The Historian

Maybe it’s the plight of the historian that we see too much. 
That we spend so much time looking at the past
That we no longer see it as anything but an endless wheel turning and turning
And turning the turmoil and hurt we see in endless repeat 
    into dispassion.

The black and white (if there ever even were) blurs to become an endless field of grey.

Punctuated by moments of light, to be sure, but more often

Swathed in a sea of darkness and misdeed. 

Blinded, we become, even as our eyes continue to see what is 

    apparently hidden. 

So no. 

We are not shocked. 

We are not surprised. 

But yes, 

We are furious. 

(Still).

Throwing Bricks

Being a tourist isn't normally how I like to spend my weekends (books, movies, and a rousing bout of shopping are the norm), but this weekend I decided not to be my anti-social self and tag along with my fabulous coworkers on a trip to the historic Claybank Brick Plant. I won't bore you with the story of the place (you can read all about it on their website), but suffice to say I was pleasantly surprised at how interesting a setting it is and a great opportunity to break out my fancy new digital SLR camera!

The entrance house, with explanatory plaque

The clay for which the plant made its bricks has many interesting textures

I think that Catherine has found her dream house!

Donald, at the top of the clay bank
(apparently climbing is allowed)

Rafters inside the plant

Who knew that brick textures could be so numerous and interesting?
This is just one of the examples

Paula on her way inside the giant kiln
(Don't worry, it hasn't be active in years)

S is for Spies, San Diego Comic-Con, & Art Spiegelman

Anyone who says graphic novels can't be literature obviously hasn't read Art Speigelman's classic comic book Maus. It doesn't get any more serious than the Holocaust, and that's exactly what the book tackles, alongside themes of family relationships, PTSD, history, memory, and the plight of the writer. It has it's moments of being clichéd, but no novel is perfect, and as a student of history, literature, and art this book is an extremely well-done blending of the three genres.

image from Can't Explain

The Queen's Players

As much as I love any film based on Shakespeare, I must admit that Shakespeare in Love is my favourite. It may not be a “serious” film, but it has so many redeeming points that I can’t help  but love it. It incorporates quite a bit of Shakespeare’s plays into the film (there are off-quotes from many of his plays), and the star-studded cast delivers a witty and clever performance. Ben Affleck as the actor Ned Alleyn, and Rupert Everett as Christopher Marlowe are my favourites, even though they don’t play large roles. Of course Dame Judi Dench makes a brilliant Queen Elizabeth; I don’t think anyone else has quite the same pithy “Englishness” as she does that makes the part so perfect.

One of the best parts of the film though, is one which is often over-looked by the audience, but is one that I can’t help but notice in this film. The costumes! It’s no surprise why Sandy Powell won the Oscar for Best Costume Design for her work on the film. I’m no expert on historical costuming, but the outfits do seem relatively accurate. I’m going to assume that there was a bit of exaggeration done with the materials (a poor acting company most likely wouldn’t have been able to afford such gorgeous costumes without huge amounts of money from their sponsor), but the cuts of the garments is reminiscent of what I’ve seen of accurate Renaissance clothing.

It was surprisingly difficult to find decent pictures of the costumes on the internet (the film isn’t new), but I found a few that I feel show some of the clever costuming, and I’ve included the trailer (ugh it’s so campy) since it has some decent shots from the film. Don’t be deterred with how clichéd the trailer is, go and watch the movie. It is brilliant, and you won’t be disappointed!

He's such a brooder :p Loving the loose-fit shirt though!
Photo from here.

How gorgeous is this jacket? Definitely my favourite piece from the entire film.
Photo from here.

Brocaide ballgowns are impractical, but gorgeously sumptuous.
Possibly another trend to go along with fall's velvet trend?
Interesting cut on the leather jacket;
definitely a throwback to Renaissance styling, but modernized with leather material!
Photo from here.

Queen Elizabeth was a trend-setter for sure! History's Lady Gaga? Maybe!
Photo from here. 

Inspiration through the Ages

Sonnet 141

In faith, I do not love thee with mine eyes,

For they in thee a thousand errors note;

But ‘tis my heart that loves what they despise,

Who in despite of view is pleased to dote.

Nor are mine ears with thy tongue’s tune delighted,

Not tender feeling to base touches prone;

Not taste, nor smell desire to be invited

To any sensual feast with thee alone.

But my five wits nor my five senses can

Dissuade one foolish heart from serving thee,

Who leaves unswayed the likeness of a man,

The proud heart’s slave and vassal wretch to be.

Only my plague thus far I count my gain,

That she that makes me sin awards me pain.

10 Things I Hate About You

I hate the way you talk to me

And the way you cut your hair

I hate the way you drive my car

I hate it when you stare

I hate your big dumb combat boots

And the way you read my mind

I hate you so much that it makes me sick

It even makes me rhyme

I hate the way you're always right

I hate it when you lie

I hate it when you make me laugh

Even worse when you make me cry

I hate the way you're not around

And the fact that you didn't call

But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you

Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.

Untitled: A Love Poem

Like a green penny,

It lies rusted in the gutters.

Forgotten, or casually discarded

By the Uncaring

Picked up

It burns like steam;

Invisible, but inflicting

Thorns into fingertips.

Broken in half, possibly

Re-united pieces into whole;

Til broken again

And returned to it’s gutter-home.