I just wrote about Inventor's Day in Argentina. Found that Laszlo Biro is the reason that Argentina celebrates Inventor's Day on his birthday. Who would have thought that the invention of the ball point pen would result in such an honour.
László Bíró (1899-1985)The Inventor of the Ballpoint Pen
Everybody is familiar with the ballpoint pen and all over the world this eminently useful invention has become an indispensable part of our everyday lives. But how many of us know the story behind this convenient writing implement or the name of its inventor?
The story begins in the 1880s. At that time several inventors tried to develop a ballpoint pen but it was the Hungarian, László Bíró, who created the pen with which we are familiar today László Bíró was born in Budapest on September 19th, 1899. He gained a place at the Medical School in Budapest but did not graduate. For a time he dabbled with hypnosis then he got a job with an oil company as a clerk responsible for matters relating to customs duties. He also had a go at motor racing, which provided the stimulus for his next invention - a new type of gear lever. He was also a successful painter.The need to invent something like the ballpoint pen arose when he took up journalism. He was the editor of the journal "Hongrie-Magyarország-Hungary" and when this was closed down he began working for the newspaper " Elôtte". As a journalist he was frequently irritated by the difficulties involved in using a fountain pen and began to think about how he could replace it with a more convenient writing implement.
Eventually he realised that the technique used in printing by which a rotary cylinder ensures continuous and uniform application of the ink could be adapted for use in a pen in such a way that a slender tube filled with ink with a small ball bearing at the end would be able to apply the ink continuously to the paper. It took several years of experimentation, however before the original idea could be realised in the form of the ballpoint pen, which rapidly became popular all over the world. Part of this experimentation was carried out abroad because in 1939 fears for his own and his family’s safety prompted him to flee from Hungary, firstly to Paris and then to Argentina.
Like all inventions the ballpoint pen had its precursors and required the input of numerous experts and considerable financial backing. For the ballpoint pen to work well it requires precision-made ball bearings, which finally a Swedish company was able to produce to the standard required by László Bíró. Another problem was to produce ink of suitable viscosity. Initially Bíró’s brother, György, helped to resolve this problem, but later the experimentation was continued in the workshops of the firm of Goy and Kovalszky.
Andor Goy played an important role in the development of a ballpoint pen that could be mass produced. His name is associated with the "Gopen". In 1940, in Argentina, László Bíró began experimenting independently until he finally patented his ballpoint pen there in 1943. The first ballpoint pens sold in large numbers to the public were manufactured in 1945 and were marketed in Argentina under the name of "Eterpen".
Bíró invented other things but his name will be for ever associated with the ballpoint pen, in fact in Britain a ballpoint pen is usually referred to as a "Bíró".László Bíró was so highly respected in Argentina that the Argentine Inventors’ Day is celebrated on his birthday September 29th.László Bíró died on November 24th 1985 in Buenos Aires.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Inventor's Day
Today is Inventor's Day. What a day! Celebrating Inventor's day are the Argentinians. The day corresponds to the birthday of the inventor of the ballpoint pen, Laszlo Biro, ruiner of many shirt pockets.
Found this information in a column that gives reasons to call in sick. Who would have thought that Inventor's Day would be a good enough reason. Who would have thought that it would be celebrated?
I am going to have to watch this column more closely to see what other days are available to call in sick. I am not likely to do it but nice to know that the possibility exists.
Found this information in a column that gives reasons to call in sick. Who would have thought that Inventor's Day would be a good enough reason. Who would have thought that it would be celebrated?
I am going to have to watch this column more closely to see what other days are available to call in sick. I am not likely to do it but nice to know that the possibility exists.
Monday, September 28, 2009
City feeds hungry
The city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil has accomplished what few have done elsewhere. It is feeding all its people. As Frances Moore Lappe has discovered hunger is not caused by a scarcity of food but a scarcity of democracy.
Belo Horizonte, a city of 2.5 million, with citizens groups has managed to feed all its citizens through democracy and careful planning. In 1993, a newly elected administration declared food a right of citizenship. The officials said, in effect: If you are too poor to buy food in the market-you are no less a citizen. I am still accountable to you.
The coalition proceeded to set up markets, restaurants and other innovations to make sure that all citizens could access food as a right. "People's Restaurants" plus a few smaller venues daily serve 12,000 or more people using mostly locally grown food for the equivalent of 50 cents a meal. People of all economic strata eat at these establishments.
"I knew we had so much hunger in the world, but what is so upsetting, what I didn't know when I started this, is it's so easy. It is so easy to end it. What a wonderful thought that hunger can be conquered.
Belo Horizonte, a city of 2.5 million, with citizens groups has managed to feed all its citizens through democracy and careful planning. In 1993, a newly elected administration declared food a right of citizenship. The officials said, in effect: If you are too poor to buy food in the market-you are no less a citizen. I am still accountable to you.
The coalition proceeded to set up markets, restaurants and other innovations to make sure that all citizens could access food as a right. "People's Restaurants" plus a few smaller venues daily serve 12,000 or more people using mostly locally grown food for the equivalent of 50 cents a meal. People of all economic strata eat at these establishments.
"I knew we had so much hunger in the world, but what is so upsetting, what I didn't know when I started this, is it's so easy. It is so easy to end it. What a wonderful thought that hunger can be conquered.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Everbearing Strawberries
Finally, they have been noticed. Today's Star has an article about everbearing strawberries. Strawberries that grow from June until the first frost. They are not available in grocery stores but are available at farmers markets and are wonderful. Apparently, the day neutral or everbearing strawberries are sun neutral which means that the weather that we have been having has not been a problem. My only problem is that I have not been able to get to the market to get some. Hopefully, I will manage to get some of these wonderful berries in the near future.
If you are near a market that has the everbearing strawberries, try them. They are worth the effort.
If you are near a market that has the everbearing strawberries, try them. They are worth the effort.
Rehearsal!!!!
After spending, hours considering dates to rehearse, we are back to the original date. My goodness, what a problem. Lesson learned is that we can not practise into the regular season. I wonder how other groups manage? Or is this the reason few larger groups are formed unless they are bands, orchestras or choirs large enough to deal with the absence of some members. The good thing is that everyone managed to have their say. Even if the solution is not satisfactory all factors were considered before moving back to that date.
How do others handle situations like this?
How do others handle situations like this?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Practise for a large group!
In case some of you are wondering what I am doing these days, one of them is trying to find a common time for a group of 10 musicians to practise. It was not too bad in the summer when we practised on Thursday evening and even then we had subs come in most of the time. There was always someone who was away. During the course of 2 1/2 months, we had one or two weeks with all the permanent members present. The group which only has two more weeks left before it disbands for the season, is desperately trying to find a time to meet. Let us start with Sunday- no that does not work because it is Yom Kippur, Monday night-one of the members is away, Tuesday and Friday-one of the members is busy coaching, Wednesday and Thursday nights-several members have orchestra rehearsal. Well, not sure what we are left with but I am going to look at a calendar and pray.
Wish me luck with this one.
Wish me luck with this one.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Mary Travers has passed away.
Mary Travers, one-third of the hugely popular 1960's folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary has died.
Travers, 72, had battled leukemia for several years.
Travers joined forces with Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey in the early 1960's.
The trio mingled their music with liberal politics, onstage and off. Their version of "If I had a Hammer" became an anthem for racial equality.
They were vehement in their opposition to the Vietnam War, managing to stay true to their liberal beliefs while creating music that resonated in the mainstream.
They disbanded in 1971, launching solo careers-Travers released five albums-that never achieved the heights of their collaborations.
This marks the end of an era. Peter, Paul and Mary were certainly part of my teenage years and to find that Mary Travers has passed away is sad and that does not adequately express my thoughts on this event.
Travers, 72, had battled leukemia for several years.
Travers joined forces with Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey in the early 1960's.
The trio mingled their music with liberal politics, onstage and off. Their version of "If I had a Hammer" became an anthem for racial equality.
They were vehement in their opposition to the Vietnam War, managing to stay true to their liberal beliefs while creating music that resonated in the mainstream.
They disbanded in 1971, launching solo careers-Travers released five albums-that never achieved the heights of their collaborations.
This marks the end of an era. Peter, Paul and Mary were certainly part of my teenage years and to find that Mary Travers has passed away is sad and that does not adequately express my thoughts on this event.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Shower Heads loaded with bacteria!
That first shot of hot, reviving shower water can also deliver a face full of potentially dangerous microbes each morning, new research says.
A U.S. study published today says many shower heads harbour slimy layers of tuberculosis-like bacteria that can blast out on microscopic droplets and deposit directly in your lungs.
"People ask, 'Is it dangerous to take a shower?' and the answer is no, unless your (immune system is) compromised in some way," said Norman Pace, a University of Colorado microbiologist.
"But the yuck factor is pretty high," said Pace, the senior study author.
The study was published in the journal of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The main microbe researchers detected in 45 shower heads studied across nine U.S. cities was a tuberculosis relative known as mycobacterium avium, which can cause fever, weight loss and a lingering low-grade cough, Pace said.
He said the risk of shower transmission would likely be high only for those suffering from compromised immune systems, for example, AIDS and cystic fibrosis patients or pregnant women.
"Indeed, mycobacterium avium pulmonary disease is more common in this country, at this time than is tuberculosis."
My goodness, what research is coming up with is frightening. Suggests that some of the gifts of modern society come with serious strings attached.
A U.S. study published today says many shower heads harbour slimy layers of tuberculosis-like bacteria that can blast out on microscopic droplets and deposit directly in your lungs.
"People ask, 'Is it dangerous to take a shower?' and the answer is no, unless your (immune system is) compromised in some way," said Norman Pace, a University of Colorado microbiologist.
"But the yuck factor is pretty high," said Pace, the senior study author.
The study was published in the journal of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The main microbe researchers detected in 45 shower heads studied across nine U.S. cities was a tuberculosis relative known as mycobacterium avium, which can cause fever, weight loss and a lingering low-grade cough, Pace said.
He said the risk of shower transmission would likely be high only for those suffering from compromised immune systems, for example, AIDS and cystic fibrosis patients or pregnant women.
"Indeed, mycobacterium avium pulmonary disease is more common in this country, at this time than is tuberculosis."
My goodness, what research is coming up with is frightening. Suggests that some of the gifts of modern society come with serious strings attached.
Anitbiotics curbed
The practice of routinely presribed antibiotics to kids suffering from an ear infection is coming to a formal end.
The Canadian Paediatric Society today instructed doctors to watch and wait for 48 hours before using antibiotics to treat most ear infections in healthy children over six months of age.
About 95 per cent of the time, an acetaminophen like Tylenol alone works just as well to treat the kind of ear infecti9on that preschoolers with a cold are prone to, said specialist Dr. Joan Robinson in a statement.
She said the main reason for the treatment change is concern about increasing resistance to antibiotics by over-presribing them.
I remember family using herbs for ear aches when I was young. Never thought about getting antibiotics for ear aches.
The Canadian Paediatric Society today instructed doctors to watch and wait for 48 hours before using antibiotics to treat most ear infections in healthy children over six months of age.
About 95 per cent of the time, an acetaminophen like Tylenol alone works just as well to treat the kind of ear infecti9on that preschoolers with a cold are prone to, said specialist Dr. Joan Robinson in a statement.
She said the main reason for the treatment change is concern about increasing resistance to antibiotics by over-presribing them.
I remember family using herbs for ear aches when I was young. Never thought about getting antibiotics for ear aches.
Crystal Lee Sutton
Crystal Lee Sutton whose fight to unionize Southern textile plants with low pay and poor conditions was dramatized in the film Norma Rae, has died.
Sutton, 68, died Friday after a long battle with brain cancer.
In 1973, Sutton was a mother of three earning $2.68 an hour folding towels at J. P. Stevens when a manager fired her for pro-union activity. In a final act of defiance before police hauled her out, Sutton, who had worked there for 16 years, wrote "UNION" on a piece of cardboard and climbed on a table on the plant floor. Employees responded by shutting down their machines.
In 1974, a union won the right to represent workers at seven plants in northeastern North Carolina.
"Crystal was an amazing symbol of workers standing up in the South against overwhelming odds," said Bruce Raynor, president of Workers United, who worked with Sutton to organize the Stevens plants.
Despite what many people think, Lee got little profit from the movie or an earlier book written about her, said her son, Jay Jordan.
"When they find out she lived very, very modestly, even poorly, in Burlington, (N.C.), they're suprised," Jordan said.
Hopefully, we can all learn from Sutton and help right some of the wrongs that we see around us.
Sutton, 68, died Friday after a long battle with brain cancer.
In 1973, Sutton was a mother of three earning $2.68 an hour folding towels at J. P. Stevens when a manager fired her for pro-union activity. In a final act of defiance before police hauled her out, Sutton, who had worked there for 16 years, wrote "UNION" on a piece of cardboard and climbed on a table on the plant floor. Employees responded by shutting down their machines.
In 1974, a union won the right to represent workers at seven plants in northeastern North Carolina.
"Crystal was an amazing symbol of workers standing up in the South against overwhelming odds," said Bruce Raynor, president of Workers United, who worked with Sutton to organize the Stevens plants.
Despite what many people think, Lee got little profit from the movie or an earlier book written about her, said her son, Jay Jordan.
"When they find out she lived very, very modestly, even poorly, in Burlington, (N.C.), they're suprised," Jordan said.
Hopefully, we can all learn from Sutton and help right some of the wrongs that we see around us.
Monarchs not multiplying!
I know that many people loved this summer's temperatures. It was lovely, rarely putting on the air conditioning, not needing to shower several times a day to cool down, being able to eat indoors and not sweat buckets. Unfortunately, as I am fond of saying there is always a yin and ying to things. Monarch butterflies did not do so well in this weather.
The summer's cool temperatures have had monarch butterflies giving each other the cold shoulder and that means far fewer of them passing through the GTA this week on their annual migration to Mexico.
In fact, some researchers say the number overwintering in Mexico this year could be the lowest since 2004. Cool and rainy periods in most of the breeding areas this summer slowed down their metabolism and reproduction.
Experts who track monarchs say the number being seen in Tommy Thompson Park, at the foot of Leslie Street are far fewer in number.
Monarch butterflies usually live six to eight weeks. The ones that leave Canada in the fall are two or three generations removed from those that first arrive in Canada. In March, they'll start north again, following a trail of milkweed-the sole food source for monarch caterpillars.
Who knew-milkweed. Much like Pandas but migratory!
We need to make sure that milkweed thrives in order for the Monarchs to continue their annual migrations.
The summer's cool temperatures have had monarch butterflies giving each other the cold shoulder and that means far fewer of them passing through the GTA this week on their annual migration to Mexico.
In fact, some researchers say the number overwintering in Mexico this year could be the lowest since 2004. Cool and rainy periods in most of the breeding areas this summer slowed down their metabolism and reproduction.
Experts who track monarchs say the number being seen in Tommy Thompson Park, at the foot of Leslie Street are far fewer in number.
Monarch butterflies usually live six to eight weeks. The ones that leave Canada in the fall are two or three generations removed from those that first arrive in Canada. In March, they'll start north again, following a trail of milkweed-the sole food source for monarch caterpillars.
Who knew-milkweed. Much like Pandas but migratory!
We need to make sure that milkweed thrives in order for the Monarchs to continue their annual migrations.
Monday, September 14, 2009
US Open further posts
My goodness, what is the biggest news about the US Open! Not the fantastic shot that Roger Federer managed through the legs. He shot, not looking since his back was to the net. The ball was still in. Wow, that was a shot to behold and close to the end of his semi-final match.
No, the talk of the games is Serena Williams behaviour at the end of her match with Kim Clisters. Okay, lines people are not supposed to call foot faults at the end of a match, an unspoken rule but how does the lines person know that it is the end of the match or near the end? To threaten an official in such a way is no longer sportsman like. The penalty of $10,000 is meaningless to her and she still played her final ladies doubles with her sister.
Hopefully, the tennis federation will take time to consider the situation carefully and exact a punishment that fits the situation.
No, the talk of the games is Serena Williams behaviour at the end of her match with Kim Clisters. Okay, lines people are not supposed to call foot faults at the end of a match, an unspoken rule but how does the lines person know that it is the end of the match or near the end? To threaten an official in such a way is no longer sportsman like. The penalty of $10,000 is meaningless to her and she still played her final ladies doubles with her sister.
Hopefully, the tennis federation will take time to consider the situation carefully and exact a punishment that fits the situation.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Continuing US Open
Yup, you guessed it, I am watching the US Open when I am not at school teaching. Yes, you read correctly, I am back teaching. I will retire, I promise but not this year. Going to take another year before, I finally put the chalk on the ledge and hang up my baton.
In the meantime, it is time to watch the US Open, the last of the majors of the year. Looking forward to hearing how Kim Clijisters played against Serena Williams. Each has her virtues and I will not be disappointed with either one of them winning.
The men are not as exciting this time. Federer will probably win, he is playing so well.
Time to get back to photocopying. Break is over.
In the meantime, it is time to watch the US Open, the last of the majors of the year. Looking forward to hearing how Kim Clijisters played against Serena Williams. Each has her virtues and I will not be disappointed with either one of them winning.
The men are not as exciting this time. Federer will probably win, he is playing so well.
Time to get back to photocopying. Break is over.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
US Open
Was wondering what took up my time lately and it came to me. The US Open tennis tournament. I am not a great tennis player but I do have fun. There are a few times a year that I watch faithfully to see if my favourite players win or if they go down to defeat. Still waiting to see if Nadal won his match against Mon-Fils (think that I spelled it correctly). It was tight and I was watching during the tie-break at the end of the first set. Mon-Fils won that but there were many sets to go. I had to go to sleep. This working is hard!
Today, I will watch some more tennis hopefully it will be as exciting as yesterday. Might learn something. The most important is that a point is not over until it is really over. Too often, I stop after a good shot and my opponent gets the shot back. Must watch and learn.
Today, I will watch some more tennis hopefully it will be as exciting as yesterday. Might learn something. The most important is that a point is not over until it is really over. Too often, I stop after a good shot and my opponent gets the shot back. Must watch and learn.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
I survived!
Well, I made it through my first day. I will make it through the year. It was a test! Could I survive after retiring, working part-time and then not working for months at a time.
I must admit that working full time at the high school level is very different from elementary. There is no comparison and I am not sure why elementary does not complain. I have a feeling that there is very little communication that occurs between the two levels.
Time to go and relax and get ready for the next day which is even easier.
Wow, not sure that I can make it.
I must admit that working full time at the high school level is very different from elementary. There is no comparison and I am not sure why elementary does not complain. I have a feeling that there is very little communication that occurs between the two levels.
Time to go and relax and get ready for the next day which is even easier.
Wow, not sure that I can make it.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Labour Day Approaches
As Labour Day approaches, I am torn this year. I am heading back to school full-time. Do I really want to do this? After three years of working part-time and for many months not at all, I am returning to work full-time. This year because Labour Day is so late we going to work tomorrow and the next. This will help me get into the rhythm of getting up early. Must admit that I have become used to sleeping late and working at the computer once I get up. However, one day a week, I do get up and play tennis.
Nearly two weeks ago, I hurt myself playing tennis during a lesson so I am still trying to decide if I will go out today and play social tennis. My arm is better but after Sunday and not being able to serve well, I am thinking that I will do better just staying at home and getting work done. The house cleaned, that would be nice after all this time.
I think that I will tie up loose ends, clean and get organized for the coming year- let's start with the weekend.
Nearly two weeks ago, I hurt myself playing tennis during a lesson so I am still trying to decide if I will go out today and play social tennis. My arm is better but after Sunday and not being able to serve well, I am thinking that I will do better just staying at home and getting work done. The house cleaned, that would be nice after all this time.
I think that I will tie up loose ends, clean and get organized for the coming year- let's start with the weekend.
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