Lunedi Lunacy

I've been looking at the lovely tradition of Christmas Carols of the past few Sundays and for several posts in 2011.  That wonderful tradition of wassailing from house to house enchanting your neighbours with your heartwarming rendition of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemenpersons (hey we are nothing if not politically correct in our household).  Yes those engravings and woodcuts do cast a special glow over the seasons.  Well not if our friends at Horrible Histories are to be believed - and frankly I never doubt them for a minute.

And that touching moment when you give and receive a gift that someone has given a great deal of thought to is nothing new.  In Medieval times gifts were both thoughtful and useful.  Much like those warm, colourful, itchy socks that Aunt Millie use to give you every year.

These are just two excerpts from their inspiring and spiritually uplifting Christmas Special from (I believe) 2011; should you wish to view the entire 30 minutes here it is.  Merry Christmas! 

Okay I lied about the inspiring bit...  and the spiritually uplifting thing too.  Does that mean no chicken poo in my stocking this year?


December 23 - 583: Maya queen Yohl Ik'nal is crowned ruler of Palenque.

Lunedy Lunacy

As I noted last week it was the birthday of our own dear Queen - the 39th Monarch to rule in England since William the Conqueror did his little bit of invading in 1066. Thanks to Shakespeare I've been able to remember all those Tudor kings and Queens and with the Hanover gang all you have to do is think George. But the rest well...

Fortunately the good folks at Horrible Histories came up with this little ditty to help you remember who came after whom, as it were!

Okay everyone: William, William, Henry, Stephen, Henry, Richard, John ....

23 April 1013: Battle of Clontarf: Brian Boru defeats Viking invaders, but is killed in battle.