am I blue?

Chemists at Oregon State University accidently created a new, durable and blue pigment. Evidently the creation of blue pigments is problematic; ultramarine blue is expensive as it utilizes ground up lapis lazuli, cobalt blue is a possible carcinogen and Prussian blue can leach cyanide.

The chemists were actually trying to create compounds with unique electronic properties when they stumbled upon their new pigment. Sadly, it is not cheap, since it incorporates an expensive material, indium. They are now trying to replace the indium oxide with cheaper oxides.

I am enthralled by the idea that experimentation with compounds accidently resulted in blue. Rock on, blue! Who knows what other accidental discoveries await us in our experimentation?

the end of the world

The Large Hadron Collider has resumed operation today. As you may recall in a previous blog, I had addressed concerns about its potential for bringing about the end of the world. Then there's the new movie, "2012." Are you worried yet?

According to an article in the N.Y. Times published November, 16th, NASA had declared that the world was not ending - at least not anytime soon. CERN said the same thing last year. CERN's reassurance was actually issued to address concerns regarding the inadvertent creation of a black hole during the operation of the Large Hadron Collider that would swallow the earth. NASA's proclamation is more targeted to concerns about the end of the world on December 21st, 2012.

Rest assured, according to astronomers, there is nothing special about the Sun and galactic center aligning in the cosmos. This phenomena occurs every December with no consequence. And in reality, the Sun and galactic center will not exactly coincide even in 2012. So it appears we can now all relax. The earth will not be consumed by a black hole created by the Large Hadron Collider. The cosmos will not align in December of 2012 to wreak havoc upon our planet. All is well.

Scientists do however, remind us if we REALLY want to worry, let us not forget global climate change, rogue asteroids or nuclear war. Also, geological apocalypse is a good bet for destruction as well. Earthquakes large enough to swallow Los Angeles are indeed within the realm of possibilty. AND Yellowstone could erupt again with the cataclysmic force of the super volcano it once was. SOOOOO, pick your poison. Earthquakes, rogue asteroids, whatever. Just remember, you don't have to throw a black hole or the alignment of planets in the mix.

absent photographer

It's been over a year since I've taken any photos, which is unusual for me. I used to get a little down if I neglected this creative outlet. It's probably a commentary on how many other distractions have diverted me from some of my normal passions these days.

Yesterday, I brought my camera to work on a whim. I've had an idea for a portrait shot I wanted to explore recently, and coincidentally, my co-worker, Kim Riley (also a photographer), asked when I was going to shoot photos of her again! I told her about my concept and we took about 15 minutes to do a set-up, and shoot off about a half-dozen images before my long-neglected camera's batteries died.

The nice thing about working with a photographer as your subject is that they are able to visualize your idea and can contribute to its realization on film. My idea entailed the use of a fan that was not as cooperative as I would have liked. The net of this long explanation is that while I was not able to achieve my "vision," it was very gratifying to look through the viewfinder of my trusty camera once more to at least attempt to do something creative. The images you see here are my favorites. Stay tuned. Hopefully, armed with a fresh set of batteries and two fans this time instead of one, I will be able capture that image that has been forming in my mind. When it happens, I'll post it here.

mexican coke revisited, pepsi throwback

A while ago I posted a blog about Mexican Coke, my favorite drink. This week in the New York Times Magazine (which is dedicated entirely to the subject of food), an article appeared entitled "Cult Classic" by Rob Walker. It reaffirms my position, however irrational, that there is nothing quite as pure and clean tasting as the Mexican variety of this iconic American drink. Walker writes that as per a Coke spokesman, while there are differences in the sweeteners used for regional Coke products depending upon economics and availability, there are no perceptible differences in taste. Walker suggests that the difference could be attributed to the sweetener used, but also adds that the glass bottle of Mexican Coke may play a part as well. Glass is the most inert material in which Coke is packaged versus the plastic bottles or aluminum cans that are the norm. Whatever the reason, Walker is a fellow devotee. He, too, is willing to spend that extra amount to have a Mexican Coke with his lunch rather than the less expensive, more commonplace U.S. variety.

As a nod to the success of Mexican Coke, Pepsi unveiled a limited run of Pepsi Throwback, their own version that incorporated pure cane sugar rather than the usual high fructose corn syrup. At that time, I immediately jumped on it, storing and hoarding a respectable number of Pepsi Throwback bottles in my basement. I am down to my last one. Although I prefer Coke (the products are not as "sweet" as Pepsi's), I felt that just like the Mexican Coke, Pepsi Throwback had an amazingly pure and clean taste. Pepsi Throwback it should be noted, is packaged in cans and plastic bottles, thus dispelling the idea that the glass bottle is solely attributable to the taste difference. Interestingly, as a concession to the hue and cry of Pepsi fans, Pepsi has announced the limited return engagement of Pepsi Throwback beginning December 18th. It will be available for 8 weeks. If you are an afficienado, I recommend you stock up.

And oh, a while ago, I also touched upon my obsession with blueberry soda. I had the opportunity to try Izze Soda's version. Don't bother.

did you know?

Again, reading the NY Times, I stumbled upon another interesting fact that I thought deserved some attention. Did you know that during this period of nuclear disarmament, we are dismantling Soviet nuclear weapons and using the material to generate electricity via our nuclear power plants? Uranium used in generating electricity is enriched to less than 5 percent. Isotopes in nuclear weapons are enriched to about 90 percent. Currently 10 percent of the electricity in the United States is generated via this source. In comparison, hydropower generates 6 percent and solar, biomass, wind and geothermal together account for 3 percent.

Evidently utility companies have avoided publicizing this for fear of spooking consumers. Russian bomb materials account for 45 percent of the fuel in American nuclear reactors. This program is set to expire in 2013. Utilities are hopeful that a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (which expires on December 5th) will prove successful to continue the flow of nuclear material. One man's garbage is another man's treasure . . .

setting sail into space

Many years ago I read with great interest, an article about the possibility of space travel utilizing a large sail attached to a small, manned pod. The science of the sail essentially involves propelling a space ship via light that carries not only energy, but momentum. The force is a gentle one at first propelling the space ship slowly, and gradually accumulating speeds of hundreds of thousands of miles an hour. Such speeds would enable a ship to travel the distance of our solar system in 5 years. Using the light from a powerful laser, a journey to another star system could be made in 100 years.

Experiments are currently underway testing the feasibility of this mode of travel. The woman heading a collaboration between two groups interested in this technology is Ann Druyan, the widow of Carl Sagan. Backing for some of the experiments has been provided by an anonymous donor who was intrigued by a presentation given by one of the groups. I sound like a real geek here, but I remember a Deep Space Nine episode in which the series' main character and his son sail a portion of the cosmos in a craft propelled by a large solar sail. It's a very romantic notion; sailing the stars on the solar winds generated by the sun in the darkness of space. I continue to revel in the wonders we confront each day and the possibilities that life affords us.

where the wild things are

Recently, I had the opportunity to see Spike Jonze's, "Where the Wild Things Are." My initial reaction was that I liked the film although it did not conjure up the sentimental feelings I originally experienced when I read it to my daughter oh so many years ago. The film was a little dark, a little melancholy. I know there have been many mixed reviews, ranging all the way from approval to "don't take your kids to this one." Yesterday, I read a more recent review in the New York Times written by A.O. Scott. I think he brilliantly summed up the movie and it's commentary on life. He summarizes Max's journey to "Where the Wild Things Are," his disappointment, and subsequent return home thusly:

"No place is free of conflict and bad feeling, and no person has the power to make problems disappear. Where there is happiness - friendship, adventure, affection, security - there is also, inevitably disappointment. That's life."