De Kunsthal Could Be The Turning Point For Museum Security Upgrades In Europe

Europe seems to be plagued with very precise and well thought out Museum robberies. Last October the Kunsthal Museum was picked. Dutch police reported that seven pieces were taken. Among them, "Reading Girl in White and Yellow" Matisse,"Harlequin Head" Picasso,"Waterloo Bridge, London" Monet, and "Girl in Front of Open Window"  Gaugain.

As I just happened upon this information, I was astonished. This is one museum in which I actually was able to see pieces before they were snatched away. A few years back, to my disappointment I was unable to see a few pieces in person from the Musée d’Art Moderne. Anyone can imagine, it is stating it mildly that I was completely frustrated about this art theft in Paris. Unable to look upon the Matisse I so very much dreamed of, was a profound feeling, it truly saddened me.

It has been reported that three have been arrested in Romania for the theft on De Kunsthal (read more). Buzzing around, it is estimated that the loot could amount anywhere from twenty five million to hundreds of millions of euros.

As the Triton foundation's main purpose was sullied by this theft, we can all hope that the pieces are safe and will once again be accessible to the public.


http://art-crime.blogspot.com/2012/10/rotterdam-art-heist-what-is-triton.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57533113/major-heist-of-modern-art-at-dutch-museum/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21151103

Being liberated, Timbuktu is in a state of cultural tragedy

Starting out as a major trading post on trade routes through the Sahara.  Timbuktu is memorable for much.  Considering it's long history as a city of books and a hub for Islamic culture in Africa, it's cultural importance matters not one bit .

It seems, French troops and the Mali military gain control over this power struggle with the Islamist rebels.  One of Africa's city of books does have a promising outlook, with rebels in retreat.  

As a possible final act the rebel fighters put aflame the Ahmed Baba Institute.  This act is simply a ridicule of culture.  As home to so many heritage rich ancient texts dating as far back as 13th century pieces, this is a loss for man kind.  Poetry, family histories, historical documentation, mathematical, religious, and mystical texts have been lost forever.  Just when this area was gaining headway in preservation, it seems they are taken back to square one.

Humanity... it's biggest problem is destroying what is sacred and treasured for future generations.  

Celebrate Pride and Prejudice...Go to a conference

In celebrating one of the many great pieces written by Jane Austen, I would like to take a moment of reflection to celebrate the author herself.

Two hundred years ago today Pride and Prejudice was published by Thomas Egerton.  This book spawned the influence and adaptations of countless books, plays and movies.  One of my favorites by Austen, Pride and Prejudice is on my top lists of classics to read.   If you haven't read it yet,  pick up a copy and enjoy, you will find a timelessness about it.  Pertaining to modern culture, as manners and class are still paramount to our society, with satire you can never go wrong. 


If you are a Jane Austen fan. There is a fantastic looking Pride and Prejudice conference held at Lucy Cavendish College this year.  Celebrating the anniversary, this conference will look at Austen's work by marrying the past piece with the modern inspired works and adaptations. For more information Click Here. If you can't make it to this conference find your local book club or literary society and inquire.

Spending 2013 celebrating the 200th year for a timeless book is a pretty tip-top way to enrich your own sense of culture. 

Are you socially licking stamps?

While looking around online today, a very important question came to my attention.  What is the best time you have had licking stamps?  This question poses great insight for me.  As I sit for a moment to recall my best time licking stamps- Up pops a question of my own.

If someone can't recall a memorable experience licking stamps, does this mean you might be plain boring?  A great deal can be revealed about a person expressing their greatest time licking a stamp or stamps.

My answer to this arbitrary question would be,  decorating an old trunk.  Ponder how many different types of answers there are.  Some could have a very unique experience with postage, other a pivotal emotional association. While many might not have a recollection of any type of experience (other than for the purpose of post) with stamps.

Personally, I don't think being unable to answer the "ice breaker" would label a person boring.  I would love to compile a study on the correlation between personality types, intellectual/social capacity and "ice breaker" responses.  This also gets me thinking about cultural trends and how we as humans relate to one another.

 As a way of expanding and cultivating your own social enlightenment ask these arbitrary questions.  You will get to know the core of a person in a very profound and alternative way.

What is the best time you've had licking stamps?  The answers are limitless and absolutely unconfined.

Solving the Abner Ravenwood’s diary conundrum could still get us inspired

 Are we as a civilization showing promise?

Last month the University of Chicago got a big surprise.  Under the guise of legitimate post, Professor Ravenwood "sent" Indiana Jones his Diary.  The package was addressed to "Henry Walton Jones, Jr."

The intricate and well thought contents of the package had the University in a quandary. The book is a physical replica of Abner Ravenwood's Diary, containing hand made notes and maps.
This perplexed the University to the point of setting up and email tip line urging those with information to come forward.

There are many opinions to explain this random event. Explanations range from dares, an"outside the box" admissions application, and art abandonment.

Unfortunately, the great mystery so to speak, was solved.  A gentleman in Guam made the journal.

"Charfauros made the prop replica and mailed it to a customer in Italy, but it fell out of its original packaging in Honolulu. The journal was still, however, in a smaller envelope — with string wrapped around it and canceled stamps — that Charfauros included to enhance the aura." wrote, Michael Walsh with the New York Daily News.

Proposing, this was an admissions application. I would like to think that our cultural evolution is at the end of a plateau.  I would love to see deliberate acts like this for the year 2013.  Thinking this could be an act of art abandonment or a phenomenal admissions application peaked my curiosity!  From this story we can derive inspiration.

The question is what can we do as individuals to promote our own creative growth? Personally, I will encourage and nurture my creative and imaginative advancement this year.