Size is Not Always Better

Question: what do weeks of failed experiments of running rats on the treadmill yield?

Answer: the following observation -- rats have disproportionally large testicles!

After observing the enormity of their testicles for the past year, the budding researcher (and the avid, concerned runner) in me asked the following question: what percent of total body mass do rat testicles comprise? So, during the past several weeks, in addition to carrying out my original experimental design, I have learned the following: that rat testicles constitute, on average, 2.1% of their total body mass (n=7). Shocking, I know!

So how does that translate for humans? Assuming that the same ratio existed for a 200 lb man, for example, then that man -- unfortunate as it is -- would be schlepping around 4.2 lbs of testicles! To help you appreciate the sheer weight of 4.2 lbs, consider having to schlep between your legs (for life, that is) one of the following:

13 baseballs
10 softballs
22 CDs in standard jewel cases
9 VHS tapes in cardboard cases
a 5 lb bag of sugar minus several cups
a 2 liter bottle of your favorite soda

Research does not always lead to application, but does at times stir a greater sense of appreciation -- for all things both great and small! Likewise, as a runner who does not like the chronic chafing that often accompanies a long run, this serendipitous rodent observation helps me appreciate the fact that size is not always better!

Heroes: A Child's Perspective

Upon arriving home yesterday evening, April showed me the following pictures that both Caleb (8 y/o) and Cayanna (6 1/2 y/o) had drawn earlier that day during school. Their assignment was to draw a picture of a hero, without any prior discussion as to what a hero is and who it is that might be one.

Hero #1 (Cayanna): a self-portrait of Cayanna winning the race.

Hero #2 (Caleb): Science - "Is this dad dissecting the rat?" "No, it is just a man."


Hero #3 (Cayanna): the horse's tail has fallen off; this person is stapling it back on.


Hero #4 (Caleb): a fireman putting out the fire.


Hero #5 (Cayanna): this person (upper left corner) is helping save the baby who is being sacrificed by these people.

FINALLY - the Boy has a Name!

After 3 weeks of deliberation, the boy has finally been given a name: Elias (Eli) Storm. Elias is of Hebrew origin (as might be suspected), and "has been placed on many persons as a title pertaining to both preparatory and restorative functions". About a week or so before his birth, April had this overwhelming sense that this child would bring "balance" to our family; or, to say it another way, that he would "restore" balance to the Force. (With 4 boys, any reference made to Star Wars is almost a guaranteed win!)

The middle name Storm has a twofold meaning: one, labor was just that - a stormy and unpredictable ride (an intense 20 plus hours that hinged on the possibility of transferring to the hospital); and two, a short yet powerful display of Nature's Force - a thunder and lightening storm - that occurred just shortly after his birth!

We appreciate all of the suggestions that people made. Here are a few of the names that were in the running up until the very end: Elijah Storm, Ultimo (as in final or last), LastKid Day, and Keep 'em Coming!



Since joining the fold, he has become quite the distraction - for everyone. And he definitely does not go without attention or affection, especially from his lone sister. Needless to say, he is a big reason why our to-do list has only grown these past several weeks to insurmountable lengths. But now that we have settled upon a name, the list does not seem quite as exhaustive. In fact, if we allow momentum to work in our favor, then we will soon be able to cross off one other item from our list: filling out his birth certificate.