Friday night science

Here's a fun party trick. How can you extinguish candles without touching them?

Put some vinegar in a jug and add in baking soda. This makes carbon dioxide that can be "poured" over the candles. And, poof! They extinguish.

The CO2 is heavier than air so not only does it stay in the jug but you can then pour it over the candles starving them of the oxygen they need to burn. It's fun, give it a try. Amaze your friends.

So now what?

Are we going to play? Where are we going? Are you going to give me a treat? Should I spin in circles? Aren't I adorable?

-- Puppy Henry, circa 2004

The edge of a storm

As you may have heard, Southern California is getting smacked with quite a storm. Huge winds and heavy rain have been beating down our door all day. I managed to sneak outside during a moment of relative quiet and was greeted with this delight right over our home.