My interest in history and Classical civilization started when I first read Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" in the 7th grade. When reading this play, I felt transported via my imagination to the Roman world. It brought the dry facts and dates of history to dramatic life. It remains one of my favorite works of literature, mainly because of this personal significance.
Every so often there is some sensationalized announcement regarding alien life. It is always debunked or pulled back. Here's a link to the most recent episode in this unhappy farce:
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. I'm not fond of giving things up as a show of piety. I'm more into doing positive things to improve my life. While it is a good thing to cut back on the vices, I think it is better to cultivate the virtues. Eh, I'll try to do both.
March 7th is the Feast of St. Perpetua and St. Felicity, two Christian martyrs of the early 3rd century. Having been raised Catholic, I grew up well versed in tales of martyrdom. However, when I started my studies in theology, this martyrdom was the first that I considered with a critical mind. It set off my skepticism towards the veneration of saints and led me to the study of mystical phenomenology.
I see Perpetua as the principle protagonist of the narrative. For me, she is both heroic and villainous, tragic and pathetic. She provokes from me a sense of love/hate. She expresses both admirable and detestable qualities of religious devotion.
In the mid-90s, I wrote a short story about martyrdom in an attempt to articulate this ambiguity. It was never published, but I occasionally play with the idea of attempting a rewrite. Hopefully, my advanced age has brought with it advanced wisdom. ;-)
I visited the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. It's a small venue, but with a decent collection. Usually, there aren't any "show-stopper" works on exhibit. However, currently there is a show called "Visions of the Orient: Western Women Artists in Asia 1900-1940." It's a solid display, especially the Bertha Lum pieces.
My favorite work was the image above, Tanabata. It's based on a story about two lovers seperated from each other by the river of the Milky Way. Once a year, a bridge is formed by a flock of magpies by which the lovers may be briefly reunited for the night. Beautiful story and a beautiful work of art.
Here are a few more photos that I took while visiting the PAM. Enjoy!!!
Guardian Spirit
Tibetan Gallery
Inner Courtyard Koi Pond
Check out the Pacific Asia Museum's website here. It's worth a visit.
Michelangelo was born on March 6, 1475. Overall, he isn't one of my favorite artists, but I have boundless appreciation for his work. However, the Pieta is probably my favorite sculpture of all time. I fell in love with the Virgin Mary when I first saw it. Creepy, but true. ;-)
Here's a link to its page at the St. Peter's Basilica website.
For a decent bio of Michelangelo, check out his Wikipedia page.
An Ohio TV anchor tried to write off $167,356 from her taxes in beauty supplies, clothing, and other aestetic/cosmetic accessories and enhancements. Including thongs!!! Money quote:
"She claimed they were all essential to her job, because after all, you can only trust the word of someone who is pretty. Also, outside beauty is only part of the picture; it really matters whether she feels pretty and sexy, which is, we guess, where the thongs come in."
I've got to admit it. Although Ronald creeps me out and I loath eating McDonald's "food", reports that he's being phased out make me a bit sad. He's an American pop culture icon, along with Mickey Mouse or Superman or Snoopy. Yeah, the aforementioned characters are entertainment-based while Ronald is advertising-based, but his image-identification is just as strong. I guess that's the problem.
The modest Rose puts forth a thorn,
The humble sheep a threat'ning horn:
While the Lily white shall in love delight,
Nor a thorn nor a threat stain her beauty bright.
Antonio Vivaldi was born 333 years ago, on March 4, 1678. Born in Venice, his music captures the spirit of the city. The play of lightness and shade, the opulence and grace, it evokes the Baroque Venetian aesthetic. Even his sacred music contains hints of Venice's hedonistic style.
(Btw: I know that Botticelli's Primavera is from Renaissance Florence, but I've been wanting to post it up for a few days now. I couldn't pass up the opportunity.)
"Star Light, Star Fright" (2008) by Anthony Clarkson
I've been thinking about marionettes. They creep me out with their jerky movement, frozen faces, and gravity defiant steps. It's likely a variation of the Uncanny Valley effect. Likewise, realistic 3D computer animation and humanoid robots make me just as uncomfortable.
With regard to marionettes, I enjoy the chills that they give me. It's a morbid fascination that keeps me watching, even as the goosebumps crawl across my skin. The image above captures the feeling, the tension between menace and enthrallment. I like it!
I'm really fond of Anthony Clarkson's work. Creepy, yet captivating. If you're interested in such a dark aesthetic, make certain to visit his website, the Grim Wonderland.
Here's another example of the delightfully uncanny. Enjoy!
There's an brief interesting article at Discovery News. There's not much info, but it has cool graphics and informative links. And "killer asteroids" are one of my pet topics.
I'm a Science Fiction enthusiast. Two classic SF novels that I'd recommend on this topic are Lucifer's Hammer and the Hammer of God. Both are thought-provoking reads.
The state flower of Delaware, symbol of immortality, feminine youthful charm, cultural elegance and the arrival of Spring, the peach blossom is one of my favorite flowers.
"You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!"
- Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)
Which writer has had the greatest influence on the way you live your life? That's a tough question for me to answer. However, in my Top Ten list, I'd definitely have to list Dr. Seuss. As a child, I was an avid reader and Dr. Seuss' books were among my favorites. I loved the illustrations. I was delighted by the sound of the word read aloud. And the stories had purposes.
Horton defends those who are "beneath notice." The Grinch discovers that joy isn't limited to material goods. The Lorax warns against reckless consumption. These tales and others had ethical dimensions written in a manner so that even a young child might understand. They left an indelible mark upon my spirit by teaching me about empathy and compassion in my earliest years.
Even today, when I read or hear a Seussian tale, it feels as if my "heart grows three sizes" upon the conclusion.
Sandro Botticelli was born on March 1, 1445. I am also amazed by the beauty and grace of his paintings. Mesmerizing masterpieces, they keep me captivated with their ethereal elegance.
Its hard to choose a favorite. My answer changes from day to day, year to year. Today, I think my dearest love goes to the Birth of Venus. She is the ideal expression of Italian Renaissance femininity.
However, if you can pull yourself away from Venus, there is an abundance of beauty in Botticelli's gallery. I like this Botticelli site. For a brief bio of this great artist, Wikipedia is a good place to start. Enjoy!!!
On Thursday, February 24, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory caught this big ol' solar flare. It's an M 3.6 class flare, which is pretty impressive, albeit well below the X class.
I have a morbid fascination with solar flares. They are awesome expressions of cosmic power beyond human capacity. An event like the Solar Storm of 1859, the "Carrington Event", would mess up our modern communications something fierce. Of course, it could be even worse. Yikes!!!
When I discovered an interest in classical music, Chopin was not among my favorites. I liked music with lofty orchestration or rich vocals. Works like Mozart's Requiem or Beethoven's 9th Symphony were my type of music. Gradually, my tastes opened up to smaller ensemble pieces, like Schubert string quartets or Brahms piano trios. Finally, I started to discern the charm of instrumental solos.
Therefore, Chopin has gone from boring to beautiful in my estimation. When listening to his music, I feel my spirit elevated by his Romantic genius.
