Windows Server, Vikings and Kylie Minogue

Date: 13 January 2006 08:46:48

Not things you might generally associate with each other, but they all featured today.

We completed the Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment course, several hours early in fact. And I have a nice certificate to prove it. I was getting a bit tired and overwhelmed by today, so in one sense I'm glad it's over. But I did learn a great deal, and I'm postive it will help me as I look to take on extra responsibilities at work. There are also a few additional self-study modules I will hopefully look at soon as they cover areas I want to learn about.

As we finished early, I thought I'd take the chance while I was in the city to visit a few museums. First up was the Australian National Maritime Museum (which must be up for an award for the worst web page ever: I mean, c'mon! But the museum itself is fantastic). I've been a few times and there are a number of very interesting and informative exhibits on Australian maritime history, from the 50,000 year history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to the discovery of Australia by Europeans to the various trade and migrant maritime histories. And it's recently been made free! Payment is still required to board and view the HM Bark Endeavour replica, the destroyer HMAS Vampire, the submarine HMAS Onslow, and the tall ship James Craig.

I went to see the Viking Exhibit, which contains artefacts and replicas sourced from various European collections. The figures to the left are two chessmen (a King and Berserker), probably made in Norway in the 12th century. In addition, there was a wealth of not only artefacts such as silver, jewellery and personal possessions, but also information on the history and migration and travels of the Vikings. I did not know they had reached Baghdad -- supposedly they brought back the game of chess to Europe. Fascinating.

While making my way to the Viking exhibit, I also saw another temporary exhibit, Antarctic Photos. Absolutely wonderful, though also a lesson in the harsh ways of nature, especially the story of the Endurance.

It was then off to the Powerhouse Museum (which has a very nice website). I find the Powerhouse Museum a fascinating museum, as it covers history, science, technology, design, industry, decorative arts, music, transport and space exploration, and it is constantly updated. And there are a number of temporary exhibits that make their way through. There is always something new to see.

Being a Kylie tragic, I went to see the Kylie exhibit. It was a fascinating look into into the outfits she has worn in her almost 20 years of pop-stardom. From the overalls of Charlene in the soap Neighbours to those 50p hot pants in the Spinning Around video to her outfit in her role as Absinthe -- the green fairy -- in Moulin Rouge to the Dolce and Gabbana Kyborg (right) from her 2002 Fever tour, all the feathers, sparkles and fabric were there right in front of you. Also there were the various awards she has won, and two video screens projected her concerts and video clips. A very fun exhibition and a wonderful look at a performer who puts on great shows and who I enjoy watching (confession time: I have all her CDs and DVDs).

I also had a quick look at a few other exhibitions, inspired: designs across time and Paradise, Purgatory and Hellhole: a history of Pyrmont and Ultimo. The latter exhibit was a fasinating look at two inner-city suburbs, both their current situation and their history. I had no idea that there were once three sandstone quarries there (nicknamed Heaven, Purgatory and Hell based on the difficulty in working stone from each). The naming of Ultimo is rather interesting: in 1803, the New South Wales Corps (better known as the 'Rum Corps' because of their illicit trade in rum) was a powerful force in the colony. Surgeon Harris aided Governor King in trying to stop this trade. Harris' fellow officers court martialled him twice on trumped up charges in attempts to discredit him. In the second case, the charge against him was badly drafted. The claim stated Harris committed the crime on '19th ultimo' (last month) when it should have been '19th instant' (this month). Harris was acquitted on this technicality. Governor King rewarded Harris for his stand against the rum trade with an initial grant of 34 acres of land which Harris then named Ultimo as a snub to his accusers. I love it.

The design exhibit was quite interesting: especially some of the furniture designs of the 1960s and 70s. Those moon chairs were amazing! And there were some wonderful pieces from the 1800s and 1700s. Outside the exhibit was the recently-restored Strasburg Clock, which was made by a 25-year old Sydney man from 1887 to 1889. He based it on the famous Astronomical Clock in Notre Dame Cathedral, Strasbourg.

A rather eclectic day. And a very enjoyable one.