From today's Austin American Statesman:

Alfred Nobel invented dynamite, but he blew up his house, laboratory, and brother Emil before he got it under control. 

Advances in science don't come without a price...  And now that is elementary school science fair time, I am relearning that lesson with my three boys.  One son wanted to do his project on "the effect of caffeine on Mom's mood in the morning."  An unfortunate suggestion!

Here's a great science experiment to try at home. Have you been bombarded with those free CDs from America On-Line?  While they do make great drink coasters, you can also use them for fun in the microwave.  Take a CD and lean it against a cup in the microwave.  Turn on the power and stand back to watch the show.  Don't leave it on too long or you will have a smelly kitchen.  This won't hurt your microwave, but it will destroy the CD. A free t-shirt to those who tell me why this happens.

And now for this week's reading recommendations.  One of my favorite writers is Anne Lamott.  I love everything that she has ever written, especially Operating Instructions, Bird by Bird and Traveling Mercies.  If you are a procrastinator, you need Bird by Bird.  If you have trouble forgiving yourself, then you need Operating Instructions and Traveling Mercies.  Our student recommender this week is Amanda, who suggests The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay.  I just ordered my copy!