Author Archives: Cris

Paper Clip

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Paper Clip

One of the most common inventions!

  • The modern paper clip is a bendable, double oval, metal paper clip.
  • There are many inventors of the paper clip but JohnVaaler of Norway is most notable for his patent in 1899.
  • In 1896, Matthew Schooley invented a bent wire paper clip or holder.
  • The paper clip was invented by several people in different countries around the same period of time.
  • Of all the early inventors, John Vaaler’s paper clip looked most similar to the modern paper clip.

Multiple Paperclips, Metal, Silver, Ten Random Facts

  • Various designs and variations of the modern paper clip were invented from the period 1896-1950s.
  • In 1958, paper clips were surveyed for their uses. Some of the results of the survey included: paper clips were used as toothpicks, fingernail and ear cleaners, fasteners for nylon, bras and blouses, tie clasps, chips and markers in games, chains and childish weapons.
  • During World War II, the Norwegians wore paper clips to protest against the occupation of the Nazi.
  • The largest paper clip was displayed in Oslo, Norway in 1989, and was made from iron, and was 7 metres (22 feet, 11 inches) long and weighed 602 kg (1327 pounds).
  • The modern paper clip is thought to have originated from the company Gem Manufacturing Ltd in England.
Bibliography:
Harrison, I 2004, The Book of Inventions, Cassell Illustrated, Great Britian

J.R.R. Tolkien

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J.R.R. Tolkien

Ever heard of the Lord of the Rings? Well, that is J.R.R. Tolkien’s work.

  • J.R.R. Tolkien’s full name is John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.
  • J.R.R. Tolkien was born on the 3rd of January, 1892 into a family of craftsmen, and died on the 2nd of September, 1973 at the age of 81.
  • J.R.R. Tolkien is best known for is works of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and The Silmarillion.
  • J.R.R. Tolkien was a close friend to fellow author C.S. Lewis and were both members of the Inklings.
  • J.R.R. Tolkien worked at the Oxford English Dictionary after his years of service in World War I.

J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, Silmarillian, Poet, Author, Ten Random Facts, Photobucket

J.R.R. Tolkien
Image courtesy of Photobucket
  • In World War II, J.R.R. Tolkien was a codebreaker due to the high literature standards he had.
  • J.R.R. Tolkien was married to Edith Bratt, who lived from 1889-1971 and they had four children: John Francis Reuel Tolkien, Michael Hilary Reuel Tolkien, Christopher John Reuel Tolkien and Priscilla Mary Anne Reuel Tolkien.
  • J.R.R. Tolkien, a devout Roman Catholic, was said to be an atheist, but later became a Christian.
  • J.R.R. Tolkien had a road named after him (Tolkien Road), in Eastbourne, Sussex.
  • J.R.R. Tolkien rarely signed his work, meaning his autograph is highly valued by collectors.
Bibliography:
J. R. R. Tolkien 29 November 2012, Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien>

Supercross

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Supercross

Supercross. No crosses aren’t super…

  • Supercross is motorcycle racing that uses off-road motorcycles on a track.
  • Another name for supercross is SX.
  • Supercross tracks are normally made out of artificial dirt, with steep jumps and obstacles.
  • Supercross comes from the sport motocross, another motorcycling organisation. Both ‘crosses’ are similar in many ways and are different as well – supercross is for more experienced riders due to a more difficult track involving higher risks and the potential of greater injury.
  • The first supercross race commenced in 1972, California and was named ‘Super Bowl of Motocross’.
Supercross, Motocross Motorcycle, Rider, Jump, Free Digital Photos, Ten Random Facts
Supercross Motorcycle
Image courtesy of Axel O’Dell/ Free Digital Photos
  • AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) supercross competitions are held from late December – mid May and consists of 17 rounds.
  • The winners of world Supercross competitions from 2003-2012 were Chad Reed; Heath Voss; Ricky Charmichael; James Stewart Jr; Ryan Dungey; and Ryan Villopoto.  All are Americans, except Chad Reed who is an Australian.
  • There are three supercross classes: Supercross Class, Supercross Lite East and Supercross Lite West.
  • The popular supercross teams are Hart & Huntington, Honda Muscle Milk, Jeff Ward Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Monster Pro Circuit Kawasaki, Motor Concepts, Red Bull KTM, Rockstar Valli Yamaha, Troy Lee Designs, Two Two Motor Sports, Yoshimura Suzuki and Legends.
  • According to Chad Reed, most supercross riders spend about one and half hours training on their motorcycle every day.  Other training includes keeping fit.
Bibliography:
AMA Supercross Championship 16 November 2012, Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercross>

Fireworks

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Fireworks

Ooh Pretty! Don’t you just love fireworks!?

  • Fireworks are explosive, chemical reacted projectiles that are typically shot in the air and are typically used for colourful entertainment and are sometimes used at religious occasions.
  • Fireworks date back to the tenth century China.
  • The largest firework display was for the 50th anniversary of Kuwait’s constitution in November 2012, and displayed 77,282 projectiles.
  • There are three classes of firework explosions: class A are highly explosive; class B are low explosive and not publicly sold; and class C are low explosive and are publicly sold.
  • The colour of a firework depends on the metal used. For example, a blue coloured firework contains copper metal.

Firework, Red, Green, Blue, New Years Eve, Ten Random Facts, Invention, Sky, Dark

  • Some agriculture farmers use fireworks to scare off bird pests.
  • In most countries, people under the age of 18 are not permitted to buy or set off fireworks.
  • Fireworks make noises that sound like bangs (reports), crackles, hums or whistles, depending on the type of firework.
  • Fireworks project shells which explode in mid air or on the ground and can cause fires due to unextinguished flames.
  • Fireworks come in a variety of effects, numbering in the twenties, which include the ‘Chrysanthemum’, ‘Spider’, and ‘Cake’.
Bibliography:
Fireworks 26 November 2012, Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireworks>

Coeliac Disease

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Coeliac Disease

Seel-ee-ak? Celiac or coeliac… they are the same thing.

  • People with coeliac (pronounced seel-ee-ak) disease can’t consume gluten found in barley, rye and wheat, and most coeliacs also react to oats.
  • One in five people affected by coeliac disease may not react to the gluten in oats.
  • When those with coeliac disease consume gluten, it damages the small intestine (villi), so that nutrients aren’t absorbed properly.
  • Coeliac disease is one of the only diseases that can’t be cured, but is easily treated via a gluten free diet.
  • If coeliac disease is not treated, serious problems could occur like poor nutrition, infertility, cancer and diabetes.
Coeliac Disease, Small Intestine, Bowel, Duodenum,
Effects of Coeliac Disease  (Inside Small Intestine)
  • Symptoms of coeliac disease can include depression, behaviour, fatigue, weakness, easy bruising, skin rashes, bone and joint pains, and in children, failure to thrive, irritability and delayed growth, as well as other health problems.  Sometimes no obvious symptoms are present.
  • Those with coeliac disease, must be on a strict diet that has no gluten or any traces of gluten.
  • Commonly, those with coeliac disease are lactose intolerant, although this often rectifies itself once a gluten free diet has commenced.
  • Coeliac disease affects 1 in 100 Australians and 75% of people who have the disease do not know they have it.
  • Coeliac disease vaccines are currently being developed in Melbourne, to help those affected by coeliac disease to consume gluten without damaging the small intestine.
Bibliography:
Coeliac Disease 2011, Coeliac Australia, <Http://www.coeliac.org.au/coeliac-disease/index.html>

Nectarine

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Nectarine

Nectarine… sweet and juicy!

  • A nectarine is a stonefruit, which is a fruit with a large seed in the middle.
  • Nectarines are closely related to the peach, and sometimes are grown on peach trees or vice versa.
  • Nectarines have smooth skin, and yellow, red or white flesh colour.
  • The nectarine is a high source of vitamins A and C.
  • Nectarine trees are grown in warm temperature areas.

Red Flesh, Yellow Inside, Nectarine, Stonefruit, Ten Random Facts

  • The nectarine comes from the family ‘Rosaceae’, which is the family of roses.
  • The nectarine tree grows 5-7 meters (16-22 feet) high.
  • Nectarines are normally in season in the warmer months, from early spring to middle autumn.
  • The name ‘nectarine’ comes from the sweet food the gods eat, ‘nectar’.
  • The place of origin of the nectarine is China, but spread quickly to England in the 16th century.
Bibliography
Nectarine 2011, Fresh for Kids, <http://www.freshforkids.com.au/fruit_pages/nectarine/nectarine.html>
Nectarine n.d., Britannica, <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/407794/nectarine>
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