The Point...

Last day in Paris. We're walking along the Roman Viaduct that was re-built such that there are shops inside the arches. Trust me.

Anyway, towards the end of the viaduct, this building appeared. Like looking at the bow of some futuristic financial ice-breaker, it jutted out at us, impressed with its' own immoviability. Dana turned to me and said "So, what's the point of a building like that?"

Uh..um..err..well..the neo-gothic resurgence during the Arceolithic revival of post-Judean architecture demanded a pre-modernistic return to post-modern views on exterior expression of internalized visions of non-judgemental structural expressionisms. Editors Note. The preceding sentence is principally bullshit, generated by the author during cranial down-time, whilst attempting to process a sufficient reply to his spouse.

In the end, I had to admit that it did seem somewhat pointless. I mean a box is so much easier to fill efficiently, and easier to plan around, and easier to maintain, and so forth. And then the answer slapped me in the face! "Dear..it is because we can, because we can create a thing of wonder and beauty, and be adequately satisfied that it really doesn't have to have a point. It is simply good because it could be built that way, not because we needed another box".

Their is some universal truth and grace to the "blank stare". When directed at you, it can convey utter joy, rapture, and love because you've said or done something that has profoundly affected the other person that there is simply no emotion available to adequatly respond with other than shear, razor-sharp, and totally complete blancus starus. On the other hand, it is possible that you have somehow stumbled upon one of the eleven incantations of stupity, and uttering one of them aloud, have so offeneded your audience that they are simply struck dumb with disbelief. I apparently had in fact, whilst attempting the first, managed to achieve the second.

I spent a good deal of the remaining walk attempting to explain myself, or more accurately my most recent statement, as explaining myself would require a walk from Paris to Hong Kong. I had little success.

The plane flight home afforded 15 hours of luxurious claustraphobia with which to contemplate. The best that I could do is as follows: In some instances, there is not a requirement for something to have a point. Simply being able to do something may just be justificiation enough. The art crowd has afflicted me with this line of reasoning, to wit, art is simply the manifestation of the human spirit, translated into something tangible. That there is no meaning to it, is irrelevant.

My father once said that gentleman is someone who knows how to play an accordian...and doesn't. As such, I could go on but won't. I will leave it to the jury to bring forth both arguments for and against this theory.

M

Symmetry...

Berlin..the Holocaust Memorial..a somber, quiet place. It was difficult to understand why all these concrete blocks, arranged in rows, varying in height and placement, would represent some kind of feeling about the Holocaust.

I walked quietly amongst the blocks, searching for something, anything that would reverberate such that these simple geometric blocks made sense. Nothing..and then...something. Shadows on corners, edges next to light/dark....light and dark. I had it.

For me, it was the contrasts between the light and dark sides of the blocks. Blocks of essentially the same shape, but some bigger and smaller...like people. When superimposed on each other, they generated a geometric pattern, a symmetry if you would. It was then that the differences in the color of each side struck me..some dark..some light.

Perhaps the purpose of these blocks, at the right time and place, with just the right light, is to remind us that we are all the same, and yet...still capable of having both a light and dark side. It is tempting to expound upon the light and dark side of human nature..and foolish. For me, suffice it to say that at times our dark side rules the view, and it is our responsibility to shine the bright light of day on the scene, such that as a whole, we can tell the difference between the two.

Mustang.

Wonder...

Despite my personal opinions on religion, it is still possible to enter a church and simply marvel at the wonderous nature of man. While in Paris, we visited St. Chapelle, a small church in the courtyard of the Federal Courts building, about 4 blocks from Notre Dame (thanks to Generik for the tip...). Even on an overcast day, the light that streams through all this stained glass almost has a sound to it...

Gawking is such a crude word, but it does convey the feeling.

It is at times like this, that even though I don't have a god, I think of the innocents who have died before they should have and in that tiny part of my soul that still harbors some compassion for humanity, I hope that there is one to take care of these people.

I took many color photos in the chapel. Zen teaches that words too often do not adequately convey a feeling (good sex or a good joke requires no explanation, nor are there any words that would suffice if you attempted to do so) and so I tried some black and white. For whatever reason, the meaningfulness of this place seems to resonate best in black and white. When I look a this photo, I can almost imagine this place in 1945..late winter, the war has ended, and people gather to remember Christmas.

Regardless of your own beliefs, as the year approaches ends, perhaps keep this picture in mind and find some friends and charish this greatest of gifts amongst humans, and find a way to be just a bit nicer to each other.

Mustang

Montmarte...

The cathedral of Sacre'-Coeur sits atop a hill in the area of Montmarte. This area is where alot of the original Bohemians hung out, but now its just were a lot of wanna-be Bohemians hang out, attempting to convince you that despite your true need for a cold beer after the hike up the hill, you should have them draw a portrait of you. I'm sorry, I am thirsty and I have a camera. I will support the arts in a different manner, such as helping brewmasters with their art of making "happy fluid"!

Anyway, in the spirit of artsy crap, I experimented with black-and-white photography, constrast, pattern, and other artsy/photography-centered stuff, and took some pictures of the stone road. Art...go figure.

The Cemetary...


We went looking for Jim Morrison's grave. It was covered with film crews, actors, gaffers, grips, electricians, best boys, make-up, and caterers. Making a movie (not Bollywood, but we saw that at the Louvre and Arc de Triumphe') and so we were "discouraged from paying our respects". However, I had more fun watching the cats in the cemetary. The one on the right was hunting mice...




We then went to Pigalle, or as it is also known, Pig Alley. Moulen Rouge is the nicest place in the neighborhood! We went during the late afternoon, and you could tell then that this was a wild and crazy place.

Anyway, more photos than I can post.

M

LOUVRE....

OK, we went to the Louvre today. All is well, nothing really important appears to be missing..

Overall, a great experience. The highlight for me however was getting to see one of my favorites paintings up close and personal!

Long story short. Leonidas is the dude in the middle with the odd hat. He is King of Sparta basically. He and 300 Spartan bad boys are in the center of a battle at Thermopalyae in Greece. About 200,000 Persian naughty boys wanna kick the Spartan's ass. So the Persian king sends a mouthpiece, who tells Leo to give up his spears. Leo replies..."come get them". Cool.

So the Persian mouthpiece says.."We will fill the sky with so many arrows and spears, we will blot out the sun!" To which one of the Spartan tough guys replies..."Great! We prefer to fight in the shade!" Gotta love a man with great big brass balls!

Mustang

Europe....

OK, finally got a decent enough connection to post some stuff. I will be terribly brief, and let more of the photographs talk then me. I have wonderful stories to write, about Berlin and Paris, but I must get this quick note out first.

The picture above left speaks for itself, and just goes to prove I have found civiliation. The center picture is...well...European. And the picture on the right is out the window of our hotel in Berlin. Nice little spot to watch football in the park across the street.

I will post more and more, but for now just wanted to get this one out quick.

Mustang