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The original buildings were meant for the personal use of the pope, and in places encompass a confusing warren of small rooms and narrow staircases that were never intended to receive 7 million visitors a year. Features At the Vatican Museums, the nightly ritual of the keys begins in Room 49A, a tight, windowless chamber, generally referred to as il bunker, which I entered one evening last November from a grassy courtyard as rain began to fall. Michelangelo came to this place to study the Belvedere Torso, a marble dating to the first century B.C. He thought of the torso - its arms missing, its legs cut off at the knees - as his "teacher" and used the taut anatomy in his portrayal of Adam on the Sistine Chapel's ceiling. Later, another door opened, near the Sistine Chapel's altar, and a man stood silhouetted in a bright rectangle: He was standing at the entrance to the Room of Tears. [Extracted from the article]

Features I. Victoria, Seychelles When Olivier Bancoult boarded the ship that was to take him 1,000 miles across the Indian Ocean to the Chagos Archipelago - his childhood home, from which he and his fellow islanders had been expelled 50 years earlier - he carried five wrought-iron crosses. Bancoult pointed to where the Chagossians on the ship, all now living in Mauritius, had been born. Uprooted and desperately poor, the Chagossians formed small communities in Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the United Kingdom, with little support from any of those countries. The government argued that Britain had no standing to create the marine protected area; Chagos had been illegally detached from Mauritius, and Britain was therefore not the relevant "coastal state.". [Extracted from the article]

A literary criticism of the book "We Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland," by Fintan O'Toole is presented. It examines the book's style of reporting and analysis of the history of Ireland, O'Toole's recollection of the bombing of Nelson's Pillar in Dublin, and the two figures that loom over O'Toole's narrative.

The article focuses on the riot that occurred at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021 and its comparison to a revolt at the Temple of Jupiter in ancient Rome. It offers a description of the protesters at the Capitol and discusses an advisory issued by the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff regarding the riot, the similarities and differences between the riot at the Capitol and the revolt at the Temple of Jupiter.

Examines scholarship which investigates the role and depiction of women in the Bible. Example of the story of Samson and Delilah; Increasing role of women in Biblical studies; Views of feminist scholars; Male-oriented interpretations of the Bible; Sexual outlook of the Bible's contents; Material about women to study in the Bible; Modern impact of women's studies on the Bible; Work of Carol L. Meyers, Duke University; Key topics; More.

The article discusses the 1998 impeachment of former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Topics include the role of civil servant Linda Tripp in revealing a sexual relationship between Clinton and intern Monica Lewinsky, the role of Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr in the impeachment process, and the views of public figures including politicians Bob Livingston, Tom Daschle, and Barney Frank.

The article discusses about the evolution of printing press. Topics includes the comparison of printing industry in Venice to the Silicon Valley was initiated by Elizabeth Eisenstein. Her books "The Printing Revolution in Early Modern Europe, and "The Printing Press as an Agent of Change" was published in 1979, before personal computers and the internet came into existence. The printing industry lead to concepts of copyright and intellectual property, rise in literacy, eyeglass and lensmaking.

Presents the author's impressions of Andrei Gromyko, longtime Soviet foreign minister, after reading his newly published "Memoirs." Personal style; Diplomatic ability; Brief excerpts from the book.

The article chronicles the history of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), whose job is to safeguard the doctrine on faith and morals in the Catholic world. CDF is used to be called the Congregation of the Holy Office and before that, the Sacred Congregation of the Holy Roman and Universal Acquisition. The article states that the CDF grew organically out of the Inquisition which started in 1231 by Pope Gregory IX and that CDF inherited the Archivio Segreto.

The article explores the parallels between the inquisition led by the medieval Roman Catholic Church and the methods of U.S. enhanced interrogation. Topics include the inquisitor Bernard Gui, depicted in the book "The Name of the Rose," by Umberto Eco, a comparison of the torture tactics of inquisitors such as Gui and Nicholas Eymerich and the U.S. Army Manual, and Pope Innocent IV 's authorization of torture and U.S. administration's use of enhanced interrogation under President George Bush.

The author writes of his travels in Italy tracing the footsteps of the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, whose history is discussed. In what he calls the "Fall of Rome Tour," he tours Ravenna, Italy, attends the Ravenna Festival and visits the Appian Way Archaeological Park and the Aurelian Wall Museum. INSET: THE TRAVEL ADVISORY.

The article presents the author's experiences of visiting the tourist spot Hadrian's Wall in England. Hadrian's Wall is a fortification built around 120 A.D. to delineate the boundary between Roman Britain and northern regions. The author describes the route as well as references to the wall in literature. INSET: WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO STAY.

The article presents a satirical preview of plans for U.S. President George W. Bush's Presidential Library. According to the article, when Bush took a sudden, obsessive interest in planning his library those close to him concluded that Bush was following some Divine Instruction which required that he draw up the plans without delay. The article states that adults who are not wearing an American-flag lapel pin who wish to enter the library may be required to take a loyalty oath.

Examines the popularity of anniversary celebrations. Examples of popular and historic events which are commemorated; Information on the phenomenon called death dip, or the influence of significant anniversaries on mortality rates; Decline in the social significance of anniversary celebrations.

The article discusses the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, and the history of Islamic Spain. The Muslims invasion in the early 8th century is described along with the cultural and intellectual period that followed, noting its success in religious tolerance. The reconquest of the Iberian peninsula in 1492 is also discussed.

Presents historical information on Elizabeth Cady Stanton, founder and president of the Woman Suffrage Association in the United States. Details on a resolution that was designed to rebuke Elizabeth Cady Stanton; Reaction to Stanton's controversial views concerning the Bible.

The article presents the author's experiences of travelling to Iceland. The author describes geological aspects of Iceland and recommends places to visit, including Thingvellir and the Westmann Islands. The author also describes the capital city of Reykjavik and some activities in which visitors can participate while in Iceland.

The article focuses on the efforts of biologists who study the dromedary camel in the United Arab Emirates. Article topics include the biologists' quest for the perfect racing camel as the impetus for scientific studies, and the studies conducted to understand the reproduction of camels. Additional article topics include the work of biologist Julian Skidmore, statistics on camels, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the crown prince of Dubai.

Cites a 20-year study which suggests that we know way too little about what we toss out--and about what needs to be done with it. Actual amounts of fast-food packaging that can be found in American landfills; Why paper accounts for 40 percent of all materials encountered in dumps; Why landfills are much more static biologically and chemically than we suppose.

Features the book 'McGuffey's Eclectic Readers' used in public schools to help elementary students improve their spelling, sharpen their vocabulary and rekindle their interest in the lost art of recitation; Grass-roots enthusiasm for the book; Stories and precepts retained in the book; Analysis on why the book enjoyed longevity and appealed to a broad range of people.

Focuses on subway entertainers in the U.S. Subway pedestrians' attitude toward such entertainers; History of live music in subways; Reasons behind the growth of subway music in the U.S.

Focuses on Palestinian uprising intifada, which emerged due to frailties associated with Israeli panel system. Overview of the dispute between Palestine and Israel since 1967; Basic structure and principle behind the basis of intifada; Means and strategies adopted by the Israeli government to curb the uprising intifada.

Focuses on the Butser Ancient Farm Research Project wherein archaeologists conducted an experiment to test the scholars' hypothesis about the Iron Age agriculture. Inferences on the economics and techniques of the Iron Age agriculture; Demonstration of the techniques used by the Iron Age farmers in tending his farm; Investigation of the technology's efficiency.

Explores why the Bible of the Jews and Christians should not inspire uneasiness in many modern women. View from Professor Tikva Frymer-Kensky, a scholar of the Mesopotamian world; Women who played a significant early role in shaping the field of feminist biblical studies; Observation on the Bible; Controversy surrounding the book `The Book of J,' by Harold Bloom; Comparison between goddesses and male gods.

Discusses the idea of when the world will end and traces it through history. Curiosity about the ultimate destiny of our species and planet; Sociologist Daniel Bell's "The End of Ideology" and others; Erosion of credibility the prophets of doom have suffered over the years; Artwork that has depicted the end of the world; Prophecies of Nostradamus in the 16th century.

Looks at the sketches of Lt. John Cullen Murphy, who was stationed in the Pacific during World War II. Pencil drawings, pen-and-ink sketches and watercolor paintings done by Murphy while serving in the US Army in the Pacific; Art schools attended; Association with Norman Rockwell; Events that Murphy captured in sketches, including the ceremony in which Douglas MacArthur turned civilian rule back over to the Filipino president Sergio Osmena; More.

Looks into the feminist research movement for the reassessment of the portrayal of women in the Bible. Discovery of the egalitarian Gnostic Nag Hammadi codices; Portrayal of women as prominent Biblical characters; Reassessment with the expanding influence of feminist scholars in the study of Jewish and Christian history; Use of feminist references and imagery; Justification of the subordinate role of women to men in the Bible; Specific Biblical stories of women.

Reports on the status of archaeology in the U.S. Reputation of archaeologists; Availability of federal salvage programs to provide mitigation at archaeological sites.

The article reports on the author's family vacation, in which they traced the route of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The family traveled with a map created by Nicholas King from the maps and notes Lewis and Clark sent back from their explorations. The family's journey was inspired and guided by Stephen Ambrose's book "Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West."

The article describes historic areas in the Holy Land of Israel. Featured attractions include the Jezreel Valley, Mount Megiddo, Mount Tabor, the Mount of Olives, and the Golden Dome of the Rock. The author references the 1995 edition of Fodor's "Israel," a travel and guide book, and provides information on the Holy Sepulchre and other historic areas.

The article reports on snow. Mark Williams of the Western Snow Conference speaks on the importance of snow as a weather phenomenon, as a portion of what makes up run-off, and as a natural resource. The Western Snow Conference attendees are attempting to determine how much snow falls in the western U.S. in a given winter, how much water it will produce, and where will the water go.

The article provides a description of England through the setting of Hal Foster's comic strip "Prince Valiant." The article discusses multiple popular historic landscapes and sites on the island, including the city of Somerset, Exmoor National Park, and Cadbury Castle. Additional elements of English culture are highlighted such as English cuisine.

Surveys the growing mass of research on sex differences in behavior. Description of the male chromosome; Connection between hormones and behavior; Sensitivity of women to odors. INSET: U.S. Men and Women: Some Comparisons.

The article focuses on a legislative bill introduced in Virginia that would levy a $50 fine for wearing pants that allow underwear to show. Article topics include the arguments of bill supporters, opponents' claims that the bill will lead to racial profiling, and a rejection of the bill by Virginia's Senate. The author also discusses the government's attempts to control the daily lives of American citizens by law in the 21st century.

The article considers the ways in which the world today resembles the way the world existed in the Middle Ages. Large corporations replace the church in enforcing moral dictates through what they will sell. Home schooling, gated communities and private security are all recreating a feudal world in which the state is increasingly irrelevant in peoples' lives. Mercenaries are once again providing military power as a war rages in the Middle East.

The article discusses the concept of warning labels. The author comments on a legislative bill that would require a warning label on credit cards. The warning would discuss personal financial loss or possible bankruptcy. Article topics include the increased use of cautionary labels on various products across the U.S. and the public's risk assessment of these products.

The article discusses the Hair Part Theory, the argument that the way a person parts their hair is indicative of their personality and behavior. Developed by Catherine and John Walter, the Hair Part Theory states that left-parters are more likely to use the left-hemisphere brain processes, including logic and verbal ability, while right-parters are better with nonlinear and artistic skills. Parting on a side that is contrary to your personality, the Walters argue, can make others uncomfortable.

The author reflects on the application of mathematical equations and scientific study in the manufacturing and marketing of consumer products. Whole-body-scanning systems for accurate clothing sizes for the companies Second Skin and Levi Strauss & Co. are examined. Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's endorsement of an Urban Happiness Quotient to monitor mental and social health is discussed.

Focuses on the study of necrolexicography. Grants for the making of dictionaries of dead languages; Allure of necrolexicography; Effect of even a brief encounter with a once-living language.

Focuses on the promotion of a semantics that eliminates every form of the verb 'to be' from the English language. Language and symbolic structures; Issues of causality; Pedagogic tool.

The article praises the smaller discoveries in science. The author contrasts the sensationalist and civilization-changing discoveries heralded in popular media with smaller discoveries about personality and progress that are equally valuable and perhaps more useful to the public. The author praises the columnist Marilyn vos Savant, who presents and highlights small and practical scientific endeavors.

The article looks at Peter Hatch, the director of gardens and grounds at Monticello, former U.S. President Thomas Jefferson's home in the Virginia Piedmont. Hatch is responsible for restoring the plantation's gardens and groves to a state resonant with Jefferson's intentions, as spelled out in various drawings and agronomic observations.

The author explores the different associations to which Americans belong in their spare time. The author classifies associations by advocacy, participating in contests, and collecting, and provides examples of associations in each category. The author comments that he does not belong to any associations.

The article discusses racist statements used by U.S. President Donald Trump. Topics include a 1973 U.S. Justice Department lawsuit against the firm Trump Management Company for alleged racial discrimination, Trump's statements in favor of the execution of the falsely accused alleged rapists known as the Central Park Five, and Trump's participation in a U.S. House Subcommittee on Native American Affairs of the Committee on Natural Resources hearing on casino construction. Trump's views on the birth of former U.S. President Barack Obama are noted.

In this article the author reflects on several questions that arose while he was researching for his book "God's Jury: The Inquisition and the Making of the Modern World." His questions relate to the nature of inquisitions and the human need for them. The questions are listed and include why the Inquisition arose when it did, whether or not Judaizing was common in Spain and how many Jews were expelled from Spain during the Inquisition. The author's work as the editor-at-large of the periodical "Vanity Fair" is also discussed.

An interview with Cullen Murphy, editor at large of "Vanity Fair" and author of "Are We Rome? The Fall of an Empire and the Fate of America." When asked about what motivated him to write the book, he said he wondered about the comparison between Rome and the U.S. for years. He offers his views on why societies often stagnate, decline and collapse. He talks about what Americans can do to anneal the society from collapse.