Clancy Tucker's Blog, page 50

2 July 2021 - TOWER OF LONDON WAS ONCE A ZOO

 

TOWER OF LONDON

 WAS ONCE A ZOO

 

G'day folks,

In the 13th century, the Tower of London earned a new profile as King John started collecting exotic animals from all around the world and created the royal menagerie.  Ever since, kings and queens have held all the animals that they received as gifts from other monarchs at the Tower, and the place became an attraction where Londoners could see polar bears and captive lions, to name a few. The zoo remained active until the 1830s, and all the inhabitants were subsequently moved to the London Zoo.  
To remember the castle's legacy as the royal zoo, artist Kendra Haste created a sculpture of three lions to be displayed at the Tower of London. The sculpture is a nod to an archeological discovery made in 1936, during which 2 lion skulls from the Middle ages were found in the moat of the fortress. These were not ordinary lions either, but a variety of Barbary lions that have been extinct for over a century.


Clancy's comment: The Tower of London appears to have had a multitude of uses.
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28 June 2021 - WHO HAS KEYS TO THE TOWER OF LONDON?

 

WHO HAS KEYS TO 

THE TOWER OF LONDON?

 

G'day folks,

Listen up! 

On November 6, 2012, a man was caught trespassing the Tower of London in the early morning and he was then escorted from the premises of the fortress. The security services of the Tower later revealed that the keys from the tourist attraction and home of the crown jewels were stolen. 
 As a result, some locks have been replaced immediately to prevent the intruder from entering the premises, but to this day, someone somewhere likely has the ring of keys that may still be able to unlock at least some of the rooms in the castle.


Clancy's comment: Anyone knowing the whereabouts of these keys can email me. 
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23 June 2021 - FAMOUS PRISONERS HELD IN THE TOWER OF LONDON

 

FAMOUS PRISONERS HELD

 IN THE TOWER OF LONDON

 

G'day folks,

At its very beginning, The Tower of London was to serve as the royal residence of William the Conqueror and become a symbol of the Norman king's power over Londoners.  The White Tower, the first part of the now huge fortress, was completed in 1078 and soon after, in 1100, the first prisoners started to be held in the castle. And although it wasn't its primary role throughout history, the fortress was used as a prison until 1952. In this time, many famous historical figures - queens, revolutionaries, and even major Nazi leaders - were kept there.  
Anne Boleyn was condemned to death by King Henry VIII, her husband, at the Tower of London. Other famous people like Sir Walter Raleigh, who was kept there for 13 years, had a more favorable prison stay - Raleigh had comfortable lodgings, servants, and even his family living with him in the Tower. Other famous prisoners committed to the Tower of London include Guy Fawkes, the revolutionary who wanted to blow up the English parliament, and Rudolf Hess, Hitler’s second-in-command.

Clancy's comment: That is quite a list of infamous people.

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18 June 2021 - THE PAINTED VILLAGE – ZALIPIE, POLAND

 

THE PAINTED VILLAGE

 – ZALIPIE, POLAND -

G'day folks,

The small village of Zalipie can be found at a remote area of South Poland. But to those who make the effort to get there the trip is well worth it, because this village contains quite the surprise between its walls.

The residents of this village have a beautiful tradition that started over 100 years ago, when the women of the village began to paint decorations of flowers on the walls of all the houses.

Although it isn't known exactly when the tradition began, we know that it started because the women wanted to cover the stains of chimney smoke. The stains were evident even through the paint, which is why they began drawing flowers on the walls.

When more modern furnaces and stoves began to come into use, there was no more need for the festive decorations, but instead of stopping, the paintings became more and more elaborate. Slowly, these paintings became an important part of the local culture and the village began to initiate contests between the painters to see who has done the best job.

And what started as the work of a few became the hobby of all, and today the flowers have conquered public buildings, bridges, roundaoubts, trees wells and even the local chicken pens and dog houses.

   

Clancy's comment: Good for them. It looks like a happy place.

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17 June 2021 - NARLUGA WHALE DISCOVERED IN ARCTIC

 

NARLUGA WHALE 

DISCOVERED IN ARCTIC

 

G'day folks,

A unique whale skull at the Natural History Museum of Denmark had been puzzling scientists for over 30 years.  The skull was found in the Arctic and had features of both the beluga and narwhal whales. After years of study, researchers from the University of Copenhagen finally concluded in 2019 that the skull belonged to what was an extraordinary hybrid animal — a cross between a narwhal and a beluga. Both these whales are very common in the Arctic and share quite a few similarities. The new hybrid species was found after the researchers managed to extract DNA from the skull’s teeth.  A Beluga Whale
 The analysis showed that the whale’s DNA was 54% beluga and 46% narwhal. The hybrid, named as Narluga, is likely a male. Further study is being conducted to ascertain when and how the hybrid was born and whether there are any members of the species still alive.  Clancy's comment: There ya go. I wonder how they found the original skull.
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16 June 2021 - INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

 

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT

 THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

 

G'day folks,

To the few who may not know this, the Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in the New York Harbor.  The statue, a gift to the United States from the people of France, is of a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, who bears a torch and a tabula ansata (a tablet evoking the law) upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.  











 

 

Clancy's comment: I was fortunate enough to climb to the top of it in 1973. What an extraordinary experience.

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16 May 2021 - 'LIFE SUCKS!' - NEW BOOK RELEASE by CLANCY TUCKER

 

'LIFE SUCKS!' 

- NEW BOOK RELEASE -

 CLANCY TUCKER

 

G'day folks,

Well, Covid 19 has been productive time for me, but I sure want to head overseas for a break. Sadly, that ain't going to happen soon. During the period of lockdown, I've written three books, all in the one series. 'LIFE SUCKS!' is book three in the 'KICK-ASS' series. Why? Simple. Many of my followers have been inspired by my main character, Sam Tyler. Having said that, I seriously suggest you read the two previous novels before you read this book: 'KICK-ASS' TYLER' & 'BETTER THAN SLICED BREAD'. That way, you will follow Sam as she encounters life, and a heap of experiences along the way.

 

DEDICATION:

This book is dedicated to two of my biggest supporters and closest friends – George and Betty. There were many times in their lives when life sucked big time. However, they overcame whatever adversities came their way, got on with life, and helped many others along the way.

 

Here is a quote from the book when Sam was at a try-out for the university's karate club. A smartass was denigrating her for being a woman, and for wanting to be involved in karate.

‘Hey. Here are a few facts. Don’t forget them. Firstly, my name’s Sam … not fucking 'babe'. Secondly, I’m not a novice, and I take karate seriously. Thirdly, do you like the colour of this belt?’ I said, and raised my belt so it was centimetres from his eyes. ‘It’s a third-dan black belt.’ His eyes instantly rolled back, and his eyebrows lifted. ‘Finally, your attitude sucks. If you reckon you’re so good, how would you like to have a try-out with me for three minutes … the winner donates twenty bucks to a charity? Got the balls?’  

PS: Don't worry. There is very little swearing in this book.

 

BLURB:

Sam Tyler studies law at Folkestone University, becomes involved in the SRC, the karate club, and works part-time at Ollie’s Tavern. Four students fall foul of the university’s hierarchy and face expulsion, but Sam defends the ‘naughty four’ and wins a reprieve for them.

The university slyly attempts to acquire the property of a wealthy old lady, Mrs Chandler, and Sam and the SRC support Mrs ‘C’. Sam bonds with the old lady and cleverly finds a way for her to keep her home, via the Indigenous Council, the National Trust and the media. She also organises a public rally and forces the university to drop its proceedings to acquire Mrs C’s home.

Sam enters the Inter-Varsity Karate Tournament, wins it and becomes the first female to win the trophy, but sadly, Sam’s brave dog, Ruffy, dies and Sam is devastated for weeks. Researching Mrs C’s past brings Sam back to reality when she finds some dark secrets. Mrs C is the illegitimate daughter of the first Governor of Folkestone, and also the mother of someone close to Sam.

Sam also learns some secrets from her boss at Ollie’s Tavern, when Ollie organises a surprise birthday party for her. Then, Mrs C throws a birthday party and Sam produces two emotional surprises for her. 

The Dean of Law gives Sam a secret report on homelessness, and she and the ‘naughty four’ spend time with homeless people. When Sam makes a presentation to the Senate Standing Committee on Homelessness, she is often interrupted by an aggressive Senator, but the Dean of Law appears and publicly rebukes him for his behaviour.

What sad news arrives as Sam concludes her presentation? What surprises has Sam organised for Mrs C at her birthday party?

 

ISSUES MENTIONED IN THIS NOVEL:

University life, child abuse, community, Aboriginals, homelessness, Senate hearings, karate, racism, loyalty, politicians, courage, heritage issues, leadership, winning, losing, sport, law and order, students, National Trust, historical significance, compulsory acquisition, deeds, wills, and caveats, youth, and forgiveness.

 COMMENTS BY A PROOFREADER:

'Brilliant story. I enjoyed reading the book, and I am amazed how so much can happen to one young lady.'  

 

 

Clancy's comment:  Okay. There you have it, but I certainly suggest you read 'KICK-ASS' TYLER' & 'BETTER THAN SLICED BREAD' before you begin this book. It will give you some great background information about Sam. 

Now, don't be shy. Grab a copy for yourself, your daughter or granddaughter. Oh, this book is not just for females. Young men will find some serious reminders in this book. Trust me, this book will command your attention.

 

Email me for a copy: clancy_tucker@hotmail.com

 

Love ya work, Sam!

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9 June 2021 - TRANSLUCENT SNAIL FOUND IN CROATIA

 

TRANSLUCENT SNAIL 

FOUND IN CROATIA

G'day folks,

In 2013, scientists discovered a new species of an unusual cave-dwelling snail in Lukina Jama–Trojama in Croatia, one of the deepest cave systems in the world.  These tiny and fragile snails, classified as Zospeum tholussum, have a beautiful dome-like translucent shell. They are a part of a genus of minute air-breathing land snails that are exclusive cave-dwellers.  
Remarkably, only one specimen of this new species of snail was found when it was initially discovered. The snail was resting 980m (3,200 feet) below ground, deep inside the cave system in a little cavity full of rocks and sand with a small stream running through it. The miniature snail doesn’t have visual orientation as there's no light that far below the earth's surface.  Clancy's comment: Only one found!
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8 June 2021 - SPECIAL OSCAR FOR SNOW WHITE AND HER 7 FRIENDS

 

SPECIAL OSCAR FOR SNOW 

WHITE AND HER 7 FRIENDS

 

G'day folks,

This special Oscar was awarded to Walt Disney at the 10th Academy Awards in 1938. As the award itself hints, the award was granted for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which was the world's first full-length Technicolor animated feature film with a soundtrack.  
Widely-recognized as one of the greatest motion pictures of all time, the iconic picture was proclaimed "a significant screen innovation which has charmed millions and pioneered a great new entertainment field for the motion picture cartoon".   Clancy's comment: Hi ho, Hi ho ... off to work we go ...
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26 June 2021 - PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN A SECOND BEFORE IT HAPPENED

 

PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN A

 SECOND BEFORE IT HAPPENED

 

G'day folks,

The moment an accident happens is the moment everyone turns their heads to see what happened.  But sometimes, you manage to catch a glimpse of that split second right before. The fleeting moment right before the ball that was just thrown hits someone in the face, or before the glass hits the ground and shatters, spilling the drink all over the floor.  Although these moments are usually so brief you’ll miss them if you blink, some people managed to capture them on camera, either thanks to exceptional quickness or by chance. Some of these pictures will make you laugh out loud while others will make you want to warn the subjects through the screen. Take a look at these funny and unique images, that could not have better timing.  












Clancy's comment: There ya go. Top shots. For me, it's sometimes about perceiving what might happen.

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