1. What an impact! the Palermo scale
The ‘Palermo Scale’ is used by astronomers to rate the potential hazard of impact of near-earth-objects. This complex scale tells when an object would hit and the consequential impact. The reason the non-astronomers amongst you have never heard talking about the scale should be seen as a relief. Now you know: if mentioned on the news, run for cover!
2. Molecular gastronomy scale
Surprise surprise; one of the most food-conservative cities on the planet gave birth to the most ground-breaking culinary movement of the recent past. In 1992 a congress was held under the title of: “molecular and physical gastronomy‘. Molecular sounded better – less frivolous – than plain ‘science’. The impact on the scale of Palermo on the culinary scene was enormous.
3. Two beetles and a Saint
Limnologists – people who study the biological, chemical, and physical features of lakes and other bodies of fresh water – know Palermo through the city’s patron Saint Rosalia. In 1959 G.E. Huchinson wrote an article after he visited the city and the promontory ‘Monte Pellegrino‘. “An homage to Santa Rosalia or why there are so many kinds of animals’. The man found very similar beetles living together instead of fighting each other in a rather small circumscribed space. Ecologist are still cheering viva Santa Rosalia. The beetles did not any comments.
4. Capuchin catacombs
Even if you have been told what it contains, the catacombs will surprise you. The capuchin monks worked out a method of conserving corpses. The catacombs now showcase over one thousand mummies. In 1920 the the then two year old Rosalia Lombardo was the last one to be added. Today she’s no less than the star of the show.
5. Palermo's blood rain
When the wind blows scirocco, Palermo suffers. This dry dusty wind comes from the South east and is most unpleasant. The sky turns plumbeous and the temperature rises noticeably. Even in wintertime. People get nervous and a general discontent spreads. It sometimes last days, and always ends with a light blood rain. The sand picked up Sahara sands comes down and dusts the city red. Heydays for carwashes.
