John Douglas (1830–1911) was an English architect who designed about 500 buildings in Cheshire, North Wales and northwest England, in particular in the estate of Eaton Hall. Douglas' output included the creation, restoration and renovation of churches, church furnishings, houses and other buildings. His architectural styles were eclectic and many of his works incorporate elements of the English Gothic style. He was also influenced by architectural styles from the mainland of Europe and included elements of French, German and Netherlandish architecture into his works. He is remembered for his use of half-timbering, tile-hanging, pargeting, decorative brick in diapering and the design of tall chimney stacks. Of particular importance is Douglas' use of joinery and highly detailed wood carving. Throughout his career he attracted commissions from wealthy landowners and industrialists. Most of his works have survived. The city of Chester contains a number of his structures, the most admired of which are his half-timbered black-and-white buildings and Eastgate Clock. The highest concentration of his work is found in the Eaton Hall estate and the surrounding villages of Eccleston, Aldford and Pulford.

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_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1713:

The main agreements of the Treaty of Utrecht were signed in the Dutch city of Utrecht, helping to end the War of the Spanish Succession. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Utrecht

1814:

The Treaty of Fontainebleau was signed, ending the War of the Sixth Coalition, and forcing Napoleon to abdicate as ruler of France and sending him into exile on Elba. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Fontainebleau_%281814%29

1888:

The Concertgebouw concert hall in Amsterdam was inaugurated. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concertgebouw

1945:

World War II: American forces liberated the Buchenwald concentration camp near Weimar, Germany. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buchenwald_concentration_camp

1965:

Almost 50 confirmed tornadoes struck six states in the Midwestern United States during the Palm Sunday tornado outbreak, killing over 270 people and injuring 1,500 others. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Sunday_tornado_outbreak_of_1965

1979:

Ugandan–Tanzanian War: The Uganda National Liberation Army and Tanzanian forces captured Kampala, forcing Ugandan President Idi Amin to flee. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idi_Amin

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

frivolous (adj): 1. Silly, especially at an inappropriate time or in an inappropriate manner. 2. Of little weight or importance; not worth notice http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/frivolous

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

No greater mistake can be made than to think that our institutions are fixed or may not be changed for the worse. ... Increasing prosperity tends to breed indifference and to corrupt moral soundness. Glaring inequalities in condition create discontent and strain the democratic relation. The vicious are the willing, and the ignorant are unconscious instruments of political artifice. Selfishness and demagoguery take advantage of liberty. The selfish hand constantly seeks to control government, and every increase of governmental power, even to meet just needs, furnishes opportunity for abuse and stimulates the effort to bend it to improper uses. .. The peril of this Nation is not in any foreign foe! We, the people, are its power, its peril, and its hope! --Charles Evans Hughes http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Charles_Evans_Hughes