The Lycurgus Cup, a 4th-century Roman glass cage cup, stands as a unique testament to the craftsmanship of its time. Crafted from a rare dichroic glass, the cup reveals a remarkable color transformation, shifting from red when illuminated from behind to green when lit from the front.
Notably, the Lycurgus Cup is the sole surviving complete Roman glass object of its kind, distinguished by its intricate cage-cup design featuring a composition with mythological figures. Depicting the tale of King Lycurgus, who sought to harm a follower of Dionysus, the cup captures a moment of transformation and divine intervention.
The dichroic effect is achieved through the inclusion of nanoparticles of gold and silver in colloidal form within the glass. The exact process remains unclear, likely discovered inadvertently through the presence of minutely ground gold and silver dust. The Lycurgus Cup's dichroic quality sets it apart from the few other surviving fragments of Roman dichroic glass.
Corning Glass Works successfully reproduced the Lycurgus effect in a material with similar composition, furthering our understanding of this ancient glassmaking technique. Recent advancements include the replication of the dichroic effect in a 3D printable nanocomposite material by researchers from The Netherlands, utilizing silver and gold nanoparticles.
Believed to originate from Alexandria or Rome around 290–325 AD, the cup measures 16.5 cm × 13.2 cm. Its superb condition suggests a history of preservation, potentially within a church treasury or recovered from a sarcophagus. The present gilt-bronze rim and foot, added circa 1800, enhance the cup's visual appeal.
The cup's early history remains shrouded in mystery, with its first known mention in 1845. Acquired by the Rothschild family, it found its way to the British Museum in 1958. The Lycurgus Cup, now a part of the museum's Department of Prehistory and Europe, has been displayed in various exhibitions worldwide, showcasing its captivating color-changing properties.
The intricate scenes on the cup depict King Lycurgus, bound by a vine, surrounded by mythological figures like Ambrosia and Dionysus. The interpretation of this scene varies, with suggestions linking it to historical events or associating it with the ripening of red grapes, aligning with Bacchic celebrations.
The Lycurgus Cup's significance extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. It provides a glimpse into the esoteric religious practices of its time, reflecting a deeper and more complex understanding than contemporary Christianity. Whether used for feasts or Bacchic rituals, the cup's lack of a foot hints at its communal use, possibly passed around during medieval cultures.
The Lycurgus Cup remains a captivating artifact, a masterpiece of ancient glasswork, and a subject of ongoing scientific exploration. Its ability to bridge the past and present, coupled with advancements in nanocomposite replication, ensures its enduring legacy in both historical and scientific contexts.
In today's era of disposability and constant upgrades, finding a cherished relic from the past is a rarity. For Robert McGee, that cherished possession is a blocky, black radio manufactured in 1941, the same year his father turned 12. Robert stumbled upon this unexpected gem when he salvaged it from a landfill at the tender age of 13 back in 1978.
The person who tossed it away likely deemed it irreparable, but Robert's father, an electronics repairman, saw its potential. With some expertise and a straightforward tube replacement, the radio roared back to life. It took its place on a shelf above his father's workbench, serenading them with country tunes about lonesome truckers. The radio became a symbol of their bond.
After his father's passing in 1994, Robert carried the radio across thousands of miles, from the Appalachian farm of his upbringing to Los Angeles and back home. In California, he tuned in to horse races and famous radio personalities like Paul Harvey and Casey Kasem. The radio evolved from an object into a conduit to his father and a wellspring of solace.
Now resting on a shelf above Robert's workspace, the radio sees sporadic use due to its age and scarcity of repair parts. But every year, on the anniversary of his father's death, Robert switches it on to check if it still hums to life. Each time, he senses his father's presence, reminiscing about the day they salvaged the radio and the unique bond they shared.
Robert's father embodied practical skills and authenticity. He could fix anything, from a broken-down Fiat to any challenge Robert faced. Memories of his father's fearlessness and resistance to societal norms are precious to Robert.
The radio stands as a time capsule, transporting Robert to those cherished moments with his father. As he tunes into its AM spectrum, he recalls the day they found the radio and his father's gentle acceptance. The radio becomes a vessel for their shared experiences, a reminder that their bond transcends time and space.
This year, as Robert listens to the radio again, he marvels at its endurance and the connection it sustains. Amidst the booming voice of an evangelist preaching the same message, he finds solace in the radio's unwavering signal. With each listen, Robert and his father draw closer, drowning out the static of the modern world.
In a world where possessions come and go, the radio's tale reminds us of the potency of sentimentality and the enduring connection between a father and his son.
In the bustling world of modern journalism, Andrew Callaghan has carved a unique niche for himself. His journey began on Bourbon Street, working as a doorman while conducting interviews with inebriated tourists for a series called "Quarter Confessions." The success of these clips on Instagram catapulted Callaghan into the limelight, leading to the creation of the web series "All Gas No Brakes." Together with his friends, he embarked on a cross-country adventure to explore the eccentric corners of American society, from furries to diehard QAnon believers.
Callaghan's interview style, characterized by a deadpan and droll demeanor, conceals a deep dedication to his craft. This dedication became evident when he, along with his partners, launched the YouTube show "Channel 5," where he seamlessly transitioned from interviewing a gangster rapper to seeking shelter in war-torn Ukraine.
The culmination of his journey is the HBO documentary "This Place Rules," a comprehensive exploration of an America seemingly devouring itself. To delve into the intricacies of his work, Callaghan engaged in a conversation with one of his heroes, British journalist Louis Theroux.
A Conversation with Louis Theroux
The dialogue between Callaghan and Theroux began with an exchange of pleasantries, transcending into a discussion about their respective approaches to journalism. Callaghan described his style as "radically empathetic, unbiased, civilian journalism." He started in a comedic manner, interviewing drunk tourists on Bourbon Street. Over time, his work oscillated between comedy and serious reporting, depending on the subject matter.
Theroux, a seasoned journalist with a conventional background, shared insights into his own journey. He emphasized the importance of understanding the subjects and finding a connection, even in unconventional and challenging environments.
From Instagram to HBO: Callaghan's Unique Path
Callaghan narrated his unconventional path to success, starting with making short Instagram clips to capture the millennial attention span. He highlighted the challenges of navigating the media landscape, recounting his experiences at the UFO Mega Conference and the unexpected turn of events that led to an HBO documentary deal.
The conversation delved into the making of "This Place Rules," with Callaghan explaining the intentional shock value in the opening scenes featuring rival prank influencers from Florida. The aim was to engage a disengaged American audience with a mix of the bizarre and the serious, reflecting the diverse facets of the country.
Balancing Empathy and Objectivity
As the conversation progressed, the two journalists explored the delicate balance between empathy and objectivity, particularly when dealing with individuals holding controversial views. Callaghan shared his strategy of allowing such individuals to express themselves, often leading them to reveal more about their beliefs. He emphasized the importance of not turning a blind eye to problematic ideologies and exposing public figures responsibly
Social Media's Impact and Deplatforming Dilemma
The discussion turned toward the role of social media in shaping public discourse. Callaghan expressed concern about the algorithm-driven echo chamber effect, where individuals are trapped in a cycle of outrage tailored to their preferences. The dilemma of deplatforming emerged, with both journalists acknowledging its complexities. They discussed the potential unintended consequences, such as pushing individuals toward more extreme platforms.
Seeking Optimism Amidst Chaos
In closing, Callaghan shared his approach to finding optimism and fulfillment in his daily life through personal connections and experiences. Theroux acknowledged the challenges but highlighted the importance of identifying problems without necessarily providing solutions.
The interview concluded with mutual appreciation, as Callaghan thanked Theroux for being a significant influence on his journalistic journey. Theroux, in turn, commended Callaghan for his unique approach and dedication to seeking the truth.
In a world inundated with information, Andrew Callaghan continues to stand out, unraveling the quirks of American society one interview at a time.
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In the relentless march of time, memories can warp, and history often gets encapsulated into mere ideas. The '80s, an era of vibrant music, unique fashion, and shifting political landscapes, is now etched in our minds as a caricature of a distant time. The Face, a London-based style monthly, recently unearthed, reveals the enchanting dichotomy of the 1984 we remember and the one captured in its pages.
Within the folds of The Face's May 1984 issue, an article titled "Electro: the beat that won’t be beaten" takes center stage, chronicling the dominance of the Roland drum machine and the imported sounds from New York clubs. Yet, what surprises contemporary readers are the subtle omissions of significant historical events. The British miners' strike and the escalating unemployment crisis that gripped the nation find only the faintest mentions. AIDS, a looming epidemic that would soon reshape societies worldwide, is conspicuously absent.
As we delve into these magazine pages, it becomes a journey into a simultaneously familiar and alien 1984. A time capsule that freezes moments in history, not always aligning with our recollections. Much like Elizabeth Hardwick's analogy of old jazz records being "priceless flotsam," these magazines are the artifacts of collective desire, offering a glimpse into the cultural pulse of bygone years.
For many, magazines, both old and new, are repositories of dreams and information. Growing up in 1980s Dublin, the author relied on British magazines to weave a tapestry of interests, from music and fashion to art and literature. However, the romance with the magazine page extends beyond nostalgia; it's a thrill that pulsates through the act of researching offline in libraries, archives, or even the depths of a dusty eBay find.
Old magazines become affordable time machines, enabling readers to embark on archaeological journeys into collective desires. Take a print issue, preferably over 20 years old, and read it cover to cover. Rather than a deep dive, it offers a lateral slice through a culture, providing insights into classes and milieus of the past.
In a quest to understand great sentences, the author stumbled upon Joan Didion's photo captions from the 1960s, offering glimpses of midcentury American magazines' aesthetic sophistication. Beyond the renowned names and iconic images lie subtleties that challenge our perceptions. A copy of Vogue from August 1965 unveils a slightly skewed version of the '60s, with fashion focused on pliable knits and a fascination with "Op" rather than "Pop" art.
Magazines from the past provoke smirks at outdated fashions and assumptions, but they also evoke a sense of nostalgia for the textures and habits of speech. The past, as captured in these pages, is never a mere cliché; it's a complex tapestry that defies simplistic narratives. So, whether reading cover to cover or succumbing to distraction amidst bristling layouts, the magic of old magazines lies in their ability to unlock hidden corners of history and transport readers to bygone eras.
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The debate surrounding the fate of AM radio has intensified as Congress proposes a mandate to include AM radio receivers in every new vehicle. While some politicians argue that this move is crucial for public safety and emergency alerts, trade groups representing the automotive and technology industries disagree, stating that the plan is ill-conceived and obstructive to progress.
AM radio, a broadcasting veteran that has outlived various entertainment options like vinyl, cassettes, and CDs, now faces the challenge of keeping up with modern trends. As new vehicle models, especially electric cars, hit the roads, streaming audio is becoming the preferred choice, leaving AM radio trailing behind.
Congress members, unhappy with the phase-out of AM radio in certain vehicles, have proposed the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act." The bill seeks to mandate the inclusion of AM radio receivers as standard equipment in all new cars, with no additional cost to the buyer. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) are among the co-sponsors of the legislation, stressing the importance of AM radio as a crucial channel for emergency alerts and disseminating information.
While the Federal Communications Commission and the radio broadcasting industry back the proposed law, the actual implementing industries are less enthusiastic. In a letter addressed to the bill's co-sponsors, organizations like the Zero Emission Transportation Association, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the Consumer Technology Association, and TechNet point out the flaws in the plan.
The legislation emphasizes the use of AM radio for emergency alerts, but critics argue that in the digital age, there are more effective and accessible ways to broadcast such alerts, like Wireless Emergency Alerts on cellphones. According to the trade groups, 97 percent of Americans already own cellphones, which are designed to receive such alerts and can even do so when cellular networks are down. Additionally, cellphone alerts can include embedded hyperlinks, providing recipients with instant access to vital information.
As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen whether Congress will succeed in pushing this legislation forward. While some champion the preservation of AM radio for its historical significance and local sports broadcasts, others believe it's time to embrace modern technology for more effective emergency communication.
Picture this: a young physicist faces a life-changing decision between two job offers, each holding their own allure and uncertainties. In the end, he chooses the university job, but a nagging "what if" haunts him for years. Ever wonder how life could have unfolded if you took that other path? It seems we all have a penchant for pondering the roads not taken.
As if plucked from the pages of a sci-fi novel, the concept of "possible worlds" has fascinated philosophers for centuries. But it wasn't until quantum physics entered the scene that these alternate realities became more than just intriguing thought experiments. Enter the "many-worlds" interpretation, where every possible outcome exists in its own universe.
In this multiverse, there's a version of you with different hair, a different job, or perhaps no existence at all. It's like a cosmic game of chance where every possible combination comes to life. Remember Schrödinger's cat? In this bizarre thought experiment, a cat is both alive and dead until someone looks inside the box to find out. In the multiverse, it's as if every outcome is true simultaneously until it's measured or observed.
But what does this mean for our understanding of reality? Some believe these parallel worlds are real and connected, while others see them as useful theoretical tools. To physicists like Alvin Plantinga, it's more of a philosophical playground than an actuality.
Regardless of their reality, possible worlds captivate our imagination. They've inspired countless novels, movies, and TV shows, from space operas to superhero adventures. In these tales, characters navigate alternative realities, and we ponder how our decisions shape us.
We even find parallels in our own lives. Dreams, after all, are our minds' multiverses, where loved ones act out of character or strange landscapes unfold before us. The human mind seems wired to explore multiple futures from the present.
As we embrace these diverse narratives, we must also learn to navigate their consequences. Longing for other lives can lead to unhappiness, as we question our choices. But perhaps there's a lesson in embracing the one path we've chosen. Every life, with its joys and sorrows, holds its unique meaning, just like suffering in Nietzsche's perspective.
In the end, we're all storytellers, modifying details to create different worlds. It's an essential aspect of human nature, shaping our understanding of the world. And with an abundance of information and perspectives in our data-driven age, we should remain open to the myriad possibilities life offers.
So, next time you find yourself contemplating that "what if," remember the wise words of Nora Seed in Matt Haig's novel: "Those lives are happening, it is true, but you are happening as well."
It's been a wild ride for the past four decades with the rugged archeologist, Dr. Henry Jones, better known as Indiana Jones. With his iconic fedora and leather jacket, he has entertained and thrilled us through countless adventures, chasing precious relics that, in his gruff voice, "belong in a museum." But now, as "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" hits theaters on June 30th, we brace ourselves for the bittersweet truth that this will be Harrison Ford's final outing as our beloved Indy.
Let's set aside the debates over whether the new film will be as good as the original or if it merely trades in nostalgia. Instead, let's celebrate the quirky legacy of Indy and the amusing titles inspired by his character, like "The Indiana Jones of Anesthesiology" and "The Indiana Jones of Spanish Baroque Music." The Internet never fails to surprise!
However, as we bid adieu to our adventurous uncle, it's time to ponder his impact on the world of archaeology. While some experts thank Indy for bringing popular interest to their field, others protest that his fiction leaves an inaccurate impression. The character's roots lie in real-life explorers like Hiram Bingham, the "real-life Indiana Jones" who had his own struggles with Peruvian scholars over the tombs and "lost cities" of the Incas. Indy's escapades may be outré, but they are not divorced from reality.
As we explore the depths of history, Indy becomes a mirror reflecting the darker side of archaeological practices, including harassment, exploitation, and colonial attitudes. The more we learn about the past, the less escapist Indy becomes. He now symbolizes a reckoning with the skeletons in anthropology's closet.
But despite this critical examination, it feels disloyal not to express why many of us adore Indy. The heart of the franchise lies in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," which humanizes him through his complicated relationship with his father. The emotional connection and reconciliation between the two Jones men touched audiences and gave the series its soul.
For many of us, our love for Indy goes beyond the movies. He represents cherished memories with our parents and an outlet for big feelings through toys and play. Even after growing up and recognizing the franchise's flaws, Indy remains a nostalgic anchor.
As we pass on the legacy of Indiana Jones to the next generation, we remember the joy of adventure and the importance of exploring the world's secrets with loved ones. So, while we say goodbye to Harrison Ford's iconic portrayal, we carry Indy's spirit within us—braving the challenges of life's adventure, just like our beloved archeologist.
The Giving USA report, released recently, revealed that charitable giving in the United States experienced a decline in 2022, marking only the fourth time in four decades that donations did not increase year over year. The total giving dropped by 3.4% to $499.3 billion in current dollars, amounting to a 10.5% decrease when adjusted for inflation. This decline comes at a time when many nonprofits, especially those serving the needy, report an increase in requests for assistance.
Despite the drop in donations, the results are seen as relatively positive considering the challenging economic climate of late 2022. Josh Birkholz, chairman of the Giving USA Foundation, expressed his mixed feelings about the figures, highlighting the resilience of Americans who still gave nearly half a trillion dollars despite a 20 to 25% decline in the stock market and an 8% inflation rate.
The drop in giving follows two record-setting years for charitable donations, driven by the urgent needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Una Osili, the lead researcher of the Giving USA report and associate dean at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, pointed out that giving has grown, but there is a concerning trend of fewer people participating. At the beginning of the 21st century, around two-thirds of Americans gave, but that number has now dropped to under 50% for the first time.
This decline in giving has had significant impacts on charities across the country, such as Community Help in Park Slope (CHiPS) in Brooklyn, New York. CHiPS, which operates a soup kitchen, food pantry, and provides support to single mothers and their infants, has faced challenges due to rising inflation and decreased donations. As the cost of living increases, people have less to donate, which puts greater strain on the charity and the individuals it serves.
The situation is further complicated by the presence of asylum seekers near the charity's location, increasing the number of people in need of assistance. While the decline in giving has presented hardships, CHiPS continues to work tirelessly to provide meals and support to those who depend on their services.
Large-scale nonprofits, like the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, are also grappling with the effects of inflation. While some areas saw a slight increase in donations in 2022, others experienced a decline. The foundation, which grants wishes to children fighting critical illnesses, has had to deal with soaring travel costs, impacting 75% of the wishes they fulfill. They have turned to creative solutions, such as encouraging supporters to donate airline miles and hotel points to help manage expenses.
The Giving USA report indicates that individual donors contributed 64% of donations in 2022, followed by foundations at 21%, bequests at 9%, and corporations at 6%. Engaging new donors has become a priority for many nonprofits, especially as the trend of "dollars up, donors down" continues. To sustain their operations and fulfill their missions, charities are reaching out to potential donors, both individual and corporate, to make a positive impact on their communities.
While charitable giving faced a downturn in 2022, the underlying spirit of generosity remains strong in the US. Nonprofits continue to make a difference despite challenges, and the efforts to engage new donors offer hope for a brighter future for those in need.
Are you tired of forcing down those bitter, peppery mustard greens while trying to be healthy? Well, worry no more! North Carolina's Pairwise, a gene-editing startup, is rolling out a new version of these leafy greens that promises to be less bitter and more delicious than ever before. Say goodbye to those contorted faces at the dinner table!
Mustard greens have always been a nutrient-packed powerhouse, but their intense flavor has deterred many from eating them raw. Usually, people resort to cooking them to make them palatable. But Pairwise's scientists put on their superhero capes and used the DNA-editing tool Crispr to save the day! By removing the gene responsible for the greens' pungency, they transformed the salad game for good.
Pairwise aims to make healthy foods more enjoyable and convenient, and they believe their revamped mustard greens will be a hit with shoppers. So, watch out, iceberg and butter lettuce, there's a new salad hero in town!
Tom Adams, the charismatic cofounder and CEO of Pairwise, claims they've created "a new category of salad" that's sure to excite taste buds. Initially, you'll find these greens at selected restaurants and outlets in certain areas, but don't worry, they'll soon be stocking up grocery stores in the Pacific Northwest.
But what's this Crispr magic? Crispr is like a fancy DNA magician that scientists started using in 2012. It holds the promise of producing all sorts of favorable traits in plants, from higher yields to pest resistance. While it hasn't yet solved world hunger (bummer!), it does bring a new level of variety to our plates.
But Pairwise isn't stopping at just mustard greens. They're on a mission to improve fruits too! Crispr is busy developing seedless blackberries and pitless cherries, making them more appealing and practical for our busy, nutrition-conscious lives.
What's fascinating about this new gene-edited greens revolution is that technically, it's not a genetically modified organism (GMO). While GMOs involve adding genes from different species (like some mad scientist experiment), Crispr works by gently tweaking an organism's own genes. Think of it as a gentle nudge, not a total DNA makeover.
And the best part? Gene-edited foods like these mustard greens don't have to carry the "GMO" label, avoiding the baggage and drama that comes with it. This could be a game-changer, considering that many folks still have mixed feelings about GMOs, with some seeing them as worse for health than non-GMO options (oh, the drama!).
Of course, not everyone is convinced that mustard greens' newfound charm will save the day. Critics argue that people won't suddenly start munching on greens just because they're less bitter. But hey, at least it's a step in the right direction, right?
So, get ready for a tastier salad experience coming your way! As gene-editing technology keeps evolving, who knows what other veggies and fruits will get a delicious makeover next? It's like a culinary adventure where science meets taste buds! Whether you're a fan of these new greens or a skeptic, one thing's for sure: the food revolution has only just begun.
In Mulberry, Tennessee, a picturesque wedding venue with a beautiful white mansion, manicured landscaping, and a sprawling green lawn is battling a peculiar and pesky problem — whiskey fungus. This mysterious mold, named for its appetite for ethanol, has become a nuisance for property owners like Patrick Long, whose community attributes the fungus's spread to the recent boom in whiskey consumption.
The fungus feeds on the ethanol that evaporates into the air from aging whiskey barrels stored in warehouses nearby. Jack Daniel's, one of the top-selling whiskey brands in the U.S., has at least 90 warehouses in the region. As the whiskey matures, ethanol emissions increase, creating an ideal environment for the whiskey fungus to thrive.
Whiskey fungus might seem harmless at first glance, appearing soft and powdery, but its microscopic superglue-like adhesion makes it challenging to remove. It clings to surfaces such as roofs, windows, and even stainless steel, causing havoc for property owners who constantly have to power wash to keep the fungus at bay. Unfortunately, the effects of the cleanings are only temporary, as the fungus tends to return within a few months.
Despite its tenacious grip, whiskey fungus is not known to harm humans, as its spores are not airborne. University of Toronto mycologist James Scott, who named the fungus Baudoinia compniacensis, pointed out the limited research on the topic. Whiskey fungus remains an understudied phenomenon, and any new information about it is considered valuable.
The exact means of whiskey fungus propagation remain unclear, but scientists have observed snails leaving tiny trails in fungus-prone areas. Snails seem to have a fondness for this particular fungus and may contribute to its spread.
While whiskey fungus can be found worldwide, the black crusty appearance is predominantly associated with distilleries and bakeries. To address the issue, Jack Daniel's could potentially reduce its ethanol emissions, but implementing air-filtration systems would come at a significant cost, which the company seems hesitant to undertake.
For Patrick Long and his wedding venue business, the fungus has caused considerable damage. It coats everything in its vicinity, affecting the lush greenery that is essential for a picture-perfect backdrop during weddings. Unlike structures that can be power washed, the plants and trees face a more challenging situation, leaving property owners with few options to combat the relentless whiskey fungus.
As the demand for whiskey continues to grow, the issue of whiskey fungus poses a unique challenge for distilleries like Jack Daniel's and communities like Mulberry, Tennessee, where property owners are left grappling with the consequences of this enigmatic mold.