"Dude, it's cool!" Susan Toone, Part 3: Breaking the news to celebrities who recycle

Editor's Note: MOD Voices guest blogger Susan Toone continues. Today we explore the wonderful recycling talents of bugs. Learn more buggy facts at the Museum of Discovery's current exhibit, Harry's Big Adventure


Julia Roberts was on the cover of Vanity Fair’s Green Issue a few years ago, radiant in green as the Earth-Mother Goddess. I like Julia Roberts (except when she says things like “I am, like, so totally, definitely a practicing Hindu and really into chanting!”). I found Vanity Fair’s choice comical, as their cover girl said she was new to recycling, but had started taking her own mug to Starbucks. 


Wow – that’s event-changing for all of us! 


I hate to break the news to her and Leo and all the other celebrities who make headlines by arriving in a Prius at the Oscars: Millipedes, beetles and wild termites are SO far ahead of you in recycling! They not only eat stuff, but also help recycle nutrients. And they laugh and point at your behind your backs because they know you have at least 20 other cars parked at one of your many mansions around the world. And spend a fortune on coffee from a place where workers can’t afford a cup of joe.

Susan Toone lives with her husband, two teenagers and two dogs in Little Rock. The husband and dogs are great; the teenagers are driving her crazy. She works at Acxiom and has a blog.

Editor's Note: Up next...why cockroaches should garner more respect.

Uncorked is one day away!  You can still get your tickets HERE or at the door.

In addition to tasting over 80 wines and beer, guests can bid on some pretty nifty silent auction items. This is just a sample!

Wine and appetizers for 25 at Greg Thompson Fine Art
Value: $1,500 – Donated by Greg and Annamary Thompson


Cocktail Party for 25 at the home of Edward and Angela Moody Value: $500 – Donated by Edward and Angela Moody


House Concert by Steve Davison
Value $500 – Donated by Steve Davidson

“Artist Hands” Cast Marble/Bronze Sculpture
Value: $800 – Donated by Terry Bean, Artist
Bosco’s Beer Dinner Party for 10
Enjoy a 5 course meal paired with 6 custom crafted beers.
Value: $750 – Donated by Bosco’s

Concerto of Food & Wine at Ashley’s @ The Capital Hotel
A dinner for six guests including wine pairings designed in concert with Chef Lee Richardson.
Value: $550 – Donated by the Capital Hotel

“Booze Wagon”
A collection of various libations. Value: $500 – Donated by Pleasant Valley Liquor Store

"Dude, it's Cool!" Susan Toone, Part 2: Harry

Editor's Note: MOD Voices guest blogger Susan Toone continues. Today is all about Harry from the Museum of Discovery's current exhibit, Harry's Big Adventure.

Harry is a travelling mantis; he was in a fancy hotel room somewhere in the heartland ordering takeout when we visited. However, he left behind video that my oldest daughter and I watched over and over again. Harry seized a butterfly and ate it alive, followed by a black bug, followed by a lime green bug….. After each meal, Harry delicately cleaned his hands of every morsel, as I do after I’ve made something chocolate or a meringue. I couldn’t stop watching him. My daughter commented, “What a slow and painful death. Not the best kind of death,” and then added “I’m both freaked out and fascinated."




I got chills thinking about my close encounter with one of Harry’s brethren while recently watering an Autumn Joy during a really dry spell. I thought my mantis was a leaf, so I bent to pluck him; he startled me by flourishing his little arms, informing me that I should really consider my next move. I raised the nozzle a bit higher so he could enjoy a nice shower vs. a deluge. He climbed to the tip-top of the plant and signaled his thanks – he couldn’t get enough of the water. I didn’t know what a predator he was then, and I shudder to think of the consequences had I not done his bidding. He never did tell me where he was from.



(Incidentally, the “praying mantis fist” is a form of martial arts, inspired by the aggressiveness of guys like Harry.)

Weekend bug petting zoo

Next to the scary videos of Harry, we discovered a family of Dung Beetles. They almost shimmered and might be more appealing if they weren’t eating and playing in poop. Unlike some of the other insects (for example, Cuddles the Scorpion, who looked lonely), they looked very busy and we couldn’t help but wonder: where does the poop in the habitat come from? Because I have two dogs and I’d be happy to contribute.



We experienced what a locust attack would sound like and watched a few people, including my daughter, eat savory bugs and worms prepared by the Terminix chefs. I could go on and on about the bugs – who knew they were so fascinating.

 Susan Toone lives with her husband, two teenagers and two dogs in Little Rock. The husband and dogs are great; the teenagers are driving her crazy. She works at Acxiom and has a blog.

Editor's Note: Up next..what bugs could teach a thing or two to celebrities.

Uncorked Silent Auction Items: NASCAR, Napa Valley, Orlando, and more

Oh, how we love our annual UNCORKED wine/beer event!  This Thursday, October 21 7-10pm at the Museum of Discovery. Get your tickets HERE.

In addition to tasting over 80 wines and beer, guests can bid on some pretty nifty silent auction items. This is just a sample!

NASCAR Car Racing Package with 4-Night Stay and Airfare for Two (2) Enjoy a package for two (2) that provides classroom training AND the ability to drive NASCAR SPRINT Cup cars on a professional track. Value: Priceless

Napa Valley Wine Country Experience featuring chauffeur, wine train, and a 3-Night Stay at the Meritage Resort & Spa, plus airfare for two (2). Value: $5,675

Orlando Theme Park Adventure 4-Night Hyatt Package with Airfare for Four (4) Enjoy a 4-night stay at one of Hyatt-Orlando’s premiere locations AND 4 tickets to Sea World AND 4 tickets to your choice of Universal Studios (Universal Studios Florida® or Universal’s new Islands of Adventure, featuring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™) AND Airfare for 4! Value: $10,100

Guided Fly Fishing Trip on the Little Red River with lunch
Value: $400 – Donated by John Selig

Autographed Razorback Football Value: Priceless - Donated by Patrick & Jennifer Schueck

Uncorked - Wine & Beer Tasting List

We just finalized our tasting menus! 

Which one(s) do you think you'd like to taste?

Get your tickets HERE -- all proceeds benefit the Museum's statewide educational programs.

Table 1 Upstairs - WINE
Yealands Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand
Yealands Pinot Noir New Zealand
Villa Maria Unoaked Chardonnay New Zealand
Black Swan Shiraz/Cabernet Australia
Layer Cake Shiraz Australia
Penley Estate Hyland Shiraz Australia
Batitu Chardonnay Chile
Santa Rita Reserve Merlot Chile
Estimulo Sauvignon Blanc Argentina
Estimulo Malbec Argentina
Altosur Merlot Argentina
Gascon Malbec Argentina
Volteo Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon Spain
Martin Codax Albarino Spain
Grahams 6 Grapes Porto Portugal
A-Mano Pinot Grigio Italy
Caposaldo Pinot Grigio Italy
Ruffino Chianti Classico Italy
Pio Cesare Cortese di Gavi Italy
Charles DuPay Sauvignon Blanc France
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone France


Table 2 Upstairs - BEER
New Belgium Fat Tire Colorado
New Belgium Hoptoberfest Colorado
New Belgium Sunshine Wheat Colorado
Sierra Nevada Tumbler California
Rogue Dead Guy Ale Oregon
Samuel Smith Organic Ale England
Boulevard Pils Missouri
Boulevard Wheat Missouri
Boulevard Pale Ale Missouri
White Hawk IPA California
Red Tail Ale California
Jack Daniels Black Jack and Cola Tennessee
Jack Daniels Ginger Splash Tennessee
O'Hara's Irish Stout Ireland
Lindemans Faro Belgium
Xingu Brazil
Newcastle Brown Ale England


Table 3 Downstairs
Markham Merlot Napa
St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma
Francis Ford Coppola Claret California
R Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
Glass Mountain Chardonnay California
Glass Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon California
Columbia Crest Grand Estate Cab Sauv Columbia Valley
Butterfield Station Merlot California
Butterfield Station Cabernet Sauvignon California
Chateau St. Jean Merlot California
La Crema Chardonnay Sonoma
La Crema Pinot Noir Sonoma
Big Tattoo White California
Turning Leaf Sauvignon Blanc California
Line 39 Cabernet Sauvignon Lake County
Benzinger Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma
Green Truck Sauvignon Blanc Lake County
Toasted Head Merlot California
Toasted Head Chardonnay California


Table 4 Downstairs
Greystone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon California
Greystone Cellars Chardonnay California
J Vineyards Chardonnay Russian River
Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon California
Guenoc Chardonnay California
Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma
Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot Columbia Valley
Francis Ford Coppola Directors Cut P. Noir North Coast
Mia's Playground Pinot Noir Sonoma
Esser Cabernet Sauvignon California
Cellar 8 Pinot Noir California
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Merlot California
MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir Russian River
MacMurray Pinot Gris Sonoma
Dynamite Zinfandel North Coast
Rancho Zabaco Heritage Vines Zinfandel Sonoma
Edna Valley Merlot Paso Robles
ZD Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Forest Glen Pinot Grigio California
Table 5 Downstairs
Lady Bug White Blend Mendocino
Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay Arroyo Seco
Sokol Blosser Pinot Gris Dundee Hills
Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc Lake County
Montevina Cabernet Sauvignon California
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
Liberty School Chardonnay Central Coast
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay Columbia Valley
Tamas Double Decker Red Central Coast
Flora Springs Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Jordon Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
Korbel Brut Sparkling California
Duckhorn Merlot Napa
Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc Napa
Honig Sauvignon Blanc Napa
Middle Sister Smarty Pants Chardonnay California
King Estate Pinot Gris Oregon
Menage a Trois Chardonnay California


Many thanks to Glazers for providing all the wine and beer--we couldn't do this event without you!

“Dude, it’s cool!” Susan Toone, Part 1: Falling in love with bugs all over again

Editor's Note: MOD Voices is honored to present a blog mini-series by our friend Susan Toone!
 
Note to Readers: This blog does not contain scientific terms.
I wasn’t sure how much enthusiasm three teenagers, ranging in age from 13 – 15, were going to display when told I was taking them to the Museum of Discovery. They got really excited, like teenagers do. “Yeah, okay. Cool.”

Visiting the cow in "Room to Grow"

We were greeted at the museum by Borus the Sphinx Rat (who is hairless and jumped on his wheel immediately to impress us), Charles, a baby ball python whose body size has not yet caught up with his head, and Ginger, an Iguana who looks as if she has found her bliss.

Exhibits at the museum range from cool to creepy, from mystery to murder, from silliness to heartbreak. You can’t help but notice that Albert Einstein is to the museum what Nearly Headless Nick is to Hogwarts: an enthusiastic, friendly presence who gleefully peeps over the shoulders of children discovering their world through play.

My greatest learning experiences were twofold: how much I love bugs and how much science fiction owes to their behavior. You can’t help but think of Alien as you watch a spider deftly wrap a munchie in her web. Harry the Chinese Praying Mantis and his kin have obviously influenced the look of many aliens, both in look and manner. Although Harry also reminded me of Hannibal Lector, minus the fava beans and a good bottle of Chianti.

Susan Toone lives with her husband, two teenagers and two dogs in Little Rock. The husband and dogs are great; the teenagers are driving her crazy. She works at Acxiom and has a blog.


Editor's Note: Next, read more about Harry the Praying Mantis!

Tasty Brew by Brant Collins

Editor's Note: MOD Voices welcome guest blogger Brant Collins who gives us a little history of beer. Why? Because on October 21, 2010, the Museum of Discovery hosts its ninth annual UNCORKED wine and beer tasting event!


Many historians believe that the ancient Sumerians and Mesopotamians were brewing as early back as 10,000 B.C. Even though this product would have been different from the bottled varieties of today, it would have still been recognizable.



The ancient Egyptians and the Chinese brewed their beer, as did civilizations in America, where they used corn instead of barley. Back then, thousands of years ago, microbrews were very popular and on their way to what we now know and love today.

In the middle ages, European monks were the guardians of literature and science, as well as the art of making beer. They refined the process to perfection, and even institutionalized the use of hops as both flavoring and a preservative.



However, it wasn't until Louis Pasteur came along that a final, important development was determined. Until this time, brewers had to depend on the wild yet airborne yeast for fermentation. By establishing that yeast is actually a living organism, he opened the gates for controlling the conversion of sugar into alcohol.

Grapes grow well in warmer climates, while barley grows better in cool climates. This is how the northern areas of Germany and England first became famous for their beers.

Around a century ago, the United States had more than 2,000 breweries making many different styles and variations until 1920, when prohibition took effect. A lot of breweries went out of business or switched their production to soda. Not everyone stopped drinking, but gangster related products weren't known for high quality. Prohibition was repealed in 1933.

By the 1980's, there were only 40 brewing companies which only offered a brand of American Pilsner. Microbrews started to become popular when distributors really were convinced that at least some people would buy them.

According to the Brewers Association, 1,595 breweries operated for some or all of 2009, the highest total since before Prohibition. Craft brewers currently provide an estimated 100,000 jobs in the U.S., including serving staff in brewpubs.


--Brant Collins is the Admiral of Ales for BeerUtopia.com, New Media Artist and father of five.

Birthday Parties, Amy Bradley-Hole

Growing up, I had some awesome birthday parties. They were pretty simple - no bounce houses or circus acts or fancy food or hundreds of guests. No, they were simple but fun affairs. They usually involved splashing around in a pool or lake and generally being wild and crazy and burning off some energy. My mom really made them great, though. She had a knack for making a fun cake and tasty snacks. Plus she always came up with a neat theme and made sure the decorations were perfect.

As a mom, I'd love to give my kids the same kind of birthday experience. But the problem is, I work full time. I just don't have the time to plan a party, shop for decorations, come up with activities, etc. If I even thought about tackling a project like that, I would lose my mind.

The birthday boy

That's why I love the Museum of Discovery. They have the greatest birthday party service for moms like me. They let you choose from an assortment of themes that are sure to please any kid. And they take care of almost everything for you. Activities? Check. Drinks? Check. Plates and napkins? Check. Awesome-fun staff members who love hanging out with crazy, loud, rambunctious kids? Check! Someone to CLEAN UP AFTER YOU? A big, fat answer-to-my-prayers check. All you have to do is send out invitations and bring a cake.




And while it may not be the simple birthday party of my memories, it's still good, clean educational fun. It doesn't feel "bought" in any way. It feels wholesome. And after all, I think that's really what I loved about my childhood celebrations.

Captivated by a birthday party activity!

So if you want an easy birthday experience that will please you, your kid, your guests (and your wallet), look no further than the Museum of Discovery!

Amy Bradley-Hole is a busy working mom who barely has time to do laundry, let alone plan parties. An avid museum-goer, she loves all types of museums and exhibits. She also loves introducing her two sons to the world of technology and science. When they’re not in the Room to Grow space, you can find Amy and her family watching LSU football.

Editor's note: MOD VOICES is proud to publish this entry by our friend Amy Bradley-Hole.

Scorpions glow!

Did you know that scorpions glow under ultraviolet light? 
Every Saturday and Sunday through January 9, 2011 visit the 'Harry's Big Adventure Bug Petting Zoo' on the upper level of the Museum of Discovery. (Also visit the Museum of Discovery's permanent bug collection on the lower level.)

"Cuddles" the Scorpion wants to meet you!

Many other hands-on experiences are part of the exhibit

 (and included in your museum admission)

Thanks to our local sponsor

Hello Illusion Confusion!

OPENING SATURDAY OCTOBER 2:
ILLUSION CONFUSION!





"Is that for real? Or are you playing tricks on me?"


Put your senses to the test as you experience how perceptions often seem to fool even science! From mirrors to mazes to refracting light, you’ll learn that you can't always believe what you see. More information is available at our website HERE.