Everything else is a superfluous

Any time spent indoors is a bore. You’re either outside or your soul will just slowly die.

There’s only two good reasons to be inside:

1. Eating
2. Sleeping

Everything else should be outdoors, under the sun. I find it amusing when people tell me that I look so tan and question how it’s possible while living in Philadelphia and not by a beach. What are you doing inside of your cave? Go outside, and follow the light.

Perhaps it is your lust for life that determines the result of your photographs. While courage is at the forefront, if you have no lust for life, why would you even dare to enter the arena?

I haven’t missed a sunrise for nearly 2 years now. I’ve been waking up around 4 AM every day, lusting for life. I found this in the abundance of energy through simple acts of fasting, (one meal a day) sun exposure, walking, and eating nutrient dense foods, such as red meat.

Sunlight is energy

I believe our bodies are like batteries that must be charged. The Sun is the ultimate charger. The more time I spend in the sun, the more energy I have.

Sleep like a king

When you fast all day, and wait until the end of the day to feast, I always go to sleep right after. I just eat right before bed, until my belly is full, and shut my eyes around 8pm, and enter blissful state.

Don’t eat, feast.

Humans are funny creatures of habit. Somehow we have all been programmed to eat three square meals a day, with a balanced diet. I believe everyone can choose how to live their lives, but I personally realized that it’s completely unnecessary and drains your battery. Eating red meat is the quickest way to increase your energy levels and fuel up for the next day. Just wait until the end of the day and feast as much as your body can take. Wait until you’re full, and stop eating.

FREEDOM

The story of Moses freeing the slaves, known as the Exodus, is one of the central narratives in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Exodus. Here’s a summary of the key events:

Background

The Israelites had been living in Egypt for several generations and had become enslaved by the Egyptians. Their numbers had grown significantly, and the Pharaoh, fearing their power, subjected them to harsh labor and decreed the death of all newborn Hebrew boys.

The Birth of Moses

Moses was born to a Hebrew family during this period of oppression. To save him from Pharaoh’s decree, his mother placed him in a basket and set him afloat on the Nile River. He was discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter, who raised him as her own in the Egyptian palace.

Moses’ Call

As an adult, Moses became aware of his Hebrew heritage. After killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave, Moses fled to the desert of Midian, where he became a shepherd. One day, God spoke to him from a burning bush on Mount Sinai, commanding him to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites to freedom.

The Plagues

Moses returned to Egypt and, with his brother Aaron, demanded that Pharaoh release the Israelites. Pharaoh refused, so God sent a series of ten plagues upon Egypt:

1. Water turned to blood
2. Frogs
3. Lice or gnats
4. Flies
5. Livestock pestilence
6. Boils
7. Hail
8. Locusts
9. Darkness
10. Death of the firstborn

After the final plague, which took the life of Pharaoh’s own son, Pharaoh relented and allowed the Israelites to leave.

The Exodus

The Israelites departed in haste, not even allowing their bread to rise, which is commemorated in the Jewish festival of Passover. They journeyed towards the Red Sea, but Pharaoh changed his mind and pursued them with his army.

Crossing the Red Sea

Trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the sea, the Israelites despaired. But Moses, following God’s instructions, stretched out his staff over the waters, which miraculously parted, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. When the Egyptian army attempted to follow, the waters returned, drowning them.

The Journey to Sinai

The Israelites continued their journey through the desert, where they faced numerous challenges, including a lack of food and water. Each time, God provided for them, sending manna from heaven and water from a rock. They eventually reached Mount Sinai, where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and established a covenant with the Israelites.

Significance

The story of Moses and the Exodus is a foundational narrative for Judaism, symbolizing liberation from oppression and the establishment of a covenant with God. It also holds significance in Christianity and Islam, which also regard Moses as a prophet and leader. The themes of freedom, faith, and divine intervention continue to resonate across these faiths and beyond.

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A mulberry is a type of fruit produced by trees belonging to the genus Morus. Here are some key points about mulberries:

1. Tree Description: Mulberry trees are deciduous and can grow to various heights depending on the species. They have broad, often lobed leaves and produce small, sweet fruit that resembles blackberries.
2. Fruit Description: The fruit can be black, red, or white, depending on the species. Mulberries are usually sweet and slightly tart and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
3. Species: The most common species include:
   • Morus nigra (black mulberry)
   • Morus alba (white mulberry)
   • Morus rubra (red mulberry)
4. Uses: Mulberries can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in jams, jellies, wines, and desserts. They are also used in traditional medicine for various health benefits, including their antioxidant properties.
5. Cultivation: Mulberry trees are hardy and can grow in a variety of soil types. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
6. Silk Production: White mulberry leaves are the primary food source for silkworms, making them essential in the silk production industry.
7. Distribution: Mulberries are native to warm temperate and subtropical regions of the world but have been widely cultivated and naturalized in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America.

Would you like more information on a specific aspect of mulberries?

Yes, what is their significance in philadelphia

Mulberries have a historical and ecological significance in Philadelphia. Here are some key points:

1. Historical Significance:
   • Colonial Times: Mulberry trees were introduced to Philadelphia and other parts of the American colonies during the colonial period. They were primarily planted for their leaves, which were used to feed silkworms in an attempt to establish a local silk industry. While the industry did not thrive as hoped, mulberry trees became a common sight.
   • Urban Planting: In the 18th and 19th centuries, mulberry trees were often planted along streets and in gardens. They were valued for their shade and the sweet fruit they produced.
2. Ecological Significance:
   • Wildlife Habitat: Mulberry trees provide a vital food source for various bird species and other wildlife in urban environments like Philadelphia. The fruit attracts many birds, which help in seed dispersal.
   • Urban Greenery: Mulberry trees contribute to the urban green canopy, providing shade, reducing the urban heat island effect, and improving air quality. Their presence in parks and along streets enhances the ecological diversity of the city.
3. Cultural Significance:
   • Culinary Use: Mulberries can be found in local markets and are used in various culinary applications, including jams, pies, and beverages. They are part of the local food culture, especially among those who forage for wild fruits.
   • Community Gardens: In recent years, mulberry trees have been planted in community gardens and urban farms across Philadelphia. These initiatives aim to promote local food production and sustainable urban living.
4. Educational Value:
   • Botanical Education: Mulberry trees are often included in educational programs at botanical gardens and arboretums in Philadelphia. They serve as examples of historically significant and ecologically important urban trees.
   • Conservation Efforts: Efforts to preserve and plant mulberry trees are part of broader urban forestry and conservation programs in the city, highlighting their importance in maintaining biodiversity and ecological health.

Overall, mulberries in Philadelphia represent a blend of historical legacy, ecological importance, and cultural relevance, making them a notable part of the city’s natural heritage.

Alexander Milne Calder: A Brief Biography

Alexander Milne Calder was a Scottish-born American sculptor, born on August 23, 1846, in Aberdeen, Scotland. Calder emigrated to the United States in 1868 and quickly established himself as a prominent sculptor. His most notable work is the massive statue of William Penn that crowns Philadelphia’s City Hall, a project that marked his significant contribution to the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.

The William Penn Statue

The William Penn statue, completed in 1894, is a bronze sculpture standing atop the Philadelphia City Hall. Here are the detailed aspects of the statue:

Height and Size:

• The statue stands 37 feet (11.3 meters) tall.
• It weighs approximately 27 tons (24,000 kilograms).

Material:

• The statue is made of bronze.

Positioning and Orientation:

• The statue is positioned at the very top of the central tower of City Hall, at an elevation of 548 feet (167 meters) above the ground.
• William Penn is depicted standing with one arm outstretched, symbolizing peace and friendship, while holding a scroll in the other hand, representing the Charter of Pennsylvania.

Historical Context and Labor Involved

The construction of Philadelphia City Hall itself began in 1871 and continued until 1901. Calder’s work on the William Penn statue and other sculptures for the building spanned from 1876 to 1894. The process involved intricate planning, artistic skill, and laborious work.

Design and Creation:

• Calder initially created a 22-foot-tall plaster model of William Penn. This model was used to create molds for the bronze casting.
• The bronze pieces were cast at the Tacony Iron Works in Philadelphia and then assembled at the site.
• The final assembly of the statue on top of City Hall required significant engineering ingenuity due to its size and weight.

Installation:

• The installation process involved lifting the massive pieces of the statue to the top of the City Hall tower using cranes and scaffolding.
• The statue was finally hoisted to its position in November 1894.

Impact on Philadelphia

The William Penn statue has become an iconic symbol of Philadelphia. For many years, it was the tallest structure in the city, and a local gentlemen’s agreement, known as the “gentlemen’s agreement of 1905,” kept buildings from surpassing the height of Penn’s hat until the construction of One Liberty Place in 1987.

Cultural Significance:

• The statue represents Philadelphia’s historical and cultural roots, embodying the city’s founding principles of freedom and democracy.
• It is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline and serves as a constant reminder of the city’s founder and his legacy.

Artistic Contribution:

• Calder’s work on the statue and numerous other sculptures in and around City Hall showcases his exceptional skill and artistic vision.
• His contributions helped solidify Philadelphia’s reputation as a city rich in art and architecture.

Conclusion

Alexander Milne Calder’s William Penn statue is not just a remarkable piece of art; it is a historical and cultural beacon for Philadelphia. The detailed craftsmanship, the monumental effort involved in its creation, and its enduring presence atop City Hall make it a subject of great interest and pride for the city. Calder’s legacy lives on through this magnificent sculpture, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Philadelphia and its people.

Pure paradise

River to river around the perimeter