Sunday, September 4, 2011

Crystal Chandeliers: The Risk Of Buying Online


Crystal chandeliers are perfect lighting fixtures for living rooms, foyers, dining rooms and ballrooms. They not only provide elegant ambient lighting, they also add a truly unique element of style and sophistication to your current home decor.


After thorough research, choose the crystal fixture that perfectly suits your preferences. One major aspect about purchasing chandeliers on the Internet is that, these online stores will let you browse on its collection and display of detailed photos, along with the exact descriptions of the different designs sold there.The Internet Is a Convenient Venue For Chandelier-ShoppingSize And Dimension Are Important Before Choosing Which Type To BuyIn order make sure that you find the best lighting fixture that is appropriate for your home's existing dimensions, you need to first do a lot of research on the different models and styles available, by visiting your neighborhood home decor or lighting shop, and by surfing for home lighting info from online stores and consumer information sites on the Internet. If you wish to buy a chandelier online, you won�t have a lighting consultant present to help you figure out how to measure or install it.To be sure you go to a credible and professional chandelier dealer, do a lot of research and make comparisons of the online store's prices, payment modes, warranty options and cancellation terms. As there different crystal lighting designs online, customers should ask for pictures and details of the different lighting pieces they offer.A perfect way to shop for chandeliers is through the Internet. Currently, there are a lot of online shops that offer a wide array of good-quality, attractive and affordable lighting fixtures. These online shops offer customers unique lighting designs and styles, as well as give customers affordable payment options.However, have you noticed how some chandeliers just don't seem to fit in the rooms that they are hung? It could be perhaps that they are too big and would seem to overwhelm a room. Other ornate designs simply would not be able to match the other design elements of the room. In order to help you avoid these flaws, consult with your nearest home decor or lighting expert, and ask for the best options in making the chandelier work well for you.It would sometimes be a lonely and error-prone way to buy such an elegant home d�cor piece. And at certain online venues, you could find yourself buying a totally substandard product, as it has already happened to many buyers. For best results, buyers are advised to first consult with a professional home d�cor or lighting specialist for the best lighting options and pricing schemes, before you decide to purchase any decorative lighting fixture online.Tips To Ensure That You By The Right Chandelier Online

It would sometimes be a lonely and error-prone way to buy such an elegant home d�cor piece. And at certain online venues, you could find yourself buying a totally substandard product, as it has already happened to many buyers. For best results, buyers are advised to first consult with a professional home d�cor or lighting specialist for the best lighting options and pricing schemes, before you decide to purchase any decorative lighting fixture online.




Saturday, September 3, 2011

These Walls: Hotel Maire in Bartlesville, Oklahoma


In Oklahoma's territorial formation, virtually every community had one hotel spring up around the railroad depot to become the centerpiece of commerce and culture. That's where people went to impress and pamper clients and guests, to propose marriage or consummate the wedding, to toast the new year or simply dance the night away.


Through two renovations, museum Collections Manager Debbie Neece said the Maire added a second leg and then filled in the gap to become a cube, but the focus remained on quality. Founding partner C.E. Burlingame saw to that, taking full control of the hotel in 1937 and maintaining it another 24 years under his banner, the Burlingame Hotel. John Wayne and Ben Johnson numbered among his guests.That's the role the building retains, although now as the Bartlesville City Hall. A 1998 bond issue allowed that move two years later, the 10,000-square-foot top floor devoted to the Bartlesville Area History Museum.With an energy upgrade now under way, the structure continues to demonstrate its adaptability and usefulness, Mayor Tom Gorman said.But with Burlingame's declining years came heightened competition from the rise of interstates and motels, led by traveling families demanding ever larger quarters and amenities. When Burlingame finally sold his five-story fixture in 1963, it took just five years before new owner Marshall Chamberlain announced its closure.With many such foundational hotels, that would have spelled its doom. Changing construction designs and expensive retrofit requirements left the Mayo and Skirvin dormant for decades. But as with many historic elements of downtown Bartlesville, Phillips Petroleum stepped in to save the old Maire - transforming the structure into an office annex for the oil and gas giant's growing downtown complex."It has worked out well," said Singleton. "They redesigned this whole area, put in the specialty needs that we had as far as storage, humidity needs, that sort of thing.In Oklahoma City, that was the Skirvin. In Tulsa, the Mayo. In Bartlesville, that title went to 1914's Hotel Maire, an L-shaped structure of brick and stone built at an estimated cost of more than $150,000 (or $3.38 million today, by some constant dollar estimates).With the city's black-gold wealth fueling strong competition, the Maire went to great lengths to maintain its leadership role. It opened boasting of glass chandeliers, ceiling fans and wall lights lit by that newfangled electricity. A year after the 1928 stock market crash, the owners installed the first commercial Frigidaire cooling system west of the Mississippi, secured box springs and inner-springs mattresses for every bed, and piped ice water into every room."Sometimes being on the fifth floor is a little isolated," she said. "You don't get as much walk-in traffic. Other than that, with the renovation they did it served our purposes very well."

"Sometimes being on the fifth floor is a little isolated," she said. "You don't get as much walk-in traffic. Other than that, with the renovation they did it served our purposes very well."




Wedding Venues at The Ritz-Carlton Set the Stage for Romance and Memories to Last a Lifetime


Intimate or grand, under the stars or crystal chandeliers, for a bridal shower or the big day, with luxurious wedding venues in the most beautiful cities in the world, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., a global leader in hotels, service and lifestyle, sets the stage for extraordinary celebrations. And at each of the 76 worldwide resorts and hotels, professional event planners are on hand to assist in creating once-in-a-lifetime moments for every bride and groom.


Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1665732Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineTo browse the luxurious wedding venues at The Ritz-Carlton worldwide, visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Events/Weddings/Default.htm .With your wedding venue finalized, the resort's event professionals will help coordinate each element of your wedding -- from the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner to the bachelor party and day-after brunch -- ensuring that each element expresses the essence of you and your fiancé for the wedding of your dreams.About The Ritz-Carlton The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 76 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award that originated in 1987. Its purpose is to promote the awareness of quality excellence, recognize quality achievements of companies and publicize successful quality strategies. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company won the award in 1992 and 1999. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com . The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR).Brides- and grooms-to-be can choose from a generous selection of wedding venues and preferred amenities, such as resorts with spas, golf-courses and/or outdoor ceremony sites or chapels. Simply choose a specific hotel or desired geographic region, number of anticipated guests and preferred amenities and we'll instantly provide you with a comprehensive list of Ritz-Carlton properties matching your criteria. Once you've narrowed down your list of locations, complete the request form at the luxury resorts of your choice and an event specialist will be in contact to answer your questions and help plan your big day.

Media Contact Allison Sitch Senior Corporate Director, Public Relations (301) 547-4784 Email Contact




Friday, September 2, 2011

Ritz-Carlton Royalty, Southern Chic or Texas Traditions


With expansive windows, vast natural lighting and silk-lined walls, The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas is home to the largest luxury hotel ballroom in the heart of the city and an array of equally stunning wedding locations in Dallas . When combined with the impeccable service and exquisite cuisine expected from The Ritz-Carlton, weddings at this Dallas luxury hotel are designed to host the most unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.


Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineMedia Contact The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas (214) 922-0200To meet with a Certified Wedding Advisor, get full package details or start planning a wedding at this hotel in Dallas, visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Dallas/Events/Default.htm .For the savviest of brides, The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas offers comprehensive wedding packages in the most glamorous of indoor venues -- complete with custom-made Murano chandeliers and wall sconces. A private, well-manicured garden with lush greenery and tasteful lighting is the perfect setting for pre-ceremony entertaining or a cocktail reception. Pair the ideal location with a generous package -- The Ritz-Carlton Royalty, Southern Chic or Texas Traditions* -- for weddings in Dallas with a minimum of 200 guests. Packages include select place settings, décor, food and beverage service, floral design, valet parking, preferred guest room rates, complimentary overnight accommodations for the bride and groom, and much more.Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1668407Having thorough knowledge of wedding etiquette and trends, and cultural and religious traditions, Certified Wedding Advisors are available to assist brides with every step in the planning process. The in-house Event Design Studio is the ultimate resource in the creation and customization of events, where brides can browse an array of the finest linens, china and specialty décor available**.*Pricing varies depending on the package and is valid on qualifying events through 2011. **Brides may upgrade any part of their selected package for a fee.

Media Contact The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas (214) 922-0200




St. Louis photographer sues home decorating show


One man's "piece de resistance" is another man's infringed copyright, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court in St. Louis.


Eastman is a prominent self-taught photographer. His photographs have appeared in Time and Life magazines and are in the collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art among other museums, the lawsuit says.Designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard wrote to Eastman in January about using the picture -- "Isabella's Two Chairs 1999" -- on the show. Eastman agreed to let Bullard use the picture, but he claims Bullard gave the impression that he would use only a smaller, framed, black-and-white limited edition photograph. Bullard also said he would give Eastman credit on the show.Michael Kahn and Geoff Gerber, of The BrickHouse Law Group in St. Louis, represent Eastman.Prominent St. Louis photographer Michael Eastman claims that an interior designer starring on Bravo's "Million Dollar Decorators" went overboard when he featured a photo by Eastman as a mural in television hostess Daisy Fuentes' home. The photo, taken in Havana, Cuba, shows two armchairs under a chandelier in a dilapidated ballroom.Bullard, who was returning Wednesday night from a trip to London, did not return a message seeking comment by press time. Press contacts at NBCUniversal, Bravo's parent company, and Goodbye Pictures, the show's producer, also did not respond to requests for comment by press time. A Warner Bros. spokesman said in an email the company had no immediate comment.A color version of the photo was enlarged, however, at a Warner Bros. facility and installed as the "piece de resistance" of the redecoration of Fuentes' home. Eastman never was mentioned on the show.According to the lawsuit:

The case is Michael Eastman and Michael Eastman Images Inc. v. NBCUniversal Media LLC; Bravo Media LLC, Goodbye Pictures Inc., Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Martyn Lawrence Bullard, 4:11- cv-01296.




Thursday, September 1, 2011

Chandeliers In The Home


Chandeliers are a beautiful adornment in the home. In the past chandeliers were really only a luxury for the very rich, but today anyone and everyone can enjoy a chandelier in their home. There are a lot to choose from and a large number of things to consider before purchasing a chandelier. This article acts as a guide to the world of chandelier buying and will also teach you how to care for your beautiful lights. Whether it is glass, wood, iron or crystal chandeliers that you are thinking about buying and hanging in your home, you should read this article beforehand.


In order to keep a chandelier looking its best, regular cleaning is very important. This should be considered when buying a hanging light such as this as you will want to be able to reach it regularly in order to give it a good clean. The best way to clean a chandelier is with a damp cloth and warm water. If you clean it every few months this way then it will stay looking its best and shining through as the focal point of the room. If you want to give it a more thorough clean then it is possible to take it down and remove each piece for a good clean. This is obviously a much longer process. The best advice to take when cleaning it this way is to take many photos beforehand so you have a good guide as to how all the pieces fit back together again.Chandeliers are a great form of lighting for any room in the house. Although they were once expensive, in the modern era all budgets are accommodated and it is even possible to find cheap chandeliers these days. There are black chandeliers available as well as other colours and materials so all styles, tastes and budgets can be accommodated.The first thing to consider when buying a chandelier is the size you are looking for. The size will depend on where the light is going to be displayed. If the light is for a very small room then the last thing you want is a very large chandelier. This will make the room seem even smaller because it will provide a feeling of overcrowding. At the other end of the spectrum however, choosing a very small chandelier for a very large room will look just as bad and out of place. When the room is large it is important that the central light makes a real statement and in order for this to be achieved a light of considerable size is necessary.Budget can be a consideration when choosing the perfect light. The great news however is that because there are chandeliers available in so many designs, sizes and made of different materials, there are chandeliers to fit all budgets. If you want to keep costs to a minimum then you may not choose a crystal design, but instead perhaps one made of glass. There are many ways to keep the costs down, especially if you search online for your light. By doing this you have more choice available and are likely to save money compared to buying lights on the high street.

Chandeliers are a great form of lighting for any room in the house. Although they were once expensive, in the modern era all budgets are accommodated and it is even possible to find cheap chandeliers these days. There are black chandeliers available as well as other colours and materials so all styles, tastes and budgets can be accommodated.




These Walls: Bartlesville's First Court Place


Few buildings encapsulate irony like Bartlesville's First Court Place.


"We had to do some work to make it work, but it does it well," owner Jerry Lesch said of the office building. "The only thing we've really had to do on a major scale was obviously re-roofing it. And I had to put in a new cooling tower last year.""It was one of those grand and glorious courthouses," said Joan Singleton, director of the Bartlesville Area History Museum, the Bartlesville Public Library and the White Rose Cemetery. "That was a time when courthouse buildings were very prestigious. They meant business. Nobody else had buildings like that; well, maybe big hotels, but unless you were very rich, nobody else had buildings that grand. For a community this size, it also was a reflection of the money that was available when it was built."The well-preserved structure now stands as home to Graham Rogers Insurance - marking still another irony, that a structure so closely identified to past crimes should house a company seeking to help protect against such losses.While that promising outlook endured a cold splash of realism less than two months later, once the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand carried most of Europe into the unimaginable Great War, Bartlesville's black crude frontier spirit survived. The courthouse soon witnessed many examples of that vibrant life, lusty tales of sex and murder, robberies, bribery and blackmail, some taking place upon its steps and within its halls.After nearly six decades, that yellow brick and stone building at 501 SE Frank Phillips Blvd. gave up its governmental seat in June 1973. Seeking to preserve the structure's essence, in 1981 a group of Bartlesville citizens succeeded in getting the old courthouse on the National Register of Historic Places. Three years later South Country Builders capped a novel restoration and remodeling, turning the beloved site into commercial offices while retaining the ornamentation and environment of the 1914 era.Like that exotic two-story electric sign atop its roof, the courthouse's grand design boldly proclaimed both ages-old stability and an upstart, oil-fueled exuberance, one of the proudest to be found across the bustling new state of Oklahoma. The Washington County Courthouse's charming abundance also captured the global optimism that a new age of peace and prosperity had dawned across the world.When Inland Construction Co. finished the three-story structure in 1914, what became the Washington County Courthouse forsook the iconic Greek columns of traditional halls of justice for a soaring arch of terra cotta flowers and petals. Built at the then- exorbitant cost of $125,000, the builders incorporated a number of striking features inside and out, from stone awnings and terra cotta leaf to marble staircases, cut-glass windows, plaster ceiling moldings and delicate chandeliers.The Journal Record profiles a significant Oklahoma City or Tulsa building in "These Walls" every Friday and Monday."I'm not quite sure I should tell this here," Singleton said of one such event, although like many such criminal exploits from the Roaring '20s and Depression '30s, she noted the stories live on in newspaper accounts and local memories. Indeed, metal plaques around the structure proclaim several of the more colorful encounters.

The Journal Record profiles a significant Oklahoma City or Tulsa building in "These Walls" every Friday and Monday.