All about Paper Lanterns
[ No Comments ]Posted on November 28, 2007 by writer in Miscellaneous
Paper lanterns are available in different shapes and sizes, as well as they also differ due to various methods of construction. The basic form is simply a paper bag with a candle placed inside; more complicated paper lanterns make use of a collapsible bamboo or metal frame of hoops, covered with tough paper. The paper lanterns are very common in China and Japan also in Chinatowns, where they are often hung outside of business establishments to attract attention of the masses.
In Japan they are called chochin and there is a special style of lettering called chochin moji used to write on the paper lanterns. Placing candles or tea lights in a series of small white paper bags is a common tradition in Hispanic communities during Christmas and it produces astonishing beautiful lighting effects.
The paper lanterns can be classified into five categories, the Baby’s Bottom comes under the miniature category, often used in modern times along with Christmas lights. The second category is the Rolling Paper; it is the tall cylindrical lantern that is often used in restaurants and bars. The third category is the Tomato Light, it is also known as Big Red; it is the traditional round shaped, mid-size lantern. The fourth category is Crystal Magic; these are differently shaped geometric paper lanterns constructed delicately with the use of many square and triangular panes. The last and the fifth category is known as Buddha’s Gastronomy; these are the large and extra large sized paper lanterns that is used to decorate temples and outside during the festivals.
Red paper lanterns were once associated with brothels and this became so popular in the masses that till date most of the areas or localities in the world are termed as the red light area or zone. In Japan, red lanterns are used for the advertisements and they are hung outside the bars and restaurants for this purpose. The use of high-wattage paper lanterns is very common in motion picture productions as they provide soft, edgeless light to a scene. You may opt for the miniature paper lanterns to decorate differently this season.
Coleman Lanterns
[ No Comments ]Posted on November 28, 2007 by writer in Miscellaneous
Austrian chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach is credited with the invention of the modern thorium mantle. Its ability to withstand immense heat allowed it to emit higher levels of brilliant white light. A forerunner to the modern lantern, the Efficient Lamp was being manufactured by the Connecticut-based Edward Miller Company. This lamp used a pressure system to vaporize gasoline, mix it with air, and ignite it in a burner to heat the mantles.
In the year 1900, a typewriter salesman W. C. Coleman came across an Efficient Lamp in Alabama. Fascinated by the lamp’s performance, Coleman contacted its owners and started selling the product himself immediately. Later on, he purchased the rights to the design and made some innovative improvements to the design and rechristened it as the Coleman Arc Lamp or the Coleman Lantern. Over the next decade, variations of Coleman lanterns emerged and the product started gaining popularity.
Lanterns were the first product created by Coleman in 1901. Gas lanterns by Coleman are one of a kind. With Coleman lanterns of the present date, one does not require to get in to messy mantle changes and rattle globes anymore. It takes only a few seconds to replace the mantles. The lanterns are made of heat-resistant glass. Coleman lantern is a lightweight, portable device that supplies bright, efficient light while protecting its contents from wind and rain. The Coleman Lantern was introduced in the year 1914 was able to illuminate a circle of 100 ft in diameter. Moreover the Coleman Lantern featured a protective metal hood to ward off wind, rain, and curious insects. Its handle and solid styling allowed the Coleman Lantern to be easily carried, hung from a branch or raft, or to be placed on the ground.
Coleman lantern is more practical than its ancestors because it operates on the principle of incandescence and it relies on light produced by heat. The heated mantles in a gas lantern emit far more light than the flame of an ordinary oil lamp, providing better visibility in a larger area. Revised Coleman lantern remained in production for the next 53 years.
Antique Perfume Bottles
[ No Comments ]Posted on November 28, 2007 by writer in Internet
Collecting perfume bottles has become a popular hobby. Although the exotic fragrances entrapped within may have long evaporated into thin air, but the perfume bottles of yesteryear are even more treasured today. It is a hobby for teenagers, adults, senior citizens, and even kids to build their own collection of antique perfume bottles.
It gives that wholesome fun and satisfaction of having something that not everyone has. Antique perfume bottles are exquisite examples of these small treasures that is found in antique shops and with the collectors around the world. Because the prices for antique perfume bottles can range from a few, to a few thousand, dollars, therefore it is advisable that in the beginning collector should know clearly what to look for in a prospective antique perfume bottle to make sure of getting the genuine article.
You should always check for chips and scratches when you scrutinize the Antique perfume bottles. If there is a paper label, then you have to know if it is perfect or not. The caps, applicators and the stoppers must be in perfect condition, or if not perfect, at least not in worsening condition. The antique perfume bottles that are broken or cracked will make your collection pointless one. You must check the authenticity of the Antique perfume bottles. T the present time, many people are there with the desire to deceive you just to make money. It is becoming more and more difficult to avoid those deceptive people. Some manufacturers do not mark their bottles, thus, you will have a hard time identifying if it is the real deal or not.
But the brands like Baccarat, Galle, Lalique and Moser have marks so collecting them is a whole lot easier process for you.
The Antique perfume bottles by manufacturers mentioned above are very much desirable, hence they attract a higher cost but for sure, they are worthy of being purchased. Their rarity, for they are absolutely rare, seems to compensate the amount of money you spent for it. The first rule for building your collection of antique perfume bottles is to only collect bottles you really like. Even though an antique perfume bottle may be inexpensive, it’s not going to add any value to your collection if it’s ugly.
Amazing Solar Powered Water Fountains
[ No Comments ]Posted on November 27, 2007 by writer in Miscellaneous
The costs of conventional fuels are rising everyday, non conventional energy sources are always available in abundance and it is quite cheap.
Solar power is one of the non conventional energy sources which are being used from the centuries, now all of a sudden it is finding back its popularity. Solar panels are around us since long time now serving us, as a source for heating swimming pools and even homes.
In same fashion, smaller solar panels are used to energize the outdoor and indoor water fountains and are popularly known as solar powered water fountains.
Fountains use to run non-stop and therefore they require a regular supply of power. It is a cost effective proposition, if you select the solar energy over traditional electricity for the equipment and machinery that runs continuously.
Solar energy is collected by the small solar panels and it is converted to the electricity that powers the solar powered fountain just as if it were plugged into an electrical socket. The Solar electricity is usually collected in a storage battery to enable it to supply the electricity round the clock. The fountains obtain energy directly by a pump system by using a battery or traditional electricity. Solar powered water fountains are just like the solar swimming pool heaters, some water fountains have wires attached to smaller panels that are positioned to collect maximum solar reflections. Solar powered fountain is also available with the solar panels built directly into the system.
There are numerous models of solar powered fountain available in the market. The demand for this product is increasing steadily; any classic fountain design you may find essentially with a solar power option now. Large stone basins with elaborate figures, water pouring from an amphora, multi-tiered fountains, natural rock fountains etc., all are available with solar technology. The price range varies a great deal as you can purchase an inexpensive fountain for $30.00 or below to an elaborate stone fountain costing couple of thousands of dollars.
Due to the rising popularity the solar powered water fountains are now available in indoor and outdoor styles. Only thing you have to ensure that the placement of your fountain can access sunlight easily. Solar powered water fountains have become a huge success due to their portability. These fountains are easy to install but transporting the fountain from the store to its location is the hardest part. For the people who like to run their fountains round the clock, it is advisable to buy a small battery pack along with the fountain.
Waterproof Trousers
[ No Comments ]Posted on November 27, 2007 by writer in Miscellaneous
There is a love-hate relationship present with waterproof trousers. Generally people hate wearing them but at the same time they love protection they offer from rain and chilling wind. Thankfully things have come a long way and they do keep you dry from the harsh rainy conditions. Whether you really need a pair of waterproof trousers will depend on what are your plans on the hills. Anyone who enjoys walking throughout the year will find them indispensable. There are many categories available for you to fall into; it is solely depended on the fact that whether you want something industrial and durable, or whether you need a super lightweight pair for occasional use.
Waterproof trouser do not offer the same diversity of design as found in jackets. But from a design point of view the most important thing is how easy there are to get on and off in a hurry, plus what kind of freedom of movement they offer. However there are many types of designs available in the market for the waterproof trousers. Some times full length zips running up the outside of the trousers make them very easy to put on and are well worth having a look.
The discouraging fact is that they cost more to produce, add to the weight of the trouser and they are an invitation for wet legs unless protected with storm flaps. As far as freedom of movement is concerned, that’s depended not only on the fabric but how loose the cut is produced, too loose a cut may allow plenty of movement but at the same time your trouser will flap in the wind. The other thing to look out for is a decent ankle cuff that fits nicely over your pair of boots and do not ride up, if it does ride up then you’re in a terrible mess, it would be like pointing a drainpipe at your feet.
The fabrics used for these trousers are usually the same as with waterproof jackets and the same limitations for dampness in rainy condition may apply. Usually it is not due to the leaking, but it is due to the fact that fabrics don’t breathe as well when they are wet. If you are trying to decide on the kind of fabric, then you would be required to work out the use your trousers, for regular walkers it should be something durable, with reinforcement on the main areas of wear like seat and knees. If you want a pair of waterproof trousers just for that unexpected shower, or as insurance for a emergency visit to the hills, then a lighter, cheaper and less durable fabric might be what you need.
Read the rest of this entry »
Awesome Chinese paper lanterns
[ No Comments ]Posted on November 27, 2007 by writer in Miscellaneous
You must have seen the mesmerizing light produced by Chinese lanterns, so it is not very difficult for you to understand why they are so popular. These china made lanterns produce a very delicate and diffused light that shines in all directions.
Only few other lamps can produce light of such quality consistently and evenly. The amazing quality of light produced by Chinese paper lanterns are used by the cinematographers for many decades.
They are still being used today for a soft light source, particularly when it’s needed quickly. Chinese lanterns are made from paper that means they’re a fire hazard. After all, you’re taking a paper bag and putting a lamp inside it. So it’s pretty obvious that once the lamp heats up, the chances of the bag catching on fire rise rapidly. Another problem is that Chinese paper lanterns are rather flimsy, being made of paper, so they can get damaged and torn quite easily. If you want then you yourself can also make chinese lanterns at your home.
If you want the mystical effect of a Chinese lantern without the risk of fire and flimsiness then you should not make your Chinese lanterns out of paper. This will make the lanterns safer, as well as helping them to last longer. A common choice is to make the Chinese lantern out of foolproof fabric. For a general person, making a more resilient Chinese lantern isn’t very difficult. You need to merge the fabric, a light post globe and an ordinary lamp head. Apply few of your general skills, and you can put a Chinese lantern together within no time at all.
One piece of advice you should always keep in mind is that, use parts that meet electrical safety standards, and remember to use a lower wattage of electrical globe. If you’re not interested to make the lantern yourself, then it is better to check out for the lighting suppliers and photographers or cinematographers. They will be able to help you choose the right Chinese lantern for your requirements. However it’s not likely to be cheap, so don’t go in expecting a bargain.
One of the main attractions of Chinese paper lanterns provide, is the way they spread their light over a particular area, sometimes you might want to direct the light a little more for a special effect.
Why Camping Lanterns ?
[ No Comments ]Posted on November 27, 2007 by writer in Miscellaneous
When you go for camping you require many camping accessories including a good quality of camping lantern beside every thing. The options available in this regard are gas, battery, or candle camping lantern. Each one has their own advantages and disadvantages.
The Gas camping lanterns usually give bright light but they are quite noisy and also they are most expensive of all camping lanterns available. Moreover you will be required to pack extra bottles of the gas for them. Ther are many options available for Lanterns for camping. Infact today camping lanterns with remote control are also available.
The old version of liquid gas lanterns provide as much light, as the newer version but refilling the tank with liquid gas can be dangerous if you are not careful enough. These lanterns use mantels so it is necessary to carry some extras always. Battery lanterns are the another option available they provide sufficient light but however you would always require spare batteries, if it is a rechargeable one, then you will require some source to recharge the batteries. One more thing, the batteries of the rechargeable camping lanterns do not last as long as a regular battery type of lantern and the lighting it provides tends to be a shade dull.
The rechargeable lanterns can be recharged with your car with some models. Candle lanterns provide the most cost effective option but at the same time you have to be very careful not to start a fire with them. One more thing they do not give a strong light and also they are subject to going out in a breeze. As per the general opinion available the best lanterns for camping to use inside a tent is battery lantern. But, they usually do not work well in cold climates as the batteries tend to go down faster due to the cold atmosphere.
Always take care that the lantern you buy is weather proof. One more thing, if you are camping in cold weather conditions then you should go in for the gas camping lanterns, it is the best choice because not only do they give a bright light they also provide a fair amount of heat. Beware; never use the gas lanterns in the tent. As the lantern may get knocked over or get too close to flammable materials and it may start a fire in the rain you have to be careful because the glass cover can break if water gets on it. A mantle gives about 300 watts of light. Also you have to be extremely careful as the glass cover of the gas camping lanterns get very hot and it can give you a serious burn injury.
Cool Candle Lanterns
[ No Comments ]Posted on November 27, 2007 by writer in Miscellaneous
The selection of the lighting scheme is one of the most important subjects of any interior. The lighting has the ability to set or alter the mood. An impressive use of illumination can transform a simple decoration into the most striking interior. In order to get that extra edge candle lanterns , outdoor candle lanterns perfectly fit the bill of such out of the turn surprises, which have the power to add a personality of its own to your home.
The design of these outdoor lanterns and candle lanterns is based on ancient Indian and Oriental art and architecture forms. They can be placed in any corner of your home, on the dining table or may be hung from the ceiling of the living room. Bearing clearly identifiable rustic charms they are also equally suitable to be used for the outdoors. These lanterns are regarded as the delicate pieces of handicraft produced with the artistic details by enormously skilled craftsmen.
A outdoor candle lantern consists of three parts mainly the lantern candle, lantern light and lantern mantle. These are available in a variety of color and design to complement perfectly the different style and mood of your home. The materials as frosted glass, brass, iron or copper are used to produce them. Same is with Hanging candle lanterns as well as Garden candle lantern.
Costlier versions of these lanterns usually available with illustration on the exterior of the shades, for choosing a proper candle lantern, some of the points which you should take into consideration are like always go for the pieces in which the glass slides open thereby allowing you to light the exposed candle easily, try to select a large one accommodating at least three candles so that you get a longer burn time and brighter light. Always make sure that you should use only the long-burning and drip-free candles in your lantern. Always store the outdoot candle lantern in a proper case to give protection when it is not in use. You can use garden candle lantern in your garden or near swimming pool as in evening it will provide a very soothing effect.
Most people first think of painting the walls, buying new furniture and adding new wall features. Renovating your house can be costly and time consuming. However, making drastic changes is not the only way to change the appearance of a room. Adding simple features such as new curtains, elegant light fixtures and candle lanterns can alter the appearance of any room without costing a lot of money. Likewise you can also use outdoor candle lanterns in your balcony, porch or lounge as it will give a very warm effect to you and your guests. These decorating accessories come in all sorts of colors, shapes and styles that mixing and matching and changing a few of the decorating features can make a drastic change. Then there are hanging candle lanterns, glass candle lantern, metal candle lanterns, garden candle lantern also available which you can use at different places as per your choice.
I Love Digital Frames, do you?
[ No Comments ]Posted on November 26, 2007 by writer in Technology
A wooden or a metallic Photo Frame is a avid present idea or traditionalistic souvenir to share reminiscences. But shifting times call for modifying thoughts, and with the World Wide Web and of our own web pages we can barter photos with allies near and far. The technologically challenged, or computer beginners, can conserve Digital Photo Frames, the correct gizmo for sharing and showing pictures, yes digital frames are really cool and you just can’t ignore them at all..
Digital frames consist of liquid crystal display monitor circumvented by conventional frames exposing a separate photo or multiple photos in a slideshow arrangement. It is comfortable to control download or sending facilities by linking up the frame to the World Wide Web through a local dial-up phone number and active telephone line. A different way to catch a photo slide show is by enclosing a well-matched memory card without employing a computer, digital camera or WWW link.
Certain examples or attains of Digital Frames bear up to twelve megapixels image files (JPEG format), and are matched with most digital camera-stored JPEG images and motion JPEG files. A few frames have another potentialities that let in playing short movies previously taped with the camera. Some models stock from thirty to eighty pictures, adjusting time between each photo to be exhibited. The constituents of a Digital Frame are a MemoryFrame™ system unit, a MF-810S luxury stereo audio, and memory for thirty-two to eighty pictures. The base backing up the frame is either vertical or horizontal, with an easy-to-use on-screen menu arrangement, multi-function command buttons and automated scaling of big pictures to equip the digital frames screen.
A Digital Photo Frame is compatible with USB cameras, and also with USB card-readers with easy-to-view thumbnails, non-automatic imaging forwarding, pause and reverse buttons, and eleven conversion and presentation buttons. What is more, the frame is well-matched with Flash (CF), SmartMedia (SM), SecureDigital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), and MemoryStick memory cards with software system utility CD-ROM, and USB cables, as well as AC power adaptors with wire. It does vocalize complex, but for the techno savvy people it is barely another digital picture frame.
Pocket PC Advent Calendar
[ No Comments ]Posted on November 26, 2007 by writer in Miscellaneous
An Advent calendar is a extraordinary calendar practiced by a few Christians to calculate the days of Advent. Nowadays, they’re generally created for kids.
The beginnings of the Advent calendar amount from German Lutherans who, at least as early as the commencement of the nineteenth century, would calculate the days of Advent physically. Often this implied merely describing a chalk line on the door each day, commencing on Dec 1. A few classes had more detailed way of labelling the days, such as illuminating a fresh candle (maybe the genesis of today’s Advent wreath) or clinging a small spiritual image on the wall every day.
Now pocket PC advent calendar is also available and is known as SantaMagic - Charity Advent Calendar .
The main features of this pocket PC advent calendar are:
* Begin with the 1th of December open one door each day.
* Requires just 150 KByte free memory
So you can download it on your pocket PC and enjoy the digital version the advent calendar.