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Why would a humble Chinese noodle maker be buried in a tomb fit for an emperor? And why would a Westerner – complete with blonde hair – be important enough to commemorate on its walls? Archaeologists in northern China have unearthed a small but richly decorated 1,200-year-old tomb on a mountain outside Taiyuan, the capital of China’s northern Shanxi province. It dates from China’s Tang Dynasty (618-907AD), a period coinciding with the end of Western Europe’s Dark Ages. And it’s full of surprises. The Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology first made the discovery during a 2018 road construction survey. But, according to the State-run Xinhua newsagency, they’ve only recently released their findings. A tombstone epitaph states its owner died at home in the 24th year of Kaiyuan (736AD) at the age of 63. His wife, Guo, was buried there the same year. The archaeologists found an exceptionally well-preserved, brightly colored single-chamber brick structure. Reds, yellows and oranges cover its whitewashed walls and ceiling. And amid it all stands a stark stone coffin bed on which the couple are believed to have been placed. But the stark, clear artwork caught the eye of researchers. It doesn’t tell the expected tale of great battles or successful hunts. Nor does it place its occupants amid the pomp and pageantry of the imperial court. Instead, the murals show them hard at work under the watchful eye of magical beasts. And trading with a Westerner. The noodle maker A bold, sweeping botanical design marks the entrance. Three pairs of yellow-robed figures line the doorway and passage. The pair at the door hold jade tablets, which Xinhua reports reveals them to be “gatekeepers”. A pair inside the portico appear to be welcoming visitors. And a pair just inside the tomb itself are guardians armed with swords. Fantastical beasts (at least one of which is a dragon) weave between thick red banners, dividing the conical ceiling into four equal parts. And 12 regularly-sized red-bordered panels stand beneath. Many appear to show the same ethnic Han man, based on the consistency of his appearance and clothing. These may be different stages of the unnamed tomb owner’s life and career. But the Xinhua report says experts also speculate that the stylistic pictures may represent his particular “virtues”. One shows him holding a ritualistic jade tablet. Another shows him facing a tomb. And another where he’s confronting a snake. Others show him chopping wood, pointing to a tree while holding a cup, and one scene – without people – of a plant with withered flowers. One panel, in particular, appears to show both the husband and wife immersed in the process of making rice noodles. They’re seen doing everything from carting water, threshing grains, using grinding and mill stones, and forming dough balls. Chinese archaeologists say the strong outlines, simple shading and efficient two-dimensional designs make the tomb’s artwork distinct from other works from the same era. The ‘Westerner’ One of the boldest tomb panels shows a woman dressed in an ornate, multi-colored gown and holding a chequered box. Behind her is a yellow-blonde-haired man with a whip leading three saddled horses and a two-humped camel. The Chinese archaeologists believe this shows contact with distant lands through the Silk Road trading route, which had been in operation for almost 800 years before the tomb was painted. “Based on his facial features and outfit style, we can identify him as a ‘Westerner,’ likely a Sogdian from Central Asia,” Professor Victor Xiong told LiveScience. The Sogdian people lived in an area now known as Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, a central hub in the Silk Road network linking Asia and Europe. Xinhua states camels – while not native to China – were a relatively common feature of artwork of the Tang Dynasty era to highlight the importance of international trade. Whomever the noodle maker was, he had regal tastes. The South China Morning Post quotes the director of the Jinyang Ancient City Archaeological Institute, Long Zhen, as saying the unique artistic style was very similar to that found in the tomb of Prince Wang Shenzi (renamed Emperor Taizu of Min – the founder of the Min dynasty during the Ten Kingdoms period – after his death). Prince Wang rose through the ranks of administrators to become a military governor, chancellor and eventually anointed as a prince. Legend has it Wang was a frugal man and a fair judge, leading his lands into an era of prosperity. “Dr Long hypothesized that the same artist may have painted both Wang’s tomb and the newly discovered mural,” the SCMP states. But Prince Wang died on December 31, 925 AD. That’s 189 years after the noodle maker’s tomb was sealed. https://nypost.com/2024/07/27/world-news/researchers-amazed-by-miraculous-find-in-1200-year-old-tomb-in-china/

NOW A YANKEE

The 2 Irishmen vying for the NL HR crown both homered today... O'htani hit his 32nd & O'zuna hit his 30th.

I LOVE A VISUAL PUN (OR TWO):

talk about real estate 'finds'... For more than a century, this quaint seaside enclave in California has clung to its whimsical ways, shunning street addresses in favor of charming directional descriptors and fanciful home names. But now, the beloved tradition is set to become a thing of the past. In a contentious 3-2 vote earlier this month, the Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council decided to break with tradition and assign street numbers to all buildings in the town of 3,200, reported the Los Angeles Times. Proponents argue that this move is crucial for public safety and necessary to comply with the state fire code, which mandates building numbers. “Do we need to wait for someone to die in order to decide that this is the right thing to do? It is the law,” said Councilmember Karen Ferlito, who cast her vote in favor of the change. Carmelites have cherished their unique navigation system. Instead of street addresses, locals have long relied on directional cues — City Hall is on the east side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and 7th avenues — and property names like Sea Castle and Faux Chateau. But as online shopping surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, so did frustrations with the town’s lack of street numbers. Residents struggled with lost packages, utility setups and medical deliveries, and some feared for their safety in emergencies. “This is a life-and-death situation in my life and my family,” said Deanna Dickman, a concerned resident who spoke at the City Council meeting. “I want a street address that people can find on GPS and get there, and my wife can get the medication she needs.” Dickman’s wife requires a refrigerated shot delivered by mail. A previous delivery was tossed over a fence and ruined. Susan Bjerre recounted a similar ordeal when she needed oxygen delivered for a hospital discharge. “I will be in the street. I will wave you down,” Bjerre said. Opponents of the change argue that assigning addresses will erode the town’s cherished character. “We are losing this place, day by day and week by week, from people who want to modernize us, who want to take us to a new level,” said Neal Kruse, co-chair of the Carmel Preservation Association. “We want to stay where we are.” Artist and longtime resident Alice Cory voiced concerns that addressing the town would strip it of its signature appeal. “Let’s keep the sweetness of this little town, because people know Carmel for a reason,” Cory said. City administrative analyst Emily Garay highlighted the practical necessity of the change. “While local authorities might be familiar with Carmel’s unconventional navigation, other emergency responders might struggle to quickly locate residents,” Garay explained. Andrew Miller, Chief of the Monterey Fire Department, supported the move, stating, “If the question is, ‘Is it more advantageous to have building numbers identified?’ Yes, absolutely.” Some residents worry that the new addresses might lead to home mail delivery, potentially jeopardizing the town’s beloved post office where residents head to collect their deliveries. However, David Rupert of the US Postal Service told the publication that the post office, established in 1889, has no plans to close. The post office’s lobby was recently red-tagged after a car crash, adding fuel to the fire of concerns. Before casting his dissenting vote, Mayor Dave Potter expressed concerns “about the fact that we’re kind of losing our character of our community along the way here.” But Ferlito countered that addressing concerns is about more than preserving the character of Carmel-by-the-Sea. “If we’re saying we will lose our quaintness because we have an address, I think that’s a false narrative,” she said. “This is more than quaintness. This is life emergencies.” 'quaint' is nice; being able to have an emergency vehicle find you is even nicer.

Stop & Shop closes all store delis after Boar’s Head recall over listeria fears

Wild black bear and cub trapped in car shred vehicle to pieces Trapped inside a car, the adult black bear and cub thrashed about. The horn was blaring and the radio blasting. Outside the car, a second cub ran around in apparent distress by the Connecticut home. State environmental conservation police were called by the startled vehicle owner on the morning of July 15. They opened a door, and the two bears ran off into the woods safe and sound with the third bear. Officials believe they got in the vehicle by opening a door, but it’s not clear how the door then closed.

posting this after finishing a large bowl of Rice Krispies for lunch... Travis and Jason Kelce release new cereal with General Mills combining 3 childhood favorites

Time to get scrolling. Mindy Cohn made headlines for recently claiming on SiriusXM’s “Jeff Lewis Live” that one of her main co-stars from “The Facts of Life” ruined their chances to make a revival of the show. Cohn, 58, didn’t say whether it was Lisa Whelchel, Kim Fields or Nancy McKeon — but she did refer to the alleged culprit as a “greedy bitch.” “One of the girls … went behind our backs and tried to make a separate deal for a spinoff just for herself and devastated the rest of us,” the actress said. Cohn said the cast didn’t speak to that co-star “for a while,” but “now we do-ish.” When pressed to reveal the mystery co-star’s identity, Cohn said that anyone can figure it out by going on her Instagram and seeing who from the cast she doesn’t post. Cohn follows all three of the other “Facts of Life” ladies on the social media platform. McKeon, 58, was the most recent cast member to show up on Cohn’s main Instagram feed. Cohn wished McKeon a happy birthday on April 4 with a photo of the pair. “Wishing you everything and more for your new trip around the sun my friend. adore you so @nancymckeonofficial #andmanymore,” Cohn wrote in her tribute. Before that, Cohn posted a picture with McKeon and Fields, 55, in September 2022 on the set of Norman Lear’s 100th birthday ABC special. Lear, who died at 101 this past December, had reached out to the “Facts of Life” actors about doing the revival. “Celebrating @thenormanlear 100th birthday with these brilliant, gorgeous women whom i proudly call my family. #iloveus,” Cohn’s caption read. In April 2022, Cohn shared another birthday tribute to McKeon. And nearly one year before that, Cohn honored Fields on her birthday with a throwback photo of the two. Cohn wrote, “Happy birthday to my cherished pal @kimfieldsofficial – only you could divinely coordinate your special day with the debut of your new show @theupshawsnetflix #boss #iadoreyou #andmanymore.” There are no pictures of Whelchel, 61, on Cohn’s Instagram in recent years. But in February, Cohn reunited with Whelchel and McKeon on “The Drew Barrymore Show.” The trio appeared on the show without Fields as a surprise for Drew Barrymore’s 49th birthday. They did not address Fields’ absence. The Post has reached out to Fields’ rep for comment. The key foursome from “The Facts of Life” previously reunited for the 2019 Lifetime holiday movie “You Light Up My Life.” In 2001, Cohn, Fields and Whelchel appeared in “The Facts of Life” reunion movie. McKeon didn’t participate because of scheduling issues with her TV show “The Division.” During her SiriusXM radio show interview, Cohn said the plans for a “Facts of Life” revival are “dead” because of the unnamed “greedy” co-star. “A couple of people can’t move past it, don’t want to move past it,” Cohn explained. “We are not as united, let me put it that way. We were united for 40 years over not talking about each other, not doing dirty,” she continued. “You know, ‘All for one, one for all,’ and this kind of wrecked that, which is sad. Really sad.” “The Facts of Life,” a spinoff of “Diff’rent Strokes, aired on NBC from 1979 to 1988. Cohn, McKeon, Whelchel and Fields starred in the sitcom as students at an all-girls boarding school in New York. fun trivia... Robin Thicke is best-known for being the son of the co-author of the 'FACTS' theme.

I don't get the pun.

Free Carnival Thrills and Dollar Bills Children's Book A fully illustrated book that introduces 1st – 3rd grade students to the unique features of Federal Reserve notes. The characters in the book journey through a nearby carnival, where they discover the similarities between the attractions and security features of U.S. currency. https://www.uscurrency.gov/educational-materials/order-materials/carnival-thrills-and-dollar-bills @marylander1940 will want this for his 'great' nephew.

I ate there a few times, but not for many years. I used to call it Leonards of London. There was a pub on the next corner that had a couple of names over the years that had decent pub food, so that was a nice little section of Queens go out to eat at, as long as you didn't mind looking for a spot for a half hour. And a few blocks down 63rd Dr. was the Shalimar diner, which was my familiy's regular go to joint in Queens when I was a kid. My dad loved their Boston Scrod. I passed that site by a few weeks ago and they are just finishing up the large apartment building they have put up in its footprint. SIGH!

THANK YOU!!! 2 set-ups in 2 days: Synopsis: In the series finale, Blanche’s Uncle Lucas comes to visit and she pawns him off on Dorothy. To get even with her, Dorothy and Lucas scheme to pretend to fall in love and get married. But then they fall in love for real. Dorothy: “Well, he was so thoughtful and considerate, affectionate...” Blanche: “With whom?” Dorothy: “With me. No, I had the time of my life last night. And even if he never calls again, at least we'll always have Don's Crab House.” Sophia: “Ingrid Bergman had Paris, my pussycat has crabs.”

Astoria’s Neptune Diner set to close its doors for good this Sunday And another one's gone, And another one's gone, Another one bites the dust...

Maura Tierney will be the new lieutenant, replacing Camryn Manheim.

I finally got around to asking my sister if they liked the ABBA show: Loved ABBA! Have something for you from it. We're definitely going when it comes to Vegas, and you're coming with us.

Good for her! She battled so long and hard to try to get control of her health, at least she had peace of mind that she'd have some control over her death.

The joke is actually 'Lawrence Welk', not 'the drummer'.

A veritable spring chicken compared to Eva Marie Saint, who is (somehow) STILL 100 today.

But wait, there’s more. A fan of the late legendary television pitch Billy Mays skipped the flowers during a visit to his gravesite and instead left a bottle of OxiClean — the cleaning product that made Mays a household face across the 2000s. “lol just got to pittsburgh and someone left oxiclean at my dad’s grave,” Mays’ son, Billy Mays III wrote on X Monday after a visit to his father’s cemetery. The grave itself was a proper memorial for Mays — including an etched illustration of him flashing his signature thumbs up in an OxiClean shirt, and referring to him not only as a “Beloved husband and son,” but as as a “Pitchman.” Mays died in 2009 at age 50 from a heart attack at his Florida home, and a subsequent autopsy found that cocaine use was a “contributory cause of death” that exacerbated heart disease he was already suffering from. But his family contested that finding, calling it and subsequent reports of drug abuse “speculative,” according to NBC News, and a subsequent medical examiner’s report found that cocaine did not contribute to his death but also didn’t refute his drug use. Mays came to prominence as a loud-talking salesman for products like OxiClean, Orange Glo, Kaboom, and Mighty Putty.