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Benedictine and Franciscan Monks: Forgotten Inventors

   Usually, when we think of religious orders, these things come to mind: a cloister, an abbey, a library, prayer in solitude, detachment from the world… All this in the cradle of a period defined as "dark" by historiography up to Romanticism: the Middle Ages . In this period the monks - especially the Benedictines of the various orders - were the custodians of Judeo-Christian but also classical culture, since thanks to their patient and meticulous transcriptions as scribes we have received almost all of the Greek and Latin works which we study today. Today we are grateful to them first of all for this.   However, many do not know that many products - material and immaterial - that we consume and use every day, come from monks who, using their ingenuity nourished by a profound spirituality, invented them due to practical necessities.    Personally, I find it amazing!    Let's begin…   The heavy plow   Plows were a primary agri...

The Art of Juggling: a World of Skills and Wonders



Juggling Unveiled

Have you ever witnessed the mesmerizing art of juggling? Perhaps at a local performance, on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok? Juggling isn't merely a display of skill; it's a captivating visual spectacle where objects dance in the air, defying gravity.

But who is a juggler? A juggler is someone who weaves a visual tapestry by deftly tossing, catching, or manipulating objects. While it may seem like a talent, it's more about training and, most importantly, an unbridled passion for the craft.

Some might assume that juggling requires impeccable hand-eye coordination. While this skill can expedite learning new tricks, the cornerstone lies in muscular memory, enabling expert jugglers to perform even blindfolded.

The Arsenal of a Juggler

Jugglers are artists who embrace variety. While you can juggle almost anything that can be thrown and caught, some classic props in the world of juggling include:
  • Diabolo: A diabolo is an object resembling an hourglass, manipulated using a wire and two sticks. Watch it in action here.



  • Cigar Boxes: Jugglers perform magic with cigar boxes, creating intricate patterns and rhythms. Get a glimpse here.


  • Balls: Jugglers embrace balls of all sizes, demonstrating their skill and precision.


  • Clubs/Pins: Some even take on flaming clubs while perfecting intricate rotations. See a master at work here.


  • Plastic Rings: These colorful rings add a dynamic dimension to juggling routines.


Watch these props come to life in a compilation featuring the incredible Anthony Gatto here.

The Benefits of Juggling

The art of juggling offers a trove of benefits:
  • Building Confidence: Juggling challenges and improves your abilities, instilling a sense of confidence.
  • Enhancing Concentration: Jugglers develop laser-like focus, patience, and resilience, essential traits when combating gravity with rhythm.
  • Physical Exercise: Juggling burns calories and strengthens arm muscles.
  • Stress Relief: Juggling demands attention, redirecting your thoughts from worries.
  • Enhancing Cognitive Function: Oxford University's study reveals that juggling enhances the brain's white matter, responsible for attention and short-range memory, aiding problem-solving (source).

Are You Ready to Juggle?

Intrigued? The world of juggling beckons! Whether you're a beginner or intrigued by the wonders of juggling, it's a skill that welcomes all enthusiasts.


Today's Blogger

I'm Luca Malagesi, a student in the 5th year of Liceo Classico, passionate about mathematics, music, and various hobbies like reading, music, and, of course, juggling. I find immense joy in sharing my interests, and I'm thrilled to contribute to this blog to introduce you to the world of juggling.

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Benedictine and Franciscan Monks: Forgotten Inventors

   Usually, when we think of religious orders, these things come to mind: a cloister, an abbey, a library, prayer in solitude, detachment from the world… All this in the cradle of a period defined as "dark" by historiography up to Romanticism: the Middle Ages . In this period the monks - especially the Benedictines of the various orders - were the custodians of Judeo-Christian but also classical culture, since thanks to their patient and meticulous transcriptions as scribes we have received almost all of the Greek and Latin works which we study today. Today we are grateful to them first of all for this.   However, many do not know that many products - material and immaterial - that we consume and use every day, come from monks who, using their ingenuity nourished by a profound spirituality, invented them due to practical necessities.    Personally, I find it amazing!    Let's begin…   The heavy plow   Plows were a primary agri...

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