Since basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, it has become a global game marked by American dominance.
Even though the first modern Olympic games were held five years after basketball began, it took the invention of the Fédération Internationale de Basketball Amateur (FIBA) in 1932 to move the game into the Olympics.
Is basketball in the Olympics? Basketball has been in the Olympics since 1936, and women’s basketball was introduced in 1976. There are also basketball competitions in the Paralympics, and in 2020, the Games included a new format of basketball (3 x 3).
History of Basketball in the Olympics
The 1936 Olympics in Berlin was the first time basketball was included, and the teams played it on an outdoor tennis court. In 1948, it was held in an indoor stadium and has been ever since.
For the next 20 years, the United States dominated the sport without losing a single game and without fielding a single NBA player. Instead, the Olympic basketball team was made up exclusively of college players.
In 1972, the U.S. suffered a controversial loss to the Soviet Union but reclaimed the gold in 1976. Also in 1976, the Olympic Games included women’s basketball for the first time.
Since 1996, the United States’ women’s team has gone undefeated. Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi have five Olympic gold medals, the highest number of Olympic gold medals for any basketball player of any gender.
Types of Basketball Played at the Olympics
There are six different basketball events in the Olympic Games:
- Men’s Basketball
- Women’s Basketball
- Men’s 3×3 Basketball
- Women’s 3×3 Basketball
- Men’s Wheelchair Basketball
- Women’s Wheelchair Basketball
Men’s basketball has been played in every Olympic games since 1904. The International Olympic Committee admitted women’s basketball in 1976, and that competition has been included ever since. The 2020 Olympic Games featured men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball for the first time.
Since 1960, the Summer Paralympics featured men’s wheelchair basketball. In 1968, the Paralympics added a women’s wheelchair basketball competition.
It’s interesting to note that the Paralympics included women’s basketball before the standard Summer Olympics.
What Is 3 x 3 Basketball?
A quick overview: 3 x 3 basketball features two teams that start with three players and one alternate each. The teams play for 10 minutes or until one team hits 21 points.
The game is played on a half-court and was widespread globally in an informal way. Since 2007, FIBA has offered multiple tournaments and set standardized rules for the competitions.
In 2020, the women’s U.S. team won gold, the Russian Olympic Committee won silver, and China won third. The men’s competition resulted in Latvia taking gold, the Russian Olympic Committee taking silver, and Serbia taking bronze.
What Country Has the Most Basketball Olympic Medals?
The U.S. men’s team has the most gold medals (16) and the most overall medals (19). The Soviet Union has the most silver medals (4) and the most bronze medals (3).
The U.S. women’s team has the most gold medals (9) and the most overall medals (11). Australia has to most silver medals (3) and the most bronze medals (2).
Even though basketball is a global sport, America and Americans’ influence on the game is undeniable. From its roots in the winter of Massachusetts to Tokyo in 2020 and beyond, basketball is a sport with a worldwide presence and elite levels of competition.
NBA Players In the Olympics
For many years, players from the National Basketball Association were barred from playing in the Olympic Games since the Olympics were meant to be for amateur athletes.
However, other countries would get around this rule by giving players “allowances” instead of “wages.” Some Eastern Bloc countries listed their Olympians as being in the military when they were, in fact, just paid by the state to be athletes.
Thus, in 1989, FIBA decided that NBA players would, in fact, be allowed to play in the Olympics. This decision led to the renewed American dominance in the sport and the formation of the so-called Dream Team.
The 1992 U.S. Dream Team
Eleven players made up the basketball team that headed to the Olympics. Ten of them were NBA players, most at the peak of their careers, and one was a college basketball player.
They came from across the league, with eight NBA teams sending players. Additionally, a college player was chosen to honor the tradition of the U.S. Olympic team featuring college players.
Chicago Bulls: Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen
These two had led the Bulls to the first two of their championship three-peat just weeks before the Olympics. Michael Jordan was instrumental in building the Dream Team.
There are even rumors that he made sure that his rival Isiah Thomas didn’t make it onto the team. However, instead of using his fame to be the poster child of the Dream Team, Jordan supported Magic Johnson and Larry Bird being co-captains.
Boston Celtics: Larry Bird
At 35 years old, Larry Bird was the oldest player on the Dream Team. His storied career was marred by a back injury that caused him to miss 37 games in his final NBA season (1991-1992).
Despite the injury, Larry Bird played phenomenally in the Olympics. Playing on the Dream Team was a wonderful swan song for the basketball legend, who retired after taking home the gold.
Los Angeles Lakers: Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson had already been diagnosed with HIV, and he had retired from the NBA in 1991. Due to his diagnosis, he and the team faced scrutiny.
The Australian Olympic Committee said they would boycott due to concerns that Magic would infect other players. In 1991, HIV was highly stigmatized, but this treatment of Magic Johnson actually garnered him more support. The Australian team did show up, walking back on their previous threats.
San Antonio Spurs: David Robinson
This was actually the Admiral’s second Olympic appearance, since he played on the 1988 Olympic team. Although he graduated from the United States Naval Academy and was drafted in 1987, he had to complete obligatory military service.
Since he hadn’t started playing professionally yet, he was allowed to play in the Olympics in 1988, the last year that active NBA players weren’t allowed to participate.
The rest of the players came from the following NBA teams:
- Utah Jazz: John Stockton and Karl Malone
- New York Knicks: Patrick Ewing
- Golden State Warriors: Chris Mullin
- Philadelphia 76ers: Charles Barkley
- Portland Trail Blazers: Clyde Drexler


You may have seen the ‘before’ pics of this bike here. It’s an early Colnago Saronni – that is to say, it’s a Colnago Super. rebranded and badged by Ernesto to honour his ‘favourite son’, Beppe Saronni. In due course the brand expanded and was eventually sold off, so the later bikes were made by other Italian builders like Technotrat. Great bikes in their own right, but not Colnagos, despite what unscrupulous eBayers will tell you. The term Saronni is now associated more with the deep metallic burgundy colour of the bike Saronni rode (see my Colnago Super for an … Continue reading Colnago Saronni in red, but not Saronni Red!
The iconic Colnago Super. I’ve had a few over the years, and refined it down to this one. Simple, classic, clean, bloody good looking and in the iconic ‘Saronni Red’. Now, ironically, I also have a red Colnago Saronni which isn’t in this red. I collected this one on a trip to Italy a while ago and it will be heading back there with me for Eroica in October 2018 – and very possibly to Flanders for the Retro Ronde in June. Continue reading Colnago Super – in Saronni Red
This is my Practical Superbike – a steel framed Colnago Tecnos, dating from 2002. According to Laura Paolini at Colnago (the source of all available serial number information on Colnagos) it was originally “color AD10, I think it has later been repainted in AD14”. AD10 was the light blue version of the same Art Deco colour scheme and yellow was the primary colour of the team that owned it before me. It’s an ex-team bike, from a German domestic outfit but these days is fitted with a much more friendly Campagnolo triple crankset. In fact, it’s Campagnolo throughout, but a bit … Continue reading Colnago Tecnos
In the late 1980s and early 1990s while steel still reigned supreme, the frame builders of the world were waiting for the next big thing. Vitus in France had been making their bonded aluminium frames since the 1970s, while in … Continue reading Raleigh DynaTech 300
Here’s a quick gallery of the Family Fleet as it stands today. Click on each image for a little more about each bike, Continue reading N+1


Merge two of Hawkes Bays most successful clubs and the result is Napier Old Boys Marist, a powerful force in Hawke’s Bay Sport.
The new organisation was formed from the amalgamation of Marist and Napier Old Boys clubs in late 1990. Both clubs have a proud history of sporting success since being founded in the early 1900’s. They are in fact among the Bays most successful clubs, with a total of some 26 Maddison Trophy titles between them within a 60 year period. Napier Old Boys, established in 1910, won the first of their 15 inter town championships in 1930, while Marist, founded in 1908, first became champions in 1936 and finished with 11.
Anyone around during the heady days of the 1960’s and early 1970’s will relate tales of titanic battles between the two clubs for inter town supremacy. Games between the McLean Park based clubs often attracted crowds of 4000 to 5000 , more than for most Bay Rep matches these days.


During the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries Europeans accessed increasingly effective and economical means of exchanging letters within and across boundaries. In their most political functions, correspondence networks gathered information necessary for the consolidation of state authority. At their most esoteric, they were devoted to the exchange of ideas within a trans-national community of learned men and women known as the ‘republic of letters’. Although handled in separate historical literatures, these two types of ‘intelligencing’ overlapped: on the one hand, ‘men of letters’ possessed the linguistic, rhetorical, diplomatic skills, and networks required to obtain the information vital to emerging states; on the other, states possessed the abundant resources and the best infrastructures for collecting and disseminating information.
The study of both kinds of early modern intelligencing has been hindered because scholars have lacked both large quantities of high-quality epistolary data and the tools and quantitative methods needed to analyse the networks documented by them.
‘Networking Archives’ addresses these challenges by bringing together the data, tools, methods, and expertise of two existing projects to perform four conceptually distinct but chronologically overlapping tasks.
Uniting existing data. The first task will be to unite the existing resources created by the two projects: Early Modern Letters Online (EMLO) the published union catalogue created by the Mellon-funded ‘Cultures of Knowledge’ project in Oxford, and the unpublished epistolary data extracted from the 16th-century Domestic and Foreign State Papers Online collected by the AHRC-funded ‘Tudor Networks of Power’ (TNoP) project in Queen Mary University London and Cambridge.
Curating new data. The second task will be to combine the editorial tools and expertise of the two projects to curate a third dataset: the records of letters in the Stuart State Papers Online. Added to EMLO, this will create a consolidated meta-archive of c. 450,000 letter records provide the materials for a fresh wave of research into the early modern ‘intelligencing’ networks and the role of intelligencers between the accession of Henry Tudor in 1509 and the death of Queen Anne, the last Stuart monarch, in 1714.
Analysing the meta-archive. The third and principal phase of work will combine quantitative network analysis of this data with traditional research approaches to discover what the ‘meta-archive’ reveals about the ways in which ‘intelligence’ was gathered and transmitted in the early modern period, in the service both of consolidating of state authority and open intellectual exchange within the international ‘republic of letters’. To explore the utility of the data, software, and methods in pursuing this objective, the project team will undertake a series of collaborative, interdisciplinary ‘laboratories’ in which experiments will be conducted on the newly curated and merged datasets.
Propagating methods. The fourth programme of work will expand these laboratories into two training schools and a colloquium designed to introduce a cohort of colleagues in early career through the process of data-cleaning, data-formatting, network analysis, and critical methods for incorporating their findings into historical scholarship.
The research outputs from all these activities will be presented in a variety of traditional and non-traditional humanities publications, including large-scale datasets, technical papers, peer-reviewed scholarly articles, a popular history on espionage and surveillance in the early modern world, a collaboratively researched case study of intelligencing at the centre of the meta-archive, and an edited collection of essays emerging from the project’s training schools and colloquia.


Jam artisan, founder of Cottage Delight
Passion for quality and taste
In 1974, Nigel Cope could be seen first creating fabulous fudge in his kitchen at home in the Staffordshire Moorlands, founding the Cottage Delight brand. Over the years, Nigel’s passion for quality and taste expanded the Cottage Delight range to include juicy jams, dreamy curds, chunky chutneys, marvellous marmalades, and so much more. After four decades, Nigel has retired but his ethos remains at the core of Cottage Delight, which still resides in the heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands and still create Nigel’s fabulous fudge recipe.


In 2014, I had the opportunity to accompany my husband on a work trip to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina during the week before Memorial Day. The weather was great, the ocean was beautiful, and I had plenty of time to catch up on some projects. I had never been to South Carolina, and I figured it would be unlikely to have another opportunity to visit there any time in the near future, if ever. A week in a beautiful place with just my husband and lots of relaxation? Yes, please!
I had been asked to give a short talk about Memorial Day during our church services on the upcoming Sunday, so I spent a good deal of time gathering my thoughts and trying to determine how best to approach the topic of Memorial Day and honoring our fallen veterans.
Since I love family history, I thought it would be a great time to share a few family stories in my talk. I could honor some of my veteran ancestors, and hopefully get others excited about family history, too. One of the ancestors I selected to highlight was my 3rd great-grandfather, Samuel Madison, a Civil War veteran.
On Thursday of that week, while my husband relaxed a bit after his last full day of class, I continued to peruse several resources to piece together an outline of Samuel’s service.
Samuel Madison enlisted in Co. A of the 21st Michigan Volunteers in Jackson, Michigan, on September 10, 1864. He had a wife, Miretta, and two children, Frank and Alzina. The family stayed in Eaton, Michigan, following Samuel’s enlistment. Although I would love to know what enticed Samuel, who was about 39 years old at the time, to enlist three full years into the war, we can only speculate. Unfortunately, the records do not include that type of information.
Samuel’s service in the war was short. In November and December 1864, his unit participated in the March to the Sea in Georgia and also the Siege of Savannah. It is very likely that Samuel participated in these events to some degree, because we know from his records that he died from acute dysentery at 1 Div 14 A.C. hospital in Savannah, Georgia, on January 10, 1865. Like many others, he contracted the illness while in service. His Compiled Military Service Record may give more details on his activities prior to his death and could be a great source for future research.
Samuel was buried in Laurel Grove cemetery in Savannah, and later was re-interred at Beaufort National Cemetery in South Carolina.
As I pieced together and analyzed the data and clues from Samuel’s military service, the location of his burial caught my attention. He was buried in Beaufort? South Carolina? We were in South Carolina that very day and would be flying home to Michigan the next day. Was the cemetery close enough that maybe we could visit?
Sure enough – Beaufort National Cemetery was about one hour from our hotel. It was only 5pm by this point so there was plenty of time to drive over there. When my husband heard about my discovery, he immediately said, “Well, let’s go!” And so we did. Within a few minutes we were out the door, GPS at the ready, and on our way.
It was a beautiful sunny evening. The cemetery, like all national cemeteries, was peaceful and reverent. We searched in the grave locator on site to double check the grave location: section 41, site 4740. My husband and I were both excited – it was an unexpected opportunity at the end of our week in Hilton Head. My husband loves everything military and I love everything family history so it was a perfect adventure for us. I was also very humbled – because I was still stunned at the sudden turn of events that led us to this discovery.
We found his stone and spent time reflecting on Samuel’s service and the sacrifice of all the people buried there. We soaked in the peace and beauty of the area; how the stones were arranged neatly in curved lines, each one representing a life lost, and how the sun sprinkled light through the trees and over the rows of white.
We noticed a small group of people, including some Boy Scouts, who were placing flags at the graves for Memorial Day. We asked if we could get a flag so we could place it at Samuel’s stone, and the Scouts very kindly obliged.
My husband placed Samuel’s flag carefully, honored to give this small act of service back to my 3rd great-grandfather who had given his life in service to his country. How long had it been since a family member had visited his grave? How long since someone made a point to say thank you for your service and sacrifice in person? Considering his family for the next several generations stayed in Michigan, I would guess it had been a very long time.
That experience and the sequence of events that led up to it have stayed with me. I know that we were led there. I could feel it. By chance, I had been asked to talk about Memorial Day. By chance, I selected Samuel Madison as a person to spotlight in my talk. By chance, when I pieced together the details of his service, I happened to be one hour away from his final resting place, where my husband and I could take the time and make the effort to pay our respects for my Civil War ancestor that paid the ultimate sacrifice. And by chance, we happened to visit the cemetery on a Thursday evening at the exact time that we could place the flag at his gravestone, in honor of his service, for Memorial Day.
If I had waited even one day to dig into that research on Samuel Madison, the opportunity would have been lost. And what a disappointment that would have been! Instead, my husband and I had what felt like a surreal experience as we were led exactly where we needed to go, exactly when we needed to be there.
And that, friend, is serendipity.


London in 1851
1851 is the year, and London is the place, where the first modern chess tournament was held. Adolf Anderssen from Germany won the first chess tournament. Chess is two-player board game played on a square-checkered board with 64 squares arranged in an 8×8 grid. It originated in northwest India during the Gupta empire. The earliest evidence of this board game is found in the Sassanid Persia around, where the game came to be known under the name chatrang. Chess is also known as the “King’s Game”.


Continuing the legacy of Power and Dixon, P.C. as one of the most respected and oldest Black-owned law firms in Chicago, Berve Power, Jr. Esq,
became managing partner in 2002, as his uncle and one of the founders of the firm, Robert C. Power successfully transitioned the firm's leadership to him.
Attorney Power has honored the tradition and advanced the practice through focused, community-driven work and service.
Practicing law since passing the bar at the age of 23, the former intern of the US Attorney's Office, has a keen focus on civil rights. Power has been part of internationally noted cases, including The Ryan Harris Case, in which a 7 and 8 year old were wrongly accused of murder. The criminal case was dismissed due to lack of evidence against the Chicago youth. The civil case against the City of Chicago on behalf of the youth who were falsely accused, was settled in 2005 for $6.2 million.


The Jeep® Brand's 4x4 leadership continues in the 70's with the introduction of the first full-time 4x4 system. The sporty two-door full-size Cherokee (SJ) sweeps the 4x4 of the Year awards. Six models help elevate sales to all-time highs.
THE AMC YEARS
In 1969, Kaiser Jeep started a “Jeep® Great Escape” advertising campaign showing the variety of recreational uses of Jeep vehicles. Kaiser Jeep sold the company to American Motors (AMC) in 1970 for approximately $75 million. Four-wheel-drive vehicles were becoming very popular – by 1978, AMC was producing 600 vehicles a day. In 1972, the Quadra-Trac® 4x4 System was introduced, the first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. In 1976, the Jeep Brand introduced the CJ-7.
DARING ADVENTURES BEGIN HERE
1970-1984 DISPATCHER JEEP® (DJ)
1974-1987 JEEP® J-10 PICKUP
HONCHO MEANS “BOSS”
In 1971, the Jeep® Trucks dropped the Gladiator name. Later offerings were called J-10 (119-inch) or J-20 (131-inch). Improvements included front disc brakes, a new front axle, six-stud wheels and heavier frame cross members. The J-10 J-Series pickup truck line included the Honcho, Golden Eagle and 10-4 trim packages.
All trucks shared the same body design as the Jeep® Wagoneer and Cherokee from the cab forward, and were offered with traditional slab-sided or step-side bodies. The 10-4 trim package was produced from 1974-1983. The1978 package consisting mostly of color choices and detailing, the 10-4 package also offered an optional, factory-installed CB radio.
The Honcho included gold striping on the bedside, fenders and tailgate, wide 8x15-inch spoker wheels and off-road tires, Levi’s denim interior, and sport steering wheel. The Laredo package replaced the Honcho in 1983. Produced in 1977-1983, the 1977 Golden Eagle package included a grille guard, driving lamps, pick-up bed roll bar, eight-inch wheels, Levi’s seats, accent stripes and an eagle hood decal–all for a $749 premium.
1974-1987 JEEP® J-20 PICKUP
1955-1983 JEEP® CJ-5 UNIVERSAL
1972-1983 JEEP® CJ-5 RENEGADE
SPECIAL EDITION 4X4S
Renegade models typically featured a 304-cubic inch (5L) V8 engine, stouter drivetrain, alloy wheels, and a Trac-Lok® limited slip rear differential. For 1976 AMC reintroduced the Super Jeep® (also offered in 1973). This unique CJ-5 featured special striping on the hood and seats, chrome front bumper, roll bar, 258 OHV inline six, black rubber lip extensions on the fenders, and oversize Polyglas white-walled tires.
1975-1983 JEEP® CHEROKEE (SJ)
1975-1978 JEEP® CHEROKEE CHIEF (SJ)
In January of 1975, the Cherokee Chief was introduced. The Wide-Track option was available with key upgraded interior and exterior features: exterior stripes, larger wheels, three-inch-wider axles, larger front and rear wheel cutouts, Dana 44 front and rear axles, and a nicer interior. The package retailed for $349 more than the “S” model.
1976-1986 JEEP® CJ-7
In 1978, Mark Smith, who is widely known as the father of modern four-wheeling, took a group of 13 modern explorers from Tierra del Fuego, Chile to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska in their Jeep® CJ-7 4x4s. The 21,000-mile trip took 122 days to complete and included a remarkable crossing through the Darien Gap, a stretch of hostile jungle that had only once before been crossed by the British military in 100 days with the loss of eight men. Smith and his men crossed the Darian Gap in 30 days and lost no one.


The History of Savoy Brown
Defining the British Blues Boom music scene in London in the mid ‘60’s
The British R ‘n‘ B boom of the early 1960’s led directly to the British Blues Explosion in 1968.
The London R n B boom led by, for example, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Yardbirds, The Pretty Things and to some extent the Beatles quickly moved into mainstream pop and left a vacuum in the London clubs.
This vacuum, in London, was filled in the mid 60’s by John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers featuring Eric Clapton and Savoy Brown’s Blues Band featuring Kim Simmonds.
Both these bands became headliners at major London clubs such as The Marquee establishing a “blues night” amongst the mainstream soul and popular music in the charts at that time.
As headlining pioneers of the new blues movement Savoy Brown gave a platform to emerging bands in other areas of the U.K. Ten Years After and Jethro Tull both were opening acts to Savoy Brown on blues night at the Marquee.
Chicken Shack from Birmingham also came to London and along with the early Fleetwood Mac established themselves on the scene.
John Mayall, Savoy Brown, Fleetwood Mac, Jethro Tull, Chicken Shack and Ten Years After became the “big six” blues bands at that time.
In fact a 45 single was released by The Liverpool Scene called “I’ve Got These Fleetwood Mac Chicken Shack John Mayall Can’t Fail Blues” and the second chorus has Savoy Brown and Jethro Tull to round off the full song story.
Hits soon followed for these bands (Savoy Brown cracking the USA in 1969) and the blues movement quickly gave way to the heavy rock of Black Sabbath, themselves a blues band when they started.
The British Blues Boom was a phenomena never to be repeated again and remains one of the foremost U.K. music movements of all time.


A Bathing Ape, commonly known as Bape Hoodie, has achieved an extraordinary milestone in the world of streetwear by celebrating its 30th anniversary. To mark this momentous occasion, the iconic Japanese brand hosted a spectacular runway show in the heart of New York City. This event not only showcased Bape’s evolution over the past three decades but also reaffirmed its position as a pioneering force in the fashion industry. In this article, we will take a closer look at the significance of the 30th-anniversary runway show and explore the mesmerizing journey of Bape.
30 Years of Bape – A Legacy Unfolded
Founded in 1993 by Nigo, Bape Hoodie has been a driving force in the streetwear culture since its inception. Its distinctive camo patterns, bold designs, and playful graphics have revolutionized the fashion landscape, captivating a diverse audience ranging from streetwear aficionados to A-list celebrities.
The 30th anniversary marks a significant moment for the brand as it reflects on its storied history while looking ahead to the future. Throughout these three decades, Bape has continuously pushed boundaries, blending street style with high fashion and collaborating with global brands and artists. The runway show in New York City is a testament to the brand’s worldwide influence and its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.
The Extravagant Runway Show
Bape‘s 30th-anniversary runway show was a dazzling spectacle that took place in one of New York City’s most iconic venues. Fashion enthusiasts, celebrities, and industry insiders gathered to witness the culmination of three decades of innovation and creativity. The show was a harmonious fusion of streetwear and high fashion, with each look showcasing the brand’s signature aesthetic.
The runway was transformed into an immersive experience, featuring elaborate sets that paid homage to Bape’s most iconic designs and collaborations throughout the years. From the signature camo motifs to the iconic ape head logo, every element of Bape’s legacy was thoughtfully integrated into the show’s presentation.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity
Beyond the celebration of its own legacy, the 30th-anniversary runway show also emphasized Bape’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. Models from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and identities graced the runway, showcasing Bape’s designs on a global and inclusive stage. The brand’s dedication to representing a diverse range of perspectives aligns with the ever-evolving landscape of fashion and reflects its appeal to a broad and diverse audience.
Unveiling Exclusive Collections
In addition to the retrospective celebration, Bape’s 30th-anniversary runway show also unveiled exclusive collections that pay homage to its legacy while embracing contemporary trends. Limited-edition pieces featuring collaborations with renowned artists, designers, and global brands were among the highlights of the show. These collections are a testament to Bape’s continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of streetwear and embracing creative collaborations that captivate its global fanbase.
Impact on the Future of Streetwear
As Bape marks its 30th anniversary, it cements its position as an enduring and influential force in the streetwear and fashion industry. Its journey from a small store in Tokyo’s Harajuku district to a global powerhouse symbolizes the power of creativity, innovation, and dedication to one’s unique vision.
With the runway show serving as a glimpse into the brand’s future, Bape shows no signs of slowing down. It continues to inspire and shape the streetwear landscape, capturing the hearts of new generations while holding a special place in the hearts of loyal fans.
In conclusion, Bape’s 30th-anniversary runway show in New York City was a breathtaking celebration of the brand’s legacy, innovation, and enduring influence on streetwear culture. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global phenomenon, Bape’s journey exemplifies the power of creativity and authenticity.
As Bape continues to evolve and expand its creative boundaries, its impact on the world of fashion and streetwear remains unparalleled. The 30th-anniversary runway show served as a testament to the brand’s ability to bridge the gap between street style and high fashion while celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
As we eagerly await the brand’s future endeavors, it is evident that Bape will continue to shape the fashion industry for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and wardrobes of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.


Gold Coin Found By Construction Worker in Sonora, California
April 9, 2013 - Recently, Eberardo Rodriguez of Moreno Valley was putting in high-speed internet cables in downtown Sonora, to link the traditionally sleepy town to the fast-paced internet age. Rodriguez was trenching the asphalt at Green and Bradford Streets in Sonora, shoveling dirt with his digging bar when he discovered a dime-sized gold coin predating both the Gold Rush and the statehood of California.
The gold coin was minted in 1844 in Charlotte, NC, and according to its markets had a $2.50 denomination at the time of its minting.
The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation’s statistics indicate that the Charlotte Mint stuck only 11,622 examples, though it is not currently known how many of those original examples survive. At current market prices, the gold in the coin Rodriguez found is worth $195.01, though features of the numismatic coin such as its minting and current condition ultimately determine its value.
A Sonora resident and coin collector, Gerald Howard, said the coin may have a special mintmark, which would make it very valuable. Gary Carter, owner of DD’s Antiques N Such in Jamestown, offered to buy the coin from Rodriguez for $300, but Rodriguez declined to sell it.
Carter inspected the coin and noticed it had been worn down on both sides, partially an effect of the coin’s being in the streets of Sonora. He stated that if the coin was in excellent condition it would have booked for $900 and up.
Sharon Marovich, chairwoman of the Tuolumne County Heritage Committee, said downtown Sonora’s streets weren’t paved until around 1922 and until the 20th century people panned for gold in the dirt streets.
Mine tailings, or the refuse dirt from local mining operations, were unloaded onto the roads in order to smooth them over and during periods of rain it wasn’t uncommon for people to sift through them in search of gold.
For Marovich, Rodriguez’s discovery of the gold coin is significant because it shows the history of the town of Sonora, which is encapsulated and coating all of downtown.
Collectors in the modern market are well aware of the high value of gold coinage at current market prices and stories of gold holdings being found, usually by surviving relatives, are often read as a piece of history getting handed down in modern times.
Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Coin.com


This summer, the Nova Scotia Museum’s 27 sites across the province will provide families with experiences that are entertaining and educational. “Museums offer excellent ways to spend quality family time together,” said Leonard Preyra, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. “I encourage everyone to visit our museums in the summertime to take advantage of special programs, exhibits and learning experiences.” At the Museum of Natural History in Halifax, visitors will be treated to Out of This World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television. Featuring more than 40 costumes and objects from science fiction films and TV programs, this exciting exhibition shows visitors how costume design uses colour, style, scale, materials, historical traditions, nature and cultural cues to help actors and audiences engage with the characters being portrayed. Also in Halifax, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic hosts Cable Ships: Connecting Halifax to Titanic and the World. Researched and developed by museum staff, the exhibit explores the history of cable ships, from their contribution to establishing global communications, to the role of Halifax-based ships during the recovery operations after the sinking of RMS Titanic. At Ross Farm Museum in New Ross, visitors can explore 60 acres of rolling farmland to discover what life was like over 100 years ago. From historic Rose Bank Cottage, where the Ross family lived, to daily activities such as wool spinning, candle making and ox shoeing, the museum gives visitors the chance to experience yesterday’s traditional farming methods, while learning sustainable ways of living for today. In Barrington, visitors can step inside the preserved Barrington Woolen Mill to learn how machinery and water power helped revolutionize life in rural Nova Scotia. Established in 1882, the mill industrialized the process of turning raw fleece into yarn and cloth, forever changing the way local fishing and farming families produced warm, wool clothing. At the Museum of Industry in Stellarton, visitors of all ages can push, pull, lift, drop and laugh as they enjoy exhibits and interactive displays that highlight how technology, and people, worked throughout this province’s history. Featuring 30,000 artifacts, the Museum of Industry is the best place to find out what “Made in Nova Scotia” really means. Visitors eager to experience Nova Scotia’s Gaelic culture, heritage and hospitality need look no further than the Highland Village Museum. Located in scenic Iona, Victoria Co., the village is North America’s only living history museum for Gaelic language and culture. The 43-acre site features historic buildings, rare farm animals, lively interpreters and a breathtaking view of the Bras d’Or lake, now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. At Uniacke Estate Museum Park in Mount Uniacke, visitors can explore one of Nova Scotia’s grandest homes. Built in 1816 by prosperous Irish politician Richard John Uniacke, this country mansion features treasured family belongings such as fine furniture and exquisite portraits. Outside the picturesque estate, there are several walking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, that offer recreational opportunities for people of all ages. In Lower West Pubnico, visitors to Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse will be able to enjoy the site’s new nature trail, which was opened on June 5. Stretching along the shoreline of the village’s 17-acre property, the trail will feature strategically placed interpretive panels that highlight the area’s natural beauty and historical significance. For information on the 27 museums sites, scheduled events, locations, admission rates and hours of operation, visit http://museum.gov.ns.ca .


These photos show some of the segmented work I have completed. Hundreds of pieces of wood are cut and assembled to create the patterns that you see. Woods from all over the world are used for their natural colors and properties. Each piece requires careful planning and meticulous attention to detail to construct. I have enjoyed the challenges they present.
Fibonacci Sunburst was inspired by my investigation of the Fibonacci series of numbers. While not organic as some of the carved pieces, the Fibonacci series is reflected in the numbers of elements (types of wood, number of spirals, numbers of layers....).
Skyphos was based on a piece of Phoenician pottery of the geometric era, about 1000 BC, that I saw in the Boston Museum of art. Interestingly, a piece of pottery of this same shape and design was also done by a Navajo potter.
I was on a trip to the Maine seacoast and got inspired by some jewelry that featured 4 dolphins in a ring which formed a Celtic cross. Researching the story behind the design led to really interesting history and the inspiration for the piece, St. Brendan’s Cross. I wrote a very brief biography of the story behind the cross and the monk which can be found here.
I completed the piece All American shortly after 9/11 as a tribute to the victims of the disaster. Looking into the piece there is a suggestion of stars and stripes. All the wood in the piece is from the US, hence the name.
Golden Urn was a gift to my parents for their 50th wedding anniversary. It was the first turned piece that I tried my hand at doing some carving on.


In response to emergency call from Soum’s police sergeant B.Soronzonbat, on April 29 night, Explosive Search and Destroy team, appointed by Chairman of Mongolian Staff of Armed Forces, deployed to Bayanjargal soum of Tuv aimag, Mongolia.
The emergency team deployed to “Ulaan-Ukhaa”, a place 23 kilometres from Soum center, found “OFAB-250”, “FAB-250” model airplane bombs and 30 mm combat bullets. The team exterminated the found military objects and ensured safety of local people. In order to check the place for more objects, the emergency team of the Ministry of Defense is planning to survey the area surrounding the found objects.
Locals say, in socialist era, a Soviet air unit used to station around this area.
In the twentieth century, Soviet army entered into Mongolian (then People’s Republic of Mongolia) territory four times, respectively in: 1921, 1939, 1945 and 1967. All these military movements were in response to the region’s security and in the name of defense of Mongolia.
By the end of 1960’s North group of People’s Army of China stationed near Mongol-Russian border. This group included 33 steppe division, 11 mechanical division, 9 army, 4300 tanks, and 10 000 artillery. On top of that, 30 civilian infantry divisions have been set up and started training against possible enemy that is Soviet Union. In response to this threat, Far Eastern district of Soviet Union increased preparedness of its Southern Baikal group. In the framework of this action, Soviet Union regrouped its Far Eastern and South Baikal military groups, and transferred troops from Leningrad and Baltic military groups.
In this effort Soviet Union sent one army corps comprised of 2 divisions as its pioneers of 39th army. Construction troops of Soviet Union in Mongolia participated in building of railway road and civilian buildings.
By the beginning of 1970, Soviet Union’s 39th army moved into Mongolia. This army is comprised of 7 sections. Each section had up to 330 tanks, and were deployed near Chinese border.
As progress of that story should take more attention, it’s better to discuss that history in another post. Legacy of Soviet armies in Mongolia is still founding in many places in Mongolia.


The Piper Alpha tragedy, which saw 167 men lose their lives, was 30 years ago yet the events of that night are just as shocking today, three decades on. It will forever be imprinted in the memories of the people of Aberdeen.
Final preparations have been put in place in the Piper Alpha Memorial Garden in Aberdeen’s Hazlehead Park ahead of a special service tomorrow (7pm on Friday 6 July) to commemorate the 30th anniversary.
Aberdeen City Council, with the support of the Pound for Piper Trust, has installed new benches and refreshed the garden in readiness for the service.
The Act of Remembrance has been organised by Reverend Gordon Craig, Chaplain to the Oil & Gas Industry of the United Kingdom.
Reverend Craig will lead the service for families, friends and representatives from industry in honour of the 167 men who tragically lost their lives in the Piper Alpha disaster.
It will be a very sad and humbling occasion, but we must never forget the men who died – dads, sons, brothers, uncles, nephews, partners, friends and colleagues who never returned home.
That is why it is so important that the City of Aberdeen and industry come together for this Act of Remembrance. And, by doing so, I hope that those affected will know that our thoughts are with them at this time and forever.
The memorial garden, which includes the Piper Alpha memorial statute, is a very special place for the people of Aberdeen, the wider oil and gas industry, and particularly for those whose lives have been affected by this tragedy.
To enable those offshore or unable to attend the Act of Remembrance the service will be broadcast live on Facebook @TheUkOilGasChaplaincy
The order of service is:
- Bon Accord Silver Band starts playing at 6.30pm
- Rev Craig will begin proceedings at 7pm
- Industry representatives will begin the roll-call of those who lost their lives
- A lone piper will play a lament followed by a minute’s silence
- Wreaths will then be laid by the Lord Provost on behalf of the City of Aberdeen, Oil & Gas UK Chief Executive Deirdre Michie on behalf of the industry, and Steve Rae, one of the trustees from the Pound for Piper Trust, which provides funding to help the city council maintain the Memorial Garden
- Families, friends, colleagues and well-wishers will then be invited to lay flowers or wreaths
- Light refreshments will be available in Hazlehead Park Café, from 6pm onwards, courtesy of the Pound for Piper Trust.
All are welcome to attend.
While the Act of Remembrance is the key event marking the anniversary of the disaster there are other opportunities for those wanting to reflect and pay their respects. These are:
Oil Chapel at the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting
The Oil Chapel at the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting in Aberdeen will open on 6 July between 12 noon and 4pm where people can visit to view the original Book of Remembrance or light a candle;
Rev Craig will conduct ‘Daily Prayers’ that day in the Kirk starting at 1pm and lasting around 15 minutes.
Ferryhill Parish Church
On Saturday 7 July Ferryhill Parish Church will keep its Church Sanctuary open from 10am to 4pm providing a peaceful space in which to remember those who lost their lives and who were affected;
Ferryhill Parish Church also has the Memorial Chapel, home of the Piper Alpha stained-glass window. The designer of the window, Jennifer-Jane Bayliss, will be in the church from 11am and 12 noon and 2pm and 4pm on Saturday.
The church is also home to the Lord Provost’s Book of Remembrance, and visitors will be able to read the names of loved ones, survivors’ names and official letters of condolence from all over the world.
A short film with some memories from survivors of the disaster will also be available and there will be an opportunity to light a small candle in remembrance.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Piper Alpha tragedy there will be an opportunity to see in detail the Piper Alpha Memorial banner, commissioned by the Victorian Trade and Labour Council in Australia, and gifted to the City of Aberdeen, at Aberdeen Maritime Museum this weekend.
Made by textile artist Julie Montgarret the banner commemorates those who lost their lives in the Piper Alpha Disaster 30 years ago.
The banner usually hangs in the museum’s education suite but it will be taken down off the wall to allow visitors to see both sides of this very special tribute.
Piper Alpha Memorial Banner Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Shiprow Friday 6 July, Saturday 7 July, 10am-5pm Sunday 8 July, 12noon-3pm
Aberdeen Central Library
Remembering Piper Alpha exhibition
To mark the 30th anniversary of the tragedy the Local Studies section has put together an exhibition showcasing items from its reserve stock. The exhibition will be on display in the Information Centre.
Exhibition runs 5 July – 14 July
Aberdeen Central Library, Rosemount Viaduct
The images are of the Piper Alpha Memorial statue, created in bronze, by renowned Scottish artist Sue Jane Taylor. The statue was unveiled on 6th July 1991 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The plinth under the Piper Alpha statue states: Dedicated to the memory of the one hundred and sixty seven men who lost their lives in the Piper Alpha Oil Platform Disaster 6th July 1988.


The 100th Regiment Historical Society was incorporated in 2013 as a non-profit organization located in Ottawa, Ontario.
The Society’s purpose is to:
- Promote and commemorate the memory, contributions, and achievements of the 100th (Prince Regent’s County of Dublin) Regiment of Foot in the defence and development of Canada.
- Encourage historical interpretation & research in the community.
- Operate a program for youth that stimulates an interest in history, research, 19th century music, and effective speaking while developing a sense of pride and discipline through their involvement as historical interpreters.
- Advance education by hosting events, displays, exhibitions and performances; supporting programs offered by museums, historic sites, and all levels of government; and by producing educational material.
The Historical Regiment
The 100th (County of Dublin) Regiment of Foot was raised in Ireland for service during the Napoleonic Wars. It arrived in North America in late 1805 and during the next 13 years spent its time in garrison posts from what we know today as the Maritimes to the western end of Ontario.
On May 4th, 1812, the War Office approved that the regiment’s name would in future be styled “The 100th (or His Royal Highness the Prince Regent’s County of Dublin) Regiment.”
During the War of 1812, the 100th Regiment played a critical role in defending Canada participating in actions in both Upper & Lower Canada, and the United States. Several companies also acted as marines aboard ships on the Great Lakes.
Some of the regiment’s actions include:
– Battle of Sackets Harbor (May 1813)
– Capture of vessels Growler & Eagle (June 1813)
– Murray’s Raid (July to Aug 1813)
– Capture of Fort Niagara (Dec 1813)
– Raids on Buffalo & Black Rock (Dec 1813)
– Battle of Chippawa (July 1814)
– Siege of Fort Erie (Aug to Sept 1814)
– Skirmish at Cook’s Mills (Oct 1814)
On May 27th, 1815 the regiment was awarded the battle honour of ‘Niagara’ for their distinguished conduct in the capture of Fort Niagara by assault on the night of 19th December 1813.
On February 23rd, 1816, the War Office gave notice that the 95th Regiment would in future be styled the Rifle Brigade and taken out of the numbered Regiments of the Line. All following regiments had their unit number altered with the 100th Regiment to be renumbered the 99th retaining the title of H.R.H the Prince Regent’s County of Dublin Regiment.
The 99th (late 100th) Regiment was disbanded in 1818 and members were offered a choice between land in Canada or transport back to England with many accepting grants of land. The largest concentration of the regiment’s discharged soldiers was in the military settlement of Richmond. The village of Richmond is now part of the City of Ottawa.
Connection with Ottawa Ontario
In 1818, many of the disbanded members of the regiment chose to stay in Canada. Of those who decided to stay, a large portion took their land grants in a new military settlement on the Jock River in North Eastern Upper Canada. There they established the Village of Richmond which is now part of the City of Ottawa.
These new settlers landed near the area where the Canadian War Museum now stands and setup camp. There they left their families and proceeded towards their new settlement cutting the Richmond Road.
Today you can visit the area where the settlers first landed, drive the Richmond Road, and visit the Village of Richmond where many of the streets are named after officers of the regiment. Many descendants of the original members of the regiment still live and work in the Ottawa area.


- Family: 2 adults; 2 kids 10 & 14
- Looking for something more enriching than an amusement park
- Has passports and wants to explore culture
Our Family Vacation Solution
Spend 9 days in South America, exploring the ruins of an ancient civilization and then — through the celebrations and traditions of their ancestors — get a first-hand glimpse into what life was like in the time of the Incas. The Peru vacation, which includes a Machu Picchu tour, is a vibrant and festive adventure that spotlights a unique culture.
Pachamanca Feast and Inca Dancing
Enjoy a traditional Andean feast known as Pachamanca. Learn the history behind this event, then watch Teatro Sol y Luna perform the dances and stories of the Incas.
Urubamba River Rafting
Hold onto your hat as you raft down the Urubamba River. Local experts describe the fascinating cultural and natural history as you glide along this scenic route.
Moray and Maras
Take the ancient Incan path into these ancient ruins and venture into the Sacred Valley as you visit the fascinating salt pan terraces.
Privately Guided Machu Picchu Tour
Spend the afternoon exploring these 15th-century Incan ruins and stunning views of the magnificent structures surrounded by green peaks glazed by a soft mist.
At the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco, master weavers demonstrate their intricate art, as well as how to spin and dye alpaca wool.
- JW Marriott Hotel, Miraflores
- Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa
- Libertador Palacio Del Inka Hotel Cusco
- 8 Breakfasts
- 6 Lunches
- 5 Dinners
- VIP Inclusions:
- The services of two Adventure Guides
- VIP access and private events
- Outstanding accommodations
- Most meals during trip
- Admission fees to attractions and performances
- Cultural experiences with local experts
- Family activities and special thrills just for kids
- Transportation within your vacation
- Luggage service


I really enjoy the challenge to recreating old textiles, whether it is decoding the pattern of an old piece of weaving or, as in this case, working out how these antique double tassel tie backs were made. The originals were in a very poor state with most of the wooden moulds at best cracked and at worst badly damaged by wood worm. Most of the red silk thread which had been covering the moulds was long gone but it was possible to see the decorative striping.
The first job was to work out the component parts so that new moulds could be created
Then I covered each mould with red thread before the decoration was added
I confess the looped decoration was a new technique to me – but that is the joy of having to recreate something, you have to learn new ways of doing things.
Next came the new ruff and skirt
Then it was time to start reassembling everything. I made a new rope and formed it into the traditional tie back shape but without making a knot in the actual rope since one of the moulds would acting as the “knot”. The rope was simply tied around with linen to stop it slipping once inside the mould and then threaded through the central hole of the mould.
I attached the wires to the rope ready for attaching the moulds. Then it was simply a case of threading each mould onto the wires in the correct order!
Lastly the ruff and skirt. A wooden button fixes the wires in place
This final photo shows the old, extremely shabby, tie back and the new one side by side


Head north to the "Mother-of-Pearl Coast". Although traditionally renowned for its locally produced oysters, it is probably more widely known for its involvement in "Operation Overlord". Here remains one of the man-made docks, constructed to provide a landing for the thousands of vehicles and hardware during the D-Day Landings of World War II. The strategic "Mulberry Harbour" has since become a historic landmark. There are several museums in the area, all providing poignant reminders of events of June 1944. In addition, you can visit the heroic sites of the Beaches, including Omaha & Utah, or ponder at the American Cemetery at Colleville-St-Laurent.
Standing majestically between the bocage and the bay of Le Mont St Michel. Visitors will find a variety of attractions in this modern town, including mini-golf with terrace-bar, museum and public gardens. You will be reminded of its strategic position during the 2nd World War, not least by the sight of General Patton's tank, "Thunderbird"; the first to reach the town following the 1944 D-Day Landings, sitting proudly on a roundabout in the town!
Situated in the Andaines Forest, this spa town is said to have once housed the Knights of the Round Table. A beautiful setting, with a small lake nestling among the pine forests of the Normandy/Maine Regional Natural Park.
Not far from Bayeux, you will find this wonderful chateau; which is the best example of Louis XIV architecture in Normandy. Occasionally you will find the surrounding skies graced with a colourful array of hot-air balloons from one of the rallies held nearby. Several other well-preserved chateaux can be found in the region, including Combourg near Le Mont St Michel. Built between the 12th & 15th centuries, it is still owned and occupied by a descendant of the famous Romantic writer, Chateaubriand.
A charming town which hosts the famous 11th century Tapestry. Study for yourself Queen Mathilde's embroidered depiction of the famous "Battle of Hastings", whilst she awaited her husband, William-the-Conqueror's return. Take in the sights of the impressive Gothic Cathedral, or the museum dedicated to "The Battle of Normandy". Several bars and restaurants available.
East of St Malo, a pretty, seaside village and a must for oyster-lovers.
This coastal resort has been described as "the most beautiful kilometre in France." As the horizon changes with the tides, there is a spectacular view across Normandy and Brittany to the bay of Le Mont St Michel. It has long been a source of inspiration for painters. In addition, it is a popular attraction for bird-watchers, with a large variety of birds nesting on the cliffs.
A short drive will bring you to one of the best zoos in Normandy. See a wide variety of animals, birds and reptiles, amongst the beautifully kept gardens and woodland; and enjoy a picnic as the children tire themselves out in the extensive play area.
For the more adventurous, take a day-trip from Granville; or visit neighbouring Jullouville, and hire yourself a catamaran. Weekly training courses are available.
Apart from its annual Jazz Festival, there are many attractions; public gardens, shops and restaurants. Enjoy a leisurely aperitif or sample the traditional local cuisine, whilst admiring the majestic twin towers of the13th Century Notre-Dame Cathedral.
D-Day Landing Beaches
The D-Day Landings took place on 6th June 1944. "Operation Overlord" on the Normandy coast was the largest operation of combined military forces in the history of mankind. General Omar Bradley & the 1st American Army was to land between Ste-Honorine & St-Martin-de-Varreville, on the beaches code-named "Omaha" and "Utah". Commanded by General Dempsey, the 2nd British Army & the 3rd Canadian infantry division were to land on the west coast of Calvados, between Colleville & Le Hamel, on the beaches code-named "Gold", "Juno" & "Sword". Colonel Rudder was in command of the 2nd Ranger batallion, attacking at Point du Hoc & suffering tremendous losses in the process. The historic 5-Beach Assault & surrounding battles have been depicted in several films, including "Saving Private Ryan" and "The Longest Day". By 4pm on June 6th, Bristish tanks began arriving at Arromanches from "Gold" Beach; & on 7th June, along with the 47th Royal Marine Commando, began development of the famous artificial harbour known as "Mulberry B" or "Winston Harbour". This enabled 2,500 000 men, 54 000 vehicles plus 104 000 metric tons of supplies to be transported in 100 days via Arromanches. Bayeux was liberated on June 7th by the British 56th Independent Brigade. Caen, however, was not liberated until July 20th, following bitter fighting. Cherbourg found liberation on June 26th, following assaults by three American divisions. Val-Saint-Pere was liberated at the beginning of August by the G.I's of the U.S. Vlllth Corps coming from Avranches. Several Military Cemeteries are sited in Normandy, covering British, American, Canadian, Polish and German losses. The famous Cemetery at Colleville-St-Laurent between Arromanches and Grandcamp has 9 386 American graves, and the British Cemeteries total over 17 000 graves. The German Cemeteries in the region total nearly 78 000 graves.
A pretty town with sandy beaches, coves and rock-pools
Once the "romantic capital" of Alienor of Aquitaine and Henri II Plantaganet. At the Romanesque granite chapel of Notre-Dame-sur-L'Eau, Thomas Beckett is said to have taken mass on Christmas Day 1166. Your journey will take you through the rolling hillsides, valleys, and cider-apple orchards of the region, where you can unwind with a taste of the locally produced cider or "calvados" .
"Monaco of the north": a quaint, picturesque fishing port. Spend a lazy day with a picnic on one of several beautiful, unspoilt sandy beaches. Explore the pretty harbour as the local fishermen return with the day's catch; or sample fresh "moules frites" in one of the excellent sea-front restaurants. Offering stunning views from the summit of this historic town, there are a variety of shops & restaurants as well as the casino and the former home of Dior, whose gardens are open to the public during the summer months. (Please check for availability and timetable.)
Karting de Mortain
For slightly older children and adults; a short drive will bring you to the Karting Circuit in Mortain. Please check timetable in advance. Address: La Tête à la Femme, 50140 Le Neufbourg Phone:02 33 59 60 33
Le Mont St Michel
One of the most spectacular sights in France, this wonderful landmark can be viewed from our local Church on a clear day. The original site dates back to around the year 500 A.D. A granite pyramid with its winding cobbled streets leads you to the village, Abbey and Church; described as "one of the most fabulous constructions of the Middle Ages". Sample one of the fine restaurants and bars, with breathtaking views across the bay. Music festivals, concerts and laser-shows celebrating Saint Michel.
Le Moulin de Jean Restaurant
Just 10 minutes' drive away, this "Michelin Guide 2015" restaurant is ideal for that "special celebration". An old watermill set amongst willow trees and a small stream, it offers a memorable taste of exquisite French cuisine.
Children and adults alike will enjoy exploring the pretty "Cascades". Amongst an abundance of greenery, the Grande Cascade reaches a height of 20 mtrs, whilst the Petite Cascade leads to a deep gorge. Visit the ancient 12th century "Abbaye Blanche", which is still inhabited, or the 13th Century Gothic Church.
Pony trekking / Walking / Cycling
St Sever Forest. Here you can enjoy relaxing walks, picnics, pony-trekking or cycling in complete tranquillity, whilst experiencing the sights and sounds of the forest. These include local deer, badgers, woodpeckers, cuckoos and various birds of prey. Wild primroses and orchids decorate the roadsides. The walks are colour-coded, according to the distance and duration your prefer.
The Grand Aquarium, on the Emerald Coast of Brittany, is adjacent to the autoroute. It presents an excellent family day out including the 360 degree glass-walled "shark-ring", and the mechanical submarine "nautibus".
For an exhilarating family day out, try L'Ange Michel theme-park. Attractions include aquasplash, quadbiking, bumper boats, tourist train, dry-slope sledging and pony rides. There is also an amusement park for smaller children.
A Medieval town with several tourist attractions. It has a modern indoor swimming-pool with slides and toddlers' pool, and a number of popular crêperies. Since the first small foundry was established, dating back to the son of William-the-Conqueror, the town has become a worldwide exporter of its famous copperware and brass bells.


On History Day, on 31 October, IHR Digital will demonstrate its new 3D printer and 3D imaging equipment. This will be the first public outing of our new kit which we’ve purchased in conjunction with the School’s Institute of Classical Studies. Together we’re setting up a ‘3D Centre for History and Classics’. From 2018 the Centre will run courses on how and why to use 3D technologies in historical research. At History Day you’ll be able to register you interest for one of these courses at the IHR stand.
The IHR has recently taken possession of a high performance computer on which staff and researchers can practise high quality photogrammetry; that is, the creation of three-dimensional representations derived from digital photographs of 2D images or physical objects.
Today’s photogrammetry software will run well enough on a regular desktop computer, and is able to convert images taken on a standard digital camera. However, the IHR’s hi-spec workstation allows us to create exceptionally high-quality images, as well as complex visualisations that can be experienced through the ‘immersive technology’ of virtual reality (VR). Our purchase of a 3D printer means we can also create physical models from these images, using an additive process by which—layer-by-layer—the printer builds up an exact scale representation.
Photogrammetry, virtual reality and three-dimensional printing may at first seem far removed from historical study as practised at the IHR. But 3D is now an important way to undertake and present research, especially in areas such as architectural, urban and topographical history, or histories of material culture. It similarly creates opportunities for new forms of archival and object-based teaching, which permit otherwise rare artefacts to be viewed closely and remotely ‘in the round’, or handled and used as three-dimensional models.
3D technology also helps us to assemble and explore what was hitherto lost. Examples include the recreation of historical built environments, as depicted in the Virtual St Paul’s website or the recently completed St Stephen’s Chapel project. There’s also the opportunity to reconstruct severely damaged documents, of which a prime example is the Great Parchment Book of the Honourable the Irish Society: compiled in 1639, destroyed by fire in 1786, and now readable again as a flattened 3D representation.
It’s no surprise that museums and galleries make good use of three-dimensional technology to promote their collections. Notable here are the 3D Petrie Museum, at University College London, and the British Museum, while artefacts from many other institutions appear on digital platforms such as Sketchfab. Within universities, three-dimensional technology (while increasingly compact and affordable) is often reserved for those studying engineering, the medical and physical sciences architecture and archaeology.
Critical engagement with 3D images or printed objects is much less common for undergraduate and graduate historians, often because the equipment remains the preserve of other departments. Now that we’ve acquired this technology for the IHR, we’re looking to establish the Institute as a centre for historical applications of imaging, modelling and virtual reality; one where historians can gain new skills and to which they’ll bring research data to model and share in new ways.
We hope these options will be on display at the IHR’s forthcoming Winter Conference—Home: New Histories of Living—on 8-9 February 2018. In keeping with its focus on new research practices, the conference will include papers from historians using 3D technologies to recreate and experience, for example, the early modern home from data gathered in probate records.
Following the Winter Conference, we’ll invite historians to try out the IHR’s imaging and printing equipment for themselves. In doing so, we hope that a technology of the late 2010s and 2020s will help rekindle a Pollardian ambition fostered in the 1920s: of the Institute as a national ‘historical laboratory’—a place for experimentation and training in new approaches to the past.


Saturday, November 28, 2009
Ancient Bead Decoration With "Cable" or "Filigrana" Canes
The modern glass term filigrana refers to glass canes wherein one or more colors appear in helical form around a cane of different color. Many writers simply call this "cable decoration." The decorative cane may be made in different ways: 1) two or more different canes joined by heating, then drawn and twisted while still soft; or 2) a drawn cane wrapped or trailed with threads of one or more different colors.
Examples A and B here are wound beads, on which short pieces of cane were laid and trailed threads added, then well marvered so the decorations are flush with the rest of the bead. Here the canes' white threads appear wrapped around transparent glass, rather than suspended within the cane. It is possible that some transparent glass has weathered or worn away, so the present appearance may not be as originally made.
Example C was made quite differently, although the cane that has the red and yellow threads appears also to have had the colored threads wrapped around a more transparent glass that is now quite degraded. This bead was constructed as a "rolled pad," the striped cane pieces and the double-helix cane prepared before a strip of the combination was rolled around a mandrel, the strip's ends fused, and the perforation ends somewhat rounded.
Examples A and B may have been made circa 100 CE, with the possibility that they were made a few centuries earlier -- or later. An example similar to B is depicted in the Greater Washington Bead Society's "Bead Timeline of History" together with beads made perhaps about 100 BCE, but that bead is not discussed in the accompanying publication (James W. Lankton et al., A Bead Timeline, Volume 1: Prehistory to 1200 CE; Washington, DC: Bead Society of Greater Washington, 2004, fig. 6.6, p. 56 and fig. 6.0, p. 53, in group number 602). The same bead seems to have been photographed also in a different group (between numbers 39 and 40) in the Timeline placed in a time period roughly around 900 CE. The group is categorized in "Europe," but no comment is offered for the group or for this bead (Timeline fig. 8.0, p. 74).
Example C is hard to judge, but could have been made about the 8th century CE or even later. Some beads with such decoration have been found in northern European Frankish sites.
The Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, New York, has several beads with such cane decoration around their equators (Acc. no. 72.1.22A-D). They are large oblate spheroids. Three are opaque white glass with undulating trailing of translucent turquoise glass, the additional trailed cane being turquoise glass spirally wound with yellow glass. A fourth is said to have been core-formed, translucent turquoise glass with an undulating opaque white trail, the added cane of white, spiral-wound with yellow glass. Size given is 3.3 cm x 2.6 cm. The beads are attributed to northwest Iran, ca. 6th to 1st centuries BCE, Achaemenid or Parthian periods (Sidney M. Goldstein, Pre-Roman and Early Roman Glass in The Corning Museum of Glass; Corning, NY: The Corning Museum of Glass, 1979, catalog nos. 232-235, beads A, B, C, D, pp. 114-115).
Some beads decorated with such helical-thread or "cable" decoration have been found in England, and a few in Ireland, in sites securely datable at various times between 100 BCE and 100 CE. There is some evidence from distribution of find sites that the beads were made in England, although the origins of the glass components are not certain and workshops not found. These beads are discussed by Margaret Guido in The Glass Beads of the Prehistoric and Roman Periods in Britain and Ireland (London, UK: The Society of Antiquaries of London, 1978), pp. 76-79, 182-187. The cables inventoried as bead decorations are all strictly two-color. The bead forms are annular and oblate spheroids as well as fragments. In the annular examples the cables are often wound around the bead body parallel to the perforation.
Guido also inventories one annular bead, "Translucent light greenish bottle-glass with opaque white around perforation and circumferential bands of finely twisted white, red and blue." The bead, 2.5 cm in diameter, 1.1 cm long, with perforation diameter 1 cm., was found in excavation of the Roman fort (called Arbeia) on the Tyne River, South Shields, Durham. The fort was occupied circa 122-369 CE. At times Spanish, Palmyrene and Tigris elements had been at the fort (op. cit. p. 232, drawing p. 101, fig. 38, no. 10). It is possible that the bands are not whole canes marvered in, but are segments of cane; the drawing depicts four narrow bands side-by-side, with surface color-alternation in diagonal stripes placed so that the directions alternate, chevron-fashion, similar to the effect of spheroid beads made later at Fustat, Egypt as well as probably elsewhere. In the latter, the cane segments are fused aligned with the direction of the perforation, not placed circumferentialy. In the Durham bead, the individual bands appear to be each about 1.5 mm wide or less, narrower than the Fustat-type cane segments. This bead is located in the South Shields Museum.
Some beads with such decoration, the 'cables' opaque white and translucent blue, have been found in early Christian sites in Ireland, circa 8th century CE (Julian Henderson, "An Archaeological and Scientific Study of 47 Glass Beads," in David Freke, ed., Excavations on St Patrick's Isle, Peel, Isle of Man 1982-88; Liverpool, UK: Liverpool University Press, 2002, p. 356). One similar to the Irish type was found in a circa 10th century, CE burial at Peel in a group that probably constituted a necklace, with disparate types of glass and probably varying ages (see discussion by Henderson, and inventory of the beads found in "Beads: Context and Catalogue," ibid., pp. 339-348).
It should be borne in mind that the Canaanite-Phoenicians had traded in England for tin, some centuries before the Roman invasion, and may have introduced some design inspiration, glass-working technology and even prepared glass. Both moving populations and trade, beginning well before the Roman era, may have moved glass, prepared canes, and beads with such decoration into the British Isles from places as far-flung as the eastern Mediterranean basin and northern and eastern Europe.
Bead A here is 12 x 10 mm, B is 11 x 12 mm, and C is 13 x 10 mm (diameter x length through the perforation).
Given the very small scale of these decorative canes, they could not have been drawn after the helical threads were added. Those in the Corning Museum examples cited above appear to be about 3 to 4 mm in diameter. Those in examples A and B here are about 4 mm. diam., and in C about 2.1 mm diameter. The process of marvering those in A and B would have somewhat flattened and broadened the decorative canes. Since these appear to be smaller in scale than those used in glass vessels of the Roman Empire era, they may have been made specifically for decoration of small objects such as beads.
Archaeologically excavated workshops have not been reported that could document when and where such canes were made.
Images copyright (c) 2009 by the blog owner.


GOAL: “A machine by which it is assumed that a man may print his thoughts twice as fast as he can write them, and with the advantage of the legibility, compactness and neatness of print…” -Anonymous 1
Sholes, Glidden, & Soule. “Typewriting Machine Patent” United States Patent Office, 1868, http://patimg2.uspto.gov/.piw?Docid=00079265&homeurl=http%3A%2F%2Fpatft.uspto.gov%2Fnetacgi%2Fnph-Parser%3FSect1%3DPTO2%2526Sect2%3DHITOFF%2526p%3D1%2526u%3D%25252Fnetahtml%25252FPTO%25252Fsearch-bool.html%2526r%3D1%2526f%3DG%2526l%3D50%2526co1%3DAND%2526d%3DPALL%2526s1%3D0079265.PN.%2526OS%3DPN%2F0079265%2526RS%3DPN%2F0079265&PageNum=&Rtype=&SectionNum=&idkey=NONE&Input=View+first+page (accessed March 30, 2011).
“It looked something like a cross between a piano and a kitchen table” -Richard Current2
The first American patent for a writing machine appeared as early as 1829 by William Burt, and for the typewriter appeared in 1843 by Charles Thurber. Their machines however, were not the successful story we know today. Thurber’s machine was too slow and did not have any success. Just as important as the inventors are, promoters are needed for technology to be successful, and Christopher Latham Sholes was able to find an able partner in James Densmore. After reading about a typewriting machine being invented by James Pratt of Alabama, Sholes began to improve upon his latest model. He ended up building between twenty-five and thirty models total and demonstrated the most recent model in 1873. The very first model of the typewriter Sholes created indeed did look like a piano, but nevertheless it was the first practical writing machine. Its development began in Miklwaukee in the Winter of 1866-67. 3 Sholes was assisted by Samuel Soule and Carlos Glidden, both amateur inventors. The original only wrote in capital letters and its structure prevented the operator from seeing the line that she was writing.” 4 Densmore presented their completed machine in 1873 to E. Remington & Sons. Zellers quotes Henry Benedict, a director of the Remington Company, “‘That machine, is very crude, but there is an idea there that wil revolutionize business. We must on no account let it get away.’ A contract for manufacture was signed on March 1, 1873, and eventually E. Remington & sons acquired complete ownership.” 5 Thus, the Remington Company took a risk, as most companies must do for a new piece of technology to prevail.
“QWERTY Keyboard” http://home.earthlink.net/~dcrehr/IMAGES/Q.78pat.jpeg (Accessed March 30, 2011).
The keyboard is the main component to the typewriter, as it has all the letters. And there were many variations to this piece of the machine. One of the main issues with early typewriters, and early writing machines in general, was that they “did excellent work, but which could not compete against the pen in speed.” 6 It also only had uppercase letters and no lowercase. Wershler-Henry states that “Originally the tendency was to arrange all letters…in alphabetical order for easy reference. It was assumed that if people knew their alphabet, and most people did, it would be easy to locate the letter required.” But this was not efficient for the typewriter, because, “the ‘ABC’ arrangement caused his up-strike machine to jam when any speed was reached.” 7 rather it was efficient only for the typer.
Sholes was also the creator of the QWERTY keyboard that we know and still use today (with a few modifications). The problem with the original machine’s keyboard was that the arms would get stuck together as one was going up to type the next letter and the other was coming down. As a solution, Wershler-Henry explains, “Sholes’s parter [James Densmore] delegated his son-in-law…to draw up a list of the most common two-letter sequences in the English language. Sholes then designed the keyboard so that these pairs were separated, thus introducing a tiny delay between the activation of one letter and the next.” 8
Whether or not this was more efficient is debatable. On one hand, the key arms were no longer sticking together, but on the other, typists were not used to this arrangement of letters. “Sholes’s arrangement is a keyboard ‘considerably less efficient than if the arrangement had been left to simple chance.'” 9 So why then did it remain persistent all the way through present day?
The most popular alternate keyboard to the QWERTY was created by August Dvorak and was patented in 1936, as the Dvorak Simplified Keyboard. 10 This keyboard featured a greater utilization of right hand keying, a minimization of awkward fingering sequences, and a larger home-[middle] row vocabulary (3000 vs. 100 common words). In addition, the typist can learn this keyboard in a third amount of time it took to learn the QWERTY keyboard. 11 But why did QWERTY prevail? The answer, simply because people wanted things to stay the same, no one wanted to learn a new keyboard all over again, and just as many technological advances occur, the superior product does not always become the standard.
- “Typewriting Machine” Scientific American 17, no. 1 (July 1867): 3. <http://digital.library.cornell.edu/cgi/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=scia;cc=scia;rgn=full%20text;idno=scia1017-1;didno=scia1017-1;view=image;seq=00011;node=scia1017-1%3A1> (accessed March 30, 2011). ↩
- Richard Current, The Typewriter and the Men Who Made It (Urbana: The University of Illinois Press, 1954) 9 ↩
- John Zellers, The Typewriter: A Short History, on its 75th Anniversary 1873-1948. (New York: The Newcomen Society of England,1948), 10. ↩
- Ibid, 13. ↩
- Ibid, 12. ↩
- Ibid, 9. ↩
- Darren Wershler-Henry, The Iron Whim: A Fragmented History of Typewriting (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2005) 155. ↩
- Ibid, 156. ↩
- Ibid, 156. ↩
- Ibid. ↩
- Ibid. ↩


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During a time where death was welcomed and at times begged for, there were still soldiers holding on to life by the skin of their teeth. These soldiers were the forgotten soldiers in Hampton Sides Ghost Soldiers. When I grabbed Ghost Soldiers off of a shelf at a local Goodwill, I had no idea what it was about but was intrigued by the interesting title. Two dollars lighter and one book heavier, I was the new owner of a beat up copy of a story about a mission during War World II. Quite honestly, I didn’t have any intention of actually reading it, but that changed the moment I read the first page.
I wasn’t expecting Hampton Sides gift for detail, which had me cringing yet wanting to know more. Sides offers a thorough account of the American soldiers surrender to the Japanese while at the Battle of Bataan, and the march they had to take to their own prisoner of war camp. This walk was later dubbed the Bataan Death March due to how great the death toll was for the captured soldiers during this march. Sides also gives a detailed record of the quality of life within the prisoner of war camp while maintaining the attention of the reader by bringing to light a plan of rescue for the imprisoned soldiers.
The story begins by diving right into the middle of the action with the American soldiers still fighting in the Battle of Bataan against the Japanese army, their life hanging by a thread as many troops were riddled with disease and supplies were few—if any. As the men lay in their foxholes they took to singing a chant, originally written by an American newsman, “We’re the battling bastards of Bataan, no mama, no papa, no Uncle Sam. No aunts, no uncles, no nephews, no nieces—no pills, no planes, no artillery pieces…and nobody gives a damn.” In just a few short lines it shows the hopeless attitude the troops had adopted. Though this battle took place during World War II and was quite a few years before my time, Sides not only captured the forlorn thoughts of these soldiers, he brought it to life as if this travesty happened only yesterday.
The American soldiers fought for their country, their fellow comrades, and their life only a short three months in Bataan before American General Edward P. Kings gave the orders to the 75,000 American troops in Bataan to surrender themselves to the Japanese. These orders were against American General MacArthur’s, who was a fellow commander. This in turn forced MacArthur’s hand and he himself had to withdraw from his position by orders of President Roosevelt. Stricken with guilt, MacArthur swore he’d come back for his troops. At first glance, instinct makes MacArthur look like a pushover, but as the story progresses Sides shows the loyalty of MacArthur by proving his promise was not vain.
When the U.S. General met with the Japanese General to make the surrender of the American troops known, the Japanese began planning for the prisoner intake that would occur. They had to make provisions and figure out the way in which they would get so many soldiers to the actual prison camp, which was near the city Cabanatuan. What the Japanese didn’t realize until it was too late was that there were a lot more American soldiers that had surrendered than they had counted on. The march was sixty miles long and through torturous heat. Many soldiers, already extremely ill, did not make it far. Even so, the ones that could walk were rarely given food or water. The Japanese, easily angered, would kill any soldier that walked too slow or fell. If they stopped by a source of water, death was the result if any prisoner attempted to drink. With so many factors working against the American soldiers it is easy to see why it is named the Bataan Death March.
Once the prisoners reached the camp, Hampton Sides did a remarkable job describing what life was like behind enemy fences for the American soldiers that were imprisoned there. The prisoners worked hard, laborious tasks on an incredibly small amount of food and water. These already diseased men fell into even more sickness. Death was rampant, claiming men daily. Their pain was described in great detail and not easy to read about, but it illustrated the amount of hardship these men had to go through and only few survived. The men were forced to live with lice, malaria, and beriberi with limited medication. They worked daily, whether it was building landing strips or digging trenches; they were always wearing their already worn bodies out.
Escaping the camp was at the forefront of each man’s mind; at least until they realized getting too close to the fences would bring deadly consequences. If one soldier ever attempted an escape the entire camp would be punished. Though the men in this camp experienced some of the most inhumane practices, Sides wrote about the hope these men clung to as if it was their ship home. Even though the soldiers had been disappointed by their own countries military and were put on the government’s last priority list they still stayed optimistic about being rescued. When one soldier would be on the brink of breaking physically and mentally a fellow soldier would convince him it was a time to keep living. The soldiers weren’t always in harmony; there were points when survival depended on how much they were willing to be selfish because food quantity eventually dropped even lower. It was the survival of the fittest—or rather the survival of the men who could still use their limbs.
Ghost Soldiers was told in shifting perspectives and also showed the reader what was going on with General MacArthur and his hard work and determination to free his soldiers. It was a nice touch to be able to read both sides of the story, which made reading about the more gruesome details more bearable because it gave you a sense of hope that these men might survive and make it back home to their loved ones. You aren’t only reading about horrifying details of the prisoners of war but also about the determination the men planning their rescue had.
Colonel Mucci was the chosen front man to lead the handpicked Rangers, who were soldiers that stood out and were specifically chosen to train for the mission of bringing the extremely decreased number of around 600 soldiers home. Three years passed with the soldiers in captivity and by that time it wasn’t just American soldiers they would bring back to safe ground, there were British as well. The Rangers themselves had to face many difficulties during their own march to the camp, like ducking and lying flat on the ground every time they heard a noise, thinking it could be enemy planes. When the Rangers were close enough to the camp they were afraid of getting caught, but they were fortunate enough to team up with local guerrillas.
The Rangers finally freed the weak, barely capable of walking prisoners from the camp. But making it to the camp and getting the soldiers out safely wasn’t the end. They still had to get out of enemy territory and most of the freed men were carried or put onto carts. The most powerful part of this story was the reaction the Rangers had towards the very men they rescued. They called the once prisoners “heroes” and refused the term for themselves. It was a moving moment of recognition and selflessness. The ghost soldiers may have felt forgotten and in many minds they were, but to MacArthur, Mucci, and the Rangers they were the true heroes of the war.
“The forgotten epic story of World War II’s most dramatic mission”, is what the book is described as. It can no longer claim to be forgotten, for it will always be remembered for those who read this chilling story. There were times where tears were on the brink of overflowing and I had to put the book down. Hampton Sides knows how to tell a true story that isn’t all about facts and numbers. It was about the American soldiers and who they were and what they went through. Sides lets the reader experience the story as if their grandpa was sitting them down and telling them about his time in the war.
He didn’t just tell the story of prisoners of war and their rescue, he took each soldiers story and cared about them and every single soldier that was introduced had a conclusion. Even if that conclusion was that they were never heard of again. Sides made sure everything coincided and that the entire story had an end.
“Today the site of Cabanatuan Camp is a modest park covered in tropical fruit trees. A memorial wall of white marble lists the names of 2,656 Americans who perished there.”
This book was published in 2002, I read it in 2012 and I wrote this in 2015. I decided to publish it here, because…why not?
It’s hands down one of my favorite books on a subject that I love learning about. Specifically, I like learning about the lesser known occurrences of WWII – so if you know any like books, recommend them!
I’ve posted reviews before and anyone who has read those and made it through this clunker will see the difference in style. My more recent reviews hit more on technique and what worked and what didn’t. This is more of a traditional review.
Do you want to see more like this?
The Battle of Bataan, fought two years before I was born, and the rescue of the surviving prisoners is a story I have seen on film, read, and I even talked to a survivor about when I was ten years old. Yes, Hampton Sides does a particularly fine job of bringing it back to its reality. Your review does the book justice. Thank you. Warmest review Ed
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That’s so cool that you were able to talk to a survivor. I’ve met a few WWII vets and it’s always an interesting experience.
I was fortunate the one I talked to when I was ten was willing to talk. Most of them clammed up for decades. Warmest regards, Ed
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Gold has captivated the imagination and passions of civilizations for thousands of years, forming the basis of early currency and trade all over the world. It is surprising how the earliest Anatolian civilizations demonstrated advanced knowledge of metal ores and mining practices dating back to the Neolithic period ca. 9,000 BC.
The earliest Anatolian gold artefacts were discovered at Alacahoyuk (modern Corum), which dates to the early Bronze Age, ca. 3,000 BC. By this time, the inhabitants of Anatolia (modern Turkey) had developed sophisticated technology for manufacturing metals.
Gold played a major part in the advance of many Anatolian civilizations and evidence can still be seen to this day through ancient mine workings across some of the countries largest modern day deposits.
In Turkey fine native gold is often found in quartz veins in hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks. Early civilizations lacking knowledge of extraction techniques, and an understanding of geology, sourced gold from placer deposits in streams or rivers. One such river, rich in alluvial gold, is the Gediz (River Hermus of antiquity) which drains the region of the Boz Sira Mountains to the east of Izmir. As the second largest river draining the Anatolian plateau into the Aegean, the Gediz is steeped in legend from King Midas through to the great riches of King Croesus and the earliest minted gold coins of Lydia (ca.650 BC).
As the alluvial deposits in Anatolia were exhausted of their gold, oxidized zones of gold-quartz and sulphide deposits began to be exploited. Where bedrock quartz deposits were used, the separation of native gold from quartz, was accomplished by hand picking, crushing, milling and finally washing of the residues.
In the 1980s there was renewed interest in Turkish gold deposits, as both geologists and archaeologists began significant research into the location of gold sources from over 2,000 years ago. The gold hoards of Galatia, Phrygia, Lydia and Troy stood as testament to the rich geology that lay beneath western Turkey. Today, gold is being extracted once more and Turkey is now the leader in European gold production.
It is notable that the focal point for exploration and mining has been the provinces of western Turkey, where many of these great archaeological finds were made. The first modern gold mine is Ovacik (1 Moz), which lies 100 km north of Izmir and just kilometres from modern day Bergama (ancient Pergamon). The second mine is Kisladag (5.5 Moz), located 180 kilometres east of Izmir , near the town of Usak.
The major gold deposits of Turkey run across the following three regions;
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From Cooper Union:
The Cooper Union Presents Great Hall Voicean extraordinary new public resource that tells the story of New York and the nation through the words of the people who helped shape it from the stage of the legendary Great Hall. Great Hall Voice is a digital archive, free and accessible to all, and generously supported by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation. This growing collection features all known sound and video recordings made in the historic Cooper Union Great Hall since 1941 and continuing to the present day, as well as 8,900 objects, such as photographs, tickets and flyers, related to over 3,000 great hall programs. dating from 1859.
Great Hall Voice houses recordings of some of America’s most renowned thinkers and leaders from all disciplines, including Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton; Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; feminist, journalist and activist Gloria Steinem; nearly every New York City mayor from the 1950s to the present; Congressional leaders like John Lewis and Adam Schiff; cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead; architect Louis I. Kahn; psychologist and writer Timothy Leary; and poet and author Carl Sandburg. The digital archive is searchable by date, speaker and 20 different themes such as anthropology and sociology; architecture and urbanism ; Environment; work and economy; New York; politics and activism; racial justice and human rights; and Women, gender and sexuality.
It took nearly four years for a team of archivists and designers to create the archive which consists of the new digital platform and a collection compiled from multiple sources. Many historic recordings had languished in Cooper Union Audio Visual Department storage for decades. With the start of this project, they have been relocated, conserved and cataloged. Additional recordings were transferred from the Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture, the Cooper Union School of Art, and the WNYC New York Public Radio Collection of the New York City Archives. Many recordings made in partnership with WNYC from 1968 to 1970 were syndicated nationally by the National Association of Educational Broadcasters. Ultimately, the archive project grew into a larger cause to consolidate all available information about the Great Hall at Cooper Union into this formalized resource. The born physical and digital records represented on the site are archived and available in the Cooper Union Library Archives and Special Collections.
Direct to the Voices of the Great Hall Online Archive
Learn more, read the full announcement