"Can't stop, addicted to the shindig." - Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Hey yo, we got room keys." - Anonymous (and Katie)
"I am a closet disco dancer." - Red Elvises
Pajama pants under jeans...brilliant.
H'Okay, so...
Thursday:
I am typing this as everyone is trying to fix the problem. The problem is Macintosh computers, but we can't fix that, so we're trying other stuff. Today is Thursday, June 17th, and we just got back from the geology tour. Visitors to this site may read in other sites that i was lost, or separated from the group; they're lying. I was ditched, plain and simple, and had to battle my way down solo. I'm lucky to be alive, saved only by my quick thinking and agility. Don't even get me started on Ned.
Now that that's out of the way, i can talk about whatever else i want, which really isn't that much right now. Most of my deep thoughts have already been written in my journal, and there really aren't that many anyway. I'm already starting to blank, and therefore i will stop wasting your time and stop writing. Here's to downloading.
PS> Tea party tonight and every night at party room 114, everyone's invited.
Friday:
Tea party was a smashing success. Ned, Katie, Chad, Juanama, and Elizabeth (with pineapple) showed up. Hannah and Christina once again neglected to come, deeming they were too cool for us. Their loss. The party slowly thinned out as the evening (morning) carried on; Chad left early, Juanama left after the pineapple, and Elizabeth left pretty late. Derek passed out at about 4:45, and started snoring promptly at 5:00. Ned, Katie, and I kept it going through many poor TV shows, (excluding Aqua Teen Hunger Force) and the party broke up finally at about 6:00. Huge brownie points for Ned, who convinced multiple girls that he hurt himself while diving across the street to save a baby from oncoming traffic.
Retracing my steps a little here, I'll go back to Fenton Hill, where even though Katie almost died yesterday, it was incredibly fun. We started a small Messier marathon that will probably be continued today, since we can't go skating. On the way there i was presented with the gift of Delilah, a deeply moving radio program that changed my life, as I'm sure it transforms the lives of many others. Her consolate words are a conerstone in this turbulent world.* I learned where Hercules and Sagittarius are, bringing my constellation total up to six.
Derek's obsession with "Tweezer Reprise" has swept the team. Our combined dancing is too much for most to handle, but we continue anyway.
Today we learned that Japanese scientists are doing everything wrong, and that we shouldn't follow the scientific method. Science is not a tree, but more a rat maze.
Corrie fell off the chair.
*Note: Delilah is horrendous.
Saturday:
Definitely a shiggity shiggity shwah day. First things first; many thanks to Ned for dumping all of our cold, wet laundry in a massive pile on Derek's bed to let it dry. Also many thanks to the cleaning ladies, who decided that all the cold, wet laundry ought to be relocated to my bed. After spreading everything out so it would dry, we headed to Canyon School for Don's presentation on radio waves, followed by John's presentation on the asteroid. I am writing this on Monday, and am now beginning to understand the math behind it, but at least we got a decent answer.
Then came the party.
Started off at the pool, where the team of Ned, Ellie and I laid the smackdown on Derek, Hannah, Juanama, and Christina. I managed to be the only non-violent male; Ned gave Juanama a bloody nose, and Ellie claims that Derek punched her in the eye (he vehemently denies it.) I was, however, violently attacked (bit on the arm!) by a certain female player whose name begins with J and ends with uanama. After basketball, we headed back to the house where Derek serenaded us all with some DMB and Oasis. I got to play some Beatles and blues when I got my hands on the guitar. "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" sounded amazing with the accordion (courtesy of Katie.) Two movies were watched, one was amazing, and the other was awful and not named Contact. In the unnamed film, a fifteen minute Goldberg machine provided limited entertainment and a disappointing conclusion. The cake made up for it though.
Following Galen's birthday came the most successful tea party thus far. PR 114 was hoppin with representatives from every room: Ned, Elizabeth, Hannah, Juanama, Katie, and of course the Blues Brothers, who will remain anonymous but are incredibly good looking and cool. Derek dominated the chess floor, and the South Park movie on Comedy Central kept the party going until the sun came up.
This deserves a special section: Katie's back has been hurting her for an extended period of time. Derek came up with the idea of walking on her back to solve the issue. A sleep-deprived, incredibly hyper Nedward offered to do it, and proceeded to walk on her back, balancing between the bed and dresser to support some of his weight. Derek decided to take a picture, and my prompting Ned to "work it" caused him to laugh uncontrollably, fall off Katie's back, and lose control of his "gastronomical processes." - Ned. He then, well, you get the idea. Let me just say...face.
Sunday:
Okay, let's just say this day changed my life forever.
I don't know what kind of diner doesn't serve breakfast, but that's the kind we went to for breakfast. One tuna salad sandwich later, I found myself at Bandolier, hiking along a trail in an ancient Anasazi village. The hike was a lot of fun, and a nice change of pace. The houses were either carved into the side of the cliffs or made against them. The hiking uphill reminded me to start running for Cross Country. I'll start that tomorrow...
After the hike came the truly life-changing experience in the form of the Red Elvises. A "Russian Rokenroll Revolution," they blew us all away with their stage presence and fun attitude. We decided to dance as soon as they started, and didn't stop until the break. Katie then decided we should join the two sketchy dudes in camo that were dancing like crazy in the front, so we all linked arms, and kicked our way to the front. The two guys turned around, saw our superior numbers, and joined our forces. We then jumped around and danced until I couldn't breathe anymore. If I had any form of asthma, I would be dead right now, but it would've been worth it. The camera man filming the concert focused on us, so we may be on tv at some point in the future. After a brief drink, we returned to going wild dancing, especially Ned. Ned, after seeing you dance there, I am convinced that you were the basis for the movie, "You Got Served." Well Played. We played frisbee during the break, then returned to the concert.
Apparently, our dancing was so good, that other spectators who we didn't even know, were moved to take pictures of us. One lady in particular, took at least ten pictures of us, exclaiming, "You guys know how to have a good time!" Yes we do.
We went to Fenton Hill last night as well. I discovered the ideal hot chocolate mix, which I will keep secret for the sake of national security. Derek and Ned played around with the T-point, trying to get coordinates on the asteroid, I don't know how successful they were. I went through the star catalog from 1 to 150, but only managed to see a few multiple star systems above the horizon. It was also the first night that the moon was visible that I can remember since we arrived. Everyone was so tired afterwards that there was no party in PR 114.
This is the saxophonist section. With the looks of William Shatner, the style of Elton John, and the skill of Charlie Parker, he was an inspiration to me. He was modest, even asking the sound guys to turn his mike down, but when he soloed, he rocked the house. His style changed with each and every song, proving his adaptability. My thanks to you, Liberace Shatner, whose name I will look up shortly; you were excellent.
Happy Father's Day to Pop-pop McNally, Pop-pop Keating, all three Uncle Tommys, Uncle Rob, Uncle George, Uncle Kevin, and Uncle Stevie.
And a slightly delayed Happy Father's Day to mi padre. Thanks for everything, and I hope all the gals at home are treating you all right.
Monday:
I finally caught up to today. We just had an awesome presentation on neutrinos by Todd which I really felt I understood. I had never heard of neutrinos before, and so it was really cool. I just finished my lovely breakfast of cold pizza, and am now relaxing and listening to the Red Elvises. Their lyrics continue to amaze me. We have to go now to the Central Avenue Grill, but if I get another chance, I will fill in the rest of the day.
Now continuing, we just got back from a lecture on heavy elements. It was very cool, the guy had a German accent, and probably does an awesome Ahnold impersonation. It was all about the formation of the heavy elements via neutron/proton bombardment and beta decay during a supernova. Sweet. Now we're doing a little work on the web, and shortly afterwards we'll do some group work on the asteroid project, so I'm going to work on that now. Adios
And it's fifteen minutes later and I'm still here, after having derived a third of the equations so far by hand on paper. I wish I had learned a bit more trig in school, not to put any blame on my teachers.
Note* possible "Snatchfest" today in PR 114: all earthwatch members (past or present) are invited to come hang out.
Tuesday:
Spent roughly seven hours in the car. That was not very cool, but it was worth the 30 minute tour of the VLA (Very Large Array.) On the car ride together, the team rocked the beginning of our project for Thursday. We used Scott's laptop (thanks to Scott) to make many slides for our soon-to-be-amazing presentation.
Just to let everyone who hasn't been there know, it is a VERY large array. Each of the telescopes are huge, and can only be moved one at a time by a massive machine on wheels running down the tracks. We saw them in a close configuartion, meaning that it would take a wide field picture, but less detailed. They can extend up to 13 miles apart and make a very specific, very detailed image. We didn't get to walk in the dishes, and as soon as we got out there, it began to storm. Because of the weather, we went inside, to see the wave tubes that are being replaced. The wave tubes channel the radio image and channel it to the central hub, where the information is combined. The new system will use fiber optics, which are much faster and more sensitive to information. The completion of the replacement will make the VLA the EVLA, (Extended Very Large Array.)
We also got to see new prototype telescopes for ALMA, a project to take place in the Chilean Desert at roughly 16,000 feet altitude. The three prototypes, Japanese, American, and European, were all more sensitive than the VLA telescopes, and will be arranged in a circular set. Maybe I got a little something for Mary while I was there. Who knows?
The car ride back to the hotel was slightly more relaxed. Everyone slept at some point after dinner. Ahhhh... dinner. I asked for a rare steak, and I received one of the best rare steaks I have ever had. If you had taken a cow, and stuck a fork in it and put it on my plate, it would have bled about the same. DELICIOUS!!! I haven't gotten sick yet, so I'm hoping for the best. Wow, my compliments to the chef on that one. Awesome. Dad you would've loved it.
Got back to the hotel and the complete group met in Party Room 114 to work some more on the project. It was a calm environment, and we got a lot done, but everyone was tired, and we had to wake up early the next day, so we didn't stay too late. !Que bueno dia!
The Accordion player for the Red Elvises from "the Breakaway Republic of Khazakstan"
Wednesday:
Today started with a bang! (awful pun intended.) We woke up early to go see a 600 ton explosion. We weren't allowed even relatively close to it, but that was probably a good thing. The explosion was almost instant. There was nothing, and then there was a huge plume of fire. It was ridonkulous. The sound wave arrived roughly a second later, restarting our hearts. For those Montvillains, it was roughly comparable to the conclusion of our Fourth of July fireworks show, but all in one boom.
We went from the explosion to PR 114 for a brief time, then to Quizno's (toasted subs are officially amazing,) then from there to the Orange Box; a conference room where we worked more on the project. We're really making some progress on that, and I got my calculator to do both the simplified and complicated equations. Derek is secretly jealous of my technical superiority, but it's ok.
Now we're back at Canyon, and I'm listening to Blackthorn, Katie's favorite band. It's some rockin Irish music. We'll go to dinner soon, then to a lecture, and finish with some more work on the project. I'll keep updated if I can.
Just got done with the lecture on robotic telescopes. Some of the things he was talking about a telescope doing seemed pretty absurd. For example, taking up a petabyte of data over five years, and scanning the sky and distinguishing changing phenomena in the sky without human supervision. It sounded very cool, but a bit too much like Terminator for me to be comfortable with it. Back to work on the presentation. And still working... And still working... yeah...
Other notable news: Yesterday a certain Kathleen Walton lit a potato on fire through her poor use of a microwave. She is now wanted by the FBI, CIA, and LAFD.
Thursday:
Game over man. The presentation is finished. We survived with only a few scratches; I forgot one of the names of a lecturer, and Ned's rip on Macintrash was countered by a man with twelve of them. Other than that it was fun, and we are done. I don't know what the plan is for tonight, but I don't care. We are definitely watching Snatch at some point, and everyone, EVERYONE (Don, Galen, John, Scott, Andy, Ellie, Katie, Diego, Brian, Corrie, Stephen...even Todd) is invited. We might go roller blading because it's too cloudy for Fenton Hill, but whatever we do will be fun. I have nothing else to say. In the words of a certain filipino Nelson Villacorta, "Goodbye crazy!"
Friday:
Totally relaxed day. We woke up in the morning and took the party van to Santa Fe. It was a long drive, but most of us slept the whole way. Once there we met at the central plaza, and went to one of the greatest brunches ever. I knew what I wanted from the moment I walked into that restaurant, and they delivered. Two root beer floats and a thing of french fries later I was completely satisfied. Despite my unwillingness to move, I managed to make it out the door to an exhibit on the Romanovs, specifically Nicholas II and Alexandra. A lot of the stuff was incredible; some of the art had never been seen before this show, and it was all beautiful. My two favorite pieces weren't paintings. One was a red ceramic pot with frogs climbing up the side. The other was an emerald cigarette case with a shamrock embedded in diamonds.
After the exhibit we got to cruise around in our smaller groups. We checked out the plaza and the arcade (which isnt really an arcade, I was disappointed.) Maybe I bought gifts for my family, maybe I didn't. Guess they'll just have to wait. We also (thanks to Scott) got to see the "miraculous stairway." It was amazing, a spiral staircase made all of wood with no nails. The carpenters only tools were a saw, wood, and water. Most amazing was that there were no supports for it, it held itself up. The banister was put on afterwards for security, but it still stands. Disappointingly, the commentary replayed over speakers ruined the effect, but it was still very cool.
We also passed some funny looking guys in a bar.
We met up with Ned at Haagen Daas, and he came with us for some picture taking. Ned and Derek set up their chess board on the floor, and Juanama, Ellie, Katie and I took the cameras up top. We now have pictures of them playing chess in the middle of the mall. I don't know if they'll get them on the website, but I'm sure Ned will distribute his.
To understand what happened next, you must understand the progression of events in my mind. First...root beer floats. I was already en el cielo. The day couldn't get any better. Then it did with awesome artwork and cruising the streets of the beautiful city. My stomach was filled, my brain was saturated, what more could I want? The Earthwatch program proved its psychic abilities by giving me the only thing I needed; rollerblades. We bladed all night, and even though I'm paying for it with blisters today, it was definitely worth it. Math equation: I love rollerblading. The earthwatch program lets us rollerblade. Therefore, by the transitive property, I love earthwatch.
Saturday:
Today has been fun so far. We had to get up ridiculously early (like 7:30) but we made it to the Fenton Hill on time and alive. Don was already there with a radio setup and donuts. Thank you Don. The radio was fun, it was a competition free broadcast day to test emergency broadcasting capabilites, so people were all over broadcasting. I worked the computer for a while, logging in data, and got to talk to Chuck; a 67 year old man from Washington who had been to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, but had never been to New Jersey...poor soul. He was really cool guy, and said I had "a nice radio voice" and I "handled the microphone well." That's right. So...anyway it started to rain shortly afterwards, so we were forced to go inside. We played a little Cames/Kent and some spoons before we had to go. So now we're back at Canyon again, typing on these lovely Macintrashes. This may be my last post, I leave tomorrow at 3:18. If this is the last time I do this, I wanna thank everyone here at Earthwatch. The team has been unbelievable, the staff has been terriffic, and I've really had a blast.
To the team:
Ned: you've been absolutely hilarious at all times. Your addiction to cocaina has provided us with endless hours of entertainment. I can only try to learn to dance like you. Dude, you've been awesome, thanks for chilling in PR 114 all the time, you are the man.
Hannah: though I may not approve of "Oppy-poo," you've been a lot of fun to have on the team, bringing your artistic talents to everything. Have fun returning to California, and keep in touch.
Elizabeth: well, I can't say I've ever had a conversation before with a free-trade organic vegitarian, and we certainly had many discussions. Keep an open mind, I know we joked with you a lot, but I admire your consistency and action. Good luck with your crusade.
Christina: the first person I met from the team, you've always been open and extremely nice. When you decided towards the end of the trip to make trips to PR 114, it was a blast. You've been calm and cool the whole trip, something our team needed. Thank you.
Chad: your love for classic rock has made the music on this trip infinitely more enjoyable. Derek and I also owe you our gratitude for your detergent. You were a great member of the team, and have fun in Idaho.
Juanama: your, shall we say vitality, has given the team energy and life. Although some say you need to develop an indoors voice, I know that you just are strong in your opinions, and voice them forcefully. Next time you're in New Jersey, give me a call.
Derek: Thanks especially to you, for being chill all the time. This trip would not have been the same without you. From the party room, to Snatch/Lock Stock/Boondock, to stepping into the freezer, it has been unbelievably fun. I'll try and visit University of Chicago, where I'm sure you'll be tearing up the water polo scene. You truly are...the man.
I'd also like to thank two other non-earthwatch members who made this trip the best: Ellie and Katie. Even though you both have inferior spatial abilities, I have never had so much fun with anyone. Period.
Ellie: you have your own section...I think thats enough. You've been incredibly fun to be with and never disruptive. Have fun in the Caribbean
Katie: last year's earthwatch student returning to work and hang out with the new group, that takes someone special. It was sometimes scary how much we had in common. You have been so much fun to hang out with. I know that I cannot quote you much in these pages, often due to general decency, but you were a huge part of my stay here. Thank you for all the laughs and all the good times had.
So long everyone, it's been great.
Current running score: Ellie: 4, Frank (a.k.a. Scratch): 4
Bathmat final tally: 3 (Touche cleaning ladies)
Party room status: our door's always open to all... keep an eye out for General Steel, who has been captured by the cleaning ladies.
Chex Mix > Cheez-Its (Just for Derek)
(now mostly buttons)
"Well, I'm on my way." - Simon and Garfunkel
"So much to say," - Dave Matthews Band
"We'll all float on all right." - Modest Mouse
"Today is gonna be the day..." - Oasis
"I know you rider, gonna miss me when I'm gone." - Grateful Dead
"Protect you from what? Ze Germans?" - Jason Statham - "Snatch"
"When they call for me I'll be sitting at my desk with a gun in my hand and a bulletproof vest singin, 'My my my how the time does fly when you know you're gonna die by the end of the night!'" - Catch 22
"The world I love, the tears I've dropped to be part of the WAVE can't stop." - RHCP, for Delbarton.
"But I always thought that I'd see you, one more time again." - James Taylor.
Ellie has recently been too modest to say anything truly quoteworthy. I would like to point out, however, that I was originally criticized, by her, for making her font pink, which she claims she never wears. Ellie has, up to this date, worn pink at least five times, therefore justifying my choice of color. Also noteworthy is that Ellie's black eye, previously given to her by none other than my roommate is now unnoticeable.
Ellie would also like me to bring up her incredible prowess with rollerblades. She consistently burned me on the floor, and I felt like an ashamed shell of a human being. I was too frightened to accept her racing challenges and take it to the street. Never have I been so humiliated by a skater. Ellie, I salute you.
Veritas & Equitas: Truth and Justice
Quotes: