Election Day - Vote for Urban Science Adventures! (c)

It's Election day in many parts of the United States. I got up early this morning and voted in the Missouri Primaries and ballot initiatives.
But it also the beginning of the Black Weblog Awards Election season.

Thanks to you all, this blog has once again made the short list and is a finalist for the 2010 Black Weblog Awards in the Science & Tech Category.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

To vote, please visit this link and vote for all of your Black Weblog Favorite Finalists (there are some really great and new blogs) in the 35 categories. Check out all of the nominees. Voting ends August 31st. You will have to provide a valid email address to cast your ballot.  And while you are there, consider makiing a pledge to the 2011 Black Weblog Awards Kickoff campaign.  The award committee is actually trying to create a live award presentation program next year.  So, maybe I could receive my blog award in person. Who knows.

And...I have submitted a proposal for SXSW 2011. Yes, THE interactive social media conference event!  Panel title: "OMG! Ur Prof is tweeting Science!" a dual panel to discuss how social media can be used to reach and engage broader and diverse audiences in science.  Voting for panels begin Monday, August 9th and continues until August 21st.  I'll keep you all posted on details.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with pictures from this summer and the great urban wildlife spotted at summer camp in St. Louis, MO...and remind you why my blog should win best Science blog.

a lightening bug (also called firefly) in the day time on this bee balm flower (also called wild Bergamont)

Me holding a Fowler's toad

a dead crayfish, next to an OutdoorAfro lip balm tube for size comparison

pointing to a frog

it's a Grey Tree Frog

another Fowler's toad

What's the difference between a toad and a frog?  They are both amphibians (having a life cycle in the water and on land) and both have tadpods - the baby stage.  But the quick way to tell the difference is by the skin. Toads are dry and have warty skin. Frogs are moist and slippery skin.  Color doesn't matter. Both frogs adn toads can be green, gray or brown.

Happy Urban Wildlife sighting.