by: Sean Saunders
Step One: Be Proactive!
You won't land any video game tester jobs if you just sit around and wait for a "Game Testers Wanted" ad to appear in the paper. It won't happen. So instead of sitting back and waiting for a miracle to occur, just get out there and find the perfect video game testing job for you.
Head straight to the game companies and developers and apply for testing jobs. Since they aren't looking for you, the only logical step is to actively search for them. Once you find them (which shouldn't take too long), apply for a game tester position with them and then repeat the process for as many different companies as humanly possible.
On your application/resume, brag about all of your video game achievements, such as the consoles you own, the games you've played, the games you own, the MMORPGs you are apart of, and anything else that shows how much experience you have with video games. And if you want to help your cause even further, create a website/blog that talks about video games, gives reviews, previews, cheats, hints, tips, etc.
You have to remember that experience and professionalism count for a lot in this industry. Therefore, the more experience you have and the more professional you are, the better your chances are for getting a video game tester job.
Step Two: Step Out of Fairy Tale Land and Into Reality
You have to realize that video game testing is a job. Yes, it's a really fun job, but it is still a job nonetheless. This means that you have to treat it as such and take every part of it seriously. Don't merely sit down and play the game to have a good time. Sit down and play the game so that you can collect a paycheck when you're through.
Many "wanna-be" testers believe that being a professional video game tester is a "no work, all play" type of career. Honestly, they couldn't be more wrong. Although there aren't huge amounts of work that a game tester must wade through, there are still a few things that he/she has to complete. For instance, filling out reports. Surprised? Well, most aspiring young testers are when they hear that there is actual work involved with video game testing.
Contrary to what you may have thought, you won't be simply playing games and giving your opinion on whether they are good or not. You will actually be testing them. You will play through a game, find any bugs or glitches, and then fill out reports on any problems that you come across. This is to help the developers and programmers locate and fix those problems. You don't have to be an English professor or a college graduate to write bug reports, but you will have to have basic writing skills. Aside from the reports, you will also be required to fill out numerous questionnaires; which are typically opinion based.
As soon as you accept the fact that you'll be doing actual work as a video game tester, you will have much more success finding testing jobs.
Creative, Do-It-Yourself Halloween Costumes
by: Sarah Flake
Only a few days left before someone tries to guilt trip you into putting on a stupid costume for a night of Halloween festivities. I can hear you groaning already. But fear not, here's the insider's guide to a fantastic DIY Halloween costume that is easy, inexpensive and memorable. It may even have you looking forward to the holiday for once!
Here are a few simple ideas to get you the "best dressed" award on October 31st:
Brain Donor: Get a simple hospital gown or bathrobe. Draw black circles under your eyes and wrap your head in gauze with some fake blood dripping down. Get a clear jar, put small amount of water in the jar with some cauliflower. On the front of the jar put a big label that says "Brain Donor." Or just carry the cauliflower and have a "Brain Donor" tag on your gown.
Nudist on Strike: Probably the easiest costume to put together on short notice. Wear whatever you want and create a picket sign that says, "Nudist on Strike." Trust me, they'll laugh.
Little Dead Riding Hood: Have the red cape/sheet and basket but then add fake scars, gashes and blood to make it look like the Big Bad Wolf got you.
iPod commercial: Dress in all black, and use black make-up to darken your skin. Strap a piece of fluorescent poster board to your back. Wear an iPod and dance your buns off. (See example)
Attack Dog Trainer: Take a stuffed dog and sew it to the arm of a long-sleeved shirt so it looks like it is biting you. Wear a name tag ("Jim's Attack Dog School). Add blood and scratches all over your body.
Chick Magnet: Attach Barbie dolls or other inexpensive dolls all over yourself.
Kissing Booth: Construct a booth using two boxes, with the opening of the top box facing forward. Add straps so the boxes sit on your shoulders. Spray paint the boxes white and then use red paint to write "Kisses $1" and "Kissing Booth" on them. Remember pockets to hold your income!
Miss Conception: Great for those who find themselves pregnant on Halloween. Get an old prom dress and fix up your hair and make-up like you're a beauty contestant. Use your pregnant belly or place a pillow under the dress to make yourself look pregnant. Add a sash across your chest that says "Miss Conception." Smile and wave! Why not get creative with this idea? I'm thinking Miss Demeanor, Miss Chievous, Miss Fortunate, Miss Erable, you get the idea)
God's Gift to Women: Find a box large enough to fit around your body. Cut some holes for your arms and head, and then cover the box with wrapping paper. Add a large bow. Attach a tag that says "TO: Women, FROM: God." You could also just wrap yourself in a white sheet with a big bow around your middle and the gift tag hanging from your neck.
Devil's Advocate: Wear buttons and carry signs that say "Devil is #1" and "Vote for Satan," etc.
Refrigerator Magnet: Paint a shoe box black and attach it to your back.
So what's your excuse? With costumes this simple and creative you have no excuse not to look fabulous on Halloween.
Only a few days left before someone tries to guilt trip you into putting on a stupid costume for a night of Halloween festivities. I can hear you groaning already. But fear not, here's the insider's guide to a fantastic DIY Halloween costume that is easy, inexpensive and memorable. It may even have you looking forward to the holiday for once!
Here are a few simple ideas to get you the "best dressed" award on October 31st:
Brain Donor: Get a simple hospital gown or bathrobe. Draw black circles under your eyes and wrap your head in gauze with some fake blood dripping down. Get a clear jar, put small amount of water in the jar with some cauliflower. On the front of the jar put a big label that says "Brain Donor." Or just carry the cauliflower and have a "Brain Donor" tag on your gown.
Nudist on Strike: Probably the easiest costume to put together on short notice. Wear whatever you want and create a picket sign that says, "Nudist on Strike." Trust me, they'll laugh.
Little Dead Riding Hood: Have the red cape/sheet and basket but then add fake scars, gashes and blood to make it look like the Big Bad Wolf got you.
iPod commercial: Dress in all black, and use black make-up to darken your skin. Strap a piece of fluorescent poster board to your back. Wear an iPod and dance your buns off. (See example)
Attack Dog Trainer: Take a stuffed dog and sew it to the arm of a long-sleeved shirt so it looks like it is biting you. Wear a name tag ("Jim's Attack Dog School). Add blood and scratches all over your body.
Chick Magnet: Attach Barbie dolls or other inexpensive dolls all over yourself.
Kissing Booth: Construct a booth using two boxes, with the opening of the top box facing forward. Add straps so the boxes sit on your shoulders. Spray paint the boxes white and then use red paint to write "Kisses $1" and "Kissing Booth" on them. Remember pockets to hold your income!
Miss Conception: Great for those who find themselves pregnant on Halloween. Get an old prom dress and fix up your hair and make-up like you're a beauty contestant. Use your pregnant belly or place a pillow under the dress to make yourself look pregnant. Add a sash across your chest that says "Miss Conception." Smile and wave! Why not get creative with this idea? I'm thinking Miss Demeanor, Miss Chievous, Miss Fortunate, Miss Erable, you get the idea)
God's Gift to Women: Find a box large enough to fit around your body. Cut some holes for your arms and head, and then cover the box with wrapping paper. Add a large bow. Attach a tag that says "TO: Women, FROM: God." You could also just wrap yourself in a white sheet with a big bow around your middle and the gift tag hanging from your neck.
Devil's Advocate: Wear buttons and carry signs that say "Devil is #1" and "Vote for Satan," etc.
Refrigerator Magnet: Paint a shoe box black and attach it to your back.
So what's your excuse? With costumes this simple and creative you have no excuse not to look fabulous on Halloween.
The Low - Down on TV Show Downloads
by: Kashin Torwalds
Faster than a speeding bullet…well, almost.
Able to leap tall buildings at a single…okay, okay, I apologize.
The thought of getting vintage 1950's Superman TV episodes off the internet and into my home has fired my enthusiasm. And for good reason: with what is available in TV show downloads on the Internet today.
With the advent of high-speed internet connections, it has become increasingly popular to download TV series off the Web. While not as fast as a speeding bullet, it is possible to quickly download TV episodes if you have a fast internet connection.
It's not only fast; it's also economical to download TV shows and movies to your home computer. There are providers who offer low-fee memberships for access to a vast network of downloads. Some offer unlimited downloads for a one-time fee. There are monthly and annual payment options as well.
What makes television downloads increasingly popular is the vast virtual library of entertainment archives available to users. From vintage sit-coms to classic films, the variety can be overwhelming. Like a kid in a candy store, you may find yourself giddy with the number of TV show downloads waiting for you. Do you love classic detective or police procedural TV series? Then there's Mannix, Adam-12, Dragnet, and Cannon waiting for you to collaborate with them in solving crimes.
Look, up in the sky, it's a bird, it's a plane…sorry… it's hard to contain my zeal for the potential TV downloads offer me.
It's become difficult to be home to catch all the shows we want to, with so many of us overscheduled in our daily lives. When we are home, what we want to watch is not necessarily on the tube. Even a channel specializing in classics may not have that one old series you've always loved. This is an example of how TV show downloads can meet an immediate need. There's an excellent chance that what you want to watch is available on the network library.
What should you look for in a TV show download provider? The following should be at the top of your list:
* A significant library of available TV shows and movies for downloading
* A reasonable membership fee as a viable option to DVD renting and pay-per-view
* Around-the clock technical support if you're a novice at downloading (and even if you're not!)
* Free downloading software with easy-to-follow tutorials and instruction
* Bonus offers such as free anti-spyware and anti-popup software
* Other services such as software, games, and music downloads
* Content of high visual and sound quality
A TV show download provider who offers all of the above will make your downloading a pleasurable experience. You will be accessing TV shows and film from all genres in no time at all. Maybe you're a fan of the black and white film noir or goofy 60's sitcoms replete with talking cars and horses. Whatever you favorite source of entertainment, TV show download providers will answer your call.
TV show downloads are the future we used to talk about. It's a present reality and one that can help you find and build a substantial home library.
TV downloads save you money.
TV show downloads save you time. You will no longer spend time scouring rental and retail stores for your favorite shows.
No, its Superman…in my computer, on time and ready for me to watch, whenever I want.
That's the convenience of TV show downloads.
Faster than a speeding bullet…well, almost.
Able to leap tall buildings at a single…okay, okay, I apologize.
The thought of getting vintage 1950's Superman TV episodes off the internet and into my home has fired my enthusiasm. And for good reason: with what is available in TV show downloads on the Internet today.
With the advent of high-speed internet connections, it has become increasingly popular to download TV series off the Web. While not as fast as a speeding bullet, it is possible to quickly download TV episodes if you have a fast internet connection.
It's not only fast; it's also economical to download TV shows and movies to your home computer. There are providers who offer low-fee memberships for access to a vast network of downloads. Some offer unlimited downloads for a one-time fee. There are monthly and annual payment options as well.
What makes television downloads increasingly popular is the vast virtual library of entertainment archives available to users. From vintage sit-coms to classic films, the variety can be overwhelming. Like a kid in a candy store, you may find yourself giddy with the number of TV show downloads waiting for you. Do you love classic detective or police procedural TV series? Then there's Mannix, Adam-12, Dragnet, and Cannon waiting for you to collaborate with them in solving crimes.
Look, up in the sky, it's a bird, it's a plane…sorry… it's hard to contain my zeal for the potential TV downloads offer me.
It's become difficult to be home to catch all the shows we want to, with so many of us overscheduled in our daily lives. When we are home, what we want to watch is not necessarily on the tube. Even a channel specializing in classics may not have that one old series you've always loved. This is an example of how TV show downloads can meet an immediate need. There's an excellent chance that what you want to watch is available on the network library.
What should you look for in a TV show download provider? The following should be at the top of your list:
* A significant library of available TV shows and movies for downloading
* A reasonable membership fee as a viable option to DVD renting and pay-per-view
* Around-the clock technical support if you're a novice at downloading (and even if you're not!)
* Free downloading software with easy-to-follow tutorials and instruction
* Bonus offers such as free anti-spyware and anti-popup software
* Other services such as software, games, and music downloads
* Content of high visual and sound quality
A TV show download provider who offers all of the above will make your downloading a pleasurable experience. You will be accessing TV shows and film from all genres in no time at all. Maybe you're a fan of the black and white film noir or goofy 60's sitcoms replete with talking cars and horses. Whatever you favorite source of entertainment, TV show download providers will answer your call.
TV show downloads are the future we used to talk about. It's a present reality and one that can help you find and build a substantial home library.
TV downloads save you money.
TV show downloads save you time. You will no longer spend time scouring rental and retail stores for your favorite shows.
No, its Superman…in my computer, on time and ready for me to watch, whenever I want.
That's the convenience of TV show downloads.
The Best Way to Download TV Shows
by: Kashin Torwalds
There's a lot of talk these days about how and why consumers download TV shows and the legalities that surround this practice. The legal lines seem to be muddled and murky at best and downright invisible at worst. Some consumers who download TV shows simply don't care one way or the other, and for the most part, the vast majority of computer users who download TV shows are never exposed for their practice; legal or otherwise.
If you happen to be one of those consumers that do have a conscience, there are completely legal ways to download TV shows to your PC. And you'll never have to worry about legalities or denying some production company its due income under copyright laws. The best way to download TV shows is by subscribing to a website with access to past and present episodes of your favorite TV shows.
TV download websites might be compared to a video store membership in a limited manner of speaking. Almost everyone carries at least one video store membership in his or her wallet. That membership card allows you to walk into a video store, borrow a movie and take it home to watch it for a small fee. That video store has paid the appropriate fees itself to the companies which produce and distribute the videos that the video store rents out, thus ensuring that the people who played a part in making the movie in the first place are receiving the income to which they are entitled.
TV download websites work on basically the same concept. The company which owns and runs the TV download website has paid the appropriate fees for the right to distribute various TV shows to its customers. Customers, like you, can then subscribe to the service by paying the membership fee. You are then able to legally download TV shows to your PC without worrying that you might be stealing your favorite actor's royalties. You may also be able to download movies, music and music videos in addition to downloading TV shows, all for one subscription price.
So how do you know which websites are legal and which websites are not? As mentioned above, the legal lines are often muddled. One thing you can almost always be assured of is that downloading TV shows or movies from the Internet for free probably constitutes a crime of some sort. The best way to avoid the risk of an illegal download is to avoid free download websites.
Considering that the cost for membership to a legal TV download website is small potatoes, especially if you plan to download often, it doesn't make much sense to put yourself at risk for criminal charges. Many TV download sites offer unlimited access to their offerings for under $40 and at that rate it won't take long before your subscription fee pays for itself. Joining a reputable TV download service is always the very best way to download TV shows and catch up on all of those episodes of your favorite show that you have missed.
There's a lot of talk these days about how and why consumers download TV shows and the legalities that surround this practice. The legal lines seem to be muddled and murky at best and downright invisible at worst. Some consumers who download TV shows simply don't care one way or the other, and for the most part, the vast majority of computer users who download TV shows are never exposed for their practice; legal or otherwise.
If you happen to be one of those consumers that do have a conscience, there are completely legal ways to download TV shows to your PC. And you'll never have to worry about legalities or denying some production company its due income under copyright laws. The best way to download TV shows is by subscribing to a website with access to past and present episodes of your favorite TV shows.
TV download websites might be compared to a video store membership in a limited manner of speaking. Almost everyone carries at least one video store membership in his or her wallet. That membership card allows you to walk into a video store, borrow a movie and take it home to watch it for a small fee. That video store has paid the appropriate fees itself to the companies which produce and distribute the videos that the video store rents out, thus ensuring that the people who played a part in making the movie in the first place are receiving the income to which they are entitled.
TV download websites work on basically the same concept. The company which owns and runs the TV download website has paid the appropriate fees for the right to distribute various TV shows to its customers. Customers, like you, can then subscribe to the service by paying the membership fee. You are then able to legally download TV shows to your PC without worrying that you might be stealing your favorite actor's royalties. You may also be able to download movies, music and music videos in addition to downloading TV shows, all for one subscription price.
So how do you know which websites are legal and which websites are not? As mentioned above, the legal lines are often muddled. One thing you can almost always be assured of is that downloading TV shows or movies from the Internet for free probably constitutes a crime of some sort. The best way to avoid the risk of an illegal download is to avoid free download websites.
Considering that the cost for membership to a legal TV download website is small potatoes, especially if you plan to download often, it doesn't make much sense to put yourself at risk for criminal charges. Many TV download sites offer unlimited access to their offerings for under $40 and at that rate it won't take long before your subscription fee pays for itself. Joining a reputable TV download service is always the very best way to download TV shows and catch up on all of those episodes of your favorite show that you have missed.
Television Downloads: A Techie’s Dream
by: Kashin Torwalds
I just sprinted in from the local electronics superstore. I've got my receipt to prove my purchase. I've got the box out of the bag. I'm opening the package of my shiny new 128-bit, one gigabyte double-data rate two synchronous dynamic random access memory graphics card. In layman's terms, it's a pretty cool little device. I'm going to install it in my computer, hook the S Video TV-Out to my television and download tv shows like there's no tomorrow.
Why download television shows? Why not look at the schedule and just record my favorites like any other guy? Because I am a man of the future. Because I believe the future lies in a more integrated use of technology to enhance my life. Because I like a lot of tv! Television downloads let me see all my favorite shows.
The choice to download TV Shows is fast becoming the preferred delivery method of choice for televised media. Tv series downloads are easy to obtain. Classic series are available with a few mouse clicks, as are many newer favorites. The luxury of obtaining quality entertainment without venturing to the local superstore is understandably something that appeals to many people about a tv download, since the modern workday has become such a blur of pressing deadlines and multitasking. Television downloads are a very affordable way to enjoy fantastic programming whenever you desire. There are a wide variety of tv show downloads to choose from today. Tv show downloads are the wave of the future.
I mean, you're probably sitting in your home office anyways, clicking around on MySpace, checking your email, reading the days news. Your fingers are sore from typing those reports your boss needs in the morning. Every once in a while your mind drifts to the second season of Friends. You're trying to remember the scene when Ross and Rachel have their first real kiss. "Boy, that was a great scene," you think to yourself. Then you remember that you live in the day and age when the computer is essentially the world at your fingertips. Hmm… you wonder how long it'll take you to find that episode. The good news is that it only takes a few minutes to download tv episodes and then their embrace will materialize right before your eyes. I love to download tv shows at the end of a hectic day.
The quality of available tv downloads on the internet has increased exponentially in recent years. Gone are the days of squinting to watch Smallville in a tiny window on your screen with your family huddled around you. Remember those days, when you'd have a window half the size of your monitor? You'd click on the full screen option only to find a pixilated nightmare. The consumers complained and the producers listened. Full-screen ahead!
Now, with advances in high-definition technology, the resolution of the old family tv can approach the lofty heights of computer monitor quality. It's no longer a matter of "What should we watch?" but a matter of "How pretty do we want it to be?" And in this day and age, people such as me want it to look sharp. I mean, the creators of excellent shows want you to see their work in its full glory, don't they?
Sure, you could always go out and invest in a larger monitor for your computer. Would 42" be large enough for you? Of course, that might be a bit impractical, and you've already got that 42" plasma screen television (60 if you're lucky) just sitting there in your living room, waiting for you to you to introduce it to your computer. Trust me; they'll get along just fine. You'll love them as a couple! When you download tv, you showcase your computer’s capabilities.
I look forward to the day when I can have a setup like the architect from the film Matrix Revolutions. I want monitors surrounding me for my tv show downloads. It will be technological saturation. Well, maybe I couldn't focus on that many different programs at a time, but you get the picture. The storm of tv downloads has washed over the world and I'm only too happy to be swept away by it.
I just sprinted in from the local electronics superstore. I've got my receipt to prove my purchase. I've got the box out of the bag. I'm opening the package of my shiny new 128-bit, one gigabyte double-data rate two synchronous dynamic random access memory graphics card. In layman's terms, it's a pretty cool little device. I'm going to install it in my computer, hook the S Video TV-Out to my television and download tv shows like there's no tomorrow.
Why download television shows? Why not look at the schedule and just record my favorites like any other guy? Because I am a man of the future. Because I believe the future lies in a more integrated use of technology to enhance my life. Because I like a lot of tv! Television downloads let me see all my favorite shows.
The choice to download TV Shows is fast becoming the preferred delivery method of choice for televised media. Tv series downloads are easy to obtain. Classic series are available with a few mouse clicks, as are many newer favorites. The luxury of obtaining quality entertainment without venturing to the local superstore is understandably something that appeals to many people about a tv download, since the modern workday has become such a blur of pressing deadlines and multitasking. Television downloads are a very affordable way to enjoy fantastic programming whenever you desire. There are a wide variety of tv show downloads to choose from today. Tv show downloads are the wave of the future.
I mean, you're probably sitting in your home office anyways, clicking around on MySpace, checking your email, reading the days news. Your fingers are sore from typing those reports your boss needs in the morning. Every once in a while your mind drifts to the second season of Friends. You're trying to remember the scene when Ross and Rachel have their first real kiss. "Boy, that was a great scene," you think to yourself. Then you remember that you live in the day and age when the computer is essentially the world at your fingertips. Hmm… you wonder how long it'll take you to find that episode. The good news is that it only takes a few minutes to download tv episodes and then their embrace will materialize right before your eyes. I love to download tv shows at the end of a hectic day.
The quality of available tv downloads on the internet has increased exponentially in recent years. Gone are the days of squinting to watch Smallville in a tiny window on your screen with your family huddled around you. Remember those days, when you'd have a window half the size of your monitor? You'd click on the full screen option only to find a pixilated nightmare. The consumers complained and the producers listened. Full-screen ahead!
Now, with advances in high-definition technology, the resolution of the old family tv can approach the lofty heights of computer monitor quality. It's no longer a matter of "What should we watch?" but a matter of "How pretty do we want it to be?" And in this day and age, people such as me want it to look sharp. I mean, the creators of excellent shows want you to see their work in its full glory, don't they?
Sure, you could always go out and invest in a larger monitor for your computer. Would 42" be large enough for you? Of course, that might be a bit impractical, and you've already got that 42" plasma screen television (60 if you're lucky) just sitting there in your living room, waiting for you to you to introduce it to your computer. Trust me; they'll get along just fine. You'll love them as a couple! When you download tv, you showcase your computer’s capabilities.
I look forward to the day when I can have a setup like the architect from the film Matrix Revolutions. I want monitors surrounding me for my tv show downloads. It will be technological saturation. Well, maybe I couldn't focus on that many different programs at a time, but you get the picture. The storm of tv downloads has washed over the world and I'm only too happy to be swept away by it.
Scrapbookers Beware
by: Joe Zicherman
To discover how effective the PaperSaver formula is on acid paper, we did a series of experiments using methods that the Library of Congress pioneered to protect their archives and standards long used in the paper industry.
This involved taking papers that were first tested for their acidity and then treating some with the PaperSaver formula, leaving some untreated for comparison. Then, their fold strength—a measure of paper performance—was used to see how effective the PaperSaver treatment was. Fold strength is how many times a paper can be bent back and forth without breaking. A variety of papers were used in these tests to evaluate the treatments, including different acid paper samples from two commercial sources and one from a local newspaper. To simulate the effects of aging on the paper, paper samples were exposed in ovens at temperatures that would boil water. Throughout the weeks of testing, individual samples were taken out and tested to see how their fold strength decreased as time went by. Some of this testing showed us that PaperSaver could be effective when applied to only one side of acidcontaining paper sheets. Since that could result in a major savings in time and materials, we also included paper samples treated with PaperSaver – but only on one side - in this study.
MIT Fold Testing Equipment used to test PaperSaver’s effectiveness.
What kinds of paper did we use?
The three paper samples in the study were:
• 25% cotton, 20-lb “fine business paper” produced by Southworth.
• 90 GSM, 24-lb basis, white woven paper produced by Crane’s Crest.
• Printed paper from the San Francisco Chronicle dated June 19, 2004.
How we tested
After treatment, paper samples were cut into individual matched strips and placed in a temperature and humidity controlled room at the University of California, Berkeley, in the Forest Products Laboratory for 30 days.
This allowed us to test under uniform conditions and chemistry for the deacidifying agents that we used. The next accelerated aging was conducted using dry heat (100° C and < 5% RH). After the 30-day conditioning treatment, the individual sample paper types were oven aged using either of two standard methods. The accelerated aging samples were removed weekly, reconditioned to standard conditions, and subjected double fold strength testing. We kept aging samples until samples were reduced to a “zero or near zero” fold strength. In other words, until the samples wouldn’t fold without breaking the paper. In all cases, the first samples reaching this performance level were the untreated controls.
At the end of the test period the strength and performance values for the aged samples were compared with the same values for matched—but untreated—papers.
Results
To interpret results, we used Library of Congress [LOC] criteria to judge PaperSaver’s effectiveness. PaperSaver formulations showed adequate enhancement for all papers treated and showed considerably better fold-strength when compared with untreated, aged paper. Over the course of the artificial aging period, Provenance showed considerably less aging as compared with the untreated samples. A most noticeable difference was in yellowing which developed and was consistently observed in untreated samples but which was very reduced in the Provenance-treated samples.
Should we spray one side or both?
We also wanted to find whether there was a difference in effectiveness if we treated one side of the papers with PaperSaver, or both sides. So we treated samples on either one or both sides, then subjected them to accelerated aging treatments and evaluated.
We discovered that single-sided applications had no significant difference compared to double-sided applications. These results show that it is unnecessary to spray both sides of paper to get an equivalent life extension factor AND savings in treating materials in normal weight papers. (Because heavy papers like matte boards are much thicker than normal weight papers, these should be treated on both sides)
While papers treated on both sides will show similar increases in pH on both sides, papers treated on a single side will show this pH increase only on the treated side. However, this does not mean that the paper has not been deacidified.
What’s it mean?
The data we developed show that PaperSaver formulations provide a marked increase in the fold strength and lifetime of acid. Comparisons with other available deacidification treatments show that the PaperSaver formulations are as good or better than those treatments. Importantly for crafters and scrapbookers, the tests also demonstrate that single sided treatments with the PaperSaver formulations are equally effective to double-sided treatments. This meaning you can use half the amount of PaperSaver to deacidify a sheet than if you sprayed both sides, which is a significant savings in time and materials!
To discover how effective the PaperSaver formula is on acid paper, we did a series of experiments using methods that the Library of Congress pioneered to protect their archives and standards long used in the paper industry.
This involved taking papers that were first tested for their acidity and then treating some with the PaperSaver formula, leaving some untreated for comparison. Then, their fold strength—a measure of paper performance—was used to see how effective the PaperSaver treatment was. Fold strength is how many times a paper can be bent back and forth without breaking. A variety of papers were used in these tests to evaluate the treatments, including different acid paper samples from two commercial sources and one from a local newspaper. To simulate the effects of aging on the paper, paper samples were exposed in ovens at temperatures that would boil water. Throughout the weeks of testing, individual samples were taken out and tested to see how their fold strength decreased as time went by. Some of this testing showed us that PaperSaver could be effective when applied to only one side of acidcontaining paper sheets. Since that could result in a major savings in time and materials, we also included paper samples treated with PaperSaver – but only on one side - in this study.
MIT Fold Testing Equipment used to test PaperSaver’s effectiveness.
What kinds of paper did we use?
The three paper samples in the study were:
• 25% cotton, 20-lb “fine business paper” produced by Southworth.
• 90 GSM, 24-lb basis, white woven paper produced by Crane’s Crest.
• Printed paper from the San Francisco Chronicle dated June 19, 2004.
How we tested
After treatment, paper samples were cut into individual matched strips and placed in a temperature and humidity controlled room at the University of California, Berkeley, in the Forest Products Laboratory for 30 days.
This allowed us to test under uniform conditions and chemistry for the deacidifying agents that we used. The next accelerated aging was conducted using dry heat (100° C and < 5% RH). After the 30-day conditioning treatment, the individual sample paper types were oven aged using either of two standard methods. The accelerated aging samples were removed weekly, reconditioned to standard conditions, and subjected double fold strength testing. We kept aging samples until samples were reduced to a “zero or near zero” fold strength. In other words, until the samples wouldn’t fold without breaking the paper. In all cases, the first samples reaching this performance level were the untreated controls.
At the end of the test period the strength and performance values for the aged samples were compared with the same values for matched—but untreated—papers.
Results
To interpret results, we used Library of Congress [LOC] criteria to judge PaperSaver’s effectiveness. PaperSaver formulations showed adequate enhancement for all papers treated and showed considerably better fold-strength when compared with untreated, aged paper. Over the course of the artificial aging period, Provenance showed considerably less aging as compared with the untreated samples. A most noticeable difference was in yellowing which developed and was consistently observed in untreated samples but which was very reduced in the Provenance-treated samples.
Should we spray one side or both?
We also wanted to find whether there was a difference in effectiveness if we treated one side of the papers with PaperSaver, or both sides. So we treated samples on either one or both sides, then subjected them to accelerated aging treatments and evaluated.
We discovered that single-sided applications had no significant difference compared to double-sided applications. These results show that it is unnecessary to spray both sides of paper to get an equivalent life extension factor AND savings in treating materials in normal weight papers. (Because heavy papers like matte boards are much thicker than normal weight papers, these should be treated on both sides)
While papers treated on both sides will show similar increases in pH on both sides, papers treated on a single side will show this pH increase only on the treated side. However, this does not mean that the paper has not been deacidified.
What’s it mean?
The data we developed show that PaperSaver formulations provide a marked increase in the fold strength and lifetime of acid. Comparisons with other available deacidification treatments show that the PaperSaver formulations are as good or better than those treatments. Importantly for crafters and scrapbookers, the tests also demonstrate that single sided treatments with the PaperSaver formulations are equally effective to double-sided treatments. This meaning you can use half the amount of PaperSaver to deacidify a sheet than if you sprayed both sides, which is a significant savings in time and materials!
UFO Simply Means "Unidentified" Flying Object
by: Turner Rover
What comes to mind when someone talks about a UFO? Do you think about the cover of a science fiction novel and the image of mysterious bluish lights beaming down from it? Do you think about a time when you were out late at night and you saw a flash of light, wondered what it was only to realize a moment later that what you saw wasn't a UFO - it was just the lights of a plane that was beginning its descent. Do you think of movies, or little green men, cartoons, or do you just turn away shaking your head?
A lot of people discuss UFOs as flying saucers - it seems to be the best description that they can come up with. Others suggest, rather dismissively, that UFO simply means unidentified flying object and that the light that someone saw flashing in the sky was either a plane, a helicopter or a reflection of light off of a cell phone tower or another metal object.
Reflections of light from a cell phone tower do little to explain away "mysterious materials" found in Roswell, New Mexico in the late 1940s. While the United States military has always stood their ground that these materials were merely fragments of a research balloon, a top secret test that ended badly, others offer another explanation. They assert that the materials were fragments of a UFO, an alien craft that crashed rather than safely landing. They believe that the "flying disc" - as it was called by military personnel - that was recovered could not be something from this world, and so began one of the most talked about UFO encounters in the world.
Many who believe that the UFO in Roswell, New Mexico deserved more attention than it was being given, believe that it wasn't something that could just be dismissed. In part, this is likely to have something to do with other stories surrounding the flying saucer. A farmer talked about having found materials miles away from Roswell, and the story was picked up by newspapers, accompanied by photos of the strange find - strips of rubber, something like aluminum foil, sticks. It's a story that has gained so much attention around the world that it has influenced many people's sense of alien life and alien visitations to earth.
If the Roswell, New Mexico story had never become so widespread, UFO and flying saucer may not be so common in our language, in our experiences and in novels, television programming and films. How common is it for people to see a UFO?
It's hard to say, really, because many people who see an unidentified flying object in the sky are reluctant to report it. Either the person who saw a UFO believes that there is a far more logical explanation or merely thinks that no one would believe them if they were to say anything about it. And yet, there are UFO sightings that are shared and that become the topic of conspiracy theories by those who believe that beings from other planets and galaxies have visited the earth.
One such incident occurred in 1980 in Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk, England. Those who saw the UFO all claimed to have seen flashing lights coming from an unidentified flying object that was descending towards the woods - a UFO that was roughly the size of a car and seemed to float on a beam of light. After reports were made about the object, it was discovered that trees were damaged, radio frequencies became nothing but static and soil samples later showed radioactive activity.
Similarly, in Gulf Breeze, Florida in 1987 tales of a UFO began to circulate when a man saw a strange light coming from his lawn. When he saw the flying saucer, he grabbed a camera and started shooting photos as proof of what he had seen. Of course, in this situation, the story was not just of a UFO sighting, but about repeated experiences and of the man's being beamed up onto the craft.
Though discussions of these UFO sightings continue, and there has been audio recordings and photo documentation, it is still difficult to know whether or not the unidentified flying objects were indeed from space. Many claimed, in regard to the Gulf Breeze, Florida UFO sightings, that the man had manipulated the photographs and fabricated the story.
In each case, both sides - the believers and the skeptics - find evidence to support their claims. Those who believe in UFOs and alien visitations cite facts that they claim cannot otherwise be explained. Those who are skeptical offer their own explanations along with their own supporting evidence. Which side is right? For now, that's up to you to decide
What comes to mind when someone talks about a UFO? Do you think about the cover of a science fiction novel and the image of mysterious bluish lights beaming down from it? Do you think about a time when you were out late at night and you saw a flash of light, wondered what it was only to realize a moment later that what you saw wasn't a UFO - it was just the lights of a plane that was beginning its descent. Do you think of movies, or little green men, cartoons, or do you just turn away shaking your head?
A lot of people discuss UFOs as flying saucers - it seems to be the best description that they can come up with. Others suggest, rather dismissively, that UFO simply means unidentified flying object and that the light that someone saw flashing in the sky was either a plane, a helicopter or a reflection of light off of a cell phone tower or another metal object.
Reflections of light from a cell phone tower do little to explain away "mysterious materials" found in Roswell, New Mexico in the late 1940s. While the United States military has always stood their ground that these materials were merely fragments of a research balloon, a top secret test that ended badly, others offer another explanation. They assert that the materials were fragments of a UFO, an alien craft that crashed rather than safely landing. They believe that the "flying disc" - as it was called by military personnel - that was recovered could not be something from this world, and so began one of the most talked about UFO encounters in the world.
Many who believe that the UFO in Roswell, New Mexico deserved more attention than it was being given, believe that it wasn't something that could just be dismissed. In part, this is likely to have something to do with other stories surrounding the flying saucer. A farmer talked about having found materials miles away from Roswell, and the story was picked up by newspapers, accompanied by photos of the strange find - strips of rubber, something like aluminum foil, sticks. It's a story that has gained so much attention around the world that it has influenced many people's sense of alien life and alien visitations to earth.
If the Roswell, New Mexico story had never become so widespread, UFO and flying saucer may not be so common in our language, in our experiences and in novels, television programming and films. How common is it for people to see a UFO?
It's hard to say, really, because many people who see an unidentified flying object in the sky are reluctant to report it. Either the person who saw a UFO believes that there is a far more logical explanation or merely thinks that no one would believe them if they were to say anything about it. And yet, there are UFO sightings that are shared and that become the topic of conspiracy theories by those who believe that beings from other planets and galaxies have visited the earth.
One such incident occurred in 1980 in Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk, England. Those who saw the UFO all claimed to have seen flashing lights coming from an unidentified flying object that was descending towards the woods - a UFO that was roughly the size of a car and seemed to float on a beam of light. After reports were made about the object, it was discovered that trees were damaged, radio frequencies became nothing but static and soil samples later showed radioactive activity.
Similarly, in Gulf Breeze, Florida in 1987 tales of a UFO began to circulate when a man saw a strange light coming from his lawn. When he saw the flying saucer, he grabbed a camera and started shooting photos as proof of what he had seen. Of course, in this situation, the story was not just of a UFO sighting, but about repeated experiences and of the man's being beamed up onto the craft.
Though discussions of these UFO sightings continue, and there has been audio recordings and photo documentation, it is still difficult to know whether or not the unidentified flying objects were indeed from space. Many claimed, in regard to the Gulf Breeze, Florida UFO sightings, that the man had manipulated the photographs and fabricated the story.
In each case, both sides - the believers and the skeptics - find evidence to support their claims. Those who believe in UFOs and alien visitations cite facts that they claim cannot otherwise be explained. Those who are skeptical offer their own explanations along with their own supporting evidence. Which side is right? For now, that's up to you to decide
How To Start A Child In An Astronomy Hobby, And Avoid The Pitfalls!
by: Tom Ryan
I caught the astronomy bug at an early age. It was right after my dinosaur-obsession and right before my car-obsession. Unfortunately, my interest in astronomy ended as abruptly as it began and on a very sour note. It took almost 30 years for me to decide to take it up again, and when I did it was hard to imagine waiting so long. Upon reflection, I realized I didn’t just stop; I stopped out of anger and frustration. My mother confirmed this recalling that when I was about 8 years old, my father and I went out with my little telescope for the first time. A half hour later when we came back in I wanted nothing more to do with it and wouldn’t even talk about it! It’s very easy to get a child interested in astronomy but it’s even easier for them to get frustrated and quit. I’ve come up with four suggestions that I feel may help you avoid the pitfalls I experienced and inspire your future scientist to take up the amazing hobby of astronomy and enjoy it for a lifetime!
First, you don’t need a telescope for an astronomy hobby. You heard that right! The very best way to start out is by learning about what you’re looking at. And you don’t need any equipment to do it. Get a book on constellations, sit down with your future astronomer (during the day), and start with the constellations that are visible for that time of year. Learn to identify the patterns, associate them with their names, and read the stories behind the historical characters they are named after. Kids have amazing memories and are fantastic at learning patterns and associating the names with them. Perfect for constellations! Check out science kits, science toys, and Janice VanCleave science experiment books, they are a great way to get started. After your child has become familiar with and can identify some of the constellations in the book, wait for a dark clear night, lie out on a blanket, and identify as many as you can. It will be so much fun you will count the days until the next time you go stargazing!
Now let’s talk about what you can and cannot see. The moon is amazing to look at through either binoculars or a telescope, but it’s bright so make sure you have a moon filter so you don’t hurt your eyes! A moon filter is like wearing sunglasses, it reduces the amount of light entering your eye(s). And don’t observe the moon when it’s full, it’s too washed out. Shadows bring out details in craters and other landscape features. Meteor showers are fun and there are schedules that will tell you when and where to look for them. Constellations are easy to see with the naked eye, but try to go out during a new moon (also called a dark moon) or close to it. The brighter the moon the harder it is to see celestial objects. With binoculars you will be able to see many open clusters and globular clusters, quite beautiful! With a low powered telescope you’ll be able to see both types of clusters, some double stars, and a few nebulae. You may also get to see Jupiter and Saturn. The only galaxy you should expect to see is Andromeda (M31), the closest large galaxy to the Milky Way. Unless you live under extremely dark skies and have a big telescope, galaxies are just too faint and too far away to see. Even Andromeda will look like a faint fuzzy in most parts of the country.
This leads right into my second postulate. Objects seen through a telescope rarely look like the clear, colorful, large photos you see. The human eye is unable to see the color that can be picked up by a camera. Therefore, a nebula that shows up in photos with wonderful reds and purples, and sticks out in sharp contrast to neighboring stars will look gray, faint, and ghostly through your telescope. And that’s if you can see it at all. Jupiter will show some color, but the image will be very small in your eyepiece and making out details will be difficult. I’m not saying the objects you see will be disappointing, quite the contrary. But if expectations are set too high for a child, the let-down can be damaging. Learning about the objects first will make them much more interesting to observe.
Let’s take the following example: Imagine looking at a globular cluster (personally, my favorite object in the sky). Looks pretty amazing through your telescope, believe me. But look at it again knowing its M-13 or Messier 13, the Hercules Cluster, the best globular cluster north of the celestial equator. This is a naked eye object under very dark skies with 500,000 stars extending 150 light years across and a distance of 26,000 light years from Earth. Discovered by Edmond Halley (of Halley’s Comet) in 1714. While Messier never saw its individual stars, even a small telescope brings out the details in this magnificent mass of stars. This globular cluster is about 14 billion years old! Three dark rifts radiate outward from near the center, like a dark “propeller”. M-13 is located in the constellation Hercules, son of Zeus, the hero who was made to perform twelve great tasks to cleanse himself after he went temporarily insane, killing his wife and children. Even if your child can’t grasp all the concepts, do you see how the constellation and the objects now have life?
Third, (as I’ve previously mentioned) you need to manage a child’s expectations. If they expect to see a big, bright, colorful object, and they end up having to struggle to see a bland, blurry one that takes you a long time to find, they will get frustrated and lose interest. Kids have big imaginations as we can see by the cartoons they watch. Their world is big, loud, and colorful and their attention span is short. It also depends on what age your child is. The Janice VanCleave science experiment books are for kids 8 years and older, and that’s probably a good age to start them with a telescope. They may be interested in constellations at an earlier age but when it comes time to look at things through the telescope it’s a little tougher. Astronomy can be a slow and deliberate hobby, with beauty in the very subtle details of the objects. As a parent you need to decide when to start your child in this fantastic hobby. If they have become interested, teach them as much as they can soak up!
And fourth, when you are ready to buy a telescope, don’t buy a cheap piece of junk! Now let me tell you how I really feel. ? You don’t need to spend a lot of money, but buying an inferior scope is a recipe for disaster. Walking through department stores you’ll notice the no-name brand telescopes being sold that advertise 400x power (sounds good, right?) and show beautiful large color pictures of heavenly objects on the box. As we’ve discussed, you won’t be seeing those objects on the box the way they are shown, but it’s a nice marketing tool. Cheap telescopes don’t focus well and 400 power just blurs images. A low power scope with quality optics is the best way to go, and they are inexpensive. A great source on the web is Science Store for the Stars for telescopes and Janice VanCleave science books.
Years after I put my telescope into “storage”, I got it out again and took it apart to see what was inside. The primary mirror was basically a piece of tin foil that reflected the little bit of light it could muster onto a small mirror that looked just like the hand mirror a dentist puts into your mouth. It was a complete piece of junk! It never focused or showed anything in detail. Even the moon was blurry. No wonder I angrily quit the hobby! Of course there was no way for my parents to know, and how would you?
Very briefly let’s talk about telescopes. The purpose of a telescope is to first, capture light with the primary mirror or refracting lens(s), and second, to focus it (with an eyepiece) into a clear and sharp image. The eyepieces are what give you different powers (also called magnifications). One lesson I learned rather quickly was that you don’t need an expensive, large, and powerful scope to see some of the best objects in the sky. But you do need a quality telescope. There are many different designs of telescopes, but there are really only 2 types; refractors and reflectors. Refractor telescopes use lenses like binoculars to refract or bend the light coming in. Reflectors, on the other hand, use a primary mirror which reflects light to a smaller secondary mirror, then through an eyepiece (a lens) before it gets to your eye. There are many different kinds of reflectors including the Dobsonian, SCT or Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, Maksutov-Cassegrain, Newtonian reflectors, Ritchey-Chretien, and others. We won’t get into the specifics of these, but the different types of reflectors all basically work the same way; by reflecting light.
If you start by learning about the constellations and other celestial objects and manage your child’s expectations, they will appreciate what they see. When it comes time to buy a telescope, do your research! There are plenty of inexpensive telescopes with quality optics out there. Try Science Store for the Stars for great starter scopes by Smithsonian and Educational Insights. Both are affordable with high quality optics. They also have Janice VanCleave science books on astronomy and constellations. If you follow these guidelines, you and your young astronomer will enjoy the hobby of astronomy for a lifetime!
I caught the astronomy bug at an early age. It was right after my dinosaur-obsession and right before my car-obsession. Unfortunately, my interest in astronomy ended as abruptly as it began and on a very sour note. It took almost 30 years for me to decide to take it up again, and when I did it was hard to imagine waiting so long. Upon reflection, I realized I didn’t just stop; I stopped out of anger and frustration. My mother confirmed this recalling that when I was about 8 years old, my father and I went out with my little telescope for the first time. A half hour later when we came back in I wanted nothing more to do with it and wouldn’t even talk about it! It’s very easy to get a child interested in astronomy but it’s even easier for them to get frustrated and quit. I’ve come up with four suggestions that I feel may help you avoid the pitfalls I experienced and inspire your future scientist to take up the amazing hobby of astronomy and enjoy it for a lifetime!
First, you don’t need a telescope for an astronomy hobby. You heard that right! The very best way to start out is by learning about what you’re looking at. And you don’t need any equipment to do it. Get a book on constellations, sit down with your future astronomer (during the day), and start with the constellations that are visible for that time of year. Learn to identify the patterns, associate them with their names, and read the stories behind the historical characters they are named after. Kids have amazing memories and are fantastic at learning patterns and associating the names with them. Perfect for constellations! Check out science kits, science toys, and Janice VanCleave science experiment books, they are a great way to get started. After your child has become familiar with and can identify some of the constellations in the book, wait for a dark clear night, lie out on a blanket, and identify as many as you can. It will be so much fun you will count the days until the next time you go stargazing!
Now let’s talk about what you can and cannot see. The moon is amazing to look at through either binoculars or a telescope, but it’s bright so make sure you have a moon filter so you don’t hurt your eyes! A moon filter is like wearing sunglasses, it reduces the amount of light entering your eye(s). And don’t observe the moon when it’s full, it’s too washed out. Shadows bring out details in craters and other landscape features. Meteor showers are fun and there are schedules that will tell you when and where to look for them. Constellations are easy to see with the naked eye, but try to go out during a new moon (also called a dark moon) or close to it. The brighter the moon the harder it is to see celestial objects. With binoculars you will be able to see many open clusters and globular clusters, quite beautiful! With a low powered telescope you’ll be able to see both types of clusters, some double stars, and a few nebulae. You may also get to see Jupiter and Saturn. The only galaxy you should expect to see is Andromeda (M31), the closest large galaxy to the Milky Way. Unless you live under extremely dark skies and have a big telescope, galaxies are just too faint and too far away to see. Even Andromeda will look like a faint fuzzy in most parts of the country.
This leads right into my second postulate. Objects seen through a telescope rarely look like the clear, colorful, large photos you see. The human eye is unable to see the color that can be picked up by a camera. Therefore, a nebula that shows up in photos with wonderful reds and purples, and sticks out in sharp contrast to neighboring stars will look gray, faint, and ghostly through your telescope. And that’s if you can see it at all. Jupiter will show some color, but the image will be very small in your eyepiece and making out details will be difficult. I’m not saying the objects you see will be disappointing, quite the contrary. But if expectations are set too high for a child, the let-down can be damaging. Learning about the objects first will make them much more interesting to observe.
Let’s take the following example: Imagine looking at a globular cluster (personally, my favorite object in the sky). Looks pretty amazing through your telescope, believe me. But look at it again knowing its M-13 or Messier 13, the Hercules Cluster, the best globular cluster north of the celestial equator. This is a naked eye object under very dark skies with 500,000 stars extending 150 light years across and a distance of 26,000 light years from Earth. Discovered by Edmond Halley (of Halley’s Comet) in 1714. While Messier never saw its individual stars, even a small telescope brings out the details in this magnificent mass of stars. This globular cluster is about 14 billion years old! Three dark rifts radiate outward from near the center, like a dark “propeller”. M-13 is located in the constellation Hercules, son of Zeus, the hero who was made to perform twelve great tasks to cleanse himself after he went temporarily insane, killing his wife and children. Even if your child can’t grasp all the concepts, do you see how the constellation and the objects now have life?
Third, (as I’ve previously mentioned) you need to manage a child’s expectations. If they expect to see a big, bright, colorful object, and they end up having to struggle to see a bland, blurry one that takes you a long time to find, they will get frustrated and lose interest. Kids have big imaginations as we can see by the cartoons they watch. Their world is big, loud, and colorful and their attention span is short. It also depends on what age your child is. The Janice VanCleave science experiment books are for kids 8 years and older, and that’s probably a good age to start them with a telescope. They may be interested in constellations at an earlier age but when it comes time to look at things through the telescope it’s a little tougher. Astronomy can be a slow and deliberate hobby, with beauty in the very subtle details of the objects. As a parent you need to decide when to start your child in this fantastic hobby. If they have become interested, teach them as much as they can soak up!
And fourth, when you are ready to buy a telescope, don’t buy a cheap piece of junk! Now let me tell you how I really feel. ? You don’t need to spend a lot of money, but buying an inferior scope is a recipe for disaster. Walking through department stores you’ll notice the no-name brand telescopes being sold that advertise 400x power (sounds good, right?) and show beautiful large color pictures of heavenly objects on the box. As we’ve discussed, you won’t be seeing those objects on the box the way they are shown, but it’s a nice marketing tool. Cheap telescopes don’t focus well and 400 power just blurs images. A low power scope with quality optics is the best way to go, and they are inexpensive. A great source on the web is Science Store for the Stars for telescopes and Janice VanCleave science books.
Years after I put my telescope into “storage”, I got it out again and took it apart to see what was inside. The primary mirror was basically a piece of tin foil that reflected the little bit of light it could muster onto a small mirror that looked just like the hand mirror a dentist puts into your mouth. It was a complete piece of junk! It never focused or showed anything in detail. Even the moon was blurry. No wonder I angrily quit the hobby! Of course there was no way for my parents to know, and how would you?
Very briefly let’s talk about telescopes. The purpose of a telescope is to first, capture light with the primary mirror or refracting lens(s), and second, to focus it (with an eyepiece) into a clear and sharp image. The eyepieces are what give you different powers (also called magnifications). One lesson I learned rather quickly was that you don’t need an expensive, large, and powerful scope to see some of the best objects in the sky. But you do need a quality telescope. There are many different designs of telescopes, but there are really only 2 types; refractors and reflectors. Refractor telescopes use lenses like binoculars to refract or bend the light coming in. Reflectors, on the other hand, use a primary mirror which reflects light to a smaller secondary mirror, then through an eyepiece (a lens) before it gets to your eye. There are many different kinds of reflectors including the Dobsonian, SCT or Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, Maksutov-Cassegrain, Newtonian reflectors, Ritchey-Chretien, and others. We won’t get into the specifics of these, but the different types of reflectors all basically work the same way; by reflecting light.
If you start by learning about the constellations and other celestial objects and manage your child’s expectations, they will appreciate what they see. When it comes time to buy a telescope, do your research! There are plenty of inexpensive telescopes with quality optics out there. Try Science Store for the Stars for great starter scopes by Smithsonian and Educational Insights. Both are affordable with high quality optics. They also have Janice VanCleave science books on astronomy and constellations. If you follow these guidelines, you and your young astronomer will enjoy the hobby of astronomy for a lifetime!
History of Diabolos
by: Leah Louis
The mere mention of the name “diabolo” raises eyebrows when mentioned to any Spanish speaker because the word, “diablo” means “Devil” and has a Latin origin. Let’s clarify that the origins of the name of this great toy are from the Greek words meaning “through” and “throw” or dia and bollo respectively.
The Diabolo has been mentioned in Chinese literature consistently since the third century. The Chinese are known developed their own version of the diabolo that whistles. Hence the Diabolo is also known as the Chinese Yo-Yo.
The European version of the Diabolo was introduced at the world fair just after 1900 and became popular soon thereafter.
What is a Diabolo
A European diabolo is an hour-glass shaped toy that is balanced horizontally on a string which is tied to two handsticks. The player moves the handsticks so that the diabolo spins. As the diabolo spins on the string the diabolo can be maneuvered to perform many amazing tricks.
The diabolo can be thrown up in the air and caught on the string, it can be tossed in order to land on the hand stick while spinning (grind). It can be tossed around and around a leg, arm or neck. It can even be thrown 20 feet in the air and caught on the string (with the diabolo player doing a 360 while waiting for it to land back on the string).
Let’s Get Started
The great thing about diabolos is that it doesn’t cost a lot of money to get started. We recommend the Millenium Diabolo and a pair of wooden hand sticks to start with. This way you are getting a good diabolo that serve you well as you increase your skill.
When you are more experienced, do the following:
1. Upgrade your handsticks. Your performance will improve instantly. Either the Henry’s Aluminum, Energy, or the Extreme handsticks are great for beginners through professionals.
2. Learn new tricks by looking at our diabolo tricks section, watching videos on utube.com or buying a video from our other diabolo accessories section.
3. Next, buy a professional-level diabolo. The Finesse Diabolo is a great diabolo because you can add on many great accessories. There are lights, balance weights, finger grinding inserts, and lots more. Many of the performers use this model and are able to wield two or three at a time and even pass them back and forth to other performers.
Diabolo Manufacturers
While diabolos look similar, very minor differences can affect the usability of the diabolo.
DO NOT COMPRIMISE ON QUALITY WHEN BUYING A DIABOLO. Even a slight variation in the following proportions can make a huge difference:
Height, weight, diameter, angle of axle, density of material, and distribution of weight.
As a result, only a few manufacturers have been able to establish a reputation for high quality diabolos. On YoSpin.com, we have researched and offered you diabolos that are of the highest quality so that you won’t be disappointed.
We feature Mister Babache diabolos. Their Swiss-made diabolo line is consistently of the highest quality. They produce a number of popular diabolo models — some of which include the Finesse, Millennium and Rubberking.
Choose a Diabolo
When selecting a diabolo, consider size, weight and materials. Most people use plastic or rubber diabolos.
Medium Diabolos
Generally speaking, medium is the most popular size. Medium diabolos are 4 or so inches. This is a great sized diabolo for kids and beginners as well as experienced diabologists and it works very well for most diabolo tricks. Medium diabolos are around four inches in diameter and weigh seven ounces.
Large Diabolos
The larger diabolos are good for performers because the diabolos are more visible to the audience. They are a bit more impressive. Of course with size comes weight, and arm fatigue. The Finesse is a great large diabolo because it is made from a special material which is lighter.
We highly recommend Mr. Babache’s Finesse if you’re purchasing a larger more advanced diabolo. You’ll see lots of professionals with these models. The Finesse spins nicely and works well for tricks. It has added weight on the outer rim for stability. It is also EXPANDABLE meaning that you can accessorize it with flashing lights, stability weights, and or a center handpiece for finger grinds.
Small Diabolos
A small diabolo (under 4 inches) is actually better for advanced users. It is more challenging because it is smaller.
Choose Your Handsticks
Beginners should start with standard diabolo handsticks made of hardwood with holes in the ends for string simply because they are very inexpensive.
Moderate to advanced users really need aluminum, Lucite, or carbon handsticks such as the Henry’s, Extreme, or Energy.
MILLENIUM DIABOLO BY MISTER BABACHE
This is a great medium sized discovery level starter diabolo. It is a REALLY good bang for the buck. This is a well balanced, fast spinning diablolo that is made with great proportions. It is light weight, yet balanced really well. It can keep you well equipped through intermediate level diabolo tricks.
Radius 102 mm
Length 115 mm
Weight 165 gr
COLORS AVAILABLE
3 Orange
4 Red
5 Yellow
6 Blue
7 Green
9 Pink
MILLENIUM PHOSPHOROUS BY MISTER BABACHE
The glow-in-the-dark version of the regular Millenium medium sized discovery level line diabolo. Like it’s sister, it is an outstanding medium-sized diabolo from Mr. Babache, the Millenium Phosphorous is made of plastic and glows in the dark. It’s lightweight, affordable and mesmorizing to watch in the dark.
Radius 102 mm
Length 115 mm
Weight 165 gr
COLORS AVAILABLE
0 Phospho
MILLENIUM RAINBOW BY MISTER BABACHE
The Millenium Rainbow is the two-toned version of the regular Millenium medium sized discovery level line. It features one vibrant color on the top and another on the bottom. Available in assorted colors, Mr. Babache’s plastic Millenium Rainbow is resilient and ideally suited for the diabolist who’s just getting started as well as intermediate diabologists.
Radius 102 mm
Length 115 mm
Weight 165 gr
COLORS AVAILABLE
Various
Green/Blue
Green/Pink
Blue/Pink
Blue/Green
Yellow/Red
Yellow/Orange
GALAXY DIABOLO BY MISTER BABACHE
The Galaxy is the largest medium sized discovery level diabolo offered by Mister Babache. It is similar to the Millenium in many ways, but it is bigger. It is a very nice diabolo for the price. The Galaxy is larger yet light-weight enough to reduce the chance of arm fatigue. It is a nice final step for those not quite ready to move into the increased weight and/or size of the performer line offered by Mister Babache.
Radius 120 mm
Length 135 mm
Weight 190 gr
COLORS AVAILABLE
4 Red
5 Yellow
6 Blue
7 Green
9 Pink
RUBBERKING BY MISTER BABACHE
The Rubberking is a medium performance level diabolo made from matte durable rubber that will outlast many diabolos. It grinds very well because it has a wider axle. It is comparable to the Henry’s Jazz in that it is a similar size, and made from flexible rubber, however, the Jazz is heavier and more appropriate for a person with strong arms, or the already intermediate to advanced diabologist. The Rubberking is ready for the beginner through advanced user.
Specifications:
Radius 108 mm
Length 125 mm
Weight 200 gr
COLORS AVAILABLE
1 White
2 Black
4 Red
5 Yellow
6 Blue
7 Green
8 Purple
9 Pink
FINESSE BY MISTER BABACHE
The Finesse Diablolo is a famous model for professional performers and advanced diabologists. Like all diabolos by Mister Babache, the Finesse is precision balanced, but the proportions of this one are even better.
This new G2 model, constructed from a material called elastomer gives it the uncommon quality of being large, resilliant, and lightweight so that it is causes less fatigue than many large heavy diabolos.
The Finesse is also proportioned in a different way than most other large diabolos. The cone and the cup are in a straight angle for better maneuvering with the string. Its shorter height allows you to have more control by juggling closer to your body. It has a large diameter and an added lip at the outer rim of the cup to add stability and to catch onto the diabolo for kicking tricks.
Specifications:
Radius 135 mm
Length 130 mm
Weight 245 gr
COLORS AVAILABLE
1 White
3 Orange
4 Red
5 Yellow
6 Blue
7 Green
9 Pink
FINESSE ACCESSORIES
EVOLUTION 1 FINGER KIT FOR THE FINESSE DIABOLO
This finger kit changes the width of the axle on your Finesse so that you can do finger grinds and longer stick grinds. It also helps you catch diabolo throws better.
Although it makes multiple diabolo tricks more unstable, it is an essential accessory for the rest.
EVOLUTION 2 Voltage Splitter for the EVOLUTION 4 rechargeable
This is essential if you have the EVOLUTION 4 to charge two light pieces at one time so that your new light kits don’t get the wrong amount of electricity at once. The Evolution 2 goes in between the transformer and the light kits for the Finesse Diabolo or the light up sticks.
EVOLUTION 3 Weight Kit for the Mister Babache Finesse Diabolo
These weight rings attach onto axle of the Finesse diabolo to give it more stability and speed. It really makes a difference in the performance of your Finesse. It works with all models of the Finesse. If you want to add more than one weight you can. Two weights per package complete with screws for assembling to the Finesse Diabolo.
Comes in two sizes 6g and 10g.
For example: Finesse Diabolo normal weight 247g
with 6g set (2x6g) = 259g
with 10g set (2x10g) = 267g
with 6g & 10g sets (2x6g)+(2x10g) = 279g
EVOLUTION 4 Rechargeable Light Kit for the Finesse Diabolo by Mister Babache
These LED lights can be screwed onto the sides of you Finesse G1, G2, or G3 diabolo to make it light up in the dark. It is an awesome sight. The pack comes complete with a pair of lights, 6 rechargeable batteries (pre-charged) and a custom made screwdriver.
The lights are protected by a strong plastic cover and incorporate an on/off switch plus an easy access jack plug socket.
CHARGER
ADAPTER
BATTERY
ENERGY CLASSIC HANDSTICKS BY MISTER BABACHE
Mr. Babache’s Energy Classic handsticks are designed for the advanced diabolist who wants a shorter stick and more speed. Made from a clear polycarbonate with cushioned foam hand grips, this stick is quite flexible and gives you increased acceleration.
The energy handsticks material, polycarbonate is a great material to use with a lighter diabolo. These sticks are slick and smooth, so the diabolo can really spin quickly. they are flexible, and
The Mister Babache Energy sticks are great. They are constructed of clear polycarbonate with black, white or neon yellow handgrips. Like the Xtreme handsticks, the Energy comes with detachable end pieces. This makes changing strings and swapping string configurations a breeze.
The polycarbonate construction is designed to give the sticks a bit of flex, which allows for fast acceleration in just a few quick movements. It is a strong material which is great for abuse by children and the demanding jugglers.
Available with black, white or neon yellow grips.
Length and Weight:
13.2 Inch (335 mm) - 2 ounces (57 g).
ENERGY PHOSPHO HANDSTICKS BY MISTER BABACHE
These state-of-the-art aluminum handsticks from Mr. Babache enable the diabolist to perform precision moves. They are shorter and lighter and feature a new system for attaching the string to prevent fraying. And they glow from top to bottom.
ENERGY EXTREME CLASSIC HANDSTICKS
Also made of sturdy aluminum, Mr. Babache’s Energy Extreme Classic features comfortable black handles with clear acrylic to the tips. Diabolists who have been asking for shorter, lightweight sticks won’t be disappointed. Plus, changing and replacing strings is easy with a new system that reduces wear and allows the string to rotate freely.
ENERGY COLOR HANDSTICKS BY MISTER BABACHE
New from Mr. Babache, these supple, transparent polymer sticks will add flex and power to your diabolo tricks. The pink, yellow and green handles are UV active and have a transparent shaft. The black handle also has a transparent shaft.
The mere mention of the name “diabolo” raises eyebrows when mentioned to any Spanish speaker because the word, “diablo” means “Devil” and has a Latin origin. Let’s clarify that the origins of the name of this great toy are from the Greek words meaning “through” and “throw” or dia and bollo respectively.
The Diabolo has been mentioned in Chinese literature consistently since the third century. The Chinese are known developed their own version of the diabolo that whistles. Hence the Diabolo is also known as the Chinese Yo-Yo.
The European version of the Diabolo was introduced at the world fair just after 1900 and became popular soon thereafter.
What is a Diabolo
A European diabolo is an hour-glass shaped toy that is balanced horizontally on a string which is tied to two handsticks. The player moves the handsticks so that the diabolo spins. As the diabolo spins on the string the diabolo can be maneuvered to perform many amazing tricks.
The diabolo can be thrown up in the air and caught on the string, it can be tossed in order to land on the hand stick while spinning (grind). It can be tossed around and around a leg, arm or neck. It can even be thrown 20 feet in the air and caught on the string (with the diabolo player doing a 360 while waiting for it to land back on the string).
Let’s Get Started
The great thing about diabolos is that it doesn’t cost a lot of money to get started. We recommend the Millenium Diabolo and a pair of wooden hand sticks to start with. This way you are getting a good diabolo that serve you well as you increase your skill.
When you are more experienced, do the following:
1. Upgrade your handsticks. Your performance will improve instantly. Either the Henry’s Aluminum, Energy, or the Extreme handsticks are great for beginners through professionals.
2. Learn new tricks by looking at our diabolo tricks section, watching videos on utube.com or buying a video from our other diabolo accessories section.
3. Next, buy a professional-level diabolo. The Finesse Diabolo is a great diabolo because you can add on many great accessories. There are lights, balance weights, finger grinding inserts, and lots more. Many of the performers use this model and are able to wield two or three at a time and even pass them back and forth to other performers.
Diabolo Manufacturers
While diabolos look similar, very minor differences can affect the usability of the diabolo.
DO NOT COMPRIMISE ON QUALITY WHEN BUYING A DIABOLO. Even a slight variation in the following proportions can make a huge difference:
Height, weight, diameter, angle of axle, density of material, and distribution of weight.
As a result, only a few manufacturers have been able to establish a reputation for high quality diabolos. On YoSpin.com, we have researched and offered you diabolos that are of the highest quality so that you won’t be disappointed.
We feature Mister Babache diabolos. Their Swiss-made diabolo line is consistently of the highest quality. They produce a number of popular diabolo models — some of which include the Finesse, Millennium and Rubberking.
Choose a Diabolo
When selecting a diabolo, consider size, weight and materials. Most people use plastic or rubber diabolos.
Medium Diabolos
Generally speaking, medium is the most popular size. Medium diabolos are 4 or so inches. This is a great sized diabolo for kids and beginners as well as experienced diabologists and it works very well for most diabolo tricks. Medium diabolos are around four inches in diameter and weigh seven ounces.
Large Diabolos
The larger diabolos are good for performers because the diabolos are more visible to the audience. They are a bit more impressive. Of course with size comes weight, and arm fatigue. The Finesse is a great large diabolo because it is made from a special material which is lighter.
We highly recommend Mr. Babache’s Finesse if you’re purchasing a larger more advanced diabolo. You’ll see lots of professionals with these models. The Finesse spins nicely and works well for tricks. It has added weight on the outer rim for stability. It is also EXPANDABLE meaning that you can accessorize it with flashing lights, stability weights, and or a center handpiece for finger grinds.
Small Diabolos
A small diabolo (under 4 inches) is actually better for advanced users. It is more challenging because it is smaller.
Choose Your Handsticks
Beginners should start with standard diabolo handsticks made of hardwood with holes in the ends for string simply because they are very inexpensive.
Moderate to advanced users really need aluminum, Lucite, or carbon handsticks such as the Henry’s, Extreme, or Energy.
MILLENIUM DIABOLO BY MISTER BABACHE
This is a great medium sized discovery level starter diabolo. It is a REALLY good bang for the buck. This is a well balanced, fast spinning diablolo that is made with great proportions. It is light weight, yet balanced really well. It can keep you well equipped through intermediate level diabolo tricks.
Radius 102 mm
Length 115 mm
Weight 165 gr
COLORS AVAILABLE
3 Orange
4 Red
5 Yellow
6 Blue
7 Green
9 Pink
MILLENIUM PHOSPHOROUS BY MISTER BABACHE
The glow-in-the-dark version of the regular Millenium medium sized discovery level line diabolo. Like it’s sister, it is an outstanding medium-sized diabolo from Mr. Babache, the Millenium Phosphorous is made of plastic and glows in the dark. It’s lightweight, affordable and mesmorizing to watch in the dark.
Radius 102 mm
Length 115 mm
Weight 165 gr
COLORS AVAILABLE
0 Phospho
MILLENIUM RAINBOW BY MISTER BABACHE
The Millenium Rainbow is the two-toned version of the regular Millenium medium sized discovery level line. It features one vibrant color on the top and another on the bottom. Available in assorted colors, Mr. Babache’s plastic Millenium Rainbow is resilient and ideally suited for the diabolist who’s just getting started as well as intermediate diabologists.
Radius 102 mm
Length 115 mm
Weight 165 gr
COLORS AVAILABLE
Various
Green/Blue
Green/Pink
Blue/Pink
Blue/Green
Yellow/Red
Yellow/Orange
GALAXY DIABOLO BY MISTER BABACHE
The Galaxy is the largest medium sized discovery level diabolo offered by Mister Babache. It is similar to the Millenium in many ways, but it is bigger. It is a very nice diabolo for the price. The Galaxy is larger yet light-weight enough to reduce the chance of arm fatigue. It is a nice final step for those not quite ready to move into the increased weight and/or size of the performer line offered by Mister Babache.
Radius 120 mm
Length 135 mm
Weight 190 gr
COLORS AVAILABLE
4 Red
5 Yellow
6 Blue
7 Green
9 Pink
RUBBERKING BY MISTER BABACHE
The Rubberking is a medium performance level diabolo made from matte durable rubber that will outlast many diabolos. It grinds very well because it has a wider axle. It is comparable to the Henry’s Jazz in that it is a similar size, and made from flexible rubber, however, the Jazz is heavier and more appropriate for a person with strong arms, or the already intermediate to advanced diabologist. The Rubberking is ready for the beginner through advanced user.
Specifications:
Radius 108 mm
Length 125 mm
Weight 200 gr
COLORS AVAILABLE
1 White
2 Black
4 Red
5 Yellow
6 Blue
7 Green
8 Purple
9 Pink
FINESSE BY MISTER BABACHE
The Finesse Diablolo is a famous model for professional performers and advanced diabologists. Like all diabolos by Mister Babache, the Finesse is precision balanced, but the proportions of this one are even better.
This new G2 model, constructed from a material called elastomer gives it the uncommon quality of being large, resilliant, and lightweight so that it is causes less fatigue than many large heavy diabolos.
The Finesse is also proportioned in a different way than most other large diabolos. The cone and the cup are in a straight angle for better maneuvering with the string. Its shorter height allows you to have more control by juggling closer to your body. It has a large diameter and an added lip at the outer rim of the cup to add stability and to catch onto the diabolo for kicking tricks.
Specifications:
Radius 135 mm
Length 130 mm
Weight 245 gr
COLORS AVAILABLE
1 White
3 Orange
4 Red
5 Yellow
6 Blue
7 Green
9 Pink
FINESSE ACCESSORIES
EVOLUTION 1 FINGER KIT FOR THE FINESSE DIABOLO
This finger kit changes the width of the axle on your Finesse so that you can do finger grinds and longer stick grinds. It also helps you catch diabolo throws better.
Although it makes multiple diabolo tricks more unstable, it is an essential accessory for the rest.
EVOLUTION 2 Voltage Splitter for the EVOLUTION 4 rechargeable
This is essential if you have the EVOLUTION 4 to charge two light pieces at one time so that your new light kits don’t get the wrong amount of electricity at once. The Evolution 2 goes in between the transformer and the light kits for the Finesse Diabolo or the light up sticks.
EVOLUTION 3 Weight Kit for the Mister Babache Finesse Diabolo
These weight rings attach onto axle of the Finesse diabolo to give it more stability and speed. It really makes a difference in the performance of your Finesse. It works with all models of the Finesse. If you want to add more than one weight you can. Two weights per package complete with screws for assembling to the Finesse Diabolo.
Comes in two sizes 6g and 10g.
For example: Finesse Diabolo normal weight 247g
with 6g set (2x6g) = 259g
with 10g set (2x10g) = 267g
with 6g & 10g sets (2x6g)+(2x10g) = 279g
EVOLUTION 4 Rechargeable Light Kit for the Finesse Diabolo by Mister Babache
These LED lights can be screwed onto the sides of you Finesse G1, G2, or G3 diabolo to make it light up in the dark. It is an awesome sight. The pack comes complete with a pair of lights, 6 rechargeable batteries (pre-charged) and a custom made screwdriver.
The lights are protected by a strong plastic cover and incorporate an on/off switch plus an easy access jack plug socket.
CHARGER
ADAPTER
BATTERY
ENERGY CLASSIC HANDSTICKS BY MISTER BABACHE
Mr. Babache’s Energy Classic handsticks are designed for the advanced diabolist who wants a shorter stick and more speed. Made from a clear polycarbonate with cushioned foam hand grips, this stick is quite flexible and gives you increased acceleration.
The energy handsticks material, polycarbonate is a great material to use with a lighter diabolo. These sticks are slick and smooth, so the diabolo can really spin quickly. they are flexible, and
The Mister Babache Energy sticks are great. They are constructed of clear polycarbonate with black, white or neon yellow handgrips. Like the Xtreme handsticks, the Energy comes with detachable end pieces. This makes changing strings and swapping string configurations a breeze.
The polycarbonate construction is designed to give the sticks a bit of flex, which allows for fast acceleration in just a few quick movements. It is a strong material which is great for abuse by children and the demanding jugglers.
Available with black, white or neon yellow grips.
Length and Weight:
13.2 Inch (335 mm) - 2 ounces (57 g).
ENERGY PHOSPHO HANDSTICKS BY MISTER BABACHE
These state-of-the-art aluminum handsticks from Mr. Babache enable the diabolist to perform precision moves. They are shorter and lighter and feature a new system for attaching the string to prevent fraying. And they glow from top to bottom.
ENERGY EXTREME CLASSIC HANDSTICKS
Also made of sturdy aluminum, Mr. Babache’s Energy Extreme Classic features comfortable black handles with clear acrylic to the tips. Diabolists who have been asking for shorter, lightweight sticks won’t be disappointed. Plus, changing and replacing strings is easy with a new system that reduces wear and allows the string to rotate freely.
ENERGY COLOR HANDSTICKS BY MISTER BABACHE
New from Mr. Babache, these supple, transparent polymer sticks will add flex and power to your diabolo tricks. The pink, yellow and green handles are UV active and have a transparent shaft. The black handle also has a transparent shaft.
Miniature Painting - Art Through the Ages
by: Rebecca Latham
As an artist, Rebecca Latham as well as her mother, Karen, and sister, Bonnie, strive for detail in their painting. Studying with a Flemish master, they have developed their styles for painting extreme realism. Their works, both large and small, are painted “in miniature”.
Early Beginnings
Miniature painting is a traditional style of art that is very detailed, often referred to as painting or working “in miniature”. Because of their origins as illuminations, they are also painted to have as smooth of a surface as possible. (It is also suggested that miniature art may have been influenced by the medals of ancient Rome as well) Miniature art can be traced back to ancient Egyptian manuscripts on papyrus scrolls. Monks are also often highlighted for their contributions to early miniature painting with their beautifully illuminated manuscripts such as the Celtic Book of Kells and England's Lindisfarne Gospels (both of which measure around 9" x 12"). Some early manuscripts contain miniature paintings on their pages that depict beautiful arrangements of life sized flower arrangements on their borders. The history of miniature painting is also seen throughout the world in various other cultures.
Miniature painting began out of necessity for illustrating documents and manuscripts to aid those reading them during a time when many were not able to, before printing was invented. The miniature helped to convey the story and meaning of the written word. Therefore, the art of miniature painting is directly connected to the book arts. The various sized illuminations (pictures) were cut out of these books or documents so that they could be carried more easily. Later, developing from the carried miniature, portrait miniature artists were commissioned to paint small portraits – paintings that were used as we use wallet sized photographs today. These sizes of miniature paintings became popular with collectors and are often referred to as “hand held miniatures”. Portrait miniatures were painted in larger sizes as well, for example master miniaturist, Nicholas Hilliard, Peter Oliver, and Sir Charles William Ross all painted works that were of a larger size.
Sizes
Miniature painting is sometimes confused and assumed that the pieces must be small or depict subjects on a smaller scale to be considered miniature art, though this is not the case. It is helpful to keep in mind that the origins of the term "miniature" have nothing to do with a size. The word miniature comes from the terms 'minium' (used for the red lead paint used in illuminated manuscripts) and 'miniare' (Latin for 'to color with red lead').
Miniature painting is a style and technique of painting, and as such, a wall sized work could be painted “in miniature”. Authors of the Yale University Press publication, “The English Miniature” have stated that miniatures have been painted large and some works are even considered to be gigantic. Numerous faculty members of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London confirm that miniature paintings are not restricted to smallness. Larger sized miniature paintings are documented throughout history and are recognized today, though painting larger works in miniature is more difficult and time consuming than a smaller piece if the same attention to detail is observed. Miniature art is also unique in that it was and is often used on objects, such as the Russian lacquer boxes that are beautiful examples of Russian miniature painting.
Exhibitions
Today, there are miniature art societies in western society to help promote and preserve traditional miniature art and the “spirit of miniature”. Their exhibitions feature the hand held miniature paintings (or sculptures) and each exhibition has its own unique guidelines and rules for artists showing in their exhibit. Some of these rules limit the size of work to be no larger than a set square inch. Others limit the size of a subject, such at the 1/6th scale rule that a subject may not be painted larger than 1/6th of it's natural size, or the 2” rule, that an object in the painting may not exceed 2”. Scale rules were initially put in place as a guide for artists starting out in miniature art. There are also many framing restrictions for society miniature works as well. All of these rules are put into place by each show for their own individual and unique exhibitions, and do not define what miniature art is.
Artists painting miniatures throughout history were not restricted in their artwork by scale as their subjects were painted to any measurement or scale that the artist deemed pleasing to the eye and their patrons, for both manuscripts and other miniatures. Subjects that are naturally small in size, such as butterflies and insects, were painted life sized. Thus the 1/6th scale rule that is used by some shows and societies today unfortunately causes a bit of confusion to those new to the art form who commonly assume that is it a part of a mechanical criteria of the miniature's definition. The world's experts in miniatures do not recognize the rule as legitimate, and view those embracing it as unknowledgeable, and dismiss them.
The term "miniature", as it addresses miniature painting, is often confused with "miniaturize" and some miniature art exhibitions do not refer to miniature as it's initial meaning of techniques, but rather the size of the painting (miniaturized painting). They are two very separate descriptions.
Miniature painting is an art form that is very rich in history that continues today by artists from around the globe. The beautiful ornamental qualities of the miniature should be preserved whether it be the intricate large pieces, or intimate hand held works.
Many thanks to Joan Willies RMS, the Victoria & Albert Museum, & Patrick Noon.
As an artist, Rebecca Latham as well as her mother, Karen, and sister, Bonnie, strive for detail in their painting. Studying with a Flemish master, they have developed their styles for painting extreme realism. Their works, both large and small, are painted “in miniature”.
Early Beginnings
Miniature painting is a traditional style of art that is very detailed, often referred to as painting or working “in miniature”. Because of their origins as illuminations, they are also painted to have as smooth of a surface as possible. (It is also suggested that miniature art may have been influenced by the medals of ancient Rome as well) Miniature art can be traced back to ancient Egyptian manuscripts on papyrus scrolls. Monks are also often highlighted for their contributions to early miniature painting with their beautifully illuminated manuscripts such as the Celtic Book of Kells and England's Lindisfarne Gospels (both of which measure around 9" x 12"). Some early manuscripts contain miniature paintings on their pages that depict beautiful arrangements of life sized flower arrangements on their borders. The history of miniature painting is also seen throughout the world in various other cultures.
Miniature painting began out of necessity for illustrating documents and manuscripts to aid those reading them during a time when many were not able to, before printing was invented. The miniature helped to convey the story and meaning of the written word. Therefore, the art of miniature painting is directly connected to the book arts. The various sized illuminations (pictures) were cut out of these books or documents so that they could be carried more easily. Later, developing from the carried miniature, portrait miniature artists were commissioned to paint small portraits – paintings that were used as we use wallet sized photographs today. These sizes of miniature paintings became popular with collectors and are often referred to as “hand held miniatures”. Portrait miniatures were painted in larger sizes as well, for example master miniaturist, Nicholas Hilliard, Peter Oliver, and Sir Charles William Ross all painted works that were of a larger size.
Sizes
Miniature painting is sometimes confused and assumed that the pieces must be small or depict subjects on a smaller scale to be considered miniature art, though this is not the case. It is helpful to keep in mind that the origins of the term "miniature" have nothing to do with a size. The word miniature comes from the terms 'minium' (used for the red lead paint used in illuminated manuscripts) and 'miniare' (Latin for 'to color with red lead').
Miniature painting is a style and technique of painting, and as such, a wall sized work could be painted “in miniature”. Authors of the Yale University Press publication, “The English Miniature” have stated that miniatures have been painted large and some works are even considered to be gigantic. Numerous faculty members of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London confirm that miniature paintings are not restricted to smallness. Larger sized miniature paintings are documented throughout history and are recognized today, though painting larger works in miniature is more difficult and time consuming than a smaller piece if the same attention to detail is observed. Miniature art is also unique in that it was and is often used on objects, such as the Russian lacquer boxes that are beautiful examples of Russian miniature painting.
Exhibitions
Today, there are miniature art societies in western society to help promote and preserve traditional miniature art and the “spirit of miniature”. Their exhibitions feature the hand held miniature paintings (or sculptures) and each exhibition has its own unique guidelines and rules for artists showing in their exhibit. Some of these rules limit the size of work to be no larger than a set square inch. Others limit the size of a subject, such at the 1/6th scale rule that a subject may not be painted larger than 1/6th of it's natural size, or the 2” rule, that an object in the painting may not exceed 2”. Scale rules were initially put in place as a guide for artists starting out in miniature art. There are also many framing restrictions for society miniature works as well. All of these rules are put into place by each show for their own individual and unique exhibitions, and do not define what miniature art is.
Artists painting miniatures throughout history were not restricted in their artwork by scale as their subjects were painted to any measurement or scale that the artist deemed pleasing to the eye and their patrons, for both manuscripts and other miniatures. Subjects that are naturally small in size, such as butterflies and insects, were painted life sized. Thus the 1/6th scale rule that is used by some shows and societies today unfortunately causes a bit of confusion to those new to the art form who commonly assume that is it a part of a mechanical criteria of the miniature's definition. The world's experts in miniatures do not recognize the rule as legitimate, and view those embracing it as unknowledgeable, and dismiss them.
The term "miniature", as it addresses miniature painting, is often confused with "miniaturize" and some miniature art exhibitions do not refer to miniature as it's initial meaning of techniques, but rather the size of the painting (miniaturized painting). They are two very separate descriptions.
Miniature painting is an art form that is very rich in history that continues today by artists from around the globe. The beautiful ornamental qualities of the miniature should be preserved whether it be the intricate large pieces, or intimate hand held works.
Many thanks to Joan Willies RMS, the Victoria & Albert Museum, & Patrick Noon.
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