This fascinating book makes archeology come alive ... While herding their flock of goats, Bedouins discovered a cave which contained jars holding animal skin parchments that turned out to be an ancient library. Their discovery in Cave 1 uncovered seven nearly intact scrolls of immense value to Biblical scholars. In "Da Vinci Code" fashion [without the murders thank you very much!] the mysteries surrounding how the scrolls *finally* reached qualified scholars is a great reading experience. The editor Hershel Shanks selected articles from Biblical Archeology Review providing different viewpoints and scholarly opinions regarding the meaning behind the Dead Sea Scrolls. There are multiple views about the identity of the community who lived in Qumran itself. The discovery of these scrolls has been one of the best kept secrets by scholars and dealers of antiquity. They guarded their treasures with fierce passion! This is a very narrow field of study confined to a limited number of qualified experts. Due to the nature of research and jealousies surrounding access to the treasure and the implications for publication, i.e., to be the *first*, information is not readily shared. However nearly 60 years have now passed since their discovery and although over 800 manuscripts and fragments are scattered over the globe, much of it is carefully preserved in Israel for future generations of scholars to explore. The key to their meaning and implications for religous teaching and practice of Judaism and Christainity lies in these ancient documents. The interpretation by scholars is dreaded by some and is welcomed by many. To quote from an ancient passage, "Know the truth and the truth shall set you free". Not everyone is able to handle freedom, many need their myths and legends which masquerade as truth.

There are illuminating articles which discuss the nature of the controversies and differences of religious ideas as expressed by the Nazarenes, the Essenes, Zadokites, Sadducces and Pharisees all of whom were active during the time when the Qumran community existed. These articles are erudite and very readable. One gets a feel for the ancient times when Hellenization, Jewish identity, and the quest to survive in the global world village of their time, the Middle East, caused conflicts both internally and externally ... The reader gets a better understanding of the ancient Jewish writings, the Mishnah, the Talmud, as well as the practice of halakhah. The discussion regarding the Temple Scroll [written about 2,500 years ago] is among the best. This subject is examined by the eminent scholar Yigael Yadin. One can compare his views to that of Hershel Shanks and Hartmut Stegmann. They all provide unique ideas on how religion played an important part in the lives of ancient people.

The chapter written by James C. Vanderkam sheds light on important verses in the New Testament which might have originated from passages in the Dead Sea Scrolls. This has a huge impact on understanding the roots of Christianity ... Another extremely interesting hypothesis is offered by Robert Eisenman of California State University. He postulates that Judas Maccabee, John the Baptist, Jesus and his brother James belonged to the Zadokite movement which was an off-shoot of the Essene community. *Before* the discovery of the Qumran scrolls the only literature that existed about the early Christians was based on Latin and Greek texts. New Testament scholars benefited enormously by the Dead Sea Scrolls which are a primary source written in Hebrew and Aramaic dating back to the times in question. The description of sacred meals, sacred baths and baptism like rituals, and the making of a covenant date back much further than this reader thought. Lastly, the relationship of rabbinic Judaism as practiced before and after the destruction of the Temple (AD 70) shows that there is great continuity in the laws and practices of the Pharisees ... It is hard to summarize just how important the Dead Sea Scrolls are to understanding the role of relgion in the lives of the people in the ancient past and how the roots of religion and continuity of belief systems are connected to both Judaism and Christianity as they exist today. Undoubtedly there may be even more surprising revelations in the future as scholars study the Dead Sea Scrolls further and connect the root sources with current interpretations and writings.

Erika Borsos [pepper flower]

This film was shown three times at the Sarasota Film Festival although it was originally scheduled twice. It sold out so fast a special third screening was added due to popular demand. On Sunday April 9, 2006 I was fortunate enough to attend. Prior to the show, the Producer and Director were introduced who answered questions after the film. The most interesting questions and answers related to how the ideas and vision of this epic story were creatively conceived and made into reality within the setting of Iceland. It was a six year project from idea to finished product ... It was a huge hit at the Toronto Film Festival and was an equal smash at the Sarasota Film Festival. This film deserves wider distribution at theaters throughout the USA and internationally. It has all the qualities of a multimillion dollar multiple-award Oscar-winning film.

Gerard Butler is superbly cast as Beowulf, a hero and fighter from Greatland who comes to help the Danes fight a troll who has been wreaking havoc among them ... The King of the Danes provides a background of the troll's murderous activity but fails to tell the whole truth to Beowulf and his mighty warriors. The scenery in Iceland is breath-takingly beautiful - views of stark rocky mountains, steep icey cliffs, green hillsides and crashing waves against the shoreline. Although, the Danes were fierce fighters a certain fear had taken hold - they no longer trusted their own gods to support and protect them. They were fighting a troll who managed to elude their fiercest efforts ... The Danes succumbed to baptism and the beliefs of the after life as taught by wandering Christian monks. Amazingly, even the Danish King was baptized after falling deeply into depression and alcoholism while watching some of his best men die. Perhaps the soul of the King was tortured by some dark untold secret? Along with the obvious good versus evil aspects of the story, there are unexpected gems of hilarious moments with respect to the literary license used in the dialogue and deeper hidden meaning of the plot and story line.

After Beowulf met Selma the witch and had personally encountered the troll, he uncovered some bewildering aspects of the troll's character and behavior ... rather than seeing him as a wild animal, as described by the Danes, Beowulf noticed the troll carefully selected victims each of whom had harmed or threatened the troll. Beowulf and his warriors continue aiding the Danes but the battle lines are not drawn as straightly or clearly as before. The amazing curves and twists to the story line are very satisfying. The cinematography is outstanding. The battle and fight scenes are just as gruesome as required for the subject matter ... The most appealing aspect of this film is how the big bad monster is shown in a different light toward the end when the deeper hidden meaning of its behavior is better understood. While the film does deviate from the original adventurous epic poem, it has a universal appeal due to the engaging mannerisms of the characters and the gradual blossoming of the character of Grendel. The use of comedy helps balance the more gory gruesome scenes and their aftermath. Due to some adult content should not be viewed by anyone under age 18 without parental consent. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]

Ottmar Liebert liberated the sounds of Spain by improvising and originating music that leaps and dances to its own soulful expressions. Call it "noveau" ... that it is ... while not entirely Flamenco, in the traditional sense, the Spanish origins are unmistakable. The passion, energy, spirit, and soul of Spain is the creative impetus for this beautiful music. The listener is taken on a joyful ride as whirling energetic vortices surround the listener and remain with them the rest of the day. New energy is created and disappated ... making anyone within hearing distance more in tune with life and themselves. Pure pleasure! Pure passion! Purely personal! Erika Borsos (erikab93)

This CD contains the best and most energetic hits of Ms Aretha Franklin such as "Free Way of Love" and "Who's Zoomin' Who". Another great hit is "Sister's Are Doing It for Themselves". It can be the theme song for almost any single woman or group of women in the 20th and 21st century. Aretha has soul, she has spirit and she has one powerful voice and sound. This CD will get even the most reticent person swaying to the music, humming and singing along.

Along with Ms Aretha Franklin, there is a the Charles Williams Gospel Choir featured on "Sisters Are Doing It for Tthemselves", plus Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics on the keyboards and adding her vocals to this smashing song. We can hear steel drums on "Ain't Nobody Ever Loved You". There is a saxaphone solo on "Freeway of Love", along with the "Santana" rhythm section add their special effects providing the explosive beat. This CD contains some of the finest music Aretha Franklin has recorded. Smoldering hot music that never goes out of style. Erika Borsos (erikab93)

Carlos Nakai captures the presence of Spirit in the canyons and landscapes of the Southwest which he transmits as he plays his flute. The listener connects with the earth, sky, and all living and nonliving things with the sound of each note. The mysteries of nature are revealed .... the spiritual realm is opened as whirls of energy surround the listener. Anyone listening is more open to exploring their own personal journey on this path called Life ... infinite possibilities and choices are narrowed down to the ones that matter to you the most. This music is serene, meditative, life-affirming and loving ... The flute music is like the air we breath ... it is essential and very beautiful and real. Erika Borsos (erikab93)

I have 6 or 7 CDs of music from Mali and find myself listening to this one most often. While I love them all --- the combination of musicians: Ali Farka Toure and Ry Cooder is unbeatable. Track #1 "Bonde" sung in Peul begins with a fantastic guitar introduction by Ali Farka Toure. Each note is drawn out just right to hook the emotions. The congas played by Oumar Toure provides an infectious rhythm. One male voice begins while a chorus responds in rhythmic unity, telling the story of why some women are unsuitable for marriage. Track #2 "Soukara" is sung in the Bambara language ... it has the sound and feeling of music from the Caribbean with a suitable ambient melody. The male vocalist pours his heart out to his lover at night, so say the liner notes. Another favorite track is #5 "Amandral" sung in the Temasheck language. The rhythms and sounds of this desert tribe is familiar. They are unforgetable on the CDs, "Festival in the Desert" and "Radio Tisdas Sessions", both of which are highly recommended. As each guitar note is plucked, the feelings of the listener are hooked. The feelings rise ... ever higher in resonance with the melody and mood expressed on the slide, acoustic and bass guitars, drums, calabash, and congas. Without exaggerating, I feel this CD contains some of the finest guitar playing on the planet. Other favorites are: #6, "Lasidan" (#6) which has a peppy, cheerful and upbeat tempo and #7, "Keito", which has musical elements of India and Pakistan or is it the Meditarranean? Ry Cooder plays the tamboura, Ali Farka Toure plucks and strums the electric guitar. There is a syncopated rhythm played on the congas and calabash. The music of Mali is highly distinct and very appealing. It is the best music from Northern Africa, and to this listener, the best from the whole continent of Africa. Erika Borsos (erikab93)

Cusco has become my favorite New Age musical group because they express the music of various cultures and connect it to discoveries and major events in the past. Track #1 "Da Gama" begins with a provocative flute introduction, the hallmark of Cusco. With impressive fluidity and style Ottmar Liebert, a guest artist, enhances the Turkish and Spanish cultural effects with his guitar playing. "Ancient Journeys" includes the guitar, violins, keyboards, and percussive instruments -- creating very unique and evocative music.

"Conquistadors" (track #2) creates a feeling of triumph and soaring energy ... the occasinal flute is overcome by the percussion and sense of extremely urgent flourshing melodies. One senses the weakening hold of the flute music as other instruments become more dominant ... reminiscent of historically accurate events. Track #6 "The Journeys of Marco Polo" includes spendid guitar playing and synthesizer variations on the main theme/melody. A most distinct and fascinating musical interlude is one that resembles the trotting of horses ... Another interlude has Turkish or Middle Eastern rhythms that captivate the listener. "The Horseman of Bulgar" is a tremendously triumphant artistic achievement. It is a masterpiece of splendor and grandeur ... I love the Asian root sounds and the cross-over transiitonal sections that have a Balkan-like flavor. Erika Borsos (erikab93)

"Mystic Island" by Cusco captures the heart and soul of the listener with ambient soothing mysterious music ... not at all like Apurimac I and II,which derived from a distinct earthly culture, the Incas and South America. This CD has flowing melodies and wonderful instrumentation and synthesizer accompaniment. One track includes a wonderful harp and flute melody with chimes and synthezier variations on the theme ... which is very magical. Another track has an upbeat tempo with guitars and percussion ... The music is varied and altogether highly satisfying - it does not get stuck in one mood or feeling but carries the listener across many feelings all of which are enjoyable experiences. The overall feeling of this music is like experiencing the wonders of nature ... a sunset ... watching the waves splash on shore ... gliding down a river in raft or boat and absorbing the scenery as it unfolds. One senses the natural balance and harmony of different instruments but there is no competition for solo recognition ... This CD is about moods and feelings that ride the waves of natural flowing music ... slower at times, other times quicker paced but always natural and free. The ethereal sensations stay with the listener ... long after the music has stopped playing. The sense of peace and contentment this CD produces is priceless. Erika Borsos (erikab93)

Cusco reveals more mysteries of the Inca culture with their interpretative music on this highly creative CD. Their imagination soars into inner space - opening up new avenues of listening pleasure. Although my very favorite Cusco CD is the first Apurimac, this sequel is equally alluring. It contains fluid melodies and natural rhythms that bring to life the 'secrets' of the Inca culture. Experience the musical heights of the Andes mountains, glide on the wings of the condor and feel the soft fur of the lamas and alpacas ... This music is joyous and cheerful. Cusco creates New Age music which brings to life the mysteries of the ancient past ... mesmerizing the listener. Erika Borsos (erikab93)

What a fascinating and spine-tingling interpretation and enhancement of Eastern European music, primarily Hungarian, which is my heritage. Deep Forest manages to make Marta Sebestyen sound even more evocative than she usually sounds ... her voice is soulful, poignant, piercingly tender and sincere. This CD is one nonstop experience of primarily Hungarian/Gypsy and Eastern European culture. It is made more enticing and alluring by the qualities Deep Forest brings forth with their creative imaginations -- they add unique beats and splendid vocalizations. They start with an original piece of music by the original artist, then intepret and expand the sound into haunting and ethereal dimensions. I can not say which is my favorite because the whole CD is one magnificent production of high quality and artistry. The traditional music of this region is combined with modern instruments which only makes the original sound even *more* visceral and earthy ... the root music takes hold of you!!! It does not let go. The unsuspecting listener becomes entranced by a traditionAL sound and an almost dying ancient culture ... fortunately it is being rediscovered and interpreted by musicians such as Deep Forest. I love the cover, the falling orange leaves and the "psi" symbol. The sunlight being filtered through the fog is such an appropriate and absolutely well targeted symbol of the musical contents. Erika Borsos (erikab93)