March for Science !

And then there was the March for Science.

Since the presidential change in February the science agencies in the States have been under attack. With a president that is obvious lying (or living by "Alternative Facts"), a congress with a majority of old conservative men and a government put together by people ran by greed and wealth, it is not only science that is under attack.
America seems to be changing, or maybe showing it's true colors. In any case, standing up for what you believe in: Truth, dignity and a world in prosper, has never been more important!

So here we are in DC. Marching through pouring rain. Exercising our civil rights with chants and humorous signs. What it helps, I don't know. But at least we're doing what we can to show our displeasure with the state of things.

White House pose

Science is like magic!

And not only in the States is Science facing this problem. All over the world it seems people refuse to listen to reason and make up their own reality. It is scary and it makes me wonder where skills in science would be put to best use: doing research, teaching future generation or doing policy?
Maybe it is time to some serious career thinking!

A break in the rain draws the crowd

At least for now I can burst my #notmypresident #notmycountry. However, it is #stillmyworld

#marchforscience #earthday2017

The very final trip to Carlsbad

Just as one thought that there was plenty of data for the project:
Let's collect more data!!!

So back to Carlsbad it goes!

For one day (coupled with a night of fun in San Diego) I dorve down to collect water from the area around Carlsbad Desalination Plant.
This included filling ten big 20L jars with water and carry them back to the truck. No need explaining that my arms were dead the week after!

Now, back with water, I am setting up for two final experiments:
1) Will the brine discharge impact the biome living in the sediment?
2) Will it impact a benthic creature like a brittlestar?