Tag Archives: Reviews

New Photography Books: “The World’s Edge” By Thomas Joshua Cooper

From Barnes and Noble:

Thomas Joshua Cooper von Michael Govan
Thomas Joshua Cooper

Working solely with an 1898 Agfa field camera, Thomas Joshua Cooper has established himself as one of the foremost photographers of our time. His magnificent black-and-white seascapes explore specific points on the globe–often at the most remote areas, where sea and land meet. Fans of Cooper’s Atlas project, in which he has charted the Atlantic Basin, will be thrilled to find a generous selection of those images here–abstractions ranging from pitch black to clear white, and subtle gradations in between. Exquisitely reproduced, these photographs reveal the coastlines of the five continents that encircle the Atlantic Ocean. This volume also features images that deal with themes such as the earth’s changing environment, historical narratives, and North America’s great rivers and their sources. Enhancing this book are an essay by Michael Govan; biographies of the artist by Rebecca Morse and Anne Lyden, International Photography Curator at the National Galleries of Scotland; and a chronicle of the Atlas project by Christie Davis of the Lannan Foundation. Poems by Robinson Jeffers and Theodore Roethke round out this retrospective book of one of the most celebrated and distinctive photographers working today.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thomas-joshua-cooper-michael-govan/1130039159?ean=9783791358260&st=PLA&sid=BNB_ADL+Core+Generic+Books+-+Desktop+Medium&sourceId=PLAGoNA&dpid=tdtve346c&2sid=Google_c&gclid=CjwKCAjwxOvsBRAjEiwAuY7L8m_OUQpkhNHK1CkT3i3Gx2nyNw_u4Vqd0ngHXy6v2b0MOdjYRGVCbxoC2JoQAvD_BwE

New Museums: San Francisco Historical Society Museum Opens Oct 7 In The Old Mint

From a San Francisco Chronicle online article:

As trivia game experts know, San Francisco has had three U.S. mints. The first mint, on Commercial Street, was replaced in 1874 by a grand structure at Fifth and Mission streets. That building, now called the Old Mint, was itself replaced in 1937 by a new mint on Duboce Avenue, which is still coining money,

San Francisco Historical Society Museum Opening 2019

The newest museum in San Francisco will open in the city’s oldest mint this week.

The Commercial Street building is built on the site of the first U.S. mint in the West, which opened in 1854 during the California Gold Rush to turn nuggets and gold dust into coins and bullion. Later it was used as a subtreasury, where the government stored millions of dollars in gold and silver bars.

To read more: https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/nativeson/article/SF-s-newest-museum-is-opening-in-the-city-s-14494442.php

Walking London: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Mews And South Bank

Early morning start from Tower Hill Station to Westminster. The weather is chilly but sunny.

A police officer directed us to a great breakfast at The Hub on Tothill St., just two blocks from the Abbey. All you can eat for 6 pounds. Great food.

We walked back and after a short wait in line entered Westminster Abbey. Beautiful church and tour. No photos inside. Outside tour was very nice.

Walked over to Buckingham Palace to tour the Mews.

Very nice exhibit. Then a stroll down the Birdcage Walk to see the park and pelicans.

Continued on to the Household Cavalry Guard.

Then walked over the Golden Jubilee Bridge to South Bank.

Walked east towards The Globe and then an early dinner at Borough Market.

A quick walk by the Shard and over to the Tower Bridge to complete the day.

Cambridge To London: Saffron Walden, Tower Hill And Leadenhall Market

After a great early morning workout at the Varsity Hotel gym and full breakfast, we hopped in the car and headed south from Cambridge to Saffron Walden, an old market town in Essex.

Back on the road our GPS valiantly directed around traffic entering London. But, even on a Tuesday, the traffic snarls win. Dropped the Sixt Rental car off at Victoria station and took the green line east to Tower Hill and the Leonardo Hotel. After a quick check in, we were out walking, first stop: the Old Spitalfields Market.

As we walked out and through the business district, the rain fell and then poured. Full thunder shower, London style.

We eventually made it to the Leadenhall Market, a Victorian covered shopping arcade that dates back to the 14th century.

It was the perfect place in the middle of a deluge for a pint, G&T and a burger.

Destination Restaurants: Clarke Cooke House Is A Newport, RI Institution Dating Back To 1780

From the ClarkeCooke.com website:

Clarke Cook House tables…hosts to royalty and yachting stars, captains of industry and charming scalawags, to occasions whimsical and outrageous. Whether a quiet dinner or late night revelry, our goal has always been to provide great food, professional service, and a sophisticated environment. The Clarke Cooke House lends its unique charm to any celebration or meeting, whether a victorious America’s Cup crew or family gathering – our dining room and porches are the perfect Newport setting.   

At The Clarke Cooke House Chef Gidley controls all  food operations:  café dining in the Bistro and Candy Store, our fine dining environment, The Sky Bar, a full Oyster Bar, and the renowned Summer Sushi. With his training in classical brigade kitchens and his contemporary sensibility, Chef Gidley’s approach would be best be described as Mediterranean-influenced American Cuisine.

Website: https://www.clarkecooke.com/

Walking Cambridge: Jesus College, St. John’s, Punting The Cam And King’s College

After a great early morning workout at the Varsity Hotel gym, a hearty breakfast, we set out for Jesus College just 5 blocks away.

We were practically alone this Monday morning viewing a spectacular, little known and no entrance charge College.

Then it was off to tour St. John’s College, one of the wealthiest and historical at Cambridge.

It was time to Punt the River Cam and we negotiated a reduced rate of 40 pounds for the two of us.

It was mostly sunny during the 45 minute shared ride up and back on the Cam. So fun. A must in Cambridge.

We had a short walk to Trinity College and a tour (free) of the Wren Library. But we bought (another) Chelsea Bun at Fitzbilies on the way to eat after.

Amazing exhibit inside the Wren and we walked out to eat the bun and some mini croissant sandwiches on a bench overlooking the Cam. Incredible views.

We then took a long walk around the “other” side of the Cam before crossing back to drink some gin and tonics at the Bath House pub.

It was then time for the final, and most spectacular, tour….King’s College and world famous Chapel.

Stunning is the only word for the King’s College Chapel, the Wired’s largest fan-vaulted ceiling and breath-taking stained glass.

An amazing day.

Road Trips In England: Stratford-upon-Avon To Cambridge

A very nice breakfast at the Arden Hotel had us ready for the 1:45 minute drive east to Cambridge.

Sunday is a perfect day to travel across central England as you miss the traffic heading into the numerous circle intersections. We arrived at The Varsity Hotel just before eleven and our room was not ready. So we checked our bags, had the car valeted and changed for a workout in their gym and spa.

Our room was ready at 12:30 so we went up to our 3rd floor room, changed and went back down to the spa for a sauna and jacuzzi.

Fully invigorated, we hit the streets to experience Cambridge.

We walked over to Fitzbillies bakery and ordered a sticky bun to go and headed down to the River Cam at the Silver Street bridge to sit, eat, people watch and view the Mathematical Bridge at Queens College.

Walked back towards the hotel and viewed Pembroke College, which dates back to 1347 and was open and free to walk about.

Much of the town center closes up at 5 pm so we decided to eat Indian food at The Curry King, just two blocks from the hotel. Very good, authentic cuisine,

Top Pubs In Stratford-upon-Avon: The Dirty Duck

Just doors down from the Arden Hotel on the waterfront, The Dirty Duck was busy on Saturday night.

We walked in and to our very good fortune the window seat table opened up. We ordered two Gin and Tonics with hamburger and fries. The crowd was very interesting with several languages being spoken all round the room.

Great meal and drinks at what was once called The Black Swan.

Road Trip To Stratford: Slaughters North To Cotswolds Distillery And Shakespeare

We left Lords (of the Manor) at 7 am for a 3 mile round trip hike to Lower Slaughter and back for breakfast at 8.

Breakfast was a nice spread of pastries, bread, fruit, cereals, yoghurt and juices. Ordered eggs, bacon, sausage and mushrooms.

We checked out and drove north to Stourton and the Cotswolds Distillery. Their recently opened tasting room and store was light and bright.

We were offered a tasting of 5 gins, 7 whiskies and their very special “1616 – Barrel Aged Gin. You will never find a better (and free) tasting anywhere.

We more than compensated them by buying Cotswolds Distillery clothing, hunter flasks and other items. They filled up one flask with 1616 for the ultimate roadie.

It was then off to Stratford-upon-Avon and the Arden Hotel.

After checking in we set out to experience Shakespeare’s birthplace, exhibits, the New House, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Hall’s Croft.

After the tour, we had Gin and Tonics and dinner at The Dirty Duck (The Black Swan years ago) and called it a night.