The title of this blog entry is “A Red Letter Day.” To my understanding there were red letters on the Roman calendar to denote festivals and special events. Yesterday, in one viewing day I had 1017 page views. This was unusual for me, and was the first time that I noticed this level of statistic.
Today, I interviewed Dr. Carl RiCHARD (I put the last 5 letters in capitals to denote the accent on the last part of the name — he explained a CAJUN pronounciation). He has written the book “Why We’re All Romans, The Roman Contribution to the Roman World.” He inspired me, so I decided to change the direction of the next podcast for Season Seven. Ancient Rome Refocused will concentrate on the influence of the Romans on early America and the U.S. today.
Watch for it in the next couple of weeks.
I have been emailing back and forth on FaceBook one Mark Schauss. He has a fascinating podcast called Russian Rulers History (on itunes by the way). He has tantalized me with his observations on similarities between the Caesars and the Czars and has agreed to an interview. I am going to call him tomorrow to interview him for a future show.
Stay tuned!
Rob Cain has traveled extensively through Europe, Italy, and Egypt. He was formerly on active duty with the United States Army. He is a fan of history, and enjoys reading books on the history of Rome. He currently has a podcast presentation on itunes and hipcast. The blog is for the free and open discussion of Ancient Rome based on Mr. Cain's observations noted in his podcast. Most episodes start out with an original dramatic narration written by Mr. Cain. In the podcasts he will include his own unique commentary, and interviews with subject matter experts. Comments are welcome and will be highlighted on the show. 
Episode 10, “Nothing New Under the Sun. Get Over it”, features the book, “The Ancient Guide to Modern Life” written by author, comedian, and TV commentator Natalie Haynes.” Whether political, cultural, or social, there are endless parallels between the ancient and modern worlds. Whether it's the murder of Caesar or the political assassination of Thatcher; the narrative arc of the hit HBO series, The Wire, or that of Oedipus; the popular enthusiasm for the Emperor Titus or President Obama – over and over again we can be seen to be living very much like people did 2,000 or more years ago. It's time for us to re-examine the past. Our lives are infinitely richer if we take the time to look at what the Greeks and Romans have given us in politics and law, religion and philosophy and education, and to learn how people really lived in Athens, Rome, Sparta and Alexandria. 
This is a book with a serious point to make but the author isn't just a classicist but a comedian and broadcaster who has made television and radio documentaries about humor, education and Dorothy Parker. This is a book for us all, not for an elite.
Wonderful! I often muse at how, in a very round about way, the United States is like the last Roman province. Of course, Cleopatra is of eternal interest and mystery. I’m especially interested in your your controversial angle (and unfortunately I have not read Stacy Shiff’s “Cleopatra: A Life”). I’m looking forward to that podcast also if you still do it.
But getting back, look how much Latin still exists in law, botany, biology. A lot of our English language is based in Latin and Latin roots. Customs, superstitions, and rituals, such as marriage, have their roots or origin in Roman tradition. Names given to offspring are of Roman origin or original names such as Julia, Claudia, Cornelia, etc (Of course, we realize that the Romans were famous for ‘borrowing’ from other cultures, most notable, the Greeks).
It is believed our founding fathers were influenced by the Roman Constitution, as well as by the Greeks and even the Iroquois Indians, though there is still debate and disagreement as to what and how much actually influenced the constitution.
A fascinating paper on the Greek Polybius and perhaps his influence on the Romans and our founding fathers can be found at:
Polybius and the Founding Fathers: the separation of powers
http://mlloyd.org/mdl-indx/polybius/intro.htm
And where is Rome today? A short article exploring and interesting theory.
Does the Roman Empire Still Exist Today? It May – Even in Your Neighborhood
http://ezinearticles.com/?Does-the-Roman-Empire-Still-Exist-Today?-It-May—Even-in-Your-Neighborhood&id=2568544
Can’t wait to hear this podcast, take all the time you need (but hurry up).
Hope things have been well for you and your family Rob.
I love the way you bring Rome to life with your narration, music, sound effects, etc. I almost feel as though I’m there, hearing the sounds of Rome, horses and wagons, sculpturers, metal workers, clay potters, hawkers, the Cohortes urbanae coming down the road, the sounds of a Triumph or the games at the Colosseum, the screams of a criminal thrown off the Capitoline hill. The smells of wood burning, food cooking, bread baking, garbage rotting, body odor, body decay (if you’re near the Gemonian steps). The colors, murals, the feel of fabric, marble, etc. Internalizing how a Roman thought or felt.
A much richer experience. Thank you!