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The LeadBefore the age of science and geology, marble was viewed not as a luxurious commodity for interior decoration, but as a mysterious, living structure with spiritual properties. In his new book Divine Presence, creative director and author Karl Kolbitz invites us to consider this pre-science mentality when civilizations believed in miracles, dragons, astrology and the governance of an omnipresent divinity as a means of making sense of the world.The Spiritual Materiality of MarbleMedieval and Renaissance art is built upon an extensive iconography filled with symbolism that can be perplexing to modern viewers. While we understand marble today as a metamorphic rock created millions of years ago under extreme pressure and heat, earlier civilizations saw it differently. Kolbitz explores how marble's depiction in paintings exists outside conventional artistic lexicons, often not adhering to perspectival arrangements around it, ranging from approximating the patterns of porphyry to the most abstract faux-marble swirls in supernatural colors.In Greco-Roman and medieval science, divinity permeated all matter, including stone. Marble's etymology comes from the Latin noun "marmor," which itself derives from the Greek verb "marmairein" or "to glisten." Aristotle considered marble to be the solidification of the living planet's "breath" or vapors. Theories abounded, from Vitruvius' suggestion that the Earth actively generates marble at a perceptible rate, to astrological and alchemic ideas about precious stones that led one bishop in Brittany to suggest that ingesting lapis lazuli could cure excessive sweating, aid escape from prison or reconcile sinners to God.Artistic Techniques and Symbolic MeaningsKolbitz identifies compelling instances in which the depiction of marble is exempt from pictorial rules, precisely because it evoked transcendence from mere earthly solidity. Zanobi Strozzi's Annunciation (1440-45) features a wildly abstract marble floor that's startlingly at odds with the controlled treatment of its figures and architecture. Piero della Francesca's Annunciation (c 1467-69) depicts solid blue marble in the space delineating sky, evoking hard earth and heaven at once.Even in extensively studied paintings, we are directed to often-overlooked aspects of marble: the fictive pattern suggesting the blood-red morbidity of the incumbent Christ's body in Mantegna's Lamentation Over the Dead Christ (c 1483); the mimicking of "book-matching," in which cut marble is deliberately arranged to create a desired pattern, in Giotto's Scrovegni Chapel (c 1303-05).Reinterpreting Art History Through a Spiritual LensThis little-studied area of art history reveals how marble's pictorial treatment served as a unique embodiment of medieval and Renaissance thinking and spirituality. By examining how artists depicted marble, we gain insight into a worldview where the material and spiritual realms were not separate but interconnected. The unconventional treatment of marble in these paintings wasn't artistic license but a deliberate representation of stone's perceived spiritual qualities.These artistic choices challenge our modern understanding of perspective and representation, suggesting that medieval artists were not merely technically limited but operating within a different conceptual framework—one where the spiritual properties of materials were as important as their physical characteristics.The Future of Art Historical ResearchKolbitz's work opens new avenues for art historical research, encouraging scholars to look beyond formal analysis and consider the philosophical and spiritual contexts that informed artistic choices. As our scientific understanding has evolved, we've lost touch with the pre-scientific worldview that saw divine presence in the material world.Future research may explore similar symbolic treatments of other materials in medieval and Renaissance art, potentially revealing a more comprehensive understanding of how pre-scientific societies conceptualized the relationship between the physical and spiritual realms. This approach could fundamentally reshape our interpretation of familiar artworks and expand our appreciation of the sophisticated intellectual systems that informed medieval and Renaissance artistic production.

The Evolution of a Musical IconThe Guardian has released a comprehensive ranking of Alicia Keys' 20 best songs, highlighting her journey from classical piano roots to modern pop. The list spans her career, emphasizing her vocal versatility and ability to blend genres, from early soul to 80s pop and EDM.From Piano Virtuoso to Pop Powerhouse: Key TracksEmpire State of Mind Part II (2009): A romantic, show-tune style reimagining of the New York anthem.Diary (2003): A slow-burn collaboration with Tony! Toni! Toné! and Jermaine Paul.Blended Family (2016): A rare and sweet exploration of stepmotherhood.Fire We Make (2012): An understated slow jam featuring Maxwell.Deconstructing the Sonic ShiftsThe ranking reveals a distinct evolution in Keys' sound. Her debut, Songs in A Minor, was characterized by stripped-back, breathy vocals and classical influences. However, later albums like The Element of Freedom introduced 80s pop bombast and EDM elements, as seen in tracks like Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart.Reshaping the R&B; LandscapeKeys has consistently pushed boundaries by collaborating with diverse artists, from Raphael Saadiq to A$AP Rocky. Her ability to pivot from the raw emotion of A Woman's Worth to the high-energy production of Love Looks Better demonstrates a mastery of genre fluidity that keeps her relevant across decades.The Enduring Legacy of Alicia KeysAs she continues to evolve, Keys' legacy will likely be defined by her refusal to be pigeonholed. Her ranking suggests that critics and fans value her artistic integrity and emotional depth over commercial trends, securing her place as a permanent fixture in modern music history.

The Last Viking: A Dark Comedy That Misses Its MarkThe Guardian's review of "The Last Viking" presents a critical assessment of Mads Mikkelsen's latest film, describing it as a "slapstick-violent black comedy" that is "relentlessly and bizarrely unfunny" despite its promising premise. Directed by Oscar-winning Danish filmmaker Anders Thomas Jensen, the film attempts to blend dark humor with physical comedy but ultimately fails to deliver genuine laughs.A Premise with Potential, Execution Without PayoffThe film centers on Manfred (Mads Mikkelsen), a character with learning disabilities who believes himself to be John Lennon. When his brother Anker (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) is released from prison after 15 years, he discovers Manfred has retreated into this delusional state. The plot involves Anker recruiting three other individuals who believe they are Ringo, Paul, and George to reunite the "band" in the hope that Manfred will remember where he buried stolen money from Anker's past robbery.Despite what the reviewer acknowledges as a "funny premise," the execution falls flat. The film relies heavily on "goofy, humourless violence" rather than developing its comedic potential. Mikkelsen's physical comedy initially shows promise but becomes repetitive, failing to sustain engagement throughout the runtime.Behind the Scenes: Zentropa's Dark LegacyAnders Thomas Jensen brings to this project his background as an Oscar-winning screenwriter and director with ties to Denmark's Zentropa Studios, known for its association with the Dogme 95 movement and dark master of the prank Lars von Trier. The reviewer speculates that von Trier's influence might be hovering in the background of this film, though without the same level of success. Jensen's many skills as a filmmaker, according to the review, do not extend to comedy, which "is frankly not one of them."Cast and Characters: Mikkelsen Against TypeThe film features notable Danish actors including Mads Mikkelsen cast against type as the nerdy loser Manfred. Nikolaj Lie Kaas plays his brother Anker, while Sofie Gråbøl appears as a martial arts enthusiast who owns the family home. The reviewer notes that Gråbøl "does her best" with her role, suggesting that even strong performances couldn't salvage the film's comedic shortcomings.Release and Reception: A Nordic Export"The Last Viking" opened in UK and Irish cinemas on June 26 and is being shown in Australia as part of the Hurtigruten Nordic film festival. The critical reception, as reflected in this review, is lukewarm at best, with the film failing to live up to its potential despite its intriguing premise and strong cast.

Reclaiming the Forgotten: The Women of the American RevolutionAs the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, bestselling author Denise Kiernan revisits the American Revolution through the lens of overlooked female figures. Her new book, Obstinate Daughters: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution, highlights the rebels, writers, and renegades who fueled the fight for independence, challenging the traditional male-centric historical narrative amidst a modern political climate attempting to rewrite history.Unearthing the 'Obstinate' Figures of 1776Kiernan’s work focuses on the women who defied societal norms to leave their mark on history. The book features a diverse cast of characters, including:Margaret Corbin: The first woman to receive a US military pension, who took over her husband's gun at Fort Washington.Elizabeth Drinker: A Quaker diarist whose thousands of pages offer a rare glimpse into the domestic and political struggles of the era.Nanye’hi (Nancy Ward): A Cherokee leader navigating complex loyalties during the war.Elizabeth Freeman (Mumbet): An enslaved woman who sued for her freedom and won.Deborah Sampson: A woman who passed as a man to fight in the Continental Army.Kiernan emphasizes that these women often only appear in the historical record through petitions for pensions or redress, rather than their own words, forcing historians to reconstruct their stories from gaps in official documents.The Fragility of Historical RecordsThe reliability of historical data is often tested by physical evidence and preservation. A striking example is the case of Margaret Corbin. In 1926, her remains were exhumed and buried at the US Military Academy. However, in 2016, researchers discovered that the bones interred at West Point were not those of a woman, but of a male soldier. This revelation underscores the challenges of preserving the true identities of historical figures.History in the Age of Political ErasureThe publication of 'Obstinate Daughters' arrives at a critical juncture. Kiernan notes that she was writing the book during a period of intense political scrutiny of history. The book highlights the contrast between the inclusive focus on marginalized groups at sites like Valley Forge and the political attempts to remove historical markers regarding slavery, such as the boards at the President’s House in Philadelphia.The Future of American Historical NarrativeAs the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary in 2026, the demand for a more inclusive history is likely to grow. Kiernan’s work suggests that while political forces may attempt to erase uncomfortable truths, the resilience of historical records—diaries, letters, and oral traditions—ensures that the stories of these 'obstinate daughters' will continue to shape the American identity.

Ben Stokes has broken his silence on the disciplinary saga that sidelined him for the second Test against New Zealand, revealing a heartfelt apology to his teammates and expressing personal hurt over the criticism directed at Joe Root. The Curfew Breach and Disciplinary Fallout The 35-year-old all-rounder was stood down before the 253-run defeat at the Oval after breaking the team's curfew following victory in the first Test at Lord's alongside Gus Atkinson. While the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a written warning, the independent cricket regulator found no case to answer. Stokes is now back in his role for the must-win third Test at Trent Bridge. The Ripple Effect on Leadership and Team Culture Stokes emphasized that leadership requires taking responsibility, noting that his absence negatively impacted more than just himself. He specifically highlighted the burden placed on Joe Root, who deputized as captain during Stokes' suspension and registered his 27th defeat in the process. Impact on Root: Stokes admitted it was "hard to see" the public reaction to Root and felt "hurt" by it, describing his close friendship with Root. Impact on Debutants: Stokes acknowledged that the off-field distraction overshadowed the debut of inexperienced players, a situation he called "naive" to ignore. Team Unity: He stated that apologizing was a "first thing" for a captain and necessary to look those affected in the eye. Rebuilding Trust for a Series Decider Despite the acrimony of the past fortnight, Stokes confirmed his relationship with head coach Brendon McCullum remains strong. He also offered support to Atkinson, advising him that time would heal the experience. As England faces a critical decider at Trent Bridge, the focus shifts to restoring collective focus and ensuring the team remains united.

The Paradox of Profits and Service The current state of the US consumer market presents a paradoxical situation. On one hand, consumers are enjoying record profits, which is a positive indicator of economic health. However, on the other hand, the quality of service provided by companies is deteriorating, leading to growing dissatisfaction among consumers. The Impact of Deteriorating Service The decline in service quality is not just a minor issue; it has significant implications for both consumers and businesses. For consumers, poor service leads to frustration, wasted time, and a negative overall experience. For businesses, failing to provide good service can result in lost customers, damage to reputation, and ultimately, a decline in profits. The Data Behind the Issue While specific data points are not provided in the article, it is clear that the issue of poor service is widespread and affects various sectors. The fact that companies are making record profits despite providing terrible service suggests that there may be underlying structural issues that need to be addressed. The Need for Change Given the current situation, it is clear that something needs to change. Companies must prioritize providing good service to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty. This may involve investing in employee training, improving communication channels, and implementing more efficient processes. The Future Outlook As consumers continue to experience record profits but poor service, it is likely that there will be a shift in market dynamics. Companies that prioritize service and customer satisfaction are likely to gain a competitive edge, while those that fail to adapt may struggle to retain customers and maintain profitability.

The Lead: Meta's Privacy ReversalMark Zuckerberg's Meta has paused a controversial program that tracked employees' computer activity amid data privacy concerns and significant staff backlash. The decision comes as the tech giant faces increasing scrutiny over its data collection practices while simultaneously pouring billions into artificial intelligence development.The Model Capability Initiative: Tracking Employees for AIThe owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp had introduced a tool called the Model Capability Initiative (MCI) that tracked staff keystrokes, mouse clicks and content displayed on computer screens in order to collect data for training its AI models. According to internal reports, the collected data included "full prompts and transcriptions, private conversations, people and performance data" and was accessible to anyone inside the company.The Employee Backlash: Privacy Concerns MountMore than 1,600 Meta workers signed a petition against the tool, demanding the company does not harvest "employee 'computer use' data." The petition stated: "Collecting and repurposing this kind of data raises serious concerns around privacy, consent, and trust in the workplace." This internal resistance highlights growing concerns among tech workers about how their personal data is being used, even within their own organizations.Zuckerberg's AI Ambitions: Billions at StakeDespite the privacy concerns, Zuckerberg remains committed to advancing AI at Meta. The company is spending up to $145 billion in capital expenditure this year, with much of it going toward AI investments including data centers. Zuckerberg has told employees that AI models learn from "watching really smart people do things," suggesting that the high intelligence of Meta engineers would dramatically improve AI capabilities.Future Directions: Prediction Markets and BeyondMeanwhile, Meta is reportedly exploring new ventures including a smartphone app similar to prediction market sites Polymarket and Kalshi. The tentative project, called Arena, would function separately from Meta's social media and messaging apps. However, industry analysts question whether this is a strategic move for a company already facing legal pressure over its social media products.

Executive Summary: North Korea’s Naval LeapAt a ceremony in Nampho on Tuesday, Kim Jong Un announced the commissioning of the 5,000‑tonne warship Choe Hyon and declared a strategic shift toward a nuclear‑armed navy. The pledge includes future 10,000‑tonne “strategic warships” and a new destroyer, Kang Kon, marking a bold escalation despite international sanctions.Commissioning of the 5,000‑tonne Warship Choe HyonState media highlighted the vessel as the most powerful in the North’s fleet, already equipped with a cruise missile system that has been test‑fired from the ship. The ceremony underscored the regime’s narrative of “multifaceted and efficient operation” for its maritime forces.Scale and Capability: Numbers Behind the Build‑Up5,000‑tonne displacement for the newly commissioned Choe Hyon.Planned 10,000‑tonne‑class “strategic warships” to narrow the gap with South Korea’s navy.Additional destroyer Kang Kon slated for near‑term commissioning.Existing cruise missile test demonstrates integrated strike capability.Regional and Diplomatic ImplicationsThe expansion signals Pyongyang’s intent to project blue‑water power, challenging the naval superiority of the United States and South Korea. By framing the build‑up as deterrence, the regime seeks to justify further defiance of sanctions while increasing the risk of miscalculation on the Korean Peninsula, which remains technically at war.Looking Ahead: Potential Trajectories for the North Korean NavyAnalysts anticipate accelerated construction of the announced vessels, likely accompanied by intensified missile testing. If sanctions remain ineffective, the navy could achieve limited blue‑water capability within the next few years, prompting neighboring states to bolster anti‑ship defenses and possibly spurring a new round of diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang.

Senate Votes 50-48 to Enforce War Powers Over Iran ConflictThe United States Senate approved a war‑powers resolution directing the president to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The measure passed by a narrow margin of 50-48, marking the first time both chambers have formally ordered a president to pull troops from a warzone under the War Powers Act.Top Democrat Chuck Schumer championed the resolution, condemning the campaign as “maximum confusion, maximum chaos, maximum cost to the American people.”Numbers Behind the Vote: Party Split and Public OpinionHouse passed a similar measure on June 3 with a 215-208 vote.Four Republican senators crossed party lines: Bill Cassidy (LA), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Susan Collins (ME) and Rand Paul (KY).Two Republicans abstained: Mitch McConnell (KY) and Dave McCormick (PA).Only Democrat John Fetterman (PA) voted against the resolution.A Reuters‑Ipsos poll released the same day found that just 24% of respondents believed the war was worth its cost.Political Ramifications: Congressional Check on Executive Military ActionThe resolution signals a growing willingness among some Republican lawmakers to confront President Trump’s unilateral approach to foreign conflicts, especially as midterm elections approach. While the measure does not carry the force of law, it serves as a symbolic rebuke and could force the administration to seek explicit congressional approval before any further strikes.Historically, presidents have relied on broad Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) from 2001 and 2003 to bypass formal war declarations. The new resolution challenges that precedent by demanding a specific congressional vote for any additional action against Iran.Looking Ahead: Potential Effects on Switzerland Talks and Future AuthorizationsRepublican Senator James Risch warned that the resolution might undermine U.S. credibility in the upcoming Switzerland negotiations, suggesting Iran could walk away if Congress appears to limit the president’s authority.Experts note that, despite its symbolic nature, the vote could pressure the Trump administration to adjust its strategy, possibly seeking a new, limited AUMF or negotiating a diplomatic settlement.With the 2026 midterms looming, the Senate’s stance may foreshadow a broader congressional push to reassert war‑declaration powers and curb executive overreach.