Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Round-Up: December 31

Cunctis lectoribus quam laetissimum Annum Novum exopto: omnia fausta et feliciter eveniant vobis!

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Sanctus Silvester: New Year's Eve. The saint's day celebrated on December 31 is Saint Silvester, and in some Catholic countries, the New Year's Eve celebrations are called by the saint's name (much as we celebrate "Valentine's Day" using the name of the saint for the holiday). In honor of Saint Silvester, I've published my favorite of the legends about Silvester: how he tamed a foul and deadly dragon! You can read the legend of Saint Silvester and the Dragon here, in Latin and in Caxton's English translation, too!

Ning Blog: I've posted something that might be of interest in my Ning Blog, "Sharing Materials at Quia.com" - an explanation of how the real power of Quia.com resides in sharing materials and adapting other people's materials for your own purposes!

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is Latin Via Proverbs: Group 8, which includes one of my favorite sayings: Ex granis acervus (I call this a proverb for bloggers: if you blog every day, slowly but surely you end up with a big heap of materials!).

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Eventus stultorum magister est (English: The outcome is the teacher of fools - in other words, if you do not use your ability to reason, you will learn only by suffering the consequences of your mistakes: ouch!). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Φιλεῖν ἀκαίρως ἴσον ἐστὶ τῷ μισεῖν (English: To love at the wrong time or in the wrong way is the same as to hate - a very profound saying! I cannot think of a single English phrase to do justice to the marvelous Greek word ἀκαίρως). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE RUSTICO ET COLUBRO (the instructive story of the man's foolish kindness towards a malicious snake!). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 66: Leo et Quattuor Tauri, the story of the four bulls and how the lion managed to defeat them.

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is Auld Lang Syne (a version in Latin of the famous Scottish song by Robert Burns). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:



Aesop's Fables in Latin now available for pre-order at Amazon.com!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Dec. 31, New Year's Eve - Saint Silvester

I first became aware of Saint Silvester when I was living in Poland because there you do not celebrate New Year's Eve - instead, you celebrate "Sylwester," since this saint's day is on December 31. New Year's greetings are called "Życzenia Sylwestrowe" - "Silvester Wishes," in English. In Italy, New Year's Eve is called "The Night of Saint Silvester," La notte di San Silvestro. (Compare the way we celebrate the festival of Saint Valentine's Day, and have turned the name "Valentine" into the name of a holiday.)

Saint Silvester is the subject of both history and legend - and one of my favorite legends about Saint Silvester is the story of how he subdued a dragon! Below, you will find the Latin version of this story from the Life of Saint Silvester from the famous collection of saints' lives called the Legenda Aurea. You can read more about Saint Sylvester at Wikipedia, Catholic Encyclopedia online, and at the Catholic Forum. The emperor referred to in the first line is Constantine, who converted to Christianity.

Here is the Latin story - I've broken it up into segments to make it easier to read:

Post aliquot dies
ydolorum pontifices
ad imperatorem venerunt, dicentes:
"Sacratissime imperator,
draco ille, qui est in fovea,
postquam fidem Christi recepisti,
plus quam trecentos homines cotidie interficit
flatu suo."
Consulente super hoc Constantino Silvestrum,
respondit:
"Ego
per Christi virtutem
eum ab omni cessare faciam lesione."
Promittunt pontifices
se, si hoc faceret, credituros.

Orante autem Silvestro,
sanctus Petrus ei apparuit, dicens:
"Securus ad draconem descende tu
et duo presbiteri, qui sunt tecum.
Cumque ad eum veneris,
eum taliter alloqueris:
'Dominus noster Ihesus Christus
de virgine natus, crucifixus, et sepultus,
qui resurrexit et sedet ad dexteram patris,
hic venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos.
Tu ergo, Sathana,
eum in hoc loco, donec venerit, expecta.'
Os autem eius ligabis filo,
et annulo, signum crucis habente, desuper sigillabis.
Postea
ad me, sani et incolumes, venietis
et panem, quem vobis preparavero, comedetis."

Descendit itaque Silvester
cum duobus presbiteris
in foveam per gradus CL,
duas secum ferens laternas.
Tunc draconi praedicta verba dixit
et os ipsius, stridentis et sibilantis,
ut iussum fuerat, alligavit;
et ascendens, invenit duos magos,
qui eos secuti fuerant
ut viderent
si usque ad draconem descenderent,
ex draconis foetore paene mortuos,
et eos secum adduxit, incolumes atque sanos;
qui statim,
cum multitudine infinita,
conversi sunt
sicque
populus Romanorum
a morte duplici liberatus est,
scilicet a cultura demonis et veneno draconis.

Maso-Di-Banco c. 1340 Miracle of the Dragon
(click here for larger view - in the larger view,
you can see the two Magi almost dead from the stench,
and notice here how the saint's assistant is holding his nose)

The pioneering English printer William Caxton published an edition of the Golden Legend in English - here is his version of the story of the dragon (with the spelling modernized):

Then came the bishops of the idols unto the emperor and said unto him: O thou most holy emperor, sith the time that thou hast received christian faith the dragon which is in yonder fosse or pit slayeth every day with his breath more than three hundred men. Then sent the emperor for S. Silvester and asked counsel of him of this matter. S. Silvester answered that by the might of God he promised to make him cease of his hurt and blessure of this people. Then S Silvester put himself to prayer, and S. Peter appeared to him and said: Go surely to the dragon and the two priests that be with thee take in thy company, and when thou shalt come to him thou shalt say to him in this manner: Our Lord Jesu Christ which was born of the Virgin Mary, crucified, buried and arose, and now sitteth on the right side of the Father, this is he that shall come to deem and judge the living and the dead, I commend thee Sathanas that thou abide him in this place till he come. Then thou shalt bind his mouth with a thread, and seal it with thy seal, wherein is the imprint of the cross. Then thou and the two priests shall come to me whole and safe, and such bread as I shall make ready for you ye shall eat. Thus as S. Peter had said, S. Silvester did. And when he came to the pit, he descended down one hundred and fifty steps, bearing with him two lanterns, and found the dragon, and said the words that S. Peter had said to him, and bound his mouth with the thread, and sealed it, and after returned, and as he came upward again he met with two enchanters which followed him for to see if he descended, which were almost dead of the stench of the dragon, whom he brought with him whole and sound, which anon were baptized, with a great multitude of people with them. Thus was the city of Rome delivered from double death, that was from the culture and worshipping of false idols, and from the venom of the dragon.

Round-Up: December 30

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is De Avibus et Quadrupedibus, the story of the treacherous bat during the war between the birds and the beasts.

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Simia in pelle leonis (English: A monkey in the lion's skin - in other words, someone pretending to be more than he is!). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Λύκω συννόμω καὶ ἵππω· λέοντέ γε μὲν οὐκέτι (English: Two wolves may feed together, and two horses - but two lions never will do so... an observation quite different from the familiar cliche of the "lone wolf"). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE CERVO IN BOVIUM STABULO (the story of the stag hiding in the oxen's stable). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 65: Ursus et Duo Viatores, the story of what an encounter with a bear revealed about the feelings of two friends.

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is Somnio Candidum Diem (I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:




Aesop's Fables in Latin now available for pre-order at Amazon.com!

Monday, December 29, 2008

Round-Up: December 29

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Ning Blog: I've posted something that might be of interest in my Ning Blog, "People Latin" (a wonderful cartoon by Dan Reynolds).

Comenius - Lexicon: I've started working my way through a project to digitize Comenius's Latin-Latin dictionary! I've set this up as a wiki so anyone who wants to participate can do so! For more information about participating, see the Comenius Group; for today, I digitized a page containing the entries Abecede - Abdite, including an entry for "alphabet" in Latin - either abecede or alphabetum, etc. How cool!

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is Vulgate Verses: Group 4, which contains this immortal saying: Stultorum infinitus est numerus. Indeed!

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Fortuna est rotunda (English: Fortune is round - which is not to say that she is fat, but rather that she is round and turns like a wheel - think "wheel of Fortune"). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Δασύποδα λαγὼν παραδραμεῖται χελώνη (English: The tortoise outruns the hairy-footed rabbit - yes, it's the fable of the tortoise and the hare!). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE SENE ET MORTE (the story of the old man who called upon Death - and was surprised when Death answered his summons!). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 64: Satyrus et Viator, the story of the satyr and the man who blew both hot and cold.

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is Dormi Jesu (published by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in his Sibylline Leaves in 1817.). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:



Aesop's Fables in Latin now available for pre-order at Amazon.com!

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Round-Up: December 28

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is LaFontaine in Latin: Muli Duo, a story in praise of the simple life.

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Repetitio mater memoriae (English: Repetition is the mother of memory - one of the all-time best sayings for language teachers and learners). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Τὰ πέρα Γαδείρων οὐ περατά (English: The things beyond Cadiz are not navigable - meaning the Atlantic Ocean, which lies beyond Cadiz and the Strait of Gibraltar which separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE VULPE ET AQUILA (the story of what happened when the eagle stole the fox's pups). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 63: Vulpes in Puteo, the story of the fox and the goat who were trapped in a well.

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is XII Dies Natalis (The Twelve Days of Christmas). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:



Aesop's Fables in Latin now available for pre-order at Amazon.com!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Round-Up: December 27

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is Latin Via Proverbs: Group 7, which includes that great Latin motto: Per aspera ad astra.

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Tangor, non frangor, ab undis (English: I am touched but not broken by the waves - note the nice play on words in the Latin: tangor, non frangor, which is so hard to capture in English). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Μισῶ σοφιστὴν ὅστις οὐχ' ἁυτῷ σοφός (English: I hate the wise man who is not wise on his own behalf... a dangerous saying that cuts very close to home for those of us in the "wisdom" professions, like teaching, ha ha!). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE LUPO ET GRUE (the story of the crane who foolishly did a favor for a wolf). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 62: Delphinus et Smaris, the story of the dolphin who recklessly chased a little fish up onto the shore.

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is Tinnitus, Tinnitus (Jingle Bells). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:



Aesop's Fables in Latin now available for pre-order at Amazon.com!

Friday, December 26, 2008

Round-Up: December 26

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas day! Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is De Pavone et Grue, another version of the story of the peacock and the crane, this time as found in Barlow's Aesop (yesterday's version was from the Jacobs & Doering reader).

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Fabula, sed vera (English: A story, but a true one - a saying I like very much, given that fables are my stock-in-trade, so to speak!). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Ὀῖκος φίλος οἶκος ἄριστος (English: A loving home is the best home - a good saying for any of you who are "home for the holidays" this week). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE VULPE ET UVA (the fable that gives us the famous phrase "sour grapes"). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 61: Canis Vetulus et Magister, the story of the old dog and his ungrateful master.

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is Rex Wenceslaus (Good King Wenceslas - my own personal favorite of all the holiday songs!). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song. Here is the King Vaclav himself:




Aesop's Fables in Latin now available for pre-order at Amazon.com!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Round-Up: December 25

Iucundissimum festum Nativitatis exopto, plenum laetitae atque felicitatis vobis et vestris.

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is Grus et Pavo, the story of the proud peaccock and the wise crane.

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Mitior columba (English: More gentle than a dove - the dove of peace is one of my favorite symbols of the holiday season!). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Ἄνθρωπος ἀνθρώπῳ δαιμόνιον (English: Man is a god to man - note the use of the Greek δαιμόνιον here, in a completely positive sense, directly the opposite of the famous Latin saying, homo homini lupus est). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE CANE MORDACI (the story of the dog who had a bad habit of biting people). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 60: Leo, Asinus et Gallus, the story of the lion who ran from the rooster, and the donkey who foolishly pursued him.

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is O Parve Vice Bethlehem (O Little Town of Bethlehem). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song.



Aesop's Fables in Latin now available for pre-order at Amazon.com!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Round-Up: December 24

Iucundissimum festum Nativitatis exopto, plenum laetitae atque felicitatis vobis et vestris.

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is Latin Via Proverbs: Group 6, which contains a good saying to warn us about overeating during the holidays: Multa fercula, multos morbos.

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Nemo ex amoris vulnere sanus abit (English: No one walks away unscathed from the wound of love... just look at Dido and Aeneas!). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Ὁ λύκος τὴν τρίχα οὐ τὴν γνώμην ἀλλάττει (English: The wolf changes his coat, not his thoughts - an allusion to the famous wolf in sheep's clothing!). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE MILVO AEGROTO (the story of the sick kite and the wise words spoken by his mother). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 59: Hirundo et Aliae Aviculae, the story of the swallow and show she came to dwell in human houses, instead of with the other birds of the field.

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is En, Nocte Venit Media (It Came Upon The Midnight Clear). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:




Aesop's Fables in Latin now available for pre-order at Amazon.com!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Round-Up: December 23

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is De Accipitre et Luscinia, the sad story of the hawk and the nightingale.

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Cum vinum intrat, exit sapientia (English: When wine enters, wisdom exits - a good saying to keep in mind during the season of holiday parties!). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Τὸ σκαμβὸν ξύλον, οὐδέ ποτ' ὀρθόν (English: The bent wood doesn't ever grow straight - a metaphor from the world of nature that you can apply to all kinds of human endeavors and situations). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE LUPO ET SUE (the fable of the wolf's pretend friendship for the sow in labor). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 58: Quercus et Arundo, the story of the oak who learned a lesson in flexibility from the reed.

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is Veni, Veni Emmanuel! (a carol based on the "antiphons" sung during Advent, dating back to the 8th century). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:




Aesop's Fables in Latin now available for pre-order at Amazon.com!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Round-Up: December 22

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Ning Blog: I've posted something that might be of interest in my Ning Blog, "Quizzes for Learning" - an outline about how to make the best use of Quia.com quizzes as a positive learning experience.

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is Vulgate Verses: Group 3, which includes this wonderful saying from II Corinthians: Estis templum Dei vivi.

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Cuique suum studium (English: To each his own enthusiasm - a great saying for all Latin students to keep in mind: you should discover what you are most passionate about in your study of Latin, and pursue that goal; don't let anybody else decide that for you). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Ἅπας μήν ἀὴρ ἁετῲ περάσιμος· ἅπασα δὲ χθὼν ἀνδρὶ γενναίῳ πατρίς (English: The eagle can cross any stretch of air, and the excellent man is at home in any land - in other words, your quality of spirit can free you to be a 'citizen of the world'). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE AUCUPE ET PERDICE (the story of the partridge who tried to strike a bargain with the birdcatcher). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 57: Lepus et Testudo, the famous story of the race between the tortoise and the hare.

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is Corde Natus Ex Parentis (a hymn with lyrics by the 4th-century poet Prudentius). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:




Aesop's Fables in Latin now available for pre-order at Amazon.com!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Round-Up: December 21

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Ning Blog: I've posted something that might be of interest in my Ning Blog, "Quia Quizzes for Frequently Used Nouns" (an explanation of the different noun quiz materials I've created at Quia.com, along with tips about the best order in which to do the quizzes).

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is De Vulpe et Uva, a Latin version of LaFontaine's fable of the fox and the grapes.

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Maximae divitiae non desiderare divitias (English: The greatest wealth is not to desire wealth - a good motto to keep in mind during an economic downturn!). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Πέτρας σπείρεις (English: You are sowing stones... which is to say: nothing is going to result from your efforts - you need to sow seeds instead). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE VITULA ET BOVE (the sad story of a heifer who did not understand the value of hard work). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 55: Canis et Umbra, the famous story of the greedy dog who was fooled by his own reflection.

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is Silens Nox (Silent Night - seven different versions, in fact!). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:



The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!


Saturday, December 20, 2008

Round-Up: December 20

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is Fable: Haedus et Lupus, the story of a kid who taunted a wolf.

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Non mare transisset, pavidus si nauta fuisset (English: The sailor would not have crossed the sea, if he had been afraid - what a great use of the pluperfect subjunctive for making a proverb!). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Λύκος ποιμήν (English: The wolf as shepherd - something like putting the fox in charge of the henhouse). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE LUPO OVIS PELLE INDUTO (a fable from Abstemius about the wolf in sheep's clothing). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 54: Equus et Leo, the story of the lion who pretended to be a doctor (a good pairing with the fable about the wolf pretending to be a sheep!).

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is Lapsi Caelo Super Gentes (Angels We Have Heard On High). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:



The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!


Friday, December 19, 2008

eLitterae Interview + Special Offer

For those of you who subscribe to Bolchazy-Carducci's eLitterae newsletter, check your email inbox for the latest edition: there's a special discount offer - 50% OFF - for people who want to order the Aesop's Fables book now! (I'm not sure when the book will actually start shipping - I am guessing it will be the first week of January.)




Aesop’s Fables in Latin: Ancient Wit and Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom represents the latest entry into intermediate Latin textbooks for both high school and university students. With this book, students review grammar and syntax and increase their knowledge of Latin prose style while they read eighty Aesop’s fables in Latin prose, taken from the 17th-century edition illustrated by Francis Barlow. These Latin prose fables are ideal for Latin language students: simple, short, witty, and to-the-point, with a memorable moral lesson that provides a jumping-off point for discussion. 40 original black-and-white Barlow illustrations and over 100 pertinent Latin proverbs are featured, spurs for classroom discussion. Selected fables include many that have become proverbial, such as “The Tortoise and The Hare” and “The Dog in the Manger,” along with many intriguing, lesser known ones.

For those teachers and students inclined to take a blended approach to learning Latin, author Laura Gibbs has created a plethora of FREE online resources in support of this book. Visit http://aesopus.ning.com/ and join the book’s community of users. Read a fable-of-the-day, view full-size images from Barlow’s Aesop, and watch Aesop videos featuring the woodcuts accompanied by the reading of the fable in Latin.

Each fable has its own dedicated webpage where teachers and students can read commentary on the Latin grammar and syntax of the fable, view the original Barlow page containing both the image and the Latin fable as it was published in the 17th century, watch the fable-specific video, listen to the podcast in Latin, link to other outside sources for additional scholarship on each fable, and more! Click here (http://aesopus.ning.com/forum/topics/de-leaena-et-vulpe) for an example featuring the fable, “De Leaena et Vulpe.”

This book and its companion online components are perfect for doing Latin-language warm-ups before class, assigning fables as fun homework, or to use after students have taken their AP exams as a break from Classical Latin authors.

Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers took some time to ask the author, Dr. Laura Gibbs, about what makes this book special:

Bolchazy-Carducci: What gave you the idea of writing a textbook on Aesop's Fables in Latin? Didn't Aesop write in Greek?

Laura Gibbs: Aesop was a Greek storyteller – but his stories were famous in Rome, too. The oldest collection of Aesop's fables that has survived from the ancient world is actually a collection of Latin poems by Phaedrus, a freed slave from the household of the Emperor Augustus – but since poetry is usually harder to read than prose, I really wanted to find a collection of Aesop's fables in Latin prose. What got me especially excited about this particular collection of Aesop's fables in Latin prose is that it has illustrations, too!

BCP: How is the textbook organized? How is each fable presented to the reader?

LG: There are a total of 80 fables in the book. In terms of actual length, it adds up to something about as long as Book IV of Vergil's Aeneid – but each fable is a separate little unit of its own, and you can read them in any order you like. There is an introduction for each fable that explains something about the theme and history of the fable, along with some comments about grammar and style. Then there is a vocabulary list for the words in the fable, along with a line-by-line commentary explaining any difficult constructions in the Latin. We were able to include illustrations for half of the fables (40 illustrations in all) and there are also Latin proverbs scattered throughout the book, too, matching the morals of the stories.

BCP: How do you see this textbook being used?

LG: The fables are arranged in order of difficulty, so you can work through the book from start to finish as a basic course in Latin prose. Alternatively, since each fable can stand on its own, the book can provide a great source of supplementary reading for any Latin course. The fables are also a fantastic way to do Latin prose composition. Substitute different animals, change the moral, even invent a different outcome for the plot – you'll find it very easy to write your own Latin fables based on the fables you find in the book.

BCP: Where did you find the images? Do you find that they help in making sense of the Latin in the fables?

LG: The fables come from a book published in 1687, and there are only a few copies of the book to be found anywhere in the United States. One of those copies is in the Rare Books Collection at Michigan State University; the illustrations you see in the book come from that copy. Unlike the simple woodcut illustrations that were used to illustrate Aesop's fables in the 15th and 16th centuries, these 17th-century illustrations are really wonderful works of art. My favorite is the illustration to the war between the birds and the beasts, where you can see imaginary animals like unicorns and gryphons fighting with barnyard animals like cats and roosters. There's even a little hedgehog trying to nose his way into the fight!

BCP: You created a cornucopia of online supporting materials for this textbook for a blended, 21st-century approach to learning Latin. Are these for teachers, students? How do you see them being used? What do they provide that a textbook cannot?

LG: This book actually started out as a project on the Internet, so I've been working on the web-based materials even longer than the book! I hope that the materials at the website, LatinViaFables.com, will be useful to teachers and also to students at all levels. There are audio and visual materials at the website, along with additional grammar commentary, quizzes, and other learning materials. Best of all, the site is interactive – so students and teachers can publish their own materials at the site, too. For example, if you write your own version of a fable in Latin, you could publish it at the site. It's also possible to create study groups at the website, so independent learners, for example, or homeschoolers could use the website to "meet up" and work through the fables with other students anywhere in the country, or anywhere in the world, for that matter!

BCP: What was your favorite part about doing this project?

LG: Well, this may sound strange, but my favorite part of this project has been a kind of imaginary dialogue I have had in my mind with Francis Barlow, the artist who did the illustrations and arranged for the original publication of this book over three hundred years ago. He invested years of his life in the project, creating the illustrations, choosing the Latin text, finding the investors to back the publication, and so on. They didn't have publishing houses back then the way we do now, so Francis Barlow had a lot of work to do just to bring the book into existence. Well, here we are now, hundreds of years later, and we are putting his book into the hands of readers again. I don't believe in ghosts, but I have thought a great deal about how very pleased Mr. Francis Barlow would be to know that we have published his fables and illustrations once again, now in the 21st century!

Round-Up: December 19

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is Latin Via Proverbs: Group 5, which includes one of my all-time favorite Latin sayings, Nocumentum documentum.

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Dum pastores odia exercent, lupus intrat ovile (English: While the shepherds quarrel, the wolf enters the sheepfold - a good saying for the staff of Bush and Obama to keep in mind as the maneuver the presidential transition in the coming weeks!). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Ἡ κάμηλος ἐπιθυμήσασα κεράτων, καὶ τὰ ὦτα προσαπώλεσεν (English: The camel, asking for horns, lost her ears as well - an allusion to a delightful Aesop's fable!). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE VULPE ET LUPO (a great story about busybodies who are quick to talk, but slow to help!). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 53: Lupus et Agnus, the story of the famous story of the wolf and the lamb drinking at the stream.

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is Orientis Reges Tres (We Three Kings of Orient Are). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:



The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Round-Up: December 18

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Verbosum: Latin Vocabulary: I've started working my way through the Aesop's fables vocabulary systematically now that the book is done! To start, I've posted a vocabulary-building note about adjectives formed with -bundus and -cundus (as in the most famous English derivative in this group, "moribund").

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is De Cornice et Urna, the story of the thirsty crow and the pot of water (I like to use this fable as a metaphor for learning a language, one word at a time!).

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Alter frenis, alter eget calcaribus (English: One person has need of reins, another of spurs - and if you divide the world up into these two groups, I definitely belong to the group needing reins, not spurs!). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Βίος ἀνεόρταστος, μακρὴ ὁδὸς ἀπανδόκευτος (English: Life without holidays is long, just as the road without hospitality is long... and yes, I am definitely looking forward to the upcoming winter holidays, much needed!). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE EQUO ET ASINO (a story about the horse and the humble donkey, in praise of the simple life). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 52: Tubicen Captivus, an Aesop's fable about "non-combatants" in wartime (civilian contractors, take heed!).

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is Quem Pastores Laudavere (the "Quempas" carol, as it is often called, based on its Latin name). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:



The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!


Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Round-Up: December 17

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Gaudium Mundo: Latin Christmas Carols. Thanks to the wonderful generosity of Aleksandra Klęczar at the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland, I've been able to add 24 more Latin Christmas carols to the Gaudium Mundo site! The carol tradition is very strong in Poland, and I was able to find YouTube videos and online MIDI files for almost all of these songs, so even if you do not know Polish you can sing along to the melodies using the Latin words!

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is Latin Via Proverbs: Group 4, which includes this great saying: Libri muti magistri sunt.

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Non omnes sancti qui calcant limina templi (English: Not all are holy who tread the threshold of the temple - a great saying about any kind of hypocrisy, not just the religious variety). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Ἐν τοῖς τόποις τυφλῶν λάμων βασιλεύει (English: In the places of the blind, the blear-eyed man is king - the word λάμων there is a variant of γλάμων). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE LEONE AMATORIO (the sad story of the lion in love). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 49: Alauda et Pulli Eius, the story of the lark, her chicks and the farmer.

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is Gaudete (a 16th-century Latin carol which became a hit single in the 1970s for the band Steeleye Span). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:



The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!


Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Round-Up: December 16

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is De Mure Urbano et Mure Rustico, the city mouse and the country mouse, from Barlow's Aesop.

Ning Blog: I've posted something that might be of interest in my Ning Blog, "Latin grammar, NOT English translation," which is a summary of comments I had shared with the LatinTeach listserve this weekend in response to a discussion about the role of English translation in the Latin classroom (I'm an extremist when it comes to this question, because personally I don't think English translation has any role in learning Latin).

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Homo doctus in se divitias semper habet (English: A learned person always has riches within himself... a proverb which can be nicely illustrated by the story about Simonides and the shipwreck!). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb (including that story about Simonides), visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Ἀπὸ μείζονος ἀνδρὸς ἄλει (English: Keep away from the bigger man!). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE VULPECULA ET CICONIA (the story of how the stork outfoxed the fox!). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 51: Vulpes Sine Cauda, the story of the fox who lost her tail, containing a lesson about how misery loves company... and how a passion for fashion can make fools of us all!

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is Procul in Praesaepi (Away in a Manger). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!


Monday, December 15, 2008

Round-Up: December 15

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email.

Bestiaria Latina Podcasts: Today's audio podcast is LaFontaine in Latin: De Rana et Bove, a Latin version of LaFontaine's fable about the frog who tried to equal the ox in size.

Technology Tips: I've posted a quick online tutorial today about How to Create an Audio-Vidoe Slideshow with iPhoto and How to Create an Image Slideshow in Ning.

Latin Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Cito maturum, cito putridum (English: Quickly ripe, quickly rotten... in other words: Take your time!). You can use the Javascript to include the Latin proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog. Meanwhile, to read a brief essay about this proverb, visit the AudioLatinProverbs.com website.

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Κρυσοῦ λαλοῦντος, πᾶς ἀπρακτείτω λόγος (English: When money is talking, every word shall be worthless - a proverb you might apply to the disaster in Illinois right now, with all the scandal surrounding Obama's successor). You can use the Javascript to include the Greek proverb of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - and each Greek proverb also comes with a Latin version.

Fable of the Day: Today's fable of the day from Barlow's Aesop is DE ACCIPITRE COLUMBAM INSEQUENTE (a great story about a hawk and a dove illustrating the "Golden Rule"). You can use the Javascript to include the fable of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's fable, visit the Ning Resource Page, where you will find links to the text, commentary, as well as a discussion board for questions and comments.

Latin Via Fables: Grammar Commentary: I'm presenting the "Barlow Aesop" collection, fable by fable, with my commentary on each (a more expanded commentary than is possible within the confines of the book). Today's grammar commentary is Fable 50: Piscator et Pisciculus, the story of the little fish who was caught by a fisherman.

Latin Christmas Carols: Today's Christmas song in Latin is In Dulci Iubilo (a 14th century song by the German mystic Heinrich Suso). You can use the Javascript to include the Christmas carol of the day automatically each day on your webpage or blog - meanwhile, to find out more about today's song, visit the Gaudium Mundo Christmas Carol website, where you will find the lyrics to the song in Latin, along with links to additional online information about the song:



The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!