Science-Savvy?

Okay, so I read science journals for a living...
I know that this isn't common among the general public, but seriously, this stuff is important.
I came across this website today (reviewing science websites another job requirement)--and saw this quiz. Only 10% of the folks who were given this test within the general population could get them all right. I'll admit that I missed one (there's a question on lasers--physics isn't a strong point for me).

How would you fare?
Take the quiz. I'll evaluate the results of blog readership and chalk it up as a social experiment. If you are struggling with your science, I'll know exactly what you need for your next birthday. Just kidding. I can just see "you" rolling her eyes. There are a lot of "you's" who read this blog. ha.ha.ha.

Go here:
http://www.microbeworld.org/index.php?option=com_jlibrary&view=article&id=849
Click on the 'source' link.

Meet Me in St. Louis

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Amidst the chaos that is my life, I still manage to travel for work. This year the USDA held it's annual 'Agriculture in the Classroom' National Conference in St. Louis. I was actually fairly excited to go to St. Louis. I have been to the airport a number of times, but never into the city. I taught three workshops, one on blogging and two on using the National Teacher Resource Directory, of which, I am the project coordinator. I enjoy this conference because they dedicate one day to traveling workshops.

The weather in STL was incredibly warm (about 98 degrees and 60-80% humidity). This is definitely something I'm not accustomed too, but once you get over the general discomfort of constant wetness you kind of settle into it.

We visited Soulard Market. This man was our tour guide. I loved his hat and these signs. Check out the Spice Market. Oh, what I wouldn't give to have something like this around...oh, I wanted to take a little of everything home with me. They mix their own pickling spices! It was so incredible.

We boarded a transportation barge/tow boat. The tow boats are incredible machines. Did you know that river transportation is the most economical form of transportation for goods in the United States? The crew consists of 10 people. They work for 30 days (can't leave the boat) and then they are off for 30 days. Not a bad living for only working 6 months of the year. I was so fascinated by the Mississippi River. It moves fast. As in, really fast, sweep you away kind of scary. Some of you are aware of my fear of the water--it is a job I could never do--that's for sure.

We ate some Bandana's Barbeque. It was so good. Honestly, I can't think of when I've had better barbeque. I actually went back and just ate meat and sauce as a second helping! Just meat! I'm typing it and I can't believe it.

We had a private dinner at Grant's Farm (as in Ulysses S. Grant, now owned by the Budweiser family). Grant's Farm is interesting because it functions as a wildlife sanctuary for all kinds of 'verge of extinction' animals from all over the world. We saw albino elk, spotted donkeys, blah, blah, blah, stuff I've never heard of quite frankly, but it was neat to see it on our little train ride around the farm. I did get to pet the Budweiser horses and the extremely uninterested dalmation dog (charisma of a dead dog, rather than showbiz quality). My favorite thing from the farm, the fireflies. Oh, how I am fascinated by fireflies. I just ached for my children to be there to see that at dusk. We do not have them in the West. I find the cicadas to be incredibly noisy (an aquired taste), but how can you not be so mesmorized with the firefly?

We toured the Budweiser 'facility'. The place is as large as a full scale military compound. Pretty interesting. I think that they should give you a drink BEFORE you begin the tour (even if it is just a Diet Pepsi). It's an hour of your life you are never getting back.

The STL Arch is massive. It's as cool as seeing the other wonders of the world. I think that they should have made it light up at night. I really wanted to get a picture of it from Cardinal Stadium, but I waited too long and then it was too dark to see it. I went to a baseball game. Folks in the Midwest LOVE baseball--I'm astonished at how loyal they are. It was like a gabillion degrees and they were just roasting out in the sun cheering on the team. I cheered for both teams and just about anyone who could get on a base. Oh, and I ate some incredible nachos. I almost had my friend, Grace, take a picture, but I looked like a hot mess with a bunch of cheez whiz on chips (you can picture it accurately in your head).

Coral Countertops?

911 Emergency.
Yes, we need help. I have a toddler who has dipped himself in coral nail polish, while wearing his pajamas on my kitchen countertop.

Just for your information...you cannot remove nail polish from every surface unless you are willing to use a blow torch.

The Remains of the Day...

(Big Yawn) It's hard work making this much of a mess. I don't even want to think about the toxicity levels of acetone--cause it took a half a bottle just to get him cleaned up!

Summer Photos

The kids. Still dry before the rain starts on "Reunion Day."

The boy. This pretty much sums up how he looked for the last two hours of the party. Good thing that it was (according to him) HIS PARTY.

A wet, but patriotic American.

This is why I live here. We suffered through an entire month of rain...5 inches. This, however, is a splendid reward.

Amber waves of grain.

Reunion Highlights

I know that you have been waiting for this for weeks! Me, too! I knew that after the reunion my life was going to take off on an absolute roller coaster. I suppose that that is how summer is supposed to be when you live in a place where it is winter for NINE months of the year!

I want to let everyone know that the day couldn't have been any more perfect for me. I feel like we are so incredibly blessed to have a family that can at least get together for one day and not have strife and contention...we all know that eventually we will need a break from our crazy relatives, but one day seemed to be a lot of fun. I also want to thank everyone for participating so whole-heartedly. I know that matching T-shirts are a little lame for some of you, but you were overwhelmingly gracious to my whims. Even the most cool, will be so excited to see these family pictures.

Before the pictures, just a few rambling thoughts...

To my cousins: Can you believe that here we are with our own kids? Do you remember the red and white striped t-shirts we all wore to that reunion in the early '80s? I kept thinking about how quickly time has gone by for all of us. Each one of you are such incredible people--I'm so proud of all of your accomplishments.

To everyone: This past weekend I sang with Maureen McGovern (don't be alarmed if you haven't ever heard of her--think Disney songs--more on all of this later). There was one section of the concert where we sang a salute to all of the armed forces--and honestly, I got so choked up during the Air Force song, I had to mouth the words. Grandma Carver, my mom and Aunt Pat were out in the audience and I could see tears in all of their eyes. I think that Grandpa Carver would have really loved seeing all of us there together--enjoying each other's company--and being, more than anything else, friends with one another.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for being our friends.

To get the photos: Heather and Billy are going to make the official copies for everyone. I am sending them the raw photos and they are going to "make 'em pretty." As you will see here, I was able to take out the awful flag pole with no flag and soften some of the background. My skills, however, are not really professional grade. I prefer to function "for web only." I would also mention that I'm only posting what I think are the best photos. There were others, but some of your children had their fingers in their nose and some of you had your eyes closed or mouths open in others...you know how this goes...

The Judd-Murray Family

Utah State Alumni: (From Back Left to Front: Brent Bateman, Zachary Bateman, Jeff Murray, Justin Miner, Trent Madsen, Todd Johnson, Rich Madsen, Buffy Madsen, Karma Bateman, John Deans, Bill Judd, LuJean Carver, Nancy Judd, Kim Knudsen, Christian Knudsen, Alan Carver, Susan Deans, Erica Karren, Susan Miner, Landon Karren, Rose Judd-Murray, Andrea Bowcut, Amy Bateman, Emily Bateman, Valerie Johnson, Jackie Bateman, James Bateman. (Not Pictured: Adri Madsen and Jared Madsen)

Bill and Nancy Judd on the A!

Full Alumni Photo

The Carver Reunion 2009!