#13 - "Hydrant Cover"

#14 was gunpowder! Well done Elaine, Milt, Mike, Peyton, and Joani!

"Hydrant Cover"

I can't tell you how many times I heard judges, presenters, and workshop instructors remind me to look behind, look up, and even look down! As I was meandering my way through the sub-basement of the Boston Waterworks Museum, I noticed the covering under which housed a hydrant. 

Have you ever appreciated the craftsmanship of older generations? A simple plate would have served the purpose! But someone thought not only to have the company and the object under it on this cover but also finished it with a balanced design! Kind of reminded me of the details on our vehicles from the past - chrome, decals, emblems, etc. - the work of many was readily seen all over these automobiles. 


Greatest Inventions of All Time!
Recently I came across an article about the greatest inventions as determined by a large group of scientists, philosophers, educators, and other professions. Their task was to create a list of "the Greatest Inventions of All Time." Conveniently, the final list numbered fifty! so, I'm starting with #50 and working my way down to Numero Uno in December.

Fear not as I will offer you some hints as to what the invention was.

#13

“Discovering how to make cold would change the way we eat - and live - almost as profoundly as discovering how to cook.” 

History behind #13: The seasonal harvesting of snow and ice is an ancient practice estimated to have begun earlier than 1000 B.C. However, little is known about the construction of these ice cellars or what the ice was used for. 

The next ancient society to harvest ice may have been the Jews according to the book of Proverbs, which reads, “As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them who sent him.” Historians have interpreted this to mean that the Jews used ice to cool beverages rather than to preserve food. 

Other ancient cultures such as the Greeks and the Romans dug large snow pits insulated with grass, chaff, or branches of trees. 

In the Australian outback before a reliable electricity supply was available where the weather could be hot and dry, many farmers used a “Coolgardie safe". This consisted of a room with hessian "curtains" hanging from the ceiling soaked in water. The water would evaporate and thereby cool the hessian curtains and thereby the air circulating in the room. This would allow many perishables such as fruit, butter, and cured meats to be kept that would normally spoil in the heat.

Murphy's Laws

Kafka's Law. . .

In the fight between you and the world, 

back the world.

Leaving You with a Laugh, I Hope. . .

"Best of Friends"

#14 - "Worthington/Snow Engine"

#15 was the  airplane! Right? Michelle, Peyton, Milt, Joani, Elaine, and Mike.

"Worthington/Snow Engine"

At the turn of the century, a company in Buffalo, NY began to revolutionize the steam engine business. Henry Worthington started the business around the 1840s but it was his sons who took it to the next level of international prominence! James Snow had been building steam engines back in 1889. He finally joined up with the Worthingtons to produce the Worthington/Snow steam engine. This massive machine can be viewed at the Haul of Fame in CT.


Greatest Inventions of All Time!
Recently I came across an article about the greatest inventions as determined by a large group of scientists, philosophers, educators, and other professions. Their task was to create a list of "the Greatest Inventions of All Time." Conveniently, the final list numbered fifty! so, I'm starting with #50 and working my way down to Numero Uno in December.

Fear not as I will offer you some hints as to what the invention was.

#14

#14 is also known as black powder to distinguish it from modern smokeless powder, is the earliest known chemical  explosive. It consists of a mixture of  sulphur, charcoal, and saltpeter. The sulfur and charcoal act as fuels while the saltpeter is an oxidizer. Because of its incendiary properties and the amount of heat and gas volume that it generates, #14 has been widely used as a propellant in firearms, artillery, rockets, and fireworks. 

It was invented in 9th-century China and spread throughout most parts of Eurasia by the end of the 13th century.^[3] Originally developed by the Taoists for medicinal purposes, it was first used for warfare about 1000 AD.

Today firearms using this invention are limited primarily to hunting, target shooting, and bulletless historical reenactments.

Outsourced killing to a machine!

Murphy's Laws

Meteorological Law. . .

As soon as the stewardess serves coffee, 

the airliner encounters turbulence.

Leaving You with a Laugh, I Hope. . .

"Got Tasered!

#15 - "Plethora of Oil Cans"

#16 was the personal computer! Still have Peyton, Joani, Milt, and Michelle out there. . .

"Plethora of Oil Cans"

I was at the right place at the right time a few years back when someone offered an opportunity to shoot inside of the garage belonging to radio personalities Click and Clack!

Every year the two car guys host a road rallye at their place in Middleborough. Their collection of antique cars and other memorabilia was fascinating. Downstairs they had an entire soda fountain set up - with a heavy presence of Coca-Cola items!

On one of the shelves they spread out their collection of oil cans. All kinds of shapes and sizes filled the space.

Looking back on that day, I don't think the invite was extended to the handful of us who did show up but the hosts were gracious in allowing us to get our shots!


Greatest Inventions of All Time!
Recently I came across an article about the greatest inventions as determined by a large group of scientists, philosophers, educators, and other professions. Their task was to create a list of "the Greatest Inventions of All Time." Conveniently, the final list numbered fifty! so, I'm starting with #50 and working my way down to Numero Uno in December.

Fear not as I will offer you some hints as to what the invention was.

#15

Transformed travel, warfare, and our view of the world! 

The Wright Brothers are credited with inventing and getting #15 to perform in 1903! See, no multiple choices today!

(Kitty Hawk Recreation)

They built on the works of George Cayley dating from 1799, when he set forth the concept of the modern device. Between 1867 and 1896, the German pioneer Otto Lilienthal also studied this concept. Following its limited use in World War I, the technology continued to develop. #15 had a presence in all the major battles of WWII.

Murphy's Laws

 Woltman's Law. . .

Never program and drink beer at the same time.

Leaving You with a Laugh, I Hope. . .

"Much Needed!"

#16 - "Gearing Up"

#19 was the compass! You guys (Milt, Mike, Elaine, Peyton, Tony, Michelle, Joani and first time responder and photo-friend, Steve T.) are goooood!! 

"Gearing Up

Just shot last Friday (8/31) at Slater's Mill in Pawtucket, RI. The buildings housed a plethora of milling machines over one hundred years old. Interestingly, kids "manned" these machines working upwards of sixteen hours a day! 

Perhaps, I'll pull a few others from this most recent shoot - fun day photographing America's industrial past!


Greatest Inventions of All Time!
Recently I came across an article about the greatest inventions as determined by a large group of scientists, philosophers, educators, and other professions. Their task was to create a list of "the Greatest Inventions of All Time." Conveniently, the final list numbered fifty! so, I'm starting with #50 and working my way down to Numero Uno in December.

Fear not as I will offer you some hints as to what the invention was.

#16

Like the lever (No. 48) and the abacus (No. 43), it augmented human capabilities.

The history of #16 as a mass-market consumer electronic device began with in the 1980s by the International Business Machine Co. They developed such a device for individual use.

After the development of the microprocessor, #16 was low enough in cost that they eventually became affordable consumer goods.

No clues this week either! Much too easy. . .

Murphy's Laws

Oliver's Law of Location. . .

No matter where you are, 

there you are.

Leaving You with a Laugh, I Hope. . .

"Love to See This!"