The Noble House

2008-01-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

2007-12-17T20:22:00.000-08:00

The term "suprealism" emerged quite naturally: its first half originates from the "suprematism" of the early twentieth-century Russian avant-garde, which claimed to represent the highest form of being, abandoning Earth and conquering space. The other half relates to the familiar, dogmatically imposed "realism", which was the only officially tolerated style under communist rule. Initially, I attempted to bring to the concept the structures of high art and images from mass culture.

2007-12-06T08:30:00.001-08:00

Using watercolors and colored pencils over a period of a month, she's woven together a fantasy cityscape dominated by the Tower of Americas and connected by green, gaseous fumes representing plants and blue waves of water standing in for the San Antonio River.

2007-12-06T08:29:00.001-08:00

asasdasdd

2006-12-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

the evolution of oppression

2003-08-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

I am alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2003-02-13T02:10:00.000-08:00

The Road Most Traveled

VINCENT: You know what they put on french fries in Holland instead of ketchup? J
ULES: What?
VINCENT: Mayonnaise.
JULES: Goddamn!
VINCENT: I seen 'em do it. And I don't mean a little bit on the side of the plate, they fuckin' drown 'em in it.
~From the movie Pulp Fiction~

A traveler is never truly happy unless on the road, and my road takes me back to Texas via Amsterdam. This is a city, which I know well and am always drawn back to. I’ll layover in Amsterdam for a mere 24 hours, however this is plenty of time to take in the city. Tonight I’ll stroll around Damn Square hop in and out of pubs and enjoy many fresh short glasses of Heineken, as is the tradition there. In the morning I’ll enjoy a breakfast of Gouda cheese on fresh bread with a few cups of hot tea. Then it’s a nice walk to the Rijksmuseum to bask in the rays of the great Dutch masters of light. From there it’s a tram back to the main station and a train to Schipol airport. I’ll be in Texas not long after that. I’ll see y’all down the road!

2003-02-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

THE YEAR OF THE OLIVE

“And there is something I have not heard to have grown ever in the land of Asia, or in the great Dorian island of Pelops, a tree not planted by hands, but self created, a terror to the spears of enemies, that flourishes most greatly in this land, the leaf of the gray-green nurturer of children, the olive. This shall no young man nor any that dwells with old age destroy and bring to nothing; for it is looked upon by the ever seeing eye of Zeus Morios and by gray eyed Athena”
~Sophocles~

Well, Sophocles was just a bit ethnocentric (Athenian ethnicity), but you get point. The olive’s contribution to the development of western civilization cannot be understated. Homer called it "liquid gold." Olive oil was awarded to the winners of the Panathenaic Games (making them extremely wealthy) and the first Olympic torch was a burning olive branch. In the Greek mythological tradition, Eirini, the Goddess of Peace, is depicted carrying an olive branch. It was also believed that the Greek gods were born under the branches of the olive tree. The significance and importance of the olive later became central in Christian, Jewish and Muslim traditions as well.

Carbon dating traces olive trees back to Neolithic times, however, actual cultivation did not occur until much later. The first cultivation of the olive tree worldwide took place in Greece, and more specific in Crete. This happened about 3500 BC in the Early Minoan times. From Crete, the cultivation and production of oil spread to neighboring islands up into the mainland and throughout the Mediterranean. As old civilizations came to pass, and new ones emerged, olive oil literally fueled the Mediterranean economies. Olive oil was chiefly responsible for establishing the commercial prowess of Athens at a time when the entire Mediterranean region was in depression. In ancient Greece and later Rome, olive oil was the hottest commodity; advanced ships were built for the sole purpose of transporting it from Greece to trading posts around the Mediterranean. In the 6th century BC, Solon, the great Athenian legislator, drafted the first law for the protection of the olive. Between the 7th and 3rd centuries BC ancient philosophers, physicians and historians undertook its botanical classifications and referred to the curative properties of olive oil. From the Bronze Age to modern day, Greece became the world's most important exporter of qualitative olive oil. In fact, Greece continues to remain the world’s largest exporter of extra virgin olive oil.

When Romans occupied Greece, the olive oil production continued and Romans were able to learn the secrets of cultivation. During Byzantine times things did not change. The production of the olive oil in Greek territories was significant because of the vast size of the Empire. The Empire itself included almost half of the olive oil productive areas in the known world and the product was exported throughout the world. During this time the olive tree and its oil had a special position in the Christian Orthodox church; it was a symbol of love and peace, an essential part of several solemn rites, from the service of baptism to the oil lamps used in churches and the little shrine that is part of every Greek household. These traditions continue to this day. When Turks conquered and occupied much of Greece the production of olive oil was not affected. Undoubtedly, a great part of the total production belonged to the Turkish Government, but the rest remained in Greek hands. After the liberation, the olive tree areas were separated into two areas according to the Greek law: the private properties (those areas which belonged to Greeks during the Turkish occupation), and the national areas (those areas which belonged to the Turks respectively). My wife’s trees have been in the family through Turkish, Italian, and German occupation. Olive trees have an almost titanic resistance, a vital force that renders them nearly immortal. Despite harsh winters and burning summers, they continue to grow, proud and strong reaching towards the sky, bearing fruit that nourishes and heals, inspires and amazes. This force is at the heart and soul of the Greek Character.

According to the Chinese calendar, the New Year is being celebrated as the year of the sheep. However, here in Rhodes people are referring to this season as the year of the Olive. We have received well above seasonal averages of rainfall and thus the olive trees are, as Emeril Lagasse would say, “Happy Happy Happy”. We just finished our own harvest and have been rewarded buy both nature and our labor with an abundance of oil this season. The harvesting season here runs from October to March. The majority of harvesting occurs from November to January. I must say that it’s quit labor intensive although highly rewarding. The technology for pressing olives has undoubtedly changed over the centuries but harvesting has remained basically unchanged. I doubt the Minoans did it much differently.

Here on the island, and throughout Greece, many families harvest their own trees in order to have their very own family oil. Nowadays, the time spent tending to trees, harvesting, pressing, and storing oil, could be better maximized earning money elsewhere and simply buying oil from the store. But knowing the cultural legacy the olive has on the Greek psyche it’s easy to understand that that is simply not an option. My father-in-law tells me that is mother would disown him if he neglected the family trees. I believe him. It was not long ago here that most people’s survival depended wholly on those trees, and there are still plenty of people alive to remind us. The love and high esteem for the olive tree is passed on from generation to generation and from family to family. With the birth of a child an olive tree is planted which will grow and develop along with the child. When the child starts school at the age of six, the olive tree is ready to produce its fruit. The tree grows up with the family, only it will have a much longer life and will still be around to be tended by the next generation, and the one after that. Each year, it yields its annual crop of olives in return for the labor and love expended on it.

I have always enjoyed olive oil; long before I ever set foot anywhere in the Mediterranean, but little did I know. Olive oil is used to cook everything and as a dressing on everything. Sometimes I think the food is drowning in oil, but nobody’s protesting. You see, it’s the olive oil that sustains life; all the rest is just a garnish.

2002-12-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

Wild Mushroom Soup
PART II

She could not see anything that looked like the right thing to eat or drink under the circumstances. There was a large mushroom growing near her, about the same height as herself; and when she had looked under it, and on both sides of it, and behind it, it occurred to her that she might as well look and see what was on top of it.
~Alice's Adventures in Wonderland~

Last week, Stergos and I headed to the south of the Island in search of more mushrooms. We started our hunt at an area about halfway down the island called “Seven Springs”. No luck. We continued on, searching down the island. No luck. After five stops and coming up short I was much dismayed (to cause to lose enthusiasm) and a bit discouraged. But Stergos, the pro that he is, still had one shot left to fire. We were merely a few kilometers away from our final destination when I witnessed a glorious mountain valley view. The weather was cold and the skies gray. There was a fine mist in the air. I had to pinch myself because I just couldn’t get over how much it resembled the Scottish Highlands. A short-stack of the Highlands that is, but nonetheless beautiful. Upon arriving at the exact location, Stergos cursed all the people who were already foraging the mountainsides. All the time we had spent working are way down the island was lost time on our part. But Stergos didn’t quite see it that way. You see, “our competition” was from our rival village. Our rivals were out in force and had been on the scene for several hours. They had their entire families, husbands and wives, grandparents and cousins, children and pets. Needless to say, things were pretty well picked over. As we fought are way through the thicket, buckets in hand, Stergos cursed, “They destroy everything! MFs!” There were mushrooms here in abundance for certain. The evidence was clear from all the mycelium “roots” left were the caps had been cut. Stergos was determined and knew what I did not. “If you want to find mushrooms here, you must look deep beneath the brush”. We dug up leaves, looked under overgrown vines and roots. We found our shrooms. It was tedious but wonderful work. After several hours we managed to fill a 5 gallon bucked. Satisfied that we had enough for soup and a few Ouzo sessions we headed back to the car for our return home.

2002-12-05T10:59:00.000-08:00

Quote of the Week

I will reveal to you a love potion, without medicine, without herbs, without any witch’s magic; if you want to be loved, then love

~Hecaton of Rhodes~

2002-12-05T10:20:00.000-08:00

Wild Mushroom Soup

I just finished a bowl, rather two bowls of wild mushroom soup. It was so incredible that had to share it with you. Stergos went to the mountains (more like the Texas Hill Country) a few days ago hunting for wild mushrooms and returned with a few kilos of beautiful salmon colored fungai. Umm Umm good. Valassia cooked up an incredible soup that I doubt you could find in any restaurant anywhere. Like I mentioned before, I love winter here. With the rains come the shrooms.

2002-12-05T04:01:00.000-08:00

The Colossus of Rhodes

"To you, O Sun, the people of Dorian Rhodes set up this bronze statue reaching to Olympus when they had pacified the waves of war and crowned their city with the spoils taken from the enemy. Not only over the seas but also on land did they kindle the lovely torch of freedom."

-Dedicatory inscription of the Colossus-

I'm surrounded, or rather engulfed in history here on this ancient island. I live but a few miles from the spot of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world yet hardly give it much thought. Throughout most of its history, ancient Greece was comprised of city-states which had limited power beyond their boundary. On the small island of Rhodes were three of these: Ialysos, Kamiros, and Lindos. In 408 BC, the cities united to form one territory, with a unified capital, Rhodes. The city thrived commercially and had strong economic ties with their main ally, Ptolemy I Soter of Egypt. In 305 BC, the Antigonids of Macedonia who were also rivals of the Ptolemies, besieged Rhodes in an attempt to break the Rhodo-Egyptian alliance. They could never penetrate the city. When a peace agreement was reached in 304 BC, the Antagonids lifted the siege, leaving a wealth of military equipment behind. To celebrate their unity, the Rhodians sold the equipment and used the money to erect an enormous statue of their sun god, Helios. From its building to its destruction lies a time span of merely 56 years. Yet the colossus earned a place in the famous list of Wonders. "But even lying on the ground, it is a marvel", said Pliny the Elder. Although we do not know the true shape and appearance of the Colossus, modern reconstructions with the statue standing upright are more accurate than older drawings. Although it disappeared from existence, the ancient World Wonder inspired modern artists such as French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi best known by his famous work: The Statue of Liberty.

2002-12-05T01:36:00.000-08:00

I'VE BEEN CALLED OUT

My buddy the agonist sent me an email stating that "If you do not post about harvesting the olives, what is was like, how it was done, the weather, the scenery, throwing in a little ancient greek poetry, etc. . . I am personally going to come to Rhodes and hurt you!" Ok, so here it is;

We have not yet been to the harvest. We are so busy with the house at the moment. The tiles are going in now and next week we'll have windows and doors. We are really excited about the house. As for the weather, its wet, very wet.

2002-11-25T01:39:00.000-08:00

PAGING STUMANCHU

Yeah, I've been in the wind. This in fact is the first correspondence of any kind I've had with anyone in a month's time. Here's the skinny. My business opportunity fell through shortly upon returning from the States. We were not able to agree upon our terms so I was back to square one in the job search. I must say I had very mixed feelings about the outcome. On the one hand, I didn't really want to be doing that kind of work here, but on the other hand, suckers walk and money talks. I've been basically broke and it has been a burden on me. I'm not entirely depressed however as being broke and being poor are not the same thing and fortunately I am only the former. Life here for me in all other regards is extremely rich.

As many of you know, this is the season for harvesting olives. We have not yet begun but don't worry, we have not missed the window. My father-in-law, Stergos, and I have been working out at our property daily. Yeah, I mean our house. We're doing all the last minute changes before the top layer of cement then tile flooring is laid. All the electric lines, water lines, heating lines etc... runs under the floor so we have to have all that set. The house was ready for flooring a few years ago but Eirini and I wanted to add plugs, more outlets and what not. I'm installing computer network infastructure as well. In addition to all the work at the house, we're doing some house painting work for various friends and relatives. We typically head out in the mornigs at about 7:30am and get back to town by dark around 5pm. I enjoy the labor and staying busy. I enjoy even more the delicious homemade meals waiting for us, accompanied by ouzo, beer, and plenty of fellowship and laughter.

Three times a week I attend a little language school which is offered free of charge by the local government. I try to make most of the classes but occasionally don't make it back from the village in time. I'm happy to announce that my greek is comming along slowly but surely. I'm finally able to carry on very basic conversations about the weather and olives and so on. It can be very frustrating at times but what could I have expected? After all, I moved to Rhodes, Greece not Rhode Island!

As for the weather, well, I'm sorry you're not here to enjoy it. We had a brief cold front with some rain which lasted about 3 days and its been sunny, clear, and mild ever since. Unfortunately I haven't any time for the beach at the moment but I am outdoors all day.

Also, I want to wish eveyone in the States a very happy Thanksgiving! I would love some roasted turkey and pumkin pie. Signing out for now.

SMC

2002-10-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

There's no place like Rhodes

I have just returned to Rhodes and am so happy to be home. I was back in Texas briefly and had the opportunity to see friends and family. That was great but I could not stop clicking my boots and repeating "There's no place like Rhodes, there's no place like Rhodes". It looks like my business deal is not going to pan out, which suits me fine. I'll just have to go back to plan A which is really were I wanted to be in the first place. Today my father-in-law (Stergos) went to our country property to check on the olives. It looks like we'll be harvesting in about 3 weeks. The weather is fantastic and I feel great. I'm heading upstairs to attend a small party. One of the cousins has just opened an optical retail store so we will celebrate. TTFN.

2002-09-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

Quote of the Week

“Everything here,” I mutter under my breath, “was built for two reasons: beauty and eternity.”
“One reason,“ Filiberto corrects me, “beauty is eternal.”
~Sean-Paul Kelley~

I have adventured into many places in my life, many more than once. There was never a trip I regretted nor a memory I don’t hold dear. However, of all the places I have not seen, there is but one that constantly tears at my soul, beseeching me to explore.
My heart aches for what I know must be waiting for me in Italy.

2002-09-27T03:15:00.000-07:00

TRAVELLING AGAIN

I remember the temple, this route I've travelled before,
I recall the bridge as I cross it again.
It seems the hills and rivers have been waiting,
The flowers and willows all are selfless now.
The field is sleek and vivid, thin mist shines,
On soft sand, the sunlight's colour shows it's late.
All the traveller's sorrow fades away,
What better place to rest than this?
~Du Fu~

2002-09-25T06:51:00.000-07:00

SWIMMING IN THE AEGEAN
Was it Homer who called the Aegean “The Wine Dark Sea”? Indeed it is. However, close to the beaches here in Rhodes the water takes on a light blue tone, mirroring the sky. The west coast is choppy and wavy; the east coast is typically calm and gentle. On the northern most tip of the island you can observe this contrast in wonderful technicolor. My brother and I go there about three afternoons a week and swim amongst the waves then float on our backs in calm waters only a few meters away. Now that the summer is clearly gone, the tourists are heading back to the North of Europe were they will work, study and look forward to next summer. For me, there isn’t a better time to be here. By November the beaches will be completely empty and I will own the sea. Now the air is cool and the water cooler. There is so much salt in the water that it’s near impossible to sink.
Here in Greece, there are many spas which offer something called “Thalassotherapy”, from the Greek “Thalassa” (sea). This is nothing new of course; Thalassotherapy has been popular since ancient times. I don’t need an expensive spa to understand the concept or enjoy the benefits. Whatever the rejuvenative properties of the sea, the Aegean seems to contain more of them. Well, I’m off to the beach for some low-budget thalassotherapy.

2002-09-25T05:49:00.000-07:00

Quote of the Day
"i am not even sure if this pin is exactly accurate, but this is where i think i am."
~Christina Zachariades~
In reference to posting on my guest map

2002-09-25T02:33:00.000-07:00

"Imagine that some superhuman being appeared on earth and offered to teach mankind a magical trick that would make life more comfortable, more colorful, more convenient. In return, he demanded only the blood sacrifice of fifty thousand lives a year. With what indignation would this proposal be rejected! And then came the automobile. . . ." ~Morris Raphael Cohen~

2002-09-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Stu-man Chu is on the move!
That's right, the adventure continues. I'll be migrating back across the pond for a brief stay in the USA. On October 10th-14th I'll be attending a conference in Colorado with Gray Line. I know it's not much adventure but I plan on escaping to the mountains for a day while everyone else is playing in the golf tournament. On the 14th I fly to Austin and will have 10 days to visit old friends in the LONE STAR STATE.

2002-09-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

WELCOME TO THE NOBLE HOUSE

OK, its not my very own web site but I think it will do.
I found this site through Sean-Paul (ma bes frien). We will carry on a few cyber debates for the hell of it, which you can follow along at his site (recommended) The Agonist. I've traditonally taken the opposite stand against anything he says, this is mainly because I don't want to let him have a free run of the mouth. Seriouslly folks, when it comes to international relations/foreign affairs, he's done his homework.

As for me, I'm here chillin' on the beautiful island of Rhodes. My routine at the moment has been; wake up, drink coffee, watch the news, hang out with the family in the kitchen, go for a walk, eat a big greek lunch, take a nap, go to the beach, come home and watch some news again or play PS2, take a nap, go for a walk, come home and hang out with the family in the kitchen, eat a snack for dinner, watch an 80's movie subtitled in greek, go to bed. Its all good except for the 80's movies. Those of you who know me would say I'm living the "Tao of StuManChu". Yes. It does get a little boring sometimes but I'm not complaining at all. The weather is really beautiful now, most of the tourists are gone and the kids are back in school. This is when I love the Island! Eirini and I will start work on the house next month. November is Olive Harvesting season which I'm really looking forward to. So, when you come to visit you'll enjoy fresh olive oil from the Noble House Plantation!

2002-09-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

Announcement from The Agonist

A Debate

Alright everyone, The Agonist is pleased to announce that the great sage of the East, Stu-man Chu has agreed to debate some of the relevant topics facing the world today. Our first debate will be on the upcoming German elections, their effect on American, NATO and general world politics. We will also discuss what was said by the German Justice Minister, Herta Daeubler-Gmelin. Apparently she compared Bush's actions with those of Hitler's in a rather unfavorable light.

Here is the first round of questions:

1. What role if any will both candidates unwillingness to support the President on his Iraq policy have this same policy? Was Stoiber just playing politics when he said he will not support Bush's invasion plans? Or was he sincere?

2. Will Germany take the necessary steps to reduce unemployment in Germany if Stoiber is elected? Will Germany's economic recovery falter if Shroeder is re-elected?

3. What are the current perceptions of Americans like in Germany?

4. Finally, how did the German Justice Minister's comments play in the German press? And what effect will they have on German-American relations in the future, should Shroeder stay in office?

We will await Stu-Man's answers and I will post them when they are received.

posted by The Agonist | 11:46 AM

2002-09-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

I've got something to say

2002-09-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

Quote of the week
by Sean-Paul Kelley (aka The Agonist)
Friday, September 20, 2002
debate about US attack on Iraq

Prof: And history is written by the winners.
Student A: We will win.
The Agonist: We had better because I want to write the book!