Young Queen Victoria
06/04/25 15:13 Filed in: History
Some information about young Queen Victoria, at least before she became Queen of Great Britain.
"Few royal monarchs hold as much fascination as England’s Queen Victoria. Her lengthy reign and complex legacy left such a lasting mark on Britain and the world that the era still bears her name. At her birth on May 24, 1819, Princess Alexandrina Victoria of Kent was only fifth in line to the throne. She was never expected to be queen, but fate had other plans for young “Drina.” Victoria ascended the throne on June 20, 1837, less than a month after her 18th birthday, and ruled for more than 63 years — longer than any British monarch except for her great-great-granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II.
During her rule, the diminutive Queen Victoria developed a reputation as a strong-willed and outspoken sovereign committed to expanding and strengthening the British Empire. She oversaw a time of unprecedented industrial expansion, political reform, and social change in England, but her time on the throne was also marked by aggressive colonization. Britain’s imperial reach nearly doubled during Victoria’s reign, until some 25% of the world’s population owed their allegiance to her. Here are seven fascinating facts about the life of the monarch known as the “grandmother of Europe.” "
"Few royal monarchs hold as much fascination as England’s Queen Victoria. Her lengthy reign and complex legacy left such a lasting mark on Britain and the world that the era still bears her name. At her birth on May 24, 1819, Princess Alexandrina Victoria of Kent was only fifth in line to the throne. She was never expected to be queen, but fate had other plans for young “Drina.” Victoria ascended the throne on June 20, 1837, less than a month after her 18th birthday, and ruled for more than 63 years — longer than any British monarch except for her great-great-granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II.
During her rule, the diminutive Queen Victoria developed a reputation as a strong-willed and outspoken sovereign committed to expanding and strengthening the British Empire. She oversaw a time of unprecedented industrial expansion, political reform, and social change in England, but her time on the throne was also marked by aggressive colonization. Britain’s imperial reach nearly doubled during Victoria’s reign, until some 25% of the world’s population owed their allegiance to her. Here are seven fascinating facts about the life of the monarch known as the “grandmother of Europe.” "
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More Ghengis Kahn
29/03/25 10:16 Filed in: History
More on Ghengis Kahn before he was called this title name:
| The mighty conqueror Genghis Khan is one of history’s most formidable world leaders, but his legacy is far better known than his actual name. He was born to a ruling Mongol family and was given the name |
| In 1206, when Temüjin was in his late 30s to mid-40s (his birth year is the subject of debate), he gathered leaders — the ones he hadn’t killed — from all over the Mongolian Steppe to unite them as one nation, ready to conquer neighboring lands. At this assembly, called a kurultai, he was given the title of Genghis Khan. “ |
Ryan and Simmons Singers
21/03/25 14:12 Filed in: Family
Ryan had his last competition earlier this week with his middle school, Simmons Singers, in Aberdeen. Here he is sided with his parents, Renee and David. He is also getting good grades at school.
Largest Empire in History
20/03/25 13:55 Filed in: History
This is hard to believe…
"There was a time when the sun never set on the British Empire and all roads led to Rome, but there has never been a larger contiguous land empire than that of the Mongols. Established in 1206 by Genghis Khan — who was born Temujin and whose name, also transliterated as Chinggis, means “universal ruler” — the empire eventually reached a size of at least 9 million square miles. To call this unlikely would be an understatement.
Temujin rose to power from a tumultuous childhood, and the Mongols were a nomadic people whose territorial expansion came about largely due to brutal military tactics and fierce pragmatism. At its peak, the empire included all of modern-day China and Mongolia in addition to parts of Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Korea, among others. (This map offers a sense of its vastness.)
For all of Genghis’ savvy, however, his descendants proved a fractious bunch who fought among themselves and oversaw his empire’s decline; with the exception of his grandson Kublai Khan, few others in the dynasty are recalled fondly. Even so, Genghis’ massive effect on the world might best be summarized by two staggering statistics: He was responsible for the deaths of as much as 11% of the world’s population at the time, and 1 in every 200 men living today are his direct descendants."
"There was a time when the sun never set on the British Empire and all roads led to Rome, but there has never been a larger contiguous land empire than that of the Mongols. Established in 1206 by Genghis Khan — who was born Temujin and whose name, also transliterated as Chinggis, means “universal ruler” — the empire eventually reached a size of at least 9 million square miles. To call this unlikely would be an understatement.
Temujin rose to power from a tumultuous childhood, and the Mongols were a nomadic people whose territorial expansion came about largely due to brutal military tactics and fierce pragmatism. At its peak, the empire included all of modern-day China and Mongolia in addition to parts of Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Korea, among others. (This map offers a sense of its vastness.)
For all of Genghis’ savvy, however, his descendants proved a fractious bunch who fought among themselves and oversaw his empire’s decline; with the exception of his grandson Kublai Khan, few others in the dynasty are recalled fondly. Even so, Genghis’ massive effect on the world might best be summarized by two staggering statistics: He was responsible for the deaths of as much as 11% of the world’s population at the time, and 1 in every 200 men living today are his direct descendants."
Worm Full Moon 2025
14/03/25 10:56 Filed in: Berlin
The "Worm" full moon was on display last evening. About 4 hours later the moon would be in full eclipse (only could stay up for a 1/2 eclipse part) that would be a "blood moon". It was amazing after a day of rain and hail that the sky cleared for awhile to allow a glimpse of the moon shining above the clouds.
Lincoln's Favorite Book
12/03/25 07:17 Filed in: History
I think I would have known this without seeing this reference come up. Lincoln was a great orator and much of his speeches developed the cadence and language from the Bible.
"Abraham Lincoln was an avid reader throughout his life, reading widely in subjects ranging from classical literature to world history. “A capacity, and taste, for reading,” he once said, “gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others.” The book Lincoln read most frequently was likely the King James Bible, which he could quote from freely. He was also a fan of Shakespeare and the Scottish poet Robert Burns. "
"Abraham Lincoln was an avid reader throughout his life, reading widely in subjects ranging from classical literature to world history. “A capacity, and taste, for reading,” he once said, “gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others.” The book Lincoln read most frequently was likely the King James Bible, which he could quote from freely. He was also a fan of Shakespeare and the Scottish poet Robert Burns. "
Ryan and Singing Trophy
02/03/25 13:25 Filed in: Personal
Ryan and his middle school put together a singing choir which Ryan was part of. The group went on Valentine's Day to sign in Sioux Falls, SD and won best choreography. Two nights ago they returned and did even more wonderfully to where they won the competition. Here is Ryan with the trophy.
(I have not posted much this month since have been sick with a bad respiratory and sinus infection.)
(I have not posted much this month since have been sick with a bad respiratory and sinus infection.)
Snowy Peter Mountains in Sun
11/02/25 08:54 Filed in: Berlin Community | Photography
The weather has been changing all over the place lately. We had snow higher up on the surrounding mountains with later afternoon sun highlighting the whiteness. It is supposed to be freezing rain and possibly snow in a few day. Right now it is quite cold, low 20's here.
Theodore Roosebelt Presidential Library
08/02/25 17:10 Filed in: History
As I was skimming through some news program, I came across a short segment about the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening potentially this year of 2025. One person being interviewed was Doug Burgam, now former Governor of North Dakota. The Library has been under construction since 2023 near the entrance of the Theodore Roosevelt National Monument near Medora, ND. Bob and I went through Medora which is a cute town, much like a western town that puts on plays and shows. A popular destination. We enjoyed our drive through the southern part of the Monument and I hope we can see the northern section at some point. It is supposed to be beautiful.
This is just a to help keep interested parties knowing how the construction is going. I signed up for the newsletter they send out once a month.
This is just a to help keep interested parties knowing how the construction is going. I signed up for the newsletter they send out once a month.
