The board exams are six grueling hours of testing, which Jill studied for almost a month for. So about a week after taking the exams Jill got an email telling her she had passed. What a relief!

Once that was over Jill really got down to finding a job. Something else she didn’t have much trouble with. And so last week Jill started at an outpatient oncology clinic here in Durham!

I’m so happy for her, after two very hard years of study and rotations Jill has realized her goal and is now a PA! So send along your congrats, I know I couldn’t be more proud!

Nearly two years ago, the Silent Crow team began looking cinematically at physics. Not just your everyday physics, but the quantum world of particle physics. Over my head? Yes. So, we were joined by the best physicists in the world.

On September 9, at 8 PM (Eastern),on the EVE of the first beam in the biggest particle collider on the planet,the History Channel will air the film we’ve created. It’s called Next Big Bang, and it is just that. It’s a deep look at the physics of the very beginning of time. We battled hard with the network to create something that isn’t simply sensational or dumbed down, something stunningly beautiful, and something that you will want to watch again, because it sparks so many questions about the nature of the universe. This is really compelling, fascinating, challenging and did I mention gorgeous immersive stuff.

I am proud of the Next Big Bang, even if it is TV. Which is the reason for this email:

The network is not promoting the show for fear their audience doesn’t want to be intellectually inspired, enlightened or challenged. Prove them wrong. Watch the show. Tape it. Tivo it, and most importantly, call your friend down the block who you know loves science and physics, and tell him to watch it. Tell your school physics teacher that there’s a show her students should watch.

It’s VERY cool, and it sends the networks a message that we actually do like entertaining programming that inspires us… to think.
So, from the many producers and physicists that toiled to create this visionary piece, please enjoy the Next Big Bang.

Check it out TUESDAY, Sept 9, at 8 PM EST - HISTORY CHANNEL, if you have a TiVo go here to tivo it.

Update (09/08/08): Another quick update, CERN’s first run is getting press at big news outlets like CNN (front page) and the AP as we as an interesting article questioning the resources might used better elsewhere at the BBC. Poppycock, I say!

Update (09/11/08): Ok, I know this just contributes the tin foil hatters, but this LHC comic is too funny.

Hi All,

Some of you know this already but for those that don’t, we have some news….we sold our house!  It was all very sudden with little time to do much other than pack and find a new place fast, which we did.  We found a nice rental in Madison 1.5 miles from our old house.  The move went fairly well aside from the fact that we were without phone service for three days (we haven’t officially joined the cell phone age yet) and internet for two weeks.  But we’re sloooowly getting settled in and are back in business as far as email goes. The basement is loaded with boxes that will only get unpacked as needed, because the plan is to start looking for another - smaller - house on a smaller lot.  I say we’re downsizing, whereas George likes to say we’re starting a new adventure.  I hope it’s a fun ride!

Our phone number hasn’t changed…

Hope all is well with everyone.

Lorraine

If you need their address feel free to email me. I was sad that I missed Kristen’s graduation party (still waiting on some pics btw - got ‘em!), but I’ll definitely make it to the next one at your new place.

Kristen sent along some pictures of the last night in the old Hance homestead not to mention some pictures of her graduation party - thx Kristen!

There is a new game out in stores now… it is called “Where did Steph move to this time?”

I’ll give you all a hint…it isn’t with crazy older ladies (apparently the woman I had been renting a room from tried to kill her now ex-husband with a football trophy while he was sleeping on the sofa!!!)… it isn’t with 7 (yes- we were up to 7) dogs in the house…

Is it with a normal girl from Mass who works at Lockheed? With 2 guinea pigs?? YES!!!!!

So, I’ve moved- again…. hopefully I can stay at this place for longer than 2 months (I may have to simply because no one will help me move things for a 4th time in 3 months-go figure?!?)

I am actually closer to work (not a blessing), friends and soccer (a blessing!) and am very happy! Shauna-my roommate- is very cool and so far we are getting along great..she doesn’t wander around in her bra and panties and we actually hang out in the living room and chat! she likes my cats and has even made them a toy so the critters are happy as well….

A little while ago Lorraine sent out an email about the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, where Mike works. There was a special on the Discover Channel about it. For those of you who missed it there are a number of YouTube videos on it (see below). For a quick overview on what it is that Mikey does over in Geneva, check out the BBC podcast video below.

Amazing stuff really. If you want to see the whole thing, some kind souls have actually uploaded the whole show in several clips. Take an hour and learn all about the Large Hadron Collider.

Update (08/02/2008): A new CERN video is out CERN RAP, check it out

Update: Danielle sent along this funny story about some, well, interesting protesters…

Update (09/07/08): The History Channel is now playing the special on the LHC, here are the details as passed along by Lorraine here. The info is: TUESDAY, Sept 9, at 8 PM EST - HISTORY CHANNEL

Out Sailing

A few weekends ago I had the chance to go out sailing with my parents, Suzy and Forrest, and Danielle and James. It was a great time. The weather was looking like it wasn’t going to cooperate on Saturday, but things cleared up and we were treated to some fantastic wind, even if it was a bit overcast. On Sunday we were greated with some beautiful skies, though the wind was a bit hard to find.

I’m looking forward to many more of these trips as well as a trip out on the powerboat soon!

Click on the picture to the right to see all the pictures from this outing.

A few months ago some of us got together to make a batch of raviolis at Fred And Lois’. As usual great food and wine was had throughout the process. We’ve made raviolis quite a few times at their place, though this time we had only a few of the Covati clan there. Click on any of the images in the sideshow to the right to check out all the photos from the event.

The biggest addition, however, was the vacuum sealer, this thing not only did a fantastic job of sealing the raviolis (they’re still cooking up fresh!), but it was great fun to play with! Check out this video of us trying out it’s skills.

Hope to see you at the next ravioli party!

More coming soon…