Glue Stick Magnifying Glass

Did you know a clear glue stick (for a hot glue gun) can be used as a magnifying glass?  The way the light bounces around the cylinder and refracts because of the change in material causes the glue stick to act as a lens.  Lay it over some small type and see how much larger it appears. 

Some other objects that can be used in the same way:
--a glass stirring rod
--a test tube filled with water (sealed with a stopper)