The history of modern-day playing cards is shrouded in secrecy, as is the genesis of its design. Instead of being developed by a single person, organization, or nation, the pack that most people are today acquainted with emerged through many hundred years of research and development. Whenever the notion of playing cards got introduced into a new nation, the form and design of the cards got altered to represent the cultural character of the new country’s inhabitants. The manufacturing process got also changed to accommodate the expertise and abilities of the local craftspeople. Due to the complexity of the evolutionary process, it is impossible to determine the specific geographic origin of playing cards with any degree of precision.
Origin of playing cards
Even though several countries claim to have invented playing cards, historical evidence clearly shows that the Chinese were the first to design cards for game purposes. It isn’t unexpected to realize that China was also responsible for the invention of paper, the woodblock printing method, and the first printing system using moveable type. In the design of early Chinese cards, which date back to the 9th century, coins are featured prominently, a theme still often employed as a suit emblem in Spain and other European nations. Apart from this resemblance, traditional Chinese playing cards are opposed to early European ones. Some historians think that playing cards were initially created in Persia (the old name for Iran) rather than China and that they then moved eastward to India and China as a result.
There is an old Persian game known as “As Nas” that uses a smaller pack, and while it is likely that the current pack arose from this source, there is no contemporary evidence to support this idea. Similarly, the circular pattern of early Indian “Ganjapa” cards, made of wood or tortoiseshell, does not appear to have impacted the design of the famous pack of 52 playing cards that we are all acquainted with today. The Chinese created a large variety of packs, each of which differed substantially in terms of design and number of cards. Several historians argue that the initial playing cards were a sort of paper currency created to have a dual purpose, serving as instruments of the game and representing the stakes being wagered itself. This concept is similar to popular modern-day trading card games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon, both based on collecting cards.
There is no doubt in the minds of many historians that playing cards were introduced into Europe by troops returning from the Crusades. In support of this allegation, not a single shred of proof can get found. The last Crusades ended in 1291, more than a hundred years before the first recorded mention of playing cards in Europe appeared in a book.
Similarly, the widely held belief that gypsies were responsible for introducing playing cards into Europe is without foundation. It is apparent from historical documents that playing cards were in use in Europe even before the arrival of the gypsies in the region.
National types and suit systems
By around 1500, three major suit systems had emerged:
- The French suit system (which has since been known as the ‘Anglo-American’ suit system).
- The Germanic suit system (which includes German and Swiss suits).
- The Latin suit system (including Italian, Spanish and Portuguese).
At the same time, the judicial hierarchies were becoming more standardized but with slight variations depending on the locality. However, other students prefer to perceive a religious, social, or political meaning in the suit symbols, which may have had a semi-symbolic value or been borrowed from a foreign language. Others believe the suit symbols reflect the popular culture at the time.
As a result of these suit systems and court hierarchies, numerous Standard National patterns, also known as National Types, emerged that were identified with some regions of tax jurisdictions. Many of these have remained essentially unmodified for centuries, having been passed down through the generations while retaining their archaic, medieval qualities. While others have developed into contemporary forms, this may have occurred due to the self-affirmation of national identity in nations with recently acquired independence from imperial authority. Because of globalization and the widespread use of computers, conventional playing card designs are becoming more consistent on the one hand while providing increasing chances for customization and creativity on the other.
The imagery used on cards
It took years for other applied crafts to establish the repertory of designs that would eventually get used in playing cards. In the medieval period, it was customary for artisans to work from models drawn on pieces of vellum and pasted into sketchbooks before beginning their work. Hundreds of copies of these models were made repeatedly, allowing images to travel throughout workshops and from master to pupil. Pictures were taken while traveling overseas frequently featured mistakes in observation and proportion, exacerbated by future copying and reproduction.
However, while the social structure at the court inspired the main court card hierarchy, much of the secondary imagery on early playing cards resemble the figures that recur in the borders and marginal drollery of illuminated manuscripts: miniature illustrations and trompe l’oeil of tapestries, carving, and sculpture. The topic was usually a light-hearted allusion to tournaments, cavorting youngsters, or mock battles between animals. It was typically surrounded by fruits, flowers, acanthus leaves, birds, monkeys, and grotesques, among other things. Playing cards were made by artists whose primary source of revenue may or may not have been the sale of playing cards themselves. The painters’ abilities varied: while some artists could depict standard topics stereotypically, others were able to reimagine scenarios from scratch.
Written writings, such as hunting manuals, mystery plays, and morality tales, would have impacted the designs. Flowers from the herbal, animals from the bestiary, and birds and insects from the Hours books, all evoking symbolism, a semiotic language, and echoing the ordinary world of popular beliefs and folklore, were represented in the exhibition.
Luxury hand-painted packets were only available to a select few, who savored them in solitude or with a small group of friends. The printed or mechanically generated versions, which were cruder in design and execution, were viewed by a more significant number of people at the same time but were more prone to deterioration with time.
The rise in demand for cultural items spurred the development of more efficient and cost-effective production processes, such as woodcuts, moveable type, paper instead of parchment, and many copies of the same work. As card-playing became increasingly popular, alternative procedures, such as hand-made cards, cards printed from woodblocks or stencils, or other improvised techniques, helped to hasten the manufacture of cards and increase their availability.
Early packs used artisan card creation methods, which were time-consuming yet resulted in extremely durable cards. It was made of numerous sheets of paper that got pasted together to form a pasteboard. More costly cards were made from copper engravings, which required the talents of a goldsmith and an engraver, and were then lighted with a variety of colors, including gold and silver, to make them more valuable. These cards contain more detail and more organic use of line than the previous ones. This type of package was presented as a wedding gift, bequeathed as heirlooms, and considered a precious object. Depending on the situation, they were frequently made for collectors or as curios for regal display cabinets.
Casino card games
The growth of card games has been a fascinating process to watch. Casino and online gaming are becoming increasingly popular. The traditional card games that have been enjoyed throughout the world for centuries are guaranteed to undergo a further transformation due to new technological developments. In casinos, a wide variety of card games are available to be played by patrons. The cards themselves, used in card games, are now public in two different materials: card stock and plastic.
Most nations have their current deck configurations, but the French format of Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades is the most widely used in casinos worldwide and has existed in France from the beginning of the game’s existence. The history of card games and their development inside the casino is a fascinating subject to study. Man’s fascination with gambling may be dated back to 600 BCE. Still, it wasn’t until the first legal casinos opened their doors in the early 1930s that gambling was able to transition from back alleyways and shady saloons to respectable establishments. Over the years, casino gambling has expanded to include a wide range of activities, with card games, in particular, becoming increasingly popular. The evolution of casino card games has been spectacular, beginning in the back alleys and progressing to the increasing popularity of new online casino games.
In the nineteenth century, the Americans were the first to introduce poker to the world. The number of cards used in modern-day poker differed from the number of cards used in poker in the nineteenth century. Back then, each participant would draw five cards from a deck of twenty cards, dealt face down.
This game was quite popular among boat crew members since it was a fun way to spend time while also earning extra money. Gamblers used to hang out at saloons. However, as the casinos progressed, players began to use a pack of 52 cards rather than a single deck of 20 cards.
Additionally, they establish specific rules and points for each card to make the game more fascinating for everyone. On the other hand, poker did not remain confined to the casinos. It also found its way onto television in the 1970s, thanks to shows like “World Series of Poker” and other similar programs. Poker has now made its way into the digital realm, with online sites where you can register as a permanent visitor and play poker anytime you want to earn some money.
While other card games are available at casinos, the most popular ones are blackjack and poker, both available at most casinos. According to one blackjack hypothesis, the French invented the game in the 17th century, and it got first played there. Even though the game was known by the name Vingt et un, the rules and structure of the game were quite similar to those of modern-day blackjack.
However, some minor distinctions, such as the dealer’s ability to double up, and the betting techniques, were also significantly different from those in the United States. Most people, especially those who enjoy gambling, are familiar with the modern-day blackjack card game invented in 1821. Today, this game, also known as the Comparing Card Game, is the most popular and favored game played in casinos worldwide.
Were cards invented for playing games?
In specific early packs of cards, it is disputed whether or not they were meant for use in a game in the first place. The super-rich who could purchase lighted cards decked with gold could engage in self-indulgent, narcissistic pleasures by buying cards meant to be looked at, admired, and studied. They were more than simply a toy; individuals could decipher the symbols and inscriptions, make comparisons, and discern more profound significance.
Man’s intellect enjoys categorizing and classifying his experiences the elements, cardinal points, lunar cycles, virtues, celestial spheres, temperaments, taxonomies, and hierarchies are some of the categories and classifications that he enjoys. As a practical “mnemonic” or mechanism for depicting life’s essential truths, a memory aid or teaching tool, and a means of compressing knowledge, playing cards are an excellent choice. There are no restrictions on the subject matter, ranging from botany to heraldry and from cosmology to geography.
As an example, Thomas Murner, a Franciscan friar, produced a deck of instructional cards in 1507 that is still in use today. Political humor has also served as a source of inspiration for the design of playing cards. Until the latter part of the 18th century, the backs of playing cards were left plain white. However, the difficulty with this was that card backs got easily marked during play, and as a result, they became identifiable by an opponent. Because it was too expensive to purchase another fresh pack, any damaged cards were returned to the workshop for cleaning. The white backs of playing cards got frequently used for secondary purposes. It included currency, visiting cards, and library classification cards until some playing card manufacturers began printing repeating geometric patterns, such as stars or dots, on the reverse of the cards to alleviate this problem.
Cards for the masses
Like dice or a roulette wheel, Cards are employed as a randomizing technique in various gambling games, including blackjack. The guidelines are typically straightforward: a banker may or may not be present, depending on the circumstances. Games of skill have a lower chance element than games of chance. The skill becomes more decisive via the use of technologies such as bidding, capturing, collecting, merging, and increasingly complicated rules and procedures.
Both types of games have been played in Europe since the invention of playing cards in the 16th century. The widespread usage of cards for gambling is demonstrated by the prohibition of card games and preachers’ denunciation of card games. It was poker, a hobby that drew card sharps, gamblers, swashbucklers, and other outlaws who made a livelihood by their wits. The emotional outbursts and bad behavior that occurred due to losing were deemed unethical.
Playing cards are typically used for two primary purposes:
gambling and participation in skill games. Their emergence gave a new option to more cerebral games such as chess and draughts and more chance-based games such as dice and knuckle-bones games. They introduced a new method of telling fortunes and practicing sleight of hand.
Card games are a reflection of the society in which they are played. A simple way of looking at it, playing cards might be thought of as conduits for popular culture and taste.
The development of printing is a product of the modern age. Consequently, the growth of playing cards as a mass-produced product got dramatically accelerated, and they became a part of popular culture throughout Europe. Printing made it possible for information and culture to be conveyed more effectively. It also boosted the paper manufacturing industries due to its invention.
As a result, playing cards and card games permeated everyday life, affected society, and eventually became a part of European popular culture (or subculture) – spreading as far as North Africa. As early as the fifth century, playing cards and card players first appeared in chronicles and archives. We learn that they were disapproved of or forbidden by religious and secular authorities as soon as they appeared in Europe. Society gradually grew more open and less reliant on tight restrictions. Within a few hundred years of the sixteenth century, a rich vocabulary of descriptive phrases and famous sayings had made their way into ordinary English and literature about card playing, including metaphors based on cards and card games.


September 30, 2021 – Ottawa, Canada – Today, Canada has a new federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It’s a day to commemorate the history and ongoing trauma caused by the residential schools, and to honour the survivors, and the families, and indeed entire communities who continue to grieve for those who were lost.
“The creation of a national day for truth and reconciliation is an important step towards healing,” said Inuit Circumpolar Council President Monica Ell-Kanayuk. “Healing takes time, in some cases it will take a lifetime. Many Inuit are on the healing path. Our communities need healing as a result of the intergenerational trauma passed down from relatives over the decades. A day like this allows everyone in Canada to reflect on what happened as a result of the residential schools. This year especially, with the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves of Indigenous children on the grounds of former residential schools, we have reason to pause and reflect on the profound meaning of truth and reconciliation.”
In June 2021, the House of Commons unanimously passed legislation to make September 30th a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The designated paid holiday for federal employees also addresses one of the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: “We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
“I’m sure we will see a lot of people wearing orange shirts today,” said Monica Ell-Kanayuk. “Symbols are important. Wearing an orange shirt, or displaying an orange flag, or an orange ribbon shows you care and helps in our national healing process. I commend provinces and territories who have come on board and also declared a statutory holiday today so that more people can take the time to reflect on what happened. We’re all in this together.”
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Italian art and architecture, Italian fashion and design, the excellent Italian cuisine as well as the entire Italian way of life - all this is admired and appreciated all over the world. The Italian automotive industry has produced such legendary brands as FERRARI, LAMBORGHINI or MASERATI, motorcycles of the DUCATI or APRILIA brands not only compete on the racetracks with the major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, but also on the favor of the worldwide clientele - above all in the upper segment. Far less known is that there was (and still is) a high-performance aircraft industry in Italy, whose products often represented not only the pinnacle of contemporary technology, but also significantly influenced the development of aviation technology. There were even times when the achievements of Italian designers and the performance of Italian pilots were more frequently featured on the front pages of relevant magazines than those of other nations.
Perhaps one of the reasons why names such as CAPRONI, SAVOIA MARCHETTI, BREDA or CANT, just to name a few, are less familiar, compared to NORTH AMERICAN, SUPERMARINE, MITSUBISHI or MESSERSCHMITT, is that outside Italy relatively few (good) preserved exhibits from Italian production can be found. Anyone interested in aircraft and aeronautical engineering, made in Italy, must also go there to admire these rare and fascinating gleaming achievements of Italian engineering. By far the best place to visit is located some 45 km north of Rome, in the small town of Vigna di Valle, on the picturesque Lago Bracciano. There is the MUSEO STORICO AERONAUTICA MILITARE. This is the official museum of the Italian Air Force. On an area of a size of total 13,000m2 the one who is technically and historically interested in Italian aviation can admire almost 80 exhibits.
The interior exhibition is divided into 4 exhibition halls, which guide the visitor through more than 100 years of aviation history from an Italian point of view in chronological order. A peculiarity is that, with two exceptions, there is no machine that does not come from the hands of an Italian designer, or at least did not fly in the service of the Italian Air Force. The two exceptions are a Junkers J.1 (only fuselage segment), which was captured in 1917 by Italian troops, and a replica of a Wright Flyer. Even the world's only preserved copy of a LOHNER Type L flying boat from the Austrian Empire's k.u.k. MARINE has a connection to the Italian aviation industry. A replica of this construction was manufactured by NIEUPORT-MACCHI under the designation L.1. A total of 14 units were built, a further development of this Austrian flying boat was the extremely successful MACCHI M.5.
After the first manned motor flight by the Wright brothers, it was above all the European nations that drove the development of aviation with great enthusiasm and ingenuity. This was further reinforced by the requirements of the First World War. In addition to Germany, France and Great Britain, the then Italian Kingdom also played a major role. Although the Italian aviation forces (CORPO AERONAUTICO MILITARE) during the war of 1915-1918 were predominantly equipped with French material, the licensed design of various samples allowed the local designers to gain enough experience to be able to make the technological connection. In the postwar period, Italians were able to build up a powerful aerospace industry, despite some major economic difficulties. In the 1920s and 1930s, the products of Italian companies achieved a number of world records, some of which are still in existence today!
In 1911, at a time when aviation was still in its infancy, a French industrialist named Jacques Schneider initiated a competition that was to go down in history as the SCHEIDER CUP (original name: Coupe d'Aviation Maritime Jacques Schneider). This developed into a technological race of the then leading aviation nations, above all Great Britain, the USA, France and of course Italy. The winner of the cup had to win three times in a row (within 5 years) flying on a circuit race course. Although the Italian team was able to win several times (1920/1921 and 1926), but ultimately had beaten by the British company SUPERMARINE, which on September 13th, 1931 the won the cup for the United Kingdom with a S.6B achieving a cruising speed of 547.31 km/h. However, the S.6B made its victory flight without an opponent - their competitor, the MACCHI-CASTOLDI MC.72, had not been finished in time! One year later, this race.plane achieved the unbeaten world record for piston-powered seaplanes - 709.2 km/h!
The MUSEO STORICO features 4 race seaplanes of this era: the winner of the 1926 US competition, a MACCHI M.39, a M.67 of 1929, the world record holder, the MC.72 an a FIAT C.29 (which never took part in a race).
Due to the numerous, high-profile successes, the domestic aircraft industry received a not inconsiderable number of export orders until the beginning of World War II - and not only with various European neighbors, such as Austria, Hungary or the former Yugoslav Kingdom. Thus, 85 pieces of the twin-engine bomber FIAT Br.20A CICOGNA were delivered to the Japanese Empire (unfortunately there is not a single survivor of this type). The SAVOIA-MARCHETTI SM.79 SPARVIERO was exported to Lebanon and Brazil. The SM.79 was a three-engine bomber and was produced in relatively large numbers (until June 1943, 1,217 units were manufactured). Particularly successful (and feared) was the SM.79 as a torpedo bomber. Two aircraft of this medium bomber have been preserved to this day. One stands in the MUSEO dell'AERONAUTICA GIANNI CAPRONI / Trento, the other in the MUSEO STORICO.
Especially popular in the export market was the FIAT Cr.32 fighter biplane (the abbreviation Cr stands for the name of the designer: Celestino Rosatelli). The prototype called MM.201 had its maiden flight on April 28th, 1932. Powered by a FIAT A.30RA twelve-cylinder V-engine, producing 600-hp, this successful design proved to be at least equal to all contemporary single seat fighters, in many cases even as superior. This was impressively demonstrated by Italian and Spanish pilots in the Spanish Civil War. The most famous flying ace of the National Spaniard, Commandante Joaquin Garcia Morato, scored 36 of his total of 40 kills on this machine. Morato preferred the extremely agile biplane even to the modern and much faster Messerschmitt Bf-109B! Of the total of 1052 built aircraft of this type (other sources speak of 1212 built machines, including 100 units manufactured under license in Spain called Hispano HA-132L CHIRRI), only two have been preserved: one of them is in the MUSEO del AIRE in Cuatro Vientos / Madrid, the other one is in Vigna di Valle (both machines are Spanish licensed copies).
Despite these (at least to the outside) very media-effective successes, from the mid-1930s the Italian companies lost more and more the connection to technological progress. Particularly in the field of engine development, the Italians were deposed by the British and Germans, as well as by the Americans. While engines, such as the legendary Rolls Royce MERLIN or the Daimler Benz DB 601, have already reached the power range of well over 1000 hp, their Italian counterparts were still working at just 850 - 900 hp. Incidentally, this does not only apply to in-line engines, it did not look much better with radial engines either. The French Gnome Rhone 14N-2 delivered in its first variant almost 1060 hp, its Italian counterpart, the FIAT A.74 made it just 870 hp - both engines were produced from 1937. Most Italian radial engines were at least technologically based on US or British models, only without access to the materials used there (especially special alloys) and the high-quality fuels and lubricants, which were mainly used in the US, the Italian engines could not reach the required performance.
One reason why the Italians lagged behind technologically before the outbreak of World War II was certainly not due to the (in) capacity of domestic engineers, but can be attributed, at least to a large extent, to the responsible politicians and Military who fell into disrepair of their own propaganda and thereby weighed in a deceptive security. New developments and advancements were not forced, funds for research were not released and the impending, emerging conflict was believed to be able to offer quite an edge with the existing material. This was clearly evident in the further development of the FIAT Cr.32, the model Cr.42 FALCO. While all other nations used modern all-metal monoplanes (Supermarine SPITFIRE, Hawker HURRICANE, Messerschmitt Bf 109, Mitsubishi A6M or Curtiss Model 75), Italy still believed in the biplane configuration!
Unlike its predecessor, which had a V-12 cylinder aircraft engine, the Cr.42 was powered by the aforementioned FIAT radial engine A.74 RC.38, which provided the FALCO a top speed of about 450 km/h. The Cr.42 was thus, at least at the beginning of the war, still a serious opponent. In the hands of an experienced pilot, a well-flown FALCO was a deadly weapon. If the FALCO could keep up with the British Gloster GLADIATOR II or Hawker HURRICANE Mk.I fighters in the years 1939-1940 due to its excellent maneuverability, then it was hopelessly outperformed at the emergence of later models such as the SPITFIRE Mk.V or the North American P-51B MUSTANG. The last Cr.42 were used by the German LUFTWAFFE for pilot training and also as a night combat aircraft for partisan fighting (in the night battle group NSGr. 9). A total of 1,800 machines were built by the FIAT works in Turin (the exact number can not be determined exactly to this day). Of these, just four machines have survived - one of which is displayed in the MUSEO STORICO.
The achievements of Italian design engineers are impressively demonstrated by another exhibit of the museum. The CAPRONI CAMPINI N.1 was the second jet-propelled aircraft in the world. On August 27, 1940, this interesting machine took off for its maiden flight at the Aeroporto Taliedo (near Milan) - interestingly enough, the day exactly one year after the Heinkel He 178 had its maiden flight. However, the concept of the N.1 turned out to be a technological dead-end. In contrast to the He 178 or the British Gloster E28 / 29, which were both powered by a jet engine, the N.1 had a so-called motorjet engine. A three-stage compressor (turbine) was powered by a conventional piston engine (a 900 hp ISOTTA FRASCHINI L.121 R.C.40). The compressed air thus flowed through a pipe into an afterburner area where fuel is injected and ignited, thus generating a thrust. The testing of the prototypes provided a relatively weak performance, the machine did not even reach a top speed of 400 km/h and was thus just as fast as the biplane of the Cr.32 series. Due to the collapse of Mussolini's government in mid-1943, the continuing bombing of the Italian industrial areas by the Allies (in a bomb attack on Milan one of the prototypes was damaged by this air raid) but also because of insufficient performance, the development was not continued. Although this concept ultimately could not prevail, the N.1 was in many ways trend-setting. It was the first airplane in history that had an afterburner (as well as an adjustable exhaust nozzle). Fortunately, the second prototype (C.C.2) has been preserved and can therefore be admired on display in the MUSEO STORICO.
Despite adhering to the biplane design for fighter aircraft for the REGIA AERONAUTICA (Royal Italian Air Force) in the mid-1930s the development of modern single-engine full-metal monoplane with retractable landing gear started. The result of this development were two very similar aircraft - the MACCHI C.200 SAETTA and the FIAT G.50 FRECCIA. Both machines were fighters were famous for their fantastic maneuverability and very good flight characteristics. Also both were powered by the same engine, which was also installed in the FIAT Cr.42 (FIAT A.74 RC.38 / 14-cylinder, air-cooled radial engine). The lack of a powerful engine, as well as the relatively light armament (2 x Breda-SAFAT 12.7 mm MG's) prevented that the first Italian monoplane fighters could keep up with the contemporary British and German designs.
Of the FIAT G.50 unfortunately only a single copy survived. This is located in the Belgrade Aviation Museum. The MACCHI C.200 does not look much better. One machine is in the NATIONAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM in Dayton / Ohio, the other is in the MUSEO STORICO.
The biggest shortcoming of the Italian aerospace industry in the late 1930s, mentioned several times, was the lack of suitable propulsion systems. Only the availability of licensed built German engines of the type Daimler Benz DB 601A (license designation: Alfa Romeo RA.1000 RC 41-I MONSONE) producing 1,175 HP made it possible to exploit the full potential of the design from the drawing board of Engineer Mario Castoldi. The MACCHI MC.202 FOLGORE, and especially its successor, the MC.205 VELTRO, which was powered by a Fiat RA1050 RC 58 TIFONE (license version of the DB 605A) with 1475 hp take-off power, were more than just a serious and dreaded opponents. Luckily for the Allied pilots, the ceasefire (Sept. 1943) and the splitting up of the REGIA AERONAUTICA into the AERONAUTICA NAZIONALE REUBBLICANA (ANR) and the AERONAUTICA CO-BELLIGERANTE ITALIANA prevented these fast and extremely manoeuvrable fighters from being used on a grand scale, for example, the MC.205 just built in 262 copies, the FIAT G.55 just managed to 274 units. The G.55 shown in Vigna di Valle was built from a G.59 (a FIAT G.59 is also in the museum). In the G.59, a Rolls Royce MERLIN 500 was installed into the fuselage of a G.55. The first flight took place in 1948. It served as an advanced trainer, but was also was used by the Syrian Air Force as a fighter aircraft.
Describing all the exhibits of the MUSEO STORICO AERONAUTICA MILITARE would enormously exceed the scope of this article . Considering the fact that this museum has such a large number of historically and technically rare specimens, this is a pity, but there is a simple solution for that: make sure to visit the museum on your next vacation in Italy ! It is worth it!
Robert Kysela / CHK6
copyright © 1997 - 2016 by Robert Kysela / CHK6 all rights reserved


History of the Bataan Death March
Bataan Memorial Death March honors a special group of World War II
heroes. These brave soldiers
were responsible for the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor
and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines.
The conditions they encountered and the aftermath of the battle were
unique. They fought in a malaria-infested region, surviving on half
or quarter rations with little or no medical help. They fought with
outdated equipment and virtually no air power.
On April 9, 1942, tens of thousands of American and Filipino
soldiers were surrendered to Japanese forces. The Americans were
Army, Army Air Corps, Navy and Marines. Among those seized were
members of the 200th
Coast Artillery, New Mexico National Guard.
They were marched for days in the scorching heat through the
Philippine jungles. Thousands died. Those who survived faced the
hardships of a prisoner of war camp. Others were wounded or killed
when unmarked enemy ships transporting prisoners of war to Japan
were sunk by U.S. air and naval forces.
The Army ROTC Department at New Mexico State University began sponsoring the memorial march in 1989 to mark a page in history that included so many native sons and affected many families in the state. In 1992, White Sands Missile Range and the New Mexico National Guard joined in the sponsorship and the event was moved to the Missile Range.
In 2003, for the only time in its history, the memorial march was canceled. Operation Iraqi Freedom required extensive deployment among the units that usually support the march and event could not be safely and efficiently conducted.
Since its inception, the memorial march has grown from about 100 to some 6,500 marchers from across the United States and several foreign countries. While still primarily a military event, many civilians choose to take the challenge.
Marchers come to this memorial event for many reasons - personal challenge, the spirit of competition or to foster esprit de corps in their unit. Some march in honor of a family member or a particular veteran who was in the Bataan Death March or was taken a prisoner of war by the Japanese in the Philippines.
Two Routes Offered
Participants entering the Bataan Memorial Death March may choose between two routes. The different routes are clearly marked with colors/signs directing marchers.
The GREEN route is the full 26.2 mile Bataan Memorial Death March. Awards will be given to the top two finishers in each category. Those marching the 26.2 miles will be able to experience, in part, what the Soldiers endured during their long trek through the Philippines. Participants of this full march will follow signs clearly identifying the GREEN route.
The 26.2 mile memorial march route starts on the White Sands main post, crosses dusty and hilly desert terrain, circles a small mountain and returns to the main post through sandy desert trails and washes. The elevation ranges from about 4,100 to 5,300 feet. Be sure to look at the course description page.
The BLUE route is approximately 14 miles in length. This shorter march is designed for participates who would like to memorialize Bataan but do not wish to march the full 26.2 mile route. There are NO awards given for this march. Participants of this shorter march will follow signs clearly identifying the BLUE route.
We encourage you to learn more about this history before you undertake the memorial march. Armed with this information, the event will likely be more meaningful for you. There are many good books detailing events in the Philippines during World War II. Additionally, an internet search on the Bataan Death March will turn up rich sources of information. We also encourage you to attend the history seminar to be conducted at the White Sands Post Theater the day before the march.
Read the rules to make the most of your march experience, thoroughly read all the rules as well as the safety information. Teams will consist of five people. All five team members must cross the finish line together or be disqualified. Additionally, team captains or a team representative must attend one of the team captain briefings conducted on in-processing day.
In the true Death March, the surrendered had no options. They helped each other through the ordeal just to stay alive. In the memorial event, marchers are encouraged to remember this spirit. People working together from start to finish will gain much more personal reward. In fact, you might want to read some of the comments from past participants, to better appreciate the experience.
Train hard (this is not an event for the out-of-shape), we will see you at White Sands Missile Range!


Boston: S. Hall, 1797. First Edition. single sheet. Near Fine. With folds as issued, faint offset from folded image. A few minor stains to top edge of map, professionally cleaned with small edge tear repairs. A very nice solid copy of an early desirable map. Copperplate engraving on laid paper. Sheet size: 42 x 25.3 cm. Plate mark: 40.8 x 22.5 cm.
A fine example of Early American Mapmaking by Abraham Bradley, Jr, engraved by B. Callender prior to the Louisiana Purchase showing the Northern Part of the United States from the Canadian border across the Great Lakes, down through central Virginia, just south of Norfolk and west to the Kentucky Frontier. The Eastern Seaboard towns represented in detail along with rivers and tributaries, military forts, native encampments and court houses.
Alexander Bradley, (Conn. 1767-1838) lawyer then judge in Pennsylvania who became assistant postmaster general and supervised the move of the general post office from Philadelphia to Washington DC.
Known for his excellence in detailed mapmaking, as well as his knowledge of postal routes, he created to the first official map used by the US Postal Department, which became the standard by 1825. In 1803 Thomas Jefferson wrote to Bradley requesting an early copy of one such map. (Howes 839; Ristow 70-1; Sabin 50923)
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-41-02-0206. Near Fine. Item #7224
Lowry-James Rare Prints & Books
Fine & Rare Natural History c.1600-1900
PO Box 1294 Langley, WA 98260 US


On the 22nd of May, the three Musketeers Anton, Kadi & Loora found themselves reunited and ready for another adventure. This time, their journey led them to the enchanting island of Malta, where the sun's appropriate warmth already hinted at the impending summer. In the days leading up to the training, they explored the historic streets of Valletta, the timeless beauty of the silent city, and ventured into the ancient archaeological sites that dot Malta's landscape. With their sense of wonder awakened, they were now prepared to delve into the art of conflict resolution through storytelling.
Our experiences from the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina still resonated within us, and we were eager to expand our storytelling prowess to address conflicts. In familiar company from the previous Sarajevo workshops and some new faces, we began our journey. The first lesson was clear: to resolve a conflict, one must first understand it. And so, we delved deep into the annals of history and explored contemporary disputes, wars, and complex relationship dramas, seeking to uncover the diverse types and root causes of conflicts.
Intriguingly, we discovered that each conflict could be perceived in myriad ways, depending on the parties involved and the perspective of the bystanders. Over the following days, we engaged in profound discussions on the motivations driving conflicting parties, a topic that proved as intricate as it was enlightening. Finally, we examined real-life examples of conflict resolution, discovering that the classification of "good" and "bad" resolutions was itself subjective and depended on one's point of view.
The week in Malta passed even more swiftly than our previous adventure in Sarajevo. Our days were filled with intensive group work, stimulating discussions, and a wealth of knowledge gained from both history and new international friendships. Malta, with its charming blend of international influence and local charm, compact size and vast historical significance, and occasional contrast between dry and rainy weather, provided the backdrop for a memorable journey.
Our hearts brimming with newfound insights and friendships forged, we left Malta with a promise to return someday, knowing that this island had more stories to tell and conflicts to resolve, and we would be ready to craft narratives that bridged divides and brought people together.
With stories & love
Hanna-Loora Bobrov, Anton Neidre, Kadi Remann
Projektikogemused alates 2021-st aastast.


Red poppies have long been a symbol of eternal sleep, resurrection and love: In ancient mythologies of Greece and Rome, poppies were given as offerings to the dead; in Urdu they are sometimes a symbol of martyrdom; and in classic Persian literature, the red poppy is a flower of love and often represents those who died for love. Well into the 20th Century, poppies were used as emblems on tombstones. And since World War I, Papaver rhoeas, or the red-flowered corn poppy, has been the flower of remembrance for fallen soldiers.
The flower’s opiate qualities help explain its relationship to “eternal sleep,” and the red color its role as a symbol of death. But Papaver rhoeas is also a highly successful plant — quickly self-seeding, adaptable, happy in disturbed soil, bad-tasting to grazing animals, and a scourge of agriculture for centuries.
In other words: A weed. But why would a weed come to honor fallen soldiers?
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row…
The poppies that McCrae saw growing wild in the battlefields were Papaver rhoeas. The disturbed ground caused by trench warfare had proved irresistible to the red-flowered corn poppy.
Published in 1915, In Flanders Fields became one of the most popular poems of war — inspiring American professor Moina Michael to compose a poem in reply, We Shall Keep the Faith:
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies…
Michael also began the tradition of wearing a red poppy on Memorial Day in the U.S., and made and sold red poppies made of silk (called “Buddy Poppies”) to raise funds to aid disabled veterans and their families. In 1922, Veterans of Foreign Wars adopted Michael’s program and became the first veterans organization to nationally sell Buddy Poppies.
In Flanders Fields has since become one of the most frequently quoted English-language poems of the first World War, translated into numerous languages over the years; McCrae himself is an iconic personage in Canada, his birthplace now a historical museum. Moina Michael helped launch a memorial poppy program in France, and was honored with a commemorative stamp in 1948 for her humanitarian work.
And today in the U.S., Buddy Poppies are made by veterans, providing financial and therapeutic benefit to thousands of disabled vets and their families.
For more on the work of Veterans of Foreign Wars, visit VFW.org.
All images from Wikimedia Commons.


United States Flag Laws
FLAG RESOLUTION OF 1777
Resolved, that the flag of the thirteen United States be 13 stripes alternate red and white: that the union be 13 stars, white, in a blue field, representing a new constellation.
Passed June 14, 1777
FLAG ACT OF 1794
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That from and after the first day of May anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five, the flag of the United States, be fifteen stripes alternate red and white. That the Union be fifteen stars, white in a blue field.
Approved, January 13, 1794.
FLAG ACT OF 1818
Sect. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That from and after the fourth day of July next, the flag of the United States be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white; that the union have twenty stars, white in a blue field.
Sect. 2. And be it further enacted, That on the admission of every State into the Union, one star be added to the union of the flag; and that such addition shall take effect on the fourth day of July next succeeding such admission.
Approved, April 4, 1818.
1905 Trademark Act
AN ACT To authorize the registration of trade----marks used in commerce with foreign nations or among the several States or with Indian tribes, and to protect the same…
SEC. 5. U.S.C, title 15, sec. 85. That no mark by which the goods of the owner of the mark may be distinguished from other goods of the same class shall be refused registration as a trade--mark on account of the nature of such mark unless such mark--
(a) Consists of or comprises immoral or scandalous matter.
(b) Consists of or comprises the ﬂag or coast of arms or other insignia of the United States or any simulation thereof, or of any State or municipality or of any foreign nation, or of any design or picture that has been or may hereafter be adopted by any fraternal society as its emblem, or of any name, distinguishing mark, character, emblem, colors, ﬂag, or banner adopted by any institution, organization, club, or society which was incorporated in any State in the United States prior to the date of the adoption and use by the applicant…
Executive Order 1556 Signed by President William H. Taft on June 24th, 1912
It is hereby ordered that all National Flags and Union Jacks for the Department of the Government, with the exception noted under (a), shall conform to the following proportions:
Hoist (width) of Flag -------------- 1
Fly (length) of Flag ---------------- 1.9
Hoist (width) of Union ------------ 7⁄13
Fly (length) of Union --------------- .76
Width of each stripe --------------- 1⁄13
When in the manufacture of any flag under these specifications the resulting dimensions appear as fractions of an inch, such fractions shall be taken as the nearer inch. In the event of a fraction of one half inch, the whole inch greater shall be adopted.
Union Jacks: The size of the Jack shall be the size of the Union of the National Flag with which it is flown.
Number of Stars: All National Flags having hoist less than five (5) feet, except colors to be carried by troops, and the corresponding Jacks, shall have only thirteen (13) stars in the Union, in order that the identity of the stars may be plainly distinguishable.
Position and size of Stars: The position and size of each star for Unions of forty-eight (48) and thirteen (13) stars, respectively, shall be as indicated on blueprint of a plan which will be furnished to the Departments by the Navy Department. From this plan can be determined the location and size of stars for flags of any dimensions. Extra blueprints of this plan will be furnished upon application to the Navy Department.
Order effective: All National Flags and Union Jacks now on hand or for which contracts have been awarded shall be continued in use until unserviceable, but all those manufactured or purchased for Government use after July 4, 1912 shall conform strictly to the dimensions and proportions herein prescribed.
The color of the field of the President's Flag shall be blue.
WM. H. TAFT
THE WHITE HOUSE,
June 24, 1912


The Duke’s Tarot Inheritance: Saturnalia
The Tarot’s ‘characters probably evolved from the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which took place around Christmas time each year. This is also the principal theory of the often-quoted librarian and Tarot researcher Gertrude Moakley who in 1966 published The Tarot Cards Painted by Bonifacio Bembo for the Visconti-Sforza Family (who painted the cards, however, is another subject in itself).
According to Moakley, during the Roman Saturnalia festival, slave and master became equal, and the people in Italian cities celebrated by dressing up in costumes and masks. The festival consisted of a lavish procession of ‘triumphs’ in chariots – actors dressed as major arcana characters – culminating in the ritual murder of the Carnival King, or Bagatino. The source we have for this is Petrach’s poem I Trionfi, or ‘The Triumphs’ of 1354, which predates the earliest tarot cards. In it he describes how the procession told a story of ‘triumphs’, as follows, beginning with:
1 The Lovers, followed by:
2 Chastity (Temperance), which triumphs over the Lovers, or love; followed by:
3 Death, which triumphs over Chastity. Then came:
4 Fame (Judgement), which outlives Death, followed by:
5 Time (The Hermit), which triumphs over Fame. (In fact, the earlier tarot cards show the Hermit with an hourglass to represent time, which later became a lantern in the Rider Waite Smith deck). Then finally comes:
6 Eternity (The World), which triumphs over Time.
The Duke’s Tarot Carnival
In the Duke of Milan’s day, many years later, the carnival would have included more tarot characters: Justice, The Hanged Man and the cosmic cards, The Sun, The Moon and The Star. The crowd would have laughed at the obvious sexual reference of Temperance with her cups and Strength, shown as a man with a phallic club. Other cards that may have been part of the procession because they appeared in the early decks have been abandoned, however, as tarot continued its 600-year journey: Faith, Hope and Charity. These ‘lost’ cards made sense in the original decks, as they fit perfectly with the other ‘virtue’ cards of the major arcana: Temperance, Strength and Justice.
Faith Her signifiers are a cross, for her faith, and a chalice, symbolising the vessel of Christ.
Hope Her signifier is an anchor, the sailor’s symbol of safe return from peril.
Charity Her signifier is a pelican, for generosity and the family.
These three cards’ meanings appear to have been absorbed into other cards:
Faith: The High Priestess
Hope: The Star
Charity: Temperance and the High Priestess. This may not be obvious, as the image shows her with a child more in keeping with The Empress. However, in Catholic catechism charity is aligned with Chastity (more the virginal nun, or High Priestess) and the virtue of Temperance.
Images below are from the Cary-Yale Tarot Deck


In 1960 the village of Andalo was in the centre of one of the biggest worksites in its history: the construction of the ski runs and lift facilities.
It was 6 May 1959 when the Local Council of Andalo decided to construct the first chairlift connecting Andalo and Cima Paganella. At that time the village was still largely dedicated to the traditional economy of agriculture, forestry, and handicrafts. There were already about 1100 bed spaces in hotels, guesthouses, and holiday homes, with another 500 or so in private apartments, for use exclusively during the summer.
As the Council resolution stated, “adequate facilities for winter sports and pastimes”, were an indispensible premise to initiate a more profitable tourist season compared to summer tourism. The Council was obliged to look after the general interests of the local population, and decided to initiate a project that would establish, “the foundation for a decisive and significant increase in tourism”, which represented the new economic future of the Altopiano della Paganella.
This official deed was impressive for its farsightedness, clarity of intent, and economic audacity. A sum of Lire 85,754,000 was assigned to the realization of the cable car system. It was designed in two stages for both technical-constructional and practical-functional reasons, with an intermediate station at the mid point close to Malga di Terlaga.
This investment, converted to its equivalent value in 2019 according to official ISTAT coefficients, represents about € 1,200,000, which would be a reasonable amount for a local council today, but in the year 1959 it was an exorbitant sum. Suffice to say that in December of the same year the budget approved for the entire following year was substantially less (Lire 63,270,000).
At the same meeting the preliminary project was approved along with the finance plan for the works, which foresaw about a third of the cost being covered by the sale of the wood felled on the Paganella to create the ski runs.
The engineer Lello Prudenza from Turin was appointed for the executive design, on behalf of and in the name of the company FRATELLI MARCHISIO – Funivie, seggiovie – sciovie, with registered office in Turin.
The building and mechanical works started in 1960, exactly 60 years ago, entrusted to the Actis company from Susa, who were specialized in the construction of skiing and cable car facilities. In the record time of little more than a year the project was completed.
It was inaugurated on 22 July 1962 in the presence of numerous officials, including the Minister of Public Works, the honourable Fiorentino Sullo.
Ever since then the tourist economy, in all its different facets, has been gaining strength as the central interest of the Andalo community. From the first modest runs in the 1960s, the ski resort has evolved in both typology and hourly uplift capacity, with multiple additions to the ski runs, becoming one of the major ski and tourist resorts in Trentino.
The decision taken back then has proven to be a very astute foresight. The robust support of the local community, combined with the general creativity that has characterized the overall tourist system, has brought about the universally acknowledged success story we see today.


Graphic History Hitlers Last Gamble Graphic Novel
USD $ 9.95
by Dan Abnett & Dheeraj VermaPlanned down to the last detail by Hitler himself, the Battle of the Bulge was the last major German attack on the Western Front. On December 16, 1944, 30 German divisions roared through the Ardennes. The battle that ensued nearly proved disastrous for the Allied forces, with some of the harshest fighting conditions of the war. Under-strength, under-equipped and operating in freezing temperatures, the U.S. Army - notably the 101st stationed in Bastogne - fought back, extinguishing German hopes for victory. Featuring first-hand accounts that give the narrative a profoundly human element, this action-packed comic strip provides readers of all ages with a vivid re-creation of the attack, remembered as the biggest and bloodiest single battle ever to be fought by the U.S. Army in World War II..


Hill 'N' Dale History
Hill ‘N’ Dale Farms was founded circa 1960 by John Sikura Jr. just outside of the Greater Toronto Area. John Sikura Jr. had a multi-faceted operation, including a racing division, a commercial sales operation, and stood several prominent Canadian stallions.
The farm, named by his wife Gus, reflected the topography of the property.
John Sikura Jr. was perhaps best known as the purchaser of the first yearling in thoroughbred history to bring in excess of $1 million (SECRETARIAT/CHARMING ALIBI). Mr. Sikura also was the purchaser of Eclipse award winner GLORIOUS SONG.
Currently Hill ‘N’ Dale exists both in King City, Ontario (Canada) and in Lexington Kentucky. While there is a great deal of interdependence, the two farms are owned and operated individually by R. Glenn Sikura and John G. Sikura respectively.
Primarily a commercial breeding enterprise, Hill 'N' Dale Canada is a perennial leading consignor in Toronto and represents many Canadian clients selling in the United States. Hill 'N' Dale Canada has a small racing stable and does a limited amount of select boarding.
R. Glenn Sikura is active within the Canadian thoroughbred industry, is the past President of the CTHS Ontario, Past President/Director of the CTHS National division, Past President/Director of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Past President/Director of OHRIA, and sits as the Chief Steward of the Jockey Club of Canada.


25 February 2019 @ 22:47
Update February 2019: Transcription process of Oral History in-depth interviews has started
While the final round of cardiovascular measurements is done and the calculations are taking place, the transcription process of the Oral History in depth interviews has started. For these transcriptions, a professional historian has been recruited who specializes in this particular part of historical research. The transcription process is expected to last for many months. Obviously, substantive confidentiality is guaranteed.
If you would like to know more about Oral History, we present you a short description via:


Radio Tara, a joint venture between RTÉ and Radio Luxembourg, began transmission in September, 1989 as Atlantic 252. Although the transmitter was in Ireland, the station was widely available in Britain and beyond. Atlantic 252 continued to operate until December 2001.
Atlantic 252 was a long wave radio station broadcasting to Ireland and Britain on 252 kHz(1190 metres) from its 1988 purpose built transmission site Clarkstown radio transmitter, which provided service to Atlantic 252 from 1989 until 2002. The station’s studios were located just 12 km (7 mi) away in Mornington House, Summerhill Road, Trim, County Meath. Atlantic 252 also had sales offices and studios at 74, Newman Street in London. In 2002 the station’s former frequency and transmitter were used for the failed TeamTalk 252 project.
The frequency was re-subsumed by RTÉ in 2002 to provide a version of RTÉ Radio 1 to theexpatriate community in Britain from the Clarkstown radio transmitter.
The concept of Atlantic 252 can be traced back as far as August 1986, when Irish state broadcaster RTÉ announced it was to use their allocated longwave channel for a new pop music station. They teamed up with RTL Group/Radio Luxembourg to form Radio Tara – the trading name of Atlantic 252, which being long wave, enabled reception in Britain and Ireland. This was following Chris Cary’s test transmissions from Clogher Head, County Louth in the mid 1980s with 254 kHz Longwave as “Radio Exidy”
In 1987 RTÉ commenced building a giant 3-sided 248 metre broadcast mast in Clarkstown, County Meath, using a specially built pair of both air and water cooled 300 kilowatt solid-state transmitters (which could be combined to give double power) built by Varian Associates, Texas, despite protests from local residents. Studios were set up in Mornington House, in the nearby town of Trim. The station cost £6m to set up. Just over 47m people were in the station’s broadcast area.
At 8am on 1 September 1989, Gary King announced on Atlantic 252, “Mine is the first voice you will ever hear on Atlantic 252.” This was followed by a specially produced pre-recorded introduction tape that introduced everybody employed by the radio station on its launch day, from engineers, administration, management like Travis Baxter and John Catlett, and the station’s personality music presenter lineup including ex-Laser 558 presenter Charlie Wolf, MaryEllen O’Brien, Andrew Turner, Nicky Schiller, Henry Owens, Al Dunne, Tony West and Jeff Graham. An appearance was even made by Rosalyn Reilly – who was to remain the station’s cleaning lady for its entire twelve year history. The first record ever played on Atlantic 252’s test transmission was “Ain’t Nobody” by Rufus and Chaka Khan (’89 Remix); the station’s official “first record ever played” was “Sowing The Seeds of Love” by Tears for Fears shortly after 08:00 local time on 1 September 1989. The second record played was “Monkey” by George Michael.
Although the transmitter was in the Republic of Ireland, the signal’s reach meant that it was often considered to be a “UK” national station – the signal had even been received in Brazil at night-time, with other reception reports from such locations as Berlin, Finland, Ibiza, andMoscow. The Scottish musician Mylo has claimed it was the only station with listenable reception on the Isle of Skye. At launch there were no UK-wide commercial stations (the first being “Classic FM” in 1992), and the lack of a UK broadcast licence attracted the attention of theIBA. Although the transmitters were theoretically capable of being combined to operate at 600 kilowatts output power, International agreements limited the station’s power to a maximum daytime output of 500 kW, or 100 kW at night.


Bartlett Gardens is home to adults 62 and older and/or for persons with a disability. Located in the heart of beautiful Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, the community offers 43 one- and two-bedroom apartments with many modern amenities.
The monthly rent includes all utilities. This is made possible by financing and assistance from federal, state and local government programs, which allows us to provide beautiful and affordable homes to those who qualify.
For the convenience of our residents, the active community center, library, mailroom and laundry room are available onsite. Given the often-changing weather in Cambridge Springs, it is a great advantage to be able to access all of these features without stepping outside.
We offer many planned activities and events in which residents are encouraged to participate. However, residents are can always choose the quiet and solitude of their apartment. Residents are also welcome to reserve the community room at no charge to host an event of their own.
Available Supportive Services
We offer supportive services to those who seek additional assistance in everyday tasks. Whether the need is for help at home or a ride to the grocery store, our staff can put residents in touch with the appropriate parties.
A Historic Building
Bartlett Gardens, previously The New Cambridge House, was built in 1897 on the foundation of The Cambridge Hotel, which was destroyed in a fire. The Cambridge Hotel was the location of a reception held by General Lafayette for former Revolutionary War soldiers in 1820. Years later, Benjamin F. Bartlett purchased the property, changed the name to Hotel Bartlett, and added many luxuries to accommodate tourists in Cambridge Springs. When tourism began to dwindle, Hotel Bartlett was sold to Alliance College and converted into male dormitories until the college was forced to close its doors in the 1970s. In November 1979, the property was purchased and the first and second floors were converted into one- and two-bedroom apartment homes for senior housing. Home Leasing purchased Bartlett Gardens in 2011 and has maintained the integrity of this historic building while providing comfortable homes for independent seniors.


125 years ago today, Basketball was born
ABS-CBN Sports on Dec 21, 2016 12:26 PM
It all started on a cold winter day with Dr. James Naismith at Springfield, Massachusetts (Photo courtesy of Springfield College).
As much as skeptics say that basketball is not for Filipinos, our country absolutely loves the sport, no question about it.
And for our undying passion for that game with a bunch of guys trying to fight over one ball in order to put it through some hoop, we have one man to thank. And that man is of course Dr. James Naismith.
The good doctor invented the game on this day 125 years ago at the then YMCA College in Springfield, Massachusetts. With the winter of 1891 proving to be too cold for any sort of outdoor sport, Naismith thought of something that could be played indoors.
An old soccer ball and a couple of peach baskets later, the game we now know as basketball was born. And we thank Dr. Naismith for it.
"I buried myself arranging the apparatus all the time watching the boys as they arrived to observe their attitude that day," Naismith wrote in one of his journals recovered by his granddaughter Hellen Carpenter back in 2006.
Naismith was preparing the gym where the supposed first game of basketball was to be played over a century ago.
"I felt this was a crucial moment in my life as it meant success or failure of my attempt to hold interest of the class and devise a new game," Naismith wrote.
Since its inception, basketball received mixed reviews at first before slowly turning into the global juggernaut that it is today.
Part of the sport's growing pains included actual pain as players were playing more football than what Naismith had envisioned.
"The boys began tackling, kicking and punching in the clenches. They ended up in a free-for-all in the middle of the gym floor. Before I could pull them apart, one boy was knocked out, several of them had black eyes and one had a dislocated shoulder," Naismith said in a 1939 radio interview in New York that was found by a University of Kansas professor by the name of Michael Zogry.
Rules were later added and revised to separate basketball from others and as they say, the rest is history.
Basketball was an Olympic demonstration sport in 1904 and 1924 before it became part of the actual Olympic program in 1936. FIBA was founded four years earlier in 1932.
10 years after basketball became an official Olympic sport, the National Basketball Association was founded in New York City in June of 1946. Locally, the Philippine Basketball Association opened its doors in 1975 following on the footsteps of the old Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association (MICAA).
As for Naismith, the good doctor also later founded the University of Kansas basketball program, one of the most successful in history with NCAA national titles in six Finals and 14 Final Fours.
Naismith died in 1939 but before he finally laid to rest, he knew that the sport he invented wold turn into something big.
"Up until then, he'd just thought of it as a little game," Carpenter said.


We left Rome to make our way to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. We decided last minute to make a quick stop in Pompeii and were so glad we did. Pompeii was so easy to get to and was a highlight of my whole trip. I would definitely make the time to go there if you are traveling to Italy.
Pompeii was a port town with about 2,000 people. In 79 A.D., nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted destroying the city by burying it in volcanic ash and a pyroclastic flow. The city was not rediscovered until much later and was excavated. It is now an incredibly well-preserved sight showing what life in Italy was like centuries ago.
We left from the Termini Station in Rome and took the train to Napoli Central. The fast train only took about an hour. We used Trenitalia.com to buy our train tickets online ahead of time so we would know the schedule. Once in the Naples Station, you have to find the circumvesuviana trains which are downstairs. They are crowded and not comfortable like all the other trains we took in Italy, but it was a quick 30 minute ride. Buy your ticket downstairs to the Pompei Scavi stop and once there, follow the crowd to the Pompeii entrance.
FYI – the train station in Pompeii had luggage storage, which made it an easy stop for us on our way to our hotel in Sorrento. The sight is almost directly across the street from the train station, so it was very easy to find. To find the luggage storage in the Pompei Scavi station, follow signs to the WC downstairs.
There was a long line to get into Pompeii but it moved quickly. We used the Rick Steves Audio Europe App to listen to a free self-guided tour on our phone. Even with the map and the audio guide, we still got lost. This place is huge so make sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring water and snacks, and wear sunscreen.


In 1979, Bob Lynch was looking for a better way to move round hay bales on the family farm in Ozark, Missouri. Round balers were beginning to sell, and he decided to put his mechanical engineering background to work. He designed a hay spear which attached to the three-point mount on his tractor. The neighbors were soon asking Bob and his sons to duplicate this!
As farming continued through the years, Tri-L Manufacturing was incorporated and has continued to grow ever since, adding new products, equipment and employees.
Today, Tri-L manufactures 370 products. Our catalog includes not only hay handling items, but also cultivation and cleanup equipment, pallet forks, buckets, adapter plates and much more. As a customer-oriented company, Tri-L designs products to meet the individual needs of the end-user.


In a new Special Report titled ‘The Crossroads of Atomic Warfare in One Family,’ published simultaneously by Asia-Pacific Leadership Network, RECNA-Nagasaki University, and Nautilus Institute, Michael Roach, former US Army atomic demolition munitions specialist, provides a remarkable account of multigenerational involvement in nuclear war, including a previously unpublished photo of the starboard nose of the Enola Gay bomber that delivered the first atomic bomb and returned to Tinian airfield, showing the inscription “First Atomic Bomb – Hiroshima – August 6, 1945.”
Michael Roach and his father Kenneth Roach served in the US Army two decades apart on missions that involved the atomic bomb. The prospect of real atomic warfare in Japan in the 1940s, and potential atomic warfare in Korea in the 1960s, brought their lives together historically, but father and son came away from their experiences with completely different conclusions. Roach writes, “He was very proud of his service in helping to carry out a small part in the atomic bombing missions over Japan that ended the war. On the other hand, I am still troubled by the thought that I came so close to such a momentous decision as personally detonating an atomic bomb in a densely populated metropolis on so little historical knowledge and justification. That concern has sent me on a lifetime of learning history and trying to create a more just and equitable world.”
The report sheds light on the US government’s thinking about nuclear weapons, particularly vis-à-vis military operations in Northeast Asia. It also outlines the impracticality and risks of the US strategy to use tactical atomic weapons in Korea in the 1960s.
Click on the adjacent link to download the full report.
About the Author
Michael Roach is a retired renewable energy manager residing in a small Wisconsin farm town surrounded by vast green fields of corn and soybeans. He is currently writing a history of wheat culture using commodity chain analysis. His research is part of a larger project that examines the history of illumination and power technologies, from 18th century whale oil to modern microgrids. He also volunteers his time assisting in the reconstruction of Ukraine using ultra energy efficient modular multifamily housing powered by solar microgrids. He served in US Forces Korea as an Atomic Demolition Munitions engineer in 1968.
Disclaimer: The views represented herein are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network, RECNA-Nagasaki University, and Nautilus Institute, nor their staff or boards.
Image: Rare Photo of the Starboard Side of the “Enola Gay” Parked on the Tarmac in Tinian, 1945 (Collection of Kenneth Roach)


The source of the Mississippi River is the stuff of legends. Let’s excavate them a bit.
Last time out we followed the Rev. William Boutwell as he accompanied an expedition that identified the source of the Mississippi in 1832.
You may have heard the story behind the Northwest Angle, that little landlocked piece of Minnesota jutting above the 49th parallel. I just learned how it came into existence through (mis)information about the Mississippi’s source. We’ll delve into that in this post.
In the next post we’ll peer more deeply into the 1832 Schoolcraft / Boutwell expedition, and also look at four earlier expeditions that came to (what we now consider) incorrect conclusions as to the great river’s headwaters.
Upper Mississippi River, showing (in red) the location now considered the Mississippi’s source, and the location guessed at by 18th century mapmaker John Mitchell. The course of the river is overlaid: running north from Lake Itasca and then east before turning south.
The Northwest Angle
The Angle is one of only six pieces of land in the lower 48 US states that you cannot get to in a wheeled vehicle or on foot without going through another country’s territory — a geographical anomaly called a “practical exclave.” You can take a boat over Lake of the Woods to the Angle; you can fly in; but if you want to drive you have to pass through 52 miles of Canada — 17 miles of that on a dirt road. (Well, in deep winter I suppose you could drive there over the frozen lake.)
The Red Lake Nation of Ojibwa owns 80 percent of the Angle, held in trust by the federal government.
The Angle is the northernmost township in Minnesota and home to the northernmost point in the contiguous 48 states. No bookstore, however. Its population, in 123 square miles of land, is 119.
A portion of John Mitchell’s 1754 map of North America (interactive original). Click the image for a larger version.
An Accidental Mapmaker — The Angle exists because an 18th-century mapmaker guessed at where the source of the Mississippi River was, and guessed it was north of the 50th parallel. He also drew the extremely irregular Lake of the Woods as an oval. This was one John Mitchell, a Virginia doctor and student of flora who moved to London and took up consulting with rich people about exotic plants. He had no background in mapmaking at all, and it’s safe to say he had never set foot or canoe in the northwest territories.
One of Mitchell’s garden clients was the Earl of Halifax, who had been appointed president of the Board of Trade and Plantations in 1748. Halifax was extremely concerned about the possibility of conflict with the French over the North American territories. Turns out he was right to be concerned: what we call the French and Indian War, and the British call the Seven Years’ War, started in 1756.
In 1750 Halifax had asked Mitchell to draw a map of North America that he could use in the halls of Parliament to bolster his case for not compromising with the French. Mitchell drafted one from the sources he could find in London; it proved lacking and Halifax put out a call for the American colonies to send over the best maps they had. Most did so. Using this improved source material, Mitchell produced a second edition map by 1754.
This map was published all over Europe and embodied most of what people on the Continent knew of North American geography up until the early 19th century. The map was printed in eight sheets; when assembled, it measured 6’5” wide by 4’6” tall.
Treaty Negotiations — It was Mitchell’s map that formed the basis for border negotiations in Paris after the Revolutionary War concluded. Ben Franklin had a copy. Here is the wording that ended up in the Treaty of Paris of 1783 regarding the US-Canadian (then, British Territories) border beginning in Lake Superior:
On the assumption that the Mississippi’s source lay to the northwest of Lake of the Woods, this formula would make sense — if a northwestern point on the lake could be identified. In reality it defines a geographically impossible border.
Straightening It Out — That northwestern point of Lake of the Woods was located in 1825, by the second expedition tasked to do so. Already by 1798 the Canadian explorer David Thompson had identified Turtle Lake as the source of the Mississippi (mistakenly, but he was not far off). Those who knew of Thompson’s explorations already credited that the Mississippi’s headwaters lay south of Lake of the Woods, and so had reason to believe that the above definition for a border was nonsense.
In 1818 the contours of the current Northwest Angle border were agreed between the US and England, with the border dropping staight south to the 49th parallel from the designated northwestern-most point of Lake of the Woods. It wasn’t until 1842 that the lines were actually nailed down in a treaty — 17 years after the northwestern point of the lake had been found and 59 years after the Treaty of Paris was signed.
See this 2014 piece in MinnPost for an exhaustive treatise on the history of the US-Canadian border, the inadvertent creation of the Angle, and its defense and maintenance by US negotiators over many decades. US officials persistently rejected any wording that would change the 1783 document under which the nation had gained its independence.
Give It Back? — Early this year an anonymous someone added a petition to the We the People section of the whitehouse.gov website requesting that the US turn over the Northwest Angle to Canada. Even though the story got a fair amount of local press attention, the question garnered only 5,500 signers in a month’s time. The guideline is that 100,000 signers are needed to trigger the White House to look into whatever the question is and to respond. According to the Strib, “Angleites” gave the idea a big thumbs down.
A Road Trip — We haven’t been up to the Northwest Angle yet. Until we go, enjoy this account of a road trip to Angle Inlet by a pseudonymous Minnesotan, “Seth5544,” who blogs about roadside attractions. His lively prose and photos convey the flavor of the journey. A sample:
I would fully expect cell phone coverage to be nonexistent up that way. We lost coverage well before reaching the Lost 40 last year, north of Lake Winnibigoshish, and that’s a good 120 miles to the south. A GPS app should be able to deliver your latitude & longitude, as long as the phone can see 5 satellites in the sky, but don’t expect Google Maps to paint a picture of your location.


Impact of Colonisation on Indigenous Australians
Indigenous people live all over Australia – from small country towns to large cities, from the fringes of central deserts to remote tropical coasts. They belong to different descent groups and speak many languages. The welfare and health of Aboriginal people living in large cities are different from those living in remote communities, which also differs from those living in Torres Strait.
Approximately 700,000 Indigenous people live in Australia, comprising about 3% of the general population of Australia. These are descendants of people who occupied Australia over 60,000 years ago. There were about 320,000 Indigenous Australians living in Australia during European colonisation; many of them lived in the Murray River valley and its tributaries and in the southeast regions of the country. This article will discuss the effects of colonisation on Indigenous people in Australia–to learn more about Aboriginal diversity and inclusion, click here to read our latest article.
The Effects of Colonisation on Aboriginal Culture
Indigenous Australia has a common story of European colonisation and the forced removal of their children. Before European colonisation, Indigenous people lived in small groups that were part of larger cultural groups within specific territorial boundaries. These small family groups had rules and kinship systems for socialising; they had responsibilities and roles related to education, law, resource management, and spiritual development. Also, they had ceremonies, languages, traditions, and customs, as well as an extensive mastery of their surroundings–Indigenous cultures were incredibly well-developed and strong. Additionally, Indigenous people were self-sufficient, and their children were protected and nurtured.
British colonisation had adverse effects on Indigenous Australians. Indigenous people suffered a lot of injustices, such as being evicted from their traditional territories and being relocated to reserves and missions. They were also subjected to mass killings, and for those who survived, European colonists denied their customs and traditions. Subsequently, the Indigenous people lost many cultural practices. For Indigenous communities, colonisation means violence, massacre, loss, and disease.
European colonisation also resulted in stolen generations within Indigenous Australia–these stolen generations are comprised of Indigenous people who were taken away from their communities and families when they were children.
The removal of Indigenous children occurred during the early days of European colonisation and up until as recently as the 1970’s. It broke vital spiritual, familial, and cultural ties and has left lasting intergenerational impacts on the well-being and lives of Indigenous people.
However, despite the adverse effects of colonisation, Indigenous customs, traditions, and kinship systems are still vibrant, and Indigenous people, communities, and families remain resilient and strong. Wanting to find out if you are of Aboriginal descent? Check out our latest article to learn how.
The Impact of British Colonisation on Indigenous Australia: Diseases
The most immediate impact of European colonisation was a wave of epidemic diseases, such as measles, influenza, and smallpox, which spread ahead of the destruction of many Indigenous Australians and the settlement of colonists. The sexual abuse and exploitation of Indigenous women and girls also caused widespread venereal diseases among Indigenous people.
The Impact of Colonisation on Indigenous Australians: Violence
It’s essential to note that throughout European colonisation, Indigenous people continuously resisted the infringement of their rights to own land, affecting their communities and cultures.
Nearly 20,000 Indigenous Australians were killed by colonial violence during colonisation, and between 1,500 to 3,000 Indigenous deaths resulted from frontier conflicts. According to historical records, Indigenous Australians were hunted and murdered on many occasions; massacres of Indigenous Australians often occurred in the form of driving large crowds of people off cliffs and during mass shootings. There were also many instances of European colonists giving Indigenous Australians food laced with arsenic and other poisons.
The Impact of Colonisation on Indigenous Australians: Agriculture
When Europeans arrived in Australia, they cleared and farmed the land, and came with their preconceived cold-climate ideas of landscape, agriculture, and land ownership.
Before European colonisation, Indigenous people used fire-stick farming practices to manage their land and ensure sustainable food production; however, the events of European colonisation caused profound changes and negative impacts across land and resource management.
The Indigenous people fiercely resisted the colonisers. However, with Europeans’ vast weaponry, disease, massacres, and displacement of Indigenous Australians, European colonisation had horrific effects on Indigenous people, their culture, and their legacy that they are still working to reclaim and preserve today.
Curious to learn more?


David Reddish’s New Novel THE PASSION OF SERGIUS & BACCHUS
In 357 A.D.:
Engulfed in turmoil, the Roman Empire had divided itself in two: the West, overrun by barbarian marauders, and the East, prosperous, encroaching toward the orient, its borders extending and contracting with battles against Persians. To quell growing civil unrest, Constantine the Great made Christianity the state religion, remaking temples to Jupiter into churches of the Anointed One.
After Constantine’s death, his son Constantius took power as Caesar Augustus, high ruler of the Empire, in Byzantium, new capitol of Rome and home of the Senate, then executed all that remained of their family, save his two cousins, Gallus and Julian.
Constantius appointed Julian, aged only twenty-three, Caesar of the West, custodian of Rome against the pillaging tribes. An academic at heart, no one in the Empire believed he stood a chance leading the armies of Rome, until one day in Gaul, a great battle altered the course of Julian’s career, and changed the lives of two soldiers destined to make history…


July 5, 2005
Forty-eight years ago the first article "Heroin Addiction - A Metabolic Disease" was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine by Drs. Dole and Nyswander.
The original paper on methadone has been published and re-published a number of times. But over the years it is often cited but the original paper is easily forgotten after all this time. Here is an opportunity to download it and read it. It has some surprising insight considering it was written in 1967.
Heroin Addiction - A Metabolic Disease. Archives of Internal Medicine, Vol. 120, July, 1967. (pdf format)*
* Note: Attached to this publication are some files from the early project.
Originally Posted: July 5, 2005


The wreck of one of the world's most legendary exploring ships was found in icy waters off the coast of Antarctica, and the pictures from the expedition are incredible.
The discovery comes more than 100 years after the ship Endurance was crushed by sea ice, leaving Ernest Shackleton and his crew to find an alternate route home. The final resting place of the ship was discovered by the expedition Endurance22, which used high-tech underwater search vehicles to find and document the wreck.
In a long career of surveying and excavating historic wrecks, I have never seen one as beautiful and bold as this one.
The team narrowed down the search area because of the records kept by Frank Worsley. The wreck was found four nautical miles south of its last known location. It was found under the surface of the sea.
The ship was in great shape, with paint still visible on parts of it. The ship's wheel and name are still remarkably intact, despite the fact that the ship was crushed in sea ice. Since it is a historic site, nothing will be done to the wreck.
It would appear that the wood-munching animals found in other areas of the ocean are not in the forest-free region, according to a polar biologist. She identified the organisms seen in the images of the wreck as stalked sea squirts, anemones, sponges, brittle stars, and crinoids.
The team used an underwater vehicle to find the wreck. The Sabertooth can travel up to 100 miles away from its ship on its own. Even if the mission's icebreaker couldn't get close to the wreck site, it could send a Sabertooth under the ice to investigate.
The expedition's vehicles were specially designed to locate and map the wreck site. A 3D model of the site will be created by using a laser scanner on the wreck. According to the website of the expedition, the data will allow researchers to see the site with a level of accuracy comparable to an archaeological survey on land.
Other researchers on the expedition were monitoring and measuring sea ice, making detailed maps of the ocean floor, and testing engineering limits in some of the toughest conditions on Earth.
A documentary about the expedition is expected to premiere on National Geographic.


Chinatown is one of Vancouver’s five oldest neighbourhoods, dating back to the mid 1800’s. Located on the eastern side of downtown Vancouver, Chinatown was developed in 1866. These first residents immigrated to Vancouver to work on B.C’s railroads and in the coalmines and sawmills.
By 1890 there were over 1,000 members of the Chinatown community and in 1911, Vancouver’s Chinatown became the largest Chinese settlement in Canada with over 3,500 residents. Currently, it remains one of the three largest Chinatowns in North America.
Today, this historic neighbourhood is a vibrant community representing proud Chinese culture and urban renewal. It is home to traditional restaurants, markets, and temples. In addition, the classical Dr. Sun Yat-Sen garden in Chinatown was rated the world’s top city garden and is frequented by locals and tourists. Chinatown also hosts annual Chinese New Year parades in January and February; the parades have over 3,000 performers and draw thousands of spectators to this cultural event.
Half Marathon runners travel through 1.5 KM of Chinatown taking in the rich heritage buildings, authentic markets and also pass through the famous Chinatown Gate which was erected for the City’s Golden Jubilee. Half Marathoners are sure to be captivated by this short, but distinct section of their 21.1KM journey.
- Guide to top tourist attractions in Vancouver:
- Wok Around Chinatown (tour) – 578 Carrall St, Vancouver
- Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden – 578 Carrall St, Vancouver


- Posted by: Hillingdon Labour
- Category: News
Questions from members of the public and a motion from the Hillingdon Labour Group about reintroducing Black History Month were batted away by the ruling Conservative Group at tonight’s full meeting of Hillingdon Council.
Residents are permitted to submit written questions to Council, and four residents took the opportunity to question the Leader of the Council why there was no Black History Month, and called for it to be reintroduced.
When responding to the Hillingdon Labour Group motion on introducing Black History Month, Conservative Councillor and Cabinet member Richard Lewis said that ‘Hillingdon had decided to celebrate all cultures’ – which ignores the ugly truth that black people disproportionately face violence, hostility and racism from authorities compared to white people.
Proposing the motion to reintroduce Black History Month, Labour Councillor Peter Curling said:
“We should not allow the subject of Black History to become some sort of modern culture war, but we should recognise with honesty the horrific nature of the history around the slave trade and how our colonial past treated Black people. This doesn’t mean trying to remove all traces of such atrocities or trying to re-write history, but simply giving a truthful account of what happened and how we can learn from it today.”
Seconding the motion, Labour Councillor June Nelson said:
“By reintroducing Black History Month, this council will be honouring the hope and aspiration of what started in 1926. Since 1987 this event and celebration of black communities across the UK has been an annual event. I am therefore again imploring Council to be a part of this celebration and fulfil the wishes of the black community in Hillingdon whom we represent.”
The Conservatives voted down the motion, as they have done in previous years, but Hillingdon Labour will keep pushing the issue to prevent black history from being brushed under the carpet


Rajasthan is where all the country`s similes and metaphors appear to have come together to create a visual extravaganza. Majestic palaces and rugged forts, spectacular deserts, wooded hills and tranquil lakes, bustling towns and quiet villages, amazing flora and fauna and of course, the colorful and vibrant people of Rajasthan form an intricate tapestry of mysticism, grandeur and rusticity.
Rajasthan, literally means "Land of the Kings", was once a clutch of princely kingdoms. The Rajputs, who ruled here for over a thousand years, were legendary for their chivalry. Today, this desert state`s battle-scarred forts, historic cities, palace hotels, feudal traditions and riotous colors represent India at her exotic best. Situated on the western side of the country, the state is diagonally divided into the hilly and rugged southeastern region and the barren northwestern Thar Desert, which extends across the border into Pakistan.
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Day 02: Full day combine city tour of old & New Delhi.
Day 03: Morning drive to Pehrasar.
Day 04: Morning drive to Karauli .
Day 05: Morning visit Karauli Fort passing through local market famous for colourfull bangles. Afternoon drive to Pachewar
Day 06: Morning visit the royal cenotaphs,Afternoon drive to Bundi
Day 07: Morning visit the Chattar Mahal,Taragarh Fort , Rani Ji Baori and the Phool Sagar Palace
Afternoon continue drive to Bijaipur.
Day 08: Drive to Ghanerao. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 09: Morning drive to Rohet enroute visiting Ranakpur Jain temples and Kumbhalgarh Fort.
Day 10: Drive to Garah enroute visiting Jodhpur.
Day 11: Morning Camel Safari. Afternoon drive to Jamba enroute visiting Phalodi.
Day 12: Morning free.Afternoon drive to Mahansar
Day 13: Drive to Surajgarh enroute visiting Bikaner
Day 14: Day free to relax at the hotel.
Day 15: Drive to Delhi and transfer to International airport in time to board flight for back home.
Karauli is a holy city situated 160 kms from Jaipur and was an erstwhile princely state in estern Rajasthan, famous for its pale red-stone. Founded in 1348, the city was earlier called Kalyanpuri, after the local deity Kalyanji. The city was strongly fortified by its rulers and was surrounded by a wall of red sandstone, strengthened by bastions at several places. The peripheral wall, now dilapidated, once had six gates. The old city palace is a treasure trove of architecture, stone carvings, gorgeous jalli work and classic paintings. Legend has it that the ruling family of Karauli, recognised as the head of the Yadhuvanshi Rajputs, are the descendants of Lord Krishna. The Kaila Devi Game Sanctuary is situated 25 kms from here and is an extension of the Ranthambore Tiger Project.
Ghanerao, formerly known as Ganora, was founded in 1606 by Gopal Das Rathore, a brave Rajput warrior from the Mertia clan. It is a small town but located strategically at the entrance of one of the few passes in the Aravallis, that connects the two major cities, Jodhpur and Udaipur. This tiny village thus formed a link between the territories held by the two traditional strongholds of Rajasthan, Mewar and Marwar, and featured often in the history of both these two erstwhile princely states.
Rohetgarh `Garh` in Hindi means Fort. The principality of Rohet was control from this little Fort- Palace by the royalty which lived here and who gave their elegance to the Maharaja of Jodhpur. The descendents of this royal family still live here and maintain a very interesting residence where guests are introduced to their royal past.
The town of Surajgarh in the shekhawati region of Rajasthan derives its name from the 18th century fortified Palace SURAJGARH. The name literally means "The Castle of the Sun". This 4 acre fortified palace is being lovingly restored to give our guests the experience of living like a Maharaja.
Shekhawati is popularly known as an open air art gallery and Surajagrh is at the heart of it and boasts of many havelis. Walking and camel cart tours are organized to the havelis. The Marwari traders accumulated enormous wealth in their trade of rice, opium, cotton, spices and textiles. The wealth was usually reinvested or sent back home for their families. The affluent marwari families tried to outdo the other in the size and quality of their mansions, giving birth to fine and colourful architecture in the desert region where it was least expected.


Sea Squad Dive Sticks from Speedo. Fun new swim toy to increase underwater confidence. These soft neoprene dive sticks come in assorted colours and are fun for children who have learnt to swim and adults.
Speedo produce a fantastic range of swimwear and swimming accesories including swimsuits, swimming goggles, kickboards, swimming fins and pullbouys plus much more. Founded in Australia by Alexander MacRae, a 22-year-old Scottish immigrant who arrived in the country in 1910. The 'SPEEDO' company began when MacRae Hosiery manufacturers, established by Alexander in 1914, extended the manufacture of underwear to swimwear and became MacRae Knitting Mills. This acceptance of swimwear and the introduction of the ‘Racerback’ costume meant it was time for a new company name. A staff competition was held and won by a Captain Parsonson who coined the slogan ‘Speed on in your Speedos’. The SPEEDO name was born in 1928.