History Of Fly Fishing
You should be able to find several indispensable facts about Fly Fishing in the following paragraphs. If there’s at least one fact you didn’t know before, imagine the difference it might make.
Fly fishing has been around in various forms for many years. Early historical records indicate that Macedonian fishermen were using artificial flies to catch fish as early as the second century. The Roman Claudius Aelianus described the Macedonian anglers as using six-foot rods with six-foot line. Aelianus detailed how the Macedonian fishermen would craft artificial flies from a hook with red wool and insect wings tied on. These Macedonian fishermen were apparently quite successful with their technique. There is also some evidence that fishing with artificial flies may even predate the second-century Macedonian techniques.
Unfortunately, little else was written about ancient fly fishing methods. It was 1496 before any major work was published describing fly fishing.
It is thought that modern fly fishing probably developed in England and Scotland. Fly fishing techniques similar to modern techniques began to be developed in England in the 19th century. Around this time fly fishing clubs were also formed in England to accommodate a growing interest in the sport. Part of the interest in fly fishing in southern England was because of the prevalence of shallow, weedy rivers. Fly fishing proved to be well-adapted to this type of water course.
Fly fishing quickly became something of an elitist sport in England. Fly fishing purists insisted on fishing with dry flies only and looked down on wet fly fishing as being inferior. Wet fly fishing continued to be developed around the same time, however. The US and Scandinavia also saw fly fishing popularity increase during the 19th century. However, anglers in the US and Scandinavia did not share the English view concerning the superiority of dry fly fishing. US and Scandinavian anglers fished both dry and wet flies.
Truthfully, the only difference between you and Fly Fishing experts is time. If you’ll invest a little more time in reading, you’ll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Fly Fishing.
Fly fishing materials have continued to develop over the years. Significant advances have been made in fly fishing equipment, including rods, line and flies.
Early fly fishing rods were made from a tropical wood known as greenheart. Bamboo replaced greenheart as fly fishing popularity spread. Bamboo rods were further refined as American rod builders developed advanced rod building techniques that involved cutting the bamboo into strips before gluing the bamboo back together around a solid core. Following World War II fiberglass became a popular material for fly rod construction. The fiberglass rods were more affordable than their bamboo predecessors since bamboo rods may take as much as 100 hours to build. Modern fly fishing rods are usually made from a graphite compound. Modern rods are less expensive than earlier rods and perform exceptionally well.
Artificial flies were originally made from natural materials like feathers and fur. Most modern flies are made from synthetic materials.
Fly line has also been improved quite a bit. Fly fishing line used to be made of horse hair. Horse hair line was replaced by silk line. The silk line was an improvement over horse hair but the line still had to be removed from the reel periodically to allow it to dry.
US interest in fly fishing peaked in the 1920s with Maine, Vermont and Wisconsin being the most popular areas for fly fishing. Interest increased again in the 1950s with the development of affordable, fiberglass fly fishing rods, synthetic fly line and monofilament leaders. These developments served to make fly fishing a more affordable sport for many people.
As your knowledge about Fly Fishing continues to grow, you will begin to see how Fly Fishing fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.
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Creating A Work Home Business Internet Online
Within this article today, we’re going to look at creating a work at home business that focuses on the Internet and online. There are many different businesses that you can focus on and we will look at what you should look for within a particular business that you want to do.
There are great many opportunities for you in creating a work at home business that focus on the Internet and online. One of the best resources for you to find information about this is at www.affiliateprograms.com. You’ll want to spend a great deal of time visiting this website because you can find many different affiliate programs that you can market in many different categories. Some of the categories that they have that you can market include finance and investment, food and beverage, automotive, and health and fitness. Take the time to read because each affiliate program will list their website as well as a small description on what they do and you will want to visit the website as well. If you are going to be spending a great deal of your time promoting a particular website and program, you’ll want to make sure that this is worth your while. Also, with each of these particular programs, you should look at how much money you would be making by selling each of these. You’ll probably find several programs that seem interesting to you so see which one peaks your interest and pays well and head for that opportunity.
If you don’t have accurate details regarding Creating An Online Business, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.
As far as fair warning for what seems to be opportunities on the Web for other things, there are many different websites that promise that you can make money through either taking surveys or through posting on free forums for several hours day. This sounded good and many people have signed up and found that they have wasted a great deal of time and money in the end when trying out these so-called “opportunities. Remember to listen to your gut when you’re thinking about this. There are many work-at-home scams out there so make sure to take your time in reading about what the different websites have to offer.
Another great work home business that has an online focus can be eBay. This is stressed throughout some articles on this website but it is a great tool for you to begin your career. You can learn how to write sales copy for your auctions as well as how to properly promote yourself. If you take the lessons to be learned on eBay and apply them to other Internet marketing areas, you will find yourself ready to tackle almost anything out there.
Hopefully this article on creating a work at home business that focuses on the Internet and online has been beneficial to you. When we designed this article and wrote it, we want you to know what to look for within a particular business as well as what to do for it. It is important to know what to look for as well as what to avoid.
Of course, it’s impossible to put everything about Creating An Online Business into just one article. But you can’t deny that you’ve just added to your understanding about Creating An Online Business, and that’s time well spent.
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By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!
Costa Rican Culture And The Diversity
When you’re learning about something new, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.
Costa Ricans are actually a close knit people who are homebound until they get married or leave home for college. Many events like baptisms and weddings are prominent among native Costa Ricans because this is where they have the largest turnout of family and friends. Traditions are also gender based and many tourists learn about that when they visit the country. What makes Costa Rica different from other countries is their practice of a lukewarm approach to Catholicism that combines a strange ritual of parties and religious celebrations during the time mostly Catholic and Indian traditions.
Tourists would be lucky to catch natives engaged in rituals common to them. Most of the things that natives do that tourists are lucky to catch are mostly religious based since Costa Ricans are Catholic and it’s all church or family based when they celebrate special occasions. Even the most non-traditional tourist will get the feeling they’re right at home when they visit Costa Rica since much of the lifestyle there is all based on generous hospitality.
This is kind of like the American south where hospitality is the way of life and tourists who visit get the feeling like they’re at home with nice people. That’s the feeling tourists get when they’re at home with Costa Ricans who make you feel like you’re one of them. The traditions of family, and religion go hand in hand with many different kinds of people and the diversity of the cultures that partake in the spirit of family and religion. Music is also a huge thing in Costa Rican culture and most of it is based on ancient Mayan influence and a mix of Afro/Cuban/Caribbean bringing the east and west together to make what they call tambito and punto. Costa Ricans also pioneered their answer to the funk music movement of the 1970s identical to what the American genre that was popular among teens and young adults.
If you don’t have accurate details regarding Costa Rica, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.
The food is a mix of Mexican, Spanish, Caribbean, and Southern American influences so many Americans who come to visit Costa Rica feel as if they’re right at home since the culture is so diverse in ethnicity even though the national language is Spanish so anyone who visits who’s pretty fluent in Spanish will be able to communicate and fit in with the people even as a visitor.
The food many tourists are encouraged to try is ‘Gallo Pinto’-Spanish for ‘Spotted Rooster’, but there’s no chicken in this dish. That consists of black beans and rice seasoned with cilantro, onions, garlic, salt, and a locally made condiment ‘Salsa Lizano’, and this dish is typically a traditional meal eaten for breakfast with eggs, meat and sour cream.
Another traditional Costa Rican cuisine is ‘Arroz con pollo’ (rice and chicken), the dish has bite sized chicken chunks mixed with rice and diced vegetables of carrots, peas, corn and garbanzo beans (known in America as chick peas). Which is typically made as a weekend meal is called ‘Olla de Carne’ which is a soup made up by boiling water, meat usually chicken, and whole to large pieces of vegetables and seasoned with spices.
Making this dish is time consuming since the bulk of the meal consists of preparing the vegetables. Experiencing a multitude of flavors in Costa Rican cooking will make a tourist leave there with the flavor of home on their mind.
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By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!
Possible Short-Term Benefits of Global Warming
The following article presents the very latest information on Global Warming. If you have a particular interest in Global Warming, then this informative article is required reading.
It is certain that enough global warming would be harmful to human beings. If the temperatures were hot enough and the sea levels were high enough, it would spell an end to life as it is known at this time. Yet, there may be some short-term benefits of global warming.
Few people would argue and say that a warm climate is not preferable to a cold one. Not only are warm climates generally more pleasant, there are health benefits as well. People who suffer from conditions that are affected by the cold, such as rheumatoid arthritis, often move to warmer climates. A small amount of global warming would allow people to stay in their homes.
One scientist did an extensive study of statistics to find out the health benefits of warmer weather. He studied the numbers of deaths in different months of the year in places that get cold in the winter and warm in the summer. He determined that many more people die in the winter than in the summer. This would seem to support the benefits of global warming.
However, he also noted that the statistics in this part of the study were not entirely accurate. They were muddied by the fact that there are other considerations during season changes that would not occur in global warming. For example, days were shorter in winter, but they would not be shorter if more global warming occurred.
In 2004, it was observed by lobster fishermen that the warmer temperatures caused by global warming had affected their work. There seemed to be an abundance of Maine lobsters living and thriving in the warmer waters. They were happy for the increase, but expected it to be short-lived as the optimal temperature for lobsters probably has a very small range.
The more authentic information about Global Warming you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Global Warming expert. Read on for even more Global Warming facts that you can share.
It has been thought for quite some time that global warming would increase the amount of corn, wheat, barley, and other grains that could be grown. Not only the warmer weather and the longer growing seasons were anticipated to yield this result. Carbon dioxide exposure was expected to increase productivity along with global warming.
Studies have shown, though, that the carbon dioxide benefits are very minimal. Current projections are that farmers will only be able to keep up with demand for crops for a few more decades. Then, it is predicted that world-wide shortages will take hold.
Furthermore, agriculture in tropical zones is expected to decline rapidly as the temperature becomes too hot to support plant life. The temperate zones will be able to have better farming, and more of the world’s crops will be grown there.
Some economists point to global warming as a boon to international trade. They feel that the loss of ice sheets in the Arctic will open up routes that have not been accessible in the past. This will provide faster travel between Europe, America, and Asia, they say.
People give plenty of reasons to embrace global warming. They see only promise in the climate change of their planet. Perhaps they just do not want to feel required to do anything about global warming. Or, perhaps there is some room for hope.
Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of Global Warming. Share your new understanding about Global Warming with others. They’ll thank you for it.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!
Home Security Appliance Control System
The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you’ll find that the subject of Home Security is certainly no exception.
Technology has made it possible for homeowners to implement home security appliance control systems that monitor appliances and security systems.
One touch automation allows homeowners to control every room in the home. The coffee pot comes on automatically in the morning. The lights come on automatically. When it’s time to get in the car and go to work or school, the garage light comes on, lighting the way to the car.
Arrive home at night after dark to find the porch light on. Fall asleep listening to favorite music. Customized home automation routines can easily be created according to family schedules and routines.
A special remote control operates the home security appliance control system center in addition to the television, entertainment center, DVD player, stereo and more. Some systems come with keychain remotes allowing activation from the car.
Some of the things a quality home security appliance control system will allow homeowners to do include:
- controlling appliances, lighting and wall switches
- set up timed events
The more authentic information about Home Security you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Home Security expert. Read on for even more Home Security facts that you can share.
- set night and day routines to automatically adjust to changes in sunrise and sunset
- control holiday lighting
A good system is user friendly and easy to learn. Wireless systems do not require home rewiring. Special routines can be set for when homeowners are away or the regular routine can continue. Either choice gives the impression that someone is still in residence.
Smart homes, as totally automated homes are often called, are becoming more affordable and easier to operate. Homeowners don’t have to fear price or learning curve in adding a home security appliance control system.
Integrating a home security alarm system with the appliance control doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult.
Why are homeowners turning to home security appliance control systems? For several reasons, including convenience, control and security.
Using a home security appliance control system saves homeowners time by conveniently automating routine tasks. Watering the lawn, turning on the coffee pot, turning off the coffee pot, turning interior and exterior lights off and on, setting the thermostat for night or day settings, alarming the security system before bed. All of these tasks, and more, can be done automated.
Homeowners with home theater systems can automate turning off the lights, drawing the drapes, turning on the system and starting the movie.
Security and peace of mind are important reasons homeowners implement home security appliance control systems. Automating a home gives the homeowner security in knowing the home conditions can be monitored and viewed from anywhere at any time. If anything goes wrong, an alarm will sound, the homeowner will receive notification, and proper authorities will be notified.
Emergency routine automation lets homeowners rest knowing that if a fire is detected, the system will alert the homeowner, shut down ventilation and gas, light an exit route for any family members in residence and telephone the fire department.
Automation via a home security appliance control system saves money and energy when appliances are on set for needed times only. Lighting, heating, air conditioning, water heaters and other home components use less energy when activated as needed.
Home Security Appliance Control Systems provide several benefits to homeowners. They allow total control of security systems in addition to appliance control. Time and money are saved when appliances run as scheduled instead of all the time. There’s peace of mind in knowing home conditions are being monitored at all times.
Knowing enough about Home Security to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you’ve just learned about Home Security, you should have nothing to worry about.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!
The Science and Technology of Beekeeping
Have you ever wondered if what you know about Beekeeping is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on Beekeeping.
Modern science has allowed us to cultivate a food product that works much better than sugar and is readily available, but the issue is that the production element is seasonal unfortunately. That’s because bees are less active during the cold months and that can slow production down until around late March early April when the flowers officially bloom which makes pollen the plentiful for bees to feed on. Science is a mystery for bees because in some ways they resemble humans by how they sense changes in weather, environment and the organization of how they live resembles a lot like humans.
If bees were able to live like humans we would be compatible yet the only thing that separates humans from bees is that the females are not permanently grounded and pregnant where humans only have a gestational period of 9 months and have a choice of how many children they have where bees are constantly reproducing with no break in between since the Queen will mate with 2-3 drones by the temperature of the weather and then she’s inseminated for a good 2 or 3 years and she’ll keep making babies until the sperm runs out or stops producing eggs.
You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about Beekeeping. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?
The average queen once she’s mated can turn out 2000 eggs a day during the spring run and essentially live for another two years and then a new Queen is reared to take over the colony. Basically Queen bees have the monumental task of keeping the population fresh and all colonies are not the same since different species of bees will live identical to each other, but they may have a different mating pattern and schedule. Humans are about right there, but we have a different way of mating which is done when we feel like it not when the season or weather changes.
Queens are identified by their buzzing sound, which is distinct to the sound that drones and worker bees make when they communicate with each other. The Queen’s buzz is more high pitched and she’s constantly surrounded with drones and workers who give their lives to protect the queen and are known to swarm incessantly which kind of falls in the wayside of how the secret service react when the president’s security is compromised and breached they will attack when they feel threatened and their duty is to protect the queen at all costs the way the president has round the clock security from the secret service.
That’s how close knit a colony of bees are and that’s the mystery many beekeepers are trying to learn and match with the nature of humans and their interaction with each other. Bees are like one giant family since the majority of a hive is female, but only one will make it as the Queen who rules over the colony to carry on the next spawn of offspring to carry on the lineage of the colony. This is what makes science and technology interesting for bees and the keepers who maintain their homes to bring forth protecting and nurturing an interesting creature that people are blatantly misunderstanding a lot. Bees are like people except they fly and reproduce enough offspring to keep going non-stop for 2-3 years.
If you’ve picked some pointers about Beekeeping that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won’t really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don’t use it.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!
Geothermal Power as Alternative Energy
We should be doing everything possible to develop geothermal energy technologies. This is a largely untapped area of tremendous alternative energy potential, as it simply taps the energy being naturally produced by the Earth herself. Vast amounts of power are present below the surface crust on which we move and have our being. All we need do is tap into it and harness it.
At the Earths’ core, the temperature is 60 times greater than that of water being boiled. The tremendous heat creates pressures that exert themselves only a couple of miles below us, and these pressures contain huge amounts of energy. Superheated fluids in the form of magma, which we see the power and energy of whenever there is a volcanic eruption, await our tapping. These fluids also trickle to the surface as steam and emerge from vents. We can create our own vents, and we can create out own containment chambers for the magma and convert all of this energy into electricity to light and heat our homes. In the creation of a geothermal power plant, a well would be dug where there is a good source of magma or heated fluid. Piping would be fitted down into the source, and the fluids forced to the surface to produce the needed steam. The steam would turn a turbine engine, which would generate the electricity.
It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of Alternative Energy is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about Alternative Energy.
There are criticisms of geothermal energy tapping which prevent its being implemented on the large scale which it should be. Critics say that study and research to find a resourceful area is too costly and takes up too much time. Then there is more great expense needed to build a geothermal power plant, and there is no promise of the plant turning a profit. Some geothermal sites, once tapped, might be found to not produce a large enough amount of steam for the power plant to be viable or reliable. And we hear from the environmentalists who worry that bringing up magma can bring up potentially harmful materials along with it.
However, the great benefits of geothermal energy would subsume these criticisms if only we would explore it more. The fact that geothermal energy is merely the energy of the Earth herself means it does not produce any pollutants. Geothermal energy is extremely efficient?the efforts needed to channel it are minimal after a site is found and a plant is set up. Geothermal plants, furthermore, do not need to be as large as electrical plants, giant dams, or atomic energy facilities?the environment would thus be less disrupted. And, needless to say, it is an alternative form of energy?using it would mean we become that much less dependent on oil and coal. Perhaps most importantly of all?we are never, ever going to run out of geothermal energy, and it is not a commodity that would continuously become more expensive in terms of real dollars as time passes, since it is ubiquitous. Geothermal energy would be, in the end, very cheap, after investigation and power plant building costs are recouped.
Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!
Payday Loans – Pros & Cons
Everything in this world has a good side and a bad side. Oftentimes, these things determine whether one idea or undertaking is worth the risk or not. This is also true with payday loans. The term ‘payday loan’ is derived from the word payday wherein you will repay the loan on the said time.
What is a payday loan? For those of you who don’t know what the loan is al about, this is an excellent chance to discover its good and the bad side. Basically, a payday loan is a short-term loan given to borrowers between payday periods to help finance urgent expenses or difficulties. The loans are sometimes called cash advances or paycheck advances and is often limited to $1500 only.
Payday loans have definitely received considerable controversy. This is where the ‘cons’ enter as critics claim that lenders target the helpless poor and the innocent young adults. These people, as the critics say, don’t understand the importance of money. They even call lenders as loan sharks because of the high interest charges which can reach as high as 250% depending on the credit score of the borrower and the loan amount.
People who belong in the middle class are even better off using cerdit cards instead of obtaining payday loans because the interest charges are about 25% only. So you see, the poor sector and the young adults pay a much higher interest on the loans.
If there are critics, then there are also proponents of payday loans. They want to impart to the people the ‘pros’ or the benefits that you can derive in applying for payday loans. Proponents claim that the short-term payday loans are much better than the long-term loans offered by national banks. The processing charges are much less as compared to the long term loan applications.
Now that we’ve covered those aspects of Payday Loans, let’s turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.
Some supporters also claim that in the event of late credit card payments or bouncing checks wherein the borrower incurs expenses, the costs incurred by payday loan borrowers are still much less. The conventional interests are not that profitable and even New York’s Federal Bank Reserve claimed that the loans can support cash flow in between paydays.
Families can enjoy living a much better life with the aid of the payday loans especially when urgent need for cash is required. The mothly budget will not have to suffer because there is an alternative source of instant cash. Another good thing about the loans is that individuals with low credit scores can also avail since it is not included in their criteria. Their criteria for applying loans include the age, the job and salary, and a checking account.
Once you comply with these criteria, you can already avail of the loan. There is no need to fax documents and other important information because everything is done online. You just need to provide a few details about yourself and fill out the application form. After that, you can already submit the application and wait until the cash amount is transferred to your account. So you see, the convenience is all there and you can just repay the loan amount on your next payday.
If you think that the pros outweigh the cons, then you can take advantage of these payday loans. The decision is entirely yours. Besides, the payday loans are designed to meet urgent need for cash and it is not intended to be used for everyday consumption. When you need cash badly and you’re unable to borrow from relatives or friends, this is the best solution that you can get.
Still, if you can save a little amount every month to cover unexpected expenses, all the better.As a responsible adult, you should know how to handle all your expenses, even the urgent ones. If you have savings, then you will not borrow money. Just in case you borrow through payday loans, make sure that you pay on time so that you will not have problems in the future, especially that concerning your credit records.
And remember to borrow only when needed.
Those who only know one or two facts about Payday Loans can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you’re learning here.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!
How to Install Your Stained Glass Window
Imagine the next time you join a discussion about Stained Glass. When you start sharing the fascinating Stained Glass facts below, your friends will be absolutely amazed.
Many centuries ago stained glass windows were used almost exclusively in grandiose cathedrals. The installation was easily achieved as on opening was made in the stone and concrete structure to the window specifications (or the window was made to the size of the opening) and metal loops and bars were cemented into the window opening during construction specifically to be soldered to the metal bars and loops that are attached to the stained glass window. Stained glass in no longer limited to places of religious worship or even to just the rich and famous, so how does one go about installing a stained glass window in a modern day structure?
You have a several options available to you, assuming that you do not live in a grand cathedral and that your home was not specifically constructed with stained glass windows in mind.
One of the easiest ways to install your stained glass window is over the existing window. Your stained glass window overlay should measure about 1/8″ smaller around each edge than the original window. First make sure the existing window and inside window frame is clean and dry, you don’t want any dirt or moisture permanently pressed between the pieces of glass. First, check to see that the stained glass panel will fit into your window. You can place 1/8″ cardboard or wood spacers around the bottom of the window and run a small bead of caulk around the inside edge of the window frame.
Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there’s more to Stained Glass than you may have first thought.
You may use either clear caulk or a colored caulk that matches your window frame. Now, press the stained glass panel into place and fill in carefully with additional caulk. Be sure to smooth the caulk carefully with your fingers, wiping the excess unto clean tissue and discarding immediately. It is important not to get the caulk on the stained glass panel (if you do simply wipe it away with clean fingers and wipe them with clean tissue). Once the window is caulked in place you will need to secure it there for 24 hours to allow the caulk to set properly.
Using wood blocks or stacked pieces of cardboard brace the window in place and tape across the bracing for the next day. At this point, you may consider the job complete or you could add some wood trim around the inside for a more finished look and added stability. Another easy solution would be to use your stained glass panel as a window hanging and simply solder hooks to the rebar on your stained glass panel secure a chain into the window frame and hang the stained glass panel. This option allows you to take your stained glass with you if you move.
The next option may require some professional help. You may want to have your stained glass panel put into a wood, aluminum, or vinyl window frame. The stained glass window can be protected on either side with tempered glass which will provide better insulation to your home as well. At this point the window can be installed in the same way as a normal new or replacement window, by screwing it into the window frame. Whatever method you choose, your new stained glass window is sure to add beauty, value and enjoyment to your home.
Now might be a good time to write down the main points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what’s important about Stained Glass.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!
New Year’s Day Postcards
When you’re learning about something new, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.
When the picture postcard fad hit America nearly a century ago, publishers found a ready market for special greeting cards for every holiday including New Year’s. The public eagerly purchased seasonal postcards to exchange with relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers. They were also lovingly saved in keepsake albums.
New Year’s Day items were especially attractive because of their superior artistic designs and the fascinating array of seasonal features found on them. Nearly every theme and topic associated with New Year throughout the centuries found its way onto the different postcards crafted by countless artists in the earliest years of the century which would be from 1900 to about 1916. Both domestic and imported cards featured grandfather clocks, watches, father time and lovely women and radiant angels.
Though they often relied on traditional symbols and motifs, American illustrators did drawings in a more modern style than did their counterparts in Europe. Holiday revelers in autos were heavily favored by International Art Pub. Co. (New York City). Funny scenes of tipsy gentlemen and other portrayals of holiday celebrating are characteristic of American made New Year’s Day postcards. Artists such as Ellen Clapsaddle, Frances Brundage, and H. B. Griggs (”HBG”) have always commanded a great amount of attention from collectors.
So intense was the competition that many companies resorted to adding extra attractions to their cards. Nearly all quality cards automatically came embossed and many were embellished with gelatin coatings, gold and silver etchings, and gold backgrounds. Tinsel was added and edges scalloped. Also marketed were blank check postcards in which the recipient received a “check” good for “a million joys in the coming year,” or something similarly whimsical attachment of every kind were applied. The list includes die-cuts of flowers, horseshoes, doves and little notes in tiny envelopes. A number of “magic light” varieties such as hold-to lights and transparencies enjoyed brisk sales.
Most of this information comes straight from the Post Card pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you’ll know what they know.
Quite often, especially after 1910, many publishers and distributors took old stocks of other postcard topics including scenes of animals, children and lovely ladies then overprinted them with all sorts of New Year’s greetings.
Among foreign publishers, none was more prolific or produced better cards than Raphael Tuck & Sons. The London firm exported huge numbers of holiday postcards to this country. Their artists favored charming children, beautiful women and Father Time. However, floral designs were also used extensively.
The modern day folded greeting card and envelope came into prominence in the 1920s and has remained the standard ever since. Very little modern activity has ever occurred in regard to New Year’s Day postcards.
Today’s collectors are very lucky in that a vast amount of New Year’s Day postcards is still available. Prices, except for about 10% of the very best and most beautiful cards tend to be a bit lower than those for other holidays. It is still possible to put together a very good collection of the New Year holiday.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!