Observing people. They're unpredictable, mostly intelligent (or so we like to hope), and utterly fascinating. Observing buildings and objects, which are made by people, becoming as unpredictable and strangely fascinating. Observing all the other things that could possible happen on a University campus.
29 April 2008
The "Bells"
The sounds of bells, ring in the hour. Look up and around, yet there is no bell tower to be found. As you approach the student union building, the sound will grow louder. Look up once again, and lo and behold, the source of the sound is a loud-speaker on the wall. You will stand in awe of the ridiculously nonsensical point of ringing bells that exist elsewhere. Admittedly the sound is lovely and the intention is honest. But really. Come now. A speaker?
18 April 2008
Garbage Moderator
The garbage collector dresses in a white jumpsuit, hat, face-mask, and giant rubber gloves. He pulled up to the first garbage can outside the student center, and pulled it out. It was only 1/4 full, but he tossed in the back of his small car/cart, and inserted a new bag. 15 yards away sat the next can full of trash. He got back in the car, and drove to it. Pausing at a lunch table, he picked at something stuck in the wood with his big rubber gloves. It didn't budge, he flicked it, then left it alone. Again, the bag was only 1/4 full of trash, but he threw it in the back with the other nearly empty black bags. He replaced it with a new one, put the holding ring over the top, and set the lid on, lopsided.
Language and Communications
I am aware that it has been said before that the organizational skills of the architect were significantly impaired. Today an adventure confirmed this accusation. Who in their right mind would make the 3rd floor of a building near unaccessible? It's almost a test of patience and endurance. "You may enter the realm of English and Writing, under the condition you are able to find the single elevator, or the two corner staircases that reach us."
Thankfully, my department is on the first floor. Much kinder. "Just turn left, but don't blink or you'll miss it" rather than an MIA threat. Yes, I will have to venture to the elusive 3rd floor on occasion, but that is only a minor component. This building is two words. A puzzle. Only for smart people. In other words, good luck. May the force of direction be with you.
Thankfully, my department is on the first floor. Much kinder. "Just turn left, but don't blink or you'll miss it" rather than an MIA threat. Yes, I will have to venture to the elusive 3rd floor on occasion, but that is only a minor component. This building is two words. A puzzle. Only for smart people. In other words, good luck. May the force of direction be with you.
The Library
What exactly is the point of a library? You would think this is an insane proposition. You would probably say: "To hold books." But per my adventures this afternoon, my observations told me a whole new story.
First use: A construction site. A few weeks ago a friend of mine observed that the University should have a new mascot. The crane. The only way inside through the west doors. My entire experience here has consisted of half a library. Thankfully, it appears that work is being completed, but some parts of the library are uninhabitable due to the constant banging.
Second use: A fashion show. Oh wait. That goes for all of campus. Here comes Spring and the new summer fashions...all I have to say is, watch out.
Third use: Nap-time. Ten feet into the library and guaranteed you will find a dosing student. Whether it be a book they rest on, or a chair. Sometimes there are 3 or 4 sleeping people within eye-sight.
Fourth use: An exercise routine. The place is huge. Hundreds of shelves hold thousands of books. Forget your run of the mill Dewey Decimal system. This place adds a whole new level of organization! The government papers have an entire section to themselves (good riddance I say, keep the boring stuff out of the way.) Particularly, I was searching for books on Latin and Greek today. Somehow, even though I used the Quick Search, I ended up in the religion section. There were books in other languages, but that wasn't helpful. The language books are located a floor above and on the other side. I found the Greek books there looked around, then headed to where I was told books in Latin were. I ended up back in the religion section. Lugging my backpack back the other way, I found the Latin books 3 shelves away from the Greek. 4 trips us and down the stairs, and about 4 trips back and forth across the floors. With a backpack, who needs a treadmill and weights?
You never know what else a library will do for you. A place to check email, play online games, read Roald Dahl...or simply get lost and never return to civilization. Check out your local library and I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised!
First use: A construction site. A few weeks ago a friend of mine observed that the University should have a new mascot. The crane. The only way inside through the west doors. My entire experience here has consisted of half a library. Thankfully, it appears that work is being completed, but some parts of the library are uninhabitable due to the constant banging.
Second use: A fashion show. Oh wait. That goes for all of campus. Here comes Spring and the new summer fashions...all I have to say is, watch out.
Third use: Nap-time. Ten feet into the library and guaranteed you will find a dosing student. Whether it be a book they rest on, or a chair. Sometimes there are 3 or 4 sleeping people within eye-sight.
Fourth use: An exercise routine. The place is huge. Hundreds of shelves hold thousands of books. Forget your run of the mill Dewey Decimal system. This place adds a whole new level of organization! The government papers have an entire section to themselves (good riddance I say, keep the boring stuff out of the way.) Particularly, I was searching for books on Latin and Greek today. Somehow, even though I used the Quick Search, I ended up in the religion section. There were books in other languages, but that wasn't helpful. The language books are located a floor above and on the other side. I found the Greek books there looked around, then headed to where I was told books in Latin were. I ended up back in the religion section. Lugging my backpack back the other way, I found the Latin books 3 shelves away from the Greek. 4 trips us and down the stairs, and about 4 trips back and forth across the floors. With a backpack, who needs a treadmill and weights?
You never know what else a library will do for you. A place to check email, play online games, read Roald Dahl...or simply get lost and never return to civilization. Check out your local library and I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised!
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