A Glimpse in History: The Bicycle

One of Leonardo Da Vinci's students in the 1490's made rough drafts of a bicycle. They were found among Da Vinci's writings for the Italian government in 1966 by a group of monks. What is realized with these findings is that in the 1490's all the parts of a bicycle were available to inventors and the public. Inventors were thinking about how to use the parts as well, but didn't think about putting them together. Interesting, is it not? The term bicycle was coined in France in the 1860s.

In 1870 James Starley made a bicycle with a large front wheel and a small back wheel. It was called the "penny-farthing" bicycle. The gear made the wheel turn two times per each revolution of the pedals. The front wheel was as high as the rider's leg length.

The problem with the penny-farthing (high bicycle) was that it was very dangerous because if the rider were to stop the rider could fall backwards. Also it was dangerous going down a hill. There was a lever that was operated by a spoon brake which could cause a fall and a special gear that made the wheel turn twice for each revolution. Oops!

The Penny-Farthing

The first bicycle with a chain was made in 1874 by H.J. Lawson. The bicycle was made up of two wheels the same size driven by a chain on the back wheel. It was called the safety bicycle.

In 1893 the Wright Brothers decided to open up a bicycle shop. They sold bicycles and fixed old ones. When they decided to make the airplane, they used most of their knowledge from their bicycle career.
From 1900 through the 1950's there wasn't much enhancement on the bicycle because of the invention of the car. Bikes looked the same for almost 50 years with thick rubber tires, one gear, and metal frames.

10 Reasons to Ride a Bike:

1-Environmentally Friendly

2-Saves Gas

3-Saves Money

4-Good for Physical, Mental and Emotional Health

5-Convenient and Practical

6-Less Congested Roads

7-Quieter City

8-Opportunity to Enjoy the Environment

9-Greater Human interaction

10-Fun and Exhilarating

Bike Safe!




Photos: Indiegogo.com and Gallery.nen.gov.uk
Information:library.thinkquest.org

The Archives: Wondermark, A Retro Comic Strip!

Since I first laid my eyes on Wondermark, I knew it was love at first sight! Here it is the perfect retro comic strip!

The first thing that caught my attention when I went to the Wondermark website was the vintage feel of it, which I am all for it! Second, the comic strip itself is made to look like it was taken from an old newspaper. So here you are, reading a newspaper comic strip on the internet! Third, I have lately discovered my love for the Parisian Steampunk culture. And Wondermark, is just that! And last but not least, the dialog is about modern daily living, sort of like being a Timewarpian! You dress retro, but you are living in the 21 Century.


Two thumbs up, for Wondermark!




This comic episode, reminds me of the conversation I have with my husband when he is at his computer all day!





And in this episode is totally what my nervous mom would say! "Can't a mother worried?"



A little bit about the artist himself:

Wondermark is by David Malki ! This comic strip is like reading a 100 years old newspaper comic strip, but with a modern twist! David uses vintage drawings and writes a story line around it. If you love humor with a kick, Wondermark will be your favorite comic page to visit!

Oh, and if you thought that the exclamation mark at the end of David Malki! was a typo, well it wasn't it. That is how he spells his name. Now, that is one funny fellow!



Click link to visit Wondermark at: http://www.wondermark.com/

The Archives:  Post's from my old blog The RetroChic Corner. Original Post Date: 11/30/09

The Archives: The City Picnic

This past weekend doggie, hubby, and I went for a relax picnic in the city. Although I live in the city I really consider myself a nature out-doorsy kind of gal. The weather that afternoon was around 75 degrees. Perfect for a Florida fall picnic!

Here is Chewie and me enjoying time together. In the background you can see our little picnic setting under the tree. And on the right side of the picture you can see the lake. I believe always having a picnic near the water. And here in Florida there are tons of lakes, rivers, and ocean to choose from!

I had about an hour or so to prepare for our picnic. So I grabbed my Bohemian Girl Collection tote bag and picnic basket and packed food, drinks, blankets, towels, games, and reading materials.

Reading outdoors is the best thing ever! The fresh air and the serene sounds of nature adds to the ambiance.

Here is one of the books that we brought along to read: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. Several weeks ago hubby and I were watching the film based on this novel. I told my husband that I had never read the book. He happened to have a copy in his library. So at the picnic I started reading the first chapter of the book. So far I have enjoyed the writing style of the author. I think it's one of my favorites along with Jane Austen novels.

Can't forget to bring provisions to the picnic. This darling picnic basket was given to me by my mom.

I have been on a strict diet lately. So I made sure to pack plenty of fruits for our outing.

What is a picnic without visual inspiration? In this Vogue 2010 May issue I enjoyed the vintage styles of the past. And while I turned the pages of Vogue I enjoyed my delicious hearty apple.

Here is doggie and me having some activity time.

A little exercise is great for both of us.

Being that I had been in doors for quite some time now, It was truly great to feel healthier again and to reconnect with nature once again!

The Archives: Post's from my old blog The RetroChic Corner. Original Post Date: 11/22/10