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Monthly Archives: January 2010

eBird Updates: News from eBird January 2010

30 Saturday Jan 2010

Posted by Lynden Rodriguez in Science & Nature

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eBird Updates
January 28, 2010
 
It’s been a while since our last update, and we have lots of news to share. Much of the second half of 2009 was dedicated to improving overall performance, and migrating eBird to a newer, more powerful database server. We’re happy to say that the migration was completed during early January 2010, and you’ll probably notice the improved performance on many eBird tools. In addition, we’ve launched two new eBird projects, the “eBird Site Survey” and “eBird County Birding,” collaborated on the development of a new iPhone app called “BirdsEye,” initiated a new feature on the website called “eBirder of the Month,” and launched a new alert system for rare birds. Also, don’t forget to get out this February and help count Rusty Blackbirds during the second annual Rusty Blackbird Blitz! See below for more details.

Two New Ways to Make Your Birding Count

From its inception, the grand hypothesis of eBird has been that the observations of birders can make a valuable contribution to understanding broad-scale patterns of bird distribution and abundance. With its vast geographic scope and dedicated contributors, eBird has a growing capacity to help answer questions about birds at scales never before imaginable. As the eBird dataset continues to mature, scientists are just beginning to explore and tap its potential. Early results are promising, and thanks to our close working relationship with talented computer scientists and biologists, we’ve identified two ways that you can help greatly improve the utility of the eBird dataset. We’ve recently launched two new projects within eBird: The eBird Site Survey and eBird County Birding.  The goal of each initiative uniquely addresses the needs identified through our collaboration with the researchers who are using your data directly.

New iPhone App Harnesses the Power of eBird—Check Out BirdsEye

BirdsEye is the first iPhone app to harness the eBird database as a source for bird-finding information. You can use any of several tools to pull up bird data, and can get directions to the location where any bird was reported. The application can pull data from your current location (or you can select the location) and will let you:

  1. Find nearby birds—All birds seen within about 30 miles
  2. Locate a bird—See nearest reports for any of about 850 species
  3. View birding hotspots—Find nearby birding hotspots and see what has been reported there
  4. Access content—See pictures, hear sounds, and read bird-finding tips from Kenn Kaufman for any species
  5. Record your life list

BirdsEye is now available on the App Store; be sure to provide a review if you get it!

eBirder of the Month (Dec 09 and Jan 2010)—Jane Stulp and David Suddjian

We’d like to introduce a new feature: "eBirder of the Month." The goal is to highlight how an individual is using eBird to inspire others to follow in their footsteps. One does not need to be a well-traveled or expert birder to be featured. Anyone who uses eBird is eligible, provided she or he understands the overarching goals of eBird and is committed to using the program regularly and properly. We are particularly interested in featuring people who are participating in our eBird Site Survey or County Birding initiatives. If you know of a candidate for the next eBirder of the month, please contact us. We are proud to introduce Jane Stulp of Colorado, and David Suddjian of California as the December 2009 and January 2010 eBirders of the month. Congratulations, Jane and David!

Subscribe to the eBird Rare Bird Alert

We are very excited to introduce a new feature: eBird Alerts! By going to the eBird Alerts page from "View and Explore Data" you can view a list of all the national-level rarities recently reported in North America and Canada. These are defined by the ABA Codes, which we explain below. You have the option to subscribe hourly (!), daily, or just to visit this page and click to see the results from the past seven days. In the near future, we hope to add similar alerts for birds you "need" (i.e., birds not already on your eBird list) for a given state or province. So please, sign up for our ABA Alerts to keep up on what rarities—like Ivory Gulls—are being reported around the country!

Black-bellied Plover – Photograph by Brian Sullivan; David Suddjian – Photograph by Aaron Suddjian; Ivory Gull – Photograph by Marshall Iliff

Did you know that eBird is made possible by support from members and friends of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon? Donate to eBird.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s mission is to interpret and conserve the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Your support helps us solve critical problems facing birds and other wildlife by using the best science and technology–and by inspiring people of all ages and walks of life to care about and protect the planet.
 
Audubon’s mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.
Copyright © 2009 Express written permission is required for use of images or text on these pages.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon
159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca NY 14850
Questions or Comments?
Call us toll-free at (800) 843-BIRD (2473)


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Biblical Archaeology Review: Best of BAR Awards

30 Saturday Jan 2010

Posted by Lynden Rodriguez in Bible

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BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY REVIEW
The BAR Companion: January 27, 2010
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CURRENT ISSUE       E-FEATURES       NEWS       DEBATES       MULTIMEDIA       REVIEWS       ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

.

BEST OF BAR AWARDS
Announcing the winners and runner up for BAR’s best articles of 2007-2008

The Biblical Archaeology Society is delighted to announce the winners and runner-up of the "Best of BAR" awards. These prestigious awards have been given for the best articles of 2007-2008, as judged by two of the most eminent scholars in the fields of Biblical studies and archaeology: Amy-Jill Levine of Vanderbilt University and Philip J. King, professor emeritus of Boston College. Come visit us online to read the articles that are considered by these distinguished judges to be the "best of BAR." Read more. ____________________________________________________________
DIG VOLUNTEER REPORT
A father and daughter team take on Tiberias

When Scott Fox retired, he pursued his lifelong dream of becoming an archaeologist. After volunteering on an archaeological excavation in Tiberias, he decided that he liked it so much that he retuned, bringing his 24-year-old daughter Erika with him. In one of the feature essays that celebrates the annual BAR Dig issue, Dr. Fox shares his experiences excavating with his daughter at one of Israel’s most evocative sites. Read more. ____________________________________________________________
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BREAKING NEWS
Check out the latest news in Biblical archaeology and related topics–updated daily

This week in the news, an ancient temple to the Egyptian cat goddess is discovered in Alexandria, while new evidence in Crete suggests that seafaring societies existed much earlier than previously believed. Researchers in Spain believe they may have found the city that gave rise to the legend of Atlantis, and in Jerusalem, a project to record the Mount of Olives burials goes online while the traditional spot of David’s tomb gets some much-needed attention. Read more. ____________________________________________________________
DIG OF THE WEEK
Tiberias: A New Season to Solve an Old Puzzle

Founded on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee in 19 A.D., Tiberias became, over the course of its thousand-year history, a focal point of culture and commerce in northern Israel. Season after season, teams of archaeologists and volunteers come to help uncover the history of this ancient site. This year the focus is on reassessing an enigmatic colonnaded building that was long held to be a Byzantine market, but which dig director Katia Cytryn-Silverman believes may be something else entirely. Read more.

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THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS
Free gift offer – one week only

For one week only, receive a FREE GIFT, The Dead Sea Scrolls, a 96-page book with over 90 photos when you order The Copper Scroll, a book by Hershel Shanks and Jesus, Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls a documentary DVD hosted by Hershel Shanks.

Shanks’s hardcover book The Copper Scroll and the Search for the Temple Treasure tells the intriguing story of two copper rolls now known as "the Copper Scroll" discovered in the Judean desert more than 50 years ago. Most scholars agree this unique scroll describes the treasures of the Jerusalem Temple that were buried shortly before 70 C.E., when the Roman legions burned the city and its holy sanctuary. Jesus, Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, a 60-minute documentary DVD, explores the site where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, Qumran. Host Hershel Shanks takes you there to examine the ruins up close. The breathtaking cinematography makes it the next best thing to actually being there!

Order now – Dead Sea Scrolls free gift offer good until midnight, Friday January 29 ____________________________________________________________
EGYPT: AN ARMCHAIR TRAVELER’S GUIDE
Journey to Egypt without leaving home

Our tour to Egypt has just departed, but there will be another opportunity to join BAS on an adventure to Egypt down the road. In the meantime, why not take a voyage into Egypt’s legendary past from the comfort of your own home? Join us on a visceral, virtual journey to Egypt with the experts that know it best, including a video lecture on Queen Hatshepsut and in-depth articles on ancient Egyptian sites and rulers. Read more.

____________________________________________________________
CARTOON CAPTION CONTEST
Submit a caption

Write a caption for this cartoon! The author of the best caption will receive a BAS T-shirt, a Dead Sea Scroll mug and three complimentary subscriptions to give BAR to friends. Runners-up will receive a BAS T-shirt and two complimentary subscriptions.The deadline for captions is February 15, 2010. Read more.

CONTENTS
Best of BAR Awards
Dig Volunteer Report
Breaking News
Dig of the Week
Free Gift Offer
Egypt Armchair Traveler
Cartoon Caption Contest
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Become our Facebook Fan
Follow us on Twitter

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Universalis News for January 2010

26 Tuesday Jan 2010

Posted by Lynden Rodriguez in Catholics & Carmelites

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The Mac version of Universalis can now create e-books.
 
For some months now, it has been possible to use the Windows version of Universalis to create e-books that can be read on the Sony Reader, the Barnes & Noble Nook, the Amazon Kindle, and other devices. The Mac version can now do the same thing.
 
To download the latest Mac version, please visit http://www.universalis.com/n-mac.htm.
 
To read more about Universalis e-books, please visit http://www.universalis.com/n-ebooks.htm.
 
Remember that if you have a mobile device such as Android, Blackberry, or Symbian, which can’t run any of the Universalis downloads, you may find that it is able to read Universalis e-books instead.


  • To view this message in context, visit http://forums.universalis.com/topics/312/1060 

Japanese Scientist Reveals Study Showing That Taiji Residents Have 10 Times Higher Mercury Level Than Average Japanese Citizens

26 Tuesday Jan 2010

Posted by Lynden Rodriguez in Organizations

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"The Cove" – Save Japan Dolphins Bulletin

Posted by David Phillips

University of Hokkaido Professor Tetsuya Endo expresses alarm at the high levels of contamination among residents of Taiji, site of the killing of dolphins featured in “The Cove”. Dr. Endo is calling for “efforts to curb consumption of whale meat which is highly contaminated with mercury.”

Message From Ric O’Barry
Campaign Director
Save Japan Dolphins

The dirty secret of the largest slaughter of dolphins on Earth is that the dolphin meat being sold to an unsuspecting public in Japan is poisoned by mercury contamination.

We have brought this to public attention since we began our campaign four years ago. More recently our testing of dolphin meat and the mercury contamination issue (including the Japan government’s cover-up with a compliant media) is receiving global attention in the award-winning documentary “The Cove.”

In Taiji, Japan, the little town that slaughters a thousand dolphins a year and sells the meat in markets around Japan, one brave town council member, Mr. Yamashita, objected to the inclusion of mercury-laden dolphin meat in the town’s school lunch program, a PR gimmick by the dolphin-killers to get another young generation hooked on poisoned dolphin meat. Taiji dropped the school lunches, but unfortunately Mr. Yamashita has been shunned and left Taiji.

However, one of his legacies was a decision by the town council to test the mercury levels in Japanese citizens in Taiji. The results have been held up for months, but now enterprising reporters in Japan are bringing out the story.

The Japan-wide news service, Kyodo News, just published this story, picked up here by The Japan Times, which has been bravely printing the story of the dolphin slaughter and our Coalition work for several years.

The story states that Taiji residents, who eat dolphin meat, are showing mercury levels ten times higher than average Japanese.

The Japan media is finally getting out the story of mercury contamination in dolphin meat. As more stories appear, more reporters and editors will feel safe in investigating further.

Mercury-laden dolphin meat is a crisis that should bring an end to the dolphin slaughter in Japan, and not just in Taiji, but all across Japan.

We still have a long way to go to get this story out to the Japanese public and help organize the protest to their government to end the cover-up and the sale of dolphin meat.

I believe we are getting closer! And we will not stop until the dolphin slaughter ends, period.

— Ric O’Barry
Here’s how you can help immediately:

1. Join our Call to Action to Ban the sale of dolphin meat immediately!
Take action at:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/4/ban-the-sale-of-dolphin-meat

2. Help us with a donation to get the word out in Japan. When the Japanese public sees The Cove, and realizes that the dolphin meat is poison, the killing will end. Go to:
https://secure.acceptive.com/?cst=59a67b

3. Go to:
www.savejapandolphins.org
to sign up for the latest updates.

4. Read the full text of the Mercury Poisoning story at:
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/mercury-levels-of-whale-eating-towns-residents-10-times-japan-average

KYODO NEWS/THE JAPAN TIMES
Mercury levels of whale-eating town’s residents 10 times average
Friday 22nd January, 06:40 AM JST

TOKYO —
Levels of mercury in hair samples of residents of Taiji, Wakayama Prefecture, which is known for customarily eating small whales caught by coastal whaling, are about 10 times the average in Japan, possibly due to consumption of whale meat with high concentration of mercury, one of researchers who conducted the survey said Thursday.

Hair samples were collected from 30 men and 20 women living in the whaling town with a population of about 3,400 through local collaborators between December 2007 and July 2008 for testing, Tetsuya Endo, an associate professor at Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, said.

The survey showed the average total mercury levels in the men’s and women’s hair samples were 21.6 parts per million and 11.9 ppm, respectively, while the levels of average Japanese men and women are 2.55 ppm and 1.43 ppm, he said.

The highest concentration level discovered in the survey was 67.2 ppm in a male aged in his 50s, as a total of three people exceeded the level of 50 ppm for no observed adverse effect set by the World Health Organization, Endo said.

Endo expressed alarm that contamination levels among some of the residents appeared to be high enough to develop health problems according to oversea standards.

‘‘It’s necessary to conduct more detailed research on their health conditions and the current status of contamination,’’ he said. ‘‘We should also make efforts to curb consumption of whale meat which is highly contaminated with mercury.’‘

The researchers, also including Koichi Haraguchi at Daiichi College of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Fukuoka, will publish the survey result in an international science magazine on oceanic pollution.

According to Endo, the researchers also discovered high levels of mercury in products made from local marine mammals and fishes, such as pilot whales, dolphins, tunas and skipjack, distributed in and around the community.

In particular, the total contamination levels in the red meat from 22 samples of pilot whales, a cetacean commonly consumed in the town, averaged 9.6 ppm, with the level for methyl mercury alone coming to 5.9 ppm, both well beyond the tentative national regulation figures of 0.4 ppm and 0.3 ppm, respectively.

Among the 50 residents tested, the average total mercury level in those who eat pilot whale once a month or more was 24.6 ppm, while the levels in those who eat it only once every several months or not at all were 15.5 ppm and 4.3 ppm, respectively.

No epidemiologic survey has been conducted in Taiji although health hazards to the residents from the consumption of whale products are suspected, according to Endo.

© 2010 Kyodo News. All rights reserved.

News from The Shroud of Turin Website: January 21, 2010

22 Friday Jan 2010

Posted by Lynden Rodriguez in Catholics & Carmelites

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

STERA, Inc.
The Shroud of Turin Website

Website Celebrates 14th Anniversary
on January 21, 2010

 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am proud to announce that the 14th Anniversary update of the Shroud of Turin Website is now online. You will find the details on the Late Breaking Website News page.
The annual anniversary update is always a large one and this year is no exception. You will first find a number of important notices about STERA, Inc., including a link to the new Secure Contribution Form where viewers can now safely make online tax deductible contributions using a credit or debit card.

The update also includes a new article on the Veil of Veronica, the December 2009 issue of the BSTS Newsletter, news of a Special Art Exhibit in Turin that will be on display during the Shroud exposition, the availability of the printed Proceedings of the 2008 Columbus International Conference, a link to the Download Version of Ray Rogers‘ book "A Chemist’s Perspective on the Shroud of Turin" and many other updated pages. 

As always, I am truly grateful for your continued  participation and loyal support. It is deeply appreciated. And don’t forget to check the Private Subscribers Page for exclusive offers and materials not available to the general public.

Warmest regards,

 
Barrie Schwortz
Editor & Founder.Shroud of Turin Website
Executive Director, STERA, Inc.

Quick Links…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shroud of Turin Website
Shroud of Turin Website Mailing List Signup Page
Shroud of Turin Website Private Subscribers Page
Shroud of Turin Education & Research Association, Inc. (STERA, Inc.) Page
Mail a Tax Deductible Charitable Contribution to STERA, Inc.
Make an Online Contribution Using Secure Contribution Form

 
 

 

Email Marketing by

The Shroud of Turin Website – STERA, Inc. | 1094 Highland Meadows Dr. | Florissant | CO | 80816

Biblical Archaeology Review: January 20, 2010: From Excavation Volunteer to Field Director

22 Friday Jan 2010

Posted by Lynden Rodriguez in Bible

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Biblical Archaeology Review – The BAR Companion


BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY REVIEW
The BAR Companion: January 20, 2010
Please add us to your Safe Senders list:
biblicalarchaeology@ixsmail.com

See Web Version   Forward to a Friend
CURRENT ISSUE       E-FEATURES       NEWS       DEBATES       MULTIMEDIA       REVIEWS       ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL VIEWS
From volunteer to field director

In 1992, Daniel Master was an archaeological neophyte whose first excavation experience was inspired by the pages of BAR‘s Dig Issue. Arriving at Ashkelon that summer, he could hardly have imagined that in 15 years he would become the excavation’s field director. Now, several degrees and an associate professorship at Wheaton College later, Professor Master leads teams of volunteers much like himself in excavating one of Israel’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Read more. ____________________________________________________________
BAS DIG SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT REPORT
A firsthand account of discovery, friendship and a fox at Tell es-Safi/Gath

Last week we featured an essay by Caroline Tully, a BAS dig scholarship winner who spent a season at Tell es-Safi/Gath. This week, Pennsylvania State University student Eric Welch reports from the same site on what was his fourth season helping to excavate the ancient Philistine city. He recounts his experience excavating and enjoying the camaraderie of his fellow volunteers under the hot desert sun, and reveals a startling source of help for the discovery of one of his most important finds of the season. Read more. ____________________________________________________________
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EVENT WATCH
The Dead Sea Scrolls: Words that Changed the World

The Science Museum of Minnesota will be the next to host The Dead Sea Scrolls: Words that Changed the World. Over the eight-month run of this exhibit, museum goers will be able to experience the 2,000-year-old ancient manuscript fragments that were discovered over 60 years ago in caves along the Dead Sea. Believed to be the oldest known Biblical texts, controversy has surrounded the Dead Sea Scrolls since they were first discovered during the mid-20th century. The exhibit will explore the science and significance of the famed scrolls. Read more. ____________________________________________________________
BREAKING NEWS
Check out the latest news in Biblical archaeology and related topics–updated daily

This week in the news, an ancient church is uncovered on Cyprus, while alterations are underway in Iraq to remove the Jewish identity of the prophet Ezekiel from the site that is venerated as his tomb. Meanwhile in Israel, the threatened "tomb of the judges" in Jerusalem gains some surprising allies, and an ancient hoard of coins is discovered in Gaza. In Greece, new light is shed on an ancient mountaintop shrine of Zeus. Read more. ____________________________________________________________
DIG OF THE WEEK
Ashkelon: Summer of Fun and Philistines

Come to Ashkelon this summer and excavate the long-buried houses of the Biblical Canaanites and Philistines, all while enjoying the brilliant rays of the Mediterranean sun. After nearly two-and-a-half decades of excavation by Harvard University, the site of Ashkelon–breathtakingly located right on the shores of the Mediterranean–has produced extraordinary finds from the Bronze Age through the Crusader period, including the oldest known arched gateway, the massive ramparts of the Canaanite city, and the remains of the Philistine city utterly destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 604 B.C. Read more.

____________________________________________________________
BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY: FROM THE GROUND DOWN
Featuring Lawrence Stager of Harvard University on Ashkelon

How does a dig team work? What do archaeologists look for at a dig? What challenges do they face? In this DVD, some of the world’s greatest scholars explain archaeology’s contribution to the understanding and interpretation of events in the Near East. Through Hershel Shanks’s probing questions to leading archaeologists, you will:

  • Learn how we know that the Israelites conquered Hazor and burnt it, just as the Bible says
  • Appreciate why Megiddo is being reexcavated, despite three previous excavations
  • Explore the site where Jezebel’s body was eaten by dogs
  • Witness the exciting instant when a volunteer uncovers a rare prize find–a bronze idol from a pre-Israelite stratum
  • See the excavation of the tomb of a one-year-old child buried with a gold earring
  • Learn about all the newest techniques used in modern archaeological excavations
  • See what it’s like to be a dig volunteer….and much, much more.

Read more. ____________________________________________________________
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EGYPT: AN ARMCHAIR TRAVELER’S GUIDE
Journey to Egypt without leaving home

Our tour to Egypt has just departed, but there will be another opportunity to join BAS on an adventure to Egypt down the road. In the meantime, why not take a voyage into Egypt’s legendary past from the comfort of your own home? Join us on a visceral, virtual journey to Egypt with the experts that know it best, including a video lecture on Queen Hatshepsut and in-depth articles on ancient Egyptian sites and rulers. Read more.

____________________________________________________________
CARTOON CAPTION CONTEST
Submit a caption

Write a caption for this cartoon! The author of the best caption will receive a BAS T-shirt, a Dead Sea Scroll mug and three complimentary subscriptions to give BAR to friends. Runners-up will receive a BAS T-shirt and two complimentary subscriptions.The deadline for captions is February 15, 2010. Read more. ____________________________________________________________
INCOMPARABLE ISRAEL
Last chance to sign up! Tour departs February 1!

Visit one of the world’s most sacred and history-drenched lands on an adventure that only we can provide. Take an extraordinary journey through the Holy Land where three of the world’s largest religions converge in history. Experience the ancient world firsthand as you participate in an archaeological dig and see the sites and museums guided by top scholars and researchers. Your expert guide Amnon Wallenstein will bring ancient Israel to life before your eyes with his dynamic narrative and fantastic breadth of knowledge. Read more.

CONTENTS
Archaeological Views
Scholarship Recipient Report
Event Watch
Breaking News
Dig of the Week
From the Ground Down
Egypt Armchair Traveler
Cartoon Caption Contest
Incomparable Israel
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Biblical Archaeology Society 800-221-4644
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www.biblicalarchaeology.org

City of San Bernardino History Update: The Harris Company

16 Saturday Jan 2010

Posted by Lynden Rodriguez in History

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The Harris Company

by Aimmee L. Rodriguez
 

        On April 16, 1905, Philip and Herman Harris put an advertisement in The Daily Sun:

Harris’ Opening: On Wednesday, April 19, we will formally open our doors to the public of San Bernardino and vicinity…A cordial Invitation to visit our store is extended to you all. We are strangers among you, but have come to stay and we want to get acquainted…We have come here prepared in every way to do a large Dry Goods business. If courteous treatment, low prices, good goods and honest methods are appreciated here then we will certainly have no difficulty in gaining your trade. We mean every word we say and say just what we mean. Try us…Harris ‘Has It For Less.’

 

Philip, Herman and Arthur Harris were three of eleven children from a German mercantile family.

Philip Harris

Herman Harris

Authur Harris


Harris’ First Location

Their San Bernardino business was the flagship for a chain of stores which became synonymous with the Inland Empire of Southern California. Their first location was in the Armory Building at 462 Third Street, between D and E Streets. Harris’ was on the bottom floor, and had a mere 25 feet of frontage.

 Philip and Herman began with $4,700 worth of stock from their store, the White House, which they closed in Santa Ana, and experience of working for their Uncle Leopold of Harris & Frank, in Los Angeles. They started their business with three employees: an office girl, and two sales ladies. Arthur Harris arrived in 1906 from his brother-in-law’s store in Anaheim, bringing $2,500 with him. The money aided in the move to Harris’ second location across the street from their original store. The Harris brothers hired a window trimmer along with a dozen employees, and became the style center of the city.

The Harris brothers quickly gained a favorable reputation and a loyal patronage for their straightforward business dealings. In 1907, the second floor was taken over to house their growing Millinery and Ready-to-Wear departments. The next year, Harris’ installed the first elevator in San Bernardino, attracting a lot of attention. It was the first time for many to see one. An early employee recalled that the grown-ups humored the kids by taking them up and down.

The brothers failed at a Colton location early on but found another success with the 1908 opening of their Redlands store. Philip Harris moved to Redlands to manage that store. His first wife had died when his son Melville was only two and he remarried in 1907. He was sorely missed by the San Bernardino staff.

By 1915, San Bernardino Harris’ was bursting at the seams and they expanded into Cartwright’s Dry Goods next door. They inherited their electrical sign and restrooms, took one wall out between the stores, and bought out their next door neighbor’s clothing store on the opposite side which happened to be owned by their brother-in-law, Rudolf Anker. By 1919, Harris’ management began to acquire land on the corner of Third and E Streets for creation of a new store. While construction for the San Bernardino store was underway, employees eagerly awaited the move to the new building. One employee said, "How thrilled we were when the new building was being constructed. We would go on our lunch hour to watch the progress of the workmen…Everyone was glad to say goodbye to smoky oil stoves!" A month before the move, the little business that started as a partnership of brothers became a corporation worth $1,000,000. The Harris Company graduated to the status of department store.

The building formally opened on November 7, 1927. It housed a basement, first floor, mezzanine level, second floor, third floor and roof garden. The Harris Company was built as a fireproof structure that would include all the modern amenities of the time. There was a tea room, lunch counter, beauty parlor and barber shop, a sit-down soda fountain, candies, stationery, and on the south side of the building, a grocery store called Sage’s Market. The southeast corner of the building had a staircase of colorful tiles, which led up to their second floor restaurant, Café Madrid. The buildings doors were made of hammered copper. The main entrance archway fitted with Italian marble rose 29 feet, while the interior lobby ceiling was an impressive 32 feet high. The exterior had alternating intricate stone and wrought iron ornamental grillwork. The Harris coat-of-arms was molded within the stonework similar to businesses in Europe. The structure revealed a face to match Harris’ reputation of quality and service. The Sun, eloquently stated the significance of the Harris building in San Bernardino when it printed, "Towns do not have department stores. The Inland Empire has arrived."


Main Floor

Many thought the Harris brothers were taking a gamble to build a modern department store in a city of roughly 20,000 people. Three years later, the risk was realized when the Great Depression began closing banks across the country. Herman and his nephew, Leslie, devised a plan to save at least one of the banks that backed Harris’. Throughout the day, regular deposits were made for the Harris Company and employees were sent over to open new accounts. Herman stood atop a chair and announced his confidence in the bank, prompting other leading citizens to follow suit. According to R. D. McCook, co-founder of First National, Herman nipped the panic in the bud. Even though the years were lean, by saving electricity and cutting salaries, none of the Harris employees were laid off.

Tragically, Herman passed away in 1933 of a heart attack, and only six years later, Philip died as well. Both men were lauded in the papers for their community involvement and civic mindedness. Out of respect, each Harris store in San Bernardino and Redlands closed early on the day of the burials. The area’s citizens mourned the loss of these great men. Philip’s three sons, Leslie, Harold, and Melville had been raised in the business since childhood and were next in line to be at the helm. The second generation of Harris’ successfully continued management of the Harris Company and ushered in a period of significant growth.

One program initiated by this trio in the late 1940s was called, Men’s Night. One shopper recalled, "Only men were allowed in the store to shop for Christmas gifts for their wives, girlfriends, children and others. It was great fun, and the clerks, mostly older women, were a tremendous help."

 
Men’s Department

Another feature throughout the 1940s and ’50s, which became synonymous with Harris’ and the holiday season was their animated window displays on E Street. Many Inland Empire residents had an annual tradition of stopping by the Harris Company to see the Christmas windows. Additionally, for many years, the Harris Company had the only Santa in the region. Numerous children met their very first Santa Claus at Harris’ Toyland.

 
Harris’ Santa

Similar to the original founders, the second generation worked hard to ensure that San Bernardino had everything the big cities had. In 1947, the Harris Company was the first building to have a ‘motorstair,’ or escalator (as it is known today) in the Inland Empire. It created quite a stir since the closest alternative was an hour away in Los Angeles. For the next three days after its inauguration, parents knew exactly where to find their children when they shopped.

 
Harris ‘Motorstair’

 In the years ahead, the Harris Company underwent several expansions to their San Bernardino and Redlands stores. More importantly, they also extended the Harris’ chain, opening a new store as the main anchor of the Riverside Plaza on September 30, 1957.

 Sadly, during this era of growth and memories, three more Harris’ passed away. Arthur, the youngest of the founding brothers who knew many customers by name, died in 1951. Harold, Philip’s second son, passed away in 1965, and Leslie, Philip’s eldest, passed away in 1971. When Leslie died, the mayor said, "The death of Harris is a great loss to the community of San Bernardino…[his] achievements will go down in the history of this city as an inspiration not only to those who lived here in his time, but to those who follow…"

The suburbs had been growing steadily since the end of World War II, and with the spurt of highway construction across America, downtowns lost many historic structures. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, due to the Central City redevelopment program, major changes occurred at the San Bernardino store. The 1927 floors were taken out and retrofitted, the upper floor windows were in-filled, and lightweight concrete was used to build a fourth floor in order to relocate the executive offices formerly on the mezzanine level. The majority of the mezzanine level was removed, though Café Madrid, gift-wrapping and alteration facilities remained.

The Harris Company was slated to be one of the anchor stores of the new Central City Mall which would be completed in 1973. An addition was built to link the Harris Company to the mall. Harris’ redesign team used tiles and wrought iron from Portugal to create a beautiful stairway and landing. The ornate ceiling clock was moved from its original location to the new staircase to complete the space.

 


Harris’ Link to Mall

The third generation of Harris’, Harold Jr. (Hap), Don, son of Melville, William Engel, son-in-law of Harold, and Bennet Meyers, son-in-law of Leslie, faced a recession in the ’70s that had far reaching effects stretching into the Gulf War recession of the 1990s. Even though a parent company, El Corté Inglés, came on board in 1981, with expansions (growing the chain to nine stores) other factors came into play that resulted in the end of the Harris Company as we knew it. Aside from two recessions within a 20 year period, Bennet Meyers died in 1975, Bill Engel retired early after heart surgery in 1977, Don, who was prone to headaches, slipped into a coma in 1984 and passed away in 1988, and Melville, the last of the second generation, died shortly after. A final crushing blow to the local San Bernardino economy, came with the closing of Norton Air Force Base in 1994. Harris’ merged with Gottschalks in August 1998, and Harris’ flagship store in San Bernardino closed four months later on January 31, 1999. The remaining stores in the chain became Harris’ Gottschalks and El Corté Inglés retained ownership of the flagship building and the name the Harris Company.

Just 10 years later, as a result of our nation’s current recession — what our present day media is calling the Great Recession, — Gottschalks had to liquidate in March 2009. Going out of business sales for the chain ran for the next several months and ended in July 2009. Forever 21 moved into some of the Gottschalks locations, but the San Bernardino flagship store continues to remain vacant. The building now stands as a silent, and somewhat sad, sentinel to a more vibrant past when shopping was more than a mundane exercise of daily life. Shopping at Harris’ was an experience tied to the memories of people’s lives: Christmases, banana splits at the soda fountain, collecting S&H Green stamps, buying a wedding dress, or having tea at the Café Madrid. Not only were patrons better for having visited Harris’, but the city of San Bernardino was a better place because Harris’ created community.

* For a more detailed history on the Harris family and the Harris Company, please see The Harris Company (Arcadia Publishing) by Aimmee L. Rodriguez, Richard A. Hanks, and Robin S. Hanks

source URL: http://www.ci.san-bernardino.ca.us/about/history/the_harris_company.asp

Biblical Archaeology Companion: January 13, 2010: Excavation Adventures at Tell es-Safi (Biblical Gath)

16 Saturday Jan 2010

Posted by Lynden Rodriguez in Bible

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BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY REVIEW
The BAR Companion: January 13, 2010
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BAS DIG SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT REPORT
Excavation adventures at Tell es-Safi/Gath

Every year, BAS is proud to offer scholarships to volunteers who want to participate on an archaeological dig but would otherwise be unable to go. In celebration of our annual Dig issue, we’re featuring essays by some of those 2009 scholarship winners who have shared their adventures with us. This week, Caroline Tully reports on her experience excavating at Tell es-Safi/Gath under dig director Aren Maeir of Bar-Ilan University. Join Caroline on her archaeological adventure as she digs through the layers of time in the Philistine city that is believed to be the site of Biblical Gath. Read more. ____________________________________________________________
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BREAKING NEWS
Check out the latest news in Biblical archaeology and related topics–updated daily

This week in the news, Canada refuses Jordan’s request to seize the Dead Sea Scrolls, while reports from Syria reveal some exciting–and extensive–archeological discoveries. Meanwhile in Israel, what is believed to be the oldest-known Hebrew inscription is finally deciphered. In Egypt, analysis of ancient Egyptian cosmetics suggests that there may have been benefits to poisonous lead in eye makeup, and new research suggests that slaves may have not built the Giza pyramids after all. Read more. ____________________________________________________________
EVENT WATCH
To Live Forever: Art and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt

The Brooklyn Museum announces its latest upcoming exhibit, To Live Forever: Art and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt, to open on February 12 and expected to run through May 2. The exhibit, which will encompass over a hundred pieces from the museum’s collection, will explore the Egyptians’ beliefs about life, death and the afterlife; the process of mummification; the conduct of a funeral; and the different types of tombs-answering questions at the core of the public’s fascination with ancient Egypt. Read more. ____________________________________________________________
THE NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS IN THE HOLY LAND, VOL. 5
An essential reference tool for archaeologists, historians, Bible scholars and students

The most comprehensive description ever published of archaeological finds in the Holy Land in recent years, this new volume updates the 4-volume set of the encyclopedia, published in 1993. Contributors read like a Who’s Who of Biblical Archaeology–Amnon Ben-Tor on Hazor; Lawrence Stager on Ashkelon; Avraham Biran on Dan; Ephraim Stern on Dor; Ronny Reich, Eilat Mazar and others on Jerusalem; Ehud Netzer on Herodium and Masada; David Ussishkin and Israel Finkelstein on Megiddo; Trude Dothan and Seymour Gitin on Tel Miqne/Ekron. There are more than 160 archaeologist/authors in all. 600 pages. Over 1,000 b/w images. 32 color plates. Numerous maps. Hardcover. Read more. ____________________________________________________________
DIG OF THE WEEK
Tell es-Safi Gath: Gath of the Philistine Pentapolis

Perhaps no other Philistine city can be as closely associated with the earliest lore of the Israelite tribes as Tell es-Safi, believed to be Biblical Gath. The Bible describes Gath as one of the five cities of the Philistines and the home of the giant Goliath. Dig Director Aren Maeir of Bar-Ilan University is leading volunteers this coming summer to uncover more of the ancient city’s secrets, and invites BAR readers to be a part of the discovery! Read more.

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Submit a caption

Write a caption for this cartoon! The author of the best caption will receive a BAS T-shirt, a Dead Sea Scroll mug and three complimentary subscriptions to give BAR to friends. Runners-up will receive a BAS T-shirt and two complimentary subscriptions.The deadline for captions is February 15, 2010. Read more. ____________________________________________________________
INCOMPARABLE ISRAEL
Experience Israel in a way that transcends the usual tour

Visit one of the world’s most sacred and history-drenched lands on an adventure that only we can provide. Take an extraordinary journey through the Holy Land where three of the world’s largest religions converge in history. Experience the ancient world firsthand as you participate in an archaeological dig and see the sites and museums guided by top scholars and researchers. Your expert scholar-guide Amnon Wallenstein will bring ancient Israel to life before your eyes with his dynamic narrative and fantastic breadth of knowledge. Read more.

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Archaeology Encyclopedia
Dig of the Week
Cartoon Caption Contest
Incomparable Israel
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DesertUSA Newsletter: January 2010

16 Saturday Jan 2010

Posted by Lynden Rodriguez in Signs of the Season

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If your newsletter is not in a form you can use go to this link.
http://www.desertusa.com/newsletter/jan10.html

DesertUSA

NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2010

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FEATURED VIDEOS


2009 Wildflowers

Borrego Monsters

FEATURED ARTICLES
When will the wildflowers bloom in the desert? This is one of the most often asked questions. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most difficult to answer. Each year, the unique combination of sun, wind, water. temperature, elevation precise location sets the stage for the springtime blooms. Use the following information to make your own predictions for this spring’s showing. More…


Looking for Earp, Part I – When the Earp boys, Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan, cloaked in long black coats and accompanied by gambler “Doc” Holiday, made the famous walk to meet Ike Clanton and his gang in Tombstone, Ariz.; he walked into an exalted place in the history of the American West. He still captures our imaginations, 81 years after his death. More…


The Dama Gazelle, an icon of wild grace and swiftness – faces a precarious future in its arid range along the southern reaches of the Sahara Desert. If it plunges into the black hole of extinction, it will become a symbol of the environmental cost of climate change, human encroachment, military and civil conflict and, perhaps most of all, overhunting. More…


Shutterbug 101: Once upon a time – By now, I’m certain that you have collected many images from your digital and film cameras. Now what do you do with them? You could stuff the snapshots of family dinners and picnics away in old shoe boxes — thinking someday you will work on them, put them in albums, etc. But generally folks just leave those old negatives and prints in those shoe boxes. With digital, it’s also easy to have your photos stored away out of sight and mind — but now they are on CDs or DVDs. Maybe you will make a print or two to send to family and friends. How about creating lasting books of the photos that you like best? More…


The Mojave Road – Perhaps the best treasure in eastern California’s Mojave National Preserve is a pair of tracks that cross the middle of it. This famous trail is the Mojave Road, one of the early routes that brought American pioneers to California. This trail is unique in that for most of this 138 mile stretch it is in much the same condition as the pioneers would have found it, and a lot of the trail passes through country that is virtually unchanged since prehistoric times. The road bisects the Preserve, wandering from waterhole to waterhole, and is mostly a 4-wheel-drive trail. More…


January Dates in Tombstone History – January 17, 1882- Johnny Ringo challenged “Doc” Holliday to a duel on Allen Street. Deputy U.S. Marshal Wyatt Earp, “Doc” Holliday and Johnny Ringo were arrested. Earp and Holliday by Chief of Police Dave Neagle. Ringo by James Flynn. Holliday and Ringo fined $30 apiece. Earp released. More…


DesertRoadTrippin’ – Desert Road Trips In Review – 4WD Road Trips by DesertUSA – DesertUSA took some fun road trips in 2009. In case you missed any of our trips, we are listing our favorite 4WD routes in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Joshua Tree National Park.. More…


Trip of the Month – Tucson Gem Show, Arizona – Every February, mobs of rockhounders, gem dealers, paleontologists, Native Americans, geologists and just plain curious converge on Tucson, Arizona for the annual Gem & Mineral Show. The colossal Tucson Mineral Show is by far the largest gem and mineral show on earth. It is not a single show or held at a single location. The Tucson Show consists of dozens of major independent shows held at various locations throughout the city. More…


Elephant
Sand Verbena
Joel Hauser
Chalcedony

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The saguaro is 2 to 3 inches high and about 2 inches wide. Come with pot and dirt. Just add 1 tablespoon of water every month.

Description of Giant Saguaro
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Dinosaur Skeleton – Junior Archaeologist Dinosaur Kit
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Children now have the chance to dig up their own dinosaur skeletions! Using the wood chisel and brush provided in the kit, the soft clay like material is removed revealing a dinosaur skeleton. Great fun for the kids. 8 different skeletons to choose from: Tyrannosaurus, Deinonychus, Stegosaurus, Stegoceras, Spinosaurus, Triceratops, Seismosaurus, or Dromaeosaurus.
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Joshua Tree NP DVD This is THE tool you need to plan a trip to Joshua Tree National Park.


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Latest From Taiji

16 Saturday Jan 2010

Posted by Lynden Rodriguez in E-Mail Grab Bag

≈ Leave a comment

"The Cove" – Save Japan Dolphins Bulletin

Posted by David Phillips

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Help the cause:

I Read This

Ric’s most recent trip to Taiji, coupled with the latest reports that we have been able to verify indicate that the killing of marine mammals in the Cove unfortunately continues. There is more work to be done.

Although the killing of bottlenose dolphins – the primary target species – has dramatically decreased compared to previous seasons, they, along with other dolphin species, including many pilot whales and Risso’s dolphins, continue to be captured for aquariums and slaughtered for meat by the Taiji fishermen.

Since the showing of the documentary The Cove, which exposes the slaughter of dolphins in Taiji, Japan, many rumors have swirled around one question: Did The Cove stop the killing of dolphins in Taiji? Some media outlets have publicized statements that would lead the public to believe that dolphins are no longer being hunted there. Sadly, this is not the case. The policy of no killing of bottlenose dolphins has not lasted and was most likely a strategic short-term publicity stunt, aimed at reassuring the international media that bottlenose dolphins would no longer be killed. Bottlenose dolphins are being hunted and killed in Taiji again, along with many other species of dolphin.

It is important to remember that this is the world’s largest dolphin slaughter. Japan issues 23,000 permits annually to fishermen around its shores; in Taiji alone, 1,500 or more dolphins are slaughtered every year. It has been going on for more than 400 years, although the drive fishery has only gone on for the past 70 years or so, and of course the capturing of dolphins for aquariums and swim-with-dolphins programs is a modern, very lucrative addition.

It is not realistic to think that we, or anyone else, can shut it down before this year’s hunting season ends in March 2010. In order to once and for all stop the dolphin slaughter in Japan, The Cove must be viewed by the Japanese people. So far, it has not been. There are 126 million people in Japan. Less than 300 of them have seen the documentary so far. The work, therefore, is now about launching an effort within Japan to ensure that as many Japanese people as possible see The Cove.

The Save Japan Dolphins Coalition is leading that effort, and we are currently finishing up the Japanese translations for The Cove and making copies to distribute around the country, particularly to decision-makers in Tokyo. Additionally, our Coalition will be screening copies around the major cities shortly. We are getting e-mails from people in Japan eager to help us spread the word.

Your donations help our efforts. We want to thank you for all your support. Help us reach those 126 million people in Japan by donating today:

http://www.savejapandolphins.org/donate.php

Working together with our friends in Japan and from all around the world, we can stop the killing. We are already seeing stories in the Japanese media that would never have appeared without our Save Japan Dolphins Campaign. The Japan Times, for example, recently printed a story listing ten important human rights issues in Japan — the Japan dolphin slaughter was number 9! Go to:

http://search.japantime.co.jp/rss/fl20100105ad.html

We don’t know how long this campaign is going to take, but we are in it to win protection for all the dolphins and whales. You can count on that.

Save Japan Dolphins Coalition:
Earth Island Institute, Animal Welfare Institute, Elsa Nature Conservancy of Japan, In Defense of Animals, Campaign Whale of the UK, and OceanCare of Switzerland

 

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