I love it. Neil deGrasse Tyson says we are made of star matter. He also says we are made of light.
Here is the video:
http://vimeo.com/38101676
On we go...
MJD
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
John Milton, "Comus," and Light
Today's entry focuses on the English poet, John Milton. Milton was born on in London on December 9, 1608 and died on November 8, 1674. He was famous for writing Paradise Lost, which he dictated to assistants while blind.
His poem, "Comus," is a masque, which is a poem presented at court, for entertainment. Typically, a masque involved music, singing, dancing, and acting, similar to the play presented by the folk actors in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, by Tom Stoppard.
The dominant theme of "Comus" is chastity, driven by the notion that a human being is able to resist temptation through sheer force of will. The plot revolves around two brothers and a sister who become lost on a journey through the woods. The sister becomes fatigued, so the brothers go in search of food, leaving their sister alone.
Soon, Comus, the god of mockery, comes along disguised as a villager. He lures the woman to his palace and tempts her with his magical cup, which represents sexual pleasure. She repeatedly refuses, which illustrates the power of personal freedom, rationality, and self-control. She is soul; Comus is body. She is reason; Comus is libido. She is virtuous; Comus is sinful. Her only error is that she was deceived by sophistry disguised as wisdom.
Meanwhile, her brothers, who have been searching for her, have come across an angel, disguised as a shepherd. The brothers, with the help of the angel, defeat Comus and the lady is rescued. At the end, brothers and sister are united with their parents, which signifies the sublime happiness that awaits those who prevail over the temptations of life.
The excerpt below, which includes a reference to light, reflects the dominant motif of the poem.
John Milton "Comus: A Masque Presented at Ludlow Castle, 1634" (an excerpt)
He that has light within his own clear breast
May sit i' the centre, and enjoy bright day:
But he that hides a dark soul and foul thoughts
Benighted walks under the mid-day sun;
Himself his own dungeon
His poem, "Comus," is a masque, which is a poem presented at court, for entertainment. Typically, a masque involved music, singing, dancing, and acting, similar to the play presented by the folk actors in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, by Tom Stoppard.
The dominant theme of "Comus" is chastity, driven by the notion that a human being is able to resist temptation through sheer force of will. The plot revolves around two brothers and a sister who become lost on a journey through the woods. The sister becomes fatigued, so the brothers go in search of food, leaving their sister alone.
Soon, Comus, the god of mockery, comes along disguised as a villager. He lures the woman to his palace and tempts her with his magical cup, which represents sexual pleasure. She repeatedly refuses, which illustrates the power of personal freedom, rationality, and self-control. She is soul; Comus is body. She is reason; Comus is libido. She is virtuous; Comus is sinful. Her only error is that she was deceived by sophistry disguised as wisdom.
Meanwhile, her brothers, who have been searching for her, have come across an angel, disguised as a shepherd. The brothers, with the help of the angel, defeat Comus and the lady is rescued. At the end, brothers and sister are united with their parents, which signifies the sublime happiness that awaits those who prevail over the temptations of life.
The excerpt below, which includes a reference to light, reflects the dominant motif of the poem.
John Milton "Comus: A Masque Presented at Ludlow Castle, 1634" (an excerpt)
He that has light within his own clear breast
May sit i' the centre, and enjoy bright day:
But he that hides a dark soul and foul thoughts
Benighted walks under the mid-day sun;
Himself his own dungeon
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Lyrics to Behind Blue Eyes
No one knows what it's like
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes
No one knows what it's like
To be hated
To be fated
To telling only lies
But my dreams
They aren't as empty
As my conscience seems to be
I have hours, only lonely
My love is vengeance
That's never free
No one knows what it's like
To feel these feelings
Like I do
And I blame you
No one bites back as hard
On their anger
None of my pain and woe
Can show through
But my dreams
They aren't as empty
As my conscience seems to be
I have hours, only lonely
My love is vengeance
That's never free
When my fist clenches, crack it open
Before I use it and lose my cool
When I smile, tell me some bad news
Before I laugh and act like a fool
If I swallow anything evil
Put your finger down my throat
If I shiver, please give me a blanket
Keep me warm, let me wear your coat
No one knows what it's like
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes
No one knows what it's like
To be hated
To be fated
To telling only lies
But my dreams
They aren't as empty
As my conscience seems to be
I have hours, only lonely
My love is vengeance
That's never free
No one knows what it's like
To feel these feelings
Like I do
And I blame you
No one bites back as hard
On their anger
None of my pain and woe
Can show through
But my dreams
They aren't as empty
As my conscience seems to be
I have hours, only lonely
My love is vengeance
That's never free
When my fist clenches, crack it open
Before I use it and lose my cool
When I smile, tell me some bad news
Before I laugh and act like a fool
If I swallow anything evil
Put your finger down my throat
If I shiver, please give me a blanket
Keep me warm, let me wear your coat
No one knows what it's like
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes
Monday, November 21, 2011
"No Light, No Light" by Florence and the Machine
Ralph,
I found something very cool.
There’s a new band called Florence and the Machine. They have several good songs, but I want to call out “No Light, No Light,” which aligns with the dual theme(s) of this blog.
I’ve posted the lyrics to the song separately (below). Get those ready and then click here for the video.
Important: I strongly suggest reviewing the lyrics as you listen to the YouTube song/ video. Don’t peek at the video because it will ruin it the dual interpretation. At first, just listen to the song and read the lyrics.
Then watch the video.
You're in for a fun ride. The song is seemingly about two lovers, and it is very beautiful, and the lack of light in his "bright blue eyes" indicates that he is not in love with her anymore (there's more to it than that, but that's part of it).
But the video is another thing entirely, working all kinds of oppositions, including Voodoo and Christianity, which some would argue equate to dark and light, respectively (although, in truth all religions use all forms of magic, dark, light, and everything in the middle).
I don't want to say any more. I'll be interested to hear what you have to say. Maybe Shimmons will participate...
DrD
I found something very cool.
There’s a new band called Florence and the Machine. They have several good songs, but I want to call out “No Light, No Light,” which aligns with the dual theme(s) of this blog.
I’ve posted the lyrics to the song separately (below). Get those ready and then click here for the video.
Important: I strongly suggest reviewing the lyrics as you listen to the YouTube song/ video. Don’t peek at the video because it will ruin it the dual interpretation. At first, just listen to the song and read the lyrics.
Then watch the video.
You're in for a fun ride. The song is seemingly about two lovers, and it is very beautiful, and the lack of light in his "bright blue eyes" indicates that he is not in love with her anymore (there's more to it than that, but that's part of it).
But the video is another thing entirely, working all kinds of oppositions, including Voodoo and Christianity, which some would argue equate to dark and light, respectively (although, in truth all religions use all forms of magic, dark, light, and everything in the middle).
I don't want to say any more. I'll be interested to hear what you have to say. Maybe Shimmons will participate...
DrD
Lyrics to "No Light, No Light" by Florence and the Machine
Florence and The Machine
“No Light No Light”
Ceremonials
You are the hole in my head
You are the space in my bed
You are the silence in between
What I thought and what I said
You are the night-time fear
You are the morning when it's clear
When it's over you're the start
You're my head
You're my heart
No light, no light in your bright blue eyes
I never knew daylight could be so violent
A revelation in the light of day
You can choose what stays and what fades away
And I'd do anything to make you stay
No light, no light
(No light)
Tell me what you want me to say
Through the crowded islands
Crying out at me
In your place there were a thousand other faces
I will disappear in plain sight
Heaven help me
I need to make it right
You are the revelation
You want to get right
Well it's a conversation
I just can't have tonight
You want a revelation
Some kind of resolution
You are the revelation
No light, no light in your bright blue eyes
I never knew daylight could be so violent
A revelation in the light of day
You can choose what stays and what fades away
And I'd do anything to make you stay
No light, no light
(No light)
Tell me what you want me to say
But would you leave me
If I told you what I've done?
And would you leave me
If I told you what I've become?
'Cause it's so easy
To sing it to a crowd
But it's so hard, my love
To say it to you all alone
No light, no light in your bright blue eyes
I never knew daylight could be so violent
A revelation in the light of day,
You can choose what stays and what fades away
And I'd do anything to make you stay
No light, no light
(No light)
Tell me what you want me to say
You are the revelation
You want to get right
But, it's a conversation
I just can't have tonight
You are the revelation
Some kind of resolution.
You are the revelation.
You are the revelation
You are to get it right.
But, it's a conversation,
I just can't have tonight.
You are the revelation
Some kind of resolution
Tell me what you want me to say
“No Light No Light”
Ceremonials
You are the hole in my head
You are the space in my bed
You are the silence in between
What I thought and what I said
You are the night-time fear
You are the morning when it's clear
When it's over you're the start
You're my head
You're my heart
No light, no light in your bright blue eyes
I never knew daylight could be so violent
A revelation in the light of day
You can choose what stays and what fades away
And I'd do anything to make you stay
No light, no light
(No light)
Tell me what you want me to say
Through the crowded islands
Crying out at me
In your place there were a thousand other faces
I will disappear in plain sight
Heaven help me
I need to make it right
You are the revelation
You want to get right
Well it's a conversation
I just can't have tonight
You want a revelation
Some kind of resolution
You are the revelation
No light, no light in your bright blue eyes
I never knew daylight could be so violent
A revelation in the light of day
You can choose what stays and what fades away
And I'd do anything to make you stay
No light, no light
(No light)
Tell me what you want me to say
But would you leave me
If I told you what I've done?
And would you leave me
If I told you what I've become?
'Cause it's so easy
To sing it to a crowd
But it's so hard, my love
To say it to you all alone
No light, no light in your bright blue eyes
I never knew daylight could be so violent
A revelation in the light of day,
You can choose what stays and what fades away
And I'd do anything to make you stay
No light, no light
(No light)
Tell me what you want me to say
You are the revelation
You want to get right
But, it's a conversation
I just can't have tonight
You are the revelation
Some kind of resolution.
You are the revelation.
You are the revelation
You are to get it right.
But, it's a conversation,
I just can't have tonight.
You are the revelation
Some kind of resolution
Tell me what you want me to say
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Jerry West Article in SI
Can't currently find a link to it on-line, but there is a fascinating article in last week's issue of Sports Illustrated on Jerry West. I was a former sports writer before getting into by current technology business writing gig, and still have a fascination (second time using that word) with well-written sports articles. There is a whole Prometheus (not Reggie Theus) comparison to West in this article, but what makes it pertinent to this blog, is how he turned depression into greatness. I guess the Prometheus comparison is apt in this sense.
It it interesting how many people who achieve what we consider to be greatness are driven by darkness, such as depression. I remember half-jokingly having a conversation with one of my friends about this topic. He (who also has kids) uttered something to the effect of, "don't be nice to your kids, they'll never achieve anything that way. You need to make it tough on them," but I think it was a little more off-color than that. Although we were joking, as there often is in humor, there was certainly some truth in there.
West was beaten regularly by his father. He hated him and hated to go home, which is one reason he was constantly practicing basketball. West would then go out of his way to try and find an angle he could use to fuel his anger against opposing players. He knew he played better when pissed off.
This article was written in conjunction with a recent autobiography published by West. In it, he talks about how miserable he was, and even psychotic. In one scene he paints of himself and the way he reacts to a steakhouse's attempts to cook a meal to his liking truly shows he has some issues. Yet, also I've read statements where West says he considers himself the luckiest guy around. Go figure.
Anyhow, West's life seems to be an interesting dichotomy of misery and glory. "From great depths we can assail great heights," or something like that. Similar to the dichotomy of dark and light.
One final thought. Some people have theorized on what made West write such an honest biography when most top notch athletes just mail it in - taking the easy road and discussing their triumphs, while leaving out all the misery that drove them to scale to such great heights. West didn't do that obviously. My theory is that his competitiveness and drive, and perfectionist attitude made him really just want to write a really great book.
It it interesting how many people who achieve what we consider to be greatness are driven by darkness, such as depression. I remember half-jokingly having a conversation with one of my friends about this topic. He (who also has kids) uttered something to the effect of, "don't be nice to your kids, they'll never achieve anything that way. You need to make it tough on them," but I think it was a little more off-color than that. Although we were joking, as there often is in humor, there was certainly some truth in there.
West was beaten regularly by his father. He hated him and hated to go home, which is one reason he was constantly practicing basketball. West would then go out of his way to try and find an angle he could use to fuel his anger against opposing players. He knew he played better when pissed off.
This article was written in conjunction with a recent autobiography published by West. In it, he talks about how miserable he was, and even psychotic. In one scene he paints of himself and the way he reacts to a steakhouse's attempts to cook a meal to his liking truly shows he has some issues. Yet, also I've read statements where West says he considers himself the luckiest guy around. Go figure.
Anyhow, West's life seems to be an interesting dichotomy of misery and glory. "From great depths we can assail great heights," or something like that. Similar to the dichotomy of dark and light.
One final thought. Some people have theorized on what made West write such an honest biography when most top notch athletes just mail it in - taking the easy road and discussing their triumphs, while leaving out all the misery that drove them to scale to such great heights. West didn't do that obviously. My theory is that his competitiveness and drive, and perfectionist attitude made him really just want to write a really great book.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Stephen King to Release Sequel to The Shining
I don't know if you saw this, but Stephen King has annoucned a sequel to his great 1970s novel "The Shining." I am not a huge King fan, but absolutely love The Shining, and got quite a thrill from Pet Cemetary as well. The Shining, however, is definitely in my top 25 books of all-time, probably in the upper half, if I think about it.
Reason it is revelant here is the title of course, which indicates light. Basically, "The Shining," as decribed by Halloran (Morgan Freeman in the movie, I think, but I've only seen the movie once so I'm not that familiar with it) is basically the ability to read other people's thoughts. Dr. D, how does that jive with your perceptions/thoughts on light and life? Thanks man.
Reason it is revelant here is the title of course, which indicates light. Basically, "The Shining," as decribed by Halloran (Morgan Freeman in the movie, I think, but I've only seen the movie once so I'm not that familiar with it) is basically the ability to read other people's thoughts. Dr. D, how does that jive with your perceptions/thoughts on light and life? Thanks man.
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