Mind-Boggling Demise

In the 1920’s, the roaring twenties on Long Island, New York there were a number of large mansions owned by the well-to-do. It was the prohibition years. Drinking, sex and dancing were prime pastimes. One particular mansion was the most sought after party place to get an invitation to and many attended without actual invitations. Winston Churchill and Groucho Marx were known to have frequented the parties. This mansion was the setting that inspired one of the greatest American novelists, F. Scott Fitzgerald, to write The Great Gatsby. It is the story of Gatsby, his heyday and his demise. Every time I read that novel I am struck by not only the story but the method with which it is written. The economy of words is remarkable, and not one word could be left out. Each word is essential to the story.

Now, the mind-boggling is happening. The current owner of that formerly beautiful mansion is tearing it down. He states he can’t afford the $4000/month upkeep. If you see recent pictures of it, it’s obvious that not much upkeep has been done in a number of years. It is a true landmark of an American classic, a great writer and of a historical time for the area. More mind-boggling is that it will be replaced by 4 or 5 large homes on a couple of acres that have no historical meaning. More of what we think of as progress. Couldn’t it have been spared? Too late, it’s a goner.

Stan the Man

Mind-Boggling Coming of Age

Just a brief not: Last night on the NBC news Brian Williams was reporting on the United States debt which has reached $14 trillion and is currently a huge political issue. He referred to that amount as being "mind boggling". More and more I am hearing this term applied to things around us by people in the know. Stay tuned here for our mind-bogglings and don't miss the post just below which is new today as well.
Stan the Man

Mind-Boggling Islands

The Virgin Islands are mind-boggling. What more can I say. I had been on those tiny rocks in the Caribbean many years ago. They did leave an impression but I’d never thought much about going back. Then we received an invitation to join Katherine’s daughter Kim and her friend Deven in a beautiful home they had rented for a week. We couldn’t resist and just returned from a wonderful getaway on St. John. American Airlines got us to St. Thomas from New York in just over 3 hours. After an interesting taxi ride through the hills we climbed aboard the ferry to St John and landed 15 minutes later in that tropical paradise. We quickly discovered Verizon wireless service was non-existent and so were disconnected for our time there which helped make it a real vacation.

The mind-boggling aspects of these islands begin with the weather. Sunshine and comfortable temperatures in the 80s are the rule. The beaches are numerous and pristine white without huge crowds. The water is crystal clear and provides beautiful color schemes of greens and blues. The largest part of St. John is a national park, protected from any development. It is crisscrossed by many beautiful hiking trails ranging from short and easy to long and difficult whichever one prefers. The mountainous terrain outside of the park is dotted with homes valued in the millions of dollars as well as much cheaper. The views are mind-boggling.

Whether you prefer open air, funky beach bars or classy restaurants or perhaps something in-between you have many to choose from. Or if you have your own cooking facilities, as we did, there are several grocery stores that stock just about anything one could desire. Coming from a New Yorker, there are no lines. What a treat! My impression is that the grocery prices on St. John are very competitive with New York City prices. Right now I’m having a difficult time coming up with reasons not to pull up stakes and move to the Virgin Islands. Instead we wish Kim and Deven luck in making their dream come true. We also thank them for their great hospitality during our time together on St. John.

It’s mind-boggling to decide which photos I took on this trip should accompany this post. I will arbitrarily place a couple to the right that may capture some of the scenery of St. John.

Stan the Man  

Expanding Horizons

In most cases museums and art galleries are not things that will encourage me to go out of my way to experience what they have to offer. But, there is something mind-boggling about overcoming your innate resistance and going for it. It often expands your horizons. I thought it was time to experience the Metropolitan Art Museum on 5^th Ave. in New York City. It boggled my mind. In the first place, 5^th Ave. was lined with police officers. I asked one of them, “What’s up?” he says the President will be coming through here within the hour. I did hear on the morning news that President Obama would be speaking at the United Nations and then doing a $3000/ plate fundraising event in Harlem in the evening. After making my way through the fortress I arrived at the front steps of the Art Museum, found my way to the cashier at the entry and was told, no cash is accepted. Out comes one of my many credit cards and I’m in at a senior rate of $15 for the entire day. Unfortunately, I don’t have all day but only 3 hours before the basketball game at Madison Square Garden.

The Metropolitan Art Museum is truly overwhelming or if you will allow me, mind-boggling. In the first place it is huge. It covers several acres on multiple levels. I can’t be specific since I only scratched the surface as I wandered around the place for three hours. Finding one’s way through the myriad of exhibitions is a mind-boggling experience. As I attempted to find my way there was never a lack of incredible pieces of art. From the most ancient Greek statues to exhibits that approached my level of understanding. Okay, I don’t pretend to be able to understand or analyze much of what I saw but now I am motivated to learn more.

I can tell you the exhibit which I searched for, gave up on finding and then stumbled upon was Paul Cezanne’s Card Players. He was a French artist who lived from 1839-1906. A quote from him as part of the exhibit states: “Alas, even though I am already old, I am only a beginner and if I may say so, I believe I do understand.” At any rate, his paintings on display of three card players are mind-boggling. They capture the essence of peasants in France in those days, their character and seriousness about the game. It made me want to know so much more about each of those men and their lives. The exhibit also includes Cezanne’s pencil drawings, the first steps toward the finished product. Along with those are individual drawings and paintings of Cezanne’s models, individually, prior to being integrated into the final painting.

The Metropolitan Art Museum is mind-boggling. Do not miss it if you ever have a chance. I will go back many times until I see it all and then start over again. That’s what it will take to comprehend that which I have seen.

Stan the Man