San Francisco Bay Daily Photo

Série du Pont de Dimanche XCVIII

2012-01-29T00:01:00.023+01:00

Sunday Bridges
Pont de la Tournelle, Paris
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The location of the Pont de la Tournelle is the site of successive structures.
The first, a wooden bridge, was built during le moyen Âges. This bridge connected the Eastern bank of la Seine (le quai Saint-Bernard) to l'île Saint-Louis. It was subsequently washed away by a flood on 21 January 1651. A stone bridge was erected in its place in 1658. It was demolished in 1918 and replaced by the current bridge in 1928, after it suffered several natural disasters, especially the flood of 1910.
The Pont de la Tournelle was intentionally built lacking symmetry, in order to emphasize the shapeless landscape in the part of the Seine that it bestrides. Consisting of a grand central arch that links the riverbanks via two smaller arches, one on each side, it's decorated on the Eastern bank with a pylon built on the left pier's cutwater, and a statue of St. Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, atop of the pylon, designed by Polish-French monumental sculptor Paul Landowski.
The term "Tournelle" traces its origin to a square turret (tourelle in French) constructed at the end of the 12th Century on the nearby fortress of Phillipe Auguste.

Le psaume de dimanche

2012-01-28T21:00:00.019+01:00

Sunday PsalmPsalm 46

• • •

Psalm 46
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come and see what the LORD has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields[d] with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
• • •

Sunday Psalm is hosted by Daily Athens and Katney's Kaboodle

Weekend Reflections

2012-01-28T06:01:00.001+01:00

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See all the other contributors to James' Weekend Reflections

Le vendredi «Sky Watch»

2012-01-27T13:50:00.000+01:00

Sky Watch Friday

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See the Sky Watch Friday entries from around the globe!

Hoover Institution, Stanford University

2012-01-26T06:01:00.050+01:00

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This tower, one of the famous landmarks of Stanford University, is at the Hoover Institution, one of the premier Conservative "Think Tanks" in the U.S. Founded by the late president Herbert Hoover, members have included Victor Davis Hanson, Thomas Sowell, Condoleeza Rice (who somehow managed to turn out to be an Islamic apologist rather than a Conservative thinker) and George Shultz.

This photo was taken from the Quad at Stanford, near the famous Rodin sculpture, Burghers of Calais.
• • •
The Answer to yesterday's Qu'est-ce que c'est?

One week ago yesterday, «Louis» had his left knee replaced at Stanford University Hospital.

What you see here is an ultrasound image of an anesthesia needle (center right margin of photo) being used to deliver anesthesia directly to the soon-to-be-removed knee.
The operation went well and, as the Surgeon, Dr. James Huddleston, promised, «Louis» was up and walking the next day.

Two anecdotes from the procedure:

1) Surgery patients, when they come to the Recovery Room, are offered the free use of an Apple iPad while in recovery. Stanford Hospital and Clinics offer a free (and strong) WiFi signal. With Palo Alto being the "capital" of Silicon Valley, Stanford knows its demographics!

2) To «Louis'» surprise and delight, when he woke up in the Recovery Room, his Neurologist, Dr. Michael McQuillen was there to see him. Dr. McQuillen had no direct interest in «Louis'» knee replacement, but has been working with «Louis» on other issues. Nonetheless, Dr. McQuillen wanted to see how «Louis'» knee replacement had gone.

It is always pleasing to «Louis» when Dr. McQuillen checks his reflexes with the little triangular hammer and the Doctor announces that he is pleased to find that «Louis» is not a knee-jerk leftist.

Mercredi Sans Mots

2012-01-25T13:39:00.001+01:00

Wordless Wednesday
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See all the other participants in Wordless Wednesday HERE.• • •
Qu'est-ce que c'est?

Hints:
• This image was taken one week ago today.
• It does involve «Louis la Vache»
• No animals, «Louis» included, were harmed.

Answer: à demain.

Mardi Rouge

2012-01-24T13:49:00.002+01:00

Ruby Tuesday
(a.k.a. Red Sports Car Day at Chez la Vache!)
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More proof of the alternate LAW that not ALL RED sports cars MUST be ITALIAN, is this rare 1937 Jaguar SS100. The SS100 is a British 2-seat sports car built between 1936 and 1940 by SS Cars Ltd of Coventry, England. The last one is thought to have been delivered in 1941. In 1936 the name Jaguar was given to a new saloon car (that's sedan to all you Yanks) and from then on to all the cars SS produced. Following the Second World War, because of the connotations then attached to the initials ""SS", the company was renamed Jaguar. In the case of Jaguar, the "SS" stood for Swallow Sidecar - the company got its start building sidecars for motorcycles.

Portes de Lundi XXXVI

2012-01-23T15:43:00.001+01:00

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The golf club bag door on this fabulous 1936 Packard Twelve is our doorway for this Monday!
• • •

Série du Pont de Dimanche XCVII

2012-01-22T01:46:00.000+01:00

Sunday Bridges

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Le psaume de dimanche

2012-01-21T11:16:00.003+01:00

Sunday Psalm
• • •
1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme
as I recite my verses for the king;
my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

2 You are the most excellent of men
and your lips have been anointed with grace,
since God has blessed you forever.

3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one;
clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.
4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously
in the cause of truth, humility and justice;
let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.
5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies;
let the nations fall beneath your feet.
6 Your throne, O God,[c] will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.
8 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
from palaces adorned with ivory
the music of the strings makes you glad.
9 Daughters of kings are among your honored women;
at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.

10 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention:
Forget your people and your father’s house.
11 Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord.
12 The city of Tyre will come with a gift,[d]
people of wealth will seek your favor.
13 All glorious is the princess within her chamber;
her gown is interwoven with gold.
14 In embroidered garments she is led to the king;
her virgin companions follow her—
those brought to be with her.
15 Led in with joy and gladness,
they enter the palace of the king.

16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers;
you will make them princes throughout the land.

17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;
therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.
• • •

Sunday Psalm is hosted by Daily Athens and Katney's Kaboodle

Weekend Reflections

2012-01-21T03:01:00.001+01:00

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See all the other contributors to James' Weekend Reflections

Le vendredi «Sky Watch»

2012-01-20T03:01:00.001+01:00

Sky Watch Friday

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See the Sky Watch Friday entries from around the globe!

La pluie

2012-01-19T06:01:00.002+01:00

Rain

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Mercredi Sans Mots

2012-01-18T11:59:00.000+01:00

Wordless Wednesday
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See all the other participants in Wordless Wednesday HERE.

Mardi Rouge

2012-01-17T15:00:00.000+01:00

Ruby Tuesday
(a.k.a. Red Sports Car Day at Chez la Vache!)

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More proof of the alternate LAW that not ALL RED sports cars MUST be ITALIAN, is this 1957 Ford Thunderbird. Ford introduced the two seat Thunderbird in 1955 in response to Chevrolet's Corvette. Most people, «Louis» included, consider the '57 to be the best of the two seat T-Birds. For 1958, Ford took the T-Bird in a new direction by introducing a four passenger Thunderbird, launching a new concept, the personal luxury car.

Portes de Lundi XXXV

2012-01-16T07:39:00.000+01:00

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At Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, the doors of Stanford Memorial Church hide in the shadows. Note the mural across the front of the building. This gives «Louis» an excuse to link to Carolyn's Monday Murals. Here are views of the interior of the church:

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• • •

Weekend Reflections

2012-01-14T13:02:00.000+01:00

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Le vendredi «Sky Watch»

2012-01-13T11:38:00.000+01:00

Sky Watch Friday

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See the Sky Watch Friday entries from around the globe!

Fourth Street, Berkeley

2012-01-12T12:50:00.000+01:00

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The holiday street lights are still up on the chi-chi shopping-dining district Fourth Street in Berkeley.

Mercredi Sans Mots

2012-01-11T13:24:00.000+01:00

Wordless Wednesday

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See all the other participants in Wordless Wednesday HERE.

Mardi Rouge

2012-01-10T14:16:00.001+01:00

Ruby Tuesday

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Continuing with the theme that there evidently is a law requiring all Italian sports cars to be RED, we present as further evidence this RED Ferrari which was a participant in the Orinda Car Show last Autumn.

See more Ruby Tuesday entries HERE.

Portes de Lundi XXXIV

2012-01-09T17:49:00.000+01:00

Monday Doorways

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St. Mark's Lutheran Church, San Francisco, is the oldest continuing Lutheran parish west of the Mississippi River. The parish was founded in 1849 during the California Gold Rush. The original site of the parish was at Stockton and O'Farrell Streets, where Macy's west coast flagship store is now located. The current building, at 1111 O'Farrell, was finished in 1897. At the time, it was on the extreme western edge of San Francisco. Golden Gate Park had not yet been created, nor had new housing west of the church created the Richmond or Sunset Districts. The church's German heritage is indicated in the glass windows above the doors: "St. Marcus Kirche" being among the colored glass decor in the windows.

The church survived the 1906 earthquake and fire - barely. The building suffered only minor damage in the earthquake, but was nearly destroyed by the firemen trying to stop the western advance of the flames. The firemen placed dynamite charges around the church, preparing to blow it up. The pastor of the church begged the firemen to try the fire hydrant across from the church. The firemen insisted that the earthquake had broken all the water pipes and that the hydrant wouldn't work. The pastor and the firemen nearly came to blows over it, but the firemen finally agreed to try the nearby hydrant. To their great surprise and to the pastor's great relief, the hydrant worked and the church building was saved. The basement of the church was then used as a soup kitchen and infirmary for quake victims.

In the 1989 earthquake, St. Mark's suffered much more damage. A beautiful chandelier donated by sugar heiress Alma Spreckles fell in the nave and the building itself took quite a structural hit.

The parish embarked on a long and expensive project to seismically upgrade the building and restore the interior. Also, earthquake aside, the organ was in poor repair, so the decision was made to replace the organ.

The exterior design of the church is rather stern and imposing, as witnessed in the photo below.

During the restoration, the original interior finishes were uncovered. In contrast to the stern exterior, the interior was soft and warm. The restored nave was finished in the original colors, but California seismic rules proscribed the Spreckles chandelier from being re-installed.

The new organ is a tracker organ is modeled after the organ played by another Lutheran organist of note: Johann Sebastian Bach at St. Thomas Kirche, Leipzig.

• • •

Série du Pont de Dimanche XCV

2012-01-07T14:52:00.000+01:00

Sunday Bridges

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Le psaume de dimanche

2012-01-07T14:37:00.000+01:00

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 41
For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;
the LORD delivers them in times of trouble.
2 The LORD protects and preserves them—
they are counted among the blessed in the land—
he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.
3 The LORD sustains them on their sickbed
and restores them from their bed of illness.

4 I said, “Have mercy on me, LORD;
heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
5 My enemies say of me in malice,
“When will he die and his name perish?”
6 When one of them comes to see me,
he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander;
then he goes out and spreads it around.

7 All my enemies whisper together against me;
they imagine the worst for me, saying,
8 “A vile disease has afflicted him;
he will never get up from the place where he lies.”
9 Even my close friend,
someone I trusted,
one who shared my bread,
has turned against me.

10 But may you have mercy on me, LORD;
raise me up, that I may repay them.
11 I know that you are pleased with me,
for my enemy does not triumph over me.
12 Because of my integrity you uphold me
and set me in your presence forever.

13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.
(Please note: last week, we posted Psalm 42 by mistake - we should have posted Psalm 41.
Next week we will be back on the correct cycle with Psalm 43.

• • •

Sunday Psalm is hosted by Daily Athens and Katney's Kaboodle

Weekend Reflections

2012-01-07T14:23:00.001+01:00

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Le vendredi «Sky Watch»

2012-01-06T13:58:00.000+01:00

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See the Sky Watch Friday entries from around the globe!

Études dans bleu et rose

2012-01-05T06:28:00.000+01:00

Studies in Blue and Rose

Mercredi Sans Mots

2012-01-04T13:02:00.000+01:00

Wordless Wednesday

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See all the other participants in Wordless Wednesday HERE.

Mardi Rouge

2012-01-03T05:53:00.001+01:00

Ruby Tuesday
(a.k.a. Red Sports Car Day at Chez la Vache!)

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More proof of the alternate LAW that not ALL RED sports cars MUST be ITALIAN, is this 1963 Porsche 356-B Super 90. The 356 series Porsches used a 4 cylinder engine that Porsche had developed from the Volkswagen engine. (Ferdinand Porsche designed the original Volkswagen.) When the 900 series Porsches (911/912) were introduced in 1966, the 912 used the Super 90 engine, while the 911 got a new "pancake" 6 cylinder. The Super 90 represented the peak in the development of the Volkswagen-based four.

See more Ruby Tuesday entries HERE.

Portes de Lundi XXXIII

2012-01-02T07:49:00.002+01:00

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Une porte de grange en France.

This barn (grange) is on an historic farm in Mandres-les-Roses, Val-de-Marne (Département 94), France, southeast of Paris. The barn, the farm house and several other outbuildings, including the pigeonnier, have been restored.

For many years in France, pigeon, rather than chicken was the poultry of choice. The pigeonniers served the same function as a henhouse. The circular walls had roosts for the pigeons to lay their eggs. The buildings were designed to keep rats and cats out. A clever rotating ladder in the center allowed the farmer to gather the eggs. Pigeon fell out of favor as the poultry of choice when it was discovered that a steady diet of pigeon brought on kidney failure. That discovery, however, led to pigeon becoming food for prisoners held in dungeons. Kidney failure was signaled in the prisoners when their urine became an intense yellow. The urine was collected and sold to glass makers for stained glass windows. No doubt, this is more than you wanted to know about pigeons and stained glass windows... Just as for last week's post, Tom Lehrer has the appropriate music for the subject:

Série du Pont de Dimanche XCIV

2012-01-01T00:01:00.015+01:00

Sunday Bridges
H A P P Y • N E W • Y E A R!
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Le psaume de dimanche

2011-12-31T21:01:00.014+01:00

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 42

For the director of music. A maskil of the Sons of Korah.

1 As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”
4 These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
under the protection of the Mighty One[d]
with shouts of joy and praise
among the festive throng.

5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

6 My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.

8 By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.

9 I say to God my Rock,
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?”
10 My bones suffer mortal agony
as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”

11 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
• • •

Sunday Psalm is hosted by Daily Athens and Katney's Kaboodle

Weekend Reflections

2011-12-31T09:47:00.000+01:00

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See all the other contributors to James' Weekend Reflections

Le vendredi «Sky Watch»

2011-12-30T03:01:00.002+01:00

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See the Sky Watch Friday entries from around the globe!

A license to map the states

2011-12-29T06:01:00.005+01:00

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A creative use of old license plates at Stanford University Hospital and Clinics.
(Please excuse the poor image quality. «Louis» snapped this on the fly with his iPhone.)

Mercredi Sans Mots

2011-12-28T00:01:00.006+01:00

Wordless Wednesday

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See all the other participants in Wordless Wednesday HERE.

Mardi Rouge

2011-12-27T06:01:00.024+01:00

Ruby Tuesday
(a.k.a. Red Sports Car Day at Chez la Vache!)

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More proof of the LAW that ALL Italian sports cars MUST be RED, is this 1968 Maserati Mistral.

See more Ruby Tuesday entries HERE.

Portes de Lundi XXXII

2011-12-26T06:01:00.030+01:00

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Doors to confessionals, Église St.-Eustache, Paris.
The funeral for Mozart's mother was held in this church. When Mozart was a child and taken by his parents on concert tours, he and his mother were in Paris on one such tour when she fell ill and died.
• • •
Not exactly Mozart, but while we are on the subject of confessionals...
Tom Lehrer: Doing the Vatican Rag
"Step into that small confessional..."

• • •

Série du Pont de Dimanche XCIII

2011-12-25T00:01:00.044+01:00

Sunday BridgesChristmas blessings to each of you from «Louis»
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The Sundial Bridge
Redding, CA
Also see Martha Z's post about this bridge.

• • •
O Magnum Mysterium

Le psaume de dimanche

2011-12-24T21:01:00.004+01:00

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 40

For the director of music. Of David.

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the LORD
and put their trust in him.

4 Blessed is the one
who trusts in the LORD,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.

6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
but my ears you have opened—
burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.
8 I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.”

9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, LORD,
as you know.
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
from the great assembly.

11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD;
may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
12 For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.
13 Be pleased to save me, LORD;
come quickly, LORD, to help me.

14 May all who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
be appalled at their own shame.
16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The LORD is great!”

17 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
you are my God, do not delay.
• • •
Sunday Psalm is hosted by Daily Athens and Katney's Kaboodle

Weekend Reflections

2011-12-24T05:14:00.000+01:00

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A headlight on a magnificent 1934 Packard Twelve Lebaron (one of only three built) is reflected in the fender.

See all the other contributors to James' Weekend Reflections

Le Vendredi «Sky Watch»

2011-12-23T14:57:00.000+01:00

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A plane taking off from SFO is about to jet past the Zeppelin Eureka over San Francisco at dusk.

See the Sky Watch Friday entries from around the globe!

Point Bonita Lighthouse

2011-12-22T06:01:00.002+01:00

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The Point Bonita Lighthouse on the Marin Headlands northwest of San Francisco, seen across the Golden Gate from China Beach in San Francisco. This lighthouse, now automated, was the last manned lighthouse on the west coast.

Mercredi Sans Mots

2011-12-21T12:55:00.000+01:00

Wordless Wednesday

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See all the other participants in Wordless Wednesday HERE.

Mardi Rouge

2011-12-20T15:24:00.000+01:00

Ruby Tuesday

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Continuing the theme that Not ALL red sports cars are Italian, today «Louis» presents this American made Kurtiss from the mid-1950s. Little known today, these cars were quite the contenders in dirt track racing in the 1950s. They were powered by a Cadillac V8. This Kurtiss competed in this year's California Mille.

See more Ruby Tuesday entries HERE.

Portes de Lundi XXXI

2011-12-19T19:13:00.000+01:00

Monday Doorways

Steps leading to the doors of la Basilique du Sacre-Cœur, Montmartre, Paris, 18 ème. Something «Louis» finds amusing is the fact that only a few hundred feet away from this huge basilica is ANOTHER church, the much older église Saint Pierre du Montmartre. At one time, there were two other churches adjacent to Nôtre-dame de Paris, and Saint-Étienne du Mont is a stone's throw from le Pantheon, which was built to be a church.

• • •

Série du Pont de Dimanche XCI

2011-12-18T00:01:00.002+01:00

Sunday Bridges

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Le psaume de dimanche

2011-12-17T21:01:00.002+01:00

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 39

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

1 I said, “I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
while in the presence of the wicked.”
2 So I remained utterly silent,
not even saying anything good.
But my anguish increased;
3 my heart grew hot within me.
While I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:

4 “Show me, LORD, my life’s end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure.

6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
without knowing whose it will finally be.

7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me;
I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin,
you consume their wealth like a moth—
surely everyone is but a breath.

12 “Hear my prayer, LORD,
listen to my cry for help;
do not be deaf to my weeping.
I dwell with you as a foreigner,
a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again
before I depart and am no more.”
• • •
Sunday Psalm is hosted by Daily Athens and Katney's Kaboodle

Weekend Reflections

2011-12-17T03:01:00.005+01:00

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See all the other contributors to James' Weekend Reflections

Le Vendredi «Sky Watch»

2011-12-16T16:04:00.000+01:00

Sky Watch Friday
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See the Sky Watch Friday entries from around the globe!

L'heure bleue

2011-12-15T03:01:00.024+01:00

The Blue Hour
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L'heure bleue

... the blue hour, the magic hour, the hour between daylight and night when the sky's luminosity draws artists out of their studios to see light's last echoes at night or its first echoes at dawn.

"Because French often places its modifiers after its nouns, there is a kind of poetry that English cannot, because of how it works, achieve. So, for example, there is the French expression, l'heure bleue, which refers to that often shimmering time between the hours of daylight and darkness. We say “the magic hour” for that concept. It's sort of sad to write that next to l'heure bleue. French knows what to do here. French knows that the concept of “blue” is critical; that time of soft, subtle waning is about hue. French knows that emphasis should be on the idea of blue, but also that sufficient strength is given to the idea of the hour, to l'heure. L'heure bleue sounds like subtle magic.

From "The Soul of Creative Writing", by Richard Goodman.

Also see:

L'heure bleue IL'heure bleue II
L'heure bleue IIIL'heure bleue IV

Mercredi Sans Mots

2011-12-14T06:01:00.002+01:00

Wordless Wednesday

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See all the other participants in Wordless Wednesday HERE.

Mardi Rouge

2011-12-13T06:01:00.007+01:00

Ruby Tuesday

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Not ALL red sports cars are Italian, as witnessed by this fine Mercedes-Benz 300SL from the mid-1950s. These greatly desired cars bring top dollar in the rare occasions when they come up for sale.

See more Ruby Tuesday entries HERE.

Portes de Lundi XXX

2011-12-12T06:01:00.014+01:00

Monday Doorways
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A church built in the 19th century at Point Arena, facing the Pacific on California's North Coast.
• • •

Série du Pont de Dimanche XCI

2011-12-11T00:01:00.010+01:00

Sunday Bridges

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Dawn comes to the Golden Gate.

Le psaume de dimanche

2011-12-10T21:00:00.006+01:00

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 38

Of David. A petition.

1 LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger
or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Your arrows have pierced me,
and your hand has come down on me.
3 Because of your wrath there is no health in my body;
there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin.
4 My guilt has overwhelmed me
like a burden too heavy to bear.

5 My wounds fester and are loathsome
because of my sinful folly.
6 I am bowed down and brought very low;
all day long I go about mourning.
7 My back is filled with searing pain;
there is no health in my body.
8 I am feeble and utterly crushed;
I groan in anguish of heart.

9 All my longings lie open before you, Lord;
my sighing is not hidden from you.
10 My heart pounds, my strength fails me;
even the light has gone from my eyes.
11 My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds;
my neighbors stay far away.
12 Those who want to kill me set their traps,
those who would harm me talk of my ruin;
all day long they scheme and lie.

13 I am like the deaf, who cannot hear,
like the mute, who cannot speak;
14 I have become like one who does not hear,
whose mouth can offer no reply.
15 LORD, I wait for you;
you will answer, Lord my God.
16 For I said, “Do not let them gloat
or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”

17 For I am about to fall,
and my pain is ever with me.
18 I confess my iniquity;
I am troubled by my sin.
19 Many have become my enemies without cause;
those who hate me without reason are numerous.
20 Those who repay my good with evil
lodge accusations against me,
though I seek only to do what is good.

21 LORD, do not forsake me;
do not be far from me, my God.
22 Come quickly to help me,
my Lord and my Savior.
• • •

Sunday Psalm is hosted by Daily Athens and Katney's Kaboodle

Weekend Reflections

2011-12-10T03:01:00.003+01:00

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See all the other contributors to James' Weekend Reflections

Le vendredi «Sky Watch»

2011-12-09T03:01:00.004+01:00

Sky Watch Friday
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See the Sky Watch Friday entries from around the globe!

La ville au crépuscule

2011-12-08T03:01:00.002+01:00

The City at Dusk

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Day of Deceit - The Attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December, 1941

2011-12-07T03:01:00.068+01:00

Lest we forget

U.S.S. Arizona, BB39, before, during and after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor,
7 December, 1941.

One thousand one hundred seventy seven men and officers lost their lives on Arizona in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Former Oakland Tribune reporter Robert Stinnett wrote a compelling account in his book Day of Deceit - The Truth About FDR and Pearl Harbor outlining how Roosevelt goaded the Japanese into the attack in order to draw the isolationist U.S. into the world-wide conflagration known as World War II. While there is no doubt that the U.S. needed to enter the hostilities, Stinnett's book shows Roosevelt's cynicism in all its ugliness, particularly the way Roosevelt threw the commanders at Pearl Harbor, General Short and Admiral Kimmel, under the bus in order to draw the Japanese into attacking the U.S. American casualties in the attack totaled 2896.

American code breakers, led by Joseph Rochefort, had broken the Japanese code. FDR knew exactly how, where and when the Japanese attack would come. The information about the attack was deliberately withheld from Admiral Kimmel and General Short. Thus the attack was truly a surprise to them. Immediately prior to the attack, FDR had Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Ernest King [whom the normally circumspect Admiral Nimitz (who ultimately replaced Admiral Kimmel) described as a "self-appointed son-of-a-bitch."] order Admiral Halsey and all of the newest ships at Pearl Harbor, including the only aircraft carrier the U.S. Navy had in the Pacific, to sea on a feint to Wake. FDR, calculating (correctly) that their return would come too late to assist in driving the Japanese from Pearl Harbor, cancelled the mission to Wake just short of their arrival there and ordered them back to Pearl Harbor. Thus the oldest, slowest ships were the ones attacked and the newest, fastest ships and the only carrier were spared.

Interestingly, both Admiral Nimitz and the Japanese were using the same play book in the Pacific. In the 1920s, British military journalist, Hector Bywater, posited the very plan the Japanese used to attack Pearl Harbor, which at the time was far from the large base it had become by the arrival of the Japanese on 7 December, 1941. Not only that, but Bywater explored various responses the U.S. might make, arguing that the best response would be the very island-hopping campaign Nimitz employed. Bywater's book had been in circulation in U.S. Navy circles and was required reading of the Japanese Imperial Navy staff. The curious thing is that while the Japanese followed Bywater's outline for attack on Pearl Harbor to the letter, they completely failed to anticipate Nimitz's island-hopping response, a classic case of tripping on one's own shoelaces. Bywater died in London on 17 August, 1940 after one of the heaviest days of the Luftwaffe blitz on London. The London coroner, overwhelmed by civilian casualties from the Luftwaffe bombing attack, did not perform an autopsy on Bywater. Bywater's maid described how Bywater did not awake at his usual time. She checked on him and found him asleep, but sweating profusely. A short time later, she checked on him again and found him dead. While it has never been proven, it is highly probable that Bywater was poisoned by Japanese agents. The same day Bywater died, one of his close associates in military journalism who had been assigned by the British to cover military matters in Tokyo was arrested by Japanese military police. He died by "leaping" from an upstairs window in the Tokyo building where he had been taken for "interrogation." This is documented in the book "Visions of Infamy - The Untold Story of How Journalist Hector C. Bywater Devised The Plans That Led To Pearl Harbor."

Mardi Rouge

2011-12-06T06:01:00.008+01:00

Ruby Tuesday

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Looking west from le balcon Chez la Vache to Marin County with Sausalito and Tiburon hiding in the red dusk.

See more Ruby Tuesday entries HERE.

Portes de Lundi XXVIX

2011-12-05T03:01:00.052+01:00

Monday Doorways
Le Moulin de la Vierge, Paris, 14 ème
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Many, many thanks to Peter (Peter's Paris) and Genie (Paris and Beyond) for tracking down this boulangerie in November and providing «Louis» with these photos. (These images were taken by Peter. His post about this boulangerie is HERE and Genie's post about it is HERE.)

«Louis» read about this boulangerie in Daniel Leader's fine book about bread baking, "Bread Alone." Basil Kamir, the owner of Le Moulin de la Vierge ("The Virgin's Mill") quite inadvertently helped France in general, and Paris in particular, rediscover REAL bread and move away from pain industriel. The story of how Basil, a music promoter, became un boulanger contains some delicious Gallic drama. Le Moulin de la Vierge was part of the inspiration for «Louis» to move from California to Paris in 2005 in hopes of attending baking school in France. When «Louis» lived in Paris, he became acquainted with Basil Kamir and «Louis» has even pulled bread from the wood-fired oven in the basement, using a long-handled wooden peel. But «Louis» neglected to take photos of this inspirational boulangerie and has always regretted that he didn't have any. When he learned that Genie was about to make another trip to Paris, he gave her the address and asked if she would take photos. Genie and Peter tracked the boulangerie down and here we are!

«Louis'» post with the story of how Basil became un boulanger is HERE.

Série du Pont de Dimanche XC

2011-12-04T00:01:00.014+01:00

Sunday Bridges

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The Golden Gate, seen from the Berkeley Marina. That's Alcatraz Island between the sailboat and the bridge.

Le psaume de dimanche

2011-12-03T21:01:00.005+01:00

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 37

Of David.

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil
or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the LORD
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
11 But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy peace and prosperity.

12 The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them;
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows their day is coming.

14 The wicked draw the sword
and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.
15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

16 Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth of many wicked;
17 for the power of the wicked will be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care,
and their inheritance will endure forever.
19 In times of disaster they will not wither;
in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20 But the wicked will perish:
Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,
they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously;
22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,
but those he curses will be destroyed.

23 The LORD makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25 I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.
26 They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be a blessing.

27 Turn from evil and do good;
then you will dwell in the land forever.
28 For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.

Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed;
the offspring of the wicked will perish.
29 The righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever.

30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,
and their tongues speak what is just.
31 The law of their God is in their hearts;
their feet do not slip.

32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
intent on putting them to death;
33 but the LORD will not leave them in the power of the wicked
or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34 Hope in the LORD
and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.

35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
flourishing like a luxuriant native tree,
36 but he soon passed away and was no more;
though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
a future awaits those who seek peace.
38 But all sinners will be destroyed;
there will be no future for the wicked.

39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40 The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
• • •

Sunday Psalm is hosted by Daily Athens and Katney's Kaboodle

Weekend Reflections

2011-12-03T03:01:00.003+01:00

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See all the other contributors to James' Weekend Reflections

Le Vendredi «Sky Watch»

2011-12-02T03:01:00.001+01:00

Sky Watch Friday
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See the Sky Watch Friday entries from around the globe!

Un nuage qui ressemble à une aile

2011-12-01T06:01:00.012+01:00

A cloud that looks like a wing

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This cloud looked like the leading edge of a giant wing spread across San Francisco on this rainy day.

Mercredi Sans Mots

2011-11-30T03:01:00.005+01:00

Wordless Wednesday

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See all the other participants in Wordless Wednesday HERE.

Mardi Rouge

2011-11-29T06:01:00.025+01:00

Ruby Tuesday

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Three views showing Ruby-tone images in Saint Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco. Note the Baldacchino, first image, upper center left, here without light reflecting on it. These views show the 4842 pipe Rufatti organ. As dramatic as the design of Saint Mary's is, it is a pity that little thought seems to have been given to the acoustics of the cathedral. The sound travels up into the inside of the "agitator" (local wags call Saint Mary's "Our Lady of the Maytag" because it looks like the agitator of a top-loading washing machine). The result is the organ had to be built to be loud and harsh in an attempt to make it hearable throughout the nave, in contrast to the sweet tone of the tracker organ (modeled after the one J.S. Bach played at St. Thomas Kirche, Leipzig) across the street at Saint Mark's Lutheran.

See more Ruby Tuesday entries HERE.

Portes de Lundi XXVIII

2011-11-28T06:01:00.010+01:00

Monday Doorways Clic sur l'image pour l'agrandir

A view of the interior side of the doors to Saint Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco, seen HERE from the outside.

Série du Pont de Dimanche LXXXIX

2011-11-27T00:01:00.019+01:00

Sunday Bridges

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Continuing the series of dramatic sky shots begun with Sky Watch Friday and yesterday's Weekend Reflections, is this view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Notice the ship (also seen in yesterday's post) just off of Alcatraz and the ghostly ship just past the bridge as well as the airplane (center) about to disappear into the clouds.

Le psaume de dimanche

2011-11-26T21:00:00.002+01:00

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 36

Of David.

For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD.
1 I have a message from God in my heart
concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:
There is no fear of God
before their eyes.

2 In their own eyes they flatter themselves
too much to detect or hate their sin.
3 The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful;
they fail to act wisely or do good.
4 Even on their beds they plot evil;
they commit themselves to a sinful course
and do not reject what is wrong.

5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.

10 Continue your love to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 May the foot of the proud not come against me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 See how the evildoers lie fallen—
thrown down, not able to rise!
• • •

Sunday Psalm is hosted by Daily Athens and Katney's Kaboodle

Weekend Reflections

2011-11-26T03:01:00.017+01:00

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A break in the rain clouds reflects light in the water around Alcatraz Island. Those familiar with the San Francisco skyline can spot the dome of the Palace of Fine Arts, constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, left of center background.
See all the other contributors to James' Weekend Reflections

Le Vendredi «Sky Watch»

2011-11-25T06:01:00.005+01:00

Sky Watch Friday
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See the Sky Watch Friday entries from around the globe!

Lectern

2011-11-24T06:01:00.006+01:00

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Lectern, Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco

Mercredi Sans Mots

2011-11-23T06:01:00.006+01:00

Wordless Wednesday

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See all the other participants in Wordless Wednesday HERE.

Mardi Rouge

2011-11-22T06:01:00.019+01:00

Ruby Tuesday

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Continuing with the theme that there evidently is a law requiring all Italian sports cars to be red, we present as evidence this 1957 Ferrari which was about to participate in the California Mille.

See more Ruby Tuesday entries HERE.

Portes de Lundi XXVII

2011-11-21T06:01:00.001+01:00

Monday Doorways Clic sur l'image pour l'agrandir

The front doors to St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church, San Francisco.
Dominicans first came to San Francisco in 1850 when the Most Reverend Joseph Sadoc Alemany arrived from Spain via several other appointments in the United States. Bishop Alemany had been appointed Bishop of Monterey and invited Fr. Vilarrasa to accompany him to California. The Archdiocese of San Francisco was created in 1853 and Archbishop Alemany was its first incumbent. The parish was established by the Dominicans in 1873, and the current church, built in the Gothic style, was finished in 1928.

Série du Pont de Dimanche LXXXVIII

2011-11-20T00:01:00.008+01:00

Sunday Bridges

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Le psaume de dimanche

2011-11-19T21:00:00.015+01:00

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 35

Of David.

1 Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take up shield and armor;
arise and come to my aid.
3 Brandish spear and javelin
against those who pursue me.
Say to me,
“I am your salvation.”

4 May those who seek my life
be disgraced and put to shame;
may those who plot my ruin
be turned back in dismay.
5 May they be like chaff before the wind,
with the angel of the LORD driving them away;
6 may their path be dark and slippery,
with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.

7 Since they hid their net for me without cause
and without cause dug a pit for me,
8 may ruin overtake them by surprise—
may the net they hid entangle them,
may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
9 Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD
and delight in his salvation.
10 My whole being will exclaim,
“Who is like you, LORD?
You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,
the poor and needy from those who rob them.”

11 Ruthless witnesses come forward;
they question me on things I know nothing about.
12 They repay me evil for good
and leave me like one bereaved.
13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth
and humbled myself with fasting.
When my prayers returned to me unanswered,
14 I went about mourning
as though for my friend or brother.
I bowed my head in grief
as though weeping for my mother.
15 But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee;
assailants gathered against me without my knowledge.
They slandered me without ceasing.
16 Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked;
they gnashed their teeth at me.

17 How long, Lord, will you look on?
Rescue me from their ravages,
my precious life from these lions.
18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly;
among the throngs I will praise you.
19 Do not let those gloat over me
who are my enemies without cause;
do not let those who hate me without reason
maliciously wink the eye.
20 They do not speak peaceably,
but devise false accusations
against those who live quietly in the land.
21 They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha!
With our own eyes we have seen it.”

22 LORD, you have seen this; do not be silent.
Do not be far from me, Lord.
23 Awake, and rise to my defense!
Contend for me, my God and Lord.
24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, LORD my God;
do not let them gloat over me.
25 Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!”
or say, “We have swallowed him up.”

26 May all who gloat over my distress
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who exalt themselves over me
be clothed with shame and disgrace.
27 May those who delight in my vindication
shout for joy and gladness;
may they always say, “The LORD be exalted,
who delights in the well-being of his servant.”

28 My tongue will proclaim your righteousness,
your praises all day long.

• • •
See the other Sunday Psalm posts from around the globe!

Sunday Psalm is hosted by Daily Athens and Katney's Kaboodle

Weekend Reflections

2011-11-19T06:01:00.000+01:00

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See all the other contributors to James' Weekend Reflections

Le Vendredi «Sky Watch»

2011-11-18T06:01:00.007+01:00

Sky Watch Friday
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San Francisco at night, viewed from Treasure Island.

See the Sky Watch Friday entries from around the globe!

The Baldacchino at St. Mary's: Alive with light

2011-11-17T06:01:00.007+01:00

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Above the altar of Saint Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco, is the Baldacchino, a kinetic sculpture by Richard Lippold. Alive with reflected light, the 14 tiers of triangular aluminum rods symbolize the channel of love and grace from God to His people, and their prayers and praise rising to Him. The sculpture, suspended by gold wires, is 15 stories high and weighs one ton.

For more views of the interior of St. Mary's, see yesterday's post and also go HERE.

Mercredi Sans Mots

2011-11-16T06:01:00.003+01:00

Wordless Wednesday

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See all the other participants in Wordless Wednesday HERE.

Mardi Rouge

2011-11-15T06:01:00.007+01:00

Ruby Tuesday

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Two views showing Ruby-colored reflections of the stained glass band around the dome of Saint Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco. See yesterday's post for an exterior view and go HERE for another interior view.

See more Ruby Tuesday entries HERE.

Portes de Lundi XXVI

2011-11-14T06:01:00.032+01:00

Monday Doorways Clic sur l'image pour l'agrandir

The doors to Saint Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco, known locally as "Our Lady of the Maytag" for obvious reasons. If you enlarge the image, you'll see «Louis'» reflection in the doors. With a closer look, you'll see the stained glass behind the reredos behind the altar on the opposite side of the church. For a glimpse of the interior, go HERE.

Série du Pont de Dimanche LXXXVII

2011-11-13T00:01:00.020+01:00

Sunday Bridges

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The Golden Gate viewed from China Beach in San Francisco. Above and behind China Beach (not visible in the photo) are palatial homes owned by many of San Francisco's wealthy, including U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. It was in one of these homes in 2008 that then candidate-for-President Obama made his infamous slur about Americans living in "flyover country", "clinging to their guns and religion."

Le psaume de dimanche

2011-11-12T21:00:00.001+01:00

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 34

Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left.

1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his holy people,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to blot out their name from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
20 he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The LORD will rescue his servants;
no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Footnote:
This psalm is an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Sunday Psalm is hosted by Daily Athens and Katney's Kaboodle

Weekend Reflections

2011-11-12T06:01:00.005+01:00

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See all the other contributors to James' Weekend Reflections

Le Vendredi «Sky Watch»

2011-11-11T06:01:00.003+01:00

Sky Watch Friday
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Don't miss «Louis'» Veterans' Day post.

See the Sky Watch Friday entries from around the globe!

Le 11 novembre

2011-11-11T00:01:00.002+01:00

Veterans Day

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Le 11 novembre is still remembered across Europe and in the U.K. as "armistice day," signaling the end of that mass carnage known as World War I. Aux États-Unis, the date is Veterans Day, honoring all who have served in our Military. «Louis» took this image of the resting place of many of our veterans at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, CA.

To those of you who have served and are now serving our country in our military, we salute you.

Also see: Marvin

Études dans bleu et rose

2011-11-10T06:01:00.001+01:00

Studies in Blue and Rose

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Mercredi Sans Mots

2011-11-09T06:01:00.009+01:00

Wordless Wednesday

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See all the other participants in Wordless Wednesday HERE.
ADD YOUR LINK TO MR. LINKY:

Mardi Rouge

2011-11-08T06:01:00.011+01:00

Ruby Tuesday

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Evidently, there is be a law that all Italian sports cars must be red as witnessed by these two Ferraris seen in Monterey by «Louis». You can tell that they are Italian cars because they have a built-in Parmesan grater in the sides! ;-D

See more Ruby Tuesday entries HERE.

Portes de Lundi XXV

2011-11-07T06:01:00.001+01:00

Monday Doorways
A Blue Doorway on a Silver Tower(Tour d'Argent)
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La Tour d'Argent is the world's oldest continuing restaurant. Shown here is the small museum and shop (offering cookbooks, etc.) across the street from the actual restaurant. Tour d'Argent has a storied history.

Pressed duck is the specialty. The restaurant raises its ducks on its own farm. Diners who order the duck receive a postcard with the bird's serial number, now well over 1 million. The restaurant's wine cellar, guarded around the clock, contains more than 450,000 bottles whose value was estimated in 2009 at 25 million Euros ($35.3 million). Some 15,000 wines are offered to diners on a 400-page list. The dining room has an excellent view of la Seine and Nôtre Dame.

The restaurant inspired scenes in the 2007 Pixar movie Ratatouille, and received an "unexpected boost" from the film.

Série du Pont de Dimanche LXXXVI

2011-11-06T00:01:00.011+01:00

Sunday Bridges
Studies in Blue and Rose
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Morning fog hangs over both the new and old sections of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

Le psaume de dimanche

2011-11-05T21:00:00.024+01:00

Sunday Psalm

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, San Francisco

Psalm 33

1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.
4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars[a];
he puts the deep into storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.

10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.
13 From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;
14 from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth—
15 he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.

16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.
18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
22 May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

Sunday Psalm is hosted by Daily Athens and Katney's Kaboodle

Weekend Reflections

2011-11-05T06:01:00.009+01:00

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In the nave of Saint Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco, the stained glass of the east wall reflects on the steps leading up to the sanctuary. Note the Stations of the Cross on the east wall.

See all the other contributors to James' Weekend Reflections

Le Vendredi «Sky Watch»

2011-11-04T06:01:00.000+01:00

Sky Watch Friday
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See the Sky Watch Friday entries from around the globe!

Boats, Blimp, Bridge

2011-11-03T06:01:00.000+01:00

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The Zeppelin Eureka flies past a bevy of boats, as the Golden Gate Bridge looks on in the distance.