It is always a pleasure to add a new book to the reading list over there on the right, and I am able to do so again with The Judgment of Paris by Ross King. As someone interested in art but not particularly educated in the subject, I have certainly always loved the Impressionists, which is about as sophisticated as saying you live in Wisconsin and have a fondness for cheese, and I had heard briefly of the big art exhibits in 19th Century Paris where only traditional works were displayed, and how the salons des refuses came into existence, where non-traditional works could be seen.* This was, the story went, where the Impressionists ended up. As it turns out, the story is much more complicated than that, and much more interesting. King (author of Brunelleschi's Dome, previously touted in these pages) focuses on Manet and Meissonier, tells the history of the times, and with virtually no “theory” brings to the reader a new understanding of the whole shooting match. If you’re at all interested in the subject, or would like to be interested in the subject, this book is where to start.
Meanwhile, the chez floor is covered with the upcoming Red Light District fandango ephemera. We have turned the corner on congress, with enough numbers for a Senate and 2 chambers, so that’s settled. There’s still a few schmegeggies who haven’t clarified their entries, but where we are is where we are. We could use more interps of all persuasions, and the odd OO, but I don’t know where we’re going to get them. I spent a fortune on trophies, perhaps for no good reason, so when all is said and done we should zero out on district finances (I do have a little left over from last year). I got an announcement message from Rippin’ telling me if I had a problem to call the Wunn and Only, but I figure if there’s any problems, I’ll just tap him on the shoulder and save the calling fee. Besides, I’ve never seen anyone get cell service in Scarsdale unless you stand on what is called the bridge, punch the number in with your right hand while rubbing your best friend’s belly with your left hand, all the while balancing on one foot and reciting “The Raven.” In French. Including the naughty bits.
Tonight’s Sailorfest will concentrate on prepping for the RLD fandango, including how to congress, how to extemp (Rule #1, there is no T at the end of the word), and how to pffft. Then some basic (men)ickstitute stuff as time permits.
Oh, yeah. Remind me to talk about the Legion of Doom. Our story continues…
*And, if there was any question, we now have today’s winner of the Longest Sentence Contest.
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