Georgian And Victorian Style Conservatories
February 27, 2005
Georgian Conservatories
Georgian architecture was the style of the 18th century, especially from the reign of King George I who ascended the throne in 1711, into the reign of King George IV. Design and architecture of the Georgian period naturally flowed from British styling for many decades in advance of the period. However, although Georgian design does maintain a continuation of established British technique, other stylings merged to form the Georgian school.
Georgian design has unique features that draw up both classic Greek and Roman architecture. (Many Greek and Roman ruins were discovered and unearthed during the Georgian period; architects and designers throughout the Empire adopted these ancient arrangements in building and related projects of the time.)
In residential settings, Georgian design was typified. The red brick house, with courses and cornices of white stone and trimmings of white painted woodwork, is perhaps the best-known example of Georgian design still prevalent in the 21st century. With the growing industrialization of many parts of the Empire, most particularly the United Kingdom itself, there was a tremendous demand for the construction of large, gracious residences for those who had found new wealth during this time period.
Simultaneously with the early Georgian period, the conservatory itself was first fashioned by the Dutch as a way of protecting plants from harsh winter conditions. In little time, the conservatory was introduced in the British Empire and became a standard fixture in the splendid Georgian manses constructed during the reigns of the four King Georges.
Georgian conservatories have gained in popularity in recent years. While there are some architectural devices that blend easily together, when considering the addition of a Georgian conservatory, this classic design truly works best when being added to a preexisting residence or edifice of the same school.
There is an element of grandeur to a Georgian conservatory. Thus, a person interested in appending a Georgian conservatory will want to understand and appreciate the strength of the design in comparison the existing structure. In the 21st century there remain many architects and designers who maintain a specialty in the Georgian model.
Victorian Conservatories
The perfectly designed conservatory is crafted and created on some level to bring the living space of the residence into the natural environment. With more windows than wood, the conservatory is meant to bring the beauty of nature and the environmental surroundings nearly into the residence without abandoning the snug security of the home.
Victorian conservatories are gaining in popularity even as this historical period fades beyond the century mark. Victorian styling is perhaps best known for its ornate flourishes. Indeed, during the actual historical period that bears the name of the British monarch, design embracing these trends was known euphemistically as "high Victorian style." More often than not, when one encounters a definition of Victorian styling, the description includes the phrase "lush, abundant and cluttered look."
Perhaps architecture and design is rather cyclical. After an era featuring more stark design work, designers and the public seem to long for something with a bit more flourish — and vice versa. For example, the stark Art Deco period followed not too far on the heels of the Victoria era. Such seems to be the trending today; more and more people want their homes and furnishings to reflect something more intricate and substantial following an extended period when lines and design was simplistic.
Victorian conservatories take the best design outfitting from the Victorian era and combine them with the openness and freshness that is elementary to any conservatory. The end result is a unique conservatory that bears the ornate markings well-recognized from the late 1800s combined with a view towards nature that is at once remarkable and delightful.
There are certain design and planning considerations that must be taken if one is contemplating the addition of a Victorian conservatory to a residence.
First and foremost, because of the robust, dominating and unique nature of Victorian design, only a staunch home can really adapt to the presence of a Victorian conservatory. By this it is meant that the existing residence, to which the addition of a Victorian conservatory is being contemplated, must be quite substantial in its own architectural stylings to properly allow for the transition into a Victorian conservatory.
Second, in regard to design considerations, it is imperative that the owners of a residence considering the addition of a Victorian conservatory have a long held appreciation for the design and the period. Because of its substantial ornate design-work, a Victorian conservatory is not something that is easily subject to a remodel. In short, care must be taken to ensure that this is a design conception that can be lived with and enjoyed for many years to come.
Many comtemporary designers and contractors have become well versed in recent years in constructing and creating Victorian conservatories. If one is interested in the creation of a Victorian conservatory, consideration should be had towards obtaining a designer and contractor that has worked in this form in recent times.
Garry John is a regular contributor to Home Improvement sites p such as http://www.uk-conservatories-online.co.uk, http://www.uk-conservatory-blinds.co.uk and http://www.window-blinds.org.uk
Depression Glass Trivia
February 27, 2005
Depression glass facts make for interesting conversation, especially when you’re at a convention or talking amongst other Depression glass aficionados. So here are a few items to get you started so you, too, can have some meaningful knowledge to put on the plate when you and your Depression glass collector friends gather ’round and chat.
English Hobnail leads the pack as the design with around the most available pieces still out there for collectors. Westmoreland Glass Company produced the English Hobnail pattern from the late 1920s to the 1980s, with the Depression-era pieces made in eight different colors. In total, 175 pieces of this particular design were created.
Rose Cameo, conversely, holds the record for the least number of pieces available in a pattern. The Belmont Tumbler Company held the patent for Rose Cameo, and only six pieces of this design made it to the marketplace: a plate, a footed sherbet, a footed tumbler, a berry bowl, and a 5-inch and 6-inch bowl. Because Belmont manufactured only tumblers and was trying to recover from a massive fire, experts speculate the actual production of this rare design happened at the Hazel-Atlas Glass Company, only a few miles away. A six-piece set of tumblers ? the pattern was only made in green ? in mint condition can be had for between $150 and $175 (prices may have changed since I wrote this).
The Jeanette Glass Company breaks all records for coming up with the most patterns. Jeanette made 11 patterns of Depression glass between 1928 and 1946: Sunburst, Homespun, Swirl, Doric and Pansy, Windsor, Sunflower, Doric, Adam, Sierra, Floral, and Cherry Blossom.
And then at the other end of the spectrum, the Fenton Glass Company produced only a single pattern of Depression glass ? the Lincoln Inn.
Of the 200+ patterns of Depression glass created, footed salt and pepper shakers from Hocking’s Mayfair design demand some of the very highest prices. Don’t flinch when (or if) you have a close encounter with one: They go for more than $9,000, which makes them 1 of the most expensive items of all Depression glass patterns at the time of writing this article.
Hazel-Atlas produced the Aurora pattern in beautiful cobalt blue for one year only ? from 1937 to 1938.
Jeanette and Federal glass companies manufactured the two most reproduced patterns, Cherry Blossom and Madrid. Jeanette produced 43 pieces of the Cherry Blossom design from 1930 to 1939 in five colors. Federal’s Madrid output numbered 45 pieces in five colors from 1932 to 1939. The popularity of these designs, of course, made reproductions impossible to avoid, but also makes the original Depression-era versions that much harder to detect.
This article, perhaps, may inspire you to dig deeper and find out even more about the Depression glass products we’ve all come to love. Hopefully, with these bits and pieces of trivia, you’ve learned something you didn’t already know. If you haven’t, then you need to be writing your own articles on Depression glass trivia and enlightening the rest of us! But if you have benefited, you can safely know that the next time you’re sitting next to that 40-year collector at convention, you, too, have more comments to make than just about "all those pretty, Depression glass colors!"
Until next time,
Murray Hughes
http://www.DepressionGlassSecrets.com
http://www.depressionglasssecrets.com/DPweb-articles/depression-glass-trivia.htm
If you enjoyed this article by Murray Hughes, then visit http:Depression Glass History now and enrol in the free Depression Glass course “The 5 Essential Steps To Becoming A Depression Glass Collector” For AOL users: Depression Glass Secrets
Unilateral Disarmament - The First Step to Improving Communications with Your Teenagers
February 27, 2005
Many times, we are so conditioned in how we speak that we do not realize whether or not we are effectively communicating with our teens. This is especially true when they upset us.
To ensure that you are fostering an environment that will encourage your teenager to talk to you, as opposed to fearing you, the first step is to evaluate your communication style. How you express yourself and what you say to your teens, especially when you are angry, can inhibit your relationship with them. Reacting by shouting short sarcastic phrases will usually turn off most people, including our teenagers.
The following are twelve examples of statements and questions that you should avoid saying:
1. When I was your age
2. What part of the word “NO” don’t you understand
3. Because I said so
4. Who pays the mortgage around here?
5. You’re NOT going out dressed like that
6. What do you see in him, you can do better
7. You kids have it so easy today
8. I didn’t say that
9. You live under my roof, you live by my rules
10. Are you PMSing?
11. When are you going to grow up?
12. This conversation is over
Activity:
Think through the things that you say that are similar to the above, and create a list. Then, meet with your teen and ask her for her input. Explain that you are doing this because you love her and want her to trust you and to not fear coming to you to discuss things that are important to her. Go over the list and then ask your teen to add any statements that you may have missed. For example, you can say, "Tell me the things that I say to you that you feel are hurtful; or prevent you from wanting to talk to me about important issues." Add them to the list and make a mental note of them. Then, ask your teen to tell you when you react to her behavior and use any of those phrases. Stress that improved communications is a "two way street" and you are going to do your part to make things better. Then add that you also expect her to do her part, as it will take both your efforts to improve communications.
What to do
Remember to have a "thick skin" and thank her for her feedback when she provides it ? even if you are angry. The best way to change this reactionary behavior is to try and think before you react, and talk more constructively to your teenager. Think of how you would have to react at work if a subordinate or coworker did something to upset you. As angry as you might be, you would strive to act professional because your job depended on it. If you do react and your daughter brings it to your attention, thank her and then discuss the issue more constructively because your relationship depends on it.
You also need to set guidelines with your teen, instead of making rigid rules that will alienate her and create a vicious cycle of poor communicating and hard feelings.
Unilateral disarmament is the first step in demonstrating to your teen that you are serious about improving communications with her. When you lead by example, you are establishing the foundation and setting your expectations. This works better that a "do as I say, not as I do!" reactionary approach which causes your teen to be more rebellious.
Copyright 2004 by V. Michael Santoro and Jennifer S. Santoro, All Rights Reserved.
This article is an excerpt from the book “Realizing the Power of Love,” How a father and teenage daughter became best friends…and you can too, coauthored by V. Michael Santoro and his teenage daughter Jennifer S. Santoro. For more information visit their Web site: http://www.dads-daughters.com/
Choosing Pond Plants
February 27, 2005
A pond without plants is like cake without icing. Pond plants fight algae, give fish a hiding place against predators, and beautify our own little slice of paradise to plunk down in at the end of a tiring day.
Don’t smother your pond with plants, however. Start with half the surface area, and don’t let them cover more than two-thirds to three-quarters at their growing peak. Overcrowding stresses them out, and hey ? it just looks bad!
Don’t let the terms "hardy" and "tropical" throw you when choosing plants for your pond. Just remember that these terms refer to the environment in which the plant has originally been adapted ? and not to whether it can be thrown across the room or how well it looks in a fancy mixed drink.
Hardy pond plants, as a rule, can handle cold temperatures and frost. Of course, this is relative to your USDA agricultural zone, found here: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html.
Ask your plant professional or check the plant’s label before taking home that plant that does great in Hawaii, but not so great in Maine.
Tropicals, on the other hand, pretty much hold true to what they’re called: They will take a nosedive if temperatures get much below 70 degrees, turning into a messy mush if it freezes.
But, ah, Grasshopper, there are ways to save even those hardy plants that aren’t quite up to a northern blizzard, as well as those tender-toed tropicals with which you’ve fallen madly in love.
Bury hardy pond plants, pot and all, into a south-facing part of your yard and cover with a thick, warm blanket of mulch. Or put them into a garage or basement, making sure they’re kept wet and have good air circulation.
Tropicals, on the other hand, need light and moisture year ’round. If you don’t have a greenhouse, place tropicals in your sunniest window and keep misted, several times a day if possible, to provide the humidity they crave in order to flourish. "Grow lights" do a fabulous fake of the sun, however, and many tropical pond plants thrive under them.
Marginal pond plants ? those that grow around the edges, or margins, of a pond ? can be either hardy or tropical. Some hardy marginals are cattail, plantain, and rush. Tropical marginals include taro, spider lily, and water hibiscus. Of course there are legions more to lust after in both hardy and tropical marginals. Place marginals with their pot tops one to six inches under water. Very tall plants, like cattail, can be moved as deep as a foot beneath the surface one they’ve gotten full-sized.
Water lilies, however, like their water deep ? between 18 and 30 inches ? after starting the season in the 6"-12" shallower end. This gives them a nice, springtime shot of sunshine to get going again. And when the plant pro recommends those funny-looking pots with all the little holes in them, go for it. Pond plants poke their toes (roots) through them to develop tiny, nutrient-extracting feeder roots. Meshing with one another, these roots provide stability and protection against wind, kids, pets, and adults that have a tendency to stumble into them.
Fertilize pond plants when they need them. "Ha!" you say. "And when is that?" Well, go back to your plant pro, the Internet, or the plant label you so wisely saved. Each plant may have different requirements, but one rule of thumb: Plants need much more fertilizer in warm-weather months than when it’s cool outside.
So go have fun with your pond and your plants!
Brett Fogle is the owner of MacArthur Water Gardens and several pond-related websites including macarthurwatergardens.com and pond-filters-online.com. He also publishes a free monthly newsletter called PondStuff! with a reader circulation of over 9,000 pond owners. To sign up for the free newsletter and receive a complimentary ‘New Pond Owners Guide’ for joining, just visit MacArthur Water Gardens > ****************************************************************
10 Holiday Sober Savers 2004
February 27, 2005
1.) BEGIN NOW !!!
Don’t save your shopping, decorating, cooking, wrapping, and cleaning for the last minute. That is too much pressure for anyone. This is the year to be organized, so you’ll have time to enjoy the season in sobriety. If you can’t get something done, just let it go with no regrets.
2.) Attend your meetings
Start preparing NOW. ‘Tis the season! Don’t let social invitations distract you from recovery.You’ll find a meeting invaluable when you happen to come up against a trigger or some craving. If you start feeling down, or really don’t feel like going to a meeting–THIS,is when you really do need to go. That hour of your time may save your life.
3.) Don’t take on new commitments.
It just isn’t a good idea. Let someone take care of you this year.If asked to do something you may find too stressful simply say, “I’m sorry. I’m doing some developmental work and I’m just too busy to give the attention it deserves…” Making Christmas dinner for 50 people or example, will not help you relax and stay focused on your recovery.
4.) Before planning the family reunions
To be sure you can count on understanding from your family,express your need to celebrate Christmas quietly at home this year. Perhaps you could visit with family and friends before or after the holiday party to share a dessert and catch up on the family news together.
5) Honor the day
Family reunions may stir up resentment.
Be aware that emotions are more sensitive during holidays. We all have high expectations that can’t be met . Family reunions stir up old feelings like jealousy, resentment .Don’t let them creep thru–even when you see cousin Pete who still owes you $500.handing out 20$ dollar bills.You’ve waited this long, what’s 1 more day ? Enjoy your family, enjoy feeling gratitude for your life, and the sobriety to enjoy it.
6.) When you must attend
Select carefully the events you will attend.Use your own transportation Consider the location, people who will be there and the how much a part they are of your problem.Bring someone who supports your soberity Work out a signal,just in case, you start getting a familiar feeling in your gut.(you know that means trouble)Pull on your ear ‘ala Carol Burnett or fold your arms and wink.Thank your host say goodnight and get the heck out of there
7.) Count your blessings
Take the time to compare how your life changed from last year, what you thought this year was going to be ( if you didn’t get sober) and just take a moment to dream what next year will be , if you stay on the path Count your blessings ,say a prayer of gratitude and tell the people on your list how thankful you are they are in your life.(this not only reinforces your commitment, but also makes them feel great .)
8.) Use your numbers
When someone is newly sober , often they will need to be in the company of other’s in recovery.Sometimes just being in contact will serve to reinforce the determination you have to remain sober.Use the numbers you have collected from the people in the” rooms “.They won’t be bothered ,in fact it’s more then likely you will provide reinforcement for them also.Even if they don’t know they need it !!
9.) Have a plan
Don’t leave large blocks of time unaccounted for ,take a look at your planner now , if you see any potential chunks of time when you will be alone plan ahead ,try a new meeting , phone a friend or relative with children , offer to sit them for a few hours ,you’ll be a godsend and time with the children will refresh your outlook.While some time alone is a good thing too much alone time is not healthy.
10.) Savor the moment.
Congradulations !!!! You have made it , you’ve come all this way. Get yourself something , you deserve the best Enjoy the thrill of your victory.Share it with someone special , spend it with your SELF.Simply , acknowlage it . This is your moment , you have earned it .,It doesnt matter if you have a year or 24 hours , your sober and no matter what happens next , This moment will always be exactly what is is now… Your moment to shine.
This piece was originally submitted by Connie Carpenter, founder , Carpenter Coaching Services, Life Coach , who can be reached at carpentercoachingservices@msn.com, or visited on the web. Connie Carpenter wants you to know: I know the guilt and self-loathing that comes with being a woman in recovery-especially with a family depending on you for the day to day responsibilities a mom, housewife and woman are expected to perform. These are the insights I bring to my clients.my passion is specializing in personalized relapse prevention programs allowing the confidance to claim their lives. Here,Now.
Acid and Digestive Disorders: Breaking the Vicious Circle
February 27, 2005
THE RISK
The primary symptom of acid reflux is obvious to those who have it. During the digestive process, acid flows up into the throat and causes a burning sensation. This is caused by a breakdown in the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus. It’s an indication that the acid-alkaline balance in the digestive tract has been disrupted. Unless that balance is restored, any attempt to treat or correct the acid reflux problem will provide nothing more than short-term relief.
The accumulation of acid in the digestive tract is often the result of eating the wrong types of food. Acid is not caused only by excessive consumption of junk food. Anything processed or overloaded with additives can upset the acid-alkaline balance in the digestive system. Even foods that you think are healthy can be highly acidic.
In a digestive tract that’s already out of balance, something as simple as cooking your food can lead to further problems. Cooking destroys natural enzymes in the food that assist with digestion. When your digestive system is unable to produce the necessary enzymes for digestion, the loss of natural enzymes makes the problem worse.
Lifestyle also contributes to digestive disorders. Stress intensifies hyperacidity. Blood is diverted away from the stomach to the heart, lungs and muscles for the "fight or flight" response. The stomach is deprived of necessary oxygen and nutrients and cannot form sufficient enzymes for proper digestion.
THE DAMAGE
Acid reflux irritates and swells the mucous lining in the throat, esophagus and stomach, which disrupts the digestive process. The irritation can form ulcers. The acid-alkaline balance of the digestive tract is also upset, leading to further accumulation of acid.
The intestines are affected even more severely. Unlike digestion in the stomach, the intestinal digestive process is meant to be alkaline, not acidic. Therefore, the intestinal walls do not have a thick mucous lining that protects from acid as the stomach does. The intestinal walls are meant to facilitate the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.
When acid inflames the intestinal walls, it disrupts the acid/alkaline balance of the digestive tract. It kills off the friendly bacteria that aid in digestion ? friendly bacteria that are no longer present in much of our food supply. The intestinal inflammation also slows down peristalsis, the contraction of the colon that pushes food along the intestinal tract. Undigested food particles putrefy and lead to greater accumulation of acid.
The liver and gallbladder are also affected. When the liver becomes overloaded with acidic waste that it can’t eliminate, it crystallizes bile and acid waste into gallstones. The gallbladder has difficulty releasing bile, which inhibits proper digestion and further slows peristalsis. Acid levels continue to rise, the liver becomes damaged, and all other body organs become vulnerable to deterioration. Degenerative disease sets in.
THE BENEFITS OF A BALANCED pH
The best way to restore pH balance to your digestive tract is to eliminate foods that cause acid reflux. This also means identifying and eliminating foods that cause an allergic response.
Certain raw foods and whole foods and the right combination of vegetable juices can heal the digestive tract lining and eliminate further accumulation of acid waste. They can heal and prevent the formation of ulcers.
Supplements that replace the friendly bacteria and the digestive enzymes destroyed by acid can also help.
If you truly want to change and help your body heal itself you need to take a proactive approach. Don’t expect to feed your body processed foods, not exercise, then pop a pill and be all better? it just doesn’t work that way. If you want to bring your body into pH balance then you need a complete approach. A great place to start is the Immersion Kit, you can learn more by going to http://www.pH-health.com
