there is surely a Physiognomy, which those experienced and Master Mendicants observe… For there are mystically in our faces certain Characters which carry in them the motto of our Souls, wherein he that cannot read A.B.C. may read our natures.
—Sir Thomas Browne (1605-1682) in Religio Medici.
Physiognomy is defined as the art of judging ones character through outward appearances, most notably the face. This form of character analysis has come in and out of favor since its inception prior to the middle ages. It makes claims that such traits as trustworthiness, social dominance and aggression can be determined and measured by the appearance of people's faces.
The ancient Greeks had realized this form of character analysis and heightened its popularity. Eventually though, physiognomy fell out of favor as a result of its misuse by vagabonds and swindlers looking to turn a profit.
However, it seems physiognomy has gaining popularity once again. In a recent study published by Justin Carré and Cheryl McCormic of Brock University in Ontario, Canada they found that by looking at a man's face one can determine his predisposition to aggression. Through their research they determined that aggressiveness is predictable from the ratio between the width of a person's face and it's height. They concluded that the cause of this seems to be exposure to testosterone, which is also known to make people aggressive.
A written portrait of Samuel Johnson, by James Boswell
Smokes tobacco; fears madness; benevolent; fond of dress: has suit of sea-green and sliver; another of scarlet and gold; makes toothpicks; fond of billiards but thinks them blackguard; given to matrimonial schemes; schemes; strong feeling of family; vain; likes to wash his feet in warm water; likes to sing; has a good ear; can't resist anything laughable' has an excellent memory; is a monarchist; treasures romantic associations' indolent; things he was badly educated; kind to servants; plays the flute; honest and good natured; fickle in love; fond of money; likes to sleep with his head high; given to whims of regularity; has great difficulty in rising' a man of strict probity; likes novelty only in matters of imagination' subject to low spirits; allows himself three hours each evening for amusement; eats too much; gloomy, peevish, splenetic; sits seven hours at cards; happier in vice than virtue; has sad dreams; represses thoughts of whoring; awakes thinking he is dying.
In the words of Ben Maddow the author of Faces, A Narrative History of the Portrait in Photography, "Just as two points determine a line, three a plane, and four a solid, so with five or more points of character we begin to imagine a human being."
We can ascertain a lot about Samuel Johnson and nearly as much about the author by reading the detailed description of his character. A portrait of the face reveals much the same insight. One way to think about how much value in recognition we place on our perception of the face is to think about someone you know but have not seen, whether in person or in picture. A radio talk-show host for example; when listening to their voice come over the radio we connect some visual qualities to this person that resemble a portrait in our minds. This helps to form a connection to the host. If we agree with the message they are transmitting to the masses, our tendency is to associate qualities we consider respectable, beautiful, and proper. If we disagree with their message, we will assign unfavorable visual qualities to their portrait, describing them as ugly, aggressive, and possibly grotesque.
Another example of our natural tendency to form a relationship through facial recognition are the countless and centuries old depictions of God, Christ and the angelic figures of Heaven. Due to our need for connection and therefore recognition we now associate Christ as a long-haired, youthful, fair-skinned, strong, slender, and handsome young man.
The portrait speaks volumes about the person it depicts, greater still are our assumption about that person. The color and texture of their skin, the shape of their smile (or the lack thereof), the color of their eyes, the clothes they wear, or the look on their face all communicate to the viewer various levels of connotative messages.
Many of these messages are shaped by our preconceived notions of race, gender, age, and beauty. Physiognomy aims at ascribing a scientific formula to each of the aforementioned qualities in such as way as to determine ones trustworthiness, aggressiveness, and social dominance.
. . . since through the eyes the heart is seen in the face . . .
—Michelangelo Buonarroti, 1533
Physiognomy Defined: A picture is worth a thousand assumptions
ArB08132008
Working within the realm of Physiognomy, I find it very intriguing what one can surmise through the simple portrait. I am currently reading the book "faces." I am working with the idea of incorporating a facial recognition software that analyzes one's portrait then, based on an algorithm, interprets the personality traits inherent in the individual.
Faces
Putting together a list of images that represent those near and dear in my life. The collection is on going and ever expanding. This is the process of memories being made, assembled and re-purposed.
These images remind me of the people and places I have shared my space with. I want to record these relationship over time as life continues on. These images give opportunity to look back across my past and remember their faces.
Las Vegas and thru hiking mix like bad vodka and maple syrup.
As I sit here in a stuffy smoke-filled hotel ballroom waiting to give tidbits of information to the Home Media and Entertainment not-so-massive masses, I read through the ramblings of this years PCT thru-hiking troupe. I've never been to Vegas, for several reasons. I hate the heat. I am uncomfortable with massive crowds. I don't gamble and I am comfortably and happily married and therefore not seeking the seduction of the phony-busted, lusty lures of the opposite sex. Frankly, I can't think of any reason to voluntarily travel to sin city except when under the influence and quest for success. . .luck whatever.
Zelda and Tarzan are only a few days behind Seven and making decent time considering all the zero days they have taken. They seem to be struggling quite a bit as they traverse snow-covered trails, and navigate by previous footprint along the route leading into Vermilion Valley Resort(VVR) and beyond. They have descended upon VVR, eaten big, slept well and left to bag more miles. They were last heard from leaving Red's Meadow, where again they ate well, and slept in the company of dear trail friends.
While en route, Zelda and Tarzan have met some new people, LandShark and his companion. This leaves me wondering, how will relationships formed while hiking one of America's most popular scenic trails be maintained post hike? How will life be maintained for that matter? I can attest to mild depression upon re-entering civilization after my JMT thru-hike and that was merely a two week walk. How will our troupe fair upon re-entering reality, a reality that will need addressing several months from now?
Hardcore Hiker, Latecomer and Hank are bringing up the rear but steadily logging the miles. Latecomer, who sustained some ankle injury is on the mend and things are looking up for them. They broke one of their tent poles several days ago. The tent manufacturer shipped a replacement that was of the wrong model then subsequently missed them by a day with the back up shipment. Hardcore, had to have the post redirected "Bounced" ahead to a destination several days up trail from their current position with the hopes of hiking to the new it. Fortunately for them they hooked up with a fella carrying a large tent, ample amounts of room for the four of them plus Hank. Hank is fairing well, despite a torn pad. I wonder how the three of them are addressing the "no dogs allowed" rule enforced by the California National Park System? I'll have to ask and let you know. I would sure enjoy taking Riley Girl (my Vizsla) for a long walk. She'd love it.
Leaving Las Vegas will come as a long awaited exit. Tonight's festivities on the stip were pure Vegas and I can't wait to get outta here. The trail awaits, the more simple features to this life await. See ya out there.
Without
As of yesterday the clan lead by Seven reached the top of the continental US, for a side trip no less. On the U.S. Forest Service's map, Mount Whitney is 14,495 feet tall. On the U.S. Geological Survey map, it is 14,491 feet tall. And, in the National Geodetic Survey's records, Whitney is 14,497 feet tall. We still don't know the exact one. But what's six feet in the grand scheme of things. For bragging rights pick the tallest of the three. Whatever you do, keep in mind that Seven and crew are hiking over 2600 miles of PCT plus a side trip to the top of the US. Bag a hike like that in one summer and sore feet are merely penance for having such a great walk, free of today's economy.
They will reintegrate into their "real" surroundings once again. But everything will be measured against their thru-hike. They will know, that no matter how bad it gets, they can always return to a time with less, "without" and live peacefully.
Seven's last post had him and his crew blasting up and over Kearsarge Pass and down into Independence for a food stop before pushing northward to Vermilion Valley Resort.
Progress on the PCT
As the warmer temps begin to land upon us here in our climate controlled headquarters, the PCTers are beginning to feel the effects of the increased heat, so is the dry brush. Currently there is a fire just north of Kennedy Meadows that has fire crews escorting hikers through burned out sections of trail.
The Heard as it's know is the mass of hikers currently making progress along the PCT. As the PCT season starts, a fare number of potential thru-hikers congregate at the southern-most terminus of the PCT. They all start around the same time and make relatively similar progress north toward Canada. This hiking body/mass is know as the heard and has recently descended upon Kennedy Meadows.
Thus far Seven, Patrick and Tarzan & Zelda have made it beyond Kennedy Meadows and through the fire section. Reports claimed the trial would be closed to thru-hikers. However, Tarzan and Zelda have journaled that the crew was very courteous and escorted them through the burn zone. They also mentioned that the fire was of very little consequence to the surrounding area. Tarzan & Zelda were last seen in Lone Pine driving around in the car of some fellow thru-hikers awaiting their return from a section just south of their current position. They intend on hooking up with them upon their arrival at Lone Pine and continuing on together. Our socialites are whooping it up in their borrowed car; they have driven around the area, picked up other thru-hikers as far north as independence and escorted them into Lone Pine for groceries and a clean shower. They are forming quite the network of friends along their hike. They are not setting any land speed records, but they may very well set the most zero days record in history while still managing to complete the thru-hike into Canada.
Keep up the steady progress and enjoy the John Muir Trail section. I have seen this stretch of trail first hand and can attest to the impending beauty you are poised to experience.
Hardcore hiker and her companions are suffering a rather slow start as Latecomer has sustained some sort of ankle injury. They are nursing it along as well as keeping blog silence. Apparently Hardcore hiker attracted some frisky stalker type "Trail Angle" That kept track of her while en route. By keeping from her blog she believes she may have been able to dodge this menace to the hiking society. Keep pulsing along guys and Hank, you keep tabs on your company and sound your alarm if something should appear out of the norm.
As for Seven and company they post less often than most but make good progress. It is my feeling that Seven and Patrick are hiking together and are currently well north of Kennedy Meadows. Hopefully they will post an entry as soon as the reach Toulumne Meadows.
What a morning for a long endurance ride. The weather and company were fantastic.
It's hard to believe that the "mid-season" is already upon us. It seems like just yesterday that we were grinding our eyes out under the cover of my carport while doing threshold intervals on our trainers to avoid the rain.
Those days are long gone, spring is here and so is the wind. It seemed we were in for a HOT summer. To my surprise we have had rather cold conditions by my spring standards. So cold In fact that several teammates set on racing some crazy train in Boulder Colorado had their race canceled.
So much for the heat wave. However this morning was ideal, the winds were mild, the skies were clear and the company was good. For those of you looking to get in an endurance ride mid week, Wednesday is the day. We meet at Foothill and Bernal at 6am. We are back in Pleasanton around 9am.
The typical route will be Moraga. The pace is endurance with some tempo on the climbs.
See you out there.
Why I love this sport
The International Christian Cycling Club has developed into a respectable and talented group of athletes. This past weekend was the IC3 Dash for Cash. This race went off without a hitch. They served food, beverages, great music and a wonderful racing atmosphere.
This image capturers the pains and gains the sport of cycling has to offer. Thanks to all who made for a great racing weekend.
Conditions have improved. . .but wait, a wildfire 5 miles north of Kennedy Meadows
The troupe is making steady progress northward on the PCT. The most current news on the trail is as follows: Tarzan and Zelda are a few days out of Kennedy Meadows (KM). I am not sure as to the location of Seven, Hardcore Hiker or Patrick. They have not posted since last week. They must be north of KM by now. There is little communication opportunities as the hikers pass through the Sierras.
The latest news on the trail is the fire north of KM. There are 112 personnel on the scene working to douse the brush fire. Currently the PCT is closed just north of KM This is a temporary closure until the fire is contained. Personnel will reopen the PCT as soon as possible. News will be updated regularly. PCTers may have to be rerouted around the burn areas if they want to continue immediately.
For more information about the fire contact Cindy Thill at (760) 376-3781 x625
Northward under the cover of clouds and uncanny desert weather conditions.
An update to the journey currently underfoot by the four journalers (Seven, Zelda & Tarzan, Montana and Hardcore Hiker, Latecomer & Hank) en-route to the northern terminus of the PCT.
On the trail Seven has reported from Tehachapi and is looking forward to reaching Kennedy Meadows in Sanora CA. The weather outlook for the next couple of days is turning up for the troupe as they meander north through their final leg of the Mojave.
Tarzan & Zelda, the socialites of the troupe are making great progress and have met up with a host of thru-hikers as they all scramble to get out of the driving sleet and rain. Last I heard from Zelda and Tarzan they were taking the old PCT route out of Lake Huges and had cut off several miles in the process.
There is this unwritten code that follows the footsteps of the thru-hiker. Do you stay true to the PCT and its route along the National Scenic trail or do you deviate from the plan to avoid the boredom of the desert, or backtracking several miles to re-enter where one left off the night before, prior to heading into town for supplies and rest? It is a question ALL thru-hikers will ponder before making the decision. Once at the terminus, the would be thru-hiker must deal with the fact that they missed some 'miles' or claim the made the entire journey mile after mile without leaving the course. Don't be too quick to judge, only the hiker living in the moment can make this decision.
I have not heard news from Hardcore Hiker or her companions, Latecomer and Hank since they left Agua Dulche. As soon as I receive an update as to their location I will update the the news.
In closing, I have added an individual thru-hiker to the list. His name is Patrick Beggan (no trail name I am aware of). He posts to Flickr with great insight and awe inspiring images taken from his iPhone. As stated in my previous entry, the PCT is a long-distance footpath like none other. At it's core are a band of thru hikers interconnected through a system of news and information that travels up and down the trail day after day. For example, if a storm is hitting north on the trail several days away, hikers south of it have already heard the news as information is passed down along the route.
Thru-Hikers on the PCT, a Vicarious Journey Thru the Journal Enties of Four
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a national scenic trail hiked by droves of individuals looking to re-establish their personal goals, renew life's desires, get over a failed relationship, seek new employment/meaning for their lives or reconnect with loved ones.
This time every year "thru-hikers" set out on their journey, most of them north to south, with the goal of completing a thru hike of the entire PCT by October. Many set out but few will see the trail's terminus in Canada. The community of hikers on the PCT has no comparison. Of the three major long distance trails in the US, the PCT creates a unique atmosphere among it's hikers. Due in part to the vastness of the wilderness that makes up many of the miles on the PCT, hikers, both solo and partnered, will hook up and form bands of trail troups. Among these troups are a select group of people with names like Seven, Tarzan, Montana, Zelda and Hardcore Hiker. Often times the names are chosen by one other than that to which the name belongs. The name comes about through experience and time spent with one another. Other times the name is self-assigned. Whatever the case, the PCT allows the men and women to take on new persona and live out their dreams, past present and future.
Along the way relationships are formed as are they broken and all of these experiences can be found and shared alike through the network of journals at TrailJournals.com.
Every year I keep tabs on the PCT community and currently I am tracking the progress of four hikers set on hiking the 2600 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. The four journals that I am following this year make up a vast diversity and exemplify the true spirit of the trail and its community.
Seven, aka Sean Gordon: a solo hiker set out on April 15th with the goal of completing his hike mid-September. From all accounts, he seems very strong and has the right mindset. He is approaching his hike with a mild starting pace and seems to be enjoying life on the trail. As stated previously, few attain their goal of completing the trail. Why? I think it's several things, most common is that the destination becomes the goal rather than the journey. With that said, Seven seems to be enjoying the journey. His journal entries are few and far between. But when he does post, they are concise, informative and positive.
Montana, aka Jason Wilcox: a solo hiker from Montana set out on his hike April 23rd with the goal of reaching Canada as phase 1 of his journey. The next several phases of his trip gaols take him to Olympic National Park, a bicycle leg from Anacortes Washington to Glacier National Park and finally a hike through the Montana section of the CDT and back home to Bozeman, MT. These are lofty goals but nothing that can not be accomplished with a little determination and a solid desire to experience grand vistas, soaring heights, and devastating lows. His journal entries are frequent and very detailed. He loves gear and would rather experience much of his journey aside from the community of hikers.
Tarzan & Zelda, aka Dave and Cindy: a married couple who set out on their hike April 10th. They have a passion for hiking, ignited by an experience leading a boy scout troup into the wilderness. They are socialites who seem to love the moment. They are making good time (400+ miles thus far) and are taking their journey one step at at a time. The have met several other hikers along the way and have continued to hike as a group. The even connected with Montana along the way. They have had to take a short hiatus from the trail as Zelda injured her back. They are back on their feet and on their way north. They updated their journal frequently and keep good notes. I think they will make it if they keep up the steady and solid miles.
Hardcore Hiker, aka Arianna McKeown: is hiking with her boyfriend "Latecomer" and dog "Damscus Hank." From all accounts she is an experience hiker as is Latecomer. They seem to have their act together and are steady hikers with realistic goals. I fully expect them to complete their trip, if Hank can endure the heat and long miles that is. Their journal is updated very infrequently but is well noted when they do post.
So begins the thru-hike season and my vicarious blogging about their experiences en-route to their final destination. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds. Who will make it, how will their relationships fair, come fall, what will their outcomes be? I will keep you informed as the events transpire.
That was then, this is now
Victory motivates harder work. There is a problem here, my competition keeps winning and I am not. I am suffering the pains of a non-motivated schedule. What is it going to take to get back to form? I need to crush* something, someone, somewhere. It's time to go back out to my local noon ride on Tuesday's.
*crush: /krʌ [kruhsh] to destroy, subdue, or suppress utterly: to crush a revolt. "in the kindest of ways I might add"
A response to a friends request to consider the birds.
In considering the birds, I thought to introduce to you my perspective.
See his request.
We thought we were near top of our game
Think again. . .there is a lot of talent in the bay area and I am not among them. At today's Modesto Crit this became another reality as Rapinsk lapped the field and won the bunch sprint.
I was in awe as this transpired. I had heard of such events transpiring, but to lay witness is quite an experience.
Supposedly Holloway attacked the break of 10 only to be caught by Rapinski and subsequently dropped by Rapinski.
Thru Hikers have started their journey north
So starts the Thru-Hiker season.
I am currently following two journals. One journal is that of an individual that goes by the name of "seven" (not sure the meaning here.) Anyway, he is over three weeks into his journey. It seems he is going about it nice and easy. The right approach in my opinion. He is eating a lot and enjoying himself thus far. Will he make it to Canada. Will he burn out? Will he meet up with others for company? Will the solitude get the best of him?
This is my second year tracking hikers on TrailJournals.com. So far I have not tracked a successful thru-hiker, everyone has quite prior to meeting his or her goal of the northern most terminus.
My hope is that he makes the entire journey north. I hope to learn more about this fella, "seven" throughout the course of his journey.
Stay tuned.