Are Asiatic Clams from Asia?

The answer: Yes!

The Asiatic clam is indigenous in temperate to tropical southern Asia and east to the Mediterranean, southeast Asian islands, eastern and central Australia, and Africa, except in the Sahara desert. It has spread to 40 states in the United States and is most prevalent in Indiana. This freshwater bivalve mollusk with distinct concentric rows of elevated ridges on the shells.  The shell is rounded to slightly triangular.  The exterior is usually brown in color but can vary to a yellowish-gold.  The nacre, or interior of the shell, is usually white to light purple.  The average adult size is rarely larger than 1.5 inches. 

1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic :(

The Spanish Flu Pandemic in 1918 killed about 50 million to 100 million people around the world (up to 5% of the world's population). It was very interesting to witness the effect of the Spanish flu when we visited the cemetery. This particular flu targeted more the young and healthy, namely 20 to 35 year olds. The flu is believed to have had origins in China and spread mainly through the military, after soldiers were exposed to it in World War I.

Unfortunately for the victims of the Spanish flu pandemic, the symptoms were intense and rather harsh and it was a slow and painful process until death. Fatigue, fever, headache, coughing, foamy blood from the mouth, nose, and ears, vomiting...all of this and more. People tried homemade prevention remedies, such as eating raw onions, but they never seemed to work. In all, there were three waves of the Spanish flu before it finally died out. The story of the victims of the Spanish flu will never be forgotten and the Spanish flu will remain to be a very dark period in history.

Ocmulgee National Monument

Ocmulgee National Monument is such a cool and unique place! It is a memorial to the relationship of people and national resources in the Southeast corner of North America for past centuries. There is evidence of life and human habitation for more than 17,000 years in the past! That is absolutely crazy if you ask me! I really enjoyed our visit there and my favorite part was getting able to go inside one the cave-looking things :). I also enjoyed doing cartwheels and round-offs with Dr. Rood and experiencing sheer terror as Dr. Rood pretended to push me off the cliff of one of the Indian mounds...but, I know it was all fun and games :)


Gosh, I'm going to miss this class!!!!! :(

HITCHITI!!!!!!!!

For one of our labs, we went to Hitchiti Experimental Forest. This was such a fun lab. It was nice to get outside and enjoy nature for the day. I learned a lot walking around the forest and I felt very knowledgeable about Hitchiti after leaving. Although, it was slightly difficult for us to find the forest, it was an experience that I will definitely keep in my memory. :)

Burgess Shale

The Burgess Shale is a fossil field located in the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia. In 1909, paleontologist Charles Walcott discovered the Burgess Shale. He was intrigued by this particular fossil field because of it's unusually exceptional preservation of the soft parts of its fossils. Some of the fossils commonly found in the Burgess Shale are the following: anomalocaris, wiwaxia, hallucigenia, opabinia, waptia, and marella.

Anomalocaris

Opabinia

Hallucigenia

Marella

Waptia

Wiwaxia

Hang Loose, Bra!!!!

In light of the recent tsunami that took place in Japan, it is interesting that the word "tsunami" actually comes from a Japanese word, which literally means "harbor wave". By definition, a tsunami is a series of water waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of a body of water, usually an ocean. Tsunamis can be caused by many events, such as seismic earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other underwater explosions. In class, we learned that waves are most commonly caused by wind. Thus, in my mind, I figured "Hey, a tsunami is a large wave, so it must be caused by very heavy winds..." Let's just say that my thinking wasn't quite right.

Approximately 80% of tsunamis occur in the Pacific Ocean within what is the called the "Ring of Fire." (pictured below)

Here is a video of a tsunami...I don't imagine it being very fun to "hang loose" on such a wave, but hey, if you're dangerous enough to try, then go for it!

Soil That Can Toil

There are 12 soil orders in the world...And here they are!!!!!

A prominent soil type characteristic of Georgia is Ultisols. Ultisols are defined by the Soil Orders website as strongly leached soils with a subsurface zone of clay accumulation and less than 35% base saturation. Ultisols are found primarily in humid areas and are commonly known as red clay soils.

Here is a soil map of Georgia, indicating the variety of soils found in Georgia:

One of the ways we examine and analyze soil is by looking at soil color and this is done by use of the Munsell Soil Color Chart and we also use the soil texture dichotomous key, which can be seen below:

Take it to the EXTREME!!!!!

As discussed in class, an extremophile is an organism that lives and thrives in extreme conditions. The conditions in which extremophiles live are generally so harsh that they would be detrimental to most life on Earth. We talked about three different types of extremophiles in class: 1) thermophile; 2) acidophile; and 3) halophile. Extremophiles are truly amazing and remain to be a wonder to many biologists and microbiologists today.

I don't know about you, but I can hardly operate simple motor skills in extreme cold weather. Although, I was born in Ohio, we moved when I was 18 months old, so I am southern to the core. I was raised in Savannah, Georgia and the warm weather is what I am most acclimated to and therefore, is the weather I prefer above all. With that being said, I can't imagine living under extreme cold conditions. And I guess that's why God made me a human, and not a psychrophile. A psychrophile (it should be called "PSYCHOphile") is an extremophilic organism that not only lives in extreme conditions, but also is capable of reproduction and growth in extreme conditions. And by extreme conditions, I mean temperatures as cold as 5°F. Yikes! Here is an example of an environment in which you might find psychrophiles:

Ig-morph-mentary

There are three main types of rocks that we have been discussing in class--igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. Igneous rocks are formed through the cooling and sedimentation of lava. Metamorphic rocks are characterized by the fact that they are the product of a transformation of an existing rock type. And a sedimentary rock is a type of rock that is formed by sedimentation of material at the Earth's surface and within bodies of water.

Examples of Igneous Rocks:

This is basalt, which is an extrusive volcanic rock that just so happens to be the most common rock found in the Earth's crust.

Granite is a type of intrusive, felsic, igneous rock that are found on many kitchen countertops around the world, including mine. 

Examples of Metamorphic Rocks:

"You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout, I'm telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to town!" This is anthracite coal, commonly found in the stockings of bad boys and girls around the globe. It is a combustible rock normally occurring in rock strata in layers. It is considered a metamorphic rock, because of exposure to elevated temperature and pressure.

Well isn't this a "gneiss" rock. This is gneiss--a type of rock that is formed by high-grade metamorphic processes from pre-existing formations.

Examples of Sedimentary Rocks:

Ooooooooh pretty! Yeah, yeah, yeah...this rock has heard that before. This is a sedimentary rock by the name of "Obsidian". It is defined as "a naturally occurring volcanic glass." It is composed of high iron and nickel content.

This is limestone--a sedimentary rock composed of crystalized forms of calcium carbonate. Limestone can be found on many buildings, for example, Hardeman Hall--the Fine Arts building--right here on Mercer's wonderful and beautiful campus. 

You Say "Tomayto", I Say "Tomahto"

February 15, 2011

     Today, I planted my seed...tomato seed, that is. I placed it on my window sill to ensure that it will receive the most optimal sunlight.

February 17, 2011

     Today, I watered my tomato plant for the first time. I noticed that the soil was rather dry, so I definitely think it was thirsty for some water. I haven't noticed any sprouting yet...I'm beginning to get anxious :)

February 19, 2011

     I watered my tomato plant for the second time today. Still no signs of germination or growth...but it did look like the soil was cracking at the surface...I don't know if that means anything.

February 20, 2011
    I checked on my plant this morning and I noticed that the soil was really dry. I watered it yesterday, so I'm curious as to why the soil is drying out so fast. I wonder if my plant is, perhaps, getting too much sunlight and is consequently drying out. I can't really think of an easy solution to this problem. I'm considering changing the location from the window sill......what to do, what to do. Hmph. :/

February 21, 2011
     Today, I watered my plant for the third time. I noticed that my seed had somehow found its way to the top of the soil...I didn't know if this was a good thing, so I decided to push the seed down into the soil...after I did this, I thought maybe that wasn't the best idea, but whatever. What's done is done.

February 22, 2011
     Well, as it turns out, pushing the seed down into the soil wasn't such a bad idea, because today, I saw the first sprout of my seed! Yay! :)

February 24, 2011
     I've accidentally been neglecting my poor tomato plant. This is the first time it's drank some water in 3 days! But, it's okay, because 'ole Jefferson is movin' on up...to the east side! The plant is really starting to grow up...He's growing up so fast...right before my very eyes!

February 25, 2011
     I'm leaving for the weekend, so I decided to give Jefferson some water and pray it lasts until Sunday.

February 27, 2011
     Lo and behold, Jefferson is still standing strong and tall...like any man should! "I could not be more proud of you," I said to my baby, as I gave him some more water to drink.

March 1, 2011
     Here we go! More water and more growing! This whole parenthood thing ain't so bad after all!

March 4, 2011
     Today, I'm dropping Jefferson off with the babysitter. I'll be gone for a whole week. I gave him some water and packed his bags and he is ready to go. I sure am going to miss the little fella. "See you in a week, Jefferson!" I sure hope that babysitter takes care of my boy ;)

March 15, 2011
     Today, I picked my little boy up from the babysitter (I can't really call him little anymore, though). My, my, my! Has he grown! The babysitter definitely took good care of him. I decided to give Jefferson a little rest, so I let him sleep for a while...aka, his soil remained pretty moist for quite some time, so I let him go without water, since he clearly didn't need any.

March 20, 2011
     I gave Jefferson some water today. This was the first time in 5 days and he sure drank it right up.

March 22, 2011
     I'm noticing more and more leaves appearing on Jefferson's stem. He's really becoming a man and growing into himself...I'm gonna have to get him some new clothes soon! I also gave him some water--he was rather dry today, but this time he didn't drink it. The water just sort of rested above the soil and didn't really seep in. I didn't know what to do, so I just left it until the soil soaked it up.

March 25, 2011
     Finally, Jefferson drank all the water from the other day, but the soil was still moist, so I decided not to give him anything for a while.

March 28, 2011
     Jefferson is still sprouting up, but at a much slower pace now...I hope everything is okay. I gave him more water today, hoping that will help.

March 31, 2011
     I think Jefferson is sick. I wish there were a doctor I could take him to...

April 3, 2011
     Jefferson finally seemed to be thirsty, so I gave him some water today. I hope he perks up soon. He seems so down. I had to lean him up against the blinds of the window...he kept falling over :(

April 5, 2011
     Jefferson seems to be in brighter spirits today. He's peppy and has certainly sprouted up. I gave him more water and decided to keep an eye on him for a while.

April 9, 2011
     I've been a bad parent lately :( I have not been keeping up with my poor boy and you can tell. He's looking more and more sickly by the second! I don't know what to do. I gave him water and it just stood above the soil on the surface. He didn't drink any of it!

April 13, 2011
     Welp, I think Jefferson is no more! :( The doctors are pulling the plug. I can't believe this is happening! The funeral shall be tomorrow.

April 14, 2011
     Today, Jefferson went to plant heaven (aka the trash can). I'll surely miss him!

Geocaching at its Finest

Geocaching is an outdoor sports activity that people take part in all around the world. Containers called "geocaches" or "caches" are hidden in various spots and participants are to use a GPS receiver (or other navigational techniques) to find the geocaches, with the knowledge of the coordinates where the geocaches are hiding. It's a really fun activity and a great learning experience!

Link to geocaching.com

Global Position Systems are good for more than just when you're on a road trip and you need to know where to go. A GPS is great for investigative environmental research as well. If an environmentalist needs to locate a particular species or area, a GPS can come in handy. Imagine if you were an environmentalist and you were studying the Ocmulgee River. It would be necessary to be able to navigate your way through the marshes and through the river, and this would be much easier with the use of a GPS.

Object #1: pill bottle with magnets and toy car

Object #2: clear bottle with battery

Object #3: clear bottle with chalk

Object #4: pill bottle with soda tabs

Object #5: pill bottle with a tiny bottle of hot sauce

Object #6: red bottle with a scroll-like piece of paper

Object #7: clear bottle with black-eyed peas (not the band)

Object #8: metal keychain with scroll-like piece of paper

WATCH OUT!!! It's a Tasmanian--not devil, but--Pademelon!

Clearly, this animal can't quite decide what it wants to be. In my opinion, it looks like the perfect combination of a large squirrel and a mini kangaroo. Whatever the case, I like it. It's name? Tasmanian Pademelon. It's home? Australia. Yep, that's right, it's indigenous to Australia (my favorite place on earth, even though I've never been there). The Tasmanian Pademelon is undeniably precious, BUT you better not mess with it, because it holds the same first name as the Tasmanian Devil, and if you're not careful, you may just get this: 

Vinegar is an Acid; Ammonia is a BASE-IN ;) Lolz

This is an example of a basin, which is an area of relatively flat ground, surrounded by higher terrain. This is specifically the Titcomb Basin, found in Wyoming. I really have no solid reason for choosing a basin as my geologic feature...I just liked the picture (and to be honest, I had no idea what a basin was until this assignment...I guess you truly do learn something new everyday).

The state park I chose is (cue drumroll)..........

Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve

• Sapelo Island is probably one of my dad's favorite places in the world. On several occasions when I was a child, my dad would take me and my brother to the island for a day; and, sometimes we would go there on vacation with the whole family. I remember thinking it was so cool, because we had to take a ferry to get to the island. It is a beautiful place and so serene and peaceful. I haven't been there in probably 10 years, but now that this blog assignment has reminded me of the beauty of Sapelo Island, I'm hoping to go back soon. I actually just called my dad and asked if we could go there this summer...he said: "That's random...I'm surprised you even remembered Sapelo. But sure!" :)

Ometepe Biological Station (say that five times fast)

These are pictures of Ometepe Biological Station, a field research station that is a part of the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy. Ometepe is a field station that  seeks to "protect, conserve, manage, and learn about the flora and fauna of Nicaragua."Ometepe works with the Nicaraguan government to develop ecological and biological research centers in various locations around the country. Ometepe Biological Station offers courses year-round that provides an opportunity for students to research first-hand the natural resources and wildlife of Nicaragua, including crater lakes, cascading water, cloud forests, and white-faced capuchin monkeys...just to name a few.

This is a snapshot of a very small part of the beautiful Savannah, Georgia. I've lived in Savannah since I was 18 months old, so it is definitely home for me. I would have to say that my favorite part of living in Savannah is the Historic District and downtown; I was lucky enough to attend a high school located in the center of the Historic District, called Savannah Arts Academy. I included a marker for my high school and my parking spot, just for fun. I also created paths to two of the places I normally went after school, on the days that I didn't go straight home.

One of those places is Daffin Park, where ultimate frisbee takes place practically everyday. My friends and I would go there and hang out after school. I was usually part of the group that didn't play ultimate, but rather sat and watched and pretended to do homework. But, on occasion, I would jump in the game.

The other place I created a path to is my dad's office. I loved my dad's office being so close to my high school, especially when he brought me lunch--which, unfortunately, didn't happen too often. But I also loved going to hang out at my dad's office after school. I usually took an after-school nap or started on my homework.

So, there ya go! This is just a little taste into what my life was like as a high schooler.

NYC-The Big (Poor) Apple

This is a dot-density map, showing the low-income parts of New York City. According to the map, the dots indicate residents of NYC that earn an annual income of less than $35,000 and commute more than an hour to and from work.

The media, specifically TV shows and movies, always depicts New York City to be a very affluent and flourishing city...this map clearly says otherwise. I guess this just goes to show that you can't always trust the media.

EASYYY on the Water Usage, America.

This is an example of a choropleth map, showing America's water use per state, measured in million gallons per day. Normally, this wouldn't interest me; but, I recently had the opportunity to be a part of a cause that raised money to drill about 20 freshwater wells in India and it got me thinking...There are places in the world that barely have enough water for survival and here we are, in America, using millions and millions of gallons each day. CRAZY! Alright, I'm getting off my soap box now...And that is why I decided to post this map. :)