A Very Rutelli Christmas and a Bloggy New Year!

Francesco Rutelli's Mixed-Up Message

Wrapped inside glistening paper that he inscribed with wishes for a Peaceful Christmas ("Sereno Natale"), Italian Culture Minister Francesco Rutelli sent this ingenious card (above), which presented recipients with a a bit of a puzzle: Its four sections have to be taken apart and reassembled to spell "Il Dialogo" (Dialogue).

The flipside (after reassembly) bears two quotations in Italian. The first is from a woman best known for making friends with chimpanzees. (Is that how he regards American museum directors?):

Change happens through listening and then initiating a dialogue with the person who is doing something that you do not believe is just. ---Jane Goodall

The second quotation is from a man best known for getting his way through passive resistance. (Rutelli's resistance has been anything but passive):

In today's reality, the sole way of resolving differences: dialogue and mediation, humane understanding and humility. ---Gandhi

Did Michael Brand get one of these cards? (If so, did he piece it together or tear it apart?)

Equal time: I also received a very attractive card from the patient folks in the J. Paul Getty Trust's communications department, who have graciously put up with my annoying questions throughout 2006.

And this personal holiday note: Having compulsively posted every day this week, I have failed dismally in my feeble attempt at Bloggers' Rehab. And you, my faithful readers, have been my enablers---clicking my posts in large numbers, even though it's a vacation week and you really ought to be out skiing.

Bloggy New Year, art-lings!