Secret Life of Bloggers Blog Party: Post #4

Happy Friday! This week I pretty much did nothing but work. (At least it was Friday, when I typed this post up. My computer has been giving me tons of problems lately.) It may be time to start saving for a new computer. This month is coming to an end and it's been hard to remember to take a photo everyday but hopefully it will become habit. I can't help but think of how cool it will be to have the collection of photos at the end of the year and to see a full year in photos.


1-17-2014 

Feeling under the weather on and off all week. I feel like I'm being such a bum because I've been sleeping so much and not getting a lot done. It's horrible that I've been fantasizing about sleep.

1-18-2014

Started putting together my outfit for a dance get together I am going to next weekend with friends.

1-19-2014

Andy and I played a very close game of Egyptians. So close that we were tied and the first person to roll a 1 would win. I rolled a 1 first but then we let Andy roll just for fun. He likewise rolled a 1.


1-20-2014

Birds out in the cold. 

1-21-2014

Snowed enough that by 2:30 when I was leaving work, my car was already under 6 inches of snow. I ended up leaving my car in the parking lot and walking home.

1-22-2014

Polar vortex part II. 

1-23-2014

Worked on dance outfits with a friend. We ended up getting little done and defaulted to girl talk and catching up instead. We did get a little done and made plans to meet up again before we need them.

1-24-2014

  
Much needed color after all of this bleak winter white and gray.


Hope everyone is staying safe in this cold and taking time to hibernate and enjoy toasty indoor activities.

The Value of Costumed Interpreters: Part 1

No one can deny that costumed interpreters have become very popular at historic sites in recent years to the point that they are ubiquitously associated.  This may be a strange topic, especially for someone who spends a great deal of time teaching as a costumed interpreter but after years as one, I often question the effectiveness of it.

I almost dread when people ask me what I do. It's silly, because I love what I do. I tell them that I work at a museum. I am an educator and guide. I create educational programs and do extensive research. (I also have a B.A. in History and am certified to teach high school. But I think this is besides the point.)

This is the typical response when I tell people what I do:

"So you wear a costume and stuff?"

I can't help but think that visitors  find tour guides in polo shirts and slacks inherently more credible than guides in costumes. There are many good reasons to have costumed interpreters at historical sites. For one thing, it definitely catches the attention of children and teenagers and can draw them in. Costumed interpreters generally make the experience more interactive for visitors. Many people find the difference in what people of the past wore compared to what they wear very interesting and it is always the source of many questions from visitors. 

I understand why costumed guides have become so popular. They do a lot of good and are sometimes the only draw to a site. Take for instance, living histories that are only displays of costumed interpreters and nothing else. But I also wonder if it is hurting as well.


Reenactors and costumed guides have become something laughable in popular culture. A costumed interpreter will certainly appear less credible than a tour guide in a uniform holding a binder full of their research and notes. (Something that few costumed interpreters do for the sake of not wanting to ruin the immersion experience.) 

But the main downfall of costumed interpreters is also one of their biggest strengths. They can make everything seem more like theater or a costume party, not a source of valuable research. They can also make some people feel like they shouldn't try to interact with the "actors."

Historical sites should take note of the benefits and drawbacks of costumed interpreters. Reenactors fulfill their purpose at reenactments where entertainment value is more inherent but for sites, but it is not always perfect for historical sites trying to emphasize education.

There are many ways to minimize drawbacks and reinforce the benefits of costumed interpretation:

-Have both costumed and uniformed guides. Some sites that take this approach choose to have uniformed guides explain what costumed ones are doing but others just have a good mix of both present to appeal to more visitors.

-Let the visitors dress. This is by far an expensive option not accessible to many sites but even just letting a one or two visitors slip the clothing on over their clothes as a display is enough to draw the others in and makes them feel less alienated from the guides. 

-Have your costumed guides give a little background about themselves and specifically what areas they focus on. It's much easier for visitors to accept that your guides are credible if they talk a little about their personal research areas. It also helps visitors know what particular questions to ask to whom. Guides don't have to have extensive "historical credentials" to do this either, just let the visitors know you aren't just a random person with no interest in anything historical.

What do you think of costumed interpreters or if you are a costumed interpreter have you ever experienced issues?

Secret Life of Bloggers Blog Party: Post #3

 I've been having a rough week. This was one of those weeks where taking a photo every day seemed like such a big deal. It's really not. It's just a click a day and even if they aren't masterpieces, they are still a little snapshot of my life.

1-10-14

 The past few days were strangely foggy.

1-11-14

 I worked on inking a calligraphy piece I started ages ago. This is my blotting sheet.

1-12-14

Stirred way too much cake batter today. It all smelled really good though. 

1-13-14

Saw these neat contrail in the sky.

1-14-14

Light dusting we got in the night.

 
1-15-14

Strangely having the same day off, Andy and I took advantage and went to the zoo for a nice walk. We also visited my favorite animal, King Phillip, the African Pygmy Goose. 

 
1-16-14 

Cannoli cake? Yes please.


This week went by fast but I've been really down. I've been generally exhausted. I hope next week's better.

? ! : Les Miserables 2012

I finally got around to seeing the 2012 movie version of Les Miserables starring Hugh Jackman and
Russell Crowe as well as many other big names. I had been anxious to see it when it came out as I am a Les Miserables obsessive. The minute I heard that a new version was coming out I couldn't wait. I made a list of all of the things I was looking forward to seeing and the trailer gave me hope. 

A little risque for the time, the Les Miserables collection has been a massive classic since publication. It was translated into English early and a popular book with Civil War soldiers who considered themselves "miserable ones" as well.

  Dealing with themes of good vs bad, and the humanization of criminals and prostitutes, Hugo questioned the success of the first part of the series, Fantine. While on vacation he is said to have taken part in the shortest conversation ever with his publisher to find out what was going out with the book. While on vacation in 1862, he sent his publisher the telegram message: ? To the response of !     


That's how I felt about the movie rendition. A mix of ??? and !!! 

The trailer really made the movie look awesome. I was ecstatic to see the ship in the trailer. I was so excited that they were going to show the part in the book where Jean Valjean breaks out of prison while saving a man's life whom was caught in the rigging of a ship. I thought this was going to be a brilliant start to the film. If there is one downfall of the musical version, it is that it doesn't go into a lot of the more interesting parts of the books. We don't get much in the way of back story. I was excited to see some of this lesser known material find it's way in.

I was disappointed that they kept to the musical version almost exact. While the scenery was stunning, there wasn't much detail added. We don't ever fully understand the history of any of the characters or the relationships between them.  We do at least see Marius' wealthy grandfather and the accusation that Marius only pretends to be poor. The Thénardiers, the crooked innkeepers, severely underwhelmed me. We don't see their sale of the young Cosette to an old man who seems to take a liking to the little girl. Nor do we see Cosette, the original orphan who lives under the stairs.

If they weren't adding anything to what we've seen from the musical before. I am baffled why they didn't opt to show a more realistic portrayal of 1800s France. Eponine just ripped me out of the story when she entered in her designer dress and very modern hairstyle. (Not that the dress isn't awesome because, let's face it, I'd wear that.)   

Additionally, the vocals and emotions just weren't there. I could accept less than perfect singing if the raw emotions came through. They producers of the movie made a big deal about not remastering or editing the vocals of the singers. My only question is why? I'm disappointed that many of the powerful and emotional notes were spoken or whispered. There was very little strength behind Jackman and Crowe but the rest of the cast were very capable. If prerecording would have made the tracks beautiful and powerful, they should have done it.    

Overall, the movie had highs and lows. As someone familiar with Les Miserables, this adaption didn't really add anything novel.  I enjoyed it and don't think it's a bad rendition. But I also don't think it's fantastic. When you see it, you are awed by the majestic scenery and action but the movie falls short of its epic potential.    

Have you seen it? Did you love it? Hate it?

The Secret Life of Bloggers Blog Party: Post 2

I can't believe a whole other week has gone by so fast. I feel like I've gotten nothing done. Not that I am overanxious to do anything. This cold air has me not wanting to do much at all. 

1-4-14

Went for a walk in the park with a friend while the snow was still out. 

1-5-14

My sister made me take a few photos of her cosplay wig. She has a habit of asking to do things well after midnight.

1-6-14

At the grocery store, I couldn't help but try to capture the colors in the sky that brought this freezing cold weather. 

1-7-14

This week I've been seeing some funny signs at work. I liked this "battleship cabinet." Is this the cabinet that you use on a battleship or the cabinet where you store the game, Battleship? My boss uses it as his desk. Part of me wants to put the game in there just for fun.


1-8-14

I've been sick so I tried curling up with a good book but promptly fell asleep.
 
1-9-14

Here's another goofy work sign. Did they really have a problem with inquiries? I understand the "no riding" because that's slightly tempting. :)  Or did those who ignored the former sign prompt the later sign?

If you're participating in the blog party, please be sure to put a link your post in the comments. I can't wait to see how people have started off the new year. I hope the cold hasn't put a damper on things.