AGFUND

http://www.agfund.org/
AGFUND is a non-profit regional development institution, established in 1980 by the initiative of HRM Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

I was going to download the Annual Report to see what has been happening but the latest one on the site was for 2004, which is a bit historic for me.

There are a number of ongoing projects including the Bank of Poor. Talal Bin Abdul Aziz is quoted as saying: "The bank's hankering for the rich only will always marginalize the role of the modest and the poor in the development and progress of their countries".

Another ongoing project is the Kindergarten Project which aims to create “a rich experience that enabled it to monitor the different aspects of this important stage in child's life and to identify the shortcomings involved in fulfilling the needs of the Arab child.”

What I learned that was special:
• AGFUND International Prize is an annual prize honouring the pioneering development projects in the developing countries. The Prize consists of a financial reward of US$ 300, 000 in addition to trophies and certificates of recognition.

UNESCO

http://portal.unesco.org

The UNESCO International Year of Astronomy was launched in 14 and 15 January 2009. The Year coincides with the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first observations with an astronomical telescope. If you missed the International Human Rights Day was celebrated on 10 December 2008, marking the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 2011 we have the International Year of Chemistry to look forward to.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded on 16 November 1945. There are 193 Member States and six Associate Members.

What I learned that was special:
• Singapore was the latest member state to join UNESCO, in October 2007.

World Marketplace

http://siteresources.worldbank.org
Pygmies are using modern technology to save sacred trees, thanks to prize money from the World Bank's Development Marketplace. By using handheld global positioning systems (GPS), Mbendjele Pygmies in the Republic of Congo are guiding a logging company away from cutting trees that hold special value for forest communities, thereby reducing age-old tensions between forest-dependent people and the logging industry.

I also learnt about sniffer rats training to be the new weapon in the battle against the quickly rising number of tuberculosis (TB) patients that go undiagnosed each year in Africa. Nineteen Africal pouched rats have been trained to sniff a series of holes, under which human sputum samples are lined up for evaluation and then pinpoint the samples which contain TB bacteria.

What I learned that was special:
• The Chinese giant freshwater mussel, Anodonta woodiana, can filter up to 40 liters of water per day and as the water clears up, native water plants begin growing.

Off to the Institution

http://www.si.edu/
Back inside after my holidays outdoors. The Smithsonian Institution boasts it is the world's largest museum complex and research organization composed of 19 museums, 9 research centers, and the National Zoo.

I start with the National Museum of Natural History and visit the mammal department. There are 590,000 preserved specimens which is too many to absorb so I decided to look at the special features in the museum instead.

Romantic jellyfish sounded exciting. Normally jellyfish indulge mass spawning, which allows jellyfish to "mate" without the lovers even needing to meet. Carybdea sivickisi has a more intimate courtship routine. Cheryl Ames turned down the lights, put on some romantic music and watched (with a flashlight) the jellies pair up and perform a wedding dance.

In the National Postal Museum I learned about mail robberies. In his annual report to Congress in 1921, the Postmaster General noted that there had been "a sudden & unusual increase in crimes committed in the 'hold-up' of railway mail trains, mail messengers, etc." That past year had seen at least three dozen mail robberies, resulting in a theft of over $6.3 million.

Railway Post Office clerks were required to carry small .38-caliber pistols. The guns came in handy on occasion. When the Salt Lake City mail train was stopped en-route, the clerks on duty fired a hail of bullets and drove off the prospective thieves.

What I learned that was special:
• The Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs greet with what looks like a kiss. They're not really kissing, but gently touching their front teeth together.

Exploring America

http://www.recreation.gov/

My holiday continues.

I checked out Lodging under Plan Your Trip. Lodging accommodations located on or near America's public land recreation areas vary from rustic cabins and yurts to bed and breakfast inns and 5-star hotels. I am a 5 star person but yurts sounded interesting. That is, until I read what the Limber Flag Yurt had to offer. The less than 20 foot diameter was okay but the limited amenities were not encouraging.

There is no indoor plumbing/running water and no power at this site. The amenities provided include a heavy-duty propane camp stove for cooking, a wood burning stove for heat, an outdoor vault toilet, a folding table, and folding chairs. Where do you shower?

I think some civilisation is called for and opted for a tour of the Washington Monument instead. The monument is shaped like an Egyptian obelisk, 555 feet and 5 and 1/8 inches high. I can reserve a half hour tour for $1.50 but if there are high winds the tour is off and I lose my reservation fee.

What I learned that was special:
• When hunting wear proper hunting gear, such as: orange vests and caps so that you are not mistaken for wildlife by another hunter.

Deep in the forest

http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/
I am now a guest in the home of tiny shrews, flying squirrels, moose and brown bears.

I can stay in a rustic cabin complete with all the mod cons including warming stoves and plywood bunks, tables and benches for $25 to $50 per night.

Recreational activities abound in this forest. I can hike through dense forest, alpine meadow, or on a wooden trail through peat bogs called muskegs. I can explore world-class caves (how are caves measured I wonder?). I can enjoy salt water fjords and unending waterways by canoe or kayak, my own motor or sail boat (if I had one and knew how to operate one), charter boat, ferry, or cruise ship. I can fish - fresh or salt water, everything from herring to trout to salmon to halibut. This is presuming I know how to fish, one of those life experiences that has passed me by.

What I learned that was special:
• Trophy certificates will be issued by the ADF&G for all trophy fish caught in the state and registered at local Department offices or through most sporting goods stores. Minimum weights for a trophy rainbow trout is 15lb.

On Safari

http://www.amsafari.com/alaska.html
I am off the wilds of Alaska to see grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bald eagles and wolves.

The Captain’s Blog gave an entertaining and informative viewpoint of what to expect day by day on the cruise. Interspersed with the wildlife that was spotted eg harbor seals, a preening puffin, bubble netting humpback whales, and a bald eagle, there were tempting descriptions of the food on offer: Wild King Salmon, freshly caught halibut and chips lunch (complete with Chef Angie's special tartar sauce), clam appetizers, mini sandwiches and pastries.

The American Safari Cruise yachts sound very comfortable, if not luxurious. There is one crew member per two guests, en suites, some with Jacuzzis, underwater camera connected to large flat screen and equipment for the energetic such as mountain bikes, kayaks, water-skis and mustang suits, whatever they are.

What I learned that was special:
• In Glacier Bay you can see 15,000 - foot mountains rising straight out of the ocean; come face-to-face with massive glaciers, their blue faces rising some 200 feet above the sea; and experience the thunderous roar of ice as it "calves" into the water.

Tempting Holidays

http://www.frommers.com/
As it is the start of a new year and a holiday sounds tempting I started with Frommer’s Top Destinations for 2009. I am not sure about Columbia despite the assurances that crime is low but I am tempted by a new museum opening in Washington, the National Museum of Crime and Punishment. I was surprised to see that I have been to one of the suggested top destinations: Waiheke Island, New Zealand. I cannot attest to the “food for the sophisticated palate” but I did enjoy a delicious chocolate ice cream on a hot afternoon.

Another interesting article listed the top eight international airports for shopping. I have been to five of the eight but have not been tempted to do a lot of shopping at the airport, other than for essentials such as water and newspapers or to get rid of coins belonging to a currency I had no further need of. I suppose if you are visiting the airport while on transit it makes sense to while away the time shopping but I can’t see the point when the best shops are found in the cities not the airports.

What I learned that was special:
• The best time to visit Washington is on the weekend when the lobbyists and business travellers have cleared out of town and bargain hotel rooms are up for grabs.

Gard, Olav, Torbjørn & Svein's trip to Machu Picchu

http://gardkarlsen.com/peru.htm
The first restaurant meal the travellers tried featured alpaca steaks, beef hearts and Gard’s choice: fried guinea pig or Cuy, an Andean specialty. It was described with darker meat than chicken but no clue as to the taste, other than it was an experience.

A cute story of the journey back from seeing Machu Picchu. As the bus left the mountain a young boy ran down the stairs and timing it perfectly he would wave and yell “hellllloooo” each time the bus past him. At the foot of the mountain he staggered onto the bus, shouted "Gooodbyyyye" and then he walked around collecting money for his performance.

What I learned that was special:
• Huayna Picchu, the mountain top next to Machu Picchu, has a restriction on the number of people that can go up there each day, so you need to be up early before the quota was filled.

Cigar Afficiendo

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/Home/
The descriptions of cigars which I had always regarded as simply brown and smelly were amazing.
• Full bodied and loaded with flavours
• It goes on for minutes on the palate
• has amazing finesse and spice
• wedge-shaped cigar with a great draw and even burn
• a refined and refreshing character.

I find it hard to believe that Sir Winston Churchill had a specially designed oxygen mask with a hold in it that enabled him to puff his cigar at an altitude of 15,000 feet but that is what his biographer Gilbert has written.

What I learned that was special:
• No matter if you're travelling for business or pleasure, the best way to transport your smokes is in a travel humidor.

A company that distributes...something

http://www.rndc-usa.com/default.asp
I was a worried about what I was letting myself in for. There was a warning that this website was for people over 21 years and I had to enter my date of birth. I was not sure what the company was distributing but I hoped it was legal.

It turned out that the Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) distributes wine and spirits – I can breathe easy.

I would have liked to check out the RNDC Academy but needed a login and password.
There was a page devoted to the philanthropy efforts of the company with an impressive selection of recipients ranging from New Orleans Museum of Art, the Woodward Academy, Birthright Israel, Crime Stoppers, through to the Children's Hospital of Seattle and the Young Leadership Council.

The Career opportunities database listed about 150 vacancies. I scrolled down the list looking for the least skilled job and thought a Casual Helper might suit me. There was a long list of essential criteria, not least of which was in the mathematical area: ability to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's using units volume, and distance. I decided the job was not for me when I read at the end of the job description that I could be exposed to high, precarious places. I hate heights!

What I learned that was special:
• The Republic National Distributing Company employs over 6,000 people.

Festival Time

http://www.texasbookfestival.org/

The Texas Book Festival will be held between 31 October and 1 November 2009 in the State Capitol Building but the site when I visited is concerned with the 2008 festival. Laura Bush is the honorary chairman, explaining how this site was linked with the White House.

One of the featured authors is Ted Vanderbuilt who wrote a book inspired by the New Jersey Turnpike. The book supposedly answers the important questions such as: Why does the other lane always seem faster? Why is the world full of bad drivers?

I found the schedule interesting. Imagine attending a festival held in the House Chamber or the Senate Chamber! For the overflow there was the Music Tent, the Lifestyle Tent, the Cooking Tent and the Children’s Chapter Read Me a Story Tent.

There are strict rules about booksigning. You can bring in books you haven’t purchased at the Festival, but there is a maximum of three of these outsiders allowed. Dealers with rolling carts and/or wagons are not allowed in the Booksigning Tent or on the Festival grounds. I am not sure what a rolling cart or a wagon is. When I think of a wagon, a little red wagon that a child pulls along comes to mind.

You cannot book your seat and each venue is on a first come, first seated basis. As the rooms are cleared between sessions avoiding the queues and the rush for a good seat seems impossible.

What I learned that was special:
• ZZ Packer has been a high-school teacher and barmaid (though not at the same time).

The White House

http://www.whitehouse.gov

I have just made it before Mr and Mrs Bush turn out the lights.

I am nor sure if the Christmas decorations are still up but I read Mrs Bush's descriptions. The red, white and blue Christmas theme represents a patriotic Christmas. I think there is something for everyone in the Christmas decorations in the White House, including low energy LED lights on the Christmas trees, decorations from every state, including a jackalope from Texas and the Uncle Sam nutcrackers.

In the Proclamations section I found that the president had proclaimed December 17 as Wright Brothers Day. The people of the United States are invited to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, but I could not see any mention of a public holiday so it seems that paper airplanes flying around the office may be the order of the day.

Another proclamation that caught my eye was National Farm-City Week to be held 21 to 27 November 2008 and perhaps other years? It was explained that “farming, America's first industry, helps feed and clothe our citizens and increasingly provides more of our energy”. The energy part confused me. Do they mean energy for people from food or energy for industry?

What I learned that was special:
• 90 volunteers put up the decorations in the White house and there are 27 (or perhaps 29, Mrs Bush was not sure) Christmas trees in the White House.

Stop 10: USA Jobs - United States Office of Personnel Management

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/

My career in the U.S. government starts here – or so I am told.

I found the interview tips helpful. Remember, you know more about yourself than the interviewer does. The interview is your turn to show all that is great about you. Remember, resumes don't hire, people do. Remember, wear business clothes because first impressions are important.

The glossary of federal terms contained some quaint terms. Life insurance is not just disability, ill health and death but it includes the all important accidental dismemberment insurance. I must remember to call it the rare bird position when someone is given a position when they haven’t earned it competitively through merit.

There is a photo of a man standing behind a woman, both looking at a computer, with the man’s arm draped protectively over the woman. It is next to the Career Interest Center, but there is no caption, until you go to the picture properties and read: ‘Husband assisting spouse with Career Exploration’. Sounds a little sexist to me.

There is a featured job that I presume changes regularly. On my visit I was invited to become a Management and Program Analyst with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). How could I resist? As the ad says, “the men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are dedicated to keeping America safe. CBP counts on them. Our Nation counts on them. Can we count on you?”

What I learned that was special:
• There are four sections of the U.S Armed Forces: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

University of Arkansas at Pine Buff Aquaculture and Fisheries

http://www.uaex.edu/aqfi/extension/
Still in Arkansas, but away from the food industry, I visited the University of Arkansas. At least, I intended to move on from agriculture but got caught up with the Aquaculture/Fisheries Center.

I now know that fish get sick and die for a number of reasons such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, environmental and man-made toxins, and poor water quality. The Diagnostic lab at the university can tell you why a fish died but there is an art to collecting the right fish to take there. Freshly-dead fish are not preferred as they are very inferior to live sick fish. However if the freshly dead fish has clear eyes and red gills they could be okay, for analysis that is. I would not suggest eating.

Catching a sample selection of fish from a lake is haphazard.

Catching with a line is useless as only healthy fish will feed. There was a cute drawing showing the odds of catching (using a number of fishing lines) four sick fish swimming with about forty healthy fish was zero in ten.

What I learned that was special:
• From a technical standpoint, freshwater shrimp can be raised in Arkansas, but it is not clear if doing so will make any money.

Encyclopedia of Arkansas

http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/

Time to skip across the state line from Texas to Arkansas to see what that state has to offer.

The photograph on the home page of the Clinton family made me check to see if I had strayed into the White House by mistake but it would make sense that the Clintons would remain the first family of Arkansas even though Bill has moved on and Hilary did not make it.

I found a very helpful question in the middle of the home page: ‘Don’t know where to start? Check out the Arkansas Overview’.

The apple industry caught my eye. Apples have been residing in Arkansas for seventy-five years and it seems they are the dominant agricultural crop. Not sure how long it took the apple to become top of the state.

I would not be honest if I said I preferred apples over ice cream and fortunately Arkansas has the food groups well balanced. Four generations of the Yarnell Ice Cream Company have been making ice cream since 1932 and before that there was the Grisham Ice Cream Company famous for its Angel Food Ice Cream. Angel Food Ice Cream had a different texture to homemade ice cream, similar (in the differences) to the different texture of bought biscuits (cookies) and homemade biscuits today. Ten gallons (which does not sound like a lot) of ice cream could be frozen in ammonia ice cream freezer at the Grisham plant without using ice and salt, the usual method at the time. They even had the foresight to start delivering ice cream in refrigerated trucks in 1929, which could actually hold 125 gallons of ice cream, kept cold by the old fashioned ice and salt method.

What I learned that was special:
• The state beverage of Arkansas is milk and the state bird is the mockingbird.

More Museums

http://texarkanamuseums.org/

The title of this website is Texarkana Museums System. There are three museums: Museum of Regional History and Wilbur Smith Research Library, Discovery Place, Children’s Museum, and the Ace of Clubs House. I guess there is a system to linking them together.

I stepped inside the Regional History Museum first but it was a tease. I was promised the fascinating story of the city in two states and Scott Joplin, a native son but the details were not forthcoming on this website. It seems they prefer physical visits to 219 N. State Line Avenue, Texarkana, TX 75501.

The Ace of Clubs House was much more interesting. Local legend says that money to build the Ace of Clubs House came from the winnings of a poker game won with the draw of the ace of clubs. Not the sort of story you hear everyday so I believe it.
The floor plan was based on the ace of clubs which translated means one rectangular and three octagonal rooms arranged around a central octagon. It was built in 1885 by a confederate vet James H. Draughon and there have been a few additions over the years, most notably a bathroom in the early 1900’s.

I poked my head in the doorway of the Children’s Museum but the sound from the two children and one adult playing the Sound Wall was rather deafening so I quickly left.

What I learned that was special:
• One of the premier collections in the Ace of Clubs House is that of Miss Olivia's shoes, which were purchased primarily at Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas , Texas .

World's Smallest Museum

The lime green and red website is confronting but it goes with the museum.
http://www.worldssmallestmuseum.com
Arizona claims to have the world’s smallest museum. The west side of the roof is made out of 1800 aluminium beer cans. It seems drinking is encouraged to build up a supply of building materials should the east, north and south sides of the roof start leaking.

A highlight of the museum’s exhibitions is the collection of US Presidential campaign buttons of every Democratic & Republican nominee since World War II. The museum proudly claims these are authentic buttons. Perhaps there is a market for fakes.

To me the real highlight would be meeting the museum’s famous visitor who regularly drops in – Ricky Raven. A treat is meeting his wife Rickette and the little one, Ricky Jr. I wonder if they had a baby naming competition that is popular in zoos?

I stopped by at the shop and was tempted to buy a Highway 60 mug celebrating the 80th anniversary of America’s first coast to coast highway. It was only $5.99. I wonder if that is because they are now out of date? The anniversary was in 2006.

A quick stop to get directions

My journey took me to a museum portal. http://www.museum.com/jb/start It was a bit like standing in the doorway of a candy shop, so many treats to choose from.

I thought the Top 100 Page may narrow down the choices somewhat. Should I visit the Castle of Eckartsau in Austria or Reynard the Fox Museum, in Linden, Germany? The Museum of British Road Transport in Coventry, United Kingdom or the Military Medical Museum in St Petersburg, Russia?

I decided to think small.

What I learned that was special:
• Most museums appear to be located in German speaking countries.

4th Stop: The Australian War Memorial

http://www.awm.gov.au

I started with a virtual tour of the Aircraft Hall. There was a 360 deg spin around the hall that seemed to go fine all by itself but then I took over the controls. I was fine stopping but had no idea about steering (explains why I don’t drive a car) and I was spinning out of control and in danger of getting air sick before I bailed out.

I thought it may be safer looking at the history of the War Memorial. It was the idea of Charles Bean, who thought Australians might appreciate a place where they could grieve their relatives and friends who were killed and buried overseas and also a place to help people understand war.

The war casualty statistics were sobering. 61,508 died in the First World War and in all the wars from Sudan in 1885 to the present day there have been 102,807 deaths, all recorded on the roll of honour. War is still going on and the last three deaths were recorded in Afghanistan.

I loved the description of the memorial: Sharply etched grandeur and dignity, in its stylised Byzantine profile contrast with a distinctively Australian setting among lawns and eucalypts, at the head of a wide ceremonial avenue, ANZAC Parade. Kangaroos, occasionally straying from nearby bushy hills, add to the physical effect.

I think if you are taking a photo of the War Memorial it may be difficult to recruit some kangaroos into the frame, at least during visiting hours.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies in the Hall of Memory, with its interior wall and high dome clad in a six-million-piece mosaic. Six million pieces? That is some jigsaw!

What I learned that was special:
• The Victoria Cross has been awarded to 96 Australians since 1900

Making Money on Day Three

My third stop promises to be more interesting than the last: the Royal Australian Mint.

I have missed the 2009 Kangaroos at Sunset ballot! There are only 1,000 of these $25 gold coins being made and I am too late. I confess I thought it was free at first and then realised I would be entering a ballot for the privilege of buying a $25 coin for $395 (with free postage and handling).

The Mint opened in 1965 and has produced over eleven billion circulating coins and has the capacity to produce over two million coins per day, or over six hundred million coins per year. Interesting to remember if we are in a recession/depression. Wheelbarrow manufacturers take note.

The Mint also manufactures medals, medallions and seals – from the Order of Australia medal to the Conrad Jupiter's Casino tokens.

There is a worn and damaged coin policy. Basically if you have a necklace made of ten $2coins with a big hole in the middle of each one you can’t send it to the Mint to convert into 10 shiny new $2 coins without the holes. You could try giving it to an authorised deposit taking institution and see if they have any luck getting scrap value for the coins. The Mutilated Coin Claim Form is only one page long.
Anyone can submit a design for a commemorative coin. There are certain things that cannot be depicted on a circulating commemorative coin including non-royals, themes connected with a religious organisation, political group or commercial enterprise as they are likely to cause public divisiveness and periodic events or festivals that are not of national significance. I guess that cuts my birthday out.

If you visit the mint you can make a coin, watch a video or just have a bbq.

What I learned that was special:
• Coins have an obverse and reverse design. The queen’s effigy is on the obverse side.

Economic Modelling

My journey is on its way and I have moved from the humble brick (which comes in 800 colours) to The Treasury, Australian Government: Australia's Low Pollution Future: The Economics of Climate Change Mitigation. With a title like that it sounds like they need an acronym – TAGALPFTECCM. On second thoughts the acronym looks longer than the original title.

http://www.treasury.gov.au/lowpollutionfuture/

The Treasury department has been doing some modelling (not the clay sort) about reducing emissions in the medium and long term. Early reductions will be less expensive than later ones. Perhaps they should just say a stitch in time saves nine.

What I learned that was special:
• The Treasurer and the Minister for the Environment admit this is one of the most complex economic modelling projects undertaken in Australia.

A new year - a new adventure

My task for 2009 is to explore the web, starting at a basic point and then following the links and seeing where I land.

I have always been fascinated with the fact that you can easily get 'lost' surfing the net, arriving at sites you had no intention of visiting and then feeling reluctant to find your way back to the starting site. Now I will just go with the tide and allow myself to be washed up on whatever site takes my fancy. The only requirement is that there must be a genuine link from one website to the next. The only time I would use a search engine would be the starting point.

Every journey has to start somewhere and I decided mine needed a substantial foundation. I went to Google and typed in brick and after rejecting the first couple that were film and song related, the next one being Wikipedia, I then had the choice of a number of Australian commercial brick sites. I am from Australia and thought that I had gone to the Australian Google site by mistake, but no, I had typed in www.google.com and then chose Search the web, but still managed to find Australian sites. Deciding that either Australia is the top producing brick company in the world or Google is Big Brother and knows I am Australian, I chose the site with the most interesting name:
http://www.thinkbrick.com.au/

I could earn a certificate in cleaning brocks! That sound like a worthy addition on my cv.

Why Brick? Seemed like the right question at this point in time so off I clicked. After passing over sustainability, thermal comfort, design, durability, the Three Little Pigs looked like they knew the answer, especially the one wearing the glasses. But I was tricked. There was no answer a click away but I could register for a free book. I had to tell them who I was and although it might be fun to pretend to be an architect, a town planner or a builder the only profession that I could relate to was a consumer. As well as choosing to receive the Three Little Pigs Book, I could request regular emails, Think Brick’s annual Facing Design magazine and updates on designing for climate locations. I ticked everything. The Three Little Pigs Book is coming by snail mail so I went back to the site to learn some more about bricks.

I find it hard to walk past a library without stepping inside and the Think Brick Reference Library had its link wide open. Did you know you can get Brick & Mortar Estimator Charts? That sounded pretty basic but I think you need a degree in brick laying to understand it. The number of bricks per square metre equals 46 per leaf – what sort of leaf could hold 46 bricks? Assuming the bricks were laid on flat, of course, as suggested.

Back to the library catalogue. The Story of Brick sounded more up my field. Australia’s first brick building, Government House was opened in 1789, thanks to the foresight of the person who remembered to pack 5,000 bricks and brick molds in the ships of the First Fleet. Just as well they did not get charged for luggage being overweight.

Every library needs a dictionary:
Bagging – a rough method of finishing brickwork (and I thought it was teasing someone).
Dwarf wall – any low wall. Also used for the wall that supports the floor joists. Aka sleeper wall.
Soldier – a brick laid on its end so that it’s greatest dimension is vertical (I went back to A to see if there was a definition for an army but no such luck).

What I learned that was special:
• There are more than 800 different brick colours, from the lightest of whites and creams to the darkest blues and purples.