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Archive for June, 2010

The longcase grandfather clocks are very popular and probably you have a piece hanging on the wall. It is also called a tall case clock, a floor clock, a longcase clock or simply a grandfather clock. This clock is usually tall, self-supporting and has a weighty pendulum secured inside the clock’s case waist. Most of the grandfather clocks crafted in this style are big. They normally measure approximately six to eight feet tall. You will find that many clocks have lovely cases, which are embellished and intricately carved.

The hood that encircles the clock face is attractive on many long face clocks. This is truly one of the oldest clocks existing because it was made in the 1670.William Clement; a renowned English clock manufacturer is remembered for this invention. You may be wondering why the clocks are called grandfather. The term is based on a song that was written by Henry Clay Work in 1876. The song, which became a hit in those days, was called My Grandfather Clock and it was inspired by an irreparable clock story.

You can also find some grandmother longcase clocks in the market. There is no definite way of differentiating the two terms. However, the grandfather clocks are least six feet tall or over. Available as well are the granddaughter clocks, which are lower than five feet tall. The longcase pendulum clocks that were manufactured before 1670 lacked a better escapement system, as they used verge. It was William Clement who invented the anchor escapement system. This system solved the following problems of the older versions such as the:

• Wide Pendulum swings: Older pendulum clock versions needed swings of approximately eighty to a hundred degrees. This anchor escapement system required four to six degrees pendulum swings.
• Clocks without long pendulums inside the cases: Long pendulum fitted within a clock case could not work because of wide swings. The new anchor system could allow clock makers to still use a long pendulum with few swings.

The new versions had some extra advantages. First, they did not require extra power to sustain the rate of swings. They also caused minimal friction and damage than the earlier versions, not to mention how accurate the clocks were. Most of the grandfather clocks you are likely find use second pendulum. This means that every pendulum swing takes only one second. These clocks are thirty-nine inches long thus they are housed in a long narrow casing. You should of course consider buying the modern longcase clocks. They typically use an anchor escapement known as the deadbeat, which makes them very accurate.

The holiday season is a time of tradition, and traditions have a funny way of becoming expectations — like getting lots of stocking stuffers and spending days on end with family and friends. But what if you are going to spend much or all of the holiday season alone? What’s a person to do?

No matter the reason that you’re alone for the holidays, you can make it a wonderful holiday season all the same. How? First, make your time alone count. Make it special. Then, when you’re through with personal time, pick some activities that will surround you with others.

Ahhh! Some Time to Myself!

A little time to yourself can be all too rare these days. When you have some, it is something to cherish. But to really enjoy it during the holidays, you’ll first need to forget those expectations. Forget about what’s “supposed” to happen. Remember that lots of people out there are doing what’s expected, and probably running themselves a little ragged. What they wouldn’t do for some time alone!

Once you’ve put aside the weight of expectations, consider how you might treat yourself to some special time. Here are some ideas:

• Get out, go somewhere. Find places that will stimulate and amuse you. Museums, festivals or streets decorated for the holidays might recharge you.
• Take on a home project. Fix up that guest room, do some indoor planting or, weather permitting, do some touch-ups outside your home.
• Rediscover an old creative talent. Have you been telling yourself you’d start painting again or get back to the guitar? Now’s your chance.
• Treat yourself to a personal spa. Spoil yourself with comfort. Read a mystery novel by the fireplace. Take a candlelight bubble bath. Curl up on the couch with hot chocolate, a warm blanket and a movie.
• Call or write to family and friends. Just because you’re not with them doesn’t mean you can’t make contact. But plan your calls, so you don’t go broke. And make sure the calls are a nice diversion for the day, not the centerpiece of it. You should enjoy the moments of contact, not dwell on the fact that you’re not with family and friends.

Sharing Time with Others

So you’ve had your time to yourself. Now, consider how much time alone is best for you. At what point will you start to get lonely? It might be two days or maybe a week. Whatever it is, be honest with yourself about your personal limit. Make plans to be around other people when that alone-time limit comes. There are many activities to do and places to go where you can share the holiday spirit with others. Here are some ideas:

• Volunteer. If it’s holiday traditions you want, forget shopping and parties. Return to the real holiday tradition by helping others. When you volunteer, you can expect two big rewards. First, you’ll be surrounded by people — by volunteers and staff who share your spirit of giving and by those you are helping. Never will someone be more grateful for a gift. Second, it’s good for the soul. Helping others in need is fulfilling.
• Do something with friends. This may seem obvious, but many people don’t think of it. Most of us have been conditioned to think of holidays as time for family only. We’re not used to thinking of this as a time to gather with friends. Change that. If you’re on your own, a few friends might be, too. Get in touch with them, and make some plans.
• If you’re single, look for a singles organization. Some singles clubs offer holiday trip packages or in-town get-togethers.

So, there you have it. If you’re going to be alone for this holiday season, make it a good one. Take advantage of what it can bring you: a chance for some quality personal time, and a chance to get out, meet some new people and help those in need. Enjoy!

The holidays can be fun, but they also can be a source of great stress — and no wonder. The holidays are often depicted as a magical time when people reconcile and dreams come true.

How Can You Deal With Continuing Family Problems During The Holidays?

Being realistic is the first step. If you have bad feelings about someone, try and avoid him or her and not make an issue of it but don’t pretend that all is well. This will enable you to feel true to yourself and less stressed out.

Do Financial Pressures Stress People Out to the Point of Ruining the Holiday Spirit?

Knowing your spending limit is also a way to relieve holiday stress. People believe that they have to go out and buy gifts because it’s the holidays, even if they can’t afford to do so. Not only is it stressful to feel that you have to buy everyone an expensive gift, but you’ll be stressed for the rest of the year trying to pay off your bills. You can show love and caring by getting something that you know is meaningful and personal for that person that doesn’t have to cost a lot.

How Do Time Pressures Affect People Around the Holidays?

People shouldn’t have to put their lives on pause or totally rearrange their schedules either because of the holidays. Learn to prioritize the invitations you accept and don’t feel that you have to go to every holiday gathering.

How Does a Person Deal With the Holidays When He or She Has Just Experienced A Recent Tragedy, Death or Romantic Break-up?

If you’re feeling really out of sorts because of any chronic or current stressors, like a death or recent romantic break-up, you may want to avoid some of the festivities because they are so out of sync with how you’re feeling. Try to tell those around you what you really need, since they may not know how to help you, and ask for their understanding if you decline an activity.

How Do You Cope With Kids Who Want Everything For The Holidays and Have No Sense of What Things Cost?

Parents need to tell their children to be realistic. It is OK to say to your child that a certain toy is too expensive. And even Santa Claus has limited funds and has to choose what to give because he has a very long list. You can also tell your children that Mom and Dad and Santa Claus will try to choose the most suitable present for the child. Children have to learn that their wish is not someone’s command and to curb their desires for instant gratification.

What Are Some Good Coping Strategies?

Take stock of your expectations and make sure they’re realistic. Don’t expect more of this time of year than of any other. Take a break from holiday music and television specials if you find that they’re turning you into “Scrooge.”

Most people dread the holidays because their inner experience is so different from what is being hyped. You should trust your own instincts and don’t try to be what you’re not. Keep up your normal routine and know that this day will pass too.

If, however, you are unable to shake what you think are “holiday blues” your feelings may not be about the holidays, but about other things in your life. If you need help in sorting out or dealing with this issue, a psychologist is a person with the training to help you do so.