In January 1923, John B. Sutton and nine other “younger” Tampa business leaders began meeting at the Maas Tavern downtown in an effort to launch an Exchange Club. The national organization would not issue a charter until a local club had reached a 25 member threshold. The Exchange Club of Tampa first attained this quota in April 1923 and held its first formal meeting on April 18th, becoming the fourth Exchange Club in the state. Meetings were held at 12:30 p.m. at the Hillsboro Hotel. W.L. Waring, Jr. was unanimously elected as the club’s first president. At the beginning, the club enjoyed close to 100% attendance at its luncheon meetings.
In 1923, the United States was entering the fourth year of its “noble experiment,” Prohibition. The banning of the sale of alcohol expressed the deeply felt desire of reformers who sought to improve the quality of American life. At the same time, Americans were glorying in a robust economy and “thirsted” for adventure. The automobile, primarily the Model T, allowed millions to roam freely, and what people sought was a good time. It was the Roaring Twenties, after all, flappers, jazz and the Charleston all betokened a culture dedicated to pleasure, usually with booze. Yet possessing alcohol was illegal. Thus, the 1920s might be called paradoxical: on the one hand, people partied as never before, with freedom never imagined; yet reformers had made sobriety the law of the land. The founding of the Exchange Club Tampa represents the dual impulses of the 1920s: the club’s motto was “Unity for Service,” but the club also gave its members a safe place to unwind.
An examination of the early interests and activities of the Exchange Club of Tampa reveals much about the forces at work in the United States in the 1920s. People in the Roaring Twenties wanted to enjoy themselves and members of the club were no different. In July 1923, perhaps member Johnny Portless had imbibed one liquid refreshment too many when, during a luncheon, he hopped up on a table and dazzled the membership with his virtuosity on the ukulele. President Waring liked to force new members to recite the first names of other members on command. At some meetings, members drew names and then hurled insults at their selected target to the merriment of all. Such stories indicate that the club pursued happiness as called for in the Declaration of Independence.
Yet, not all meetings centered on jocularity. Technology was transforming American society and the club sought to be on the cutting edge. One lecturer in 1923 spoke about “electronic theory,” showing the degree to which Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr had altered mankind’s understanding of the universe. When Carl D. Brorein, who happened to be secretary of the telephone company, became club president, members were soon introduced to the “intricacies and operation of the automatic telephone,” ushering in the revolution of telecommunications. The club even held a “long distance call contest,” won by Frank Bowyer, with a grade of 100% plus. In 1923, the ability to dial a telephone was a rare skill. Thus, Exchangites were eager to learn to stay ahead of the curve.
One of the first civic or humanitarian projects the club undertook was raising money for the Clara Frye Hospital. This fundraising effort was the brainchild of Dr. W.J. Lancaster, the club vice-president. The Clara Frye was Tampa’s only hospital for African Americans. By 1923, racial segregation was an entrenched way of life, in the North as well as in the South. The Exchange Club endeavored to raise sufficient cash to make significant and much needed changes at the “Negro” hospital, including the addition of an operating room. Such efforts showed how the club was progressive in outlook. Not all people were as progressive back then. In the 1920s, many Americans resisted the swirling changes that were at work in the country, and joined racist organizations that were considered mainstream. The Exchange Club differed greatly from such organizations like the Ku Klux Klan which espoused hatred. Exchangites embraced the future and sought to help the disadvantaged even as others were taking a more violent, repressive path.
In the 1930s, America entered perhaps its darkest hour: the Great Depression. This massive economic cataclysm would send 25% of the country’s workers into unemployment and cause food riots. Americans wondered if the country would actually survive. The Exchange Club managed to endure during the 1930s, although not without some struggle. In 1933, for example, 23 members either had delinquent accounts or were dropped for non-payment of dues. Considering that the club’s membership stood at 39, such financial hardship showed how pervasive the effects of the Great Depression were. Even the acknowledged business leaders of Tampa were having trouble making ends meet. In fact, Curtis Hixon, future mayor of Tampa, was dropped for non payment of dues. In 1933, the club could only manage a $50 donation to the Community Chest, a sum that paled to the thousands raised for the Clara Frye just ten years before. By all accounts, 1933 might have been the worst in American economic history.
But the 1930s did not beat the club down. With an unstable membership, the club took measures in 1933 to change the way its officers were selected. A group of five directors would oversee club operation. In the 1930s, the club also began entering a float in the Gasparilla Parade, and on it, so legend has it, rode the prettiest girls in all of Tampa. Gala beach parties were held on Clearwater Beach featuring golf for the gentlemen, cards for the ladies, dining and dancing at the Coliseum. Twenty one dollar cigars were also enjoyed. Also during the 1930s, the club began hosting an annual “Sunshine Special,” in which literally hundreds of disadvantaged children were treated to an all-day outing at Clearwater Beach. For some children, it would prove to be their first trip to the beach. In 1935, the Rev. Jack Redhead spoke to the children about “Americanism,” demonstrating the club’s longtime commitment to citizenship.
In 1937, the club hosted the 21st annual convention of the National Exchange Club, which put the city in the national spotlight. Governor Cone attended the sessions, which included a ringing speech by Thomas Imeson of Jacksonville denouncing organized labor as “communistic.” The nightly entertainment featured an elaborate party at “Cypress Acres,” the country estate of Tampa Exchangite J. William Dupree in Pasco County. Conventioneers also took a post-convention trip to Havana, at the time a popular vacation spot for American executives. But in1951, another post-convention trip to Havana possibly changed the Tamps club’s relationship with the national organization. The national convention that year was held in Miami Beach, and during the course of events, a personality conflict emerged between the Tampa club’s President Hamner Miller and the National Exchange Club’s Executive Secretary, Hal Harder, who was known as “Mr. Exchange.” By all accounts, Harder was a stern taskmaster. The source of the dispute remains enshrouded in mystery, but the result was that Tampans decided no longer to send a representative to the National Convention. The real story may never be known.
The Tampa Exchange Club also changed its focus in the 1950s: since so many of its members engaged in civic activities with other organizations, the club evolved into more of a social body where community leaders could gather. The outgoing President was to pick a charity to which the club would donate money raised from its annual golf tournament. Also in the 1950s, James Mellon instituted a public speaking contest and the club gave out its first Citizenship Award to local students. There were other changes as well. The club no longer met at the Hillsboro Hotel, as it was slated for demolition. The Club has met at the Tampa Terrace Hotel, the Commerce Club, the Floridian Hotel, Riverfront Hilton, the Days Inn (formerly a Sheraton affiliate) and the Holiday Inn, where, according to past President Hugo Schmidt, the food is the best.
But no matter where lunch was served, the Tampa Exchange Club continued to grow. In 1967 it could claim 172 members, making it the largest in the state. In 1973, the club celebrated its 50th anniversary with a noon luncheon at the Sheraton Tampa Motor Hotel and an evening cocktail party at the University Club. Several past presidents heard Leaborne L. Eads, a member of the board of directors of the National Exchange Club, give a talk entitled “It’s Later Than You Think,” and he predicted that “if America falls, it will fall from within.” Eads’ apocalyptic utterance, while not coming to pass, expressed the deep frustration of the 1970s, a time of unrest, protest, inflation and limitation. Despite the turmoil of the times, by 1974, the club would have 189 members, still the largest in the state.
Community service has continued to be important to the club. It was one of the first sponsors of the Florida Sheriff’s Boys Club. It raised money for the Crippled Children’s Fund, Easter Seal Society and Hillsborough County Retarded Children. The club has also placed emphasis on nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. It has seen to the installation of numerous “Freedom Shrines” in area schools, and has provided scholarships to deserving students, as well as contributing money to Boys State. Higher education has also been a recipient of the club’s largesse. The club has furnished a room at the University of Tampa, and for the University of South Florida, it donated money for a dorm, which the federal government matched tenfold.
The Exchange Club has enjoyed a close relationship with the Chamber of Commerce from the earliest days of the club. In 1924, for example, the Exchange Club and the Tampa Chamber of Commerce met jointly at a Monday luncheon at the Hillsboro Hotel. The civic organizations shared ideas about slogans for Tampa’s future development. Such “boosterism” was common in cities at the South during the 1920s, especially in Florida. The “boom” was on and real estate was the fuel of the fire. Between 1900 and 1950, Florida’s population would increase by over 400%. Civic leader H.L. Culbreath has served as president of both organizations. In 1980, the two groups teamed up again to start the “Kids and Kops” program (which featured athletic trading cards with crime prevention tips on the back) in an effort to promote better relations between local police and juveniles. The Exchange Club donated $4,000 to help with the printing costs of the cards.
The Exchange Club is a unique civic organization for many reasons. It has no compulsory attendance rules, no strict classification of members and has resisted the addition of Exchange Clubs in Hillsborough County. Friendliness, fellowship and help-each other attitude prevail. Sons have followed fathers into the club which has included some of the most prominent civic and social leaders of Tampa including presidents and directors of the Chamber of Commerce, United Fund (later called the United Way) and kings and courtiers of Gasparilla. One member deserves special mention, and that is Emelio Pons who for over five decades served in many capacities, beginning in 1928, when he served on the Entertainment Committee. He served as treasurer for over 50 years, as secretary from 1933 to 1936 and again in 1944. His tenure with the club spanned the Great Depression and the Great Communicator, and without his efforts, it is doubtful that the club would be as successful as it currently is. Although rumor has it that when Emelio was treasurer, nobody but he knew exactly how much money the club had.
Since 1923, the United States has undergone several challenges and great change. The Exchange Club of Tampa has reflected the larger forces at work within the larger society. It began during a time when America was determined to make itself a better nation for all its citizens. Economic downturns, wars, conflicting ideologies and protest all have forced the nation to make difficult decisions. The Exchange Club offered a haven of sorts, a place where leaders could unwind and yet continue to work together to provide service.


310 E. Washington
San Angelo, TX 76903
Established in 1867 along the banks of the Concho River, Fort Concho was built to protect frontier settlements, patrol and map the vast West Texas region, and quell hostile threats in the area. At full strength Fort Concho supported 400-500 men made up of companies of infantry and troops of cavalry, staff officers and support personnel. In June 1889 the last soldiers marched away from Fort Concho and the fort was deactivated. Then in 1907, the original Fort Concho Elementary School was built in the middle of the Parade Grounds.
The present facility was built in 1987 and sits on the property of the Fort Concho National Historic Landmark. The school library is now housed in the restored structure that was originally the post hospital. More than 475 students and 40 faculty and staff call the school "home". With the prime location of the school, students are not only within walking distance of the fort but also the Art Museum, River Stage, Concho River, Farmer's Market, and Celebration Bridge.Campus website Facebook Page
Grade Level(s): K - 5
School Hours: 7:30am - 3:00pm


The property of Hostel Kura used to be an exchange place for presious metals like gold, platinum and silver. The business of exchanging money to gold was strictly regulated by Japanese Government after the War.
The property was built modeled after European style small fortress around the beginning of Showa period and it consists of 3 functional areas; storehouse, actual exchange place, and processing factory.
We have rebuilt this historically important landmark and turned it into an old fashion Japanese style hostel in the center of Tokyo city. You will enjoy the mixture of traditional Japanese and European flavored residence experience with us.
6-6-9 Higashi Ueno Taio-Ku Tokyo Japan


Ram Mandir | Ayodhya History | Ram mandir Construction update
The #ram #mandir in #ayodhya is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, located in the city of Ayodhya in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The temple has been a matter of religious, cultural, and political significance for Hindus for centuries and is considered one of the seven holiest places for #hindustan .
The #history of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is traced back to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, which tells the story of Lord #ram life and his journey to reclaim his kingdom of Ayodhya after being exiled for 14 years. According to Hindu tradition, Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya, and the city was his birthplace and kingdom. The Ram Mandir, also known as Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, was believed to have been built on the spot where Lord Ram was born.
However, the exact history of the #temple’s #construction is not well-documented, and the site has been a subject of political and religious controversy for centuries. In the 16th century, a mosque was built on the site by the #mughal #emperor Babur, which was believed to have been built over the ruins of the original Ram Mandir. This mosque, known as the #babrimasjid , became a site of religious conflict between Hindus and #muslims for centuries.
In 1949, #hindu extremists placed idols of Lord Ram and his consort Sita inside the mosque, which led to a legal dispute over the ownership of the site. The issue gained national attention in the 1980s and 1990s, and sparked religious riots and clashes between Hindus and Muslims. The issue was finally resolved by the Supreme Court of India in November 2019, which ruled in favor of building a Ram Mandir on the site and allocated an alternative plot of land to the Muslim community for the construction of a #mosque .
Construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya began on August 5, 2020, after a groundbreaking ceremony was held in the presence of Prime Minister #narendramodi Modi and other Hindu leaders. The temple is being built by the trust created by the government of Uttar Pradesh, called the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, and is being funded by Hindu organizations and individuals from all over India.
The Ram Mandir is being built in the traditional Hindu style, with a central dome and multiple smaller domes surrounding it. The temple will have multiple halls, a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) housing the idols of Lord Ram, Sita, and Laxman, and a large courtyard. The temple will be approximately 161 feet long, 141 feet wide, and will have a height of approximately 131 feet.
The construction of the Ram Mandir has been a matter of national significance in India and has been widely reported in the media. The temple has been described as a symbol of Hindu unity and a testimony to the rich cultural and religious heritage of India. The temple has also been the subject of much debate and discussion, with some people viewing it as a victory for Hindu nationalism and others viewing it as a threat to the secular fabric of India.
In addition to the Ram Mandir, a number of other religious and cultural facilities are being built in Ayodhya as part of the larger Sri Ram Janmabhoomi complex. These include a museum showcasing the life and teachings of Lord Ram, a library, an auditorium, and a number of guesthouses for visiting pilgrims. The complex is being built on a sprawling 84-acre plot of land, which will also include lush gardens, parks, and other amenities for visitors.
The construction of the Ram Mandir has been a matter of pride for #Hindus


A listing of Bead Museums sound so stuffy! Yet for many of us, is not Bead Study a constant occupation?
These bead exhibitions amazingly hold a substantial representation of the world's history in Beads.
Bead Museums are a lively destination for beadwork excursions; gather your fellow artists and create a bead-centered vacation! Each location will have their own focus and collection. Some are large institutions, others are small without fanfare, but have such interesting beads. Many offer scholarly journals and other publications, and some even have sales of certain beads. Visit their websites and call ahead to verify information.
As a bead aficionado, I'm grateful that researchers so carefully document and preserve bead history. As a bead artist I'm delighted for the opportunity to study the well-known beads of antiquity, understanding patterns and styles as they re-emerge in modern designs. Beads excite, they sooth, and they connect us with the entire planet through a universal art form. It can be heartening to sense the community of individual art and artists. Our collective Bead History offers unparallel inspiration.
This listing is not exhaustive and does not imply endorsement nor exclusion.
This page: Bead Museums
Or quick jump to the
to view additional resources for viewing African Trade beads online. Or return to the BEAD STUDY page for references for beaded handbags, the Bead Shows, and more.
Center for Bead Research
This information-rich destination is a read-only reference website from the late and honored
Peter Francis Jr.
Log on to review excellent articles and images about ancient beads, trade beads, beading and beadwork. It is an excellent source of reference and remains on the Web as a testimony to the life’s work of Peter Francis Jr.
is an international, educational bead/art eZine. It is an extraordinary website: scholarly, yet playful, full of bead history and articles on contemporary bead study. "HandThoughts exists to advance the understanding of beads and beadwork globally, and to explore the multiple contexts and meanings of this ancient, creative expression from many points of view".
The Bead Museum in Glendale Arizona
"The Bead Museum was founded in 1984 to establish a safe haven for a permanent collection of beads and adornments of all cultures, past and present, which would provide an enduring opportunity for the study and enjoyment of these magnificent examples of art and ingenuity...(we) welcome you to the exciting and surprising world of beads."
The Bead Museum in Washington, DC
http://www.beadmuseumdc.org Wonderful gallery focused on bead history and bead preservation, located in our nation's capital. This institution's online shop offers
that mirror their permanent exhibits. Located in the Jenifer Building at 400 Seventh Street Northwest, Ground Floor. An excellent addition to a museum tour of DC.
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Expedia can help with travel plans
Picard Trade Bead Museum
http://www.picardbeads.com "..Dedicated to the history and aesthetic display of beads traded in Africa throughout the centuries. Over 50,000 beads and ornaments. And a gift shop with a large selection of collector beads. The
are extraordainary bead history, with some images available on the website. The museum is located in Mid-Valley Carmel, 5 minutes from beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea on Carmel Valley Road, and is two hours south of San Francisco, California.
The Society of Bead Researchers
"The Society is a non-profit corporation, founded in 1981 to foster research on beads of all materials and periods, and to expedite the dissemination of the resultant knowledge. Membership is open to all persons involved in the study of beads, as well as those interested in keeping abreast of current trends in bead research." The Society publishes a biannual newsletter,
The Bead Forum and an annual journal, Beads. NOTE: They sell back issues of their publications and their website lists a descriptive table of contents.
The Oneida Indian Nation
"As the first American Indian Nation in the United States to establish a World Wide Web site and utilize this innovative technology, our Nation, located in the heart of New York State, is proud to share its People, culture, history, and progress with you." Spectacular bead embroidery, but continue on after the bead history and wampum studies, and read this entire
website: beautiful and informative.
The National Bead Society
"The National Bead Society is dedicated to the academic study of beads and dissemination of bead information. We accept bead-related articles and invite interested parties to discuss bead problems on our Bead Forum."
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Brick & mortor locations of Bead Museums mean showcases of fantastic beads one can study in person. Some of the museums are large, some are small, all are interesting and a fine opportunity for bead study.
Expedia can help with travel plans
The Bead Society Trust
"The study of beads can throw new information on societies past and present. The (Trust) was founded in 1980 to promote research using archaeological, ethnographic, and scientific techniques." This institution continues the work of Horace C. Beck (1873-1941) who began the formal study of beads found at the archaeological sites at
Mr. Beck's name and his
catalogs referenced at many other bead history sites.
The Center for the Study of Beadwork
Portland, Oregon http://www.europa.com/~alice/
"Although recently updated (04/21/03), this web site is still in the early stages of development. The initial activity of this site will be to sell books and magazines, the profits from which will be used to support this site." Back issues of notes from a Beadworker's Journal and slide kits of their exhibits are available.
The Bead Bugle
is an online Ezine, that is, it is an illustrated magazine that is only on the Internet. There is a great deal to see here from bead exhibits to interviews with the bead artists of the present day and many beadwork and bead history links. This URL is their doorway to exhibits and galleries: http://www.nfobase.com/html/exhibits.html
The Murano Glass Museum is located in the Palazzo Giustinian near the Murano island center. The museum holds samples of glass from Egyptian times through the present day, and the displays show how the art and manufacture of glass developed over the centuries. Wanna Go? Expedia has aSpring 2004 Europe Sale.
You can reach Murano by boat from San Zaccaria, just up the Riva degli Schiavoni from St. Mark's Square in Venice (Italy). If you go, take in the
Burano Lace Museum
in the 14th-century Palazzo Rodotà, the former building of the School of Lace founded in 1872 by the Countess Adriano Marcello. You can admire all the beautiful lace produced on this island for centuries. The exhibition includes
some very valuable pieces, drawings, photographs, personal journals and lace work techniques. Beads, glass, lace, and Venice...Wow...a Bead History vacation!
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Ready to ship today, Delivery time appr. 1-3 workdays, longer shipping abroad
Many myths circulate about the Stone Age and the topic of how it must have been on our planet so many years ago, occupies both young and old. Our Stone Age Friends are now bringing the Stone Age back to life. Mammoth Elke and her friends make this age a cuddly, touchable experience.


ESSAOUIRA | THE PEARL OF THE ATLANTIC
Essaouira, “the pearl of the kingdom”, appears like a mirage suspended between sky and sea at the end of a long beach of exquisitely fine sand. A cosmopolitan and international place, already known throughout the Roman Empire for the extraction of purple dye from molluscs, Essaouira was conquered by the Muslims in the tenth century and invaded by the Portuguese in the sixteenth. Now declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Medina and its Jewish quarter offer architectural testimony to the rich history of the city.
We can most likely attribute the founding of the city to Carthaginian merchants settling in a small Berber village. As it became an important trading centre, the Berbers recaptured the town in the third century B.C. Then came the Romans, who in 42 A.D. annexed the city to the province of Mauretania Tingitana.
In Roman times, the city’s importance was tied to the extraction of purple dye from shellfish on the tiny archipelago known as the Purple Islands, just across from the city. In the tenth century the Muslims conquered Essaouira. Then, in the fifteenth century, the Portuguese seized the town to use as an African outpost on the Atlantic.
La città (il cui nome originario era Mogador, che in arabo significa ben custodita) venne poi abbandonata nel 1541 e lasciata in mano alle tribù locali. Caduta in declino, il suo destino venne segnato nel 1765 dalla decisione del sultano Muhammad ibn Abdallah di rinnovarne i fasti e la bellezza.
The city (whose original name was Mogador, which in Arabic means “well guarded”) was then abandoned in 1541 and left in the hands of local tribes. Fallen into decline, its destiny was sealed in 1765 by the decision of the Sultan Muhammad ibn Abdallah to renew its fortifications and its beauty. He commanded the French architect Théodore Cornut to restructure Mogador to make it a place of wonder for foreign guests and, at the same time, a military base. The work lasted three years, upsetting part of the urban layout of the old Mogador with the creation of a long central avenue in European style.
CAt this time, with the construction of the mighty and spectacular walls that distinguish it to this day, the city took the name of Essaouira (in Arabic, “well-designed”). Meanwhile, a small Jewish community had established itself in the Medina and quickly began to mediate politics and trade between the Sultan and foreign powers.
At the outset of the French protectorate in 1912, Essaouira once more adopted the name Mogador even as the port’s strategic importance dwindled. The city relinquished its role as the only port of Morocco open to foreign trade, a function that now passed to Agadir, Casablanca and Tangier.
In 1956, upon independence from France, the town took back the name of Essaouira.
Today Essaouira has become a fascinating travel destination while maintaining a simple style not governed by the interests of tour operators. Moreover, in addition to its obvious beauty, this old Moroccan village boasts an unusually mild climate: though windy at certain times (and for this reason a legendary destination for enthusiasts of windsurfing and kite surfing), Essaouira’s equitable climate allows bathers to enjoy the sea even in winter yet not to suffer through sultry summers. And gentle evening breezes across the Medina reward travellers who stroll through lanes of houses and artisan workshops, all painted white and accented by typical blue wooden doors.
With streets in a grid pattern, like Saint Malo, this massively fortified town was built at sea level. Sparkling white, a splendid urban complex, Essaouira is replete with squares and markets that function both as meeting places and as settings for concerts and other entertainment.
Flanked by its powerful fortifications, Essaouira lives mainly by handicrafts and tourism. Another thriving business is fishing: every morning at the port, fish and shellfish of every sort sell at auction. From the Portuguese tower (Skala du Port) overlooking the harbour entrance, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the entire area. The old Medina can be divided into three parts: the Medina, the Mellah, and the Kasbah; all three are protected by high walls surrounding different and colourful souks.
Essaouira, a fascinating city of retro-style charm, has always attracted artists of all kinds and of all nationalities. In the sixties and seventies, it became a favourite destination of the international hippie counterculture.
In Essaouira in 1952, Orson Welles filmed mythical scenes of his Othello. In the 1970s, Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones and other pop stars spent time here regularly. Famous contemporary writers and directors, even today, come to Essaouira to savour its slightly nostalgic and romantic atmosphere, punctuated by the pounding of waves against the rocks and the incessant shrill cries of hundreds of seagulls circling in the sky.
Weather Forecast in Essaouira


christ church cathedral
Roof & Facade Restoration
Contract Value: $2,300,000.00
Project Highlights: Our firm self performed all aspects of the façade restoration, such as:
- Removal and replacement of slate roofs on the Cathedral and Parish House.
- Removal of existing gutters, fabrication and installation of new copper gutters.
- Shore façade, remove brownstone pieces, remove masonry backup, fabricate and install new brownstone pieces, install new masonry backup, install new brownstone.
- Cut and re-point the entire façade.
- Patching of deteriorated brownstone on the entire façade.
- Miscellaneous Dutchman replacement on the façade.
- Removal of coping stones, installation of reinforcement, flashings and re-setting of coping stones with dowels.
- Washing of entire masonry facade to remove construction debris and staining.
- Miscellaneous replacement of missing, cracked and loose slate shingles with new slate shingles on the Cathedral Annex.
- Miscellaneous caulking and painting.
Owner: Christ Church Cathedral
Erected in 1825, this brownstone church is located in the heart of Hartford. Christ Church began first as a parish church in 1795 and became the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut in 1919. G.L. Capasso Inc. was contracted to perform the façade and roof replacement of this historic structure.
Deteriorated finials were removed and new finial stones were fabricated and installed. Each finial stone weighed over 500 pounds and installed using cranes. The entire façade was cut and pointed. Due to the irregular size of the joints, seven inch grinders and ten inch saws were used to remove the old mortar. New slate roof and sheet metal flashings were installed on the Cathedral and Parish House. Work was completed safely, on schedule and to the satisfaction of the church and consultant.
Photo by Robert Benson with permission from Christ Church Cathedral.
Contact G.L. Capasso, Inc. for more information.


Sundance Spas - Aqua-Flo XP Pumps, 1997-1998
Aqua-Flo "XP" Series Pump was used during this time period and was phased into the Theramax, Theraflo Series. No longer available in the configuration used by Sundance, we have the upgrade from Sundance to retrofit your spa.
After using the Vico "Ultra Jet" Pump from 1994-1996, Sundance began using the Aqua-Flo "XP" Series Pumps and called them Theraflo and Theramax. They used the Aqua-Flo Pump specially designed for them primarily from 1997-1999. The newer design Theramax and Theraflo Pumps began to appear on some models.


“Jade” Gem of Heaven.
In the ancient days of Chinese civilization, jade was known as the stone of heaven that had surged into reality alongside our Planet. It has harnessed tremendous cosmic power for Eons becoming a conduit for our world and the Cosmos. Thus birth the mystical belief of Darkness and Light, mutually dependent on one another for existence.
During Hongshan（红山）and Liangzhu （良渚）eras, Jade was used as a religious tool to call upon the Gods or ancestors and sometimes, disregard of any deities, can also be used as a source of supernatural aid for all sorts of omen.
In our Thai culture there is an idiom that quotes “Heaven exists within one’s bosom, Hell is born of one’s heart”. You may be confused about the literature and wonder is there any difference between being in the heart and in the chest. The grain of salt you mayhaps consume lies in the Yin and Yang , the epitome of ancient Chinese philosophy.
In Ying and Yang’s foundation, the fundamental belief was that necessary evil exists within good and vice versa or chaos within order vice versa etc, to form a tremendous balance and harmony in reality, co-equal or two sides of the same coin. Some examples are stealing for the poor, an act of crime for the greater good or living things die to become nutrients for the plants etc. This may help us understand and appreciate the laws of nature and help us broaden our perspective in life and think positively so it feels as though “Heaven” is in our chest, but if we are too worked up it may begin to look like “Hell” has surfaced with our hearts.
Jade had been the bridge that connects heaven and Earth together in harmony. Thus, people used jade as an ascension tool for their ancestors to enter heaven. The Chinese would carved their clan or their surnames into the stone of heaven to symbolize that they are on the bridge towards Heaven.
The Chinese Emperors of every dynasty had been using jade as a device for royal ceremonies or significant events for blessings from the heavens. The cultural influence is extremely significant until this day people who possess jade will continue ceremonial events to obtain the blessings.
From the primordial times of Ancient China to this day jade has always been part of the Chinese heritage and there is still more to discover about its enigmatic past. Most importantly it has rooted deeply into the customs and lives that to understand Chinese’s wonders is to know the history and truth of the stone of Heaven.


Birmingham’s Historic Donnelly House
The historic Donnelly House, an example of Neo-classical architecture, was built in 1905 as the residence of James W. Donnelly. Mr. Donnelly was an industrialist, manufacturer, real-estate developer, philanthropist, and civic leader. After retiring from Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, he moved south to Birmingham where this magnificent Georgian-colonial mansion had been constructed, featuring over 12,000 square feet of living space and spectacular white marble floors.
While the Donnelly House served primarily as a private residence, it was also the home of the Birmingham Civic Ballet during the 1950s. Ultimately, the home was opened as a venue for weddings, business meetings and other activities.
The home was listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on May 20, 1975. It is also a contributing property to the Highland Avenue Historic District, a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.
The mansion was purchased by Carl Schoettlin in 2011. The property and home have been completely renovated. The mansion, along with its patio garden and gazebo ceremony garden, is designed to entertain various functions. The Donnelly House is the perfect setting to have an elegant southern function.
We’d love to hear from you!
For venue availablity, information, or to schedule an appointment to view the Donnelly House, please call or e-mail Carl Schoettlin.
The Historic Donnelly House is located in Birmingham, Alabama.
2838 Highland Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35205


History of smocking: US and UK smocked clothing
Smocked clothing is one symbolic tradition of many countries and region around the world, especially in the biggest English speaking countries out there: the USA and the UK. Smocking in these countries has the same origin but started to diverse as the current of history flow that we now have interesting and unique smocked dressing like today.
Trace to the beginning of smocking, we know that this technique has a very long history. Although we don’t have the exact time since its origins are elusive, we know that this technique is most practice at England in the late 17th to 19th century. Unlike the present time when smocked clothing are using as daily wear or in important event, in the past they are most popular with the working class. Let’s not forget that elastic usage only begins in early 19th, when Thomas Hancock patented elastic fastenings for gloves, suspenders, shoes and stockings. Prior to the time, smock-frock (unique smocked outfit in England and Wales) were spreading due to a general decrease in agricultural wages and living standards in these areas in the second half of the 18th century. The smocks were cheaper than other forms of outer garments, and were both durable and washable. The pleated smocking itself was often used for cuffs, necklines, and bodices makes the activities more comfortable than other garments.
It was the Industrial Revolution that brought about the demise of the smock-frock as a utility garment. The big voluminous smocks were a hazard to the new reaping machines so they quickly became unsuitable to daily wear. As the authentic tradition was fading away, a romantic nostalgia for England's rural past led to a fashion for women's and children's dresses and blouses loosely styled after smock-frocks. By the early to mid-twentieth century, there was a resurgence in popularity of smocking for its decorative qualities with mothers creating smocked garments for special occasions such as christenings or parties. Today, parents in the US and the UK are still choosing smocked clothing for their babies because of its classical beauty yet fashionable style.
We all know that the smocking tradition in the US is much different from its relative in the UK, which easily be seen in the smocked outfit of the countries. The smocking tradition is one symbolic feature of the US, especially in the Southern region part of the country, that is inherited during the mass immigrant of the European when they discovered America. Smocking practice in the US has then separate from the mainstream in the Old Continent. Since smocking is an art form that has been handed down from generation to generation, it never halts to develop. Due to many reasons, the smocking tradition has travel through time and with culture that nowadays we still see smocked clothes as one major outfit of children in the Southern US. Firstly, smocking has become a part of the human here, is what they respect, love and preserve. And secondly, we should look into the traits of the Southern region. Southern culture has been and remains generally more socially conservative than that of the rest of the country. Because of the central role of agriculture in the economy, agricultural product like cotton became a major part of the people’s life. People respect the smocking tradition as they respect their source of life and their heritage.
Due to the difference in the development histories of the two countries, we can assume that the smocking are unique in each region. While the UK prefer the smocking plate in the bodice with complex and delicate geometric pattern, US people like the bishop dress style with smocked pattern on the neckline features their everyday life familiar symbol: their work, patriotic, animal, Santa Claus, Easter bunny, … Geometric UK pattern often covered with bullion roses and leaves and other embroidered embellishments like beads and buttons. With the complexity of embroidery and rigorous products quality requirement, the UK smocked clothing are elegant and exquisite, makes them rather be an unusual outfit for important occasions. US smocking in the other hand is less complex and more of a daily wear to the children, and the outfits are less thick than UK outfit due to the warm atmosphere of Southern region. Parents often choose clothes for their kids which smocked pattern feature the season/ holiday they are in: you can see Santa Claus, Xmas trees smocked dresses flood the streets on Christmas, while on the fall-winter season there are many kids wearing cotton flowers or harvest smocked clothing. Wearing traditional clothing is one way to honor the culture and history of the community.
Smocking has come a long way since the beginning, but still plays an important role in the modern world. When buying a smocked outfit, you know that you aren’t just buy a thing. You are buying a piece of history, a part of soul, a moment of someone’s life.


HISTORY OF THE WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER AND WALLINGFORD COMMITTEE ON AGING, INC.
In 1970, a committee was appointed under the Community Development Action Plan to survey the needs of the Town of Wallingford and propose programs to meet them. The study resulted in a recommendation that programs be undertaken to provide services for young people and older citizens and on February 5, 1971, the original Committee on Aging was appointed by the Town Council. It consisted of: Muriel Lemay, VNA Director, as Chair, Rev. Father Stanley Abugel, Rev. Mr. Leonard Flisher, Caroline Kilcayne, Margaret Lang, John Masselli, Hazel Sargent, and Stephen Walford. Programs for seniors were developed and administered by successors of this committee until September, 1987, when the present Committee on Aging took over the responsibility of administering programs for seniors under contract to the Town of Wallingford. The Board of Directors consists of fifteen members, three of whom are appointed or approved by the Town Council.
One of the first projects of the new committee was a “drop-in center for seniors” at the First Baptist Church. The seniors organized themselves as the Wallingford Senior Citizens, with Cecile Satton as the first president of the group. From the very beginning, the seniors took a great interest in their new center and over time raised thousands of dollars for a great variety of projects. Without their help, the Senior Center would not have succeeded.
The original name of the group, Wallingford Senior Citizens, was later changed to Wallingford Associated Seniors (W.A.S.). Margaret Bordeleau was the first paid director of the Senior Citizens Center which moved to the newly renovated railroad station in March, 1973. The second director was Dianne Saunders, hired in January, 1978. Under her leadership and that of Mayor Rocco Vumbaco, the former electric generating station on Washington Street was renovated to become the Senior Center facility.
In August of 1987, Sandra Rogerson succeeded Dianne Saunders as the Executive Director of the newly incorporated Committee on Aging, Inc. Under her leadership, an intensive long range study of future program needs for the center was carried out which resulted in a committee, appointed by the Town Council in 1993, to study the need for a new building to house the Senior Center and its programs.
Virginia Phillips became Executive Director in 1994 and funds were allocated by the Town of Wallingford to have an architect evaluate five possible sites for a new Senior Center. Once the site was selected, the firm of Lazarus and Sargeant designed the current beautiful facility that was built and opened for use in June, 2001. Generously funded by the Town of Wallingford thanks to the support of both the Mayor and the Town Council, and with Henry McCully serving as Project Manager, the Senior Center Membership, the Committee on Aging and both the Expansion and Building Committees realized their dream of facilitating a modern and functional yet aesthetically pleasing Senior Center which will provide a variety of quality programs and services to the older adults of Wallingford through the coming decades.
In 2002, William Viola became the present Executive Director of the Center. In 2006, following several years of growth and expansion of services, the center received an initial five-year accreditation by the National Institute of Senior Centers and was nationally accredited by NISC for a second time in 2012.
Wallingford Senior Center – Directors
1972 Mrs. Margaret Long (Volunteer)
1973 Mrs. Margaret Bordeleau
1977 Dianne Dwyer Saunders
1987 Sandra Rogerson Poppalardo
1994 Virginia Phillips
2002 William Viola


Haiti occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola, with the Dominican Republic occupying the other two thirds. It was the first Caribbean nation to gain its independence on January 1, 1804. Haiti is known for being the poorest country in the western hemisphere, but it so much more than that with a rich and diverse history and landscape.
- Most Haitians are descendants of people from central and western Africa who were brought to the island as slaves in the 16th century.
- Tortuga, a small island off the northern coast of Haiti, was once a favorite hiding place for pirates.
- The official languages of Haiti are Haitian Creole (Kreyòl) and French. Kreyòl is the language of daily conversation. French is used in government and business.
- Haiti’s name comes from the Arawak word ayiti, which means “land of mountains.”
- On January 12, 2010, a massive earthquake struck Haiti.
Source: Culture Grams
The Wesleyan Church and the Wesleyan Mission in Haiti were first planted in 1942 with roots in both the Wesleyan Methodist and Pilgrim Holiness branches of Wesleyan Church history. Through the intervening years many missionaries have devoted years, even lifetimes, of dedicated service to evangelism, discipleship, leadership training, medical mission and other ministries of compassion. The Wesleyan Church of Haiti owes its existence and deep spiritual foundations of these pioneers and early national church leasers who carefully crafted a solid foundation on which the church could be built.
The Mission and Church that presently exist grew up around four geographical focal points or mission stations which now serve as district centers, located in Anse-a-Galets, Petit Goave, Bainet, and Port Margot. There are presently 106 active churches with a membership of over 6000 with over 130 active pastors. As well, the Wesleyan Church of Haiti sponsors a number of educational opportunities with 61 community elementary schools and 7 secondary school serving approximately 20,000 students.
Pastor Doucet Desronvil was elected National Superintendent. Pastor Doucet lives in Port-au-Prince and is the lead pastor at Carrefour Feuille Wesleyan Church, which pre-earthquake had a congregation of about 1600. His wife works in the translation department of Compassion Haiti. Pastor Doucet and Mme Pastor Doucet have three children: Sandy Dora, Rochelle, and Rico.
Pastor Denor Rosemond the Superintendent of the Northern District was elected Assistant Superintendent. He has led the district for many years to become what is now considered the healthiest of the four districts.
Pastor Erold Pierre was re-elected National treasurer. Pastor Erold is on staff at Carrefour Feuille Wesleyan Church. He and his wife have two children. His wife is the president of Wesleyan Women for the South-West district.
Fre Belyard was re-elected as Secretary for the National Committee. Fre Belyard is an attorney from the North District.
East District: Rev. Robert Noel
South-West District: Rev. Mathurin
La Gonave District: Rev. Marcel Bertrand
North District: Rev. Denor Rosemond


Who were the Paladins?
The paladins (derived from the Latin palatine meaning ‘servant, government official’), sometimes also known as the Twelve Peers, were the foremost warriors of Charlemagne’s court. Charlemagne or Charles the Great (742 – 814) was King of the Franks from 768, King of the Lombards from 774 and Holy Roman Emperor from 800. He united much of Western and Central Europe during the early Middle Ages. He was the first recognised emperor to rule from Western Europe since the fall of the Roman Empire centuries earlier.
In ancient history, paladins were renowned not just as elite warriors but as champions of the weak and vulnerable, epitomising all that was good. They were devoted to kindness. But beyond measure they were devoted in their effectiveness at ridding the universe of evil and crusading in the name of good, justice and order. All the while they honoured their strict code of honour. It was said that in combat, a paladin with a cause was almost impossible to defeat. Such was their fearsome reputation that it was said they had divine powers.
The knights templar
The knights templar, better known as King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table, were paladins. However, it was not necessary to be a knight to be regarded as a paladin. Indeed, over the centuries, the term ‘paladin’ has found its way into dictionaries as a noun used to describe generally a determined advocate and defender of a particular cause.
Such is the reputation of the paladins through history that Dungeons & Dragons and various other role-playing games have adopted paladins amongst their cast. Needless to say, in every game they are regarded as amongst the most agile and effective of all warriors. They are almost impossible to defeat.
As the Paladin Promise illustrates, we could not have conceived of a more fitting name for our business. It synonymises what we do and how we do it. We strive to honour the paladins who have come before us. Entrusted with a cause, we are indeed almost impossible to defeat.


I bet you have seen the slot machine once. You know, the well known one armed bandit. It was named like that because originally it had one lever that was used to spin the three reels within the casing. In fact some of the similar machines are still in use and provide quite a lot of amusement to the players and lets face it, some rewards too.
But have you ever wondered about the history of the slot machines? Let me tell you some facts about them today.
The very first machine produced was nicknamed the Liberty Bell and was produced in 1895 by a man named Charles Fey. He was a German immigrant who came to America to look for a better lifestyle. The original symbols he used on the reels came from the card suits. So there was a star, a horseshoe and a liberty bell.
The Libery Bell machine turned out to be huge success and rights to produce and distribute it were quickly purchased by a gambling equipment production company. However Cherles Fey refused to sell new versions of the machine to be produced. One of those news versions was called Operator Bell and was the first one to use the now well known fruit symbols on the reels. It was created in 1907.
By 1910 thank to new laws prohibiting gambling these machines became illegal. Some of the producers in attempt to still keep them on the Market tried to disguise them for vending machines. One of the tricks they used was building a machine that dispensed a stick of chewing gun with every pull of the lever. Unfortunately the only outcome of that was that from then on the vending machines started to be perceived in a negative light, a trend that is pretty much going on strong today.
Once the laws have been revoked the slot machines went back to public use and by 1960 have gone all electric and a decade later microchips were added to allow for the machine to work with a press of the button only.


Projectors Projectiondesign F22, F32 and F35 WQXGA and WB processors, supplied by integrator Ocular BVBA, are bringing visitors to the contest through various thematic areas in the In Flanders Fields Museum.
The newly opened museum In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres (Belgium), interprets the stories of the first world war and as such were in the region of Flanders, using modern techniques and multimedia museítica for visitors today and tomorrow. projectors ProjectionDesign F22, F32 and F35 WQXGA and WB processors, provided by systems integrator specialist in Ocular BVBA museums allow visitors to bring the race through various thematic areas: Belle Epoque, First Battle (primera batalla), Ypres Salient (Area around Ypres, scene of the most important battles of the First World War) and Third Battle (third battle) .
Anyone who visits the museum receives a poppy bracelet upon entering. While visitors stroll through the beautifully restored medieval building located in the central square of the city, a microchip incorporating bracelet 'poppy' universally recognized symbol from the First World War, provides video projections, interactive touch screens and sound spaces that are used to recreate the pain and tragedy of war.
Stories of the Great War
The museum has always stressed the stories of individual citizens within the overall context of the Great War These personal stories are told by a lot of varied objects, in addition to through interactive installations and characters exhibit they have They have been portrayed realistically.
To reach the museum visitors can stroll through the exhibition Belle Epoque, Which enhances this period in the prewar period. In this area F32 two projectors are used to project images of footage on a curved structure that simulates a forest of wooden panels.
The exhibition First Battle (first battle), F35 WQXGA projector is used to project the battlefields from the North Sea to the frontlines, projecting images from the roof to a scale model in 3D. The public can observe the deployment of allied troops in the city of Ypres and the first battle bird's eye view.
In the showroom Ypres Saliant Projectiondesign F22 three projectors and processors WB1920 on a curved screen 170 are used to observe the development of the war as if one were to travel in a balloon flying across the sky. The footage includes views of the buildings and the deployment of troops around the city of Ypres. The content is a combination of historical footage and a movie made specifically.
Perhaps the most wrenching exhibition is the Third Battle (third battle)Where four projectors F22 on a curved screen and on the roof are used to display images that include a symbolic narratives made by nurses, doctors, soldiers and priests on one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War.
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Where it all begins!
This is the 1st in a series of posts, "Congress Street" which will take a look at Portland's longest street. Starting on the Eastern Prom overlooking the waters of Casco Bay, it travels along the spine of the peninsula before dipping down passed the ever growing Maine Medical Center complex and running onto the mainland proper where it heads out Rte 22 towards Gorham and Buxton. This nearly five mile route is a mini tour of Portland itself starting at
Casco bay it passes thru both residential and downtown areas of the city, Monument, Congress, Longfellow & Bramhall Squares, the Museum, some of th
e cities best restaurants, two fire stations, a hospital, numerous churchses, three graveyards, two bus, a train station and the airport.
Rising from the prom Congress Street maintains a residential flavor crossing ten streets and reaches North Street at its highest point. A small arts district has sprung up around the arts center with several quiet restaurants and an upscale market.
North Street runs to the western edge of the hill and overlooks the newly resurgent Bayside, Interstate 295 and Back Bay itself and beyond to the neighborhoods of mainland Portland laid out in an arch from North to South. The intersection of North and Congress Streets houses the Munjoy Hill fire station and the old Observatory, now a tourist attraction, but once used to follow the comings and goings of a busy commercial port filled with clipper ships, bringing goods from across the seas. From here Congress Street looks down the Hill to Washington Ave, India Street and the Old Italian neighborhood before crossing Franklin Street Arterial.
Rosemont market on the Hill, tel 773-7888
Lawrence art Center, www.stlawrencearts.org
Willa Wirth Silver Design, 99 Congress St. www.willawirth.comBar Lola, 100 Congress St, tel 775-5652
Blue Spoon, 89 Congress St, tel 773-1116
The Front Room, 73 Congress St, 773-3366


Wally Road was named for the railroad that once ran the same route along the Mohican River. The Walhonding Railroad, or The Wally as it became known, ran between the towns of Loudonville and Coshocton on a single set of tracks, crossing over the Mohican more than a dozen times.
The first train rolled down the tracks in 1892, connecting small towns and providing cargo and passenger services. The last train to travel those rails was in 1945. And in 1947, a county highway department crew started clearing the brush from the abandoned rails to create a scenic highway. Once completed, the highway would provide a modern road from Loudonville to Greer.
On May 4, 2005 Wally Road was named a State Scenic Byway. With its meandering route, hillside splendor, the Mohican River and abundance of recreation.....Wally Road truely is the largest outdoor recreational complex in Ohio.
1800's original school house located at Mohican Wilderness
Today Wally Road continues to follow the Mohican River. The road winds and turns amongst beautiful rolling hills and breathtaking scenery. Wally runs 10.41 miles between Loudonville and Greer, and takes in 3 counties.....Ashland, Holmes and Knox. Wally Road is home to 9 campgrounds, one hotel and several canoe liveries. There is history at every bend. A restored 1800's school house, circa 1890 and 1882 barns still serve as sentinals over the road. The annual Indian Pow-Wow and Bluegrass festivals draw crowds from all over the country.
For more information visit the Wally Road Scenic Byway website:


|Welcome to the historical photograph archive of the Kempsford website. We currently have 113 photographs of the parish in the archive. If you have any knowledge of any of the photographs we would like to hear from you.
Alongside each photograph is a form with which you can send us details of the photograph, as well as any additional comments you would like to add. We will then update the corresponding information alongside the
If you have any old photographs of the parish which you would like to include in this archive, please email us and we’ll be in touch. Hopefully over time we can build up a concise database of the parish in photographic format, that will be available for generations to come.
To view a photograph simply click on the icon next to the photograph of your choosing.
Finally, a very big thank you goes to all who have contributed photos to this archive.


Steeped in history the farm's foundations date back to 1373 when allegedly it was used as a Lay Brother's Chapel (connected to Croxden Abbey) before becoming a working farm.
This history has lead to many paranormal events taking place. From sightings of ghostly figures to energy orbs being regularly sited.
Get in touch
website by sjb & npb


Friday, September 3, 2010
After a very long time I am here. Life goes fast. Summer months disappeared, 33 days in Italy and the rest here in Boston. Trent Conference was exceptionally successful. Jim Keenan brilliantly organized it. over 600 Catholic Theological ethcists from over 70 nations, historic meet. I was fortunate to see some old familiar faces and get to make new friends.


In the early hours of October 8, 2022, volunteers loaded a trailer bound for Washington D.C. with Drive Medical wheelchairs. That trailer was just a small part of what would ultimately prove to be the trip of a lifetime for the dozens of veterans who would soon fill two charter buses on an all-expenses-paid red-carpet welcome at the nation’s capital.
The trip came courtesy of Honor Flight Pittsburgh, a branch of the nationwide Honor Flight Network, which brings veterans to Washington, D.C. at no personal cost. Since 2005, the nonprofit has provided the experience to more than 250,000 veterans. October’s trip marked the tenth voyage of the Pittsburgh branch, which recently resumed activities after being halted due to Covid.
As part of the trip, Drive Medical teamed up with Pittsburgh-area businesses Root Integration and Washington Medical Equipment to ensure the veterans were prepared for the whirlwind day by supplying them with new wheelchairs.
With the help of their new wheels, the group, visited the WWII Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and other monuments dedicated to their service. Some of the veterans were pushed by yellow-clad “Guardians” as they wrapped up in red blankets due to the cool weather, while others marched on through the day of honor. All were greeted with gratitude for their service.
Back in Pennsylvania at the day’s end, they were surprised by a bagpipe procession and saluted by the crowd before celebrations began. For some of the veterans, it was the first time they had received a proper welcome home and thank you for their service.
All Honor Flight trips are free of charge to the veterans and funded by donations. To learn more, donate, or become involved, visit the Honor Flight website.


"“Those who name themselves of Loreeth, you are the eldest, My might and the beginning of my strength. The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. However, you shall not excel, because you went up to the sacred tree and then you defiled it with fire and ashes." - Jahaylo, Deum of order and balance
The Loreeth Valtiri were believed to be the first Valtiri species to exist in Evalai. They are one of the two scaled varieties of Valtiri and the only species known to exhale fire and hot steam. It was during the events of the first Red Rebellion and Taruro war that they excluded themselves from the Valtiri circle, naming themselves only 'Loreeth'.
Before the two fallen gods first walked Evalai, the Loreeth were known to be the most feared of all the Tahor. They were violent and demanding, self-electing their species as the true leaders of the Tahor, threatening any who disobeyed them with the promise of a firery death. At first, the Tahor obeyed them in fear and obedience, but soon they began to rebel. After many years, the Taruro began to turn against each other in a quest for dominance and rule over Oseroth, and so began the first great war. Many Tahor were slaughtered, some fled, others stood and fought for the rule they believed they so rightly owned. The Loreeth were by far the strongest, and bore a particular hatred towards the Saria Valtiri. When the leader of the Saria rebellion, Hujést, climbed to the pinnacle of Oseroth and stood before the Great tree in declaration of his strength and leadership, the Loreeth blasted him in fire. Hujést was killed instantly, but the Great tree was also set alight and burned endlessly for many months. This stirred something within the Taruro, and they immediately ceased their savage war and fled from Oseroth, no longer intent on domination.
The Red RebellionEdit
"In the days of the dawning kings,
Before the gods fell from the sky,
Forth came the young of blood new and old
With the glint of power in his eye.
"Hear my words! Children of scale!"
and every soul did cry,
"Bring forth the Red Rebellion,
and every Valtiri shall die!”"


The Events of December 15, 1944
Setting The Record Straight With Facts and Evidence
One of the most common questions received by the Glenn Miller Archive from historians and the public concern the events of December 15, 1944 and the tragic disappearance of Major Glenn Miller in an apparent aircraft accident over the English Channel. In the years since Miller’s disappearance, speculation has persisted regarding the exact circumstances and cause.
Major Glenn Miller boarded a United States Army Air Force UC-64A “Norseman” aircraft, serial number 44-70285, on Friday, December 15, 1944, at RAF Twinwood Farm, Bedfordshire. The aircraft departed RAF Twinwood Field, Bedfordshire (AAF name designation) at 1355 hrs. BST for AAF Station A-42, Villacoublay (Versailles), France. The aircraft disappeared en-route. Miller had been authorized for travel from England to France via the regularly scheduled SHAEF passenger “shuttle” service operated by the European Division of the Air Transport Command, which departed from AAF Bovingdon, just outside of London. The ATC flew daily scheduled passenger flights between Bovingdon and Orly Aerodrome, Paris, France using C-47 and often C-54 aircraft. Miller was booked and expected to travel Wednesday, December 13 and again Thursday, December 14. His flights were cancelled due to poor weather. His prospects for rebooking were indefinite due to the weather and his “authorized but non-essential” priority status to re-book another flight. He was impatient to travel ahead of his orchestra to firm up plans for a scheduled move to Paris for broadcasts, personal appearances and concerts. In particular, broadcasting facilities required his attention.
An acquaintance, Lt. Col. Norman F. Baessell of the Eighth Air Force Service Command (VIII AFSC), who was on assignment with the United States Strategic Air Forces in Europe (USSTAF) on the continent, offered Miller a ride the next day. Lt. Col. Baessell was returning to the “Far Shore” as part of his normal duties, using an VIII AFSC UC-64A. This type of aircraft was routinely used by authorities for trips to and from Belgium and France. Miller accepted the offer without the knowledge of his superiors (including Lt. Col. David Niven and Lt. Col John Hayes), who would have ordered Miller, a VIP, to wait for authorized transportation.
An inquiry conducted by the United States Eighth Air Force Headquarters and chaired by Maj. Gen. Orvil A. Anderson, Deputy Commander of the Eighth Air Force, met January 20, 1945. Depositions were taken from witnesses. The Eighth Air Force concluded from eyewitness testimony and an investigation that the aircraft was lost due to pilot error (disorientation or negligence), mechanical failure (including carburetor heater equipment failure), weather, improper clearance (negligence) or a combination of all three factors. Other possibilities were considered and individual responsibilities were determined. Aircraft number 44-70285 was assigned to the VIII AFSC 35th Depot Repair Squadron and Depot Repair Group located at the 2nd Strategic Air Depot, Abbots Ripton (Alconbury), Station 547. The aircraft underwent maintenance repair on December 12, 1944 as part of a general service bulletin. UC-64A aircraft and numerous other types of aircraft using engines from the same manufacturer had experienced failure of carburetor heater (de-icing) equipment. The purpose of the maintenance work was to inspect, repair or replace the carburetor heater (engine de-icing) equipment and required the engine to be taken apart.
VIII AFSC documented the equipment issue, maintenance and dispatch of the aircraft from the AAF Alconbury airbase (which handled flight operations for the AAF Abbots Ripton repair depot) to Twinwood Field (the AAF designation for RAF Twinwood Farm or Twinwoods). The pilot, F/O Stuart Morgan, had filed a flight plan earlier in the day for A-42 (Villacoublay) which was rejected. He was cleared for “local flying only” to RAF Twinwood Field. Morgan arrived and then departed Twinwood Field apparently upon the direct order of Lt. Col. Baessell, who boarded the aircraft along with Miller. The control tower personnel at AAF Alconbury and Twinwood Field logged the movements of the aircraft and were sworn under oath at the inquiry, as were others, including the maintenance personnel at Abbots Ripton and Miller’s executive officer, who drove him to Twinwood Field and witnessed his departure. The Twinwood Field control tower dutifully handled the departure as a routine movement and did not challenge the order of the AAF officer or destination of the aircraft.
The Eighth Air Force determined that the UC-64A was not equipped with wing de-icing equipment and its high-wing configuration made a controlled ditching virtually impossible. The UC-64A was generally made of wood and fabric, which would shatter upon impact. Its heavy nose-mounted engine would immediately sink. If the occupants survived an impact and escaped the airframe, their survival time in the water was 20 minutes given the weather and water temperature conditions of that day. If the wings had broken off upon impact and floated, they would have remained afloat for only hours and drifted far to the east of the impact location.
The flight was charted over Beachy Head, East Sussex via a normal transport flight path. Aircraft 44-70285 did not appear over France. The 35th Depot Repair Squadron filed a report that their aircraft was overdue or missing within 24 hours. However, it was not known to them or confirmed to authorities that Major Miller was a passenger aboard the flight until Monday, December 18, 1944.
40 years following the events of December 15, 1944, the possibility surfaced that Royal Air Force Lancaster bombers returning from an aborted mission jettisoned bombs over a specified English Channel jettison zone into which the aircraft carrying Major Miller may have accidentally strayed. This possibility was not reported in 1944 or 1945 and was unknown to the authorities at that time. Although not as probable in the opinion of the Royal Air Force and United States Air Force as the original findings of the Eighth Air Force inquiry, this possibility does also place the aircraft into the English Channel as the result of a fatal accident.
Major Glenn Miller was publicly declared missing by Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) on Sunday, December 24, 1944. On the previous day, his wife, Helen, received a telegram from the War Department in Washington and a personal telephone call from General Henry H. “Hap” Arnold, Commanding General of the United States Army Air Forces. Major Miller’s American Band of the AEF, which followed him to France on December 18, 1944, went ahead with a scheduled Christmas Day trans-atlantic broadcast from Paris.
The Glenn Miller Archive issued Communiques (statements) regarding December 15, 1944 in 2009 and 2010.
Dennis M. Spragg of the Glenn Miller Archive, has discovered and assembled detailed evidence with the cooperation of the United States Air Force Historic Research Agency, the National Archives of the United States, the National Archives of Great Britain, the Imperial War Museum, the Royal Air Force and other sources. He is finalizing a comprehensive study, “Resolved: The Disappearance of Glenn Miller, December 15, 1944″ which will be published in the near future. The book will address all aspects of the circumstances and present a definitive summary drawn from over 5,000 pages of relevant documents and reports. All possibilities including the so-called “bomb jettison theory” will be thoroughly examined, as well as the many important events, organizations and personalities surrounding Glenn Miller’s military service, many of which have not been previously known or reported.
Following are two audio files descriptive of Glenn Miller’s military service and the events of December 15, 1944. These examples are part of a planned companion audio feature to accompany the publication of “Resolved”. Part One features the Army Air Forces Training Command Orchestra directed by Captain Glenn Miller. Part Two features the American Band of the Allied Expeditionary Forces directed by Major Glenn Miller.


The Fever parties beginning in 1992 are known up and down the east coast as landmark events introducing the masses to electronic dance music. During the course of their seven year run, hosts Scott Henry and Charles Fields produced 8 mix tapes that were distributed to the first 100 people at on select nights. This tape is DJ Feelgood's side of the very first one handed out in Fall of 1994! ENJOY!!!


There are many sites that relate the family stories of two Burchfield/Birchfield girls who were with a wagon train who was attacked by a group of Cherokees — some versions say one girl was taken with the warriors, when they left; with the other girl scalped, badly hurt, but still alive — she was to later recover, at a close by English settlement.
The captured girl was later adopted by the tribe, and became a wife to the Cherokee chief — they had several sons; before she was to return to the English settlement; where her sons were accepted as ‘white men’ — holding lands, and properties in North Carolina [Indians were not legally allowed to “own property/land” during this time-frame.]
An excellent site/forum to start with — researching this topic can be found here:
Thank you, for your visit.
— Cathy Ann Abernathy


My first cover from Pakistan, it has a lot going on. It´s a first day cover envelope only (Meet Pakistan Navy Riffle Association), with different stamps.
-50th anniversary of pak-china friendship issued 2001
-Pakistan 2003 national philatelic exhibition Karachi
-and one with a Pakistany man (i tried to find who he is or was but no luck), no year of issue only the value


The Department of Energy has one of the richest and most diverse histories in the Federal Government. Although only in existence since 1977, the Department traces its lineage to the Manhattan Project effort to develop the atomic bomb during World War II and to the various energy-related programs that previously had been dispersed throughout various Federal agencies.
The Department has made available to researchers and the general public a rich variety of materials and information:
- Historical Resources, including published and online histories of the Department and its predecessor agencies and information on records, exhibits, museums, and tours available online and at various locations both within and outside the Department
- A detailed timeline of the Department and its predecessor agencies that includes links to reports, speeches, press releases, and other documentation
- All things Manhattan Project, including histories, websites, a listing of the Manhattan Project Signature Facilities, and background on the proposed Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
Questions about the history of the Department of Energy or one of its predecessor agencies should be directed to the Office of History and Heritage Resources at HistoryDivision@hq.doe.gov..


Prior to the 19th century, transatlantic crossings were undertaken in sailing ships, and the journeys were time consuming and often perilous. The first trade route across the Atlantic was inaugurated by Spain a few decades after the European Discovery of America, with the establishment of the West Indies fleets in 1566, a convoy system that regularly linked its territories in the Americas with Spain for over two centuries. Portugal created a similar maritime route between its ports in Brazil and the Portuguese mainland. Other colonial powers followed, such as Britain, France and the Netherlands, as they colonized the New World.
Transatlantic crossings became faster, safer, and more reliable with the advent of steamships in the 19th century. Grand ocean liners began making regularly scheduled crossings, and soon it became a symbol of national and company status to build the largest, fastest, and most luxurious ocean liner for transatlantic crossings. The United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy built the most famous ocean liners. Examples of some famous transatlantic liners are RMS Titanic (had only made one voyage that was unsuccessful due to striking an iceberg), RMS Lusitania, RMS Mauretania, RMS Olympic, SS Rex, SS America, SS United States, RMS Queen Mary, SS Île de France, SS Normandie, RMS Queen Elizabeth, SS France, Queen Elizabeth 2, and RMS Queen Mary 2.
The Blue Riband is awarded for the record fastest crossing by transatlantic liner. The current eastbound record was set by the American ocean liner United States in July 1952: the ship made the crossing in 3 days, 10 hours, 40 minutes. Guinness Book of World Records has awarded world records to various classes such as luxury liners, sail boats, and rowing boats.
During World War II the transatlantic crossing was very important for the United Kingdom as much of Europe had been taken over by Germany and its allies preventing trade and supplies; the struggle is known as the Battle of the Atlantic.


Mary Read, better known as Mark Read, is a 17th century pirate.
As a huge history buff, the story of this pirate intrigued me so much as she was (rather accidentally) way ahead of her time. I'll give you a quick rundown of her history:
Mary Read was born in England during the late 1600's, The Golden Age of Piracy. Her mother raised her as a boy to receive monetary support from her late husband's mother. Still dressed as a boy, Read found work as a foot-boy and later joined the British Marines.
Mary has lived a relative short life, but nonetheless filled with adventure. In this piece, I tried adding as many references to those, as well general pirate habits.
An important part of this project was collecting references. I compiled a reference board with the materials, colors and jewelry I wanted. In the top left, my original design. As well as reference to skin, and sculpting techniques used by other artists.
I took some creative liberty with the overal costuming. In the pictures and drawings I could find of her, she was depicted wearing an open shirt. Although risky in her case, I felt it fit her pretty well.
It seems there is no real evidence that pirates would have had tattoos. They were criminals who frequently visited places such as Africa, where body modifaction took place at the time. This would make it plausible. There is, however, evidence for tattoos later in history, during the 18th century. I took most of my inspiration from that time. The tattoos were specifically styled and rather light. See the above reference image.
I gave her a couple nonsensical ones, like a crab or a lighthouse. Some do carry some significance. Like the one on her chest. It is the logo of the inn she bought with her husband at the time, in Breda, The Netherlands. Called 'De Drie Hoefijzers' (The Three Horseshoes). As well as a boat tattoo on her hand, called 'William', which she stole together with John 'Calico Jack' Rackham and Anne Bonny. Whom she had met when she sailed to the West Indies after her husband's death.
The last significant tattoo is a small portrait on her arm, which resembles Anne Bonny. Mainly hinting at Bonny's slight crush on Read before finding out Read was not a 'Mark'. Her other hand has a small tulip, which is a small nod to her short time in The Netherlands. Me being Dutch, I felt it was only necessary :)
Typically, pirates would wear their valuables on their person, to avoid it being stolen. I gave her a random number of 6 rings. An Amethyst which is believed to prevent drunkness, ideal for a pirate. An Aquamarine to keep sailors safe. And an Onyx stone, to ward of evil and promoting good health.
There's a ring with her initials (M.J.R) and last but not least, one that says 'Quam bene vivas refert non quam diu' which is Latin for: 'It is how well you live that matters, not how long.' Since Mary passed away at the age of 35 of a violent fever during her imprisonment, I felt it was a fitting quote. She has settled down with a Flemish man, fought in the wars and sailed across the Carribean seas. Seems like a well lived life to me.


For most of the middle of the 20th century, Charlottesville’s Paramount Theater had taken a leading role in the community. Created by Chicago architectural firm Rapp & Rapp, architects of The Paramount-Publix chain and its flagship theater in New York City’s Times Square, Charlottesville’s Paramount was part of the golden age of cinema.
With its Greek Revival-influenced façade, The Paramount’s exterior evokes an earlier time in Virginia’s history. With its octagonal auditorium chamber, delicate detailing, and neoclassical grandeur, the theater honors Charlottesville’s most famous son, Thomas Jefferson. Through details like painted tapestries, exquisite plaster moldings, and brass chandeliers, C.W. and George Rapp created a theater unlike any other they would design – one truly reflective of the community it would call home.
Following its Thanksgiving Eve 1931 opening, The Paramount became a landmark overnight. Even though the theater came along during the decline of the American movie palace, and two years after the stock market crash of 1929, The Paramount thrived.
As with most Southern theaters of the era, The Paramount operated for many years as a segregated building. The Third Street Entrance, originally intended for use by African-American patrons, is another feature setting the theater apart. With a level of decoration and elegance sized for the smaller scale, but not completely removed (as was often the case), the design of the Third Street Entrance is complimentary to – not divorced from – that of the building as a whole.
One of Charlottesville’s premiere destinations, The Paramount made movie-going a special experience. Audiences numbering in the thousands each week would come as much to escape into opulent surroundings as to watch a show. For four decades, the grand movie palace hosted scores of films, war bond drives, fashion shows, cartoons for kids, and popular rock and roll artists, entertaining multiple generations of area families.
The Paramount remained Charlottesville’s crown jewel until 1974 when its doors closed for good. Even as the lights dimmed on the marquee, the theater was not forgotten. Almost from that moment, efforts were launched to save the theater from real and constant threats of demolition.
In 1992, the non-profit Paramount Theater, Inc. purchased the building. With a grant from the City of Charlottesville, the work began. The initial project – restoring the Main Street marquee – was selected for maximum visibility. After the marquee’s structure and finishes were examined, microanalysis of the paint determined original colors. At midnight on that New Year’s Eve, the marquee’s lights shone brightly on Main Street for the first time in a decade. The Paramount seemed ready to begin life anew.
Progress continued with the hiring of Washington architectural firm Martinez & Johnson Architecture, in partnership with Charlottesville firm Bushman Dreyfus Architects. The 16.2 million dollar project includes not only the meticulous restoration of the theater, but also the creation of new facilities enabling The Paramount to step into its new role as a regional performing arts center – a modified fly loft, backstage areas, orchestra pit, and a three-story annex building with computerized box office, ballroom and meeting spaces, and a community rehearsal room.
Restored to its former glory, The Paramount Theater opened its doors to the public once more on December 15, 2004 – more than thirty years after it had closed. But, one final piece was missing.
Due to the enormity of the restoration, the return of the vertical blade sign could not be completed during the original restoration. As The Paramount approached its tenth anniversary of reopening, the campaign to restore the vertical blade sign was revived. A fitting conclusion to the 16-month tenth anniversary celebration, the illumination of the blade sign took place on December 15, 2015. The blade sign was dedicated to the children of Charlottesville – past, present, and future generations.
Since its reopening in 2004, The Paramount has continued to grow and thrive with the spirit of its original mission in mind. In the past decade, the theater has hosted acclaimed artists such as Tony Bennett and Diana Ross, welcomed local performers and nonprofits, screened hundreds of beloved movies, and offered a variety of affordable educational programming.
The greater Charlottesville community continues to recognize The Paramount Theater’s cultural and economical significance, awarding it the 2016 Tourism Achievement Award by the Charlottesville/Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau; the 2016 Best of C-Ville Award for Best Theatre (Live), Best Place to Watch a Movie, and Best Music Venue; and the 2015 Charlottesville Family Reader Favorite Award for Favorite Movie Theater.
In July 2017, The Paramount Theater was awarded the 2017 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT). The Outstanding Historic Theatre Award recognizes a theater that demonstrates excellence through its community impact, quality of program and services, and quality of the restoration or rehabilitation of its historic structure. The award was presented to Executive Director Chris Eure at the League’s 41st Annual Conference which took place in Los Angeles, California, July 16 – 19. The honor of the award received carries significant respect and excitement from colleagues in the arts world.
Thanks to the generous individuals who guided the Theater through the decades, The Paramount is again a gathering place for Charlottesville and the region. Because of the efforts of so many – the architects, engineers, contractors, contributors, staff, volunteers, and of course the wonderful community who has shown such enduring support – The Paramount Theater is not only a place to remember the past, but to celebrate the future.
Share your Story
We are always searching for people who attended The Paramount when it opened! Do you know someone who would be willing to interviewed about their experiences The Paramount? We’d love to get some of these great stories and photos! Email email@example.com


A Dream Comes True
William Doud Packard was a man with a dream when it came to music. He loved marches, band music, military music and the musicians who performed the music. He also loved the city of Warren.
When he wrote his will in 1920, three years before his death, Packard made sure that a dream of keeping music alive in Warren would come true after he had passed on.
Now, many years later, that dream has become an important part of the cultural and entertainment life of the Warren area.
W.D. Packard and his brother, James Ward, formed a company in 1891, the New York and Ohio Company, to produce incandescent carbon-arc lamps and transformers. In 1899, along with George Lewis Weiss, they built the first automobile bearing the Packard name, a car which fast became a respected name in the automotive industry and which led to Packard development of a new product, the automotive ignition cable.
In 1903, the automobile business was moved to Detroit while the cable and manufacturing business remained in Warren, Ohio where today the Delphi Packard Electric Systems is one of the area’s largest employers.
W.D. Packard’s commitment to his community was evident in 1911 when he gave land to the city of Warren from the family property on Mahoning Avenue to be used as a park.
On July 4, 1915, work was completed and ceremonies were held to dedicate Packard Park with it’s ponds, shelter houses and gardens.
In his will, Packard designated that funds would be set aside in a trust to build a music hall and finance the establishment of a band to play in it for the “edification and entertainment of the people of Warren”. The city of Warren became beneficiary after Katherine Packard, W.D. Packard’s wife, died in 1940. Costs had increased from the 1920’s when the will was written and the $150,000 allocated for the hall was hardly adequate in the 1950’s to build the hall Packard had envisioned. 1.4 million was used from the trust to build the W.D. Packard Music Hall with the remainder of the income from the trust to be used to maintain the band.
The first step toward actually building Mr. Packard’s hall came on March 5, 1942, when the Packard Park Board of Trustees, composed of L.C. Brown, W.C. Ward, D.S. McElrath and B.N. MacGregor approved a resolution accepting the conditions and provisions of the Packard will that led to the construction of the hall.
Today, the Packard Music Hall is the center of cultural and entertainment programs in the Warren area and averages over 150,000 in attendance each year. It is the site of a wide variety of events including ballet, children’s programming, theater, corporate meetings, high school graduations, dance recitals, dances, and of course, the free monthly Packard Band Concerts. The Hall has also been used annually by organizations such as the Warren Civic Music Association, Trumbull Town Hall Lecture Series, the Barbershoppers, the Giddings Club, the American Association of University Women, the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra and many others.
It has a seating capacity of 2,500 and also includes small meeting rooms, a kitchen, and dressing rooms. The Packard Will provided nothing for maintenance, so annual operating costs are covered by hall rentals and city subsidies.
The hall officially opened on October 15, 1955. W.B. Gibson was the building contractor and Arthur Sidells was the architect. When B.N. MacGregor, president of the Packard Park Board of Trustees, accepted the keys to the building he said he was receiving the keys “in a sacred trust for W.D. Packard”. Warren Mayor William C. Burbank called the hall a “fulfillment of a dream”. Concurrent with the opening of the music hall in 1955, Packard’s dream of a concert band was being realized with the organization of the W.D. Packard Concert Band. Mr. Packard, in his will, had specified that his longtime friend Bradford D. Gilliland would be its first leader.
But Gilliland died in 1931.
The Packard Board of Trustees named George Garstick as the band’s first musical advisor, consultant and first band manager. Garstick, a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, had a broad musical background, having played and toured with symphony orchestras and professional bands throughout the United States. It was the effort of Garstick, Charles Corlett, then president of the Warren Federation of Musicians Local 118, and Roger Coe, the first conductor, that pulled the band together in its early years.
Because of W.D. Packard’s generosity, Warren area residents are able to appreciate today a heritage that dates back to the 1800’s when town bands were a part of American life.
W.D. Packard took pride in this aspect of American Heritage and his dream lives on many years after his will was written and the first musical notes were sounded in the hall named after him, The W.D. Packard Music Hall, by his band,
The W.D. Packard Concert Band.


one of the sculptures
Sculpture is a branch of art whose work is three-dimensional. Usually created by sculpting, modeling (eg with clay) or casting (with a mold). Along with the development of modern sculpture, the works of sculpture are becoming more diverse, regardless of the shapes and materials and techniques used, in line with technological developments and the discovery of new materials.
Sculpture in Asia
Various types of statues are found in different regions of Asia, usually influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism. Most of Cambodia’s Hindu statues are preserved at Angkor, but the organized looting that took place had a major impact on many of the country’s heritage sites. See also Angkor Wat. In Thailand, most statues are devoted to Buddha figures. In Indonesia, Hindu-influenced statues can be found at the Prambanan Temple site and various places on the island of Bali. While the influence of Buddhism is found at the Borobudur Temple site.
In India, sculpture was first discovered in the Indus Valley civilization (3300-1700) BC. This is one of the earliest examples of sculpture in nature. Later, after Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism developed further and further, India made copper statues and stone carvings of great complexity, such as those found in the decorations of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples.


20 de Noviembre Events
Revolution Day in Mexico is marked with parades and civic ceremonies throughout the country. There is a large parade in Mexico City‘s Zocalo, as well as speeches and official ceremonies. San Felipe’s main parade will be on Sunday. In cities and towns throughout Mexico schoolchildren dressed as revolutionaries participate in local parades.
Why November 20?
The revolution began in 1910, initiated by Francisco I. Madero to oust President Porfirio Diaz who had been in power for over 30 years. Francisco Madero was one of many people in Mexico who were tired of Diaz’ authoritarian rule,. Along with his cabinet, Diaz was aging while holding tightly to the reins of the country. Madero formed the Anti-Reelectionist Party and ran against Diaz, but the elections were rigged and Diaz won again. Diaz had Madero jailed in San Luis Potosi. Upon his release, he fled to Texas where he wrote the Plan of San Luis Potosi, which urged the people to rise up in arms against the government in order to re-install democracy in the country.
Outcome of the Mexican Revolution
In 1911, Porfirio Diaz accepted defeat and left office. He departed for Paris where he remained in exile until his death in 1915 at the age of 85. Francisco Madero was elected president in 1911, but he was assassinated just two years later. The fighting of the revolution would continue until 1920, and even beyond that.
The motto of the revolutionaries was “Sufragio Efectivo – No Reelección” which means Effective Suffrage, No Reelection. This motto is still in use in Mexico today, and remains an important feature of the political landscape. Mexican presidents serve for a single six year term and are not eligible for re-election.


Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine
The Order of The Red Cross of Constantine is an invitational organization and is considered by many to be the highest honour that can be awarded within York Rite Masonry. The membership of each Conclave is limited. An individual must have demonstrated a high level of dedication and performance in his Masonic activities, be proposed for membership by a member knight, and pass a unanimous ballot.
The organization has three orders: Knight of the Red Cross of Constantine: This Order relates the well-known story of Constantine the Great, the Roman Emperor who was miraculously converted to the Christian faith. It tells of his divine vision, the institution of a special standard, his subsequent victory over the rival Emperor Maxentius and the creation of what is claimed to be the oldest institution of Christian Knighthood. The substance of the degree develops around the secret doctrine associated with the Labarum, the banner of victory, while the lecture contains a most interesting reference to the Roman College of Architects. All regular business of the Conclave is conducted in the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, while the Sanctuary and Commandery are only for the purpose of conferring the Appendant Orders.
Knight of the Holy Sepulchre: Tradition asserts that this order originated after the discovery of the true Cross by St Helena. It is concerned with the three days which intervened between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. This Order of Chivalry is said to have been instituted by the mother of Constantine, to maintain a guard at the Holy Place and is symbolised in the ceremony by a vigil over the HS. The duties enjoined on the Knights were the performance of the seven works of mercy.
Knight of St John the Evangelist: This is the second of the Appendant Orders which are always conferred together and is founded upon a tradition concerning a remarkable discovery made at the ruins of the Temple at Jerusalem and the subsequent foundation of the Knights of St John. The interpretation of the legend is of a most interesting and instructive nature and is striking in its attempt to explain the Craft and Royal Arch ceremonies in a purely Christian sense.
The Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Appendant Orders is open for Royal Arch Masons who proclaim to work in the name of the Christian Trinity.


Most online games played in casinos are developed from real games. These games are played since many years and provide players excitement, entertainment and also monetary gain. Keno had its origin in China. Soon after, it became very popular and found its way in the live casinos. Due to its extreme popularity, it is not offered in most of the online casinos. The history of keno in China can be dated back between 187B.C. and 205B.C. This game developed the most during the rule of Has Dynasty. At that time, there was ongoing a war and the state's treasury had no resources at all.
During this period, a man named Cheung chalked out a great plan. He developed a game wherein small bets were required to be placed at a particular time by large number of people. Keno history reveals that numbers were not used at that time unlike today, where it is played with numbers. Previously, characters were selected from poem titled The Thousand Character Classic . All of these characters basically were simple and included sun, dew, clouds and some other symbols that are recognizable easily. All the people of China began placing bets on such characters. This game became widely popular and courier pigeons started delivering news of winning characters, which were drawn.
This game, thereafter, was referred as White Pigeon Game. In 1850, this game came to US and gained immense popularity too. In US, this game was known as Chinese Lottery due to the use of Chinese characters. In France also, this game gathered interest of the people and was called Quine meaning five. Soon, it got its new name and that is Keno and is popular now today by this name only. It has become a leading gambling game played worldwide in most online casinos. This game provides to the players large rewards.