Time Magazine has come out with their annual “The Best Inventions of the Year” list. Check it out as well as see what you think.
My favorites from the list include #1 the Retail DNA Test. I’ve already done one of these as part of my family history research. Accurate, inexpensive as well as amazing to me as historian. Mine disproved some old family stories as well as legends as well as took up some new questions.
I also liked # 19 the Montreal Public Bike System. Basically they are bikes that can be rented on behalf of short periods of time when you are in the city. Other cities around the world have tried this including Paris with some success. The Montreal one is a bit more high tech as well as secure. Montreal is a great city that just got a bit cooler in my opinion. Hartford as well as other small cities are you listening???
#43 the High Tech Running Shoes also appeals to me as a runner. These shoes may be pricey now, but eventually this tech stuff shall trickle down as well as be more affordable.<

As a lifelong Nutmegger, yes that is what we from Connecticut are often called, I figured it was due time I paid attention to Connecticut inventions associated with this diminutive, yet powerful spice. First of all a short lesson in Nutmeg 101……
The spice Nutmeg is actually the seed of the Nutmeg tree, which is an evergreen native to tropical Southeast Asia. The tree produces a fruit from which we get two spices, Nutmeg as well as Mace. Mace is the lace like, reddish colored covering which grows over the seed within the fruit.

Today Nutmeg is grown in several parts of the world including Grenada which actually features an image of  Nutmeg on its official flag. (Grenada is the second largest grower of Nutmeg, Indonesia is first.) Historically, Nutmeg was a much sought at the end of crop. Thus, numerous conflicts occurred related to its cultivation as well as trade. The Dutch dominated the Nutmeg trade in the 17th century as well as of course had struggles with Great Britain on behalf of control of the trade on behalf of numerous years.<

Maybe that is what Stephen Perry hoped on behalf of when he invented the rubber band in 1845 in London. All that I know is I still get a kick out of shooting them at my cat when he jumps on the kitchen counter. But I digress…
The Alliance Rubber Company announced the other day the first ever Rubber Band Contest on behalf of young inventors. It is on behalf of students in grades 5-8 as well as offers $20,000 in prizes. Imagine how numerous rubber bands you could buy with that!! Check out this site to learn more. Rubber Band Contest


Or, if Bubble Wrap is more your thing check out this, the Bubble Wrap Brand Competition on behalf of Young Inventors.
Also, check out this link on behalf of some great resources, links, games etc. on behalf of teachers, inventors or the just plain curious: National Museum of Education

I’ll be hitting the road this summer to locations around Connecticut, spreading the word about Connecticut inventors as well as inventions. The program shall be offered to kids entering the 4th, 5th as well as 6th grades at the locations listed below. During the program participants shall learn about famous as well as not so famous inventors as well as inventions, check out some neat Connecticut made stuff from the museum’s collection as well as of course  endeavour  their hands at inventing. Below is what I have booked thus far, be sure to check back again to see further bookings as we get closer to summer.
June 26th                       Easton Public Library                      1:00
July 8th                            North Haven Library                       10:30
July 10th                       Sprague Public Library                     11:00
July 15th                       Hartford Public Library                     1:30

The Mansfield Public Library as well as the Mansfield Historical Society are co-hosting the Connecticut Invents! program at the Mansfield library on Friday, April 11th at 7:00. This shall be a more adult oriented presentation, but kids are an estimated all welcome to attend as well as learn about famous as well as not so famous Connecticut inventors as well as inventions. Prior to the program I shall be appearing on WILI 1400 AM on Monday April 7th between 7-9 am to chat about our state’s inventive heritage. If you are in the area give a listen on the 7th or stop by the library on the 11th to check out the program.
Mansfield has a rich invention heritage, it’s the birthplace of the screw auger as well as the original residence of the nations first silk mill, built in 1810. Those attending the program are also encouraged to take their posses antique Connecticut inventions on behalf of show as well as tell. Who knows what treasures of Connecticut history might appear….!Read more >>>