The one notable thing at the R.O.M.

The Queensland BLACK Star Sapphire is also called a "destiny stone", with the three main points on the star representing hope, faith and destiny. Star sapphires were also believed to help ward off ill omens and the Evil Eye. On display for the first time since 1969, until... (it SAID December 2007, we saw it on January 20, 2008)?

FROM: http://www.rom.on.ca/news/releases/public.php?mediakey=2k9td2lwct

"The dazzling sapphire was discovered by a young boy named Roy Spencer in the 1930s on the surface of the Reward Claim; he ran back to show his father Mr. Harry Spencer (one of the earliest miners in the Central Queensland Gemfields) who remarked, “Oh yes, a large black crystal” and threw it down by the back door. Some accounts claim the stone was used as a doorstop for many years. Neither realized the value of the sapphire until it was sold uncut in 1947 to jeweller Harry Kazanjian. It was later cut and polished, revealing a brilliant six-point star sapphire weighing 733 carats. In 2002, the gem was purchased by the present owners."
The other thing I noticed at the Museum was S P A C E . . . lots and lots of space. Which is odd as most of the exhibits that I enjoy seem to remain untouched. It seemed like there was nothing new besides the blight that is the Michael Lee Chin Crystal.

Even the crystal itself is poorly constructed; sharp edges running up stair wells, screws obviously sticking out, bad drywalling - it looks like a bunch of guys got drunk and said, "hey, how can we deface one of the grandest buildings in Toronto? Oh, I dunno, lets drywall the whole thing and use the old grand lobby as a sitting area! It's brilliant!!!"

Although, it WAS designed on a cocktail napkin. Any building imagined over drink-ee-poos should probably warrant another look. No, they go ahead, build it and print the sketch on limestone tiles and coasters. But maybe that's just my opinion. I mean, does this look like a seating area to you (see below)?

My point is, I became nostalgic for the building I once spent every weekend in and I suppose what they're trying to do is complete a renovation that will bring it through the future. It just didn't hit it with me. At least they've still got the mummies and dinosaurs we all love! :-)

And so now, tired and sore (Craig has started me training with a bokken - see below), I bid you adeiu and good night. Tomorrow I have ANOTHER therapy session where my unwillingness to take meds will be argued and I can learn more about how it's okay that I'm screwed up in the head because of my mother. Also, I have to focus on me... nothing helps you focus your aggression like swinging around a giant wooden sword!

Hi-ya!!!