The month of July was quite an eclectic one. Summer school progressed well. French was a breeze as expected, almost painfully so. It was quite a test of endurance day in and day out to survive terrible accents, the over exuberance of the teacher and all around disdain for summer school. Having friends is a great thing though, and makes the whole experience quite a bit more bearable. American Government and Politics was really quite intriguing and has inspired me to write a series of editorials in the autumn concerning the basic foundations of the American political system.
Shortly after returning home from the Fling I had the opportunity to spend an evening with a long lost friend. Matthew S. and I attended the same Spanish class before I moved to Switzerland and he and his family moved up to Washington. We got some Mongolian Barbeque (which he had never had before) and then went long boarding in my old neighborhood. We finished off the evening with chocolate shake from In N Out. It was good to catch up with him and just being able to hang out and skate.
Through out the course of July Matt W and Luke H frequented my back patio in evenings of discussion and comradery. Matt and I have begun to make a habit of buying those delicious hand-rolled cigars from one of the Local tobacco shops, returning to the patio and discussing all manner of topics from faith and religion to politics and society as far as women and relationships, all amidst the silky veils of that fine tobacco. We then have also added to our tradition a stop at In N Out to finish off the night. A most memorable moment the first time we all gathered there, having ordered and received our food we sat down. Matt, having examined the bounty that lay before for him, promptly exclaimed: "I can't believe $9.22 can get you so much food!"
Around the end of the month I was afforded the opportunity to aid a friend in moving. Don J and his family (who I know from church and working at the Mall) moved cross country. Don had given me some labor in January before I was formally employed, and I figured I owe him the favor as well as applying the principles or reciprocity and neighborliness. I gained from this labor, much like one of the Labors of Hercules, a pair of nice Aviator shades
The month was not all good though. Lyle Sladek, a World War II veteran, Math genius and a few other things besides, passed away. I first met him at a young age, during the hay day of my fascination with the Second World War. His daughter wrote a book, "Lucky Stars and Gold Bars" about his experiences leading up to and during his service as a US Army cryptologist in the Pacific and European theaters of the war.
I also got to visit Chloe R and her family out in Lancaster in an attempt to help them renovate a house that they own there. The day and a half spent there was well worth it and very much enjoyable.
I believe that covers the best part of my July. Ah I almost quite forgot! I was able to spend copious amounts of time watching television series of all manner in July. Breaking Bad, first and foremost of which was and still is really very well done, very dramatic, rather graphic and very very intense. The Big Bang Theory is very funny, though the bulk of the scientifically humorous jokes are to be found in the first two seasons. Tim Allen's Last Man Standing is a good natured, well rounded family Sitcom in which Tim is the face of "Outdoor Man" a fictional outdoor gear shop. He is married, and has three daughters. It is very reminiscent of "Home Improvement" but is more focused on his family and their interactions with each other and the rest of the world. Lastly I had begun watching "Falling Skies" a post apocalyptic drama follwing a group of rebel survivors after an alien race has invaded the planet, killed 90% of the population and begun "harnassing" children and teenagers, and using the harnassed kids to do their bidding. All around well executed and a Sci Fi show one can really get immersed in. That then encompasses my "Dog Days" of summer!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
The Fantastic Finale (Part 5)
Saturday June 23rd, we all arrived bleary eyed and terribly tired, bright and early to listen to the last three papers. It began with Ms Allison H and her exploration of Life and Death. Next was Ms Teal S and her Divine Drama. Lastly, was Ms Abigail J's The Journey which described as a whole the experiences, life and times of a GBT student, following his/her journey through the wonderful world of the Great Books, one year at a time.
Lunch again, a plentiful feast of a potluck. And for one last time I was able to cut my way through the line on account of the theatrical production that was to be performed later in the evening. We did a complete run through of the play and thankfully I had 95% of my lines down cold. It was great fun being able to a part of this great production.
After play practice was choir practice, thereafter was the Recital and Choir Performance. I however was in no mood, mind nor state to attend this performances though by all accounts the were quite delightful and well executed. I caught some much needed sleep and then returned to the Great Hall to prepare for the play. The picture from the previous night were laid out on tables in the hall and thus began the tradition of having everyone signing each others pictures and leaving notes and memories form the past 4 epic days.
This particular piece of theater was penned by Alyssa and Ashley C, and Annabel C (The first two are sisters, all three are classmates). It is entitled "A Shadowing" and tells the story of a village in which the church has recently been burned to the ground. All of the key figures and inhabitants of the village are meant to represent certain characters and authors within/of the Great Books. I had the high honor to portray "Mr. Wizard" who was really the Rector of the parish church in disguise. He was the catalyst in the search for the arsonist "Flesyth Wonk". The Rector though is based of Blaise Pascal, French Mathematician and Philosopher. The play was great fun and performed well, without any major calamity (that is, as far as I know). The three authors then took questions from the crowd.
When all was said and done, the moment we had all been anticipating. Our graduation. Mr H read then a blessing from the book of Proverbs and then prayed for us. As is ETS tradition we were bestowed with a token of our achievement, a round box. Carved in the lid is a geometric pattern of particular beauty. On the inside of the lid 4 words are engraved: "Love, Mercy, Truth, Justice". Love and Justice are on opposite sides as are Love and Truth, which is a reflection of the nature of the 2 pairs. Within the box itself is a half moon shaped extra storage area with two compartments. The bottom of the box is engraved with "GBT V 2012". In the middle is a small brass plaque bearing the ETS logo. Comic relief was provided when at a loss of words and struck with emotion Mr. H said simply: "Its tradition to give the graduating V-ers a box. So.... here's a box, we've never quite figured out what you should or could do with it, but here it is" Mr H then congratulated each one of us down the line, and gave us each a box. Just when he thought the emotional part was done, we bade Mr H. wait as we had some gifts for him. Mr C (Ashley and Alyssa's father) had a big brass circle made. I also was of a geometric figure spotted by both Mr H. and Mr. C in Italy two years ago. On the lines of the figure are engraved our favorite quotes from each year of GBT I through V. Christina L. had also organized a book in which all of us V-ers who wanted to could write a letter or make a collage of our GBT experience to give to Mr. H. Mr. H was awestruck, at a loss for words and teary eyed. With this we ended the evening and the Fling with a final bout of song including the Marines hymn, the National Anthem, and Mozart's "Dies Irae" (a personal favorite). We then milled about, said our good-byes and went on our separate ways.
There had been previously some talk of going to the local In N Out, which we promptly did, well that is, Brandon P. and I met up with Cassie A., Danny I. and Teal S. waiting for some others to arrive. They took their time in coming which gave me an excellent opportunity to get to know Brandon better. We finally parted ways and I returned to the Welk Resort thoroughly exhausted.
Lunch again, a plentiful feast of a potluck. And for one last time I was able to cut my way through the line on account of the theatrical production that was to be performed later in the evening. We did a complete run through of the play and thankfully I had 95% of my lines down cold. It was great fun being able to a part of this great production.
After play practice was choir practice, thereafter was the Recital and Choir Performance. I however was in no mood, mind nor state to attend this performances though by all accounts the were quite delightful and well executed. I caught some much needed sleep and then returned to the Great Hall to prepare for the play. The picture from the previous night were laid out on tables in the hall and thus began the tradition of having everyone signing each others pictures and leaving notes and memories form the past 4 epic days.
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| Rector in the Play |
This particular piece of theater was penned by Alyssa and Ashley C, and Annabel C (The first two are sisters, all three are classmates). It is entitled "A Shadowing" and tells the story of a village in which the church has recently been burned to the ground. All of the key figures and inhabitants of the village are meant to represent certain characters and authors within/of the Great Books. I had the high honor to portray "Mr. Wizard" who was really the Rector of the parish church in disguise. He was the catalyst in the search for the arsonist "Flesyth Wonk". The Rector though is based of Blaise Pascal, French Mathematician and Philosopher. The play was great fun and performed well, without any major calamity (that is, as far as I know). The three authors then took questions from the crowd.
 |
| Top of Lid |
When all was said and done, the moment we had all been anticipating. Our graduation. Mr H read then a blessing from the book of Proverbs and then prayed for us. As is ETS tradition we were bestowed with a token of our achievement, a round box. Carved in the lid is a geometric pattern of particular beauty. On the inside of the lid 4 words are engraved: "Love, Mercy, Truth, Justice". Love and Justice are on opposite sides as are Love and Truth, which is a reflection of the nature of the 2 pairs. Within the box itself is a half moon shaped extra storage area with two compartments. The bottom of the box is engraved with "GBT V 2012". In the middle is a small brass plaque bearing the ETS logo. Comic relief was provided when at a loss of words and struck with emotion Mr. H said simply: "Its tradition to give the graduating V-ers a box. So.... here's a box, we've never quite figured out what you should or could do with it, but here it is" Mr H then congratulated each one of us down the line, and gave us each a box. Just when he thought the emotional part was done, we bade Mr H. wait as we had some gifts for him. Mr C (Ashley and Alyssa's father) had a big brass circle made. I also was of a geometric figure spotted by both Mr H. and Mr. C in Italy two years ago. On the lines of the figure are engraved our favorite quotes from each year of GBT I through V. Christina L. had also organized a book in which all of us V-ers who wanted to could write a letter or make a collage of our GBT experience to give to Mr. H. Mr. H was awestruck, at a loss for words and teary eyed. With this we ended the evening and the Fling with a final bout of song including the Marines hymn, the National Anthem, and Mozart's "Dies Irae" (a personal favorite). We then milled about, said our good-byes and went on our separate ways.
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| Lid and inside of Box |
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| Me and Mr H |
Saturday, August 4, 2012
The Penultimate Paean (Part 4)
Friday morning heralded an air of excitement that is second to none at the fling, for Friday is the day of the Great Ball. The morning was like the rest with paper presentations beginning with Ms Alyssa C. and her captivating narrative "The Altar". Next up was Ms Cassie A. and her persuasive paper "Putting Christ Back on the Throne". Finally was Ms Anne W. and her paper "The Extremity of Good".
Midday signified lunch as it always had, and yet again us play people were called center stage to practice practice practice. During all these rehearsals I got to know Reed B better. He and I had two critical scenes together. Reed is a III-er and quite the accomplished Hipster. It is truly a pleasure to number him among my friends. The part he portrayed is that of a young, idealistic Architect who envisions creating a new, flawless mode of architecture. My part is that of the Rector of the village parish who knows more then he lets on.
After play practice was a free afternoon in which I retired to the Welk resort and took a much needed and very relaxing swim, and then got ready for the moment everyone had been waiting for, the great ball.
First though, was the family and student photo session, in which each family and each student received a photo of themselves all dressed up nice and neat.
Before the dance all the family's were obliged to introduce themselves. The Dance began as it always does (these things are deeply rooted in a longstanding tradition) with the Grand March. Music is provided by on hand talent form the student body as well as much of the Host's family. I had the pleasure of dancing with Rachelle, with was great fun and full of laughter.
Next was my favorite, the Virginia Reel, followed by the Saint Andrews Cross Reel. At this point I made my way to the patio to take a break as I felt disinclined to participate the Postee's jig or the Greek dancing, not that my terpsichorean abilities are in need of improvement nor am I incapable of dancing either, I felt no desire to do so. There were many other dances as the night progressed including the Waltz and Swing. At 22:00 the official part of the evening drew to a close, but the night was far from over.
By around 22:30 everyone had assembled at the local Denny's. Yes, this is the infamous post Ball Denny's invasion. If our Host Mr. H actually knew just how many of us go to Denny's, he'd be quite shocked to say the least. It was great fun as the exhaustion of the past 3 days came to a head. Breakfast food at midnight really is the best way to go! I don' think anyone got to bed before 01:00.
'Twas a night to be remembered!
Midday signified lunch as it always had, and yet again us play people were called center stage to practice practice practice. During all these rehearsals I got to know Reed B better. He and I had two critical scenes together. Reed is a III-er and quite the accomplished Hipster. It is truly a pleasure to number him among my friends. The part he portrayed is that of a young, idealistic Architect who envisions creating a new, flawless mode of architecture. My part is that of the Rector of the village parish who knows more then he lets on.
After play practice was a free afternoon in which I retired to the Welk resort and took a much needed and very relaxing swim, and then got ready for the moment everyone had been waiting for, the great ball.
First though, was the family and student photo session, in which each family and each student received a photo of themselves all dressed up nice and neat.
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| Fling picture 2012 |
Next was my favorite, the Virginia Reel, followed by the Saint Andrews Cross Reel. At this point I made my way to the patio to take a break as I felt disinclined to participate the Postee's jig or the Greek dancing, not that my terpsichorean abilities are in need of improvement nor am I incapable of dancing either, I felt no desire to do so. There were many other dances as the night progressed including the Waltz and Swing. At 22:00 the official part of the evening drew to a close, but the night was far from over.
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| Wesley and I |
'Twas a night to be remembered!
The Captivating Continuation (Part 3)
Arriving fashionably late seems to be my Modus Operandi. In the morning we were all present and accounted for, all dressed in our Sunday best, if not better. We are after all GBT V-ers and must not only set an example to those poor III-ers and I-ers but also as a show of respect and support for each other as we faced this final trial, one-by-one. First up was Ms Christina L, and her paper "Greatness in the Looking Glass". Next up, Ms Ashley C who explored "The Paradox of Lordship and Bondage". and the last paper of the morning was Ms Chloé R with her examination of "The Beautiful Soul". All the papers were presented and defended well and by 12:00 we were all quite ready for lunch.
Again the theater people had a get food first pass, though I had left my all important Greek card in my vest which was at the time slung over a chair in my bedroom. I had however befriended many of the "Greek Checkers" who were to check one's Greek skills before one could eat. The food, which was a potluck every day was always fantastic. Having persuaded one of the Greek checkers to let me through so I might eat before play practice began, I piled my plate high with all manner of deliciousness and proceeded to the front of the hall where the practices were held. Mrs H, (with whom Wesley was staying) was directing the play and has a lot of experience in the theater arts. After a two hour play practice, I must confess I still hadn't had my lines down completely. Nevertheless play practice went well and I really love the part I was to portray.
After play practice various GBT Alumni presented what they had been doing academically and other wise since graduating GBT, and how GBT has shaped their lives in the "real world". All the presentations were interesting. I can't wait to see where all of my Graduating class winds up, call me an Idealist, but I feel we'll all go far, I see such great potential.
We then sang and contemplated gratitude for the best part of an hour until 15:30 arrived when the legendary Septathalon was at hand. All the men then assembled on one side of the driveway while the women arranged themselves from youngest to oldest and beginning with the youngest had their choice of male partner for the up coming games. Now I had the fortune of making ms Hannah B's acquaintance back in April at the Full Moon Dance. We had since caught up within the past few days or so and I had the conspicuous honor of being her companion during the up coming herculean challenges. There was a medley of activities from Soccer to Speed Chess, Interpretive Dancing to Croquet. After an exhausting hour and a half, we came to the end of the games. due to the way the points were added and subtracted based on performance, Ms Hannah and I ended up with only one point, though there were many other groups that were many a point into the negative. Wesley in fact one with some 56 odd points.
After dinner at the local Chipotle, we watched and discussed the Italian dramedy (dramatic comedy) "La Vita E Bella" (Life Is Beautiful). During this time I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Ms Rachelle K, a GBT III-er who shares much of the same sense of humor as I.
After the film Wesley and I went back to our lodgings.
Yet another wholly successful and wholly exhausting day of fun and fellowship.
Again the theater people had a get food first pass, though I had left my all important Greek card in my vest which was at the time slung over a chair in my bedroom. I had however befriended many of the "Greek Checkers" who were to check one's Greek skills before one could eat. The food, which was a potluck every day was always fantastic. Having persuaded one of the Greek checkers to let me through so I might eat before play practice began, I piled my plate high with all manner of deliciousness and proceeded to the front of the hall where the practices were held. Mrs H, (with whom Wesley was staying) was directing the play and has a lot of experience in the theater arts. After a two hour play practice, I must confess I still hadn't had my lines down completely. Nevertheless play practice went well and I really love the part I was to portray.
After play practice various GBT Alumni presented what they had been doing academically and other wise since graduating GBT, and how GBT has shaped their lives in the "real world". All the presentations were interesting. I can't wait to see where all of my Graduating class winds up, call me an Idealist, but I feel we'll all go far, I see such great potential.
We then sang and contemplated gratitude for the best part of an hour until 15:30 arrived when the legendary Septathalon was at hand. All the men then assembled on one side of the driveway while the women arranged themselves from youngest to oldest and beginning with the youngest had their choice of male partner for the up coming games. Now I had the fortune of making ms Hannah B's acquaintance back in April at the Full Moon Dance. We had since caught up within the past few days or so and I had the conspicuous honor of being her companion during the up coming herculean challenges. There was a medley of activities from Soccer to Speed Chess, Interpretive Dancing to Croquet. After an exhausting hour and a half, we came to the end of the games. due to the way the points were added and subtracted based on performance, Ms Hannah and I ended up with only one point, though there were many other groups that were many a point into the negative. Wesley in fact one with some 56 odd points.
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| Wesley and I being picked for the Septathlon |
After the film Wesley and I went back to our lodgings.
Yet another wholly successful and wholly exhausting day of fun and fellowship.
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