Argyle Addendum

2012-02-12T16:47:00.004-05:00

The weather is freezing here, but we don't have snow...It's kind of like the vitamin C without the orange juice.. I feel kind of ripped off in a way.

I've been filling out dozens of applications and looking into opportunities for summer employment. It's kind of a hard balance between using this very important time to build my resume and actually earn money that will allow me to live next fall.

I can't wait to watch the Grammy's tonight. It seems to be the least exciting of any of the award shows, but at the same time. It's pop culture and I think it reflects the time. "My time", if you will. I think it's important to stay up on who is winning what.

Of course there will also be a Whitney Houston Tribute tonight. I will never forget dancing in my pajamas as a kid(probably first or second grade) with my two big sisters to the albums of Whitney Houston.

Microphones in hand we could rock out for hours..

(I'm sure this would have been awesome to witness)

We also watched the Biography on VHS.. My sisters were really big fans, and by default, and without the power to choose, I too became a fan.

My thesis committee is still in the works and coming together. I've been reading a lot on my topic.

I may have to discuss that topic more when it begins to be set in motion.

It's a bit crazy/scary to think that I only have a year and three months until Graduation.

(Oh and my niece is still a no show.)

2012-02-07T21:28:00.013-05:00

I'm finally getting used to the routine of this

semester, and while my classes may be the deathof me, I am however loving my subject matter. This post is going to be a confetti of thoughts.. First and most important is the fact that I'mexcitedly awaiting the arrival of my new niece. My sister is due on the 21st(a day before my birthday), and I can't wait to meet the next little girl in my family.!On the school front, I've been frantically working to establish my thesis committee and also working on a few aspects of my thesis writing. The topic has been in constant shift over the last three months, and I'm
getting more and more excited about where it's heading. I'm fairly certain that I've naileddowna topic, but now actually getting faculty to sign on to the topic will be the next challenge.

I booked my flight yesterday for the Conference of the Society of Architectural Historians. This year it's going to be held in Detroit, Michigan. I'm excited toexplore a new city, and to see

Detroit especially because of the drastic changes the city has undergone in the last few years.

That's pretty much all that's new, which doesn't seem very exciting, so I decided to spice things up a bit and add my top ten, well eight, favorite foods that are probably going to kill me before age thirty.

I'm not really sure that a top ten list is warranted, but I'll add them below.

2012-01-24T20:35:00.003-05:00

The new semester is already underway, I feel like my holiday break went by way too quick.

My new class schedule is great. All of my classes deal with topics in Urbanism, which I've gotten really interested in for my possible thesis topics.( Cairo, Istanbul, the cities of China, Florence, Rome, Venice, and art of the city..) My thesis topic is still up in the air, and while I'm beginning to worry about it, I'm shifting my focus to my classes as a way to keep it out of my mind, and now the mass quantity of reading begins.. I can only imagine how many trees I've slaughtered since I've started grad. school, and I can't even begin to think about the whole time I've been in school altogether.

On a much darker note-

I must also mention that two years ago today I woke up from surgery in Barcelona. I woke up in a place far away, in a lot of pain, with no one to talk to. I cried out a lot in French and English, and in the only drastic phrases I could recall from high school spanish class "Oh my god!" and "I have pain!"

I had tubes sticking out of my nose, which extended into my throat making it not only hard to speak, but also hard to breath. The tubes extended down my throat and into my stomach. I also had drainage tubes coming out of my three open stomach incisions, which were held together by either staples or stitches or a combination of both. There were tubes out of my penis, which drained my urine as I was unable to move from my bed., I was a mess. It was the most uncomfortable I've e

ver been in my life, and nothing gave me hope, or made me want to live. Panic was a regular expression for two solid days, or three, or four... I eventually was medicated into calm, which made my mind and body become more stable and to heal..

After my critical state, I was moved to room on a higher floor. The hospital was in the middle of the city, and even though I didn't have a good view of my surrounds. I eventually was able to walk to windows that enabled me to see the buildings and urban fabric. The window in my room only revealed more windows. I must have sketched them a hundred times in my sketchbook, which I also wrote in.

" Eventually I'll stop remembering the smells of the building, and the smells of the equipment used here, and the I.V. pole in my hand. Eventually I'll stop waking up with night terrors with my experience in mind, only to realize it is my reality. Eventually I'll forget the names of nurses, doctors, and fellow patients..... I'll forget the materials that made up the space and the details of my regimental daily routines for . Eventually I'll forget Gaudi, Picasso, and Dali. I will however never stop thinking about the architecture or the experience I'm having here, and if there was someone to tell other than this sketchbook I'd probably have no need for this pen that I begged the nurses station downstairs for. The tiles are cold tonight on my bare feet, and 'football' is on almost every t.v. on the floor." My sketchbook from Barcelona.

I'm uploading a video I made from my mom's cell phone. This was week five of being in a hospital. I am in Marseilles when I filmed this, my mom had just arrived, and my spirits were high.

Aside from learning medical jargon in three different languages, finding a new allergy(which almost killed me in a bad IV incident LOL), I also could not watch my favorite tv show of all time anymore. Grey's Anatomy. (Iheard it wasn't worth my time after George left anyways.)

This semester and this next year of my work in graduate school is goingto shape my professional career a lot more than the rest of my schooling. My written thesis will shape what my focus is and who and what I work with in the future. While my travel to Europe was the worst experience and best experience in my life, I want to go further.. I want to learn more than the social and architectural conditions of the western world. I have decided to focus beyond the stereotypical European study and look into the Middle East or Northern Africa for my focus. Now the work begins.

2011-12-31T02:50:00.003-05:00

I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze. But I, I think maybe it's both, maybe both happening at the same time. -Forrest Gump

I had quite a shock tonight as I found out that a family friend has been diagnosed with Acute Leukemia. The news took me by surprise, as if to be a seemingly random incident with devastating repercussions, but it's something far more complex than just lumping negative news into a category. The negative-seemingly random-events most people experience or hear of in life usually are discounted by a theory of karma or justice, but what about the negative events that are inexplicably non-justified. Not deserved. Not supported by fate. Or Karma. Or any other governing principle of the Universe.

While I was sick in Barcelona I wrote in a sketchbook about my illness, life, and the fact that I was faced with the reality of ephemerality. How life just simply doesn't last.

I couldn't even wrap my mind or words around the afterlife, not because it was too hard to swallow but because my understanding of the world that I live in was so ignorant-so lacking-that to begin to think about afterward would have been a waste of time. As if my imagination didn't stretch that far. I quickly accepted the struggle, and the reality that life was temporary, BUT now my body was fighting to keep what it was so used to -life. Even when the fight got to be too hard I constantly reminded myself that what is after is only a new...a new adventure. New place. The next page in the book. The next experience or scene. The next stage for the character.

Those who read this blog know that I struggle often with the idea of predestination vs. chance.. free will... the random.. If life is all planned out, sometimes the plan is too hard for us to understand. Sometimes the plan is shocking, and sometimes the plan STINKS..

It's times like these that I want the random to be a reality. That this tragic occurrence was not the planning of a higher power, not the will of God, not the way it was suppose to happen. I want to be able to justify it with internal torment and declare the devastation -the sadness of the world. Or the tragic result of an unfair 'deck of cards' or rather cards that were dealt random, when a bad hand was received.

The new year is upon us, and while existence continues, be it the planning of an all powerful god or the complete random happenings of the universe, I hope and pray that this year is a better one bringing peace for those hurting and even a moment of fresh air for those who are struggling with health issues.Below is my favorite version of Auld Lang Syne. It's by a contemporary band named Relient K. I like this song because it makes me understand the movement and passing of time, I hear it once a year at new years. It evokes reflection, examination of self, and a deeper realization that just for a second I should stop and realize around me what I have. I hope this song does the same for you.

2011-12-18T19:36:00.005-05:00

Finals are over. People are going home for the holidays, and I feel like break is moving too fast..

When I was at SCAD Christmas meant that my break was over and that I had to go back to class soon, but now that my holiday break is mostly in January I'm really confused about what I should be feeling..

I've already finished the first book in the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. I'm planning to start the second after Christmas, because I don't wanna start it and not be able to put it down during the holiday festivities..I'm also posting the trailer to the movie that is scheduled to be in theaters this March. I can't wait... and I def. want more of the story.

The basic premise of first book -as you can understand from the trailer- is that the 13 districts of Panem(country in what is left of NorthAmerica) lost in a rebellion against the capitol and as a punishment they must give two tributes(boy and girl) to the Hunger Games, where the kids are put in a constructed arena and made to fight to the death. The book is intense..

2011-12-10T12:42:00.001-05:00

Finals are killing me...More when I get out of the chaos of deadlines.

Until then check out this song-it's my jam.

Lighting of the Lawn

2011-12-01T22:41:00.006-05:00

I had the opportunity of attending the lighting of the lawn with several of my fellow classmates tonight. We had warm cider and cookies at the room(on the lawn) of one of our undergraduate friends while we listened to several of the university's acapella groups. It was an extremely festive and communal event that made me feel oneness with the student body.. Just before the lighting of the lights a poem, written by students at the University, was read. It briefly summarized or acknowledged each class just before the lights were lit. There were also some really neat ice sculptures placedthroughout the lawn.

2011-10-11T22:29:00.006-04:00

I've been really into school lately, and working on developing my Masters thesis topic. We took a few days this weekend to have our fall reading week, or as most students have renamed it FALL BREAK! Here are my top three thesis topics--

I'd love to hear some feedback from anyone who reads this as well as being completely open to suggestions or discussion on all of them..

TOPIC #1: Ephemeral Architecture as a tool for social Change during the French Revolution.

This is a topic that I've been working on for quite some time that focuses on the idea that TIME, PLACE, and ARCHITECTURE were colliding for SOCIAL CHANGE during the French Revolution and to promote the agenda for all sides during a time of great change in French society. Louis XVI, The Third Estate, and even a grass roots revolution use architecture to make their point in a decade of turmoil that would change society in the western world as well as in France forever.

TOPIC#2: Gay Urban Space: gentrification and defining the 'gayborhood'. A look at the gay ghettos of Washington D.C.
This topic caught my attention when I was in DC this summer, and a friend told me we were going to the 'GAYBORHOOD' a term I had never heard used before, but one that had very deep meaning in defining the urban space and who and what was there. What are the implementations of the term and what are it's positive and negative aspects.

TOPIC# 3: Urban space and Geography: Provençal Hilltop Towns.

This topic is one that came to my attention when I was living in Provence. Almost every village in the south of France directly correlates with Geography. I want to flush out the social reasons behind this urban phenomenon. (Below is a picture of Lacoste, where I stayed in France.)

"Notes on the [university] of Virginia" pt.1

2011-08-25T16:51:00.018-04:00

The last few weeks have been a complete blur. I have arrived at the University of Virginia.Quickly after I moved in my classes began. My new roommates seem very interesting two of which are accounting graduate students, while the third is an undecided undergrad.
While we are all extremely different I look forward to another year of 'making life work with complete random strangers---college. ...

I am(yet again) the only guy in my year in the program for Architectural History. There are less than ten in my class. So far we have been trying to get our schedules worked out and finding our way around Charlottesville. My class seems to be very friendly and unified, which is a good feeling. I passed all of my placement exams, which reflects well upon SCAD I believe. Speaking of- I got my diploma framed and hung in my new room. It looks very official and gives me that little extra push to do well as I feel like I am no longer reflecting myself alone, rather, the whole department of professors from Savannah and SCAD as well.

My second day we had an earth quake. It was a bit scary I must say...

I was in my massive apartment building, as I watched the lights that hang in a line down the hallway shake in waves. The feeling was something completely foreign to me, and It sounded like either a plane was crashing or I was standing right beside a train track. The vibrating was very similar to this feeling.. I snapped a picture of the damage my apartment suffered.Luckily not much although a few things were tipped over on my bathroom sink.

I also drove past the Rotunda right after the quake and snapped a photo-it had no damage.

Finally, my schedule is getting worked out. I had a few minor conflicts as well as dealing with a few changes from the school, but I think I am finally ready to dive into my work. I am enrolled in: The Architecture of Thomas Jefferson (Seminar)-[which is where I got the title for this post. I'm reading Notes on the State of Virginia by Thomas Jefferson right now], Modernism (Lecture), a class called East meets West(Lecture), which I have been extremely surprised with so far on how much I've enjoyed it. Finally I am required to take three introduction classes in the department dealing with Arch. Historical methods, library and research methods, and finally what is called the 'common course', which is required of all first year grad students in the architecture school.

We basically will address design problems as a grou

p and contribute according to our many divers backgrounds as well as consider the issue from the lens of other disciplines.This was our most recent issue..It's the design for Apple's new headquarters. If you think it looks like a spaceship has landed in California-you are correct. In fact as it lands it will wipe-out four city blocks of historic urban fabric which once housed the headquarters of Hewlett-Packard (You couldn't make this stuff up!)

My impressions of the school thus far can be summed up in this picture.. While the history and tradition of the school runs deep, most of the population here don't truly appreciate it. Maybe every undergrad population give schools a bad reputation. From the schools I've been to I've seen it at SCAD, WVU, Syracuse, and now even UVA.. Don't get me wrong when I say there are Great things about all of these schools, but maybe it's a problem in every school in the United States. Some kids are just bad for the population.

This next picture is completely random. I saw it and had to snap a pick. I think my sister used to have this barbie and I guess it's still around. This is compliments of C-ville CVS

I guess I should finish by saying. I am in LOVE with this school. I love this town and I already feel a sense of pride here that my undergrad. school never had. Everyone here is proud to be a part of this community, which is tied to a strong tradition and open to new ideas. I feel like I am in the right place and even though I have been faced with more WORK than I ever have in my life, as I work my rash off I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in my education... WOW..

Enter Title Here..

2011-08-08T12:19:00.005-04:00

[Not really sure what to title this concoction of the random...]

I just turned in my report. The pictures above are two that I used in my report of the Civilian Conservation Corp reconstructing a civil war fort. This is circa 1936...

While I wait for the revisions to come back from the powers that be, I am rather relieved that the whole experience is over(well almost). Now I can shift my focus to my conference paper in the few days that I have before school starts. Is it summer vacation yet-? Perhaps I didn't get much of a break this year, but what I do get to look forward to is 'starting again' in the fall--new people, new places, a whole new scene. It's actually overwhelming when I think about the fact that I have to move in and start school all in less than a weeks time-somewhere in there I'm going to be expected to get school clothes, and a few other very important chores taken care of. AHHH! NOT to mention I get to kick off all of this fun with PLACEMENT

EXAMS! WOO-HOO or should I say WAHOO!!

Oh and I need someone to get me a UVA hoody and have this printed on the back ASAP -thanks

Oh and this is just a new beat.

CHANGE

2011-08-03T17:03:00.005-04:00

I'm in the final weeks of my internship, and things are a bit hectic. I want my final report to be amazing and I want the work I do here to reflect my true ability, thus I'm taking most of my free time to perfect what I've done so far.

I CAN'T believe summer is over. I remember coming to D.C. when the summer began and being so nervous about everything, and now that I've experienced it I'm glad that I had the guts to come here. My internship has been great, and it's in the final stages that will potentially make or break the whole experience. [QUEUE the annoying end of summer anthem. Have I done this every year? -It feels like I have. lol ]

I also got my schedule from UVA- This is just a tentative version, but I think you can get the feel for what my fall is gonna be like. I'm hella nervous, and probably will be until I get moved in to Charlottesville (did I even spell that correctly?!)

I guess this counts less that it wasn't my fortune cookie, but everyone knows how wise fortune cookies are, so it must be worth-wild.I'm also rather excited to get some new clothes for school. At least that is one thing to look forward to in all of my nervous jitteriness.

Hope you are enjoying shark week!

2011-08-02T23:23:00.001-04:00

Religious Leaders Arrested at Capitol

2011-07-29T13:02:00.010-04:00

This has caused quite a stir on Capitol Hill and brings up many good questions..

SHOULD THESE RELIGIOUS LEADERS BE HERE DOING THIS?

SHOULD THEY VOICE THEIR OPINION ON POLITICAL MATTERS?

SHOULD THEY MAKE AN ACT OF CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE TO VOICE THEIR OPINION?

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A RELIGIOUS LEADER IN THE POLITICAL ARENA?

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS:

The Protestors(from the Huffpost):

Jim Winkler, General Secretary of the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church; the Rev. Jennifer Butler, Executive

Director of Faith in Public Life; the Rev. Paul Sherry, Director of the Washington Office of Interfaith Worker Justice; the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson,

Director of Public Witness in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); Sandy Sorenson, Director of Washington Office of the United Church of Christ; Martin Shupack, Director of Advocacy of Church World Service; Jordan Blevins, Director of

Peace Witness Ministries of the Church of the Brethren; and

the Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, President of CommonCause.Rabbi Arthur Waskow, of the Shalom Center in Philadelphia.

There is something refreshing about all of this. First, it reminds me of past case when a religious leader lead thousands if not a million or so to march on Washington to protest social injustice, and an issue that needed changed.

This although not as such an obvious issue, it is a pressing one, mostly because of time. The idea of what is a 'Just and compassionate budget' can be debated, but it was moving to see religious leaders from almost every faith standing together, standing on one issue. It makes me wonder-WHAT IS THE CONSERVATIVE legislative body thinking!? If these religious leaders came to protest the very people that traditionally they would have voted to put in office-WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE!?

A close friend of mine,(who I might add I respect a great deal) (and also happens to be well versed on matters of religion) Pointed out his concern that perhaps these religious leaders were overstepping their bounds, and entering in entering the political realm.. This is a valid concern. I will be the first to lobby for the proper separation of church and state, but I don't believe that should stop religious leaders and people of faith from speaking out. Perhaps the fact that they did it in such a radical manner was what they were called to do, which accomplished a dialogue on many blogs, and headlines...Publicity stunt?-perhaps.. I guess we should talk leadership-rather we should talk about House leadership..-

I won't get started on John Boehner, his conduct, or his political ideas, but I feel like he's been cornered into a game of politics because he believes that's what he's suppose to do. HIS constituents haven't elected him to "take on the President", like he claims..Its sad that he believes this is his role, and it's sad that the game of politics is the tune in our nations current debt crisis.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EDWARD HOPPER

2011-07-22T15:37:00.004-04:00

Edward Hopper, Self Portrait (1925-30)

I remember staring into a few of the Edward Hopper Posters my mom had up in her classroom

as a child and wondering what it meant. I wondered who those people were, and my imagination began to wander..

I remember seeing Night Hawks, and thinking about the buildings and the people, and just try to understand the narrative of what was going on.

The second poster was much different it was a sea-scape with whimsical waves, and a boat with a vast open sky in every shade of blue. I remember thinking how a person could be in the city and then on the ocean and paint such pictures or scenes giving me two very different moods.

Perhaps not a very interesting thought, but for a very very young kid it made me think.. His work has stuck with me and has always been a favorite.

A bit of Fort Stevens

2011-07-21T10:07:00.004-04:00

The previously mentioned focus project that is based on the Civil War Defenses of Washington has many very notable places involved. One of these places, and that has recently turned into a place of interest is Fort Stevens. Fort Stevens is probably the most well known fort constructed solely for the Civil War. It's most well known as the site of the only place a sitting United States President came under fire in a time of war. Confederate snipers took aim on the President as he was walking the parapets of Fort Stevens. I'm including one site map of the remains, and with this I may have to sign off for a bit and post little more until I get some major work finished.

I also found a really great quote from a book I'm including as well.

The stress is on yet again.

2011-07-20T13:11:00.007-04:00

I've been all over the map lately: (1)I'm in the midst of the largest research project I've ever undertaken for my internship, [with extreme determination to prove myself],(2)I've begun to stress over the idea that grad-school begins in weeks and finally,(3) I've met someone.

Christmas music has been helping me through it all. It ironically is the soundtrack that helps me cope with stress the best. I look forward to where everything is moving, and I can't wait to see where it all leads.

I've also adopted a new outlook on stress: (from previous experiences)

STRESS brings out my best traits: determination, optimism, and an

understanding/challenging of my limits. There's a time and place for everything especially stress, which can yield success, or a mess, which you have to power to choose which turns into.

FINALLY, I have to leave you with the quote I adopted in what was perhaps my darkest time in life... I first posted it from a spanish hospital:

"Wear the clothes you have well, savor the food you've been given, the more obstacles the sweeter the goal, pack a rain coat.Life is a scoop: cup or cone." -just me.

2011-07-18T11:31:00.002-04:00

“I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying."

You're been a huge inspiration to me.

-Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela.

Life in the District of Columbia. Pros + Cons [a reflection]

2011-07-09T18:43:00.010-04:00

I'm beginning to realize what things I actually like about Washington D.C. and what things I could live without. It's been about three or maybe four weeks since I moved to the District, and I immediately began comparing it to all the other places that I've had the opportunity to live(Philippi, Syracuse,Savannah,Morgantown,LaCoste ..to name a few.)These are a few of the thoughts I have. On it's Pro's and Con's:

Pro: "Local news is National news." It's a place that does a good job at asserting itself as the center of the American Cosmos. As the seat of the Federal Government the stuff that goes on and plays out on the stages of Congress, the white house, Federal departments and bureaus, even in the intelligence community all are happening just down the street. You ride to work daily with the people who run such organizations. While geographically you may not be in the heart of the country, you are in nations brain.

Con: "The District has some issues-SERIOUS ones." a.While one would think that the nation's capital would be a place of great influence (which it is) and of highest priority among congressional decisions, the city has some major issues. It has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS of any U.S. city in a report from the New York Times from 2007, link below,(nytimes.com/2007/11/27/us/27aids.html) it states that about 1 in 50 are HIV positive. This can only be compared to countries that most in the US would label "foreign" or even of the "third world". No, this is not Africa, this is the capital of America, and it is not characteristic of the country as a whole. b. While this is the land of the free and home of the brave in the District of Columbia it is the city of the homeless. D.C.'s homeless population is estimated to be somewhere around 6%percent of the population.

Con: "Taxation without Representation." This maybe the most ironic one on the list, but the capital of the United States(colonies that justified revolution because they were not receiving proper representation in the British ruling Parliament, and unfair taxes) Does NOT give the over 600,000 people living there representation in Congress even though they still pay income taxes. The city is ruled by a city council. As opposed to the past system of having a congressional committee create and manage the municipal budget.

Pro: "It's a place active in activism." Multiple government buildings and public spaces in the District have served as the setting for some of the most nation changing decisions. The march on Washington is the most obvious example of this, and almost every controversial supreme court decision is illustrated by strong public outcry in front of the Supreme Court Building. Everyone in DC seems to have a very strong understanding of the politics of the nation, as well as multiple people employed by congress and the other branches of government.

Pro: "The regular perks." Like most larger cities in the U.S. there is a strong emphasis on the humanities, arts and entertainment. The Smithsonian Institution is also a very driving cultural force in multiple forms of museums and Arts. Which are completely free for the most part..

Pro: "Public transportation in a rather sprawling area." D.C. does a great job of connecting the outerlying areas and suburbs to the city by mass transportation. I wish sooo many other places could grasp this concept and execute it as well as DC does.

I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things, so I may have to amend this list later..

2011-07-07T09:48:00.009-04:00

The fourth of July was particularly GREAT.While I am not the flag waving patriotic poster child. I felt patriotic this year. I was my first time enjoying it in the Nation's Capital. Katy and I went to the National Mall to see the fireworks.

As you can see from the photos it was the perfect setting for fireworks to celebrate all the things our country stands for, and the struggles we as a people have overcome. There

was also a great concert with headliner Jo Dee Messina, who I really enjoyed(against some initial skepticism),as well as many patriotic hymns and constant tributes to ourservice men and women. The crowd was extremely diverse, which forme, truly made me feel pride in my country. The crowd on the otherhand was

occasionally out of control in regards to the random shenanigan, but overall the scene was good.. My biggest critique was the fireworks display. While the pyrotechnics and fireworks weresooo amazing and awe-inspiring , the music they played was somewhat confusing. I didn't really understand why "New York New

York" by Frank Sinatra or a few other songs that weren't relevant to the fourth of July. They even played a few religious hymns that

while very moving, was rather 'dubious' shall we say.. I was happy to hear a rip off of the Jeff Buckley song Hallelujah, which is one of my all time favorite songs. The original is better than the version theyplayed, and it has nothing to do with the country or patriotism,

but the song was fitting and evoked a very reflective feeling among the masses.. I'll post it below. With some pics of course. My

apologies on the quality of the images(these are from my cell phone)- I left my camera at home due to the extreme security rituals that are becoming a country custom(at least here in DC)

Fire work pictures will come later.. Promise.

2011-07-06T10:45:00.008-04:00

I mentioned earlier that I got the opportunity to go to the Perry Belmont Mansion that serves as the national headquarters for the Order of the Eastern Star. I wanted to pass along some photos I stole from my friend Katy's blog. The grand spaces such as the dining room and foyer can be seen below. You can also see a fellow intern and I checking out the racket ball court that happens to be in the basement. Finally the kitchen, which is a great example of fully preservedturn of the twentieth century. (Minus the refrigerator in the center haha.)It is an amazingplace that again I wish was better preserved and more easily accessible to the general public..

Main Stair^

The kitchen with great appliances and systems from the late nineteenth century complete with refrigerator circa 1989^

Formal entrance of the house complete with glass pigeon(white) donated by the worshipful grand matron 1994^

Checking it out^

The underground racket ball court. Where Perry Belmont once played the Prince of whales. ^

2011-07-05T10:17:00.000-04:00

I have soooo much to blog and so little time. There will be a great deal coming later this evening hopefully.

2011-07-04T15:05:00.006-04:00

The fourth of July is to Washington DC as St. Patrick's Day is to Savannah...

well kind of.

A city wide feeling of patriotism is in the air, and it's a very fun thing to watch. The National Mall is set up for the fireworks and concert that is to

take place tonight.. I snapped some pictures last night of the rehearsal concert ..After a rather potent storm blew through the musicians and other people scheduled to take stage were able to practice only a few hours after originally planned.

These seven guns are facing the Capitol from the top National Mall.^

This is the stage right in front of the Capitol building. ^

^The stage again.. All RED WHITE AND BLUE OR BLUE WHITE AND RED

(kind of French looking dare I add)

Finally this is one of the skyscrapers on K street. All decked out with RED WHITE AND BLUE^

I can't wait for fireworks tonight. I'll have more pictures tomorrow..

This says sooo much to those who are looking.

2011-07-03T13:03:00.005-04:00

It's summer and it's spice and it's everything NICE! While my summer is flying by I am trying to enjoy myself a little bit before the grind of school in the fall. I also have been reading a lot to get ready for what awaits me at the University of Virginia. It's somewhat hard to balance it all sometimes on top of the fact that I have to maintain the regular 9-5 business hours. Needless to say my mind is elsewhere .I'm also realizing that the Independence Day is a rather big event here in our nation's Capitol. I went to a cookout for July 2nd last night, which is actually the true date the declaration was signed on.. It was a blast great people, great food-what's not to love... (did I just quote Rachel Ray o.O ) I'll be heading to another cookout tonight with some of my fellow interns. Tomorrow I plan to go watch the fireworks on the mall (as instructed by my boss. He also mapped out a great place for us all to sit where we will get the best view of the fireworks.. I can't wait!) Washington D.C. just seems like the most logical place to be on a holiday that celebrates the Independence of the nation, and what a backdrop the monuments and national mall will make. I will def. be sharing pictures.

2011-07-03T12:42:00.002-04:00

2011-07-01T23:43:00.009-04:00

Today was a rather perfect day in the nation's Capitol.

The temperatures demanded no work and all play. Fellow intern Katy and I took it upon ourselves to do some architectural investigation of the McMillan Commission plan

(aka. WE WENT PADDLE BOATING IN THE TIDAL BASIN)

It was a blast! Paddle-boating is a lot of hard work, Although with a light breeze off the mall, and great viewpoints, we could hardly complain.

President Obama even decided to give us a fly over

(look really close you can see him waving in the window of the helicopter...okay I wish, but this was the President's helicopter. )

Destination REACHED !!

After our journey across the tidal basin we went to the cultural Festival which featured Columbian, West African, Jazz, and Southeastern Asian cuisine and tons of other countries had booths and demonstrations. It was sponsored by the Peace Corps, so there were very interesting exhibits on the National Mall.

2011-06-29T10:23:00.008-04:00

The words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels.

H.I.Kahn

While I am getting used to my internship I have not fully adapted to a very formal system of doing reports compared to the norm of papers/reports for school. We are using a very formal somewhat simplified execution of filing reports. Simplified yet on steroids at the same time-if that makes sense. I have also started a fund for new clothes-specifically for school(these are the measures an unpaid intern has to resort to-I'm due for some new kicks)..

*I hope my old professors read this*

While in D.C. I have fallen in LOVE with one of the greatest architects of the earliest twentieth century-"the last great practicer of Beaux-Artes classicism", as his biography declares, and I learned very little about him or his work before being in D.C. -John Russell Pope. I am a huge fan, and have made it my personal mission to search out his work here and experience it. Below are his national Gallery building and his National City Christian Church. Both are breath

taking.

Finally, I must warn everyone who is venturing to the District of Columbia, and at first it was rather upsetting-THE BAD NEWS: The reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln memorial is under construction. THE GOOD NEWS: It's being repaired and will no longer be brown and disgusting like it had gotten to be at the end of the twentieth century, while a new drainage system is in the works(which will also purify the water) it looks like this.

When it is done this fall. It will be pristine an reflect better(literally haha) the monuments and values we have for our national mall.

2011-06-23T11:35:00.005-04:00

I've finally gotten into a routine. Washington DC is an amazing city, and it makes me want to actually live here someday. My work has shifted from a much broader look at the forts to a personally fascinating investigation of the preservation techniques employed at the site of Fort Stevens, which is an extremely significant historical site. The forts remains that were constructed in 1935 were built by the WPA. The site engages in a very important discussion about what is ethical in terms of how we preserve something. The main part of this discussion is centered on the use of cement logs in order to support the earthen mounds, whichreplacedearlier wooden ones.I'm going to upload some photos from the last couple of days. Some of the sites are well manicured but some are still earth works as you can infer from the photos below.

2011-06-19T23:46:00.007-04:00

MY SUMMER INTERNSHIP HAS JUST BEGUN

and already I feel like I'm starting to get the hang of this city. Today (sunday) i spent most of the day working on projects that weren't officially work related, but more for personal interest and conferences.. My main focus thus far in Washington D.C. has been for HALS. My writt

en work deals with the civil war defenses of Washington D.C. I have been addressing the issue

from a number of angles mostly about what is left there today as we are/planning a massive survey of the fort's remains. Also a topic that I have fallen in love with is the discussion of the

ring forts in the 1902 Senate Park Commission Plan or McMillan Plan as it is better known (named after the committee's chairman the Senator from Michigan) One aspect of the

McMillan plan almost completely looked over and forgotten was the idea of taking the left over green space, which was naturally left from the fort remains and turning that built up high ground into a ring road around the city. This would have completely altered the city as we know it today. In some cases this ring road has been realized and even reflects its original intent. Today they are named things like, 'military road', for example. Below is a photo I stole from the internet that shows you where the forts would have been

located and where said ring

road would have also connected them.

Finally, I have gotten to see a lot thanks to this internship. I have been able to see Tudor Place I've uploaded another stolen picture.below.

I've also gotten to go all throughout the Perry Belmont estate, which is also known as the International Temple for the order of the Eastern Star. It is jaw dropping. It has been maintained in GREAT condition and although it could be very easily turned into a museum the Easter Star has done a great job changing little of the original fabric. See stolen picture below.

I've gotten familiar with navigating the city of washington. I am fully reliant (I'm proud to say) on public transportation. Although it is sometimes a head ache.

I've also become comfortable with using the Library of Congress, which is an awe inspiring resource that makes me want to do the work I'm doing.

It didn't dawn on me until after I actually sunk my teeth into the work that I'm doing here how amazingly educational and fulfilling the work I am doing here is. I feel like I just began, but some how I have felt more complete by doing work I love. A fellow intern of mine made the statement -it was something like this

'we're pretty much the same in that we'll never make a lot of money, but as long as we get to go around looking at architecture, doing research and writing about it for all the world to be exposed to it. We're going to be fully content. We have truly found our labour of love'

I couldn't agree more.

SESAH 2011 proposal riddle

2011-04-26T01:07:00.005-04:00

I was hoping to be slightly more dedicated this week to the blog, but it didn’t seem to happen. My thesis is on its third draft, and still seems to be a work in progress. I’m at the point where I feel as if I am swimming in an ocean, and not exactly sure which direction I’m swimming anymore—in circles perhaps.

Midterm week went well for me.

I was inspired a great deal by my trip to New Orleans, and am hoping to write on common Creole house forms for my Vernacular term paper. I have been highly inspired by the writings of John Vlach and his investigation of the origins of the shotgun house form. It fe

els like real architectural research. I felt as if I was sinking my teeth into something and after reading it I felt as if the researcher had made a true Indiana Jones type discovery. Okay perhaps that description is a bit on the far side…

I hope everyone had a great holiday.My Easter was peaceful and allowed me to have some much needed reflection time.

I will be posting my abstract and some previews of work I’ve done for my proposal for the South Eastern Society of Architectural Historians Conference in 2011. More details to come in the next few days but I’ll give you a few hints on my topic below:

"There's a hero in the story-a man who makes Neo-Gothic Skyscrapers.

He's well "worth the wool."

It jumps around and can even jump mountains.

It had a bit of an identity crisis.

Bring your night robe to match Lincoln."

2011-04-17T00:31:00.009-04:00

My thoughts on New Orleans

and the 2011 Society of Architectural Historians conference.

It's been almost a month since my last

post,

and for that I apologize. I have been dedicating most of my time(well all of it) to my undergraduate thesis. I'm hoping to produce research, a paper, a dialogue(well something) that will actually contribute to the field.

I spent the weekend in New Orleans, LA. I must admit that my understanding of where N'awlins fits in the context of American history(before this weekend) was somewhat lacking. I will also say that I have NEVER learned so much or had my perspective changed so much in a few days time.

Aside from the several paper sessions that I was able to attend, which inspire me to contribute, often it was through my own exploration of the city's many districts and quarters that my understanding of place was shaped. I would describe the city as a product of French colonialism, Spanish colonialism, street car suburbia, CaribbeaN cultural exchange, SHIPPING, a handful of complex social issues, and garnished with a mind numbing natural disaster that

has changed everything... The more I saw and read the more I came to understand it as a palimpsest. The layers are so deeply connected, that some were so complex that they can't even begin to be sorted

out. The cultural mix truly results in something uniquely awesome. There is much still to be said about the city of NEW ORLEANS.

The most memorable parts of the city in terms of architecture-for me at least-would be the French Quarter. Perhaps most known for being the oldest remaining part of the city, its shotgun houses, and creole cottages are irresistibly quaint. They are what I envision when I think of the city. Separating deep history from Garden district suburbia is the building district with it's boxy modern and post modern skyscrapers.

The Garden District. By far one of the most interesting street-

scapes in America. With both lanes of vehicular traffic flanking a central green-space with grass, trees, and a streetcar line that is the oldest continually running streetcar line in the world.

(It was very interesting-I might add-seeing school kids using the streetcar

to get home as well as workers, and college students. The line runs directly past Loyola and Tulane Universities.)

Finally, The Lower Ninth Ward. It'll be six years

after Katrina, and the lower ninth ward still seems to be struggling in some ways to regain a feeling of foundation. It was the first time I had been there in my life, or seen it, other than seeing

the Ward

and streets on the news during the catastrophe itself. It was fascinating how much I felt still needed to be done. Many of the reminders of the tragedy are still very prominent such as spray painted body count markers on house doors and walls. This was just a very small reminder, but also a very grim one. This was something that stuck on my mind even during the car ride home.

As I left the city I felt like so much is needed to be

written about it, and so many issues could be discussed.

Here are a few of my photos-I'll try not to let it be another month before my next blog.

2011-03-25T12:07:00.006-04:00

As my spring break comes to a close =[ I wanted to share some photos from my trip to the FDR Presidential Library in Hyde Park, New York. I found a lot on my project, which was spread throughout multiple boxes containing homestead propaganda to personal correspondence of the president himself. I spent the day in the archives boiling my brain in search of the right material to answer a few open ends I had concerning the project--Almost all of which I was able to locate.

I also came across something that raised my interest a great

deal

that could make for a topic of exploration for a master's Thesis. It is perhaps a bit early to say that though. Aside from slaving in the archives for hours we took advantage of the many exhibits at the library.Special thanks to my Co-pilot for hanging in there, and knowing how to run a copier machine.

More on what I found in the archives to come. I'm in the thick of writing the main body of the thesis now.

2011-03-20T22:51:00.006-04:00

My spring break started Wednesday, it has been more or less than I have imagined. I got home Thursday to find my father and grandfather at work cleaning up after a bad wind storm. I got my work boots on after my 11 hour car ride home to help the work effort. This was a multiple day task, and is still in progress today.. The backyard was a complete mess.

After working to cut up and feed the brush into a chipper I smelled like lysol, which wasn't a bad thing. I also remember the smell from playing in the 'pine forest'-as I called it-as a kid.

This weekend I drove to Charlottesville to look for an apartment for next year. My mother and I looked at several examples houses, apartments, condos, garages...There were multiple living situations both with and without roommates. Some good possibilities were found. I also was able to update the decals on my car.

Tomorrow I am leaving for Hyde Park, New York. It is home to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and has all of the FDR and Eleanor paper collections. These are especially going to be important for my thesis and will hopefully provide me with the last threads I need to complete my thesis. I'll keep you updated. I plan to be back in WV by midweek to finish out my Spring Break. More to come soon.

2011-03-05T22:39:00.010-05:00

This is my photo final project I look forward to hearing your criticism.

"A SACRED AUSTERITY"

By: Bradley Allen

Artist Statement:

The austerity of illness can be remedied best by another. . When both the sadness and helplessness have taken control-What can one do when they are forced to handle the problems of illness alone?

How does one reach for help when communication to another human isn’t an option?

Do they pray? Hope? Do they rely on faith alone?

When the most painful images are also the most sacred how can we find relief going through the motions alone? In all those trying and desperate moments there is something of the sacred. The idea of man’s survival illustrated. These are the moments in time all people

in all places can understand. They are Notions that break down borders, languages, races, and religions.

The Sacred Austerity is that of humanity.

It is the first person struggle for existence.

A point in time when we alone must choose life.

'...Not Just a burn-a pain. Mind transfixed, head dizzy, colors contrasting, smells of sterility. As if your intestines had just given the longest speech of their life and can't swallow. A thirst a fluttering skin crawl. A pulse in panic and a heat in your eyes that others can feel at a glance. A deep soreness that makes you question what ocean you're in. Pressure. A complete boredom-as if you're on a bus for survival with motion sickness in a chair that isn't paddedand won't recline. Your body and mind are exhausted and your only comfort comes from a needle or a drip, whose cold burns awaken you. Your thoughts burn, your repetitive dreams become your endlessnightmares, and when all you want is a way out of the thing you're fighting for the most...'

-From my own 'Journal xii' Barcelona, Spain.

2011-02-26T18:53:00.007-05:00

I've had a great shift in thought recently. I realize now how much worrying about the future was consuming my thoughts. I suddenly have all this extra time to devote to stuff that actually matters or that I can actually control rather(not that getting into a grad school didn't matter). I've actually started piecing together a first draft of my thesis.. More on that soon. I've also filled out paper work so I can live at the Jen library for the rest of the year. Thesis students can actually reserve cubicles, which were once used as Levy's department store dressing rooms.. It's actually a really cool adaptive reuse. SCAD's good at stuff like that.

The library is rich in history. It has a very prominent location on Savannah's Broughton St., and was the site of one of Savannah's most notable sit-ins during the civil rights movement.On a much lighter note:

I have a new item on my wish list:

There clearly needs to be a Jefferson...

2011-02-24T01:10:00.003-05:00

I want to share this picture -it's where I ventured to on my birthday for some

'de-stress time' with my best friend... It seems that I've been struggling to control my stress lately, but this place definitely helped. Anyone recognize it? I'll give you a little hint:

"RUN FORREST RUN!"

2011-02-23T21:13:00.003-05:00

I got a phone call tonight-

I got into the University of Virginia's Master of Architectural History program! It's an amazing program that is at the cutting edge of the field, and I am so exhaustedly excited.. I admittedly barely kept my composure while the Chair of UVA's department delivered the good news over the phone. As soon as I hung up I screamed loud enough to alarm everyone on my block, right before I ran laps around Forsyth park... Then I called my parents and sisters.

I feel blessed-this is a great opportunity...There so many things I want to do right now, but perhaps it would be best if I left it at that.

2011-02-21T20:16:00.004-05:00

It was quite an eventful weekend...

The Seventh Savannah Symposium was truly a success in my opinion. Professionals of the field flocked to Savannah to deliver research papers, as well as, Dr. Louis Nelson, chair of the University of Virginia's Department of Architectural History and Dr. Kenneth Foote Professor of Geography and American & European Landscape at UC-Boulder who delivered separate keynote lectures on the 'Spirituality of Place.' Both delivered good talks on separate different discussions.

I needed the symposium. Every year I go to a conference or symposium it inspires me. When I get to see the work others are doing- the research-I get to take my mind off of my own projects and papers for a day or two. It really recycles my ambitions to do Architectural History. Interestingly enough it also gives me determination and a greater drive to want to go to grad-school in Architectural History. This is a bad and good thing, as I wait for my admissions decisions.

Saturday night I had a birthday party at Wild Wings Cafe. It was truly a delight to have my closest friends around me this year(compared with the last). Speaking of last year-a year ago today my mother arrived to be with me at the hospital in Marseilles, France. I'll never forget how surprised and completely emotionally altered I was to see her. It was a flood of both good and remorseful feelings. We hugged each other for what felt like an eternity, but while I had become numb in many ways to the idea that I'd never get home. She was just beginning the struggle. It was perhaps the greatest birthday present I've received to date, and the hardest birthday in terms of physical and emotional incident.

I spent Sunday evening with someone amazing.

I've been feeling different lately.

For the first time in my life, stress- trust me I'm feeling it-seems to only affect my mind. I know if you're just reading this blog for the first time you may be a bit confused. My teenage years were defined by how bad my body felt. I was diagnosed with Crohn's in high school and it seemed to have an effect on everything I did. Today, I don't seem to feel the same. I don't seem to have stomach pain when I get stressed out, and I don't carry a fever when I'm upset. Find wood and knock on it NOW. haha

2011-02-15T15:02:00.006-05:00

It's been a hectic week.

(The preface might not do it justice.)

First, I went to Eleanor this weekend. I have begun some intense research for my thesis. I'm in the thick of the main 'field survey' I'm calling it. I am doing a lot of measuring and overall data collection about what remains of my site. My biggest challenge when writing so far has been to eliminate some thoughts and discussions. There seems to be so many issues and broader topics that I'm having

to eliminate to get to the main topic ideas..Every keeps telling me "remember this is only an undergraduate thesis." below is the Eleanor Presbyterian Church(from the original concept of 1937)

Second, I've been losing sleep still. The admissions decisions are getting closer, and things are coming down to the wire for graduate school admissions. I can't wait to receive the final decision just so I can sleep peacefully again. Perhaps even a rejection is better than not knowing..well maybe.

Third, the seventh Savannah Symposium is this week. Architectural Historians from all over the world will come to Savannah to deliver papers and discussion topics in the field of architectural history. I am looking forward to a great weekend of lectures. The topic for this year's biannual symposium is 'Spirituality in Space'. Topics

range from western to nonwestern and cover just about every time frame.

Also, my friends are having me a birthday party.They're calling it 2/22 Bowties and Blu.. LOL I might have been the inspiration for this. They invited a few friends to go to Wild Wings cafe on Saturday night after the Symposium is over. I look forward to seeing everyone. I will surely be blogging soon on my symposium experience.

Finally, make sure to check out my friend Jennifer's blog(I helped design it so give her good feeback ;] ) it focuses on Standardbred horse harness racing(say that ten times fast.

2011-02-08T20:26:00.006-05:00

I have the flu. I've had a runny nose, ear ache, head ache, and all those other odd aches that come along with the territory(including a sore nose by this point). Some how in the middle of it all I've stopped to reflect on where I was last year. I would have been back in France, still hospitalized. It makes the flu feel like a holiday.

My sister has impeccable timing-she sent me a package in the mail[not knowing that I was sick]. It was full of all the essentials(well sort of) and much more.Thanks MAC-the beats are freshly addictive, and the candy is gonna be amazing when I can taste it. LOL

I miss my family much. I'm looking forward to graduation-perhaps just as an excuse to see everyone.

In other news. I sent out a few extra last minute Grad school applications, and now I sit and wait. I couldn't tell if I was over thinking about it last night or if it was my fever that was keeping me up. Blah. I'll give it a few more weeks, a few more prayers, and a few more sleepless nights.

WAR, ART, & ARCHITECTURE

2011-02-04T21:24:00.017-05:00

War hasn't been nice to art, artifacts, and architecture in the past.This should be an obvious thought. War hurts more than the people and governments involved. Some easy examples I can think of

off hand would include(these are just a few):

The French Revolution

Aside from people losing their heads from all sides of the conflict, many people saw it fit to destroy architectural details and sculpture. Here are some examples. I took these photos in Avignon.. From a portal at the Palais

de Papes(Popes Palace) where the papacy was in the fourteenth century. During the time period of the French Revolution around 1792 churches were looted and dest

royed along with royal

buildings of course.

WWII EXAMPLES

There are numerous examples of destruction from the Second World war. Paintings displaced and even lost are countless. As the Nazi's swept Europe they both looted and misplaced famous works. One famous Example is Raphael's self portrait pictured below.

As well the Portrait of Adele Block-Bauer I by Gustav Klimt.(one of my all time favorites) And finally Johannes Vermeer's The Astronomer .

In an attempt to "exterminate the Polish people and culture" parts of Warsaw the Polish Capitol was turned to rubble. Pictured in the background is the Catholic church left standing.

The United States is by far no where clean of blame. US bombers are to blame for the bombing of Monte Cassino. Monte Cassino is a notable hilltop monastery from the first century. It is where many believe that the Benedictine order was written, which set the basis for monastic tradition in the western world..(kind of a big deal...lol) The United States ended up bombing it because of a Nazis stronghold on the mountain top there..

Many call this the 'one of the greatest architectural loses of WWII'

The Iraq War

The war in Iraq was another conflict that saw its share of looting and great lose of art, artifacts and antiquities. (TO BE Continued)

As political disputes continue taking place in Egypt. We can only wait and wonder what the outcome will be, but further how it will change the largest collection of antiquities owned by one country.This is a link to Dr. Zahi Hawass's(Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, ) website which has daily updates on what has happened so far http://www.drhawass.com/

2011-02-04T13:48:00.001-05:00

While the countdown to Graduation and more importantly Graduate School acceptance is taking forever. I can at least be informed about it when it does happen.. SCAD has created a Graduation Blog to inform students. This is a good thing: http://blog.scad.edu/graduation/.

Countdown: Exactly 4 months...(!)

2011-01-29T00:43:00.003-05:00

Today I had the opportunity to present my work as the undergraduate representing the Architectural History Department at the SBA review. Afterward I got the chance to have lunch with members of the School of the Building Arts Advisory Board, it was a really interesting event. Students from Interior Design, Architecture, and Historic Preservation also presented projects. I discussed my Eleanor project, which was comparatively undeveloped in the context of the other presentations. While my thesis work has just begun, the other projects presented were from previous quarters. I also found it very helpful and exciting to get the feedback of such a broad and multifaceted group of people. Professionals in the field, such as Architects, preservationists, Designers, Interior Designers, and Critics were all in attendance, and some shared valuable criticism that will in the end boost the quality of my project.Again I find myself working on a project that I love, which feels nothing like work at all.

Photo Project 2: LET THERE BE LIGHT!

2011-01-26T01:23:00.003-05:00

____________________

2011-01-25T15:05:00.006-05:00

"My college campus has a magic statue... it's a long standing tradition to rub its nose for luck. My freshman roommate really believed in the statue's power and insisted on visiting it to rub its nose before every exam. Studying might of been a better idea. She flunked out sophomore year, but the fact is we all have little superstitious things that we all do. If it's not believing in magic statues, it's avoiding sidewalk cracks, or always putting on our left shoe first. Knock on wood, step on a crack... brake your mother's back. The last thing you want to do is offend the Gods...."

Superstitions fascinate me. I have a few of my own that I don't even realize. Maybe I pay too much attention to my dreams or do little things that I think 'have to' be done. Making wishes when it's 11:11, wishing on shooting stars, I pull off the road if I meet a funeral procession heading straight on, and I never count the cars. I think it's good luck to go over a penny when pumping gas. My bed doesn't point north or south. I wear new clothes on Easter. I keep my wet umbrella pointed up so the rain falls off the same way it falls. There's also something with those 2's 3's and 7's that I haven't quite figured out yet..I'm never awake or alone at 3:30 am. Oh and of course it's bad luck to keep horseshoes pointed downward because all the luck falls out.

"...Superstition lies in the space between what we can control and what we can't. Find a penny pick it up, and all day long you will have good luck. No one wants to pass up a chance for good luck, but does saying it 33 times really help? I mean is anyone really listening, and if no one is listening why do we bother doing those strange things at all? We rely on superstition because we are smart enough to know we don't have all the answers, and that life works in mysterious ways. Don't diss the ju ju from wherever it comes."Grey's Anatomy

2011-01-22T13:16:00.003-05:00

I've been living dangerously pro-active lately. I'm not sure if it's the fact that I'm in the home-stretch of my undergraduate studies, or whether I just have so much on my mind. Perhaps it's my way of coping with stress. Perhaps it's my way of dealing with anxiety, or depression, or lack of B12? (okay none of those make sense lol) Perhaps it's because I'm not happy, and was always taught to be optimistic. Maybe it's because I hate when some get depressed and mope around, perhaps I'm rebelling against that stereotype and instead going 1000 miles per hour?

I have an aunt who we sometimes refer to as 'WONDER WOMAN' when I was little I used to say she ate magical beans to give her brain power and energy. I'm sure you all have one or know someone like whom I'm referring . She makes lists and she organizes things and she plans years in advance for EVERYTHING.. She's like a burrito filled with Martha Stewart and the Sham Wow guy...[well kind of]... She knows everything too. She never misses a birthday or a sick day or any kind of unsung holiday. She was insane-or so we thought.. Perhaps I got some of those nuclear reactant genes?

I'm not complaining. In fact I'm well ahead on my thesis both written and research. I'm doing great in my classes, and I can't seem to stop. I'm not sure why I'm even complaining or writing about this. I guess it's a manifestation of my hyper-activity.

Maybe I caught a virus that I don't want a cure for? Maybe I'll just suffer through and get all my work done and live 'miserably' work free? Hope your weekend is a fine one.Swim.

2011-01-19T14:03:00.002-05:00

If you would for a moment take a second to ponder the following: My blog recently celebrated its second year, but the hardest issue/comment/question anyone has ever posed was, “WHY?” It was in the form of a comment:

“Why blog, why put the random and the crazy online for both absolutely no one, as well as the whole world? Why waste your time when no one is guaranteed to see it?”

I’ve never really had a good answer for that question, but the answer is beginning to make itself apparent.

I go to the largest art and design school in the country. I sit in class with the future animators of Pixar and DreamWorks, I walk the halls with the Picassos and Cézannes of the twenty-first century. I hear lectures with the next Louis Vuitton and Donna Karen. I come into contact with amazing characters that the world will someday know as “that odd ball” or “that man that changed the way we look at things”. I often wonder who in my class is going to be the next Louis Kahn that everyone loves, or the next Frank Gehry that everyone loves to hate. Perhaps my blog has allowed me to express myself in a way that doesn’t compete or allow for comparison, but instead is individually natural. There is no market, there is no client, no critics, just pure thought that you as the reader have the option to use as an addendum onto everything else in your lives. A year ago today my stomach began to ache. It was a different kind of ache, not one you get from a virus or nerves, but one that reached far deeper within. I want to thank my dedicated readers, to those who have friended me on Facebook, and other blogs/writers that have featured my links[some listed below], and I hope that the future brings improvements for us all as we live without reget. Love and gratitude. –B.

http://freetraveling.info/tag/architecture

http://architecturalhistoryscad.wordpress.com/page/6/?pages-list

http://www.cranial.com/patrick_park/7/

http://www.cranial.com/patrick_park/blogs/bad_news_and_tunes_patrick_park_loneliness_knows_my_name_2003_gzs9/

Photo Project #1: Square,circle, triangle

2011-01-18T21:08:00.002-05:00

The resolution is terrible, but you get the idea.

2011-01-18T20:16:00.002-05:00

Mallorie and I at the 'Oglethorpe Chapter of Architectural Historians' table at SCAD's Winterfest.

We were recruiting new members for our club, but because we forgot to bring candy for the freshmen we offered them Altoids instead. [it was the only edible thing in Mallorie's purse (everyone knows if you're fishing for freshmen you use something edible or drinkable as bait)]

Overall we made some interesting connections with other clubs, as well as a few perspective members. Olivier also created a slideshow of photos in order to give our table an added visual component. Overall I think the event went well.

2011-01-17T17:53:00.003-05:00

2011-01-16T00:12:00.001-05:00

“All men dream...... But not equally..
Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find it is vanity;
but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men,
for they act their dreams with open eyes to make it possible.....”

- T. E. Lawrence

2011-01-15T00:49:00.004-05:00

Today the other officers and I attended a clubs fair at SCAD in order to recruit new membership for the Oglethorpe Chapter of Architectural Historians. While we are still working to gain national accreditation-the club is in full swing on campus planning the exciting upcoming events of the quarter. We also have adopted a new poster/image for the club(above)created by Olivier our Vice President, which we will be getting printed onto shirts...We are also planning events in conjunction to the upcoming symposium as well as an architectural history film series in the spring. We also set a date for this quarter's Salon, which will be on February 15, 2011.

2011-01-13T16:11:00.007-05:00

I came across an awesome link. It focuses on the evolution of the Manhattan in concerns to its urban fabric. I hope that the creator keeps this running and updated. You can play around with several different ways to view the city, and it gives a very concise illustration of how it changed over the twentieth century. Check it out. http://skyscraper.org/timeformations/intro.html

Above: Illustrates what areas of the city has been effected by urban renewal.

Above: Shows the Dutch Settlement that started it all, "New Amsterdam".

Above: Shows both New Amsterdam and the 1811 grid plan.

Below: Also several interesting aspects of the city are illustrated like farms and green space.

Question:

2011-01-09T01:13:00.003-05:00

Dead Birds, Dead Fish, and Driving school.

2011-01-06T21:28:00.002-05:00

I completed traffic school today for running a stop sign in downtown Savannah. It was very interesting to learn about the several different road rules that differ in the state of Georgia from the state of West Virginia(there were several-mostly more strict..)

I am also fascinated by all of the internet discussion about the random dead birds dropping out of the sky and dead fish washing up on shores... One such incident was incident was in Birds in Arkansas. Fish in South Carolina. Birds in Germany.

Several theories have arisen because of such strange happenings. Many believe it to be some sign of the Apocalypse...

Some believe it's some new out break of disease.

One theory offers that it could have something to do with the New Madrid Fault line, and that similar happenings took place in South America before the 7.0 and 7.2 earthquakes..

One theory says that it is a fulfillment of the seventh seal written about in the book of Revelation.

One internet source claimed that the first bird fell on "1.1.11 @ 11:11".

Some in Arkansas believe it to be connected with the communities fireworks display .. (This makes me want to LOL. )

One expert claims lightening could have struck the flock of birds, or high atmospheric hail..?

Many scientists believe the fish in South Carolina died because of the temperature of the water, but there are several similar reports of this happening in other parts of the world.

This fascinates me. I'll keep an extra eye on the news in the next few days to see if this mess continues.Oh and I passed my driving school test, and the teacher laughed when I asked her what day graduation was.

2011-01-05T14:11:00.002-05:00

My first day of classes went well. I can't wait to share some of my photos from my photographic foundations class. I am also looking forward to my World Vernacular class. I also wanted to share some important dates:

2011 SCAD GRADUATION~June 4, 2011

Spring Break~March 16-27, 2011

2011-01-04T21:43:00.000-05:00

Check out my photo-shoppin' skills. I made a new background.

2011-01-01T16:10:00.003-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Happy Anniversary Birthday ArgyleAddendum!)

Where to Begin? The ArgyleAddendum Blog is celebrating it's second year today. It seems like not long ago I was on here rambling about my New Years resolutions or what was going on in Savannah..Oh the memories lol.

I was looking into some interesting statistics on the blog: The United States, Russia, and France have been the top three countries to view the blog(closely followed by Canada). I have made 168 posts in my two years of blogging, and the most common computer to view my blog is a Windows operating system(random)..

Speaking of NewYears Resolutions, other than resolving to get into grad. school, which is out of my hands now, I have decided that my resolution(s) this year is(are) the following:

1.To identify the'high-light' of my day everyday.(this was inspired by a very close friend to reflect on the many things everyday I can be thankful for.)

2.To finish my undergraduate degree strongly, with good grades, and a positive momentum to graduate studies.

3.Drink less coffee. Caffeine out. I love it, but I need to cut it.

I know these are random, but I refused to say go to the gym or eat better like most. I hope you all had a great new years eve/day. December 31st was perhaps the greatest day I had in 2010-the doctor gave me a great report, and got rid of the scar tissue, and sent me on my way. 2011 is going to be truly great.

2010-12-28T14:05:00.003-05:00

Just when I thought 2010 was done sending me curve balls. I get hit in the batting helmet yet again. I guess it's not over until the fat lady sings? I went for a test today, and they discovered that my intestine (the place in question from the fiasco last winter is growing closed due to scar tissue... SO, they're planning to go in and "blow a balloon up in the closed off portion" in order to stretch it open... I mean I'm not really sure about this, but they decided to schedule it on the 31st of January in order to make sure I can have no new years celebration plans, and also to make sure that my plans of returning to school come extremely close to being delayed... At this point I say: One more day left in a bad year, might as well finish it off with another operation. =/. More later.

Christmas take Deux

2010-12-27T20:39:00.008-05:00

Christmas was. Working in retail has taught me a lot. I won't elaborate. Here are some pics from the family time. enjoy=D

The coolest kid on the block ^ Cole my nephew.

Group Pic. Could it get any better than this?^Currently no organized crime exists, but perhaps we should consider it.^ haha

As for this one?, well I guess it is what it is.. Hope you had as good a Christmas as I did.

Peace Love and Hope.

2010-12-26T01:23:00.002-05:00

Christmas was. This year Christmas was very different. I spent Christmas Eve with my sisters and their husbands, my parents, and my grandparents. It was a time that seemed to be void of tradition. It was odd. Our family is big on tradition, and for years my grandparents had a dynasty of tradition. They held the annual Christmas party, and everyone came Aunts, Uncles, cousins, family friends and neighbors. It was a massive event. We all stuffed into my grandma's little three bedroom house. The one level tan brick structure could barely hold all twenty-something of us. It was a massive and joyous celebration.

We eventually all began to grow. We grew into our own families and families grew into families. The grand-kids had kids and the family tree grew out of control...

Christmas has changed a bit.

I got a new phone, a droid, that I haven't learned fully how to use(not sure what this has to do with change). My nephew is getting more fun to play with and be around-he ran around having a great time this year. And I just kept thinking about how this year I wan't getting ready to leave for France, and I wasn't getting nervous about going to a different country with a different language. I look forward to the coming year, but before I start blogging on what is to come-I have to sum up this year. I have mixed emotions on the year in general. It was bitter-sweet. It was terrible, and amazing. It was a curse and blessing. I believe that Christmas allows us all to reflect on things-more than just six pound eight ounce little baby Jesus, but things like family, religion, time. Christmas has become our new Bethlehem as "the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight." In many ways the part of the nativity story that is lacking the most is the future part, which I feel is rather important. Christmas, as such a great time for reflection like a mirror can sometimes blinds us from what is to come.

2010-12-17T11:25:00.003-05:00

Would you want to live here?

Wanted: Willing and able families to live in newly constructed, comfortable, and modern homestead development. All residents will receive employment opportunities with full salary, food source, and neighbors of like mind. Development is located just 40 miles outside of state capital.All interested persons must apply through the WPA.

Thesis Begins 2011.

2010-12-16T15:49:00.003-05:00

With around two weeks left in 2010 I feel like I should give my final two cents on the year that has been. This might only be the first of posts that focus on that theme. I thought I would start by uploading the my own 2010 soundtrack..

My sound track of 2010 is comprised of songs that I listened to during the year, and I associate with events that have happened. Those of you who know me know that I am addicted to music, and my ipod gets used about as much as my cell phone.

I'm going to list them chronologically, and for some I'll even provide an explanation due to the fact my music tastes are so eclectic.

The first three songs are from my France playlist. I listened to it over and over on the flight and even when I arrived in Europe.

1.At the starz-Better than Ezra

2.Free Fallin'(live)-John Mayer

3.The mixed Tape-Jack's Mannequin

4.City on Down-O.A.R.

5.Pursuit of Happiness ft. MGMT, Ratatat

AS well as Matt&Kim's Daylight. (popular in the studio at Lacoste)

6. Meet Me Halfway-Black Eyed Peas (popular in the studio at Lacoste)

7.Smile-Uncle Cracker (heard for the first time in the hospital in France)

(The way home from France had a very different playlist.)

8. Trust me - The Fray

9.Satellite-DMB

10.How to save a life-The Fray

11.Breathe me-Sia

(summer 2010 the 'Silkscreen' Playlist)

12. Love the way you lie-Rihanan and Eminem

13. Dynamite-Tiao Cruz

14. So obvious-Runner Runner

(back to Savannah)

15. Hello Seattle-Owl City

16.Drown in My Tears-Ray Charles (I went through a swing trend? Not sure why)

17.2012 Jay Sean and Niki Minaj

18. Gaga.

19.Club Can't even Handle me Right Now-Flo Rida

20. September-Daughtry

This is obviously only a sample. I listen to soo much music, but this is a good summary.

2010-12-15T12:57:00.004-05:00

I have added motivation to end the year strong with my blog. My sister just started a blog{it's her anniversary(shout out!)} . This is both a good and bad thing. She has wit and is a Journalist. Thus, she is gonna be spinnin' the goods and I'm gonna be putting everyone to sleep. It's kind of how print media feels about the internet perhaps? Okay that might be a stretch, but she has jazzy graphics and videos. So far her blog is full of Christmas spirit and funny antic-dotes. With an impervious illustration of perfect grammar andspelling. It's enough to run some out of business, but if I've learned one thing this year from 2010( and the bia that it was), it's that when you feel miserable or when 'the heat is on' your true character is defined when you are under pressure. I'm back home now. I feel like I could cut the atmosphere here with a knife, yet there is something refreshing about being here for the holidays. As if there is one time I'm guaranteed to be anywhere it's home for the holidays.. This might be false, but it feels that way. I strung some lights up on my window just because my parents didn't decorate much outside this year. WE even moved the tree to the center of the house, our neighbor even called us "the only jews on the block", thus my lights are a good showing of my Christmas spirit, which seems to be sparse this year. Anyway I hope my lights don't put youto sleep. They sure don't pack heat in this neighborhood...

Winter Break

2010-12-14T23:43:00.002-05:00

It's been a complicating winter break. Here's the summarized version: I've been working at Pier 1 imports. This isn't the first time I've held this job and it might not be the last. I've been working on my graduate school applications to several law and architectural history programs. My top pick is still Architectural History at UVA. Thesis is in the works my focus is a subsistence farming experiment that was contrived by ideas by Eleanor Roosevelt during the New Deal (more about that to come for sure). That's the most of it. Oh and my sister just launched her blog, which I'm following as well.

Finals Are OVER!!!!!!!!

2010-11-16T23:56:00.001-05:00

2010-10-27T00:15:00.001-04:00

I've decide to read Robert Fishman's Bourgeois Utopias for my GradSchool application essay. I'm actually really interested in the content, so I'm confident that it should be a pleasant read. I'll obviously keep you updated.

2010-10-20T00:29:00.002-04:00

SESAH 2010 Chattanooga, TN

2010-10-17T13:59:00.003-04:00

I'm back from a great weekend in Chattanooga, TN and the annual SESAH conference. I was the only undergraduate to present a paper. [Which I believe reflected well on my institution and professors.] My topic focused around the idea of a government planned utopia. One of the first Government experiments in housing projects that focused on subsitance farming, and the thought that people should be self reliant in a government created environment. I believe that the research I did for the paper will be expanded into a broader and more in-depth undergraduate thesis, which I'll complete in the spring.

Chattanooga was a very fun little town with a small population. It had a very interesting small town metropolis feel, which made for a pleasant surprise. I had a great time, and I shift my focus now back to my midterm work, and of course grad school applications.Pictures to follow soon.

TOUGH DECISIONS

2010-09-24T22:38:00.002-04:00

I have become no stranger to 'the unpopular decision' lately, but I'm starting to understand that everyone has to make hard decisions in their life. Askmen.com recently did an article about making the tough decisions, and here is a blurb about the advice they had to share:

-"Leaders are always making tough decisions that cause people to complain. If you haven’t made an unpopular decision, then you’re probably doing something wrong as a leader."

-"You need to put work first when you have to. When you don’t have work you need to do, put your family first and focus on them."

-"If you’ve got someone in your family that ain’t toeing the line, you gotta let him know. It takes real love and it takes real balls to put a loved one in his place when he’s doing something he shouldn’t."

2010-09-17T13:30:00.003-04:00

Things are getting very stressful. I find that organization is the key as I juggle homework, grad-school applications, and finding time to study for the LSAT and GRE... I haven't felt this much stress since I was studying abroad, which makes me think that I need to chill. I remember what one woman told me when I told her that I wanted to go to law school, "You want to go to law school, and you don't want to have a stressful life?" "Well you'd better take up meditation or drop out." -I haven't taken up meditation yet, nor do I plan to drop out, but I am staying organized and trying to work. I've also had some issues with Syracuse University who doesn't seem to want to surrender my academic transcript.. If I have to drive the whole length of the United States from Savannah to Syracuse to get that spotless transcript of "A's" I will. Not very happily, but I will....

I've called them almost everyday for a week now, but they claim that they cant find it? As for now I'll stick with it-at least I love my classes. That matters.

2010-09-11T11:00:00.003-04:00

My last few days of freedom are quickly passing, but I'm trying to make the most out of my weekend. Last night I went to a reception the Architectural History department held, it was sooo great to see everyone, and to talk about upcoming events, and who was where doing what in their studies. Some are working on their thesis this quarter, while others are working on it in the winter and spring... I'm going to try to nail down my topic for winter quarter[a couple of good ideas baking up] Today I'm just trying to get some stuff done like the ever looming applications, and some other organizational type chores. I can't wait for my classes. I don't remember a time I was so excited to be in school. And so it begins. Also I have a short video clip to pass on below.

2010-09-06T17:56:00.002-04:00

Next week school starts. This is boh an extremely exciting thing, yet an extremely stressful thing as well. I'll be heading back to Savannah on Thursday for the architectural histroy reception on Friday. I can't wait to see everyone in the department students and faculty. It should be a good event to get me back in school mode. The job search is still coming up very short, I've filled out over 20 applications, and submitted resumes for almost everything thats been on craigslist. I'm starting to think I'm going to have to play my buckets on riverstreet. [haha as proposed by a friend] As for now I'm trying to soak up the WV autumn and get ready to get back to the Savannah heat.

2010-08-06T01:37:00.002-04:00

The application process for graduate school will be made easier by the fact that the Law School Admissions Council compiles the application process. Which will enable me to focus on narrowing down which schools I want to apply to. Now my task is to figure out where I want to go, and what I want to focus on.. you know-plan the rest of my life-kind of...piece of cake-

2010-07-30T22:37:00.004-04:00

Summer is almost over, and I've began filling out my applications for graduate school. I've narrowed the field down to 13 schools, and will hopefully eliminate 3 more before I have to finalize everything. I've started early because it's going to be tons of work, but I'll keep you posted on things as they evolve. I'm including a map of the U.S. with the schools are located, and as you can see the schools are located all over the states. I'll be sure to give you more information on the schools specifically as time goes on. That's it for now. More videos on the way.

2010-07-18T13:19:00.001-04:00

vblog intro

2010-07-13T19:01:00.000-04:00

2010-07-06T13:31:00.002-04:00

As the summer keeps flying by I've gotten myself into a few projects/research projects to keep busy. Aside from shadowing a local judge-I've been trying to nail down a topic for my BFA thesis, writing a lot, grad applications, and also getting ready for a few other random week/weekend outings. It heat is sweltering here in WV, it never usually gets drastically hot in the mountains, but this week temperatures are suppose to get up there. I had surgery last week, which reconnected my stomach and all the pipes. Everything is in working order, and the doctor said that I hadn't looked this healthy since he's known me.. All is good news, my main focus though for now is just to make sure I enjoy my summer, because I have a feeling this fall is going to get crazy... Also I might have to put a hold on the plans to start VBlogging..it seems that my music and introduction are taking a few extra days to perfect=] and with the sun out..its hard to find it high on the list.

2010-06-21T13:21:00.009-04:00

[OH AND MY FIRST VBLOG IS BEING EDITED and is ON THE WAY]

MY Newest project, which very well might evolve into my BFA thesis focuses on a few mining towns that are left in West Virginia. I have had my fill of the mountain state this summer, and I think it has connected some wires in my head. I started to ask myself what makes these little rustic rural outposts unique, and what can be said about how they came to be...This helped me figure some things out, and in my search I came across a much more relevant and interesting story. Mainly having to do with the coal mining towns that are still intact. The beginning stages are in the works.

Saturday I had the opportunity of watching one of my best friends tie the knot. The wedding was awesome, the ceremony itself was one of the best I have ever seen-Incorperating new concepts with very traditional ideas. LOVED IT.On my way back home from the wedding I came across a massive train wreck.

It was the first time I had seen such a mess in person and obviously had to grab the camera...

2010-06-18T12:55:00.002-04:00

“And you also can create the life you want. 'Follow your bliss' is not lightly said. There will be consequences and choices to make, but there's integrity in following what you know you should be doing for yourself" Martha Blowen

This quote is from Martha Blowen. She created the Soleil Press, which focused on publishing works that articulated the immigrants point of view. Works that were done by immigrants and had a like minded perspective of dealing with the thoughts of creating a new place,how to cope with change, and remembering and celebrating the old.

I find great significants in these words for a number of reasons, but mostly because of the 'here and now'. I see my time in college as being a time of crossroads, of change, and of learning that will only further determine where/how I live my life.. That is to say that I can only hope that the Ramen Noodle meals and apartment hopping is a temporary affair.

With this comes much deeper considerations like what I'll be doing, who I'll be with, and always heavy on my mind *WHERE* I'll be. Perhaps it's my upbringing in such a proud region of the United States, Appalachia, that the Where outweighs the 'who' and 'what'. This summer has been a good one. This year has been less good, but yesterday I got a clean bill of health and will have my final surgery on the 29th of June..To make a long story short. It's been a long year, but the fact that the first half was bad, in my mind only means that the second half has to be great.

2010-06-02T18:02:00.004-04:00

I'm in the final week of my silkscreen class, and the final is giving me some very good stress. Deadline Deadline Deadline. Its challenging my craftsmanship(if I have any). I've decided to pull an all nighter tomorrow night if necessary rather than tonight, and I'm taking a bit of a break.

My grades for the Spring semester were rather spectacular, and weren't what I had expected. I've become very critical of my own writing and works because I feel like I haven't gotten my writing back to par since the Euro experience. I'm uploading some photos of a project I did not too long ago in Silk screen, It's titled-"A New Shade of Lincoln". After silkscreening it in Green, Blue, Red, and Black I decided the color would have to be DRASTICALLY different. [as you can see]

This summer is turning out to be a good one. I'll have to elaborate on that note more, but I've found a few amazing people in Morgantown. I've also forgotten what it's like to have a big sister in town. It's refreshing and challenging at the same time.

It's also extremely ironic that after I've sworn that 2010 was the WORST year of my life, it may currently be in the running for the BEST year as well. NOT because of action, setting, or circumstance, but because its put a great deal in perspective.Sometimes it's not what building you look at, but in what aspect you consider it.

Theres much more to come when I get my head on my shoulders. next week-

2010-05-21T16:05:00.004-04:00

This has been one crazy week! I have been going non-stop with a full schedule of classes, and finals in my SCAD classes online. It's been CRAZY. I have also entered my final projects for my three week silkscreen class, which I will pass along pictures of work as soon as everything is done. I also found out that my abstract got selected for SESAH, which will be in October. Tennessee here I come. I have been going crazy, and I promise after next week I'll get back on a regular blog schedule. Below is Woodburn Hall-WVU's flagship. The topic of my next architectural investigation. I think there's something fishy with this building, but I'll have to discuss it more later. It's HOT here, and I'm back in WV, it almost makes me glad I'm not in Savannah...almost.

2010-05-08T14:58:00.004-04:00

This week I had to make a speech at my local Toastmasters meeting. I used the opportunity to talk about my intern experience last summer with Preservation Piedmont and about the research project I did with the Rosenwald schools. While I move into a new apartment on Saturday, I am putting the final touches on the Ardsley/Chatham cresent paper. I've taken this opportunity to completely redraft parts of it, and make some major changes. I've learned that I work better under pressure, and I think it will be evident with this draft of the paper. Also my heart goes out to the family and friends of the UVA student who was recently murdered. I feel like this case will create a new campaign to combat Drugs and Drinking in colleges. It will be interesting to watch the case unfold from a local perspective, in C-Ville which is a city that has a strong communal feeling.

2010-05-02T19:13:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I sent in my abstracts and proposals for this year's SESAH(Southeastern Society of Architectural Historians) annual convention. My topics centered around Rosenwald schools(the paper I wrote this summer) and Eleanor, W.V. I look forward to hearing whether they are selected. If so, I would be presenting the paper at the Annual Convention, which is being held this year in Chattanooga, TN. Until then I am enjoying the short time of calmness before my summer classes begin on top of the other two classes I have now. LSAT study continues as well as the shadowing I've been doing with a local judge. I've also been taking a few photos of buildings around WestVirginia. I think it's helped me to better examine some of the buildings I see everyday and take for granted. Time has began to become extremely valuable again. More soon-

2010-04-27T14:18:00.002-04:00

I have so much to type.

Much has changed. My online classes are still going as scheduled, I have been extremely busy lately with school work, a new shadowing opportunity, and of course the LSAT (which, is still scheduled for June.) I'm looking for an apartment in Morgantown (WV) where I'll be taking summer classes(@WVU), and I've still been taking treatments as scheduled. On the Savannah front: The Ardsley Park Project is getting back into full swing. We are finalizing our second drafts, and still have plans to compile them for a booklet. I can't wait. As for the family all are doing well. Living at home has been a challenge, and it's not being at home that's the challenge rather just being in a town with the population of a few thousand again. It's like everyone here has cabin fever, and needs a holiday. The kind of friction you don't get in a big city. I'll keep you updated, and try to post more often. I've adopted a new quote to live by, with my recent shift in career goals. I hope you find this as great as I did/do:

In the human heart

new passions are forever being born;

the overthrow of one

almost always means the rise of another.

-Francois de la Rochefoucauld

2010-04-14T16:26:00.003-04:00

I'm heading back to Savannah! Though it's just a weekend trip, I'll be trying to get things worked out for my summer classes. Also, It will be great to see friends. I'll have more updates afterward. I'm also trying to upload pictures of the 6 massive black cows that were in my front yard today that had escaped from my neighbor.

2010-04-06T11:04:00.004-04:00

West Virginia is in the news again. It's sad, that the reason that the people of the world get to see the state is through the lens of tragedy. My thoughts and Prayers go out to the families in Raleigh County. When there's a mining disaster it literally affects the whole state, just because of how many rely on the mining industry. Everyone knows someone who's a miner here. I applaud Governor Manchin for how he handled himself in interviews I've seen, and for the impression he's leaving on the world. Sadly, he may be known by many as the Governor that 'knows mining disasters'-a title that no one should have. As we wait for the final resolution to this recent disaster, I hope that engineers and lawmakers have already begun to formulate ideas on how to make it safer.. be it through legislation or practical mechanics. Below I'm passing on a poem I found. I think it speaks well to the situation here.

Ode to the Men of the Mine

  In that land of valleys,

 that echoed their song,

 brave men would descend,

 down shafts so long.



 Not knowing if they would see,

 the next light of day,

 these men would make, 

 their living this way.



  Tough and rugged, 

were these men of the mine, 

and at home waiting,

 were their woman so fine.



 Hoping beyond hope,

 not to hear,

 that alarm that meant,

 disaster was near. 



 Young lads also worked,

 in that deep dark mine,

 as there lungs filled with dust,

 that killed many with time.



 Working long hour,

 on that cold damp seam,

 as tons of ruck above,

 supported by rafter and beam.



  At shift end,

 ascending tired and black,

 knowing tomorrow,

 they had to go back.



 Working long hours,

 for little pay, 

their eyes now adjusting

 to the light of day.



  These were my ancestors, Grandfather and Dad, 

who's voices sang the songs,

 passed from father to lad.



 Those great voices that filled, 

the valley so loud,

 the men of the mine,

 for whom I'm so proud.

-Del Morgan

Calatrava's Tower for Telefonica

2010-03-30T09:20:00.009-04:00

Santiago Calatrava's radio tower that is on the site of the 1992 Olympic games was more of a sculpture than a Tower.It was a dynamic form that begged to be viewed in the round. The tower was designed for the company Telefonica. It stands on the side of Montjuïc, and is in just behind the Barcelona Pavilion. It has been called "The Olympic Needle", but Calatrava was inspired by an olympian holding the torch high. The tower was constructed with the mosaic technique that Gaudi made famous 'trencadis' in order to tie the project to Barcelona's strong architectural traditions. It also serves as a massive sundial in Europa Square. All of the pictures I took of the tower were at night, and I'm afraid they don't do the tower justice, but rather highlight the great sunset and lights around the project.