What ‘Chinese New Year’ Looks Like in South London! (22.1.2023)

It is the Year of the ‘White’ Rabbit and the traditional year in China is ‘4721’ since the reign of the Yellow Emperor! This surprises many people, as all they have known throughout their lives is the Judeo-Christian calendar. As this calendar became ‘secularised’ due to the rise of the rich merchants (Bourgeoisie), the industralisation of society and the development of capitalism – many ‘Socialist’ countries have adopted its use as an expedient device designed to aid international relations – and China is no exception. Of course, we are effectively discussing comparative mythology, but my point is that China currently represents the ‘oldest’, ‘continuous’ and ‘unbroken’ culture in the world – and not the ‘West’. Today, the temperature is 3 – Celsius in Sutton, South London, and I do not think any sane rabbit would be hopping about amongst the crisp frost! Whilst the family still slumbers – I thought I would share a video and some photographs whilst hoping the Revolution will come sooner rather than later – and that all the unjust suffering humanity is experiencing due to the capitalist system will be brought to an end! We can live in hope!

Why ‘GPs’ Are Not ‘Doctors’ in the UK! (7.1.2023)

Of course, it gets a little complicated if a PhD (or similar) is held by a GP and/or a Surgeon – but this does not alter the fact that a ‘GP’ is technically not a ‘Doctor’. A ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ (PhD) is not a ‘Medical Doctor’ qualification but is rather an academic rank (of which there are many versions such as in ‘Law’, ‘Literature’ and ‘Music’, etc). In theory, a ‘PhD’ (or similar) could well involve advanced medical research, but even so, the holder of this distinction would still be an ‘Academic Doctor’ who has diversified and specialised in a medical subject – pushing the theoretical boundaries of knowledge further back – whilst adding new and original thinking to existing understanding!

HG WELLS (1897): THE CRYSTAL EGG (21.11.2022)

There was, until a year ago, a little and very grimy-looking shop near Seven Dials, over which, in weather-worn yellow lettering, the name of “C. Cave, Naturalist and Dealer in Antiquities,” was inscribed. The contents of its window were curiously variegated. They comprised some elephant tusks and an imperfect set of chessmen, beads and weapons, a box of eyes, two skulls of tigers and one human, several moth-eaten stuffed monkeys (one holding a lamp), an old-fashioned cabinet, a flyblown ostrich egg or so, some fishing-tackle, and an extraordinarily dirty, empty glass fish-tank. There was also, at the moment the story begins, a mass of crystal, worked into the shape of an egg and brilliantly polished. And at that two people, who stood outside the window, were looking, one of them a tall, thin clergyman, the other a black-bearded young man of dusky complexion and unobtrusive costume. The dusky young man spoke with eager gesticulation, and seemed anxious for his companion to purchase the article.

Exhibits – ABBEY MILLS: MERTON PRIORY CHAPTER HOUSE – 900 YEAR OLD WOODEN ARCH! PART 5 (7.8.2022)

We met Mr John Hawks (who owns Toby the dog) who personally introduced my daughter – Mei-An to a computer screen and keyboard featuring a Minecraft programme relating to the exhibition! Mei-An skilfully navigated the challenges and completed all the tasks without a hitch and with John Hawks watching! All very impressive! We were also pleased to meet other Chinese people visiting amongst the multicultural crowd! Please enjoy the following photographs and happy learning!

Toby – Resident Sheepdog – ABBEY MILLS: MERTON PRIORY CHAPTER HOUSE – 900 YEAR OLD WOODEN ARCH! PART 4 (7.8.2022)

Anyone who interacted, stroked, played with or threw a stick for ‘Toby’ – the resident sheepdog – was presented with a beautiful postcard of this well-behaved and genteel Sheepdog! He appears to be the pet of resident archaeologist – Mr John Hawks – the Curator of Chapter House, as he was the person who presented the postcard and seemed to know ‘Toby’ the best! Mr John Hawks has been featured in a number of articles about this very important ‘dig’ which has received a boost recently with the Priory ‘arched’ wooden gate being added to the already amply exhibition! There is much to see – such as the UK’s oldest Parliament and Lord Nelson’s Chest!

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