Today we got to take a wonderful trip to the capital of Illinois, but not for site seeing so to speak. Today was spent catching up with old friends and doing a little must do shopping (as certain stores don't exist in Canada). Thank you to A*, C*, N*, Tiny T*, and J* for a wonderful day full of fun and fancy free.
And boo and hiss to bad Illinois weather. Nothing like having to hold on to dear life as the bioarch drives like a bat out of hell out of the city to avoid the funnel clouds and possible tornado that touched down in the northern end of the city (although that is an substantiated rumor at this time).
Manana...St. Louis!
*Names withheld for privacy.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
What Monkeys and Bioarchs Do In Their Downtime
Okay, so that's a slight lie. There really isn't any downtime unless she schedules it in, and as she's a very busy bee (errr, of the human variety), she's got a lot of work to do. Where does this busy bee thing come from? You're humans, not bees. I just don't get it, but I digress.
When we're not busy traveling or "working" (in the traditional idea of working either in the field or the lab), we're busy working on research, publications, and other such things. So far, we've completed one publication that is ready for the coauthor's scrutiny, started finalizing the methodology for the upcoming research in Chicago, and are currently reviewing two books for a book review. Here's an example of me hard at work while our bioarch friend buggers off with her camera. :)
Ain't I cute?
(And yes, even globetrotting monkeys are allowed to speak in improper English.)
When we're not busy traveling or "working" (in the traditional idea of working either in the field or the lab), we're busy working on research, publications, and other such things. So far, we've completed one publication that is ready for the coauthor's scrutiny, started finalizing the methodology for the upcoming research in Chicago, and are currently reviewing two books for a book review. Here's an example of me hard at work while our bioarch friend buggers off with her camera. :)
Ain't I cute?
(And yes, even globetrotting monkeys are allowed to speak in improper English.)
Sunday, May 25, 2008
We are the champions, my friend...
Congratulations go out to the lil bro and his soccer team as they are the official champions of the soccer tourney!
Here I am posing with the lil bro's wonderful trophy. He scored three goals and one penalty kick (the latter of which helped win the championship game). Go Blue!!!!!
And on a side note, today's game was a mixture of wrestling and soccer as I got to watch body slams and drops happening today.
Here I am posing with the lil bro's wonderful trophy. He scored three goals and one penalty kick (the latter of which helped win the championship game). Go Blue!!!!!
And on a side note, today's game was a mixture of wrestling and soccer as I got to watch body slams and drops happening today.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Monkey=zombified!
Today we went to the lil bro's soccer tourney, and for a bunch of kids, they sure to play both like the pros and like it's a football game! Granted, the ref should have been calling a few more fouls than he was, but I guess he wanted to give the home team an advantage. Not that it helped them since they were creamed by the lil bro's team, with two goals being scored by the lil bro himself. :) Pretty good for a kid who got elbowed in the head early in the game. :(
After, we hit a soccer after party with the families of the remainder of the team, and upon returning home, the lil bro turned me into a zombie! I consider it practice for any upcoming Zombie events in London-town (Zombie Walk? Zombie Movie? What's next?) And we danced and had fun. But now it's sleepy time. Getting up before dawn is never a great idea.
Stay tuned for next time's episode where I turn a banana into a zombie. :P
After, we hit a soccer after party with the families of the remainder of the team, and upon returning home, the lil bro turned me into a zombie! I consider it practice for any upcoming Zombie events in London-town (Zombie Walk? Zombie Movie? What's next?) And we danced and had fun. But now it's sleepy time. Getting up before dawn is never a great idea.
Stay tuned for next time's episode where I turn a banana into a zombie. :P
Friday, May 23, 2008
Grafton
So today I got to explore Grafton, Illinois. Cute little riverside town that will probably be a bit more alive once the Memorial Day weekend kicks off and the weather gets a little better. And the river rising isn't helping too much, but it's still a quaint place to visit. Here are some pics as there isn't really much more to say about it (other than it's next to Pere Marquette State Park which is our bioarch friend's favorite haunts in SoIL).
Artistic Ode to the Piasa Bird: The original hung on the bluff several miles down the road and was either removed or destroyed (not sure which). All that remains is this artists' rendition (which changes each year). The Piasa Bird is a remnant of Native American mythology.
This is a sign that you live a little too close to the river. Granted, this isn't a house but there are several in Grafton like this.
Artistic Ode to the Piasa Bird: The original hung on the bluff several miles down the road and was either removed or destroyed (not sure which). All that remains is this artists' rendition (which changes each year). The Piasa Bird is a remnant of Native American mythology.
This is a sign that you live a little too close to the river. Granted, this isn't a house but there are several in Grafton like this.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Local Flavor
Okay, ladies and gents, while laying wide awake thinking amongst ourselves late last night, it dawned on us that we have to show you the local flavor of this area. And by local flavor, we mean the food. Why? Because poutine is the Canadian version of a Pony/Horse Shoe and vice versa. Observe:
This is a pony shoe. It's a hamburger patty layered with french fries and cheese sauce. A horse show is a larger version of this, and this is a popular local dish. And despite looks, I'm told it's yummy (or so says the bioarch girl).
Then we have poutine:
Canadian dish which is french fries topped with cheese curds and brown gravy. Despite appearances, it's quite delicious, too.
Both dishes are extremely similar (same ingredients although different ways of making/dressing the dishes), but both groups on either side of the boarder say the same thing about the other dish: GROSS! We're here to say that both dishes are great and that they're pretty much the same thing!
And on to the next greatest thing to come out of St. Louis-Toasted Ravioli (as the bioarch girl drools and gets hungry):
Far from one of the healthiest things you'll ever eat, but it's soooooooooooo gooooooooooooooooooooood!!!!!
This is a pony shoe. It's a hamburger patty layered with french fries and cheese sauce. A horse show is a larger version of this, and this is a popular local dish. And despite looks, I'm told it's yummy (or so says the bioarch girl).
Then we have poutine:
Canadian dish which is french fries topped with cheese curds and brown gravy. Despite appearances, it's quite delicious, too.
Both dishes are extremely similar (same ingredients although different ways of making/dressing the dishes), but both groups on either side of the boarder say the same thing about the other dish: GROSS! We're here to say that both dishes are great and that they're pretty much the same thing!
And on to the next greatest thing to come out of St. Louis-Toasted Ravioli (as the bioarch girl drools and gets hungry):
Far from one of the healthiest things you'll ever eat, but it's soooooooooooo gooooooooooooooooooooood!!!!!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
EUREKA!!!!
Who says the internet is worthless? Or that procrastination doesn't yield fruitful results?
While taking a break from work (cuz her work is never done), my bioarch friend found a program online that she can use to upload pics. Now I can give you a more illustrated account of my journeys thus far. So without further adue, here goes:
I started my trip in the Detroit Airport. Here I am waiting to board the plane.
Then after an hour long plane trip and a turbulent landing which caused almost everyone to lose their lunches, we arrived in St. Louis where we were greeted by the family. Grabbed the luggage and headed home. Illinois is an interesting place, and along the way, I managed to snap some photos of some interesting places and some of our bioarch friend's favorite haunts (some more literal than others).
The tip of Alton, reputed to be one of the most haunted places in the US:
M-I-SS-I-SS-I-PP-I!
SIUE School of Dentistry.
Alton's Gentle Giant, Robert Wadlow.
An unusual site. Normally at this time of year, it's hot and icky and gross and no one can stand to leave their air conditioned homes. Instead, this has been the wettest spring on record in a long time, and the farmers haven't been able to plant anything. This time last year the corn was knee high. For those of you who wonder why this matters, it means that food prices will rise if the farmers don't get a good yield in.
I was so glad to be off that plane!
The hospitality here is AWESOME!!!!!
And that evening, I got the opportunity to walk the dog...
In a manner of speaking, that is.
And if you want to grab a bite to eat in town, go to Reno's. Best darn pizza for miles around!!!!!
And afterwards, you can catch a show...
Or chill at the Gazebo.
Fun fact: Our bioarch friend and her friends used to chill here during local festivals. They even had their own tree!
While taking a break from work (cuz her work is never done), my bioarch friend found a program online that she can use to upload pics. Now I can give you a more illustrated account of my journeys thus far. So without further adue, here goes:
I started my trip in the Detroit Airport. Here I am waiting to board the plane.
Then after an hour long plane trip and a turbulent landing which caused almost everyone to lose their lunches, we arrived in St. Louis where we were greeted by the family. Grabbed the luggage and headed home. Illinois is an interesting place, and along the way, I managed to snap some photos of some interesting places and some of our bioarch friend's favorite haunts (some more literal than others).
The tip of Alton, reputed to be one of the most haunted places in the US:
M-I-SS-I-SS-I-PP-I!
SIUE School of Dentistry.
Alton's Gentle Giant, Robert Wadlow.
An unusual site. Normally at this time of year, it's hot and icky and gross and no one can stand to leave their air conditioned homes. Instead, this has been the wettest spring on record in a long time, and the farmers haven't been able to plant anything. This time last year the corn was knee high. For those of you who wonder why this matters, it means that food prices will rise if the farmers don't get a good yield in.
I was so glad to be off that plane!
The hospitality here is AWESOME!!!!!
And that evening, I got the opportunity to walk the dog...
In a manner of speaking, that is.
And if you want to grab a bite to eat in town, go to Reno's. Best darn pizza for miles around!!!!!
And afterwards, you can catch a show...
Or chill at the Gazebo.
Fun fact: Our bioarch friend and her friends used to chill here during local festivals. They even had their own tree!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Things to Do in Carlinville, IL
Hello, everyone! I'm here in Carlinville, IL, the first leg of my adventure. This is one of the places our Bioarch friend grew up, and I feel that I should impart some of the history/things to do in this town.
Anderson Mansion
This was the home of the Anderson family, who owned the Anderson Bank in town, and it has since been converted into the Macoupin County Historical Society Museum. It boasts the history of the county, and it also has several other buildings, including a one room school house, a blacksmith shop, church, and several other historical buildings.
Fun fact: Our bioarch friend actually volunteered here one fine day with her best friend, Jae. They were the curators of *drum roll* the Quarantine Room. A sign of things to come? She does work on paleopathology on occassion. :P
The Macoupin County Courthouse
Built with all the grandeur that is expected of a state capital, but alas, the governor chose Springfield, IL, not Carlinville, and that's how the town got the huge courthouse and lost out of being the state capital. Oh well, it's got other claims to fame.
Fun Fact: This courthouse once had a large, ornate chandelier which went missing and no one has ever found it.
The Historic Jail
This historic jail was used for 119 years and only had one escape. The inmate was apprehended shortly thereafter.
Lincoln's Monument Stone
And so marks the spot where Abraham Lincoln gave a speech in 1855 during his race for Senate against Stephan Douglas. Lincoln didn't win that election (or several others) but finally did become a very famous US President.
The Sears Homes
Several decades ago, back in the mining boom, people were flocking to the area in droves and had to have a place to stay. What did they do? Opened up their Sears catalogue and ordered their homes. Yes, Sears used to allow you to buy a prefab home, and Carlinville still has a fair number of these historic homes.
Fun fact: Jae used to live in one, and she and our bioarch friend used to spend their summer days hanging out on the roof! :P
The War Memorial
This war memorial is a reminder to all who behold it of those men and women who served during World War I and II, Korea, and Vietnam. It's on the property of the Carlinville Courthouse.
Fun fact: Our bioarch friend actually helped find names that are on the war memorial. :)
Anderson Mansion
This was the home of the Anderson family, who owned the Anderson Bank in town, and it has since been converted into the Macoupin County Historical Society Museum. It boasts the history of the county, and it also has several other buildings, including a one room school house, a blacksmith shop, church, and several other historical buildings.
Fun fact: Our bioarch friend actually volunteered here one fine day with her best friend, Jae. They were the curators of *drum roll* the Quarantine Room. A sign of things to come? She does work on paleopathology on occassion. :P
The Macoupin County Courthouse
Built with all the grandeur that is expected of a state capital, but alas, the governor chose Springfield, IL, not Carlinville, and that's how the town got the huge courthouse and lost out of being the state capital. Oh well, it's got other claims to fame.
Fun Fact: This courthouse once had a large, ornate chandelier which went missing and no one has ever found it.
The Historic Jail
This historic jail was used for 119 years and only had one escape. The inmate was apprehended shortly thereafter.
Lincoln's Monument Stone
And so marks the spot where Abraham Lincoln gave a speech in 1855 during his race for Senate against Stephan Douglas. Lincoln didn't win that election (or several others) but finally did become a very famous US President.
The Sears Homes
Several decades ago, back in the mining boom, people were flocking to the area in droves and had to have a place to stay. What did they do? Opened up their Sears catalogue and ordered their homes. Yes, Sears used to allow you to buy a prefab home, and Carlinville still has a fair number of these historic homes.
Fun fact: Jae used to live in one, and she and our bioarch friend used to spend their summer days hanging out on the roof! :P
The War Memorial
This war memorial is a reminder to all who behold it of those men and women who served during World War I and II, Korea, and Vietnam. It's on the property of the Carlinville Courthouse.
Fun fact: Our bioarch friend actually helped find names that are on the war memorial. :)
Technical Difficulties
Due to technical difficulties with the loaner computer, pictures of this trip will probably not be posted until July. :( I will strive, however, to find pictures online of all the magical and fascinating places I will be visiting and post them whenever applicable. It just means the funny, more personal pictures will not be posted until after the trip is completed.
The infinite monkey theorem fails today! ;)
The infinite monkey theorem fails today! ;)
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Houston, the Monkey has landed!
I have arrived in Illinois for the first part of my grand adventures with my bioarch friend. I have just arrived and will post more later once I've settled in a little more. Just wanted to let everyone know that the adventures have begun!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Hi! I'm a monkey!
Hello, my name is Hank Batz, and I'm the traveling companion to a dear friend you all may know and love. For those of you who don't know her, well, bully for you! No, seriously, nice gal, let's me tag along on her adventures, but enough about her, this is about me!
As I was saying, I'm Hank, and I'm a monkey. Why? Because I have a tail! That Curious George fellow is an APE! An APE!!!! No monkey there. And to be more particular, I'm a New World Monkey, aka a Platyrrhini. Why? Because I have the following:
* Outward facing, broad nostrils, flat, dry nose
* Large brains and highly developed vision
* I'm intelligent and active :P
* Lack ischial callosities (bare patches of skin on rump)
* Imperfect opposability of thumb and poorly developed finger grip
* The big toe is large and strongly opposable
* Long, well developed tail, mine is even prehensile
* I am arboreal
* I have three premolars
* And so much more!
But that's the quick summary of what I am. Now you're probably a little confused why I'm dressed unlike other monkeys, but how else am I supposed to get through airport security? I need to blend in. ;)
But enough about me. Soon I'll be starting my first adventure and I'll be happily keeping you up to date on it. So sit back, relax, and enjoy as I go bananas!
As I was saying, I'm Hank, and I'm a monkey. Why? Because I have a tail! That Curious George fellow is an APE! An APE!!!! No monkey there. And to be more particular, I'm a New World Monkey, aka a Platyrrhini. Why? Because I have the following:
* Outward facing, broad nostrils, flat, dry nose
* Large brains and highly developed vision
* I'm intelligent and active :P
* Lack ischial callosities (bare patches of skin on rump)
* Imperfect opposability of thumb and poorly developed finger grip
* The big toe is large and strongly opposable
* Long, well developed tail, mine is even prehensile
* I am arboreal
* I have three premolars
* And so much more!
But that's the quick summary of what I am. Now you're probably a little confused why I'm dressed unlike other monkeys, but how else am I supposed to get through airport security? I need to blend in. ;)
But enough about me. Soon I'll be starting my first adventure and I'll be happily keeping you up to date on it. So sit back, relax, and enjoy as I go bananas!
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