Another good idea

A "spin" on the water transportation idea:

In developing countries the simple act of doing the laundry is a lot of effort. The major problems are bad ergonomics (in washing and transporting), distant water supply areas and the burden to carry the heavy laundry to and from the water source . . . more

Everything is not what it seems

"For many months, the GEO600 team-members had been scratching their heads over the inexplicable noise that is plaguing their giant detector. Then, out of the blue, a researcher approached them with an explanation. In fact, he had even predicted the noise before he knew they were detecting it."

The GEO600 has stumbled upon something incredible . . . more here.

Olivia's Panda

Aquaria

Still Life by Olivia

Out West

I was born in New England and have always had a fondness for the scenery there. But the stark beauty of the terrain out here in the West can be breathtaking.


Photo: Looking southwest from Victorville, a belt of fog silhouettes Joshua trees in the desert below the snow covered Mt. Waterman and the Angeles National Forest. Credit: Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times

What is your secret to a long life?

"In a word: optimism. I look at the good. When you are relaxed, your body is always relaxed. When you are pessimistic, your body behaves in an unnatural way. It is up to us whether we look at the good or the bad. When you are nice to others, they are nice to you. When you give, you receive."

From an interview with 106-year-old Alice Herz-Sommer, a friend of Franz Kafka

Olivia's Downhill Racing

At 8,000 feet in the Sierras. A couple of wild rides, wipe-outs and in the end, she was still smiling . . .