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Discussion » Statements » Rosie's Corner » A ball is a ball after all. Or is it? Ever hear of ULAMA?

A ball is a ball after all. Or is it? Ever hear of ULAMA?

It is one of the oldest continuously played sports in the world. It uses a rubber ball. Archaeologists have uncovered rubber balls dating back to 1600 B.C. Didja know ballgames were that old? All kinds and weights and sizes and materials are used. From golf balls to tennis balls to rubber balls to styrofoam to pigskin to leather to plastic to whatever. All specific to the game they are used for.

Ya gotchure ping pong too

Posted - September 4, 2019

Responses


  • 6023
    The first rubber ball was probably invented by someone who got a bit of rubber stuck on their hand ... rolled it up and threw it away, then noticed that it bounced.  So they picked it up, and threw it again.  And again.  And again.  

    lol
      September 4, 2019 12:41 PM MDT
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  • 113301
    So rubber grows as-is Walt? Do bits and pieces of rubber trees bounce? No processing needed? How things get started has always fascinated me. Who figured out that you could roast coffee beans, grind them, add water the mixture, heat it up and drink it? How many things did they try out before they figured it out? Or yeast and bread? We take recipes for granted but who concocted the first one for what and when? Trial and error or inspiration? I'm gonna ask. Thank you for your creative reply m'dear! :)
      September 5, 2019 2:28 AM MDT
    0

  • 6023
    Nah ... it comes out as a sap.  
    When I was young and climbed trees, I would get sap on my hand ... and then "ball it up" and toss it.  
    That's why I came up with that idea.

    lol
      September 5, 2019 6:49 AM MDT
    1

  • 113301
    You know I'm a SAP for first-person real-life experiences don'tcha Walt? So that's how you came up with that idea. Sap is sticky. Were you able to remove it with soap and water or did it take something harsher and stronger like kerosene or lighter fluid or nail polish remover to get it off your hands? Thank for your reply!
      September 5, 2019 7:17 AM MDT
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  • 6023
    If I was in the woods ... I'd rub my hands together to warm it up, then "ball it up".
    Otherwise, I'd use Borax soap.  The 20-mule team powder.  
      September 5, 2019 7:51 AM MDT
    1

  • 113301
    Gosh is that ever a name out of the past! BORAX! My dad used to use it all he time to get rid of the grime and grease on his hands. I tried it once as a kid and it felt so abrasive and unpleasant. Of course that's the point of it! There's a town in California where they make the stuff I think. I think its name is Boraxo but I'm not certain. I should look it up. Thank you for your reply!:)
      September 5, 2019 7:56 AM MDT
    0