To me it seemed like everything in The US Capitol was special and had some unique thought behind it. Everywhere there is art. Even the tunnels leading from the office buildings to the Capitol have art from high school seniors across America. There are huge painting and many sculptures. Even some of the doors are artistic displays like this one outside the Speaker’s Balcony.
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A Capitol Door
I can think of many political things to say today but in the spirit of this blog I will say none. Instead here is a lovely picture of a symbol of freedom. That’s it. Carry on.
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Storm Clouds over D.C.
The Supreme Court of The United Sates has had its own building in Washington D.C. since 1935. Before that the court met inside the US Capitol in a chamber designed and built by Benjamin Henry Latrobe. It was an unusual architectural achievement. It was known to be the first small structure to use a vaulted, semicircular ceiling in the United States.
John Marshall was the first Chief Justice and the room was used until 1860 for the court. The court then moved into the old senate chamber and the beautiful room was used as a law library. After the court moved into its current location the room was abandoned until its restoration in the 1970’s. You can feel the history when you stand it this chamber.
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The Original Supreme Court
There are many myths on why Chicago is called The Second City. Of course egocentric New Yorkers think it is because Chicago is second to New York. This is odd because if you think about population Los Angeles is first and if you think about age both Boston and Philadelphia are older. Bur of course New Yorkers tend to be full of themselves.
The one that is probably real is that the Chicago we know today rose from the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire of 1837. The great fire destroyed an area about 4 miles long and encompassing an area of more than 2,000 acres. It destroyed were more than 73 miles of roads, 120 miles of sidewalk, 2,000 lampposts and 17,500 buildings. Of the 300,000 inhabitants of Chicago at the time,100,000 were left homeless. The City was entirely rebuilt and as you can see is looking pretty good.
This view is from the 22nd floor of a Chicago Loop high rise and prints can be purchased on my commercial site.
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The Second City
I learned a lot of interesting things during our tour of the US Capitol. I did not know that each state was allowed to have two sculptures inside the Capitol. There is one area that is full of sculptues and others are scattered through the magnificent building. I partuclary liked this one that stands guard in the Capitol Visitor Center.
This is Jack Swigert who was a native of Colorado. He was an American test pilot, mechanical and aerospace engineer, United States Air Force pilot, and NASA astronaut. He is one of the 24 people who have flown to the Moon. I like the reflection of the visitor center in his visor.
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Captain Jack Swigert
Time to pause this weekend and remember why some of you workers of the world get a day off tomorrow. Time to acknowledge that we are free because of the valor of some and to offer our thanks for their service. We all benefit from those who serve and even though we may not agree with the whole concept of war and the politics that create it. Although our country has made a lot of mistakes we still appreciate those who protect us and honor their sacrifice..
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The Chapel at The United States Military Academy
Last year we visited The United States Military Academy at West Point NY. I posted some images of the Chapel and other points of interest but for some reason didn’t include these three images. I felt then and do now that these images are not strong enough to stand on their own but together the provide some familiar views of this famous place. This is a great time of year to visit West Point and the tour is well worth it.
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Million Dollar View
The United States Military Academy
World War 1 Monument
The way I create posts for this blog is to first find an image and then write something about it. It is after all an image blog first and foremost. So I went searching for a suitable image for Martin Luther King. When he was assassinated I was living in Los Angeles and the murder occurred four days before my 23rd birthday. Three months later on June 5th, I went to a hotel in L.A. to stand with thousands of others in shock over the murder of Robert F. Kennedy. So I began to look for images that would represent Dr. King’s day.
Of course I have pictures of flags but I have used those for other holidays and although Dr. King was a true American hero, he was much more than the flag. I have other images of African Americans and although Dr. King was an African American he was also more than that. As I thought about it, I thought this was a great image to celebrate his day. He is like an eternal flame of hope. He reminds us that as long as you have hope and show respect for humanity that your life is worth living. He is a symbol of working together and doing the right thing. Thanks Dr. King for your sacrifice.
It’s time to pause and give thanks to all of those who serve and defend our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Happy Veterans Day and thanks to all.
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Now that I am retired, I think I have a deeper appreciation of those who labor. Of course I worked for a long time and still do creative work every day, but there is work and then there is labor.
I have also done some labor in my time. I worked in a commercial bakery. I worked in supermarkets. I was a cab driver. I have done photography inside nuclear reactors, steel mills and paper mills. I understand what labor is and to all of you who labor…thanks and enjoy your day!
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Imagery Photography 