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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 Stylish Side of Body Armor: A Fashionable Shield Against the Unseen Threats

 

Emily Blunt wearing a bulletproof vest in the action movie Edge of Tomorrow


Body armor, often likened to a fashion superhero, has a mission distinct from the runway – its purpose is to protect rather than impress. Let's delve into the basics.

The Technological Heart

At the core of these vests is often a material called Kevlar. It's not just a fancy term from an action movie; instead, it's an incredibly durable synthetic fiber. The Kevlar weave is designed to absorb and distribute impact energy, minimizing potential damage.

Security Layers

Similar to wearing an onion, body armor operates optimally with multiple layers. They usually feature a water-resistant outer coating to repel natural enemies like rain. Then there are layers of Kevlar, or similar materials, acting as a magical barrier against bullets and shrapnel.

Ergonomic Design

Nothing screams more fashionable than a bulletproof vest that fits your shape perfectly. The ergonomic shape is key to ensuring the vest covers vital areas without restricting movement. Imagine a protective hug tailored to fit your body perfectly.

 


Protection Levels

Bulletproof vests are classified according to ballistic safety standards. The most common classification is the NIJ (National Institute of Justice), ranging from level I to level IV. Level I offers the lowest protection, while Level IV is akin to wearing armor. The choice depends on the types of threats you may be exposed to.

 


Maintenance and Duration

Even superheroes need care. Body armor requires maintenance to stay in shape. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, humidity, and normal use may reduce its effectiveness over time. So, no throwing bullets without taking care of your faithful bulletproof ally.

 


Not Just for Secret Agents

Body armor isn't exclusive to secret agents or action movie stars anymore. Today, they are available in various styles and designs, making them suitable for many situations. You might even find one that matches your style without looking like an extra from a Hollywood set!

Bulletproof vests are a fusion of fashion and safety, a sort of gala dress for those navigating the dangers of everyday life. Now that you have an idea of how it works, you might even consider adding one to your wardrobe. Who knows when it might prove to be the touch of style that saves the day!

 

Kianu Reeves in a scene of the movie John Wick

 

Today’s Blogger

Hello, everyone! I'm Cristiano Pepe, a student in the 5th year of Liceo Scientifico. I'm thrilled to be part of this project because I have a deep love for reading, constantly seeking to broaden my horizons and discover new things. I'm fascinated by other people's passions and curiosities, which is why I'm eager to share in this space. Wishing you enjoyable reading and looking forward to our next encounter in the blog!

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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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