In the Rose Cafe, Dr. Bittner spoke about the geological history of the Finger Lakes region, and its impact on modern day Ithaca and Cornell. In all, I was quite impressed with how precise we can be about geological phenomena, especially since much of the evidence is literally buried under tons of rocks and dirt. I am mostly surprised because I was not that aware of much geological research going on at Cornell to make the Finger Lakes region of much interest, although I suppose that I should not be surprised considering the scope and quality of the research done at Cornell. It really amazes me that there is so much evidence available to scientists that they can paint such an accurate picture of events so long ago and of such a massive scale. I have lived in Ithaca for an entire year, and in upstate New York my entire life, but I never really stopped to look around at the natural terrain, or wonder how it was formed. Dr. Bittner’s presentation has prompted me to stop and think about the terrain around where I grew up, and I am stuck by amazement by the shear scale and power of the forces that shaped (and continue to shape) it.