Goal for the Day: Winter Weather Safety

Much of the United States is gripped in the icy fist of a rather nasty bout of winter weather. Even here in Texas, we’ve got ice and snow. Of course, with that thing coming up this weekend here in Dallas—what’s it called? The Superbowl?—everyone’s freaking out because we feel like bad hosts, allowing it to snow on our guests. Of course, if anyone even pours a bottle of water on the road in Dallas, people spin their cars out of control and sail off bridges. So, you can imagine how badly drivers behave on actual ice.


All the more reason to consider your personal safety when going out. If you’re experiencing icy weather, think of safety first. How necessary is it for you to go out? Some employers won’t close an office even if there’s twenty inches of snow on the ground. You might be asked to take a vacation day, if you can’t make it to the office. But, that’s worth it, I would say. Before going out in bad weather, truly consider just how important your trip is. Honestly, there aren’t many things that are more important than staying safe. So, use your judgment and always make sure to err on the side of caution.

Another thing to consider in bad weather conditions is the safety of your pets. If you have a pet who needs to go outside to do what animals do, make sure that you keep an eye on him or her. Dogs and cats can slip on the ice just as easily as humans. They rely on you to think for them, so make sure they’ve got a relatively comfortable exit. Similarly, strays (or those animals whose people don’t keep such a watchful eye on them) may be stuck out in the elements. Presently, there are three stray cats nesting on the bench on my front porch (much to Bertie’s chagrin). Normally, I don’t run a bed and breakfast for stray cats, but given the wretched weather, I’m making sure they’ve got food (though I don’t really know what cats eat) and water. It’s our responsibility to make sure that all creatures are protected—both human and otherwise.

Object of the Day: An Antique Diamond Stickpin

For centuries, the diamond has been revered for its eternal elegance. Though styles change from decade to decade, one thing always remains a constant—the sophistication of a diamond solitaire. A gentleman would have worn diamonds in the evening—in his buttons, insignia or stickpin. This early Nineteenth Century diamond pin speaks of understated luxury.


British in origin, the stickpin is set with a single European cut diamond which was faceted to take advantage of the dim candlelight. The cut shows the origins of the modern brilliant cut diamond. The gold prongs of the setting are arced to create the look of a tulip. Early Nineteenth Century jewelry makers felt a freedom to experiment with settings, often giving a whimsical flavor to what would have otherwise been a utilitarian mounting.

This would have been the finishing touch to a gentleman’s evening attire, catching the light playfully as he enjoyed an evening amongst friends.

Painting of the Day: Canaletto’s “Capriccio with a Roman Arch”

A Capriccio with a Roman Arch
Canaletto, 1742-45
Purchased by King George III
The Royal Collection

This ink and watercolor landscape by Canaletto shows a loose interpretation of the way the Arch of Titus looked prior to the 1822 restoration of the site. Though the artist has taken some “capricious” liberties with the composition, the arch depicted in this scene fits the descriptions of the un-restored Arch of Titus.


This work, dating to 1742, curiously does not match with the inventory of works drawn by Canaletto during his most productive youthful journey to Rome, and, was mostly drawn after-the-fact by studying similar scenes by other artists.

Person of the Week: Ernest Borgnine

When I think of Ernest Borgnine (which is, actually, something I probably do more often than most other people my age), I think of four things:


1. The Catered Affair

2. He was married to Ethel Merman for (what?) a month.

3. Bunny O’Hare

4. Mystery Science Theater 3000

Yes, of course, there are the other Borgnin-inian things—Marty, The Glass Menagerie, From Here to Eternity, Johnny Guitar, etc. But, the above are what first come to mind.

Ernest Borgnine worked with all the greats: Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Montgomery Clift, Sinatra, Spencer Tracy. He also created some of the most interesting performances captured on film. He was brilliant in pictures like Marty (his breakthrough role) and The Catered Affair.

In The Catered Affair, he played opposite Bette Davis, as the working-class parents of a bride-to-be (Debbie Reynolds) who wants to have a fast, inexpensive wedding while her parents want her to have the grand affair they never could. He’s really very good in the part. I would say that it was one of his best performances. His other offing with Bette Davis--Bunny O'Hare (shudder)--was one of his worse—and one of her worst. In this 1971 “comedy,” Davis and Borgnine play senior citizens disguised as hippies who ride a motorcycle across the country on a wild crime spree. Shudder!

Nevertheless, whether it was From Here to Eternity or McHale’s Navy, Borgnine brought a strong work ethic, a remarkable humility and a sense of humor to each project. Or, I should say, he still does. At 94, he’s still working, and, just won the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award last night. That’s pretty good for a former Navy man (good training for McHale’s Navy, don’t you think) who never originally planned on being in show business.

Here’s wishing all the best to Ernest Borgnine, and many congratulations. As a personal message, thanks for the hideous joy that is Merlin’s Shop of Mystical Wonders.

Sculpture of the Day: Model of the Arch of Titus, 1808-1815

Model of the Arch of Titus
1808-1815
Marble and Gilt Bronze
Giovacchino Belli and Pietro Belli
Italian
Purchased by King George IV
The Royal Collection

A young English nobleman in the early Nineteenth Century, as part of his education, would invariably have travelled to Italy for a look at the art and culture that helped shape the world as we know it. King George IV, though keenly interested in both art and culture, never had the opportunity to do so. It’s a pity, truly, because given his interest in the Italian arts, he’d have had quite a good time for himself.


In order to make up for his lack of travel, George IV collected items which represented the places he could have gone had he not been busy with other things—like being a Prince. Among these items were models of the three Roman triumphal arches which had been excavated at the time. These arches, built by the Emperors Titus, Septimius Severus, and Constantine, were in ruins during the time of George IV. Many models of the arches (mostly in cork) had been produced to show them in their ruined state. However, a set of three models in marble and bronze which showed the arches as they would have been during the times of the Roman Empire were produced by Italian sculptors, Giovacchino and Pietro Belli.

Originally, the set of three arches was offered to King George for the price of 3000 guineas. George wouldn’t pay more than 500 guineas. And, so, a deal was struck. The set moved from Carlton House to Buckingham House, and, later, to Windsor Castle where they remain. This particular model, The Arch of Titus, seemed to be a favorite and was often displayed as a centerpiece.

Treat of the Week: Red Velvet Cake

For as much as we enjoy cake, surprisingly, my family has never had a Red Velvet cake. So, my mother took that as a challenge and set about making one of her own from scratch. Here’s the result. We quite enjoyed it. Red Velvet cake is mildly chocolaty, and as is the case here, typically quite rich and moist. The cake is almost always iced in white frosting. My mother has created a frosting from whipping cream and cream cheese. Quite lovely!


There’s much debate as to the origins of Red Velvet cake. Some say it came from the North, some from the South. In reality, many variations of Red Velvet cake exist—some even employing beets for the coloring (this was a common practice during the Second World War). Of course, Red Velvet cake’s close cousin, Devil’s Food, seemed to emerge around the same time.

An online search for recipes will allow you to select which version most appeals to you. As is always the case with these things, I’m not sure how my mother created this lovely treat, but I’m sure glad she did.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 158

Marjani boldly walked into Iolanthe’s room.


“Isn’t it touching, really?” Ulrika grinned. “The Duke’s servants are so loyal.”

“I ain’t His Grace’s servant,” Marjani shook her head. “I’m his friend.”

“Have we progressed to that point?” Ulrika laughed. “Where an English nobleman and a…”

“Quiet, Ulrika,” Iolanthe interrupted. She turned to Marjani. “What do you want?”

“I’ve done told ya,” Marjani said plainly. “I brought ya a present for the new year.”

As Marjani spoke, they could hear the cathedral bells sounding midnight.

“How timely,” Ulrika chuckled. She swatted at Arthur. “Isn’t it timely?”

Arthur grunted. “Sure is.”

From her apron, Marjani removed a small polychrome sculpture.

“What is that trinket?” Iolanthe raised her eyebrows.

“It’s the Holy Mother.” Marjani smiled, walking forward and placing the figure of Mary on the table in front of Iolanthe. “She’s come to watch over you.”

“I don’t understand.” Iolanthe frowned.

“Miss Evangeline, you’re gonna need all the protection you can get this year.” Marjani grinned. “The Holy Mother will make sure that you done get everything that you deserve.”

Meanwhile, Cecil, Adrienne and Robert gathered in Mr. Punch’s room. Adrienne had retrieved Fuller from his crib and held the sleeping baby in her arms.

As the bells chimed, they all sat in silence.

“Happy New Year,” Mr. Punch whispered.

“I’m glad that we’re all together,” Adrienne said softly. “That’s all I want—my family gathered safely in one place.”

“And, we are.” Robert nodded. “All of us.”

“We’ll make it a good year,” Mr. Punch said, coughing slightly.

“Yes, we will.” Robert said.

“It’ll be a better year if we can put Iolanthe in her place.” Cecil grumbled.

“Let’s remove the hatred from our hearts for a few moments…just a few moments,” Adrienne said softly.

“Of course, my dear.” Cecil nodded.

“No point in…” Punch began, but his body was overcome with a coughing fit. He began sputtering and howled in pain.

“Julian?” Robert got up. “Punch?”

But, Mr. Punch couldn’t respond—the fit of coughing had overwhelmed him and his body began to thrash.

Toby rose up and jumped from the bed, barking wildly from concern.

“I was afraid of this,” Robert said, throwing the blankets off of Mr. Punch. “Cecil, I need your help!”



Did you miss Chapters 1-157? If so, you can read them here.