




Date: Sat, 11 Mar 1995 14:58:34 -0400
From: hull@hypatia.math.uri.edu
Subject: MAJOR origami-math boo-boo

Hello everybody!
        A serious origami-math atrocity has occurred!  Two mathematicians,
David Auckly and John Cleveland have published an article about origami-
math in one of the most widely-read math journals, The American
Mathematical Monthly. (It's in the March 1995, Vol. 102, No. 3 issue,
pp. 215-226.) The problem is that they made a serious mistake, and as
a result they claim things about origami that are not true! Horrors!

        Let me try to explain. One fun area of origami-math has to do
with the "paperfolding vs. straight-edge and compass constructions"
comparison. Making geometric constructions with a straight-edge and compass
has been explored extensively since the time of the Greeks, and it
is well known that there are certain things that you CAN NOT construct
with a straight-edge and compass. For example, you can't trisect an angle.
        However, in the origami community it is well known that you
CAN trisect any angle via paperfolding. (That is, you use the side of
the paper as a straight edge and maneuver your fold to simulate a
compass.) As far back as 1984 (I think) the Japanese folder H. Abe
developed a very elegant method of trisecting angles through origami,
and Jacques Justin of France independantly developed other trisection
methods.
        So anyone who has studied the few origami-math articles and
geometric construction tool than a straight-edge and compass.
        But these two mathematicians, David and John (the former is
a graduate student, and the latter an undergrad, both at the Univ.
of Texas in Austin) set out in their paper "Totally Real Origami
and Impossible Paper Folding" to prove that straight-edge and compass
constructions are MORE POWERFUL than origami constructions! Indeed,
their second Corollary on page 224 of their article explicitly states
this! Thus this article tries to prove something that isn't true!
        Actually, all their mathematics is completely correct: they
make no *math* errors, and that's why their reviewers didn't catch the
blunder. The mistake they make is an *origami* one!
        To prove their claim, they write down a list of "origami
axioms" from which they base all their constructions. The problem
is that THIS LIST IS INCOMPLETE! They write down five axioms, and
assert (without proof) that this list incompasses everything you
can do with a piece of paper. Needless to say, they missed
something.
        (Aside: the axiom that they missed is the following: given
and two lines L1 and L2and any two points p1 and p2 in the paper,
there exists a unique fold that places p1 on line L1 and p2 on
line L2. The fact that this axiom is not equivalent to their other,
more basic axioms is not immediately easy to see. Thus it is understandable
they thhese guys would have missed it.)
        (Second aside: Ooops! Add the fact that lines L1 and L2 should not
be parallel to the above axiom.)

        A couple of things really urk me about this affair. Firstly,
I find it very unfortunate that mathematicians all over the world are
reading false information about origami. There are so few accessible
delude many innocent people. OK, maybe that's too dramatic...
        Secondly, these bumpkins at the AMerican Mathematical Monthly
(not to mention the authors) clearly didn't do their homework
when researching this article. The reference list in the paper mentions
only two (2) origami books (one of Montroll's and T. Row's Geometricv
Exercises in Paperfolding - a book that is woefully outdated, being
published in 1912 or something). So they certainly didn't know about
the Proceedings of the First International Meeting of Origami Science
and Technology, which contains several articles on origami geometric
constructions. If only they had contacted Origami USA, they could have
been put in touch with these materials!
        Sad, sad, sad. But don't get too angry. I plan on writing
either a long letter, or an actual article for the Monthly to correct
this blunder. Then the origami-math world will be able to sleep easy,
once again !   (Yeah, right...)

------------------ Tom "psycho kitten" Hull





Date: Sat, 11 Mar 1995 19:41:23 -0400
From: Bob Roos <roos@cs.smith.edu>
Subject: Re: MAJOR origami-math boo-boo

On Sat, 11 Mar 1995 hull@hypatia.math.uri.edu wrote:

>       (Aside: the axiom that they missed is the following: given
> and two lines L1 and L2and any two points p1 and p2 in the paper,
> there exists a unique fold that places p1 on line L1 and p2 on
> line L2. The fact that this axiom is not equivalent to their other,
> more basic axioms is not immediately easy to see. Thus it is understandable
> they thhese guys would have missed it.)
>       (Second aside: Ooops! Add the fact that lines L1 and L2 should not
> be parallel to the above axiom.)

Tom -- can you state this formally for those of us who would get a kick out
of trying to prove it? Specifically, I'd be interested in knowing things like:

        is there a construction, or is this just an "existence" proof?

        any restrictions on the line passing through P1 and P2? (e.g., that
        it not be parallel to either of the other two or something like
        that?)

        will the points lie on the actual creases, or might they lie on the
        extensions of those creases? (actually, I think I see why they might
        not lie on the creases--suppose the two points were at opposite
        corners of a rectangular piece of paper... so, we're really dealing
        with "infinite sheets of paper" here, right?)

        can the order be specified, or is it possible that we can place
        p1 on l1 and p2 on l2, but not p2 on l1 and p1 on l2? (again, I
        think I can convince myself that order doesn't matter)

I've been told about the article, but haven't read it yet.

Thanks for the review.

Bob





Date: Sat, 11 Mar 1995 21:58:36 -0400
From: jdharris@teal.csn.net (Jerry D. Harris)
Subject: Re: MAJOR origami-math boo-boo

Tom -

        Would you be so kind as to provide we readers of this forum with
information on how to obtain copies of the proceedings of the 2 (?)
origami-math symposia?  In fact, I also think that, if you've got any kind
of time, a number of us would be interested in a nice bibliography of
articles on the subject, as well!  Thanks!

Jerry D. Harris
Denver Museum of Natural History
2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO  80205
(303) 370-6403

Internet:  jdharris@teal.csn.net
CompuServe:  73132,3372

--)::)>   '''''''''''''/O\'''''''''''`  Jpq--   =o}\   w---^/^\^o

OOO f the Earth's many creatures, not all did survive.
O   O Only those that adapted are today still alive!
OOO Those that couldn't -- or wouldn't -- are with us no more:
The most famous of these is the great dinosaur!
"Evolution," they call it; a 10-dollar word.
That's how nature, in time, from a fish, made a bird.

                                                -- Martin J. Giff

--)::)>   '''''''''''''/O\'''''''''''`  Jpq--   =o}\   w---^/^\^o





Date: Sat, 11 Mar 1995 23:41:07 -0400
From: ACPQUINN@middlebury.edu
Subject: how strange.

Well, folks, I'm back... apparently when I signed on to three new mailing lists
at another site (hyperreal.com) I was booted off this one.  Why, I do not know.
But just to be safe, I unsubbed from two of those (which were sending me 50 or
so messages a day each anyway) and resubbed on here.  Who knows how much I've
missed, especially given the amount of activity just before I was "forcibly
ejected" from the list. In any case, I'm back.
Our little group here in Vermont, BOG, has been folding very large models for
a festival of the Japan-America society.  They have commissioned us to
decorate for them -- not a small task given that their festival is usually in
a gymnasium.  And we only have about 20 people or so, only ten of which
consistently show up at meetings. Well, we've got another 2 meetings before
we have to deal with the final project.
Hmmm... what else... I believe (and correct me if I'm wrong) that I am the
first person in the history of Origami By Children to get two models into the
same competition.  Don't you think I should get two years of free membership
for that?  I've developed one more model for my last year of O.B.C. before I'm
too old.  After many years of my grandfather asking me to fold him a pangolin
(look it up at your local library), I finally developed one, with a little help
from the armadillo on the archives.  I think I have deviated enough from the
original design to call my pangolin an original model; I just stole the base,
which is pretty widely used anyway.  Needless to say, grandfather was quite
surprised...but it was more dramatic because I first handed him a penguin and
said that all these years I had been hearing him wrong ;)
OK, I have to cease my endless babbling now...speaking of which, what good is a
bottomless cup of coffee? I've seen them advertised in the restaurants, but
wouldn't a the coffee get all over the floor and your pants? Oh well... :)

-Alasdair "the prodigal paperfolder" Post-Quinn-

P.S. I speak for everyone, I think, when I apologize to the originator of the
nickname in your sig, Tom Hull, for taking his idea and using it so
shamelessly.  However, I acknowledge that Tom is far and away the most creative
nickname-producer on this list.

P.P.S. a little tradition from my other lists:
OnNow: The Genius of Jan Willem Derksen -- a hellish, unpleasant book, and yet
I can't stop using it! :)





Date: Sun, 12 Mar 1995 09:29:34 -0400
From: Hortideas Publishing <0004972767@mcimail.com>
Subject: Magical origami?

Relaying a question from veteran origamist Samuel Randlett, who does not
have an e-mail connection:

Does anyone know of a list of origami models which can be used in a
stage magic act? Not just foolers for kids, but for adult audiences?

Replies to the list or hortideas@mcimail.com

Thanks!

Greg Williams
HortIdeas Publishing
Gravel Switch, KY





Date: Sun, 12 Mar 1995 09:33:14 -0400
From: dobro@sandcastle.se (Steve Dobrogosz)
Subject: try again

Could someone please tell me how to download the origami model instructions
from /origami/models, for example:  butterfl.ps?  Apparently I'm lacking
some kind of translation software (Mac) and just get an "invalid" response.
I'm new to this, obviously....
Thanks,
Steve Dobrogosz





Date: Sun, 12 Mar 1995 10:15:18 -0400
From: Sheldon Ackerman <ackerman@dorsai.dorsai.org>
Subject: Re: try again

>
> Could someone please tell me how to download the origami model instructions
> from /origami/models, for example:  butterfl.ps?  Apparently I'm lacking
> some kind of translation software (Mac) and just get an "invalid" response.
> I'm new to this, obviously....
> Thanks,
> Steve Dobrogosz
>
>
>
If you are using a PC then once you are at the site make sure you type: bin
so that what you receive will be in binary mode. Then all you to is type:
get <file.ps> or whatever the name of the file is and it should end up at
your mail box. Viewing it will be another matter. If you use Windows you can
use a program called GHOSTVIEW to view PS files and even print them. The
over all program is called GHOSTSCRIPT.

--
Sheldon Ackerman
ackerman@dorsai.dorsai.org
sheldon.ackerman@nycps.nycenet.edu





Date: Sun, 12 Mar 1995 12:50:24 -0400
From: marmonk@mail.eskimo.com (Mark Morden)
Subject: Have you tried folding photos?

The other day I was looking through some photos and there were some
"mistakes" in the pack.  In a sudden flash I thought why not fold the
photos.  It worked preety good if you accept the limitations.  The coated
paper will not take a hard crease with out scratching the image.  The
folds are sort of rounded and have some tension to them.  Still, I was
able to make a business card cube after cutting the photo into pieces.
This lead to the thought of taking someones photos and folding the
picture into a frame with the person's face in the middle.  Something to try.

Mark Morden
marmonk@eskimo.com

P.S. - For anyone who is keeping count, last weekend I was bumped from the
list.  I resubscribed and before any mail was recieved I was apparently
bumped again.  I hope this time it sticks.





Date: Sun, 12 Mar 1995 19:58:42 -0400
From: jdharris@teal.csn.net (Jerry D. Harris)
Subject: Re: try again

>Could someone please tell me how to download the origami model instructions
>from /origami/models, for example:  butterfl.ps?  Apparently I'm lacking
>some kind of translation software (Mac) and just get an "invalid" response.
>I'm new to this, obviously....
>Thanks,
>Steve Dobrogosz

Steve -

        My Mac and I recently had problems with this, too!  Firstly, you
need an FTP program for the Mac to access the files -- Anarchie and Fetch
are the two most common ones.  They're generally available from any Mac
BBS.  Use those programs to download the files as "Binary," not as "Text."
I use Fetch for these files; that program allows you to specify the file
type to assign to the .ps file when it's downloaded -- I have been using
EPSF for the File Type and ARTY for the Creator Type, which is a format
used by Aldus FreeHand.  After this point, I could open the file in
FreeHand, but I've also got a nifty program called Drop PS that allows me
to send the file directly to my printer.

        Keep in mind that the .ps suffix means that the file is a
postscript file; to view it you'll need a graphics program that can handle
postscript (although Microsoft Word can be coaxed into doing it if you've
got enough memory!), and to print it you'll need a postscript printer or a
postscript emulation program for a Quickdraw printer.

        Hope that helps!

Jerry D. Harris
Denver Museum of Natural History
2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO  80205
(303) 370-6403

Internet:  jdharris@teal.csn.net
CompuServe:  73132,3372

--)::)>   '''''''''''''/O\'''''''''''`  Jpq--   =o}\   w---^/^\^o

OOO f the Earth's many creatures, not all did survive.
O   O Only those that adapted are today still alive!
OOO Those that couldn't -- or wouldn't -- are with us no more:
The most famous of these is the great dinosaur!
"Evolution," they call it; a 10-dollar word.
That's how nature, in time, from a fish, made a bird.

                                                -- Martin J. Giff

--)::)>   '''''''''''''/O\'''''''''''`  Jpq--   =o}\   w---^/^\^o





Date: Mon, 13 Mar 1995 00:10:45 -0400
From: Angel Rodriguez Negron <arodrign@ns.inter.edu>
Subject: Re: try again

PS format files can be downloaded as an ASCII. That is because postcripts
files only contain programming language instructions and not graphics.
Graphics appear only when the program is executed by a viewer (like
GhostView) or a poscript printer (or any other printer using PS
emulation). Downloading as binary is aceptable, but it means more time of
transmition (specially when the file is big)...





Date: Mon, 13 Mar 1995 06:29:35 -0400
From: logician!sophie!pat@uunet.uu.net (Pat Zura)
Subject: Pholding Photos

>It worked preety good if you accept the limitations.  The coated
>paper will not take a hard crease with out scratching the image.  The
>folds are sort of rounded and have some tension to them.

I have done a little bit of photo folding, making boxes and unit stuff,
and haven't had the problems you mentioned, although the 'tension' sometimes
makes it difficult to join the units.  I use a bone paper folder to make a
sharp crease and I haven't noticed any scratches on the color prints
(either Fuji or Kodak paper), but fiber base black and white prints will
crack if they are not dampened before creasing.  It might just be a
scale issue, I use 8x8" or 11x11" "misteaks".

As for the "bump count", was there anyone who was NOT bumped from the list
last weekend?  This was the fourth time this happened to me.  Maybe one of the
servers in a particular geographic region was down and bounced a lot of
mail...???

Bumped in San Francisco,

Pat





Date: Mon, 13 Mar 1995 10:33:40 -0400
From: "BOB T. LYNCH" <blynch@du.edu>
Subject: bumped

Hi!

I don't fell so abused now - after reading my mail I found I wasn't the only
one bumped last weekend (for those of you keeping count). I have noticed that
I have problems receiving mail when they are backing up files, which they
tend to do in the early weekend, and middle of the week. I wonder if that
could have had something to do with it? Although, it is the first time I got
bumped.  It's amazing the quiet time there is on the list - it was so quiet
the other day that I decided I had been bumped again, so I just resubscribed.
Got a note from the listserver (which I read to myself in a condescending tone
of voice - we all know these things are condescending right?) that I was already
subscribed and that any subsequent requests may have been ignored...

Dee in Denver





Date: Mon, 13 Mar 1995 11:01:47 -0400
From: Angel Rodriguez Negron <arodrign@ns.inter.edu>
Subject: Best paper

What's the best paper for origami? Sometimes I use papers that makes folding
a dificult task. HELPPPPPPP!!!!





Date: Mon, 13 Mar 1995 18:19:44 -0400
From: chiug@cognos.COM (Grace Chiu)
Subject: Re: try again

>
> Could someone please tell me how to download the origami model instructions
> from /origami/models, for example:  butterfl.ps?  Apparently I'm lacking
> some kind of translation software (Mac) and just get an "invalid" response.
> I'm new to this, obviously....
> Thanks,
> Steve Dobrogosz
>
I've had the same problem downloading it using my Mac & MacCIM.  You might
want to try not using the MacBinary option because PostScript files are
really just text files.  Alternatively, try using America Online for
Macintosh.  I ended up getting it using WinCIM and printed it from my
Mac via sneakernet (actually, drive-home-with-diskette-net).

Good luck,
Grace





Date: Mon, 13 Mar 1995 23:43:25 -0400
From: "Phil Jung(KD6SWQ)" <pjung@bigbird.scu.edu>
Subject: How many cranes?

Hi everyone,

I'm not sure if this is the right place to be asking this, but I can't
find any FAQs anywhere yet...

I vaguely remember some Japanese tradition that giving some large number
of origami cranes (1000 or more?) to a wedding couple will bring them
good luck/prosperity/longevity or something like that...

Does anyone know the details of this? How many? What does it mean?
A friend of mine is getting married next year, and if it's 10,000 cranes,
then I better get started NOW...

Thanks!

Phil Jung, KD6SWQ       pjung@bigbird.scu.edu
Institute for Information Storage Technology, Santa Clara University
----------
"Stupid, stupid rat creatures!"    -Bone





Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 01:02:12 -0400
From: "BOB T. LYNCH" <blynch@du.edu>
Subject: cranes

>From what I understand, folding 1000 cranes is supposed to bring the folder a
wish.  I just recently read _Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes_ by Eleanor
Coerr, and one of the little girls tells the sick one (Sadako) "Don't you re-
member the story about the crane? It's supposed to live for a thousand years.
If a sick person folds one thousand paper cranes, the gods will grant her wish
and make her healthy again."  Since Sadako, who was dying of leukemia (it's a
true story by the way) didn't finish her 1000 cranes before she died, her
friend, family and people at the hospital finished folding them for her. In 1958
a statue of Sadako holding a crane was erected in the Hiroshima Peace Park and
since that time, people have placed cranes there on August 6th (and probably
just about any given day would be my guess)

I think the crane thing for a wedding would be entirely appropriate. Perhaps
after the wedding you could send the cranes to Hiroshima in the name of the
newly married couple as a wish for peace from them...

And speaking of cranes, get ready for a little begging - my group here in Denver
is planning a project for the Make-A-Wish Foundation to be held at a Star Trek
convention (don't laugh - there will be about 5000 people there) on April 7-9.
For a one dollar donation, we will be folding cranes in their name. All the
proceeds will go to Make-A-Wish. Perhaps we won't make anyone well again, but
it may ease their going... In conjunction to the crane project, we would like
a display showing that there is more to origami than cranes.  If anyone out
there would like to have a crane folded in their honor, or would like to help
out with the display - please e-mail me back for an address to send
     contributions
to. I won't have access to a display case, so don't send anything that you may
     want
back - I can't promise it won't walk away or be squashed  =:-| ... Also, if
you'd like, we are going to try to sell some pieces, again with the proceeds
going to MAW, so put a price on it if you want to sell it.

We appreciate any help!!  Thanks bunches!

Dee Lynch





Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 07:14:58 -0400
From: Richard James Talbot <ac048@cfn.cs.dal.ca>
Subject: Re: cranes

I recently subscribed to this list out of sheer ignorance, thinking that
Origami must be some sort of cream cheese or something. The thing which
impressed me about the postings (which arrived in a mysterious flood after
a lengthy drought) was the feeling of peace exuded by them. Origami people
are just good to be around.

If I'm going to stay a while, I need to have something meaningful to do.
Perhaps I could make a few paper cranes or something, supposing I knew
where to find the instructions on how to start. Phrom where would a
neophyte paper pholder download the phyle. (I have now got this out of my
system and promise not to to do it again.)

Regards, Jim.





Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 14:25:39 -0400
From: Steve Walker <steve@elroy.de.crawford.COM>
Subject: Re: Origami and Bauhaus

> Bauhaus that you can find. Look up Josef Albers' name in the index
> if you get desperate.
>       And if anyone learns (or knows) more about all this, please
> share it with the rest of us!

When I attended the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology,
which is an extension of the old Bauhaus that Moholy-Nagy and others formed
after fleeing Germany in the 30's, we took foundation courses in design that
reflect the teaching concepts you quote in your post.  Although we used paste
to glue the paper, some fairly elaborate structures came out of the exercise.
A big emphasis in Bauhaus design is modularity, so most of our projects
involved making modules of some sort, and was a requirement of the paper
project.  Now that I think about it,  alot of our projects ended up looking
like the modular structures I've since seen and enjoyed discovering in origami
20+ years later (Fuse, etc.).  Of course we were cutting and using glue, so
it was only obliquely connected to origami, but it was a very good exercise
in form and structure.  Thought you might like to know that, at least in the
early 70's, this type of teaching method was still in use.

Steve Walker     Atlanta





Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 18:28:41 -0400
From: "BOB T. LYNCH" <blynch@du.edu>
Subject: TIBS

Some time ago someone posted saying that Thoki Yenn's _DNA Molecule_ was in the
Feb '95 issue of "Trends in Biochemical Science."  Would this person (I'm
afraid I just wrote the name of the magazine down and not the person... :-)  )
be able to tell me where I might find said TIBS? I sure get a lot of blank
stares from people...  Thanks!

Dee.





Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 21:11:21 -0400
From: "Penelope R. Chua" <chupenr@minerva.cis.yale.edu>
Subject: re: TIBS

I would be happy to send a copy of Thoki Yenn's DNA molecule as it
appears in TIBS to any one who sends me a SASE.  I believe that the
original poster who pointed out the existence of the TIBS ariticle lives
in the UK, so I would be happy to send out copies of it to fellow North
Americans.  TIBS is available from any biological science library, and
the said Thoki Yenn model in it is identical to the DNA molecule in
Fuse's "Spirals" book published in Japanese.

To speed things up, send your SASE to my home address, as we have a
horrible campus mail system:

673 Orange Street
Apt 8
New Haven, CT 06511.

PS I recently got unsubscribed from this list without my knowledge, and
only just now re-subscribed and started recieving mail.  Has this been
happening to a lot of people as well?

--
Penelope Chua                 chupenr@minerva.cis.yale.edu
Department of Biology         (203) 432-5052
Yale University
219 Prospect Street
Box 6666
New Haven, CT 06511





Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 22:11:22 -0400
From: txa14@rabbit.INS.CWRU.Edu (Tim Arai)
Subject: Re: How many cranes?

>I vaguely remember some Japanese tradition that giving some large number
>of origami cranes (1000 or more?) to a wedding couple will bring them
>good luck/prosperity/longevity or something like that...

You give a thousand origami cranes to someone sick (called senbazuru -
thousand cranes) by stringing them up into a hanging mobile.  Cranes are
supposed live a long life and that's why you give it to someone who is sick.
Yes, it takes a long time so get a friend to help.

Tim
-----------
"Maybe you should telephone the Internet and talk to their tech support
 people." -- Reply from an America Online technical-support representative
 speaking to a customer who complained about e-mail that failed to go  through.





Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 06:41:22 -0400
From: Bateman "A." "G." <agb@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk>
Subject: Re: TIBS

The TIBS (Trends in Biochemical Science) article was in the February
1995 issue.
Try and spot Thokki's mistake. :)
You might need to check a textbook to spot it though.

Alex Bateman





Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 15:09:12 -0400
From: Yusri Johan <gs01yyj@panther.Gsu.EDU>
Subject: New homepage

To all subscribers,
        After asking the system administrators several times of when the panther
site (the host I am using) is going to have its own web server, they
decided to have one for the panther host. I guess those nagging questions
reallly paid off..huh 8-). I have started making my homepage three weeks
ago. Now, it is up and running.  Check it out and let me know what you
think.  BTW, there are no pictures yet because I am having a bit problem
after uploading the pictures to my account. The URL is attached to my signature.

Later.
--
------------------------------------+------------------------------------------
                               Yusri Johan
                     Georgia State University
                      Psychology & Communication
                 http://panther.gsu.edu/~gs01yyj/home.html





Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 14:57:23 -0400
From: jfryer@lib.ursinus.EDU
Subject: paper selection

        I have just joined the growing ranks of those kicked off the list.
Even though I'm mostly a lurker, it's good to be back.

        Are there any guidelines for choosing appropriate paper for models or
vice-versa?  I have papers in several variations of dark around the edge,
fading to almost white in the center.  Invariably, the model I choose (I'm a
low-intermediate level folder), does not show off the color variation--I might
as well have used a plain piece of paper.  I'm guessing that it has something
to do with the base, but is there an easy way of predicting the outcome?
Thanks.
                                              Judith
                              jfryer@lib.ursinus.edu





Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 18:05:23 -0400
From: Tamar Schiller <aimee@free.org>
Subject: folding paper

How do you fold a paper into fifths, first vertically, then horizontally?
Any suggestions besides measuring will be extremely helpful!
Thanks for your time.

-Aimee
 aimee@free.org





Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 18:33:23 -0400
From: Yusri Johan <gs01yyj@panther.Gsu.EDU>
Subject: Re: folding paper

You (Tamar Schiller) wrote:
>
> How do you fold a paper into fifths, first vertically, then horizontally?
> Any suggestions besides measuring will be extremely helpful!
> Thanks for your time.
>
> -Aimee
>  aimee@free.org
>
>
>
There is a discussion in Kunihiko Kasahara's "Origami for the
Connoisseur" on how to divide papers into several parts.  You might want
to check that book out first.

--
------------------------------------+------------------------------------------
                               Yusri Johan
                     Georgia State University
                      Psychology & Communication
                 http://panther.gsu.edu/~gs01yyj/home.html





Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 19:27:47 -0400
From: UtahJohn@aol.com
Subject: Comic about origami

     Hello!
     Yesterday (yesterday was 3-14-1995), in my newspaper, The Deseret News,
in the comics pages, there was a comic that involved origami.  The comic is
called DRABBLE, and it's drawn by Kevin Fagan.  It's usually a pretty dumb
comic, but I really liked this.  I'll try to explain it as good as I can
(since you can't post pictures).

     Ralph Drabble, the husband/father is sitting at a table with some mail
on it.  He is reading the instructions on the envelope and doing what they
say.  The envelope says "To open, tear along outer flap."  Then the envelope
says "Remove stub. Bend.  Pull back."  Then Ralph's arms are moving really
fast, and the envelope says "To close, tear off inside flap.  Moisten outer
flap, fold along edge."  The last frame shows Ralph at the table, and a
crane-like paper object on the table.  Ralph is thinking, "I don't know
whether I'm paying bills or doing origami!"

     I really liked it, and hope you do to!

++++++++++     BYU
John Pruess
UtahJohn@aol.com
CR188099 on Crossroads Information Network
282 N. Seemore Dr.
Kaysville, UT 84037-9526





Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 20:02:52 -0400
From: Gretchen Klotz <gren@lclark.edu>
Subject: Re: paper selection

On Wed, 15 Mar 1995 jfryer@lib.ursinus.edu wrote:

>       I have just joined the growing ranks of those kicked off the list.
> Even though I'm mostly a lurker, it's good to be back.

Ditto.  And because of the volume and varied locations, I doubt it has
anything to do with individual internet access providers.

>       Are there any guidelines for choosing appropriate paper for models or
> vice-versa?  I have papers in several variations of dark around the edge,
> fading to almost white in the center.  Invariably, the model I choose (I'm a
> low-intermediate level folder), does not show off the color variation--I might
> as well have used a plain piece of paper.  I'm guessing that it has something
> to do with the base, but is there an easy way of predicting the outcome?

This is one of my pet issues.  Since I do boxes and modulars almost
exclusively (which don't use the "standard" bases) and was given a lot of
patterned papers (which I might not otherwise have bought), I've devised a
system for determining which papers look nice with which boxes.  For the
top and bottom of each model, I fold one section with white paper -- in
addition to the rest of the sections.  Then I assemble the box with the
white section, and using 2 pens (one color for the inside, another for the
outside), I color in the exposed parts of the white piece of paper.
Finally, I take the white section out of the box, unfold it, and take a
look at which parts of the paper appear on the outside.  (I am often
surprised!) Then I can choose paper that will look best with that pattern
-- the results are often phenomenal.  Using this technique, I am also able
to decorate (accurately) plain paper with rubber stamps, also to wonderful
results.

Other approaches I have seen used in various books are: a (partial)
diagram of the unfolded paper (Engel, alas without details and directional
orientation), and personal recommendations for a patterned (or
weight/type) paper from the author (e.g., "This butterfly looks stunning
with duo floral paper.").

TO ALL THE AUTHORS AND DIAGRAMMERS OUT THERE: Please consider including
these techniques in your future publications -- they're *very* helpful!

- Gretchen





Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 21:48:49 -0400
From: Douglas Zander <dzander@solaria.sol.net>
Subject: getting kicked off (long non-origami)

  A long, long time ago I wrote the list server's maintainer as to why I
  kept getting kicked off the list.  He told me, and to paraphrase,
  "...the list server software will automatically remove anyone's name
  from the list if the list recieves any email returned as being
  undeliverable...you get no second chances..."  I agree with the logic of
  this; the site cannot deal with an unknown (and possibly *large*) number
  of returned messages while waiting to delete someone's name from the list.
  Let me put it another way: Some people have suggested that the server
  software wait a day or more after receiving returned mail before removing
  their name from the list.  If someone's site goes down and it happens to
  be a day with MANY postings to the list, then for 24 hours *all* these
  postings will be sent to an address and immediately returned as
  "undeliverable".  The server's site will be deluged with returned mail for
  24 hours!  And multiply that by how many subscribers get kicked off
  because their system administrator turns off the computer or the system
  naturaly crashes!  This is not good for the list-server's site or for
  email traffic on the Internet's network.
     I don't think we'll have much of a chance to change the list-server's
  site's systems-administrator's mind. (say that ten times fast :-)
  I believe we may have to live with it, unless... There may be an answer,
  I was thinking about a slight modification to the list-server's software.
  Rattle this idea around in your brain awhile :-)  What if the software
  temporarily suspends sending messages to someone's site for something
  like 12 or 24 hours after receiving an "undeliverable" emailing.  Then
  after the allotted timeout it sends only a single, short test message to
  attempt to determine if that site is back on-line or not.  If the test
  message is returned within an hour then the time-out suspension cycle
  repeats once or twice more.  If after two time-outs the test message still
  gets returned then the user is deleted from the list and s/he must
  resubscribe.  On the other hand if the test message gets through, then
  the list-server sends a packet of all the messages that the subscriber
  missed while her computer was down and returns her name to active status.
  This idea reduces the amount of email traffic the server's site must
  process.  One drawback though is that the list-server's site would have
  to keep at least the last 24 hour's worth of origami postings on a
  continual basis.
     Well, what do you think?  PLEASE take this topic off the mailing list
  and reply directly to me. :-)  I will tabulate the messages I recieve
  and report back to the list what the concensus is in a week or so.

  now we return to origami...





Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 22:31:25 -0400
From: "BOB T. LYNCH" <blynch@du.edu>
Subject: fifths

Aimee (and anyone else interested)

There is also a discussion of folding an odd number of even divisions :-) in
Kunihiko Kasahara's _Origami Omnibus_. I haven't had time to compare it to
the discussion in _Origami for the Connoisseur_ (I'm sorry, that word NEVER
looks like it's spelled right, no matter how I spell it :-) ).  I would think
that the two would be pretty much the same, or at least complimentary since
they are both Kasahara's...

Dee





Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 23:13:50 -0400
From: cardiff!vann@uunet.uu.net (V'Ann Cornelius)
Subject: Re:  folding paper

>
>How do you fold a paper into fifths, first vertically, then horizontally?
>Any suggestions besides measuring will be extremely helpful!
>Thanks for your time.
>
>-Aimee
> aimee@free.org

I use the technique for finding the equilateral triangle in a square.
When the corner is touching the vertical center line, the outer edge
is 1/5.

 ______._____
 |     .    |
 |    /     | <--- This point is 1/5.
 |  /      /
 |/
 /

This is sort of the idea. Take the lower right corner, pivot on the
lower left corner such that the right corner rests on the
vertical center. The point on the right side where the paper folds
is 1/5. Obviously this drawing is very inadequate but perhaps an
experiment will prove me right or wrong!
V'Ann
vann@cardiff.com





Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 00:03:53 -0400
From: Doug Philips <dwp+@transarc.com>
Subject: Re: paper selection

In message <Pine.OSF.3.91.950315153817.17313D-100000@sun> Gretchen wrote:
+On Wed, 15 Mar 1995 jfryer@lib.ursinus.edu wrote:
[Condensed _and_ paraphrased.  -dwp]
+>How do you choose the right paper for a model?  Sometimes non-plain paper
+>is just wasted, the right parts don't show up.
+By folding a plain piece of paper and then uniquely marking the visible
+parts, you can decide which paper to use (or how to decorate the paper you
+will use).
[End of Condensed _and_ paraphrased material. -dwp]

This is also an interest of mine, since I have a lot of patterned and
decorated paper (though I bought mine, and would do so again).  What amazed me
when I did a similar exercise, was how little of the starting paper is visible
in a unit model.  My goal (though not my highest priority ;-) ) is to find or
create units that don't "waste" so much of the paper.

+Other approaches I have seen used in various books are: a (partial)
+diagram of the unfolded paper (Engel, alas without details and directional
+orientation), and personal recommendations for a patterned (or
+weight/type) paper from the author (e.g., "This butterfly looks stunning
+with duo floral paper.").
+
+TO ALL THE AUTHORS AND DIAGRAMMERS OUT THERE: Please consider including
+these techniques in your future publications -- they're *very* helpful!

As some have pointed out, Gay Merrill Gross' and Tomoko Fuse's books have
stunning color photos of at least some of the models, often with very
beautiful papers.

There is another "trick" you can use, which is to read the diagrams and keep
track of where the corners, edges and center of the paper go as the model is
folded.  Usually it is easier to fold some "scrap" paper first and use the
marking method, though.

-Doug





Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 13:17:04 -0400
From: Jeannine Mosely <j9@concentra.COM>
Subject: Re:  folding paper

   Errors-To: listmgr@nstn.ca
   Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 23:14:18 -0400
   Errors-To: listmgr@nstn.ca
   Reply-To: origami-l@nstn.ca
   Originator: origami-l@nstn.ca
   Sender: origami-l@nstn.ca
   Precedence: none
   From: cardiff!vann@uunet.uu.net (V'Ann Cornelius)
   X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas

   >
   >How do you fold a paper into fifths, first vertically, then horizontally?
   >Any suggestions besides measuring will be extremely helpful!
   >Thanks for your time.
   >
   >-Aimee
   > aimee@free.org

   I use the technique for finding the equilateral triangle in a square.
   When the corner is touching the vertical center line, the outer edge
   is 1/5.

    ______._____
    |     .    |
    |    /     | <--- This point is 1/5.
    |  /      /
    |/
    /

   This is sort of the idea. Take the lower right corner, pivot on the
   lower left corner such that the right corner rests on the
   vertical center. The point on the right side where the paper folds
   is 1/5. Obviously this drawing is very inadequate but perhaps an
   experiment will prove me right or wrong!
   V'Ann
   vann@cardiff.com

Not even close.  The point indicated is 1-sqrt(1/3) = 0.4226, which is
a passable approximation of 2/5.

Below is a description of two different ways to divide a piece of
paper into equal nths.  Depending on the value of n, one method is
more suitable than the other.  The first method is Kasahara's, the
second method is my own.

By the way, if you want to divide a piece of 8.5 x 11 inch paper into
fifths, just fold opposite corners to touch.  The diagonal crease
divides the long edge into 2/5 and 3/5.  It's not exact, but it's
incredibly close!

        -- jeannine mosely

---8<------------------------------------------------------------

================================================================
FOLDING THE EDGE OF A SQUARE INTO EQUAL NTHS

Here are two simple, exact methods of dividing the edge of a square
piece of paper into M equal parts (M is an integer).  Both methods
require the same number of creases, and are mathematically correct for
any M, but for a given M, one method will be easier to perform
accurately than the other. The different methods are complementary.

The first step is the same for both methods.  Start by finding N equal
to the largest power of 2 smaller than M.  (Note that M-N is less than
N.)  It is easy to divide the edge into N parts by dividing in half
repeatedly, because N is a power of 2.  Do this to find the point that
divides the edge into (M-N)/N and 1- (M-N)/N.  If (M-N)/N > 1/2, use
Method 1.  If (M-N)/N < 1/2, use Method 2. If (M-N)/N = 1/2, either
method will do.

Method 1:

For example, suppose that we are dividing the edge into 7 equal parts.
Then N = 4, (M-N)/N = 3/4 and 1- (M-N)/N = 1/4. Divide the lower edge
into 3/4 and 1/4, but don't make any of the creases all the way across
the width of the paper, just nick the bottom edge. Make a crease from
the point at (M-N)/N to the upper left hand corner C.

       C---------------------------
       |\                          |
       | \                         |
       |  \                        |
       |   \                       |
       |    \                      |
       |      \                    |
       |       \                   |
       |        \                  |
       |         \                 |
       |          \                |
       |           \               |
       |             \             |
       |              \            |
       |               \           |
       |                \          |
       |                 \ |       |
       A---------------------------B
                           ^
                         3/4

Now bring the lower right hand corner B up to touch the upper right
hand corner C, but don't make the diagonal crease all the way across
the paper, just make it in the region where it crosses the diagonal
crease you just made.

       C---------------------------
       |\         |                |
       | \        |                |
       |  \       |                |
       |   \      |                |
       |    \     |                |
       |      \   |                |
       |       \  |                |
       |        \ | /              |
       |         \|/D              |
       |          |                |
       |         /|\               |
       |        / |  \             |
       |          |   \            |
       |          |    \           |
       |          |     \          |
       |          |      \ |       |
       A---------------------------B
                  ^        ^
                3/7      3/4

Now make a vertical crease through the intersection D of the two
diagonals.  This crease divides the bottom edge in (M-N)/M and
1-(M-N)/M.

Method 2:

For example, suppose that we are dividing the edge into 5 equal parts.
Then N = 4, (M-N)/N = 1/4 and 1- (M-N)/N = 3/4.  Divide the lower edge
into 1/4 and 3/4, making this crease across the width of the paper.
(The previous folds need only nick the bottom edge.)

        ---------------------------
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       |       | L                 |
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       A---------------------------B
               ^
              1/4

Now bring the lower right hand corner B up to touch the line L and
move it up and down along L, pivoting through A, until you find the
point where folding it will make a crease through point A.  It is not
actually necessary to make this fold across the width of the paper.
It is enough to just nick the right hand edge at point C.

        ---------------------------
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       |       |                   |
       |       |                 --| C
       |       |               --  |
       |       | L           --    |
       |       |           --      |
       |       |         --        |
       |       |       --          |
       |       |     --            |
       |       |   --              |
       |       | --                |
       |      -|-                  |
       |    -- |                   |
       |  --   |            \      |
       |--     |             \     |
       A---------------------------B
               ^              ^
              1/4             D

Fold point A to touch point C.  Again, do not crease the paper all the
way across, just nick the lower edge at point D. The point D divides
the edge into 4/5 and 1/5.

The proofs are left as exercises to the reader.





Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 17:43:15 -0400
From: dzimm@ivc.ivc.com (Dave Zimmerman)
Subject: Re: folding paper

from 'Tamar Schiller'
>
> How do you fold a paper into fifths, first vertically, then horizontally?
> Any suggestions besides measuring will be extremely helpful!
> Thanks for your time.
>
Fold it into sixths and cut one off ;-)

--
--
\ The    _____
 \  /\  /idget
\ \/  \/ _______        David Zimmerman           The Widget Workshop
 \  /\  /orkshop        dzimm@ivc.com             1143-I Executive Circle
  \/  \/    Inc.        919 481 3352              Cary NC 27511
--
The only thing dangerous about skydiving is the ground.





Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 21:17:59 -0400
From: James Coleman <jamesc@s3dub.ie>
Subject: Re:  folding paper

   >Aimee Writes:
   >
   >How do you fold a paper into fifths, first vertically, then horizontally?
   >Any suggestions besides measuring will be extremely helpful!
   >Thanks for your time.
   >
  >V'ann gives a reasonable (sorry, but I couldn't understand) explaination
  >of something about the same idea.
 >Jeannine Mosely gives a detailed description on folding a piece of paper
 >(X long) into Nths, taking a number M = 2^R <= N  and N,M,R all integers.
Yikes!   I understood perfectly.
I'm _very_ impressed. Me? I would've given up half-way through.
I'm sorry though, but I think it's worth investing in a ruler :)

James Coleman  (strange sometimes)





Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 13:22:42 -0400
From: Valerie Vann <75070.304@compuserve.com>
Subject: Fifths & such

There are directions for folding fifths, sixths etc in the more recent
Convention Volumes of Origami USA (formerly FOCA) also.

The purists won't like this, but the easiest way to get thirds, fifths,
sixths, etc. is to apply the old draftsman's trick of parallel lines.

Having once learned the geometric way of doing this stuff, I see no
reason to have my paper spoiled with superfluous creases for the sake
of "pure folding". I generally fold on a 9x12 graphic artists cutting
board that is marked in 1 inch squares & use those for the parallel
lines. But a piece of green bar computer paper or lined notebook does
just as well. Of if you're really out in the sticks with nothing but
paper, just fold one piece into eighths or sixteenths and use those
creases for the parallel lines. (Whoever suggested sixths & cutting one
off was headed in the right direction; however since 6 = 2x3 that's the
equivalent of folding thirds, which is as big a problem as fifths. So
I use eighths if I have to resort to a second sheet of paper to get
the parallel lines.)

For those who don't know the parallel line trick:

Fold a sheet the same size or larger that the one you are making the
model from into eighths. You now have nine parallel lines/creases
(2 edges and 7 creases).

Take the paper for the model and place one end of the edge you want
to divide on one crease of the parallel set.

Keeping that first end on the crease, rotate the model sheet until the
other end of the edge is on a parallel crease five creases over from the
first.

The model paper's edge is now lying at an angle across the parallel
creases, and it is crossing 5 equal spaces. It can be readily marked
in fifths at the points where it crosses the parallel lines.

 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8
I  I  I  I  I  I  I  I  I
I  I  I  I  I  I  X  I  I
I  I  I  I  I  /  I  \  I
I  I  I  I  /  I  I  I  \
I  I  I  /  I  I  I  I  I  \
I  I  /  I  I  I  I  I  I    X
I  X  I  I  I  I  I  I  I  /
      \                 /
         \           /
            \     /
               X

--valerie     Valerie Vann        compuserve: 75070,304
INTERNET:     vvann@delphi.com                          ____
      or:     75070.304@compuserve.com                 /___/|
>> It is the art of engineering to reach         <<   |\./| |
>> sufficient conclusions from insufficient data <<   |/ \| /





Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 14:41:16 -0400
From: Jeannine Mosely <j9@concentra.com>
Subject: Re: Fifths & such

So many people ask about folding paper into nths, shouldn't the answer
be in our FAQ?  Do we have a FAQ?

        -- jeannine





Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 15:13:55 -0400
From: cardiff!vann@uunet.uu.net (V'Ann Cornelius)
Subject: Re:  folding fifths

Thank you, Jeannine,
I enjoyed you processes for dividing squares.
I appreciate your accurate procedure.

By the By...
In the 'sketch' I made I missed one step (the dividing of the edge in two).
When I fold the remainder in 1/4ths,
I find that the first fold is
about 2mm longer than the 1/4ths sections.

   _____________.__________  A
   |            .         |
   | . . . . . ./. . . .  |  By folding A to B  it looks like 1/5.
   |          /           |
   |        /       \     |
   |       /            \ | B < --- 2/5  (almost)
   |     /
   |    /
   |
   |  /
   |
   |/
Granted 'looks-like' isn't very mathematical and can only work for
models needing only a few folds.

Now that you've given your procedure, the folding will be easier.
Thanks
V'Ann
vann@cardiff.com





Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 21:57:30 -0400
From: logician!sophie!pat@uunet.uu.net (Pat Zura)
Subject: Unsubscription

>I'd say that when one is unsubscribed from a listerv, that individual should
>complain to their internet provider. Odds are something was down at their
>end.

I'd agree with this except that SO MANY origami listers were unsubsubscribed
simultaneously.  It seems more likely that something was down in the
middle.

Pat





Date: Sat, 18 Mar 1995 13:20:52 -0400
From: marmonk@mail.eskimo.com (Mark Morden)
Subject: trefoil.gif

I downloaded a picture from the archives called trefoil.gif.  The model in
the picture is a modular construction made out of a 3-d hexagon.  (the sides
are hexagonal,but the top and bottom are flat.  Sort of like an extrusion of
a hexagon.)  The hexagons are assembled into a continuous chain that is
looped into a continuous knot.

My questions are:
1.  Does anybody know who made the model?
2.  Do the instructions for the module exist somewhere that I could find them?

I really would like to make this model.  Looks like a good conversation piece.

Thanks for the info

Mark Morden
marmonk@eskimo.com





Date: Sun, 19 Mar 1995 12:55:57 -0400
From: Yusri Johan <gs01yyj@panther.Gsu.EDU>
Subject: Herman van Goubergen's "Gecko and Fly"

Hi all,
Do any of you know if the diagrams for folding Gecko and Fly on paper by
Herman von Goubergen has been published or  not?  If it has, where can I
find it?  I saw this model on the latest edition (I think) of BOS
newsletter.

Later

--
------------------------------------+------------------------------------------
                               Yusri Johan
                     Georgia State University
                      Psychology & Communication
                 http://panther.gsu.edu/~gs01yyj/home.html





Date: Sun, 19 Mar 1995 18:52:52 -0400
From: PamGotcher@aol.com
Subject: Found Paper

Just found another interesting source for paper - went to a Graphic Arts Show
at the convention center here in Charlotte.  Thought it would be an artists
show - turned out to be a printing show - and numerous venders giving away
paper samples, and printers giving away printed posters (speaking of pholding
photos!)  So, even tho a lot of the free samples will need to be wet folded
because they are heavier than I like to fold, some of them might be *very*
interesting.
Pam Gotcher





Date: Sun, 19 Mar 1995 21:07:34 -0400
From: Origamiist@aol.com
Subject: Cigarette paper, sort of

Please don't yell at me I am not advocating smoking, but I have discovered
that the foil liner I pull of the pack of cigarettes I smoke (box not soft
pack) is a perfect 1x2 rectangle. I know a few models that use a 1x2 rect.
but these are too complex to do quickly and that small. I am hoping to find
some simple but interesting models that can be made from this shape. I was at
a bar listening to a friend who is in a band and made a chimpanze playing a
guitar out of mac receipts. Ever since then I always make at least one simple
model to leave behind when I go out. But I am concerned about leaving my bank
receipts behind! 8-0. If anyone knows of any particular models please pass on
the info. Thanx!
-Vern





Date: Mon, 20 Mar 1995 00:59:35 -0400
From: BPearl@eworld.com
Subject: A Thousand Cranes of Thanks!

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to all those who contributed to the "Peace of Paper"
Origami Exhibit at the Los Angeles Public Library.  Your models are S E N S A
T I O N A L! The exhibit is in the Children's Literature Department and will
be on display for 3 months. According to the children's librarian, the
exhibit stimulates a TREMENDOUS response to origami books. "The origami
section is wiped out!"  Your models inspire so many and give them an
opportunity to experience the BEAUTY, MYSTERY, EXCITEMENT  JOYand MAGIC of
paperfolding! Thank you again for your generosity and  for all your time and
effort.

SPECIAL THANKS to Jim Plank's "Rhomticuboctahedron with Pyramids" inspired by
Yamaguchi's "Kusudama-Ball Origami!"
Tom Stamm for his original "dragons, wryrmes and serperts," photos and copy
of his Dragon book!  Dee Lynch, for her Montroll's "Tiger" made of tissue and
kitchen foil,  koala bear earrings by Lang, Fuse's "Hexagonal Box" made of
multicolored papers and Kawasaki's "Supersonic Reconnaissance SR-71!" John
Marcolina's "critters" of Montroll's "Blue Shark" and "Triceratops!" Neil
Eisman's, Matthew Green's "Wave" made from yellow iridescent paper and Peter
Engel's "Centipede" folded out of silver foil.  Florence Tempko's, Yenn's
"DNA" models and OTHERS!

The Exhibit is a great way to display your models. The
"Peace of Paper" Origami Exhibit travels FREE to libraries, schools, museums
and hospitals throughout  Southern California.
PLEASE send your model(s) to:
Origami Exhibit
2417 Vista Hogar
Newport Beach, CA  92660

Questions? email: BPearl@eworld.com

Many Thousand Cranes of Thanks,
(OM) Origami Mommy





Date: Mon, 20 Mar 1995 13:40:27 -0400
From: Steve Vinik <z007169b@bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fl.us>
Subject: Hatsume update

{I originally wrote this message on March 3rd and had posted it only to
receive it back again as undeliverable. I, too, was bumped off the list
for a few weeks. But, hey, I'm back again. And here's the slightly stale
news . . .}

Hello, again. Your roving reporter, Steve here. I just found time to update
you on the Hatsume Festival at Morkiami Museum and Park last weekend. Yes, I
did manage to get there with both wife and one child. It had been raining
fiercely all morning so the grounds were soggy and not too crowded.

I missed the crane folding demonstration in the children's tent--but
since I've had 30 years experience I wasn't too put out. There were some
elementary paper models sitting on a table next to the tent. However, I
did see some karate moves on the main stage, followed by young warriors
with sticks and armor clicking at each other quite fiercely. Later, there
was a tea ceremony exhibition but the delicacy of the art was pretty much
lost on a large stage in a soggy park. Plenty of people watched
attentively from their seats though.

The most interesting thing for me in the whole affair was a paper cutter
who used a scissors that looked more like garden shears to cut intricate
patterns in paper--spelling out people's names, He had a cart set up
along a sidewalk and sold his creations of animals, dragons, landscapes,
and what not. He was truly making paper magic.

When I went to this same fair about six years ago, I saw a vendor with a
cart full of origami jewelry. She had necklaces and earrings that
featured a variety of simple folds. While I would never buy something
like this that I could so easily produce, I admire people who sell them
and wish them luck.

Steve Vinik
z007169b@bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fl.us

Paper: the launching pad of the imagination
