When I visited the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County this Saturday, the museum shop displayed a black tshirt emblazoned with "Science is Sexy". Do you agree? I'll answer with maybe.
I'd say
"Science is fun, scary and sometimes cute."
What was fun at the Natural History Museum?
Gawking at the hundred pound gem-quality jade. Hey, what can I say, I grew up admiring jade jewelry. Plus it's Chinese New Year. My friend also pointed out a mineral and gemstone that looked just like a snowman hugging a column. The three others in the group agreed. So cute! Besides all that cuteness, magnificent and mysterious shards of tourmaline shone. Some of the minerals created shapes like brain coral.
What was scary?
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| Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons Oarfish |
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| Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons Megamouth |
The preserved oarfish and megamouth found near Catalina Island in 1984 and 2006, respectively, were frightening to me. I would not like to encounter either during an open water swim. The oarfish looked like a sea serpent over 9 feet long with antennae-looking parts like a creature from very deep waters. The megamouth was shorter but it's head was 3 feet by 3 feet. Like it's namesake, it's mouth looked uncommonly large. The fact that these creatures are modern day freaks me out. They look like they are from a time long past.
What was cute?
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| Photo Credit: Flickr Geograph Org UK Peccary |
The Fossil Huntress play was witty, educational and humorous. One actress with a Mary Poppins-accent presented a story to the audience. Her character lived near cliffs in England that were speckled with fossils. Her family sold these thinking these were common seashells until a palentologist came to her booth one day to explain their value to science. Other actors dressed in prehistoric sea serpent and teen triceratops costumes performed for the audience. The audience could watch the sea animal's terrible jaws when consuming a fish and the gait of the triceratops. This was important because 10 years ago, scientists believed that triceratops walked closer to the ground like lizards.
In addition to the play, the taxidermy North American and African Mammals were a sight. The young coyotes, baby Kudu and mountain sheep were heart-meltingly cute. My favorite exhibit was of the Peccaries, a family of mammals that looked like bristly boars but belonged to something other than the pig family. The "piglet" was the same size as a chihuahua and it's eyes were fierce-looking. Mighty adorable!
I'd recommend this museum as a great date trip or just a family outing.
Happy Museum Hopping!
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