The Wake-Up Call: Sexy Geeks, Tweeting in Class

Roughly a year ago today, I was sitting on a bar stool across from a man I had recently started dating, who for the purposes of this column shall remain anonymous. We each agreed to tell each other one of our deepest, darkest secrets.

Imagine my surprise when this macho, tattooed man, a former motorcyle rider, confessed that for many years he participated religiously in the National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count, in which Teva-clad nature lovers everywhere turn out to check up on the welfare of the Northern Pintail and other winged creatures.

Needless to say, I was completely smitten. So today's lesson, readers, is: geeking out over nature is sexy. Keep that in mind as you tromp through the weeds this Sunday at the Cosumnes River Preserve's Annual Butterfly Count, a great opportunity to peep some of these graceful flutterers in action.

In the Patch:

Annual Butterfly Count. Part of the Cosumnes River Preserve's ongoing wildlife monitoring efforts, the event begins at 8:00 a.m. Sunday at the Preserve's barn. For more information and directions, go here.

Local elite gymnast raising funds for national competitions. Fifteen-year-old Nichelle Christopherson, who trains at Byers Gymnastics Center, is trying to pull together $8000 to attend several meets this summer in her drive to make the U.S.A. Gymnastics National Team. Supporters can contribute funds by visiting her blog.

Outside the Patch:

Encouraging kids to tweet in class. Instead of making kids turn off their cell phones and other handheld devices, one teacher is finding a way to incorporate them into the curriculum. (Shout out to Elk Grove Sylvan Learning for first drawing our attention to this story.)