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Jan 25, 2025 | 
rachaelrowe.substack.com | Rachael Rowe
When you walk down a characterful street or historic neighbourhood, have you ever stopped to think about who lived there, say 100 years ago or even 80 years? Who were they? How has the neighbourhood changed? And why aren’t they there any longer? I was walking through Berlin on a freezing cold night and I have to confess that my only thoughts were for a hot meal and a toilet. It was that cold! I was getting closer to my hotel with each step, but the chill made for a brisk walk.
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Jan 21, 2025 | 
matadornetwork.com | Rachael Rowe
The Royal Observatory Greenwich was founded in 1675 by King Charles II and played a crucial role in the development of astronomy and navigation. King Charles II appointed John Flamsteed as the first official government astronomer, known as the “Astronomer Royal,” on March 4 of that year. His instructions were simple: The role of the Astronomer Royal was to study the stars and astronomical movements to calculate longitudes, making navigation safer.
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Nov 13, 2024 | 
rachaelrowe.substack.com | Rachael Rowe
Berlin Wall 35 Year CelebrationsThis weekend, I returned to Berlin to witness the city celebrating 35 years since the infamous Wall fell. A strip of cobbles marks the place where the city was once divided into East and West, and the remaining wall blocks are an outdoor art gallery. Amongst the artworks, light show, and music, there was also time for reflection. The Berlin Wall has featured in my travels several times.
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Sep 29, 2024 | 
rachaelrowe.substack.com | Rachael Rowe
Crow Castle, Matsumoto“We are very proud of our castle.”A Japanese man stopped by my table in a restaurant, welcoming me to his city. He was delighted I had taken time to visit Matsumoto. I was reflecting on an afternoon spent wandering around this exciting place, where people come to see the famous Crow Castle. However, there is a lot more to this Japanese city and its hospitality.
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Sep 24, 2024 | 
postcardstory.substack.com | Rachael Rowe
In September 1917, Private Henry Hawkins sent a silk postcard from France to Miss Nellie Salter in Banbury, Oxfordshire. He simply says: “Forget me not,” and added that he was still alive. Hawkins had enlisted in the army to fight in the World War One trenches. However, there is significantly more to this man than a decorative postcard. Henry Morley Hawkins was born in Plymouth in 1878, the first son of Henry and Mary Jane Hawkins. His father was a machine ruler.
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Sep 7, 2024 | 
rachaelrowe.substack.com | Rachael Rowe
One of the world’s most outstanding scientists has a museum dedicated to their work in Berne. Albert Einstein spent several years in the city so when I was in Berne recently researching a book, I was delighted to squeeze in a visit to the museum. Berne is a delightfully walkable city with many of its famous attractions a short distance from the city centre. Most of the museums are gathered together in one area which is perfect for a rainy day and for that spontaneous visit.
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Jul 26, 2024 | 
rachaelrowe.substack.com | Rachael Rowe
I’ve read some wonderful books this month, and a couple of longish train journeys gave me time to sink into a novel or two. So, here are some of the books I’d recommend. I was intrigued by Vital Organs by Suzie Edge. The chapters themselves are quite compelling, sparking your curiosity to learn more about the world’s most famous body parts. I mean, who knew that Marie Antoinette’s teeth were a thing?
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Jul 15, 2024 | 
wealthbriefing.com | Rachael Rowe
The author of this article argues that most wealth managers lack the necessary tools to do the job of staying on the right side of laws introduced to squash greenwashing.
An area of concern for advocates – and critics – of ESG
investing has been the practice of “greenwashing” – making
investments seem greener than they really are. If this isn’t
stopped, it will foster more cynicism in a financial industry
that must retain trust.
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Jul 14, 2024 | 
rachaelrowe.substack.com | Rachael Rowe
How old is the world's oldest hospital? When did hospitals first become a concept? And how did the idea of a hospital pass from one nation to another? On a recent visit to Sri Lanka, I spent time at Mihintale- reputedly the world's oldest hospital. Today lizards laze on the ruined stones of Mihintale Hospital. It's a peaceful place with only the sound of the birds in the trees as the heat begins to rise.
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Apr 15, 2024 | 
wealthdfm.com | Rachael Rowe |Brandon Russell
Written by Rachael Rowe, RVP for Financial Services at Seismic In December, Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) warned 42 investment companies to think twice about ‘double dipping’ (earning interest on client balances and charging fees for holding cash). This shows how serious the FCA is about its new Consumer Duty regulations. As the July 31st deadline approaches, the pressure is on FS firms to meet all of their new client care, protection, and communication standards.
