American Colonial Architecture

Domestic architecture of the American colonies and of the early republic - Photo: Wikimedia

A trip through the U.S. will grant you sights of beautiful architecture, from coast to coast. During the 1780’s through the most popular style of architecture was the American Colonial.

Built mostly by wealthy Anglo Americans, the houses afforded several distinct styles depending on local. Also known as Colonial Georgian, these homes were the earliest style to grace the U.S. colonies.

A prime example of early American Colonial architecture is called a Saltbox. What the Saltbox basically is is a wooden frame house with a high-pitched roof that slopes down to the back.

Its flat front has two stories while the back of the house has only one, making the sides unequal, but distinctly looking just like an old salt box which was a wooden box with a lid which salt was kept.

A simple name for a simple style of home. Generally, the chimney was centrally located, making the house, from a distance, look like a box with a lid and handle to lift it off.

Other defining characteristics of American Colonial architecture are the square, symmetrical shape, the front door placed directly in the middle of the houses front and the even, straight line of windows throughout.

Inside the front door are usually an entryway and a staircase. All rooms branch off these. Typically they were constructed of brick with wood trim, but with homes like the Saltbox, they were also timber frame homes constructed with woodworking joints instead of metal nails, since they were costly. Saltbox homes were also finished with wood siding.

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Physics of Bungee Jumping

Bungee Jumping - Photo: Flickr

While modern bungee jumping has become known and practiced worldwide, what is less understood is the physics behind bungee jumping.  Interestingly enough, the extreme sport originated from spiritual rituals of South Pacific natives, who had no idea of the science behind the sport.  Modern bungee jumping enthusiasts find much comfort in the idea that someone has worked through the math required to perform a safe jump.  So who developed the physics of bungee jumping and how sure are the modern practitioners of the sport that it is relatively safe?  Let's start by taking a look at the origins of the science behind the sport.

Years before the discovery of the land diving natives on Pentecost Island, a British mathematician named Robert Hooke was discovering the physics of bungee jumping.  He began working as an assistant to the famous scientist Robert Boyle in 1653.  However, it wasn't until 1660 that he formulated and wrote down Hooke's Law of Elasticity.  In laymen's terms, Hooke's law basically tells us how much tension a spring can endure, and the maximum length it will reach.  Hooke's law can be used on any material that is considered linear-elastic or stretching lengthwise.  Oddly enough, rubber is usually considered non-linear, because variations of stress and temperature can have a significant impact on the elasticity of the rubber.

Today, modern practitioners of the physics of bungee jumping don't have to be as well-versed as Hooke.  Depending on the bungee cords used and their ratings, the science has been simplified quite a bit.  The commercial proprietor who is offering 'bungee jumping' as an extreme sport still has to be on their toes.  Cords that are manufactured to meet a well established United States military specification (mil-spec) are perhaps the best to use.  This is simply because of the rigorous testing that must go into making sure they meet the mil-spec.  Most of these cords have a specific weight limit and elongation potential.  Using these numbers, along with the length of the jump and the weight of the jumper, the calculations can be made.  The length of rope needed, how many strands are needed for the weight, and how much beyond the normal length of the cord the jumper can expect to go.

The physics of bungee jumping has changed some with advances in the material used in bungee cords.  Some cords are also 'pre-stretched' so there are less elasticity and bounce, and a more forceful shock and return from the bottom of the jump position.  The problems with some jumpers using cords that were too long are the result of not understanding the physics of bungee jumping.  Even though modern bungee cords are weight and elongation rated, some people still fail to take this into account when performing amateur jumps.  This is why it is highly recommended that anyone who wants to learn bungee jumping should consult with a professional.  This is not a sport that you can learn and practice at home.  The physics of bungee jumping have been simplified by 20th-century manufacturing standards, resulting in a much safer sport for everyone participating.

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The Many Types Of Radio Controlled Hobbies

Osaka Motor Show 2013 - Photo: Wikimedia

Radio controlled toys and projects have a huge following among hobbyists all across the globe. The concept is certainly a fun one – a miniature model of some real-life vehicle, fully functional and ready to get around. There are many different types of radio controlled hobbies that can be enjoyed. All it takes is basic knowledge of the radio equipment and the motors, and you can enjoy all of them in some way or another.

he most basic (and arguably the most fun) type of radio controlled hobby is the remote control car. Small model cars can be rigged in a way that will allow you to accelerate, steer, and brake them at will. There are numerous ways that you can accomplish this. The first is to just buy a remote controlled car and some good batteries. However, if you are interested in the technical aspect of it then this may seem uninteresting. Another option is to build a model or a kit from scratch, putting together all of the components of the car and installing the radio control system. Still another option is to take a pre-existing toy and mount all of the radio components inside.

Toy cars aren’t the only radio controlled hobby. Remote controlled boats are also very popular. It is fairly easy to convert a boat toy to be radio controlled. The biggest challenge faced by those trying to make a radio-controlled boat is the issue of having a waterproof area for the engine and electrical equipment. Usually, this is solved by placing the motor in the hull of the boat, and having the propeller emerge underwater through some sort of rubber, watertight seal. It is a good idea to buy this part of the boat pre-made since a do-it-yourself, trial and error approach could lead to quite a few ruined engines before you get it right.

Radio planes are probably the most difficult project to undertake. Since a plane requires very detailed calculations and measurements in order to stay afloat, you will have to be attentive every step of the way. Makers of radio controlled airplanes will usually take one of two routes. The first is to buy kits that include cutout pieces of some sort of light wood that can be assembled using glue. After that is done, the radio and motor equipment are purchased and added in. The second method is to skip the kit and find (or even make your own) plans for a model plane. After you have plans, you buy all of the necessary wood to make the plane from scratch.

Airplanes aren’t the only radio-controlled devices that take to the skies. Remote control helicopters are becoming more and more popular. They require around the same (perhaps a little less) detail as planes and allow for a more interesting flying experience since they can hover in midair, and go backward / forwards on command. The novelty of flying a toy helicopter is what attracts many people to build one, while planes usually attract those who enjoy the technical and mathematical aspects of getting the plane to leave the ground. Both are extremely rewarding, especially after hours and hours of labor.

These are some the many different ways that you can apply the intricacies of radio electronics to regular toys. While these make up the main areas that are focused on in this hobby, they certainly don’t confine you. If you have an idea for a radio-controlled toy that is not a car, a boat, a plane, or a helicopter then, by all means, pursue it. By starting with the more basic toys, you can learn about the radio systems and the motors that power whatever it is that propels the vehicle forward. All it takes is this basic knowledge, and the hobby of radio controlled toys can span a vast number of possibilities.

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Wood Working Machines

Shopsmith Mark V - Photo: Wikipedia

Wood has been used to make different articles since long. Today it is used for different purposes as furniture, decorative articles, and many other purposes. The popularity of wood is because it is easily available and can be cut easily for making different articles. The woodworking machines are the tools, which make cutting and woodworking even more easy and convenient. 

The woodworking machines are woodworking tools that are driven by a motor, which works on electricity or oil. They can be divided into two types as the ones, which are used for the smaller scale woodworking, and the others are for the large-scale woodworking. They are used for cutting, polishing smoothening, drilling of wood.  The nail guns are useful for fixing the different parts together. 

The small-scale woodworking machines are mainly used today for making artistic articles, or furniture in small workshops, etc. the capacity of these machines is low. They may be further subdivided according to the mode of use. The two types are the handheld woodworking machines and the fixed woodworking machines. 

Some examples of handheld small-scale woodworking machines are biscuit joiner, chainsaw jigsaw, electric drill, domino jointer, nail gun, rotary tool, etc. Some examples of the fixed small-scale woodworking machines are the drill press, band saw, drum sander, jointer, bench grinder, combination machine, wood lathe, table saw, thicknesser, spindle molder, etc. 

Thus, small-scale woodworking machines are available for all the tasks involved in woodworking. They are small sized and of lower capacity. Therefore, they are cheap and affordable to the people who want to set up a furniture repair shop or small workshop for wooden furniture and articles. 

The large-scale woodworking machines are the machines, which are large and have a very large capacity. They are generally used in the factories which manufacture process timber to produce plywood, flat wooden panels, rods, etc which are assembled together to make furniture or used for other purposes. They are also used in factories, which manufactures furniture or wooden articles on a very large scale. Due to their large size and high prices, they are not used by the small-scale woodworkers. 

Some of the examples of large-scale woodworking machines are the double end tenor, panel-dividing machines, machines for processing the edges of panels, machines used for boring or preparing holes in wooden pieces, assembling machines, etc. 

The woodworking machines have a number of advantages. The woodworking machines for each task in woodworking are available. Moreover, there is also a lot of variety in their capacity. Because of this, they are available in different sizes and prices. So everybody can choose according to his need and convenience. One more advantage is that their parts around replaceable.

They are simple to use. Thus, they make the artistic and skilled job of woodworking very simple. Improvements are taking place constantly their capacities, ability, are constantly improving. 

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The Two Basic Genealogy Form

In some countries, many people believe that in order to achieve all the things that you want in life, you must know your roots. People who don’t look back to where they came from can't reach their destination. Well, it's up to you if belief in such sayings.

For many individuals, life is more enriched if they know their roots and who they really are; and your ancestry is not just about names. This is your family's bloodline passed on to many generations. Because of this knowledgeable fact, millions of individuals are trying to trace their family's roots through genealogy.

When you're trying to make your own family tree, it would be much easier to have genealogy forms. Genealogists use two basic forms to record all their ancestral information and these are family group sheets and pedigree charts. These forms help people like you in keeping track of all information that you find regarding your family's history in a standard format that can be easily read and understood. The forms are recognized by all genealogists around the globe. The software programs of genealogy forms are all standard.

Pedigree Chart

Most people use a pedigree chart. This form starts with you. It then branches out back to display your direct ancestral line. Most of the pedigree charts that you can find cover about four generations with spaces included so that you can enter important dates, marriage, place or birth, and death.

The standard format of a pedigree chart is only eight and a half by eleven inches. There are people who want larger forms and it is also possible to obtain such large forms. These are called ancestral charts, and you can enter more than four generations. However, this kind of form is often not used.

If you want to do more than four generations, you can still make use of the standard form; just make sure that you put reference numbers so that it will be easier for you to follow your family tree.

Family Group Sheet

Another common genealogy form is called the family group sheet. This kind of form focuses more on the family as a single unit. The sheet also has spaces for the name of the couple, their children (if any), and fields to write down the birth, marriage, death, and even burial places of the family members. Lines are included for the children's spouses if they get married, along with sections for sources and comments.

This form is one of the most important tools in genealogy because there is room for your ancestor's children and their spouses. The collateral lines are very important when you're tracing a family tree.

These forms will work best if they are used together. Once you include a marriage on the pedigree chart, you must enter it on the family sheet. The first form only offers a quick glance-look of your tree, but the latter offers further details for each generation of ancestors.

Tracing your roots has never been this easy. If you want to start with your own family adventure, do so now and don’t forget to get both the forms mentioned earlier. These are necessary to make your family tree easier and more specific. Get a copy of the forms on the net and happy tracing.

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The Amazing HUBBLE

The Hubble Space Telescope as seen from the departing Space Shuttle Atlantis, flying STS-125, HST Servicing Mission 4.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the history of modern astronomy, there is probably no one greater leap forward than the building and launch of the space telescope known as the Hubble.  While NASA has had many ups and downs, the launch and continued operation of the Hubble space telescope probably ranks next to the moon landings and the development of the Space Shuttle as one of the greatest space exploration accomplishments of the last hundred years.

An amazing piece of astronomy trivia that few people know is that in truth, only about ten percent of the universe is visible using conventional methods of observation.  For that reason, the Hubble really was a huge leap forward.  That is for the very simple reason that the Hubble can operate outside of the atmosphere of Earth.  Trying to make significant space exploration via telescopes from the terrestrial surface of planet Earth is very difficult.  That very thing that keeps us alive, our own Earth’s atmosphere presents a serious distraction from being able to see deeper and further into space.

The Hubble space telescope was named after the great scientist and visionary Edward Hubble who discovered that the universe was expanding which was explained by what is now known in science as Hubble’s Law.  To truly get a feel for the amazing accomplishment that was achieved with the launch of the Hubble telescope, spend some time on Nasa’s web site dedicated to the project at http://hubble.nasa.gov.  There are also a number of sites where you can enjoy some stunning pictures from the Hubble including http://heritage.stsci.edu/ and http://www.stsci.edu/ftp/science/hdf/hdf.html.

It’s hard to believe how long the Hubble has been orbiting earth and sending back amazing video and pictures of what it is discovering in space.  But the Hubble was actually initially launched on April 25th 1990.  It was the culmination of literally decades of research and construction which began in 1977.  Expectations were high as the orbiting telescope was put in place and actually began to function as it was designed to do.

All was not always perfect with the telescope and the early pictures were disappointing.  After some study NASA discovered that the reason for the early failures was the curvatures of one of the main lenses of the orbiting telescope.

We probably could never have kept this intricate piece of equipment operational as well as we have had we not had the Space Shuttle program to give us a tool to implement repairs and improvements to the Hubble.  In 1993 a new lens was installed on the Hubble which corrected the problem of picture resolution that was noted in the early operation of the telescope.

Two other repair and upgrade mission have been made to the Hubble since it launched, both of them in 1997 to upgrade older equipment and to retrofit the telescope to extend its useful life through 2010.  It’s pretty amazing to think that this scientific and mechanical marvel has been operating now for ten years without maintenance.  We can be assured that plans are in the works for NASA to upgrade or replace parts on the Hubble to extend its useful life even further as that 2010 time frame draws closer.

It is hard to imagine the science of astronomy or the natural quest for greater knowledge of our universe without the Hubble.  While many times those who would not fund space exploration have tried to cut funding for the Hubble, the operation of this telescope is just too important to astronomers and to the scientific well being of mankind and our planet not to continue to use the Hubble, or its next natural successor.  We will always need to have a set of eyes in the sky to watch the universe and discover more of its mysteries.

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Equestrians: More than Just Horse Riders

Lynda Roeller riding Paho - Photo: Flickr

Horses have played a vital role in the history of mankind. They have served several purposes from transportation to heavy cavalry. Nowadays due to the development of technology horses are no longer used anymore. They can be mostly found working for humans in ranches, farms, circuses and driving carriages for amusement rides. Although horses are not as vital as they were back in the days the tradition of riding them did not falter. Equestrians were regarded as nobles in Rome who are members of the cavalry. Nowadays they are riders who participate in a number of equestrian sports. 

Equestrians in this day and age are more known for equestrianism. It refers to the ability to ride and drive horses. This definition does not just include the use of horses for recreational activities and sports but also for working and practical uses. Contrary what most people would think the term refers to other skills not just riding them for equestrian sports.  

Equestrians before

Horses were used for a variety of purposes. They were both used in war and peaceful pursuits. They were used for transportation, agriculture, and warfare. In Rome, Equestrians were regarded as elite. Horses were expensive at that time so owning one meant that you were rich and does not need to do manual labor. They were members of a social upper class in Rome. This class was most often referred to as knights. They were both a military and a political group because horsemen received financial compensation from the government.

As Rome expanded it relied on its allies for cavalry. There was no use from equestrians and they lost their military functions. They did not engage in war anymore but their titles still remain and indicate nobility. The equestrians were rich and governed the provinces. At that time senators were equal to equestrians. 

The senators dominated the magistrate offices but were forbidden to operate a business and gain commercial income. The equestrians, on the other hand, continued to invest in marketing and tax farming companies. Conflicts arose between the two of them. Equestrians made as much money as they can while senators notice rebellions due to overtaxing. During civil wars, the two elite collaborated and their orders were defined as reforms were done. 

Equestrians today

There are popularly known for participating in equestrian sports during Olympics. Like before horseback riding is reserved for the rich. Even today horses are still expensive and prized. 

Equestrian events include dressage, show jumping and eventing. Equestrians should be able to make the horse carry out natural movements on request while running loose during competitive dressage. It is also referred to as "Horse Ballet". Its goal is to develop a horses' athletic ability and its initiative to perform to maximize its potential. 

Show jumping is a timed event where equestrians are required to jump over a series of obstacles with the fewest mistakes. Riders and their horses should be able to go through the obstacle with the least knocked over portions of obstacles.  

Eventing is the combination of dressage and shows jumping. The horse and the rider have to go through a series of fixed obstacles such as stone walls, water, logs banks, ditches with the fastest time possible. 

Although the role of equestrians has changed through the centuries it still holds that aura of nobility that it once enjoyed in medieval times. 

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