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March 28, 2024

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Friday, January 28, 2022

Open Thread – A Glass of Port

I was recently in the beautiful city of San Francisco, and as is my wont… I hightailed it to the nearest art museum. So, sprinkled over the next undetermined amount of time, you Mudflats museumphiles can join me on a little jaunt through the DeYoung Museum, situated right next to the amazingly lovely Golden Gate Park.

The museum houses an impressive collection of American art, and this beautiful painting by John Singer Sargent really caught my eye. If I was a restauranteur, I’d want my place to have this feel.  And I would totally comp you guys for whatever you wanted.

Le Verre de Porto by John Singer Sargent, 1884. Oil on canvas.

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62 Responses to “Open Thread – A Glass of Port”
  1. bubbles says:

    Jim Wright has a great write-up about teachers. i thought of all the great pups who are teachers and librarians. this is for you:

    http://www.stonekettle.com/2011/04/teacher-bashing-101.html

    i like the way this man thinks and talks.

    • mike from iowa says:

      Thanks Bubbles. Reading comments from teachers is so much more uplifting than hearing and/or watching nutjobs and teabaggers grovel and whine. Another big thanks to JW.

    • Zyxomma says:

      Lovely, bubbles. Just like you! And even those of us who aren’t teachers and librarians (although I do teach, it’s outside the classroom setting) appreciate it deeply.

  2. bubbles says:

    here is why i no longer tarry and listen to the pundits. i know the man i voted for in 2008 is smarter than his opponents. he is a hell of a lot smarter than me. on the day Barack Hussein Obama raised his right hand and took his oath of office i raised my right hand and repeated the oath after him. i back his play. i stand with my president and i say today that “Hell Yes We Can and Hell Yes We Will!”

    http://theobamadiary.com/

    CBS: In what he thought was a private chat with campaign donors Thursday evening, President Obama offered the most revealing behind-the-scenes account to date of his budget negotiations with GOP leaders last week.

    CBS Radio News White House correspondent Mark Knoller listened in to an audio feed of Mr. Obama’s conversation with donors after other reporters traveling with the president had left the room.

    In the candid remarks, Mr. Obama complains of Republican attempts to attach measures to the budget bill which would have effectively killed parts of his hard-won health care reform program.

    “I said, ‘You want to repeal health care? Go at it. We’ll have that debate. You’re not going to be able to do that by nickel-and-diming me in the budget. You think we’re stupid?’” recalled the president of his closed-door negotiations on the bill to fund the federal government until September.

    …Mr. Obama bemoaned GOP leaders’ attempts to attach a measure to the budget bill which would have cut funding for Planned Parenthood.

    “Put it in a separate bill,” the president said he told Boehner and his staff. “We’ll call it up. And if you think you can overturn my veto, try it. But don’t try to sneak this through.”

    …The president told his backers Thursday night that he expects Republicans to continue using that process to enact their political agenda under the guise of cutting spending. He specifically called into question the sincerity of Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan…

    “When Paul Ryan says his priority is to make sure, he’s just being America’s accountant … This is the same guy that voted for two wars that were unpaid for, voted for the Bush tax cuts that were unpaid for, voted for the prescription drug bill that cost as much as my health care bill – but wasn’t paid for,” Mr. Obama told his supporters. “So it’s not on the level.”

    • Lee323 says:

      Loved it! I especially liked how PO told them that he had spent a year and a half of his time and political capital to get HCR legislation, and he wasn’t going to let them take it away on a 6 month spending bill.

      Thanks, bubbles. I agree with you 100%.

  3. A Fan From Chicago says:

    Recently in San Francisco, eh? Might the writing of a book have something to do with the trip? Just asking.

  4. carol says:

    Can someone correct me if I have this incorrect. The Republicans on the news are yelling about tax increases to “those small busineses” that power the economy, etc. My understanding of taxes ( both I and my husband have small businesses) is that income is taxed on NET profits, not GROSS receipts. At least ours are. So towards the end of the year, bonuses are given to employees, equipment is purchased, etc, plans made to lower the amount paid in income taxes. That would seem to stimulate the economy, not hinder it. That is the way “trickle down” really works, not cutting taxes for those who can best afford more taxes.

  5. OzMud says:

    I lived only blocks from the De Young Museum growing up. I happened to be in the front of the line waiting to go into the room where the mummy of King Tut was on display in a glass case. With only a few people ahead of me and my sister, we had a clear view of the room when suddenly the mummy sat up breaking the glass and scaring the crap out of the entire crowd. Turns out the glass case was not properly sealed and the mummy contracted in response to the trickling in air.
    It is one of my best museum memories.

    Glad you enjoyed the museum. Do you know – are the dinosaur bones still outside the building thqt holds the giant pendalum?

  6. auni says:

    I just got back from a week in DC with my 9 yr old grandson. Had a wonderful time–my first trip. Was great to see everything through his eyes–kids have a way of cutting through the bs. We watched demonstrations in front of the White House on different days with groups from Iran, Columbia, and China carrying flags and banners. He allowed as how we are really lucky to live in this country. Also saw Planned Parenthood demonstrations. He was wondering why some people are so mean to poor people. I can say with certainity that kid will never be a Republican. He has too great a sence of right and wrong. We missed President Obama at the Lincoln Memorial by an hour! Rats!!!!

  7. Zyxomma says:

    The brother of a friend is hiking the Pacific Crest Trail this summer, while raising money for kids either infected or affected by AIDS here on the east coast.

    His blog is http://www.fjahpct.blogspot.com/ and there’s a donate button if you’re so moved.

    • fawnskin mudpuppy says:

      i spend my summer in a small community off that trail in southern california. some of the hikers stay with folk in town. i would be happy to have him if he wants a nice meal and shower.

  8. SuzySnowflake says:

    I’ve been noticing that “Atlas Shrugged” is in the news because of a trilogy of films about it are coming out. I would like to re-read the essay that a guest writer did for The Mudflats about Ayn Rand and Atlas Shrugged, but don’t know how to pull it up here with no search window available. Is there an easy way to do that, or would you, AKM, consider reposting it? Thanks!

  9. Ang says:

    New Topic.
    A shout-out to all Fairbanks mudpuppies. What is happening in way
    of protest during the visit of John Yoo, Bush Jr’s. torture memo lawyer?
    He will be in Fairbanks May 4 and 5th, speaking to the Alaska Bar Association.
    This will be at the Riverside Lodge. I’m trying to get a group of folks to
    come to Fairbanks with me from Anchorage. I would love to hook up
    with a Fairbanks group. It burns me to the core thinking that the
    visit of this war criminal would go unopposed. Leave messages at my blog http://lifeinspenard.wordpress.com/.
    Thanks all.

  10. mike from iowa says:

    I just read an AP story from Minnesota about how copper mining interests are trying to get certain mineral standards reset so they can mine copper from Ojibwe tribal lakes where wild rice is grown and harvested. I can’t provide a link,but Minnesota’s government wants to relax the standards which will cause wild rice not to grow normally. They seem to think that Korporate Amerika’s wishes supercedes those of Native Americans. Where have we heard this before?

    • Alaska Pi says:

      http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9MK0U383.htm

      Ah, but Korps are trying to convince us we can eat copper, eh?

      • mike from iowa says:

        Them pennies need to go somewhere,why not school lunches if they are so good for you.

      • Zyxomma says:

        From the article (wild rice is sacred to tribes there, and the mine could destroy the harvest):

        “Bakk said opponents of changing the standard just want to stop Polymet. He said nonferrous mining offers Minnesota a “big opportunity.”

        Howes, the Fond du Lac Band’s resources manager, said he’s skeptical of assurances from mining supporters.

        “I don’t trust them,” Howes said. “I think they’re just doing lip service. They know the tribes are in a position where they’re speaking up and they want to sound like they’re being good stewards.””

        This sounds depressingly familiar. Years ago, the acquaintance of a friend was talking about a book he’d written (or was writing, I don’t remember) the premise of which was that man wanted to destroy the earth’s crust, by mining/digging up everything of value, but destroyed life on the planet in the process.

      • fromthediagonal says:

        Dontcha know we all need a few micrograms of copper in our mineral supplements?
        Wild rice and those who live of its harvest do not count.

  11. AK Raven says:

    Lovely picture of the idle rich. I love Sargent’s painting. Makes me want to get dressed up in my finest, go to a fancy, wood-lined establishment and order some wine. Just sit and let the evening go by in quiet peace. Take a break from it all.

  12. mike from iowa says:

    News from the entertainment front- I was perusing the Summer Music Festivals and line-ups and got to the comment section. One astute commenter paid SP the ultimate-compliment/slam by suggesting people skip the Festivals,and find a YouTube Sarah Palin speech to watch. And don’t forget the popcorn. Must be a closet Mudpup. In the official Sarah Palin Wannabe Presidential Liberry her speeches will all be under glass for the world to ridicule.

  13. aussiegal77 says:

    I could spend all day at an art museum (and have!) =D

    Looking forward to more photos =D

  14. Zyxomma says:

    We’re approaching the anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon blowout. Diane Wilson, an author and Gulf Coast resident (5 generations) traveled to London and was arrested trying to attend a BP shareholders meeting. Video and transcript here:

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42583867/ns/us_news-environment/

  15. aussiegal77 says:

    Palin Train Wreck! Next stop Madison, WI!

    http://www.politicususa.com/en/sarah-palin-wisconsin

    I can’t believe she is doing this. This is really not a good idea…..

    • AK Raven says:

      As the article states- this is a great idea to keep the pro-union forces active. She is helpful for keeping Dems on our toes.

    • AK Raven says:

      Oh- the pic of her scrunching her face up was not flattering. The color of her top- green and the collar makes her look like she is in the Nazi uniform.

    • tigerwine says:

      I’ll be watching this one tomorrow. I’m with you – not a good idea.

      I think this is yeat another sign she is not really running for President. Like the article says, other
      candidates are shunning getting too close to Walker. But if she’s being paid to stir up the masses and she’s not running it won’t matter.

      Hah, Ha! I think that’s a poor investment for the Koch Bros. She’ll stir up the masses all right – the pro union forces will probably far outnumber conservatives. (Or is that just wishful thinking!!??)

  16. Zyxomma says:

    When last in San Francisco, I had time for only one museum trip, and it was to the incredible Academy of Science building (in Golden Gate Park) designed by Renzo Piano. The living roof was lovely, as was the entire trip (for a family wedding in Palo Alto). Having seen this lovely painting, I know where I’ll be headed next time I’m in the Bay Area. Thanks so much, AKM. Reminds me of the last time my second cousin, of blessed memory, had a post-Thanksgiving gathering. I brought him a bottle of Newport Winery’s incredible White Cap White Port. He rewarded me with a glass of port from his stash. It was beautiful and delicious, just like the painting.

    • Ben in SF says:

      Nice building, but I’m still wondering where they put the museum. They did away with the Hall of Man years ago; Life through Time got exiled to the corridors of City College (not a bad place to recycle a first-class geology exhibit). They did a fine remake of the aquarium, and the green roof is cool, but they just don’t make exhibits they way they used to. As for the DeYoung, to paraphrase Patrick Henry, it hangs separately rather than hangs together.

  17. Ben in SF says:

    I can see the DeYoung Museum from my house!
    Glad you had a good visit.

  18. bbnanabear0@gmail.com says:

    Whew—–big mistake======should have typed Lacy LADY

  19. bbnanabear0@gmail.com says:

    just saw a bit on the news last night. It looked like the Gov. of Wisc was being questioned by congress. They were asking him some tough questions and just wondered what that was all about.
    I just got home from the hospital yesterday after haveing surgery—–(right parotidectomy)
    I am glad that this is over, and I didn’t look -it-up until after I got home, or it would have scared the crap out of me. But I did have a great surgeon that knew what he was doing, and I didn’t have to travel but 3 miles to our hospital. Guess the surgeon has to be very careful because of all the facial nerves in this area. Whew!!!
    Since I am having to be on a liquid diet for awhile—-I could use some of that wine on the table the gal has in the picture! That ought to soooooth the throat that is raw!

  20. omg says:

    I’ve been on the road for a while but had to share Krugman’s astute column about the budget proposals:

    http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/15/opinion/15krugman.html?_r=1&hp

  21. Cassie Jeep says:

    “…as is my wont…” a favorite expression of meandering in a more leisurely age.

    I look forward to more sharing.

  22. Buffalogal says:

    In the wee hours of this morning I was watching a PBS doc, “The Desert of Forbidden Art ” , about art and artists banned during the Stalin era. The work was amazing and while watching, it occured to me that I haven’t been to a gallery or a museum in the past 2 years or so and that I felt “less” because of it , like being deficient in necessary vitamins. Then I start the day seeing this wonderful painting and am now making a promise to myself to head out this weekend to gobble up some artistic yum.

    Here’s the link to the doc info : http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/desert-of-forbidden-art/ It has a gallery of some of the pieces that they used. Quite good.

    I’m still stuck on dialup so visits to da Flats have been reduced greatly and commenting is a rarity. I’ve been trying to pop in to catch up on things tho. Hey Jimzmum – congrats on the wedding! Glad to hear it.

    Hello to all !!

    • merrycricket says:

      Miss you Buffalogal! I saw that same documentary the other night. Where would we be without PBS?

    • benlomond2 says:

      BUFF!!!! How’s Glory doin? Still jumping fences ??

      • Zyxomma says:

        benlomond2, Glory is Justafarmer’s three-legged fence jumper. Last time I checked, she was doing very well.

    • bubbles says:

      BuffGal!! waving madly. glad to see you there. hope you feeling fine as wine in the summertime.♥

  23. jimzmum says:

    I would love to come to your restaurant. I would order a Kir Royale, although typing it makes my phone have a fit. Today is a take mother out to lunch day so we can talk about the wedding again. She had such a good time, and still remembers all of it! Heartbreakingly wonderful.

    I wonder if Mrs. Palin will show up? I guess she will if she gets paid.

    • Zyxomma says:

      I neglected to congratulate you & yours on the last OT, so here it is, jimzmum: Glad you all had a wonderful time, and blessings to the bride and groom, both families, and all your guests. Love, health, peace, prosperity, and joy.

    • MinNJ says:

      I’m so happy for you. Could we have a picture or two? I just know that it was beautiful. My love to the happy couple…

  24. tigerwine says:

    Mr. Sargent is one of my favorites! Those days of elegance seem to be gone, don’t they? The decaner to the left of the lady is interesting. Don’t think I’ve ever seen one like that – thought it was
    a coffee pot at first!

    BTW: Just read that SP will be in Wisconsin this weekend. This should be interesting.

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  1. […] The Mudflats | Open Thread – A Glass of Port So, sprinkled over the next undetermined amount of time, you Mudflats museumphiles can join me on a little jaunt through the DeYoung Museum, situated right next to the amazingly lovely Golden Gate Park. The museum houses an impressive . […]