Latest Posts

Jordan and Salt Lake Canal – Utah

Jordan and Salt Lake Canal - Utah

Developed in the 1880’s the Salt Lake Valley is noted for its extensive irrigation canals, that convey water from mountain streams and Utah Lake throughout the valley using a series of canals running parallel to the Jordan River. The picture above is from West Jordan during the winter time, after the fall harvest when water is no longer needed. While in the past the water was used primarily for growing crops, now serves a largely residential homes, with orchards, lawns, landscaping and gardens.

Stairway – World War Memorial – Indianapolis

Stairway - World War Memorial - Indianapolis

An interior stairway of the World War Memorial, leading to the shrine room. The Indiana World War Memorial was built in 1924, as the centerpiece of a five city block plaza intended to honor the veterans of World War I. The construction of the plaza was in part intended to draw the newly formed American Legion, a non-profit organization dedicated to US war veterans, to establish its permanent headquarters in Indianapolis.

The World War Memorial was modeled after the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the original seven wonders of the world, located in Anatolia (now Turkey). The modern use of the term mausoleum comes from this tomb, and the ruler it was built for, Mausolus.

Seal of the University of Cincinnati – Ohio

Seal of the University of Cincinnati - Ohio

The Seal of the University of Cincinnati comes largely from the official insignia of the City of Cincinnati, which was adopted in 1819. The seal includes the scales of justice, a sword and a caduceus, which is the staff carried by Hermes in Greek Mythology, a god also known as Hermes Trismegistus, in Greco-Egyptian mythology. The staff includes two entwined serpents that includes wings. The mottos displayed include “Juncta Juvant” which means strength in unity, and “Alta Petit” seek the highest.

The University of Cincinnati, a public research university, was founded in 1819, and has an annual enrollment of 44,000 students. Its the second largest university in Ohio.