MoMA

Currently at MoMA. I'm writing this using my trusty eeepc and the generous (though not-so generous when we think of the admission fee into this place, although entry after four pm on every friday is free) free wifi connection provided for museum patrons.

It is really great that museums have gotten around to allowing free and rather unlimited access to the net for the museum patrons. Now I can look up the information about the museum schedule, the art work history, and even the menu of the museum restaurant/cafe just by sitting on a sofa overlooking the garden and typing a few thing inside. Combined with the 'ipod' craze these days, this is a wonderful step in the right direction I think.

I was initially frustrated that I could not hold onto my backpack within the museum, and I could not check in my laptop at the check-in corner either. Those with heavier (i.e. normal) laptops will experience some frustration here, as you will be forced to carry it by hand while walking through the museum. Yet the policy is somewhat understandable, in that the increase in the number of people with backpacks running around galleries like they do now would drastically increase the chance of injury for th sensitive art pieces displayed in the museum (in not always conventional sense, I might add). However, the policy regarding laptops are beginning to sound very obscure and behind the times. Is it because laptops might end up being financial liability? Or is it because the laptops might explode? Frankly, I can name quite a few thing that can/might explode that are allowed to be checked in at the entrance of all the major art museums in NYC, so I don't really see any obvious use for such a regulation against laptops, especially considering that most major museums have begun offering free wifi access to their patrons. I certainly hope this matter sees some kind of clea resolution someday.

I actually came today because I wanted to catch a particular exhibition named Design and the Elastic Mind, though I'm sad to say that I'm a few months late. I guess I have to get my fix through the web exhibition, though it will not be the same without seeing the real thing in front of me, I think.

I guess I'll stick with it of Mark Rothko's work for today.