I've not seen these coins available in the UK before and I've asked around a few shops. Here's one supplier of magic self flipping coins. Please let me know if you supply these or know of an alternative supplier.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Strong Flea Act
Out of all of the acts that can be performed in a humbug flea circus, one of my favourites is the strongman flea. This flea would perform feats such as pulling a heavy wagon, turning a carousel or flipping a coin. The coin trick works by having a special coin and a powerful magnet.
I've not seen these coins available in the UK before and I've asked around a few shops. Here's one supplier of magic self flipping coins. Please let me know if you supply these or know of an alternative supplier.
I've not seen these coins available in the UK before and I've asked around a few shops. Here's one supplier of magic self flipping coins. Please let me know if you supply these or know of an alternative supplier.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Flea Adverts
Mirroring the jewelers and watchmakers of the 19th Century, Swiss Watch Makers International Watch Co. Schaffhausen have used a flea to show just how small and intricate they can make their watch parts.
Working with Agency Jung von Matt from Germany, IWC have created a series of adverts showing their "Passion for Detail", as well as the Flea Circus Advert, their adverts also include a tiny dartboard and a tiny labyrinth style game.
Working with Agency Jung von Matt from Germany, IWC have created a series of adverts showing their "Passion for Detail", as well as the Flea Circus Advert, their adverts also include a tiny dartboard and a tiny labyrinth style game.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Flea Chariot Racing
Mr T. Smith of "Codex Transportica" has "translated" an interesting sport from the World of King Sprungtopf. Flea-Charioteering aka Capriolet Racing is a dangerous form of chariot racing using the Flea Hopsicle and the article goes into great detail of the practical and social aspects of this sport.
The Codex also contains many other forms of forgotten transport such as the Glittersniffer, the Misbegotten Toboggan and the Royal Orb.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
What's happening to all the bees
Regular viewers of Dr Who will know that the Dr and Donna found that all of the bees had left to follow a trail into the Medusa Cascade.
Norman Carreck from the Linnean Society however presents a scientific rather than science fiction approach to the issue.
On the 19th February, 6:00 PM the society will hear an evening talk about the declining bee population. Topics such as natural variations in population, viruses, parasites and mites will be covered. The talk will also cover recent work into this area.
"Tea will be served in the Library from 5.30pm and the lecture will be followed by a wine reception. This meeting is free and open to all; registration is not necessary."
Norman Carreck from the Linnean Society however presents a scientific rather than science fiction approach to the issue.
On the 19th February, 6:00 PM the society will hear an evening talk about the declining bee population. Topics such as natural variations in population, viruses, parasites and mites will be covered. The talk will also cover recent work into this area.
"Tea will be served in the Library from 5.30pm and the lecture will be followed by a wine reception. This meeting is free and open to all; registration is not necessary."
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Captain Peacock - Lice Hunter
Maureen Claydon has kindly sent me a link to for Captain Peacock "Lice Hunter" which she found via the Tyne and Wear Archives.
Herman Melville - Not a flea fan
I'm not in agreement with Herman Melville who claimed that
To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme. No great and enduring volume can ever be written on the flea, though many there be who have tried it.
I suggest Herman needs to read one of the many flea books that are around.
To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme. No great and enduring volume can ever be written on the flea, though many there be who have tried it.
Herman Melville, Moby Dick, Chapter 104
I suggest Herman needs to read one of the many flea books that are around.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Too dirty for fleas
The Manchester Evening News reports of a house that was so dirty even the fleas refused to live there.
Anna McDonald, prosecuting at Manchester Magistrates Court, said: "These cats walked, sat and slept in their own excrement. The conditions were so bad that even flea eggs could not survive. This is a case where a life ban from keeping animals is appropriate."
Obviously this is very unfortunate for the cats but I found it facinating that there were such conditions that would be damaging to flea reproduction.
Was it the lack of humidity that stopped the eggs? Or could be other cat illnesses within the excrement that have affected the fleas such as toxoplasmosis, bartonella or tapeworms (that use fleas as a carrier) that could have killed off the fleas? It could also have been a high quantity of ammonia from the cat urine.
Anna McDonald, prosecuting at Manchester Magistrates Court, said: "These cats walked, sat and slept in their own excrement. The conditions were so bad that even flea eggs could not survive. This is a case where a life ban from keeping animals is appropriate."
Obviously this is very unfortunate for the cats but I found it facinating that there were such conditions that would be damaging to flea reproduction.
Was it the lack of humidity that stopped the eggs? Or could be other cat illnesses within the excrement that have affected the fleas such as toxoplasmosis, bartonella or tapeworms (that use fleas as a carrier) that could have killed off the fleas? It could also have been a high quantity of ammonia from the cat urine.
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