Have you heard about STEM? It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. If you have not heard the term before, you will shortly, make no mistake.

As we grow close to the end of 2011 we are looking back and we are pretty geeked about some of our accomplishments this year! Number one among them is the fact that we are still here! 

I started out today to just wish everyone a Happy July 4 celebration of the birth of our nation. And, by all means, Happy Independence Day to you all! (a day or two early because I will certainly be at a barbecue or a pool or both on Monday!) But along the way I was sidetracked by an article concerning scientists  who have apparently discovered a way to link strands of DNA through chemistry. 

Last week the Space Shuttle Discovery made its final launch into space. I came across this incredible video showing the launch, not from the ground as we are accustomed to viewing it, but rather from the vantage of a high altitude aircraft. Have a look for yourself....

Earth Balloon school assemblies have been on my mind a great deal lately as I have been watching the events unfolding in Egypt. What an amazing turn of events to witness! Thirty years of rule in one of the Earth’s most ancient countries may be coming to a sudden end. The world waits watchfully to see how this story unfurls. 

Well, here in Michigan we are digging out from the latest blizzard. Michigan schools woke up to between 6 and 15 inches of snow following this mammoth storm. But that was minor in comparison.  We understand that other parts of the midwest were hit harder than us with areas in Illinois receiving as much as 25 inches of snow! Meantime parts of Indiana and Kentucky were only dusted with snow and had more trouble from ice and freezing rain. Now the East Coast is getting pounded again! Well, it is winter and what do we expect?

Based in Michigan, as we are, many of our school assembly performers are Michigan artists and teachers. It also happens frequently that performing school assemblies will get into your blood. A great school show performer, having worked for us for awhile, will retire to some other profession only to find they miss our odd little world.