2009 April » Newton Bigelow

Food for Fungus

Image Posts, Random Jabber No Responses »

Apr 212009

Image by timparkinson, used under a CC license.

I think what I like about fungus is the direct example it provides of new life arising from rot. True, fungus often looks bizarre and even disturbing, but you can’t deny it has a complex (and very often gorgeous) structure. That these new forms are sustained by decaying plant and animal life is to me a hopeful thing.

We’re currently surrounded by signs of rot. Some examples: The economy is nosediving.Our government continues to show signs of succumbing to corruption. The cancerous growth of bigotryis eating whatever goodwill last fall’s elections helped foster.

All true, and all real dangers. But if things really are collapsing, maybe we can take some comfort from our fungal friends. Our world may all be falling apart, but who knows what new and fantastic structures may grow on its carcass?

The Green Man

Image Posts, Random Jabber 1 Response »

Apr 142009

Image by bradipo, used under a CC license.

The Green Man shows up all over medieval European architecture (although this one is in Central Illinois). He’s a sort of vegetable deity, associated with rain and fertility. Mythical vegetable gods can be found everywhere from Mexico to Tibet.

Stories of male gods who go through a cycle of death and rebirth (think Odin, Osiris, or Jesus) are also associated with the Green Man, who follows the changing seasons. Oddly, lots of Christian churches are adorned with this pagan deity. Chalk it up to the early church appropriating local folklore to grease the conversion skids.

I myself am in no danger of any sort of spiritual conversion. I just think the Green Man looks cool. We’re getting a lot of rain around here lately, and those ultra-vibrant, early spring greens are just coming on. You can practically hear the flowers breaking free of the damp earth. It’s Green Man weather!

Edit: And bringing Green Man into the modern world, there’s this.

Get Off My Lawn, Volcano!

Image Posts, Random Jabber No Responses »

Apr 132009

Image by jthetzel, used under a CC license.

How’s a fella supposed to evolve with all these consarn tectonic shenanigans going on?

Seriously, I may be three hundred and six, but I can still give you a hiding like you’ll never forget! Go erupt on some dad-blamed tourists and leave me alone!

[spits]