Composer/scientist/social worker Alexandra Pajak has made an attempt at creating sound from the DNA of HIV. The result is the CD Sounds of HIV: Music Transcribed from DNA.
Pajak assigned musical pitches to the DNA of the HIV virus to create chamber-music pieces. So one what hears is a direct musical translation of the actual genetic code of the virus.
Pajak got the idea to compose DNA-based music when, as an undergraduate science and music student, a genetics professor ( who is also a research scientist involved in HIV research ) asked her to compose a symphony based on the DNA of the college founder's mother. At various conferences ever since, several researchers have commissioned works from her. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of Sounds of HIV will benefit the Emory Vaccine Center, which conducts HIV research.
Amazon.com, Tower.com and ClassicalArchives.com are among the websites carrying the CD.
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Five Worth Finding:
Tell No One: Based on the book by U.S. author Harvey Coben, this 2006 French suspense thriller stars Francois Cluzet as Alex, a doctor who ends up being implicated for a murder he did not commit. This underrated movie exhibits a lot of twists and turns, with an ending I certainly did not see coming. Kristin Scott Thomas makes quite an impression as Alex's lesbian sister-in-law, Helene.
Fleming's Steakhouse's "5 For $6 'Til 7" bar menu: The Chicago steakhouse and wine bar, located at 25 E. Ohio, has a menu that features five appetizers, martinis and wines by the glass until 7 p.m. Moreover, the "appetizers" are the size of entrees; there's a full plate of sweet chile calamari, and the cheeseburger is enormous.
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Kristine W: Straight Up with a Twist: The chanteuseknown for her many dance hitschills out with a jazz album that features "twists" of her anthems. Among the songs given the jazz treatment are "Stronger" and "Feel What You Want."
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Andrew Davis
( Andrew@WindyCityMediaGroup.com )