So True, So True

Why so many teachers my age are getting out.

The Universe Really is Trying to Kill Us

WOLCOTT, Conn. (24 April 2013) -- Officials confirmed that a rock that crashed through a Wolcott roof Friday night was a piece of a meteor.

Wolcott Police said local resident Larry Beck called them on Saturday to report that a baseball-sized rock had crashed through the roof of his home, located at 2 Williams Court on Friday night, damaging the roof, copper piping, and cracking the ceiling in his kitchen.

Beck told police he heard a loud crash when it happened, but thought that a joist or rafter had broken. Then after checking the attic Saturday morning, he discovered the hole in his roof and the damage.

The rock itself, which was broken in half, was also found in the attic, police said.

Other meteors have landed in Connecticut in recent years.  Strangely, every time a meteor has crashed through a roof, it was in a town that began with 'W' ......

Hello Governor Malloy and Your Charter School Friends

Clear Brook Road in Burlington

While out walking along Clear Brook Road, by the Nepaug Reservoir.

Bald eagle on nest - from a safe distance

Palm warbler

Red-tailed hawk

Yellow-rumped warbler

Chickadee keeping nest clean

Walking in Penwood

I took some time off from grading lab reports and walked along the road in Penwood State Park in Bloomfield.

Saxifrage - the rock breaker

Bloodroot – the juice is an antibiotic

Penwood Trail	View from the Road – Bloomfield
Rue Anemone	Trout Lily
Dutchman’s Breeches
Well hidden Eastern Comma butterfly	Red Elderberry

Sun Blasts Earth - We Get Light Show

Dazzling Northern Lights Anticipated Tonight

By Samantha-Rae Tuthill, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer

April 13, 2013; 6:11 AM

A solar flare that occurred around 2 a.m. Thursday morning may create a spectacular display of northern lights Saturday evening. The midlevel flare had a long duration and was directed at Earth. According to AccuWeather.com Astronomer Hunter Outten, who stated that this flare was "impressive", these are the best conditions for seeing a direct effect on our planet. 

Conditions updated April 13, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. EDT. Graphic by Al Blasko, Accuweather.com

The radiation from such a flare may cause radio wave disturbances to electronics such as cell phones, GPS and radios, causing services to occasionally cut in and out. While traveling slower than was originally anticipated, the flare effects are moving towards Earth at 1000 km per second.

Let the Cranking Begin!

In another few months I will no longer be a science teacher.  I will be a retired science teacher.  That means I can and will start shooting off my mouth.  I will share my amazement at the wonders of the universe and my disgust of those who close their eyes to it.