History of Gadgets

The history of gadgets spans as far back as humanity itself - since hominids began creating tools to make their lives easier. Humans have always created devices and appliances with specific practical purposes that were initially thought of as novelties, due to unfamiliarity with and initial unwillingness to accept the technology. Today, industry has augmented the creation of new gadgets, while certain retailers, including Brookstone and Richard Thalheimer's RichardSolo.com, specialize in popularizing them.

What famous inventors Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell and Leonardo da Vinci, among others, had in common was foresight. They understood that a lifetime spent playing with what others viewed as toys and senseless gadgets would eventually result in indispensable technology. From just that small group, the groundwork for electricity, communications, film, and flight was laid because of their gadgets, which obviously possessed more value than novelty.

Perhaps one of the earliest, most well known gadgets created is the wheel, many millennia ago. Take a ride in your car and witness how truly revolutionary such a gadget became and how much we now rely on it for transportation. A more recent gadget, the Apple iPhone, appears to be the beginning stages of yet another gadget-turned-necessity that will reshape communications.

"The iPhone may someday be looked upon as the device that started a second revolution in computing. Desktop computing was the first revolution. Hand-held computing will someday be regarded as the second revolution, and the iPhone is the product that started it." -Richard Thalheimer, RichardSolo.com

All gadgets were not created equal. In fact most inventions are built on the newest technology. The world of gadgets is tiered; devices fall into one of four categories: mechanical, electronic, programmable, and application. Mechanical gadgets include the wheel, as well as later developments such as the pulley, the bicycle, the sail boat, the thermometer and the sort. Following the advent of electricity, gadgets were taken to a new level as inventors began to discover different uses for the newly harnessed energy. The television, radio and quartz watch are examples of electronic gadgets. After electricity, inventors toyed around with electronic information via microprocessor, beginning an age of programmable devices such as computers, and later, MP3 players and the iPhone. Application gadgets include iTunes, Microsoft Office and other computer applications that customize our experience with programmable devices.

Richard Thalheimer, the President and founder of online gadget vendor RichardSolo.com, and founder and former CEO of gadget giant The Sharper Image, understands, maybe better than anyone, that there's much more to gadgets than novelty.

"Certainly most people enjoy the novelty of a gadget that introduces new convenience to their lifestyle. What they forget is that solving these everyday problems is not just entertainment, but some of these devices become functional necessities. In my personal life, I rely on my iPhone, my garage door opener, my nose hair trimmer, my electric toothbrush, and other gadgets that were once regarded as novel gadgets. "- Richard Thalheimer, RichardSolo.com

Both his former brainchild and his current venture sell quirky, useful and fun gadgets of all types, from mechanical to programmable and application. He has seen some devices, such as the Ionic Breeze air purifier, spur sensational and lasting trends based on a realization of utility value, while others collected dust on the shelves after their novelty wore out. Specialty stores like The Sharper Image and Richard Thalheimer's RichardSolo.com serve a greater purpose: spread new ideas, and give credit to the Franklins and Edisons of the world.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Want to learn more about innovative new gadgets and gizmos? Check out RichardSolo.com to find the latest products and learn more about entrepreneur, Richard Thalheimer.

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Children And Snakes

If you've ever been to your local pet store then no doubt you've seen a snake or two for sale. Usually they are unhealthy, overly expensive, and not well cared for. Which would make most of us walk away without a second glance, but kids are different. They see a snake and they want the snake. I speak from experience having at one time been "that" kid. Since then I've learned a great deal about snakes in general, especially relating to keeping them as pets.

One common denominator of children and snakes is that they rarely do well together. At least not if you leave the snake in the care of the child. Snakes (and most other reptiles) are entirely unlike any other animal. Their care requirements are exacting, and there's very little margin of error when dealing with them. This isn't to say that children can't have snakes as pets. In fact I highly encourage it, but there are some realities you should consider.

1) You as the parent or guardian will likely become the primary caretaker of the snake. Which isn't at all bad, but let's face it. Kids are impulsive and the snake they just have to have or "I'll die!!!" probably will be yesterdays news before today is done. Not literally, but you get the idea. Just be aware that when most kids promise to always take care of it... well consider that just like when they promise to eat their vegetables, or do their homework. Their intentions are great but then the reality sets in.

2) Snakes are expensive. The initial purchase for something like a Ball Python will be relatively cheap (around $40-$100) but then you have everything else.

a) Tank - These can easily run over $150.00 but if you're willing to spend some time learning you can build your own from a plastic Tub for about $8.00

b) Essentials - These are the things you must have for the snake to prosper:

- Heating Pads: Under the tank heater will cost about $20-$35.00 depending on size and where you get it. There is also FlexWatt heat tape which is a little less expensive, but more labor intensive.

- Hides: Just a place for the snake to "hide" from everything. You can buy them at the pet store for a few dollars each or take an old butter tub, cut a hole in the side the snake can fit through and use that. Not a huge expense but the little things add up.

- Thermometer/Hygrometer combo: You want a digital one of these with probes. Those will run you around $12 to $15 for an Accu-rite from Wal-Mart. The cheap stick on the side of the tank types do NOT work. Remember I said before their husbandry requirements are exact? This is an example. To low heat can lead to respiratory infection, poor eating, and stress. To low humidty can lead to poor and incomplete sheds. So you will need to invest in a good thermometer/hygrometer setup.

- Water bowl: Needs to be large enough the snake won't tip it over. If you buy at the pet store it'll cost you more than it is worth. Around $15.00 (give or take)

- Substrate: A bag of cypress mulch will cost about $10 to $20. A better option is to use old newspapers for the substrate. I never pay for it because I get old newspapers from restaurants. Avoid glossy and colored prints as these can be toxic to the snake.

- Thermostat: Here we come back to the reality of how exacting conditions must be for snakes. The temperatures need to be maintained at very precise levels. That is where a thermostat comes in. To be clear these aren't the $20.00 wall mount units you get from Wal-Mart. These are specially made for reptiles and they allow you to control your under the tank heaters. Expect to pay upwards of $100.00 for one of these.

- Electricity: Obviously keeping a heating pad running 24/7 which you will have to do will increase your electric bill to some extent.

- Food: They need to eat. Expect to spend about $8 to $25 per month on food per snake. A lot will depend on how large the snake is as to what it should be eating. Don't forget to calculate travel into the food expense.

So now that snake that cost $40.00 is costing signficantly more. Before you even get out the door you're looking at another $200.00 in supplies alone. Not to mention the ongoing cost of upkeep on a daily basis. We didn't even consider what would happen if trip to the vet became necessary. Vets that specialize in reptiles have one thing in common with doctors who specialize in heart issues. They both charge significantly more than "regular" vets because of their specialization.

3) Kids are rough. You can't leave a child and a snake alone. Some people will tell you it is to protect the kid, but in 99.999999% of all cases the reason is to protect the snake from the kid.

4) Kids are quick. Snakes don't like quick. They feel threatened by it. They'll try to get away and barring that lash out at things they feel threatened by. Having experienced my share of snake bites over the years I can tell you that getting bit by a snake is something most adults will never forget. Imagine a kid getting bit because the snake felt like it had to defend itself.

All of this is not to discourage you from getting a snake for your kid. In fact I highly encourage you doing just that as they make wonderful pets. You as the parent/guardian just need to be aware that snakes are unlike any common pet most people have and they take dedication and responsibility that MOST children simply do not have.

You can learn more about snakes at my blog, http://www.pet-snakes.com

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Good Science Fair Projects - Plants Reaching For Light (Part Two)

In our previous science fair project we had a look at chlorophyll and how plants use this chlorophyll, sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to produce glucose (a form of sugar.) What else, that is very important, is produced through photosynthesis? (In the process carbon dioxide is taken from the air, what is released back into the air?) Now we are going to do a good science fair project to demonstrate how plants actually reach for sunlight. We know by now that they cannot survive without light, which we proved in our previous science fair project. Now we are going to do a really fun science fair project. If you want to do a really good science fair project, it might be a good idea to combine these two science fair projects as it gives you a very clear and visual picture of plants growing and needing sunlight.

Today's science fair project is a good science fair project for someone that is a little handy. We are going to make a maze in a shoe box to demonstrate how the plant searches and reaches for light.

What you will need for this science fair project:

* First you need a shoe box

* You will need a pair of scissors

* Stiff card

* Some sticky tape

* Black paint

* A paint brush

* A pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands

* A runner bean

* A plant pot

* Some good compost

* Water

Now for the fun part: making your maze in your shoe box!

1. To start cut a hole in the one end of the shoe box.

2. Making a maze in your shoe box is very easy, start by cutting eight flaps out of the stiff cards. The flaps must fit securely into your shoe box in the width.

3. Now paint your shoe box and the eight flaps all over with black paint. Do you know why we are doing that? Think about the light reflecting...yes, the black paint is to stop the light entering through the hole from reflecting inside the shoe box!

4. Now you can make a maze by sticking the eight flaps of card inside the shoe box with sticky tape. Cut slots into your flaps at a different place in each flap to form a maze (if you are not sure how to do this, ask for the help of an adult who knows what a maze looks like.)

5. Plant a runner bean in a small plant pot with compost.

6. Water the soil each day to keep it moist but, do not make it too wet. Keep it in a warm place until the bean has a shoot. Remember to keep the soil moist, depending on the temperature; it may not be necessary to water the bean everyday.

7. When your plant has a shoot place it at the bottom of your maze.

8. Close the lid and place the maze in a sunny spot.

9. Remove the lid once a day to see if your plant needs water.

10. Now you can observe what is happening.

11. If you did it right, the plant will grow and find its way through your maze to steadily move towards the light.

12. Eventually your plant will poke through the hole at the top of your shoe box.

13. For display purposes it is a good idea to take a photo of your plant growing zig-zag through your maze and out the hole at the top.

This is a good science fair project for someone interested in gardening. It is also a good science fair project for someone that loves crafts as this can double as a craft because of the maze you have to make. Good science fair projects can never be done too fast, so give yourself enough time.

Magriet is a work at home "Gran" with websites on a number of family related subjects such as science fairs, kids crafts and homeschooling. Her webs are: http://www.learnerscience.com and http://www.homeschooling.topknacks.com and http://www.kidscrafts.topknacks.com Get all the excellent information on these subjects in an instant.

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Inland Taipan - World's Most Venomous Snake is Not the Most Dangerous

People have been arguing over the most venomous snakes for as long as I can remember (and I've been keeping and researching snakes for more than 20 years).

The reason there is so much dispute over the most venomous snakes in the world is because people judge them by different criteria, and this inevitably leads to arguments.

For example, some people build their lists of the most venomous snakes by using the LD50 test. LD50 stands for lethal dose 50 percent. In the case of snake venom LD50 is a scale used to measure the potency of a snake's venom. It refers to the amount of venom that, when given all at once, kills 50 percent of the animals tested (mice, in this case).

Other people create lists of the most venomous snakes in the world by considering the venom yield, meaning the amount of venom the snake can produce with a given bite.

Thus, you can probably find dozens of lists that claim to contain the "Top 10 Most Venomous Snakes" in the world, and many of these lists will conflict with each other.

Most Venomous Does Not Mean Most Dangerous

While I'm at it, I'd like to clear up another important point regarding venomous snakes. Many people create lists of what they claim are the "most dangerous" snakes in the world, and they will simply list ten of the most venomous snake as ranked by the LD50 tests mentioned above.

But there is a big difference between a highly venomous snake and a highly dangerous snake. Many snakes that are high on the venom charts are shy and reclusive, and therefore account for very few human fatalities. How could you put such snakes on a list of the world's most dangerous snakes?

On the flip side of that coin, there are certain venomous snakes that, while they do not rank in the top-ten most venomous, still account for a large number of human fatalities each year. This might be because that particular snake is found in highly populated areas far from medical care, that the snake is comparatively more aggressive toward humans, or a combination of these factors.

A good example of this would be the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus), which accounts for a relatively high number of deaths in Sri Lanka. While it is certainly highly venomous, the saw-scaled viper does not appear on any top-ten lists of "most venomous snakes." However, it accounts for more deaths than any other snake within its range, largely because of its habit of hiding itself in areas trafficked by humans.

My point is, you cannot make a list of the most venomous snakes in the world and refer to them as the "most dangerous" snakes ... nor the opposite. They are two separate things, and they need to be treated as such.

To echo that sentiment, here's an excerpt from a Princeton University Press interview with Mark O'Shea, snake expert, TV personality and author of the book Venomous Snakes of the World:

"The most dangerous snake is not the most venomous. The most venomous snakes are taipans, Australian brown snakes and sea snakes but they have small venom yields and few snakebites to humans and few human fatalities in the scheme of things ... with that in mind I have encountered many dangerous snakes from rattlers to cobras, sea snakes to desert vipers but I regard the most dangerous snake I have encountered to be the Sri Lankan Russell's viper..."

Most Venomous Snake - Meet the Inland Taipan

Despite all of the semantic arguments and scientific disputes, there is one fact that most people seem to agree on. The most venomous snake, measured by the LD50 test or any type of criteria, is the inland taipan snake of Australia.

The inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) possesses the most toxic venom of any snake in the world. But here again, that does not necessarily mean that the inland taipan -- also known as the fiece snake -- is the "most dangerous" or deadliest snake in the world. As we discussed, most venomous does not always translate to most dangerous.

In fact, the inland taipan proves this point for me. Worldwide, more than 40,000 people die each year from venomous snakebite. But Australia only has 2 - 3 snakebite deaths each year. So how can a continent with the world's most venomous snake, the inland taipan, have such a relatively low number of snakebite deaths each year? The answer, of course, is that the inland taipan, while highly venomous, is not one of the deadliest snakes in the world.

Sure, it has lethal venom with the potential to kill humans, but there is a world of difference between potentiality and reality. The inland taipan is the world's most venomous snake by most standards, but is by far NOT the world's deadliest snake.

* You may republish this article online if you keep the author's bio below with the active hyperlinks to the author's site. Copyright 2007, Brandon Cornett.

More Reptile Information
Brandon Cornett is the publisher of Reptile Knowledge, a website full of reptile information, photos and more. Learn more about the most venomous snakes and many other reptile species by visiting http://www.reptileknowledge.com

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A Lunar Outpost For A Journey To Mars

In the year 2004, American President, George W. Bush, outlined goals for NASA after the completion of the International Space Station in 2010. Bush stated that " our... goal is to develop and test a new spacecraft, the Crew Exploration Vehicle, by 2008, and to conduct the first manned mission no later than 2014. The Crew Exploration Vehicle will be capable of ferrying astronauts and scientists to the Space Station after the shuttle is retired. But the main purpose of this spacecraft will be to carry astronauts beyond our orbit to other worlds. This will be the first spacecraft of its kind since the Apollo Command Module".

Bush continued: "Our next goal is to return to the Moon by 2020, as the launching point for missions beyond. Beginning no later than 2008, we will send a series of robotic missions to the lunar surface to research and prepare for future human exploration. Using the Crew Exploration Vehicle, we will undertake extended human missions to the Moon as early as 2015, with the goal of living and working there for increasingly extended periods".

The planning by NASA for the lunar mission outlined in that 2004 speech by President Bush is well underway. In fact, the plan encourages participation by other nations of the world. In addition, NASA also envisions participation by non-governmental organizations and commercial groups. NASA is interested in international participation in the project similar to the International Space Station mission.

The name of the program to return astronauts to the Moon is "Constellation". Constellation is developing new spacecraft and is expected to be fully operational by 2016. The Constellation program requires the development of launchers called Ares rockets. These Ares launchers are named for the Greek god associated with Mars. These launchers will return humans to the Moon and later take them to Mars and other destinations.

NASA's Orion spacecraft (now in development) is America's first new manned spacecraft since the space shuttle 30 years ago. Orion will be capable of carrying crew and cargo to the International Space Station after 2010. Orion will be the Earth entry vehicle for lunar and Mars returns. Orion's design will borrow its shape from the capsules of the past, but it will take advantage of modern technology in computers, electronics, life support, propulsion, and heat protection systems.

The U.S. Space Agency plans to create a solar powered, manned outpost on the Moon. The final decision concerning the location of that outpost will be made after NASA's robotic Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) begins to survey the Moon in 2008. In fact, the scheduled launch event in October of 2008 of this robotic probe (with its laser altimeter and other instruments) is a mission designed to produce an accurate global map of the Moon for all upcoming expeditions there.

However, it may be that NASA scientists already have a potential spot for a manned outpost in mind. An area that is already receiving attention by NASA's lunar architecture team is at the South Pole in a spot on the rim of Shackleton Crater. The area is almost always sunlit, but it is also adjacent to a permanently dark location. Wherever it is located, the outpost on the Moon would be built in incremental steps, starting with four person crews making several seven day visits.

It is projected that the first mission to develop the lunar outpost would begin by 2020. The base would grow over time into a lunar town, beefed up with more power, mobility rovers, and living quarters. The Moon base would eventually support 180 day lunar stays. This stretch of time is seen as the best way to establish a permanent presence there. By going to the Moon for extended periods of time, astronauts will search for resources and learn how to work safely in a harsh environment to prepare for a future human exploration of Mars.

Thirty-five years ago this week, Astronauts Gene Cernan, Ron Evans, and Jack Schmitt were early explorers on the surface of the Moon. Today, NASA is planning not only for a visit, but also for a permanent base on the surface of the Moon by astronauts in the year 2020.

The long term goal of future space exploration for NASA was outlined by President George Bush in his speech in 2004. Several years later, the planning, development and logistics of this mission are on schedule. The Constellation program has taken the initial steps to make a manned lunar outpost for a journey to Mars a future reality.

James William Smith has worked in Senior management positions for some of the largest Financial Services firms in the United States for the last twenty five years. He has also provided business consulting support for insurance organizations and start up businesses. He has always been interested in writing and listening to different viewpoints on interesting topics.

Visit his website at http://www.eworldvu.com

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