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Hallooo dear Dodopadlers! It’s Miss Peabody!
I am here today to celebrate a very special anniversary that users of the Dodo Pad and Acad Pad diaries will notice on this week’s diary page: November 24 marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin’s famous book, On the Origin of Species. This is indeed very exciting, but it is not the only famous anniversary we’ve had this year. Darwin himself was celebrated on 12th February this year, the 200th anniversary of his birth. Our American friends will be quick to point out that Mr. Darwin was born the very same day as the great president Abraham Lincoln. And our friends north of the border will remind us the great poet Robert Burns’ 250th birthday was recognized on 25 January of this year, and the celebration has lasted all year long. This has been quite a celebratory year!
Now, on to Mr. Darwin’s famous book. Although I have read a fair amount of Darwin’s extensive publications, I must admit I have never managed to get all the way through the Origin of the Species. It’s not the easiest thing to read, you know. One must pay attention in order to understand the numerous details and, myself being a bit flighty, I sometimes find it difficult to sit still long enough to focus intently. No matter! It does not diminish the brilliance genius of his work.
Most people believe Darwin’s Origin is the result of his research while on his voyage around the world on the HMS Beagle, including his visit to the Galapagos Islands (home of the delightfully charming tortoises). While this is indeed true, it’s not the half of it. Darwin spent decades refining his ideas on evolution by studying beetles, barnacles and pigeons (oh my!). He worked constantly through illness and difficulty. His goal was to postpone publication of his book until he had gathered sufficient evidence to ensure his argument was iron-clad. But alas, as with anything in science, there can never be enough evidence for anything to be iron-clad. When Alfred Russel Wallace published his paper that drew many of the same conclusions regarding evolutionary theory, Mr. Darwin realized he must act quickly before his decades of research were overshadowed. He hurriedly compiled his research and evidence into his ever-famous book, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. The book sold out in numerous editions and continues to be one of the most popular works in the natural sciences to this day.
Goodness, what an educational day we are having! What books are you reading lately? Do post a comment and tell us all about it.
Toodle-oo for now!
Miss P
Hallooo dear Dodopadlers! Miss Peabody here again.
We users of the Dodo Pad and/or Acad-Pad diary might notice that this Saturday commemorates the anniversary of the completion of the restorations at Windsor Castle. Extensive renovation was required to repair the damage done by that dreadful fire in November 1992.
Dear me I remember, like it was yesterday, watching the news coverage of the aftermath of the fire. Like the rest of the nation, I sat riveted in horror at the intensity of the blaze and felt great sympathy for the royal family for their loss. Happily, no one was seriously injured and many of the priceless possessions were recovered. Lord Dodo himself sent his condolences to the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family.
The reopening of the castle was indeed a joyful occasion for all! This royal home has had a long and varied history and after all this great structure has been through, its majesty (no pun intended I assure you) continues to this day.
Life here at our own stately residence, Dodo Towers, is grand. The chill and rain we are experiencing is, for myself at least, dodelightful. Nothing better than a good dousing followed by a hot cup of tea and drying out by the fire, I always say.
I hope the weather where you are is enjoyable! Have any big plans for November? Do write in and tell me all about it.
Toodle-oo for now!
Miss P
Bonjour, dear Dodopadlers! Miss Peabody ici!
Those of you with a Dodo Pad diary will notice that Sunday of this week marks the anniversary of the opening of the Louvre in Paris on November 8, 1793. From medieval fortress to palatial residence to art museum, the building itself has a fascinating history.
The Louvre is one of those places where, if you have not been, then you must find a way to get yourself there even if you have to fly on a dodo’s back. It absolutely is not to be missed.
Yours truly was fortunate enough to go several years ago along with Lord and Lady Dodo and the Hardworking Sales and Customer Service team on a company outing to the Continent. We had a wonderful time, stuffing ourselves with croissants and café au lait. We spent a fine afternoon gazing at the artwork in the Louvre, each painting and statue a glorious masterpiece. But, as with anything, after a few hours it all starts to look like stuff, so off we went for a cruise on the Seine. Tres magnifique!
This week’s page in the Dodo Pad diary also mentions another Parisian landmark and symbol of the city herself, the Eiffel Tower which, as noted, was inaugurated at the Great Exhibition of 1889, which was the World’s Fair as hosted by Paris. Apparently the fair was a spectacular event (for although I am no longer a spring chicken as one might say, I am not of such an advanced age as to have actually attended the fair that year) with exhibitions including Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley performing their “Wild West Show.” What a terrific exciting amazing show that must have been! Dear me, I feel flushed just thinking about it.
One final note: enjoy Guy Fawkes Night! I’ll be thinking of you all as I sit ’round the bonfire watching the dazzling fireworks display his Lordship has planned.
And do drop me a line here if you feel so inclined – it is always lovely to hear from you.
Au revoir for now mes amis!
Miss P
