Her Name Means Luck: Ihirwe

Baby gorilla, Ihirwe, rescued from smugglers (Photo by Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project)

Discovery News has an article, "Baby Gorilla Found in Jail with Poachers", that relates the plight and rescue of a baby mountain gorilla. I'm always amazed at the ignorance and cruelty that people have towards endangered species. Honestly, I can understand how profit will motivate foolish behavior, but certainly these poachers must be able to see how their "cash critters" are going extinct. And yet they still hunt them! It's a loathsome lack of perspective.

Fortunately, for this little gorilla, named Ihirwe, was rescued in time. However, it is depressing to consider how many precious creatures get needlessly destroyed through poaching and smuggling.

Here's a link to the World Wildlife Fund.

Places to See: Fowler Museum at UCLA

Fowler Museum at UCLA

I visited the Fowler Museum. It's a nice venue with quality collections, especially in regards to the anthropologically inclined. Currently on exhibit are:

Central Nigeria Unmasked: Arts of the Benue River Valley. I don't have much of a background from which to draw in assessing the quality of this show, but it seemed really solid. A great collection of cultural artifacts, detailed write-ups explaining the Nigerian traditions and artforms, and engaging field recordings. I walked into the show in complete ignorance, and left it feeling informed.

His Masters' Tools: Recent Work by Allan deSouza. Interesting post-colonial contemporary work. Most of it didn't do it for me, but a few hit home. I especially liked the drunken monkey. ;-)

Jam Session: America's Jazz Ambassadors Embrace the World. I'm not a big photography buff, but this show captured me. It told a powerful story through the collected images. My knowledge of Jazz history is on the weak side, but I do recall how Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington would tour internationally for the State Department. This exhibit rounded out my knowledge and added compelling images to the dry facts. Moreover, the background music was FANTASTIC. I especially enjoyed Anita O'Day's version of "Take the A-Train." All in all, it was a superb show.

Art and the Unbreakable Spirit of Haiti: A small exhibit, but good artifact quality. It wouldn't stand on its own strength, but the quality of the other shows carried the weight. It was a "side dish" show, but a good one.

Intersections: World Arts, Local Lives. A nice general anthro artifact show. Scattered selection both in type and culture, but plenty of interesting material. I felt that the show was weak on narrative, but strong on material. All in all, well worth a viewing.

Reflecting Culture. An exhibit of silver works. Of course, that gets a big thumbs up from me. What type of lunatic doesn't adore silver? Heck, if I were to have any complaint, it would be that there wasn't enough silver. After all, there were only two silver ships. I'm wanting an armada. And just because Herakles had twelve labors doesn't mean we are limited to only twelve silver plates. More silver!!!!! ;-)

So, that's my take on the current shows at the Fowler. If this interests you, then I highly recommend visiting it. After all, admission is free. How can you beat that?!

Here's the link to the Fowler.

Enjoy!!!

And Scorn All Other Men

Septimus Severus at Glyptothek, Munich

Severus was born on Aprill 11, 145, in the Roman province of Africa. After a career of clever politics and charismatic leadership, he earned the position of Roman Emperor, reigning from 193 until his death in 211. This was an amazing accomplishment. First, he was an African NOT of Italian ethnicity (most likely Punic). Second, he had to fight his way to the Purple against four other contenders. This is known as the Year of the Five Emperors.

His reign was marked by constant warfare, expanding the African province, beating up on Parthia, crushing Usurpers, and finally launching an invasion into Scotland, known then as Caledonia. His reforms of the Imperial Army would have long-lasting ramifications. Likewise, the debasement of the coinage to pay for his military adventures would have an enduring impact of Rome's economic health.

It seems as though many historians give only cursory attention to his reign. This is outrageous! Severus' legacy for better or worse shaped all of Roman history to come. In my opinion, only Augustus, Constantine and Hadrian leave a deeper mark on Western Civilization.

Here's a link to the Wikipedia article on Septimius Severus.

Enjoy!!!