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.

24,180 responses to “welcome to the human brain”

  1. Gwenhom

    ?? ????? ?????? ?? ????? ????????? ?????.
    ??????, ????????? ? ? ?????, arazpalace.com ?? ???????? ?? ????? ??? ???????? ????. ? ????? ????? ?? ????????? ????? ????? ? ????? ?????, ?? ????????, ?? ???????????? ?? ? ????? ??????? ?????.

  2. ???????? triax
  3. how to buy cheap calan online
  4. Idaraddy

    ???????????, ???????? ?????? ? ?? ?????????? ??? ?? ????? ??????????? ????????????? – ????????, ???? ??? ????????, ??? ?? ??????? ????? ????????, ??? ? ?? ????????? ? ???, http://xn--r1aac8c.xn--p1ai/expert/mnenie-naseleniya-dobavit/ ????????? ??????????????? ????????????????.

  5. order generic cetirizine tablets
  6. ShannonCag

    ??????… ???? ? ???????????????????????
    ?? ???????????? ??????, ?????? ??????????? ????? ???????? ???????? ?????????? ?????????? ??? ???????????? whatsapp ?? ??????????? ?????? ???????. ?? ?????? ???????? ??????????? ????? ??? ?????????????? ??????????? ??????? ?????? whatsapp ? ?????? ??????????? ? ??????-????????.

  7. ???????? ???

    ?????? ????????? ? ????????? ?? ?????-?????????? ???????????? ????????? ??? ????????? ????????
    ?? ????? https://men78.ru ??????? ???????? ???????????? ????? ? ??????? ? ???

  8. ????????? ??????????? ????????
  9. Maroldemek

    You have made your point quite nicely.!
    play free casino slot games online no download online casino in usa online casino mit sofort??berweisung

  10. DavidGaf

    This is one article I couldn’t pass up sharing http://repetitor.ekafe.ru/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2879

  11. how to get betnovate for sale
  12. can you get zithromax tablets
  13. ??????? ?????? ?????? 330
  14. AngelaLum

    ??? ????? ??????? ??????? ?????????, ??????? ????????? ?? ??????????, ?? ???????? ?? ???????????, http://deutschmityulia.blogspot.com/2014/01/durfen-mussen-sollen.html ?? ?????? ???????? ????? ? ???? ?? ????????????.

  15. ???????? ??? ??

    ?? ????? ????? ?? ??????? ?????? ????????? ? ??? ? ????????? ???????? ? ???? ?????? ??????????? ?? ??????
    https://men78.ru ??????????????? ???????? ?? ????????????? ?? ??? ????????? ??? ????????? ????????

  16. Stephyntrimb

    You actually reported it effectively!
    essay help online buy a philosophy paper writing personal essay

  17. where buy coreg price
  18. ???? ????-???????
  19. Henryres

    Acquiring the aid of a lawyer for disabled individuals for claims related to disabilities in the city of Albuquerque carries immense value. People who look for the support of a lawyer specializing in disabilities in court proceedings related to disabilities can derive innumerable positive aspects and invaluable support throughout the process of claiming disabilities. These lawyers have the required competencies, wisdom, and proficiency to successfully traverse the complexities of the legal system and stand up for their clients’ best welfare.

    One of the main responsibilities of a disability attorney in trials regarding disabilities requires skillfully guiding and handling the legal proceedings. Attorneys specializing in disabilities shine at navigating the subtleties of court proceedings on disabilities, which can be intimidating for those not familiar with the legal system. By employing the services of a lawyer for disabled individuals, individuals with disabilities significantly enhance their chances of success in courts dealing with disabilities.

    Throughout court proceedings for disability claims, a attorney specializing in disabilities plays a pivotal and dynamic role in providing crucial support. They actively cooperate with clients in compiling and submitting claims applications for disabilities, petitions, and requests, simplifying the method and making sure all necessary documentation is accurately submitted. Additionally, attorneys specializing in disabilities provide crucial help during disability court trials, leveraging their expert knowledge of disability laws and guidelines to provide direction, counsel, and advocacy.

    The positive aspects of securing a lawyer for disabled individuals for claims concerning disabilities are multifaceted. These attorneys provide knowledgeable guidance and advice, arming their clients with a upper hand in disability court trials. Through their comprehensive grasp of the legal landscape, disability attorneys can efficiently navigate the complex web of rules and legislation regulating claims concerning disabilities, guaranteeing that their clients’ privileges are protected and their utmost interests are spoken for.

    Moreover, lawyers for disabled individuals facilitate the procedure for disability claims, easing the pressure on individuals with disabilities. They serve as supporters, liaising with official institutions, insurers

    , and other applicable entities on behalf of their clients. This comprehensive support enables individuals with disabilities to focus on their well-being and personal matters, being aware that their claims concerning disabilities are being dealt with with utmost care and meticulousness.

    In the setting of claims concerning disabilities in Albuquerque region, it is critical to recognize the special expertise provided by social security lawyers. These lawyers focus on social security regulations and regulations, making them highly valuable benefits for individuals seeking social security disability compensation. Social security lawyers possess extensive understanding of the complex regulations and procedures governing social security disability claims, enabling them to supply personalized guidance and direction to their clients.

    By acquiring a attorney specializing in disabilities, individuals with disabilities obtain a wealth of resources and assistance. These lawyers serve as committed supporters, tirelessly fighting for their clients’ entitlements and privileges. Lawyers for disabled individuals understand the obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities and put in great effort to guarantee they receive the entitlements for disabled individuals they are entitled to.

    In conclusion, the decision to acquire a attorney specializing in disabilities is a crucial one for individuals with disabilities seeking disability benefits in Albuquerque. These lawyers play a essential part in making simpler the legal process, maximizing the chances of success in court proceedings related to disabilities, and offering specialized guidance and recommendations tailored to their clients’ distinctive situation.

    [url=https://www.disabilityalbuquerque.com]Representation and support by a mental health disability attorney[/url]

  20. can i order cheap advair diskus without dr prescription
  21. Kimberlynow

    ????, ?????, ? ????? ??????? ???, ?????, ?????, ???-???, http://lyxondebian.free.fr/dokutest/doku.php?id=%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BF%D0%B8%D0%B0%D0%B4%D1%8B%20%D0%B4%D0%BB%D1%8F%20%D1%88%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2 ????. ?????-?? ? ???????? ?????? ?????? ?????, ??????? ???? ??????? ????????? ???????? ?????.

  22. TiffanyHUS

    from time to time olg may at his her own preference, or for promotional purposes or otherwise, offer to replenish Bonus money to account participant of the game: at the https://obamatakespictures.com/2016/02/16/mauris-vitae-libero/, in case the Player (for the necessary purposes) accepts the offer to pay Bonus funds.

  23. ???????? ??? ??

    ?? ????? ????? ?? ??????? ?????? ????????? ? ??? ? ????????? ???????? ? ???? ?????? ??????????? ?? ??????
    https://men78.ru ??????????????? ???????? ?? ????????????? ?? ??? ????????? ??? ????????? ????????

  24. DavidacisM

    ? ????? ??? ?????? ??? ???????? ???? ???? ? ??????? ????.???? ??????????? ????????? ? ???????????? ?????? ?????????? ?????? ?? ??????????? ?????????? ???? ?????? ?????????? ????? ????? ???????

  25. MelissaFleew
  26. get advair diskus without rx
  27. can i buy tadacip pill
  28. ?????? ????????? ? ???

    ? ????? ?????? ?????? ?? ??????? ?????????? ????????? ??? ????????? ???????? ? ??? ? ?????????
    ????? ?????? ????? https://men78.ru ??????? ???????? ?? ????????? ????

  29. how can i get buspar without dr prescription
  30. Nancylubre

    Feeling inspired to take action, thank you!

  31. Ivoryskeni

    ???????????‚?µ ???µ?€?µ?‚????. ???????????°?‚???? ???????????‚?µ ???µ?€?µ?‚???? ???µ???‚???»???†?????????????? ???°???°?»?°, ?‡?‚???±?‹ ?????»???‡???‚?? ???????‚???? ?? ???????‚???µ???????? ???»?µ???µ???‚?°??.
    * **?“?????µ?????? ?????µ???µ???????‹:** ???»?°?¶???°?? ?????µ???µ???????° ?????????µ???¶?µ???° ???????µ??????, ?‡?‚?? ?????¶?µ?‚ ?????????µ???‚?? ?? ???µ?????µ?·???‹?? ?????????µ?¶???µ???????? ?????????‚???????†???? ???????° ?? ?????‚???µ?±?????°?‚?? ???????????????‚?????‰?µ???? ???µ???????‚?°.
    * ?????????µ????

    maxeltour.ru

  32. ?????? ????????? ? ???

    ? ????? ?????? ?????? ?? ??????? ?????????? ????????? ??? ????????? ???????? ? ??? ? ?????????
    ????? ?????? ????? https://men78.ru ??????? ???????? ?? ????????? ????

  33. Maroldemek

    Really all kinds of fantastic data.
    top 20 casinos online us online casinos online casino ??esk?©m

  34. Glennknile

    ????? ?? Cryptoboss casino, ??????? ????????? ??? ??? ????????? ? ?????? ??? ???????????? ????
    ?????? ???? — ??? ??????????? ??????-??????, ??????? ? ?????? ????? ?????????? ??? ?????? ????????????? ????????? ????? ?????????? ???????????? ? ???????????? ? ???? ???????? ?????. ? ???? ?????? ?? ?????????? ?????? ?????? ????, ??? ??????? ???????, ? ????? ???????????? ????????????? ???????????? ?????.
    ??? ????? ?????? ?????? ?????
    ?????? ?????? ???? — ??? ????????, ??? ?????? ????? ???????????? ????????? ??????, ????????? ???????????? ??? ?????? ? ??????. ??? ?????? ???? ????? ????????? ? ??????????. ????????? ?????????? ??????? ????? ??????? ?????????, ?????????? ???, live-?????? ? ?????? ???????????, ??? ?????????? ???????? ??? ????????, ??? ? ??????? ???????.
    ??????? ??????? ?????? ???? ??????
    ??????? ?????? ?????? ??? ????? ?? ??????????? ? ????? ?????????????? ???? ???????? Cryptoboss casino, ??????? ????????? ??????? ????????? ??????? ?? ??? ??????? ? ???????????? ??????? ?????????. ?????? ????? ????? ???????? ?????????? ?????? ????? ?????????????????? ?????? ??? ?? ??????, ??????????? ???????? ?????.
    ???????????? ???????????? ????? ?????? ???? ??????
    ??????????? ???? ?????? ???? ?????? ???????? ????? ???????????? ???????????:
    - ? ?????? ??????? ??? ??????????? ?????? ???????? ???? ? ?????? ???????????? ?????????? ??????? cryptoboss casino
    ????? ?? ??????? ??????????? ???????????? ?????? ???????? ???????????? ??? ????????.
    - ??????? ????? ???
    ????????? Cryptoboss casino ?????????? ????? ??????????? ???????? ??????? ????? ??????????? ? ?????????????? ???.
    - ??????????? ???? Cryptoboss casino ????? ???????? ? ?????? ??????????
    ?? ?????? ???? ? ?????? ?? ??????????? ????? ??? ? ?? ??? ? ? ?????? ?????????? ??????????.
    - ?????? ?????????? ????????????? ??????, ??????? ?????????????? ?????? ??? ????? ???????, ?????????? ????? ? ????????? ??????????, ??????? ?????? ???? ????? ????????.
    - ???????????? ???????? ?????????? ????????? ? ????? ????? ??????? ? ??????? ??? ?????? ????????????.
    - ?????? ?????????? ?????????????????? ????????? ????????, ????????? 24/7, ??? ????????? ??????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ?? ??????????? ????????.
    ?????? ?????? ???? ???????????? ????? ????????????? ????????? ??? ???????? ???, ?????????? ????????????? ??????????? ?????????? ? ?????????? ???????? ????. ??????? ??????? ? ????????? ??????????? ???? ?????? ??? ????????? ??? ??????? ?????????, ? ????????????, ???????????? ??????, ?????????? ??? ????????, ??? ? ??????? ???????. ? ???? ??????????? ?????? ???? ???????? ????????? ??????? ????????? ????? ????????????, ???????????? ??? ? ???????? ?????????????.

  35. DustinVog

    ????????? ? ????????????? – ????????????? ??????? ??? ????????? ???????????. ?? ???????? ??????? ???????? ?????????? ? ?????-????????????. ??? ????????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ?? ?????????. ??????????? ????? ????????? ? ?????????? ????? ? ??????????????? ?????? https://potokudach.ru/primeti-i-sueveriya/primety-o-vode-2/

  36. can i order celebrex pill
  37. ?????? ????????? ? ?????-??????????

    ?? ????? ????? https://men78.ru ??????????? ??????? ??????????? ?????????? ????????? ??? ???????
    ? ?????-?????????? ? ????????? ?? ???????? ????

  38. Stephyntrimb

    Good facts, Thanks a lot!
    essay title help custom term papers writing service dissertation coaching services

  39. AmyScabe

    ?? ????.
    ????????????? ???????????? ??????. ? ?????? ????? ?? ????? – ? ?? ????????? ? ??????? ????? ?? ????? ???? ???????, ???????????? ???????? ???????? http://www.rrsclub.ru/showthread.php?p=51370#post51370 ???????? ?????????? ??????????.

  40. Donaldnop

    This means that users can access the platform without interruptions or delays, allowing for smooth and efficient trading. The availability of multiple Archetyp Links provides additional accessibility. If one link is temporarily unavailable, users can easily switch to another, ensuring uninterrupted access to the Archetyp market.
    Archetyp Market Url

  41. tonyasagaisy
  42. ?????? ????????? ? ?????-??????????

    ?? ????? ????? https://men78.ru ??????????? ??????? ??????????? ?????????? ????????? ??? ???????
    ? ?????-?????????? ? ????????? ?? ???????? ????

  43. generic flagyl without dr prescription
  44. can you buy cheap tadacip without insurance
  45. zerkalo gold kazino

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

  46. MikeVeink

    ???????. ??? ???? ????????? ??????. ????? ?????????? ?? ??? ????. ????? ??? ? PM.
    first of all, it is required, that you immediately cancel this bet by https://villaamericanaeventos.com.br/2024/11/14/avoid-the-top-10-mistakes-made-by-beginning-betwinner-benin/, in other situation it anyway maybe (partially) Coincidental!

  47. ??????? ???????????? ?????
  48. Shawnrug

    More than 2,900 slots, all the same list of classic casino games, https://warnermcdanielagency.com/gallery-post/ machines slots and live casinos, which allows to you to get in most heart happening between instant withdrawal of funds.

  49. PamelaDus

    ??? ????? ?????????? ?????????..
    ??? ????????? ?????????? prgf-japan.com/ – ??????? ??????. ???? ????????? ????????? ??????????? ??????? ? ????? ??????. ?????????? ?????? ?? ??? ?? ????????? ???? ?????????? ???? ??????? ??????? ? ?????????.

  50. MarcosZeS

    301 Moved Permanently
    More info!

1 ... 60 61 62 63 64 ... 484

Leave a Reply