ChristineClayburg's Blog

Thankfully Gustav dropped to a Category 2 before coming ashore.....but the winds are still raging and New Orleans is in the worst part of the surge.  Some levees are being topped as I write this.  It is a wait and see situation right now as the storm slowly tracks toward Texas.

Here's where things are the worst right now

As a child growing in Zambia, Africa I didn't have a single fair skinned playmate.

As a woman with a Mensa level IQ, and an intuitive knack for science I have never once had the opportunity in my career or in any of my higher level coursework of having a female colleague.

For most of my life I've been oblivious to any ceilings for women for for people of color.  I didn't believe they existed.

Over time as I progressed from a single wide trailer with a family of 7 to the college classrooms to a fast rising career that exposed me to people from all walks of life...I started seeing others hit that ceiling.  But when it was my turn... I didn't even see the ceiling coming.  And when I smacked into it I didn't believe it was there...so I just kept banging my head against it.  

I got a huge and painful lesson in the UNINTENTIONAL FEARS and MISUNDERSTANDINGS that otherwise decent and well-intentioned folks can have of people who have a different set of experiences in ilfe.

 I've seen and experienced heartwrenching discrimination....first as an observer of people of color and then personally as a woman who started coming into her own as a woman instead of pushing myself three times as hard to be a woman and still fit in as one of the guys.

SO color me thrilled with the breakthroughs in politics that are happening this year!  A double whammy of historical moments in 24 hours!

As a scientist I've always watched politics from afar.  I like to study catalysts, endothermic reactions, exothermic reactions etc etc etc.

Good science is based on a sequential progression from: 

 Observation, Hypothesis, Theory and eventually scientific fact. 

You must always be ready to be proven wrong. 

It seems to me that "Political Science" would involve the same progression..but most folks hate science....so I OBSERVE politics to be a very emotional and polarizing sport....which is why I stay out of it. 

BUT.....there's nothing more riveting in SCIENCE than a breakthrough!  The discovery of new catalyst that create new reactions.  The thrill of being onto something new will keep you up all night running thru the new variable...trying new endless combinations to find a lock that fits...and grows into theory.

In my own life and hopefully in the life of any journalist one is content to live only in the world of observation and the collection of evidence.  I prefer to focus on evidence , for formation of a hypotheses, test the hypothesis in the real world, then collect more evidence, analyze analyze analyze, try to DISPROVE the hypothesis. 

THEN if you are very lucky...your research will form into a theory.  As a scientist you accept that it takes a VERY long time before THEORY becomes FACT .  And you live comfortably in that process.

And I am determined to stay there...I vote on theory...not on any omniscient illusion that I have all that answers  .But this year...If we can agree that the value of each human being on this planet is a scientific FACT.  We win no matter what.

If there's anything the American People take away from this years election I hope it is proof that every human being on this earth has something of value to contribute.  No matter what their sex, race, beliefs, IQ, orientation, and on and on...anything that may seem Different...that (I hypothesize) is where the value lies...in our differences!

And I do hope (however observationally) that it one day it becomes a widely accepted scientific fact...that every living this on this planet has VALUE exactly as it is and deserved to be treated with respect

Here's to an exciting election.  I am one excited observer!

Yep...I did it.  I joined the Air National Guard.  (4 days before my 35th birthday...after which I'd be too old for the Air Force).  I'll be training in as a Loadmaster...part of the Air Crew on the legendary C-130 Hercules.   

One of the things I love about weather is being up in it!  I've loved aviation for years. I've also been incredibly fortunate in my life and giving back matters a lot to me.  So pursuing a private license never felt like the quite the right fit...but everything about about serving as aircrew on the C-130's feels right to me.

 A lot of folks (parents especially) have freaked about the fact that this may involve dangerous endeavors at times....as opposed to what?  My usual selfish adventures...climbing mountains up to 22,000, rock climbing, kayaking solo on Lake Superior, crossing the Sierra Nevada alone, biking 100's of miles alone.  Hmmmm...

Unlike the afore mentioned shenanigans...the missions on the C-130's involve disaster relief (the MN Guard was there for Hurricane Katrina), humanitarian relief, research (including both poles) and or course supporting our troops.  No...this is not a political statement on my part.  Just a willingness and indeed, great pride, to serve the American People where ever they decide the need is greatest.

Yeah, it may not  be as "hollywood" as my previous high-profile endeavors (aka. Desperate Housewives)...but it's already the proudest decision I've ever made...and I'm just getting started. 

 Here are a few pics of the shenanigans I'll be up to in the years ahead.  ; )

More details soon....

Yo!  Does anyone know a better Eden Prairie bike map than this one?

http://www.edenprairie.org/plug-ins/maps/

Discovered it on the Eden Prairie website...but impossible to print without chopping it up!  So many great looking trails...so little space!  Eeek!

Well it's a start anyway but if you know where to find a hardcopy of this then post it here!!

Happy Trails!

Christine Clayburg

Or just good T-Shirt weather?

Well Lollipop Fluffer-Nutter the short-legged cat certainly woudl purrfurr the former!.  (not that there's much he can do about it).  Hee Hee.

Wahaahaha!  Actually it was only three degrees above average today  (definintely warm enough to hang out inside and bother the fluffer-nutter)!  We topped out at 85 with a brief rumble of thunder.  More sunny days ahead. 

Of course the big question on a day like this is what shall kitty wear tomorrow?

P.S.  the shirt says "what happens at grammas stay's at grammas" so don't tell the neighbor cats!  lolly is SO humiliated!

Okay I have no complaints about this fabulousy comfortable weather but when it comes to forecasting things are getting downright Southern California dull! 

So let's talk about something fun....namely...Popsicle the world-cutest Welsh corgi Rescue dog  (no bias here whatsover).

Yeah she loves snow but her most favoritest thing in the world in summer  (after walking thru every mudpuddle and soaking her low rider belly)  is rolling around on the grass with the most ridiculous smile.  Hysterical.

Is this the perfect back scratch or just doggie frolic instint?  I'm intrigued. 

Happy frolicing!

Christine

Nothing like a beautiful spring in Minnesota to get one ready to conquer the world (again)!  It's me taken over year in Minnesota to recover physically, mentally and emotionally from two years in the concrete jungle of LA.  

Yes I WAS on hold for for over a MONTH for those Desperate Housewives Tornado Episodes (the season 4 finale)....and then  got written out....darn.  I have to admit...doing STORM COVERAGE on WISTERIA LANEwould have been toooo cool.  But let's be honest...the show is called Desperate Housewives...not Desperate Reporter craving Northen Climate!.  ; )  And there was that writer's strike...and who knows...maybe a SAG/AFTRA strike in the works next?

Am I bad and misguided if I didn't mind NOT getting on a plane to LA this season?  I think not....I love my Minnesota SEASONS!  Where better to prep for high altitude cold than a Minnesota winter! 

Besides the Housewives are coming to FOX! Reruns start on WFTC in the Fall!

So anywho.....I'm finally back to my frisky old self again and getting ready to climb another glacier covered volcano!  

Meet Mt. Adams!  

(and feel free to cross your fingers for DH season 5)

    More details coming soon....

Best,

Christine Clayburg

We are tracking another round of severe weather for this weekend.

Greatest risk tonight is in sW MN.

But SATURDAY.  Keep an eye on the sky.  Severe risk is likely in the afternoon.

Don't forget to go to www.myfox9weather.com and keep an eye on the radar.

Also be aware that these storms may develop very quickly.  So do your best to get off the lakes in the afternoon.

Sunday will be a bit better.

Best,

Christine

Huge congrats to the ladies of the YWCA and Girls Inc.

Wonderful inspiring speeches from 2 young ladies at todays event.

http://www.ywcampls.org/events/circle/index.asp

Lots of inspiration for our 6th annual Girls in Science coming in October.

More details coming soon.

For now...check out these fascinating facts about being a girl in 2008.  Be Smart, Be bold, Be strong.  Love it!

www.girlsinc.org

Best,

Christine

Oh my gosh seriously...tooo funny...go read the blog.  Besides I'm busy watching the snow!

Tee Hee.  ; )

Didn't even hit 50 today!  All the wet weather is moving east but it will take most of Saturday for skies to clear.

However...nice warmup begins anyway.  Near 60 on Sat and close to 70 on Sunday!

Watch for an active start to next week with thunderstorms brewing for Sunday nite!

Here are some of the latest snow totals from the National Weather service.

And of course that doesn't count the blowing and drifting...we're talking about 4 to 5" drifts up north!  And it's still snowing as I write this. 

Check back for more totals tomorrow!

THE TOTALS BELOW ARE SEPARATED INTO SNOW...AND ICE AND SLEET
CATEGORIES...THEN BY AMOUNT...AND ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE
FINAL AMOUNT FOR EACH LOCATION.


SNOW REPORTS LISTED BY AMOUNT

INCHES  LOCATION                 ST  COUNTY           TIME
------  -----------------------  --  --------------   -------
14.60   MADISON                  MN  LAC QUI PARLE    1250 PM
12.00   LITTLE FALLS             MN  MORRISON         0626 AM
11.00   2 N SAUK CENTRE          MN  STEARNS          0815 AM
10.40   LONG PRAIRIE             MN  TODD             0600 AM
10.00   8 S MOTLEY               MN  MORRISON         0946 AM
  9.50   ST CLOUD                 MN  STEARNS          1255 PM
                 ST CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
  9.50   SAUK RAPIDS              MN  BENTON           0815 AM
  9.10   7 S HILLMAN              MN  MORRISON         0535 AM
                 STORM TOTAL
  9.00   ST JOSEPH                MN  STEARNS          1248 PM
  9.00   13 ENE WARMAN            MN  KANABEC          0815 AM
  8.50   HEWITT                   MN  TODD             0800 AM
  8.30   ST CLOUD                 MN  STEARNS          0100 PM
  8.00   CARLOS                   MN  DOUGLAS          0800 AM
  7.50   MURDOCK                  MN  SWIFT            0830 AM
                 FOUR TO FIVE FOOT DRIFTS
  7.50   SAUK RAPIDS              MN  BENTON           0623 AM
  7.00   NEW LONDON               MN  KANDIYOHI        1039 AM
  7.00   ST JOSEPH                MN  STEARNS          0730 AM
  7.00   MILACA                   MN  MILLE LACS       0700 AM
  6.50   MONTEVIDEO               MN  CHIPPEWA         0946 AM
  6.00   WILLMAR                  MN  KANDIYOHI        0800 AM
  6.00   GILMAN                   MN  BENTON           0725 AM
  6.00   6 NW RICE LAKE           WI  BARRON           0643 AM
  6.00   ALBANY                   MN  STEARNS          0500 AM
  5.80   DONNELLY                 MN  STEVENS          0715 AM
  5.30   MORA                     MN  KANABEC          0700 AM
  5.20   MORRIS                   MN  STEVENS          0800 AM
  4.50   RUSH CITY                MN  CHISAGO          0932 AM
  4.00   LITCHFIELD               MN  MEEKER           1250 PM
  4.00   CUSHING                  WI  POLK             0935 AM
  4.00   DANUBE                   MN  RENVILLE         0800 AM
  3.10   BUFFALO                  MN  WRIGHT           0800 AM
                 EIGHT INCH DIAMETER TREE DOWN IN NEIGHBORHOOD
  3.00   BROWNTON                 MN  MCLEOD           0800 AM
  2.80   1 S RICE LAKE            WI  BARRON           0655 AM
  2.50   NORTH BRANCH             MN  CHISAGO          0830 AM
  2.50   MORRIS                   MN  STEVENS          0800 AM
  2.20   CHANHASSEN               MN  CARVER           0100 PM
  2.00   BALDWIN                  WI  ST. CROIX        0800 AM
  1.70   LESTER PRAIRIE           MN  MCLEOD           0700 AM
  1.50   CLAYTON                  WI  POLK             0800 AM
  1.30   CHASKA                   MN  CARVER           0600 AM
  1.00   1 S CONNORSVILLE         WI  DUNN             0935 AM
                 1.8 INCHES OF LIQUID PRECIPITATION.
  1.00   ST PAUL                  MN  RAMSEY           0900 AM
                 COMO LAKE AREA
  1.00   MORGAN                   MN  REDWOOD          0715 AM
  0.80   MINNEAPOLIS              MN  HENNEPIN         0700 AM
                 MEASURED AT THE MINNEAPOLIS/ST PAUL
                 INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
  0.70   STANLEY                  WI  CHIPPEWA         0800 AM
  0.50   EAU CLAIRE               WI  EAU CLAIRE       0700 AM
  0.50   WINTHROP                 MN  SIBLEY           0500 AM

Yeah...we've been had!  We actually talked about doing a story on this on April 1!  And worse yet...I'm the one to make the call to set it up!

Oh sure it all sounds pretty credible....but keep reading...til you get to the Glow-in-the dark radioactive bunnies..that live in Antarctica!  Too funny!

Mitch Rosso beats Ely in 2008 for the smartest, sneakiest and most scientific April Fools Prank in recent memory (my opinion anyway).

Check it out here!  www.mitchster.com

Standby for April Showers and May Flowers!  Stormy days ahead!

Happy Spring!

Christine

Ahhhh yes!!  time to pump of those flat road bike tires and hit the road.

We dodged the snow this time....(wahhhh) but the upsides the roads and even many of the trails are looking good!

Yeah yeah I know lots of you ride all winter...but hey I said "ROAD BIKE"

Yep...no excuses in the forecast next week (this weekend may be a different story)

But for the record...Here are my lame cold weather excuses:

a) windchapped face makes putting on 12 pounds of TV makeup painful and messy

b) lond sordid past of landing on my face in bike accidents  (bad habit for TV) so therefore a good excuse to avoid the icy season on skinny tires

c)  riding in the cold and then coming into the relatively warm studio makes me sleeeepy

Alrightly...that's it for my lame cold weather excuses...not that any of those are going to work in the warmer days ahead!

Sooooo...what's your excuse!!  ; )

Whole lotta melting going on around town....here's a few soggy spots today:

Nope...that's not Lake Harriet!  It's the parking lot full of fast moving runoff from the streets above.  The ice on the right?  that's the lake...but not for long...the ice that is!

Lake Harriet "falls"  water pouring out of the parking lot and onto the ice.  Love this time of year when the ice changes everyday....beautiful with all the sunshine eh?  = )

and put away those ice skate...this Edina skating rink is done for! 

Time to start tuning up the bike, getting out the softball mitt and unboxing those spring clothes.  Sure were due for more snow on sunday...but with warm temps and plenty of warm water pooling everywhere you can bet the white stuff won't be around for long.

The official beginning of spring is just 8 days away

cue the "24" countdown...thunk! thunk! thunk!