GSA-Geek Squad America

As I come to the close of my first experience at a geological conference, I must reflect on the many things I've seen and learned:

1. Soil scientists don't even hold a candle to geologists. There was a soil science technology booth at the expo next to the BYU booth and the guys (but mostly just one specifically) were WEIRD. And considering I'm at a geology conference, that's saying a lot.

2. Denver is host to a veritable cornucopia of diverse multi-cultural cuisines. Although I personally stuck to the traditionals (Hard Rock Cafe, The Cheesecake Factory, Sam's no. 3, Tokyo Joe's, etc.), a few BYU staff members have developed an affinity for Moroccan food. The nightly belly dancing has nothing to do with it... so I hear...

3. The U.S. Mint is cool, and gives out free pennies, and has never been robbed, and has its gift shop in a double-wide trailer a few feet away. Also, in the spirit of capitalism and not Andrew Mellon, the government is encouraging more coin collecting and is coming out with a line of $1 coins of all 37 dead presidents. They must be dead, sorry Bill. Additionally, in a few years will be a new line of pennies depicting four of President Lincoln's finest moments. On behalf of the U.S. Mint and the U.S. government, I would also like to take this time to explain that the phrase "In God We Trust" will still be on the presidential dollars, but on the edge. This will draw more people to look at it and reflect on religiosity because it is a novelty to find the hidden message. That is all.

4. The squirrels at the Colorado capitol building are HUGE!

5. Not a lot of geologists dressed up for Halloween. :(

6. But there was a lot of useless free stuff at the Expo! :)

7. Despite the deficit of victories in the Denver sports scene, fans are still loyal and selling World Series paraphernalia... for 75% off.

8. I met some people from NASA and the Smithsonian and other sundry areas that are researching something that can be coupled with the poster I presented and they were so nice! And people don't care if you don't 100% understand your research, so long as you smile and say things like "Well of course there is still so much more work to be done. These are just our preliminary conclusions, and hopefully as technologies advance, we'll have more accurate data and see more evidenciary support for our work... No, I'm still an undergrad."

9. Staying on the "Fun and Games" floor makes a world of difference. When the elevator is constantly inviting you to "come on down, you're on the fun and games floor!" it's hard not to get excited that you'll be walking away with a free washing machine or something.

10. When I first arrived in Denver, I thought it was pretty cut-and-dry as far as deciphering between the geologists, the baseball fans, and the locals. When someone I shared an elevator with asked if I was here for GSA, I didn't know if I should be mildly offended or relieved.

Overall, I've thoroughly enjoyed Denver. Some of the nicest guys are the ones with ponytails. I have seen more piercings here than I have in potentially the last 21 years of my life, which is all of it. But I definitely see the appeal of the mile-high city. I guess any large city would have similar appeal, but I'm not really familiar with them. But what's not to love? Four major sports teams (baseball, basketball, football and hockey), decent shopping, lots of food, mountains, public transit, and government buildings. Denver and I, we're friends. At the very least, acquaintances for now.