Xenoliths

Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 09

2009-08-18T06:10:00.004-04:00

The Viscount approves of the Gaultier menswear collection from spring of 09. He understands that the collection is a year old, but he likes the informal looks and the masculine colors. He particularly likes the belts, jackets, and coats. The colors are interesting and the informal, yet tailored cuts fit a man's body nicely.

Cheese

2009-08-17T16:44:00.002-04:00

The Viscount is a big fan of cheese. His favorite cheese is a blue or camembert. While European cheese is quite wonderful, the Viscount enjoys domestic cheese from Wisconsin. He believes cheese from places like California and Vermont is not worthy of his palate.

Here we go again!

2009-08-15T09:12:00.002-04:00

The Viscount is hoping this blows away some of the health care hot wind going on out there.

Friday Science Blogging--Early Man and Heat Treated Tools

2009-08-14T06:37:00.003-04:00

Archaeology is one of those sciences that continues to push technology in advancing the science. Recently, some archaeologists and geologists have determined that early man used heat-treated tools much earlier than originally thought. Heat treating makes some stones better tools in that they will keep a sharp edge longer and they will become harder. The use of heat treating is considered a significant advance in the development of human technology. This news came out around the same time as the information about tool use by crows. It seems that crows have been observed figuring out complex problems to gain access to resources. To the Viscount that these two stories, are related in interesting ways. First, it is clear that all animals have the potential to be problem solvers. Second, it is clear that many animals use tools. We always seemed shocked when this happens, but there is more and more evidence that higher-order animals have the ability to use tools. Finally, it is clear that crows and humans have some brain functions that are similar. There is no doubt that humans have much more ability to problem solve and that humans have much more complex brains than crows. But the essence of sameness is fascinating.

The Viscount Wades Into the Healthcare Debate

2009-08-12T20:55:00.003-04:00

Ladies and gentlemen, the Viscount must weigh into the healthcare debate currently waging at the various forums across this wonderful nature. He could care less if they are vociferous or contentious. He thinks such displays of public enthusiasms are healthy just like a purging of one's bowels. Shit must get out before one feels better.

Even though he is comfortable with the expressions of a variety of views in public fora, he is a bit concerned with the lack of an alternative plan to the so-called Democratic death panels. He would have respect for the Republicans if they engaged intelligently in the debate as he is a bit concerned over the details of the health plan as currently articulated by the Democratic Party. However, there is no alternative except a general Republican "no."

So what is a Viscount to do? Does he support the torches and pitchforks of the rabble at the gates or does he support the power base that exists and trust them to do what is socially and ethically correct? The Viscount has trust issues with both parties and concludes that until there is an intelligent debate on the issue, he will support those who seek to intelligently deal with the issue at hand.

However, he laments the lack of real public discourse on the issue. Couldn't we all learn something from the discussion and couldn't we inform our leaders without the public spectacle? For whatever reason, the Republicans seem to be turning into the party of the dimwitted. It used to be the other way around. What the heck happened? Do they not want to engage in a serious discussion and instead opt to slide into name calling and anger? Do they not see the problem? The Viscount, given his class, has affinity for the Republican Party. However, he is embarrassed to even consider joining a group with such low wattage. Certainly there are many who feel the same way. The side-show of Palin and Limbaugh continue to do damage.

Currently, the Viscount's county has 1/4 of its population uninsured. Who do we think is covering their health care currently through emergency rooms? The Wizard of Oz? Of course not!! It's the tax payer at a rate much higher than we would pay if they were publicly insured. Is the Viscount missing something?

Florida Gay Rights History Blogging

2009-07-31T06:11:00.002-04:00

Florida's role in "Don't Ask Don't Tell" was not particularly noteworthy until 2009 when Alsee Hastings, a Congressman from southeast Florida, stated that he planned to add language to the defense appropriations bill to eliminate the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. However, in July he received pressure from the White house and congressional Democrats and he withdrew the amendment.

Hastings removal of the amendment reignited the firestorm over whether or not President Obama is truly committed to changing federal gay rights policy that erupted after the White House legal defense of the Defense of Marriage Act that contained extremely negative comments about gays.

Current Knitting

2009-07-26T23:30:00.002-04:00

One of the funny things about being a knitter, is how many projects the Viscount has going at one time. He currently has two different pairs of socks on the needles, is planning a sweater, and is working with the Chevalier on some knitwear designs for a new collection. In the midst of all of this, he ran into a new local yarn shop and fell in love with the place. The shop is called Fiber Art Inc. and is hardly the industrial sounding place its name implies. The shop is divided into different themed rooms. Living with a designer, the Viscount was particularly impressed by the variety of specialty yarns. The Viscount wanted to buy the silver yarn to make socks for go-go chrome high-heeled sandals. But, stayed his impulses and bought some nice Noro sock yarn and some fuzzy shiny silver, olive, and grey mohair that would go well with the Chevalier's upcoming disco meets the sea collection.

Perhaps the nicest part of the experience was the overall warm welcome the Viscount received in the store from those working their and the knitters who just happened to be present. It is unusual for a man to knit and he is often received oddly in knitting stores. Not so at Fiber Art Inc. The Viscount almost whipped out his needles and began working.

Friday Science Blogging

2009-07-24T11:46:00.003-04:00

Since his early years, the Viscount has never been a fan of automobile pollution. One of his earliest memories was of writing a charming haiku about the dangers of carbon dioxide. Since then, he has dedicated a portion of his life, albeit a small portion, to fighting the dangers of pollution. Growing up in a small charming rural villiage, he was not subject to the noxious exhaust fumes, that at the time, carried poisonous lead along with many poisonous gases. Of course, now all the rage is to concern ourselves with carbon dioxide and its impact on climate change. It is easy to forget that the exhausts remain a poison.
Upon this era of gaseous concerns for climate change emerges a study demonstrating the impact of automobile exhuast on childrens' intelligence. These types of study are difficult to conduct. Does one take a test group of children and expose them daily to a set dose of poisonous gas? While this would be an interesting approach, it is entirely unethical and inappropriate. Instead, these studies are often done through epidemiological analysis. There are many confounding factors that must be examined through these studies such as schools, family life, and income. However, in the study under discussion today, the researchers gave air samplers to pregnant women and examined the exposures they had during their last trimester of pregnancy. The researcher then studies the eventual health outcomes of the children, including IQ. Of course, there still could be confounding factors to the study, but it is clear that the children exposed to high levels of automobile exhaust developed lower IQ's. Intersting stuff, and a confirmation of the Viscount's early efforts at poetry.

Wednesday Florida Gay Rights Blogging

2009-07-15T09:42:00.002-04:00

Gay Days organizers at Disney parks in Orlando began in 1991 to celebrate gay pride on the first Saturday in June. As most people know, Disney is a relatively gay friendly company and there are many GLBT brothers and sisters who work for this organization. The first Gay Days attracted several thousand people. Today, over 100,000 attendees each year attend. The event has gone off without too many protests or complaints. Attendees wear red shirts to designate them as members of the tribe. Straight folks who happen to wear a red shirt and are uncomfortable are given free shirts by Disney.

Friday Science Blogging - Black Carbon Dust

2009-07-03T07:22:00.003-04:00

There is growing evidence about the significance of carbon dust on cold temperature ecosystems. Dark materials absorb solar energy and heat up relative to lighter materials which tends to reflect solar energy. In cold temperature ecosystems where there is an abundance of reflective snow, a great deal of solar energy is reflected back into the atmosphere. In contrast, darker environments, such as tropical rain forest, absorb the sun's energy. In recent decades, dark particulate dust has fallen in great concentrations across all ecosystems around the earth including areas of permanent snow pack. In these cold alpine and arctic areas, the particulate matter causes a heating and subsequent melting of the snow leading to ecosystem changes while adding to the troubles associated with global warming.

Tuesday Florida Gay Rights Blogging

2009-07-01T06:27:00.003-04:00

The start of the modern Florida gay rights movement is often credited to Richard A. Inman. Inman, like many gay activits in the 1960's, became frustrated with the lot of gay people after being arrested twice for being in a gay bar. In 1963, he founded the Atheneum society. This was a state chartered organization focused on fighting for justice for gay people. This was a difficult time in Florida as there were several powerful anti-gay political leaders including Charley Johns of the notorious Johns Commission. Eventually, Inman's group became part of the broader national Mattachine Society. Inman dropped out of public life in the 1960's and died in 1985. Born in 1926, Inman had the opportunity to see many positive changes in Florida as a result of his initial efforts.

Viscount and Chevalier Back in Town

2009-06-28T18:33:00.001-04:00

The Viscount and the Chevalier are back in town after spending two weeks in Vermont, Maine, and other regions. Updates to come.

Tuesday Science Blogging

2009-06-23T07:17:00.001-04:00

It seems that carbon levels are 38% higher today than they were any time in the last couple million years as a result of out industrial society's desire to burn fossil fuels as per a new article in Science.

Monday Florida Gay Rights History Blogging

2009-06-22T06:48:00.005-04:00

In June of 2005, a Gay Pride Month display at the West Gate Regional Library upset the Hillsborough County Commission. They reacted by enacting this policy "Hillsborough County Government abstains from acknowledging, promoting, and participating in gay pride recognition and events." The library display was a small poster that listed books by gay authors including Tennessee Williams. The policy shocked the gay community and caused many gays to move to more gay-friendly Pinellas County across Tampa Bay. In addition, a boycott was enacted that hurt the local economy. Tampa is within Hillsborough County and the Mayor of that City, Pam Iorio, came out strongly against the resolution and made it clear that Tampa did not support Hillsborough's resolution. Nevertheless, gay pride events have moved largely to St. Petersburg in Pinellas County.

EPA Recognizes Global Warming

2009-06-19T07:27:00.002-04:00

In April of this year, after a distinct 8-year silence on the issue, the EPA released a draft "Endangerment Finding" that details the associated threats to Americans from global warming and the release of greenhouse gases. This document is stunning in its shift from the pre-Obama rhetoric and lack of leadership on the issue. The document puts the six main greenhouse gases in one pollution category so that they can be regulated as a group. This is similar to the way that Europe looks at them. While the document does not reveal and regulatory approach at this time, it does provide a summary of the key issues and concerns in some detail. While there are elements that could be debated, the document overall provides a solid review. The finding came about after a Supreme Court Ruling in 2007 (Mass v. EPA) in which the court noted that the state had standing the sue for regulatory action due to the damages it received due to global warming.

Now we need some solid regulations. In addition, the Waxman-Markey bill should not be supported as it destroys elements of the Clean Air Act. It is too much to give up.

Passion Vine

2009-06-18T06:27:00.001-04:00

DSCF2409
Originally uploaded by viscountx

The Viscount planted a nice passion flower vine in the front of his house last year to attract butterflies. It worked. Now the little caterpillars are all over the vine. Interestingly, they do not destroy the plant. They just eat some of the leaves before they go into cocoon stage.

The Viscount's Royal Hound

2009-06-17T08:22:00.002-04:00

This is the Viscount's Royal Hound and Companion, El Gato Buddy inspecting the grounds.

Tuesday Science Blogging

2009-06-16T07:05:00.003-04:00

The Viscount was thinking about climate change science and has noted that it is striking how many people still believe that accelerated human-induced climate change is false. The evidence is all around us. While some have recognized that there are areas in the world where cool temperatures seem to prevail for longer periods, the overall trend of planetary warming is such that the global temperature has risen approximately 1.4 degrees F in the last century. What is certainly obvious to the Viscount is that while there is a general warming trend, there is also greater climate variability. Temperatures fluctuate more, precipitation varies more, and storms and droughts are more severe. But what to do about all of this? There are really only four choices. First, we can require the use of less greenhouse gases. Second, we can tax or in some way economically make the use of greenhouse gases desirable (such as the whole cap and trade approach). Third, we can mitigate the impact of greenhouse gas production through carbon sequestration or storage projects. These are great ideas, but represent just a tiny fraction of the emissions produced. Finally, we can geoengineer a major project that would somehow transfer heat out of our atmosphere into space or within the earth.

Of course, we can also just dance while Rome burns. Humans quite regularly make poor individual choices on environmental issues that concern a large group of people. For evidence, one must read Jared Diamond's Collapse to ascertaing the full impact of poor human thinking on environmental issues.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

2009-06-15T06:27:00.002-04:00

As alluded to in an earlier post, the Viscount is reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. The book is an updating of Miss Austen's book to include a relatively significant plot twist wherein zombies are present all over the place. The change is exceedingly amusing and the Viscount found himself actually laughing out loud over several passages, thereby breaking his normally staid and sedate countenance for which he is known. The story line is exactly the same as the original, except the five daughters have all been trained in the killing arts in China. This was all the poor family could afford as most of the leading families send their children to Japan. It is clear that this choice is marked with social stigma, although it is evident that Elizabeth and her sisters came back to England with much more talent in these areas than many of their friends. Instead of the girls showing off their prowess in social settings by playing the piano or singing, they do martial arts exercises. Some of these are quite deadly as their opponents can be killed. In one scene, Elizabeth ties her dress to her legs with a "modesty string" so her skirts to not fly in the air while she walks on her hands.

All of Austen is in this book and one is delighted by the subtleties of her text and prose. Yet, there are zombies. The zombies wreck havoc in everyone's lives including Mrs. Collins who has a bad go of it I am afraid in this retelling. The girls seem to be nearly always at battle even while trying to find husbands, and the husbands seem to be avoiding battle at all cost. This is a landscape of women warriors and modesty strings. Great fun!

Washington D.C. Pride

2009-06-13T22:17:00.002-04:00

The Viscount and the Chevalier happened to wander into the D.C. Pride parade today unexpectedly as they worked their way across the country. They were both pleased to happen upon the leather bar float as their first view. Some unfortunately visaged individuals were filming elements of the parade and the Viscount is certain that the film will be showed at Baptist churches around the country. Nevertheless, he was so pleased with the overall countenance of the crowd. Such joy! Such friendship and love. The world is a bright place when there is light.

Friday Florida Gay Rights Blogging

2009-06-12T21:05:00.003-04:00

This week the City of Miami voted to offer domestic partner benefits to employees of the City. The Viscount approves of this wonderful news. The State of Florida has a ban on domestic partner benefits for all state employees. Many gay state workers have fled the state workforce to take positions with organizations that are less homophobic. This news comes out after dismal reports that the Obama administration filled a hateful brief in support of the Defense of Marriage Act.

Thursday Science Blogging

2009-06-11T03:55:00.003-04:00

There is some evidence that the Great Lakes were lower during the early expansion of humans across North America. Archaeologists have found traces of hunting blinds similar to those that can be seen in the Arctic today. This is not especially surprising since the general belief is that humans migrated in high numbers into North America from Asia across the land bridge that was exposed during the most recent ice age. The sea level was significantly lower and glaciers covered much of northern North America. It is clear that glaciers carved the basins in which the Great Lakes rest. The archaeological deposits under the lakes must have been deposited during a time prior to the filling of the basin with water yet at a period when ice was not within the basin where the deposits were found.

Bananas

2009-06-10T06:55:00.002-04:00

DSCF2597
Originally uploaded by viscountx

The Viscount's bananas are doing quite well with all the rain we have been receiving. They are the raja puri variety. To date, they have produced one clump of bananas, but unfortunately, they rotted in the hot weather last year. This year, when the plant blooms, the Viscount will have to study how to protect the fruit. Sadly, the plants were damaged by the freezes over the latest winter and it took them some time to recover. This is the northern fringe of where they will thrive, so it is not unexpected that the plants froze back a bit.

Over the weekend the Viscount finished one of the Men's Knitting Retreat socks. Pictures to come soon.

On the reading front, he has been working his way through Barbara Walter's book, Audition. He is amazed by the number of individuals she knows and reflects how he used to watch her on the Today show when he was a young boy. While never really being a fan of her body of work, the Viscount is impressed by her accomplishments. The Viscount always found her interview style a bit smarmy. She seemed to comfortable with her interview subjects leading the Viscount to wonder what questions were unasked.

The Chevalier is busy working on another vinyl outfit for one of his clients. He seems to be on a vinyl phase.

Tuesday Florida Gay Rights History Blogging

2009-06-09T06:48:00.003-04:00

The Viscount remembers when Anita Bryant began her campaign against homosexuality in Florida. He was a young boy living on an estate in the Midwest when Dade County tried to ban discrimination against homosexuals (the term in vogue at the time for gays). Of course the Viscount's readers understand that Dade County is Miami. The city is an interesting mix of people from all over Latin America and the Caribbean and a variety of American transplants, largely from the eastern seaboard cities of the northeastern United States. There is often a tension between the more conservative Latin population and the more liberal northeasterners. The city also has a strong fashion community and a vibrant gay district in Miami Beach.

Back in the late 1970's when this issue came forward, Anita Bryant led the campaign to fight the ordinance and to go after other gay rights issues in the stat such as adoption. Florida voters largely supported Bryant, leading to delayed gay rights in many portions of the state. Bryant's celebrity and outspoken nature gave considerable cover to many homophobes who were quite shocking in their hateful and dangerous rhetoric. The legacy of Bryant lives on in Florida where it is still illegal throughout the state for gays to adopt. While Dade County overturned the adoption ban recently, the extremely conservative state legislature has not reversed the adoption ban developed during the Bryant era.

Anita Bryant's career fizzled after she went public on her anti-gay stance. At the time, she was a spokeswoman for Florida orange juice. Her contract was not renewed in the midst of this controversy and she and her husband also divorced during this period. The divorce tarnished her reputation among conservative Christians.

Monday Garden Blogging

2009-06-08T07:01:00.001-04:00

DSCF2587
Originally uploaded by viscountx

The Chevalier's fountain is always full this time of year given that it is raining almost every day. The jade plants and cacti that surround it are a nice contrast to the splashing water.

The Viscount Approves

2009-06-07T00:02:00.003-04:00

of the Sex Pistols.

Science News

2009-06-06T07:16:00.002-04:00

The Viscount noticed some interesting science news recently. He found this article fascinating in its demonstration on the similarity of emotions and nerve functions between humans and other primates. It turns out that apes laugh. While one would imagine that this would be the case, it seems that a systematic study was recently completed to confirm this inference. The Viscount has a strong interest in the emotional life of animals and is happy to learn that apes enjoy being tickled as much as he does.

In other news, there is more evidence for the link between land cover change and climate change. This time the evidence comes from India where there is evidence that the development of widespread agriculture hundreds of years ago changed the monsoonal pattern. The Viscount consistently rolls his eyes at climate change naysayers and refuses to be socially linked with such individuals. There is ample evidence that the earth is constantly undergoing climate change from anthropogenic and natural causes. There is no doubt that the changes on our planet in the last several decades accelerated this change.

Friday Florida Gay Rights History Blogging

2009-06-05T07:27:00.003-04:00

DSCF2620
Originally uploaded by viscountx

The first openly gay Hillsborough County Commissioner, Kevin Beckner, was elected in 2008. Hillsborough County includes the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City as well as rural agricultural and mining regions. Beckner defeated former professional wrestler and arch-conservative Brian Blair. Beckner, a certified financial planner, ran a largely positive campaign focused on a variety of issues including responsible growth and development, transportation, and environment.

Beckner was elected after years of anti-gay activities by the County Commission including notorious library display removals, homophobic rhetoric by individual commissioners, and promotion of anti-gay laws. Prior to Beckner's election, there was a gay exodus out of the county to neighboring St. Petersburg. The Commission's anti-gay activities were in contrast to the more positive words and actions of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Tampa. Beckner's election changed the tone of the County Commission and indicated a moderation of the electorate in the region.

In gardening news, the Viscount's papaya tree is blooming after nearly dying in this winter's freeze. It will not be long before the Viscount will be able to share his green papaya salad recipe with readers of this modest blog.

Thursday Garden Blogging

2009-06-04T07:28:00.002-04:00

Caladium2
Originally uploaded by viscountx

The Viscount's caladiums have come up with the recent rains. He planted them several years ago after buying several bulbs at the Caladium Festival in Lake Placid, Florida. He encourages everyone to attend the festival if they can. It is a piece of Americana. The festival takes place in a small town on the northern fringe of the Everglades. Most of the caladiums in the world are grown here. There are tours of the caladium fields, lots of arts and crafts on the theme of caladiums, and plenty of good food. There is even a local caladium landscape tour.

The Viscount would like to congratulation the people of New Hampshire for doing the right thing. In addition, he applauds the Senate for having hearings on the Uniting American Families Act and is anxious for congress to act quickly.

Knitting Update: Touch of Twist Sock

2009-06-02T21:56:00.001-04:00

touch of twist sock
Originally uploaded by viscountx

The Chevalier is modeling the completed Touch of Twist sock knitted from a pattern given out in the goodie bag at the Spring Men's Knitting Retreat. The Viscount found the recommended needle size too large (size 5) and he switched to a 2.5. He will probably bring it down to a 2 if he knits it again. He really likes the sock pattern. It is a tube sock, so there isn't any fiddling with any gusset or heal turn. The pattern is really fun and the sock is quite lovely. It knit up quite quickly using a soft alpaca yarn. The Viscount is in the midst of the gusset of the official men's knitting retreat sock.

The Viscount Approves

2009-06-02T05:04:00.004-04:00

of several things today. First of all there is this statement from the White House. The Viscount is very pleased that the statement starts off with a recognition of the role of the revolutionary events associated with Stonewall. Nevertheless, the Viscount politely reminds the President of the old adage that actions speak louder than words. He encourages the President to grow a pair. How many more service men will be fired? How much longer before we have the same benefits as straight couples? How much longer for the HIV travel and immigration ban? Thus, the Viscount still approves of the President, but is concerned about the lack of action and evident real commitment on the issue under discussion. The Viscount must note that the linked proclamation was not found on the White House Website, but Pam's House Blend.

Second, the Viscount approves of the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. He has planted the southern peas he ordered from them on his estate and they are coming up nicely. He is concerned about his crop of zucchini. He is afraid they may have the mosaic virus. Nevertheless, the Viscount is delighted with the range and variety of seeds available from the company for growing in the southern climate.

The Viscount was thinking about evolution over the last several days and he was reminded of the importance of scientific education. Therefore, he approves of this museum. It has an extensive display of Cenozoic evolution found within the fossil assemblages that can be found in Florida.

Finally, the Viscount must close by approving of of Alexander McQueen's Fall Menswear Collection. He particularly likes this look. He looks forward to wearing the outfit while greeting visitors to his estate this fall.

Monday Garden Blogging

2009-06-01T22:50:00.001-04:00

DSCF2592
Originally uploaded by viscountx

Over the weekend, the Viscount and the Chevalier did some yard cleanup. Along with lots of weeding, cleaning, and planting, they did some serious pruning of the bamboo stand that rests on one corner of the estate. Over the recent drought, many of the trunks dried up and died. The rains promoted lots of new growth and the old needed to be removed. They filled up 4 waste baskets full of dead bamboo. The lovely picture here shows some of the refuse they created. The grounds are not quite ready to exhibit to the public, but the Viscount is confident that he is making progress. To date, he and the Chevalier have not had tour buses show up on the paddock, but they know that it will only be days before the summer tourist season brings the throngs.

One of problems that is often a matter of great debate among the family is the whole pesky matter of Spanish moss. This air plant is a favorite of the Viscount. He enjoys how it drips from the live oaks on the estate and it creates a distinctly gothic mood in the environs. Yet, it is also a messy plant. When it is windy, beards of it blow off the trees and land on the lawn to create tufts of grey among the green. But it is also a native plant. It belongs in Florida and the Viscount is completely comfortable picking up the moss when it falls from the trees. However, some of the Chevalier's family find it particularly ugly. They have suggested that the Viscount get one of the grounds keepers to remove all of the moss from the trees. The Viscount compromised and he pulled the moss from the reachable areas, while leaving the moss to sway in the wind in the upper branches.

Sunday Garden Blogging

2009-05-31T22:50:00.002-04:00

Bromeliad
Originally uploaded by viscountx

This lovely bromeliad is just starting to bloom. You can see the flower peeking out of the center of the plant. The Viscount and the Chevalier had a very busy weekend. Little time for knitting or reading. However, the grounds look very nice after some extensive tidying up.

We visited the estate of two chevaliers this weekend and enjoyed a South American cookout. There were several kinds of meats, grilled plantains, and lots of other good food.

The Viscount Encourages All to Wear Purple

2009-05-29T23:34:00.002-04:00

The Viscount is a big fan of Gogol Bordello. Indeed, he was politely pogo'ing to their music in a punk club in his local region a few years ago when some of his acolytes showed up and said hello in an unexpected shirtless moment. Suffice it to say that the Viscount made a good impression. He urges all to start wearing purple as it is Friday evening and life is short.

Pride and Prejudice--Initial Impressions

2009-05-28T18:21:00.003-04:00

The Viscount is approximately one-third through Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and he has some initial thoughts, although he hopes that he does not prejudice his readers against reading the book with his impressions which may be slightly indelicate and untrustworthy due to the fact that he has not finished the work completely.

There is no doubt that the writing is delightful. It is breathtaking in its ability to set a scene and develop character. The writing is pithy, sharp, and rich. While one is transported into settings that are informed in one's mind by film, the book stands on its own by developing weavings of a particular time and place that are iconic among the bibliophile's locales.

And then there is the plot. While the story line jumps out of the complexities of Moliere's bifocal vision, it stands on its own as a distinct mix of drawing room comedy and social commentary of the era. One is charmed by Elizabeth's ability to be so worldly and acerbic while being distinctly polite and well mannered. Yet, there is a sense of unease with her character and the remainder of the Bennet family. How could Elizabeth be so well educated on a variety of social and intellectual topics while living a country life with a distant father, and a weak-minded mother? There are no teachers, no tutors, and no governesses. Instead, it seems, the girls were left to raise themselves and compete for prowess in reading, fine speaking, and singing while playing the piano forte. Perhaps the distance of time leaves the Viscount with this sense of unrealism. It might have been perfectly ordinary to find such well-educated young people within the confines of rural estates. Yet, to the Viscount, it seems a bit unusual. But it is England and it is the early 19th Century and the Viscount lives in the 21st Century in Florida. This is a great distance indeed.

The Viscount is also drawn to the notion of the role of nature in this book. Most frequently, nature is discussed within the context of the weather. It rains. It is sunny. It is cloudy and cool. However, there are times when a character takes a turn in the "park" or when Mr. Collins works in his garden. What is this park? It is not the park of the modern mind with nicely mowed grounds and play sets. Instead, one imagines a rustic landscape with pathways, trees, and pasture. Perhaps there are cows and horses grazing. Along a path there may be a small bench. The Viscount is charmed by the idea of Elizabeth and others walking through such settings as they work out their complex social arrangements in their minds. The Viscount is also intrigued by Mr. Collins' garden. Is it a flower garden, or does he grow some vegetables for his young family and benefactress? Mrs. Collins certainly encourages him to spend time in the garden. While Austen somehow implies that she does this due to his difficult personality, it is also evident that Mrs. Collins is quite happy wither her match and that there are other reasons for her complacency with Mr. Collins' felicity with the outdoors. It is mentioned that gardening improves Mr. Collins' health, which leads one to think that such physical activity improves his libido and physique. Mrs. Collins would not be the first wife to encourage her husband to achieve such results. Yet, it must be remembered that Mrs. Collins is also from a rural setting and she must have enjoyed watching the growth of garden plants and she could have had a bit of the garden-pride that plagues so many successful gardeners.

One knows that the book will end well. However, the Viscount is currently in a dark chapter of the book. Elizabeth has just turned down the proposal of Mr. Darcy. At the time of the book's publication, such an event must have seemed quite foolish. Mr. Darcy is rich and important and Elizabeth has few prospects and little money. Given Austen's reputation of happy endings, it is likely that Elizabeth will have a happy conclusion in this story. Unlike Henry James' Isabel Archer from Portrait of a Lady, Elizabeth possesses a great sense of her own abilities and limitations. She is a strong woman of character.

Wednesday Garden Blogging

2009-05-27T18:41:00.002-04:00

DSCF2400
Originally uploaded by viscountx

Wednesdays are delicious days. They are in the midst of the work week for some of particular social circles. The first part of the week is behind and the rest is full of possibilities and weekend daydreaming. Wednesdays put the Viscount in planning mode for weekend gardening. Today, he was examining some of his container gardens to see how they survived the recent rains when he found that his morning glory containers are doing quite well.

Morning glories are among the Viscount's favorite container plants. Their seeds are quick to germinate and the plants can be nicely controlled with pruning. He likes to place the containers on the edge of his estate's patio and he uses bamboo poles he cuts from his small bamboo grove for guiding the vines.

He believes that even Lady Catherine de Bourgh from Pride and Prejudice would approve of the planters and their lovely winding about the bamboo. One can only think uncautious thoughts about individuals who do not enjoy morning glories. The flowers trumpet in the morning and close at a respectable time when those who would stop and admire them should be busy at their daily jobs. The Viscount approves of this botanical nod to industry. Yet the leafy foliage charms one at any hour as it so resembles the shape of a heart. This fact brings the Viscount to reminisce fondly on the idles of Love and the joys of a compassionate and caring heart.

Feeling a Little Emo Today

2009-05-26T17:55:00.004-04:00

The Viscount was feeling a little bit emo due to the fact that he had to leave the estate to go back to work. His vacation ended as of 8:00 am this morning.

The Viscount's day was quite lively. He had many important appointments and was delighted to see friends and colleagues. He also received a telegram from the Marquis de L. who recommended the book Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. He shall add this book to his audible wish list. He also wishes to publicly thank the Marquis for his suggestion.

As the Viscount's gentle readers know, he is in the midst of Pride and Prejudice. One cannot imagine how a 21st century author could add zombies to the list of major characters. However, the Viscount is sure that he will find it both thrilling and enthralling. He wonders, perchance, if it could be Jo, the tomboy from Little Women, who pulled the prank. One can imagine her, of all literary heroines, taking Miss Austen to task for her zen-like attention to character in the book by adding zombies. The Viscount imagines Jo writing pages on the discipline of the author in pointing out the flaws in everyone to only find out that character and manners do not matter if one is eaten by a zombie.

The Viscount has not yet concluded this novel, so more discussion of Pride and Prejudice in upcoming posts.

The Viscount cannot leave today without stating something about the "link" that was discovered in Germany and shown on the History channel yesterday. The Viscount has some training in paleontology and he was impressed by the fossil. Yet, he has concerns that the fossil's provenance is not 100% clear. The link was purchased from a fossil dealer. The quarry site where the fossil was found is not in dispute. However, it is evident that the fossil went through some extensive processing before coming into the hands of the scientists who studied it. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating discovery. The link provides yet another discovery on the development of mammals during the Cenozoic. While the Mesozoic is full of wonderful fossil forms of dinosaurs and other fascinating creatures, the Cenozoic contains a range of creatures that are familiar to us, but distorted from their current visages: horses that are tiny, sloths that are giant, sharks that are monsters, and elephants that are small doll-like animals. The Viscount believes that one shows one's social status through one's beliefs in evolution. Suffice it to say that those who regard evolution as false fall among the lowest of the circles. The Viscount will not abide the presence of such "people".

Pineapple landscaping

2009-05-25T20:59:00.001-04:00

DSCF2404
Originally uploaded by viscountx

The Viscount is a big fan of pineapple landscaping in the subtropics. The plants are bromeliads and thus they are able to withstand ranges in precipitation. Due to this, they are great Florida edible landscaping plants. Plus, one can start the plant from a pineapple cutting from a grocery store pineapple. The Viscount and the Chevalier have several on their estate.

Progress on Men's Knitting Retreat and Touch of Twist Socks

2009-05-24T14:59:00.004-04:00

progress May 24 2009
Originally uploaded by viscountx

The Viscount has completed the ankle ribbing and the heel and heel turn of Men's Knitting Retreat socks shown in green in the photo. The sock was designed by the talented Unraveling Marlowe. The Viscount is using a pleasant green Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn reminiscent of moss on the banks of a creek. He thinks of trout fishing, early mornings, and cool springs when he works with this yarn. He is also about halfway done with the the pattern created by Touch of Twist. He is using a comfortable alpaca yarn the Viscount bought from Mel and David at last year's Men's knitting retreat. The yarn is soft and wonderful for socks. It seems to be a natural color that will go well with many items in the Viscount's wardrobe.
Both of the patterns are very interesting and different from the main pattern the Viscount uses for socks regularly. One could say that he is breaking out of his comfort zone. The patterns are quite easy and lovely to work. He suggests that users of the Men's Spring Knitting Retreat sock pattern check the errata as there are a few edits that need to be noted. Nevertheless, it is a pleasant pattern and he appreciates the work put into its development.
The Viscount has worked on these socks while on vacation and while his estate has largely been under water due to the constant rains. On Tuesday he returns to work and it is likely that the sock progress will be slowed considerably.

The Chevalier Models Completed Socks

2009-05-24T14:48:00.003-04:00

Completed Socks May 24 2009
Originally uploaded by viscountx

Chevalier M. returned from the fashion show ready and willing to model his new socks. The Viscount completed one of them at the Men's Spring Knitting Retreat at Easton Mountain. The other sock was cast on at the same venue and completed upon his return. The yarn is from the Unique Sheep and was part of one of the yarns provided for the Ram Club. The pattern was too thick for the Viscount's taste (it involved knitting with two yarns together) and he opted to create two separate sock pairs from the two hanks of yarn provided. He loves both of the yarns and the Chevalier is pleased to have a new pair of socks in colors he likes.

Note that one of the Chevalier's socks hosts the Men's Knitting Retreat button received at the 2009 retreat.

Dracula Musings Redux

2009-05-23T13:28:00.006-04:00

After the last post in which Viscount X noted his completion of the book Dracula, he survived the evening without any significant disturbance from bats, wolves, or vampires. Nevertheless, before he leaves the topic of Dracula, he must put down some thoughts about the nature of the undead and the particular meaning of the undead during that particular time and place.

Much has been written about the metaphors in Dracula: the blood, the stakes, and the garlic. However, one wonders about the largest metaphor of all, Dracula himself. What did he symbolize during that era? He lives an existence that is somewhat solitary. He performs much of his own toilet and housekeeping, although he lives with several animal-like women he occasionally feeds small children. Thus, they are not especially helpful to him in the mundane tasks of dusting or general picking up. The castle is filthy and smelly. It is entirely unwholesome.

One is left with the feeling of great loneliness. He comes to England alone, he destroys many of the people he hypnotizes to help him, and he leaves behind the women with whom he has lived. One wonders why he even left Romania. Was it to make friends? This is one of the motivations that is lacking in detail in the book. The Viscount likes to think that he was tired of the frontier and the lack of sparkling society. He was surrounded by wilderness and relatively uneducated peasants. Like Jude the Obscure, he saw over the hills to the next town and he wanted more out of his life.

But what of his life? He could only be out of his coffin during evening hours. How frustrating it must be to have such little time for activity! By the time the Viscount would have prepared for the day and had his coffee, it would be time to think about returning to the tomb. This certainly must have added to his overall lack of good humor. In addition, it is difficult to imagine how Dracula would have had enough time to make his detailed last minute arrangements to leave England during the last crisis in his life given standard business hours of the time.

Somehow Dracula is an antique of sorts. His friends and family have long ago died and he remains a living memory in a scrubby corner of the world. Alone and relatively friendless, he is very much like Jude the Obscure in that he is destroyed by seeking to reach beyond his confines to the modern era. This brings forward the fact that this very romantic late-nineteenth century book is very much a modern book that speaks to the passing of so many things. The protagonists kill the living antique thereby destroying old ways and conventions. In doing so, they pave the way for modernity and scientism, for they refuse to make public the very papers that would demonstrate the reality of the supernatural.

In many ways, the Viscount thinks Dracula sets a starting point for understanding how scientism became the coat of arms of the 20th century. We see the protagonists' typewriters, phonographic recorders, cities, and the scientific method in stark contrast with the Count's castles, coffins, countryside, and capes. The protagonists kill the count thereby destroying the past and elevating modernity. But, in some ways, there is a sense of dread in the book. There are glimpses into how modernity could be damaged by the past through the corruption of Lucy and through the inability to cure mental illness. In this we learn that modernity is imperfect and we return to the ideals of love in the end. One of the protagonists, an American, dies for love, leaving the rest elevated in the remembrance of his chivalrous act.

The Viscount is moving on to Pride and Prejudice.

Friday Orchid Blogging

2009-05-22T19:56:00.001-04:00

Orchid, May 22
Originally uploaded by viscountx

There are about 7 orchids currently blooming in Viscount X's modest collection of several dozen. This lovely one is currently gracing Viscount's office.

Chevalier M is in Punta Gorda at a fashion show this weekend, leaving the Viscount to knit and dream. He has concluded listening to the original Dracula novel and will have more commentary on the novel to add soon. Suffice it to say that it has a manly ending and that the Viscount approves. He did hope for a more graphic ending for the Count. He went poof, although Madame Mina did see a restful visage after the initial shock.

The last half hour of the novel was thrilling. The book has me hearing footsteps everywhere. Shall I sleep tonight with the Chevalier away? Or will I dream of bats, castles, wolves, and capes? Is the orchid in the photo of a natural color or is it one of my pure white ones corrupted with blood dripping from a bite wound?

Thursday Garden Blogging

2009-05-21T20:42:00.001-04:00

DSCF2398
Originally uploaded by viscountx

Ah, the merry month of May. This is the time of year when Viscount X's thoughts turn to gardening and other happy activities. Sadly, the estate experienced a mix of yin and yang weather for the last few months and the grounds are in unfortunate condition. The Viscount took a rest from his travels and more monetary pastimes to do some needed repairs, but unfortunately, the rains have set in and have not left the region in several days. Nevertheless, Viscount X did pull out the camera to take some images of some of the more delightful items growing at the present time.

The Viscount's zucchini plants are doing great things in the Earthbox. The flowers are forming and I think they will be ready to enjoy in a nice fresh salad in a few weeks.

Musings on Dracula

2009-05-20T20:57:00.003-04:00

Viscount X is currently listening to the original Dracula novel on his I-Pod. It is full of blood, gore, and polite romantic manners. He approves completely.

Dracula, when traveling from Romania to his new home in England has to cart by land and sea fifty large boxes of soil from his native land in order to have fifty safe sites where he can rest his head during daylight hours.

Carting around soil is something that Viscount X is known to do given his inclination for gardening. However, he is less likely to need soil from his home to rest, particularly during daylight hours. Viscount X is an early riser and he would hate to rise covered in humus and manure.

However, as Viscount X enjoys travel as an amusing pastime, the notion of bringing a piece of home along is something that he understands. However, one finds 50 distinct items a bit obsessive compulsive on the part of Dracula.

This idea of Dracula as a bit obsessive compulsive is interesting, especially considering Dracula's control issues. This mental disorder must have been extremely frustrating for the Count, particularly considering he could have absolutely no control over what happened during the daylight hours. Perhaps this is why he was so crabby and unpleasant. One wonders what would happen to someone like Dracula if he had some other mental disorder. What if he were a manic depressive? Certainly, his treatment of some of the main characters in the novel would have been a bit better, although the eventual outcome would have been the same.

Yet, one wonders what the outcome of the novel would have been if Dracula would have made more prudent decisions. The focus in the novel on mental illness--much of the novel takes place in a "madhouse"--leaves the Viscount wondering if Dracula himself suffered from some malady that could explain his lack of sense in his dealings with the principal characters.

At the end though, the fifty safe sites were not enough. He couldn't control how it all ended. The Viscount asks us to consider the talismans we take with us when we travel--the photos of loved ones, a journal, or some other remnant of home or family. Do they provide any psychic safety or are they just molecules that inhabit adjacent space?

Chevalier M's New Creation

2009-05-20T01:02:00.001-04:00

It is vinyl with glitter and three-D elements. Lined with satin. Fab-u-lous. The photo doesn't do it justice. Designed to be worn with silver pants and blouse.

Viscount X.

I'm worth a million in prizes

2009-05-19T23:01:00.000-04:00

Viscount X would like to mention that he is back in the blog world. After a few years away and with a new identity, he has returned to his public. He provides this video as a start to his new site. May it set the appropriate tone.Viscount X.