Neither artists were killed (pickup story here)

A new discovery about Homer's Odyssey. NY Times. Scientific American:

Researchers say that references to planets and constellations in the Odyssey describe a solar eclipse that occurred in 1178 B.C., nearly three centuries before Homer is believed to have written the story. If correct, the finding would suggest that the ancient poet had a surprisingly detailed knowledge of astronomy.

Some hope on the horizon:) David Aaronovitch, the London Times: "Eventually, we will all hate Obama too."