Flexicube

Here is the Flexicube in action.
I discovered this way of folding a paper strip in 1971 and several others have taken the idea much further into nesting cubes and even use similar techniques to produce a whole series of new Origami models.
I still like the simplicity of the original though I must confess I don't follow instructions and still make it mostly by trial and error.
My friend Thoki Yenn from Denmark was an imaginner,clown and Origami specialist. He sent me this photo of the model (see opposite) some years ago.
see the flexicube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJPp-AGZbeA

An Introduction to Storytelling

A Download is linked to this item, see top of page.

Here is the first chapter of a book I am writing on Storytelling and Listening

Should you have any difficulties making contact please email: philipdnoble@btopenworld.com

A Simple Soap Bubble recipe

Here is a good basic soap bubble:
To
14 cups water
add
1 cup Fairy liquid
1 cup of glycerine
1 tablespoonful of baking soda

(The fairy liquid weakens the surface tension, the glycerine stops the water evaporating too quickly,
and the baking powder keep the water from being to hard or soft.)

STRING FIGURES OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

From 1972-75 I collected over 150 string games and stories while serving as a missionary in Papua New Guinea.
Here are a few from the first days and give an idea of the kind of basic patterns that were widely known by most of the nationals in the mountains of the Managalas are from the Northern District and coastal region.

Watch this YouTube video (opens new window).

MY LONGEST BUBBLE SO FAR

A Download is linked to this item, see top of page.

This tube bubble was made in early May 2010. The wind was just right coming off the sea and the bubble just kept on going and going with twists and folds.
It is hard to estimate the length but it must be at least 50 feet and most likely close to 70 feet.

Bubble Shapes

Thanks to my many friends in the soap bubble world especially Tom Noddy, Louis Pearl and Sterling Johnston for helping me get this far in the wonderful world of soap bubbles. The bottle on the right shows how bubbles like to make patterns. On the video link below you'll see some shapes that can be made with a bubble trumpet, straw, some soap solution and a hand held fog machine.

Watch this YouTube video (opens new window).

Science Fairs and Presentations

Philip was at the Science Fair at Dingwall Primary school in March sharing some things about bubbles and soap films and providing hands on experiments for both children and adults.
The most popular were blowing a bubble into bubble, holding a bubble and making bubble shapes on a light screen.
He visited Mosaic Church in Glasgow in May and Colonsay school in June.
In August he demonstrated soap bubbles at the national play day in Ardrossan, Over 200 children managed to make nice big bubbles using string and sticks..
In September he hopes to be able to be part the meet the experts events in Glasgow Science Centre.
And also has plans to return to the Enchanted Forest celebrations in Pitlochry in October.

Cleo in a bubble

A Download is linked to this item, see top of page.

There is a new bubble ring supplied by Hawkins Bazaar which, though a bit flimsy at first site, works very well in most circumstances.
Here is one of my granddaughters inside a bubble.
The bubble mixture is 3 parts glycerine, 5 parts fairy washing up liquid and 150 parts water.
I managed get get a bubble that lasted for five minutes with this mixture.(See larger image at the top of the page.)

My Largest Bubble So Far.

A Download is linked to this item, see top of page.

On Prestwick Beach in September 2009 I managed to make a bubble about three times the Official (2005) World. The wall at the nearest corner is 4 meters feet high.
Conditions were ideal, it had rained not long before and there was a constant gentle breeze coming in off the sea.
There are many others overseas who have made much bigger bubbles than this, but this might just be the biggest in Scotland ! Unless you know differently ?

Freedom

What is freedom? Are you free? Really?

Imagine how these questions can lead into a discussion that will cause introspection and a better understanding of self.

This is the wonder of Philip's skill in turning a piece of paper into an origami bird into a self analysis. Watch the video, listen to the music... and ponder.

Watch this YouTube video (opens new window).