Culture and Arts
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Beyond Words: The Symbolic Language of Plants
In the ancient world, Roman artists used roses to represent Venus, the goddess of love; Egyptian art connected the lily to Isis, the goddess of fertility; and Asian art included lotus flowers to convey beauty. more »
The Scout Report: Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Interactive Physlets; Science Oxford Live and the Eisenhower Memorial
Links to explore: Talks at Howard Hughes include "Viral Outbreak: The Science of Emerging Disease" and "The Meaning of Sex: Genes and Gender.A news feature explores how the planning for a memorial to Eisenhower in Washington raises concerns more »
7 Ways to Survive While Julia Child's Kitchen is Closed for 7 Months
The Smithsonian staff and volunteers packed tools, utensils, appliances, and gadgets in the Bon Appetit exhibit kitchen; everything was stored while a larger gallery space is prepared and goes on view again. The museum team offers suggestions on how to cope for a few months sans Julia Child’s kitchen. more »
The Look of Love: Eye Miniatures Jewelry in Birmingham
Clandestine lovers exchanged these customized tokens depicting one another's eyes, as such a feature might only be recognized by persons of the most intimate familiarity. Behind the skilled artistry with which each of these tiny portraits was painted, lie the enchanting stories of secret romance and love lost more »
