Warner NH – When someone calls the Telephone Museum and asks you if they could donate an old telephone truck to your collection, you say YES without hesitation! That is just what happened at the New Hampshire Telephone Museum when brothers Gregg and Eric Haskin, President and VP-Network Operations of the Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom in Waitsfield VT, made the call.
The Haskin brothers are carrying on the tradition of their parents, Dana and Eleanor Haskin, who owned and operated Waitsfield Telecom since 1904.
The Independent Telephone Company industry was booming throughout much of the 1900’s and it was during that time that the Telephone Association of New England was established. Many relationships were formed throughout New England and it is was through this connection that the Haskin family became friends with NHTM’s founder, Alderic O. “Dick” Violette, who worked for Merrimack County Telephone Company, the Independent that served Contoocook NH and surrounding towns for over 100 years.
Both Dana and Eleanor Haskin have passed away and although the company still thrives under the leadership of the brothers, on the personal side the Haskins had collected lots of antique telephones and related artifacts that have now become the responsibility of their children. The brothers both felt – and knew their parents would agree – that the fully restored 1928 Model A Ford Bell System Telephone Truck should be on display at NHTM.
“We’ve often talked about how an old telephone truck would really round out our collection nicely,” says NHTM Executive Director, Laura French, “but they are not easy to come by these days, so when Gregg and Eric reached out to us we were thrilled!”
The truck will make its official debut in the Warner Fall Foliage Festival parade on Sunday, October 8, 2017. After that it will be displayed in the Warner Firefighters Museum’s portion of the Telephone Museum building until a better display can be created.
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About New Hampshire Telephone Museum
The New Hampshire Telephone Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 Corporation whose mission is to inspire curiosity by engaging a broad public audience in exhibitions and programs based on its remarkable and expanding collection. The Museum preserves the past and tells the stories of the telecommunications industry. The museum, which opened to the public in 2005 under the direction of Alderic O. “Dick” Violette, a 50-year veteran of the telephone industry, and his son, Paul Violette, a 40-year telephone industry veteran. It features the collection of four generations of one family who, collectively, have careers spanning nearly 100 years. Visit NHTelephoneMuseum.org for more information.
About Waitsfield & Champlain Valley Telecom
Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom is an independent, privately owned telephone company serving the Mad River and Central Champlain Valley regions of Vermont. Locally owned and operated, Waitsfield Telecom has been providing telephone service to the Mad River Valley since 1904. Visit WCVT.com for more information.


|#||Release title||Total tracks||Type of release is||Imprint date||Label|
|1||Sguardo Realtà 82/83||27||Audio||1994||Vacation House Records|
|2||Osservati Dall'Inganno||12||Audio||1997||Vacation House Records|
|3||Osservati Dall'Inganno||12||Audio||1985||TVOR On Vinyl|
|4||Osservati Dall'Inganno||12||Audio||1987||TVOR On Vinyl|
|5||The Sand Through The Green||5||Audio||1986||BC Tapes & Records|
|6||Sguardo Realtà||25||Audio||1998||Vacation House Records|
|7||Osservati Dall'Inganno||12||Audio||1997||Vacation House Records|
|8||Osservati Dall'Inganno||12||Audio||2010||Shake Edizioni|
|9||Wretched / Indigesti||12||Audio||2012|
|11||Osservati Dall'Inganno||12||Audio||1987||TVOR On Vinyl|
|13||The Sand Through The Green||5||Audio||1986||BC Tapes & Records|
|14||Osservati Dall'Inganno||12||Audio||1987||TVOR On Vinyl|
|15||Osservati Dall'Inganno||12||Audio||1997||Vacation House Records|
Indigesti are an Italian hardcore punk band from the Torino area in North Italy. Their most active period lasted from the early to the mid-1980s. The band reunited just a few years ago, recording the critically-acclaimed album "In disparte".
Indigesti are famous for their unique guitar playing style, resulting in an especially tense, psychotic sound which led to them being considered by some as one of the best European hardcore bands ever. Their most prominent record is the 1987 LP "Osservati dall'inganno". It was released on TVOR Records, a small independent record label affiliated to legendary Italian TVOR fanzine which helped spark the upsurge of the Italian hardcore movement in the middle of the 1980s.


The PlayStation is a line of video game consoles created by Sony. The first PlayStation was released in December 1994, and it quickly became one of the most successful gaming consoles of all time. Since then, Sony has released several iterations of the PlayStation, each one building on the success of its predecessors and pushing the boundaries of gaming technology.
The original PlayStation was the brainchild of Ken Kutaragi, a Sony executive who had previously worked on the development of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System's sound hardware. Kutaragi believed that video games were the future of entertainment, and he saw an opportunity for Sony to enter the market.
Despite some initial resistance from within Sony, Kutaragi was able to secure the support of company CEO Norio Ohga, and the PlayStation project was greenlit. The first PlayStation was developed in collaboration with Nintendo, but the partnership fell apart, and Sony decided to go it alone.
The PlayStation was released in Japan in December 1994, and it was an immediate success. It was the first console to use CD-ROMs instead of cartridges, which allowed for larger and more detailed games. It also had a powerful 32-bit processor, which was significantly more advanced than the 16-bit processors used in rival consoles at the time.
In September 1995, the PlayStation was released in North America and Europe, where it quickly gained a loyal following. It was particularly popular among older gamers who were attracted to the more mature and realistic games that were being developed for the platform.
Over the next few years, Sony released a series of successful consoles, including the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Portable (PSP). Each new console added new features and improved upon the technology of its predecessor, making them even more popular with gamers.
In 2013, Sony released the PlayStation 4, which became the company's fastest-selling console ever. The PS4 was the first PlayStation console to support high-definition graphics, and it also introduced the ability to play games remotely on other devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
Today, the PlayStation remains one of the most popular video game consoles in the world. The latest iteration, the PlayStation 5, was released in 2020, and it continues the tradition of offering cutting-edge technology and immersive gaming experiences.
The success of the PlayStation can be attributed to several factors. Sony has always been at the forefront of gaming technology, and its consoles have consistently offered advanced features and capabilities. Additionally, the company has built a robust ecosystem of games, accessories, and services that keep gamers coming back for more.
Overall, the PlayStation is a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring appeal of video games. From its humble beginnings as a collaboration between Sony and Nintendo, the PlayStation has grown into a global phenomenon that has changed the face of gaming.


Our HistoryWe have been serving Renfrew & Area since 1929
Ninety World War I veterans attended the first meeting called to establish Branch 148 in 1929. History records indicate that there were fifteen charter members with the first president being Mr. A.B.C. Throop. The Canadian legion of the British Empire service league was the official name of the organization at the time in 1929.
The present location for the legion started with the purchase of the former home of the McAndrew family. The need to expand was soon realized and a membership building committee was formed. Extensive renovations of the building were started and in 1965 the official opening of our new hall was celebrated.
The mission of our Legion is to serve veterans, including military & RCMP members and their families; to promote Remembrance, and to serve our communities and our country.
The raising of money to erect a memorial to commemorate the dead of World War I was the first major work of the branch founders. The Honourable Thomas Low of Renfrew committed himself to contributing the major cost and consequently it was for him that low square was named. In 2008 the cenotaph was in desperate need of restoration. Comrade Bill Welsh, spearheaded this undertaking. On September 21, 2008, many townsfolk attended a special ceremony to re-dedicate and remember our fallen heroes at the newly restored cenotaph.
The biggest day of the year. The annual parade and attendance is a long standing tradition in Renfrew. It takes a lot of preparation by comrade Bruce Ferguson (the poppy chairman) and the committee to organize the preparations for this very special day. Many, many hours are volunteered by the members to poppy tag the weekend before Remembrance Day. Proceeds from our poppy donations are distributed to:
- Local Veterans Comfort
- Renfrew Victoria Hospital
- Homeless Veterans
- Poetry, essay & poster contest prizes
- Service Bureau Veterans Assistance
- Support of Cadet Units
- Relief of Disasters
- Restoration/Repair of Monuments
Live entertainment is provided in the lounge every Saturday from 4 to 8 pm and two Friday nights a month from 8 pm to midnight. View our upcoming events calendars
The Legion Seniors meet Monday afternoons to play darts and friendship. The Legion Seniors will start again in September.
Renfrew Highland Pipes & Drums
The Renfrew Highland Pipes and Drums was founded in 1913 and plays for concerts, parades and special events up and down the Ottawa Valley. We are proud of our long partnership with the Renfrew Legion Branch 148.
Most Requested Information
Lounge Hours – 613-432-2582
Sunday to Wednesday – Closed
Thursday – 12:00 - 6:00
Fridays - 12:00 - 6:00
Open Mic Fridays - 12:00 - 11:00
Saturday – 12:00 - 10:30 pm
Office Hours – 613-432-6450, email firstname.lastname@example.org.
Regular hours: Monday – 8-4
Tuesday - 8-4
Wednesday - 8-4
Thursday - 8-12
Friday - 8-12


Books on how to read Tarot cards are dime-a-dozen. (Figuratively, at least; Hermes help me, I wish they were cheaper.) Good books on the Tarot are fewer and further between, and most of them are associated with a particular deck – there are entire libraries, for example, dedicated to the Crowley&Harrison’s Thoth deck, alone. For a generalist book, though, you can hardly do better than this one.
Robert M. Place stand out from other Tarot writers, first and foremost, in that he can distinguish between myth and history. The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination actually has a chapter devoted to each. Unlike many authors, who subscribe to the mythical history wholesale, Place recognizes that the symbolism of the Major Arcana cannot be traced further back than Renaissance Italy, and goes to great length to prove his point, citing a number of studies and histories patently ignored by many in the New Age community, romantically attached as they are to the idea of ancient (even prehistoric) origins. He then goes on to describe and debunk the mythic history, showing where Levi and others invented the Tarot they needed, ultimately culminating in the well-known Waite-Smith deck.
From there, Place traces the individual symbols in many of the cards, providing a clear insight into their historical meanings and contexts. He describes the divinatory and symbolic meanings of the Waite-Smith illustrations (more commonly known as the Rider-Waite deck, a name which credits the corporate publishers over the female artist). He cites Waite and Smith’s memoirs, notes, and letters, giving us further insight into the origin of the modern Tarot deck.
Finally, he has a chapter on layouts, which – to my delight – overlooks the overused Celtic Cross and includes an expanded version of the Twelve Houses spread. It even starts with some general discussion of the theory behind various layouts.
Place, Robert M. the Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination. New York: Penguin, 2005. Print.


St. Paul, MN–(September 8) Franklin D. Ducheneaux, former Counsel on Indian Affairs to the U.S. House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs and a key figure in the drafting of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), will deliver the keynote address at a September 15 banquet hosted by the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Minnesota’s tribal gaming compacts. Minnesota’s compacts were the first in the nation to be negotiated and signed under IGRA, a process that begin in 1989 and concluded in 1991.
Ducheneaux, an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, rose to prominence in 1973 as Indian Affairs Counsel to the House Subcommittee on Indian Affairs under Congressman Lloyd Meeds (D-WA). In 1977, he was appointed by Congressman Morris K. Udall (D-AZ) to serve as Indian Affairs Counsel to the full House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee.
From 1973 to 1990, Ducheneaux played a key role in the crafting of virtually every major piece of Indian legislation to come before Congress, including the Indian Self-Determination Act, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, the Indian Child Welfare Act, the Indian Mineral Development Act, and in 1988, IGRA. During his tenure, he earned a reputation as a fierce and effective advocate for tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
Ducheneaux’s role in the development and passage of IGRA was particularly pivotal, according to MIGA Executive Director John McCarthy A February 1988 Supreme Court decision (California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians) had reaffirmed the right of sovereign Indian tribes to conduct gaming on their own lands without interference from states as long as gambling was legal under state laws.
In the wake of that ruling, a coalition of state governors and attorneys general lobbied Congress to pass legislation that would give states some measure of control over the gaming activities of tribes located within their boundaries. Tribes opposed any federal legislation that would give states regulatory authority over their affairs.
“Frank had the challenging task of drafting a bill that would give states some measure of authority over tribal gaming without going too far in compromising the tribes’ inherent right to govern and regulate themselves,” McCarthy said. “He managed to balance those interests brilliantly, and as a result, the lives of millions of Indian people all over this country were changed forever.”
“Frank is the architect of Indian gaming as we know it,” McCarthy said, “so it’s only fitting that he should join us as the keynote speaker for this very special 25th anniversary celebration.”
The event will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel St. Paul Riverfront, a property of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, starting with a reception at 6 pm followed by the banquet at 7 pm.. Tickets are still available through the MIGA website.


Vintage 14K Gold & Gemstone Victorian Revival Slide Bracelet, c.1950s
An exquisite vintage Victorian Revival slide bracelet, set with a multitude of dazzling gemstones. Each of the bracelet's eight slide links is unique, featuring an individual design and gemstone setting. Motifs include snakes, flowers and gorgeous Etruscan rope and bead-work. A miniature hand-painted portrait of a woman occupies one link and a delicately carved coral cameo rests on another. The stones include cultured pearl, agate, turquoise, coral, amethyst and citrine. Originally, slides were used on lady's pocket and pendant watch chains. As these fell from fashion, jewelers began using the gorgeous pieces as links for bracelets. In the 1950s the style was revived, producing a wealth of new designs that incorporated both Victorian motifs and classic jewelry technique. This bracelet is a stunning example.


Herbert Gerhard Jakob, M.D., passed away in Cleveland on June 11, 2019. Services were June 14 and interment followed at Lake View Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel. Rabbi Steven Denker officiated.
Dr. Jakob was born in Saint Ingbert, near Spiesen-Elversberg, Germany, in 1929. His family fled Germany for Luxembourg in 1935, then came to Cleveland Heights in 1938. His parents were founding members of the synagogue Gates of Hope, later named Congregation Shaarey Tikvah.
Dr. Jakob learned English at Coventry Road Elementary School in Cleveland Heights.
At 14, he obtained a provisional driver license so he could drive a truck for Dembovitz Bakery on Coventry, delivering bread before his school day started at Roosevelt Junior High School. He once delivered to a restaurant and was asked by the owner if the rolls were stale. The owner had a pistol on the table. Replying that the rolls were fresh, the owner replied, “You’re a good boychik.” The owner was Shondor Birns.
By the age of 17, he had saved $6,000 from that job to help his parents buy a house on Whitethorn Road.
Dr. Jakob graduated from Cleveland Heights High School. In 1947, then enrolled in Adelbert College (now Case Western Reserve University).
He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1948 and assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. In 1949, then a sergeant, he was transferred to the active reserves. He then resumed his studies, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and then a medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
While a surgical resident at the former Mt. Sinai Hospital of Cleveland, he met a British nurse named Margaret. They were married in London in 1958.
After leaving Mount Sinai, Dr. Jakob took a position at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, Calif. He was the only surgeon in Humboldt County, allowing him to hone his considerable talents in all areas of surgery. While there, he was made an honorary member of the Hoopa Valley Indian Tribe.
Dr. Jakob returned to Cleveland Heights in 1964 and worked for the Community Health Foundation. He and some other physicians from that group founded the Ohio region of Kaiser Permanente, the first HMO in Ohio.
Dr. Jakob was for many years Kaiser’s regional chief of surgery. He also spent 10 years as physician-in-chief of the Ohio region, during which time he attended and graduated from the advanced management program at Harvard Business School.
Dr. Jakob was not only a proponent, but a practitioner of physical fitness. An avid weightlifter and later runner, he encouraged his children in sports.
All of his children were varsity athletes at Cleveland Heights High School, which inducted him into its hall of fame in 1992. He was fervently proud of how the Heights schools shaped his life and those of his children.
Dr. Jakob retired in 1995. He became a full-time grandfather to four grandchildren and later volunteered as a docent with Congregation Shaarey Tikvah’s Face to Face Holocaust education program. The program still uses a centuries-old Torah that his family hid and brought from Germany.
Dr. Jakob is survived by his two daughters, Linda (Stephen Barrett) of Shaker Heights, Dr. Harriet (Dr. Keith Kruithoff) of Shaker Heights and his son, Charles Jakob of Sacramento, Calif. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Hannah and Jemma Barrett and Bradley and Caroline Kruithoff.
He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Margaret Rimmer; his parents, Eugene and Friedl Jakob; and a grandchild, Emma Madeline Barrett.
Contributions are suggested to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, Kol Israel Foundation’s Face to Face Holocaust Education Program, or the Heights Schools Foundation, c/o the CH-UH School District.


This Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, will be a full day of honoring our fallen veterans.
The Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on Midway Road, south of Dixon, will hold a ceremony including the Air Force Band of the Golden West Brass Quintet (shown above) starting at 9:00 am.
Then a memorial service will be held at the Silveyville cemetery commencing at 10:00 am at the tomb of the unknown soldier, then move to the Flag area of the cemetery for a Flag Ceremony.
Beginning at 11:00 am another ceremony will be held at the Women’s Improvement Club Park next to the Library in downtown Dixon.
About 30 minutes after that there will be a luncheon at the Dixon Veterans Hall.
Boy Scouts and other civic groups will place flags on the graves of veterans buried at Silveyville on Saturday morning.
Other volunteers will place flags on the thousands of graves at the National Cemetery, starting at 9:00 am on Saturday, May 23. Volunteers will also be needed to help remove the flags all day on Tuesday, May 26 at the National Cemetery. For more information or to volunteer, call (707) 693-2460. Drop-in volunteers are also welcome.


Before drywall, most homes and building relied on plaster walls. Plaster was a time consuming process, that was often hard to perfect. Then came drywall, which made wall construction in buildings and homes much easier. Not only was the process quicker, but the walls and ceilings were much more attractive.
Although there have been other types of materials used for walls in the past, nothing comes close the the energy efficiency of drywall. Drywall helps improve insulation and helps to retain room temperature much better than any alternatives.
Not only is using drywall better for your energy bills, but is much more fire resistant than other alternatives. This means that fire will not generally spread as quick and can better contain fires, which could save your home. More importantly, it could save your life.
Drywall is a construction product commonly used to finish building interiors. For hundreds of years prior to its development, the interior walls of buildings were usually made of plaster. This was applied in layers over narrow boards called laths that were nailed directly to the studs. The plaster was pressed into gaps between the laths to make it adhere, and was built up in progressive layers. This building technique called for a fair degree of craftsmanship and experience, but allowed the builder to incorporate interesting textures or decorations as the plaster was worked.
In the mid-twentieth century, drywall, also called plasterboard, sheetrock or gypsum board, came into widespread use, and now almost all buildings have drywall walls. Drywall has a number of advantages over plaster, ease of installation being the most obvious. Any reasonably handy person can refinish a room with drywall, and you don’t have to take any training or join a guild to learn how to do it.
Drywall is made using gypsum plaster, which is then covered on both sides by fiberglass matting or heavyweight paper. Depending on the manufacturer, certain additions, such as anti-mildew and fire-resistant materials, are mixed with the gypsum plaster before applying the paper.


The design of the new mug is inspired mainly by the history of the Svijany Brewery. The names of the beers such as Svijany Prince, Princess, Baron or Knight refer to the history and therefore the motif of the collar – the iconic collar that used to be part of the clothing of the nobility of the time – was chosen as the main symbol. The motif is applied to the glass in the form of an embossed relief, which not only decorates it but also lightens it. Thanks to the ear with a silhouette of the traditional Svijany coat of arms, the mug also holds perfectly.
Names of Svijany beers such as Svijany Prince, Princess, Baron or Knight inspired me to find the central motif that appears on the glass. This motif is the Krejzlik – a collar that used to be part of the clothing of the nobility of the time. The pattern that comes from this collar is applied to the glass in the form of a relief.
One of the client’s requirements was to create a design that would respect the history of the brewery but would also be attractive to young people. I wanted to achieve this by, among other things, a subtle simplification of the logo. The logo on the glass lacks two lines and is thus more youthful and sits more on the glass.
The absence of historical motifs on the glass was sufficiently compensated by projecting the Svijan coat of arms into the shape of the handle. The curved shape towards the body makes the glass very easy to hold. The year at the top of the handle is a nice detail referring to the founding of the brewery.
During the design process, several prototypes were made from 3D printing and milled plexi. This made it possible to consult with the client on all details and ergonomics.


Clinton Pattea, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation leader who helped bring prosperity to an impoverished tribe while advancing the national cause of Indian sovereignty, died Friday at the age of 81.
Pattea served for nearly four decades as a council member in the tiny Indian community along the Verde River east of Scottsdale. He spent more than 25 years as its president.
During that time, he was instrumental in the campaign to stop construction of a dam that would have engulfed Yavapai land, and he helped pave the way for legalized Indian gaming by leading a successful standoff against FBI agents who raided the tribe’s casino.
Largely under Pattea’s leadership, the community of just 950 members developed not only the casino, but a Western adventures company, an RV park, a golf club, two Radisson resorts and businesses in construction materials and agriculture.
Pattea grew up on the 40-square-mile reservation in an adobe house with a dirt floor and no electricity or running water. His great-grandfather had been a Yavapai chieftain in the 19th century.
He attended a local elementary school and then was sent to live part time at the Phoenix Indian School campus. After high school, Pattea worked part time at Valley National Bank while attending Phoenix College, then transferred to Northern Arizona University. He graduated in 1959 with a degree in finance and business administration, and returned to a job at the bank.
Pattea was first elected to the Tribal Council in 1960, just one year out of college. In the early 1970s, he led the campaign to stop construction of Orme Dam, a Verde River project that would have flooded 17,000 acres of tribal lands. After a decade-long political fight, the federal government killed the plan. The Yavapai Nation’s annual rodeo and fair commemorate that event.
Pattea also became a leader in the tribal casino movement. In May 1992, FBI agents raided the Fort McDowell Casino, seized 349 slot machines and put them in moving vans. Before agents could drive away, tribal members moved in and blockaded exits, creating a three-week standoff.
“They had the rifles and guns aimed at us,” Pattea recalled later. “We were very proud of the fact that we did protest in a manner where no one got hurt, and there were no injuries to our side or their side.”
Pattea helped negotiate a compact with then-Gov. Fife Symington allowing the Yavapai casino to remain open.
The pact, which paved the way for other tribes, was considered a national victory for Indian self-determination and is celebrated annually by the Yavapai on Sovereignty Day. It helped changed the fortunes of an impoverished Indian community that had an estimated unemployment rate of 50 percent.
Pattea, considered a titan among Native American-rights advocates, chaired the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs for 16 years. In 2009, the National Indian Gaming Association gave Pattea the Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award for service to Indian country.
Pattea’s tenure has not been without criticism. His 2008 election victory over incumbent President Raphael Bear was challenged after disclosures that Pattea’s campaign manager had received hundreds of thousands of dollars in unexplained payments from the Fiesta Bowl. Pattea, a member of the Fiesta Bowl board, never responded to interview requests about the controversy.
Over the years, he repeatedly sought to establish the Fort McDowell as the venue for a professional sports stadium, but negotiations always failed.
Known by many as “Dr. Pattea,” the Yavapai president emphasized education as a key to rebuilding the Yavapai economy, and he oversaw tribal contributions to Arizona universities for Native American scholarships. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater in 1999.
“Education opens doors and gives a better understanding about working with the outside world,” Pattea explained in a 2003 interview with The Arizona Republic. “We want our young people to also invest or go into businesses that are off the reservation.”
Ned Morris, a Tohono O’odham Nation chairman, once referred to Pattea as “a man of sound judgment, experience and someone we can look up to and revere as a leader of his people.”


Music and Announcements, Monday, February 12, 1973
Music and announcements from the Appalachian Preaching Mission on Tuesday, February 12, 1973, at the Memorial Gymnasium at East Tennessee Sate University in Johnson City, Tennessee. Music led by Gil Oxendine. This recording immediately precedes the sermon by James Forbes on this site.
Contents are as follows:
00:00 Prayer, Wally Rutledge, North Johnson City Baptist Church
00:47 "There is a Fountain Filled with Blood"
03:50 "Trust and Obey"
06:15 "I Need Thee Every Hour"
08:09 Announcements and offering
13:52 ETSU Women's Choir sings
Please note: In the original audio, the congregation sings "Every Day with Jesus" and Gil Oxendine sings "He Touched Me." These have been removed due to copyright restrictions.
Relevant documents are attached below, including the 1973 Johnson City Preaching Mission brochure and a promo that shows that the 1973 Mission was part of "Key 73," a nationwide multi-denominational evangelical movement.
Audio, images, and documents courtesy of Archives of Appalachia, East Tennessee State University, Appalachian Preaching Mission Records.


If you are looking for a great resource for teaching the American Revolution, check out teachingamericanhistory.org and their interactive map for the American Revolution .
Here you can find a map with each location listed in chronological order. At each point on the map, a short description of the significance is given. The interactives are broken into three sections: 1775-1778, 1778-1781, and Treaty of Paris.
via Teaching American History - American Revolution Interactive.


The Live Nativity, a 70 year tradition at AHUMC, was held Sunday, December 6. We are so grateful to God for all who made this special event possible in this unusual and challenging year. The beautiful story of our Lord Jesus Christ’s birth offers us peace, hope, joy, and love anew. It is a deep privilege to share this wonderful story with one another and invite Christ to be born anew in each of us. Nearly 200 people gathered throughout the evening to view the four performances and many others saw it as they drove by on Basse Road. A highlight of the evening was having Rev. Harold & Patricia Burkhardt attend as Harold started the Nativity Scene in 1950 at the old church location on Broadway! Since 1980, Rev. Donna Strieb (along with Rev. Clyde Byrd until his death in 1997) has continued the tradition as staff coordinator.


Popina Memorial Park consists of a series of giant granite stones – some shaped like pyramids, others like smooth arches – all with holes seemingly blasted through their centers. Standing several stories high, the sculptures themselves dwarf the vehicles necessary to reach the site, and a human can easily pass through their centers fully upright. Scattered along a wooded slope, at a certain angle one can align the voids into a tunnel-like configuration, which eerily leads nowhere.
Completed in 1981, the tribute was designed by the famous architect Bogdan Bogdanović. Though his name may not immediately ring a bell, this one man is responsible for some of the most immediately recognizable memorials in Eastern Europe, including Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Partisan Memorial Cemetery, the Stone Flower at Jasenovac, Croatia, and Kosovo’s Mitrovica Miners Monument, to mention a just few.
Despite being strikingly minimal in its execution, Popina Memorial Park has a way of sticking with its visitors, even if they know nothing of what once transpired here. On October 13, 1941, a small coterie of troops met in one of the first frontal combat engagements against Germany’s troops. Heavy casualties were incurred. More than 2,300 people were shot in Kraljevo between October 15th and 20th in 1941 as part of Nazi revenge.


Rock Island Confederate Cemetery Rock Island, Illinois
Rock Island Confederate Cemetery is the only surviving remnant of a massive prison camp that once held thousands of Confederate soldiers. Located near the southeast corner of Arsenal Island in Rock Island, Illinois, the Confederate Cemetery is the final resting place for nearly 2,000 prisoners of war who died in captivity from disease and the poor living conditions of the camp. The modest cemetery stands in poignant contrast to the Rock Island National Cemetery, a half-mile to the southeast.
During the summer of 1863, prison camps in the North were overflowing with Confederate soldiers captured in battle. As a result, Union troops began construction of a new prison camp on an island in the Mississippi River then known as Rock Island, now called Arsenal Island. The camp opened in December 1863 with the arrival of the first prisoners captured at the Battle of Lookout Mountain. The Rock Island Prison Camp was designed to hold more than 10,000 inmates at any one time, and over the final 18 months of the war, more than 12,000 Confederate prisoners passed through its gates.
The deplorable conditions at the camp led some to call it the “Andersonville of the North,” a reference to the infamous prison in Georgia. Disease, including smallpox and pneumonia, ran rampant through the prison claiming many lives, while others died from exposure to the elements and the unsanitary conditions of the camp. During the first four months alone, more than 950 Confederate soldiers died. Initially, the dead were buried in a plot located 400 yards south of the prison, but on advice from the prison surgeon, a new cemetery, one that would become Rock Island Confederate Cemetery, was established in 1864, located 1,000 yards southeast of the prison. In March 1864, the remains of 671 Confederate dead were reinterred in the new burial grounds. In all, approximately 1,950 Confederate prisoners were buried in the cemetery, with the last burial occurring on July 11, 1865. All structures related to the prison were transferred to the Rock Island Arsenal and were subsequently demolished, leaving the Confederate Cemetery as the camp’s only remaining feature.
The Confederate Cemetery covers a rectangular, three-acre parcel of land, bound by Rodman Avenue and a post-and-chain fence to the north, Confederate Avenue to the south, and heavy tree cover to the east and west. A paved walkway extends from Rodman Avenue to the edge of the burials, passing a six-foot tall obelisk the Daughters of the Confederacy dedicated in 2003 to the Confederate veterans who died at Rock Island. At the south end of the grounds, opposite the monument, is the cemetery’s flagpole. Four Confederate cannons sit near the entrance, two each on either side of the monument.
The burial plot is roughly square and consists of 20 rows of graves running north-south. Although the spacing of each row is identical, the beginning and end of the rows are irregular. In 1908, the Commission for Marking the Graves of Confederate Dead began a program to place distinctive pointed-top marble headstones, inscribed with the name and regimental affiliation of each soldier, on the graves. The graves were previously marked with wooden markers and a few private headstones.
U. S. Army Rock Island Arsenal
Civil War Era National Cemeteries: Honoring Those Who Served


How many truths can one World War sustain? On the hundredth anniversary of the outbreak of war, I won’t attempt to list all the many different versions of history that have already been presented this year. But it’s worth considering the agendas behind these myriad competing truths. Policy is shaped to some extent by history, and so the way we interpret our past matters enormously to our future.
Some want to see WW1 as a noble struggle
This is an understandable desire, driven in part by the sense that so much death and destruction must have served some purpose. We can’t bear to think it was all for nothing. Or perhaps we want to believe that our nation’s role in the destruction was justifiable. A lot of people were killed by our shells and bullets. It would be terrible to think we didn’t have just cause. Demonstrating the villainy of the enemy becomes important.
Truths favoured by this agenda (from a Russian, French and British point of view) include the outrageous demands placed by Austria on Serbia as the price of peace following Archduke Ferdinand’s assassination; the demonstrable belligerence of some in Prussian-led Germany; the binding treaties of mutual defence; the greater degree of democracy in France and Britain than in Germany and Austria; the German invasion of Belgium; the sinking of the Lusitania.
Some want to paint all war as evil
This ideological view is hard to argue against given the horrendous succession of wars in the 20th century. And if we are opposed to war, than it is imperative to emphasise the extreme awfulness of the “Great” war.
There are plenty of truths to choose from here: the sheer scale of the carnage; the pitiful ratio of land gained to lives lost in most offensives; the conditions in the trenches; the environmental devastation; the consequences of the peace for later German politics; the ghastly new developments in chemical warfare and aerial bombardment.
Recruiting Propaganda: “Daddy what did YOU do in the Great War?”
Some want to position WW1 as the inevitable product of the imperial/monarchal system
Britain, France, Russia, Austria, Germany and Ottoman Turkey all had empires of varying sizes and extents. Five of the six had monarchs. They tore each other apart and nearly destroyed Europe in the process. By contrast, democracies without empires never go to war with each other. It’s a seductive line of reasoning.
The preferred truths for this agenda are more nuanced. They relate to the trappings of empire and aristocracy, such as titled officers giving orders from comfortable chateaux, while working class boys died in the trenches (true in parts), the fuss made over a dead Archduke, or the fatal confusion caused by a muddled telephone conversation between one aristocratic diplomat and another. The sacrifices made by imperial subjects, such as ANZAC soldiers at Gallipoli or Indian troops in Flanders also play to this narrative. And so does the early-20th century competition between the great powers for limited resources in far off places, as well as increased tensions at the boundaries between empires — especially in Eastern Europe.
Some want to make sure we never forget
Whether out of respect for the fallen, or out of a determination that we learn the painful lessons of our history, many are concerned that current and future generations do not lose sight of the cataclysm that engulfed Europe one hundred years ago. Truths that will lodge immovably in the memory are therefore, for this group, the most important.
Memorable truths include the large scale, the horrific, the unique, the bizarre: the numbers killed on the first day of the Somme; the exploitation of horses; the poison gas; the rotting feet; the Gatling gun; canaries; barbed wire. But they also include the symbolic. Poppies appeared once a year, in greater quantities than usual, in certain theatres of the war. It’s a truth, and a memorable one at that.
All of these truths co-existed between 1914 and 1918. They can be deployed in any formation to achieve all kinds of objectives. History is a battlefield; choose your side.


This Christmas break the IB history students were fortunate enough to visit Vietnam and Cambodia.The itinerary designed to accommodate the syllabus studied was diverse and certainly memorable as is clearly seen by the reflections below. Our amazing history and politics teachers sharing their knowledge, accompanied by the numerous tours we received from knowledgeable guides, helped to complement our knowledge gathered from textbooks tremendously and successfully brought historical figures like Ho Chí Minh and Pol Pot to life.
There is no better way to bring learning to
life than to explore the places you are studying! It is difficult to encapsulate these experiences in words; I think what I enjoyed the most were the little things we witnessed that made me think, whether that be contrasting architecture reminiscent of various times in history, a conversation with our guide about their family heritage, the vibrant colors of lanterns hanging above each shop, or the more sobering moments of feeling the consequences of the past in the present.
Having studied the Vietnam War for a number of years, it was fascinating to visit the country and see how the Vietnamese reflect upon and represent the conflict. Whilst to us in the West it was a part of the Cold War, a fight against communism, to the Vietnamese it was a war for independence. Understandably, the museums and monument to the war focused highly on the human cost and atrocities committed. It was also interesting to note the differences between North and SouthVietnam. Despite being unified into a single state in 1975, Hanoi, the capital of the communist north, remains less developed, and more traditionally Vietnamese, than Ho Chi Minh City, the former capital of the capitalist south.
There was a noticeable difference between Viet nam and Cambodia. Very quickly after driving across the border into Cambodia, the increased level of poverty became evident. The developingVietnamese towns and cities were replaced by an agricultural society where many of the population still live in wooden houses on stilts, set amongst the rice paddy fields. The visit to the Killing Fields – one the sites of Cambodian genocide – was a powerful experience.The experiences of our guide’s family, and the losses they suffered, were a poignant reminder of just how recent these events were. Despite such terrible pains, in such recent history (many current leading Cambodian politicians were once members of the Khmer Rouge), the people of Cambodia were incredibly warm and welcoming.


Floor printing, as an artistic and functional technique, has a rich history that spans centuries of human creativity and innovation. Tracing the evolution of floor printing allows us to appreciate how this art form has evolved from simple designs on earthen floors to sophisticated and captivating artworks that adorn modern interior spaces.
Ancient Origins: The roots of floor printing can be found in ancient civilizations. In ancient Rome and Pompeii, mosaic floors were a popular form of floor point of sale printing. Intricate patterns and scenes were created using small pieces of colored stones or tiles, showcasing the artistic prowess of the time.
Medieval Marvels: In the Middle Ages, elaborate floor designs emerged in European cathedrals and churches. These ornate floor prints, crafted with marble, limestone, and other stones, often depicted religious symbols and biblical narratives, adding a spiritual dimension to sacred spaces.
Eastern Elegance: In Eastern cultures, floor printing also held a significant place in architectural and interior design. In China, intricate floor patterns were created using glazed tiles and bricks, showcasing traditional motifs and symbols. Japanese tatami mats, made from woven straw, became an iconic element of Japanese floor design.
Renaissance Revival: During the Renaissance period, floor printing experienced a resurgence in Europe. Intricate floor designs adorned palaces, royal residences, and affluent homes. These elaborate patterns, inspired by classical Greek and Roman art, demonstrated a revival of interest in antiquity.
Industrial Revolution: The advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century brought about advancements in manufacturing techniques and materials. Mass-produced tiles and linoleum became popular flooring options, paving the way for more accessible and standardized floor printing methods.
20th Century Innovations: The 20th century witnessed significant advancements in floor printing technology. Linoleum printing became more refined, and vinyl flooring emerged as a versatile and cost-effective alternative. Custom floor printing techniques were developed, enabling the integration of personalized designs into interior spaces.
Digital Renaissance: The digital revolution of the late 20th and early 21st centuries transformed floor printing into a cutting-edge art form. Computer graphics and high-definition printing technology allowed for intricate and photorealistic designs to be printed directly onto various flooring materials.
Sustainable Solutions: In recent years, sustainable design practices have influenced floor printing. Eco-friendly inks, recyclable materials, and floor prints that replicate the appearance of natural materials have become popular choices, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions.
Augmented Reality Integration: As technology continues to advance, augmented reality (AR) has been integrated with floor printing, opening up new possibilities for interactive and immersive experiences. AR elements enable dynamic and interactive floor designs, enhancing the overall impact of the art form.
The Future of Floor Printing: Looking ahead, floor printing is set to become even more versatile and innovative. From smart floors that respond to movements to holographic elements that create a sense of depth, the future holds exciting advancements that will redefine how we perceive and interact with floor art.
In conclusion, the evolution of floor printing is a testament to human creativity and the quest for artistic expression. From ancient mosaics to modern digital designs, floor printing has evolved into a captivating and versatile art form that continues to leave a mark on interior spaces. As technology and sustainability drive further advancements, the future of floor printing promises to be a dazzling journey of artistic possibilities and innovative experiences.


“Before the job, there were two people in the marriage,” Dale Van Dyke told Richard Sandomir of The New York Times. “When Louis came into Michael’s life, he came into my life, and, all of a sudden, there were three people in this marriage, and that was fine with me.”
Van Dyke was speaking about her husband, Michael Cogswell, retired Executive Director of the Louis Armstrong House Museum, who died on April 20 at the age of 66, due to complications from bladder cancer.
When Louis Armstrong died in 1971, he left behind 72 shipping cartons filled with his collection of home-recorded tapes, scrapbooks, photographs, manuscripts, and memorabilia. In 1991, Cogswell was hired by Queens College to catalog and preserve Armstrong’s archives. That led to the founding by Cogswell of the Louis Armstrong House Museum in the house where Louis and Lucille Armstrong lived, on 107th Street in Corona, Queens. In the words of an official statement from the Museum, Cogswell created “monumental research archives, eventually holding 11 collections of Armstrong material. The collections are routinely accessed by scholars, public school students, journalists, record producers, and many more.”
Cogswell was born on September 30, 1953, in Buffalo, NY, and grew up in Fairfax, VA. He held a BA in Music from the University of Virginia, a Masters in Jazz History from the University of North Texas, and a Master of Library Science from Queens College. He literally created the Masters in Jazz History degree at UNT by inserting Jazz Studies courses into the Musicology degree program.
Early on, Cogswell’s interest in jazz centered around the free jazz movement, and he wrote his master’s thesis on the music of alto saxophonist Ornette Coleman. But when he learned that Queens College was looking for an archivist to process Armstrong’s personal collection, he plunged into every recording of and book about Armstrong he could find. He was amazed by Armstrong’s life and art, comparing the experience to “Saul on the road to Damascus.”
In 2017, Cogswell oversaw the breaking of ground on a $23 million education center across the street from the Armstrongs’ house, which will house the archives, an exhibition gallery, a jazz club, and the museum store. In his book, Louis Armstrong: The Offstage Story of Satchmo (Collectors Pr: 2003), Cogswell described the modest two-story house the Armstrongs lived in. “Louis,” he wrote, “lived out of a suitcase — he was typically on the road more than 300 days per year — and had no interest in owning a home. Lucille — who had spent some of her childhood in Queens — discovered the house, purchased it, and decorated it without Louis ever having seen it.”
Ricky Riccardi, Director of Research Collections at the Museum, posted a tribute to Cogswell on his Facebook page. “Everyone who loves Louis Armstrong,” he said, “owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his vision to open the Armstrong House, Armstrong Archives, and to raise the money for the upcoming Armstrong Center.”
Lewis Porter, Founder and former Director of Rutgers-Newark’s Masters in Jazz History and Research Program, told WBGO’s Nate Chinen that Cogswell “proved to be a remarkable director in every way. Under his guidance, the house and collection became world-famous,” and, “He did an unbelievable job at fundraising.” Dan Morgenstern, Executive Director Emeritus of the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers-Newark (and Jersey Jazz columnist), recalled to Chinen that, “The house had been in a state of neglect. Nobody had really done anything that should have been done. But, Michael did. He went into this with such dedication and enthusiasm — and love, yes, I think that’s the right word. He just turned the whole thing around.”
Cogswell retired in 2018 because of his health problems. Currently, Jeff Rosenstock is Acting Director. In addition to his wife, Cogswell is survived by two brothers, Dr. Frank B. Cogswell and Col. Charles H. Cogswell.


In the Castello quarter, the atmosphere of ancient Venice awaits you at the luxurious 4 star Aqua Palace Hotel, a hotel that symbolizes the new Venetian hospitality for those in search of charm, seduction and comfort, in a perfect balance between traditional and modern.
With a contemporary touch, the finely furnished rooms and suitesinterpret the distant past of Marco Polo’s Venice, suspended between the west and the east, with soft lighting, fine curtains and special materials.
The intriguing luxury of an Hotel in Venice near Piazza San Marco: the 4 star Aqua Palace Hotel, awaits you in Castello, one of the oldest quarters of extraordinary Venice, in a location perfect for reaching the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square, as well as the stop for the vaporetto that travels through the Grand Canal, passing sumptuous palaces that reflect on the water.
From St. Mark’s Square, the sitting room of Venice, you can reach the hotel with a 3-minute walk, during which you can admire St. Mark’s Basilica, the splendid Doge’s Palace and even move on to the mercerie, a kingdom of designer shopping which starts at Rialto (5 minutes), with its famous bridge and picturesque market.
With furniture from the 1500s and fine finishing touches, the rooms of the 4 star Aqua Palace Hotel in Venice offer first-rate amenities and services in the historic quarter of Castello, with cozy, private suites and junior suites, some with a charming view of a typical Venetian Canal. The rooms, convenient to the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s square, are spacious and can host up to 4 guests. They are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi internet, satellite TV and a bathroom with shower or bathtub.


Photo Credit: Tom Cross
The FSB Story
First State Bank has been your community bank since 1884. From its original location, to our nine current locations, it's been our mission to better serve Adams, Brown, Highland, and the surrounding counties.
Owned by dedicated stockholders and directed by a board of eight directors, First State Bank's staff and directors are active business owners and citizens in our community.
Locally owned and operated, First State Bank's goal is to enhance individual, as well as community financial prosperity. With the unique ability to make decisions locally and within guidelines that benefit customer needs, an in-house processing system makes us unique to other banks in the area. In-house processing means all of our bank documents are kept at our Main office in Winchester — and this means efficiency.
First State Bank holds honesty, integrity, ethics, and customer service as top priorities. As such, we offer full service with the latest technology, like online and mobile banking, to help facilitate all of your money management needs.
FSB has stood the test of time — by changing with the times.
Our story begins in 1884 when Lucien Jerome Fenton formed the Winchester Bank Company with a capital of $50,000 — quite a sum of money back then. At the time, the bank was a two-story building and shared space with a dry goods store. Today, it's First State Bank, Winchester Branch.
The Bank of Manchester was also formed in the late 1800s and its original location was on Second Street in Manchester. In 1976, The Manchester Branch moved to 210 Pike Street, where it still stands today as the First State Bank, Manchester Branch.
In 1959 the Winchester Bank Company acquired The Seaman Bank. After undergoing renovations in 1977 and 2004, the First State Bank's Seaman Branch still stands in the same location as the original Seaman Bank.
First State Bank was formed on May 1, 1969, when the Bank of Manchester and the Winchester Bank Company merged. At the time of the merger, the bank had offices in Manchester, Seaman, and Winchester. The new bank was built in 1976 and remodeled in 1990 and shares the same location as the original Winchester Bank Company.
Since then there have been more changes to strengthen our position in the community. In July 1989, First State Bank saw a need for a central office in the area, and built a branch in the Adams County seat of West Union, on the former Old Shell Property. Six years later, in October 1996, First State Bank expanded with a branch in Peebles, on the corner of Main and Church Street, home of the old McFarland Ford Dealership.
In April 2008, First State Bank acquired three branch locations in Brown County: Ripley, Georgetown, and Mt. Orab. And in 2013, we opened our ninth location in Hillsboro in Highland County, proving that we're still going strong — over a century later.


Not often can you go on a walk and encounter an ancient oak tree and a giant redwood. But we did.
Our magical tree tour started through an arch covered in roses. First we found huge rhododendrons curling and twisting through the dappled shade.
And then around a path and through an arc of shrubs, the ancient English oak came to sight. For hundreds of years, perhaps even half a century, it had grown while kings and queens had changed thrones.
My children stared in awe at the large girth of this ancient oak.
And a bird sang on one of its branches.
Then we weaved along more paths. A stick in hand while we passed moss covered trees or a fallen leaf filled with raindrops.
My son had always wanted to see the giant redwoods in the US, but he met his first one here in the English countryside.
A British plant hunter, William Lobb, brought seeds back to England in 1853 after an expedition to the US wilderness. Soon it became very popular and fashionable amongst British landed estates to plant the seeds of these monumental trees. Lobb gave some seeds to a botanist at University of London who then first named the tree Wellingtonia gigantean, after the duke of Wellington who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. But this created an outcry in the US that the world’s largest tree – discovered in the US – had been named after a British war hero!
Nearby Wakehurst Place in West Sussex is famous for lighting up one of its giant redwoods every Christmas.
So the Soquiadendron giganteum is now known as the giant sequoia, giant redwood or the big tree, yet to this day is often called the Wellingtonia in Britain.
But the British giants are still young in comparison to some of the giant redwoods in the Sierra Nevada in California, many which are thousands of years old.
We smiled on seeing the berries of Lords and Ladies growing in its shadow.
And as we left the woodland path the giant redwood originally from the US soared above the tree line while not far away a magnificent English oak grew elegantly in the shade.


In an era where the glittering soirees of the Art Deco period defined the pinnacle of glamour, there lived a woman whose presence was the epitome of elegance. She was known for her impeccable taste, a taste that was encapsulated in her choice of jewelry, particularly a pair of diamond and platinum chandelier earrings.
These weren't ordinary earrings; they were a marvel of craftsmanship, featuring an array of diamonds totaling 8.00 carats. The brilliance of the F-G color diamonds, with their VS clarity, made them a spectacle of light and luxury. At the heart of each earring, a 0.50 carat round cut diamond shone brightest, its captivating brilliance enhanced by the luster of the finest platinum.
The intricate arrangement of the diamonds captured the essence of the Art Deco era—each stone meticulously set to create an intricate dance of light and sparkle. The platinum setting was not just a testament to the earrings' enduring beauty but also a reflection of the era's fascination with sleek, geometric designs.
These earrings were more than just pieces of jewelry; they were a symbol of the woman's exquisite taste and her embodiment of enduring elegance. As she moved through the grand halls of the most lavish parties, her earrings caught the eyes of many, a dazzling display of sophistication and a nod to the timeless allure of the Art Deco design.
These diamond and platinum chandelier earrings were not merely adornments; they were the highlight of her collection, pieces that reflected her unique aura and the unparalleled sophistication of an unforgettable era.


Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the second-most visited of Mexico’s archaeological sites and today is a magical day at Chichen Itza we went to see the light-and-shadow effect on the Temple of Kukulcan in which the feathered serpent god supposedly can be seen to crawl down the side of the pyramid. The process takes some time as we began to witness the phenomenon when a very large overcast cloud blocked the sun from casting the true shadow that runs the side of the Temple. This newly named “7 wonders of the world” is a fantastic day trip from Cancun or the Mayan Riviera with constant tours and buses leaving to visit the grounds daily. It really is something you must see with your own eyes to appreciate the enormity of the site. You are not permitted to climb the ruins any longer and tour guides are available.
Dominating the center of Chichén is the Temple of Kukulkan (the Maya name for Quetzalcoatl), often referred to as “El Castillo” (the castle). This step pyramid has a ground plan of square terraces with stairways up each of the four sides to the temple on top. On the Spring and Autumn equinox, at the rising and setting of the sun, the corner of the structure casts a shadow in the shape of a plumed serpent – Kukulcan, or Quetzalcoatl – along the west side of the north staircase. On these two annual occasions, the shadows from the corner tiers slither down the northern side of the pyramid with the sun’s movement to the serpent’s head at the base.
Temple of the Warriors
The Temple of the Warriors complex consists of a large stepped pyramid fronted and flanked by rows of carved columns depicting warriors.
At one end of the Great Ball Court is the North Temple, popularly called the Temple of the Bearded Man. This small masonry building has detailed bas relief carving on the inner walls, including a center figure that has carving under his chin that resembles facial hair.
Mesoamerican cultures periodically built larger pyramids atop older ones, and this is one such example. In the mid 1930s, the Mexican government sponsored an excavation of El Castillo. After several false starts, they discovered a staircase under the north side of the pyramid. By digging from the top, they found another temple buried below the current one. Inside the temple chamber was a Chac Moolstatue and a throne in the shape of Jaguar, painted red and with spots made of inlaid jade All information thanks to WikiPedia All Images © Photos In Cancun 2010


Mount Aventine changed hands several times in the early 1900’s. From 1938-1954 it served as a part time residence and hunting preserve for the Hubbard family. In 1954, Margit Sigray Bessenyey, daughter of a Hungarian count and an American heiress, purchased the property and set about acquiring other parcels which had been sold from the original tract. Ms. Bessenyey was a noted horse breeder who bred and trained horses at Mount Aventine as well as at ranches in Montana and California. The property served as a part time residence until Ms. Bessenyey’s death in 1987. A tribute to Margit Sigray Bessenyey by Ernest Szecheny provides more insight into the Countess and her life, including how she helped save a stock of Hungarian horses that were being disbanded by the U.S. Cavalry.
Additional information on the marriage of Ms. Bessenyey’s parents, Harriet Daly and Count Anton Sigray, can be found in this article from the The Salt Lake Herald-Republican dated March 27, 1910.
The State purchased the property from a developer in 1998 preserving this unique property for public use.


The history of humanity is a captivating narrative that spans thousands of generations and encompasses the rise and fall of empires, the development of cultures, and the evolution of societies. From our humble origins as hunter-gatherers to the complexities of modern civilization, the human story is a testament to our adaptability, creativity, and capacity for both triumph and tragedy. In this exploration, we embark on a journey through time, tracing the remarkable trajectory of the human species from its ancient roots to the complex tapestry of the present.
The human story begins in Africa, where our ancestors emerged more than two million years ago. Homo habilis, with its rudimentary tool-making skills, gave way to Homo erectus, an early pioneer who mastered fire and expanded beyond Africa. These early humans were nomadic, relying on hunting and gathering for survival.
The Agricultural Revolution
Around 10,000 years ago, a pivotal moment in human history occurred: the Agricultural Revolution. This transition from nomadic life to settled agriculture marked a turning point, leading to the development of complex societies and the rise of civilization. Ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China emerged along fertile river valleys.
Classical antiquity witnessed the glory of ancient Greece and Rome. These civilizations laid the foundations for democracy, philosophy, art, and science. The Hellenistic period saw the spread of Greek culture throughout the known world, while the Roman Empire stretched from Europe to the Middle East.
The Middle Ages
The fall of the Roman Empire ushered in the Middle Ages, a period characterized by feudalism, the spread of Christianity, and the rise of powerful empires like the Byzantine Empire and the Islamic Caliphates. It was also a time of remarkable intellectual and artistic achievements, exemplified by the works of scholars like Avicenna and Aquinas.
The Renaissance and Enlightenment
The Renaissance marked a resurgence of art, science, and humanism in Europe, with figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei leading the way. The Enlightenment further emphasized reason, individual rights, and the separation of church and state, influencing the formation of modern democracies.
The Age of Exploration and Colonization
The 15th to 18th centuries witnessed the Age of Exploration, during which European powers ventured to distant lands. This period, while leading to significant discoveries, also brought colonization, exploitation, and the transatlantic slave trade, leaving a lasting impact on global history.
The Industrial Revolution
The 19th century saw the Industrial Revolution, which transformed economies, societies, and living standards. Machines, factories, and railways reshaped the world, but also led to social inequalities and environmental challenges.
The Modern Era
The 20th century was marked by two World Wars, the Cold War, and significant advancements in science, technology, and civil rights. The end of the century witnessed the rise of the internet, globalization, and increased efforts to address global challenges like climate change and poverty.
The Present and the Future
Today, humanity stands at a critical juncture, facing complex global issues such as climate change, political instability, and technological disruptions. The challenges are daunting, but our capacity for innovation, cooperation, and resilience remains undiminished.
As we reflect on the vast tapestry of the human story, we are reminded of the incredible journey that has brought us to this point. Our history is a testament to the enduring human spirit—the ability to adapt, to create, and to strive for a better future. While the path ahead may be uncertain, the human story continues to unfold, driven by our collective determination to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and enlightened civilization.


Below is a video about the stone arch bridge. Credit to Ray Lowry for making this video.
Uploaded via Youtube on Apr 17, 2011
One of the most recognizable architectural landmarks of Minneapolis is the Stone Arch Bridge. Built by Railroad Baron James J. Hill back in 1883, the Stone Arch Bridge is the only bridge of its kind spanning the Mississippi River.
Built of 100,000 tons of granite and limestone, this 2,100 foot long structure, composed of twenty-three gracefully curving arches, helped usher the railroad age into the city of Minneapolis. In its heyday, forty-eight passenger trains crossed the Stone Arch Bridge each and every day bringing thousands of travelers into and out of the central business district of Minneapolis. But as air travel replaced passenger train travel, the bridge went into decline. By 1980 it had become little more than a fenced off, derelict structure surrounded by crumbling, abandoned flour mills.
In 1994 a partnership of public agencies rehabilitated the bridge for pedestrian use. Today the Stone Arch Bridge is the jewel of the brilliantly redeveloped Minneapolis Riverfront. Thanks primarily to the Minneapolis Park Board, our grandchildren, as well as our grandchildrens’ grandchildren, will one day be able to stroll across the Mississippi River on James J. Hill’s monument to the railroad age.
– Ray Lowry


Nagasaki by Moonlight
Hiroaki (Shōtei) Takahashi
6 x 15 inches
15 x 38 centimeters
about the work
Originally believed to be a Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print ca. 1680, this print is actually an example of shin-hanga, a modern revival of the classic woodblock technique. Watanabe Shōzaburō (1885-1962) owned a print studio that pioneered the shin-hanga movement, where he employed dozens of printmakers. The shin-hanga prints were not popular in Japan, so most were sent overseas to North America and Europe, where the Japonisme aesthetic movement was still popular. When the Great Kanto Earthquake rattled Japan in 1923, the studio and all of the original print blocks and stored prints were destroyed. Watanabe and his artists re-carved the lost print blocks, sometimes making subtle changes to the designs.
The S. Watanabe woodcut print shop is still in operation in Tokyo today.
This particular print block, as well as its "sister" in Spartanburg Art Museum's collection (Autumn Moon at Ishikawa) was likely designed and printed post-earthquake. Another copy of this image is in the Robert O. Muller collection at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art.
about the artist
Hiroaki (Shōtei) Takahashi (1870-1945) was a prolific Japanese wood block artist, estimated to have created over 500 print blocks over the course of his career.
Other examples of Hiroaki's prints can be found in the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.


Jewel of the Nile Sun Festival - 11 days (15 OCT, START )
Premium Tour. Staying in some of Egypt's smartest hotels and cruising aboard a luxury 5 star Nile cruiser, you'll see the best of legendary Egypt and witness the grand Sun Festival of King Ramses II at Abu Simbel!
Day 1: Cairo
Welcome to Egypt and the start of a wonderful holiday! Arrive Cairo airport, meet and greet service and included transfer to 5 star hotel, located at the foot of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Overnight - Cairo
Day 2: Egyptian Museum
We start with the dazzling antiquities at the Egyptian Museum. Amongst the many exhibits are the treasures of King Tutankhamen. This afternoon offers free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or join us for an optional city tour visiting old Cairo and the Islamic citadel. Overnight - Cairo (B)
Day 3: Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara
Cairo - Luxor. Today we visit Egypt's most loved sight - The Great Pyramids of Giza. We explore the Giza plateau, pyramids and massive lion-headed Sphinx. Later, we tour Saqqara - an ancient necropolis with many half-buried tombs and the famous Zhoser’s step pyramid. Tonight we take an overnight sleeper cabin train south to Luxor. Overnight - Sleeper Train (B, D)
Day 4: Valley of the Kings
Arriving into Luxor we have a full day of sightseeing ahead of us, dictated by the early departure of all Nile cruisers tomorrow morning. The massive pair of statues known as the Colossi of Memnon are the first monuments you’ll see during our morning visit to the West Bank, home to the legendary Valley of the Kings and the colonnaded Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Return to Luxor for check-in aboard our Nile 5 star cruiser. Lunch and time to freshen up.Afternoon visit to the magnificent Temple of Karnak. More than a temple, it’s a gigantic and stunning complex of sanctuaries and pylons dedicated to the Theban gods. Later, we visit to the Temple of Luxor built by Pharaoh Amenophis III. Luxor Temple looks stunning at dusk and is beautifully illuminated at night.
Note: Dependent upon Nile Cruiser scheduling it maybe required that we also undertake our excursion to Karnak Temple this afternoon. Should this occur, day 5 will be spent at leisure. Overnight - Nile Cruiser (B, L, D)
Day 5: 5 Star Nile Cruising
Luxor - Nile cruising. As the sun rises it's anchor’s away! Our cruiser will depart Luxor in the early hours of the morning to wait in queue for the opening of the Esna lock. For us, we enjoy a well deserved day of complete R&R. Pull up a deck chair and relax as we sail upstream toward Temple of Horus at Edfu. depending on our cruise schedule we may tour Edfu Temple this afternoon or early tomorrow morning. Overnight - Nile Cruiser (B, L, D)
Day 6: Kom Ombo Temple
A relaxing day as we sail the Nile. Later today, we visit the waterside Temple of Kom Ombo. Arrive Aswan late evening and remainder on the evening at leisure. Overnight - Nile Cruiser (B, L, D)
Day 7: Aswan - Egypt's most southern city
Nile Cruiser - Abu Simbel. Today, we visit the Philae Temple. Later after lunch, a visit to the High Dam and take a felucca boat journey to Elephantine and Kitchener Island. As the sun sets, free time to shop in the colourful souqs and markets or simply relax and watch an amazing sunset in Egypt's southern most town straddling the River Nile.
There is time to rest before departing in the wee hours of the morning on our coach journey toward the Grand Temples of Abu Simbel. In readiness we await for the first rays of golden sunlight to touch the temple gate signifying the start of the Sun Festival of the mighty King Ramses II. Overnight - Nile Cruiser/ coach journey to Abu Simbel (B, L, D)
Day 8: SUN FESTIVAL – TEMPLE OF KING RAMSES II – ABU SIMBEL
Friday 22 October 2011. Abu Simbel – Aswan. Possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan rock-cut façade, the great Sun Temple of King Ramses II at Abu Simbel was created to revere the mighty pharaonic ruler King Ramses II. Ramses the Bold, Ramses the Great, Ramses the Narcissist are perhaps all apt titles for one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful rulers. Celebrating a life that spanned nearly a centenary, Ramses had plenty of time for his more than 200 wives and concubines who produced him some 96 sons and 60 daughters.
Built by Ramses II to demonstrate his political clout and divine backing to the ancient Nubians, Abu Simbel is an awesome self-tribute. Guarding the entrance to the temple (built between 1290 and 1224 BC) hewn into the side of a mountain are four famous colossal statues of the pharaoh himself, which sit majestically staring out across the desert, seemingly since time began. Over the centuries, the desert sands imperceptibly shifted until the temple was all but lost to humanity. It was rediscovered by chance in 1813 by a Swiss explorer called John Lewis Burkhardt. Only one of the heads of the pharaohs was showing and only a small part of the rest of the colossal temple peeked above the desert sands. It wasn’t until the British happened upon Abu Simbel and starting excavating, that the full glory of the temple of Abu Simbel was revealed to the modern world. The other rock cut temple at Abu Simbel is the Temple of Hathor, which is fronted by six massive standing statues. Four of them represent King Ramses II, whilst the other two are of his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari.
The temple was dedicated to the deified Pharaoh, King Ramses II, known also as the great builder and the gods Amun-Re, Re-Herakhte and Ptah. In a fit of precision and architectural egotism, Ramses II had the entire temple carefully angled and oriented in order that the sun’s rays would align twice a year on his date of his ascension to the throne (21 February) and on his birthday (21 October) and illuminate the inner sanctum of the temple. This incredible natural phenomenon provides for a most spectacular sight, which has come to be referred to as the Sun Festival of King Ramses II. Crowds pack in to the temple before sunrise and watch the shafts of light slowly creeping through the rock hewn inner Hypostyle Hall (replete with further statues of the king) and through to the Sanctuary. Significantly, the sun illuminates statues of Amun-Re, Re-Herakhte and Ramses the god, whilst the statute of Ptah - the god of darkness - remains in the shadows.
Famously, the temple was re-located in a multi-million dollar operation in 1972, further up from the shoreline of Lake Nasser, which had threatened to erode the foundations of this monolithic temple complex. For this reason, the sun now strikes a day later than Ramses had originally planned, though the event this morning itself is no less stunning. After the event, there will also be plenty of time to explore the Sun Temple of King Ramses II and also the Temple of Hathor and take plenty of pictures.
Afterward returning to Aswan, the afternoon offers time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. Later this evening we'll head to the colourful local souq (market) for a little bargain hunting. The lively night market offers comic entertainment as the sellers go about the business of hocking their wares. The market also offers an extensive array of cotton products, spices, wooden and copper ornaments, alabaster statues, beaded jewellery and mother of pearl trinkets at some of the best prices in the country. Overnight - Aswan (B)
Day 9: Aswan - free time to explore
Aswan - Cairo. A free day to explore Aswan your own way. Return to the colourful markets or simply relax and sip on a cocktail and watch the feluccas ply their way in Egypt's southern most town straddling the River Nile. This evening, we board the overnight train for our journey back to Cairo. Enjoy a light dinner in the comfort of your sleeper cabin. Overnight - Sleeper Train (B, D)
Day 10: Cairo
Arriving into Cairo and hotel check in. Today remains free for you to further explore this exciting city or maybe head to Khan el Khalili market for a little last minute souvenir shopping. Overnight - Cairo (B)
Day 11: Cairo
breakfast and included onward departure transfer to airport. (B)
Cruise schedules & hotels
Cruise Schedules: Dependent upon sailing schedules, our cruise may start from either Aswan or Luxor. Content of tour will remain the same.
Cairo Accommodation: Your tour includes a first and second stay within greater Cairo. One stay (either first or second) will commence at a hotel located in the Pyramids area and the other will be undertaken in a downtown area. The choice as to which location will be used first and second will be notated upon your tour voucher.
Prices & Departure Dates
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, thus avoiding the single person supplement.
All our scheduled tour departures are guaranteed subject to a minimum of 2 travellers.
To date we have not cancelled a single trip!
FEB – DEC 20
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