Rudd - iculous *

Federal Australian politics has done it again. And again, I am vexed. I continue to have little faith or respect for our current politicians. We have changed Prime Minister more often than I have changed my car, my house, or even my coffee machine for that matter. Ridiculous.

ALP
A few simple facts.
In 2007, you vote for Kevin and got Julia.
In 2010, you vote for Julia and got Kevin.
If you vote for the Labor Party in 2013, who knows who you will end up with?

Like father, like son *

"Our test of truth is a reference 

to either a present or imagined future majority 

in favour of our view."

Junior, one of the most cited legal scholars in the 20th Century: 

an American jurist and Associate Supreme Court Justice. 

Senior, arguably one of the best writers in the 19th Century: 

an American physician and Fireside poet. 

Oliver Wendell Holmes

Both Harvard alumni. 

Both enshrined in history as leaders of their respective fields.

And both,

an inspiration.

The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum *

Towards the artificially lit terrace of a popular coffee house,  facing south, into the enforced darkness of the rue du Palais. Beyond this is the now Musée Lapidaire. Towards the right Van Gogh indicated a lighted shop and some branches of the surrounding trees surrounding, yet he omitted the remainder of some Roman monuments. Being the first painting in which he featured starry backgrounds, Van Gogh mentioned the Café Terrace painting in a letter written to Eugène Boch on 2 October 1888.

Arles, September 1888

Jesting Pilate *

"'What is truth?" said jesting Pilate, 

and would not stay for an answer." 

I have not forgotten that when Pilate said this 

he was about to leave the judgment hall.

                                 - Sir Owen Dixon

Sir Owen Dixon was a Justice of the High Court from 1929 until 1952 when he was appointed Chief Justice. He was sworn in as Chief Justice at a sitting of the Full Court in Sydney on 21 April 1952. "Jesting Pilate" is an expression derived from Bacon's Essay on Truth and it also bears the name of my latest treasure. Finally I may devote time for some leisurely reading to learn from one of Australia's legal greats... 

Hemingway *

"Things may not be immediately discernible in what a man writes, 
and in this sometimes he is fortunate; 

but eventually they are quite clear 

and by these and the degree of alchemy that he possesses 

he will endure or be forgotten.

Writing, at its best, is a lonely life.

For he does his work alone and if he is a good enough writer 

he must face eternity, or the lack of it, each day.

...

[A] new beginning where he tries again for something that is beyond attainment. 

He should always try for something that has never been done 

or that others have tried and failed. 

Then sometimes, with great luck, he will succeed.

I have spoken too long for a writer. 

A writer should write what he has to say and not speak it."

                               

                                              - 1954 Nobel Acceptance Speech

Sacrificing privacy for Liberty *

In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, a TIME/CNN/ORC poll released on 1 May 2013 concluded that the American people who were surveyed are far more concerned about civil liberties than the need for new law enforcement measures to prevent future attacks. Given a choice, 61% of Americans are concerned that new anti-terrorism policies restrict civil liberties, as opposed to 31% who worry that the government may fail to introduce strong anti-terrorism policies. 

Indeed, it seems we are entering a Time of homeland insecurity.

TIME 1 May 2013

Illustration: Ji Lee

Background: Martin Lladó

Thomas Jefferson *

"Determine never to be idle.

No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time

who never loses any.

It is wonderful how much may be done

if we are always doing."

The two sides to Thomas Jefferson.
All men are created equal - 
but are they really?
A distinguishing factor is one's determination & discipline.
No time for mundane, only time for essentials.
Give time, invaluable time.

Mather Brown, 1786

The dark side of Thomas Jefferson

Charis Tsevis, 2012

Of mind, logic and tradition *

From the archives, a random note I had written four years ago. Apart from realising how old I am (it has finally dawned on me- I am in my "mid-twenties"), it was fascinating to see my perspective of life at the age of 21.

...

"Theoretical underpinnings of great minds.
Irrespective of age, intelligence, race or gender
Everyone has something to offer...

A collaboration of writings
by great minds
is the starting point.
To search for knowledge and eventually you shall find

one’s strengths (and weaknesses) can be dictated by standards
a product of social norms,
or in the alternative,
created by the wisdom of past experiences.

Whether it be by
the logic of reasoning,
the fuel of motivation,
or the innocence of tradition."

- 5 August 2009

Sistine Chapel ceiling *

At the commission of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo c.1508-1512 painted this extraordinary masterpiece which represents the cornerstone of High Renaissance Art. It cloaks the mystique & secrecy of Papal Conclaves.