Saturday, July 16, 2005
Harry Potter 6
So, college kid that I am, my Friday night was spent in Oak Park...at a Harry Potter party! This was a SUPER party. Multiple blocks were blocked off and they held events throughout the day: quidditch, wizard's chess, dramatic readings.... Oh yes. There was butterbeer, costuming, and (of course) the book! Yummm...butterbeer.... Anywho, I stood in line by this adorable pair of sisters and one's son named Rinaldo. Turns out Bernice is my age, and coincidentally live 4 blocks from each other. We exchanged numbers. At 11:30 I called Mazzillo because I knew she had gone to a similar party in Florida with her sister and mum. She had her book already and started reading the first 7 pages aloud while I was still in line. You should have seen the hungry faces of the women around me....they wanted to listen too! Luckily, no one got daring, so I made it safely through the night. Ahhhhhhh, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince....must....read....before someone gives the plot away.....
Friday, July 01, 2005
Explore the Field: Anthro
The Field Museum, being the educational institution that it is, sponsored a day in which all new interns got a back-stage pass to a few of the departments. Our particular tour consisted of visits to Anthropology, Zoology, Paleontology, and the library.
The Anthro tour was fun because it was led by a very funny, very sarcastic 28 yr. old collections manager named Will. He took us into the storage rooms and showed us some very cool artifacts. "I mean, we basically think we're the sh**, right, being all technologically advanced...with our iPods, PlayStations, and DVD players...all thanks to our manufacturing power of things like surgical steel. Well, here in my hand is a piece of obsidian, and when hit a certain way it breaks up into this-an obsidian blade. Now, our industrialized culture developed surgical steel through complicated processes. First there's the oh-so-attractive process of strip mining, which Nature loves. Then the ore must be smelted...and if you've ever been to Gary... (everyone laughs). There weren't any Garys back then. Here were our "primitive" ancestors with their two little rocks producing a blade 10 times sharper than any surgical steel we've been making. To me, that's cool."
We were shown a toy stone-wood chariot from Mesopotamia. "This was Hot Wheels 4,000 years ago."
Will picked up a Mexican-native ceramic chihuahua. "A question we get all the time is: how much is this stuff worth. The truth is, we don't know. There are irreplaceable items in this collection that are extremely hard to price. But, to give you an idea...This chihuahua I have in my hand is roughly worth $40,000. It is in excellent condition, but more importantly, it comes from a documented archaeological site so we know who made it, when and why. If I were to break this, there is absolutely no way the Museum could replace it. 1. It's illegal to take these things out of their native country anymore. 2. There aren't any others like it to replace it. So, you take a piece like this and multiply it by the 1.5 million items we have in our collection...well, you get the picture. Oh, and can any of you tell me why this ceramic chihuahua is so fat? ... No? Chihuahuas used to be raised for meat...which gives the phrase Yo quiero Taco Bell a whole other meaning."
The Anthro's collection is NOT INSURED. That's right-no insurance. Why? First off, the Museum couldn't afford the premium. Secondly, what would the Museum do with the money? These artifacts cannot be replaced. They are stored in 15 storage rooms that dedicate about 2 million cubic feet to their housing.
The Anthro tour was fun because it was led by a very funny, very sarcastic 28 yr. old collections manager named Will. He took us into the storage rooms and showed us some very cool artifacts. "I mean, we basically think we're the sh**, right, being all technologically advanced...with our iPods, PlayStations, and DVD players...all thanks to our manufacturing power of things like surgical steel. Well, here in my hand is a piece of obsidian, and when hit a certain way it breaks up into this-an obsidian blade. Now, our industrialized culture developed surgical steel through complicated processes. First there's the oh-so-attractive process of strip mining, which Nature loves. Then the ore must be smelted...and if you've ever been to Gary... (everyone laughs). There weren't any Garys back then. Here were our "primitive" ancestors with their two little rocks producing a blade 10 times sharper than any surgical steel we've been making. To me, that's cool."
We were shown a toy stone-wood chariot from Mesopotamia. "This was Hot Wheels 4,000 years ago."
Will picked up a Mexican-native ceramic chihuahua. "A question we get all the time is: how much is this stuff worth. The truth is, we don't know. There are irreplaceable items in this collection that are extremely hard to price. But, to give you an idea...This chihuahua I have in my hand is roughly worth $40,000. It is in excellent condition, but more importantly, it comes from a documented archaeological site so we know who made it, when and why. If I were to break this, there is absolutely no way the Museum could replace it. 1. It's illegal to take these things out of their native country anymore. 2. There aren't any others like it to replace it. So, you take a piece like this and multiply it by the 1.5 million items we have in our collection...well, you get the picture. Oh, and can any of you tell me why this ceramic chihuahua is so fat? ... No? Chihuahuas used to be raised for meat...which gives the phrase Yo quiero Taco Bell a whole other meaning."
The Anthro's collection is NOT INSURED. That's right-no insurance. Why? First off, the Museum couldn't afford the premium. Secondly, what would the Museum do with the money? These artifacts cannot be replaced. They are stored in 15 storage rooms that dedicate about 2 million cubic feet to their housing.
Taste of Chicago
It's the 25th Annual Taste of Chicago Festival!
(I know. At first, it meant nothing to me too.)
Every year, Chicagoans, and tourists alike partake in a very Chicagoan event. About 100 restaurants from around the city setup booths and sell the tastiest of their menu offerings. Some food items include: BBQ anything, Harey Carey fries, alligator pizza, steamed lobster tail, gyros, kelewele (plaintains roasted in garlic), chicken masala, crab-stuffed salmon, Bailey's ice cream, flan, frozen bananas...etc. The ethnic foods come out in force and make it worthwhile to fight the crowds and spend the money (which is quite a bit per food item). This weekend is the Taste's most busy. Three million people are expected to attend in three days. All those bodies sure don't help the thermometer.
In addition to the food, there are seven stages setup for various forms of entertainment, mostly musical. So far, I've seen a break-dancing troupe and some sort of mermaid/pirate diving show sponsored by a phone company.
Tomorrow, the Taste is hosting Santana at 4:30 PM! I'm so there.
(I know. At first, it meant nothing to me too.)
Every year, Chicagoans, and tourists alike partake in a very Chicagoan event. About 100 restaurants from around the city setup booths and sell the tastiest of their menu offerings. Some food items include: BBQ anything, Harey Carey fries, alligator pizza, steamed lobster tail, gyros, kelewele (plaintains roasted in garlic), chicken masala, crab-stuffed salmon, Bailey's ice cream, flan, frozen bananas...etc. The ethnic foods come out in force and make it worthwhile to fight the crowds and spend the money (which is quite a bit per food item). This weekend is the Taste's most busy. Three million people are expected to attend in three days. All those bodies sure don't help the thermometer.
In addition to the food, there are seven stages setup for various forms of entertainment, mostly musical. So far, I've seen a break-dancing troupe and some sort of mermaid/pirate diving show sponsored by a phone company.
Tomorrow, the Taste is hosting Santana at 4:30 PM! I'm so there.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Ruatepupuke II and the interpretation of "Marae"
In 1905, the Field Museum acquired an authentic Maori house. They had it shipped over from New Zealand to Chicago and had it reassembled in the Museum itself. It is one of the more impressive "artifacts" (if you can call it that) on display. Today, one can visit the beautifully carved structure on the upper floor in the Pacific Island ethnographic section.
This structure has been the source of controversy for quite a while. There is a disagreement, for example, whether it should be left "as-is" or to enhance the colors by repainting. It may sound like a silly matter, but the Museum wants to do right by the Maori people and the artifact. Of course there are other issues too (gatherings within the space, what the space is meant to evoke, etc.) According to the Maoris, it should be USED as proactive space (either for discussion, celebrations, etc.), for that is the intention of all Maori meeting houses.
A delegation from New Zealand has journeyed to the Field Museum this week to facilitate the dialogue necessary for the Museum's renegotiation of understanding and policy of this beautiful structure. I had the sublime privilege of attending one of the meetings regarding these issues...in Ruatepupuke II itself.
This link can much more clearly explain what the marae is.
The discussion began with a presentation on reinterpretations of the "marae." There were fantastic photos of different marae from all over New Zealand, including the presenter's home. His speech was New Zealand English interspersed with Maori words and phrases. The use of ancient Maori proverbs to explain better the feeling of a meeting house was a useful and effectice tool to promote understanding in a culturally-ignorant individual like myself.
He aha te nui mea o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.
A representative from the National Museum in Auckland, New Zealand discussed the marae built there to house an assortment of events, many of which included food which seems to be a big issue for the Field.
Thirdly, a tribe leader spoke about his experiences in the marae. He ended with a plea for the Field to repaint the Maori house and restore it to what it is meant to be.
The fascinating dialogue centered around the difference between rules and values. The Field didn't want to insult or disrespect the Maoris and consequently established rules regarding the treatment of the marae. (e.g. no shoes, no food, etc.) The Maoris insisted that respect isn't promoted through rules, but through sincere recognition and acknowledgement of Maori cultural values. The rest is trivial.
It was an amazing experience in which I learned quite a bit about museum policy and the moral dilemma facing curators and conservators. Most importantly, I think I gained an immeasureable insight into the depths of pragmatic and positive cultural dialogue and understanding.
PS: Perhaps we'll touch noses next time we meet.
This structure has been the source of controversy for quite a while. There is a disagreement, for example, whether it should be left "as-is" or to enhance the colors by repainting. It may sound like a silly matter, but the Museum wants to do right by the Maori people and the artifact. Of course there are other issues too (gatherings within the space, what the space is meant to evoke, etc.) According to the Maoris, it should be USED as proactive space (either for discussion, celebrations, etc.), for that is the intention of all Maori meeting houses.
A delegation from New Zealand has journeyed to the Field Museum this week to facilitate the dialogue necessary for the Museum's renegotiation of understanding and policy of this beautiful structure. I had the sublime privilege of attending one of the meetings regarding these issues...in Ruatepupuke II itself.
This link can much more clearly explain what the marae is.
The discussion began with a presentation on reinterpretations of the "marae." There were fantastic photos of different marae from all over New Zealand, including the presenter's home. His speech was New Zealand English interspersed with Maori words and phrases. The use of ancient Maori proverbs to explain better the feeling of a meeting house was a useful and effectice tool to promote understanding in a culturally-ignorant individual like myself.
He aha te nui mea o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.
A representative from the National Museum in Auckland, New Zealand discussed the marae built there to house an assortment of events, many of which included food which seems to be a big issue for the Field.
Thirdly, a tribe leader spoke about his experiences in the marae. He ended with a plea for the Field to repaint the Maori house and restore it to what it is meant to be.
The fascinating dialogue centered around the difference between rules and values. The Field didn't want to insult or disrespect the Maoris and consequently established rules regarding the treatment of the marae. (e.g. no shoes, no food, etc.) The Maoris insisted that respect isn't promoted through rules, but through sincere recognition and acknowledgement of Maori cultural values. The rest is trivial.
It was an amazing experience in which I learned quite a bit about museum policy and the moral dilemma facing curators and conservators. Most importantly, I think I gained an immeasureable insight into the depths of pragmatic and positive cultural dialogue and understanding.
PS: Perhaps we'll touch noses next time we meet.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Unexpected Visitors
A funny thing happened yesterday. I was busily transcribing old correspondence between Lt. Emmons regarding accession file 807, when Brigitta came in an announced, "Noelle, security called and said you have visitors at the South Entrance." "What? But I don't know anyone in Chicago." "Well, they gave both your first and last name, so it must be legit." "Uh, ok...." So I took the south stair to the ticket lines and who should I find but The Gateses! Marie's family had taken a trip to Chicago for Mrs. Gates' birthday! They were so sweet to contact me. I remembered I had work to do, and couldn't show them around, but Mrs. Gates invited me to dinner with them later that evening.
After work, I slipped into the Field Museum Store and bought a cute little clay, three-legged pig, good-luck charm from Chile and a beautifully painted Chinese birthday card. We met up and headed over to Navy Pier. Dinner was at Riva's cafe, where I tried the crab cake sandwich. We strolled down to the end of the pier, stopping to read the historical plaques. Mrs. Gates decided she wanted to ride the Ferris Wheel, so Mr. & Mrs Gates, Thomas, Anne, and I all enjoyed the 7-minute ride and BEAUTIFUL view of Chicago. For dessert, we visited a great popcorn shop that I had seen featured in $40 a Day. The Gateses were nice enough to drive me to Union Station, and while in transit I presented Mrs. Gates with her charm. She was completely surprised and promised it would go on the ledge of her sink, with all her other trinkets. As I jumped out of their van and waved goodbye, I felt content with the fact that I can hold my own in a social situation (feeling comfortable talking to the adults as well as the kids), and happy that I contributed to a great birthday celebration for a family that has been so kind to me and made my day with a thoughtful visit.
After work, I slipped into the Field Museum Store and bought a cute little clay, three-legged pig, good-luck charm from Chile and a beautifully painted Chinese birthday card. We met up and headed over to Navy Pier. Dinner was at Riva's cafe, where I tried the crab cake sandwich. We strolled down to the end of the pier, stopping to read the historical plaques. Mrs. Gates decided she wanted to ride the Ferris Wheel, so Mr. & Mrs Gates, Thomas, Anne, and I all enjoyed the 7-minute ride and BEAUTIFUL view of Chicago. For dessert, we visited a great popcorn shop that I had seen featured in $40 a Day. The Gateses were nice enough to drive me to Union Station, and while in transit I presented Mrs. Gates with her charm. She was completely surprised and promised it would go on the ledge of her sink, with all her other trinkets. As I jumped out of their van and waved goodbye, I felt content with the fact that I can hold my own in a social situation (feeling comfortable talking to the adults as well as the kids), and happy that I contributed to a great birthday celebration for a family that has been so kind to me and made my day with a thoughtful visit.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
The Organic Rebellion
Chewbroccoli?
http://www.StoreWars.org
I haven't laughed so hard since a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
http://www.StoreWars.org
I haven't laughed so hard since a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
Friday, June 17, 2005
The second
Earlier this week, I had to opportunity to help Isabel "pull" objects from the storage rooms. We pulled a painting on linen, bow, arrows, digging stick, and a drum. Two of these tested positive for arsenic, so we were more careful with them. You see, in the early 2oth century human's infinite wisdom, collectors and curators decided to tackle their bug woes indefinitely. Many artifacts were teeming with critters, and the solution to this problem was dousing the objects with arsenic and other deadly chemicals. Of course, they didn't use enough to "harm" people, but when thousands of contaminated objects are placed in one room, it gets dicey. Anyway, the artifacts had a Blackfoot provenience and were going to be used by the Newberry Library for a temporary exhibit. They were beautiful! AND I managed NOT to break anything.
People Watching:
While on the train, I tend to slip into "people watching" mode. Yesterday I sat in front of two middle-aged women with Rhode Island accents. The conversation was absolutely hilarious. The first women mentioned her 16 year old son getting a job. He went around to the fast food places and submitted his application. Well, he was turned down everywhere. Both he and his mother couldn't figure out why he wasn't hired. Apparently, he's a really good, charismatic kid. After a while, he got up enough guts to apply again. He called his mom at work and said, "I know why they won't hire me. It's because I don't speak Spanish." "You mean Burger King and Wendy's doesn't have enough turnover to hire a kid like you JUST because you don't speak Spanish?!" "I guess so...but I got an interview at Taco Bell." ... Yeah. So the English-speaking kid that couldn't work at BK or Wendy's is now working at Taco Bell. If that isn't ironic, I don't know what is.
People Watching:
While on the train, I tend to slip into "people watching" mode. Yesterday I sat in front of two middle-aged women with Rhode Island accents. The conversation was absolutely hilarious. The first women mentioned her 16 year old son getting a job. He went around to the fast food places and submitted his application. Well, he was turned down everywhere. Both he and his mother couldn't figure out why he wasn't hired. Apparently, he's a really good, charismatic kid. After a while, he got up enough guts to apply again. He called his mom at work and said, "I know why they won't hire me. It's because I don't speak Spanish." "You mean Burger King and Wendy's doesn't have enough turnover to hire a kid like you JUST because you don't speak Spanish?!" "I guess so...but I got an interview at Taco Bell." ... Yeah. So the English-speaking kid that couldn't work at BK or Wendy's is now working at Taco Bell. If that isn't ironic, I don't know what is.
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