#hogland

The world's first civilian wireless message rescued Finnish fishermen from the ice floe exactly 120 years ago

Telegram:

“Kotka, Island Suursaari, To Icebreaker Yermak’s Commander. A ice floe with 50 fishermen broke away near Island Lavansaari. Take immediate rescue measures.”

Alexander Stepanovich Popov - Wikipedia

Yermak (1898 icebreaker)

Kotka - Wikipedia

“Get Up” by Hogland & Charlie South

We can always count on Hogland to come through with some of the most upbeat, and today, most inspirational records we have the privilege of listening to. His latest release, along with Lyrasist Charlie South, is a feel-good hit you won’t be able to take off repeat. As soon as you hit the play button, you are introduced to some infectious vocals from Charlie South. As the song plays out and…

The book you see here - or what is left of it - was printed in 1712.

There are many who say that print is dead, and that books are relics of a bygone age. Electronic versions, they say: books on computers or phones or things called Kindles and Nooks. I do not object to the fact that these things exist; books are meant to be read, and if they are to be read on an illuminated screen, that is far better than not being read at all. Good books deserve a wide audience, and one should not quibble about the path they take to reach that audience.

Still, there is something very important about a printed book, even one that has been torn and tattered. A printed book is a physical connection to our past.

Imagine, for a moment, the changes that the world has seen in the three hundred years since this book was printed. Kings and queens have come and gone. Empires have risen and fallen. Try to imagine the path it has taken to the present day. Where was this book when rebels dumped tea into Boston Harbor? It was an old book even then. Where was it when Napolean's armies made their way across Europe? Where was it when the blitz rained down upon London?

How many owners did this humble little book have? How many ghosts would gaze upon this fragile title page, and think: Once upon a time, that was my book.