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Converse are one of the longest-standing footwear brands still standing today, worn by athletes worldwide; this brand started in 1908 and eventually became a household brand. In this article, we will take you through how the shoe has changed through the years, the styles, the materials used and the reason for the change of the Converse logo years ago. We will also analyse how they went from the number one shoe in Basketball to being forced to file for bankruptcy only a few years later.
The Beginning
In 1908, the Converse Rubber Shoe Company was officially founded by Maquais Mills in the USA; they specialised in a rubber shoe named Galoshes. A Galosh is a type of shoe that you would commonly wear on a rainy day; this is due to the shoe’s material being made of rubber. The stretchy rubber the shoe is made from would protect the boots from getting damp.
Their Introduction To Sneakers
In 1910, Converse had the idea of making sneakers and creating the original “high-tops” that would come in brown. The idea came from them wanting a shoe that used their popular stretchy rubber and fabric that they used for the upper of the shoe. This was way ahead of its time, as the general public did not require the shoe.
Their Introduction To The Athletic Community
In 1915, Converse decided to focus on developing athletic footwear in a bid to make a shoe that people would need; models of this shoe would be purchased by sports players. Two years later, they would concentrate on developing athletic shoes specifically for the sport of Basketball, a choice that would set the brand up for incredible success in the next few years. This new model would be called “Non-Skids”, more commonly known as the “Converse High-Tops” in today’s market.
The Birth Of The All-Star Basketball Shoe
In 1920, we saw the birth of the “All-Star Basketball Shoe”, a shoe that would go down in history. The All-Star is very similar to the High-Top shoe that they brought out five years prior, but this time, it is used explicitly for Basketball and being marketed as basketball-specific footwear.
When Converse Met Chuck Taylor
Semi-Professional Basketball Player Chuck Taylor started as a salesman at Converse in 1921; a year later, Chuck suggested improvements to the already popular All-Star Basketball Shoe for the shoe to become more flexible and supportive. These changes came from a place of experience due to being a Basketball player himself; he knew what the players would want. This new model would later be released with Chuck’s improvements being made, and this model would be called the Chuck Taylor All-Star. In 1932, Chuck Taylor travelled the US promoting the shoe. Chuck found lots of success doing this, even to the point where Converse changed their logo featuring his name; this is the logo we have learnt to love today as the iconic Chuck Taylor All-Stars logo.
Converse Post World War Two
During the war, Converse was made to be the official athletic shoe of the US armed forces. But after the war, the brand continued to grow in popularity based on the quality and comfort of the product. By 1957, Converse accounted for 80% of the whole basketball footwear sector, an incredible feat for the brand.
Converse Becomes Fashionable
In 1960, Converse finally became fashionable after entering mainstream fashion, after some of the biggest household names of the 1960s were seen wearing them, including the likes of Elvis Presley and James Dean. This started a movement of Converse venturing to create a more stylish shoe. In 1969, they created an upgraded version of the All-Star shoe made with more premium materials to keep up with the ever-growing competitive market.
The Beginning of The Downfall
Though they have had years of success in the basketball market, this market is beginning to even out, with brands such as Nike and Adidas starting to break through. In 1983, Converse released the Fastbreak that was famously worn by Michael Jordan during his Gold Medal win in the Olympic Final; this would be the final time Converse shoes were worn by a player who was majorly in the spotlight. The Air Jordan 1 was released two years later, famously explicitly made for the great Michael Jordan. Nike then started to dominate the Basketball footwear industry, with Converse becoming less and less popular with Basketball athletes.
Silver Linings
Though Converse’s sales have fallen drastically by the end of the millennium, Converse still managed to sell an impressive 600 million pairs of All-Stars, making it one of the iconic, recognisable sneakers on the market. Unfortunately, more was needed, as one year later, Converse was forced to file for bankruptcy due to being unable to keep up with the stiff competition.
The Revival Of Converse
Just two years after filing for bankruptcy, Nike, one of the main reasons for the downfall of Converse, bought the brand out for a fee of $305 million with a plan to begin a resurgence of Converse as a leading brand in the lifestyle footwear market, apposed to their original goal of becoming the leading brand of the Basketball footwear market. Throughout the first decade of the millennium, we saw various collaborations with Converse, some with other brands such as Comme Des Garçons Play, Artists such as Damien Hirst and even video games such as Super Mario. If you would like to have a chance to wear a pair of these iconic shoes, this Converse discount code will ensure you do so for the best price.
Return On Investment For Nike
Ten years after acquiring Converse, Nike released that they had grown Converse from Bankruptcy to an incredible $1.4 billion after re-inventing the brand as a leading lifestyle choice. Over the next decade, Converse continued to be a part of some impressive collaborations, including with another artist, Andy Warhol.
We’ve travelled back to the early 20th century, witnessing the birth of the Converse Rubber Shoe Company and the rise of the Converse All-Star, later affectionately known as the “Chuck Taylor.” We’ve explored its pivotal role in basketball history, seen it adopted by mainstream royalty and artists, and felt its enduring presence in streetwear and high fashion. Incredibly, even today, Converse is still one of the most recognisable, iconic pairs of sneakers on the market, and I’m sure it will be for years to come.
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In today’s era of rapid technological advancements, the fusion of biology with technology, aptly called biotechnology, is making unprecedented strides. These developments are not only furthering scientific knowledge but also playing an essential role in enhancing our overall well-being. Here’s a closer look at how biotechnology is bridging the gap between nature and the lab to promote health and wellness.
The amalgamation of biological processes with technological tools has propelled the field of biotechnology. Through this synergy, scientists and researchers harness nature’s marvels, bringing about solutions that improve the quality of human life.
Nature has long been a source of medicinal compounds. Traditional practices utilized herbs and natural extracts to treat ailments. Today, biotech enables the extraction and enhancement of these natural compounds at a molecular level, paving the way for more efficient and targeted therapies.
Biologics, proteins derived from living cells, represent a new wave of treatments. Companies offering CDMO biologics services are at the forefront of developing and manufacturing these complex medicines, offering solutions for diseases once deemed untreatable.
The Human Genome Project, as highlighted by Nature, was a landmark achievement that decoded human DNA. With this knowledge, scientists can now identify genetic markers, allowing for personalized medicine and therapies tailored to individual needs.
A subset of genomics, nutrigenomics studies the interaction between genes and nutrition. By understanding one’s genetic makeup, it offers personalized dietary recommendations, ensuring optimal health outcomes.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can resist pests and adverse environmental conditions. This biotech advancement ensures a more abundant harvest, addressing food security concerns.
Beyond just yield, biotechnology enhances the nutritional value of foods. The famous example is Golden Rice, fortified with Vitamin A, as discussed by Scientific American. Such advancements ensure populations receive necessary nutrients, combatting malnourishment.
Biotech harnesses microorganisms that consume and neutralize pollutants. This natural cleanup process, called bioremediation, is an eco-friendly method to address environmental contamination.
Creating new life forms through genetic engineering, synthetic biology holds potential in producing biofuels, plastics, and other essentials in an eco-friendly manner, thus promoting environmental well-being.
Our gut houses a myriad of microorganisms. Biotech allows the identification and cultivation of beneficial bacteria, leading to probiotic supplements. These supplements enhance gut health, which, in turn, plays a vital role in overall well-being.
Every advancement brings along its set of challenges. Biotechnology, while promising, also presents ethical dilemmas, especially in genetic engineering. It’s imperative to tread with caution, ensuring that the drive for innovation doesn’t overshadow moral considerations.
The horizon of biotechnology is vast. From telemedicine driven by AI to bio-printing organs, the coming years will witness biotech solutions that we once deemed as science fiction. These innovations will not only enhance human health but will redefine wellness in ways hitherto unimaginable.
Nature, in its vast expanse, holds secrets to wellness. Through biotechnology, we’re not just unraveling these secrets but amplifying them. By merging nature’s wisdom with technological prowess, we’re ensuring a future where wellness is not a pursuit but a norm. As we stand at this exciting juncture, it’s heartening to see the bounds of possibility expand, promising a healthier tomorrow for all.
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Firefighting foam, also known as fire suppressant foam or firefighting foam concentrate, is a vital tool used to combat flammable liquid fires. While its effectiveness in extinguishing fires is undeniable, it’s important to recognize that many firefighting foams contain toxic substances. These substances can have far-reaching implications for human health and the environment.
In this article, we delve into the various toxic substances found in firefighting foam and explore the potential risks they pose.
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a category of synthetically developed compounds, hold a vital position within the domain of firefighting foam. Their exceptional ability to form a sturdy and impenetrable barrier between the foam and the fuel source plays a pivotal role, as reported by the TorHoerman Law.
This distinctive attribute significantly bolsters the foam’s effectiveness in promptly confining and extinguishing fires, effectively halting the propagation of flames. However, The incorporation of PFAS into firefighting foam has garnered substantial attention and sparked the AFFF foam cancer controversy.
Healthline’s report highlights the connection between PFAS compounds and a variety of health concerns. These concerns encompass elevated cholesterol levels, liver dysfunction, fertility challenges, and increased susceptibility to cancer. Termed “forever chemicals,” these substances resist environmental degradation, resulting in their accumulation across plant, animal, and human ecosystems.
The contamination of PFAS can seep into the soil and groundwater, leading to the pollution of drinking water sources and aquatic ecosystems. The extensive utilization of firefighting foam has resulted in PFAS contamination spreading to areas surrounding firefighting training facilities, airports, and industrial sites.
In recent times, a study conducted across six specific states has unveiled disconcerting revelations regarding drinking water. Shockingly, around 18% of the total 5,300 water systems within these states were identified as containing PFAS, including perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate.
Alarmingly, these detected levels exceeded the interim revised health advisory thresholds established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the year 2022.
Fluorotelomer alcohols, similar to PFAS, constitute a distinct category of chemicals frequently present in firefighting foam. Their purpose parallels that of PFAS, as they aim to augment the foam’s efficacy. This is achieved by establishing a protective barrier between the foam and the fuel, thereby aiding fire suppression efforts.
Fluorotelomer alcohols have the potential to degrade into PFAS compounds, thereby compounding the health hazards linked with PFAS exposure.
Recent research by the FDA underscores this concern. A novel study highlights the accumulation of Fluorotelomer alcohols within the adipose tissue, liver, and plasma of laboratory rats. This accumulation persists for over a year, equivalent to half of the rats’ lifespan.
Another study, conducted separately, scrutinized the safety of these compounds based on industry assertions.
However, this analysis exposed a critical oversight: the claims disregarded publicly available data that indicated a heightened level of toxicity associated with their products.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) constitute a collection of synthetically created organobromine compounds. These compounds have been used as flame retardants in polyurethane foams. Additionally, they have been integrated into polymer resins and plastics, playing a crucial role as integral components within electrical appliances.
The presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in food carries health implications for individuals of all age brackets. Experts drew conclusions about potential health concerns related to PBDEs based on an assessment of animal experiments outlined in the preliminary viewpoint. These compounds were found to have adverse effects on both the reproductive and nervous systems.
Ammonium perfluorooctanoate (APFO), at times, finds its application within firefighting foam formulations with the purpose of diminishing the surface tension of water. This characteristic serves to enhance the foam’s ability to disperse evenly, enabling more effective coverage and improved fire suppression capabilities.
Exposure to ammonium perfluorooctanoate (APFO) has been associated with notable physiological effects, including an enlargement of the liver and the development of corneal opacity.
Further research is necessary to comprehensively understand the extent of these health implications and to develop effective mitigation strategies.
While firefighting foam plays a crucial role in mitigating flammable liquid fires, it’s important to acknowledge the potential hazards associated with the toxic substances it contains.
Firefighting organizations, researchers, and policymakers increasingly recognize the urgency of addressing these concerns. Efforts are being made to develop and adopt environmentally-friendly foam formulations that minimize the use of toxic substances.
As awareness expands and novel innovations come to light, the firefighting community is progressively advancing toward a safer and more sustainable future. This evolution aims to achieve fire suppression effectiveness while upholding the paramount importance of human health and the preservation of the planet’s well-being.
A lot of us are taking time off this July and August to relax from the stress of the last 12 months. Arguably, it feels amazing to tune off at the beach, free from emails, text messages, and long work calls. However, a short summer …