Leonardo da Vinci at the Science Center

Leonardo da Vinci: The Biography, by Walter Isaacson and published by Simon and Schuster, is a mere 525 pages. I read it (well listened to the audiobook) prior to learning about the Da Vinci exhibition at the Saint Louis Science Center. Over the holidays, I listened to more than seventeen hours about the life and work of the original Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci. I am an art junky and thoroughly enjoyed that use of time over the holidays. Naturally, I was compelled to see the exhibit as well. The opening of the 7,000 square-foot special exhibition that follows the Renaissance master on a journey of innovation, creativity, science, and wonder was developed by Aurea Exhibitions and produced by Imagine Exhibitions. It is a great way to add to your appreciation of the original Renaissance man. 

Da Vinci’s role as an inventor is displayed as to-scale recreations of da Vinci’s most renowned paintings, including some controversial works traditionally attributed to him but not yet authenticated. Visitors can study the artistic mastery behind such works as Mona Lisa, The Last Supper and St. John the Baptist through stunning replica reproductions on view. His lifelong devotion to science and his fascination with nature, extensive exploration of anatomy and in-depth explanations of famous studies on subjects such as the golden ratio and Vitruvian Man are complemented by enlarged examples of the artist’s sketches.

Leonardo was a vegetarian, flamboyant in dress, erratic in his work habits and astute when it came to self-promotion. He could not become a notary (a sort of lawyer of the period) because it was  a profession not open to sons born out of wedlock. His lack of a formal education was not a handicap however, because as he was largely self-taught. At 14, he was apprenticed to the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio, who must have been astonished by his talent. Leonardo collaborated with the master before producing at least two early masterpieces, The Annunciation and Ginevra de’ Benci.

Da Vinci The Exhibition is a hands-on examination of da Vinci’s life, research, and intellectual mind that went well beyond his art. Featuring more than 60 fully built, life-size replicas of inventions, more than 20 recreations of his major paintings and fine art studies and dozens of stunning concept displays, you learn about the complex beginnings and lifetime achievements of da Vinci. The exhibition is at the Saint Louis Science Center from January 11, 2020 to mid April 2020. (Held over through 9/27 due to Covid -19_

Ask Your Doctor

It may not surprise you that a lot of money is being invested by pharmaceutical companies these days designed to get consumer “pull” through distribution channels to you. Chances are the advertising messages are falling on deaf ears if you are a commercial zapper who watches programs you have recorded or if you are more likely to visit the refrigerator during commercial breaks. The pharma industry will spend over six billion dollars on drug advertising this year according to Nielsen. The lion’s share (over 5 billion) will be spent on television. I guess you’ve got to pay attention, especially as your doctor appointment approaches.

Most of the brand names look like they are in another language or made up of a jumble of random letters. A handful of companies manufacture and market the products. Chances are you have little or no recall of why pro golfer Phil Mickelson wants to tell you about arthritis, or why grandpa can relate to the big bad wolf’s breathing issues or what drugs to ask your doctor about if, in fact, you need to quit smoking, manage your type 2 diabetes or your bipolar disorder or whatever ails you.

If you are scoring at home. Here are some of the top pharmaceutical companies, some of the brands they market (and for what they hope to provide treatment). I know you will pay close attention to the television advertising prior to your doctor appointment so you can ask smart questions when the time comes.    

Pfizer - Chantix (smoking cessation), Xeljanz (arthritis); AbbVie - Humira (arthritis); AstraZeneca - Symbicort (asthma and COPD), Nexium and Prilosec (heartburn), Crestor (cholesterol); Eli Lilly - Cialis (erectile dysfunction), Cymbalta (antidepressant), Trulicity and Jardiance (diabetes); Johnson & Johnson - Xarelto (blood thinner), Stelara (psoriasis) Remicade (anti-inflammatory), Olysio (hep C); Bristol-Myers Squibb - Eliquis,( blood thinner), Opdivo (cancer); Merck & Co. – Keytruda (cancer), Januvia (type 2 diabetes), Dulera (asthma inhaler); Sumitomo Corp. - Latuda (antipsychotic for bipolar depression), Aptiom (anti-seizure); Amgen - Embrel (psoriatic arthritis).

So, big pharma is betting more that FIVE BILLION BUCKS on tv to trigger meaningful and actionable conversations with doctors that will ultimately justify the commercial success (profitability) of these brands.