‘Variety’ Archives
LTO Star Night: June 2017
The guest speaker is Dr. Suzanne Metlay, and the title of her presentation is “All-American Eclipse on August 21” Enjoy the unique experience of a solar eclipse safely and well-informed about the local logistics and celestial mechanics. We will discuss: eye safety, where to go within easy driving distance, what you can expect to see, and why an eclipse occurs. Let’s talk about planetary tilts, orbits, alignments, eccentricities, and the excitement of your own upcoming ... Full Story
Two dogs confirmed with rabies
Make sure your pets are vaccinated DENVER—Two pet dogs have tested positive for rabies, one in Weld County and one in Yuma County. These are the first cases of rabies among dogs in Colorado since 2003, when a dog from Texas tested positive. The last time a dog was exposed and developed rabies in Colorado was 1974. All contacts of these two dogs have been identified and have sought appropriate care to prevent rabies; these animals did not create a risk to other members of the public. The ... Full Story
LTO May 2017 Star Night
The guest speaker is Dr. Roger Culver, and the title of his presentation is “Bygone Constellations.” Down through the centuries, cultures the world over have imagined “star pictures” to be present in the random scattering of stars in the night sky. Out of a myriad of such imaginings, modern astronomers now officially recognize 88 of these star pictures or constellations, thus consigning “a myriad minus 88” constellations to history. In this presentation we ... Full Story
Honey Bee Swarm Season
Honey Bee Swarm Season is Nearly Upon Us In Colorado Mid-April to late June is a typical time for honeybee swarm season in Colorado. “We will be expecting swarms to emerge in the next couple of weeks.” according to Beth Conrey, Past President of the Colorado State Beekeepers Association (CSBA). The Colorado State Beekeepers Association (CSBA), a statewide organization of beekeepers, is dedicated to honey bee health. For the 10th year, they are running the ... Full Story
LTO April 2017 Star Night
Public Star Night - Friday, April 21 2017 Doors Open 7:00 p.m. - Guest Speaker: 7:30-8:30 p.m. - Observing: 8:30 - 10:00 p.m. The guest speaker is Dr Gordon MacAlpine, and the title of his presentation is “Earth’s Climate Past, Present, and Back to the Future” This public talk, supplemented with visual aids, is intended for a general audience. We will examine changing climatic conditions on Earth, from its origin just over 4.5 billion years ago to ... Full Story
Humor is the Cure: After a Long Winters Nap
By Gerri Hunter My calendar says spring is here. I had a nice winter’s nap and now I’m expected to change gears in March and start mowing the grass. Oh, no. The lawn mower. I put a liquid in with the fuel last autumn. The mower was to start easily this spring. Well, that’s what the can’s label said would happen. No. I tried starting it today. It sputtered and started for eight seconds. It died. I repeated pulling the rope until my arm was numb. I examined the spark plug and I ... Full Story
Humor is the Cure, Gravy
By Gerri Hunter Gravy. Just typing the word is probably enough to finish this article. Humans swoon when they see or hear this word. This word makes even snooty people groan with pleasure. When you purchase a nice set of china at a department store, it comes with a sugar bowl, creamer and a gravy boat. I have always felt cheated when I look at a gravy boat. It’s too small. The word boat suggests a piece of china that can hold lots of ... Full Story
Humor is the Cure: Making Taffy
By Gerri Hunter I tried making taffy recently and it was a gross experience. You must cover your hands in butter and more butter. Then, after the candy has reached the same temperature as molten lava, you are to pick it up in your buttered hands and start pulling the candy. Torture is the only word to explain the feeling of tossing that sticky wad of candy back and forth in your hands. You will quickly have a mental conversation with yourself about your sanity. Trust me. This will ... Full Story
Little Thompson Observatory: March Star Night
The Little Thompson Observatory Bringing science and math down to earth! Public Star Night - Friday, March 17 Doors Open: 7:00 | Guest Speaker: 7:30-8:30 | Observing: 8:30-10:00 The guest speaker is Mike Roos, from Fort Collins, and the title of his presentation is “Messier Marathon in slides”. During the late 1700’s, Charles Messier, a French astronomer and comet hunter, made a list of objects that are NOT comets, so that he wouldn’t have to repeatedly deal ... Full Story
Humor is the Cure, Dogs and Baby Boomers
By Gerri Hunter The toy and food industry for our pets is billions per year. We humans feel guilty if we do not treat our pets as our children. Pet food manufacturers have caught on and now help us feel guilty about the way our pets eat and play. We humans are now referred to as “pet parents” in national commercials on television. Gee, nothing like using a loaded word like “parent” to reel guilt-ridden humans into the offices of psychologists for therapy. When did this change take ... Full Story
