button or the flip of a switch, the inventions needed to be able to play a C major scale and at least 10 notes of a recognizable song.
Points were awarded for completing each task, as well as for appearance and creativity.
At the competition's start, a six-student team from an advanced robotics class at Arcadia High School took an early lead. They dazzled the crowd with a computer chip-controlled, mini-orchestra of drums, a xylophone and a tambourine that played the '60s hit 'The Girl from Ipanema.'
But still to come were some JPL-built entries, not to mention three-time winners La Ca ada High School.
La Ca ada's multicolored homemade electric organ - powered by the slowly deflating green balloons - played 'The Phantom of the Opera' with aplomb.
A self-playing recorder, tooted by an air-mattress pump and built by retired JPL engineer Richard Goldstein and his family, got hearty applause for its rendition of 'Summertime.'
Other teams weren't so lucky, looking on in dismay as their elaborate inventions skipped notes or, even worse, sat silent.
'That just shows ... that musicians can't be replaced,' said Jo Stoup, conductor of the PCC orchestra who was recruited for her musical ear to be one of the event's three judges.
For many, the lesson of the day was that simple can be safest
Source link: http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_7613342
A sturdy lantern is also a good item to have the variety that screws onto your gas braai is preferable if you won't have access to electricity. If you do, then pack an extension cord the plug always seems to be miles away from where you need it to be.
Other items include: a small fire extinguisher, a foam mattress, an extra bag of tent pegs just in case, an umbrella and a small sewing kit for fixing tears in the tent lining.
Camping tips
Place newspaper under your roll-up mattress or sleeping bag to provide extra insulation. Use a child's Frisbee to support a paper plate. Black bags make good emergency rain gear. Cut a hole in the bottom of the bag to get your head through. Always buying ice for your cooler box? It will last longer when covered in tin foil
Source link: http://iafrica.com/diy/bright_ideas/680889.htm
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