"If you do a Nexis search on her you will find it contains very mixed reports," says a transition staffer, alluding to race riots in Miami and close elections against weak opponents.

When the emissions are mixed with water and the compound, the carbon dioxide turns into a sherbetlike consistency at virtually room temperature and under close to ordinary pressure.

Bending close, he points out blazes of russets and rich browns mixed with white on tiny but lovely wings.