TYWKIWDBI ("Tai-Wiki-Widbee")

25 February 2009

"Birds of the West Indies"

The first edition of this book is famous. It is not rare or outrageously expensive; a early edition is presently available at Amazon for $50, which of course is a lot for a paperback.

But it is a very famous book. Rather than put the answer to question in the comments section, I'll leave it here, in small print.

The first edition was printed in 1936. The author was an ornithologist (obviously) whose family had an estate in Jamaica. In 1948 an English author vacationed in Jamaica with his mistress, stayed at that estate, and picked up a copy of that book.

The author's name was Ian Fleming, and now you can extrapolate the rest of the story...

What happened to Chanel No.4 ??

Chanel No. 5 has been called the "world's most legendary fragrance." Spokeswomen for it have included Marilyn Monroe, Catherine Deneuve, Carole Bouquet (!), Estella Warren, and Nicole Kidman.

The fragrance was introduced in the 1920s, and continues to sell at rates said to be one bottle per minute worldwide. Its popularity in the U.S. soared in the 1950s when Marilyn Monroe was asked what she wore to bed, and she replied "Why, Chanel No. 5, of course."

In terms of constituents, "its top notes include ylang ylang, neroli and aldehydes; its mid notes May rose and jasmine; and its base notes sandalwood, vetiver and vanilla." (an excellent example of how some things are poorly expressed in words).

But back to my original question. What ever happened to Chanel No. 4?

Coco Chanel commissioned the renowned perfumer Ernest Beaux to make six perfumes for her choosing. They were labeled No. 1, No. 2, etc. through No. 6... It was bottle No. 5 that was to Chanel's liking and became the chosen formula.

Info and photo from Wikipedia.

"Call us at this number"

Many TYWKIWDBI readers will be able to calculate the phone number in their heads. (Click to enlarge the photo)

(original photo source unknown)

Mouse trapped by honey

Via Arbroath.

Bank of Obama check

TYWKIWDBI was pleased to receive a check from the Bank of Obama today. (Via)

24 February 2009

Pencil construction

I wonder whether this is real, or simply computer-generated art.

It appears to show a 3-dimensional structure constructed of interlaced pencils (which would probably have had to be glued together rather than held together by gravity/friction).

There are four sets of 18 pencils each, with each set arranged as a hexagon, and the sets intersecting in different planes.

Real? Any engineers/design people out there? Or has someone seen it on the web with an explanation. I found this at a picture site with no explanation or credit.

Update: Anonymous found the source. This is a Conway Pencil Model:

I have applied to present a workshop on building Conway’s Pencil Models at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Atlanta convention in March, 2007.

John H. Conway invented a class of models built of hexagonal prisms. Participants will learn to build these models out of pencils and rubber bands, and will explore the symmetries of these models and the relationship between this model and the cubic lattice.

Thanx - and I've changed the label for this post from "oddities" to "science." And I should probably post it at Neatorama, because it is neat.

Addendum: Found the instructions for making one of these.

New Yorker cartoons

Does anyone know where this photo was taken?

I found this at one of the photoblogs that give neither primary sources or details about the image. (Click photo for fullscreen view)

It looks like a fjord rather than a mountain lake, but it's not one of the Norwegian fjords that I'm familiar with. Is it perhaps one of the New Zealand fjords? Or is it actually a lake in the Italian or Swiss Alps?

The image intrigues me because of the gradual upslope of that central peninsula; looks like a wonderful place for a hike. Any information or suggestions would be appreciated.

Update: Identified as Lake Lucerne. Thanks.

Selections from the Modern Mechanix blog

Burglar Alarm Triggered by Heartbeat (Jan, 1933)
There have been numerous inventions to foil bank bandits in their hold-up attempts but the latest one is the most original. The vibrations of the human heart-beat set off an alarm bell... In appearance, the burglar alarm resembles a miniature radio. If any would-be bandit approaches close to the cage, his heartbeat, working faster than usual because he is under a high nervous tension, will set off the boisterous alarm bell that can be heard a block away. [I'll bet that worked really well...]

Dimple Machine (Oct., 1936)
Dimples are now made to order! These aids to beauty can be produced as the result of a new invention by Isabella Gilbert of Rochester, N. Y. The device consists of a face-fitting spring carrying two tiny knobs which press into the cheeks. [Wait, isn't that... yes... Hannibal Lecter's mother!]

(Via)

How Northerners keep food cold in the winter

This isn't our house, but we also keep food on the screen porch during the winter months.

(credit)

Cooking a meal during the Great Depression

91-year old Clara shows how she cooked meals during the Great Depression. Nothing special - potatoes and hot dogs - but her commentary does make today’s problems seem less intense.

"I had to quit high school because we couldn’t afford socks…we couldn’t afford anything to wear."

At the link there are five additional videos.

Even if you don't watch the video, I think her passing comment while cooking (underlined above) is worth remembering. She had to drop out of high school because her family couldn't afford socks for her. You have to think about that for a while...