Being a science geek, this is on my list of must haves: A USB microscope!!

The USB Microscope QX5 has these great features:

* Take snapshots, video, and time-lapse movies
* 3 magnification levels - 10X, 60X, and 200X
* Super-brite LED lighting for bright top and bottom illumination
* Video playback at 15 frames/sec
* Resolution of 640×480
* Software works with Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP
* Handheld mode allows for expanded viewing possibilities
* Comes with: Microscope, USB cable, Stand, Specimen Jars, Sample Slide, Tweezers, Eye Dropper, Slide Clip, and Software CD-ROM

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A portable cactus? Why not!

The Mini Pet Cactus will love you unconditionally. All you have to do it is water it once a month for about a minute (instructions on packaging). Each cactus comes with a strap to attach to your jacket, cell phone, etc., so you can take it with you everywhere. Nothing says fun like talking to your cactus in a public place - until security asks you to leave, that is. Want to display your new pet at home or in the office? Try the Mini Pet Cactus Stand (sold separately). It has an adhesive back to attach to a wall, your monitor, your forehead, etc. The Mini Pet Cactus is waiting to be adopted…by you!

More about this one, too.

By the way, ask me in a week how Windows Vista is.

I recieved these in an email the other day from Ginny, and thought they’d be neat to post.

Edit: I bumped this because I think it’s cool…

This comes from this afternoon’s Home Science Tools Newsletter, and being at that point in autumn where leaves are at their best, I thought it appropriate. Sixty-Four silver dollars to anyone who knows the connection to the title!

I’m not really going to send sixty-four silver dollars.

Preserving Autumn Leaves

One method to preserve leaves is to put them into a glycerin/water solution. This method will preserve your leaves yet leave them relatively flexible. This preserving method works because the natural moisture present in the leaves is replaced by the glycerin solution, maintaining the leaf’s texture and form.

Materials:

* Glycerin
* Water
* Flat pan or disposable plates
* A weight or something to keep leaves submerged
* Leaves

1. Mix the glycerin and water so that it is one part glycerin and two parts water. You only need enough to submerge the leaves.

2. Put the solution in a flat pan, place the leaves in the solution, and then put your weight on the leaves to keep them submerged. (Tip: try using two Styrofoam or other disposable plates. Put leaves and enough glycerin solution to just lightly cover the leaves in the bottom of one plate. Then put the other plate on top of the leaves and solution. Now you can put a weight of your choosing on the top plate without getting the weight in the solution.)

3. Keep the leaves submerged in the solution for 2-6 days.

4. Dry the leaves gently with a paper towel. They should feel soft and pliable.