Whats On Your Nightstand A Moment of Meta-Something

Whats On Your Nightstand A Moment of Meta-Something Last week there were fewer of  you answering this question, which might mean youre weary of itor might mean your TBR piles simply havent budged. Thats OK. I firmly believe that, given the short shrift books receive in our culture, the more opportunities we all have to talk about them in any way, the better. However, I know that not everyone feels the same way. A colleague (this person might not want to consider me so, but we are both members of the National Book Critics Circle) once criticized me for promoting book chatter without learning. Of course, I understand that asking someone what theyre reading is not the same as writing a critical essay. I also think that both of those things are valid ways of talking about books. What do you think? Those of you who regularly stop by these posts (and those that other sites and blogs have that are similar), chime in and share with me what you gain from sharing your book lists. As for my own nightstand this week, its surrounded by new titles. Ive got the Toni Morrison, the Peter Carey, the latest Camilla Läckberg, the Kurt Anderson, the new Jacqueline Winspear, the Richard Ford, the Hilary Mantelits an embarrassment of riches. Thats how I feel about your comments, too.  I never tire of seeing what other people are reading, just as I never tired of looking at other peoples bookshelves.

The Kugelmass Episode - 843 Words

Connie Wilson-Prewitt Mr. Pyda MWF 10-10:50 3/8/13 In the story The Kugelmass Episode, Woody Allen takes the reader on an exciting journey through time and literature that keeps you begging for more. Professor Kugelmass is a middle-aged teacher at City College in New York City. He seems to be unfulfilled and bored with his life as a whole. The real world is far too drab for his liking and so he sets out to change his life but ultimately ends up turning his world upside down. Allen uses colorful dialogue to first disconnect the reader from the main character, bring irony and humor to the story, and use that humor to teach the reader a thing or two about being satisfied and happy with what you have. Kugelmass has been married†¦show more content†¦Seriously, how many times does this have to blow up in his face before he learns his lesson? The Kugelmass Episode can be used as an example for how not to live your life. Think about it, if the title character had married for love instead of looks and money, he would have never gotten himself into this mess. Yet the reader still holds out hope that by the end of the story he will have learned his lesson. It is that type of hope that makes this story such a great read. Even though Kugelmass can be described as a sad pathetic man that wouldn’t know happiness if it kicked him in the head, there is still hope that he might learn his lesson. Who knows? Maybe if he ever gets himself out of Remedial Spanish he will finally learn to be happy with what heShow MoreRelatedThe Kugelmass Episode By Woody Allen2537 Words   |  11 PagesThe Kugelmass Episode â€Å"The Kugelmass Episode† is a very amusing short story, with humor resulting from the employment of devices such as satire and irony along with a network of absurdities and incongruities. In the story, Woody Allen takes the reader on a journey through time and literature. Professor Kugelmass is a middle-aged teacher at City College in New York City, who is unfulfilled and bored with his life. Wanting to have an affair to escape his unhappy marriage, he seeks the help of a magician-entertainer

Essay about Parker’s Redemption - 1955 Words

Parker’s Redemption Flannery O’Connor’s story â€Å"Parker’s Back† introduces us to a man who feels incomplete and is seeking to fill the empty space in his soul. He attempts to do so the only way he knows how, by getting tattoos. He continues this until â€Å"the front of [his body is] almost completely covered†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (514). In fact, Parker even considers getting a religious tattoo to appease his over-zealously religious wife Sarah Ruth. A brush with death that is literally a â€Å"burning bush† experience drives him to mark the change in his life by getting that tattoo. He races to the tattoo parlor and demands to see the religious tattoos. He chooses a Byzantine Christ. In this story, Flannery O’Connor tries to show that although Parker’s attempts to†¦show more content†¦Whenever he gets a chance, he looks at his tattoos, but notices that â€Å"the effect was not of one intricate arabesque of colors but of something haphazard and botc hed. A huge dissatisfaction would come over him†¦. As the space on the front of him for tattoos decreased, his dissatisfaction grew and became general† (514). He is seeking something greater. This dissatisfaction is amplified when he meets Sarah Ruth. Even though he finds her physically unattractive, he cannot help falling in love with her. She is the only person he reveals his true name to. Several factors play into this attraction. Although Parker’s â€Å"tattoos were attractive to the kind of girls he liked but who had never liked him before† (513), Sarah Ruth detests them and calls them â€Å"vanity of vanities† (515), and this playing hard-to-get fascinates him. Sarah Ruth’s religiosity attracts him as well: â€Å"She had asked him if he was saved and he had replied that he didn’t see it was anything in particular to save him from. After that, inspired, Parker had said, ‘I’d be saved enough if you was to kiss meâ€℠¢Ã¢â‚¬  (518). Although religion was something he ran from previously, Parker desires to be near to it as an attempt to appease his unrest. But more importantly, Sarah Ruth’s demand to know his full name, his identity (something she does twice), is the strongest attraction. WhenShow MoreRelatedMusic Is Exceptionally Powerful And Meaningful To People1353 Words   |  6 Pageswith Louis Armstrong) is considered by many to have forever changed jazz and to have left a legacy that permanently marks him one of the greatest saxophonists to have lived. Parker’s private life, which was full of hardships, mirrors vital themes in â€Å"Sonny’s Blues† including drugs and alcohol, darkness, and escape. Charlie Parker’s life consisted of heavy heroin use and his heroin addiction ties in with the theme of drugs and alcohol in â€Å"Sonny’s Blues†. In order to feel more in control in his life afterRead MoreAnalysis Of Everything That Rises Must Converge By Flannery OConnor1676 Words   |  7 PagesAs a result of this stress, the characters are defined more clearly. In many instances, they achieve a kind of self realization, and their revelations usually come with an ironic factor or consequence. O Connor’s stories, notably â€Å"Revelation,† â€Å"Parker’s Back,† and â€Å"Everything That Rises Must Converge,† offer a cornucopia of these flawed characters. Throughout these three short stories, each of the main characters exhibit a kind of strong prejudice. As O Connor lays out each of their flaws, theirRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie The Long Walk Home 1307 Words   |  6 PagesCivil Rights movement was very effective for Afric an Americans; however black women still are faced with the double standard of being a black woman. Nonetheless, agreeing with Valerie Smith’s statement, The Help, relative to other films such as Alan Parker’s Mississippi Burning (1988), Martin Davidson’s Heart of Dixie (1989), Richard Pearce’s The Long Walk Home (1990), Rob Reiner’s Ghosts of Mississippi (1996), or Phil Alden Robinson’s Freedom Song (2000) each allow Americans to identify post-emancipationRead MoreA Profound Southern American Catholic Novelist, By Flannery O Connor1616 Words   |  7 PagesA profound Southern American Catholic novelist, Flannery O’Connor concealed her true spiritual intentions into many of her grotesque stories. Many of her writings involve a tale of a displaced person that is eventually lead to redemption and mercy from God. Through plenty of hardships and mistakes, her protagonists endure a spiritual transformation that leads her characters int o enlightenment. O’Connor weaves blatant instances of sacramentality, mediation, communion, mercy, and human dignity intoRead More Flannery OConnors Short Fiction Essay examples3159 Words   |  13 Pagesexistence, dovetail perfectly with the larger theological interpretation of reality seen in her writing. The Danish philosopher Sà ¸ren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) was also an influence, with his Concept of Dread which examines the whole complex of sin and redemption. His theory, that mans attempt to replace the Absolute with himself makes him pathetic and comical but never tragic (as the tragic is reserved for loss of the religious dimension) is also influential. In OConnor, the religious dimension is neverRead MoreMarketing Mistakes and Successes175322 Words   |  702 Pagescomplacent. Remember the 3 C’s of Boeing in Chapter 7, when it opened the gates for AirBus. And, dare we forget, Nike vanquished the dominant Adidas in its early days. Invitation to Make Your Own Analysis and Critique Your analysis, please, of CEO Parker’s count of different sneaker and apparel styles at 13,000. What We Can Learn †¢ 315 WHAT WE CAN LEARN No One Is Immune from Mistakes; Success Does Not Guarantee Continued Success Some executives delude themselves into thinking success begetsRead MoreMarketing Management 14th Edition Test Bank Kotler Test Bank173911 Words   |  696 Pagesconflicting standards, having to decide between taking time to listen to customers and serving them fast. Page Ref: 373 Objective: 4 AACSB: Analytic skills Difficulty: Moderate 137) The advertisement for a pool reads a vinyl pool from Parkers for just $5000. When David contacted the firm for the pool, the customer service representative tells David that the total cost will be $8000. When David enquires about the extra $3000, the customer service representative says that is for installation

Leadership Reflection Free Essays

Personal Leadership Reflection My whole life I’ve been fascinated with great leaders and had been fortunate to be in close proximity with some of the people leaders of my country at a very young age. You see, my family’s business is politics or public service as it is often referred to in the United States. My grandfather was among the very few that had the opportunity to get a college education in the U. We will write a custom essay sample on Leadership Reflection or any similar topic only for you Order Now K. in the 1940s before we gained independence in 1961. They were trained as leaders to run the country when the British left. As a kid growing up I watched many of the leaders in my country including my mother and father, uncle and aunts, interact, nurture, motivate and empower their people. All these people have had an important role in shaping my life and helped me develop my own unique leadership style. Leadership is define as â€Å"the process by which individual exerts influence over other people and inspires, motivates and directs their activities to help achieve group or organizational goals. (Contemporary Management P317) When I think of great leaders that I try to emulate, I always think of people like Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Colin Powell to name a few. These three are not only transformational leaders but they transcends race, culture and boundaries in their leadership roles. I would characterize my leadership style as that of transformational leader, because I nurture, inspire, motivate and empower my people not only to get the best out of them but to also put them in positions to ac hieve self-actualization according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. I have had some leadership role working with a diverse group in terms of age, race and gender, and they appreciate my down to earth and very approachable style with everyone I deal with. I engage in transformational leadership by being attune with our industry and leading my people with a bold vision that inspires and challenge them to be creative and bold while nurturing their talents. I would not be the kind of leader I am today without the help of aforementioned individuals. Whenever I see someone in a leadership position, I try to learn from him or her. Whether the example is positive or negative, there are lessons I can learn and apply (or not apply) to my own leadership style. I will build upon this foundation by listening and staying attune with the rank and file even as the organization grows. I am currently working on improving my communication of expectations for my working relationships. I will ask specific questions to best understand the working environment within the organization. Leaders set the example. I will be honest with myself and with others. I will seek feedback and utilize this information for personal improvement. Leaders are also dedicated and hardworking and I will continue to work hard because my people deserves it. These are all influenced in some way by my ethnicity, national culture and maybe my gender as well. I am remembered by people I worked with previously as someone who is knowledgeable and who cares, someone who always did his best. I will not accept the status quo when the status quo can be improved. I will continuously push myself to learn and observe so that I can remain a highly effective leader who supports others and myself in all that I do. My leadership style will continue to evolve and show up in who I am and how I am in both personal and professional relationships. How to cite Leadership Reflection, Papers

The red pony Essay Example For Students

The red pony Essay The Red Pony by author John Steinbeck is a very notable book for young adults. The central and recurring theme of the four stories told within this short novel is life and death. The stories also deal with conflict between old and new. Unlike most novels for young adults this book is different because John Steinbeck does not try to soften or hide old age and death, but instead presents these themes as they are in reality. The stories tell how the main character, Jody Tiflin, becomes more responsible as he deals with the disappointments and sadness, as well as the successes of real life. We will write a custom essay on The red pony specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now This novel and the stories within take place on a ranch that is in the high mountains of Salinas, California in the early 1930s. The house of the Tiflin Family stands in the middle of the ranch with a bunkhouse, a chicken yard, and a large vegetable patch nearby. The house is surrounded by the brush line, where there is round green tub from which the animals can drink water. The major characters in the Red Pony are Jody Tiflin, who is the main character. He undergoes many experiences in the novel that help him mature. Next is Carl Tiflin, Jodys father, who is very strict and practical and Billy Buck, the ranch cowhand, who understands Jody and answers all of his questions. There is also Mrs. Tiflin, Jodys mom, who is always busy in the kitchen but still is understanding. Gitano, an old man who was born on the ranch and who has returned to die and Jodys grandfather, Mrs. Tiflins dad, who loves to tell stories of the old west. The Red Pony is actually divided into four chapters. In the first chapter, Jody has been given a red pony by his father to teach him responsibility. Jody becomes very attached to the pony and very protective. One day the pony gets wet in the rain, becomes very sick and dies. Jody is crushed and blames Billy Buck. The death of the pony makes Jody believe that he should not really trust anyone completely. It also teaches him the pain of loss. The second chapter tells the story of Gitano, an old man who has returned to the ranch to die where he was born. He leaves to go into the mountains and takes Easter, an old horse that is also close to death. Jody is sad to lose a friend and sad that Gitano has left to die alone. In the third chapter, Jody is given a second chance at a pony when Nellie the mare becomes pregnant and he gets to tend to her. Billy Buck, trying to win back Jodys trust, spends time with Jody and shows him how to care for Nellie. However, Billy Buck has to kill Nellie du ring delivery because the colt is in the wrong position. Jody seems to blame himself for Nellies death because he wanted another colt so badly. In the final chapter Jodys grandfather comes for a visit. Jody loves to listen to his grandfathers stories of the old west; however Carl Tiflin is tired of his stories and loudly complains one morning. Jodys grandfather overhears and feels badly and is very hurt. Jody feels compassion for his Grandfather and willingly gives up doing what he would like in order to spend time with him. In the final chapter of this novel, Jody gives up his own activities and choses to spend time with his Grandfather. He wants to listen to his stories and we see how he has matured from the self centered boy of the first chapter into a caring and responsible young man. .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1 , .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1 .postImageUrl , .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1 , .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1:hover , .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1:visited , .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1:active { border:0!important; } .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1:active , .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1 .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u1a431f7908bd195166a41bf3156338f1:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Social Movements EssayThe Red Pony is a coming of age story, and the plot is developed around the growth of Jody Tiflin. As a result, the main theme of the story is that life and experience are great teachers. During the course of the four chapters in the short novel, Jody learns to accept responsibility and to face the harsher truths of life, including death. By the end of the novel, Jody has successfully matured into a compassionate, independent, and responsible young man.

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON Essays - Education, Free Essays

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON Essays - Education, Free Essays THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON Faculty for Business and Law MODULE: Negotiations across Cultures (Assignment 2 of 2 ) 201 8 Module Code Level Credit Value Module Tutor STRM060 - STD- 16 /17 7 20 Gwen Lee Assignment Brief Assignment title: Group presentatio n along the below lecture topic Duration: 15 minutes - plus or minus 1 minute professional presentation in groups of 3-6 students. Weighting: 40% Submission date / Presentation date: 23 July 2018 30 July for the presentations to commence. RESIT TBC once the first submission grades have been agreed. Usually after the module has finished to give students' time to prepare for the STRM060 assignment 2 and any other first sit modules they may also be talking. 1. Purpose of the Assessment The purpose of this assignment is to facilitate that students, in groups of 3-6, present in-depth a topic that has been covered in one of the Workshops. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to discuss their personal and professional progression following the engagement with this module. While the first assignment specifically addresses a direct negotiation topic / question the second assignment allows for the exploration of a topic that the groups wish to academically explore further. There is a reflection and analysis element relating to each individual student. Assignment two seek to advance the recognition by students how the knowledge that stems from this module contributes to their personal and professional development. This self-discovery, and the subsequent implementation into daily practice is of considerable relevance as this will ensure the acquired knowledge and skills can unfold material and non-material benefits for the students as well as for the wider community. 2. Assessment t ask Type of Assessment The assignment is a group presentation with 3 - 6 group members. Requirements and components of the task The presentation is presenting an academically competent topic which links directly with a theme / topic relating to negotiating. Students, within their group, shall adequately address and discuss what they have academically researched and learned collectively in alignment with their group's chosen theme / topic. NB It is particularly important to link to established academic concepts, theories and models as this is a MBA Level 7 presentation / assessment. The final element is individual and each student should aim to demonstrate their own learning journey throughout the duration of this module covering what they have learned. This final element allows the articulate how students can implement the learning into their daily practice, both professionally and personally. Expected Format The presentation shall be recorded on-site with all group members present. Students are expected to equally distribute the work load and th e speaking time during their 15 presentation, plus or minus 1 minute, and 60 - 90 seconds for the individual self-reflection) . The presentations must be of excellent formatting standard i.e. professional. Information about content, structure, formatting and other expectations will be provided in the assignment briefing i n the corresponding workshop. A working baseline should be to keep it simple, avoid cartoon images, avoid having too many words on the slides, do not read from the screen, include quality academic Harvard style references with at least two per slide and it must be a professional MBA Level 7 academic presentation. Individual contribution and total time All group members must contribute equality in the allot presentation time. Assessment breakdown / guidance 1. Ability to display critical thinking relating towards the various topics around negotiating at the minimum requirements of MBA Level 7 quality or above? (using theory, concepts, examples explained, further elaborated on, confronted with another and possible contradicted? ( 30 %) 2. Quality of citations and referencing - MBA Level 7 quality - (stringency of references used, and formatted, Harvard Referencing) (25 %) - 3. How is the visual presentation of the presentation and adherence to formality (i.e. typos, formatting stringency, slide numbering, font sizes, general appearance, integration of media, etc.)? It needs to be professionally presented (15 %) - 4. Ability to conclude and to issue recommendations (is there a formal conclusion in the presentation in screen format and spoken format, that summarises the important learning, and are recommendations provided based on the content of the presentation at MBA Level

Making Colored Candle Flames

Making Colored Candle Flames Have you ever wanted to color the flames of your candles? Ive received several questions about how this might be achieved, including the following email: Hi, I just posted this question to the forum but I am also interested in your take on it. I read the article about colored fire and decided to try to make a candle with a color flame! First I tried dissolving the chems you suggested in the article (such as cupric chloride) into water until it was fully concentrated, and soaking some wicks overnight. After drying the wicks I found that on their own they do burn with a pretty flame (well, some of the chemicals), but once I tried adding wax to the mixture the natural color of the wax burning completely  took away any desired effects. Next I tried grinding up the chems into a fine powder and mixing as uniformly as possible with the wax. This was also unsuccessful and resulted in sporadic and weak color at best and often wouldnt even stay lit. Even when I could keep the particles from sinking to the bottom of the molten wax, they still [do] not burn correctly. I am convinced that in order to make a functioning candle with a color flame it is necessary to fully dissolve the salts and minerals listed in the article into the wax. Obviously the salts do not naturally dissolve and this got me thinking that maybe an emulsifier is necessary? Does that make sense? Thanks! If making colored candle flames was easy, these candles would likely be available for sale. They are, but only when the candles burn a liquid fuel. I would think you could make an alcohol lamp that burns a colored flame by attaching a wick to an alcohol lamp filled with fuel containing metal salts. The salts could be dissolved in a small amount of water, which would be mixable in alcohol. Some salts dissolve directly in alcohol. Its possible something similar could be achieved using a fuel oil. Im not sure a wax candle would ever work as well. Soaking the wick will produce a colored flame, much as if you burned paper or wood that has been soaked with metal salts, but the wick of a candle burns very slowly. Most of the flame results from combustion of vaporized wax. Has anyone tried making candles with colored flames? Do you have any suggestions for the reader who sent this e-mail or any tips about what will/wont work? Comments Tom  says: I too tried using paraffin wax but to no avail. I searched around and US patent 6921260 is probably the best description on the previous art and it’s own design, careful reading of the patent reveals that it should be possible to make colored flame candles at home if you know what you’re doing. Arnold  says: There is an old pdf article dated Dec 26, 1939 entitled Colored Flame Candle. In it William Fredericks used petroleum jelly as a fuel source with the mineral salt suspended in it. Although I haven’t built the whole project, I did suspend copper chloride in petroleum jelly, and it burned very nicely. A nice blue flame. You have to play with the ratios. As I see it, there are two approaches. A. Drill an existing candle from the top, and fill the hole with warmed jelly, or B. Follow the instructions in the article by building a candle around an inner core of jelly. But I was asked a question which I need to answer: Is breathing the smoke of colored flame candles healthy? i.e. copper, strontium, potassium Perhaps we can put our heads together on this project. I would like to get the colored flame candle project started. I saw that you have tried some things, but found they didn’t work. I would ask you not post this information yet. I would rather think this through with you and present the final project, rather than to publish the raw thinking of it. On the net I have found very chemically complicated candles (ethanolamine etc.) I mixed copper I chloride with petroleum jelly, put a wick in it, and it burned very nicely blue. There was some moisture there, so it did stink a bit. I read in one of the patent papers online that one of the problems is the amount of carbon particles in a candle flame. The suggestion was to use a palladium, vanadium or platinum chloride as a catalyst/accelerant (absorbing a small amount of this material on the wick) to increase the temperature. Not exactly cheap or readily available. But supposedly the orange flame is gone. The other alternative is to burn smaller chain organic compounds, like citric acid or benzoic acid. I haven’t tried these. Faerie flames advertises their candles are not paraffin, but crystals. Perhaps you have some ideas on other smaller molecules. I find that alcohol flames color very nicely, but paraffin is just not very hot burning. Yes, I am knowledgeable in chemistry with a B.Sc. in chemistry. Chels  says: I am trying to make a color flame candle myself. I think the first step would be producing a candle that burns with a light blue/luminous flame, you need to get rid of the yellow. To do this you need a fuel that has a low carbon content. Things like paraffin and stearin burn yellow due to their high carbon content. I don’t think it’s possible to make a good color flame candle with paraffin. A lot of patents seem to recommend Trimethyl Citrate. It’s a waxy/crystalline solid that burns a light blue. But I can’t find a place to get it, unless I want to buy it in industrial quantities! Does anyone know where I can find trimethyl citrate? It’s used as a food additive and cosmetic ingredient so I figure it isn’t toxic.   Amber  says: I see a lot of soy candles on the market. I am wondering if perhaps this may work with soy or beeswax?   Bryan  says: I have had a little success making a bluish candle flame by using copper desoldering braid. It makes a surprisingly good candle wick. In order to get the color, however, I first heated it up to melt out the impregnated rosin. I then put it in saltwater, put another wire in saltwater (pretty much any metal except aluminum), made sure they didn’t touch, and attached a 9 V battery to the wires- negative to the bare wire, positive to the copper braid. Within seconds, tiny bubbles will come off the – wire and blue-green stuff will form on the braid. Leave it in for a while. Most of the green stuff will come off the braid into the water. The stuff is most likely copper chloride, formed from the chloride in the salt. After the braid is green (but before it falls apart), pull it out, trying not to knock off too much stuff. Dry it, preferably by hanging. Then try that as a wick. I’ve only tried limited experiments, so your mileage may vary.   Eric  says: I’m working on Bryan’s idea of using desoldering braid as a wick. I’ve had limited success so far. The theory is good it seems, but the main problem I’ve had is that the wick doesn’t seem to be very good at drawing the molten wax up to the flame. The longest I’ve been able to keep one lit is about thirty seconds. I’m thinking that either I did not allow the wick to remain in the saltwater solution long enough or perhaps I might benefit from a different variety of wax or possibly weaving the braid together with a more traditional wick. priyanka  says: take 1.5 cups of water and add 2 tbsp of salt (NaCl). dissolve 4 tbsp of borax. Then dissolve Add 1 tsp. of one of the following chemicals for colored flames: strontium chloride for a brilliant red flame, boric acid for a deep red flame, calcium for a red-orange flame, calcium chloride for a yellow-orange flame, table salt for a bright yellow flame, borax for a yellow-green flame, copper sulfate (blue vitriol/bluestone) for a green flame, calcium chloride for a blue flame, potassium sulfate or potassium nitrate (saltpeter) for a violet flame or Epsom salt for a white flame. David Tran  says: Wouldn’t the NaCl contaminate the flame with yellow and overpower the other colors? Tim Billman  says: Priyanka: Check your colors. Boric acid burns green, calcium chloride burns orange/yellow, etc. I can make solutions of boric acid (which can be bought at Ace Hardware-type stores 99% pure as a cockroach killer) and strontium chloride (an additive from pet stores for saltwater fish tanks) which burn nicely in a mixture of acetone and rubbing alcohol, but those solutions do not mix with melted candle wax (because it is non-polar.) The next thing I was going to try was finding an emulsifying agent that was safe to burn (i.e., probably not soap) to make a semisolid colloid with the compounds dissolved in the wax. Any ideas on what my emulsifier could be? What can make oil and water mix besides soap? Mia  says: For colored flames the element burn: Lithium RedPotassium PurpleSulfur YellowCopper/copper oxide Blue/Green I would just look at the elements and chemicals that they use in fireworks because those burn with different colors.