The rude awakening over the past year of increasingly high food and gas prices has been quite the shock for the American consumer. The U.S. Federal Government and Federal Reserve Bank’s sluggish reaction to growing consumer price inflation certainly have not helped. If history is to be our guide, there is more […] 
Listening to MicroStrategy CEO Saylor’s naive proclamations about Bitcoin on MSBC this morning remind me of why stupid people go broke faster. MicroStrategy—a money losing business software developer that trades under Ticker MSTR—is currently trading for an inflated price of around $168 per share. This share price could soon collapse. […] 
Propaganda is generally what is being passed off for news these days. It comes from all perspectives; progressive, conservative, and marginal extremes. Understanding the language of propaganda is necessary to enable one to quickly filter out articles written with persuasive goals as their ultimate objective. Any article that […] 
Netflix is collapsing; the stock price is broken, investors are suing, employees are being laid off and subscribers are fleeing. Oddly, Netflix and Wall Street seem to be scratching their heads, unwilling to face an uncomfortable reality. The fact is, moviegoers world-wide are simply fed up with the […] 
EBay is rife with fake gemstone sellers. But they are not alone. Other gemstone auction sites such as Gem Rock Auctions, and others host shifty peddlers, often unbeknownst to a few oblivious site owners. Although some sites claim to police the legitimacy of their sales, buying gemstones online will always carry risk. […] 
Rolex watch anyone? Seems everybody owns one these days from the local banker, barber, car barker and even the occasional newspaper delivery boy. Heck, we would assert that the newspaper delivery boy is indeed much more rare than that Rolex Submariner on his wrist. There are several million […] 
It might surprise the watch buying public to learn that Rolex watches are mass produced. In fact, millions of Rolex watches have been manufactured since 1929 when Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis established the Wisdorf and Davis company in London, England in 1905. The name Rolex was registered in 1908 […] 
A Satire of Tulip Mania by Jan Brueghel the Younger (ca. 1640) depicts speculators as brainless monkeys in contemporary upper-class dress. In a commentary on the economic folly, one monkey urinates on the previously valuable plants, others appear in debtor’s court and one is carried to the grave. For the uninitiated, Richard […] 
Max Ernst – Photo from the Dutch National Archives Art fraud on eBay is rampant. Whether intentional or unintentional on the seller’s part, fake art remains fake art. Lately, a seller going by the moniker gallery83fineart has an amazing collection of Max Ernst prints or photographs that are apparently signed […] 
A rose-cut synthetic diamond created by Apollo Diamond using a patented chemical vapour deposition process. The much overused word, sustainability, has been seared into the hearts and minds of Millennials and Generation Z. Using that word, the two groups have been duped into believing some amazing myths. Among those are that […] 
Panama City, Photo by JSClark.net There once was a man who sold the Brooklyn Bridge(three times), Madison Square Garden, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Grant’s Tomb, and the Statue of Liberty to unsuspecting immigrants landing in New York City seeking out the American Dream. The salesman’s name was George C. Parker. […] 
Stefan Lochner – The Last Judgement – circa 1436 Home Top of Pg. Archives 
New York Times Press Run circa 1942 – Library of Congress Photograph NEWSPAPER.-Printed sheets published at stated intervals, chiefly for the purpose of conveying intelligence on current events. The Romans wrote out an account of the most memorable occurrences of the day, which were sent to public officials. They were […] 
The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee has a long heralded tradition of assisting farmers and growers through it’s Agricultural Extension Service. The following bulletin entitled Grape Growing in Tennessee discusses the Muscadine variety of grapes among others. Muscadine grapes are often found growing wild in Tennessee. On my grandfather’s West Tennessee […] 
Model of San Felipe Reprinted from FineModelShips.com with the kind permission of Dr. Michael Czytko The SAN FELIPE is one of the most favoured ships among the ship model builders. The model is elegant, very beautifully designed, and makes a decorative piece of art to be displayed at home or in […] 
H. M. Scarth, Rector of Wrington By the death of Mr. Scarth on the 5th of April, at Tangier, where he had gone for his health’s sake, the familiar form of an old and much valued Member of the Institute has passed away. Harry Mengden Scarth was bron at Staindrop in Durham, […] 
A Lecture Delivered at the Guildhall, March 2, 1853 by Rev. H.M. Scarth, M.A., Rector of Bathwick. To understand the ancient history of the country in which we live, to know something of the arts and manners of the people who have preceded us, to ascertain what we owe to […] 
The arsenicals (compounds which contain the heavy metal element arsenic, As) have a long history of use in man – with both benevolent and malevolent intent. The name ‘arsenic’ is derived from the Greek word ‘arsenikon’ which means ‘potent’”. As early as 2000 BC, arsenic trioxide, obtained from smelting copper, was used […] 
Over the years I have observed a decline in manners amongst young men as a general principle and though there is not one particular thing that may be asserted as the causal reason for this, one might speculate… Self-awareness and being aware of one’s surroundings in social interactions […] 
PAINTER-WORK, in the building trade. When work is painted one or both of two distinct ends is achieved, namely the preservation and the coloration of the material painted. The compounds used for painting—taking the word as meaning a thin protective or decorative coat—are very numerous, including oil-paint of many kinds, distemper, whitewash, […] |
Secretariat Wins the Triple CrownHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
Mark Zuckerberg; Tulip Pusher
The Tulip Folly, by Jean-Léon Gérôme, 1882. A nobleman guards an exceptional bloom as soldiers trample flowerbeds in a vain attempt to stabilise the tulip market by limiting the supply. Mark Zuckerberg has become the poster boy of modern Tulip mania. It is not clear as to whether or not he is [...] Read more → 
Celsius Network Implosion: The Rest of the Story
4 November 2021; Alex Mashinsky, Celcius, on Centre Stage during day three of Web Summit 2021 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Web Summit via Sportsfile Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more →Proof of Stake Equals Proof of Ponzi
Ponzi schemes and MLM schemes are by design corrupt. They are designed to confuse and or hoodwink the investor or participant into believing he is buying into a surefire road to riches. When a computer programmer designs and programs a computer program, or in the case of the crypto-world, a [...] Read more → 
Bitcoin Suicide: 18,000 Jumpers
Bitcoin Suicide: 18,000 Jumpers That Crypto-Punk you bullied way back in high school Became your Central Banker making you the fool Now he’s shutting down his servers and clearing out the bank While you sit there in your basement watching Alt-coins tank Back last October when he sold you a pack of lies He [...] Read more → 
Uncle Sam Provides I-Bond Relief for U.S Savers; Why Are the Banks Not Joining in the Glory?
Are you dissatisfied with the Savings Account and CD Interest Rates your bank currently has on offer? If so, go to https://www.treasurydirect.gov and open an account. The U.S. Government’s iBonds are currently earning 9.62% interest through October of this year. Individuals may purchase $10,000 worth of iBonds per [...] Read more → 
Inflation Economics: Some Useful Historical Data For The American Consumer
The rude awakening over the past year of increasingly high food and gas prices has been quite the shock for the American consumer. The U.S. Federal Government and Federal Reserve Bank’s sluggish reaction to growing consumer price inflation certainly have not helped. If history is to be our guide, there is more [...] Read more → 
MicroStrategy: Bitcoin Delusion Continues Making Utter Fools Out of the Tulip Buying Public
Listening to MicroStrategy CEO Saylor’s naive proclamations about Bitcoin on MSBC this morning remind me of why stupid people go broke faster. MicroStrategy—a money losing business software developer that trades under Ticker MSTR—is currently trading for an inflated price of around $168 per share. This share price could soon collapse. [...] Read more → 
Exploring the Language of Propaganda: What You Need to Know
Propaganda is generally what is being passed off for news these days. It comes from all perspectives; progressive, conservative, and marginal extremes. Understanding the language of propaganda is necessary to enable one to quickly filter out articles written with persuasive goals as their ultimate objective. Any article that [...] Read more → 
President Joe Biden’s Delusional Letter to Oil Company Executives
“Energy prices are set by global commodity prices …” Federal Reserve Chairman Powell June 15th, 2022 What follows is President Joe Biden’s delusional letter to oil company executives. I have added commentary to address the delusion. My comments are highlighted in yellow and parenthesis. Dear (executive) Read more → 
The Woken Collapse of Netflix; A Warning to Hulu, BBC BritBox, and Others; Go Woke, Go Broke!
Netflix is collapsing; the stock price is broken, investors are suing, employees are being laid off and subscribers are fleeing. Oddly, Netflix and Wall Street seem to be scratching their heads, unwilling to face an uncomfortable reality. The fact is, moviegoers world-wide are simply fed up with the [...] Read more → 
FTC Rules Guiding the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries
The Hope Diamond FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION16 CFR Part 23Guides for the Jewelry, PreciousMetals, and Pewter Industries The US Government has laws guiding the business practices of the Jewelry and Precious Metals Industries. If you are unclear as a seller as to your obligations under the law as related to any [...] Read more →
How to Spot Fake Gemstone Sellers on eBay and Other Gem Selling Auction Sites
EBay is rife with fake gemstone sellers. But they are not alone. Other gemstone auction sites such as Gem Rock Auctions, and others host shifty peddlers, often unbeknownst to a few oblivious site owners. Although some sites claim to police the legitimacy of their sales, buying gemstones online will always carry risk. [...] Read more → 
Millions of Used Rolex Watches Go Unsold on the Internet. Watch Company Safes are Stacked to the Gills.
Rolex watch anyone? Seems everybody owns one these days from the local banker, barber, car barker and even the occasional newspaper delivery boy. Heck, we would assert that the newspaper delivery boy is indeed much more rare than that Rolex Submariner on his wrist. There are several million [...] Read more → 
The Mass Production of Rolex Watches: Think that Rolex on your wrist is rare? Think again.
It might surprise the watch buying public to learn that Rolex watches are mass produced. In fact, millions of Rolex watches have been manufactured since 1929 when Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis established the Wisdorf and Davis company in London, England in 1905. The name Rolex was registered in 1908 [...] Read more → 
Richard Mille Watch Prices: Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds
A Satire of Tulip Mania by Jan Brueghel the Younger (ca. 1640) depicts speculators as brainless monkeys in contemporary upper-class dress. In a commentary on the economic folly, one monkey urinates on the previously valuable plants, others appear in debtor’s court and one is carried to the grave. For the uninitiated, Richard [...] Read more → 
Art Fraud on eBay: Selling Fake Art Has Never Been Easier. Max Ernst Anyone?
Max Ernst – Photo from the Dutch National Archives Art fraud on eBay is rampant. Whether intentional or unintentional on the seller’s part, fake art remains fake art. Lately, a seller going by the moniker gallery83fineart has an amazing collection of Max Ernst prints or photographs that are apparently signed [...] Read more → 
Selling Fake Diamonds to Millenials and Generation Z: The Sucker Generations
A rose-cut synthetic diamond created by Apollo Diamond using a patented chemical vapour deposition process. The much overused word, sustainability, has been seared into the hearts and minds of Millennials and Generation Z. Using that word, the two groups have been duped into believing some amazing myths. Among those are that [...] Read more → 
The Metaverse; Welcome to the World of Virtual Delusion and Modern Tulips
Panama City, Photo by JSClark.net There once was a man who sold the Brooklyn Bridge(three times), Madison Square Garden, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Grant’s Tomb, and the Statue of Liberty to unsuspecting immigrants landing in New York City seeking out the American Dream. The salesman’s name was George C. Parker. [...] Read more → 
How to Buy an Item on eBay, Use it for 25 Days, and Get 100% of Your Money Back; The Shocking Truth eBay Doesn’t Want You to KnowHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
The History of Gothic Art
History and Facts on American Newspaper Production from the Colonial Times Through the 1890s.
New York Times Press Run circa 1942 – Library of Congress Photograph NEWSPAPER.-Printed sheets published at stated intervals, chiefly for the purpose of conveying intelligence on current events. The Romans wrote out an account of the most memorable occurrences of the day, which were sent to public officials. They were [...] Read more → 
Penal Methods of the Middle Ages
CHAPTER I PENAL METHODS OF THE MIDDLE AGES Prisons as places of detention are very ancient institutions. As soon as men had learned the way to build, in stone, as in Egypt, or with bricks, as in Mesopotamia, when kings had many-towered fortresses, and the great barons castles [...] Read more → 
Son House – Death Letter BluesHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
The Rolling Stones – Brown SugarHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
Two Great Ideas for Product Photography
Country House Essays Book Now in Print
Country House Essays, the book is now in print. This is an eclectic collection of both original, and historical essays, poems, books, and articles created for our loyal reader hear at CountryHouseEssays.com. It is jam packed with reprints of articles from this website. The cost is $49.95 for this massive [...] Read more → 
Clarivoyance by C.W. Leadbeater
Theosophical Society, Adyar, Madras, India, 1890 CLAIRVOYANCE by C. W. Leadbeater Adyar, Madras, India: Theosophical Pub. House [1899] CHAPTER IX METHODS OF DEVELOPMENT
When a men becomes convinced of the reality of the valuable [...] Read more → 
Westminster Confession of Faith – 1646
CHAPTER I. Of the Holy Scripture. Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary [...] Read more →
The Geologists and The Mother-lodeHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
The Relation of Chemistry to the progress of Wine Making, Brewing, and Distilling
Harvey Wiley, Chief Chemist of the Department of Agriculture’s Division of Chemistry (third from the right) with his staff, not long after he joined the division in 1883. Wiley’s scientific expertise and political skills were a key to passage of the 1906 Food and Drugs Act and the creation of the FDA. Read more → 
A Note on Ill-Breeding from a Knight of Grace of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem
“Saint John’s Gate, Clerkenwell, the main gateway to the Priory of Saint John of Jerusalem,” black and white photograph by the British photographer Henry Dixon, 1880. The church was founded in the 12th century by Jordan de Briset, a Norman knight. Prior Docwra completed the gatehouse shown in this photograph in 1504. The gateway [...] Read more → 
Growing Muscadine Grapes in Tennessee
The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee has a long heralded tradition of assisting farmers and growers through it’s Agricultural Extension Service. The following bulletin entitled Grape Growing in Tennessee discusses the Muscadine variety of grapes among others. Muscadine grapes are often found growing wild in Tennessee. On my grandfather’s West Tennessee [...] Read more → 
Homemade Wine Recipes from the 16th and 17th Centuries
The Lost Art of Wine Making at Home Some Recipes Popular a Century Ago Revived to Show How Our Forefathers Brewed Their Own Beers, Made Their Own Ciders, Distilled Their Own Liquors. The manufacture of homemade liquors is all but a lost art. A century ago every farm [...] Read more → 
Platform of the American Institute of Banking in 1919
Resolution adapted at the New Orleans Convention of the American Institute of Banking, October 9, 1919: “Ours is an educational association organized for the benefit of the banking fraternity of the country and within our membership may be found on an equal basis both employees and employers; and in full appreciation [...] Read more → 
Parting Words to Kate from The Sloop of War, Jamestown
Sloop of War Jamestown – Photo from book The Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies, Series 1, Vol. 3. Several years ago, I purchased a small memory book entitled Album of Love from the mid 1800s. Much like scrap books of today, these books were used to keep [...] Read more → 
Electroplating 101Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
New Orleans Street BandsHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
ZZ Top at Gruene HallHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
Historic authenticity of the Spanish SAN FELIPE of 1690
Model of San Felipe Reprinted from FineModelShips.com with the kind permission of Dr. Michael Czytko The SAN FELIPE is one of the most favoured ships among the ship model builders. The model is elegant, very beautifully designed, and makes a decorative piece of art to be displayed at home or in [...] Read more → 
The Late Rev. H.M. Scarth
H. M. Scarth, Rector of Wrington By the death of Mr. Scarth on the 5th of April, at Tangier, where he had gone for his health’s sake, the familiar form of an old and much valued Member of the Institute has passed away. Harry Mengden Scarth was bron at Staindrop in Durham, [...] Read more → 
Temples, Walls, And Some of the Roman Antiquities of Bath
A Lecture Delivered at the Guildhall, March 2, 1853 by Rev. H.M. Scarth, M.A., Rector of Bathwick. To understand the ancient history of the country in which we live, to know something of the arts and manners of the people who have preceded us, to ascertain what we owe to [...] Read more → 
Gallop of the Common Horse by Eadweard Muybridge 1887
Eadweard Muybridge was a fascinating character. Click here to learn how Eadweard committed “Justifiable Homicide” after shooting his wife’s lover in 1874. Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more →
Classic Restoration of a Spring Tied Upholstered Chair
This video by AT Restoration is the best hands on video I have run across on the basics of classic upholstery. Watch a master at work. Simply amazing. Tools: Round needles: https://amzn.to/2S9IhrP Double pointed hand needle: https://amzn.to/3bDmWPp Hand tools: https://amzn.to/2Rytirc Staple gun (for beginner): https://amzn.to/2JZs3x1 Compressor for pneumatic [...] Read more →
Making a High-end Turntable
A History of the Use of Arsenicals in Man
The arsenicals (compounds which contain the heavy metal element arsenic, As) have a long history of use in man – with both benevolent and malevolent intent. The name ‘arsenic’ is derived from the Greek word ‘arsenikon’ which means ‘potent'”. As early as 2000 BC, arsenic trioxide, obtained from smelting copper, was used [...] Read more → 
Books Condemned to be Burnt
BOOKS CONDEMNED TO BE BURNT. By JAMES ANSON FARRER, LONDON ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER ROW 1892 ———- WHEN did books first come to be burnt in England by the common hangman, and what was [...] Read more → 
U.S. Plant Variety Protection Act – Full Text
UNITED STATES PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION ACT TITLE I – PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION OFFICE Chapter Section 1. Organization and Publications . 1 2. Legal Provisions as to the Plant Variety Protection Office . 21 3. Plant Variety Protection Fees . 31 CHAPTER 1.-ORGANIZATION AND PUBLICATIONS Section 1. Establishment.2 There is [...] Read more → 
Thomas Jefferson’s Garden BookHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
American Farming Circa 1954Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
Fell and Moor Terrier Club circa later 1990sHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
The Master of Hounds
Photo Caption: The Marquis of Zetland, KC, PC – otherwise known as Lawrence Dundas Son of: John Charles Dundas and: Margaret Matilda Talbot born: Friday 16 August 1844 died: Monday 11 March 1929 at Aske Hall Occupation: M.P. for Richmond Viceroy of Ireland Vice Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Lord – in – Waiting [...] Read more → 
The Beaufort Hunt – 1914Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
Limerick Harrier’s Meet at Bulgaden 2018Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
Fox Hunting – A Great British TraditionHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
Fox Hunting Season Opens 1935 – Heythrop Country at Lower Swell, near Stow-in-the-Wold, GloucestershireHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
Land of Hope and Glory: British Country Life – Fox HuntingHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
Feeding the Hounds at Chateau Cheverny
Flawed Law – The Hunting Act
Click here to read the full text of the Hunting Act – 2004 Click on the button below for a faster download version. Invalid download ID. Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more →
The Famous Kilkenny Hunt – 1930Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more →  |
   
The Metaverse; Welcome to the World of Virtual Delusion and Modern Tulips
Panama City, Photo by JSClark.net There once was a man who sold the Brooklyn Bridge(three times), Madison Square Garden, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Grant’s Tomb, and the Statue of Liberty to unsuspecting immigrants landing in New York City seeking out the American Dream. The salesman’s name was George C. Parker. [...] Read more → 
Italian Tart Recipe
Harry Houdini Investigates the Spirit World
The magician delighted in exposing spiritualists as con men and frauds. By EDMUND WILSON June 24, 1925 Houdini is a short strong stocky man with small feet and a very large head. Seen from the stage, his figure, with its short legs and its pugilist’s proportions, is less impressive than at close [...] Read more → 
Bulgarian Fox HuntingHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more →
Celsius Network Implosion: The Rest of the Story
4 November 2021; Alex Mashinsky, Celcius, on Centre Stage during day three of Web Summit 2021 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Web Summit via Sportsfile Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more →
The Charge of the Light BrigadeHalf a league, half a league, Half a league onward, All in the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. “Forward, the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns!” he said. Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. Home Top of Pg. Archives [...] Read more → 
Bleak City
Exhaust blackened dirty snow Bleak City cold winter sting Cars in ditches Tire chains and rock salt Doughnut shop at four am Factory whistle blows at five Hot coffee on the dashboard Eyes on the road Front wheel drive Cadillac I’ll make it on time Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more →
U.S. Plant Variety Protection Act – Full Text
UNITED STATES PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION ACT TITLE I – PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION OFFICE Chapter Section 1. Organization and Publications . 1 2. Legal Provisions as to the Plant Variety Protection Office . 21 3. Plant Variety Protection Fees . 31 CHAPTER 1.-ORGANIZATION AND PUBLICATIONS Section 1. Establishment.2 There is [...] Read more → 
Making Quality Linen and Canvas Painting Panels
Gary Kravit is an airline pilot and artist. He also owns and operates https://theultimatetaboret.com. You may view Gary’s art at https://garrykravitart.blogspot.com/ Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more →
Reading Glasses
Once you get your first pair You’ll find them everywhere Up and down the stairs Even a pair in your chair A pair in the kitchen For cutting up chicken One made of hard plastic to take a licking A fine gold pair for putting on airs a silver pair too, looks good on [...] Read more → 
Birth of United Fruit Company
From Conquest of the Tropics by Frederick Upham Adams Chapter VI – Birth of the United Fruit Company Only those who have lived in the tropic and are familiar with the hazards which confront the cultivation and marketing of its fruits can readily understand [...] Read more → 
Unarmed Combat – Imperial War Museum Archives
Imperial War Museum, London Video courtesy of Imperial War Museums, UK Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more →
The Snipe
THE SNIPE, from the Shooter’s Guide by B. Thomas – 1811 AFTER having given a particular description of the woodcock, it will only. be necessary to observe, that the plumage and shape of the snipe is much the same ; and indeed its habits and manners sets bear a great [...] Read more →
The History of Gothic Art
Chinese Duck Cooking – A Few Recipes
China has more ducks than any other country in the world. For this reason the Chinese have found interesting ways of converting the fowl into many palatable dishes. The duck used is the kind that dwells in marshes. The Muscovy duck is not a native of China and is called foreign duck. [...] Read more →
Mrs. Beeton’s Poultry & Game – Choosing Poultry
To Choose Poultry. When fresh, the eyes should be clear and not sunken, the feet limp and pliable, stiff dry feet being a sure indication that the bird has not been recently killed; the flesh should be firm and thick and if the bird is plucked there should be no [...] Read more → 
Cleaning Oil Paint Brushes with Linseed Oil and Yardley of London Shea Butter Soap
Linseed oil is readily available in many oil painters’ studios. Yardley London Shea Butter Soap can be purchased from a dollar store or pound shop on the cheap. These two ingredients make for the basis of an excellent cleaning system for cleaning oil painting brushes. Home Top of Pg. Archives [...] Read more →
Gallop of the Common Horse by Eadweard Muybridge 1887
Eadweard Muybridge was a fascinating character. Click here to learn how Eadweard committed “Justifiable Homicide” after shooting his wife’s lover in 1874. Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more →
How to Spot Fake Gemstone Sellers on eBay and Other Gem Selling Auction Sites
EBay is rife with fake gemstone sellers. But they are not alone. Other gemstone auction sites such as Gem Rock Auctions, and others host shifty peddlers, often unbeknownst to a few oblivious site owners. Although some sites claim to police the legitimacy of their sales, buying gemstones online will always carry risk. [...] Read more → 
The Field of the Cloth of Gold
Reprint from the Royal Collection Trust Website The meeting between Henry VIII and Francis I, known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold, took place between 7 to 24 June 1520 in a valley subsequently called the Val d’Or, near Guisnes to the south of Calais. The [...] Read more → 
A Crock of Squirrel
A CROCK OF SQUIRREL 4 young squirrels – quartered Salt & Pepper 1 large bunch of fresh coriander 2 large cloves of garlic 2 tbsp. salted sweet cream cow butter ¼ cup of brandy 1 tbsp. turbinado sugar 6 fresh apricots 4 strips of bacon 1 large package of Monterrey [...] Read more →
The Sinking of the LaconiaHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
Greatest of All TimeHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
The Mayfair Set
The Stuart Kings and King James I & VI to Charles II
Armorial tablet of the Stewarts – Falkland Palace Fife, Scotland. Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more →
The Kalmar War
The Kalmar War From The Historian’s History of the World (In 25 Volumes) by Henry Smith William L.L.D. – Vol. XVI.(Scandinavia) Pg. 308-310 The northern part of the Scandinavian peninsula, as already noticed, had been peopled from the remotest times by nomadic tribes called Finns or Cwenas by the Norwegians and Lapps [...] Read more → 
Artist Methods
Como dome facade – Pliny the Elder – Photo by Wolfgang Sauber Work in Progress… THE VARNISHES. Every substance may be considered as a varnish, which, when applied to the surface of a solid body, gives it a permanent lustre. Drying oil, thickened by exposure to the sun’s heat or [...] Read more → 
Audubon’s Art Method and Techniques
Wild Turkeys – John James Audubon Audubon started to develop a special technique for drawing birds in 1806 a Miill Grove, Pennsylvania. He perfected it during the long river trip from Cincinnati to New Orleans and in New Orleans, 1821. Home Top of Pg. Archives [...] Read more →
Life Among the Thugee
Group of Thuggee – From Harpers Magazine – Dec. 12, 1837 The existence of large bodies of men having no other means of subsistence than those afforded by plunder, is, in all countries, too common to excite surprise; and, unhappily, organized bands of assassins are not peculiar to India! The associations of [...] Read more → 
Country Cabbage and Pea Soup
Add the following ingredients to a four or six quart crock pot, salt & pepper to taste keeping in mind that salt pork is just that, cover with water and cook on high till it boils, then cut back to low for four or five hours. A slow cooker works well, I [...] Read more → 
Books of Use to the International Art Collector
Before meeting with an untimely death at the hand of an unknown assassin in Rome on January 11th, 1996, master forger Eric Hebborn put down on paper a wealth of knowledge about the art of forgery. In a book published posthumously in 1997, titled The Art Forger’s Handbook, Hebborn suggests the following [...] Read more → 
Mortlake Tapestries of Chatsworth
Mortlake Tapestries at Chatsworth House Click here to learn more about the Mortlake Tapestries of Chatsworth The Mortlake Tapestries were founded by Sir Francis Crane. From the Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 13 Crane, Francis by William Prideaux Courtney CRANE, Sir FRANCIS (d. [...] Read more → 
News from the Empire – Jan. 17th, 1851 Vol IX-No.165 – Allen’s Indian Mail
Filed under Miscellaneous. The Jubbulpore School of Industry is so thriving that the pupils, 800 in number, are obliged to work till ten o’clock at night to complete their orders; this they do most cheerfully. They are all Thugs, or the children of Thugs, and the hands which now ply [...] Read more → 
Philly Dips – Some Philadelphia Cream Cheese Classics from the 1950s
Philly Clam Dip 1 garlic clove, cut in half 1 8-oz. pkg. Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese 3 tablespoons clam broth 1 7-to 7 1/2-oz. can minced clams, drained Home Top of Pg. Archives [...] Read more →
Peach Brandy
PEACH BRANDY 2 gallons + 3 quarts boiled water 3 qts. peaches, extremely ripe 3 lemons, cut into sections 2 sm. pkgs. yeast 10 lbs. sugar 4 lbs. dark raisins Place peaches, lemons and sugar in crock. Dissolve yeast in water (must NOT be to hot). Stir thoroughly. Stir daily for 7 days. Keep [...] Read more → 
Producing and Harvesting Tobacco Seed
Setting up Tobacco Plants in Carolina – USDA Photo THE FIRST step in producing a satisfactory crop of tobacco is to use good seed that is true to type. The grower often can save his own seed to advantage, if he wants to. Before topping is done, he should go [...] Read more → 
Copper Kills Covid-19 and the Sun is Your Friend
The element copper effectively kills viruses and bacteria. Therefore it would reason and I will assert and not only assert but lay claim to the patents for copper mesh stints to be inserted in the arteries of patients presenting with severe cases of Covid-19 with a slow release dosage of [...] Read more → 
British Craftsmanship is Alive and Well
The Queen Elizabeth Trust, or QEST, is an organisation dedicated to the promotion of British craftsmanship through the funding of scholarships and educational endeavours to include apprenticeships, trade schools, and traditional university classwork. The work of QEST is instrumental in keeping alive age old arts and crafts such as masonry, glassblowing, shoemaking, [...] Read more → 
Protecting Rare Books: How to Build a Silverfish Trap
Silverfish damage to book – photo by Micha L. Rieser The beauty of hunting silverfish is that they are not the most clever of creatures in the insect kingdom. Simply take a small clean glass jar and wrap it in masking tape. The masking tape gives the silverfish something to [...] Read more → 
The Legacy of Felix de Weldon
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial by Felix de Weldon Felix Weihs de Weldon, age 96, died broke in the year 2003 after successive bankruptcies and accumulating $4 million dollars worth of debt. Most of the debt was related to the high cost of love for a wife living with Alzheimer’s. Health care [...] Read more → 
Curing Diabetes With an Old Malaria Formula
For years in the West African nation of Ghana medicine men have used a root and leaves from a plant called nibima(Cryptolepis sanguinolenta) to kill the Plasmodium parasite transmitted through a female mosquito’s bite that is the root cause of malaria. A thousand miles away in India, a similar(same) plant [...] Read more → 
Dame Edith Sitwell
Sitwell Family; From left: Edith Sitwell (1887-1964), Sir George Sitwell, Lady Ida, Sacheverell Sitwell (1897-1988), and Osbert Sitwell (1892-1969) – Oil on canvas by John Singer Sargent Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more →
Antibiotic Properties of Jungle Soil
If ever it could be said that there is such a thing as miracle healing soil, Ivan Sanderson said it best in his 1965 book entitled Ivan Sanderson’s Book of Great Jungles. Sanderson grew up with a natural inclination towards adventure and learning. He hailed from Scotland [...] Read more → 
A Couple of Classic Tennessee Squirrel Recipes
FRIED SQUIRREL & BISCUIT GRAVY 3-4 Young Squirrels, dressed and cleaned 1 tsp. Morton Salt or to taste 1 tsp. McCormick Black Pepper or to taste 1 Cup Martha White All Purpose Flour 1 Cup Hog Lard – Preferably fresh from hog killing, or barbecue tableCut up three to [...] Read more → 
Something about Caius College, Cambridge
Gonville & Caius College, known as Caius and pronounced keys was founded in 1348 by Edmund Gonville, the Rector of Terrington St Clement in Norfolk. The first name was thus Goville Hall and it was dedicated to the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Caius College, along with Pembroke, Corpus Christi, and [...] Read more → 
Traditional JuJutsu Health, Strength and Combat Tricks
CHAPTER V THE VALUE OF EVEN TEMPER IN ATHLETICS—SOME OF THE FEATS THAT REQUIRE GOOD NATURE In the writer’s opinion it becomes necessary to make at this point some suggestions relative to a very important part of the training in jiu-jitsu. Good nature is as essential [...] Read more → 
Of Decorated Furniture
DECORATED or “sumptuous” furniture is not merely furniture that is expensive to buy, but that which has been elaborated with much thought, knowledge, and skill. Such furniture cannot be cheap, certainly, but the real cost of it is sometimes borne by the artist who produces rather than by the man who may [...] Read more →
Growing Muscadine Grapes in Tennessee
The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee has a long heralded tradition of assisting farmers and growers through it’s Agricultural Extension Service. The following bulletin entitled Grape Growing in Tennessee discusses the Muscadine variety of grapes among others. Muscadine grapes are often found growing wild in Tennessee. On my grandfather’s West Tennessee [...] Read more → 
Fly Casting Instructions
It is a pity that the traditions and literature in praise of fly fishing have unconsciously hampered instead of expanded this graceful, effective sport. Many a sportsman has been anxious to share its joys, but appalled by the rapture of expression in describing its countless thrills and niceties he has been literally [...] Read more →
Westminster Confession of Faith – 1646
CHAPTER I. Of the Holy Scripture. Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary [...] Read more →
Furniture Polishing Cream
Furniture Polishing Cream. Animal oil soap…………………….1 onuce Solution of potassium hydroxide…. .5 ounces Beeswax……………………………1 pound Oil of turpentine…………………..3 pints Water, enough to make……………..5 pintsDissolve the soap in the lye with the aid of heat; add this solution all at once to the warm solution of the wax in the oil. Beat [...] Read more → 
Magna Carta: Myth and Meaning – Discussion at the Royal Institution
The Abbots and Barons Leaving Bury St. Edmunds for Runnymeade – June A.D.1215 Note on Watercolour: F.A. Molony (fl. 1930-1938) was a Major in the Royal Engineers. The National Army Museum hold his work. His work was also shown at an exhibition of officers work at the R.B.A. Galleries (Army Officers’ Art [...] Read more → 
Fox Control with Jack Russell Terriers in ScotlandHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
The Printing of the King James Bible 1611
Richard Barker KJ Title Pg. Robert Barker was the printer of the first edition of the King James Bible in 1611. He was the printer to King James I and son of Christopher Barker, printer to Queen Victoria I. Home Top of Pg. Archives Read more →
The Last Surfer in California
By the time I got to California the blondes had gone home The Beach Boys were sporting dreadlocks and singing reggae songs The life guard at the tower didn’t have a tan Said if you’re looking for Mama Cass she’s asleep over there in the van Home Top of Pg. Archives [...] Read more →
Mocking Bird Food
Mocking Bird Food. Hemp seed……….2 pounds Rape seed………. .1 pound Crackers………….1 pound Rice…………….1/4 pound Corn meal………1/4 pound Lard oil…………1/4 poundHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
Winter Fox Hunt in Michigan, USA – Fantastic FootageHome Top of Pg. Archives Read more → 
Shipmates
I once met a chap, hailed from Harvard said where’d ye attend school, this here is starboard On his diploma was a bit more yellow Than that on the belly of his scholarly fellows His hat was a good half inch taller Than his lapels which were narrowly smaller So I yanked him up [...] Read more →
The Relation of Chemistry to the progress of Wine Making, Brewing, and Distilling
Harvey Wiley, Chief Chemist of the Department of Agriculture’s Division of Chemistry (third from the right) with his staff, not long after he joined the division in 1883. Wiley’s scientific expertise and political skills were a key to passage of the 1906 Food and Drugs Act and the creation of the FDA. Read more → 
Commercial Tuna Salad Recipe
Tuna fish being weighed on quay-side in Greece – Photo by Tom Oates No two commercial tuna salads are prepared by exactly the same formula, but they do not show the wide variety characteristic of herring salad. The recipe given here is typical. It is offered, however, only as a guide. The [...] Read more →   |
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