Thinks I find along the way
“No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another… A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.” ~Amelia Earhart
It’s empowering to realize we can connect with anyone with our thoughts, words, and actions. All it takes is intention and attention.
Source: A Beautiful Reminder of How Powerful We Are – Tiny Buddha
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” –William Arthur Ward
From the people who love you, to the people who challenge you, to the people who support you at work, here’s how to show your gratitude. Source: 50 Ways to Show Gratitude for the People in Your Life
Widely shared memes contained a quotation that is commonly attributed to the Great Emancipator…
So. Not exactly ‘real’ but still true. Source: Did Lincoln Say ‘America Will Never Be Destroyed From the Outside’?
While 84% of Americans and 74% of Germans perceived U.S.-German relations as good, their views differed on some international issues.
One possible response to the American election…
“So, I shut it off
So, I shut it all off
So, I shut it off
So, I shut it all off
(Oh, oh, oh) It’s been a long way down (Oh, oh, oh)
It’s been a long way down
What you don’t know won’t hurt you, yeah
Ignorance is bliss
I’m a happy idiot, Waving at cars
I’m gonna bang my head to the wall
‘Til I feel like nothing at all
I’m a happy idiot”
Are you experiencing strong, difficult emotions due to the upcoming election? Four Buddhists offer advice for dealing with despair, anger, grief, and anxiety. (This applies to the results as well!)
Whether your candidate won or lost does not relieve you of the responsibility to respond in a good way…
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand[a] was one of the key events that led to World War I. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, were assassinated on 28 June 1914 by Bosnian Serb student Gavrilo Princip. They were shot at close range while being driven through Sarajevo, the provincial capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, formally annexed by Austria-Hungary in 1908. Princip was part of a group of six Bosnian assassins together with Muhamed Mehmedbašić, Vaso Čubrilović, Nedeljko Čabrinović, Cvjetko Popović and Trifko Grabež coordinated by Danilo Ilić; all but one were Bosnian Serbs and members of a student revolutionary group that later became known as Young Bosnia. The political objective of the assassination was to free Bosnia and Herzegovina of Austria-Hungarian rule and establish a common South Slav (“Yugoslav”) state. The assassination precipitated the July Crisis which led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia and the start of World War I. The assassination team was helped by the Black Hand, a Serbian secret nationalist group; support came from Dragutin Dimitrijević, chief of the military intelligence section of the Serbian general staff, as well as from Major Vojislav Tankosić and Rade Malobabić, a Serbian intelligence agent. Tankosić provided bombs and pistols to the assassins and trained them in their use. The assassins were given access to the same clandestine network of safe-houses and agents that Malobabić used for the infiltration of weapons and operatives into Austria-Hungary.” Source: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand – Wikipedia
If you find this interesting, you might like this book…
The history of the Jewish community in Vienna is long and rich, dating back to at least the 12th century when Jews were first documented in the city. However, the era of the Nazis marks a profoundly tragic chapter in this history, characterized by persecution, displacement, and genocide.
Before the rise of the Nazi regime, Vienna was home to one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish communities in Europe. By the early 20th century, approximately 200,000 Jews lived in Vienna, contributing significantly to the cultural, political, and economic life of the city. They played prominent roles in various fields, including science, the arts, and politics. This community was known for its rich cultural legacy, symbolized by figures such as Sigmund Freud and Theodor Herzl.
Continue reading “The Jews of Vienna during the Nazi Era”
Captain Herbert Sobel, portrayed by David Schwimmer, is the commanding officer of Easy Company in “Band of Brothers” and is depicted as a petty tyrant. The paratroopers in the series, including Dick Winters (Damian Lewis), develop a deep hatred of Captain Sobel, but is the series’ portrayal of Sobel during WWII historically accurate? We explain why HBO’s “Band of Brothers” presents a one-sided and exaggerated view of the real Herbert Sobel. We reveal what some of the Easy Company veterans had to say about his depiction in both the Stephen Ambrose book and the HBO miniseries, which deviate somewhat from the true story. We also explain what happened to Herbert Sobel after WWII, including the tragic ending to his life. #bandofbrothers #herbertsobel #ww2 #dickwinters #easycompany #wwii
Visitors at the fair were introduced to everything from Cracker Jack and Juicy Fruit gum to large-scale electric lighting and the Ferris wheel.
Source: Photos of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair
Those who are interested in the fair would do well to research the great planner of the fair, Daniel Burnham. Not only did he successfully manage this event which was a huge pivot in Chicago history but he also designed the Mall in Washington from Congress to the Lincoln Memorial and everything in between…
“Your new life is going to cost you your old one. It’s going to cost you your comfort zone and your sense of direction. It’s going to cost you relationships and friends. It’s going to cost you being liked and understood. It doesn’t matter. The people who are meant for you are going to meet you on the other side. You’re going to build a new comfort zone around the things that actually move you forward. Instead of being liked, you’re going to be loved. Instead of being understood, you’re going to be seen. All you’re going to lose is what was built for a person you no longer are.” Brianna Wiest
Source: 5 Unexpected Ways to Find the Right Mate – Tiny Buddha
The “Ben Franklin method” for making a choice involves creating a list of pros and cons for each option, then carefully weighing each factor against the other to determine the best course of action, essentially creating a balanced view to make an informed decision.
Continue reading “The Ben Franklin Method for Making a Choice”
Your answer may determine how happy you can be.
Show interest in how your partner was impacted, and hold off on explanations.
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city that beautifully marries history and modernity. Among its many attractions, the Giant Ferris Wheel, or “Wiener Riesenrad,” stands out as an iconic symbol of the city. This magnificent wheel not only offers breathtaking views of the Vienna skyline but also carries with it a rich history that dates back to the 19th century.
The Wiener Riesenrad was constructed in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I. Designed by the engineer Walter B. Bassett, the Ferris wheel was initially a part of the 1898 Vienna World’s Fair, where it quickly became a popular attraction. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, standing at an impressive 65 meters (approximately 213 feet). Its prominence attracted tourists and locals alike, making it a significant part of Vienna’s cultural landscape.
As you step into one of the 15 wooden cabins, you not only experience the thrill of the ride but also embark on a journey through time. Each cabin can hold up to 15 people, and a full rotation lasts about 20 minutes, giving riders ample time to soak in the stunning views of the Wiener Prater park and the city beyond.
Continue reading “The Giant Ferris Wheel in Vienna: A Timeless Landmark”
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city rich in history and culture, and one of its most iconic landmarks is the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, known locally as Stefansdom. This stunning Gothic structure is not only a symbol of the city but also a remarkable piece of architecture that tells the story of Vienna’s past.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral stands tall in the heart of Vienna, with its origins dating back to the 12th century. The cathedral has seen numerous transformations over the centuries, evolving from a Romanesque church to the magnificent Gothic edifice we admire today. The most significant changes occurred in the 15th century when the cathedral was remodeled to feature intricate stone carvings and expansive stained glass windows.
Throughout its history, Stefansdom has witnessed various crucial events, including royal weddings, funerals, and even battles. It survived near destruction during World War II, and restoration efforts have ensured that it continues to stand as a testament to Vienna’s resilience.
Continue reading “Exploring the Majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stefansdom) in Vienna, Austria”
“Rock Me Amadeus” is a song recorded by Austrian musician Falco for his third studio album, Falco 3 (1985). The single was made available for physical sale in 1985 in German-speaking Europe, through A&M. “Rock Me Amadeus” was written by Falco along with Dutch music producers Bolland & Bolland. To date, the single is the only German language song to peak at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, which it did on 29 March 1986.[5]
It topped the singles charts on both sides of the Atlantic. It was Falco’s only number one hit in both the United States and the United Kingdom, despite the artist’s popularity in his native Austria and much of Europe.
Continue reading “Rock Me Amadeus”
How does contemplation refine our inner knowing? Adam Bucko says “for me, that’s the Holy Spirit looking to essentially flow into our lives, take whatever is left of us, and reassemble it into something that can become our unique gift to the world. The contemplation part is the receptivity and consent, and the action part is simply letting God live through us as much as possible, letting Christ live and love and protest through us.”
Source: Learning to Listen
Nestled in the outskirts of Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace stands as a testament to the opulence of Austria’s imperial past. Originally built as a hunting lodge in the 16th century, this magnificent structure has since evolved into one of the most significant cultural monuments in Austria and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Construction of Schönbrunn began in 1696 under Emperor Leopold I. Over the years, it became a favorite summer residence for the Habsburgs, showcasing their wealth and power. The palace witnessed numerous historic events, including the signing of treaties and royal weddings. Its rich history is intertwined with the life of Empress Maria Theresa, who made significant renovations and expansions during her reign in the 18th century. It was also the summer home of Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Elisabeth or ‘Sisi’ as she was known.
Schönbrunn Palace features a stunning blend of Baroque architecture and extensive gardens, reflecting the grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty. The palace boasts over 1,400 rooms, each decorated with exquisite artwork, ornate ceilings, and luxurious furnishings. Highlights include the Great Gallery, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Chinese cabinet, each telling a story of imperial elegance.
Continue reading “The Majestic Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna”
RAIN Meditation invites us to explore four key components of meditation: Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Non-identification.
Source: RAIN Meditation
Bright, shiny objects! 
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