![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Jul. 3rd, 2013
(no subject)
Jul. 3rd, 2013 09:51 pmMinerva, Goddess of wisdom and war, guards a staircase landing.
Mural of Minerva - Library of Congress
Copyright Stormdog 2009
Hopefully I can find the wisdom myself to sort through the grad schools I'm looking at. I think I'd like to try meet with someone at Wayne State on my trip to Toronto. I'm still looking at other places along the way too.
Mural of Minerva - Library of Congress
Copyright Stormdog 2009
Hopefully I can find the wisdom myself to sort through the grad schools I'm looking at. I think I'd like to try meet with someone at Wayne State on my trip to Toronto. I'm still looking at other places along the way too.
(no subject)
Jul. 3rd, 2013 09:55 pmThe imposing main entrance to the Library of Congress.
The grand public buildings in DC are funny; these regal, towering entry ways seem to be more for tourists than for actual building users. After getting my library card, I entered the library through a tunnel from one of the other buildings. I think that was the case for other places (like the national archives) too, given where the giant lines of tourists were. I guess that makes sense; it makes the buildings accessible to the public while still letting them be functional, working spaces as well.
Main Entrance - Library of Congress
Copyright Stormdog 2009
The grand public buildings in DC are funny; these regal, towering entry ways seem to be more for tourists than for actual building users. After getting my library card, I entered the library through a tunnel from one of the other buildings. I think that was the case for other places (like the national archives) too, given where the giant lines of tourists were. I guess that makes sense; it makes the buildings accessible to the public while still letting them be functional, working spaces as well.
Main Entrance - Library of Congress
Copyright Stormdog 2009
(no subject)
Jul. 3rd, 2013 09:57 pmLooking up from the grand hall floor.
Grand Hall - Library of Congress
Copyright Stormdog 2009
One memory that has stuck with me from my visit is the card catalog. I had the chance to walk through a part of it, down in the basement. There was room after room of card catalog drawers. I didn't see all of it, but I suspect the card catalog is as large as many entire libraries. It made me happy.
Grand Hall - Library of Congress
Copyright Stormdog 2009
One memory that has stuck with me from my visit is the card catalog. I had the chance to walk through a part of it, down in the basement. There was room after room of card catalog drawers. I didn't see all of it, but I suspect the card catalog is as large as many entire libraries. It made me happy.
(no subject)
Jul. 3rd, 2013 10:01 pmThis Samuel Johnson quote also made me very happy.
Window and Inscription - Library of Congress
Copyright Stormdog 2009
I had a talk with a new friend I met at DucKon about what constitutes ultimate good in society. His position was that increasing knowledge is an ultimate good, in that it creates better lives for a huge number of people.
On an intellectual level, I see some points of criticism of that belief. But on an emotional level, I'm a believer. Everything about this building appealed deeply and emotionally to that believer in myself.
Window and Inscription - Library of Congress
Copyright Stormdog 2009
I had a talk with a new friend I met at DucKon about what constitutes ultimate good in society. His position was that increasing knowledge is an ultimate good, in that it creates better lives for a huge number of people.
On an intellectual level, I see some points of criticism of that belief. But on an emotional level, I'm a believer. Everything about this building appealed deeply and emotionally to that believer in myself.
(no subject)
Jul. 3rd, 2013 11:36 pmThe west front of the US Capitol building faces away from the National Mall and toward the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. It's also the side typically used for arrivals of visiting guests.
Construction on this building was begun when George Washington, in full Freemason regalia, laid the cornerstone way back in 1793. It was partially burned by British/Canadian forces during the war of 1812, but it's looking pretty good these days.
West Front - US Capitol
Copyright Stormdog 2009
Construction on this building was begun when George Washington, in full Freemason regalia, laid the cornerstone way back in 1793. It was partially burned by British/Canadian forces during the war of 1812, but it's looking pretty good these days.
West Front - US Capitol
Copyright Stormdog 2009
(no subject)
Jul. 3rd, 2013 11:40 pmWhen I'm photographing architecture, as well as broad shots that incorporate a whole facade, I like to isolate bits and pieces of the building I'm looking at. Things that offer a novel, interesting view. I think that this is one of those.
This is the south wing of the capitol, where the House of Representative meet. It was constructed in in the 1850s, just prior to the Civil War.
I love the clouds in this picture. But wait 'till you see the next one. I had some amazing clouds pop up near the end of the day here.
South Wing - US Capitol
Copyright Stormdog 2009
This is the south wing of the capitol, where the House of Representative meet. It was constructed in in the 1850s, just prior to the Civil War.
I love the clouds in this picture. But wait 'till you see the next one. I had some amazing clouds pop up near the end of the day here.
South Wing - US Capitol
Copyright Stormdog 2009
(no subject)
Jul. 3rd, 2013 11:42 pmThe time was getting on toward dusk and the setting sun combined with the dramatic clouds for some really great photographic opportunities. Here are some roiling clouds painted with golden-hour light next to the capitol dome.
Fiery Sky Over the US Capitol
Copyright Stormdog 2009
Fiery Sky Over the US Capitol
Copyright Stormdog 2009
(no subject)
Jul. 3rd, 2013 11:45 pmSpeaking of attention-grabbing clouds, here's a look east at the same point in time. On the right is the Jefferson building of the Library of Congress, and on the left is the Supreme Court building. I'll post shots of that tomorrow.
For now, it's time for bed. Well, after I do a pic-of-the-day and shower.
Turbulent Skies Over Washington
Copyright Stormdog 2009
For now, it's time for bed. Well, after I do a pic-of-the-day and shower.
Turbulent Skies Over Washington
Copyright Stormdog 2009