Objects wall post

Just to play on the term 'wall post', I'm going to try and have a monthly Objects of Affection post. This refers to my 2008 thesis project which I created while at NYU. I've been continuing my collection and adding to the archives. In an attempt to transfer the project to the web, I'll post some of my more interesting additions here.

For the month of November:

Hey Y'all!

I have some great friends! Minnie, Susan and Alex all came to visit this weekend (from Boston, Philadelphia and Houston respectively) and we had a great time. Here are some photo highlights from the visit:

Archives Humor

A little disappointed in Jon Stewart (BA in Archives Management, really Jon?) but this is funny nonetheless because I've received several listserve posts about this position:

Watch Video here!

Oh Jon...

Meb Wins NYC

Okay, so I know that this headline won't be news to most of you but WNYC had a great interview about Mebrahtom Keflezighi winning the New York City Marathon, the first American to do so in 27 years. Speaking with Cameron Stracher (who seems like a running enthusiast akin to my dear old dad's heart) whose Op-Ed in the Times questions just how these big races are covered by the media, the interview ranges from whether or not the Marathon should be scene as an 'event' or as a competitive road race; if American running can pick up on the heels of Meb's win; and unfortunately, whether or not Meb's win can actually be considered an 'American' win. It's sad to see this great runner's nationality questioned at such an exciting time for him.

Honestly, it was interesting to listen to Stracher talk about why running is not something the uninitiated can simply watch on TV like Monday football. And although I'm one of those slower runners who has enjoyed the friendly 5K race every once in awhile, I appreciate all the subtly of watching a really great race -- thanks boys, it's been pounded into my brain I guess. One of my favorite 'family moments' will always be running like crazy between the west and east side of Central Park at the 2008 US Olympic Team Trials for the Men's Marathon.

So Congrats! to Meb for getting America a win at New York. And just so we don't miss out on some beautiful photos, check out these marathon photos by long time race photographer Fred R Conrad. They're all about how isolating the race can be, in a very literal way.

The Map As Art

Another great WNYC interview, this time with Katherine Harmon, editor of the new book The Map As Art: Contemporary Artists Explore Cartography. The interview is here. The slideshow is here.

Two images from The Green(er) Side of the Line, 2005: Butcher in Bartaa East and Abandoned military base north of the Dead Sea. Artist: Alban Biaussat

Mount Fear, East London: Police Statistics for Violent Crimes 2002-3, 2003. Artist: Abigail Reynolds

Caspian Sea, 2006. Artist: Maya Lin

Map of USA from memory, 2007. Artist: Ellis Nadler

Also, a caller specifically mentioned Paula Scher whose work is in the book but not in the slideshow so check out her personal website for her own take on maps.

Surprise

Imagine my surprise when I opened my inbox and found this article for me to read:

"Halley’s Comet was last spotted by the unaided human eye in 1986, and isn’t estimated to be visible again until 2026. For those who can’t wait another 17 years, the Ransom Center’s exhibition, Other Worlds: Rare Astronomical Works, offers visitors an early glimpse of Halley’s Comet, as rendered by Caroline Herschel in 1835–1836."

I saw the exhibit at HRC but I think I'll go back again and look at my comet sketches one more time. For anyone in the area, it's a great show and right next door is the Edgar Allen Poe exhibit which is worth checking out as well.