Michelangelo at the British Museum

There is quite a lot going on at the British Museum in London these days. In particular, there is an extensive exhibition on the works of Michelangelo.

Perhaps most exciting about the exhibit, Michelangelo Drawings: Closer to the Master, is that the museum brings together in the exhibition material that has been not been displayed together since, probably, the items all left the studio, over 400 years ago.

Other special events include: Michelangelo: Money and Medals (with a complementary online tour), a full day discussion featuring the feminist author, Germaine Greer, art critic Brian Sewell, theologian Emma Disley and several others, Michelangelo: Points of View.

While the British Museum is always free, there is a cost for the special exhibition as well as special events. Tickets can be purchased in advance and online.

Have a look at these blogs for some discussion of Michelangelo: Renaissance Weblog, Art News Blog and for exciting news of a newly found lost painting by Michelango in a Chianti village, see, Live Journal. (More on the last one to come!)

Tom
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Pig Heaven: The Wonder of Cured Meat

Tuesday March 21 2006--A fine evening to gather for wine and cured meats. This evening I did just that, settling down to a comfortable discussion about all things salumi. I am not one to refuse a piece of cured meat. Pretty much no matter what sort of animal it comes from, I'll eat it.

The Commonwealth Club of San Francisco is known for its intriguing events, from talks given by the likes of Teddy Roosevelt and Martin Luther King to casual evenings led by members. On this particular evening, the topic was cured meat. After a sampling of treats from three local salumieri, we settled down to hear them wax poetic on curing.

John Piccetti of Columbus Salame, Paul Bertolli of Fra'mani Handcrafted Salumi (with his first batch of product) and Chris Cosentino of Incanto Restaurant were joined by Harold McGee, aauthor of one of my favorite books, On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen.

Bertolli is the author of Cooking by Hand a theme of his curing process.

The salumieri clearly love their craft and McGee adores discussing how things like salt, butter, yeast, bacteria (and whatever else might go into our food) work together to give us the scrumptious things we eat, and how they are good for us.

I learned a lot about the making of cured meats. Besides the devoted attention each of these men give to creating a tasty delight, the message I received was that eating, and in particular, eating cured meats, is good and can be good for you.

McGee noted that the combination of salt and time is essential to making the process of curing meats work. We might have a fear of salt--with some concern for high blood pressure, for example. Nevertheless, McGee explained, the salt helps to preserve the meat while at the same time it actual kills those microbes that could be harmful to us while allowing those that are not harmful to grow. The happy result is that we achieve a flavorful and healthy cured meat.

There was a lengthy discussion about nitrites. They have received a lot of negative attention in the last 20 years. But the conclusion was that while nitrites can be dangerous if used in excess, are of the wrong sort and so on, there is no clear conclusion that nitrites which develop naturally in the curing process are a contributing factor to cancer. Part of the problem may lie in the tendency to add nitrite in order to hasten the process. Ingredients such as celery or cinnamon contribute nitrite in the proper way so that the cured meat product is flavorful and healthy.

I didn't need much convincing though. I simply enjoyed the discussion, though a little more sampling of meat and wine after might have put the crowning touch on the whole affair!

Tom
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Sarcophagus with scenes of Iliad and Odyssey

Ancient Sarcophagus Unearthed in Cyprus - Yahoo! News

Another article with better pictures:
USATODAY.com - Ancient sarcophagus unearthed in Cyprus


An exciting find worth visiting Cyprus for!

Tom
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Da Vinci Code redux

It seems that Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code is getting plenty of attention. I discussed a bit about him in a previous post.

He has been sued, but we won't hear any verdict until April 13. The movie is not due to open until May 17, so says the Sony Pictures site.

In the meantime, there is all sorts of attention, from all sorts of angles.

Elizabeth Lev of Duquesne University's Rome campus calls the book a "museum of errors."

Dr. Lev is supported in her position by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Conference has put together a website entitled Jesus Decoded to showcase a response from the Roman Catholic Church. In conjunction with the website, the Catholic Communication Campaign has produced a television special, "Jesus Decoded" to bring this response to a wide audience. The program is distributed to NBC for airing the weekend of May 20. Air times and dates are available for all states.

The Catholic Church is not alone in its criticism of Brown's book. Christianity Today and the Baptist Church both have extensive pieces. The group that received the brunt of criticism in Brown's book, Opus Dei also responds. For an extensive look at the attacks on Brown's book, see the ReligionNewsBlog.

But don't think that only religious groups are challenging Brown's claims. Back in 2003, Mark Lawson of the UK's Guardian dismissed the book as "irritatingly gripping tosh" and groans about "something as preposterous and sloppy...as The Da Vinci Code (being) on its way to selling millions." Of course, Lawson does not attack the validity of any claims, religious or otherwise, of Brown's book, only his writing, concluding that, Brown's true success lies in his "crack(ing) the bestseller code."

For any number of opinions expressed in blogs, consider the following: Preacher Smith, Mary Hartz: The Excited Blog and The Da Vinci Code Movie Blog.

In all of this, we cannot overlook that the success of the book really lies in the fact that we are all talking about it whether we like it, hate it, despise it or cherish it. The fact is, Dan Brown got us talking. And now he is reaping the reward. Just think what the movie will do for him.

Tom
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RFID Passports and Protection

New requirements for US passports are being implemented. The US Government requires that the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) device be installed and by the end of October 2006 all new US passports should have the devices.

There is a great deal of discussion about the ethics and safety of using RFID and the potential for abuse by government or criminal entities. I have listed some suggested reading links (both sides of the issue) below.

Here I want to draw your attention to a wallet or passport portmanteau that can be used to protect your credit cards, passports or other items that already contain RFID devices. The wallet is a simple design, lined with material that prevents the transmission of radio frequencies.

An RFID signal is continuously available, making personal information available to any nearby reader device. The company that makes the protective wallets suggests such protections is valuable to prevent snooping criminals from obtaining your personal information unlawfully.

Check out the wallet at DIFR Wear. (I do not make any claims to the reliability of the product or the company. They are on backorder; when available, I might try one myself.)

Note that RFID is used regularly in industry and may make manufacture and transport more efficient. Inventory control at grocery stores is commonly cited as a good use of the device. Tracking lost bags at airports and across the world might be another good reason. For a discussion of the myriad uses, see Tag Production, Inform Customers How RFID is Used, RFID Gets under My Skin and SFO Prepares for RFID.

But the one question that burns in my mind though, is: "Are we prepared to be scanned like supermarket items?"

For the ongoing controversy over the use of RFID, read the following articles.

RFID Journal: On the benefits of RFID technology in industry, manufacturing and so forth.
Amherst Times: On the use of RFID technology in medicine and helping non-responsive patients
Computerworld: EU concerns about the use of RFID technology
Engadget: US issues first RFID passports
Engadget: Dutch passport with RFID cracked and decrypted (Watch the Dutch TV show--the cracking occurs at about 6:40; the explanation is that the numbers are sequential and connected to the expiration date)
CNet News: A Montana Supreme Court judge muses on the dangers of tracking information

One last note. If you feel that you really do need a prophylactic sort of wallet, you might take the advice of Dustin Kirk's homemade approach using the ever-present and now, seemingly, ever-necessary, duct tape.

For traveler information, including US Department of State Passport information, check out my Travel Links.

Tom
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House of the Flying Cupids open in Pompeii

After 10 years of work, the Archaeological Superintendent of Pompeii has reopened one of the best examples of art and architecture styles from the era of Nero.

The beautiful house that was belonged to Gnaeus (Cnaeus) Poppaeus featured gilded, flying cupids, hence its name.

The house demonstrates the changing styles of Pompeiian art and architecture and will delight visitors. In particular, the public spaces are fine examples of the so-called 'third-style'. Elsewhere, scenes of Greek, Roman and Egyptian mythology adorn walls, gardens and peristyles.

The statuary and other salvageable remains are viewable in the Naples Archaeological Museum.

The Italian news agency, ANSA, has a brief story. For details of the house itself, visit the Archaeological Superintendent of Pompeii page.

But be sure to make reservations for viewings. Visit the Arethusa page. The page is only available in Italian.

• Click on Scavi di Pompei
• Click on Prenotazioni
• Click the last entry for Casa degli Amorini dorati
• Indicate your desired visit date (at the bottom of the page)

You can also use the Arethusa for making reservations to other sites.

Tom

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St. Patrick's Feast Day

As you celebrate St. Patrick's Day and lift the Irish Gold (or green) in toast, here are some words of encouragement to bestow upon your comrades:

• May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, may good luck pursue you each morning and night.
• May the roof above us never fall in, and may we friends gathered below never fall out.
• A trout in the pot is better than a salmon in the sea.
• As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.
• May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.

For more Irish toasts and blessings, even a few curses, check out this Salute to Ireland!

Or you can learn a few Gaelic phrases, like saol fada chugat - a long life to you!

-Tom

Leprechaun Webcam: Lore and More

You always thought Leprechauns were a thing of the imagination, right?

Well, here, in this wonderful world of internet technology, you can watch for their appearance. A secret camera is installed in Tipperary, Ireland where leprechauns can be found in fairy circles. This webcam is strategically placed in a old, giant oak tree to catch all the action.

This must be the next best webcam to those located in the safari parks in Africa.

Watch the Leprechaun webcam.

If you spot something, be sure to log the fairy appearance!

Tom

Caesar's death--oh, the air we breathe!

Rome. March 15, 44BC.

2050 years ago today, Gaius Julius Caesar was stabbed to death. Thus came an end to suspected tyranny and attempts at total rule. Or so the Roman people thought.

This is not an entry about the death of Caesar and the beginning of the Roman Empire. Rather it is an entry about how the death of this one man still affects so much of what we do.

Even still, this is not about the institutions of Senators or checks and balances or any other host of inherited political devices from the Romans. Nor is it an entry to comment on the disturbing parallelism between the fall of the Roman Empire and our country's downturn.

No, this is a different sort of entry.

First, let's get one thing straight. Caesar was not killed in the forum. I know, some of you will rush of to cite any number of sources, probably including the much, much later version by Shakespeare.

But the fact is that the Senate house (curia) in the forum was being refurbished, having been almost completely destroyed by fire.

Instead, on that morning of March 15 (the ides), Caesar set off across the forum, up over the Capitoline hill and to the Senate's temporary meeting place at the Portico of Pompey. The portico was the 'porch' or colonnaded area of the theater that Pompey (yes, the very same Pompey who was against Caesar) had built.

None of the theater or the portico is visible today except a small part of the undercroft in the small restaurant, Ristorante Pancrazio on Piazza del Biscione. In the same area, we can see the curvature of buildings based on the underlying destroyed foundations.

Now there is one more little twist to this story. No, there is no more evidence of the perpetrators or any secret document discovered.

Instead, Robert Krulwich discusses in NPR's Morning Edition for March 15, that given so many molecules are exhaled by humans, we are still breathing some of Caesar's dying breath. The number exhaled is not exactly known, though some scientists claim it to be about 10 to the 23rd. Even with that number, no one really knows how many we inhale after someone else exhales. Do we have one molecule or Caesar's breath or three? Who knows?

But one thing is clear: Caesar is still relevant and still affects us today!

Oh, and one more thing. Those ides. They sound ominous even now, "Beware the ides of March." But what are they? Very briefly, it is simply the Roman designation for the 15th of March (or May, July and October; the ides was the 13th day of other months.) At the time, it was no more ominous than saying 'Hey, it's March 15.' (And no, it was not at all like saying, "Hey, it's Friday the 13th!")

Tom

Greek/Hip-Hop Dictionary--for use with Oedipus Gangsta

Earlier, I posted an article on a hip-hop version of Sophocles' Oedipus the King.

Now there is this Greek/Hip-Hop dictionary to help any of us find our way through the language of, I suppose, either version. The dictionary was compiled by Brett Johnson, formerly of Vibe, the Source and Time Out New York.

Tom

A Visit to Dublin Pubs

Are you visiting Dublin any time soon? No doubt you will want to take in a pub or two. The world famous Temple Bar on Temple Lane is a must. Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, Brendan Behan and many others imbibed in a good pour or two.

You have probably also considered looking at Zagat or Michelin for recommendations.

But let me suggest a different approach.

Eric Roth and Eileen McNamara made personal visits to the pubs throughout Dublin (and throughout Ireland) and have now publish their recommendations in The Parting Glass: A Toast to the Traditional Pubs of Ireland.

Their five favorite in Dublin are The Stag's Head (Dame Court), The Swan (Aungier Street), John Kehoe (Anne Street South), The Temple Bar (Temple Lane) and Toner's (Lower Baggot Street).

By this book for the best personal recommendations and then try a few yourself!

Tom

Irish Cooking

Perhaps too often, we assume that Irish cooking must be something like English cooking.

Well, let's put that notion to rest. Sure there are some similarities, but the Irish brand of cooking has its own delightful offerings.

One of the most exciting dishes is the Dublin Coddle. This concoction of bangers, lard, onions, garlic, bacon, cider and more may get our arteries to constricting, but the flavors are a veritable palatal delight. A great and easy recipe can be found on the Ireland Information website: Dublin Coddle recipe.

Of course, we cannot overlook the steak and kidney pie treat. But in this case, let's make it a steak, kidney and Guinness treat. There is a good recipe on the Guinness Collectors Club website: Steak and Kidney Pie with Guinness.

If you want some recipes at home, you might try two cookbooks available: Darina Allen's Irish Traditional Cooking and Irish Pub Cookbook by Margaret Johnson. Both give some great recipes well worth trying.




Tom

Rinnce Fada and The Hey--Irish dancing

Rinnce Fada a form of Irish dancing that has a rich history.

Rinnce Fada or 'long dance' is perhaps the most familiar form of Irish dancing, at least recently.

Dancers stand in long lines, sometimes facing each other. With their arms still at their sides, the dancers tap out various sounds with their feet. The dance can be quite strenuous.

The dance is sometimes called just fada or fading.

With the advent of Michael Flatley's Riverdance and Lord of the Dance we are becoming acquainted again with this traditional dance form. Flatley has been instrumental in reviving interest in Irish dancing and just this last weekend opened a festival in Manchester, England to carry that enthusiasm to thousands. Read the article in the Irish Post.

Another intriguing Irish dance is the Hey. Whereas the fada is danced in straight lines, the hey is dance in a circle or other figure. The same energetic foot movements are used, as well as the colorful outfits.

Tom

Hiding from the Romans in Israel

March 13, 2006. The Israel Antiquities Authority announced that a series of tunnels have been uncovered in the Kfar Kana area north of Nazareth.

The tunnels were apparently used to avoid the Roman armies in 66AD. Read the press release here: Tunnel Discovery.

By 66AD, the Roman occupancy of the territory was a tremendous strain on the people. Much resistance ensued. Gessius Florus, the Procurator of Judea, attempted to squash the revolt but was defeated while attempting to destroy Jerusalem.

The emperor Nero ordered the general, Vespasian (later to become emperor) to put down the revolt. Vespasian was fairly successful but left the final destruction of Jerusalem to his son Titus.

Titus (also later emperor) destroyed the temple in 70AD and carried a great wealth back in triumph. A remembrance of his victory triumph can bee seen in the arch of Titus that marks the entrance to the Roman forum, approaching from the Colosseum.

Tom

Rembrandt turns 400!

Bloomberg.com. Amsterdam Celebrates Rembrandt Birthday, Aims to Lure Tourists

In honor of Rembrandt's 400th birthday there is a lot going on in Amsterdam.

Visit the Rijksmuseum site for the celebrations: Rembrandt 400.

Those traveling through Amsterdam's airport, Schiphol, can get in on the celebration too. The museum is having a special exhibit at the airport covering the work of Rembrandt's students, including Gerard Dou, Carel Fabritius and Govert Flinck. The airport exhibit is from 2 March through 30 May.

What a great way to pass the layover time!

At the Rijksmuseum, an interesting exhibit on works that were once believed to be by Rembrandt is going on from 9 March through 24 May. The same exhibit will then be on display at Schiphol from 1 June through 5 September. The exhibit explains how art professionals determine the authenticity of paintings. This is well worth a visit.

And an interesting combined exhibit is also underway at the Van Gogh museum. Rembrandt and Caravaggio are displayed together in this exciting display of the masters. This exhibit runs from 24 Februrary through 18 June. Visit the exhibit's website here: Rembrandt-Caravaggio.

Tom

"Gospel of Judas"

Christian Science Monitor: A gospel's rocky path from Egypt's desert to print

This by itself was an interesting find: a manuscript that seems to be another telling of the gospel stories, this time from the point of view of Judas Iscariot.

But there is far more intrigue surrounding this gospel than perhaps even Steven Spielberg could create.

The document was revealed in 1983 in Geneva. But the 'owner' wanted $3,000,000 for it. After 23 years it seemed that National Geographic was ready to publish a translation.

But not so fast.

There is now an international legal debate over ownership and rights of sale.

We are back to square one. Without the proper publication of the document and access by scholars, we cannot even begin to address its authorship.

Tom

Pushing the date of sea travel

Archaeology Team Discovers Oldest Remains of Seafaring Ships in the World

The discovery of 4000 year old ships capable of sailing the high seas with cargo and people opens up a world of possibilities for civilizations such as the ancient Egyptians.

We already knew that the Egyptians were capable of building some great ships, but this discovery confirms that they were even better than we might have believed (or imagined).

The ships found on the coast of the Red Sea were bound for Punt, an ancient city that is the subject of controversy and scholarly debate.

That Queen Hatshepsut sent a fleet to Punt is documented, but the location of the city is uncertain. Some believe it to be at the horn of Africa.

This opens up considerable possibilities for the sea-faring activities of ancient Egypt and other ancient peoples.

Tom.

Oedipus Gangsta

Hip-Hop Oedipus the King

Review on Vibe.com

Who would have thought? A time-treasured mythological and theatrical icon of Oedipus makes the rank of hip-hop 'gangsta'?
Of course, it should come as no surprise, and it is always interesting to see how creatively and innovatively an ancient myth can be used and applied to our world.

But a gangsta?

I guess it makes some sense. A guy who accidental kills his father, unknowingly marries his mother and brings a plague back upon the city does seem to fit the bill for such an interpretation.

It sounds very exciting.

If Greek myths are finding their way into contemporary culture, I guess I'm 'cool wit dat'.

Tom.

Lost Civilization of Sumbawa

Scientists Claim to Find Lost Civilization

Scholars have learned quite a bit about cities such as Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy by digging deep into the aftermath of Vesuvius. They have learned some things about the people of Troy and Alexandria.

But a discovery of a different civilization is exciting everyone around the world.

April 10, 1815 is a relatively recent event, making this find particularly interesting because we have recent accounts of the people and civilization before Sumbawa Island was destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Tambora.

We can also begin to understand how the people in the path of Mt. Vesuvius must have suffered even though they were not as close as Pompeii.

The results of the eruption of Mt. Tambora were felt around the world, causing significant atmospheric changes.

Tom.