Yummy holiday gifts you can make in your dorm!

An Australian university research team has discovered that the secretions of an anaerobic-capable bacterium causes sand to consistently harden into a material more closely resembling marble than sandstone.

The process appears irreversible, giving hope for future applications in levees in locations such as Holland and Louisiana, and to stabilize the sea-floor for deep-sea drilling.

Not to mention its practical benefit to construction industry.

The take-home message? It doesn't take millions of years to cause sand and sediment to solidify into solid rock, like we see all over the earth--it just takes anaerobic conditions and the presence of biocement-secreting bacteria.

This realization ought to have a profound impact on current theories of rock and fossil formation.

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References and notes

1. Calvo, S., Scientists turn sand to stone, Science Alert, http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20090705-19095.html, 7 May 2009.
2. The bacteria is called Sporosarcina pasteurii, formerly known as Bacillus pasteurii. 
3. When in a calcium-rich environment, the bacterium’s urease enzyme (which hydrolyses urea) generates binding calcite cement (calcium carbonate) as a by-product. Whiffin, V., Microbial CaCO₃ precipitation for the production of biocement, PhD thesis, 2004—Abstract viewed via Murdoch University Digital Theses Program, https://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/adt/browse/view/adt-MU20041101.142604, last accessed 22 October 2009. 
4. Murdoch University Synergy 6(2): Winter 2002, Biocement for sandcastles, about.murdoch.edu.au/synergy/0602/biocement.html, last accessed 22 October 2009. 

Kim Jong Il, the long time leader- dictator of North Korea, died of a heart attack on Saturday.

The state media announced his death on Monday.

Most believe that his son, Kim Jong-un, will be the next leader of North Korea. If he is as eccentric and unpredictable as his father, we are in for long and bumpy ride. (cartoon by KAL)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Reflection:

In this passage, Paul is encouraging his readers to live a life that is “continually” set on meeting God. Even though this word has the same root as the word continuously, there is a very fine difference between the two. The former denotes the idea of an ongoing series of events or occurrences that happen within very close proximity with one another, while the latter refers to a constant flow without break or interruption.  If Paul meant for us to be in a continuous state of prayer, then we would never be able to get anything else done. Rather, we are to be a people of continual prayer, both in our hearts, and in our minds, giving thanks to God and asking for the things of His Kingdom to come in real ways, as we go about our day-to-day life. It is in this way of living and breathing prayer that we are able to go out and do the things God has called us to, while at the same time praying for His powerful hand to be at work through it all.

Response:

Let’s go out today, praising God, and lifting up all sorts of prayers to Him, in every situation. May this be the way that we live every day, no matter what life brings!

We are about to head into peak movie-going holiday madness. There will be big names and big budget films coming into the cinema for our year-end viewing pleasure.

Let’s hope this week’s offerings fare better than last’s…

New Years Eve claimed the top stop at the box office but it was still a pretty meager opening, taking in around $13 million–nothing compared to its $56 million budget.

The Sitter pulled in only $9 million. Both movies were poorly received by critics, but we didn’t think The Sitter was too bad if you’re into R-rated humor.

We’re here to let you know what’s new this weekend.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

Many people have gripes with Robert Downey Jr’s take on the character of Holmes. Still, the first Sherlock Holmes (2009) was a fun, clever movie or that RDJ and Jude Law (Dr. Watson) had great on-screen chemistry.

In this sequel the duo take on Holmes’ classic nemesis Professor Moriarty, with Noomi Rapace (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) joining their ranks. We’ve heard this movie is just as entertaining as the first with the same interesting direction by Guy Ritchie. Should be worth a look.

Every action movie lately seems either related to superheros, aliens, or both. We kind of think it’s time for a well-done spy/action movie to enjoy on the big screen (even IMAX-big if you have a few dollars to spare).

It also doesn’t hurt that it’s rocking an unexpectedly impressive 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.  In 42 lucky theaters they are even showing a 6-minute Dark Knight Rises trailer before M:I, but alas you won’t find one in Baltimore.

Young Adult

We had the chance to catch this movie before it got a wider release this weekend. In this film, Charlize Theron gives an excellent performance as Mavis, a young adult fiction author, who decides to return to her hometown and attempt to win back her high school sweetheart, Buddy  (Patrick Wilson), who’s now a husband and father.

While she’s back in her small Minnesota town she runs into Patton Oswalt’s character who she was never friends with in high school due to their very different social circles. They forman unlikely comradery as he urges her to not continue with her twisted plan.

Mavis has some issues–she’s stuck in her mindset of being the homecoming queen, has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, and is generally an unfriendly, unhappy person. The movie is directed by Jason Reitman (Juno, Up In The Air) and written by a noticeably toned down Diablo Cody (Juno, Jennifer’s Body).

Cody’s voice is more mature with less of her trademark lingo. While watching this movie it was seemingly enjoyable, but by the time the credits rolled something was definitely missing in Mavis’ story arc.

It has some wicked humor, mostly based around Mavis’ blunt and at times harsh interactions. Oswalt fans will see a more serious side of him, but should be pleased with his performance. While this film isn’t bad, it’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea and might be better suited for a watch at home.