Libya boasts five UNESCO World Heritage sites with well-preserved Greek, Punic, and Roman architecture. See http://www.unescoworldheritagesites.com/libya-unesco-world-heritage-sites.htm
What reports there are suggest they remain undisturbed for now. See
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/02/27/us-libya-protests-heritage-idUKTRE71Q0M520110227?pageNumber=1 However, one has to wonder about their fate, particularly if the Qaddafi regime holds on for an extended period of time.
When Libya was an Italian colony, Mussolini lavished money on archaeology; excavations at Roman sites helped buttress his regime's claim to be the heir of ancient Rome. In reaction, Qaddafi largely ignored Libya's ancient past, labeling it as colonialist. Although there have been recent efforts to rehabilitate some sites for their potential as tourist destinations, Qaddafi and/or his cronies have also allegedly sold off statuary from ancient sites like Leptis Magna for personal profit. See http://phdiva.blogspot.com/2011/02/libyan-archaeology-scandals.html Like many despots, Qaddafi seems unable to distinguish between public property and his own.
Let's hope Libya's well preserved ancient ruins stay safe, and the Libyan people prevail in their death match with their eccentric tyrant, Col. Qaddafi, and his cronies.
Reflections On Cultural Politics After Tunisian, Egyptian and Libyan Revolts
A madman is still killing his people in Libya. Autocrats in Tunisia and Egypt have been deposed, but the democracy the people have died for remains elusive. Oddly, Western archaeologists seem more focused on trying to tie any looting of archaeological sites and stores to mysterious Western dealers and collectors than on criticizing the regimes whose policies have caused the societal unrest that unleashed any looting in the first place.
Anyway, here are some observations based on recent events in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya:
1. Draconian cultural patrimony laws are natural expressions of authoritarian regimes;
2. Such laws are applied to common people and foreigners, but not to cronies of the regime;
3. Such systems also hide financial improprieties, i.e., skimming of public funds that should go to archaeological projects;
4. Educated elites are less likely to loot than the poor and uneducated;
5. Looting and vandalism can also be used by the authorities to try to justify their repressive measures;
6. Foreign archaeologists will not speak out against regimes that offer them excavation permits;
7. The prospect of jobs or funding can silence source country archaeologists from expressing their own concerns.
Anyway, here are some observations based on recent events in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya:
1. Draconian cultural patrimony laws are natural expressions of authoritarian regimes;
2. Such laws are applied to common people and foreigners, but not to cronies of the regime;
3. Such systems also hide financial improprieties, i.e., skimming of public funds that should go to archaeological projects;
4. Educated elites are less likely to loot than the poor and uneducated;
5. Looting and vandalism can also be used by the authorities to try to justify their repressive measures;
6. Foreign archaeologists will not speak out against regimes that offer them excavation permits;
7. The prospect of jobs or funding can silence source country archaeologists from expressing their own concerns.
Zahi Hangs On
Egypt's military rulers have confirmed Zahi Hawass in his post of Minister of Antiquities. See
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/6308/Egypt/Politics-/Egyptian-cabinet-The-old,-the-new-and-the-unknown.aspx
The new cabinet-- which is full of holdovers-- suggests that Egypt's popular revolt to date has only prompted cosmetic changes in how Egypt is governed.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/6308/Egypt/Politics-/Egyptian-cabinet-The-old,-the-new-and-the-unknown.aspx
The new cabinet-- which is full of holdovers-- suggests that Egypt's popular revolt to date has only prompted cosmetic changes in how Egypt is governed.
Tons of Leopard
I love leopard anything! One year it's in, one year it's out, but to me it is always a stylish statement. I am hoping to add a few more pieces to my collection...
Do you guys have any leopard pieces that you love?
Hawass Asks for Egyptian Prosecutor to Exhonerate Him; More Investigations Needed to Ensure Taxpayer Money Not Lost to Corrupt Practices
Zahi Hawass has asked an Egyptian prosecutor to investigate allegations that he smuggled antiquities on behalf of the Mubarak family. See
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/7/6138/Egypt/Crime/Accusation-against-minister-of-antiquities-referre.aspx He professes to be confident that he will be exhonerated.
Hawass has apparently not asked for an investigation into whether public money was skimmed from his Ministry.
I think this charge needs to be investigated too. And not just in Egypt, but by federal prosecutors in the United States. The US Government has given millions in aid to Egypt to support Egypt's archaeological establishment; US Museums, the Discovery Channel, and National Geographic have given millions more for travelling shows and TV programs.
Egyptian and US taxpayers need some assurance that all this money was not misused in any fashion.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/7/6138/Egypt/Crime/Accusation-against-minister-of-antiquities-referre.aspx He professes to be confident that he will be exhonerated.
Hawass has apparently not asked for an investigation into whether public money was skimmed from his Ministry.
I think this charge needs to be investigated too. And not just in Egypt, but by federal prosecutors in the United States. The US Government has given millions in aid to Egypt to support Egypt's archaeological establishment; US Museums, the Discovery Channel, and National Geographic have given millions more for travelling shows and TV programs.
Egyptian and US taxpayers need some assurance that all this money was not misused in any fashion.
BM Coin Cabinet Celebrates 150th Anniversary
CoinsWeekly reports on the 150th Anniversary of the British Museum Coin Cabinet here:
http://www.coinsweekly.com/en/News/4?&id=460
At its formation in 1753, the BM was given 20,000 ancient coins. A separate cabinet was formed in 1861. The collection was part of the Department of Manuscripts and then Antiquities before a separate Department of Coins and Medals was set up.
In any event, this again underscores the fact that ancient coins have been actively collected for generations, and that one cannot reasonably assume that an old coin is the product of a recent illicit dig.
http://www.coinsweekly.com/en/News/4?&id=460
At its formation in 1753, the BM was given 20,000 ancient coins. A separate cabinet was formed in 1861. The collection was part of the Department of Manuscripts and then Antiquities before a separate Department of Coins and Medals was set up.
In any event, this again underscores the fact that ancient coins have been actively collected for generations, and that one cannot reasonably assume that an old coin is the product of a recent illicit dig.
Dee Dee Taylor & Bathrooms
I was watching Steven and Chris today and loved the segment about "gorgeous bathrooms" featuring interior designer and architect Dee Dee Taylor Hannah. Here are the highlights from the show...
and some of Dee Dee's work...
Dee Dee Taylor Hannah
love all the elements in this entryway
love the print
Dee Dee's own bathroom, that wallpaper is to die for!
Fur shawl = fur throw
As some of you guys know I was recently in my best friend's winter wedding where the bridesmaids wore faux fur shawls. After the wedding was over and I was home getting into my pj's I draped the fur shawl over my desk chair in my bedroom and had an epiphany... what if I turned my fur shawl into a fur throw? I knew I probably wouldn't be wearing it again so why not re-purpose it for my home. I just removed the round pearl closure and the Velcro from the inside closure and voila! Have a look and let me know what you think?
the before...
and the after
Beauty Bag: Sara, A Dose of Pretty
Hello Wallpaper Readers!
I am delighted to be here with you today.
I am so flattered that Liz asked me to guest post
on her fabulous Beauty Bag series.
My current beauty bag is a vintage clutch from Etsy.
I actually got the idea from Christine of Bijou and Boheme
whom Liz featured back in December.
Here are the products in my beauty bag.
Starting with my #1 cosmetic:
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat.
It is an eye highlighter and I must wear it everyday.
And here are the rest in no particular order:
2. Clinique Instant Pore Minimizer
3. Elizabeth Arden 8-hour Cream. It’s awesome!
This stuff is great for super dry skin and a bad sunburn.
4. Rimmel eye shadows
5. YSL eye shadows
6. Cover Girl eye liner
7. Loreal eye mascara
8. No. 7 eye shadow cream – love it. It helps
your eye makeup last longer.
9. Clinique eyebrow shaper. This lasts forever.
10. Nars blush
11. YSL lip gloss – for those date nights.
12. Brushes
13. My most recent addition to my beauty bag is the Mor lip balm.
I absolutely love it!
And perfumes, unfortunately I am really sensitive to strong scents.
I get horrible headaches so
I have to be very selective when I buy them.
Two of my favorite ones are Chloe and Donna Karen Cashmere Mist.
They are soft and airy.
I am really tempted to buy some classics like Chanel just for looks.
But I haven’t done that yet.
I hope you enjoyed peeking in my beauty bag.
Thank you Liz for having me.
Have a fabulous day!
Sara
Thanks to the fabulous Sara of A Dose of Pretty for sharing her beauty bag with us!!
Hawass Buys Off Protesters with 1000 New Jobs
National Geographic reports that Egyptian Antiquities Minister Zahi Hawass has responded to the complaints against him on his blog.
Hawass claims that the protests against his leadership were prompted by misunderstandings, and that now the protesters have apologized to him and have even offered him flowers! See
http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/news/chiefeditor/2011/02/zahi-hawass-vows-to-stay-on-as-antiquities-chief.html
On the other hand, more cynical observers might point to his announcement of 1000 new jobs in his Ministry as the real reason that calm has now prevailed for the moment, at least.
I wonder if these jobs will really come through assuming Hawass' own job becomes secure.
Hawass claims that the protests against his leadership were prompted by misunderstandings, and that now the protesters have apologized to him and have even offered him flowers! See
http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/news/chiefeditor/2011/02/zahi-hawass-vows-to-stay-on-as-antiquities-chief.html
On the other hand, more cynical observers might point to his announcement of 1000 new jobs in his Ministry as the real reason that calm has now prevailed for the moment, at least.
I wonder if these jobs will really come through assuming Hawass' own job becomes secure.
Hawass: The Debate Continues, Asset or Ass?
The fate of Zahi Hawass continues to be debated in the press:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/is-the-face-of-egyptian-culture-the-next-to-topple/article1913442/page1/
Most seriously, there have been allegations that funds have gone missing from Hawass' Ministry. See http://phdiva.blogspot.com/2011/02/problems-with-sca-in-egypt.html
USAID, US Museums, National Geographic and the Discovery Channel have all paid millions in foreign aid and payments for TV specials and travelling shows. Perhaps, there needs to be an investigation as to whether this money went to support Egyptian archaeology or the lifestyles of Mubarak cronies.
For now though, Egypt's military rulers will decide whether Hawass' international celebrity will save him from the fate of other Mubarak government ministers.
Meanwhile, in otherworldly archaeological circles there is the claim that recent events actually support continued repatriation. See
http://lootingmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/nefertiti-and-parthenon-marbles.html
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/is-the-face-of-egyptian-culture-the-next-to-topple/article1913442/page1/
Most seriously, there have been allegations that funds have gone missing from Hawass' Ministry. See http://phdiva.blogspot.com/2011/02/problems-with-sca-in-egypt.html
USAID, US Museums, National Geographic and the Discovery Channel have all paid millions in foreign aid and payments for TV specials and travelling shows. Perhaps, there needs to be an investigation as to whether this money went to support Egyptian archaeology or the lifestyles of Mubarak cronies.
For now though, Egypt's military rulers will decide whether Hawass' international celebrity will save him from the fate of other Mubarak government ministers.
Meanwhile, in otherworldly archaeological circles there is the claim that recent events actually support continued repatriation. See
http://lootingmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/nefertiti-and-parthenon-marbles.html
Bridesmaids
Hey everyone, just enjoying family day here in Toronto as I recuperate from my best friend's wedding last night. It was an amazing wedding and fun was had by all. Here is just a little picture of my sister Patti and I at the wedding serving as bridesmaids...
I'll be back to regular posting tomorrow.
Hawass Misses Old Order
In a self-serving account of how the Egyptian museum was saved from extensive looting, current Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Zahi Hawass also makes the following revealing statement:
"Once you would not dare to show no respect to a government minister, now they come and spit in your face if they do not like what they hear."
See
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/230114/Trick-that-saved-Egypt-s-treasure
Others might consider that lack of respect a reasonable demand for accountability.
Of course, it remains to be seen how accountable the new Egyptian Government will be to the Egyptian people. Only time will tell whether the army allows real reform or if any changes are just cosmetic ones.
"Once you would not dare to show no respect to a government minister, now they come and spit in your face if they do not like what they hear."
See
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/230114/Trick-that-saved-Egypt-s-treasure
Others might consider that lack of respect a reasonable demand for accountability.
Of course, it remains to be seen how accountable the new Egyptian Government will be to the Egyptian people. Only time will tell whether the army allows real reform or if any changes are just cosmetic ones.
Adorned
Just wanted to share my latest purchases this week. I finally received my gorgeous amethyst pendant necklace from blog sponsor Elizabeth Lydon Studio. After the giveaway she hosted on this blog I decided I needed this stunning piece and just had to order it, plus I love to support artisans on Etsy!!
While at the mall I can across this beautiful Marc Jacobs Daisy solid perfume ring and it was on sale so I just couldn't resist!!
This weekend is another busy one for me as I have my best friend's wedding, so I am off to prepare, I hope you all have an awesome long weekend :)
While at the mall I can across this beautiful Marc Jacobs Daisy solid perfume ring and it was on sale so I just couldn't resist!!
This weekend is another busy one for me as I have my best friend's wedding, so I am off to prepare, I hope you all have an awesome long weekend :)
One Law for the Powerful, Another for Everyone Else
The Art Newspaper reports that Tunisa's deposed leader and his family had a taste for high quality antiquities. See
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Antiquities%2Bfound%2Bin%2Bhomes%2Bof%2Bdeposed%2BTunisian%2Bpresident%E2%80%99s%2Bfamily/23188
Big surprise. One law for the powerful and another for everyone else. I'm wondering if it will be next revealed that officials of the Mubarak regime had similar tastes for artifacts that would get other Egyptians a long jail sentence.
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Antiquities%2Bfound%2Bin%2Bhomes%2Bof%2Bdeposed%2BTunisian%2Bpresident%E2%80%99s%2Bfamily/23188
Big surprise. One law for the powerful and another for everyone else. I'm wondering if it will be next revealed that officials of the Mubarak regime had similar tastes for artifacts that would get other Egyptians a long jail sentence.
Youngster Finds Lost Egyptian Museum Statue in Trash
AFP is reporting that a teenager found a priceless statue of Akhenaton from the Egyptian Musuem in the trash left over after the crowds left Tahir square. See
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/international/cairo-teen-finds-looted-pharaoh-akhenaton-statue-20110217-ncx
The statute has been returned to the authorities for restoration, but questions remain about why the statue was discarded.
To me at least, this supports the theory that the museum looting was actually done by Mubarak regime thugs bent on destruction in the hopes it would cause a backlash against the demonstrators.
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/international/cairo-teen-finds-looted-pharaoh-akhenaton-statue-20110217-ncx
The statute has been returned to the authorities for restoration, but questions remain about why the statue was discarded.
To me at least, this supports the theory that the museum looting was actually done by Mubarak regime thugs bent on destruction in the hopes it would cause a backlash against the demonstrators.
Serious Charges Leveled Against Hawass
More charges have been leveled against Zahi Hawass. Western archaeologists have held Hawass up as some sort of role model for their crusade against collectors, but after the fall of the Mubarak regime, another picture of this "hero of archaeology" has emerged from Egyptian sources. See
http://bikyamasr.com/wordpress/?p=27371
Are the allegations of cronyism, corruption and sexual harassment true? And, if they were widely known within the archaeological community before now as it seems, why have Western archaeologists so idolized Hawass?
http://bikyamasr.com/wordpress/?p=27371
Are the allegations of cronyism, corruption and sexual harassment true? And, if they were widely known within the archaeological community before now as it seems, why have Western archaeologists so idolized Hawass?
Interesting Blog on Fate of Zahi Hawass
I came across this interesting blog on Zahi Hawass that touches on comparisons between him and Donnie George:
http://itsallkickingoff.posterous.com/egyptian-bust
http://itsallkickingoff.posterous.com/egyptian-bust
SLAM Pushes Back
The Saint Louis Museum of Art has filed a lawsuit against the US Government to enjoin it from seizing the Ka-Nefer-Nefer mummy mask.
See http://www.courthousenews.com/2011/02/16/34223.htm (Complaint may be found at end of story).
The Complaint demonstrates the role of activists take in encouraging efforts to repatriate artifacts. In this case, the Complaint alleges that Ton Cremers, former operator of the Dutch based "Museum Security Network," pressed for the mask's return even before current Egyptian Minister of Antiquities (for the moment at least) Zahi Hawass took up the issue and it became a cause celebre for archaeo-bloggers David Gill and Paul Barford. See http://lootingmatters.blogspot.com/search?q=SLAM and http://paul-barford.blogspot.com/search/label/SLAM
President Bush appointed Brent Benjamin, SLAM's Director, to CPAC, but the State Department failed to swear in Benjamin to this post before the end of the Bush Administration, and has apparently taken the position that his appointment lapsed with the onset of the Obama Administration. It is unclear whether a campaign against Benjamin orchestrated by the archaeological lobby impacted the decision.
See http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2008/10/safe-campaign-against-appointment-of.html
The Complaint also mentions Bonnie Magness-Gardiner, who is a manager of the FBI's Art Theft Program. Ms. Magness-Gardiner formally was a staff archaeologist for the Cultural Property Advisory Committee.
See http://www.courthousenews.com/2011/02/16/34223.htm (Complaint may be found at end of story).
The Complaint demonstrates the role of activists take in encouraging efforts to repatriate artifacts. In this case, the Complaint alleges that Ton Cremers, former operator of the Dutch based "Museum Security Network," pressed for the mask's return even before current Egyptian Minister of Antiquities (for the moment at least) Zahi Hawass took up the issue and it became a cause celebre for archaeo-bloggers David Gill and Paul Barford. See http://lootingmatters.blogspot.com/search?q=SLAM and http://paul-barford.blogspot.com/search/label/SLAM
President Bush appointed Brent Benjamin, SLAM's Director, to CPAC, but the State Department failed to swear in Benjamin to this post before the end of the Bush Administration, and has apparently taken the position that his appointment lapsed with the onset of the Obama Administration. It is unclear whether a campaign against Benjamin orchestrated by the archaeological lobby impacted the decision.
See http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2008/10/safe-campaign-against-appointment-of.html
The Complaint also mentions Bonnie Magness-Gardiner, who is a manager of the FBI's Art Theft Program. Ms. Magness-Gardiner formally was a staff archaeologist for the Cultural Property Advisory Committee.
Court Hears Oral Argument in ACCG Test Case
Here is a short report about yesterday's hearing in the ACCG test case:
http://www.accg.us/News/Item/Court_Hears_Arguments_in_Baltimore_Test_Case.aspx
http://www.accg.us/News/Item/Court_Hears_Arguments_in_Baltimore_Test_Case.aspx
More on Hawass Situation
For a German perspective, see
http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wissen/archaeologie-zahi-hawass-wut-auf-aegyptens-indiana-jones-1.1060732
And PhDiva has posted this Egyptian blog: http://phdiva.blogspot.com/2011/02/protest-at-supreme-council-of.html
http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wissen/archaeologie-zahi-hawass-wut-auf-aegyptens-indiana-jones-1.1060732
And PhDiva has posted this Egyptian blog: http://phdiva.blogspot.com/2011/02/protest-at-supreme-council-of.html
House Tour: Cupcakes & Cashmere
Emily of Cupcakes & Cashmere just had her wonderful L.A. home featured on Apartment Therapy and here are a few of my fav's from the shoot...
to see more head over to Apartment Therapy
images via here
Beauty Bag: Wendy, Desire to Decorate
Hello Wallpaper readers! Isn’t this fun? I love this series, who knew that I too would join in all the fun one day – great timing too – read on!
Truth be told, I don’t have a makeup bag but I do have a makeup drawer. Knowing January was ‘organization’ month in most stores, I was on the hunt for something pretty to organize my makeup drawer. While I was originally thinking pretty pink paper lining with a clear acrylic tray, then I received a HomeSense gift card and that’s where I changed it up.
This is what my drawer looks like…
Today, my everyday is moisturiser, foundation, powder, a little blush, mascara and lip gloss. When I’m going into the office I add shadow and sometimes liner. Although my lip gloss isn’t in my drawer, I have them all over the house and in my coat, purse and car! I buy in bulk at Bath & Body Works, love that they’re now in Canada and in the mall near me to boot! My other favourite lip gloss is Bare Necessity by MAC.
Here’s what my everyday looks like…
Moisturizer: Right now I’m using Olay but more often use Viche or L’oreal. If I don’t have anything on my face it gets really itchy so moisturizer is a must for me.
Foundation & Powder: The L’oreal true match line of products is fantastic. I had someone help me out the 1st time and it’s been a breeze ever since. In the summer, I tend to move up a shade because I tan so easily and my original shade begins to make me look pale. I interchange L’oreal true match powder with bareMinerals every now and then. They both work well.
Eye shadow: A few years ago I won a MAC contest and received a box full of goodies, $400 value, so most of my brushes are MAC as are my eye shadows. When they’re finished I simply purchase a refill and pop it into the holder.
Mascara: CoverGirl Lash Blast is CoverGirl’s newest mascara. It works… but it has a fault. The brush doesn’t taper enough at the end so it’s a little difficult to get the little corners lashes. I often use Smashbox which is great however, CoverGirl’s Lash Blast is a nice budget-friendly deal available at Shopper’s Drug Mart - and Walmart and the Real Canadian Super Store, where I’m more likely to be at some point throughout the week.
Eyeliner: I’m using Rimmel right now. My other go to is a black paste from MAC used with an angle brush, works wonderfully.
So there you have it...my beauty collection. As you can see I'm not attached to one product line-good or bad, that's how it is for me. In an effort to keep my skin clear, I drink a lot of water and I wash my face in the morning and before bed with Pureté Thermale 3-in-1 One Step Cleanser. Oh,and the one item I can't live without...while it's not pretty it's a necessity, it's moisturizer (and lip gloss), especially at this time of year.
Thanks to Wendy of Desire to Decorate for sharing with us!!
All you need is Love
I am a huge fan of the film The Notebook and I always watch it at least twice a year. I think there's no better day to watch it then with the person you love on Valentine's Day. I love the story, the era, the actor's chemistry and the message that love can make miracles...
So I would like to wish my one true love a Happy Valentine's Day!!
And just cause I couldn't resist, have a look at these images, these are a loving couples engagement photos which were inspired by The Notebook...
So I would like to wish my one true love a Happy Valentine's Day!!
my boyfriend and I
And just cause I couldn't resist, have a look at these images, these are a loving couples engagement photos which were inspired by The Notebook...
images via here
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