“Essentials for life: Three grand essentials to happiness in life are, something to do, something to love and something to hope for.” – Joseph Addison, a English poet, playwright and politician.
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National treasure: Prince Harry
Being the younger child of two, it isn’t unusual to be a bit of a wild child. But, when you’re a prince and in the media spotlight 24 hours a day it makes for comical news. Prince Harry has always been a national favourite, known for his cheekiness and ‘laddish’ behaviour. He has even been nicknamed ‘Elvis’ by his fellow troops in Afghanistan for his Las Vegas scandal which rocked the world, but made us all smile and love him even more (although I doubt the Royals were too impressed!). Even though he is portrayed as one to break the rules, the prince has a soft side that is sure to of been inherited from his mother, Princess Diana. He has been involved with numerous charities, such as co-founding Sentebale to help the orphans of Lesotho, which is just one example of his honourable work and kind heart.
Being third in line for the throne can’t be easy when your 28 but Harry seems to take it all in his stride, combining a social life with his military and royal duties. Prince Harry is what keeps the Royal Family alive and curremt; we hope he continues to be a hell raiser and the nation’s sweetheart.
Image credit: John Pannell
On this day: Remembrance Day
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, on the 11th month marks the end of World War 1, after more than four years of warfare the guns fell silent in 1918. Since then we recognise the 11th of November as the time of year when we pay our respects to the men and women that died for us and their country in wars.
Also known as Poppy Day, it is traditional to wear an artificial red poppy because in some of the most destroyed countries, where the bloodiest fighting took place, only one thing survived each year – the poppy flower. With each summer, it would blossom bringing with it hope and life to those brave soldiers still fighting.
At 11am today, take a two minute silence to remember the fallen soldiers of our country and also the soldiers still fighting today. Wear your poppy with pride this November as our country wouldn’t be the same today.
Image credit: Moyan_Brenn_BE_BACK_on_10th_OCT
The NHS
Free and on hand healthcare is probably something we all take for granted, since its launch in 1948 the NHS has become the largest public funded healthcare system in the world – treating over 3 million people in England every week. Over the years, the NHS has stayed true to its word – to provide good healthcare to everyone regardless of their wealth, and they currently look after 62million people.
Looking after everything from dental services, chicken pox, open heart surgery and end-of-life care; the NHS employs more than 1.7 million people, just to ensure all of us are fit and healthy! The only other organisations that directly employ more people are the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, the Wal-Mart supermarket chain and the Indian Railways.
It just goes to show how the NHS has progressed since first opening and how much they do for the country. So next time you see your dentist, nurse or GP why not say thank you, I’m sure it will make their day!
Image credit: NHSE
Formula One
After the French organised the first Grand Prix in 1906, they never imagined it would become so loved. The races lasted only 2 days with the average speed of the winning car being just over 62 mph. Compared to today, with the highest speed of a race car being 220mph it is obvious to see how far the races have come. Formula One cars are deemed to be among the fastest and most powerful cars in the world and seated in them are the best drivers such as our own national treasures Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. To be a champion you have to be the absolute best of the best, the number one driver in the world.
Over the years it has become one of the most popular sports in the world, with 527 million people tuning in to watch the Championship in 2010. But why? Because of our craving to push technology to the absolute limit? Or, for our need for speed and adrenaline from the comfort of our own homes? Or, for the simple fact it is exciting to watch and provides us hours and months of entertainment? Whatever the reason, it keeps us watching every season and is a definite reason for us to be proud of our world class drivers and proud to be British.
Image credit: Evoflash
On this day: The Bodleian Library was founded
Founded on this day in 1602 was the Bodleian Library, named after its founder Sir Thomas Bodley, he donated valuable book collections and also left funds for its maintenance in his will. It is now used as the main research library for the University of Oxford. It is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and also one of the biggest, with 11 million items on 117 miles of shelving.
Many traditions are still to this day followed, such as no books are to be borrowed or taken out of the library, even King Charles I was refused permission to borrow a book in 1645. Also before entrance to the library new readers are required to sign or recite a formal declaration.
The library is not just home to a vast collection of books it also houses 1,200,000 maps and 20,000 atlases, one of these being the “Gough Map” – the oldest surviving road map of Great Britain!
‘The Bod’ isn’t just magnificent because of the items it stores, it is architecturally very breathtaking. There is nothing not to be proud of with this building, whether you enjoy learning something new or just appreciate beautiful things.
Image credit: interbeat