My Musings

Where HAVE I been??

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:26:14 GMT

So I've been a little MIA and unless you can glob through the mess that is facebook's status/news crud you're not sure what I've been up to.

Brian Regan:
Saw his show this past weekend. Hi-Larious!
Dan and I wearing shirts w/ "famous" Brian Regan quotes. YouTube them- you'll be glad you did.

Bell's Palsy- I have it. It's a temporary swelling of the 7th cranial facial nerve caused by a virus causing paralysis in 1/2 the face. Eating, sleeping, blinking, swallowing, chewing have never been more annoying to do. I'm seeing my neurologist Friday to make sure there's no complications with the Myasthenia Gravis I ALREADY HAVE... grrrrr.

Teaching/TA- is fun. Students are nuts but I love 'em.

Classes are insane... I should get back to working on them...

More later.

Zombies and Math... go fig!

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:25:44 GMT

Chapter 4
WHEN ZOMBIES ATTACK!: MATHEMATICAL
MODELLING OF AN OUTBREAK OF ZOMBIE
INFECTION

Abstract
Zombies are a popular figure in pop culture/entertainment and they are usually
portrayed as being brought about through an outbreak or epidemic. Consequently,
we model a zombie attack, using biological assumptions based on popular zombie
movies. We introduce a basic model for zombie infection, determine equilibria and
their stability, and illustrate the outcome with numerical solutions. We then refine the
model to introduce a latent period of zombification, whereby humans are infected, but
not infectious, before becoming undead. We then modify the model to include the
effects of possible quarantine or a cure. Finally, we examine the impact of regular,
impulsive reductions in the number of zombies and derive conditions under which
eradication can occur. We show that only quick, aggressive attacks can stave off the
doomsday scenario: the collapse of society as zombies overtake us all.

Philip Munz1, Ioan Hudeay, Joe Imadz, Robert J. Smith. In: Infectious Disease Modelling Research Progress Editors: J.M. Tchuenche and C. Chiyaka, pp. 133-150. ISBN 978-1-60741-347-9. c2009 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Want to read the actual paper? email me your email and I will email it....

Why Ecology rocks!

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:08:15 GMT

paper in Environmental Science & Toxicology by N.M. Van Straalen

"Ecologists tend to ask very complicated questions; unlike physicists, they do not simplify their object of study and analyze an idealized part of reality." says a paper I'm presenting that basically is called "How ecology totally rocks!"

No matter how many times you read your favorite book

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:39:39 GMT

You always find out something new...

Like that Carrot shoved his sword INTO the stone pillar and then pulled it out... King of Ankh!

7:30AM lab...

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:33:57 GMT

I'm teaching two of them... wow! I'm going to try to be nice about students being allowed to step out of the lab and sip their coffees. I will have to have mine all done before hand. Yikes! But it was either these labs or the ones really late in the afternoon and we all know how floppy Michelle gets in the late afternoon/evening. On one day I don't have class till 11 and on another I dont have class until 1:30 and we got nice knew office furniture in the Master's students' office. yippy!

I am sooo tired already... meeting after meeting after meeting and... what? I still have class Thursday? Oh ok. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I'm still very ecstatic though :)

Dr. Horrible...

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:32:20 GMT

So I know I'm behind the times here with what the cool kids are watching...but anyway... I Love Dr. Horrible!!! Am I seeing things? Is that Captain Mel from "Firefly" as Captain Hammer?! HI-Larious!

Freeze Ray...

Spork in leg...

*falls over with glee*

Awesomeness!

Totally awesome way cool news...

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:51:32 GMT

I got the TA position!!! Woot!! Not sure what/when I'm teaching yet but that's because our department is a little held up. Please keep one of the staff members in thoughts and prayers- her cancer has unfortunately won and she is being made comfortable. She put up quite a fight from the year I knew her. And she was one of those administrative people that was the backbone of the department. You knew things got done because of her so this big delay in knowing where I'm teaching and such is understandable.

I'm so excited to start my first official Master's degree semester. Someone's going to expect me to cough up some good research and grades. Yikes! But my adviser is very cool and encouraging. I was still a little timid (yea me... what the heck?) and he said "You are a graduate student now. It's okay to be more pushy with getting what you need." Of course I will always remember the golden rule my dad taught me "Always treat janitors and secretaries the way you would treat the president of the University."

Thanks everyone for putting up with four years of me going "Ohhh I'm so useless! Poor me!"

getting restless

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:18:05 GMT

I am soooo ready for school to start. I don't know what all this nonsense is about summer being over.
It means it will be less than 100 degrees and I can go for walks finally! I live near a sweet little park but don't like to go on walks at anytime for fear of falling over from heat exhaustion. If I have to go somewhere on campus where I park far I'll stop into various buildings along the way and stand in the AC/drink water. It'll be great when I don't have to wait 10 minutes after I am done working out in the (nice ACed) gym to go outside so I don't fall over THEN either. Whew! Only needed to suffer heat exhaustion/near stroke once to find out it's No bueno!

2) It means I'll have stuff to do again. I didn't get to do anything over the summer with my lab because I am not officially installed until Fall Semester starts. I was exploring some mathematical modeling ideas for my thesis but decided I'd rather be eaten by an orca than have to do Calculus, write about doing Calculus, and.... well yea.... So I did go to the Wastewater Treatment plant and decided that poo was more interesting than math- go figure. I can't wait for my classes!! Biostats (I finally get to learn how to use the programs!) *happy dance* And then Environmental Chemistry should turn my brain inside out *more happy dance* and *drum roll* Intro to Envrionmental Assesment... I get to learn how EA Reports get written and taken care of!! It's a seminar-type class so that should be cool.

I still don't know what I'm TAing or if I even am. I am not sure my exact direction with WWTPs and my interest in them. I am hoping this week to look at some old disserations and theses that others have done regarding the Denton WWTP.

I have started up crocheting like a crazy person again. :) This is all due to my friend Christine who taught me the granny square... yea it was all over after that. Here's some pictures of what I've done/started. I'll post more soon!

this was a baby blanket for my friends Lauren and Zelig's new kiddo coming soon!

This is my "Learning" blanket I've started... not sure who's going to get it yet. It's my first big one so it may have so many mistakes that I keep it.

Happy Belated Birthday JK Rowling...

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:09:36 GMT

So I am inspired by roman_pirate to post this little tid-bit.

I Love Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban- It is by far, hands down the BEST of the books!!

My favorite is Oliver Wood's unhealthy attachment to Quidditch. I was a little disappointed they didn't play up this in the movies.

“’Gryffindor hasn’t won for seven years now. Okay, so we’ve had the worst luck in the world – injuries – then the tournament getting called off last year….’ Wood swallowed, as though the memory still brought a lump to his throat. ‘But we also know we’ve got the best – ruddy – team – in – the – school,’ he said, punching a fist into his other hand, the old manic glint back in his eye." -Page 143

Me: Shhh... It's ok crazy man. That's right Wood - who cares if Voldemort might gain power and cause chaos throughout the wizarding and Muggle world- what's important is that you were deprived of Quidditch!

And of course Fred and George. Although I did enjoy the way the went through Hogwarts in Harry's second year calling out that the Heir of Slytherin was coming through (meaning Harry), I love the way the tease Wood ...

‘We’ve got three superb Chasers… We’ve got two unbeatable Beaters.’

‘Stop it Oliver, you’re embarrassing us,’ said Fred and George Weasley together, pretending to blush.

‘And we’ve got a Seeker who has never failed to win us a match!’ Wood rumbled, glaring at Harry with a kind of furious pride, ‘And me,’ he said as an afterthought.

‘We think you’re good too, Oliver,’ said George.

‘Spanking good Keeper,’ said Fred.” -page 144

*laughing* I love those two!

The worst book of them all was Book 5. Sorry

roman_pirate but that level of angst, angst and more angst makes me sick to my stomach. I just think of what a punk I was at 15 and I want to reach into the pages of the book and strangle Harry saying "Stop whining you little brat!!"

Book 3 has it all- Gryffindor finally getting the Quidditch cup, a cat that can smell a bad rat, Harry exploring Diagon Alley, Sirius Black (when I first read this book I decided that literaturally so far I was Mrs. Black- then I read LOTR and was Mrs. Captain Faramir and well... I couldn't decide... until I became Mrs. Captain Carrot Ironfounderson (thank you animate_mush ), and that sweet moment where Harry finds out Sirius is innocent and how happy he is that he has family outside of his paranoid/mean aunt and uncle.

It caused me to go find something I'd drawn when I first read the book too.

I drew this picture for the guy I was going out with at the time. I think I am dressed as the Ravenclaw Seeker, Cho and he is dressed as Harry. And that would be a most awesome Snitch above us! Haha!! Not the best "people drawing" but still one of my favorite ones!

I loves me some Book 3!!!

The Turtle Moves...

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:05:35 GMT

North American Discworld Convention.... must find monies to go!!!
http://www.nadwcon.org/

"I am the Phantom..."

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 04:13:35 GMT

"my reeeall name is Jeeerry." It's from something Will Ferrel did on a tonight-type show.
Anyway, I loved "Phantom of the Opera"! It was done so well! All the singing was great. Only one thing was really off- the chandelier looked like it was made out of paper Chinese lanterns and made a small "thunk" noise when it hit the stage...wow...so threatening... The Phantom's laugh during it was great but it made him sound like a nut ball- "Muahahaha!! I smash you with this paper chandelier!!" A sure sign of someone who wears their underpants on their head... Of course in celebration for the billionth time I'm reading Maskerade and really getting the jokes now. :) I laughed (not too loudly) when the balley still went on as the guy was being hung. It was everything Pratchett commented on and more! My favorite part was my favorite song (wonderfully enough!) and that is the song "Phantom of the Opera". The boat scene was just fantastic!!! I creased my playbill and crumpled it a little as I gripped it during that song! Brilliant and beautiful!!

While the drive toward Houston from Denton is Gorgeous- I LOATHE Houston, driving in it and generally smelling it. I think if I ever have to go there again I'll drive to the outskirts, park, rent a limo/cab and have that cart me to where I need to go. We went to this sweet little Italian bistro first that had pretty good food and FANTASTIC cappuccinos and tirimisu!

*falls over with glee* I'd Definitely see it again!!

Cow Appreciation Day

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:19:17 GMT

At Chik-fil-A. This was hysterical. You got a free combo meal if you dressed up as a cow today. My friend did it 3xs! All her meals free :)
And yes... I am ... "Holy Cow!"

My friend takes a picture of her 3rd free Chik-fil-A meal that day!

This is apparently staple fastfood of the South. I know there are ones everywhere but according to my buddies- the Quality ones are in the South. I love Texans. :)

Easily amused today...

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:39:24 GMT

Happy "Whatever-you-want-to-call-it" Day :)

Toilets.... why did it have to be toilets?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:44:37 GMT

So Sunday started out bizarre with ants attacking my apartment again and then burning the cinnamon rolls I was supposed to bring to church because I can't figure out which direction (turning the dial on my oven) is 'broil' and which is 'bake'. I still had a nice time playing percussions again and then going to lunch... theeeennn... my toilet got clogged, backed up and flooded most of my apartment. It didn't help that I was very tired (my medication was on "backorder" through Walgreens' wholesaler so I was taking 1/2 doses to make it last a few more days) and I didn't know how to turn off the water. The "emergency" maintenance line told me how to do it and that carpet people would be out the next day. Apparently that is all the "emergency maintenance" are for- to give suggestions on what you can do at that point- unless it's something they can do very quickly. This is what I was told when I inquired with the management as to what the "emergency maintenance" line was for. AThey fixed a pretty complicated problem with my toilet a while ago on a Sunday so I am wondering why they wouldn't unclog it?

I decided to pull out what may be clogging it too after turning off the water. I cleaned up, packed a bag and headed over to a house warming party hoping one of my friends there would let me stay at their place that night. My friend Carrissa took me in. The next day a carpet drying guy came with his equipment and set up huge fans and gigantic dehumidifier in my apartment and told me they'd have to set there for a few days. I waited as long as I could stand the sound of the fans (until 7PM) for the plumber- he never showed up so my buddy Allison took me in. Next day I still have these fans in, I go home and wait a while for the carpet guy to call, and for the plumber. I tested the carpet with my bare foot and felt it is still pretty damp. Our maintenance guy finally shows up and gets the toilet unclogged and working. My bed was still not in use and the carpet was still gross and dirty (along with the bathroom) so my friend Evelyn invited me over to stay. Finally, Wednesday, carpet guy comes back, takes out the fans and dehumidifier and everything is dry. I found out they clean carpets too and since the clogging, while an accident was my fault, I pay to have it cleaned. Today he came in and cleaned the carpet and so I have been working on putting my apartment back together- making a few adjustments to make it more "homely" :) Who'd have thought a flood could bring about such joy!

It's so nice to have friends who will not only take you in when you need it but also have a good time with you so you forget about your crappy situation! Carissa and I had a lovely chat with her family and played with her sweet dog, Allison and I saw "The Proposal" (very cute!) and Evelyn and I invented a new margarita, Dan and I kicked it on our online RPG while I waited in my noisy apartment for plumbers and carpet people, and many sweet messages were left on my phone and facebook. It is truly the blessings God rains on us in times of trial that make going through these things easier. I am stronger in spirit, in knowledge about carpets and toilets and in Trust in God that everything turns out all right in the end! This event really showed me that I have so many friends here in Texas! I was so touched by everyone's care!
Let trials be about noticing the blessings in your life and not about the difficulty that life can be!

Saw UP...

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:45:27 GMT

Another home-run for Pixar/Disney duo! It was touching and sweet and hysterical... like they all are! It had the very message I think America really needs right now- You Can't Take It With You!! All those video games, cats, dogs, kids, family, movies, houses, cellphones, computers, GPS, will fade away! Life should be about how we lived it and whether we were positive in our day-to-day activity or if we complained about every thing that has gone wrong, or every ache and pain. What a beautiful message for everyone! Including me who has been bellyaching about lots of stuff. This movie really pulled me back into focus on what's important in life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIA!!

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:05:58 GMT

For your 26th birthday an....

Love you!!!!

(hoping I have the date right!)

Happy 10th Birthday LJ!!

Thu, 21 May 2009 23:06:22 GMT

I got a shorty-haircut again. :) Yay Texas heat!

Post "Night Watch"...

Thu, 21 May 2009 06:58:02 GMT

I can't sleep. I'm not sure what I should read next. After a book like "Night Watch" - you have to sit and think for a bit. What a great movie in your mind! So funny yet so moving. It of course has as animate_mush would say "Hot Vetinari action!" in it making it awesome. Third time around I still crack up at Lu-Tze, Qu, young Nobby and Colon and want to throw up at certain parts with the Unmentionables...I love you Terry Prachett!

All the little angels, rise up, rise up,
All the little angels rise up high!
How do they rise up rise up
How do the rise up rise up high?
They rise knees up knees up
knees up high!

I love this spaz of a country! Take a chill pill America :)

Fri, 01 May 2009 17:07:19 GMT

It's time for everyone to take their chill pills and relax. Oh and that hand sanitizer you loaded up on (even though you rarely come in contact with the general public- I am of course not talking to my teacher friends or amusement park friends) Bacteria is Really good at evolving new strains Fast! Do not swap hand sanitizer with washing your hands with soap and water even after just going pee! Also for all of those vitamin loading- you can get poisoning from too many vitamin supplements (we have a saying in toxicology- "The dose is the poison.")
Anyway Yahoo! is great for putting this article up!

Paris Hilton not only one confused about swine flu
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090501/ap_on_re_us/us_med_swine_flu_misinformation

CHICAGO – Paris Hilton says "I don't eat that" when asked about swine flu in an online video. She's not the only one confused about the outbreak.

Others have vowed to stop eating pork. Some, worried about germs spreading in confined spaces, won't fly — anywhere. Or they think petting zoos and farm visits are off limits.

Like the swine flu itself, misinformation is spreading like a virus across the Internet, around the watercooler and across the backyard fence. Here are some facts to dispel myths about swine flu.

Q: Should I avoid pork?

A: There's no evidence that swine flu spreads through pork. While it's important to cook it properly to protect against other germs, experts say even handling raw pork poses no realistic risk of swine flu.

Q: What about airplanes — aren't airline cabins breeding grounds for germs?

A: Vice President Joe Biden suggested he believes that when he said Thursday he has advised his family not to fly. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against going to Mexico, the country hardest hit by swine flu. And public health officials say people with flu symptoms should avoid public transportation. But they aren't telling healthy people to avoid all air travel, and Obama administration representatives later said Biden had misspoken.

Most modern airliners have air filtering systems that are as efficient at weeding out germs as those used in hospital isolation units. While there have been occasional infectious disease outbreaks associated with airplane travel, they're not common, and generally only people within a few rows of the sick individual have gotten sick.

"We shouldn't go overboard" on limiting air travel, said Dr. Mark Dworkin, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Illinois at Chicago. But he said it's a good idea to check the CDC's Web site before making travel plans because the agency's advisories may change as the outbreak develops.

Q: My child's preschool class is planning a visit to a petting zoo — with piglets. Should we skip it?

A: Dr. Kenneth Alexander, the University of Chicago's pediatric infectious disease chief, says there's no danger in touching pigs, although a sneezing, sick-looking animal should be avoided. Adults also should be vigilant about making sure kids keep their hands away from their faces after contact with farm animals and they should always wash their hands thoroughly afterward.

Q: My child is healthy and there are no reports of flu at her school, but I'd feel more comfortable keeping her home for a while.

A: Right now, public health authorities say there's no reason to restrict healthy children if there's no flu at school. That could change if the outbreak turns into a global pandemic.

Q: If this outbreak is declared a real worldwide pandemic, tens of millions will get sick and die, just like in the 1918 Spanish flu — right?

A: Public health officials say there are a lot of reasons why that's unlikely, at least in the United States. Unlike that crisis, we now have flu-fighting medicines and antibiotics for secondary infections such as pneumonia, which killed many people during the 1918 outbreak.

Because it appears to be a novel flu strain, everyone exposed to the virus is at risk of getting sick. Authorities are trying to determine how aggressive the new flu is, but even if it turns out to be a particularly dangerous strain, the United States and other developed countries have a strong surveillance network and comprehensive public health measures that didn't exist in 1918, Dworkin noted.

If the new flu turns out to be similar to regular seasonal flu, as some authorities predict, Dworkin said it might double the number of illnesses and deaths seen in an average flu season. In the United States, that would mean about 70,000 deaths and more than 400,000 hospitalizations.

In developing nations, without strong public health networks, the situation could be more dire.

"It could do much more harm than we would see in a country like ours," Dworkin said

I have been officially accepted into the Environmental Science Master's Program at UNT!!! Eep!

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:29:12 GMT

that is all...

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:57:31 GMT

So life has been crazy and lazy all at once. I'm preparing for the Fall, hoping that my choice professor wants to be my adviser. He told me there might not be money for me to start my research right away but that's okay- I've got lots of learning to do first! He said he has some TAships though so hopefully that all works out!
I'm not sure what to do this summer. If I do get stuff straightened out for the Fall I'll probably just get a quiet parttime summer job here. You're all welcome to visit but it is HOT here in the summer!
One thing I am determined to do is to see Phantom of the Opera in July in Houston! I've never seen it and even if NO one comes with me I'm going to go!! I've never seen it and it's one of those little girl dreams I've always had!
Until summer I have a notebook to get written up, finish a big group project that is 1/2 my grade and study for finals! I love being a student again :)

PS My mom is doing Fantastic! She has been back at school (the 8th graders have all turned to the darkside and the 7th grade are quickly following) for a few weeks but is glad to be! She's like me- we can't stand sitting around recovering. It annoys us. Anyway, she's back to trying to drum or... drumming. I called once and my dad said she was having a lesson! She's still in lots of physical therapy and times of bad pain but nothing that merits more Vicadin- just lots of Ibprophen. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers!

26 Beautiful Years of Life!

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:17:53 GMT

This year has been one of change, hardship, and loss. But it has been one of love and new friendships with blessings I can't begin to count! My world has open wide, and my eyes too. My song of the year- "Breakaway" by Kelly Clarkson as I ventured into a new place! I am so overjoyed with where I am now. God has truly blessed me every year with new experiences and new friends. I miss those I have had to say good bye to and those I don't see as often but I am grateful they are in my life and heart! From the "kids" I grew up with to family that guided my steps in growing up to the Texans that are gracing my life right now!

I think this year I will miss my Aunt Cecelia the most. She was extremely talented in the musical department of life! Her joy for life was incredible and one to model after! Definitely one of my heroes. Now she is singing with the Heavenly hosts surrounded by God's glory! I know I certainly wanted to keep her longer but as I go into my 26th year of life, I hope to do as she did and find joy in every moment of life. With God by my side I know this is possible.

Thank you to all my new friends here in Texas (and one old dear friend!) who celebrated my birthday with me yesterday. I was overwhelmed with joy at the sight of so many people :)

So with that... onward to another 365 days!
PS Californians- Texas isn't that bad so get out here and visit me. It's way cool!

My aunt is the lovely curly haired lady next to the crazy looking bald guy... er my uncle :)

My binary cake!

watching watchmen...

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:01:15 GMT

I want my 3 hours back and the dinner i threw up... I thought i had standards!... Thank God for best friends who buy you starbucks and comfort you and watch The Simpsons w/ you.

ssooo revolting

More Rantings about Bottled Water....

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:49:28 GMT

Actually they are my professor Dr. Waller's... that he steals from other people and gives to us :) ...I'll ask him where he picked this one up.

Your Water Bottle Is One-Quarter Full Of Oil
— By Julia Whitty | Fri February 27, 2009 5:12 PM PST

Still want to drink it? Because the truth is that bottle of water is up to 2,000 times more energy intensive than just turning on the tap. No one really knew that until now.
Researchers at the Pacific Institute in Oakland California ran the numbers and found that bottle production alone wastes 50 million barrels of oil a year (that's 2.5 days of US oil consumption). Add to that energy the energy needed to process the water, label the bottles, fill the bottles, seal the bottles, transport the bottles, cool them prior to sale… well, you get the idea.
Bottom line: Bottled-water drinkers in the US alone in 2007 squandered the equivalent of 32 to 54 million barrels of oil. Triple that number for worldwide use. For perspective, imagine each bottle is one-quarter full of oil.
As reported at Treehugger: Bottled-water drinkers are the new smokers.
Since oil and water don't mix, turn on the tap. Still want a container? Try reusable Nalgene (plastic-get one from your favorite charity, that way if you lose it- like I do- you'll feel good your money went somewhere good!) or stainless steel. Not without impact but durable at least. Traveling overseas to the lands-of-unclean waters? Pony up for a Katadyn bottle/filter (http://www.katadyn.us/brands-products/katadyn/katadyn-filters-and-purifiers/ultralight-series/katadyn-exstream-xr.html) combination. I can personally attest that this all-in-one system is a miracle worker of good intestinal and environmental health.
Concerned about the one in six humans who must live in the lands-of-unclean waters? Consider tossing a doubloon or two at the LifeStraw people who've found a nifty and inexpensive way to survive deadly water supplies.

Buy a reusable waterbottle and fill it with your tap water!

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:15:19 GMT

An Article given to me by my Aquatic Tox professor

How to choose water? Bottled water (supposedly from the spring and stored in a plastic bottle) vs. filtered water (who knows if all the harmful things are taken away?)

Dear Esra,

As you know, water is one of our most precious natural resources. Within the last several years, bottled water has become an integral part of our society and carrying around bottled water is even viewed by some as a status symbol. You only asked about spring water and filtered water, but I’m going to add in tap water, because I think you’ll be very interested in some of the data that compare the three.

Bottled water has very few regulations for purity. In fact, bottled water that crosses state lines is regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and required to be bottled under sanitary conditions. If the water is bottled and shipped within the same state it is only subject to that state’s regulations. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, 60-70% of bottled water brands sold in the US are single-state operations. There is an organization called the International Bottled Water Association that about 80% of manufacturers belong to, and they do have a Model Code that members are required to follow; however, the Code is not legally binding or enforceable.

Tap water, on the other hand, is strictly regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) so levels of bacteria, chemicals, and water treatment parameters are all dictated to drinking water system operators, who must test and publish an annual compliance report.

There are many studies that have taken bottled water (filtered and spring) and compared it to tap water. The results of these studies suggest that the assumption that bottled water is "purer" than tap water is not really a good one.

One four-year study tested more than 1000 bottles and 103 brands of bottled water and found that one third of the brands contained contaminants including arsenic and carcinogenic compounds. Another study looked at the difference in bacterial contamination in municipal water versus bottled water and found that 26% of the bottled water had more bacteria than tap water. I could go on, but you get the idea. Interestingly, according to Co-Op America as much as 40% of bottled water is actually bottled tap water!

Apart from the human safety of bottled water, the environmental footprint of the manufacturing and distribution of bottled water is pretty significant. Because bottling water requires a manufacturing plant, you have to consider all of the energy that is required to run it as well as the emissions from the plant itself. Also, once the water is bottled it needs to be delivered to warehouses and eventually stores and all of that transportation burns fossil fuels and creates more emissions.

It has been estimated that more than 22 million tons of bottled water are transferred from country to country each year, which, when added to domestic transportation ends up consuming somewhere around 15 million barrels of oil annually which is enough to generate electricity for 250,000 homes or fuel for 100,000 cars for an entire year. In addition to the petroleum required for transportation, to make the 900,000 tons of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) required to produce water bottles, more than 17 million barrels of oil are consumed and 2.7 million tons of CO2 are produced.

So to (finally!) answer your question, much of the bottled water you buy is simply bottled tap water, and according to many studies there is really no significant difference in the health benefits or safety profiles of filtered, spring or tap water.

References
1. Lalumander JA and Ayers LW. Fluoride and bacterial content of bottled water vs. tap water. Archives of Family Medicine. 2000;9:246-250.
2. Montuori P, Jover E, Morgantini M, Bayona JM, Triassi M. Assessing human exposure to pthalic acid and phthalate esters from mineral water stored in polyethylene terepthalate and glass bottles. Food Additives & Contaminants. 2007;25(4):511-518.
3. Brede C, Fjeldal P, Skjevrak I, Herikstad H. Increased migration levels of bisphenol A from polycarbonate baby bottles after dishwashing, boiling and brushing. Food Additives and Contaminants. 2003;20(7):684-689.
4. Co-Op America
5. Natural Resources Defense Council
6. International Bottled Water Association
7. World Wildlife Fund
8. EPA FAQ on bottled water
9. Pacific Institute Bottled Water Fact Sheet

And if you are really interested, I have what the Supreme Court thinks of your drinking water just ask and I'll send the appalling opinion on the Clean Water Act.
Sigh
Thank goodness I'll be in charge soon!!
Muahahahah!!

Err.. i mean....