reagent and chemical kinetics

Just as regulatory decisions, with moaning and feet-dragging, possibly apt, and once set for a far, distant future which phase out production of the familiar incandescent light bulb for more, debatably, efficient models, come into effect in Germany, a production facility for organic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (DE) has been inaugurated in Regensburg (Ratisbon) on the Danube. The process is still being perfected since the discovery of this property in the 1950s, but in application, these electroluminescent membranes can be stretched and spindled across larger surfaces and maintain contrast and visual integrity without a back-light. Manufacture is also less energy intensive, since unlike with current display screens that require a housing be prepared, organic LEDs can be printed onto any suitable surface, flexible or rigid. LEDs bulbs are also among the alternatives touted to old-fashioned light bulbs, whose longevity and durability (and lack of toxic gas wafting off the circuitry when in use) could not previously overcome their high cost, but now, with factory expansion, maybe that price will come down. Technology always outpaces good governmental intent, perhaps making the proclaimed next generation of lighting already obsolete, and the future a less friendly territory for green-washing and impostors.

ready, steady, go or goodnight, irene

In collusion with the media, it seems the US government has learnt to harness not only the power of nightmares but the power of suggestion as well. There's been quite a bit of gentle teasing over the hyperbolic storm and some stewing distrust at being put off by the whole weekend's meteorological terrorizing, but just as it is very difficult to dismiss the tremor of an earthquake for a twitch or bump when all around people are apparently convinced by the science and gossip-stream, it was difficult to ignore the potential frenzy. No one ought to be faulted for erring on the side of caution, provided that that was an honest mistake--something upbuilding and in honour of those victims of past disasters to ensure that no one else need endure preventable catastrophes, but the stern warnings and lurking prognostications did not seem so well-intended. Even if residents of the Atlantic seaboard megapolis are not judged to be weathered veterans of hurricanes, flooding and tornados, preparation--not tempered with fear and unwavering authority--can make for a better exercise than this drill and panic, now more likely to be scoffed in the future and which was costly in terms of resources diverted and lost revenue. It is possible to recover, in terms of image and credibility, from an anti-climax and move forward, but I do have to wonder about this language and enchantment being slathered about. Are there some elements, as others have said, that are yoking insinuations, like with the usual bogeymen, to argue for or against economic policies or security priorities? What sort of arrows does this hurricane season put in the quiver of government factions? Where those hundreds of thousands of residents of Manhattan compelled to evacuate to higher-ground, under threat of legal reprisal, so bugging devices could be installed in their homes? Faced with past incompetency and then over-excited anticipation, people are searching, maybe, for something more sinister rather than accept relief, however manufactured.

geotagging or if you see something, spray something

Der Spiegel (auf englisch) has a enlivening dispatch on a project to encourage dexterity, physical activity and creative expression in a class of senior citizens through street art. Though this particular initiative has run its course, graffiti, both therapeutic and for its own sake, has proven engaging and enduring and sparked similar art projects in other retirement communities.

märchenhaft or funk to funky

The splendid directory of keen stuff Super Punch brings us the latest project by artist and illustrator Andrew Kolb. Inspired by the mental images that each line evokes, Kolb created a children’s story from the lyrics of David Bowie’s Space Oddity. He shares the whole thing on his website, along with other pretty imaginative works. Modern ballads, it seems, after Bowie, the Beatles and the Stones, do not consistently tell a story, but there are exceptions. Maybe it's too difficult to separate the music video from the music, sometimes.  What songs fill your head with images and a happy end?