http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/motifs-patterned-onturkish-carpets.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/motifs-patterned-onturkish-carpets.html Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:41:33 -0600
But most prized by today's collectors are the rustic rugs woven for centuries by women in villages throughout Turkey. These constitute the majority of collectible Turkish carpets. Some 19th-century village rugs, however, were also made for the marketplace. Rugs remain an important source of family income in these agricultural communities.

Nomads, although reduced in number, also continue to weave rugs, made mostly in primary colors and reflecting the graphic motifs of their Central Asian-Turkish heritage. Compared to other types of Oriental rugs, Turkish village rugs are distinguished by their vivid and unusual color combinations and lively geometric designs.

The symbols on a Turkish carpet tell about what ancient people thought was important, what they feared, and what they dreamed. Many symbols on Anatolian carpets are based on myths still believed today.

The most common myth in Turkey is the Evil Eye. It is believed that some people have the power to cause harm or death with just a glance from their Evil Eye. Blue-eyed people are more likely to have an Evil Eye than others. One of the best ways to prevent harm is to reflect the glance back with a symbol of the Evil Eye itself. In weaving, a diamond divided into four is the most common symbol for the eye.

Another common symbol is Hayat Agaci, the tree of life. The tree represents hope for life after death. Every culture in the world has a different tree of life--like the cypress, date, palm, pomegranate, fig, olive, beech, and oak trees.

A young woman who weaves stars into her carpet is showing her happiness. Stars on carpets usually have an even number of points, because it is difficult to weave uneven numbers. A star on a carpet could also mean a hope for fertile fields or hope to have a baby. Archaeologists have discovered mother goddess statues in Anatolia that have a star to represent the womb.

Women in the Anatolian region of Turkey have used mythic symbols for thousands of years to express their dreams and fears. A long time ago, they knitted socks with different symbols to show their feelings for a loved one.

The most ancient symbols were created 9000 years ago at Catalhoyuk, an ancient village in Anatolia. Archaeologists have discovered that, since that time, many other cultures moved in and out of the area and used the same symbols. The Anatolia region was like a rest stop for travelers from all over the world. But instead of staying in Anatolia's gigantic stone fortresses (called kervansarays) for weeks, the groups of people stayed for hundreds of years. Eventually , they adopted some of the Anatolian culture and symbols.

There are numerous symbols. Some of them speak about a young woman's dreams of marital happiness, others about a woman's hope for a victorious hunt. Since Asia Minor is such an arid area, waves are a familiar symbol that bears witness to how much water is valued. If you recognize what the Anatolian symbols imply, you know the weaver's aspirations and her culture's myths.

You're looking at a work of art. One before long discovers that Turkish rugs are more ethnic symbols than beautiful floor coverings, and they've existed as long as the Turks themselves.


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Find more about decorating with rugs at rugsandcarpets.gogoodpages.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/do-you-need-fire-resistant-landscaping.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/do-you-need-fire-resistant-landscaping.html Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Just as appropriate landscaping can help gardeners with water shortages, so may careful landscaping help reduce the risk of significant property damage in the most fire-prone areas. Home owners can benefit from landscaping that create a semi-fireproof zone around the home.

The first step is creating a defensible space that in essence "breaks the chain" of burnable fuel between homes and natural vegetation; slowing or eliminating the fire spread, and allowing firefighters a place to work. Developing defensible space around a dwelling requires that these objectives be met: 1. Create a non-flammable barrier zone adjacent to the house; 2. Establish less flammable vegetation beyond the nonflammable zone; and 3. Increase moisture within the protection zones.

Here are some more suggestions on how to make home landscaping more resistant to wildfires.

Always keep a watchful eye towards reducing the fuel volumes available to fire. Be aware of growth habits of the plants within your landscape and of the changes that occur throughout the seasons.
Remove annuals and prune perennials after they have gone to seed or when the stems become overly dry.
Rake up leaves and other litter as it builds up through the season.
Mow or trim grasses to a low height within your defensible space.
Remove plant parts damaged by snow, wind, frost , or other agents.
Prune all plants, trees, and shrubs in a timely manner; this is critical. Pruning not only reduces fuel volumes but also maintains healthier plants by producing more vigorous growth.
Maintain your landscaping. This is a critical part of your home's defense system.

Consider too, that regular landscape maintenance provides fire safety. Over time, plants grow and spread; mulches dry out; leaves and pine needles accumulate. All contribute to the fuels from which a fire grows. Proper maintenance improves the appearance and helps protect your home from wildfire.

Using fire resistant plants in your landscaping is part of the overall fire defense plan.
What are fire-resistant plants?
Fire resistant plants are plants that don't readily ignite from a flame or other ignition sources. Although fire-resistant plants can be damaged or even killed by fire, their foliage and stems don't contribute significantly to the fuel and, therefore, the fire's intensity.
Plants that are fire-resistant have the following characteristics:
Leaves are moist and supple.
Plants that have little dead wood and tend not to accumulate dry, dead material within the plant.
Sap is water-like and does not have a strong odor.
Most deciduous trees and shrubs are fire-resistant.
However, it's important to remember that even fire resistant plants can burn, particularly if they are not maintained in a healthy condition.

It is impossible to control the factors that start the wildfires that occur in numerous parts of the world; homeowners can alter their landscaping and thereby increase the odds of their homes and property surviving a fire, while still enjoying the nature's beauty.

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For delicious landscaping ideas and other landscaping information visit http://www.better-landscaping.com/Site_Map.html

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/winter-driving-be-prepared-stay-alive.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/winter-driving-be-prepared-stay-alive.html Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the leading cause of death during winter storms are transportation accidents. Preparations for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter traveling.

Before winter starts or you leave for a trip in the winter, have the following items checked on your car:
Battery
Antifreeze
Wipers and windshield washer fluid
Ignition system
Thermostat
Lights
Flashing hazard lights
Exhaust system
Heater
Brakes
Defroster
Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil)


Check your tires to be sure they are road ready. Install tires that are appropriate for the driving conditions. In moderate amounts of snow, all weather radials will do the job nicely. If you live in an area where you have a lot of snow, consider snow tires. These have better tread to deal with snow and ice. Maintain a half tank of gasoline during the winter.

Be prepared - put together a bad weather kit to keep in the trunk of back of your car. This will ensure that you are prepared in the event that you get stuck in a storm. Keep these items in your kit:
Flashlights with extra batteries
First aid kit with pocket knife
Necessary medications
Several blankets or Sleeping bags
Plastic bags (for sanitation)
Matches/candles
Extra set of gloves or mittens,socks, and a wool cap
Rain gear and extra clothes
Small sack of sand or kitty litter for generating traction under wheels
Small shovel
Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
Jumper cables
Set of tire chains or traction mats
Books, cards, games
Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
Help sign for back window
Canned fruit and nuts
Nonelectric can opener
Bottled water
Charged cell phone (always carry this, especially in the winter)

In the event your car gets stuck, stay with your vehicle. If you leave you may become disoriented and get lost in blowing and drifting snow. Put up the hood and tie your cloth to the antennae. Put the "need help" sign in the window. This will make you more visible to emergency vehicles and other drivers. Keep the windows, air grill and tail pipe clear of snow. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation. Be aware that blowing or drifting snow can bury or seal a car shut. Wrap up in blankets or sleeping bags and, if there are others, huddle up with to stay warm. Run the heat for fifteen minutes each hour to keep from freezing. Move your body around to stay warm. Simple exercises, like those used on an airplane work well. Try not to stay in one position for too long.

Be aware of possible weather changes before driving. Tune into the weather report for the route you are traveling.

Pay attention to the weather terms used.
Here are the most common Winter Weather Terms-
Winter Storm Warning: Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
Winter Storm Watch: Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.
Winter Storm Outlook: Issued prior to a Winter Storm Watch. The Outlook is given when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible and are usually issued 3 to 5 days in advance of a winter storm.
Blizzard Warning: Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below � mile; these conditions should persist for at least three hours.
Lake Effect Snow Warning: Issued when heavy lake effect snow is imminent or occurring.
Wind Chill Warning: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure.
Wind Chill Advisory: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure, and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to hazardous exposure.
Winter Weather Advisories: Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.

Driving in bad winter weather means being extra careful and alert, but the most important tip for winter driving is slow down! Always give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going, and get off the road before you get marooned by deteriorating weather conditions.


RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:
The Weather Channel http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/drivingsafety/drivingsafetytips/snow.html?from=iForecast
FEMA
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/wi_during.shtm
Colorado Department of Transportation
http://www.cotrip.org/winterdriving/drivingtips.htm

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Learn more about selecting the right auto insurance company that will save you money by visiting http://www.your-car-insurance.biz/Site_Map.html, your reliable auto insurance website that provides auto insurance information and resources.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/lingeries-transformation-from-in-to-out.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/lingeries-transformation-from-in-to-out.html Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
However, caution was advocated at first: Lingerie should only be used by women within the confines of a happily married life. ". . . . dainty undergarments are not necessarily a sign of depravity" wrote one female fashion journalist in 1902. However, as the twentieth century progressed, the increase in the popularity and use of lingerie mirrored women's gradual freedom from the constraints of Victorian morality and notions of what constituted appropriate as they emerged as more socially independent beings. Lingerie was a departure from the rationalist and unashamedly moralistic undergarments advocated by the Victorian standards. For instance, one expert espoused the use of wool as the perfect underwear for reasons of hygiene and health.

At first, lingerie was a sign of social status, handmade and afforded only by the very few. Of note were those fashioned by the English couturiere known as Lucile (Lady Duff-Gordon), who created camisoles, peignoirs, and petticoats using lace, chiffon, and crepe de chine, deliberately appealing to the sense of touch, and evoking a new eroticism for the twentieth-century woman. Although synthetic fibers such as rayon and nylon were developed and sold in the 1920s and 1930s as luxury fabrics through the use of the name "artificial silk" their development led to a democratization of lingerie.

WIKIPEDIA SAYS-Some major rayon fiber uses include apparel (e.g. blouses, dresses, jackets, lingerie, linings, scarves, suits, ties), furnishings (e.g. bedspreads, blankets, window treatments, upholstery, slipcovers), industrial uses (e.g. medical surgery products , non-woven products, tire cord), and other uses (e.g. yarn, feminine hygiene products).

The more body-conscious fashions of that decade also led to a new item of lingerie, the teddy, named after its inventor Theodore Baer, who combined a chemise with a short slip or attached panties. The camisole, originally derived from a decorative waist-length garment with an embroidered front and shoulder bands that were worn over the corset for warmth and modesty, became a essential piece of lingerie, later transforming into an item of outerwear by the 1970s. Similarly the slip, a standard piece of lingerie from the 1950s was used by a number of fashion designers as outerwear in the 1990s, most notably John Galliano, Dolce & Gabbana.

Pajamas, designed after the loose pants worn in Asia, gained popularity as female attire in the late nineteenth century, but long nightgowns remained popular, even after women's skirts shortened in the early twentieth century. By the twenties, straight-cut silk and rayon nightgowns in delicate colors such as orchid , rose and snow were popular, while the mid-century favored gowns with strappy tight fitting tops over flowing skirts. Mixtures and superimpositions make lingerie an item of clothing in itself, so that fusion costumes like chemise jackets and wide legged pants make up an unexpected wardrobe. During the twentieth century, glamorous and lavish lingerie grew ever more available and affordable.

Today there is a continuation of the lingerie revival started in the 1990s, attracting both male and female consumers. Lingerie's cachet as an erotic, ardently visible component of a woman's outfit has contributed to rising sales. It seems that showing off your lingerie has become very much become a fashion trend. Today redefined lingerie is an affordable luxury item with a strong appeal for the fashion-oriented plus size consumer.

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For more plus size fashion with flair visit http://www.fabulous-plus-sizes.com/Site_Map.html, a trendy plus size clothing website.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/insurance/car-insurance--soothe-the-claim-filing-headache.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/insurance/car-insurance--soothe-the-claim-filing-headache.html Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
The procedure for claims after a car accident is supposed to be straightforward. After you make the claim, preferably on a comprehensible form , an adjuster estimates the costs to restore your car and the insurance company writes you a check for that amount. Regrettably, the process isn't always so simple for millions of people who file claims each year.

Here are some things you can do to get claims settled as fast and as smoothly as possible:

Carry a disposable camera in your car to take photos of any accident scene. Record the location, time, weather, road conditions, etc. of the accident. Memory tends to fade, so notes taken on the spot are valuable for future questions.

If a camera is not available, you can make a rough drawing of damage to vehicles and property, and describe any apparent injuries and other pertinent facts. Acquire and maintain a copy of the police report for yourself as well.

Next call your insurer immediately: If you don't, the company could void your policy. Follow up in writing as well to ensure that your rights are protected under law. Reread your policy- Know what coverage you have and don't have so you know what you can claim. Request from your agent before filing details on the claims process and what information the company may need. Make sure you check deadlines as well. Some policies have time limits for filing claims, submitting bills and even resolving disputes.

If your auto is stolen, your initial response should be similar to any auto accident. First, have a police officer visit the scene and file a police report. Try to have your license plate number and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for the police. If the Registration is stolen along with the car, try to obtain a duplicate from the Transport Authorities without delay. Then notify your car insurance company right away. Auto insurance claims for stolen vehicles always take longer to process, because the police are given a reasonable amount of time to locate the stolen car. Stay in touch with the police regarding the development of the investigation. If the car is not traced after a realistic period, get a report from the police to that effect. If the vehicle is traced, tell the company immediately.

Be sure and watch your claim: Obtain your claim number and call the company or claims adjuster periodically for status. With certain insurers you can track your claim's status online. Sometimes writing a letter to the adjuster or a supervisor can get things moving, if you feel they are delayed. Be persistent, but not insufferable.

And remember, to avoid walking while your claim is being processed-Check rental coverage: If the accident wasn't your fault, you can get a rental car while yours is in the shop, paid for by the other driver's company. If the mishap was your fault, you have to have rental reimbursement coverage. If your car was stolen and you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will probably pay a capped amount each day for a rental.

In this manner when you must file a claim on your auto insurance, you know that everything will be dealt with as smoothly as possible.



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Receive a free online auto insurance quote that will save you money by visiting http://www.your-car-insurance.biz/Site_Map.html, a reliable auto insurance website that provides auto insurance information and resources.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/plus-size-flair-the-caftan.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/plus-size-flair-the-caftan.html Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
DID YOU KNOW-Many foreign garments are copied or borrowed of necessity.

Also spelled, Kaftan; it was garment of ancient Mesopotamian origin, worn throughout the Middle East. Full-length, loosely-fitted garment with long or short sleeves worn by both men and women.

The origin of the caftan is usually tied to Asia Minor and Mesopotamia. Caftan-like robes are depicted in the palace reliefs of ancient Persia dating to 600 B.C.E. By the thirteenth century C.E., the style had spread into Eastern Europe and Russia, where caftan styles provided the model for a number of different basic garments well into the nineteenth century.

By the thirteenth century, the style had spread into Eastern Europe and Russia, where caftan styles provided the model for a number of different basic garments well into the nineteenth century. The caftan tradition was particularly elaborate in the imperial wardrobes of the 16th Ottoman Empire in Anatolian Turkey. Caftans of varying lengths were made from rich satins, velvets and silks, shot through with metallic threads to be worn by courtiers to indicate status.


Men's caftans often had gores added, causing the caftan to flare at the bottom, while women's garments were more closely fitted. Women were more likely to add sashes or belts. A sultan and his courtiers might layer two or three caftans with varying length sleeves for ceremonial functions. An inner short-sleeved caftan, was usually secured with an embroidered sash or jeweled belt, while the outer caftan could have slits at the shoulder through which the wearer's arms were thrust to display the sleeves (sometimes with detachable expansions) of the inner caftan to show off the contrasting fabrics of the garments.

The Tatar-Mongol invasion led to a break in the contacts with Western Europe, and the immediate proximity with Turkic-speaking peoples led to a change in the form of Russian dress. Rashpatnyi clothing with a slit in front from top to bottom appeared, and men wore broad trousers. One must say at once that, even after having borrowed the cut, terminology, and certain elements of this foreign dress, Russians never lost their own national identity when it came to clothing. A good example of this is the caftan, a type of wide-opening garment with a deep wrap-over, worn by both men and women. The old Russian word for this garment is derived from the Persian word.

Caftan-style robes have been worn in many parts of the world where Islam has spread, particularly in North and West Africa. In parts of West Africa, the practice of layering robes to express the aesthetic principle of "bigness"; in leadership dress and the giving of "robes of honor"; is shared with the Ottoman tradition.

When international trade in ready-to-wear garments and accessories increased as other regions of the world opened to European business in the sixteenth century, caftan like garments such as the banyan or Indian gown for men, and the mantua for women, were imported to Europe as informal dress.

After a visit to Morocco in the early 1960s, Diana Vreeland published a series of articles in Vogue championing the caftan as fashionable for "The Beautiful People". Yves Saint Laurent and Halston were designers who included caftan-styled clothing in their lines. Since that time, caftans continue to have a market for evening and at-home wear. The caftan is now marketed globally as fashion.

With a long and elegant history- worn by emperors and kings, contemporary use of the term 'caftan'; can be broadened to encompass a number of similarly styled garment types. Today caftans may be worn with a sash or belt. Some caftans are open to the front or side and are tied or fastened with looped buttons running from neck to waist. Depending on use, caftans vary from hip to floor length. The choice of fabric is limitless, though silks and cottons are still the most used. Embellished, embroidered, bejeweled and other wise decked out, the caftan flatters any figure.

WIKIPEDIA SAYS-Most fabrics for royal Turkish caftans were manufactured in Istanbul and Bursa; but some came from as far as Venice,Genoa, Persia,India and even China.

We had never known how interesting writing about caftans for plus size would be, until we wrote this article. Hope you felt the same too.


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For more tips and information on plus size fashion with an ethnic flair visit http://www.fabulous-plus-sizes.com/Site_Map.html a trendy plus size fashion website.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/car-insurance--drivers-education-updated.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/car-insurance--drivers-education-updated.html Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600
But public school driver's education began to decline in the early 1980s after research that said teenagers who took such courses had the same rate of accidents and injuries as those who didn't. Federal funding for driver's education dried up, and most states ended their programs. Since many parents want the benefits of driver's ed for both their car insurance rates and their offspring's' safety, but cannot spend the time, paid driver's education courses are the answer.

However states are reconsidering the education of teenage drivers. Urged by an increasing partnership of public school instructors and safety groups, new forms of driver's safety classes are coming into being. Some are experimenting with extended training. A pilot program combines initial driver's ed courses, six months behind the wheel under certain licensing restrictions and a second round of driver training.

The market has also moved in to quickly fill the void. Safe Smart Women , a non-profit group in Silver Spring, MD., stages clinics for female drivers in 12 cities. Florida-based New Driver Car Control Clinics are in 10 states; its half-day seminars place teen drivers and one parent inside a car while experts radio over instructions on how to brake at the vehicle's limit and swerve while retaining control. Even the AARP has an 8-hour classroom refresher Driver Safety Program to learn the effects of aging on driving and how you can adjust your driving.

A one-day course ,called Street Survival,is intended to give teens the skills to deal with extreme conditions. These sessions are organized by the local BMW Car Club of America and staffed by volunteers, who ride with the teens as they go through maneuvers. Here teens accelerate and slam on the brakes, take curves too fast and make the car skid on a hosed-down parking lot--all to practice regaining control.

Other classes have a radical new approach to traditional driver's education: using hip young instructors to guide teens through hair-raising maneuvers on a track so they can survive the unexpected on the road. Students learn safe driving techniques and get plenty of behind-the-wheel training.

Drivers Education has a green side too- By training in hybrids, students complete thousands of miles of training but use less fuel and create fewer carbon emissions. More and more programs are using these vehicles with great success. Drivers Ed Direct is a small driver's education firm in Los Angeles that exclusively uses hybrid vehicles; specifically the Ford Escape. The popularity of hybrid vehicles in southern California is one of the keys to Drivers Ed Direct's success.

There is even fun driving class. Comedy Guys Entertainment combining a bunch of professional comedians and a defensive driving school. Approved by Texas Department of Public Safety, instruction is in-class work, done in fine restaurants with meals and refreshments included.

Meanwhile, many car insurance companies charge lower rates for teen drivers who have taken driver's education. That's one more reason it matters to make driver's education a significant part of a teen's coming of age.

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Receive a free online auto insurance quote that will save you money by visiting http://www.your-car-insurance.biz/Site_Map.html, a reliable auto insurance website that provides information and resources to include information on optional coverage.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/mystical-jewlery-beads.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/mystical-jewlery-beads.html Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600 You go the small, hard to find shop. Once there, the proprietor asks you to write your name and address- not deliver anything to you, but to decide which stone beads are "right" for you. Strings of specially chosen beads are created here in Okinawa by reinosha or shamans. These bracelets of elastic with the beads of aventurine, turquoise, topaz, rose quartz and many other minerals or materials are supposed to change your mood, or at least give you good luck.

Functionally, a stone might be useful as an amulet or a talisman. The terms are often confused. An amulet wards off danger, misfortune or evil. A talisman has the power to attract something beneficial on behalf of its wearer, to bestow virtues or blessings.

WIKIPEDIA SAYS- A pair of beads made from Nassarius shells that are approximately 100000 years old are thought to be the first known examples of jewelery.

Both stones and beads have long histories in the realm of magic and belief.

From the Middle Ages onward knowledge of the healing or protective properties of stones was considered a crucial factor in alchemy medicine and the occult , three branches of knowledge which in those days were nearly one , together constituting the whole of current science.

The following list is of beads materials and their associations.
Moonstone: Good fortune for lovers
Opal: Bestows hope
Carnelian: PMS relief
Wood: Simplicity
Topaz: Power over wild animals
Tiger's eye: Courage
Apatite - Enhances creativity
Citrine - Raises self esteem
Garnet - Creates health
Labradorite - Aids digestion and metabolism
Pearl - Signifies faith
Peridot - Overcomes anger and jealousy
Quartz (clear) - Stimulates brain function


Based on the theory that stones, especially crystals vibrate at a certain frequency; a stone's energy can be used to balance the body's electromagnetic waves. Others believe that wearing certain stones can affect your chakras or energy centers.

It is not unusual for old families residing in the British Isles to possess stones of virtue which were carefully preserved as heirlooms, and perhaps something more. The Lee family in Scotland,for example, was said to have a red stone set in a silver coin; if the family cattle became ill, immersing the stone in their drinking trough would lend its water the power to affect a cure.

Beads also have a rich history of spirituality and ritual use that comes from prayer beads and the belief in healing powers of gemstones. For thousands of years, man has used beads to adorn himself and aid in spiritual and ritual rites. The root word for bead, bede means to pray, and the earliest use of prayer beads is traced to the Hindus. Stringing beads together allowed the user to keep track of the number of prayers repeated.

According to the History of Prayer Beads , by Marcia Jo Mycko , rosary beads were used prior to the 12th century for talismanic purposes (as a superstitious object to ward off illness or bring good luck). For example , coral was thought to purify the blood and prevent illness in children.

Once the church decided rosaries were better suited for counting devotions than for talismanic protection, persons of the cloth were forbidden from carrying "pagan" rosaries made from coral, quartz or amber.

DID YOU KNOW?In the Middle Ages the name topaz was used to refer to any yellow gemstone.

Whether or not you believe in the energy of stones or beads, all jewelry has some enchantment. Perhaps you were given a ring which was actually believed to be a lucky charm, worn daily by a great-grandparent? Or a gemstone in an eccentric setting? So rather than travel to Okinawa for a special shaman's bracelet, maybe you should just plunge into your jewelry box for some magic.


RECOMMENDED READING:Healing Crystals and Gemstones: From Amethyst to Zircon by Flora Peschek-Bohmer , Gisela Schreiber and Sibylle Dausien ,Gemstones (Smithsonian Handbooks) by Cally Hall ,Gemstones of the World: Newly Revised & Expanded Third Edition by Walter Schumann.

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Find more jewelryfor your jewelry box at http://www.bestdealtrek.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/women/ao-dai-vietnamese-plus-size-fashion-statement.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/women/ao-dai-vietnamese-plus-size-fashion-statement.html Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500
While in the distant past both men and women wore the ao dai, in the twenty-first century it is almost exclusively a women’s garment. While the ao dai is now seen as symbolizing traditional Vietnamese identity and femininity, it in fact has a relatively brief history marked by foreign influence. The ao dai provides a outstanding example of how the Vietnamese have responded to both Chinese and French colonization by adopting elements of foreign cultures and modifying them to be uniquely Vietnamese. Prior to the fifteenth century, Vietnamese women typically wore a skirt and halter top. These were some times covered by an open-necked tunic (ao tu than) with four long panels, the front two tied or belted at the waist. Women’s garments were brown or black, accented by brightly colored tops or belts on special occasions.

From 1407 to 1428, China’s Ming Dynasty occupied Vietnam and forced women to wear Chinese-style pants. After regaining independence, Vietnam’s Le Dynasty (1428–1788) likewise criticized women’s clothing for violating Confucian standards of decorum. Since the policies were haphazardly enforced, and skirts and halter tops remained the norm.

During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Vietnam was divided into two regions, with the Nguyen family ruling the south. To distinguish their subjects from northerners, Nguyen lords ordered southern men and women to wear Chinese-style trousers and long, front-buttoning tunics. After the Nguyen family gained control over the entire country in 1802, the conservative Confucian Emperor Minh Mang banned women’s skirts on aesthetic and moral grounds.

Over the next century, precursors to the modern ao dai became popular in cities, at the royal court in Hue, and for holidays and festivals in the countryside. The outfit basically consisted of pants and a loose-fitting shirt with a stand-up collar and a diagonal closure that ran along the right side from the neck to the armpit, with some regional variations. These features of the ao dao were copied from Chinese and Manchu garments. The upper classes often layered several ao dai of different colors, with the neck left open to display the layers. Among peasants and laborers, however, the skirt (va) and halter top (yem) remained popular for daily wear.

During the 1930s Hanoi artist Nguyen Cat Tuong, also known as Lemur, presented ao dai styles inspired by French fashion. He designed them with light-colored, close-fitting tunics featured longer panels, puffy sleeves; asymmetrical lace collars, buttoned cuffs, scalloped hems, and darts at the waist and chest. Lemur’s Europeanized flared pants were white with snugly tailored hips. Criticized by conservatives, Lemur’s designs nonetheless marked the materialization of contemporary ao dai blending traditional Vietnamese elements with Western tailoring and bodily aesthetics.

French colonialism ended in 1954 with the division of Vietnam into North and South. In North Vietnam, Communist leaders criticized the ao dai as bourgeois, colonial, and impractical for manual labor, although women continued to wear it for special occasions.

When the ao dai fell into disfavor in socialist Vietnam, Vietnamese who had immigrated to the United States, Canada, Australia, or France preserved it as a symbol of their ethnic heritage. Ao dai were seen at fashion shows, Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations, weddings, and musical performances throughout the Vietnamese communities of the world, which numbered approximately 2.6 million in 2006.

Meanwhile, in capitalist South Vietnam, modifications of the garment continued. Madame Nhu the sister-in-law of President Ngo Dinh Diem, became notorious in the 1950s and 1960s for the very plunging necklines of her ao dai.

In 1975, the Vietnam War ended with the reunification of North and South under communist rule. Leaders derided the southern ao dai as decadent and promoted simpler, practical clothing styles. But austerity proved short-lived. By the 1990s, economic reforms and improved standards of living led to a revival of the ao dai within Vietnam and to growing international awareness of it as a symbol of Vietnamese identity. In 1989, the Women’s Newspaper in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) hosted the first Miss Ao Dai contest. Six years later, Miss Vietnam’s blue brocade ao dai won the prize for best national costume at Tokyo’s Miss International Pageant. Simple white ao dai have been reinstated in many cities and towns as uniforms for female high school students, while Vietnam Airlines flight attendants wear red ao dai.

The ao dai has also inspired non-Asian designers. Following the 1992 films "Indochine" and "The Lover", both set in the French colonial period, Ralph Lauren, Richard Tyler, Claude Montana, and Giorgio Armani presented ao dai–inspired collections. While “Indo-Chic” fashions can be Orientalist in their celebration of a demure and exotic Vietnamese femininity, they are typically welcomed in Vietnam as evidence that the ao dai has entered the canon of international fashion.

Some current designers employ novel fabrics, abstract motifs, and ethnic minority patterns, while others alter the tunic by opening necklines, removing sleeves, or replacing the long panels with fringe. The once scandalous white pants now seem outmoded, and women instead favor pants the same color as the tunic.

So the ao dia has an interesting history. But with the selections of materials and cuts, the ao dai allows the fashion-conscious plus size woman to be simultaneously trendy and fabulous throughout the year and on special occasions.

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For more tips and information on plus size fashion with an ethnic flair visit http://www.fabulous-plus-sizes.com a trendy plus size fashion website that provides tips, advice and resources to include plus size bras,jewelry plus size dresses, plus size evening dresses, and plus size wedding wear.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/try-protected-landscapes.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/try-protected-landscapes.html Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Most people think of greenhouses as solar meaning heated and lighted by the sun. Those that rely only on energy from the sun are passive systems. Solar greenhouses are insulated to collect and store energy from the sun for use at night and during cloudy weather. In areas such as the Pacific Northwest, however, most of the light in winter is diffuse and little direct light from the sun reaches the earth because of our cloudy climate. As a result, greenhouse production in these areas will likely require the use of supplementary light and/or heat. This type of greenhouse system is often referred to as an active system.

Greenhouses can be attached to a building (house, shed, barn) or freestanding. Most commercial greenhouses are freestanding. Whichever type you choose, the best placement is such that light is captured from all directions. For an attached greenhouse, the south side of a building will be the sunniest all year. The north side is not recommended. Another factor to consider in deciding where to locate a greenhouse is wind, especially one that is freestanding.

In the areas with long periods of short gray days during winter, solar heating can be unreliable. Electric lights and alternative heating sources (e.g., electric, gas or oil) can be used during the colder months to overcome this limitation. You may also want to install a backup heating system in case of power failure.

Some experts suggest that any greenhouse from simple hoop structures to glass conservatories which grow plants in the soil can produce vegetables without artificial heat. To achieve this, all you need is to do is add a second protective layer of translucent material inside the greenhouse. This twice tempered climate in your green- house is three zones warmer than where you live. USDA climate zones are based on a 10° F spread so this means the temperature inside a greenhouse could be 15-30° F warmer, a significant difference in the cool months of spring, autumn, and winter in many areas.

Ventilation is as important as heat. Lack of proper ventilation can result in too much heat or conditions that favor mildew and disease. So a completely sealed grrenhouse is not ideal.

Greenhouse production offers a wide variety of plant choices, including those that may be grown year round and those that can be transplanted outside. Cold tolerant vegetables such as brassicas, lettuce, spinach, scallions, parsnips, beets, chard, radishes, and turnips are easily grown in a greenhouse throughout the off seasons.

Winter plants have to be planted before winter to overcome the limitation on growth caused by the cooler temperatures of winter lower levels of light. During the period of winter when there are less than 10 hours of daylight, newly sown seeds grow very slowly. Count on these crops for early spring harvest.

Warm weather crops like melons, peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes can be started early in the greenhouse for later transplanting outside or can be grown inside the greenhouse all the way to harvest. Such crops will not yield as well in winter but it is possible to get tomatoes in winter with added light and heat. For winter growth in the greenhouse look for varieties of plants grown in the South which are varieties adapted to short-day culture.

Other possibilities for greenhouse growing include herbs, specialty or delicate plants such as orchids, some types of mushrooms, bedding plants, bulbs, potted flowers and, of course, cut flowers. Organic vegetables are prime candidates for greenhouse growing. Cut flowers that can be grown successfully include bachelor's button, calendula, carnation, chrysanthemum, gardenia, lupine, marigold, pincushion flower, poppy, snapdragon, stock, zinnias.
Whether you plant cold tolerant or heat loving plants, timing is key in greenhouse growing. Once you understand your greenhouse climate and light conditions you will be able to schedule plantings to maximize growth and harvest.

Disease is often best handled by practicing proper hygiene, cultivating strong, healthy plants which will be more resistant to disease and pests, and weeding out weak and sick ones. Diseases and pests can enter the greenhouse via insects, in soil, on plants, and on seeds so careful handling and monitoring can go a long way to prevent disease and pest infestation.

Prevention is very important in the greenhouse environment but diseases and pests will inevitably be a problem at one time or another. Pest management rather than eradication is a more realistic goal and is the basis of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Perhaps the most important aspect of IPM for greenhouses is monitoring and understanding the life cycle and behavior of pests. This information will help you develop the most effective control strategy, and enjoy the benefits of your greenhouse.

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Create a safe playground and other landscaping ideas visit http://www.better-landscaping.com a website that provides special tips and resources on landscaping.

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