The End of Moby-Dick

A weather vane I spotted while I was out walking.

I finally finished LISTENING to the audio edition of Herman Melville's Moby-Dick. What a feat...what an accomplishment...what a treat!

The experience triggered me to borrow the DVD of the 1956 film version version from the library. Although not as compelling as the audio book, it seemed to capture the meat of the story in a much shorter time. However, I'm not sure how much I would have enjoyed the film without having gone through the book first.

 

After the DVD, I browsed around the library and was compelled to read a short volume, "Why Read Moby-Dick?" This turned out to be a nice dessert; a quick review of the book, pointing out highlights. It was an easy read since the chapters did not exceed 4 pages.

One of these days, I would like to actually read the book. However, after listening to it, I think it would be helpful to have annotated version (in print)-I have not yet learned how to read E-books.

Several quotes struck a chord with me:

Hawthorne wrote of Melville: "He will never rest until he gets hold of a definite belief...He can neither believe, nor be comfortable in his unbelief; and he is too honest and courageous not to try to do one or the other." (p.125)

"Life is so short, and so ridiculous and irrational (from a certain point of view) that one knows not what to make of it, unless - well, finish the sentence for yourself."

Ishmael in Ch 49: " There are certain queer times and occasions in this strange mixed affair we call life when a man takes this whole universe for a vast practical joke, though the wit thereof he but dimly discerns, and more than suspects that the joke is at nobody's expense but his own."

Ahab in Ch 132: "Is it I, God, or who, that lifts this arm? But if the great sun move not of himself; but is as an errand-boy in heaven; nor one single star can revolve, but by some invisible power; how then can this one small heart beat; this one small brain think thoughts; unless God does that beating, does that thinking, does that living, and not I."

Links:

http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/2014/03/moby-dick.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moby-Dick
http://nathanielphilbrick.com/books/why-read-moby-dick/
http://www.rabbitroom.com/2013/10/how-to-read-moby-dick/
http://www.powermobydick.com/

Written Sunday May 4, 2014

Good Friday: "From Olivet to Calvary"

Good Friday has special meaning for me because it reminds me of the Good Friday I sat with my Dad as he was dying (he died the following day on Holy Saturday). I sat next to his bed holding his hand as his breathing labored. The radio was on and during the Noon-three period, there was a church service broadcast. The parallel of my dad with the story of the end of Jesus stares me in the face.

Recently, I came across this wonderful recording that I had never heard before: "Olivet to Calvary" by John Henry Maunder. I found it by chance on YouTube. The recording is by the Choir of Guildford Cathedral, conducted by Barry Rose. I am attracted to it because it reminds me of the church choir my dad sang in when I was young. The men's choir was augmented by a boys choir during the holidays. This recording sounds just like those days (and was apparently recorded around the same time period).

Choir of Guildford - Recording Session 1964.

I have been listening to this recording for several weeks now. As far as I can tell, it is essentially no longer in print. It was reportedly recorded during November and December 1964 and released in 1965. The YouTube version is a single track 65 minutes long. Nowadays, that is probably a challenge for most. On the other hand, it forces the listener to experience the entire piece.

On Good Friday this year I was returning home from the Utica, New York area due to work. I listened to both coming and going. And I am still listening to it. It works well for my regular commute.

I also listened to a recording (from several YouTube files, e.g., see here) of a similar older oratorio by John Stainer, The Crucifixion: A Meditation on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Redeemer. The recording I listened to was performed by an unknown choir of male and female voices. By the second hearing, I became very annoyed with the operatic, bombastic vibrato of the sopranos and all the soloists. I'm also not sure about my reaction to the libretto. It seemed to idolize the character, Jesus.

Some of the sections of Stainer's Crucifixion, though, I particularly liked. Subsequently, I have heard samples of a performance by the male voices of the Choir of Guildford Cathedral (see above). This performance seems like it is more restrained than a mixed choir. There is a certain angelic-like aural quality from the boys choir.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Friday
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Henry_Maunder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu3AOHMEkaw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhD9yQ8M-3I
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crucifixion_(Stainer)

Written Sunday May 4, 2014 (Revised F05/09/2014 for Stainer's Crucifixion)

Good Friday in Rome

I was in Rome on Good Friday this year. Really!
No, not that Rome. Rome, New York.

God works in mysterious ways. I believe that.

On my way to prison last Sunday, I missed the exit and had to continue on to the next one. As I turned around, I noticed a sign for Fort Stanwix National Monument. This caught my eye and helped calm my anger and frustration with going too far (not to mention making a dumb mistake of not paying attention to where I was).

As my son will attest, I enjoy visiting old forts, historic sites, and museums. So after I finished my design project at the prison this week, I took a short side trip to check out Fort Stanwix. I found myself in Rome on Good Friday.

Post Card

I only had a short time for my visit but I was able to quickly go through the visitor's center, the fort, and walk the perimeter. It was enough to get an appreciation and a basic understanding. There is so much history that we should know.

This fort dates back to the French and Indian War. I found the history of the relationship with the Indian tribes to be fascinating, especially in light of the PC efforts to censor any Indian emblems in our society today (e.g., Chief Wahoo, and the Warriers logo for my son's high school). I think that our time would be better spent studying history rather than debating graphics.

I brought my work iPad with me while I walked around the fort. This gave me a chance to use the camera (see pictures above) and become more accustomed to using the iPad.

St Peter's Church (Rome, NY)
{I wish the weather had been this sunny during my visit}

As I walked around the fort, I noticed a spectacular old church nearby. (I also enjoy taking in the architecture of old churches). Turned out it was a Roman Catholic Church, St Peter's (an appropriate name). I popped in but was not able to tour the interior because they were in the middle of a Good Friday service.

From the aerial view (above) you can see the relationship between the fort and the church (lower center right).

Perhaps as the prison project continues I will have another chance to visit Rome and learn more about the history of Fort Stanwix as well as get a closer look at St. Peter's Church.

Links:

http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/2014/04/in-jail.html
http://www.nps.gov/fost/index.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Stanwix_National_Monument
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_and_Indian_War
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Wahoo
http://www.stmarysstpeters.org/

Written Sunday 4/27/2014

In Jail

A gift from my son and his mom.

I was in prison during the week of April 14-18, 2014. It was not what you think or sounds like (but it is kinda fun to say because it sounds shocking).

I visited a "correctional facility" in mid-state New York for work. We are designing a new fire alarm system for it and this was the first phase. I worked with one of my long-time colleagues. It was an interesting experience because we are using iPads rather than paper and pencils. We have a Corrections Officer (CO) with us all the time. Throughout our visits to this facility, I have found that almost all of the COs are very decent, diligent people with conservative values. In this area of the country, being a CO is considered a pretty good job (probably because of the retirement benefits). But all of the COs I have met have been attacked and injured at one time or another in their career. While the job has its boring moments, it nonetheless can prove injurious or worse at times.

Lynn and Richard joked with me about my assignment and gave me the above "Get Out of Jail Free" card just in case....  I didn't need it this trip.

Ironically, my Bible study for the first day on site was Acts 16:16-40 (Paul's imprisonment at Philippi). I have always been impressed with Acts 16:25 "Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God as the prisoners listened." This is something I aspire to, but have not reached: to be able to pray and sing to God during the challenges of life.

Written Sunday 4/27/2014