Pony Of Prey Blog

Nothing and a whole lot!

That’s if Microsoft gets it right. First impressions appear to
be very promising and all indications show a much more powerful
RSS system, neatly integrated into the next version of Windows.
Could this finally mean the ‘coming of age’ for RSS?

But what does RSS mean to the average computer user at
this moment in time? Will people get RSS? Does Microsoft
have an education project on their hands with RSS?

Not Really!

Does DOS mean anything to you? If you’re like 95% of
computer users — probably not much. But that doesn’t
stop us from enjoying our computers and fully benefiting
from DOS. Sometimes complete ignorance is bless.

Unless you’re a techie and such technical stuff makes
your heart skip a beat, knowledge of such material is not
really required by the end-user. Fortunately, people don’t
have to understand ‘HTML’ to enjoy the Internet.

Likewise, knowledge of RSS is not important to the
ordinary computer or Internet user. Microsoft’s
RSS Longhorn puts RSS where it rightfully belongs,
in the background, invisible…seamlessly integrated
into your computing and web browsing experience.

It will make RSS an integral element of its new operating
system which has the code-name Longhorn. It will firmly
place RSS into the heart of your computing experience,
enriching and enhancing it in more ways than even Microsoft
is probably aware of yet!

RSS stands for ‘Really Simple Syndication’ and it has
long been associated with blogs and blogging because
they are written in RSS or XML format — code like HTML.
DOS stands for ‘Disk Operating System’ by the way
and it’s the platform for operating systems on your
computer. MS-DOS is the most widely used system.
Ignorance can sometimes be overrated.

Microsoft’s announcement of its plans to place RSS features
into its next Windows version, due out in 2006 and in servers
by 2007, is truly groundbreaking . You can read more about
Microsoft’s RSS plans here: Understanding RSS In The Next Windows.

This takes RSS out of just browsers and RSS readers (called
aggregators); and giving it much more powerful applications.
Most interesting is a new set of applications — Simple List
Extensions — allowing web sites to publish feeds containing
lists such as a wish list or top 10 list. Should make David
Letterman happy!

All kidding aside, for you, these RSS applications will
be very beneficial and rewarding. These applications will
make browsing, searching and subscribing to your favorite
information or sites a lot more easier. You can now take control
of your Internet, viewing and accessing the information you
want to digest.

It has many personal and business applications that will
take ‘keeping in touch’ to a new level. Calendars, events,
updates, personal photo albums…can all now be syndicated
with the new RSS platform.

What’s really important about Microsoft’s plans (I believe)
is the fact that this now makes RSS legit. Lets face it,
outside of blogging and a few alert online marketers, RSS is
still not understood by most people.

But as stated before, people don’t have to understand ‘HTML’
to enjoy the Internet. They don’t really have to know about
servers, DOS, or even ISPs to get full benefit from the web.
Likewise, RSS doesn’t have to be known or even understood
by the majority of the people who will be using it.

But it’s helpful that you do understand for you the
future of RSS holds many treats and the full impact won’t
really be known for years. Under the Creative Commons license,
RSS applications could have a far reaching impact on your
computing world of the future.

The potential of RSS is enormous. It may even pave the way
for a ‘Billion Channel Internet’ — where each web site is
its own little broadcasting system. An interactive channel
that broadcasts audio and video to all interested subscribers.

Microsoft’s announcement may just be the nucleus of such
a system. Many components are already in place like podcasting,
broadcatching, data feeds, etc. and its not that great a leap
or too fantastical to imagine such a system will exist in
the very near future.

For RSS changes HOW information is transmitted on the
web…from a passive role to a more pro-active one.
Don’t come to us — we will deliver.

RSS is also one of the more democratic elements of the
web where the little guy has a say. It was more than
fitting that Microsoft’s RSS team met with Dave Winer
(Mr. RSS to those who keep a close watch on all things RSS)
and asked his opinions on these recent developments.

Ordinary Bloggers have preached the benefits of RSS for so
long; the mantra was becoming a tiresome echo across the
web. No one seemed to be taking RSS seriously.

In that light, it can’t be understated that Microsoft’s
incorporation of RSS into Windows is one of those true
‘turning points’ that has to be acknowledged. It does
change how computers and the Internet will work.

This is a great step forward in making RSS an integrated and
seamless component of computers and the Internet.

At last, someone has gotten RSS right.

This author’s articles on RSS have appeared on such sites as:
Sitepronews, Bonafidereviews,
Addme, and Ezinearticles.
To add RSS to your Site within minutes, download this simple
RSS and Blogging Guide.

Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins http://www.bizwaremagic.com.
This article may be freely distributed if this resource
box stays attached.

If you are a knowledge seeker or if you are into researching,
the web can be a great advantage and help to you. You don’t need
to go out and search in the towering heights of books in
libraries. That is if you have time too. Almost everything can
be found with just the click of your finger and you are
accessing information worldwide in the easiest way possible.

You can get resources such as e-books, music, videos and
software. If you want to sell out something, of course your
option would be like to ask anyone in your town who is
interested. That makes a lot of effort but with the web, you can
easily interact with people online. You can even post your
products on websites for a wider viewing. Plus, supplies never
run out so if you are planning of buying, they have a lot of
pretty stocks because it is worldwide.

Websites have extremely improved our lives. Everything goes
instantly and we never have to bother anymore with the time.
Since websites are highly in demand, then they should highly be
comfortable for the people who are accessing it. Your aim is to
make stunning designs that will capture the eyes of the users
and grant them with the information they want in a clear manner.
Some websites are very sturdy and some won’t even take the
chance to stay long with it. Fast loading and access is what
makes them stay in your site.

Graphic design is important in keeping up your website. Graphic
is like the center of the page. Imagine a website with no
designs and contains text only? For sure no one will even bother
to check it out even the oldies. What makes up a good website is
the header graphics. If your page does not have a very enticing
header graphics, then the users accessing your page would think
the rest of the page looks more like it. Who would even be
interested? The product cover is something that makes up the
page too. If your website is mainly for selling purposes, then
of course keep up with your products list and cover. You need
not incorporate too many designs in it, just images and
descriptions of the product. And the last thing is the
background graphics. A webpage is dull without background
graphics. Without it, everything will be lifeless. So don’t rush
your pages. Keep it up and it will be worth it.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit
http://www.ucreative.com

Affiliate programs are great business opportunities, as well as a great business idea. Here’s the scoop. You join an affiliate company and they give you a unique URL called an, “Affiliate Link,” that only you have. When people click on your affiliate link it not only takes them to your affiliate website but it also alerts the affiliate company that you directed this person to their website. Now if that person makes a purchase you will be paid a commission as a reward for generating business for that company. Commissions can be as high as 75%! Dose that sound exciting to you? If so read on!

How can you find an affiliate program? There are literally 1000’s of websites eager for new affiliates. One way is to do a search for, “affiliate programs” using a search engine such as Google. Another way is to join ClickBank. ClickBank works with 100’s of affiliate companies. After you join ClickBank, You then choose from a list affiliates ClickBank is affiliated with. You then promote an affiliate link that is a combination of ClickBank’s and whatever affiliate site you are promoting. ClickBank then pays you instead of the company you are an affiliate for. You can also find a link usually labeled, “affiliates” on websites that have affiliate programs. You will usually find this link at the very bottom of the homepage in very small text size.

Depending on which Affiliate program you join they will pay you weekly, biweekly, monthly or bimonthly but most often biweekly or monthly. They will usually give you the option of how you will get paid via company check or Electronic Bank Transfer. I prefer Electronic Bank Transfer because payment is immediate and you don’t have to worry about your check getting lost or stolen.

The greatest thing about running an affiliate business in my opinion is this. When you run a business, any business whether it is internet based or not, you must deal with a host of things including, but not limited to, inventory, storage, packing, shipping, complaints, returns, phone calls, emails, checks and credit cards just to name a few. When you’re an affiliate, “they” take care of all of that for you! Your only job is to advertise for them. Once you have directed someone to your affiliate website via your affiliate link your job is done. They will take over from there. What could be a sweeter deal?!

Advertising your affiliate link can be accomplished in a number of different ways. Google AdWords is one way. Article submission is another way. There are 1000’s of Article submission sites where you can submit your articles to for free. As an example you can check out, IdeaMarketers. Click on the link at the upper right part of their homepage entitled, “Learn How This Site Works.” There are a number of ways you can find other article submission sites far too numerous to approach here, so I will only say that one way is to do a search using any search engine and typing in, “Article Submission Sites.” Another way to allow your affiliate link to be made known to the world is through discussion forums. One of the best out there is the AssociatePrograms.com forum. Discussion forums allow you to attach a signature file to the bottom of all your posts, where you may include your affiliate link.

All right. We’ve discussed all of the exciting aspects to joining an affiliate program like receiving commissions as high as 75%, not having to deal with inventory, storage, packing, shipping, complaints, returns, phone calls, emails, checks or credit cards etc., getting paid most often biweekly or monthly and usually having your choice of payment via check or Electronic Bank Transfer. We also discussed, how to advertise your affiliate link using little or no money. Now it is up you. Dose having an affiliate business sound good to you? If so find, join, and promote your affiliate business and/or businesses using the techniques discussed here. And remember, affiliate programs are fabulous business opportunities as well as a great business idea!

Bill Jason is the owner of FabulousWealthOnline.com. A home based business ideas and opportunities website that helps people make money with their own home based business. To find the best home based business ideas and opportunities so you can work at home visit www.fabulouswealthonline.com

Dancewear is clothing and accessories that dancers and dancing students wear to practice and perform. These include leotards and unitards, tights, tutus, cardigans, legwarmers, slippers, pointe shoes, shoes; tap shoes, dance belts and more.

Most dancers, particularly female, like a look that makes them look thin, so they look for texture and fit. Motionwear pants and Bloch leotard have a sliming effect and come in a variety of fabrics and colors. Some dancers go for glitter and shine, particularly ballroom dancers. Jazz dancers prefer a loose functional fit and choose designers like City Lights for pants and sweaters, Bodywrapper black knit sweaters and Mirella skirts with Leo’s classic black and white tap shoes.

Ballet dancers generally look for comfort and style when shopping. Capezio shorts and tops, Leo’s skirts, Motionwear and Mirella leotards are popular choices, as are Watercolor wrap-around skirts.

As far as expense goes, a typical price range for dance shoes is $24 to $150. Women’s leotards are priced at $25 to $46 and tights, leg warmers, ballet skirts and dance belts sell for $15 to $36. Men’s apparel runs from $20 to $50. This prices can go much higher, but this gives you a general idea of what most dancewear items sell for.

Then there is custom dancewear, which is the norm for most original productions in theater. Hire a good costume designer who understands the needs of comfort, fit, and maneuverability when the dancer is wearing the dancewear. This will ensure a successful show and a happy bunch of dancers.

The phrase “dog grooming” conjures up an image of expensive salons for pets. It’s true that your pet does not need fancy haircuts, expensive baths or oil treatments. But shunning away the idea of dog grooming is akin to handling your pet with shortsightedness. Your pet’s appearance is a mirror to its overall health and wellbeing. Lack of grooming may lead to major health problems. Dog groomers ensure that your dog not only looks good but feels good as well.

Professional dog groomers suggest basic grooming for eyes, ears, teeth, face, tummy, skin, feet and nails, and coat should be done regularly.

Appropriate eye care entails regular cleansing. Your dog’s eyes should be bright, lustrous and clean. You must ensure that there are no signs of redness or excessive discharge. There is likely to be periodic buildup in the dog’s eye, which must be wiped out with a clean, damp cloth. However, if the discharge is thick or mucous-like, you must consult a veterinarian.

Ear care is also an important aspect of dog grooming. Moisture and dirt buildup inside the pet’s ear is a breeding ground for bacteria. You should trim ear hair and wipe with a clean cloth, thereby ensuring that the ear is kept dry. Any buildup of wax in the ear must be treated immediately, lest an infection sets in. The veterinarian would typically employ a solution to dissolve the ear wax and then cleanse it using a cloth or Q-tip.

Dental hygiene is equally important for your dog as it is for you. Plaque and tartar buildup causes gum disease. It is a common misconception that a balanced diet can prevent gum diseases or other teeth related problems. Cleaning the teeth and gums is highly essential for proper dental care. Dog groomers clean a pet’s teeth and gums in order to prevent unnecessary plaque buildup.

Dog groomers stress on brushing a dog’s coat on a weekly basis. A thick and matted coat encourages bacterial infection and other diseases of the skin, and hence it is all more necessary to keep your dog’s coat clean. Stroking with a soft brush gets rid of dead hair, dander and dirt.

As every dog groomer would suggest, trim your dog’s nails at least once a month. It is a misconception that long hair between the toes would keep your dog’s feet warm in winters. Instead it would collect dirt and grime, and may encourage infection. Therefore, keep the hair trimmed at all times.

Niall Kennedy is a lifelong dog lover and has worked in several pet sanctuaries. Best Pet Health Information is a resource that brings you information about dog grooming. www.Best-Pet-Health.info.
Dog News Center - Dog Article Directory - Submit Your Articles Now

Copyright Best-Pet-Health.info All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

When you experience the thrill of deep sea fishing you will realize why so many people enjoy it. You’ll find a number of excellent fish are prime for the choosing, many of which you won’t find elsewhere. Some of your choices include swordfish, shark, tuna, marlin, and sailfish. You will find that there are some specialized tools that you need to enjoy the sport though. Here are some of the options that you have.

Your rod and reel are your backbone. You’ll need heavy equipment that means a reel that can hold up to 300 yards of line. The line itself should be between twelve and thirty pound test weight. You’ll need to make sure your rod, your reel and your line all are balanced in size. For hook size, look for 3.0 to 6.0 and the leader should be between ten and fifteen feet long. Double line them. You’ll want leaders that are 30 to 50 pound test.

Bait For Deep Sea

A good choice for most deep sea anglers is live ballyhoo especially for sailfishing. For bigger choices, consider blue runners, speedos, googleyes, dead bait rigs and lures. If you can, provide the type of bait that is natural prey for the fish that you are after. For example, sure hermit crabs, shrimp, squid, and threadfin for sea fishing. You’ll find that your grouper, kingfish, snapper, wahoo and tuna will take these baits well.

A couple of rules of thumb when it comes to bait include not touching it with sunscreen and touching it as little as possible. You’ll find a lot of bait near the locations that they are cleaning fish. You can even use the seabirds to help direct you to were bait is plentiful.

For gear, make sure that you take into consideration where you plan to fish.. You’ll need things like rain gear and warm clothing. You can ask your charter for more information.

One of the wisest things that you can do to learn to deep sea fish is to take a chartered service out. This way, you are being taken to where the fish are and you are likely to have a few people to help you to learn the tricks of the trade. Make sure that the charter is a reliable, trustworthy company and you can’t go wrong. Whatever you do, get out there and enjoy the beautiful water and the gorgeous fish!

Niall is a keen fisherman who is always looking at new tools to help him catch more fish. Visit Fish Finder Review for more information and great deals to help find a fish finder and other GPS and Sonar marine navigation systems. http://www.fish-finder-review.com

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Fish-Finder-Review.com

Each Sun sign in astrology, also has its shadow side, which is
why the very first thing I do when I fall in love is grab that
persons birthdate! I want to know how that person is going to
treat me once the first bloom of love has worn off the rose.
Most of us are familiar with the positive personality
characteristics of each sign, i.e- for example Leos are warm,
funny, affectionate, Geminis are ambitious, witty, charming and
smart, but few of us are aware of each signs shadow side. Only
here in the psychic realm, will you learn the honest truth about
your beloveds personality and what is the ABSOLUTE WORST that
can happen … so watch out because … An ARROGANT ARIES will
tell you how much he loves you, but in the same breath, that you
must be eliminated becuse you are getting in the way of his
plans for total world domination. He will also leave his dirty
socks around and burn the toast. A TOTALITARIAN TAURUS will
boast and brag and bully you into submission, but just one
little words of sarcasm from you and you will find him balled up
in the fetal position crying in the closet. Also a Taurus can’t
have sex without picking a fight first. A JABBERING GEMINI will
steal your money from you and then help you look for it. Also
he’ll make up wild stories about your alleged bisexuality and
tell them to his friends. A master of miscommunication, he’ll
keep you home alone, by the telephone, waiting fo his call. A
CALLOUS CANCER will give you a gift and then make you pay for
it, not with money, but with sexual favours, emotional blackmail
and pieces of your very soul. An expert hostage taker, a Cancer
uses self-pity and sarcasm to torture his victims and rap them
in a prison of low-self-esttem. A LAZY LEO will do everything to
woo you … date you, charm you, move in with you, impregnate
you and spend Christmas dinner with your family, yet, while
filling out a job application, still check the box that says his
status is “single”. A VENGEFUL VIRGO will turn up his nose at
your taste and then slowly begin to mold you into his vision of
the perfect woman. You can never please him, but if you try to
leave, he will stalk you for the rest of your life to try and
get you back. A LASCIVIOUS LIBRA is the first to tell you “I
love you but Im not in love you.” He might as well pee on your
leg and then tell you it’s raining… soon you get the sense
he/she are keeping their options open in case someone better
comes along … A SCHEMING SCORPIO is voted most likely to try
and convince you to have sex without a condom. Later on in the
relationship, he will also try to convince you that having three
way sex with a hired prostitute is the only way to save your
relationship. A SILLY SAGGITARIUS will chase you and woo you
until he has pierced you with his arrow of love. You’ll soon
realize your just another pelt on this hunter’s belt after he
tells you all about his plans for his next romantic conquest,
shortly after having sex with you. A CAPITALISTIC CAPRICORN will
coldly pretend he is in love with you, as long as you are useful
to him in terms of social or business connections. This social
climber, doesn’t want a girlfriend, he wants a pretty parrot
with no mind of her own who faithfully repeats what he says …
AN ASSININE AQUARIUS will go on for hours and hours about your
deep connection as soulmates then forget your birthday. Easily
distracted by pretty colours and shiny things, this flighty male
is easily led astray by other women. A PIOUS PISCES can only be
described as “Christ without, Satan within.” This long suffering
martyr has a Ph.d in co-dependency and knows how to reel women
in with shiny promises. However once you take the bait, you are
trapped forever in the belly of the beast.

10 Ways To Maintain Profits In A Slow Economy by: William R.
Nabaza of http://www.Nabaza.com

1. Sell more back end products to your existing customer base.
You already created rapport, trust and proved your credibility
to them.

2. Make it a practice to up sell to new and existing customers.
After they decide to buy one product, offer them another product.

3. Cross promote your products and services with other
businesses that aren’t competition. You will reach a wider
audience at less cost.

4. Create joint venture deals with other businesses. You can
expand your product line and target other profitable markets at
a lower cost.

5. Start an affiliate program for your business. You will be
able to spend less profits on risk advertising and spend more
money on guaranteed sales.

6. Trade advertising with other businesses to save revenue. You
could trade e-zine ads, banners ads, links, print ads, etc.

7. Out source part of your workload. This can save on employee
costs, equipment costs, taxation costs, expansion costs, etc.

8. Add low cost bonuses to your offer that have a high perceived
value. It could be e-books, members only sites, consulting,
e-reports, etc.

9. Use viral marketing to promote your business on the internet.
Give away free stuff with your ad copy include on it so others
can give it away.

10. Follow up with all your prospects. You can use a free
e-zine, a follow-up auto responder, an update or reminder list,
etc.

—-

William Nabaza of http://www.Nabaza.com specializes in domains,
webhosting, webmaster’s tools, netpreneur’s articles and
resources. Stands out as a freebie provider, business
opportunity provider and the like. Visit his site at
http://www.nabaza.com or contact him directly at
william@nabaza.com

more free articles here: http://www.nabaza.com/resources.htm

Cash back credit cards are an excellent way to earn money while
you spend! Instead of making purchases with standard credit
cards, you might want to consider applying for cash back credit
cards because such cards reward you with cash back on every
purchase you make! Further, in addition to cash back on all of
your purchases, cash back credit cards offer you the opportunity
to afford additional savings, in ways you might not have
imagined possible.

Cash Back

The obvious benefit derived from having cash back credit cards
is the money that consumers get back on every purchase.
Frequently, credit card issuing companies will supply credit
card users with approximately 5% cash back on certain purchases
like those made at drug stores, supermarkets, and gas stations.
Additionally, many credit card companies will give 1% cash back
on all other purchases. Needless to say, if you use your credit
card frequently, such benefits can add up quickly. Further, your
accumulated savings can be used for just about anything, but you
can really save if you follow the example provided below.

Savings

Due to the fact that you save 1 to 5 percent on many of your
purchases made with cash back credit cards, you can find
yourself saving quite a bit of money. Let’s take a look at the
example provided below to analyze the possibilities.

If you spend $1000 at supermarkets, $200 at drug stores and $300
dollars at gas stations in three months time, you will have
spent $1500. Now consider this:

$1500 x 5% = $75.00

Thus, you save $75.00 for every $1500 you spend with your cash
back credit card! Now project such savings over one year’s time.
For instance, if you spend approximately $1500 every three
months at establishments that make you eligible to receive 5%
back on your purchases you will have spent $6000.00 for the
year. Now, consider the savings:

$6000 x 5% = $300.00 Making Your Savings Work for You

So, what can your savings do for you? Plenty! With the $300.00
you save, you can store it away for a rainy day or you can
reward yourself for being so credit savvy and for saving
yourself some money!

Copyright 2005 Ed Vegliante.

Why the Fuss?

Since Dan Brown’s mystery thriller The Da Vinci Code (Doubleday, 2003) first appeared, people have asked a lot of questions, especially regarding Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous painting, “The Last Supper.” Is the feminine-looking figure sitting just to the right of Christ really the apostle John, as traditionally believed, or is it instead Mary Magdalene?

The answer may be boring, in that it is drained of mystery and intrigue, but it is nevertheless so obvious that it rings true. The coming of the film version of “The Da Vinci Code,” starring Tom Hanks, prompts renewed interest in this subject that should by now have been laid to rest.

The Fresco’s Context

Keep in mind that Da Vinci painted this 460×880 cm (15×29 feet) fresco on the wall of the dining hall of the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent in Milan in 1498. His masterpiece is ingenius in many ways, not the least in its dramatic realism, enhanced by the way in which Da Vinci paints the perspective of the background as a continuation of the room in which it resides.

Instead of assigning a halo to Jesus, he sillhouettes him by the light entering through a window behind him. Da Vinci groups the 12 apostles in four clusters of three, six on either side of Jesus. Except for the replacement of roman-style dining couches with contemporary table and chairs, Da Vinci closely follows the biblical narrative. His fresco is a snapshot of the moment after Jesus announces a traitor is in their midst. Listen for the click of Leonardo’s “camera shutter” in the following excerpt from John 13:21-26:

After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me.”

His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” [**CLICK**]

Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”

Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon.

The Biblical Context

Da Vinci captures the immediate emotional reaction of the disciples, employing conventional gestures for surprise, interrogation, and perhaps even indignation. We see the disciples reacting to Jesus’ revelation in the ways the Bible describes. See also the parallel passages: Matthew 26:21-25; Mark 14:18-21; and Luke 22:22-23.

For hundreds of years scholars have agreed that “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23; 19:26-27; 20:2-8; 21:7, 20-24) is the way in which the Apostle John refers to himself in the Fourth Gospel. The Apostle John, prominent in the Synoptics (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), is otherwise absent from the Gospel of John, except for an oblique reference to “the sons of Zebedee” in John 21:2.

Scholars agree that his self-characterization as “The Beloved Disciple” is not an egotistical claim that he is worthy of an inside track with Jesus, but rather a Christ-exalting expression that though he was entirely unworthy, yet he was showered with the Savior’s love. Add to this a few references to “another disciple” (John 1:35-40; 18:15-16; 19:35) which also appear to be autobiographical (John 20:1-9 merges the “Beloved Disciple” with the “other disciple”), and we gain a composite picture of the author of the Fourth Gospel.

Could this “other disciple,” this “Beloved Disciple” be, in fact, Mary Magdalene? The biblical evidence is decisive against this hypothesis. In Greek, the definite article, translated into English as “the,” has gender (masculine, feminine, or neuter) and number (singular, plural, or dual), in agreement with the nouns, pronouns, or participles they accompany. In all of the verses cited above, the “the” attached to either “the other disciple” or “the disciple whom Jesus loved” is uniformly masculine, never feminine.

Furthermore, identifying Mary Magdalene with “the disciple whom Jesus loved” makes nonsense out of John 20:1-18, especially verses 10-11a: “Then the disciples [Peter and the Beloved Disciple] went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying.” She cannot go and stay simultaneously.

Why so feminine a figure?

This “Beloved Disciple,” obviously a man, in the Fourth Gospel, is the one Peter buttonholes at the Last Supper and demands, “Ask Him which one He means” (John 13:24). Why does he look like a woman in Da Vinci’s portrayal of that moment?

A reasonable inference based on John 21:20-24’s testimony that John outlived Simon Peter by many years holds that John must have been considerably younger than Peter, or for that matter most or all of the other apostles. The earliest writings after the New Testament indicate that John lived on into the early second century. If he was about 20 at the time of the crucifixion, he would have been around 90 in the year 100. We could allow him to be a little older or a little younger, but not by much either way.

Sitting beside Jesus in the rennaissance master’s “The Last Supper” is a figure portrayed as a young man, using the conventions typical of that day: fair features, no beard, and slight body. We find similar depictions of young men in Leonardo’s other paintings.

In his two depictions of John the Baptist, for example, painted sometime between 1510 and 1516, we find a beardless youth. Even within “The Last Supper” itself, Da Vinci’s portrait of Philip (fourth from the right) is similarly androgynous.

Want to Go Deeper?

A survey of paintings of the Last Supper just before and just after Da Vinci’s demonstrates how stereotyped were depictions of John, who is regularly depicted as a young man, nearly always asleep next to Jesus. Once again, breaking with convention, Leonardo depicts him as only very sleepy. Some of these depictions actually label John and the other disciples. You can view these at online art history sites, such as the “Web Gallery of Art.”

• 1308-11 - Ducco di Buoninsegna
  
• 1464-67 - Dieric the Elder Bouts
  
• 1476 - Domenico Ghirlandaio
  
• 1480 - Domenico Ghirlandaio
  
• 1486 - Domenico Ghirlandaio
  
• 1498 - Leonardo da Vinci
  
• 1510 - Albrecht Drer
  
• 1511 - Drer
  
• 1520-25 - Andrea del Sarto
  
• 1523 - Drer
  
• 1542 - Jacopo Bassano
  

The Place of Mary Magdalene

It is abundantly clear, therefore, that Da Vinci’s figure beside Jesus is John, son of Zebedee, not Mary Magdalene. Her place in history, however, is secure. She was the first human being to witness the resurrection of Christ, and responding obediently to the Savior’s commission recorded in John 20:17, she served, as one scholar has put it, as “the apostle to the apostles.”

To make her into something else does not elevate her, but degrades her. Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” is certainly coded, not with enigmatic images of a clandestine relationship between Jesus and Mary, but with the pathos of the Night of Betrayal.
The hidden meaning that reaches us more than 500 years later is, “Is it I? Am I the one who will betray Him?”

Da Vinci Decoded

The magnificent fresco pierces our heart and conscience with these probing questions. Are we, like John, hardly even conscious of the Lord’s challenge? Will we, with false bravado, join our voices to those disciples who are saying, “I’ll never deny You,” or like Peter, go even further, “Even if all the others fall away, I never will”? Or, like Judas Iscariot, do we lean back in surprise, grasping tightly to our bag of money?

I believe that Leonardo intended for everyone who sat in that Milan dining hall and by extension, all of us to be, not detached spectators, but participants in the Last Supper. This is the true Da Vinci Code, and the mystery of “The Last Supper”: What will I do with Jesus?

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Copyright ©2005 Steve Singleton

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has been a book editor, newspaper reporter, news editor, and public relations consultant. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses in university and adult education programs. He has taught seminars in 11 states and the Caribbean.

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