Round Museum

The conventions of Byzantine icon painting of the late 1400s included specific styles and symbols such as flattened features and draperies, angels hovering above the figures, and the traditional gesture of the Hodegetria, where the Madonna inclines her head to the Child and gestures towards Him to "show the way." Historians don't comment on why Baby Jesus strongly resembles Stan "The Man" Lundegaard, a surly 42-year old used car salesman with a comb-over. Why, he could put that angel into a Buick in a hot minute.

09.04.22

Aim your blower. When air skims across the surface of the metallic disks, the flow of the breeze becomes visible as the disks shimmer with the movement, like Tina Turner’s sparkly dress as she belts out “Proud Mary.”

The Franklin Air Show exhibit
Franklin Institute
Philadelphia, PA

09.03.22

This stone disk shows a sacred procession. The tallest figure is that of Enheduana, daughter of King Sargon and high priestess of Ur. The back of the disk bears her name and title. She is also said to have written and collected hymns to the goddess Inana, making her the first named author in history.

Calcite
ca. 2300 BCE
Ur (Iraq) Giparu

Penn Museum
Philadelphia, PA

09.02.22

The school year has started. Soon enough the kids will be handing in stacks of homework papers and somebody around here has to grade them. They say a dry white wine pairs well with the process. But put the glass on a coaster, please.

09.01.22

If your kitchen is Instagram-worthy then surely there is a Kitchenaid mixer displayed prominently on the counter. It follows, then, that the paddle attachment, whisk attachments and the dough hook are best stored in the bowl itself. But dang it, you can't let these things get dusty in there! Shudder the thought! What to do? What to do? Three words: Quilted Bowl Cozy.

08.31.22

While gnomes historically have had a reputation for being shy, here at the edge of the forest a tree stump acts as a little stage for woodland theatrics, community announcements or maybe the occasional nonsensical conspiracy rant. You never know with gnomes. You just have to sit down and wait for it.

08.30.22

School is starting, so make sure you have your personal-sized fan before all the homework heats up. A little breeze at your desk will keep your head cool and your mind sharp.

08.29.22

Pearl is an outdoor cat, hanging around the neighborhood with her kitty pals, strolling along the sidewalk and hiding under cars. She is The Welcome Cat, a sweet and friendly ambassador to residents and their guests, other cats, dogs, deer and even foxes if they wander by. She'll pose for a Round picture, if you want.

08.28.22

The first thing everyone says when they see Cornhenge for the first time is, "It's not as big as I thought it would be!" The second thing is, "how did they transport all that cornbread to such a remote place?"

08.27.20

When you’re not using your chopsticks place them vertically in a glass or small vase in the center of the table. For a table setting, place them either to the right or below the plate. Now the trick is being able to pick up food with them.

08.27.22