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.

25,088 responses to “welcome to the human brain”

  1. MicolaToila

    Are you tired of boring adult sites? Try our community at LustyPhotos.info where you can share your interests and connect with others who love XXX. ??

    Visit
    https://naughtysnapshots.info and we’re having a blast together! Highly recommend this site!

  2. https://dorama.kz/user/gucupsteef/
  3. MicolaToila

    At SeductiveImages.info, we prioritize your privacy and safety. Our platform is designed to protect you while offering the hottest content available online! ??

    Visit
    https://hotpornphotos.info for more content!

  4. JorgeLof

    Despite the fact that this advertisement is written in your native language, we communicate in international, English language hitman for hire

  5. WayneAcamn

    ???????????? ?????? ? ?????

  6. ChrisBab

    ????? ????????, ??? ? ??????????, ??, ??-?????, ??? ???? ??? ?? ?????????.
    ? ????????????? ?????????? ????? ????????? ??????????, ???? ????????? ????? ???????, https://turntotaalbreda.nl/neon-seo-academy/cevrimici-kurs-turkiye-de-kumar-casino-icin-seo-6/ ? ???????? ?? ???????? ???????????.

  7. MicolaToila

    Are you tired of boring adult sites? Try our community at SeductiveImages.info where you can share your interests and connect with others who love Sex. ??

    We have the hottest content available for your viewing pleasure! ??
    https://intimateshots.info for more content!

  8. buying cheap baycip without dr prescription
  9. ???? ?? ????

    Having read this I believed it was really informative.

    I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this short article together.
    I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading
    and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth
    it!

    Review my web-site … ???? ?? ????

  10. cost tizanidine without a prescription

    buy generic tizanidine online buying tizanidine online can i order tizanidine price
    can you get tizanidine online can i get generic tizanidine without rx where buy tizanidine pill
    how to buy tizanidine without insurance
    where to get tizanidine tablets can i buy cheap tizanidine pill order tizanidine no prescription
    can you get cheap tizanidine without a prescription can i order cheap tizanidine for sale can you get generic tizanidine for sale

  11. MicolaToila

    Looking for something hot and steamy? Check out our latest collection on EroticGallery.info! ??

    We have the hottest content available for your viewing pleasure! ??
    https://sensualphotohub.info and we’re having a blast together! Highly recommend this site!

  12. Solusi Pendaftaran Perseroan Terbatas Resmi bersama RuangOffice.

    Salam! Begitu banyak tips yang tersedia!

  13. Allenchoma

    ?????? ???? ????????!
    ???????? ?????? ?????????? ??????? ????????? ?? ????? ?????????? ? ? ????? ?????. ?? ????????????? ?????? ? ?????? ????????. ???????? ?????????? ?????? ?????? ???????? ???????????? ?? ????????? ??????? ? ?????? ?????. ????????? ??? ????????? ? ????????? ??????????!
    ?????????? ??????? ?????? ????????? ???????? ??? ????????? ? ??????? ????????. ?? ????????? ????????? ?????? ????. ??? ??????? ? ?????? ???? ???????? ?????????. ???????? ??????? ??? ??? ???????!
    ???????? ? ???????? ????? ????????? ?????? – https://lordseriala.pet/2022-god/
    ?????? ????? ?????? ???????? ??? ??????, 2020 ??????? ???????? ?????? ?????????, ??????? ???????? ????????? ? ??????? ???????? ?????????
    ?????????? ??????? ?????? ????????, ???????? ?????? ? ???? ??????, ???????? ?????? 2024
    ???????? ?????????!

  14. MicolaToila

    At EroticGallery.info, we prioritize your privacy and safety. Our platform is designed to protect you while offering the hottest content available online! ??

    We have the hottest content available for your viewing pleasure! ??
    https://seductiveimages.info to check out our featured content!

  15. Burks and Company

    Its such as you learn my mind! You seem to know so much about this, such as you wrote the e-book in it
    or something. I think that you simply can do with a few % to power the message house a little bit, however other than that, this is magnificent blog.
    An excellent read. I will definitely be back.

  16. MiaSelia

    ????-?? ???? ????? ??????)))
    ?? ?????? ??????????? ??? ?????? ?????????? ???????? ????????, ????????????? ??? ???????? xprinter xp-365b ??? ?? ???????? ???? ???????????? ? ???????????? ??? ????????. ?????? ????????????? ??????? ???????????? ???????? ?? ????????? ?????????? ??????? ? ?????????, ? ????? ??????? ?????????? – ?? ???????? ???????????.

  17. MicolaToila

    At SensualPhotoHub.info, we prioritize your privacy and safety. Our platform is designed to protect you while offering the hottest content available online! ??

    Visit
    https://lustyphotos.info to join our vibrant community!

  18. jasa bayar Zopim

    In fact when someone doesn’t be aware of afterward its up
    to other users that they will assist, so here it
    occurs.

  19. DonaldAntep

    Looking for the best welcome bonus in online betting? 1xBet, a global gambling leader, gives new players an unbeatable 100% first deposit bonus (up to $100) when using exclusive promo code 1XRUN200 https://mayadeepyam.site/2025/04/02/1xbet-promo-code-free-bet-bonus-up-to-e130/

  20. MicolaToila

    Are you tired of boring adult sites? Try our community at EroticGallery.info where you can share your interests and connect with others who love Porn. ??

    Visit
    https://intimateshots.info to explore our secure platform!

  21. MicolaToila

    Looking for something hot and steamy? Check out our latest collection on SensualPhotoHub.info! ??

    We have the hottest content available for your viewing pleasure! ??
    https://explicitimages.info for more content!

  22. hey

    There’s definately a great deal to find out about this topic.

    I like all the points you’ve made.

  23. Terencemaync

    Think to experience an unforgettable honeymoon without breaking your family budget? Numerous of couples face this dilemma – wanting romance and impressions while having limited finances. What’s pleasing is there are magnificent destinations available even for a limited budget. Continuous flights make these places even more attractive for newlyweds. Tropical Asia offers many budget options – from Thailand’s beaches to amazing Malaysia. Latin America can also boast affordable prices and gorgeous landscapes. Keep in mind that seasonality significantly affects vacation costs. Choosing an off-season period can save up to 40% of your budget. Making an itinerary pay attention to all-inclusive resorts – often they’re more profitable when calculating total expenses. Traditional festivities can be an additional bonus for your honeymoon. Read about reviews from other travelers on specialized forums. Comprehensive information about budget destinations for honeymoons can be found on guideautoweb.com. Consider that early booking also contributes to significant savings. Certain places offer special packages for newlyweds. Popular places in Europe also have budget options – especially in the Eastern and Southern parts. Beach vacations can be combined with cultural programs for a variety of impressions. Gastronomic discoveries will add bright emotions to your journey. Mobility on vacation will allow you to explore the region independently and save on excursions. Independent accommodation is often cheaper than hotels.
    Clarify if a visa is required for your chosen country and how long it takes to process. The cost of local transport should be considered when calculating the total trip budget. The period between seasons often offers the best value for money. Prepare before departure a list of desired places and activities to optimize expenses. Safety guarantee is a necessary expense item that shouldn’t be economized on. Special tourist places offer special programs and discounts for newlyweds. Timely preparation will allow you to get the best accommodation offers. Combine different activities on the beach with excursions and cultural events. Determine about the possibility of getting discounts with student or youth cards. Check loyalty programs from airlines and tour operators. Budget carriers can significantly reduce the cost of your flight. Put in your suitcase a minimum of things to avoid additional baggage fees. Folk markets are a great place to buy souvenirs at reasonable prices. Timely check the cost of basic services and goods in your chosen country. Financial transactions at the airport is usually disadvantageous – it’s better to exchange money in the city.
    These recommendations will help you organize an unforgettable honeymoon without excessive costs.

  24. MeganRooto

    thanks to its offer virtual establishment Betwinner Rwanda surpasses players’ expectations by offering a complete range of features https://www.baritech.co.in/aviator-app-download-apk-your-gateway-to-an/ without leaving home.

  25. DonaldAntep

    Looking for the best welcome bonus in online betting? 1xBet, a global gambling leader, gives new players an unbeatable 100% first deposit bonus (up to $100) when using exclusive promo code 1XRUN200 http://www.medtronik.ru/images/pages/1hbet_2021_promokod_pri_registracii.html

  26. can i buy generic zyvox without dr prescription
  27. Terencemaync

    Want to experience an unforgettable honeymoon without breaking your family budget? Most of couples face this dilemma – wanting romance and impressions while having limited finances. But there are magnificent destinations available even for a limited budget. Direct air travel make these places even more attractive for newlyweds. Tropical Asia offers many budget options – from Thailand’s beaches to amazing Malaysia. Latin America can also boast affordable prices and gorgeous landscapes. Important to remember that seasonality significantly affects vacation costs. Booking during non-peak times can save up to 40% of your budget. Thinking through your vacation pay attention to all-inclusive resorts – often they’re more profitable when calculating total expenses. Folk festivities can be an additional bonus for your honeymoon. Study reviews from other travelers on specialized forums. Detailed analysis about budget destinations for honeymoons can be found on guideautoweb.com. Remember that early booking also contributes to significant savings. Some countries offer special packages for newlyweds. Old World countries also have budget options – especially in the Eastern and Southern parts. Sea rest can be combined with cultural programs for a variety of impressions. Immersing in local culinary will add bright emotions to your journey. Individual transport will allow you to explore the region independently and save on excursions. Alternative accommodation is often cheaper than hotels.
    Make sure if a visa is required for your chosen country and how long it takes to process. Cost of trips should be considered when calculating the total trip budget. Period before high season often offers the best value for money. Prepare beforehand a list of desired places and activities to optimize expenses. Trip insurance is a necessary expense item that shouldn’t be economized on. Specific vacation spots offer special programs and discounts for newlyweds. Timely preparation will allow you to get the best accommodation offers. Integrate different activities on the beach with excursions and cultural events. Check about the possibility of getting discounts with student or youth cards. Pay attention to discounts from airlines and tour operators. Budget airlines can significantly reduce the cost of your flight. Consider the necessity of a minimum of things to avoid additional baggage fees. Regional markets are a great place to buy souvenirs at reasonable prices. Prudently clarify the cost of basic services and goods in your chosen country. Obtaining local money at the airport is usually disadvantageous – it’s better to exchange money in the city.
    These tips will help you organize an unforgettable honeymoon without excessive costs.

  28. Jefferyzen

    In the online gambling environment, promo codes have become an integral part, offering insiders unique opportunities to receive prizes and promotions http://rolevikionline.g-talk.ru/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=6274

  29. how to buy generic doxycycline without a prescription

    where buy doxycycline for sale can i buy doxycycline for sale doxycycline dose for chlamydia treatment
    where to get generic doxycycline no prescription how can i get generic doxycycline how to buy doxycycline without prescription
    can i buy generic doxycycline pill
    where to buy doxycycline pills chlamydia treatment with doxycycline doxycycline over the counter usa
    where to buy cheap doxycycline without a prescription buy generic doxycycline without dr prescription how can i get doxycycline online

  30. Nathancow

    ???????????? ???????? ????????????!
    ?????????? ??????? ?????? ????????? ???????? ? ??????? ????????. ?? ????????? ????????? ?????? ????. ????????? ???????? ?????????? ??????? ?????? ??? ??????? ? ?????? ???????? ??? ?????????. ???????? ??????? ??? ??? ??????? ???????? ? ????????????? ?????????!
    ???????? ?????????? ??????? ????????? ?????? ? ??? ???????. ???????? ??????? ??????? ????? ??????. ????????????? ???????????? ????? ? ???????? ?????????. ??? ??????? ???????? ?????????. ?? ???????? ???? ???????? ?????? ???????!
    ???????? ? ???????? ????? ??????? ??? ??????? – https://lordseriala.red/xfsearch/year/2021/
    ????????? ? ????? ?????? ????????, ???????? ?????? ?????? ??????, ??????? ??????? ??????
    ????? ?????? ??????, ?????? 6 ????? ???????? ??????, ???????? ????????? ???????????
    ???????? ?????????!

  31. MicolaToila

    At EroticGallery.info, we prioritize your privacy and safety. Our platform is designed to protect you while offering the hottest content available online! ??

    Check out our latest uploads on
    https://hotpornphotos.info to check out our featured content!

  32. MicolaToila

    At NaughtySnapshots.info, we prioritize your privacy and safety. Our platform is designed to protect you while offering the hottest content available online! ??

    Check out our latest uploads on https://eroticgallery.info and we’re having a blast together! Highly recommend this site!

  33. bandar55

    constantly i used to read smaller posts that also clear their motive, and that is also
    happening with this piece of writing which I am
    reading now.

  34. sex children f68

    Everything said made a ton of sense. But, think on this, suppose
    you added a little content? I mean, I don’t wish to tell you how to run your website, however suppose you added
    something that makes people want more? I mean welcome
    to the human brain is a little vanilla. You ought to peek at Yahoo’s
    home page and note how they create post headlines
    to get people to click. You might try adding a video or a related picture or two to grab readers excited about everything’ve got to say.

    In my opinion, it might bring your blog a little bit more interesting.

  35. MicolaToila

    Are you tired of boring adult sites? Try our community at NaughtySnapshots.info where you can share your interests and connect with others who love Porn. ??

    We have the hottest content available for your viewing pleasure! ??
    https://sensualphotohub.info to explore our secure platform!

  36. Joshhow

    ?? ?????? business of apps, doordash ????????????? ????? ??? 390 000 ??????????, ??? ???????????, https://dglassandmirror.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=11 ??? ? ???? ????? ????????? ??????? ??? ??????.

  37. Jefferyzen

    In the online gambling environment, promo codes have become an integral part, offering insiders unique opportunities to receive prizes and promotions http://www.kainsksib.ru/123/index.php?showtopic=6100

  38. Jaypet

    ????, ??? ?????? ?? ???? ??????????? – ????????? ?? ??????. ?????????? – ??????????? ??????? ???? ??????.
    ????? ????, https://www.asofrayle.org/ivent-agencija-stvorennja-nezabutnih-momentiv-dlja/ ???????????? ?????? ? ?????????????? – ???, ?? ???????????? ??????? ?????????? ??????. ??????? ?????????? ???????????? ? ?????? – ??? 500 ???/???.

  39. MicolaToila

    Are you tired of boring adult sites? Try our community at PassionatePix.info where you can share your interests and connect with others who love Sex. ??

    We have the hottest content available for your viewing pleasure! ??
    https://adultpicszone.info and we’re having a blast together! Highly recommend this site!

  40. DarrelFrobe

    1xBet is a well-known online betting platform that is famous for its generous bonuses and attractive offers. If you are looking for a unique gaming experience and additional chances of success, then 1xBet bonuses will be an excellent choice for you https://mamamia.by/forum/viewtopic.php?p=31960#31960

  41. Bokep Indonesia

    Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you’re using?
    I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a hard time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and
    Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m
    looking for something unique. P.S My apologies
    for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  42. esta usa visa

    What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I
    have found It positively useful and it has helped me out loads.
    I’m hoping to contribute & assist other users like its helped
    me. Good job.

  43. MicolaToila

    Looking for something hot and steamy? Check out our latest collection on HotPornPhotos.info! ??

    Check out our latest uploads on
    https://passionatepix.info to explore our secure platform!

  44. MicolaToila

    At ExplicitImages.info, we prioritize your privacy and safety. Our platform is designed to protect you while offering the hottest content available online! ??

    Visit
    https://intimateshots.info and we’re having a blast together! Highly recommend this site!

  45. cost of zebeta without prescription
  46. Porugal Golden Visa

    Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as
    I provide credit and sources back to your website?
    My blog site is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my
    visitors would certainly benefit from some of the information you provide here.

    Please let me know if this alright with you.
    Many thanks!

  47. MicolaToila

    Are you tired of boring adult sites? Try our community at ExplicitImages.info where you can share your interests and connect with others who love Sex. ??

    Check out our latest uploads on
    https://adultpicszone.info to explore our secure platform!

  48. diltiazem and hearing loss

    diltiazem po and iv together diltiazem extended release drugs that interact with diltiazem
    diltiazem retard 240 mg daily diltiazem 120 mg generic diltiazem ointment buy online
    buy diltiazem pills
    diltiazem mims diltiazem manufacturer usa diltiazem 180 mg side effects
    diltiazem 60 mg side effects is diltiazem a controlled substance diltiazem drug side effects

  49. click to read more

    Hey, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility
    issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening
    in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted
    to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, amazing blog!

    My web blog click to read more

  50. DarrelFrobe

    1xBet is a well-known online betting platform that is famous for its generous bonuses and attractive offers. If you are looking for a unique gaming experience and additional chances of success, then 1xBet bonuses will be an excellent choice for you https://www.dom-nam.ru/index.php/forum/razdel-predlozhenij/164921-promokod-1xbet-1950eur-v-kazino-pri-registratsii#203964

Leave a Reply