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  • Google, Once Again, Offends with D-Day Doodle

    In another one for the Google hates America, freedom, and our veterans files, the search engine is once again on the defensive after pissing off some people on D-Day with a Google Doodle.

    For a brief period this morning, on the 70th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II, Google displayed a Doodle that in no way honored or even referenced the famous battle.

    Instead, Google displayed a Doodle honoring mid-19th century Japanese Go player Honinbo Shusaku.

    Of course, this happened:

    …and this:

    …and plenty more like it.

    As you probably guessed, this was simply a mistake on Google’s part. The doodle, which was only meant to be shown for Google’s Japanese and Hong Kong users, was displayed (for a brief moment) on Google.com, Google.co.uk, and Google.fr.

    “Unfortunately a technical error crept in and for a short period this morning an international doodle also appeared. We’re sorry for the mistake, and we’re proud to honor those who took part in D-Day,” said a Google spokesperson.

    Google’s no stranger to Doodle controversies – especially ones concerning D-Day. Back in 2012, Google was criticized for running a Doodle marking the anniversary of the very first drive-in movie theater on June 6th, instead of featuring a D-Day-themed piece of search art.

    According to Fox News, Google hates America because it didn’t run a Flag Day Doodle at one point.

    Here’s the thing – what Google has done for D-Day is much better than a Doodle could ever be. Right under the search box on its homepage, Google asks users to remember D-Day by exploring letter, photos, and maps of the Normandy landings. Google links us to an interactive “Google Cultural Institute” exhibit, which has nearly 500 of the aforementioned items available for everyone’s perusal.

    Next year, maybe Google will make the “L” an American flag or something, just to appease Twitter.

    Images via YouTube, Wikimedia Commons

  • Mary Soames, Winston Churchill’s Daughter, Dies At 91

    Lady Mary Soames, the last surviving child of Winston Churchill, has died at the age of 91. The family announced that she passed away on Saturday, due to an illness.

    Soames was born in 1922, and is the youngest of the five Churchill siblings. When her father led the British against the German Nazis in World War II, Soames joined the first Red Cross to serve with her father. She also served in Germany, Belgium, and London.

    In addition, Soames spent time travelling with her father, and was present during the post-war planning conference in Germany.

    Nicolas Soames, Lady Mary’s son, said that his mother was a distinguished writer who led a great life and provided her service during the war. He also said that it is a coincidence that his mother passed away just before the 70th anniversary of D-Day, which is on June 6. “It is the great swing of history,” he said.

    He added, “She was not just a wonderful mother to whom we were all devoted, but the head and heart of our family after our father died, and will be greatly missed.”

    Soames spent her life giving service to the public, both by birth and marriage. She married Christopher Soames in 1947, who was a Conservative politician who served as a minister under Margaret Thatcher, Alec Douglas-Home, Harold Macmillan, and Anthony Eden.

    Prime Minister David Cameron also expressed his grief over the death of Soames. He described her as a warm-hearted and wonderful woman. “In the week of the 70th anniversary of D-Day, we remember that she served her country in World War II and was an eye-witness to some of the most important moments in our recent history as she accompanied her father to key conferences.”

    Lady Mary Soames is survived by five children, Arthur Nicholas, Emma Mary, Jeremy Bernard, Charlotte Clementine, and Rupert Christopher.

    Image via YouTube