What I'm Reading

I'm half way through The Help. So far it's a good story and an easy read. However, it seems that it universalizes its characters and the groups they represent. But that's all I'm going to say about that! We're discussing this book in book club in a few weeks, so I'll save the discussion for then!

A Proper Update

Are airplanes not amazing? Reading books such as My Life in France remind me of the ease of present transportation choices.  While there are things -- such as volcanoes -- that deter the ease of traveling, for the most part, traveling from Europe to the US is no big deal.  For this, I'm thankful!

Monday evening I arrived in DC and spent the following 24-hours with my mom enjoying the high life. I have now replaced my drowned Macbook, made a few other purchases, and ate some distinctly American food. It's been a lot of fun catching up with my parents and running into old friends here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For now I'm at a local little coffee shop writing an article on a decision the Supreme Court issued today on the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. It's a tangled mess of opinions, with hardly a justice concurring with the next justice. However, this cup of Joe is helping me wade through the mess. (A fun and interesting mess!) But what I'm really looking forward to tonight is grilling turkey burgers.

Grilling.

What a novel thing! However, when your only choice as to how to make a steak is atop a stove, the very thought of grilling is enough to make you salivate.

And tonight -- we're getting our grilling on. Grill + warm temps = bliss.

Happy Tuesday!

Definitely the best song to get stuck in your head on a random Tuesday:

And if anyone can bust out with those moves in their cubicle, please do video it and send me a copy!

No End in Sight

MBA and I recently watched No End in Sight, a documentary mainly on the reconstruction of Iraq after the invasion. I realize I'm a few years behind on this documentary since it was released in 2007. Nonetheless, it's still an important work. Regardless with whether or not you agree with the war or the ideas expressed in the film, you'll walk away from the film better equipped to think about the issues surrounding the Iraq war and the US government's involvement in it.

Roger Scruton - View from Somewhere

Yesterday I had the distinct pleasure of hearing philosopher and public intellectual, Roger Scruton, give a lecture at St. Andrews University as part of the 2010 Gifford Lecture Series. Here's a link to the lecture entitled 'View from Somewhere.'

For another perspective on the mind of Scruton, here's a video he did as part of a series for the BBC on the Beauty of Art:


* While shown on public television in Great Britain, this video is not suited for children.

Oxford in Pictures

Wycliffe Hall

North Parade Avenue, Oxford (also called Chalk Street???)

At the Eagle and Child. If you want to sit at the Inklings' booth, breakfast is a great time to go! No one is there!

 Covered Market

We saw lots of Morris Dancers out in Oxford. How fun!

Christ Church - this is where MBA's supervisor was up until the year before we came to Britian.

Christ Church is an amazing college. However, I think I prefer living in Edinburgh.

The Exam Halls

Radcliffe Camera from the Ground

We then climbed this:

To see this:

Well worth the climb!

Such a beautiful, historic place. And the weather cooperated, too! 

Congratulations Hilary!

Hilary recently landed the role of Patti Simcox in Grease. So exciting! Who doesn't love a little Grease lightning?!?! Congratulations Hilary!

Camus

"Now the only moral value is courage, which is useful here for judging the puppets and chatterboxes who pretend to speak in the name of the people." - Albert Camus (in reference to the French collaboration of Nazi occupiers in France during World War II)

The Full Report

Saturday afternoon we left Oxford and headed to neighboring village Abingdon for our dear friends' wedding. It was such a splendid celebration!

Abingdon Baptist Church

Bride and Groom Exiting the Church

 Hard at Work Blowing Bubbles over the Newlyweds

Carriage pulled by Spanish Horses

Bride and Groom off to the Tea Reception

Graham & Nathalie

MBA & Moi

We then walked to the Tea Reception

I wish I had taken this instead:

Isn't it cute?!?!

 Look at the little fellow in morning dress! Precious!

The Tea Reception was held at the Abbey Guildhall.

Drinks & Sandwiches Here

Cake was Outside

Mother of the Groom with Grandson

Bride and Groom with their Parents

Nathalie, Lauren, & Me

We were then coached over to the Bodleian Library for the following reception:

With the Bride & Groom!

Lobby where there was the Drinks Reception 

We then went on guided private tours of the Bodleian Library. I wish I could show you pictures, but we weren't allowed to take them!

I did sneak into the hall where the Dinner Reception was:

Pretty Amazing!

We were soon seated and then the speeches began. The speeches are a very special part of the traditional wedding day in Great Britain. They are usually given by the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man. Here's a picture of Simon giving his masterful speech:

 The speech was humorous, touching, and inspiring. Very well done!

 

Then we bid the lovely couple adieu and they were off to their honeymoon!

Their wedding was such a thoughtful demonstration of their love to one another and of all the interests and values they hold dearly. It was a such delight to celebrate with them on their wedding day!