Celebrating With a Bang; the Origin of Fireworks

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  Every July, we go and sit with thousands of others to watch our local fireworks display. Since our town’s display has the distinction of being “The Best in the ‘Burbs,” and has for as long as I can remember, everyone goes, so we go early, to make sure we have a place to sitRead more

You Know Fun Is Ahead When You Spot the Ferris Wheel

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Carnival season is upon us and soon we will be seeing pop-up amusement centers in parking lots and the strange sight of rides on trailers on highways. Most prominent of these of course is the Ferris wheel, which in most cases can be seen for miles and is the first sign of a carnival inRead more

Simple Soap Bubbles: The Best Selling Toy in the World

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The attraction of soap bubbles is nearly universal. They are delicate and colorful. It is almost impossible to watch someone blowing bubbles and not smile. The temptation to reach out for them, whether to pop or catch them, is almost irresistible. Their unique properties have been the subject of study for both scientists and mathematicians.Read more

Hula Hooping: How to Play Like an Egyptian

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The hula hoop is a deceptively simple device that has remained popular for centuries. It has been used as a toy, exercise device and a tool to learn life skills. As early as 1000 BC, Egyptian children used hoops made of grapevines to play, either rolling them with a stick or spinning them around theirRead more

Who Knew? Mini Golf Originated During the Great Depression

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The weather is warming up, which means that the miniature golf courses in the Northeast will soon open for the season. Mini golf is something I enjoyed as a child and shared with my own children. It is an activity that almost anyone can participate in and can vary quite a bit from course toRead more

Decorating Eggs – An Easter Tradition?

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  Decorating eggs is an art form. From drawing on eggs with crayons, then dipping in food grade dye, or painting or stamping images on eggs, to the elaborate pysanky creations made using hot wax, it is a process. Like many other traditions, its exact origins are unclear. Aside from actual eggs, one can alsoRead more

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