The metamorphic transformations inflicted on their human victims by Ovid's capricious gods have serious or even fatal consequences. When Jove's wife Juno, jealous of Callisto's relationship with her husband, changes her into a bear, Callisto is forced to wander alone for many years, still in possession of her human feelings but trapped in a bear-like form. After fifteen years she runs into her own son Arcas, who fails to recognise his mother. He is only prevented from killing her by the intervention of Jove, who turns them both into neighbouring constellations. After Semele becomes pregnant with Jove's child, Juno tricks her into asking Jove to make love to her in the 'way' he does to Juno. This leads to her death as,

"Her mortal body

Could not endure that rush, and in that mating

That gift, burned utterly."

The automated answer system down at O2 command centre in Clare is right up there in the dulcet-o-meter. But wouldn't it be great if they had Shyrka? A quick Wikipeda tells me that Kelly Ricard was cast as Shyrka in the English version of Ulysees. Someone in O2 should look her up. I might be inclined to call more.

Or call back. I'm in a temporary sulk with the teaser of an android in situ. She promised an upgrade on my mobile phone on entry to the nearest O2 shop. A Platinum upgrade at that. Got me all excited. A trifling detail she overlooked - the thrill would cost €149. Some upgrade. Marketing department - 1: Gullible consumer - suckered.

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All art is at once surface and symbol

Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril

Those who read the symbol do so at their peril

It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors.

Oscar Wilde (The Picture of Dorian Gray Preface)

The concept of metamorphosis has provided a rich vein of material for artists throughout history. Hundreds of artistic and literary works have benefited from characters gifted with shape altering abilities or who have been cursed to involuntarily change their form.

However, metamorphosis also plays a fundamental and critical role in the natural world.

Saturday next, the 12th of February, will mark the 202nd anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth and 152 years since the publication of On the Origin of Species. Every year organisations around the world celebrate this day by commemorating the works and life of Darwin. However, Darwin Day is also an occasion for highlighting the significant achievements brought about by the application of human inquisitiveness, resourcefulness, and ingenuity in improving all our lives.

Ireland is no exception in this respect. One such event, which is being organised on the eve of Darwin Day, Friday February the 11th, is a free lecture organised by the Humanist Association of Ireland (HAI) in Trinity College, Dublin. This talk, which has been an annual event since 2003, will start at 7.30pm and be delivered by Prof. Janet Radcliffe Richards, author of The Sceptical Feminist.