My brother in law Carlo, frequently says that all things good originate in Italy (ha!). He may have a right to feel that way since he was born and raised on a farm near Rimini, Italy. I agree with him on at least one point and that is the unparalleled beauty of genuine antique Italian Capodimonte porcelain lamps.

Capodimonte is the finest grade of Italian porcelain that rivals any of the finest porcelains that are produced. Themes range from simple nature and garden designs to downright outrageous. I say the more outrageous the better ! This is just one quality that makes Capodimonte so unique. Whenever I look at these beautiful old pieces I cannot help but think of how these designers shrugged off convention to develop this unusual and outstanding style. You either love it or you hate it but the identity and the design is usually unmistakable.

The more ornately designed Capodimonte lamps may be adorned with 3 dimensional cherubs, angels, nudes, animals, serpents, people and vegetation. Occasionally the 3 dimensional figures are completely raised away from the main body of the porcelain creating an open space. These styles are highly sought after by collectors. Porcelain colors can be unusually vibrant and very bold. The finer quality Capodimonte pieces contain many subtle details in the artwork and in the hand painting. The 18th century master sculptor Tagliolini exemplifies the finer qualities found in many of the Capodimonte styles.

Translation: Capodimonte: Italian: capo di monte, English: head of the mountain or as my brother in law Carlo says: “captain of the mountain”. Although “captain of the mountain” is not the precise translation, it is the translation that I like because this beautiful porcelain style certainly commands your attention and respect.

The Capodimonte story is very complex and convoluted. So in order to simplify, I am presenting the important events related to Capodimonte porcelain in the following timeline format.

1710: Augustus II, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony (now in Germany) founded the first European porcelain factory in Meissen Germany (near Dresden, both now world famous for their fine porcelain).

1734: Charles of Bourbon (Bourbon was a European royal family) was the son of Philip V (the 1st Bourbon ruler of Spain) and his wife, Elizabeth Farnese (Italian). Charles was coronated King of Naples and Sicily.

1738: Charles married Maria Amalia granddaughter of Augustus II who had previously in 1710 founded Europe’s first porcelain factory in Meissen Germany. From his marriage to Maria, Charles became interested in porcelain production in Naples. He wanted to create a porcelain quality that would rival that of Maria’s grandfather (Augustus II).

1743: Charles built a small porcelain factory on a hill named Capodimonte near his royal palace. Charles finally decided that porcelain production was not feasible in his small facility and he ordered the building of a new porcelain factory in the royal wood of Capodimonte.

1759: Philip V of Spain died and Charles became Charles III King of Spain and of course had to leave Naples. Before leaving he had the Royal Factory dismantled and moved equipment, inventory and artists with him to Spain. He wanted to keep his recipe of porcelain a secret and he started a new porcelain factory near Madrid.

1771: Ferdinand (Charles’s son) assumed his father’s throne becoming Ferdinand IV king of Naples. He was also interested in porcelain production so he started a new porcelain factory at Portici from the equipment and supplies that had been left by his father Charles.

1772: Production began in Ferdinand’s new porcelain factory. The style and quality from this factory were similar to that of the original factory that was begun by Charles.

1779: Domenico Venuti replaced Perez as director of the factory.

1781: Venuti created the Academy of the Nude whose main goal was the study of the nude figure. Production at the factory was at its all time greatest height and the porcelain had become famous throughout Europe.

1782: Ferdinand had a special porcelain dinner service produced as a gift for his father, Charles III of Spain, who was the founder of the original Capodimonte factory and it was received very coldly by his father.

1785: Ferdinand had another special porcelain dinner service produced as a gift for George III, King of England. The king was overwhelmed upon receiving such a beautiful gift.

1799: France invaded Naples and Ferdinand fled to Sicily leaving Naples and the porcelain factory. The factory was looted by the French and it fell into great disrepair.

July 1799: French rule ended. Ferdinand returned to Naples and attempted to get the Royal Factory back on good footing.

1799 - 1805: Production had been greatly reduced but the Royal Factory continued in business.

1806: The French occupied Naples yet again and Ferdinand was again forced to return to Palermo. Giuseppe Bonaparte was named King of Naples.

1807: The French turned over the responsibility of the porcelain factory to a group of local businessmen.

1808 French commander, Gioacchino Murat became King of Naples replacing Giuseppe Bonaparte.

1816: Ferdinand returned to Naples in 1816 as Ferdinand I King of the Two Sicilies.

1818: The Royal Factory never recovered from the French occupations and their lootings. Business had been in a decline for many years. The equipment, inventory and supplies were sold off to various individuals and businesses thus marking the end of the Royal Factory of Capodimonte.

Today, Capodimonte style porcelain is produced by a number of manufacturers in Italy. There is not one single factory or region where this style now originates.

- Jim Hoyle

Biography: Since 1979 Jim Hoyle has owned and operated Lamp Outlet - North Carolina’s Most Exclusive Unique Table Lamps, Floor Lamps and Antique Lamps. Contact Jim junguljim@bellsouth.net. His company’s website http://www.hoylelamps.com

If you are looking to find the best deals of your patio furniture, one of the easiest and simple places to start would be the internet. There you will find a variety of merchants who you may contact and ask questions and find the deals you are looking for.

You could also check your local home improvement store and find out what deals they have available to you. When searching for the best deals it’s important to have a clear understanding for what you want and what you are looking for and the price you want to keep within a budget.

You want to consider the type of furniture you are looking for. What is the design of the furniture you are looking for? If you are not sure what you are interested in, start by searching the internet. There you will be able to find what questions you may need to ask and what options are available to you. Where do you want your patio furniture, near the pool or just underneath a comfortable shaded area. Sometimes you may find great deal for patio furniture sets. The choices are unlimited, you could choose from a variety of colors and designs.

Finding the best deals for patio furniture starts with knowing what you want and your needs. From there you can find exactly what you are looking for. Contacting merchants online are a great way to start. There you will find pictures of the types of furniture you want and you can compare prices to find the deals you are looking for.

When working with windows, you will likely need a ladder for installation. Before you begin, make sure that your ladder is strong and secured. It may be a good idea to have someone to hold the ladder while you are working. This will ensure that the ladder will not sway and will give you a better sense of safety when someone that you trust is helping. Check to make sure that the ladder is not broken or the steps are not weak. If nails are protruding or anything appears damaged, fix it immediately before attempting to climb up.

Selecting Windows

When selecting the perfect windows for your home, consider purchasing a product that has a warranty and always purchase from a reputable dealer. Ask questions and never leave the sales floor until they are all answered with certainty.

Installing New Windows

Be sure that you purchase the windows that you want to install prior to making the opening in your wall. Windows fit in the rough opening of the wall framing, which should be slightly larger than the window to allow for a good fit. Your new windows should have detailed instructions, which dictate the size needed for an opening and other important information. Be sure to read the instructions carefully prior to beginning installation of your windows.

The first thing that you will need to do, when purchasing new windows, is to make sure that they are not cracked or broken. When you’re ready to begin installation, determine the width that you need for an opening with a measuring tape. Mark every stud in that area, which should allow for the opening between them. Mark the top and bottom of the rough opening and cut through the studs while being careful not to cut into the sheathing.

The next step is to cut the opening by drilling a hole into each corner. You will need a good pair of safety goggles, dust mask and possibly hearing protectors. Carefully proceed to make the opening. Again, following your instructions, carefully build the opening using the same size lumber as the wall studs.

When you’re ready to put the window into place, check to make sure the measurements of your opening match with that of your windows. It helps to have a friend of family member help by holding one side of the window while you work on securing it to your home. Level the window before tipping it away from the opening just enough to add professional quality caulking and pressing the window against the wall.

Now that you’re window is in place, secure it with nails into the corner of the window and into the wall. Next, plumb the window. Once the window is straight, secure it with another nail. Install the sashes and confirm that they are working properly by opening and closing them several times. Follow the steps and continue nailing your window until secured. If the sashes are not working properly, the window may need to be positioned differently.

Once you’re ready to seal the window, begin working around the outer edges while filling the gap with caulking. Seal the gap between the jambs and rough opening and get ready for interior casing.

Replacing Broken Windows

Replacing broken windows is an easy project and one that can be done in about an hour. Begin by removing the old putty with a putty knife while being careful not to damage the wood. Once the glass is out, lightly scrape the wood underneath the glass until it’s clean of any material. Prime the surface, which will help to keep moisture from getting into the wood and weakening your work. Next, create a cushion for the glass using glazing compound and mold it with your fingers. Gently press the glass into the compound and secure it with a putty knife. Finally, place another line of glazing compound to seal the window and allow it to dry before adding new paint.

With 30 years experience in the Home Improvement field, Steven Briesemeister has written hundreds of DIY articles for homeowners and contractors. For more articles, please visit us on the web at: http://www.roofer911.com/roofing_articles.htm or submit your article or site at: http://www.addyoursite.org

Colors are important in our lives. They are all around us; in nature, in our homes, and in the clothes we wear. The color blue means different things on different levels. Blue is natural, practical, and symbolic. We choose to wear specific colors to say something about us. The color blue is often associated with the serenity of the sky, with a sad and depressed mood, or with the music of the Blues. Some countries, like Greece, have blue as their national color and have it on their national flag.

What does blue mean to you?

You probably associate the color blue with the blue of the sky and the ocean, and if you do, then you also associate blue with serenity and peace. It’s no wonder! Blue is very much a tranquil color. In fact, it is said that the color blue produces chemicals that calm and soothe the mind and body. For this reason, blue is one of the most popular color choices for bedroom walls, and is often used to paint baby room walls.

Blue is often associated with “feeling blue” or being depressed. But studies show that the color blue inspires productivity in people. People, it is said, work better in blue rooms. And more than that, some fashion experts suggest that wearing blue to a job interview is great because blue makes a statement about loyalty. Blue creates the opposite impression of red, which is a color associated with power and passion. Fashion experts suggests wearing red to a job interview if you want to show power and strength.

Blue is also associated with the music genre, the Blues. In fact, the basic characteristic of the Blues is the “blue note”, an irregular music note. The Blues are often sung about lost love and troubles, but in general blue is a positive, calming and serene presence in our lives.

Dylan Miles, journalist, and website builder, lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.bluethings.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

This will come as no great surprise, but did you know that the majority of house fires are the result of cooking? In fact, studies show that cooking results in approximately 400,000 fires every year in single family homes and multiple family dwellings. Add to that the number of fires that go unreported and the total is more like 3.5 million residential fires.

Here are some tips from the Orange County (Calif) Fire Authority to help prevent most of these fires:

*Never leave cooking unattended - This is probably the most common cause of kitchen fires. This includes all appliances including toaster ovens, coffee pots and other small appliances. They can overheat and cause a fire if left alone. Be sure to unplug them when not in use.

*Wear close-fitting clothes while cooking - loose, long sleeves can catch fire when dangling near hot burners. Wear close fitting sleeves and avoid storing things over the stove and having to reach over hot burners to retrieve items.

*Avoid overloading outlets - plugging too many appliances into an outlet could result in an electrical fire. Also be aware of cracked or frayed cords.

*Heat oil slowly - Fires can start easily if the setting is too high and the pan is unattended.

*Smother a grease fire - don’t use water on a cooking fire as this will spread the fire and make the it worse. Slide a lid or other non combustible item over the fire and remove the heat source. With oven fires, close the door and turn off the oven.

*Do not allow children to play around the range and other appliances.

*Don’t hesitate to call 911.

These are just some of the common-sense reminders that can help to prevent a fire and send your dream home up in flames. Or, worse, cause severe injury or death. A small amount of caution can make a world of difference. Remember what your mother said: don’t play with fire!

Eileen Church operates www.firebx.com which is a site devoted to fire, fire safety, fire fighting opportunities and other things related to fire. Please visit www.firebx.com

“Company’s coming and my place doesn’t look right…”

You know how it goes, you have visitors coming tonight. You’ve
cleaned every room in the house (well, maybe not the bedroom).
You’ve planned the menu, and…it’s just not quite right. Perhaps
you’ve been hankering for a change or maybe it strikes you out
of the air, the room needs Something, but what?

Here’s five fast tips for when that re-decorating demon strikes
and you haven’t the budget or time to do much.

You can likely do all of these ideas for significantly less than
$50, but because they are simple, I’ll explain along the way
what makes the difference.

1)Fresh Flowers You don’t need a $50 bouquet to make a room, but
a stale look will get an instant boost with a bit of living,
breathing, greenery. Consider a $20 tropical, large enough to
fill in an empty corner, and spend another $20 on a colorful
bunch of fresh cut flowers (if you shop well, you can even get
the vase). This will give your room instant punch!

2)Bowl of Fruit & Table Cloth If you’re at the market anyway,
don’t overlook the zest and color that a large bowl of fresh
fruit lends to the kitchen, dining room, or even the coffee
table. Great look that works well in all decors; fill a pottery
dish with a variety, or a tall glass vase with a single fruit
(ie: lemons or limes) or even line up a row of green apples
along the coffee or dining table for a contemporary feel. And
since fruit is inexpensive, give yourself a shot of change by
selecting a new table linen in the trendiest color of the season
to give your room a real lift or invest in a crisp white or
cream cloth for a classic look.

3)Baskets You don’t have to be a country girl (or guy) to
appreciate the cozy look of baskets. Even the most modern room
can benefit from a bit of wood or rattan. But the main purpose
here is to hide clutter. You’ll feel so refreshed if you add a
few baskets to fill with magazines, toys or hobby material. It’s
the easiest way to contain the everyday clutter that you can’t
stow away. And clearing space is always a good look!

4)Throw Cushions I’d bet you could find two throw cushions for
less than $50, so if you do, add a throw blanket as well. Cheap
and shamefully easy, this is the way to go if you’re ready to
make more of a statement. Great opportunity to bring some
contrast into a dull room, consider light pillows for a dark
room, dark pillows for a light one, and absolutely try adding a
trendy color to a neutral room. And at this price, you can
change it next season!

5)Paint Admittedly for the more ambitious, this is a fantastic
way to create a stunning look in little time. However, this is
an article on FAST ideas, so let’s not tackle the whole room
right now. If company’s coming this weekend, try a new look by
painting a feature wall a stunning but complementary color (ie:
the fireplace wall, that blank wall behind the couch…you get the
idea.) Or even tape off a smaller section (this is called color
blocking) to focus attention on a collection of pictures, or
behind a mirror, or around the fireplace.

To all those with the decorating fever, I wish you speedy
recovery and an enjoyable project!

An air conditioners primary job is to remove moisture from the room to give us a feeling of comfort. During this process they create a lot of water. How much, is dependent upon humidity in the air, size of the air conditioner, its operating efficiency, and whether it was properly installed.

Water removed from the air during operation falls down the cooling coil and drops into the base. From here it follows channels or passages to the rear of air conditioner. Some of the water is lifted up by the fan blade and used to cool the heating coil, while most proceeds to the rear. Once at the rear it drops out of the base and onto the ground. That is, if everything is working perfectly.

The reality of window air conditioners is that they can leak water. One that leaks can drive you crazy trying to find the cause of the problem. The following are a few suggestions of the most common reasons why water leakage occurs.

1. Improperly installed.

A window air conditioner must be slightly lower at the rear than the front. This allows the water being removed from the room to drain to the back of the machine. A difference of one inch is sufficient. This is always the first thing to check. Many are improperly installed in the haste to get relief from the heat. If installed too low at front the water will flow into the room rather than outside. If installed too low at rear, water can roll out front edges before has chance to exit towards rear drain.

2. Icing up.

Water being de-humidified can turn to ice if there are problems with the cooling system. There are many reasons for an air conditioner to produce ice. Remove front grille while machine is operating. If ice is present on the cooling coil you will probably need service. For more information see our other article: Why window Air Conditioners Ice up.

3. Air leakage around air conditioner.

If warm air is able to enter around the air conditioner it will encounter cooler, dryer air. When they meet condensation will occur. If water leaking from front of air conditioner inspect to see if dripping from body of machine, or water droplets clinging to front area. To test, operate machine for 30 minutes and then use flashlight to check under front edge of base. Small water droplets here indicate an air leakage problem. Add foam insulation to stop warm air from infiltrating.

4. Drain hole blocked.

Rear of air conditioner base has a drain hole or groove to allow water to escape. If becomes blocked water can back up. To test, operate machine for 30 minutes and then inspect if draining properly. If appears blocked use a small piece of wood to open drain hole at rear of metal base. CAUTION: Never be tempted to drill holes into the air conditioner body to relieve water pooling. Severe damage can result.

5. Internal drains blocked.

There are small passageways that allow water to drain from front of air conditioner to the rear. If they become blocked water will pool at front of machine and overflow onto floor. If this happens the air conditioner will require removal from window and servicing.

6. Outside temperature too cold.
This occurs at end of cooling season. If outside temperatures drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night the cooling coil may ice up. If no leakage at bedtime but water in front of machine in morning, suspect this problem. If this problem suspected turn off machine before bedtime and restart as day warms. Alternately, operate machine at night with selector switch in ‘fan only’ position. This will circulate room air during night but not allow cooling.