Realia

(Winning essay of the University of Washington Libraries Student Employee Scholarship, 2015)

The word realia has a double meaning. The most well-known definition refers
to three-dimensional objects employed as a teaching tool in a classroom setting. The
second comes from the field of library science, where realia refers to acquired
materials which are not books or manuscripts. The models of skeletons, organs, and
other anatomical structures in the Health Science Library are realia in both senses of
the word. Though they cant be checked out, each piece has a catalogue number and a
barcode just like any book you might find in the stacks.
Witnessing this anatomical spectacle has made me appreciate the complexity of
the human body more than I used to. Plastic organs, bones, and limbs attached to
wooden bases or stored in storage containers are laid out on shelves that span the
librarys width. A cross-section of the human ear sits next to a box containing different
parts of the brain, which can be assembled and disassembled like a puzzle. On top of
the shelves sits my favorite piece of realia; a limbless cross-section of the entire human
body, which displays every layer of the body from the outer epidermis to the marrow.
Each segment of this facsimile is removable. If the library isnt too busy,
sometimes Ill take it apart to admire the intricacies of its design. Theres something
fascinating about disassembling the model. It feels like autopsying a mannequin. In
order to get to the heart model, I first have to remove a flank of pectoralis muscle and a
lung. I can even split the heart in half to look at both its interior and exterior. Numbers
mark off every piece of the heart, similar to the country names on a map. The key to this
map comes in the form of a handbook listing each numbered piece and its
corresponding name. With it I can learn that the wall of tissue between the hearts
ventricles is called the interventricular septum.
Though these models are designed for medical students, it inspires me as a
library and information scientist. I have been taught that the object of information
science lies far beyond the world of words on paper. Anatomical models are the perfect
example of documents that do not resemble books. Anatomy books are essential, but
their two-dimensionality limits information-giving potential because medical
professionals work with three-dimensional humans. Being able to take something apart,
rotate it, or feel its contours might be far more useful to these professionals than looking
at an illustration. In the information field, where so much is said about the importance of
the virtual, these models show much can be said of a librarys physical presence. Health
science library users have access to software that generates extremely detailed models
of the body. From my own observations, Ive noticed many students like to use the
plastic realia along with computer-generated models. Only the realia lets them hold the
smooth weight of a skeletal palm in their hand while learning a fingertip bone is known
as the distal phalanx.
GULP's New Record Is A Perfect Slice Of UV-Drenched Psych-Pop

(Published on BUST Magazine Online)

Much of the inspiration for Gulp's latest album came from the band's road trip through
the Golden State, and you'll definitely feel the heat of the California sun coming off of
these tracks. Their style hearkens back to the time when psychedelic pop had just
discovered analog synths. Season Sun's opening track, "Game Love," is a good
example of Gulp's penchant for vintage electronica, as a warbling Moog backs a
cascade of shimmering guitars and Lindsey Leven's gorgeous pipes. "Clean and
Serene" is another shiny tune that recalls the Beach Boys' analog keyboard jams on
songs like "Feel Flows," but with a more subtle, laid-back approach to the same style. If
you're out on the beach, blast this music from beneath your 'brella while sipping some
brews - you won't be disappointed. Luke Manning
http://bust.com/music/12693-gulps-new-record-is-a-perfect-slice-of-uv-drenched-psychpop.html
Album Review: FREEMAN | Freeman
(Published on BUST Magazine Online)

Aaron Freeman, best known for his role as one of Ween's founding members, expands
on his approach to collaging together different styles of pop with his debut solo release
as FREEMAN. These twelve tracks come together as a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of
psychedelia, glam rock, country, and folk. "Covert Discretion," kicks off the record with a
story about blacking out during a post-show hotel party sung over Freeman's delicate
folk instrumentation. His gorgeous acoustic strumming and weirdo vocals bring a
cohesiveness to an album that draws from such disparate techniques. The best track,
"El Shaddai," shifts from atmospheric folk to the shamanic country-rock of Fleetwood
Mac, as Freeman strums over slide guitar, pounding drums, and dreamlike lyrics,
completing this delirious mix with a Klezmer violin solo. Though he departs from the
extremes of absurdity Ween ventured into, Freeman manages to inject his own brand of
weirdness into an array of familiar rock tropes.
http://bust.com/music/12785-album-review-freeman-freeman.html