News, Tips & Bargains : Renaissance Medal Play

More than 200 Renaissance portrait medals--pocket-sized pictures cast in everything from lead to gold--are on exhibit through May 1 at the National Gallery of Art in Washington. “The Currency of Fame: Portrait Medals of the Renaissance” is the first major survey in America of the images that were often produced in bulk for distribution as tokens of friendship or business relationships. Popes and other grandees sometimes had their likenesses run off by the thousands. While many medals were rather crude, some were considered masterpieces. Munich councilman Sebastian Ligsalz, above, from left, had his portrait done in wood in 1527; King Henry II of France in bronze, 1575, and London goldsmith Richard Martin in silver in 1562.

When Two-Wheelers Take to the Air

Bicyclists wondering how to pack up their two-wheelers and take them traveling may be interested in “Bikes Can Fly: Survey of Airline Baggage Regulations for Bicycles,” new from the International Bicycle Fund.

“You will find that taking a bike requires some forethought,” says David Mozer, director of the fund, a nonprofit organization that promotes bicycle transport. Each airline, he says, has its own policies for domestic and international flights--and the rules can change at any time.

“Bikes Can Fly” describes in detail how to fly with a bike, looks at packing options and gives step-by-step instructions to meet airline requirements. It also compares domestic and overseas regulations on 40 major airlines. “Bikes Can Fly” is available for $5, including postage, from the International Bicycle Fund, 4887 Columbia Drive South, Seattle, Wash. 98108.

Extremists in Egypt Repeat Warning

Islamic extremists in Egypt are repeating demands that all foreigners, including tourists, leave Egypt. Officials at the U.S. Embassy are taking the threats against foreigners seriously, although are not urging Americans to leave Cairo at this time.

The militant Islamic Group, which is seeking Islamic rule in Egypt, has targeted tourists as part of its campaign to destabilize the government and disrupt the economy, which depends heavily on tourism. In December, suspected Islamic extremists opened fire on a busload of Austrian tourists visiting an ancient church site that was said to have sheltered the holy family during their flight into Egypt. Eight tourists were wounded.

Officials said they do not believe Americans face greater risks than do other foreigners, but has cautioned Americans traveling or living in Egypt to heighten their security awareness, maintain a low profile and not call attention to themselves or their activities.