Thursday, September 6, 2007
Copyright 2006 Computer Guys Live Inc.
This time last year, if we had one or two parents come in concerned about something they had found on their child's computer that was a lot. This year, we are seeing two or three a week and that is just the cases we know about. Now we are used to not having our advice listened to, advice on such things as back-up your data or don't use your Outlook for storage, but as parents we are responsible for the safety of our children. Keeping them safe from online predators requires setting up limits.
If you are a parent, you need to learn about this. If that means taking a course or buying a book, then do it. It is very hard to protect your kids if you don't know what they are doing. The next articles discuss how a predator works and how easy you can make it for them. Then, after we thoroughly scare you we will show you how to set up protection. But, this week we will start with the 10 essential tips to safeguard your children.
1- Don't forbid Internet use. In all probability they will defy your ban on the sly.
2- Filtering software won't block all the dangers kids face online, but it is a good start. Visit web sites with your child wherever possible.
3- Understand the technologies. Take a class, read books, try the sites yourself. The more you know the better you can talk to your children.
4- Real important, place the computer in a common room. Kids won't expect privacy there.
5- Talk to the parents of your child's friends. Most kids use computers at a friend's home.
6- Teach your kids the "embarrassment rule". Never post anything they wouldn't want everyone to read.
7- Tell them to be careful about what they post regarding other people. Predator friendly info is often left by friends posting comments.
8- Let your child know that it's important to tell you if he or she is ever approached online or receives inappropriate content.
9- Look for red flags that your child is in danger, such as minimizing a browser when you enter the room or type phrases like POS (Parent over shoulder) into chat windows.
10- If you think there may be a problem, report it to the authorities, and also to your Internet service provider.
Keeping your child safe online requires constant vigilance. The high number of missing and exploited children attests to the fact that internet predators can be a real threat. In the next article we will discuss how a predator can find out information about your child, including where your child lives.
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Chris Kaminski has been working in computer repair and web development for the last 20 years. Kaminski is CEO and head technician for Computer Guys Live Inc., an online computer repair company based in Asheville, NC. He writes informative weekly articles about internet safety and computer technology. Visit http://computerguyslive.com for more tech tips, online computer repair and internet safety information.
Is An Antler Chandelier For You?
Picture this - rustic dining room in a cozy A frame or country home and a fabulous antler chandelier as the focus. It looks awesome! And if you don't believe me have a look at some of the home décor websites.
One very unique feature of antler chandeliers is that each one is unique. Yes they may be similar in style or color but because each set of antlers is truly unique the chandelier must also be.
Antler chandeliers are truly a form of art that will add an element of design and beauty to your room. And what a great way to reflect on your western heritage!
So what type of décor do you use an antler chandelier in? Well you have plenty of choices. As mentioned early a country home with a country dining room. A rustic dining room would be very fitting as well, but so would an early American or Southwestern, or Native American theme.
Now those are all common sense decors but antlers can make quite a trendy statement too in a modern or contemporary room, especially if you take your time and choose a style that works as a piece of art. Antler chandeliers also look terrific in a room that's filled with game hunters finds. Perhaps a taxidermy duck, bear, elk head, or any other fitting wild game.
Antler chandeliers are available with traditional candle settings or in their more modern electric form. There are many choices on the market and there are also several online companies that will allow you to customize your chandelier right down to the type of light socket covers it has. It's a terrific option for those who know what they want right down to the last detail!
Here are some of the style options to consider.
1. Mule Deer Antlers
Mule deer antler chandeliers can range from smaller sizes around 28" in diameter to much larger at 48" in diameter. The number of light fixtures runs from as little as 6 to as many as 12 and occasionally even more depending on style.
The bucks' antlers, begin growing in the spring and they are shed usually sometime in December each year. They are high and branch forward, forking equally into 2 tines with a spread up to 4 feet making them an excellent choice for a chandelier.
2. Fallow Deer Antlers
The fallow deer antlers make a very interesting and unique chandelier because of the type of antlers they have and the size of those antlers. A 50" diameter is quite common.
This is a medium sized deer and the adult males have large palmate antlers. The bucks develop spike antlers that begin to develop in their first year and continue to grow until 3-4 years old. The cast only antlers comprised of beams and simple points.
3. Rocky Mountain Elk
The rocky mountain elk provides the basis for a spectacular chandelier and a wide selection in size and style. Their sharp pointed prongs with a beam that sweeps both up, back, and out has a nice artistic effect on the finished product.
By year 2 the bulls spike are anywhere from 8 to 15 inches long and by year 3 they have 4 or 5 points. By the 4th year the antlers have become much heavier and after year 5 they are much larger, heavier, and have at least 6 points. It is said they actually develop their best set of antlers as an old bull around age 11. By this age they can be 5 feet long with 10 points and weight more than 25 pounds. Now that's a chandelier!
The mature bulls will shed their antlers during February and March while the younger bulls will usually shed later in May. New antlers begin to grow as soon as the old ones have been shed. The antler cycle is very regulated
You can quickly see why these elk horns make such great fixtures. Variety in age, size, points, and color provide a wealth of décor choices!
4. White Tail Deer
The white tail deer chandeliers come in a range of sizes, weights and fixtures from as few as 4 candle lights to as many as 10. The style of these chandeliers makes them perfect for a game room, family room over a pool table or in a dining room.
Only the male deer grow antlers which they shed each year. The growth starts in the early spring and by September the antlers are full grown. Deer antlers are actually the fastest growing tissue that man knows about. They will grow about ˝" per day and they become covered with a live material that is called velvet that is eventually rubbed off.
A buck of about 10 months old and by one year of age spikes are commonly seen. Spikes are more common than branches in deer that are undernourished. Spike bucks shed earlier than branched bucks.
White-tailed deer mature at between 5 to 8 years and deer that with spiked antlers in their younger years often mature to be trophy adults. Trophy antlers make superb chandeliers
5. Faux Antlers
For those of you that prefer not to actually have the real deal not to worry you can make your fashion décor statement with faux antlers. These faux antlers are truly amazing with the same quality finish of the real thing. Generally they are made from resin making them very durable and a lot cheaper than the real thing!
If you've got a rustic, country, or southwestern décor consider adding an antler chandelier. You'll love the look!
About The Author:
Daren has been lighting store for 10 years now and has become experienced with installing lighting in various areas. He has decided to create http://www.lightingus.com to answer many of the questions he has come across many times. Visit his website to learn more about decorative outdoor lighting.
Types Of Lamp Shades To Choose From
Lamps play an important role in your home décor and helping to set the tone of your room. But the style of the shade is as important as the style of the lamp. Here are some types of lamp shades to choose from to complete your room.
1. Victorian
The Victorian era was filled with romance and lavishness. It was a highly ornamental period filled with emotion. Rooms were extravagantly decorated in rich color palettes. Floral prints and decorative trims filled rooms and furniture was influenced by many styles.
Modern Victorian styles reflect the romance and lavishness of the past but fabrics may be a little lighter and fancy. Tassels and fringes are commonly used and lace around window treatments and pillows.
Lighting reflects luxury and romance with lots of bronze metals, Tiffany styles and hurricane lamps. Glass shades are hand painted, intricately detailed and so beautiful! They are lavish, romantic, and certainly evoke emotion.
2. Arts & Crafts & Mission Style
As industrialization arrived styles began to change to reflect the modern times. Frank Lloyd Wright, Gustav Stickley, and William Morris were visionaries who encouraged a return to the simpler more functional lines of design. Lavishness was about to become a thing of the past.
Lighting took on sleek distinctive lines that were clean and appealing. Shades were soft, translucent, beautiful, but not overbearing. Whether you choose an antique lamp or a more modern piece done in the arts and crafts style you'll find it the perfect choice for a variety of room decors including traditional, country, and ethnic.
3. Contemporary
Contemporary simply means modern and fresh. Stronger, cleaner lines with no visible ornamentation, wood with rich fabrics for contrast, deep wood tones, with comfort as a main focus. Overall casual with a bit of an eclectic touch and never complicated.
Lighting is a very important element in the contemporary décor used to highlight a focal point or provide a soft relaxing wash across the room. Harmony is important and is achieved through light choices.
Lighting is function but at the same time they are artistic. Wood is important but at the same time metals such as pewter and stainless steel continue to grow in popularity providing a very fitting sleek line. Shade choices are plentiful with a common theme of simplistic lines and colors. Contemporary tends to focus more on the body of the lamp than the actual shade.
4. French Country
Today this is the most popular décor style with its cozy, warm and inviting styles. Its roots come from the hills of rural France and you'll instantly understand why it has grown in popularity once you've experienced it.
Cabriole legs, iron work, toile fabrics, roses, and roosters are all common themes to French country. The colors include rich shades of yellow, blue, red, and green. Pottery is down to earth and includes earthenware and terracotta.
Lighting is functional but inviting. It adds to the room's ambiance providing a relaxing atmosphere that's enjoyed by all. Shades are noticeable but not overpowering. They are inviting and rich with color and design styles vary significantly.
5. Global Chic
Travel the world and you are certain to find decorative influences from different parts of the world that you love. Global chic lets you gather all these different ethnic decors and fit them into your room resulting in a very chic theme!
Done right, it's not overpowering, chaotic, or unsettling. Instead it provides a unique blend of colors and styles from Moroccan to Asian. Add some spice colors which are so warm and inviting, mix with some silk fabrics, and add a little animal print. Wow!
Lighting choices are endless for this theme. Look for unusual, unique pieces that truly do add to your room's décor. In fact settle for nothing less! Your shades should be noticeable works of art that intrigue your guests and elicit great conversation.
6. Traditional
Traditional is actually quite a broad term covering several European and American decorative periods over time. The best determination of traditional is simply that it is timeless. Traditional décor is comfortable, personalize, and timeless. It fits any room, any home, and any atmosphere.
Today traditional has had a bit of a face lift with the infusion of brighter colors and less structured fabric prints. It's a little more creative than it once was so there is more visual interest in the room.
Crystal lighting looks wonderful in a traditional room and so does brass with a crystal or tiffany style shade. Think rich, deep colors for your shades.
7. Colonial
American Colonial dates to the late 19th century and is very different from the colonial from homelands where can and rattan were often used for furniture, replaced by wood in America. But pattern choices remained strong with lions, monkeys, elephants, and other tropical animals. Bold Island patterns are an important part of a colonial style.
When it comes to lighting be sure to carry this animal theme forward whether you choose lamp bases that reflect the animals or lamp shades that are done in animal fabric. It's the crux of your entire colonial theme.
There are so many different décor themes to choose from. Your lamp shade should compliment your room décor and it should not only be functional they should create visual interest in the room.
There are many online sites that have a terrific selection of lamp shades for every décor style. So why not start looking now? That perfect shade might just be waiting for you!
About The Author:
Daren has been lighting store for 10 years now and has become experienced with installing lighting in various areas. He has decided to create http://www.lightingus.com to answer many of the questions he has come across many times. Visit his website to learn more about decorative outdoor lighting.
