These are some of my coworkers in Youth Programs at the California Academy of Sciences. How lucky am I? Taken at Camp Pepperwood near Santa Rosa, CA.
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Five Things Museums Can Learn from Disneyland
In the museum and informal science education field we often place ourselves in opposition to amusement parks and theme parks. My own museum's ED has said to our staff, "we have no pirates" in our museum. From a certain perspective I think that makes sense. Amusement parks as private ventures have as their primary mandate…
I win the “best boss” award today
These are my two Digital Learning team members Christine and Matt, a few seconds after we had showered them with stuffed animals. They had requested a "pile of puppies and kittens" for their birthdays this week, which I told them was impossible. But I actually had all of the staff in our department bring in…
My Own Nudibranch Plushie!
I am the proud owner of this chromodoris westraliensis nudibranch, a seaslug stuffed animal. Created by Kelly Markello and Nathalia Chousou-Polydouri, this little guy had stolen my heart when I spotted him at craft fair at work. Kelly and Nathalia had other really cute seaslugs on display, including chromodoris africana and chromodoris annae. Here's what…
The 12 Best Things I Discovered at Disneyland this Weekend
This past weekend, I had the good fortune of being able to go with my friends to the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks in Anaheim , California. Growing up in Cali, I had gone a number of times to Disneyland with my family and friends. And as an adult I have been to Disneyworld, Disneyland Tokyo…
Disneyland Was Super Fun!
It's been at least 20 years since I've been to Disneyland. I had high expectations as a longtime Disney fan and from the other Disney parks that I've been to. I'm happy to report that the granddaddy of all amusement parks did not disappoint. Yes, there were crazy crowds, the lines were ridiculous, and…
Review: “Micro Phone Lens” Turns Phone into Microscope (sorta)
"Turn your cell phone or tablet into a microscope with this amazing lens!" is what this Kickstarter promised. At just $15, the price was right too. Sale! This week I received in the mail the "Micro Phone Lens," created by Thomas Larson, a recent graduate of the University of Washington with a BS in mechanical…
My Body Needs My Bike Commute Back
Since moving to the city this past year, I've been observing my weight slowly but steadily increasing, and noticing some bulges where there was mostly muscle before. I've been thinking about what might have changed in the past year. My diet hasn't drastically changed. I'm generally pretty active — dancing, biking, running, etc. The biggest…
Take a #ReindeerSelfie in Honor of Cal Academy’s Holiday Exhibit on Reindeer!
The California Academy of Sciences is focusing this year's "Tis the Season" holiday programming on one of the coolest winter animals around: the reindeer / caribou. As part of our promotion of our new exhibit, which opens this week, we are encouraging people to take a #reindeerselfie, using the printed reindeer antler sillouettes at the Academy,…
Watch Pharrell’s Epic 24-hour “Happy” Music Video
Stop what you are doing, turn up the speakers on your computer, and prepare to get happy! Producer / musician Pharrell Williams has released this epic "24 Hours of Happy" music video that will take over your week, if not longer. Not only is the song damn catchy, but it features literally 24 hours of fantastic dancing,…