Daoism and Okinawan Karate-Do! (1.11.2023)

Although these styles were diverse in expression – the underlying and underpinning Daoist worldview remained essentially the same. Although distinct from modern medical knowledge – Daoist thinking represents the height of human endeavour from a far earlier age. Indeed, even today elements of Daoist thinking and methodology appear to overlap with that of modern medicine – and contribute extensively toward the functioning of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

St Mary's Church

WWII: Did Duddington Possess a Home Guard Platoon? (19.10.2023)

I keep a website dedicated to my paternal (‘Wyles’) family name – centred on the Northants village of Duddington – where my family lived for at least the last 500 years (and perhaps longer). Although my last direct relative left around 1906 – and that I live in South Greater London – we have visited Duddington around ten-times for research field trips since March 14th, 2009, and have amassed a large dossier of historical data! This can all be accessed at the above link. I am still researching whether Duddington possessed a Home Guard Platoon during WWII – and as of yet – this puzzle has NOT been solved!

China: Body of Korean War Veteran – Li Zhonghua (李中华) – [Missing Since 1958] Found in 2016! (24.9.2023)

The Police deduce that Li Zhonghua (and his fellow soldiers) set-off from Luoyang – with Li Zhonghua struggling to keep-up due to the after-effects of his leg wound (which slowed him down). As the country was in need, however, Li Zhonghua ‘Volunteered’ yet again and was given ‘Special Tasks’. Before setting-off from Luoyang that day – Li Zhonghua bought a copy of a local Newspaper – a datable object found on his body in 2016. Due to the harsh environment (and Li Zhonghua’s injured leg) – he soon fall behind as the troops advanced. In such an environment, a person alone, without food, clothing and water would not be able to retrace their steps or go onwards with any certainty. Li Zhonghua marched on until his strength gave-out – and a grateful country rediscovered his remains!

Genealogy: ‘DARIИGOLD’ – Provenance of a First-Name! (22.9.2023)

I hope this lady lived a long and happy life free from pain – as out of her genetics I have come into being -and so have my children! Over the years I have broached the subject of her ‘first’ or ‘Christian’ name – ‘Daringold’ – with a number of academic experts who state that they have never encountered this name before and that it must be the consequence of a ‘copying’ mistake or ‘hearing’ error! This certainly happens as in the past (particularly the 17th century CE) the English languish was not yet ‘Standardised’ and illiteracy abounded! Scribes (or ‘Scriveners’) were highly skilled – but these educated individuals often spelt the same word in different ways – even when this word appeared on the same page (Shakespeare was famous for ding this in his original texts)!

China: Communist Party Pursues “Multi-Child” Policy! (31.8.2023)

In order to boost people’s willingness to have more than one child, subsidies in the form of cash are a good measure, as the cost of giving birth to and raising a child is very high in any modern society today. The family needs a bigger house to accommodate a new member, the mother needs to spend months preparing for the delivery and the couple needs to care for and nurture a young one, all of which costs money and the individuals’ time.

The local government can shoulder some of the costs and inconvenience by promoting baby-care services or improving the conditions of kindergartens. But besides these services, some monetary support will greatly help young child-raising couples.

The subsidy for the second child and third child in Changshan can help parents cover part of the expenses such as hiring a wet nurse or buying clothes and other necessities. It might not be a huge sum but it shows the local government’s determination to encourage more childbirths.

The local government in Changshan county has rightly identified new couples, as they are the ones who are most likely to be planning families, for the subsidies. More local governments should observe the results and consider following suit.

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