Krulwich really IS a wonder

To kick things off, I want to share one of my FAVOURITE science blogs: Krulwich Wonders.

It's ok.  I can wait.

Go on - check it out.

Use up that coffee break.

Browse away through that conference call.

Get lost in his posts when you should be writing that essay.

If you need a way to kill time on the internet (because what is the internet, if not a spectacular venue for procrastination?), Krulwich will have you learning things unwittingly.  And that, my friends, is time well wasted!

But if you haven't clicked on the link, or if I haven't convinced you why you ought to, allow me to offer my humble (though enthusiastic) opinion on the matter of Mr. Krulwich.  Let me be explicit, even, as to why I like his blog, and why I really do believe it's time well spent/wasted over there:

1. He brings the fascinating to the forefront.  Even in his more philosophical posts, my interest is always piqued.
2. He spans all scientific subject matter, unlike some blogs or radiohosts, who naturally favour their personal interests (e.g. Mr. Bob McDonald, the host of CBC radio's Quirks and Quarks, whose bias towards the interplanetary and cosmic is blatant, and evidenced by the stories he highlights). DISCLAIMER: I do not claim to be better than this behaviour.  I'm just expressing my sincere appreciation of Mr. K's ability to give everyone some field time.
3. His posts are relevant.  You're in the middle of flu season?  Here's a post.  Current events are fuel for his entries, but don't overwhelm.  
4. To carry on the last point, Krulwich has achieved a great balance between levity and stick-to-your-ribs food-for-thought.  He even waxes philosophical every once in a while. 
5. He makes things relatable.  Big scary ideas.  Even big, scary, sacred, scientific icons.  I love his post about Charles Darwin And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.  Suddenly, Darwin becomes a little more approachable. A little more grumpy and self deprecating.  But definitely someone I could talk to. 

This pic is right off of Mr. K's post about the day poor ol' Charlie should've just stayed in bed. .

So there you have it.  All the reason why I like Krulwich Wonders.  You'll see as I post more and more, why I value the things about it that I do.  If my blog starts looking a little like his, I couldn't be more proud.

Bottom line: go and enjoy his blog. I sure do!

Well, here goes nothing!

Over the next few months I'll be using this space to ask questions.  Of myself, of my readers, and of my students.  I want to carry part of my classroom into this quiet little mini-world that is my blog - a mere subatomic particle in the wild, expanding universe of electronic experience that is the Internet! - the part that marries big picture ideas with local examples, course content with current events.

So give me some rein - let me guide you through my thoughts, my musings, as I look for pieces, patterns, and process in my surroundings, and then, only if you like, teach you something new along the way.

I teach sciences here in Inuvik, and my background is in environmental biology and ecology.  But don't let that scare you away.  I prefer analogies and parables over jargon and nomenclature (whoops - was that jargon? haha).  Current events, local research, and everyday living offers ample fodder for illustrating concepts, so fear not.  Just sit back and stay tuned.