BARBARA'S TCHATZKAHS

By Cathryn Drake Never mind the Da Vinci Code -- what about Michelangelo's secret messages? On the 500th anniversary of the artist's first climb up the ladder in 1508 to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling, a new book claims he embedded subversive messages in his spectacular frescoes -- not only Jewish, Kabbalistic and pagan symbols but also insults directed at Pope Julius II, who commissioned the work, and references to his own sexuality. A new book co-authored by Vatican guide Roy Doliner examines Jewish imagery and other secret messages in the Sistine Chapel. First published in an English version in May by Harper One, "The Sistine Secrets: Michelangelo's Forbidden Messages in the Heart of the Vatican," coauthored by Vatican docent Roy Doliner and Rabbi Benjamin Blech, is already in its second edition in Italy. It will be translated into 16 languages and released in the coming months in Spain, Portugal, France, Poland, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, the Czech R...

Ogled By Google Was able to get out of bed for a few minutes to check the news. (The round of conferences, meetings, flying to 4 different cities and taking care of one of my kids (who's asthma has been acting up) took its toll today. Thank goodness I am near family!! I have about 2 more weeks of this to go - a busy start to the summer.) That said I did some reading online today and came across one subject I have found so interesting since starting this blog 4 1/2 years ago: Privacy & the Internet. I believe people are not only entitled to their opinions but their personal privacy. I don't however, believe in harrassment, defamation or other school-locker-room bullying tactics online. Comments? Is America's Favorite Search Engine Chugging Into Cyber Privacy? By JESSE LEAVENWORTH Hop on Google's Street View and ride through the glass and granite canyons of New York City. Stop smack in the middle of Times Square and spin the view 360 degrees. After Gotham, slide the ...