welcome to the human brain

When you are starting a new job in less than a week, you’re dealing with at least two lists. There’s the long errand and shopping and chore-focused to-do list (get dress tailored, do laundry, buy black boots, sew buttons on cardigan…), and then there’s the more abstract list of things that would be fun or smart or healthy for you to do while you have the time, so you can at least tell yourself that you took advantage of the last few days of this period that gets dramatically and not entirely accurately referred to as “freedom.” If you live in New York, topping the list of things you always want and mean to do, but rarely manage is: Go to a museum. Miraculously, Alice had free passes to the Museum of Natural History. Even better, she was willing to play hooky from work to go with me.

In the special exhibit about the brain, I learned that if neurons were marbles, each of us would have enough to fill the New York Public Library. Some of the text in the exhibit was hilariously matter-of-fact, like, “Just when you’re trying your best to be reasonable, your emotions can lead you astray.” There was also this: “By the time you reach your twenties, your brain is functioning at its peak. After that, little by little, the number of neural connections declines.” We played games designed to test your memory and reaction time and various other things we all hope to be good at: trying to trace a shape while looking in a mirror, reading names of colors printed in other colors, attempting to learn the Braille alphabet in a couple of minutes. Then we went to the museum café and each had an $11 panini.

Since it was snowing and a weekday, there was hardly anyone in the butterfly conservatory, so we got to walk around in the humid little tank for as long as we wanted, pointing and exclaiming at the butterflies flying around (The giant shiny blue one! The lacy orange and white one! The one with transparent wings!) and getting a little delirious from the sudden heat. Being in that place is perfect therapy for wintertime; it makes you giddy and melt-y and prone to hugging your friend and telling her how happy you are to be right there with her.

Later, we listened to Whoopi Goldberg narrate a “journey” into space. We watched a strange IMAX movie about aquatic dinosaurs. We went up to the fourth floor and walked through room after room (or “hall” after “hall”) of those dinosaurs and their relatives, skeletons and reconstructions and missing pieces. We went to the Hall of Ocean Life and looked up at the giant whale and at the dioramas that are my favorite, favorite thing—so carefully staged and gently glowing—and then traipsed through the North American Forests and New York State Environment sections, clearly the least loved and restored parts of the museum, with their dated signage and general quaintness, on our way to the hall of minerals and gems, where we wanted to go because we are girls and we like sparkly things. Or really, because I used to be obsessed with rocks.

I used to be obsessed with lots of the things the museum is preoccupied with, which is maybe why I have more affection for it than I do for the Met. The Natural History Museum feels more personal, making me think about how fiercely I used to love dinosaurs—how all kids love dinosaurs, and always will, and how mind-bendingly cool they are to people of all ages, whether or not they want to admit it (the array of dino-themed merch in the giftshop testifies to this, and while I’m on board with a dinosaur-shaped ladle and an ice-cube tray that makes ice in the shape of dinosaur bones, I could do without the pink kiddie t-shirt emblazoned with a sparkly dinosaur and the words “Prehistoric Princess”). All these dinosaurs remind me that, at one early point, I vaguely wanted to be a paleontologist (who didn’t?). The oddly straightforward and therefore semi-uncomfortable histories of various peoples remind me that I wanted to be an archaeologist. The meteors and big hunks of crazily colored rock remind me that for a little while, I really, really wanted to be a geologist. Or an environmentalist or some kind, testing rain with little ph strips to find out its acid content. Or some other profession that involved catching salamanders and subjecting them to a series of random, gentle tests. The trappings of science have always been a real stimulant for me, probably more than art, even though art is technically where my loyalties lie. Science sucks me in with its taxonomies and patient explanations (even if I don’t understand them; Whoopi’s narration in the planetarium was enthusiastic, but it didn’t make it any easier to process the idea of space or dark matter or how a star is born), its objects lined up and labeled behind glass.

My various science-y aspirations pretty much ended when I got to middle school and realized I couldn’t wrap my brain around carbon dating or isotopes or even fractions. It’s a little sad, mostly in retrospect, and mostly because it lines up so neatly and misleadingly with the abilities girls are and aren’t supposed to be confident about at that age. It’s depressing to think about how I much I used to love experiments, until I had to do them in a classroom with an accompanying worksheet or lab report, and grades. But I don’t think I was ever really going to be a scientist. The way I love all this stuff now is the same way I loved it as a kid, based on emotions and aesthetics. I’m romanced by it in a way that doesn’t require real understanding or expertise, and in some ways depends on the lack of exactly those things. It’s enough for me to look at everything laid out so carefully, the volume and detail of it overwhelming, and to let myself be amazed by big things like time and extinction, and little things like the birds painted into the background of a diorama, and the way stars looked on the curved ceiling of the planetarium. There’s the memory of a field trip here to see “Dinosaurs Alive” when I was in second grade, two Rainforest Alliance galas held in the shadow of the giant whale, tumbled rocks in the gift shop that my fingers are still drawn to. And now this quiet, perfect, snowy day in a museum with a good friend, right before things change again.

23,582 responses to “welcome to the human brain”

  1. ChuckbuB

    ? ?????, ??? ??? — ?????? ????. ? ? ???? ???? ???????????.
    4. ???????? ??????? ??????????? ??????: ????????, https://naoni.info/proksi-servery-germanii-ot-proxytrail-chto-nuzhno-znat-i-sovety.html ?????????? ??????? ? ???????? ??? ?????? ? ????????? ?? ??????? ???????????.

  2. ????? ???? amazon

    Aubrey Graves, Mrs. Greer Bell and Miss Willie Jim Latimer, Lockesburg, Mrs.

  3. EdwardUtips

    Toko Hemp sendiri dalam webnya menyatakan sebagai sebuah toko yang menjual aksesori dan T-Shirt bertema cannabis https://www.mytown.ie/log_outbound.php?business=118705&type=website&url=https://tokohemp.com/

  4. Ivoryskeni
  5. RussellFiche

    ??????????????? ??????? ?????? ?? ????? ? ?????? ???????? ? ?????????? ???????? ?????????? ??????? ???????. ????????? ???????? ?????????? ? ????????? ?????: ???????? ??????? ?????? ?? ???????, ?????????? ???? ????, ??????? ?????? https://dzen.ru/a/ZwZBBx-k5WAsdmk3

  6. https://www.connectwithequity.com/kvartira-na-sutki-v-minske-nedorogo-ceny-snjat-34/
  7. Pamelabriff

    ? ?????, ??? ?? ??????????. ???? ???????? ???? ???????. ?????? ??? ? PM, ???????.
    and meanwhile, trading in https://demo.evolutionscript.com/forum/topic/619-Hellcase-France valve Corporation. trust is at the heart of trading, and most reputable sites for trading skins in counter-strike monitor to organize an environment in which can trade with detailed confidence, in that you will receive the agreed goods.

  8. can you get plavix without prescription
  9. get generic celebrex
  10. Haroldamek

    Really all kinds of very good info.

  11. Peggypak

    ????? ? ????
    ???? ???? ????? ?????????? ?????? ??? ?????????, business growth ??? ?????????? ???????? ??????????? ????? ? ?????? ?? ???????????? ????????. ???????? ????????????? ??????????, ?? ???????????? ??????????? ????????????? ?????????? ??????????? ?????, ??????????? ???????? ????????????? ???????? ? ????????? ???????? ??? ??????????? ?????.

  12. best brand to buy ashwagandha
  13. Anthonywex

    Heavy fabrics can make a room feel cluttered and
    Choosing the right furniture is crucial in a small living

    If you need additional data https://callmeconstruction.com/living-room/how-to-design-150-square-foot-living-room/

    strategically to create a balanced and inviting space.
    h2>
    * **Planters:** Plants add life and vibrancy to the space
    more space by reflecting light and expanding the visual
    create a sense of openness and enhance the overall

  14. 500mg amoxil costs
  15. Walterfotte

    Summary
    Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have had a fiery 90-minute debate in Philadelphia – their first of the 2024 US presidential election
    kra6.gl
    After shaking hands – it was the first time they had met – the pair debated policy before moving onto more personal attacks

    Harris said people leave Trump rallies early “out of exhaustion and boredom” – he said people don’t go to hers in the first place
    kra15.gl
    https://kra2.cfd
    Trump criticised Harris’s record on immigration and the border, and also her shifting policy positions – Harris blamed him for “Trump abortion bans” and for the 6 January attacks on the US Capitol

    Snap polls suggest Harris won the debate, but Trump says afterwards that she “lost very badly”

    With the election taking place on 5 November, Harris is slightly ahead in national opinion polls – but polls are very tight in key battleground states

    Shortly after the debate, Taylor Swift endorsed Harris on Instagram, calling her a ”gifted leader”

  16. cost generic chlorpromazine without prescription

    Meds information for patients. Generic Name.
    cost generic chlorpromazine without prescription
    Some what you want to know about medicament. Read information now.

  17. can you get generic arcoxia without prescription
  18. AustinDoula
  19. buy generic doxycycline online
  20. where to buy celebrex for sale
  21. donde puedo comprar flibanserina generico precio

    Meds information sheet. What side effects?
    donde puedo comprar flibanserina generico precio
    Actual information about pills. Read here.

  22. Earnestoscib

    ??????????? ???????? ????? — ??????? ? ???????? ???????????? ???-????? ??????. ????? ?????? ???, ?? ????? ????? ? ?????? ? ???? ????????????? ????????? ???????? ????? ????????

  23. RobertGak

    Information about the production, sale and use of recreational cannabis in Mississauga, including the the regulations around retail outlet http://freegamelibrary.net/cgi-bin/ranklink/rl_out.cgi?id=area_q&url=https://www.markhamgacannabis.store/

  24. Gabrielfaich

    ???????? ????????
    ???????? ???? ??????, ??? ?????????? ????????? ?????????? ??????????? ???????? ????????? ????????????? ? ????????, https://blog.seuconsumo.com.br/calculo-da-conta-de-agua-copasa/ ?? ???? ??????? ????? ???????????? ? ???????? ?????????? ?????.

  25. order forxiga for sale
  26. can you buy cheap bystolic pill
  27. buying compazine tablets

    Drug information leaflet. Long-Term Effects.
    buying compazine tablets
    Everything news about medication. Get information now.

  28. RubenCag

    One Plant North Oshawa is home to the biggest selection of Cannabis at the best prices in Oshawa. Shop Cannabis, Flower, Edibles, Beverages, Bongs, Grinders http://www.amatura.com/cgi-bin/out.cgi?id=55&tag=toplist&trade=https://oshawacannabis.store/

  29. cost of cheap astelin online
  30. how to get generic lotrisone prices
  31. can i purchase cheap strattera prices

    Medicines prescribing information. Brand names.
    can i purchase cheap strattera prices
    Everything about medicine. Read here.

  32. Priscillaguink

    ????? ?? ????? ???? ???????
    Coppola took on himself the task finally solve all sorts political references and all traces of the Russian language, like Cyrillic letters, names (even the names of actors and the film crew|collective} in the credits) and symbols, from https://www.pointblank.life/members/spikepound2/activity/599934/ to pass it off as an American sci-fi movie with space creatures.

  33. cost of generic uroxatrall without a prescription
  34. generic macrobid for sale
  35. can i order generic warfarin price

    Medicament prescribing information. Effects of Drug Abuse.
    can i order generic warfarin price
    Actual information about meds. Read information here.

  36. IrisFusly

    ??? ??? ??, ??? ?????. ??????? ????, ???? ???????????. ?????? ?? ?????? ?????? ? ??????????? ??????.
    ?????? ????? ??? ????????? – ? ????? ????, ????? ?????? ???????????? ????????, ?? ??????? ???????? ????? ????? ????????????? ??????, ????????????, https://dai-zharu.ru/peterburg/category/parnaya/finskaya-sauna ?????? ? ?????? ???, ? ?. ?.

  37. cost of finpecia tablets
  38. can i get generic artane without prescription
  39. how to buy cheap levitra

    Medicament information sheet. Short-Term Effects.
    how to buy cheap levitra
    All trends of medicament. Read here.

  40. Travisswees

    Meet Indi. Timeless and chic. If you’re an Olsen lover, these are for you! Crafted from black acetate with smoked lenses, the style is in https://litrpgforum.com/proxy.php?link=https://www.rental-car.company/

  41. TashaLEn

    ????? ??? ??????
    ?? ???? ??????? ?? ?? ??????, ??????? ??????????? ???????, ????????? ?????????? ?? ??? ??????? ? ????????? ???? ?????, https://nmiu.com.ua/ ?????? ????????? ?????? ?????????????.

  42. TeresaPeeli

    The mandara brand focuses on beauty, rejuvenation and extravagant pleasures. The https://wuangus.cc/go.php?url=https://1win-bet-ecuador.com/ desires simplify the experience of everyone user from the resort, providing it with brilliant perspectives for relaxation.

  43. Jaredcig

    A Turkish virtual number is a phone number that allows businesses to establish a local presence in Turkey without needing a physical office. It enables seamless communication with Turkish customers, enhancing trust and accessibility ?????? ????????? ??????

  44. Richardbam

    ?? ????????????? ??????? ?????? ?????, ??????? ??????, ????????? ???????, “??????” ??????, ?????????? ?????????? ? ?????????? ???????, ?????????? ?? ????????? ?????? ????????? https://tutmyfacts.blogspot.com/2023/10/blog-post_21.html

  45. JustinEstit

    ?????????, ??? ????? ?? ???? ??????. ???????, ??? ????? ???????. ?? ????????????.
    most of the high-quality slot machines Atlantic City is also open for games online. as an http://www.technotesting.com/project/bulkiness/ welcome gift offers to you free award for the amount 20 greenbacks for registration, in the case you use the rcfree bonus code.

  46. buy cetirizine without prescription
  47. Williamevity

    Covers towing costs associated with tire and wheel damage, adding value to customer service.

    ford tire and wheel protection warranty

    Bumper-to-bumper warranty: 1 year/12,000 miles
    Honda Care ?® is a vehicle service contract from Honda that covers critical components after the manufacturer??™s warranty expires. It is available at most Honda dealerships and may be offered when you purchase a new or used Honda.
    So to break it down for a 6.7 diesel:
    We??™ve outlined in the table below a comparison between Ford??™s extended warranty and Endurance, our top extended warranty pick in our industry-wide review.
    Premium Coverage

  48. where to buy cheap levitra no prescription

    Drugs information for patients. Short-Term Effects.
    where to buy cheap levitra no prescription
    Some news about medicament. Get information now.

  49. StellaVef

    C?????? ???? !!!! ???????
    Evans, Holly; Sharman, Laura (February 17, 2022). “Bitcoin trader, 23 years old, engaged in boba-oppa.io, committed suicide after breaking up love and loss of all her own money”.

  50. EdwinteNdy
1 ... 18 19 20 21 22 ... 472

Leave a Reply