the scoop

the scoop

where did this stuff come from?

Every now and again, you may find your self asking “What is this? Where did this come from?” Fortunately, the American Chemical Society’s Web site feature “What’s That Stuff” (pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff.html) has some answers.

“What’s That Stuff” explains the science behind consumer products such as chewing gum, teeth whiteners and self-tanners. Each article explains the origins of the product, as well as the chemical interactions at work.

Although the primary audience for the “What’s That Stuff” articles are science professionals, you won’t need a college degree to understand them. There may be a few words or processes you may need to look up, but overall, the writers do a good job of making the articles accessible to everyone.

Discovering the origins of some of the products we see in the supermarket everyday can be fascinating. For example, the skin browning powers of the active ingredient in self-tanners, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), was discovered by accident. In the 1950s, researcher Eva Wittgenstein was studying the effects of large oral doses of DHA on children with glycogen storage disease. Some patients would spit up the DHA (it’s a super sweet concentrated sugar) and it would get on their skins. Any spots that weren’t cleaned well browned the children’s skin a few hours later. And just like that, a multimillion dollar industry is born!

astronomy essay contest for kids

Calling all wannabe astronauts and current stargazers, especially those looking for some extra spending money. Dale Lowdermilk of the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit is sponsoring “Look to the Stars” an astronomy essay contest for those ages 5 to 18. Prizes and essay topics vary on age and one entry is allowed per person.

This is your chance to “explain global warming from an astronomer’s perspective” or to, “discuss one historically important astronomical event.” Those between the ages of 16-18 could receive $200 for winning entries under 300 words, while those 13-15 can write a maximum of 250 words for a possible $150.

The entries must be postmarked by Dec. 21. Winners will be announced Jan. For more information on entering, see Lowdermilk’s Web site at, www.dale93108.com/Meteor.html.

p-g pavilion job fair scheduled

Live Nation, the region’s largest producer of live entertainment, will hold its annual job fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 22 at the Weirton Community Center, to hire seasonal employees for Post-Gazette Pavilion’s 2008 summer concert season. Weirton Community Center is located at 3420 Main St., Weirton, W.Va.

Applications will be accepted for a variety of positions, including event staff (security and ushers), parking, merchandising, ticket takers, clean-up crews and food service. All applicants are required to present two (2) forms of identification. For more information, call (412) 562-9900 or email CustomerService@post-gazettepavilion.com

a supernatural book

“Supernatural” is the hit series that takes viewers on a spooky road trip through the dark heart of America. Now fans can catch up on the second season, in “Supernatural: The Official Companion Season 2” (Titan Books, $14.95, April).

Brothers Sam and Dean Winchester cruise America’s back roads in their 1967 Chevy Impala, on a mission to hunt down the demon that killed their mother and reveal the secret behind Sam’s mysterious powers.This second official companion features a foreword from executive producer/director Robert Singer, plus an abundance of exclusive comments and content from series creator and executive producer Eric Kripke.

new video games

In stores this week: Kratos, the angriest man in video games, goes on another rampage in Sony’s “God of War: Chains of Olympus” (PSP). ... The national pastime returns a month early in 2K Sports’ “Major League Baseball 2K8” (Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PSP) and Sony’s “MLB 08: The Show” (PS3, PS2, PSP). ... Electronic Arts invites you to battle with a buddy in “Army of Two” (360, PS3) or earn a black belt in “Ninja Reflex” (Wii, DS). ... Sega unearths “Mysterious Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer” (DS).