The lava lamp

Though it looks really simple, the lava lamp is actually a delicate balancing act of two substances (one is solid, the other liquid) that have similar densities. But when their environment is heated up (via a lamp at the bottom on the container), the solid substance's molecules expand, and in this state it becomes less dense than the surrounding fluid. Hence it rises to the top of the container. However, as it distances itself from the heat source, it cools off and eventually descends to the bottom. This effect is repeated over time, the globules rising and descending, merging and dispersing, a mezmerizing dance in space.

The delicate combination of substances can be replicated at home. A simple Google search for "lava lamp" will reveal several sites about this 60s novelty item. However, it is very difficult to replicate, and may even cost more than buying the actual thing.

This was part of my request to my gift-giver in our kris-kringle last December. Have I mentioned I'm a sucker for novelty items? This lava lamp is a cool gift suggestion, a unique alternative to the usual tabletop items, photo frames, accessories and clothing.

A lightning ball from my mommy

Part of the holiday fun in our office is the kris kringle. The cost of the gift is tagged at 500 pesos, but being the wish-a-boss-picked-my-name kind of people, many would post gift requests at the bulletin board that cost at least three times more than the suggested price. Perfume and branded clothing are a popular choice. These posted requests, also by custom, are met with witty and funny comments written beside the notes. Others are more considerate, and would put in at least three choices so their mommy/daddy would have more freedom to choose.

I put in three things in my wish list: a lightning ball (the comment on which was, would I need a UPS to make this work?), a lava lamp, and a Dilbert book. The first two items cost between 700 - 800 each, while the book costs around 600. It was just a wish list after all. And I love novelty items.

Lucky me! I learned beforehand that my mommy wanted to give me more than 1 item. The 'proxy' approached me and informed me about this. They had to let me know because they didn't know where to look for these! So the proxy and I shopped for my gifts. The Dilbert book is out of stock, so I got the lightning ball and the lava lamp instead. Whoopee! I felt like a kid getting what I wanted for Christmas. The not so good part is, my wife thinks I bought these for myself. *Sigh*

And guess what. My colleague Pauline gave me a Magic 8 Ball! What a fun holiday it had been.

PinoyBlog Christmas Party photos

I have uploaded additional photos to flickr as mentioned in my post about the party below. Please click here to access.

Enjoy!

PS. I have this other account in another photo sharing site that enables you to put up a gallery of photos right into your blog, with an enlarged photo at the right and thumbnails at the left, all in one post. Then click on a thumbnail and this photo will show up at the enlarged section. But somehow I lost all traces of where that site is. If you know what I'm talking about, I will appreciate a holler. Thanks!