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A Brief History of Vacuum Cleaners

The first person to patent a machine for cleaning was David Hess in the year 1860. Housewives all over America had turned to using rugs and carpets, a trait brought over by the waves of immigrants coming from Europe, to cover their bare wood floors and keep the dust and dirt to a minimum. When they were dirty, they had to be carried outside, suspended somehow in the air and then beaten with a metal rod or heavy wooden stick.

A bit later someone invented a small, tennis racket-looking device called a rug beater for precisely this purpose. Mr. Hess soon realized that there was probably an easier way to clean rugs without all the fuss and mess and he invented the Carpet Sweeper which had a rotating brush combined with a bellows system that created suction. His amazing invention also used two water chambers to trap the dust and fine dirt. The only problem with Mr. Hess’ machine is that there is no proof it was ever produced.

After Mr. Hess’ invention, there came a period of wilder and weirder inventions that sought to accomplish the same thing. In the late 1870’s, Melville Bissell (sound familiar?) marketed a carpet sweeper that picked up the dirt and dropped it into a pan behind the rotating brush. In 1899, John Thurman invented a gasoline-powered vacuum cleaner that is credited as being the first motorized version. In 1901 Hubert Booth of London invented the electric vacuum, a device so large that it was parked outside the house and a 100-foot long hose snaked its way inside and did the dirty work.

The device was so popular that housewives all over London held vacuum parties to enjoy the event. It wasn’t until 1908 when James Spangler, a janitor in Ohio, invented the first portable, suction cleaner — the precursor to today’s high tech machines. He sold his patent to his cousin’s husband, William Hoover (also familiar?) and the rest, as they say is history.

A Brief History of the Violin

Musical instruments have existed in one form or another for many thousands of years. There were several stringed instruments made before violins, but some of them are so ancient that modern scholars hardly know anything about them, having only seen them depicted in artwork or written record. The violin has existed in its current form since the 16-th century. The first Violin makers were Italians who were probably influenced by other ancient stringed instruments from around the world.

Some of the violin’s precursors date back several thousand years. The ravanstron, rebec, and rabab are ancient stringed instruments that were used thousands of years ago. By the 11-th century, the rote and vielle had been invented. These instruments looked somewhat similar to modern violins in that they fingerboards that containing strings which players could press in order to produce different tones. The vielle was probably the instrument most similar to the modern violin, different models had between two and five strings that could be plucked or bowed.

The history of the violin itself goes back to 16-th century Italy. The Medici family commissioned a famous lute builder named Andrea Amati to make a stringed instrument that was small enough for street musicians to use but had a sound quality similar to that of a lyre. His first violins were very successful and he was soon commissioned to build an entire orchestra by King Charles IX of France. The earliest known violin still in existence, dated 1564, was from this orchestra.

The Amati family — along with fellow Italian families like the Guarneris and the Stradivaris — continued to refine and develop the violin’s design until the 18-th century, when Antonio Stradivari built a violin that formed the basis for all future models.

Acoustic violins have not changed much since the 18-th century; the designs proved they could with stand the test of time. Some innovations, such as the advent of the electric violin have been made in recent years, but the basic design remains unchanged.

A Brief History of the Mattress

Mattresses are a key component of bedding. Because most humans spend over a third of their lives sleeping, finding a quality mattress is important for a high quality of life. Normally comprised of foam and fibers, with metal springs on a wooden frame, mattresses help ensure a restful sleep.

Serta, Sealy, and Simmons are the three largest, most popular mattress brands in the USA.

Standard USA mattress sizes are Twin/Single (39” X 75”), Double/Full (54” X 75”), Queen (60” X 80”), King (78” X 80”). Other USA mattress sizes include Olympic Queen (66” X 80”), California Queen (60” X 84”), and California King (72” X 80”).

Mattresses typically require replacement after seven to fifteen years of use, or sooner, if the coils or frame have experienced noticeable wear and tear.

A Brief History of the Mattress

In the Neolithic period (8,000-6,000 B.C.), people migrated from sleeping on the ground to simple man-made beds and mattresses. These first resting structures were constructed of leaves and grass, held together with animal skin. Around 3,500 B.C., Persians invented the first “waterbeds,” made of goatskins filled with water. The more affluent inhabitants of the Roman Empire, circa 200 B.C., slept on mattresses filled with feathers. Steel coils, which now support the vast majority of mattresses, were not patented for this purpose until 1865.

Mattresses have enjoyed many advances in the past few decades, including the advent of air mattresses, foam mattresses, and “memory foam” mattresses. Increasingly, mattresses are being constructed from modern materials such as latex foam and polyurethane foam. In addition, those consumers seeking affordability and convenience have chosen futons and futon mattresses to ensure their good night’s sleep. And there has long been a core of waterbed enthusiasts who remain committed to waterbed mattresses.

A Brief History of Sewing Machines

Initially, sewing machines were manufactured for garment factory production lines, allowing for clothing to become uniformly mass-produced. It was French tailor Barthelemy Thimonnier who invented the first functioning sewing machine in 1830 for use in his garment factory.

This original machine used only one thread and a hooked needle for a chain stitch. His factory was burnt down and he was nearly killed by an angry mob of French tailors who were afraid his machines would leave them unemployed. A few years later in America, Walter Hunt shared the same fears, and abandoned the work to patent his own version of a straight-seam sewing machine. The fears were unfounded, as industrial sewing machines created multiple job opportunities worldwide.

Modern garment factories incorporate the same mass production techniques as other industries, with each workstation completing one part of the overall job. Industrial sewing machines are generally designed to perform one specific sewing function such as embroidery. Machines with different functions are operated to complete clothing items in a production line. Marketing to individuals didn’t begin until 1889, allowing for women to have the means to create clothing for their family without the labor-intensive hand stitching. The domestic sewing machine used in the home is manufactured to perform many tasks from sewing straight or zigzag stitches and the creation of buttonholes, as well as stitching buttons on to the piece of clothing.

Industrial sewing machines, like their domestic counterparts for the home, were created to simplify and speed up the otherwise labor-intensive hand stitching. The domestic sewing machine is manufactured to perform many tasks from sewing straight or zigzag stitches and the creation of buttonholes, as well as stitching buttons on to the piece of clothing. Sewing machines were adapted for use in industrial settings, allowing for clothing to become uniformly mass-produced. The industrial sewing machines are generally designed to perform a specific sewing function such as embroidery or applying buttonholes. Companies from all over the world manufacture industrial sewing machines with very basic features as well as higher-end computer operated models.

A variety of machines with different functions are operated to complete clothing items in a production line. A few examples would be a Bag Closer sewing machine which is used for sewing a single thread chain-stitch, a high-speed plain sewer is used for stitching seems and double needle machines are used for adding top stitching details to items like jeans.

Walking foot machines are invaluable for quilting and sewing coats, as it keeps the fabric moving along without bunching and making for a smoother and faster production. Overlock serger sewing machines, which are also available in smaller versions for the home, create the whipped V stitch along the edge of a seam of T-shirts and other stretchable fabrics.

A Brief History of Scooters

Scooters were first known as a child’s vehicle that dates back to before 1920. Although scooters were being manufactured, the majority of older children fashioned their own out of miscellaneous used parts. Remember the Little Rascal movies with scooters made out of produce crates? Technology and economies have changed since that time, allowing for today’s mass produced scooters to offer a variety models and

to be sold at a reasonably low cost.

Modern scooters not only include the push scooters that require a little bit of exercise, but also feature electric and gas motorized models. Advancements in technology have made way for many physically impaired individuals to replace wheel chairs with motorized scooters and mobility scooters. Competition among scooter manufacturers has led to unique design features as well as miniature low-powered motorcycles.

Motorized scooters are considered low-power motor vehicles by many municipalities and are subject to state and local regulations. Some scooters meet Department of Transportation regulations for operation on streets and roadways while others are prohibited from being on the streets. Any time a motorized vehicle is introduced into traffic areas, appropriate cautionary measures must be taken and proper safety gear must be worn.

Scooters can be easily found in the retail market, however not all retailers will carry all styles. Major discount or department stores may only carry a couple of models that they believe will be the most popular among their shoppers. A scooter store could specialize in a variety of recreational scooters, while another store will specialize in the mobility scooters. Retailers also offer scooter accessories to enhance the experience as well as replacement parts and service. Any style of scooter can be purchased online for retail pricing. The current market demand for scooters makes it hard to find them at wholesale prices for a single purchase, but there are many opportunities for an individual to become a scooter dealer.

A Brief History of Hawaiian Shirts

Bright in color and full of vivid design, Hawaiian shirts are an immensely popular way to introduce yourself – and your clothing – at parties, the pool or the beach. They have become an international symbol of Hawaii. Although they continue to increase in popularity, Hawaiian shirts are not a new trend or fad. In fact, the design of the popular shirts has been around for decades.

Hawaiian shirts got their start in the 1930s, when clothing manufacturers on the islands decided to produce a cloth that had a design unique to Hawaii. Watumull’s East India Store led the pack by hiring artist Elsie Das to create 15 hand-painted floral designs that were then printed onto silk. Unfortunately for the store, the designs were not supposed to be printed on heavy silk. Although the manufacturer did not print the shirts as had been requested, it turned out for the best – the heavy silk shirts became extremely popular in Hollywood. Movie stars, singers, and politicians all donned the prints. In the movie “From Here to Eternity,” Montgomery Cliff, Burt Lancaster, Ernest Borgnine, and Frank Sinatra all wore Hawaiian shirts. The craze has continued on for years. Tom Selleck was seen wearing Hawaiian shirts in “Magnum PI.”

Hawaiian officials have certainly encouraged the Aloha shirt craze. In 1947, the Honolulu Board of Supervisors passed a resolution, encouraging city and county employees to wear Hawaiian shirts from June 1 to October 31 each year. Further, every Friday in Hawaii is considered Aloha Friday, when locals and tourists alike wear their favorite Hawaiian shirt or dress with pride. The islands even have an official Aloha Week, where thousands of people dress in Hawaiian pride.

Today, Hawaiian shirts continue to be a symbol of relaxation in tropical paradise.

A Brief History of Grandfather Clocks

Since the beginning of civilization, humans have searched for a reliable way to keep track of the time. In the earliest days, months, seasons and years were tracked by careful monitoring of the phases of the moon. Later, the sun and stars were also used to help early people track the passing of time.

The Sumerians used the sundial to divide days into two-hour segments. The Egyptians created a device called Cleopatra’s needle to divide their days into two-hour segments while the ancient Romans devised a way of dividing time into night and day.

A pressing need for more precise measurements led to the invention of the water clock and then the hourglass. These inventions were limited as they relied on water and sand, respectively, to function. The search continued to search for a way of tracking time independent of the seasons or nature.

In 1582, Galileo discovered that a pendulum could be used to track time. He drew the first designs for a grandfather clock, though he did not build it. Finally, in 1656, Christiaan Huygens built the first known grandfather clock, putting Galileo’s discovery to use. Though the clock did not keep accurate time, it was a major breakthrough in timekeeping technology. Through the years, various inventors tried to improve on the design, but with little luck.

Finally, in 1670, William Clement discovered that the clocks worked better with a longer pendulum. Of course, this required a taller clock. Clement named his newly designed clocks long-case clocks. This was the predecessor of the grandfather clocks that we know today.

In 1875, Henry Work wrote the song “My Grandfather’s Clock” and the name stuck and finally, after many years in the making, grandfather clocks were born.

Today’s grandfather clocks rely on a pendulum attached to an anchor. The swinging pendulum causes the anchor to turn a gear, which in turn causes the clock to tick. A pair of weights further helps power the clock and keeps it from losing time. Although the technology has evolved over the years, the grandfather clocks of today still reflect the ingenuity of human’s earliest ancestors.

A Brief History of Golden Caskets

Caskets made entirely of gold are very rare. When they are found, they are usually priceless artifacts of historical significance. In the modern day, some people choose to buy caskets with decorative golden inlays.

It is important to keep in mind that not all caskets are used in burial or funerals. Some are used merely as containers for jewelry or artifacts. Golden caskets often have a religious significance. Many relics from Buddhism and Christianity are kept in elaborate golden caskets. For example, the thirty-three relics of Buddha are stored in golden caskets around the world. These relics range from items that Buddha used to some of his teeth and his collarbone. Most of the Buddha relics are housed in museums and are rarely displayed to the public.

The ancient Egyptians often used golden caskets to entomb the mummies of Pharaohs and other important public figures. The ancient Egyptians believed that people could take their possessions with them to the afterlife and would bury a person’s belongings and pets with them. The Pharaohs’ servants were often killed and buried when the Pharaoh died in order to continue their service in the afterlife. Golden caskets were used to entomb the mummies as well as many items that the person used in day-to-day life. These golden caskets are priceless archeological finds that are studied thoroughly and kept in museums around the world. Scientists still use these artifacts to learn about ancient Egyptian society.

Some modern day caskets have golden decorations. People may choose to have a golden cross or other religious symbols on the casket. These decorations are often expensive, but they can be extremely beautiful and detailed, adding luxury to the casket.

Golden caskets are rare works of art that contain some of the world’s great treasures. Modern day caskets with gold inlays or decoration can help people say goodbye to their loved one with style and dignity.

80s Arcade Games

The 1980s are considered to be the golden age of arcade games. It was in 1972 that the first electronic arcade games with coin slotting machines came into the limelight with Atari inventing the game called Pong, which was a ping-pong game. This game caught the imagination of gamers from all walks of life, especially teenagers who flocked to game joints with coins in hand to play them. Though Atari could not maintain their supremacy in the Arcade game segment as a lot of clones came into the market, the 80s saw some of the most inventive Arcade games.

There were the popular pinball games, whose mechanical ancestors were replaced by state of the art electronic counterparts. There were arcade games seen all over, from shopping malls, to restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, bars, bowling alleys, college campuses, movie theatres, airports, bakeries etc. The phenomenon was popular all over the US and Japan and caught the fancy of the rest of the world as well.

The 80s saw some of the most popular arcade games ever, beginning with games like Space Invaders which made their debut in 1978, Pac-man in 1980, Donkey Kong in 1981 and Tapper in 1983 being the most popular ones.

Most of these games extensively used solid-state electronic technology and integrated circuits. Those operated by coins, usually ended up using multiple CPUs and additional sound and graphics chip boards, with the latest display technology of that time.

Yet, what perhaps made these games most popular across all sections of the society was the ease of use. It did not take much time to learn these games and they could be learnt on the fly. The rules of the games were also simple. One could play the game as long as their character on the screen lived. Once it died, they had to put in another coin and start all over again.

40Th Anniversary Gifts

A wedding anniversary is a special occasion when you and your spouse celebrate a reaffirmation of your commitment to each other. It is an annual renewal of your deepest feelings for your loved one. It is a day that demands special time to spend with each other. Make a special effort to choose a perfect gift that will communicate how much you really care.

The fortieth anniversary is indeed a reason to celebrate. Forty successful years together is a real achievement. The fortieth anniversary is called the ‘ruby anniversary.’ Do not let your fortieth anniversary pass by without expressing your love by giving a special personalized jewelry item. Consider a dazzling red ruby for the ruby anniversary. Some consider the ruby rarer than a diamond. What better message than this one for the apple of your eye?

Called the queen of all gemstones, the ruby in all its red resplendence is the ultimate representation of love and passion. The name of this rich and noble gemstone is derived from the Latin word ‘rubens,’ which means red. Give a ruby and watch the shimmer and vibrancy of the jewel reflect in her eyes. Sparkling and magnificent, the captivating beauty of a ruby has the right blend of regality and class. It will not fail to convey the message of undying love and sincerity. It is a symbol of unconditional love and faithful commitment. Signifying both fire and sensitivity with its deep hue, the ruby has inspired ardor and fascination for a very long time.

A ruby could be set in bracelets, rings, earrings and pendants or even personalized keepsakes. Seen from all aspects, it appears that a red ruby would be the perfect gift for your spouse.