Wrestling with the Angel: In Memoriam Bruno Latour

The first time I met Bruno Latour, I brought with me a copy of his newest book (at the time) An Inquiry into Modes of Existence. I had some questions for him about it, which he was generously willing to answer. There was just one problem: my dog Jasper had gotten hold of the bookContinue reading “Wrestling with the Angel: In Memoriam Bruno Latour”

Aikido and Rhetoric: Dignity

Never fear another challenger, no matter how large; Never despise another challenger, no matter how small. To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace. Morihei Ueshiba Wherefore, O judges, be of good cheer about death, and know this of a truth – that no evilContinue reading “Aikido and Rhetoric: Dignity”

Ceramics Saturdays: The Poem Jars of David Drake

Boy, I would kill to be in NYC right now: there’s an exhibit on at the Met of the poem jars of David Drake, an enslaved ceramicist from South Carolina. Unusually, he signed his large-format storage jars, pitchers, and other vessels. Even more unusually, he etched short poems into many: (the one above reads “IContinue reading “Ceramics Saturdays: The Poem Jars of David Drake”

Baking in a Basque Oven

The area where I live is rich in Basque tradition, owing to a wave of immigration in the late 1800s by shepherds hired by the big sheep-ranching outfits here. (Little known fact: the Australian Shepherd dog is actually a Basque breed; the dogs immigrated from Australia alongside their Basque owners to work the sheep hereContinue reading “Baking in a Basque Oven”

Ceramics Saturdays: Makgeolli Cups from Jeewon Jeong

I’m so excited, you guys. I’m in the process of getting 8 of these little bowls from my friend Jeewon Jeong. I’m going to use them for makgeolli, but Jeewon says they’re a good size for rice, ice cream, etc. as well. Can’t wait! I’m planning on brewing a special batch of fall makgeolli toContinue reading “Ceramics Saturdays: Makgeolli Cups from Jeewon Jeong”