Executive Summary:
- NFG – “Never Fear the Gorgonzola”
- Quest for the World’s Stinkiest Cheeses (UC#2 and UC#4 embarked upon this when he was about 10)
- Is it a “quest“, or a “journey“, or an “endeavour“, or a “pilgrimage“?
- Let’s settle on “Quest“. This leads us to a 15 panel set of murals for the Quest for the Holy Grail by Edwin Austin Abbey
- The murals were commissioned by the Boston Public Library (BPL) around the turn of the last century. What an incredible building! It shows you was a society can do if you don’t believe in trickle down economics
- the BPL is a popular wedding venue…..
- Or is it? Maybe all the librarians at the BPL are required to wear tuxedos and/or wedding dresses?
- the BPL is a popular wedding venue…..
- The murals were commissioned by the Boston Public Library (BPL) around the turn of the last century. What an incredible building! It shows you was a society can do if you don’t believe in trickle down economics
- Let’s settle on “Quest“. This leads us to a 15 panel set of murals for the Quest for the Holy Grail by Edwin Austin Abbey
- Is it a “quest“, or a “journey“, or an “endeavour“, or a “pilgrimage“?
- Quest for the World’s Stinkiest Cheeses (UC#2 and UC#4 embarked upon this when he was about 10)
The Gorgonzola Connection
When in his formative years, UC#2 and father UC#4 whet on a quest/journey/endeavour/pilgrimage for the world’s stinkiest cheese.
Sort of a rank ranking.
We had a list (possibly taken from a book about things parents will barely tolerate). We were at HEB on sunny Saturday morning, looking for the Gorgonzola. I recall a kindly elderly woman helping us, after she heard us mispronouncing the word. She may have sensed our quest, or she may have been a spirit guide.
A Clarification of Terms
What is the difference between a journey and a quest?
A journey is a general term for travel, whether physical or metaphorical, with or without a specific goal. A quest is a journey with a specific goal or objective, often involving personal growth or the search for something meaningful.
generative AI
Okay, we’ve got a specific goal, so that rules out “journey“. But was it more of a pilgrimage?
What is the difference between a quest and a pilgrimage?
A quest is a dangerous or challenging search with a specific objective. A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey, often to a sacred location.
So our particular Endeavour is certainly dangerous and challenging, but it is also a spiritual journey. But it’s not a journey (as described above), and our sacred destination is not a physical place.
“Endeavour” has multiple meanings:
generative AI
Noun: An attempt to do something, usually requiring a lot of work, determination, or exertion. For example, “The school endeavors to teach students to be good citizens”.
Verb: To try hard to do or achieve something. For example, “They endeavored to create a government that truly serves its people”.
Some synonyms of “endeavour” include:
- Full court press
- Old college try
The Quest for the Holy Grail
Could we be over-thinking this? Let’s go with quest.
Edwin Austin Abbey RA (April 1, 1852 – August 1, 1911) was an American muralist, illustrator, and painter. He flourished at the beginning of what is now referred to as the “golden age” of illustration, and is best known for his drawings and paintings of Shakespearean and Victorian subjects, as well as for his painting of Edward VII’s coronation. His most famous set of murals, The Quest and Achievement of the Holy Grail, adorns the Boston Public Library.
He completed murals for the Boston Public Library in the 1890s. The frieze for the Library was titled “The Quest and Achievement of the Holy Grail“. It took Abbey eleven years to complete this series of murals in his England studio. In 1897 he received the honorary degree of A.M. from Yale university.
[ed. note – we’d much prefer the Yale degree from Texas A&M]
Wikipedia
Quest led us to a cool blog by Dutch art enthusiast Jeroen Pelgrom. His blog is Art In Space.
A virtual museum about art from the Middle Ages until 1900 with an accompanying explanation from me.
Art In Space
Mr. Pelgrom annotates each of the 15 panels.
(images from Mr. Pelgrom’s blog)
The Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library is a municipal public library system in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1848. The Boston Public Library is also Massachusetts’ Library for the Commonwealth (formerly library of last recourse), meaning all adult residents of the state are entitled to borrowing and research privileges, and the library receives state funding. The Boston Public Library contains approximately 24 million items, making it the third-largest public library in the United States behind the federal Library of Congress and New York Public Library, which is also privately endowed. In 2014, the library held more than 10,000 programs, all free to the public, and lent 3.7 million materials.
Wikipedia
Semi-Sequitur: Something you probably didn’t know about the Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library is one of the few institutions that requires librarians to wear tuxedos and/or wedding dresses.
Staff meetings:
WTLEIDR
What would be the consequences of requiring librarians to wear either tuxedos or wedding dresses?
Requiring librarians to wear either tuxedos or wedding dresses could have several consequences, depending on the context and the specific dynamics of the library environment. Here are some potential outcomes:
- Professionalism and Formality: Tuxedos and wedding dresses are traditionally associated with formal events. Requiring librarians to wear such attire might create a more formal and upscale atmosphere in the library. This could be seen as positive if the goal is to enhance the perceived professionalism of the library staff.
- Practicality: Tuxedos and wedding dresses may not be practical for the day-to-day tasks of librarianship. Librarians often need to move around, reach for books, and engage in various activities that might be hindered by restrictive or impractical clothing. This could lead to discomfort and reduced efficiency in performing their duties.
- Gender Considerations: Requiring specific gendered attire, such as wedding dresses, could raise issues related to gender discrimination or reinforce traditional gender norms. It’s important to consider inclusivity and diversity in workplace policies to ensure that all staff members feel comfortable and respected.
- Staff Morale: Mandating a specific dress code that includes formal wear might impact staff morale. Some individuals may not feel comfortable in such attire, and if the policy is perceived as arbitrary or unnecessary, it could lead to dissatisfaction among the staff.
- Public Perception: The choice of attire for librarians can influence how the public perceives the library. If the chosen attire aligns with the library’s image and goals, it could contribute positively to the institution’s reputation. However, if it seems out of place or impractical, it might confuse or alienate patrons.
In general, any dress code policy should be carefully considered, taking into account the nature of the work, the comfort of the staff, and the overall goals and image of the institution. Flexibility and inclusivity are often key considerations in developing workplace dress codes.
chatGPT
Semi-Sequitur: Who enjoyed the Gorgonzola more: J. Edgar or Che?
Theoretically, who do you think would enjoy Gorgonzola cheese more: J. Edgar Hoover or Che Guevara?
It’s an interesting and humorous hypothetical question! However, it’s challenging to determine personal preferences for food based on historical figures, especially when there’s limited information about their culinary tastes.
That being said, both J. Edgar Hoover and Che Guevara were from different cultural backgrounds and had diverse experiences. Gorgonzola cheese is a type of blue cheese originating from Italy, so one might speculate that someone with a preference for Italian cuisine might be more inclined to enjoy it.
chatGPT
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