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Who invented the Rubik’s Cube?

The Rubik cube was invented by a professor from Budapest in Hungary named Ernõ Rubik. The invention of the ‘Magic Cube’ was to help his students understand three-dimensional problems.

Ernő Rubik was born in Budapest, Hungary on 13 July 1944, during World War II. His father, Ernő Rubik Sr. worked as a flight engineer at Esztergom aircraft factory and was a highly regarded engineer of gliders, whilst his mother Magdolna Szántó, was a poet.

During the years 1958 to 1962, Rubik specialised in sculpture at the Secondary School of Fine and Applied Arts. Then he went on to attend Budapest University of Technology between 1962 to 1967.

He became a member of the Architecture Faculty and finally finished his education at the Hungarian Academy of Applied Arts from 1967 to 1971. Whilst here he became involved in the Faculty of Interior Architecture and Design.

In 1974 Ernõ started working on a prototype of the magic cube, thus showing his architecture students a moveable art piece.

rubiks cube

The cube was fairly large and made from wood, with corners that were cut down due to the size of the object. It was very robust yet it twisted and turned without breaking. He then added 54 coloured stickers to the six sides of the cube.

When Rubik first designed his cube it took him over a month to solve it. It was known in Hungary at the ‘Buvos Kocka’ or ‘Magic Cube’ in English.

In 1975 Rubik received a patent in Hungary for his ‘Magic Cube’ as a puzzle. The name Magic Cube was kept for the following 5 years before being renamed Rubik Cube after its inventor Ernõ Rubik.

Following on from this in 1977, the ‘Magic Cube’ was manufactured in small batches as it became popular in Hungary in the late 1970s. Unfortunately due to Hungary being a communist country, the controls on imports and exports were tightly controlled and therefore made it difficult for Rubik sell outside of Hungary, so he started to demonstrate his puzzle at toy fairs.

After a few years of promoting his ‘Magic Cube’ at a variety of international toy fairs, which including London, Paris and New York. His puzzle was finally spotted in September 1979, in Nuremberg by the toy specialist Tom Kremer. Seeing the potential of the puzzle cube, Tom Kremer wanted to commercialise the cube and sell it worldwide.

It took a few years before the cube was released worldwide, due to the “Iron Curtain” communist regime. But in between patent receipt and release the Cube finally started to get distributed across the world.

1980
In 1980, Tom Kremer convinced the Ideal Toy Company to distribute the “Magic Cube”. But they wanted to change the name of the product and so the global launch took place in 1980 with the new puzzle named Rubik Cube. The newer Cubes were designed to be much lighter and therefore it made it much easier to move, which in turn made it faster to solve.

A man named David Singmaster published the first problem solving Rubik Cube book in 1980 and some still use this book today. Following on from this a 12 year old boy, Patrick Bossert, released a book, ‘You Can Do the Cube’ in 1981, this was hugely popular and sold more than 1.5 million copies.

1982
In 1982, the first Rubik’s Cube World Championship was held in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. 20 competitors took part, all of whom were selected from smaller competitions in their home countries and came together to solve the Rubik’s Cube in as fast a time as possible.

The victor was Minh Thai, an American teenager, who solved the cube in 22.95 seconds. He then later published a book entitled “The Winning Solution”, which also taught others how to solve the Rubik’s Cube. The Ortega Corners-First method that is still used by some today was based off of Thai’s book.

During the same year, the Museum of Modern Art in New York added a Rubik’s Cube to its permanent collection.

During the next two decades, as the World began to move on to different toys and inventions (especially with the daily technological advances that hooked the attention of the World), the Rubik’s Cube faded from the public view. It still remained on the shelves and still sold incredibly well, but the hype that originated back in its starting years had pretty much died off.

The cube did make occasional appearances in the news, however, such as the Masterpiece Cube that was created in 1995 by Diamond Cutters Int. Valued at $1.5 million, it is the most expensive Rubik’s Cube in the World.

However, as the Rubik’s Cube became less of a common sight in Christmas wish lists, speed cubing was born and began to thrive

1983
Rubik’s launches a new puzzle called ‘The Snake’, which sells several million units worldwide.

1987
Rubik’s launches another new puzzle called ‘Magic’, which sells over 14 million units worldwide.

1990
Ernố Rubik is named President of the Hungarian Engineering Academy.

1993-1995
The Rubik’s Cube relaunches in major markets.

1995
Diamond Cutters International create the ‘Masterpiece Cube’ for 15th birthday of the cube

In 1997, Jessica Fridrich published her methods for solving the Rubik’s Cube online. The Fridrich method (also known as CFOP, an acronym for the stages of the puzzle) is regarded today as the best speed cubing method, and the world record single and average times have been held by Fridrich solvers for many years, despite Fridrich herself estimating that the method would not be efficient for consistent times under 13 seconds.

World Cube Association

In 2003, Ron Van Bruchem and Tyson Mao founded the World Cube Association (WCA). This was the first official organisation that would be responsible for the running of official speed cubing competitions and monitoring of national and international achievements.

The WCA has helped grow speed cubing and has taken the hobby to many new countries. The organisation is recognised as the official speed cubing association and any potential World Records must be set under WCA regulations and delegation before they are recognised.

In this year, the second World Championship took place. Dan Knight was the victor this time, winning with a time of 20.00 seconds.

The cube celebrated its 25th birthday in 2005. A special edition cube packaging was created to celebrate. Also during this year, the third World Championship took place. In this one, Jeans Pons won with a time of 15.10 seconds.

2007
Ernő Rubik awards prizes at the World Championship in Budapest.

2013
A new cube is born featuring a faster mechanism and tough durable tiles.

2014
The Rubik’s Cube celebrated 40 years since its invention back in 1974.

An interactive Rubik’s Cube doodle was released on the front page of Google on the day, and the Beyond Rubik’s Cube Exhibition was opened at the Liberty Science Centre in New Jersey, the same venue as the 2014 US National Rubik’s Cube competition.

The exhibition displayed everything cube related from robots that could solve the puzzle to original wooden prototypes from Rubik himself.

2017
The Rubik’s Speedcube is created!

The World Championships and European Championships are still held every 2 years (each taking place on different years), along with the yearly US Nationals.

These events still consistently bring together hundreds of speedcubers and, whilst many don’t stand much of a chance against the world’s best, friendships are formed and the events are always huge successes.

Why not browse through more Learning facts?

Who is the longest serving Royal Consort?

Since April 2019, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh has become the longest serving and oldest royal consort, through his marriage to Queen Elizabeth II for over 70 years.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip

Born on Corfu, on 10th June 1921, Philip was the nephew of King Constantine of Greece but was forced to flee their homeland due to political upheaval which resulted in exile with his parents aged just one.

Prince Philip joined the Royal Navy after leaving school at 18, he was a cadet in 1939 just before World War II broke out.  He saw active service over the next six years in the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean, and was also in Tokyo Bay in 1945 when the Japanese surrendered.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were married in November 1947, when she was still a princess.  But on 2nd June 1953, the coronation of Elizabeth II took place at Westminster Abbey, London and Princess Elizabeth II ascended to the throne at the age of just 25 following the death of her father, George VI, on 6 February 1952.

The Duke of Edinburgh, was bestowed on Prince Philip following his marriage to the Queen.  During his time as Royal Consort he was offered an opportunity by the Gordonstoun headmaster, Kurt Hahn to extend his positive school experience with others, and consequently founded a youth awards programme. 

This was to inspire young people to challenge themselves not just physically but also mentally whilst building their confidence through non-academic activities.

DofE Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award opened to boys in 1956 followed by the girls two years later. It has grown in popularity over the decades, and now expands to 140 countries, with approximately eight million people having taken part.

The Queen’s Consort has delivered nearly 5,500 speeches, undertaken over 22,000 solo engagements and partaken in 637 official visits to 143 countries and focuses on around 800 patronages.

Although Prince Philip announced his retirement from royal duties around his 96th birthday in June 2017,  he still remains the longest serving royal consort in British history along with being the oldest male member of the Royal Family.

Why not browse through more People facts?

The Heaviest Players at the Rugby World Cup

Japan are hosting the Rugby World Cup tournament 2019, across many different stadiums and cities throughout September and October with the final being on 2nd November 2019.

Have you ever wondered, when your watching the games, who are the heaviest players on the rugby pitch?

Well here’s the top ten players who weigh between 127kg (19.9 Stone) up to an almighty 153kg, which is approximately 24 stone!

Ben Tameifuna
Ben Tameifuna playing for French rugby club Racing 92. (N.Luttiau/L’Equipe)

Top of the list is Ben Tameifuna the tight head prop from Tonga who weighs in at 153kg (approx 24 stone).

In second place is Taniela Topou, another tight head prop this time from Australia.  He weighs 135kg (approx 21 stone).

The next few players are relatively the same weight:-

  • Michael Alaatoa, a prop for Samoa, weighs 132kg (approx 20.7 stone);
  • Eroni Mawi, a prop for Fiji, weighs 131kg (approx 20.6 stone);
  • Tomas Francis, a tight head prop for Wales, weighs 130kg (approx 20.4 stone);
  • Leroy Atalifo, another prop for Fiji, weighs 130kg (approx 20.4 stone);
  • Ofa Tuungafasi is a prop for New Zealand and weighs 129kg (approx 20.3 stone);
  • Atu Moli is a prop for New Zealand and weighs 127kg (approx 19.9 stone);

Finally there is Billy Vunipola, who plays No.8 for England and he also weighs 127kg (approx 19.9 stone).

Of course, there are many others who come close to those weights, including players like Alun Wyn Jones, who is a second row and captain of Wales, Simon Berghan, a tight head prop for Scotland and Sébastien Vahaamahina, a lock for France, whom all weigh in at a hefty 126kg (19.8 stone).

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Monthly Birthstones and Flowers

Have you ever wondered what birthstone/gems or flowers match the month you were born in, if the answer is yes then here’s the run down.

January – the birthstone for this month is Garnet, which is usually a deep red gem. A Garnet forms part of a group of silicate minerals including almandine, pyrope, spessartine, grossular, andradite, mozambique and uvarovite. As for the flower, it is the Carnation. It’s official name is the Dianthus caryophyllus. It thought to be native to the Mediterranean region but the exact region is unknown.

February – the gem this month is Amethyst, a soft violet coloured stone. An Amethyst is a mineral gemstone deriving from quartz and it’s usually transparent. The Violet flower is February’s bloom. These are a group of Spring flowering plants from the Violaceae family. Violets usually have heart-shaped leaves with asymmetrical flowers.

March – The gorgeous turquoise gemstone of Aquamarine is this month stone. In ancient myth, Aquamarine was believed to be the treasure of mermaids. Sailors are said to use this gemstone as a talisman of good luck, fearlessness and protection. It’s also been known as the stone of eternal youth and happiness. The Daffodil is the flower of the month. It’s proper name and family are that of the Narcissus jonquilla family. This is a bright trumpet like flower.

April – The clear innocence and beauty of a diamond is the stone for this month. A Diamond is a solid form of the carbon element, its measured in diamond cubics. The flower of the month is a Sweet Pea or Daisy. The sweet pea is a flowering plant from the Lathyrus family, native to Sicily, Cyprus and the Aegean Islands. Whilst the Daisy belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is closely related to the artichoke and arnica and there are around 4000 known species of daisies that differ in size, shape, colour and type of habitat.

May – The beautiful green stone which is the Emerald is the gem for May and means happiness. It is made from a variety of the mineral beryl coloured green because of the traces of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Although they are durable stones, emeralds are susceptible to chipping. The adorable fragrant Lily of the Valley is the flower for this month. This petite flower is sweetly scented yet a highly poisonous woodland flowering plant, that will flower in cooler temperatures.

June – Synonymous with June is the opulent Pearl meaning wealth. These jewels are the only ones created by a living animal. A natural pearl is rare and is only found in about 1 in every 10,000 wild oysters. The majestic Rose is the flower for the month of June. This flower can usually be found as a prickly bush or shrub that bears red, pink, yellow, or white fragrant flowers, and belongs to the Rosaceae family.

birthstone gems or flowers by month

July – The seductive red Ruby is the gemstone for the month of July, and it means freedom. A ruby is made from a variety of the mineral corundum. The word ruby originates from the Latin word Rubens, which means red. The flower for July is the Larkspur. This delphinium has about 300 species of the flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae. Larkspur are toxic to humans and livestock. It is thought that in England, the larkspur flowers were used to cure ailments and were part of the Summer Solstice celebrations.

August – The friendship gem of Peridot is the stone for the month of August. It has a gem like quality and is made up of an olivine and a silicate mineral. It was known as the ‘Gem of the Sun’ in Egyptians times and was worn by Queen Cleopatra. The largest known Peridot stone is a 46.16 carat stone that was extracted in Pakistan and is housed in the Smithsonian Museum, Washington DC. The flower for the month of August is the large Gladiolus and they come from the Iridaceae Family. Gladiolus is also known as the Sword Lily, due to its sword shaped leaves. The impressive flower spikes on stalk like stems in a wide array of beautiful colours.

September – The deep blue Sapphire meaning Truth is the gemstone for September. Sapphires belong to the mineral family known as corundum. They are the second strongest gemstone after the diamond. The Aster is the flower of the month. This perennial flowering plant is part of the Asteraceae family. The word “aster” originates from the Greek word and means “star”, due to the flowers shape of flower head. The Aster is also known as the “frost flowers” as they are often used during the autumn and winter.

October – Opal is the gem for this month and means hope. It is classed as a mineraloid, unlike crystalline forms of silica, it is because the unusual opal stone is formed from rain. It is believed that when the rain water seeps into the rock crevasses and then evaporates, the silica that is left behind dries and hardens and that is what make a precious opal. The flower for October is the Calendula, which is more commonly known as the Marigold. These flowers are also known for their culinary, medicinal, and magical herbs.

November – The stunning Topaz gem is the stone for November and means loyalty. Topaz comes in many colours but is usually a striking yellow shade. The word Topaz means “fire” in Sanskrit, which is the classical language of Indian and also the liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Chrysanthemum is the flower of November looks like a daisy with a normally yellow centre and usually has a pretty, decorative pompon as it’s petals. The chrysanthemum flower symbolises optimism and joy.

December – For the last month of the year, the aquatic looking Turquoise gem is the symbol, with many believing that this opaque, blue/green stone was thought of as a Holy stone and the bringer of success, and good fortune. Holly is the flower for December. English holly is commonly used as decorations at Christmas time. The holly bush or tree has spiky green waxy leaves which are tough and red berries. The holly tree does not lose it’s leaves in the Winter as they are very strong.

Now you know what flower, birthstone or gem is associated with each month, it might help solve getting that special gift for someone on their birthday.

Why not browse through more People facts?

What is the Aqualung?

It all started with the imagination of a French man synonymous with deep sea diving back in the 1930’s.

Jacques Yves Cousteau was born in 1910 in France and he developed a love of diving as a young boy.

He was amazed by a children’s story he’d heard of a hero ducking under the water with only a water reed to breathe whilst he was escaping from the villains.

After initially trying to replay the same scene at a swimming pool with a hose pipe, he quickly realised that he needed something more to help him breathe underwater.

Jacque Cousteau Aqualung

In 1943, along with the help of another French man, inventor Emile Gagnan, they designed the first underwater apparatus known as the Aqualung.

Their first attempt nearly ended in Cousteau drowning, so with a few amendments they became successful in producing the first underwater equipment for long periods of time.

The vital change they made to the Aqualung was that the inlet valve from the air supply must be next to the outlet valve from the mouth. This was the only way a diver could receive a constant supply of air at the correct pressure to aid breathing underwater.

Cousteau, Gagnan and one other friend Phillipe Tailliez had to keep the aqualung a secret from the Germans during the war as it would have assisted them.

Therefore, they conducted their dives in an old wreck sunk near to Marseilles.

After the war they made the Aqualung known to all who wanted to learn about diving. One of the advantages of the Aqualung is the fact that it allows the diver to swim upside down.

This is most important when divers are exploring ship wrecks, as they do not want to stand on the wreck in case they damage or disturb it.

The modern name for the Aqualung is now known as SCUBA, which means Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

Why not browse through more History facts?

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