Melbourne University Cultural Treasures - Part 1, Zoology

In conjunction with the Melbourne Open House program, various collections at Melbourne University were open to the public as part of their Cultural Treasures Festival. I made a bee line for the Zoology collection, checked out the BioMed library, and finished in the Pathology and Anatomy Collection (no photographs allowed out of respect for the humans who donated their bodies to science, and thus these collections).

I took photos of specimens which helped me identify some in my own collection, as well as the most weird and cute - yes even a dead thing can be cute.






Mammalian foetuses are bitter sweet and peaceful. Photographing on a mobile phone through two layers of glass presents a challenge, in the case of pickled specimens so I couldn't capture all of my favourites.

A solid meal

Seen last week in the city, corner of Latrobe and Elizabeth Streets. This is the first time I've seen a sculpture as street art. This must have taken a while to produce, and the person who made is is obviously experienced at casting things in concrete. I admire that level of commitment, especially to something that will either be removed by the council or souvenired by a fellow admirer - I did think about it in hindsight. The skull among the sesame seeds is a nice touch. The discarded Maccas box just happened to be nearby.

Young at heart

On the tram into the city one cold morning. I have my headphones on but I'm guessing an elderly chap behind me is being amusing from the  faces on the passengers around me. I take off my headphones as I approach my stop. Another passenger departs and the old guy moves across to sit on the now free seat next to his wife. The young chap chatting with him comments
"Too cold for you?"
"This? No! It doesn't bother me - I'm a young man!"

Look it up, b****.

On the 59 tram, city bound we leave the decorative Royal Children's Hospital stop. Young woman to her male friend:
"...  for the children! People are all 'Have a heart', whatever. I'm such a bitch. Do you think everyone is surprised that I'm a bitch?"
"Nah I don't think so. If you looked up Wikipedia, the definition of bitch, it would say Sarah."