Time is flying by now, only a few weeks remain. As is customary at the end of any semester, there are a lot of things I want/need to get done before it comes to a close. The amazing thing is that although the daily work routine has lost some of its luster, there are still meetings I have the opportunity to attend, events that take place, people I meet, or even sights that I observe, which astonish and excite me.
This week I took a short trip to the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. Included in the gallery are collections from ancient Civilizations the world over; Ancient Egyptians, South Asian and Himalayan, Chinese, and Art from the Islamic World. I am not a connoisseur of art, but I appreciate it. I especially enjoy ancient art because of the history and culture that it represents. Did you know that Buddha wasn't always depicted as a joyous chubby (almost Santa Clause-like) man, well it may just be my ignorance, but I didn't know! At the museum he took the forms of a very average man, a tall slender man, and even a large muscular man. I was not able to finish the museum, but I was sufficiently impressed enough to plan a second trip.
A more traditional Buddha
Buddah, after he called Jenny Craig?
(Both of the above are found at the Gallery; photo source:
http://www.asia.si.edu/collections/default.htm)
At work I was awed yet again. I had the opportunity to attend a National Academy of Science Roundtable with a very prestigious membership. The chair of the group was a former Congressman who helped write the original Clean Air Act. Throughout the meeting this kind old man proved that he was still sharp and very capable, making him a more than suitable chair of the roundtable. Only afterwards did I discover that he was actually 95! I just hope that I will still be potty trained by that age, let alone be leading a prestigious science committee in the nation's capital. Among his colleagues were former administrators of various federal agencies, faculty heads of very prestigious universities, and directors from NGOs. The conversations that took place throughout the day more than proved the merit of each roundtable member. It is comforting to know that people of such intellect are working on some of the world's most pressing issues. We can only hope that their advice is heeded.
http://www.asia.si.edu/collections/default.htm)
At work I was awed yet again. I had the opportunity to attend a National Academy of Science Roundtable with a very prestigious membership. The chair of the group was a former Congressman who helped write the original Clean Air Act. Throughout the meeting this kind old man proved that he was still sharp and very capable, making him a more than suitable chair of the roundtable. Only afterwards did I discover that he was actually 95! I just hope that I will still be potty trained by that age, let alone be leading a prestigious science committee in the nation's capital. Among his colleagues were former administrators of various federal agencies, faculty heads of very prestigious universities, and directors from NGOs. The conversations that took place throughout the day more than proved the merit of each roundtable member. It is comforting to know that people of such intellect are working on some of the world's most pressing issues. We can only hope that their advice is heeded.
(Photo source:
http://www.nof.org/donate/images/Rogers_P_187_HS%20Color.JPG)
This cheerful man (also known as "Mr. Health") helped write the Clean Air Act...which to me seems as ancient as the constitution (not really at all, but it was made before I was born so it may as well be), but he is still going strong.
Even in this, the eleventh of fifteen weeks I am still amazed about the things I get to experience down here--and that is saying something for someone that can have a short attention span!
Until next week...
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