which is the paramount work of the Princess Vilma.

Peter I and Princess Vilma would enjoy a decade long love affair in their enchanted next life together!

To be continued…

People featured in this post:


Princess Zorka of Montenegro

eldest child of the Montenegrin monarch Nicholas I and his wife Milena


Princess Vilma Lwoff-Parlaghy

Her serene Highness - Prolific portraitist of notable Europeans and Americans


Peter I of Serbia

Last king of Serbia (1903–1918) and as the first king of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (1918–1921)

Who invented the words that litter our acrimony language?

In this edition of “The Meat Beyond The Meme” we look at a classic meme which gets 75% of its info somewhat right. The effect of the meme is often realized because of the misinformation contained within. So most people will share memes becuase of their attraction to the misinformation in a meme, and not the correct information.

Labels are a tool of disinformation, because they are used in a different way by different people. Most incoming players in the acrimony game mimick the use of terms by other people, without actual knowledge of the meaning of the words. Labels at just easy things to throw at people in order to remind the mediocracy that you are a good person (if not a smart one).

The Meme

The Meat

Conrad Heiden, a German-American journalist and author, popularized the term “Nazi” in English-speaking countries through his book “Adolf Hitler: The Dictator.” Although he did not invent the word, Heiden extensively used it to refer to the National Socialist movement, contributing to its wider recognition.

Moritz Steinschneider, a 19th-century German-Jewish scholar, indirectly contributed to the development of the term “anti-Semitic” through his scholarly work on Jewish history and culture. While he did not invent the term, his research shed light on the prejudices faced by Jews, providing a historical context for the emergence of the term.

Leon Trotsky, a prominent figure in the Russian Revolution, did not popularize the term “racist.” The term existed before his time, and its widespread recognition and usage can be attributed to various scholars, activists, and intellectuals involved in racial justice movements.

There is no recognized figure named Margaret Feldman associated with the popularization of the term “sexism” in feminism. The term gained prominence through the efforts of feminist activists, writers, and scholars such as Betty Friedan and Simone de Beauvoir.

This post will be updated with the sourcing information of all the people mentioned, once it has been formatted.

Caution should be exercised when evaluating information from internet sources.

People featured in this post:


Leon Trotsky

Russian Marxist revolutionary, political theorist and politician

Why is the decipherment of Linear B important?

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Alice Elizabeth Kober was an American classicist best known for her work on the decipherment of Linear B. Educated at Hunter College and Columbia University, Kober taught classics at Brooklyn College from 1930 until her death

Our intrepid science educator Bark Twain is here to answer this question!

Bark Twain, a dog who uses the internet to educate you about science!

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a mysterious script called Linear B. It belonged to a forgotten civilization known as the Mycenaeans who lived long ago in ancient Greece. Imagine, nobody knew what these strange symbols meant! Archaeologists discovered clay tablets with these symbols on them, but their secrets remained hidden until a great discovery was made.

The decipherment of Linear B was like finding the key to a secret treasure chest. It helped us unlock the secrets of the Mycenaean civilization and understand how they lived. Before this, all we knew about them was from digging up old stuff buried in the ground. But with the decipherment, we could read their writings and learn about their daily lives, their rulers, and their religion.

But it wasn’t just about solving a puzzle. The decipherment of Linear B taught us a lot about the history of language. You see, the Mycenaean language was an early form of Greek, even older than what we read in Homer’s tales. By figuring out what the symbols meant, we learned more about how the Greek language evolved over time.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the stories! The Linear B tablets were like ancient shopping lists and receipts. They told us about the things people bought, how they traded with other cities, and even what they believed in. It was like peeking into their world and understanding their culture and society. We learned about their religious rituals, how they farmed the land, and the names of important people. It’s like reading an adventure book about a long-lost civilization!

The decipherment of Linear B also connected the dots of history. You know how we love to piece together puzzles? Well, by decoding these ancient writings, we realized that the Mycenaeans were the ancestors of the Greeks we know from history books. It showed us that their culture and language continued through the ages, passing down their knowledge and stories to future generations.

« The only way to know when you have done something truly great is when your spine tingles. » – Alice Kober, Brooklyn College, decoder of Linear B, the language of Odysseus, circa 1,450 B.C.

So, my young friend, the decipherment of Linear B was like discovering a hidden treasure map. It let us explore the ancient world of the Mycenaeans, unravel the secrets of their language, and understand how they lived. It’s a remarkable journey that connects us to our past and helps us appreciate the wonders of history. Isn’t that exciting?

Princess Vilma’s Magic Carpet

From: PAINTINGS & OBJECTS OF ART, THE COLLECTION OF THE LATE PRINCESS VILMA LWOFF PARLAGHY, 1924

IMPORTANT PERSIAN KASHAN SILK THRONE RUG

This rug is a true masterpiece of Persian artistry. It features three borders, with the main one showcasing extremely well-designed undulated vines and flowers on a deep indigo-blue background. In the center, there is a pictorial composition showing a Persian prince seated on the lion throne, with a water basin and fountain in the foreground. The rug boasts very fine knotting and silver overcast on the sides.

Accompanying the rug is a certificate copied after a statement of Professor Abraham Yohannan, Professor of Oriental Languages, Indo-Iranian Department, Columbia University. The certificate reads:

“The gift and the glorious Shah match perfectly,
As the Sun fits the vault of Heaven, as the rose the goblet, and
the diadem the throne,
Throughout the Eastern land it is well known,
That this is the product of forty years of study of the art.
The date is equivalent to ‘Bagdad’
Consequently, its value cannot be overestimated.”

According to the certificate, the word “Bagdad” is a chronogram, and the numerical values of the letters are: B equal to 2, A to 1, G to 1000, D to 4, and I to 1, totaling 1012 A.HI., which corresponds to 1608 A.D. This would date the rug very early 17th century at the time of Shah Abbas the Great, according to Professor Yohannan’s certificate. The rug was most likely woven for Shah Abbas and was plainly a state rug intended for use in the throne room hanging back of the throne. It passed as a most cherished heirloom from the royal family to the late Prime Minister Ali Asker Khan, who presented it as a mark of distinguished courtesy to Princess Lwoff-Parlaghy.

The rug measures 6 feet 6¾ inches x 4 feet 2½ inches. The certificate will be handed over to the purchaser.

Portrait Battle: Von Lenbach vs. Vilma Parlaghy

“Vilma Parlaghy was born at Hajdu Dorog, Hungary, in the seventles. When but a little girl she exhibited such a genius for art that her parents gave her all the advantages avallable at Buda-pest. When she was 14 she was taken to Munich, that she might study under the famous Von Lenbach. That master, however, took few pupils, and especially did not wish to be bothered with a girl. Vilma, piqued, set up a studio of her own and made a copy of one of Von Lenbach’s noted paintings, which so amazed him that he consented to teach her.” San Francisco Bulletin, Wed, Jul 08, 1908 ·Page 12

1879
Porträt des Helmuth Graf von Moltke
von Franz von Lenbach
1891
Portrait of Helmuth Karl Bernhard Graf von Moltke
by V. Parlaghy