Have you ever wondered where Brillo Pads came from? Many believe that the Brillo company made the steel wool pads for cleaning, but that's not 100% true. Would you believe that Brillo pads were discovered by accident?
In 1906, a 82 year old woman named Margaret Brillo lived on a sheep farm with 72 cats. Every summer, she would shave her sheep to keep them cool. She noticed that the longer the sheep wool would sit, the harder and more gray it would get. What she did not realize is that she had discovered steel wool.
Margaret had a problem with stray dogs attacking her cats. She also had a love for crocheting. Margaret had a great idea; she would use all the hardened sheep wool and make armor for her cats. She began to crochet little armor vests, and soon enough, all her cats were protected. Over time, Margaret discovered the armor was a success, and her cats were safe from the stray dogs.
Other than the cats being protected, Margaret also discovered that the bottom of her walls were very clean. She noticed that every time the cats would rub up against the walls with the armor on, the black marks would come off. That is when she had a great idea, she would use the steel wool to clean the hard to get off stains on her counters and dishes.
At first, she would use her cats to clean her counters, pots and pans. Seeing that her cats did not appreciate being used as cleaning objects, she decided to take the armor off the cats before cleaning what she needed to clean in her house. Of course, the use of the steel wool was very successful.
Over time, she connected all the sides of her crocheted cat armor, and made the steel wool into pads. She began selling them to local markets as Brillo pads. Soon enough, everyone knew the magic of the Brillo pad. The bigger markets took notice and decided to carry the Brillo pads in their stores. Margaret Brillo made millions of dollars off her Brillo pads. Before she passed away, she donated all her money to the research and development of new technology for the safety of cats. She also sold the Brillo name so her steel wool pads could continue on forever. The Brillo pad is still successful today.
So as you can see, the Brillo pad evolved from cat armor, to a fantastic steel wool cleaning pad. Many probably did not realize how the Brillo pad became what it is today. So keep this in mind the next time you purchase Brillo pads.
We thank you, Margaret, for your incredible discovery!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Letter from my son
Dear Dad,
Let me first thank you for making me, I really appreciate it. So now I'm 10 days old, or 6, or 3, I don't know, I'm a baby. I just wanted to write this letter telling you what life is like as your son.
The day that I was born was an experience that I will probably forget. I heard that mom was pushing me out for 2 1/2 hours. Let her know that I'm sorry, but it was so warm inside of her belly. When I finally came out, it was nice to meet you and mom. When they put me on mom's chest, she started to cry. Well that made me sad and I started to cry. Why did everyone think that me crying was a good thing? I appreciate the people in the room sucking the crap out of my mouth and nose, but couldn't they let me breath before they put a thermometer in me and cut my foot open?
The hospital stay was nice. I'm happy that I was able to stay in the room with you and mom. The people that came to visit were great, but next time they come to see me, can you please tell them to turn off the flashes to their cameras; I like keeping my eyes open! The first night in the hospital was rough for you, mom, and I. I was so hungry all the time and I know it frustrated you and mom. I know you tried to help when you were rocking me, and walking around the room. And since I was up the whole night, the same football game that you were watching at 9, was great at 2 am, also. I did enjoy our first ever father-son time during that game.
The day I went home was a happy day. I know it was tough putting me in the car seat for the first time because of my crying, but I bet you were happy when I fell asleep on the ride home. I must say that our home is very nice. I must also say that my room is great, and my crib is comfortable.
Frankie is a nice dog and he has become my best buddy. I like that he lays with me when I nap, and checks on me when I am crying. The only thing is that I know Frankie loves me, but can he please stop licking my face and hands? It really feels icky!
I know that the first night home was frustrating for you and mom. You 2 did everything possible to make me stop crying and go to sleep. It was a whole new experience for all of us, and I was glad we were learning together. Tell mom I'm sorry I made her cry that night.
I know that I am hungry all the time, and tell mom I appreciate that she's always feeding me. I know that I get her out of bed a lot to eat, but I need the milk to grow. Please ask her to be patient, I will one day sleep through the night, if she's lucky! I know mom is not Super woman, but I do love and appreciate her very much.
I know I dirty a lot of diapers. Thank you for changing me all the time. I'm sorry that I peed on you and mom and I'm sorry that I dirtied a diaper as you were putting it on me. For never changing a diaper before, you're doing a pretty good job, dad.
I'm going to finish this letter with a couple of things you should know about me. I don't like anyone taking my clothes off because I get cold when they do. I also hate being swaddled. I was in a very cramped place for 9 months, and now that I'm out, I like my hands and feet to be free. Dad, stop getting so upset when I cry. Crying is the only way I can communicate. I cry when I'm hungry, sleepy, cranky, have a dirty diaper, when I want to be held, when I want to be put down, or just because I want to cry. So me crying is just me talking to you. Lastly, the doctor isn't that bad. Stop worrying every time that I go because I know she is helping me stay healthy. I'm in good hands when I go, so there's no need to worry when I am there.
I am very glad to be part of your family. Being the fifth generation of John is very special and I think its pretty cool. I know you and mom are doing the best you can do, and you are doing a very good job. I know you have many names for me, but as long as you call me your son, I'll be happy. Thank you for being a great dad, and I know that with your love, I will be a great man.
Love your son,
John
P.S. Love mom everyday. She deserves your love more than ever!
Let me first thank you for making me, I really appreciate it. So now I'm 10 days old, or 6, or 3, I don't know, I'm a baby. I just wanted to write this letter telling you what life is like as your son.
The day that I was born was an experience that I will probably forget. I heard that mom was pushing me out for 2 1/2 hours. Let her know that I'm sorry, but it was so warm inside of her belly. When I finally came out, it was nice to meet you and mom. When they put me on mom's chest, she started to cry. Well that made me sad and I started to cry. Why did everyone think that me crying was a good thing? I appreciate the people in the room sucking the crap out of my mouth and nose, but couldn't they let me breath before they put a thermometer in me and cut my foot open?
The hospital stay was nice. I'm happy that I was able to stay in the room with you and mom. The people that came to visit were great, but next time they come to see me, can you please tell them to turn off the flashes to their cameras; I like keeping my eyes open! The first night in the hospital was rough for you, mom, and I. I was so hungry all the time and I know it frustrated you and mom. I know you tried to help when you were rocking me, and walking around the room. And since I was up the whole night, the same football game that you were watching at 9, was great at 2 am, also. I did enjoy our first ever father-son time during that game.
The day I went home was a happy day. I know it was tough putting me in the car seat for the first time because of my crying, but I bet you were happy when I fell asleep on the ride home. I must say that our home is very nice. I must also say that my room is great, and my crib is comfortable.
Frankie is a nice dog and he has become my best buddy. I like that he lays with me when I nap, and checks on me when I am crying. The only thing is that I know Frankie loves me, but can he please stop licking my face and hands? It really feels icky!
I know that the first night home was frustrating for you and mom. You 2 did everything possible to make me stop crying and go to sleep. It was a whole new experience for all of us, and I was glad we were learning together. Tell mom I'm sorry I made her cry that night.
I know that I am hungry all the time, and tell mom I appreciate that she's always feeding me. I know that I get her out of bed a lot to eat, but I need the milk to grow. Please ask her to be patient, I will one day sleep through the night, if she's lucky! I know mom is not Super woman, but I do love and appreciate her very much.
I know I dirty a lot of diapers. Thank you for changing me all the time. I'm sorry that I peed on you and mom and I'm sorry that I dirtied a diaper as you were putting it on me. For never changing a diaper before, you're doing a pretty good job, dad.
I'm going to finish this letter with a couple of things you should know about me. I don't like anyone taking my clothes off because I get cold when they do. I also hate being swaddled. I was in a very cramped place for 9 months, and now that I'm out, I like my hands and feet to be free. Dad, stop getting so upset when I cry. Crying is the only way I can communicate. I cry when I'm hungry, sleepy, cranky, have a dirty diaper, when I want to be held, when I want to be put down, or just because I want to cry. So me crying is just me talking to you. Lastly, the doctor isn't that bad. Stop worrying every time that I go because I know she is helping me stay healthy. I'm in good hands when I go, so there's no need to worry when I am there.
I am very glad to be part of your family. Being the fifth generation of John is very special and I think its pretty cool. I know you and mom are doing the best you can do, and you are doing a very good job. I know you have many names for me, but as long as you call me your son, I'll be happy. Thank you for being a great dad, and I know that with your love, I will be a great man.
Love your son,
John
P.S. Love mom everyday. She deserves your love more than ever!
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