Chocolate: political tool of Italy’s Medicis

From discovery.com: Chocolate: Political Tool of Italy’s Medicis.

The Medicis, the family that dominated the Italian Renaissance, used chocolate as a powerful political tool to impose the Florentine taste in European courts, according to an exhibition that traces the history of chocolate from its arrival to Europe in the 16th century. (…)

To compete with Spain, the Grand Duke told his court scientists to develop new recipes in his food laboratories.

It was there that his personal doctor and court scientist Francesco Redi created the jasmine chocolate.

The recipe remained a state secret until the Medici dynasty ended with the death from obesity of Cosimo’s son Giangastone. (…)

Offered only to very important guests, the jasmine chocolate soon became the most sought-after drink at the European courts. [continue]

The recipe is included at the end of the article. Make some for me?

Via mirabilis_ca

Amnesty

Helen Berhane - Eritrea

"You will receive no visitors and you will rot here until you sign this paper." Reported threat made to Helen Berhane by a military commander

Background

Helen Berhane © Private

Helen Berhane, 30, is a well known gospel singer in Eritrea, particularly popular with young people. On 13 May 2004, shortly after she released an album of Christian music, Helen was arrested when she refused to sign a document pledging to end all participation in Christian activities, effectively forcing her to abandon her faith.

Amnesty International believes that since this date Helen has been imprisoned in a metal shipping container at Mai Serwa military camp, north of the capital Asmara. Such containers have no washing or toilet facilities, and are swelteringly hot during the day and freezing cold at night.

Despite promises of release if she abandons her faith and religious singing, Helen has persistently refused to do so.

Helen is a member of the Rema church, one of several minority Christian churches not officially recognized by the state of Eritrea. She is one of almost 150 women members of banned evangelical churches who have been detained without charge or trial on account of their religious beliefs.

In May 2002 the government of Eritrea ordered the closure of all churches except those representing four recognised faiths – Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran and Islam.

This followed the establishment of a compulsory registration scheme for all religious organisations under the Department for Religious Affairs. Though minority churches were reportedly willing to comply with these demands the process was fraught with difficulties and so most were unable to do so. Arrests of members of unauthorised minority religions followed, including many children.

Amnesty International is concerned for Helen Berhane’s welfare and is calling for her immediate and unconditional release as a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of religion.
( Read more... )

Found through the Thea Gilmore newsletter

Dead ringers

The number of redundant mobile phones lying unused in UK homes could exceed the country's population by 30 million.
-------------------------------------------------------

In this week's Science & Nature newsletter

** Springwatch Most Wanted **
** Once its number's up **
** Planet Earth **
** TV & Radio choices this week **

-------------------------------------------------------
( Read more... )

BL Newsletter April 2006

( Read more... )