Archives for March 11, 2015

“Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition”

 

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The California Science Center in cooperation with the Israel Antiquities Authority is proud to present “Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition”, the largest of its kind ever mounted outside of Israel, featuring over 600 ancient artifacts. Opening March 10, 2015 at the California Science Center, the exhibition explores the science and significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, manuscripts composed, copied and hidden in caves 2000 years ago. Over half of the scrolls on display have never before been seen in the US, and some have never been exhibited since their discovery. The Los Angeles presentation is made possible with generous support from presenting sponsors The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, Jewish Life Television and the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles.

Of special interest will be sections from ten of the Dead Sea Scrolls, including parts of the oldest discovered copies of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament. The fragmentary scrolls in the exhibition contain passages from Genesis, Isaiah, Psalms, and even, an ancient marriage contract dated to the 1st century CE. Visitors will experience the Dead Sea Scrolls within the rich historical and cultural context of ancient Israel. Through multimedia exhibits, guests will explore the science and technology used to date, assemble and preserve these ancient manuscripts for future generations.

Additional highlights include a 3-ton stone from Jerusalem’s Western Wall, limestone capitals from the First Temple period (1000-586 BCE), ossuaries (ancient bone boxes) from the early Roman period, and a signature preserved for millennia on the unique Archer Seal.  Among the over 600 artifacts from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period in Israel are examples of delicate jewelry, pottery shards bearing royal seals, weapons including sling-stones and arrowheads, and many objects excavated from active archaeological sites in Israel.

“Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition” is created by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) from the collections of the Israel National Treasures and features the most comprehensive collection of ancient artifacts from Israel ever organized. Presenting sponsors of “Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition” are The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, Jewish Life Television and the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles, with additional support from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, the Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation, the Herta Amir and Paul Amir Foundation, the Stanley and Joyce Black Family Foundation, the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors—Zev Yaroslavsky (District 3), the Teichman Family Charitable Foundation, Irwin S. Field, the Max Webb Foundation and Barry and Mireille Wolfe.

“This exhibition demonstrates a remarkable blend of science and history,” said California Science Center President, Jeffrey Rudolph. “Cutting-edge conservation technology will allow our guests to see the most significant archeological find of the last century.”

“We can only piece together the past by examining and interpreting objects from daily life or ancient written documents,” said Dr. Risa Levitt Kohn, Professor at San Diego State University and one of the exhibition curators. “This exhibition reveals in ancient pots, coins, weapons, jewelry, and handwritten texts, a record of extraordinary human achievement constituting a significant contribution to our own cultural legacy.”

The many highlights of the archaeological materials in the exhibition include the following:
•       A female figurine believed to represent Asherah, whom ancient Israelites may have thought to be the consort to the god of Israel
•       Arrowheads and sling-stones from Lachish, the site of a fierce battle between Israelites and Assyrians
•       A storage jar stamped with a seal indicating that it belonged to royalty
•       Ossuaries, or small stone boxes, that once contained human bones — three by coincidence, bear the names Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, names commonly  used in the years preceding Christianity
•       A finely wrought 2,000-year-old gold earring inlaid with pearls.

The centerpiece of “Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition” will be the presentation of 20 texts (ten scrolls at a time, in two rotations) that are part of the remarkably preserved trove known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. The scrolls date from 250 BCE to 68 CE and were discovered in a group of caves near Khirbet Qumran, close to the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea. Most of the texts are written in Hebrew, though some are in Aramaic and Greek.

The first cache of scrolls was discovered in 1947 when a Bedouin shepherd casually tossed a rock into a cave and heard a pot shatter. Over the following eight years, archaeologists and Bedouin found thousands of parchment fragments in eleven caves, including the oldest known copies of the Hebrew Bible. Scholars pieced the parchments together, some no larger than a postage stamp, during the decades that followed. An exhibition video reveals fascinating details of the discovery and ongoing conservation of the scrolls.

The exhibition is curated by Dr. Risa Levitt Kohn, Professor of Hebrew Bible and Judaism at San Diego State University; and Ms. Debora Ben Ami, Iron Age Curator, Israeli Antiquities Authority.

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*Photo credit: Darryl Moran/The Franklin Institute

To enhance their experience, Science Center visitors are encouraged to view JERUSALEM 3D, premiering at the California Science Center IMAX® Theater on March 10, 2015. Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Imitation Game,” “Star Trek into the Darkness,” PBS’s “Sherlock”), this giant screen film adventure immerses audiences in a cinematic journey—soaring high above the Holy Land and plunging deep into the vibrant Old City— to experience iconic sites cherished by billions, and explore on a grand scale the intersection of science, history and religion in this ancient, enigmatic place. JERUSALEM 3D is an original production from Cosmic Picture and Arcane Pictures, and distributed by National Geographic Studios, with a run time of 43-minutes.

My son and I visited yesterday and found this exhibit very interesting. Actually, I was quite amazed! This exhibit is really a Must-See! I was just amazed and my son thought that it was pretty cool! We have seen many of the exhibits at this California Science Center and I have to honestly say that this is one of the most amazing. Some of the Dead Sea Scrolls had never been seen before and to actually see them? I was actually speechless through most of this exhibit. We were planning to see the Jerusalem 3D in IMAX but the timing did not work out for us. We do plan to go back. This one sounds like a great feature!

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More info on Jerusalem 3D:

Soar high above the ancient city of Jerusalem – a city of many religions and an important crossroads of civilization. Through breathtaking aerial footage, eye-opening personal stories and remarkable historical perspective,  Jerusalem takes viewers inside the heart of the city in ways never seen before. Narrated by Oscar nominated actor Benedict Cumberbatch.

Tickets + Information:http://www.californiasciencecenter.org

The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive. The Science Center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm. Please check the Science Center web site for schedule updates. Tickets for Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition are currently on sale. Guests are encouraged to buy tickets online at www.californiasciencecenter.org to reserve an entry date & time. The general information number is (323) SCIENCE. Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition admission prices are $19.75¬¬¬ for adults 18-59, $16.75 for youth 13 to 17, college students with I.D. & seniors 60+, and $12.75 for children 4 – 12. Member discount rates are $12.75 for adults, $11.75 for youth 13 to 17, college students with I.D. & seniors 60+, and $10.75 for children 4-12. Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition and IMAX combination ticket prices are $26.00 for adults 18-59, $21.25 for youth 13-17, college students with I.D. and seniors 60+, and $16.50 for children 4-12. Member discount rates for combo tickets are $18.25 for adults, $15.25 for youth 13 to 17, college students with I.D. & seniors 60+, and $13.75 for children 4-12. Special rates for schools and other groups of 15 and over apply. The exhibit’s special group information number is (213) 744-2019. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Admission to all other Science Center exhibits is free. More information is also available at www.californiasciencecenter.org

Self Disclosure: I received Media passes to feature this new Exhibit at the California Science Center.  Photo Credit (top photo): Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library, Israel Antiquities Authority, photographer: Shai Halevi.

COLGATE TOTAL® New Gum Health Mouthwash

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Gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth, which is why Colgate is introducing  a new variety to its Colgate Total® portfolio – Gum Health Mouthwash.  This new mouthwash has an advanced* germ-fighting formula that forms a protective shield along the gum line and protects against bacteria.  With twice-daily use, it’s clinically proven to deliver 45% stronger, healthier gums*.

I received a sample of the Colgate Total new Gum Health Mouthwash and it has quickly become my new to-go-to daily mouthwash! I love the Clean Mint flavor and even more, I love how it freshens my breath and also fights plaque between teeth and along the gum line. This is really important to me because I am prone to plaque. Cavities seem to stay away from me but not the case with plaque! This mouthwash really seems to help!

MSRP:

  • 8.4 : $3.49
  • 16.9: $4.29
  • 33.8: $5.49

Colgate Total® offers a broad portfolio of products that provide a range of oral care benefits.  Each product has a formula that helps improve the health of your mouth, to make you confident you are taking better control of your oral care.  For more information, visit http://www.colgatetotal.com.

 Self Disclosure: I received a free sample from Colgate-Palmolive for review purposes.

[*] Reduction in gingival bleeding vs. a non-antibacterial mouthwash in a 6 week clinical study.

[*] Vs. non-antibacterial mouthwash

 

 

 

Olay Fresh Effects Clear Skin Collection is a Beauty Must-Have!

Clients|Olay  Clients|Olay

Don’t let a breakout stop you from standing out! Young women own the morning, the night, and everything in between-but nothing stands in the way of their 24/7 lives quite like an unwelcome breakout. For those moments when unsightly blemishes threaten, instant skin improvements is now available, courtesy of the NEW Clear Skin Collection from Olay Fresh Effects.

Boasting a powerful formula that instantly improves the look of blemishes, redness and imperfections, the {1-2-3!} Acne Solution System is proven to reduce the look of acne Better & Faster than Proactiv.* Infused with the reinvigorating essence of citrus and mint, the entire system is dermatologist tested, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, leaving skin fresh-face and even-toned while effectively treating acne.

So, how well does the New collection work? I actually had a good friend try out a couple of these products since I am not prone to acne. I did try the {See Spot Swipe!} Oil Reducing Wet Cloths and I simply love these pre-moistened cloths! They are packed with exfoliating power due to Textured Exfolidots technology. The Exfoli-dots clean deep to wipe away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that can clog pores. Great for all skin types, including acne prone skin. Affordable at a retail price of $4.99.

My friend tried the other products in the collection and her favorite was the {Acne Hater Deep Scrub} Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Deep Scrub, She loved how it exfoliates! She says just after a couple weeks of using, she has noticed a difference in her skin. This exfoliating scrub has deep cleansing power plus acne-fighting ingredients. Retails for $6.99.

Also available are the {Spot Zinger!} and the {Swirled Mattifier!} The {Spot Zinger!} is a 2-In-1 Salicylic acid acne spot treatment that is formulated with 2% salicylic acid and beautifiers to instantly improve the look of blemishes in just 10 minutes. Retails for $6.99. the {Swirled Mattifier!} is a swirled moisturizer that mattifies skin to instantly reduce the look of shine and redness. My friend said this one really hydrates and evens out skin tone. This one retails for $9.99.

The best way to go is with the {1-2-3!} Acne Solution System which includes the {Acne Hater Deep Scrub!}, {Spot Zinger!} and the {Swirled Mattifier!} for $19.99.

*Visual assessment on 29 women by expert graders at 15 minutes compared to Proactiv Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Treatment System.

Clients|Olay    Clients|Olay

For more information, go to Olay.com.

Self Disclosure: I received free products to facilitate this feature. Photo Credit: Olay.

Children’s Book Author Asks Would You Adopt a Pink Dog?

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America loves its 83.3 million dogs but for some five million dogs that enter shelters each year, who will love them?

A new children’s book, The Painted Pilgrim by Dale Ryan (Breeze Hill Books, January 2015), shines a light on the dog adoption process and shows us why we should take care of dogs of all sizes, shapes, colors, and breeds.  The main character, Pellegrino, is a pink dog, and the shelter seeks to find him a good home while warding off dog owners with bad intentions.

“Some five million dogs will enter a shelter this year and 3.5 million will not make it out,” notes author and animal photographer Ms. Dale Ryan.  “I hope my book inspires more dog adoptions, especially of dogs that aren’t perfect or pure breeds, such as mutts, less favored breeds or those with a disability or perceived shortcoming.”

In her book, Dale shares the following insight:

  • How dogs have become America’s #1 pet
  • What dogs teach us – and give back to us
  • How we can advance the pet-adoption movement
  • The valuable lessons children learn from a dog adoption
  • Advice for people debating whether to adopt a dog

I received a book to review and love this book! My family is currently considering adopting a puppy so I found this book very helpful. This is great for children but is also great for the whole family! I also like the subtle lesson  in the book that you can’t always “judge a book by its cover”, so to speak. It’s also a very heartwarming story with a very happy ending! I highly recommend this book. It truly is a must-read and also love the questions to ask children at the end of the book.

About the author:

Dale Ryan is a dog-loving photographer and writer. Her debut book, Sleeping With the Beast, a coffee table photo-essay book, was featured in the Los Angeles Times Summer Reading List of 2012 and mentioned in the New York Post. Dale, who has owned some 15 dogs over the years, has two sons and resides in Litchfield, Connecticut, with her husband and two dogs, Clementine and Rupert. Read more about her and the book here: http://www.thepaintedpilgrim.com

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to post. I received a free book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Introducing the World’s First “Smart” Baby Formula Maker

Milk Nanny

Whose turn is it?  Oh the dreaded times of getting out of bed in the wee hours of the night (several times every night) to make the babies bottle! Or your baby is crying and wants to be fed like NOW! Been there, done that twice!  Typically, parents make a bottle of milk for their babies between the ages of 0-3 about 4,000 times, including approximately a thousand late night feedings!  Now there is an easier way to make bottles for parents who feed their babies formula and it’s called Milk Nanny.

Milk Nanny is the first fully-automatic appliance to make fresh, warm baby formula milk in just 15 seconds.  The coolest thing about it….Milk Nanny can also be remotely controlled with a mobile phone. Parents simply connect to Milk Nanny with their mobile device via Wi-Fi, and they’re ready to start making milk. Milk Nanny knows exactly how much water and powder is needed to make a perfect bottle. Parents will finally be able to skip the daily chore of measuring and scooping formula from a can into a bottle, mixing with water and shaking it to get “most” of the clumps out.

Current milk making machines on the market today can’t be started remotely, they produce clumpy milk, they’re not self-cleaning, and don’t look very nice sitting on your kitchen counter.  The Milk Nanny will change all of that!  The Milk Nanny has a MSRP of $199.00 and will be available to the public in May 2015. Check out Milk Nanny http://www.wicoz.com/

Credit: Wicoz Inc. No compensation or product was received.