From the “What in God’s green earth made anyone think that was a good idea” department comes the latest Halloween decorations launched by the Pacific Science Center.
If you think like an adult, and act like an adult, you can see beyond the bathroom humor displayed here. Unfortunately for the Pacific Science Center employees, they need to constantly think like children - as children are the majority audience at this valuable Seattle venue.
On another (and much more positive note): My wife Justine* and I went to see the Lucy exhibit a couple weeks ago (Lucy’s Legacy). I was highly impressed, even more-so because I learned a lot!
The majority of the exhibit focuses on Ethiopia itself; the history of this amazing nation, the historical significance (in regards to fossils, and the evolution of our planet). Once you start “digging” (I couldn’t resist the pun) into the importance of Lucy herself, the Science Center’s extensive displays (many of which are interactive) on bone structure, skull capacity (I couldn’t help but respond with “man, our skulls are hogs!” when I learned about the capacity of modern man’s skulls compared to earlier specimens), and evolution really take your breath away.
I was also impressed with the amount of supplemental information you get when you borrow one of the free earpieces (which look like little clubs, by the way. Hopefully, unintentional). The dialog and interviews as part of the audio stream teach you even more about the photos, artifacts, fossils and other items on display.
I was nervous that the Lucy’s Legacy exhibit would be dry (again, apologies for the pun), but I am greatly appreciative of how engaging and exciting the exhibit turned out to be. This is no boring night at the museum, loyal readers. Lucy’s Legacy is a joy and, in my opinion, should be shared by adults and children alike.
Finally, the dialog and discussion my wife shared long after leaving the Science Center was the absolute icing on the cake for me. We spoke for hours, and I continue to discuss the discoveries with coworkers and friends weeks later. Now, if they only could get rid of the spider!
*Full disclosure: It was my choice to add the Lucy’s Legacy comments to this post, not my wife’s (who is a Science Center employee). I don’t feel like this is a “plug” for Lucy; instead I feel like a little balance is in order. Sure, the spider photos are funny - and inappropriate - but even so, the Science Center does great work and if it takes a little butt-joke to get you and your kids to visit (beyond seeing Batman in Imax), then so-be-it.
If you’re interested, there’s an amazing video of the Bonobo - Apes that write - from a recent TED conference. The Bonobo is an interesting specimen, especially in the comparison to Australopithecus (that’s Lucy!). I’m just tickled that I can pronounce Australopithecus (as long as I have it written in front of me).
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