Out of all the news coming out of Egypt as its people attempt to gain the freedoms they deserve, the one I have found most touching regards the museum of antiquities in Cairo. Apparently, a human chain of protectors formed around the building, as the ministry next door went up in flames, to keep would-be looters out. This selfless act, to protect artifacts important to the history of our world, touches my heart. I found the following article that relays the story well: Egyptians rush to save Tut's riches.
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1/31
Unfortunately, some antiquities, including mummies were crushed by looters. Nothing is "irreparable." But, for those of us who love the past, seeing the pictures of trampled wrappings and bones that have held together for 5000 years, only to be destroyed by infidels in our time, is beyond tragic.
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2/5
Unwrapping the mystery of the headless mummies (MSNBC, by Rossella Lorenzi, 2/4/2011)
The above linked article states that a total of 70 antiquities were damaged by potential looters in Egypt last week. But out of the tragedy, a new mystery is emerging that is catching the world's history lovers by storm: What is the identity of the headless mummies shown strewn across the floor in the hours following Cairo's museum's infiltration? "Despite close examinations of the released pictures, extensive archival research and opinion exchange on social networks, no expert has been able to identify them." I love puzzles, and this may prove to be a whooper.
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3/13
Egypt's Archaeological Sites Stand Unguarded (Discovery News, by Rossella Lorenzi, 3/9/2011)
Heartbreaking. It is the only word I can come up with after reading the above linked article. Here is an excerpt:
"In the past few weeks, looters have removed inscribed blocks from tombs at Saqqara, Giza and Abusir, and even tried to cut into pieces a colossal red granite statue of the 19th Dynasty king Ramesses II at the southern quarry of Aswan. One of the biggest losses is the tomb of the royal scribe Ken Amun in Tell el-Maskhuta, near Ismailia. Dating to the 19th Dynasty B.C (1315-1201 B.C.), the burial is the first ever Ramesside-period tomb uncovered in Lower Egypt.Discovered last year, the burial featured beautifully decorated walls which are now a lost memory. Sadly, the site has been completely destroyed."
I know it sounds selfish, but I will never get a chance to see some of these artifacts now. They will probably end up in private collections miles and miles from Egypt. Truly heartbreaking.
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5/6
Every day, there is news of more artifacts being recovered. Thieves trying to sell statues on the street are being nabbed and incarcerated, while their loot is returned to the museum. I only hope these criminals are made to pay for their crimes. Stealing your countries own heritage should be judged as treasonous, in my opinion.
Me
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Football
NFL's dirty little secret: Player's suffer (CNN, by Jeff Pearlman, 1/25/2011)
In the above linked opinion piece by Jeff Pearlman, the author argues that the terrible, long term injuries players sustain is the NFL's skeleton in the closet. I disagree. I have known about the injuries sustained on the field, and the long term health consequences of playing the game since my childhood in the 1980's. I remember reading a story in the kid's version of Newsweek or Time about this issue in 8th grade, and staging a debate. I feel the same now, as I did then.
I believe players need to use some of the millions they make to save for their health needs. Many, in fact most, Americans perform some form of manual labor that affords them only a pittance of the salaries NFL players receive. I see it like this: the NFL players work for a short number of years compared to regular folks, and make ten to twenty times what most working families make in a lifetime, in a single year. What are we paying them so much for, if not to see them physically challenge their bodies to the limits, sometimes, resulting in injuries?
Is it sad that some NFL legends suffer terribly in their later years as a result of the working conditions they chose to endure? Sure. But they knew the risks going into the game. Football is a rough sport, and we have been debating player safety for way longer then Mr. Pearlman, and other player advocates wish to admit.
Does this all mean the NFL is completely off the hook? No, I don't think so. I think a portion of players salaries should be set aside for retirement health care needs as a pre-requisite to any contract signings. Make the players face the facts of their own mortality, and then there can be no arguments later about who told whom what about the risks. In addition, the NFL should adopt every measure possible to ensure player's safety, while maintaining the integrity of the game.
My favorite player of all time, Reggie White, suffered a heart attack and died just a few years after he retired. Though heart issues ran in his family, and he owned, and frequented a greasy burger joint in downtown Green Bay, I am sure his years on the field, sacking the enemy quarterbacks, could only have sped up his inevitable demise. But, if you asked the Reverend up in heaven if he would have chosen not to in the NFL, given the consequences, he would have said heck no!
With all that said, go Packers!
In the above linked opinion piece by Jeff Pearlman, the author argues that the terrible, long term injuries players sustain is the NFL's skeleton in the closet. I disagree. I have known about the injuries sustained on the field, and the long term health consequences of playing the game since my childhood in the 1980's. I remember reading a story in the kid's version of Newsweek or Time about this issue in 8th grade, and staging a debate. I feel the same now, as I did then.
I believe players need to use some of the millions they make to save for their health needs. Many, in fact most, Americans perform some form of manual labor that affords them only a pittance of the salaries NFL players receive. I see it like this: the NFL players work for a short number of years compared to regular folks, and make ten to twenty times what most working families make in a lifetime, in a single year. What are we paying them so much for, if not to see them physically challenge their bodies to the limits, sometimes, resulting in injuries?
Is it sad that some NFL legends suffer terribly in their later years as a result of the working conditions they chose to endure? Sure. But they knew the risks going into the game. Football is a rough sport, and we have been debating player safety for way longer then Mr. Pearlman, and other player advocates wish to admit.
Does this all mean the NFL is completely off the hook? No, I don't think so. I think a portion of players salaries should be set aside for retirement health care needs as a pre-requisite to any contract signings. Make the players face the facts of their own mortality, and then there can be no arguments later about who told whom what about the risks. In addition, the NFL should adopt every measure possible to ensure player's safety, while maintaining the integrity of the game.
My favorite player of all time, Reggie White, suffered a heart attack and died just a few years after he retired. Though heart issues ran in his family, and he owned, and frequented a greasy burger joint in downtown Green Bay, I am sure his years on the field, sacking the enemy quarterbacks, could only have sped up his inevitable demise. But, if you asked the Reverend up in heaven if he would have chosen not to in the NFL, given the consequences, he would have said heck no!
With all that said, go Packers!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Recycled Homes
Texan builds artful, green homes out of trash (by Angela Morris)
I love re-using and recycling. Anytime I can save a twist-tie from a bread bag, or re-use a bag to clean the litter-box, I am happy. But my recycling creativity stops there. When I saw a picture on Yahoo's picture section of a fairytale home created entirely out of recycled materials, I was intrigued. I followed one of the links on the bottom, and found the above linked story and pictures.
Though I am not a beer-drinker, I can respect the "Beer House" couple's passion for the beverage, and willingness to be different. "The home doesn't look exactly like a beer can, but the exterior keeps the red, white and blue coloring and the symbolism -- stars and Hops blossoms -- you'll find on the Budweiser label."
The Hansel and Gretel house is much more my style. I also think the builder's focus on renewable energy and high-efficiency appliances is awesome. "[E]ach house is highly energy efficient with ample insulation, an on-demand solar hot water heater and a catchment system that recycles rainwater to flush the toilet and wash clothes."
The amount of waste diverted from landfills since this program began is incredible:
"Large, wholesale companies avoid costly disposal fees by sending Phillips 18-wheeler trucks loaded with lumber, tile and granite. Local residents also donate old fixtures like doors and bathtubs after remodeling their homes. Phillips helped the city of Huntsville start a program called Trash Into Plowshares in 2003 after being overwhelmed with donations. The materials are stored in a city warehouse and distributed for free to low-income residents and nonprofits to make building improvements."
I encourage you to click the link above, view the photos, and then read the story. Even if an entirely recycled home is a little too out there for your personal style, maybe you will get the itch to be creative next time you remodel your bathroom or kitchen. I know I was! I can't wait to talk to my husband about this: "a bathroom with its walls, floor and ceiling entirely paved in mirror shards."
I love re-using and recycling. Anytime I can save a twist-tie from a bread bag, or re-use a bag to clean the litter-box, I am happy. But my recycling creativity stops there. When I saw a picture on Yahoo's picture section of a fairytale home created entirely out of recycled materials, I was intrigued. I followed one of the links on the bottom, and found the above linked story and pictures.
Though I am not a beer-drinker, I can respect the "Beer House" couple's passion for the beverage, and willingness to be different. "The home doesn't look exactly like a beer can, but the exterior keeps the red, white and blue coloring and the symbolism -- stars and Hops blossoms -- you'll find on the Budweiser label."
The Hansel and Gretel house is much more my style. I also think the builder's focus on renewable energy and high-efficiency appliances is awesome. "[E]ach house is highly energy efficient with ample insulation, an on-demand solar hot water heater and a catchment system that recycles rainwater to flush the toilet and wash clothes."
The amount of waste diverted from landfills since this program began is incredible:
"Large, wholesale companies avoid costly disposal fees by sending Phillips 18-wheeler trucks loaded with lumber, tile and granite. Local residents also donate old fixtures like doors and bathtubs after remodeling their homes. Phillips helped the city of Huntsville start a program called Trash Into Plowshares in 2003 after being overwhelmed with donations. The materials are stored in a city warehouse and distributed for free to low-income residents and nonprofits to make building improvements."
I encourage you to click the link above, view the photos, and then read the story. Even if an entirely recycled home is a little too out there for your personal style, maybe you will get the itch to be creative next time you remodel your bathroom or kitchen. I know I was! I can't wait to talk to my husband about this: "a bathroom with its walls, floor and ceiling entirely paved in mirror shards."
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Weird Creatures with Nick Baker
Yesterday afternoon, I was tired of watching my usual, depressing news channel, so switched it up a bit. I found a show on the guide channel called "Weird Creatures," and decided to check it out. I was expecting your typical nature show, complete with copulation shots, and Mr. Monotonous narrating. Instead, I watched three episodes in a row of the most realistic natural scavenger hunt that I have ever encountered. Though I doubt my new knowledge about the marsupial mole or mole worm will come in handy anytime soon, I feel much smarter after watching. It also helps that the host, Nick Baker, is very easy on the eyes. In fact, in one episode they had him airing out in a kilt, and I was tempted to find the shot and make it my screen saver. Though Weird Creatures isn't the ultimate television show I have ever watched, it is the best animal-based educational program. I therefore give it a 9.5 out of 10, and encourage all of my readers to check it out!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
If I had a Million Dollars
In honor of the HUGE jackpot that was won last night in the megamillions lottery (over $350 million), I thought I would start a post sharing and discussing ideas regarding how to spend that kind of money. If I won, I told my husband that I would hire a shopping helper, grab my kitties, and head out on a never-ending shopping spree. I don't like flying, so would probably hire a chauffeur for short trips, and buy my own high-speed, one-car train for longer ones.
I would spend my down-time between stores spending my money by finding worthy recipients, and changing lives a couple thousand bucks at a time. Paying off folks student loans who are changing the world, or finishing the mortgage payments for a fallen soldier's family are just two examples of what I would consider worthy causes.
Of course, I would take care of my family as well. My brother would be my well-paid financial adviser, for example. My parents could also take a chunk of money and go to Africa to start a school or something. They are much more adventurous than I am, and love Africa and its people.
That is all that I can think of for the moment, but I will keep thinking about other ways to spend my fake mega-millions, and update this post with ideas.
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3/1/2011
Bubble Tree in the woods (Shine, by YahooGreen, 2/25/2011)
I found something amazing this morning! They are called "Bubble Trees" but I would call them "Bubble Igloos" after looking at the above linked photo journal of them. Starting in the thousands of dollars, these transparent tents are perfect for the reluctant camper, like me. Sure, I want to see the sights. But I'll take a pass on the mosquitoes! And the cushy beds pictured look much more back-pleasing then the average sleeping bag. If I ever have a million dollars, I will buy a Bubble Tree and go camping with my husband...for our first time!
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4/12
Creepy Abandoned Mansions (By Morgan Brennan and Michelle Cerone, Forbes.com, 4/8/2011)
If I win the lottery, I will purchase one of the Ohio mansions pictured in the article linked above, or a similar example that is long-abandoned, but still beautiful. I will drink margaritas as I direct renovators in the grandest of renovation projects. The overgrown lawns will become luscious gardens, the crumbling columns ivory pillars. I will install elevators so that my bum knees won't have to deal with the stairs, and indoor-outdoor swimming pools for exercise. The 1930's "Mudhouse Mansion" is especially appealing, because my love of antiques and bargain hunting for oddities from the last century could finally be put to good use! Dreaming of being rich is so fun!
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5/10
If I had several million dollars, I would buy this house. Or shall I say fortress. The first photo is deceiving. That is only how it would look when I am shut up inside with my husband and kitties awaiting the apocalypse. It opens up quite nicely. Drawbridge and all.
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6/25
The ring featured in this article is amazing. Not only is it gorgeous, but it survived in the ocean since the 17th century! Emeralds are notoriously soft, so the fact that if didn't crack attests to its quality. If I ever win the lottery, I would love to adorn my finger with this treasure.
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9/29/2011
After seeing Naomi Campbell's eye shaped abode featured in this Yahoo News article, I can't help but be jealous. If I was married to a billionaire, I would have him build me a self-sustaining dream home on a remote island somewhere too, I guess.
My home would be a giant peace sign, though. With different gardens in each open area, and a marvelous chef-run kitchen at the meeting place of the lines. And I am not much of a beach person. I would prefer my own private mountain range.
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I would spend my down-time between stores spending my money by finding worthy recipients, and changing lives a couple thousand bucks at a time. Paying off folks student loans who are changing the world, or finishing the mortgage payments for a fallen soldier's family are just two examples of what I would consider worthy causes.
Of course, I would take care of my family as well. My brother would be my well-paid financial adviser, for example. My parents could also take a chunk of money and go to Africa to start a school or something. They are much more adventurous than I am, and love Africa and its people.
That is all that I can think of for the moment, but I will keep thinking about other ways to spend my fake mega-millions, and update this post with ideas.
___
3/1/2011
Bubble Tree in the woods (Shine, by YahooGreen, 2/25/2011)
I found something amazing this morning! They are called "Bubble Trees" but I would call them "Bubble Igloos" after looking at the above linked photo journal of them. Starting in the thousands of dollars, these transparent tents are perfect for the reluctant camper, like me. Sure, I want to see the sights. But I'll take a pass on the mosquitoes! And the cushy beds pictured look much more back-pleasing then the average sleeping bag. If I ever have a million dollars, I will buy a Bubble Tree and go camping with my husband...for our first time!
___
4/12
Creepy Abandoned Mansions (By Morgan Brennan and Michelle Cerone, Forbes.com, 4/8/2011)
If I win the lottery, I will purchase one of the Ohio mansions pictured in the article linked above, or a similar example that is long-abandoned, but still beautiful. I will drink margaritas as I direct renovators in the grandest of renovation projects. The overgrown lawns will become luscious gardens, the crumbling columns ivory pillars. I will install elevators so that my bum knees won't have to deal with the stairs, and indoor-outdoor swimming pools for exercise. The 1930's "Mudhouse Mansion" is especially appealing, because my love of antiques and bargain hunting for oddities from the last century could finally be put to good use! Dreaming of being rich is so fun!
___
5/10
If I had several million dollars, I would buy this house. Or shall I say fortress. The first photo is deceiving. That is only how it would look when I am shut up inside with my husband and kitties awaiting the apocalypse. It opens up quite nicely. Drawbridge and all.
___
6/25
The ring featured in this article is amazing. Not only is it gorgeous, but it survived in the ocean since the 17th century! Emeralds are notoriously soft, so the fact that if didn't crack attests to its quality. If I ever win the lottery, I would love to adorn my finger with this treasure.
___
9/29/2011
After seeing Naomi Campbell's eye shaped abode featured in this Yahoo News article, I can't help but be jealous. If I was married to a billionaire, I would have him build me a self-sustaining dream home on a remote island somewhere too, I guess.
My home would be a giant peace sign, though. With different gardens in each open area, and a marvelous chef-run kitchen at the meeting place of the lines. And I am not much of a beach person. I would prefer my own private mountain range.
___
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