Wherein the Assyrian library never worried about cuts to the acquisitions budget. Modern public libraries perform a wide variety of functions: making available books and electronic resources, providing computer and Internet access, offering social services and even using 3D printers to make masks during the pandemic. These are all provided for the well-being of all … Read More
The #I Spot for #II
Wherein the Romans went where the in-crowd went…and shared a butt-sponge afterward. One of the most notable trends of 2020 was hoarding toilet paper; you could wander empty aisles at the supermarket where the best you might hope to find would be a particularly large dust bunny you could sock away for a “rainy day.” … Read More
Happy Ear-Dragging New Year
Wherein the Babylonians guarantee a happy new year by dragging the king by his ears and slapping him until he cries. We celebrate the coming of a new year in a wide variety of ways: gathering with friends, drinking, watching fireworks and, most significantly, singing Auld Lang Syne (and perhaps drunkenly arguing over the words … Read More
Cow Poop is Very Slenderizing
Wherein 12th–century fashionistas eschewed fad diets for a slathering of cow manure. The 2020 holiday season is upon us, a time for family and friends and, most importantly of all, feasting. Of course, as this nightmare year staggers to its conclusion we might not gather with family and friends, but we will eat…whether feasting or … Read More
