If you’re looking for a way to learn more about your family history, genealogy is definitely the pursuit for you! When you trace your family tree you are entering a fascinating field that can tell you everything from where your ancestors came from to what they did for a living. It can also provide insights into the social and cultural changes that have taken place over time. In this guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about tracing your ancestry and discovering your roots. So whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been researching your family tree for years, this guide has something for everyone!
I want to trace my family tree, is it the same as Genealogy and why should we care about it?
Yes, Genealogy is the study of family history and can be traced back to the 18th century. When you trace your family tree you will learn about your ancestors and where you come from. By understanding the past, you can gain a better understanding of yourself and the world around us. Genealogy can also provide insights into social and cultural changes that have taken place over time.
How do I start researching my family tree?
There are many ways to start researching your family history. One way is, to begin with, yourself and work your way backwards. You can gather information from birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, census records, immigration records, church records, and property records.
Another way to research your ancestry is to start with your grandparents or great-grandparents and work your way back if they are still alive, noting all the details they remember. Alternatively, start with your great-grandparents and then work forwards. This can be especially helpful if you don’t have much information about your immediate family. Whichever approach you choose, the important thing is to get started!
What are some helpful resources for genealogy research?
There are a number of resources available to help you with your genealogy research. FamilySearch is a free website that provides access to millions of records, including census data, birth and death records, marriage records, and more. Ancestry.com is another popular website that offers paid subscriptions for access to billions of records. Local libraries and historical societies can also be a wealth of information for genealogy research.
“What are some common misconceptions about genealogy?”
One common misconception about genealogy is that it’s only for people with a lot of free time on their hands. However, this isn’t the case! Genealogy can be pursued as little or as much as you like. Another common misconception is that genealogy is only for old people. This may have been true in the past, but with the advent of online resources, anyone can get started with genealogy research. So whatever your age or interest level, there’s no excuse not to give it a try!
“What are some common mistakes people make when researching their family history?”
One common mistake people make when researching their family history is assuming that all records will be available online. However, this is often not the case. Many records, especially older ones, are only available in physical format. Another mistake people make is failing to plan ahead. Family history research can take months or even years to complete, so it’s important to set realistic goals and timelines for your project. Finally, another mistake people make is not being aware of privacy issues. When requesting information from government agencies or other organizations, be sure to include a statement indicating that you understand and will respect the privacy of the individuals involved.
“What are some tips for getting started with genealogy, as I want to trace my family history?”
If you’re just getting started with genealogy, there are a few things you can do to get off on the right foot. First, talk to your family members and see if they have any information about your ancestors. This can be a great starting point for your research. Second, take some time to familiarize yourself with the different types of records available. This will help you know where to look for information about your ancestors. Finally, consider joining a local genealogy society or attending a workshop on family history research. These resources can provide valuable guidance as you begin your journey into your family’s past.
“What are some of the most common questions people have about genealogy?”
Some of the most common questions people have about genealogy include: How do I get started? What records are available? Where can I find records? How do I use the records? and What do I do with the information I find? These are all great questions, and luckily there are plenty of resources available to help you find answers. FamilySearch, Ancestry.com, and local libraries and historical societies are all good places to start your research.
“How can genealogy help us understand our past and ourselves better?”
Genealogy can help us understand our past and ourselves better in a number of ways. First, it can provide important insights into our family history. Second, it can help us understand how different aspects of society have evolved over time. Finally, by exploring our family tree, we can learn fascinating new things about the world around us. So if you’re interested in your history, genealogy is definitely worth checking out!
“What are some of the most interesting things you have learned from researching your family history?”
One of the most interesting things you can learn about your family is why they did the things they did. For example, you could discover that your great-great-grandmother was an Irish immigrant who went to America during the potato famine in the 1840s. You could have always known that you had Irish ancestors, but had no understanding of the circumstances that made her immigrate. Learning about your family’s history will give you a greater appreciation for their courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.
“What are some of the benefits of researching your family history?”
Some of the benefits of researching your family history include:
discovering who you are and where you come from;
learning about different aspects of society;
understanding how the world has evolved over time; and
gaining a greater appreciation for your ancestors. So if you’re interested in your history, genealogy is definitely worth checking out! Thanks for reading! I hope this article has inspired you to start tracing your own ancestors. Remember, there’s no better time than the present to begin your journey into your family’s past!
In conclusion: Trace Your Family Tree
Thank you for taking the time to read this post on how to trace your family tree. I hope that after reading it, you will want to start tracing your own ancestors. There is no better moment than now to begin your family’s history journey! FamilySearch, Ancestry.com, and local libraries and historical societies are all excellent places to begin your research. One of the most interesting things I have learned from researching my family history is that my great-great-grandfather was an Irish immigrant who came to America during the potato famine in the 1840s. I had always known that my ancestors were Irish, but I had never known the circumstances under which they came to America. Learning about my family’s history has given me a greater appreciation for their courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. So if you’re interested in your history, genealogy is definitely worth checking out!
Have we started to introduce censorship in the House of Commons? The House of Commons speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, has given his view on the article published on Angela Rayner crossing and uncrossing her legs as a ploy to distract the Prime Minister.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s job is to determine who can and cannot speak during debates and to keep the MPs in ‘order’ stated: “I express my sympathy to Angela Rayner for this type of comment. It’s demeaning, offensive to women in Parliament and can only deter women who might be considering standing for election to the detriment of us all.”
Because of the article, Sir Lindsay Hoyle has summoned the editor of the Mail Online on Sunday and the chair of the press lobby for a meeting. He wants to discuss the issue and its effect on the parliamentary community.
The minister for Digital Economy, Chris Philp, stated that it is “offensive, misogynistic and abusive“.
The significant issue here is that no one knows who said the statement and what will be done to the person once they discover who it is. The story seems to have moved on a little to consider the role of the press in our everyday lives. Is this now moving toward some press censorship?
There are now two major issues here:
Press censorship
Women in Public Life, are they safe?
Press Censorship in the House of Commons
With Sir Lindsay Hoyle arranging a meeting with the newspaper and press lobby editor, are we now going to introduce press censorship because a story is unsavoury or misogynist? Indeed, we should focus on the thought pattern of the person who is looking at how a woman is sitting and ask even more fundamental questions, like, what is your view of women in the workplace, should women become members of Parliament? If the answer to the latter question is NO, I would suggest that we do not want this person in Parliament and certainly don’t want him to represent us as a whole.
Censorship is never the answer. It only allows the person doing wrong to continue going about their business without consequences. We need to stand up and state that this behaviour is unacceptable. We need to shout out when we see misogyny, sexism, or other discrimination. Otherwise, we are complicit in their behaviour.
Is it true that today someone made a misogynistic comment about how Angela Rayner was sitting in Parliament? This doesn’t answer who made the statement. Should the journalist reveal their source, or should they keep the name of the informant secret? If the editor refuses to disclose their informant, is this also censorship? Can we accept that there are times when censorship in the house of commons is acceptable? Doesn’t Angela Rayner have a right to defend herself from the author of the comments?
There is no easy answer regarding freedom of the press and censorship. In a case like this, where there is potentially misogynistic behaviour, the public must have all the information available to them to make an informed decision. However, if revealing the source of information would put them in danger, it might be necessary to withhold some details. Ultimately, it is up to the journalist to weigh the pros and cons and decide based on what they believe is in the public’s best interests.
House of Commons is it safe for Women?
Is there a problem with misogyny in Parliament, and are women welcome in the House of Commons? Their actions indeed destroy the words used by many politicians to say. Yes, women are welcome. The statement against Angela Rayner and the comment that she uses her body to control or distract Boris Johnson from political points are disgraceful. Even thinking that a professional female Member of Parliament would use her body like this is outrageous. This behaviour has come to light, as reported in a national newspaper.
What is going on in Parliament with female MP and female staff? Why do men believe they can do, say, and have whatever they want? We do not know the sex of the person who commented. But the picture is of a group of men, so it would appear that this is something that men in The House of Commons have said. Is this the only instance of misogyny in Parliament? No, it is not. There have been other reports, and more will probably come. This is an issue that needs has to be addressed
Shocking behaviour towards Women in Public Office
“At which point do you take threats seriously or dismiss them? I’ve had death threats on Twitter, or threats of violence. Do I just shrug it off, thinking it’s some person tweeting me at 3 am from California or is it someone who can access me? I have dismissed threats and considering this, I don’t think I can dismiss some of the comments directed at me. Online misogyny and death threats are all violence against women. Just because it’s online doesn’t make it any more acceptable than if it was in print or said verbally. The online world has to be safe for women as well. It’s not something that we should take and accept. It needs to be challenged, especially now.” Tulip Siddiq (Female MP).
The MP Jess Phillips reported she received over 600 rape threats via Twitter in one night. And numerous comments about her appearance. Wouls censorship in the house of commons prevent this type of attack on women in the house of commons?
Cover-up or Censorship In the House of Commons, what can we do?
The media needs to continue to report on these types of issues. The public should know what is going on, it would be a disaster if we had censorship in the house of commons.
Action against those who are guilty of making these comments.
We need to make sure that this doesn’t happen again by making some changes in Parliament
But we also need to remember one thing: this is not just a problem in Parliament, but in society. While we are dealing with the issue in Parliament, we need to be working on tackling misogyny in the community. Thank you for your time.
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I am a massive fan of Binge-Watching television, and I think it must have something to do with the fact I like to be in control. However, I can justify my reasoning as I love to get involved in the show and the story’s characters. I have my idea of what they should do and how each character will react in any situation. I like the predictability of the show’s premise, and it is comforting. When I work all day, I want entertainment. I don’t want to overthink, and I don’t want to be yelled at or told what I should think or do.
Take, for example, Supernatural. I have watched this series 15 times. I know this because there have been 15 seasons. The first five seasons were ‘page turners’. As the last episode of the previous season started, the next DVD was ready to be inserted into the DVD player.
Let’s Talk Supernatural Numbers
Supernatural had 15 seasons, and each season had circa 22 episodes. That is 320 episodes in total. Every time a new season was released, I had to return to the first season and start afresh. That is fine until you get to season 13 onwards. It means that it takes months to get to the new season.
The loss in Binge-Watching
Binge-Watching television
The problem with binge-watching is that you suffer a loss once the show is over. First, there is Shock and Denial. Why did the show finish? Will they make another one? What are the actors doing now? What do I watch now? You then spend a few hours on google researching the actors, watching the bloopers and finally accepting the show is over. That empty feeling of what now finally kicks in. Goodbye, my friends. You never knew me, but I knew you, and I miss you already. The DVD goes back into the cupboard.
Looking for a new show
Then there is the pain of looking for something else to watch. It’s difficult. TV is so dull. It’s either news, game shows or reality TV. I don’t think I have watched regular television in years. If there is something I may like, I tend to record the show so I can watch what I want and fast forward the bits I don’t wish to watch. Investing in a new series is tricky as you know the investment you are about to put into the show is enormous.
After supernatural, I selected Criminal Minds. I watched three seasons in a row. I couldn’t face another episode of the brutal murder of a woman just because a man had a plan to do as much damage to another human being as possible. It made me feel very sad, and my worldview temporarily changed. I watched the entire series of The Big Bang Theory to wipe Criminal Minds from my memory.
Mistakes when selecting the Wrong Show
Choosing the wrong series is devastating, as selecting a show will be a significant part of your viewing life for months. Picking the wrong show makes you wish for the previous one to start over. The show becomes a friend; the characters are best mates and comfortable.
I moved on from Supernatural and The Big Bang Theory to Midsummer Murders. Twenty-two seasons, that’s 129 and today, I caught myself referring to the show as ‘Our normal reliable show’. I am on season 22, so there are only a few episodes left, and then the search will start over. Once you find a suitable series, it’s like welcoming a close friend over for tea.
How to select a new show
I have several criteria when selecting a new TV show; the first is that the women have to be intelligent, independent and will never trip over a twig running away. I can’t bear pathetic women on TV shows.
Binge-watching TV is slowly becoming the new normal TV viewing. Indeed, Netflix and Amazon Prime have the science down to a tea. Just as one show finishes, you have 10 seconds to decide if you will watch the next episode. The show has piqued your interest, and before you know it, it’s 1 am, and you have to be at work in 5 hours. If, for any reason, your mind wonders, the show could have started.
Why do we Binge-Watch Television?
This binge-watching (the new word of the year in 2015) leaves people with a hit of dopamine, the feel-good chemical. We human beings take comfort from familiarity, from the constant sensation of dopamine, and we want more of that feeling. The need to have that feel good and exciting feeling is a massive driving force and we don’t want to be shocked. We want friendly and we want to tune in and out of the show and know we are not missing anything. We want nice, which is very different from person to person.
For example, I can’t stand zombies. The movies leave me cold. I can’t see the point of them. A lot of dead people walk around slowly dripping blood. You see nothing at all. However, a friend of mine loves them. They can’t get enough of them. Selecting our TV shows thus can become rather tricky.
Binge-watching Television, my Recommendations
Having written about some of my binge-watching television habits, I thought I should give you some of my recommendations. This list is not definitive and will change over the weeks and months, especially as new shows are online. However, as it stands today, this is my list of binge-watching television shoes I would recommend.
Supernatural – Always, and the first show anyone should binge-watch
Broadchurch – fantastic and a 1 am show
Doctor Who – Has to be on any list
Midsummer Murders – You diff entry don’t want to move there. It is the murder capital of the world, but in a very British middle-class kind of way.
Aliens – all the movies, a bag of popcorn and chocolates and your set.
Harry Potter – Good escape movie
Blakes Seven – The scenery may wobble, and the acting is just as wobbly, but a good watch.
Carry on movies – a feel-good set of movies
Endeavour – the prequel to Morse. Slow and stays slow, but worth a watch
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel – maybe two shows, but it’s one in my mind
Services offering Binge-Watching Television
Most of these television services require a monthly fee, but you may be interested in finding out what shows they have to offer:
Amazon prime
Netflix
Apple TV
Britbox
Sky
In Conclusion to binge-watching television
I prefer to binge-watch television shows. It puts me in control of the television and what is playing. I don’t have to watch adverts, and I can watch the show at my convince and pause whenever I like. Have you watched any of the shows, I have mentioned? If you have any suggestions of shows you think would be worth investing in, please note them below. I would love to hear your thoughts.
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It was fascinating to read in the Sunday Mail on 24 April 2022 that they ran an article about the deputy labour leader Angela Rayner. The article is not complimentary, but one that attacks her on her sexuality. In brief, a conservative MP has accused Angela Rayner of crossing and uncrossing her legs every time Boris Johnson stands at the dispatch box to give a speech. This action, they have suggested, distracts Boris Johnson and thus ruins his speech. This is just one example of the misogyny that still exists in the House of Commons, even in 2022. Misogyny has no place in the 21st century. It is unacceptable that women are treated this way, and it needs to stop.
Let’s have a look at this implication.
It stinks that misogyny is in the House of Commons. Why would the observer look at a woman crossing and uncrossing her legs? What is it they hope to see? We can see that this is an obvious example of misogyny as the MP is attacking Angela Rayner based on her sexuality. This sort of treatment is unacceptable and needs to stop. We need to stand up to this kind of behaviour and treat women in whatever job they do as working colleges.
Image from Daily Mail via Ken McKay ITV REX Shutterstock
Angela Rayner is a professional woman at her place of work. Are they suggesting that a woman needs to revert to the suggestion of sexual favours to distract from the topic at hand?
We have been making great strides in recent years to break down the barriers that exist for women in the workplace. This sort of attack only reinforces those barriers and makes it harder for women to succeed. We need to show that this behaviour will not be tolerated in the House of Commons or anywhere else.
This behaviour is an unacceptable attack on Angela Rayner. Can a man not hold himself to account in front of a woman and control his sexual urges? Indeed, this is something that we should have moved on from by now. We need to clarify that this kind of behaviour has no place in the House of Commons or anywhere else. We need to create a working environment where everyone is respected. Let’s make sure we stamp it out once and for all.
This is not new
This article should be based on the MP reporting this and not on a woman doing her job. How insulting and pathetic is this person? This is not new. At the beginning of April 2022, David Warburton, the MP for Somerset and Frome, was suspended after two female colleagues complained to the Parliamentary harassment /Watchdog Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS). Not forgetting the comment by Donald Trump making lewd comments about a woman when he was on his tour bus. This behaviour needs to be stopped. If we are to create a respectful and professional working environment for everyone.
It is a concern that the people we elect to represent us are so easily distracted. What kind of message does this send to the rest of the world? That we are not serious in our politics? Our politicians are more concerned with what a woman is wearing or how she is sitting rather than the critical issues they should focus on. Is this the image we want to portray to the world, and does it need to change?
Even sadder are the comments from people about the report. Some suggest that it is not a big deal and that we should move on. Others are trying to make light of the situation and joking about it. But this is not a joke. Joking about it only serves to normalise the behaviour and make it seem like it is acceptable. Misogyny is a serious problem. It is not acceptable, and we need to make sure that everyone knows that.
A stand against misogyny in the House of Commons should be a priority. We need to send a powerful message to the rest of the world that we are a modern, progressive country that does not accept this behaviour.
Examples of the comments regarding the article.
The Tories could get Anne Widdecombe to do the same on the other side
When she opens her mouth and her legs, you will find she definitely isn’t Sharon Stone
Imagine the stench if she did actually uncross her legs.
Rayner, or as she is commonly known- Bike Shed Angie – Trevor Maxwell
She’s a woman. What do you expect? This is their currency and they’re always quick to use it against us to get what they want. – Chris
Diane Abbott now planning to do the same.- Major Hindsight
Angela Rayner has stated, “I stand accused of a ‘poly’ to ‘distract the helpless PM’. By being a woman, having legs and wearing clothes, I am conspiring to put him off his stride”.
A professional woman already has to be better at their job to be taken seriously. There are other considerations that many men may not understand when a woman steps into the workplace, for example, the clothes they wear. When buying clothes, concerns like, will the skirt rise too much, showing the top of a leg when I sit down, or would a lower neckline be unprofessional? If they show too much skin, they are unprofessional. If they don’t show enough, they are prudish. It is a no-win situation for women. It should not be this way at all. Clothes do not make a person.
Looks Weight in the Public Eye
Men rarely get attacked for their looks or weight, but women in the public eye are. It is sad that women still have to put up with this nonsense in this day and age.
It is time for a change. Misogyny has no place in society! It is time to stamp out Misogyny in the House of Commons once and for all! We need to clarify that this kind of behaviour has no place in the House of Commons or anywhere else. These are things that men will never have to think about. It is just another barrier against women in the workplace.
She added that women in politics face “sexism and misogyny every day.”
Women in politics face “sexism and misogyny every day”. This is an unfortunate truth that many professional women have to face. It’s unfair, making it harder for women to succeed in politics.
From Angela Rayner’s Twitter feedFrom Angela Rayner’s Twitter feed
In Conclusion
Misogyny has no place in the House of Commons or anywhere else. It is time for us to stand up and demand better from our politicians. We need to show them that we will not tolerate this sort of behaviour and that we expect them to act professionally at all times. Only then can we hope to create a working environment where everyone is treated with respect.
Did you know that a library in London is dedicated solely to Women’s History? It’s true! The Women’s Library, founded in 1926 and has provided valuable resources to women ever since. This library has a fascinating history, and it is still going strong today. If you have an interest in learning more about the Women’s Library, keep reading! This blog post will inspect the Library and its importance to women’s history. We will also discuss some of the interesting things that can be found in this library’s collection.
The Library began its life in a converted pub in London, England and was founded by the London Society For Woman Suffrage (LSWS) with two aims:
First, they wanted to preserve how far gender has changed since colonial times;
Secondly, they wanted to provide resources for newly enfranchised women to enter public life.
LSWS Aims
After moving from Marsham Street into larger premises near Gower Street, Westminster in 1929, the library changed its name to The Fawcett Library. In 2002, it changed back to The Women’s Library.
The first Librarian at the Women’s Library was Vera Douie
Vera Douie, the firsts Librarian at the Women’s Library (image copied from google search)
Vera Douie was the first Librarian, taking her position in 1926, and remained the Librarian for over 41 years. The first library committee meeting took place on 25 January 1926, where the conversation revolved around finding space for the books, filing cabinets and raising funds. In the 1930s, Lady Astor donated 330 books, and Ruth Cavendish-Bentinck donated another 1000 books.
The Library moved several times before finding its home in Aldgate in 2002. During World War II, the library moved to Corsham Court in Wiltshire for safety, where it remained until 1947. The library returned to London and opened again on Gower Street. It is at The Legion, a building which also houses shelters for homeless women and library services for residents.
Not just books!
The Library is home to a wide variety of resources, including books, pamphlets, periodicals, photographs, posters, and more. The library also has an extensive collection of oral histories from women of all walks of life. These oral histories provide valuable first-hand accounts of what it was like to be a woman in the past. In addition to its collection of resources, the Library also offers a variety of services, such as talks, exhibitions, and educational programs.
The Women’s Library houses an impressive collection of books, archives, and artefacts relating to women’s history for equality. Besides its regular collection, the Women’s Library also has a unique collection of rare and valuable items. Some highlights of this collection include a copy of the first edition of Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Women, suffrage banners from the early 20th century, and a dress worn by Emmeline Pankhurst.
The Library offers a vital resource for anyone interested in learning more about women’s history. If you are ever in London, be sure to check it out!
Have you been to the Women’s Library?
Do you have any interesting stories about the Women’s Library? Share them with us in the comments section below! If you are interested in learning more about women’s history, then the Women’s Library is definitely worth visiting. This library has something for everyone!
The Library is a fascinating place and I’m so glad it exists. It’s important to have a dedicated space for Women’s History, where we can come to learn and appreciate all that women have done throughout the years. I definitely recommend paying a visit if you’re ever in London. Who knows, maybe you’ll even find something in the collection that sparks your interest! Until next time, happy reading! Please feel free to share this blog post on social media or on your own website! Julie.
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