Culture page 2 of 2

It is not a museum like most others. In Tuscany, Italy, a new, futuristic concept of a museum has seen the light. A plant sinks its roots into an ancient cistern, taking up the nutrients in an unusual manner. The signals of its “nervous” activity are constantly monitored and recorded. The visitor can even perceive the plant's most intimate emotions.

Countless Negroamaro grapevines line the terraces and bastions of the Angevin castle in Copertino. The authors of this little miracle are oenologist Pizzolante Leuzzi and the president of the local wine cooperative. Ancient documents indicate that in the past, the walls and trenches of the castle were used as roof gardens, and were the home of olive groves and vineyards.

Inebriation is close to eroticism, drunkenness to pornography. Have you read I Drink Therefore I am: A Philosopher's Guide to Wine, by Roger Scruton? This exquisite work introduces the reader to the secret soul of wines. Thoughts race, feelings break free and words dance away. Even in silence. Because it is the inner voice that speaks.

Let's know the winners of the 33rd Masi Prize, a unique marriage between wine, culture and true values. Because culture points the way to a new understanding amongst peoples that can also lead to a brighter economic future.

Do you know about oil wresting tournaments? In Turkey yağlı güreş is a national sport.

Did you ever notice that the emblem depicted on the flag of the United Nations, in white on a light blue background, includes olive tree branches, symbolizing peace?