http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/us/25raid.html?em&ex=1201410000&en=3e94b0754efe6511&ei=5087%0A
This has been quite a month for antiquity repatriation. It's unfortunate that such heavy-handed tactics are necessary in order to deal with the swelling illegal antiquities market, but this is a victory none the less. The objects will return to their countries of origin, where they can be appreciated by the people whose heritage they represent, as well as visitors to the region who can now explore these countries' past as they explore its present. Ultimately, moves like this shrink the market for illegal antiquities, which is good for preserving everyones' heritage.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
repatriation
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/11/arts/design/11voge.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is returning a famous ceramic vessel to Italy. It's a positive step. Hopefully the other objects from the Cerveteri tomb will be reassembled in time, and researchers will one day be able to study these artifacts in one collection. Context reveals information that objects alone can never provide. Who used the vessel? For what purpose? How was it lost, and why?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is returning a famous ceramic vessel to Italy. It's a positive step. Hopefully the other objects from the Cerveteri tomb will be reassembled in time, and researchers will one day be able to study these artifacts in one collection. Context reveals information that objects alone can never provide. Who used the vessel? For what purpose? How was it lost, and why?
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
faux pas?
My friend was in town. I had rushed back to New York in order to meet him during the tiny window his miserly student budget allowed him to visit. He wanted to see Times Square on New Years Eve. Couldn't blame him... you have to do it once right?
We stood their for hours, arriving early to ensure good spots. Well, as good as any considering there are no bathrooms and the cops coral you into dense people-blocks where everyone has to move and breath as one. Still, it's quite a sight. A million people packed into two(ish?) city blocks. On the asphalt beneath those teaming masses a material record of the event accumulates... first bits of souvenir hats and horns join the normal day-to-day litter of times square. As the night goes on, food wrappings and water bottles full of alcohol-induced urine join the mess... a testament to the biological rigors of celebration without restrooms. Finally, it is all topped by a sprinkling of confetti, marking the conclusion of the event, and forming the most visible debris as the horde of revelers begins making its way back to the subway station.
The event was spectacular, though it was clear that the festivities were organized for the viewers at home, and not for the bajillion people waiting patiently for the (actually quite small) ball to drop. The main stage was behind you (if you were facing the ball), and the screens only selectively showed you what was going on. I was struck by the blaring performance (or, unfortunately, advertising) opportunity that was being missed. Imagine, all those screens projecting portions of a larger art piece. Or, more likely, portions of one huge, mind-boggling advertisement. The first suggestion would have been preferable, but even the latter would have been better than a night of the same 3 commercials looping over and over. Too bad; they had quite captive audience.
On the subway back to my apartment, a woman inquired about our funny hats and balloons. She was shocked that I actually lived in New York. "Don't you know that your broke the first rule of being a New Yorker! Only tourists go to Times Square..." Ah well... don't tell anyone.
We stood their for hours, arriving early to ensure good spots. Well, as good as any considering there are no bathrooms and the cops coral you into dense people-blocks where everyone has to move and breath as one. Still, it's quite a sight. A million people packed into two(ish?) city blocks. On the asphalt beneath those teaming masses a material record of the event accumulates... first bits of souvenir hats and horns join the normal day-to-day litter of times square. As the night goes on, food wrappings and water bottles full of alcohol-induced urine join the mess... a testament to the biological rigors of celebration without restrooms. Finally, it is all topped by a sprinkling of confetti, marking the conclusion of the event, and forming the most visible debris as the horde of revelers begins making its way back to the subway station.
The event was spectacular, though it was clear that the festivities were organized for the viewers at home, and not for the bajillion people waiting patiently for the (actually quite small) ball to drop. The main stage was behind you (if you were facing the ball), and the screens only selectively showed you what was going on. I was struck by the blaring performance (or, unfortunately, advertising) opportunity that was being missed. Imagine, all those screens projecting portions of a larger art piece. Or, more likely, portions of one huge, mind-boggling advertisement. The first suggestion would have been preferable, but even the latter would have been better than a night of the same 3 commercials looping over and over. Too bad; they had quite captive audience.
On the subway back to my apartment, a woman inquired about our funny hats and balloons. She was shocked that I actually lived in New York. "Don't you know that your broke the first rule of being a New Yorker! Only tourists go to Times Square..." Ah well... don't tell anyone.
Monday, January 7, 2008
tourism
I haven't lived in New York very long. I still have trouble finding everything I need at the store, haven't quite mastered the art of buying just enough groceries to get by, and when it comes to navigating the non-gridded urban labyrinths outside of downtown Manhattan, well, forget about it. I have been here long enough to have out-of-town guests, and I think that simple fact is starting to transform the towering buildings and yellow-traffic-chocked streets into something familiar.
Until I had guests, the hustle and bustle of graduate life kept me hopping around the city, never familiarizing myself with what made New York New York. But as friends and family began visiting, I became a tour guide. And in becoming this de factor teacher, I became a student of the big apple as well. I had to describe what made this street special or that monument interesting, tempering my own impressions with those from my guest. I suppose I became a tourist of sorts, but not just any tourist. Someone much wiser than me said that teaching makes you a better student. So there it is. Sweet.
Until I had guests, the hustle and bustle of graduate life kept me hopping around the city, never familiarizing myself with what made New York New York. But as friends and family began visiting, I became a tour guide. And in becoming this de factor teacher, I became a student of the big apple as well. I had to describe what made this street special or that monument interesting, tempering my own impressions with those from my guest. I suppose I became a tourist of sorts, but not just any tourist. Someone much wiser than me said that teaching makes you a better student. So there it is. Sweet.
new years resolution
Here we go again, a second shot.
I started this thing back in July to bring you guys thoughts on whatever was on my mind at the time. Unfortunately, things like moving to a new city, starting graduate school, and beginning research took me away from that most noble endeavor before I ever really got rolling.
Luckily, I'm not easily beaten back. It's another year, and I think it's gonna be a good one. I've found my legs, and I'm ready to hit the ground running. My candidate is doing well in the primaries, research is moving right along, and more so that ever my new city feels like home. So welcome back, readers, for a second iteration of my blog. See you guys shortly....
-Adam
I started this thing back in July to bring you guys thoughts on whatever was on my mind at the time. Unfortunately, things like moving to a new city, starting graduate school, and beginning research took me away from that most noble endeavor before I ever really got rolling.
Luckily, I'm not easily beaten back. It's another year, and I think it's gonna be a good one. I've found my legs, and I'm ready to hit the ground running. My candidate is doing well in the primaries, research is moving right along, and more so that ever my new city feels like home. So welcome back, readers, for a second iteration of my blog. See you guys shortly....
-Adam
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