Cat-apulting Into History The Feline-Flying Military Tactic That Never Took Off
Throughout military history, you’ll find strategic experiments ranging from the genius to the downright bizarre. But few can top the zany brainchild of Franz Helm, a 16th-century German artillery aficionado whose bright idea left historians — and cat lovers — utterly bewildered. Let’s set the scene with Helm’s magnum opus, the “Feuer Buech,” published in 1584, a treasure trove of ( literally ) explosive innovations in warfare. Imagine this: a battlefield in the Renaissance, not just filled with the clang of swords and the thunder of cannons, but also — wait for it — flying, flaming cats. Yes, you read that right. Franz Helm’s groundbreaking military tactic involved jetpacks for cats. Picture a kitty, strapped with a sack of gunpowder, zipping through the air like a furry missile aimed at enemy strongholds. The hope? These feline projectiles would scamper back to their homes — presumably in enemy territory — and start a blazing inferno. One can only wonder about how they would train cats to become arsonists.
The method was straightforward: kidnap an enemy cat, strap it into a gunpowder-laden backpack, light the fuse, and hope Mr. Whiskers doesn’t get cold paws about blowing up its evil overlords. Preserved for posterity at the University of Pennsylvania, the “Feuer Buech” reminds us of the lengths human creativity can go — especially when combined with a profound misunderstanding of cat behavior. As any cat owner will tell you, cats have their own agendas. The chances of a cat completing its fiery mission are about as high as it bringing you the morning newspaper. Thankfully, we have no evidence that this pyrotechnic plan ever came to pass. Considering cats’ notorious independence, we can rest assured that no self-respecting felines took part in these explosive escapades. So, next time you’re cuddling with your cat, be thankful its biggest inclination is to knock pens off your table rather than infiltrate enemy castles with fire.
Holiday Giving for the Future
How to Include Charity in Your Estate Plan
The holiday season is all about giving to others. As you start planning out your presents for loved ones, it’s also a good time to consider how to incorporate that generosity into your legacy. Whether you want to start a scholarship fund at your old school or do something for your community, adding philanthropy to your estate plan is a gift that will extend long after the holidays are through. Get ready to wrap up your estate plan in a seasonal bow by adding charitable giving to your plan. DIRECT BEQUESTS One of the most straightforward ways to include a charity in your estate plan is with a bequest in your will or trust. Once you select a nonprofit organization you want to support, you can specify a dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or even an asset, like a collection, to leave to them in your estate plan. One of the main benefits of this option is it allows you to manage and control your assets
trusts can offer opportunities to earn tax deductions and lower estate taxes. Charitable Remainder Trusts allow you to transfer assets to an irrevocable trust that pays you or your beneficiaries an income stream for a set period. Once that period is over, any remaining assets and funds will go to your selected charity. There are also Charitable Lead Trusts, which make annual payments to a charity you choose for a set period, and then the remaining assets go to your beneficiaries. Including charitable giving in your estate plan is a powerful way to leave a lasting impact on the people and causes you hold dear. There are different options on how you can best make a gift to a philanthropic cause, but each will give you the ability to support the organizations you love. If you want to make the holiday spirit of giving part of your story for generations to come, contact Douglass & Runger to explore which strategy is right for you!
during your life and ensures your gift goes where it needs to once you pass away.
CHARITABLE TRUSTS Charitable trusts are another way to support philanthropic causes. Along with providing funds to a charity that needs them, these
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