Posts

Showing posts from August, 2017

Tolstoy, after Rousseau, on Knowledge and Wisdom

“Real wisdom is not the knowledge of everything, but the knowledge of which things in life are necessary, which are less necessary, and which are completely unnecessary to know. Among the most necessary knowledge is the knowledge of how to live well, that is, how to produce the least possible evil and the greatest goodness in one’s life. At present, people study useless sciences, but forget to study this, the most important knowledge.”

Rooftop View

Image
Looking down onto the Historic Charleston City Market (est. in the 1790's). Local businesses along Market Street showcase artifacts unearthed during renovations and reconstructions in recent years. Didn't get to visit, but one historic church along Market Street was transformed into a restaurant called " 5Church ."  The main feature of the renovation was provided by an artist who wrote out the entirety of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" (5th Century B.C.) on the ceiling. Should have popped in just to see it--maybe some other time.

Turn, Turn, Turn

Image
Allemande: a German country dance (late 16th century) in which dancers link arms, join or touch hands and make a full or partial turn. Also used to refer to the music for any of these dances, as in a suite.

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Charleston Harbor

Image
copyright JWilson

"Crossing The Bar" by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Image
copyright JWilson. Charleston Harbor Sunset and evening star,  And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar.

Office Workouts

Image
"The 100 Office Workouts book is a collection of no-equipment illustrated easy-to-follow routines specifically designed for workplace conditions allowing you to exercise during work regardless of the time and space available and regardless of the office attire."

The Lightning Path

Image
A talented man I know works with wood. While taking care of his dogs one night, I saw this board he had recently cut from a tree that had been struck by lightning. Isn't it fascinating how the bolt was captured in the wood?

Rooftop Nightshade

Image
copyright JWilson Charleston, SC

"Sea Fever" by John Masefield

Image
copyright JWilson, Charleston Harbor I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by; And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking, And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking. I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied; And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying, And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying. I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife; And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover, And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

United States Custom House (Charleston, SC)

Image

30th Wedding Anniversary

Image

Eclipse Party

Image
The most amazing event I've ever witnessed in my life. Breathtaking. Left me speechless with my heart pounding in my chest. Clouds threatened the view but the timing could not have been more perfect. Things heard on the field--not sure which was better: 1) "Why are they passing out 3D glasses?" Ok . . . 2) "I can't see a thing through these sun glasses" Well, yeah. Sometimes there are just no words for such an event as this. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and i

Solar Eclipse Play-by-play

Image
The cool stuff starts at the :55 mark

King Of Laughter

Image
Jerry Lewis died today, at 91. I'm gonna go cry now. Here's a one of my favorites scenes from, "You're Never Too Young." Thanks for all your pioneer work that transformed the film industry, Jerry.

NASA's Eyes Eclipse Map

"10 THINGS I HAVE LEARNED ABOUT THE SEA" by Lorenzo Fonda

Image
I'd like to share a poem with you. But first, a word from it's creator: "This video is based on footage I shot on marine vessel 'Portland Senator' on the route from Los Angeles to Shanghai, in December 2008. Warning: this film requires ten minutes of your life and hopefully no phone calls during the screening. thank you." One expects a poem to have an "author" and perhaps that is the better choice of word than "creator" but if you've sanctified ten minutes and experienced the film, you understand why the term falls woefully short. I'll venture that if you merely watched the film, you missed the experience. Coupled with a soundtrack by the greatest ambient post-rock bands of all time ever ("Hammock"), this short film--this poem--sits you down and makes you think, feel  . . . well, you decide. I know how it made me feel.  The photography: amazing The music: moving The insights: deep Frankly, I'm

Danger Zone

Image
Striking my best "Tom Cruise" in the cockpit of a TF-9F Cougar.

A Visit With History

Image
Spent a few hours touring two of three ships docked at Patriot's Point, the first being "The Ship That Would Not Die," the most decorated W.W. II era Destroyer that remains, The U.S.S. Laffey . First boarding the long narrow vessel, one expects a typical walk-through above and below decks, but spend the time to engage the displays and the awe deepens considering all this ship and her crews endured. We did eventually move on to the U.S.S. Yorktown  (CV-10), a "small town" of its own--so large (though dwarfed by today's carriers), it was difficult to capture well everything this massive ship delivered. I strongly recommend a visit in Spring or Fall when temps are more comfortable. Also, arriving early in the day will give one opportunity to tour the submarine, U.S.S. Clagamore as well as take in The Vietnam Experience. Astounding, nonetheless. Please find below a sampling of our experience on board these two vessels (I'm not posting all 200 pics.