Just holding things together

varieties of zippers

Think about this one:  What invention created originally in 1851  has simplified life immeasurably, made possible other inventions? Oh sure, some will mention the microwave or inflatable tires, but this one affected every day life around the globe. It is The Zipper.

The earliest form of the zipper was designed by Elias Howe, who cared more about his sewing machine success.

Forty-two years later, Whitcomb Judson also tried another version of the device, but had little success.  Didn't make any money.

Source: Gideon Sundback

Then finally, Gideon Sundback in 1913 had perfected the zipper, called the "Hookless Fastener". 

 He held the patent, and did quite well.  No, change that.  He did extremely well.   One thing led to another, and the modern zipper has been ever improving and finding new uses.

So hoist a pint to Gideon Sundback! He zipped up more than clothing.

Why did this word get chosen? In the A to Z bloghop 2014, I fervently picked this word. Having reached "Z" , zipper made it easy, I had had a pair of boots with a zipper closing. When the zipper came off the teeth, I used Gorilla Glue to get it back on track. And the zipper still does its job, even in year 2020.

Zipping it all

So, back to business.  The Letter Z--

Think about this one:  What invention created originally in 1851  has simplified life immeasurably, made possible other inventions?

I give you the letter Z:  the Zipper

The earliest form of the zipper was designed by Elias Howe, who cared more about his sewing machine success.

Forty-two years later, Whitcomb Judson also tried another version of the device, but had little success.  Didn't make any money.

Source: Gideon Sundback

Then finally, Gideon Sundback in 1913 had perfected the zipper, called the "Hookless Fastener". 

 He held the patent, and did quite well.  No, change that.  He did extremely well.   

One thing led to another, and the modern zipper has been ever improving and finding new uses.

I know that I appreciate the zipper.  And so do you.

Thus ends the A to Z 2014 Bloghop!!
Huzzah to all!

Wednesday Words: Carol, Brad, and Skippy

Source: Villascostarica.com

This was a stupid idea.  Carol knew it then and now, especially in a horrible, frost-fear-filled moment.

Her normally brilliant husband Brad insisted that Carol try the zip line, that it was totally safe.  After all, his best friend Skippy worked for the hotel activities director and was an experienced zipper.

One…two…and go!  Skip gave a firm push and off she went.

It had been a mistake.  Carol’s life flashed before her eyes as the line broke and she fell.

Carol wondered if there were telegram services from the luxury hotel as the ground loomed closer.  I told you so! her parents would say when they read it.  They had never really liked Brad.

Extra note:
The bold underlined words are from Delores at Under the Porch Light, who somehow grabs words from the air and challenges participants to see what can be written with them.  Thank you, Delores, for opportunities to have fun with your interesting words!

Please click of the stream photo on the right sidebar to access other participants in this weekly Wednesday Words.