Here’s what I learned today: “In architecture, the apse (Greek αψις (apsis), then Latin absis: “arch, vault”; sometimes written apsis; plural apses) is a semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome.” That’s from Wikipedia. Here’s what one of them looks like.
I looked this up because it occurred to me that from an engineering standpoint, building a dome like that our of large hard pieces of material–stone, probably– could be quite dangerous. Very much of that stone falls on people, some of them are going to die.
So then I got to wondering if the expression “killer apse” (often misspelled) comes from these early architectural innovations. Not very likely, I suppose.
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About hessd
Here is all you need to know to follow this blog. I am an old man and I love to think about why we say the things we do. I've taught at the elementary, secondary, collegiate, and doctoral levels. I don't think one is easier than another. They are hard in different ways. I have taught political science for a long time and have practiced politics in and around the Oregon Legislature. I don't think one is easier than another. They are hard in different ways.
My wife, Bette, is the First Reader (FR) of the posts. I have arranged that partly because she helps me write better posts than I would otherwise and partly because I can hold her responsible for the mistakes that I would, otherwise, have to own up to myself..
You'll be seeing a lot about my favorite topics here. There will be religious reflections (I'm a Christian) and political reflections (I'm a Democrat) and a good deal of whimsey. I'm a dilettante.
I looked this up because it occurred to me that from an engineering standpoint, building a dome like that our of large hard pieces of material–stone, probably– could be quite dangerous. Very much of that stone falls on people, some of them are going to die.
