That's the name of a memoir published in 1883 by Mark Twain. It describes his career as a young man working his way from deckhand to boat captain on the ever-shifting waters of the Mississippi. It also includes his observations during a pleasure trip on the river from St. Louis to New Orleans after he became a famous writer.
Twain might be shocked by what he would find today. There are still many miles of woods and farmland flanking the river but there is also much industry and urban growth. What would the man born as Samuel Clemens think about helipads and huge copper smelters?
By the way, Nathalie, you're right. While work has been a giant time sucker, this week's real distraction is the World Series. The Cardinals came from behind time after time last night to take Game 6 in extra innings. The decisive seventh game takes place tonight. My camera and I will be there.
Twain might be shocked by what he would find today. There are still many miles of woods and farmland flanking the river but there is also much industry and urban growth. What would the man born as Samuel Clemens think about helipads and huge copper smelters?
By the way, Nathalie, you're right. While work has been a giant time sucker, this week's real distraction is the World Series. The Cardinals came from behind time after time last night to take Game 6 in extra innings. The decisive seventh game takes place tonight. My camera and I will be there.
There's no telling what Mark Twain would have to say about Life on the Mississippi today. I imagine it would smart and to the point, though.
ReplyDeleteYou'll be at the game tonight! Hooray! And I have to tell you that when I got home late last night and could only watch the highlights on Baseball Tonight and I saw all of those fans still inside and those outside, hollering with joy, I said to myself, "I wonder if St. Louis Daily Photo is there." Go, Cardinals!
Hey that first photo reminds me - you still need to take that helicopter tour I got you for xmas!
ReplyDeleteI had a reception I had to go to last evening. I set my recorder. I even set it to record an extra two hours just in case the game went into extra innings. On my way home Julie's mother told me that it was a great game. I watched it until the recorder shut off in the top of the 11th inning. Checking the final score on the internet just does not capture the same drama..
ReplyDeleteI'd rather go on a ferry boat. I don't like being up in small, open spaces; even Ferris wheels. Only time I'd go up in a helicopter is to be saved...from a ferry boat in distress, maybe.
ReplyDeleteWhat a win last night, so exciting. Now that was worth waiting for game 6 an extra day.
ReplyDeleteYup I think M. Twain would not recognize the banks of the good old Mississippi these days Bob..that's progress for you. again..GO CARDINALS!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to the Cardinals.
ReplyDeleteThe yellow helicopter really pops against the background and what a contrast to the b&w image of the impressive and scary structure below! I guess all the Mark Twaines of this world prefer being dead instead of facing some of the current raw realities... :-)
ReplyDeleteMark Twain wrote a book called "Helicopter Tours"? Just kidding.
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations on the Cards winning the series. I guess enough people did believe. Nothing like having your final win in front of the hometown fans.