Monthly Archives: January 2008

The Bowes Silver Swan

Posted on January 16, 2008 by cicada

The Bowes Swan; silver fish detail from timetravel-Britain.com There is something primally captivating about the successful reproduction of life in art or technology. The Bowes Silver Swan is a wonderful example, dating back to the 18th century. To the accompaniment … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Museum Lust, Retrotechnology, Wonder Cabinets | 6 Comments

Virginia battles indecent trucks

Posted on January 16, 2008 by cicada

Tragically, the epidemic of hanging artificial genitalia from truck hitches has spread, prompting still more state legislation, this time in Virginia (as I posted in 2007, Maryland already tried to ban them). We are a really bizarre species to find … Continue reading →

Posted in Frivolity | 5 Comments

Poem of the Week: Courage Equal to Desire

Posted on January 14, 2008 by cicada

Because I saw the band last week – they’re not half bad – and no one to whom I mentioned it knew the reference. One of my favorite Yeats poems, written for Maud Gonne, and yes, a good name for … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 3 Comments

London: the Icky Tour

Posted on January 13, 2008 by cicada

Greenhouse, Chelsea Physic Garden As I file away the debris of the last year, I realize that I never finished posting about my week in London this summer. It was exhausting, but by no means exhaustive. I feel foolish that … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Destinations, Museum Lust, Science, Wonder Cabinets | 5 Comments

Andrew Severynko

Posted on January 9, 2008 by cicada

Gourmand, 2002 Andrew Severynko Andrew Severynko‘s website reveals an idiosyncratic mix of pastoral watercolors, mixed media, and metal steampunk beasties. He’s represented by Williams Gallery. via feuilleton

Posted in Artists & Art, Retrotechnology | Comments Off

According to their kind?

Posted on January 6, 2008 by cicada

Untitled (zebras) 2006 charcoal on paper Julie Comnick Yesterday I dropped by Julie Comnick’s new show at the Flashpoint Gallery in DC (Jan 4 – Feb 9). I say “dropped by” because, despite her obvious technical skill, my attention was … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Biology | 7 Comments

Poem of the Week: renewed by death

Posted on January 3, 2008 by cicada

Untitled Nez Perce County, Idaho I am renewed by death, thought of my death, The dry scent of a dying garden in September, The wind fanning the ash of a low fire. What I love is near at hand, Always, … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 3 Comments

Heart on your sleeve; address on your hand

Posted on January 1, 2008 by cicada

Glove map of London, 1851, by George Shove. Printed map on leather. Long before Googlemaps on an iPhone or handheld GPS devices, there was the very analog Victorian Glove Map. How cool is this? via Mapping the Marvellous

Posted in Ephemera, Museum Lust | 2 Comments