If Hera is Listening
4 weeks ago
Friday, February 28, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Pretty as a Pigture
Added a guinea pig / cavy to the family. I have been watching her at the pet store for about 2 months and finally couldn't resist any longer. Thinking of calling her Trifle as she is a tortie & white. She's been home about 24 hours and things are going well so far. Lola is not hugely impressed but has not flipped her lid, either.
Her right side has all black markings (with white) and her left side has all red markings (with white) except where a black splash spills over her back. Unusual and stunning. It is like having two pigs in one! I haven't had an abyssinian in a long time, I forgot how cute their crazy fur is.
 |
| Lola and Trifle |
 |
| Ready for her closeup |
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Coursera - History of the Slave South, Assignment 2
While Jefferson waxes rhetorical with observations about slavery and
speculation about black physiology in the "Laws" section of Notes on the State of Virginia,
the "Manners" section seems to give a snapshot of his actual judgement
about slavery. He fears that the wrath of God will come down on the new
Republic and observes "The spirit of the master is abating, that of the
slave rising from the dust" (p 175).
Returning to the "Laws" section of the text, we see Jefferson's observations about the very nature of blacks. While our essay prompt mockingly refers to 'science', this was cutting edge science for Jefferson and his contemporaries and these were serious concerns of the day. Jefferson proffers many differences between blacks and whites, not only "political", but also "physical and moral" (p 149). He argues that upon the emancipation of the blacks in the Republic, they should be given a fresh start in a new land and be replaced by white immigrants; they cannot be incorporated into the Republic due to "Deep rooted prejudices entertained by the whites" and "ten thousand recollections by the blacks of the injuries they have sustained" (p 149). He goes on to delineate ways in which blacks are different from (read: inferior to) whites in their most basic attributes. He remarks that they are less attractive than whites, their bodies process waste differently from whites, giving them a "strong and disagreeable odor" but also makes them "more tolerant of heat, and less so of cold than whites" (p 150). Jefferson continues by stating that blacks require less sleep, use less forethought, and are more ruled by sex than romance than whites. In fact, he summarizes nicely for us his position when he says "In general, their existence appears to participate more of sensation than reflection" (p150).
The modern reader at this point is tempted to raise a query at this point - what about blacks who were not slaves, or who became free and gained an education? Here Jefferson compares the idea of an educated black writer to a white one: "though we admit him to the first place among those of his own color who have presented themselves to the public judgment ....when we compare him with [a white writer] we are compelled to enroll him at the bottom of the column" (p 152). Jefferson does not waver from his theory of black inferiority, even citing examples of enslaved whites who were far "smarter" than his contemporary enslaved blacks in America, and under supposed far harsher conditions (p154). Clearly he does not support the idea that slavery itself is the problem here.
For Jefferson, the only way that the idea of emancipation could be entertained was by putting forth the idea of removing all freed blacks from the American (white) Republic. He again contrasts the American situation to that of ancient Rome: Among the Romans emancipation required but one effort. The slave, when made free, might mix with, without staining the blood of his master. But with us a second is necessary, unknown to history. When freed, he is to be removed beyond the reach of mixture." (p 155).
Returning to the "Laws" section of the text, we see Jefferson's observations about the very nature of blacks. While our essay prompt mockingly refers to 'science', this was cutting edge science for Jefferson and his contemporaries and these were serious concerns of the day. Jefferson proffers many differences between blacks and whites, not only "political", but also "physical and moral" (p 149). He argues that upon the emancipation of the blacks in the Republic, they should be given a fresh start in a new land and be replaced by white immigrants; they cannot be incorporated into the Republic due to "Deep rooted prejudices entertained by the whites" and "ten thousand recollections by the blacks of the injuries they have sustained" (p 149). He goes on to delineate ways in which blacks are different from (read: inferior to) whites in their most basic attributes. He remarks that they are less attractive than whites, their bodies process waste differently from whites, giving them a "strong and disagreeable odor" but also makes them "more tolerant of heat, and less so of cold than whites" (p 150). Jefferson continues by stating that blacks require less sleep, use less forethought, and are more ruled by sex than romance than whites. In fact, he summarizes nicely for us his position when he says "In general, their existence appears to participate more of sensation than reflection" (p150).
The modern reader at this point is tempted to raise a query at this point - what about blacks who were not slaves, or who became free and gained an education? Here Jefferson compares the idea of an educated black writer to a white one: "though we admit him to the first place among those of his own color who have presented themselves to the public judgment ....when we compare him with [a white writer] we are compelled to enroll him at the bottom of the column" (p 152). Jefferson does not waver from his theory of black inferiority, even citing examples of enslaved whites who were far "smarter" than his contemporary enslaved blacks in America, and under supposed far harsher conditions (p154). Clearly he does not support the idea that slavery itself is the problem here.
For Jefferson, the only way that the idea of emancipation could be entertained was by putting forth the idea of removing all freed blacks from the American (white) Republic. He again contrasts the American situation to that of ancient Rome: Among the Romans emancipation required but one effort. The slave, when made free, might mix with, without staining the blood of his master. But with us a second is necessary, unknown to history. When freed, he is to be removed beyond the reach of mixture." (p 155).
Monday, February 17, 2014
Resting Monday
Took the cat to the vet, finished the first Scylla sock & took 2 hampers of wash to the laundromat. A big day.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Productive Saturday
- Went to work
- Tidied living room
- Knit on Scylla sock
- Checked on Hogsmeade Owl Post
- Watched an hour of Coursera lectures
- Watched some "Breaking Bad"
- Made lunch, fed dog
- Rejuvenating nap
Friday, February 14, 2014
Knitting Friday
The Scylla socks are moving right along - I am working the heel of sock 1 now. Only 9 days left to go in the Olympics though so I had better keep up the pace.
The Marigold / Meadow Flowers shawl is also moving along well. I finished both inner sections and am gearing up to start the two outer sections. Beads have been obtained although I need to find my handy dandy breading crochet hook pretty soon.
Fritti the kitty is still acting odd, so it is back to the vet again Monday. Wish us luck!
The Marigold / Meadow Flowers shawl is also moving along well. I finished both inner sections and am gearing up to start the two outer sections. Beads have been obtained although I need to find my handy dandy breading crochet hook pretty soon.
Fritti the kitty is still acting odd, so it is back to the vet again Monday. Wish us luck!
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
Coursera - History of the Slave South, Assignment 1
The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database is a useful tool for
accessing information about who enslaved people were, where they
originated from and where they were sold. We can combine these three parameters and begin to draw conclusions about how the slave trade shaped the American South.
The first table of data isolates the regions in North America where enslaved Africans were received. At the start of the slave trade, there was a small total number of slaves and the difference between the colony with the fewest slave sales and the most is not very great. In the hundred years of the 18th century, however, the number of slaves increased dramatically, particularly in Virginia and South Carolina, which had plantations and cash crops. Slave importation for most other colonies did not increase as drastically, although a couple of colonies began importation during this time. When compared to the total quantity of people sold into slavery during the slave trade (12 million), the North American colonies were an afterthought with a total import number of just over 366,000 people.
The second table of data isolates the regions of origin of the enslaved Africans who were transported to the North American colonies. Please note: this export figure of 242,000 is 1/3 less than the import figure discussed above. While locations of origin were spread along the coast, at the beginning of the slave trade the regions of the Bight of Biafra and West Central Africa were the first large scale exporters to the colonies. As the demand for slaves increased in the 18th century the areas of Sierra Leone, Windward Coast and Gold Coast jumped far ahead of the others in both percentage increase and overall number of slaves sent abroad. Interestingly, West Central Africa continued to export large numbers of people throughout this time and even into the 19th century when supply from the other regions either tapered off or was dramatically reduced.
The third table of data combines the information we have already reviewed and shows which specific areas enslaved people were taken from and where they were bought in the colonies. While most colonies (northerly and southerly) had slaves originating from all regions, primarily the plantation economy colonies had slaves who originated in West Central Africa or the Bight of Biafra.
These charts are a useful resource for looking at the data of the slave trade. The specificity of the information begins to rehumanize the very idea of a "slave trade"; knowing that people were taken, sold and transported between specific ports brings them closer to us. Unfortunately, the tables do not tell the whole story. The reasons why the southern colonies received large numbers of people from these regions is not revealed by the tables; could it have been price, supply, cultural attitude (temperament) or a combination of all these? We are given points of disembarkation, but as so many enslaved people were captured & sold by rivals, enemies or human traffickers, where did they actually live before their journey began? Working with raw data and tables like these, while interesting, is just the start of the story of the slave trade and its shaping of the American South.
The first table of data isolates the regions in North America where enslaved Africans were received. At the start of the slave trade, there was a small total number of slaves and the difference between the colony with the fewest slave sales and the most is not very great. In the hundred years of the 18th century, however, the number of slaves increased dramatically, particularly in Virginia and South Carolina, which had plantations and cash crops. Slave importation for most other colonies did not increase as drastically, although a couple of colonies began importation during this time. When compared to the total quantity of people sold into slavery during the slave trade (12 million), the North American colonies were an afterthought with a total import number of just over 366,000 people.
The second table of data isolates the regions of origin of the enslaved Africans who were transported to the North American colonies. Please note: this export figure of 242,000 is 1/3 less than the import figure discussed above. While locations of origin were spread along the coast, at the beginning of the slave trade the regions of the Bight of Biafra and West Central Africa were the first large scale exporters to the colonies. As the demand for slaves increased in the 18th century the areas of Sierra Leone, Windward Coast and Gold Coast jumped far ahead of the others in both percentage increase and overall number of slaves sent abroad. Interestingly, West Central Africa continued to export large numbers of people throughout this time and even into the 19th century when supply from the other regions either tapered off or was dramatically reduced.
The third table of data combines the information we have already reviewed and shows which specific areas enslaved people were taken from and where they were bought in the colonies. While most colonies (northerly and southerly) had slaves originating from all regions, primarily the plantation economy colonies had slaves who originated in West Central Africa or the Bight of Biafra.
These charts are a useful resource for looking at the data of the slave trade. The specificity of the information begins to rehumanize the very idea of a "slave trade"; knowing that people were taken, sold and transported between specific ports brings them closer to us. Unfortunately, the tables do not tell the whole story. The reasons why the southern colonies received large numbers of people from these regions is not revealed by the tables; could it have been price, supply, cultural attitude (temperament) or a combination of all these? We are given points of disembarkation, but as so many enslaved people were captured & sold by rivals, enemies or human traffickers, where did they actually live before their journey began? Working with raw data and tables like these, while interesting, is just the start of the story of the slave trade and its shaping of the American South.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Strawberry Surprise
Finished and blocked the Strawberry Shawl ("Vernal Equinox" by Wendy Johnson). I think it came out wonderfully. The actual yarn has more black in it and is very deep & rich.
Saturday, January 04, 2014
January Knitting
There has been so much knitting already this year. I am still finishing up Amy's Equinox and am in the home stretch. I think there will be enough yarn, but it has been a real knuckle biter.
I started a hat out of MadTosh and Shibuiknits Silk Cloud - still on the ribbing. I am a little concerned it will be too small for my head, but ribbing is stretchy, right? The pattern is Green Tea Latte and is free! It is my Loopy Challenge for January. Colors are Grasshopper & Lumen.
I started a hat out of MadTosh and Shibuiknits Silk Cloud - still on the ribbing. I am a little concerned it will be too small for my head, but ribbing is stretchy, right? The pattern is Green Tea Latte and is free! It is my Loopy Challenge for January. Colors are Grasshopper & Lumen.
Next on the needles is a Kalajoki with Mountain Colors Bearfoot (colorway Yellowstone). I have been longing to make socks again and it feels good to have one on the needles. I really like the pattern as it is just tricky enough to keep things interesting, but not all over patterning.
Sideways pictures YAY!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Just About Done
The silk & yak shawl is complete except for the finishing - wash, block & work in the ends. It will be a good detention turn in for the House Cup in January.
I love it beyond all reason.
Friday, December 13, 2013
A Little Crocheting
... and spinning was done at the end of last month.A few more squares for the steampunk blanket, some mohair spun on the drop spindle during Blizzcon and some red shetland that I picked up at the Torrance fiber fair.
Currently there is a shawl project with no pictures (I ran out of yarn and it is in the "time out" corner) and this small shawl (larger now) that is a real treat to knit.
The yarn is handspun 3 ply silk & yak. I just started the 3rd (or 4th) repeat of the dark colors and it is stunning and soft as ... silk & yak.
Currently there is a shawl project with no pictures (I ran out of yarn and it is in the "time out" corner) and this small shawl (larger now) that is a real treat to knit.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Back on Track
It seems that all I use the blog for these days is as a portal to other updated blogs. Maybe I should become part of the action again.
October was full of WoW.
November has been full of WoW, including a trip to Blizzcon and dinging my 5th level 90 character. It's been a great ride. I also went to the Fiber Fair in Torrance and bought some very soft llama fiber.
I was knitting like crazy on a shawl but am running out of yarn and am in a dither. Of course it is a commission and in a difficult color to match.
Holly wants me to take her on more walks.
Today I found a notification that I received a gift of a scarf pattern that I have wanted for several years (but was unwilling to pay $10 for). I am a happy knitter! I think the previously mentioned llama will work well for it. Now I have a spinning / knitting project for the next couple of months.
October was full of WoW.
November has been full of WoW, including a trip to Blizzcon and dinging my 5th level 90 character. It's been a great ride. I also went to the Fiber Fair in Torrance and bought some very soft llama fiber.
I was knitting like crazy on a shawl but am running out of yarn and am in a dither. Of course it is a commission and in a difficult color to match.
Holly wants me to take her on more walks.
Today I found a notification that I received a gift of a scarf pattern that I have wanted for several years (but was unwilling to pay $10 for). I am a happy knitter! I think the previously mentioned llama will work well for it. Now I have a spinning / knitting project for the next couple of months.
Monday, September 30, 2013
WoW weekend: part the second
I have played so much WoW this month. I am really getting my free subscription's worth. My good friend started playing, so I had to start a character to help her along. We are 36 now. I have been trying to add some experience to my little army of alts and keep their professions current. And of course there is Brewfest to enjoy!
I am also trying to get in some knitting; I made a crap ton of washcloths (at least 6) this month plus some blanket squares that seem to have disappeared and a pair of fingerless mitts for my aunt in Colorado. The pattern was really fun & easy; I think there will be more in my future... if I can find the project bag.
Holly the Wonder Spaniel and I started agility classes this month and that has been really interesting. I think I need way more training than she does. In other pet news my elderly rabbit passed away. He must have been pushing 10. The guinea pig looks a little lonely but I have no plans to add a friend. The inn is full. Maybe I will move the rat cage near her so they can stare at each other through the bars.
That's about it for September. On to October!
I am also trying to get in some knitting; I made a crap ton of washcloths (at least 6) this month plus some blanket squares that seem to have disappeared and a pair of fingerless mitts for my aunt in Colorado. The pattern was really fun & easy; I think there will be more in my future... if I can find the project bag.
Holly the Wonder Spaniel and I started agility classes this month and that has been really interesting. I think I need way more training than she does. In other pet news my elderly rabbit passed away. He must have been pushing 10. The guinea pig looks a little lonely but I have no plans to add a friend. The inn is full. Maybe I will move the rat cage near her so they can stare at each other through the bars.
That's about it for September. On to October!
Monday, September 02, 2013
WoW: A Holiday Weekend
It was Labor Day weekend here in the states & I spent it doing pretty much nothing. It was hot and muggy all weekend and it was all I could do to stumble from the freezer (for ice & creamsicles) to the a/c unit.
The time I was up I spent on the computer. Halah the druid reached 90 and Icihott the DK reached 80 (and then 81). I am quite pleased.
The time I was up I spent on the computer. Halah the druid reached 90 and Icihott the DK reached 80 (and then 81). I am quite pleased.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Saturday, August 03, 2013
New Month, New Knitalong
Well it is Camp Loopy time again and I started project 3 last night. The pattern is Malt by Tin Can Knits and the yarn is Cascade Ultra Pima Fine. I am short a skein, but have a whole month to come up with a solution. The knitting is very easy which is a huge relief after the intensity of July.
I really need a kick back project right now. Of course I am still trying to knit my Catkin, but I don't have the deadline pressure anymore. I hit a really fussy part of the pattern and can't do anything else while knitting it, no reading, no talking, no listening to the radio.
Today is just a lazy Saturday. I slept in until 8am (usually I get up around 5 - 5:30) and am getting warmed up for the day.
*update* Thanks to the gods of internet searches, I learned how to fix my editing problem! Now this post should look a bit nicer. I will add a bonus photo just for fun.
I really need a kick back project right now. Of course I am still trying to knit my Catkin, but I don't have the deadline pressure anymore. I hit a really fussy part of the pattern and can't do anything else while knitting it, no reading, no talking, no listening to the radio.
Today is just a lazy Saturday. I slept in until 8am (usually I get up around 5 - 5:30) and am getting warmed up for the day.
*update* Thanks to the gods of internet searches, I learned how to fix my editing problem! Now this post should look a bit nicer. I will add a bonus photo just for fun.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
