And then I introduce them to Harvey... and he's bigger and grander than anything they offer me.

My middle daughter who is a 7th Grader just brought home a "Dear parents" letter from her science teacher which concluded with the following paragraph--

"Finally, I know that astronomy teaches on some subjects that may be considered sensitive. We will be discussing the formation of the universe and the big bang theory. If you are uncomfortable with your student learning about this please sign and return the bottom portion of the page. I will give your child an alternative assignment and they will not be held responsible for the material on the test."

We checked the district webpage and could find nothing on science curriculum so we're still trying to find out if this was the district or just the teacher heading off on his own tangent. Either way we're alternating between bemused suggestions to each other of funny replies ("As pastafarians we believe the world was created by the noodly appendages of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and would like our daughter to opt OUT of your big ban propoganda") to complaints to the district.

What do you guys think?

It turns out the results of Joe's I.Q. test had caught the attention of the highest levels of government.

Just another small reminder of why a Democratic president (Clinton/ Obama) would still be preferable to McCain. On Saturday the scientific advisory teams of Clinton and Obama had a debate sponsored by the American Society for the Advancement of Science. Wonder of wonders they pretty much agreed on everything --

Either Clinton or Obama would reverse the Bush administration ban on federal funding of certain embryonic stem cell research and both have multiple plans to ameliorate climate change through technological advances, carbon trading and more engagement with other nations.

Both representatives promised more scientific freedom, ending what they characterized as extensive political interference in science and technology policy decisions. Ross said "instead of having politicians make those decisions, let's have scientists make those decisions," and Kalil adding Clinton "is committed to signing executive orders to prevent political appointees from muzzling scientists."

Nothing in the article about Obama's previously stated preference to cutting space exploration so I don't know if that ill-considered position still stands.

I did love this bit where Republicans were apparently invited to the debate as well but just couldn't make it--

...John McCain's science advisor had declined due to scheduling problems and that they had not received any reply to the invitation from the Mike Huckabee or Ron Paul campaigns

Huckabee's science advisor couldn't attend because he's busy doing field research into "The Water-based Effects of Submersion of Supernaturally Tainted Women with Black Pointy Hats."

Ron Paul's advisor couldn't get a hall pass from his middle school.

It's a ...baby.

Rare meteorite found in Kansas field.