Saturday, February 7, 2009

Bacon and Cheese

Margaret sent up the challenge: "Bring me bacon," she said, "straight from the pig."

Couldn't be easier. I applied logic and reasoned, "why, The Huntington has one of the most extensive collections of Bacon material in the world."

I figured I'd go photograph some of their Bacon. We Huntington members can drop by and do that any time we please.

Unless the Bacon is not on display. See, when the Bacon is curing, only specialists, called "curators," get to see it.

So I called. I wanted to be sure there was some Bacon in the current exhibits. It would save me a trip if there weren't. I'd just, oh, I don't know, maybe surf the web for my Bacon.

The switchboard operator didn't know if there was any Bacon on display, so she transferred me to the library. The person who answered was "only a security guard" who didn't know if there was Bacon in the library (you'd think she'd smell it), and though she couldn't transfer me she did give me a name. I called the switchboard again. The switchboard forwarded me to the person the security guard had recommended, who didn't know if there was Bacon displayed anywhere at the Huntington. She gave a snort and transferred me to someone who would know, yet didn't, and he transferred me to another department, where I got voice mail.

I wonder why they don't have a list, or a database, where employees can look up "What's Currently On Display at the Huntington." I've heard tell knowledge is power.

Anyway, I thought they should display some Bacon, seeing as they have such an extensive collection. So John and I drove down there to donate some. The Huntington thrives on donations.

I wanted a picture of the Huntington's Bacon, but it worked out okay. I've always been a bit of a ham. "Straight from the pig," Margaret said. Can you find the pig in this photo?

25 comments:

Cafe Observer said...

Yes, I have no problem, P, identifying the Pig in your pic.

Your bacon has many superb & historical qualities. However, it doesn't quite pass the Taste test. And that's all that matters from a K9's perspective.

Laurie Allee said...

You're a genius!

Ineke said...

LOL

Sharon said...

I love to start my day with something funny and now I feel set for the weekend! I love this post.

Mister Earl said...

Brilliant!

Susan C said...

Very clever, Petrea. Sigh.

Anonymous said...

Excellent! I saw your bacon on display next to the Beautiful Science Exhibit. The package was open and some slices were gone. Yours is apparently an interactive display.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thank you. I will say I'm still craving that sandwich, Susan, and fearing what the hiker has up her sleeve. However I'm gratified to know the Huntington put our donation in the Dibner Hall, where it should be, with all the other great scientific thinkers.

Knoxville Girl said...

heehee, tht's quite a twisty tale...

Margaret said...

Very, very clever, Petrea. And you and your bacon do photograph well. (It's all about cheekbones.) Clearly, I have a difficult task ahead of me.

Margaret said...

Actually, I'm a little disappointed that the staff didn't tell you about this: http://www.huntington.org/huntingtonlibrary.aspx?id=566&terms=Francis+Bacon

Petrea Burchard said...

Ah, they didn't have to. I found that when I web-surfed for Bacon. I found all sorts of things, like this, this and this. But none of them were on display for me to photograph.

Pascal Jim said...

Madness, A crisp tale of Pig Parts, but frankly, my dear, I prefer Hormel Black Label.

John Sandel said...

Mmmm … ham-flavored whiskey.

Unknown said...

Petrea,
I've just realized I have a good photographic memory thanks to you! Let me explain:
- A couple of days ago I was watching some 'E.R' old episodes, when Dr. Weaver goes to court, and I saw this actress playing the judge. The minute I saw her I though the face was familiar but nothing else came to my mind.
Now I was watching the CDP portal and all of a sudden: 'Eureka'! 'Fiat Lux'! It's the lady from Pasadena! So I went to your blog, checked your full name, did a search on IMDB.com and there you are! Isn't this cool?!?! :-)))

Petrea Burchard said...

Pascal Jim, for me it's not about the prize. It's about winning.

J+P, welcome to the blog. I like the way you think. Wait. No I don't, that sounds awful. But welcome anyway, let's agree to disagree.

Are you entering, Miss H? I'd like to see what porcine delicacy you'd cook up.

Ha ha, JM! I'm honored. I judged that case back in 2004. (I was severe, wasn't I?) Thank you for noticing. Did you know Sir Francis Bacon was a lawyer?

Christie said...

Very funny, Petrea!

Mister Earl said...

Petrea:

Did you ever play that game "6 Degrees of Sir Francis Bacon?"

My word right now is "undomeat." Sounds like a recipe AH would concoct.

Katie said...

Too too funny! But can you bring this bacon home, fry it up in a pan and never never let hubby forget he's a man?

Virginia said...

Yesterday i thought you had gone around the bend with this post. NOW I have read AH's hilarious post and done a little surfing and understand! You all crack me up. Or should I say "cracklins" me up!

Petrea Burchard said...

Virginia, I went around the bend long before this.

Linda Dove said...

This is brilliant!

It's a wonder Sir Francis never punned on his name like Will Shakespeare did.

Well, not really.

A while ago, I was a reader at the Huntington and got to go behind the magic curtain. Not so much anymore.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, Linda, and congratulations on your marvelous win!

What's a "reader" in the context of the Huntington? Sounds interesting.

Dina said...

Bacon and cheese--so sinfully unkosher. But this piece breaks me up, Petrea! L O L

Petrea Burchard said...

Welcome back, Dina!