tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57312989410942982822011-07-08T05:51:10.798-06:00"The Tree of Life is Self-Pruning" - Darwin AwardsCAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.comBlogger921100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-15822537789460907142010-02-02T11:22:00.002-07:002010-02-02T11:29:14.068-07:00

Well, I am starting a Wall of Shame for people who show that they have no clue about plants in general. I will be totally fair and I'm not going to expect that the general public will know what is a rostellum, however, I will expect a certain level of knowledge from people. My disclaimer being said, I will point to a certain article that I read in a newspaper yesterday.OK have you read it?Now,

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-85647819855065425702010-01-21T09:38:00.003-07:002010-01-21T10:02:19.554-07:00

I have stumbled across the most hilarious podcast that I've listened to in a while called Stuff You Should Know from HowStuffWorks.com. This is from the Discovery Communications business that has its hand in pretty much everything.The show is funny, and mostly factual (sometimes a little off topic, but those are the best bits). Actually this show is in danger of making you burst out laughing in

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-38771035924875949672010-01-13T19:53:00.002-07:002010-01-13T20:01:01.493-07:00

Whew! Well, so much for my little hiatus. It turned out to be over 1 month long, and I still haven't finished all of my work due to some technical difficulties over the break:- my netbook is now running Jolicloud, a Linux based OS. This is working remarkably well considering I went through at least 4 different Linux systems before I found one that actually worked well.- new computer with Windows

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-59512434461458053322009-11-20T08:50:00.010-07:002009-11-23T14:39:32.150-07:00

Astrolabe - a device for taking measurements of the altitude of the sun/stars for navigation.Technology is a wonderful thing... watch Tom Wujec & his astrolabe

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-3066280299997902022009-11-19T13:16:00.006-07:002009-11-19T13:36:50.295-07:00

*Sigh* I know, I should be studying, working on reports/labs/projects, spending time with my seedling, etc, etc, etc. instead of reading. Growing up, that was almost a 4 letter word (Obviously with funny spelling). My brother and I couldn't put down a book if we tried. Unfortunately, I am still trying to put down books. I need BRA (not a bra, geez... Book Readers Anonymous). I started reading

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-84751841002157589892009-11-06T10:38:00.003-07:002009-11-07T21:22:11.576-07:00

Becky Blanton gives a good but disturbing talk on how easy it was to become homeless, both in her mind and *almost* every one else's. The discussion under the video is almost just as interesting as people debate what is homelessness, why don't people think that she was homeless, and ultimately other people's mindset.Right now, there is a large homeless population in Canada that are invisible.

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-24764950005416599082009-11-04T08:43:00.003-07:002009-11-04T08:46:30.916-07:00

PBS had a great NOVA episode on last night. Part 1 of 3 on "Becoming Human". It was facinating, and interesting for the whole family. My little seedling even enjoyed watching it... although I've got to admit that some of her comments were along the lines of..."mom, they're not wearing clothes. tee hee hee!"and"I can see her bum!"which is always great for a pre-pre teen.Part 2 and 3 are coming...

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-33950161806433680122009-10-30T06:00:00.001-06:002009-10-30T06:00:04.547-06:00

Friday Ted talks returns! David Deutsch talks about explaining explanations. Highly recommended... and he gives talks just like me! Watch this (especially if you want to know what nullius in verba means).

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-22374899310053294862009-10-29T15:07:00.004-06:002009-10-29T15:17:20.027-06:00

Alright, great news everyone! Jay Ingram from the Discovery Channel is going to be at the University of Alberta to give a speech on November 18th. The UofA alumnus will be recieving an honorary degree in the morning and giving a talk in the afternoon at the Myer Horowitz Theatre.His talk will be about Charles Darwin and his findings in honor of Darwin's 200th Birthday Anniversary.Tickets are on

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-45256723455257800682009-09-25T08:38:00.003-06:002009-09-25T08:44:39.190-06:00

Aha! I knew that would get your attention.I don't have much time (class starts in 10 minutes), but I just recieved my new edition of National Geographic....and well...mmmm..... how can I say this?They have a centerfold in there that is beautiful. The limbs on it. The shape. Wow! I mean, it wasn't just a 2 fold centerfold. I think I had to flip that paper out 5 times! Anyways, its not the same as

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-39782485285964253392009-09-09T10:18:00.006-06:002009-09-09T10:42:24.989-06:00

So lately all I have time for is looking through other people's blogs and reading what is goin' on outside of the campus (which is definitely more fun than reading what is goin' on at the campus), but I read Highly Allochthonous today, and found this post by Ms. Jefferson. Land use has been mapped globally and regionally and everywhere in between looking at different use practices to use types (

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-62802518178959742782009-09-04T08:00:00.000-06:002009-09-04T08:00:03.964-06:00

Cary Fowler talks about saving genetic diversity through cold storage of seeds.He is the Executive Director of Global Crop Diversity Trust where their mission is to store their seeds in a safe remote place.However good the message is (and I agree with keeping a seed bank to preserve genetic diversity for other reasons), I question the seeds' value if the temperature rises as "in many countries

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-65806762070634901662009-09-03T08:51:00.002-06:002009-09-03T08:57:13.632-06:00

"Ha! Another one of those" I sure you, my silent readership are saying. Yes, I know that a couple were not small, and another time I said I was not going to post a lot, I ended up posting at least 2 per day.Anyways, I just started school again (my courses are OK, although I've only been to 2/4 yet), my little Seedling is going to 2 competitions this weekend (road trip!), and its the long weekend

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-2135224916324146882009-08-31T11:49:00.000-06:002009-08-31T11:49:00.359-06:00

Now I know that where I live is relatively cut off from the rest of the world (for various reasons), but frankly a lot people here have their heads stuck up their asses. What is right with this picture? They are not watering mid-day.There is a reason why Albertans are called the Texans of the North. A large number are uber-conservative &/or wackaloony religious (we have our own ‘creation’

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-13781879701462852822009-08-28T11:59:00.000-06:002009-08-28T11:59:00.377-06:00

from my seedling, but I try. Oh how I try...First of all my disclaimer… I am not in the public health field, and nor will I ever be. However, I do (as most people should) have an interest in certain findings especially if they relate to me and my family. I have a “pre-teen” girl, so these findings are interesting as I am already aware that she is conscious of her body image. Sometimes she likes

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-92154133831865955032009-08-28T08:00:00.003-06:002009-08-28T08:00:03.240-06:00

Snob, me???!!!Listen/Watch/Read this fantastic TED Talk by Alain de Botton. Great speaker & very funny.Also, what is true success by John Wooden.

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-81947787475161738402009-08-26T08:00:00.002-06:002009-08-26T09:06:47.576-06:00

In my yard, we have a new visitor which is quite interesting to watch. The Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) was found preying upon innocent bumblebee's (not sure the exact sp. sorry...I try not to touch other things' lunch, lol) Try and see if you can see it in the picture on the left (click on pics for a closer view). Its in between the two petals in the front. That fuzzy black blob in the

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-1694698420142471542009-08-25T19:00:00.004-06:002009-08-26T09:08:33.713-06:00

I LOVE this blog...The Digital CuttlefishCheck it out... you'll know why a couple of the posts have been featured in OpenLab...my absolute favorite is The Evolutionary Biology's Valentines Day Poem :)

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-56214727273344478482009-08-21T08:00:00.000-06:002009-08-21T08:00:03.181-06:00

Biomimicry as a blueprint for design...Janine Benyus talks about using nature as a muse and to take advantage of millions of years of trial and error (aka evolution).

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-5661634424421914142009-08-20T11:57:00.000-06:002009-08-20T21:11:16.575-06:00

I just finished reading "The Wisdom Of Whores: Bureaucrats, Brothels, and the Business of AIDS" by Elizabeth Pisani. It was well written and the narrative format gave a natural progression through her experiences from a somewhat hopeful to a battle-worn epidemiologist. The collective struggle with politicians, religious leaders, and the bureaucratic nightmare that are individual countries and

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-82727763119804514462009-08-18T12:00:00.000-06:002009-08-18T12:00:00.643-06:00

Original Article at ScienceDailyA new study from UBC about botanical pesticides. Great idea, but I'm not sure if these will be effective (enough) pesticides. The author notes that most of the essential oils are very volatile, and some cannot last longer than a couple hours. This can create some problems:- If researchers modify the oil structure or add other compounds to last longer, then "organic

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-81608989443877745742009-08-14T08:40:00.009-06:002009-08-14T15:40:40.304-06:00

And dammit, they were made by me!I just finished the book "Mistakes Were Made (but not by me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts" by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson.The book was a dissection of the reasons why and how people self-justify their actions (as the subtitle clearly states). I found the book very interesting, as well as thought provoking. But the whole time

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-46565364719957541382009-08-14T08:26:00.004-06:002009-08-14T08:32:26.326-06:00

So I apologise,and yes, it will probably happen again (Soon, I think as my reg. classes start in 2 weeks!), but I took a little break while I was completing a summer course. Lets just say that cramming a 4 month class into 12 days is not fun.Anyways, here is another installment of Friday Ted Talks. The video is a little old (gimme a break people!), but still and always relevant.Micheal Pritchard

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-15255156921955026212009-08-12T10:58:00.002-06:002009-08-12T11:06:56.182-06:00

Go! Find the journal article that describes the new plant ...** Hattip to Mr. Flynn for letting me know about this. I haven't looked at my RSS feeds in 3 weeks (because of my French class... which is done tomorrow... yay!) so I have missed all the up-and-coming news to share with everyone!This story is one of the reasons why I wanted to become a botanist. It always seems that there is nowhere

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-42325023156021370712009-08-06T17:44:00.004-06:002009-08-06T17:49:12.933-06:00

Pour 2 semaine dernier, j'ai etudie le langue francais a ma ecole, l'university d'Alberta. Je vais finis apres cette semaine, comme je suis tres desolee (also for the lack of accents... damn it!). Le vendredi "Ted Talks" will return after this as well.Merci,La botaniste!

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-26373178064504422162009-07-30T14:54:00.003-06:002009-07-30T14:56:16.735-06:00

Ala xkcd

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-86258346318497246722009-07-24T08:00:00.001-06:002009-08-06T17:49:47.899-06:00

Jayne Poynter about life in the Biosphere 2...& Crows for Search & Rescue!? Joshua Klein explains...

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-59087036413370940022009-07-23T09:35:00.005-06:002009-07-23T09:45:09.775-06:00

Now that's dedication!Sociologists send you surveys. Anthropologists go through your trash. One of those data sources won't lie. - Ryan via Skepchick(Regarding the paper where they analyzed sewage water for traces of drugs)

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-57642855059042907002009-07-22T09:37:00.005-06:002009-07-22T09:53:55.349-06:00

Currently, there is (a minor) debate as to whether algae is a plant or not. Most do not include them as plants because they lack complexity in the cell, and do not share a few (but key) characteristics with plants. (However, that does not stop my old Bot Prof from asking what the oldest plant is and the “correct” answer is a type of green algae…grrrr)Anyways, I digress… a new exciting branch of

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-22847580142732476412009-07-22T08:00:00.000-06:002009-07-22T08:00:06.166-06:00

Oh Noes! Where was I? This garden totally passed me by the first time…James Dyson created the “Wrong Garden” at the Chelsea 2003 Garden Show. This included the water-flowing-uphill water feature, inverted cone planters, non green plants and benches that do not look like they would hold weight. This is fantastic engineering!http://www.chelsea.dyson.co.uk/http://www.dyson.co.uk/insidedyson/#

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-20735325737068661862009-07-21T08:53:00.011-06:002009-07-22T09:02:49.392-06:00

I volunteer for Search & Rescue. ERSARA to be exact.And currently ERSARA is in discussion with SARA (Search and Rescue Alberta) and the Government of Alberta over insurance issues which has been brought to light because of a horrific event this past winter where two skiers went out of bounds and one died.The Golden, BC Search and Rescue group has officially suspended their operations because they

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-76238243444458712942009-07-20T08:00:00.006-06:002009-07-21T08:56:52.232-06:00

Aha! It's my 50th Post & its only taken me 11 months! Ha Ha Ha Ha. Well I started this blog hoping to post more prolifically than this, but time & life usually gets in the way. So I'm glad I've gotten around to it at all.I'm interested in GIS (Global Information Systems) and GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and I'm thinking that this is really what will give me a job after my school career is

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-38189981049898890302009-07-17T14:03:00.007-06:002009-07-17T14:12:14.397-06:00

There is a great podcast through the Naked Scientists with the rapper Baba Brinkman from Vancouver!Performed for Charles Darwin's birthday celebration in February. The podcast is a little long but its well worth it, and you might learn something too!http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/specials/darwin-festival-09/show/2009.07.16/

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-41596037125286870042009-07-17T13:33:00.005-06:002009-07-17T13:36:24.126-06:00

Psychology and Evil;Here are two great talks about how anyone can commit evil acts and how damage to the brain can make a normal person more susceptible to being psychotic. Evil is a combination of genes, nurture and circumstance.Great Talks....http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/philip_zimbardo_on_the_psychology_of_evil.htmlhttp://www.ted.com/talks/jim_fallon_exploring_the_mind_of_a_killer.html

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-63788148948260326692009-07-10T08:00:00.002-06:002009-07-10T13:56:55.106-06:00

OK, so I'll be posting Most Fridays...Here is another installment of the ever-popular Friday TED Talks.Tom Wujec from Autodesk has my interactive wall....(I just don't think he knows it yet)and from watching the great new show on TV last night (The Philanthropist)and Katherine Fulton talks about philanthropy.I enjoyed this talk about empowering everyone to become a philanthropist. I just don't

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-29299278115116077852009-07-09T08:13:00.002-06:002009-07-17T14:43:10.966-06:00

Canada may now lead the world in sustained underwater ocean research through the NEPTUNE program and observatory through the University of Victoria.Could this be like the hubble for the ocean? Notoriously, the ocean is the least known part of the entire world. Some parts of the universe are more explored than certain parts of the ocean.Maybe Canada can do something to change this...World's

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-214885883498396372009-07-08T12:31:00.004-06:002009-07-08T12:58:56.809-06:00

Soda Pop Companies!!!!I am starting my own boycott ASAP. After watching the 100 mile diet on TFN (The Food Network), I started feeling like I should do that as well. But.... frankly, there are things I just couldn't give up. (Coffee, chocolate... get my drift).However, I AM going to pledge to stop drinking ALL pop. I refuse to buy it. I refuse to order it in a restaurant. I refuse to receive it (

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-59857601878646658442009-07-07T12:42:00.001-06:002009-07-09T08:30:24.012-06:00

Scientific American has a wonderful article today about inmates pitching in to help save the environment. I believe that this is a wonderful start, and that this idea should also be used in Canada.All of the inmates in Canada have the ability to contribute something useful and because the environment is something that everyone shares, this may help them (and frankly, the general non-incarcerated

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-65823583616219916582009-06-26T14:36:00.007-06:002009-07-17T14:43:32.355-06:00

As an update to a previous post about high speed rail between cities, Scientific American has looked at this with their 60 second podcast found here; http://podcast.sciam.com/earth/sa_e_podcast_090625.mp3To reread the previous post go here;http://botanistnextdoor.blogspot.com/2009/05/alternative-transportation-all-aboard.htmlAparently the Obama Administration has dedicated money towards the

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-42115279348545853672009-06-26T12:30:00.002-06:002009-06-26T14:35:33.083-06:00

And speaking of cults from last week....Diane BenscoterWiki Checklist on Cults1. A movement that separates itself from society, either geographically or socially;2. Adherents who become increasingly dependent on the movement for their view on reality;3. Important decisions in the lives of the adherents are made by others;4. Making sharp distinctions between us and them, divine and Satanic, good

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-8861122577018528842009-06-24T11:07:00.002-06:002009-06-24T11:07:01.826-06:00

A Broken Trust: Lessons from the Vaccine-Autism WarsAuthor: Lisa GrossResearcher: Sharon Kaufman (Professor of Medical Anthropology @ UofCalifornia)A paper published in PLoS Biology in May reviews the actions and reactions regarding the anti-vaccination movement. More important, the author, Lisa Gross, has documented research that shows the consequences of propaganda and half-truths have upon the

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-85011750927062801272009-06-22T12:33:00.000-06:002009-06-22T12:34:04.144-06:00

I just wanted to tell Flynn FX and ms. Flynn FX that I had a wonderful time at their "fire pit" on Sat. :) I'll let you know when I'm gonna take the bar exam...

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-41635192327709069192009-06-19T10:24:00.002-06:002009-07-17T14:44:00.908-06:00

More great Friday TED Talks... even one from a Mythbuster!Adam Savage on his obsessions And one on plants in the workplace although I think this guy is crazier than me!Kamal Meattle

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-39862174834551831622009-06-17T09:53:00.004-06:002009-06-17T10:11:26.577-06:00

First of all, I will give you a brief history of what had occurred this past week. I attended a wedding of a [female] cousin, with whom I do not speak with often. I assume it’s because when she found “god”, I was not worthy of her esteem, or maybe I just got into too much trouble as a teen. Anyways, at the ceremony & reception the priest had quoted Carle Zimmerman, and I am not sure if it was in

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-91093668451630706992009-06-12T00:00:00.001-06:002009-07-17T14:44:00.909-06:00

Some more Great TED Talks for this FridayMichael Pollan on Plants Ruling the World :)Plants’ point of viewRobert Ballard on Exploring the OceansExploring the oceans

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-10608453782704434632009-06-10T10:19:00.002-06:002009-06-18T21:02:35.652-06:00

If had a flower everytime I thought of you, I could walk forever in my garden.- Claudia GhandiI'll miss you Papa...

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-84671856568011047982009-06-10T10:03:00.005-06:002009-06-10T10:32:44.966-06:00

The House Dog's Grave (for Haig, an English Bulldog)-Robinson Jeffers, 1941I've changed my ways a little; I cannot nowRun with you in the evenings along the shore,Except in a kind of dream; and you,If you dream a moment,You see me there.So leave awhile the paw-marks on the front doorWhere I used to scratch to go out or in,And you'd soon open; leave on the kitchen floorThe marks of my

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-25955785291748084982009-05-29T10:08:00.003-06:002009-05-29T10:12:33.774-06:00

This week, I have found an inspirational TED Talk for us botanists.Why we are saving billions of seeds by Jonathan Drori.It is regarding the Millennium Seed Bank run by Kew Gardens.Wonderful talk....

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-52505044650033318652009-05-22T12:56:00.007-06:002009-06-11T08:59:47.255-06:00

Now that spring has sprung in our horribly cold climate, I do enjoy my little croci that pop up wherever they can & give a little colour to the beds in the spring.The crocus is genus of flowers that were originally found in southern Europe and the Middle East. A few species are hardy to Canadian Zone 2, and most will naturalize (aka multiply year after year) so that they turn out to be a very

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-6358972269899774012009-05-22T12:48:00.002-06:002009-05-22T12:52:18.950-06:00

I've been a regular listener/viewer to TED Talks for a while now. I think as a regular Friday post, I'll post a couple of links to some talks that I think all people should watch.Here are my two for today:Sir Ken Robinson says schools kill creativityMargaret Wertheim on the beautiful math of coral(great talk & great fusion between art & science)Au revoir!

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-52074410413858637342009-05-21T14:54:00.001-06:002009-05-21T14:56:46.052-06:00

Bill 44 is an amendment to the Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act in Alberta (which if passed will be renamed the Alberta Human Rights Act) which is aimed to include sexual orientation as a fundamental human right along with race, religious belief, colour, gender, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, maritial status, source of income or family

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-42283469473667829362009-05-14T12:48:00.001-06:002009-07-17T14:44:00.909-06:00

Just finished reading Plan B v. 3.0 by Lester R. Brown from the Earth Policy Institute. It was an interesting book, and he puts emphasis on certain points that are interesting to me. While taking a look at the usage of energy, consumption of consumer products, and transportation he also addresses ways that the States can change its ways to become more energy efficient, produce less consumer waste

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-74076722853814186072009-04-22T16:14:00.003-06:002009-04-22T16:16:53.551-06:00

Great Video....Great Message. (And Bob Marley played on a sitar!)More info go to http://playingforchange.com

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-4049268136837195332009-04-22T09:47:00.002-06:002009-04-22T09:53:48.644-06:00

OK, I'll make this quick, as in a couple of hours I have my last Final of this Semester. Woo hoo! *Insert Happy Dance Here*I found a great meme for Earth Day.... Small Bigger BetterFound it at The Questionable Authority(I know... studying)Mine are:Small: Rinsing out & recycling individual yoghurt cups instead of throwing them away (I know, but its hard to do when your at school)Bigger: Walking or

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-27121256102999044692009-04-06T10:56:00.002-06:002009-04-06T11:21:44.593-06:00

This is an awesome video...If anyone asks this is why I wanted to become a Botanist (see if I can GM to make these)ENJOY!

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-78148311240257605632009-04-06T10:09:00.006-06:002009-07-17T14:46:07.584-06:00

On a road trip this last weekend, to one of the most beautiful places in the World (not just Canada, eh?), I saw the most disgusting view. Alberta sure knows how to welcome guests as we show how to rape and pillage the land that we are only borrowing from our future.If I was smart enough, I would have gotten the camera out and taken pictures of these horrible sites, but I will next time to show

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-38522345256066859812009-04-03T11:25:00.003-06:002009-04-06T10:51:49.074-06:00

I am looking for a place to a) learn to scuba dive, and b) relax. I will probably take my seedling, who unfortunately is not old enough to scuba dive (although I think she would make an excellent diver... inquisitive, responsible & active) because we are missing out on an extended-family vacation at the end of this month due to her extensive extracurricular activities.An associate of mine from

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-89468825010594106672009-04-03T11:08:00.004-06:002009-04-03T11:24:03.336-06:00

I'm sure many feel this way about the school system in Canada or the US. Both systems are based on the same practices with few alterations. Core subjects (Math, Science, Language Arts, Social) with a few sprinklings of fun subjects thrown in to keep kids entertained. The problem I am seeing with this strategy is that children are taught to do what the teacher does and do it over & over & over, ad

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-65078097849018993822009-03-30T10:27:00.004-06:002009-03-30T10:42:02.129-06:00

Alright, I have to brag. Just a little.My little Seedling had a hockey tournament over the weekend and did great on Sunday. Walked away with Gold in the Atom B division. Also scored 2 hattricks on Sunday (4 goals in one game, three goals & an assist in the other).And I asked her if she would like to call Auntie & tell her (her Aunt also plays hockey), & Seedling said she did not want to brag,

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-1222713590234092172009-03-25T20:25:00.003-06:002009-03-25T20:32:48.288-06:00

For someone wishing it would be spring faster! Enjoy.... these are the first things to come up in my garden every year.

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-75779288179309375342009-03-25T08:33:00.002-06:002009-03-25T08:37:34.929-06:00

Well, through a little luck of mine, I am able to get some songs free over the internet (and legally). It is in exchange for my "opinion". Ha, if only they knew I give it for free!Anyways, I have run out of songs to get. I picked 2: (re)education through labor (by Rise Against), and Walking after midnight by Patsy Cline. (The last song was not on my CD's of her. How could they miss that song?!)

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-17863182489435594222009-03-23T11:15:00.001-06:002009-07-17T14:46:07.584-06:00

Phytoremediation is the use of plants to clean up toxic levels of heavy metals, organic contaminants or pesticides by the absorption within the plant body and either converting the compound or storing it in the plant material, or immobilizing the contaminant within the soil area. Phytoremediation processes include 1) Phytostabilization, 2) Phytodecontamination 3) Rhizosphere Degredation 4)

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-29110485240657627282009-03-21T20:30:00.001-06:002009-03-23T11:16:49.480-06:00

After Jaws (the movie), I'm sure more sharks were killed out of fear than food. This video is great at showing the overreaction to something that needs our respect and understanding, not fear.

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-26879834364388557692009-03-21T20:16:00.000-06:002009-03-21T20:16:23.043-06:00

The lowliest of the low... nothing is more overused (except Shakespeare) than Oliver Twist. I'm sure Dicken's is rolling in his grave to know the multiple ways people use his poor Oliver to affect a supplication for something they want..... But I'm desparate. For warm weather. For more than 6 months out of the year, there is snow crunching underneath my feet. I long for green things to see, and

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-22237298566796801752009-03-11T11:17:00.003-06:002009-03-11T11:29:04.980-06:00

Through the modern science of DNA analysis, they have finally solved a mystery that has been capturing the hearts of millions.They have found Anastasia and Alexi Romanov which has been proved through DNA matching to their parents and siblings from a grave ~70m away. I've been assuming that the matching sister in Alexi's grave was Anastasia, but it could have been one of his other sisters. The

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-18137969423411728622009-03-09T10:21:00.007-06:002009-07-17T14:45:30.641-06:00

Victory Gardens are coming back. Originally to help sustain families during the war years (and the dirty-thirties in between), and also to reduce the pressure on food production and distribution during that time.Apparently (I've yet to see full scale where I live) we are in a recession. Cut-backs and layoffs are the norm in Eastern Canada, as well as in the entire US. Western Canada is doing OK,

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-6528129095318443372009-03-09T10:05:00.004-06:002009-07-17T14:44:38.438-06:00

Aha! I have found other opinions and background on Daylight Savings Time to reflect upon...Built on Facts: Savings Time?Government of Canada: Time Zones & Daylight Savings TimeConsumer Energy Report: Does Daylight Savings Time Really Conserve Energy?Me? I thought I handled Sunday with remarkable aplomb. My seedling had a hockey practice at 7:45am. She woke me up at 5:45am telling me it was time

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-56315586339135242512009-03-06T11:14:00.003-07:002009-03-06T11:24:40.763-07:00

Every year since before who knows when, there is an annual award for the best Science blogger IN THE WORLD!!! Mwah ha ha ha! Since I've just started I don't feel left out that they haven't picked me yet (and my writing leaves tonnes to be desired if my first sentence of this post is anything to go by). Anyways, I digress.I've viewed the list and my top 5 favorites are:A Rule of Thumb by Cabinet

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-38593276583488868852009-03-04T10:36:00.009-07:002009-07-17T14:44:38.438-06:00

Alright, I know it seems futile, but I am going on a strike. Until I get spring around these parts, I, I..., I.... well, I don't know what I'll do. I'm done with the endless months of winter. Combine that with a bad haircut (no I won't post pics), my cranky seedling, and midterms that just won't end, I'm not real happy right now. I figure that should be enough to at least petition all governments

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-57862874848987172732009-02-13T10:49:00.004-07:002009-02-13T11:10:08.736-07:00

I have found a great artist, Isabella Kirkland who has the most amazing paintings of animals. I love her taxa series. This series has animals and plants that are both native & threatened, or introduced and are invasive. Well done paintings, composition and very naturalistic (other than the fact that the snake would eat the kangaroo rat :) , but its "art") Her other series are phenomenal as well,

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-23953312589652219862009-02-11T10:10:00.003-07:002009-02-11T10:17:03.302-07:00

Well, the big day is tommorrow. The big 2-0-0. Darwin's birth was 200 years ago tommorrow, and his most famous book "On the Origin of Species" was published 150 years ago. So pop open that merlot, cozy up to the fire ('cause its damn cold here again!) & crack open the book that is the foundation of biology.Botanists have always been big supporters of Darwin, probably because they see natural

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-75522436516173868662009-02-06T10:32:00.003-07:002009-02-06T10:50:36.504-07:00

For those of you who personally know me, you likely know that I have a extremely strong avoidance of germs. I wouldn't say germophobia (or whatever the technical term is), but I have a healthy avoidance of germ spreading practices.The NYTimes has an article on the spreading of germs. While I agree in theory, this still will not allow me to let others touch my food. The gist is the dirtier you let

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-36757373095428949542009-02-04T10:46:00.005-07:002009-07-17T14:50:11.346-06:00

For those who dream about covert operations, illicit deals and subverting authority, I have found a place for you!Guerrilla gardening was initially started in the UK, and it has grown from there. Even Deadmonon has its own platoon of guerrillas, but the effort is still small (outdated website that was last updated last year... I know, its not like I post all the time too!)It is quite simply

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-53444724052916053122009-02-03T09:27:00.003-07:002009-07-17T14:46:45.804-06:00

Google Earth is now mapping under the sea. What began as a huge oversite will hopefully provide hours of edutainment for us land-locked lubbers.NYTimes has an article interviewing one of the original co-founders of Keyhole, the company that originally developed the software before Google bought them out to take Google Earth worldwide.Already used by geologists, geographists, biologists, and many

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-58360215011364726942009-01-30T11:21:00.003-07:002009-02-04T11:12:48.561-07:00

I usually visit this blog when I'm on Scienceblogs (a great multi-science blog that is not ALL about science, but usually the people behind "science" as well). I have stumbled upon this post that is thought provoking and really quite lovely (in a its-about-time-that-horrible-disgusting-prez-Bush-is-on-his-way-out kind of way). It's from Greg Laden's blog, so read it here.

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-48632521215224828682009-01-26T11:09:00.004-07:002009-02-04T11:13:21.352-07:00

If the NHL was high school:Anaheim would be the kid that beats you up and steals your lunch money.Atlanta would be the slutty cheerleader everyone scores on.Boston would be the kid who you want to like…but you can't because he smells.Buffalo would be the kid who never can afford to go anywhere or do anything.Calgary would be the bipolar popular chick who can please many people when she's up but

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-63802051986257013592009-01-26T11:05:00.003-07:002009-02-04T11:13:41.668-07:00

A Vancouver Canucks fan, an Edmonton Oilers fan, and a Calgary Flames fan were all in Saudi Arabia, sharing a smuggled crate of booze. All of a sudden Saudi police rushed in and arrested them. The mere possession of alcohol is a severe offence in Saudi Arabia. So, for the terrible crime of actually being caught consuming the booze, they were sentenced to death! However, after many months and with

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-52394234245230957562009-01-21T10:28:00.005-07:002009-01-21T11:26:50.843-07:00

Well, considering this weekend is Robbie Burns' 250th Birthday anniversary, I thought it would be apropos to write about an important little plant that was found in Rhynia, Scotland.Rhynia is north of Edinburgh and west of Aberdeen, and it is here that Rhynie Chert is found. This rock was formed when silica rich water from geysers evaporated and hardened. Within this rock, plants were fossilized

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-90359368838941971222009-01-19T10:27:00.004-07:002009-02-11T10:21:33.333-07:00

Last night, I watched the documentary "To Hell with Manners" on W-Five (CTV). Having the wonderful task of instilling this lost art to my offspring, I actually MADE my seedling watch as well (even with the parental advisory warning). If she can see how not to do it, maybe she will see the reason why there are manners in the first place. Ya know, curious kids & their perennial question "Why?".Just

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-73707483158434409632009-01-16T10:24:00.006-07:002009-07-17T14:46:45.804-06:00

If you've never heard of "global warming"* or "climate change"*, you may want to call the Guiness Book of World Records people. As the last person on earth to hear these terms, they may have you confused. I will try to explain...The two terms have been used interchangably, but they might not be so. Useage between skeptics and believers have twisted the meaning of each. They refer to the

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-52581530670788728732009-01-16T10:08:00.003-07:002009-01-16T10:14:29.493-07:00

Mwaaaa haa haa! Alright, now that I've got that out of my system.The last semester was a total wash... blogging wise. I was so busy, I've just now caught up on the things that needed to be done (well, only the really important things), and I'm already 2 weeks into my next semester.But a good report card later, and all major project work done, I'll be back writing interesting things and events to

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-91738899503546606692008-09-18T20:36:00.003-06:002009-02-11T10:19:56.349-07:00

Alright, I've got great news! This fall, Mythbusters is coming to Edmonton and Science/Engineering students at the UofA get first pick! (Back off ladies, Jamie Hyneman is MINE!)So if you want to go...too bad, I'll tell you how it went :P & if I got to meet Jamie in person. BTW, I don't know who exactly is coming, so it could be Tory or Karri.

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-23175850718888822732008-09-17T19:26:00.006-06:002009-02-11T10:20:31.864-07:00

Bonjour!I have gone on my trip and have survived my first two weeks of school this year! Yaay!!!Anyways I went on that field trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park and had fun (well, what fun I could have without drinking I suppose)... and got a sunburn. LOL! I guess people who know me wouldn't be surprised. Anyways, here are a few pics to keep you entertained.The "Broomweed" we were studyingThe

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-5097861621175280132008-09-03T14:40:00.003-06:002008-09-03T14:45:50.131-06:00

Well, this year is going to be interesting. Only been to two classes and already I'm getting swamped. As well (Last minute as usual), I found out that next weekend (12-14th) I will be on a field trip to southern Alberta....Yes. They expect me to get a babysitter in little more than a week for a 2 night vacation... ahem, I mean field trip. There was no notice in the calendar or anything. Oh well.

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-13675687772872669662008-08-26T13:34:00.003-06:002008-08-26T13:51:55.946-06:00

This weekend my daughter is competing in a Highland Dance Competition before school starts next week. I read this timely article, and have been wondering about how I deal with her school & sports.Because I follow hockey, I see more and more that North America values its sports players higher than intelligence. The multi-billions that sports players get for a one year contract is insane, but even

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-52361301107216447572008-08-20T08:33:00.003-06:002009-02-11T10:18:49.073-07:00

Alright, whoever said that Canadians are the most mannered/nice people have burning pants right now, because whenever they get behind the wheel they are morons.Just yesterday I was driving down some alleys (don't ask, its not like I patrol them), and had to move over EVERY time another car came down. EVERY TIME!!!11!!11!!!The driver, whether female/male, young/old, etc/etc, would stare at me.

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-57300978569991548782008-08-18T12:51:00.005-06:002009-07-17T14:47:10.284-06:00

Well... nothing like a well deserved break ....Anyways, this last Saturday there was a Water Conference held in Alberta at Fort Chip. There were the usual players there, but the promising piece of information was that the Aboriginal Bands that were there were discussing the potential of suing the Federal and Albertan Government because of their inaction after the Mackenzie Basin Transboundary

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-28795459966389617022008-08-01T07:52:00.003-06:002009-02-11T10:19:26.232-07:00

In today’s and yesterday's paper, another news story about a fatality due to an herbal supplement. While not directly causing the death, this drug hidden in the "herbal medicine" caused the driver to fall asleep while driving. Meanwhile, because these supplements are not regulated to the degree they should be, there was an additional drug in there that was addictive and harmful and is not

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-6873604188108440462008-07-30T12:04:00.002-06:002008-07-31T08:19:07.651-06:00

I recently read these two new papers in PLOS Biology here and here on migrations, and how the phenomenon of migrations can place species more at risk from anthropogenic forces. The species that migrate are more at risk for decreasing numbers and endangerment. They outline how people’s settlements and activities (forestry, mining, highways, etc) affect these populations, and underline how

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-78924689855298728992008-07-29T12:54:00.008-06:002009-07-17T14:49:43.141-06:00

After procrastinating for a very long time (I was supposed to in the middle of May), I finally have registered in my courses for the Fall and Winter semesters.And this year I have rockin' classes! I have evolutionary biology, a mass of botany classes, geology and my mainstay, french class.Hopefully this year will give me lots of fodder for my blog, as well as a main venting area, when, halfway

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-79043783316821451402008-07-28T19:09:00.001-06:002008-07-29T11:37:39.935-06:00

For a while now, Alberta has had one official language. Now with this traffic ticket fiasco, will this open up these laws for amendment or change? Yes, I know, I know... the Alberta Government is now appealing the court ruling, so where will this leave Albertans?First of all, I'm Albertan, was born Albertan ... and I happen to be a very liberal Albertan (didn't think that was possible didya?!) I

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731298941094298282.post-74663235953927848422008-07-28T18:47:00.001-06:002008-07-29T14:09:47.488-06:00

I hope to accomplish two different things with this blog. The first is the ability to show across a wide audience that botany (and science) can be fun, interesting, and easy. Trust me ... if I can do it, most people can.The second is for my own benefit. As I read scientific papers & learn many things through school and the internet, my blog will be a way to disseminate and critically think about

CAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659238272441524106noreply@blogger.com0