By: Bill B. Carmel

A grandfather|clock may be one of the most satisfying investments you’ll ever make. Such a clock adds a touch of refinement to a home, turning it into a showplace. However, if you’ve never purchased this kind of time piece before, you may be nervous about the process. Nevertheless, if you keep a few key things in mind, you should be able to find a clock that will suit your needs.

First of all, you need to assess whether you have the space necessary to accommodate a grandfather|clock. In a small apartment, such a piece can seem overwhelming. However, in a larger home, it can appear quite stately. You should carefully consider the size and the weight of the clock before actually purchasing it. Also, if you decide to buy a grandfather clock on line, you will definitely need to know how heavy it is, since shipping costs for such a heavy item can be quite expensive.

You may want to initially search for a clock online. That way, you can examine colors and styles without leaving home. You can select from light, medium, and dark wood casings in order to find a look that complements your room décor. You can also comparison-shop in order to find the most cost-effective model. While prices can vary widely from retailer to retailer and from manufacturer to manufacturer, you can find a number of lovely, high-quality grandfather clocks at quite reasonable prices.

When browsing for a clock from a dealer, carefully examine each one for signs of physical damage. If the cabinet has been dented, it is far more likely that the clock will malfunction. Look closely at the weights and see if there is any evidence of scratches or other signs of disrepair. Such damage represents an important warning sign that the clock may not be in mint condition.

Before you make your purchase, be sure to check the warranty. Since a grandfather clock can be difficult to fix, you’ll want a model that’s built to last. You don’t want to have to deal with expensive repairs just a few months after purchasing your clock. You’ll also want to buy from a reputable dealer to ensure that you obtain a high-quality piece of merchandise.

Above all, when shopping for a grandfather|clock, it’s important that you take your time and do your research. If you rush your purchase, you might regret it later on—particularly if you end up with a model that is in a constant state of disrepair.

About the Author:

Bill Carmel specializes in clocks and clock care

Read more articles by: Bill B. Carmel

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

By: Peter Strides

A grandfather|clock lends an aura of elegance to any room. If you’ve bought one but are not sure how to set it up so that looks and works at its best, here are several quick tips to help you out.

* A grandfather clock should always stand on a level surface. This sounds elementary, but failure to ensure this can affect its functioning adversely.

When setting it against the wall, sometimes you’ll find that the carpet is thicker towards the wall because of grip rods. Or perhaps there’s a skirting board where the floor meets the wall and so you don’t have a level surface.

If the case leans a little in any direction, compensate for it by using pieces of wood, carpeting or other material so that it stands vertically.

You can even screw a long case clock to the wall, provided it stands upright and doesn’t lean backwards.

* When fastening the pendulum, remember that most pendulums are not uniform — they have distinct front and back sides. The front of the pendulum is usually the flat side of the bob. It’s the side that’s highly polished.

The pendulum should hang free from all sides of the case. If it touches the backboard or makes a scratching noise, it may mean that the case is leaning backwards. You’ll need to compensate for it.

* Most grandfather clocks are weight driven rather than spring driven. After you hang the weights in the clock, ensure that they stand free of the pendulum at all times. They should not touch the pendulum or any part of the casing as they fall.

* Once everything is in place and the clock is wound up, start the pendulum swinging. Listen carefully for a steady tick-tock sound. The sound should be regular and evenly spaced.

If the tick-tock is not regular, you have some adjustments to do. The case may be leaning a bit in one direction or another. Use pieces of wood or carpet pieces to make adjustments. Keep testing until you get a steady tick-tock sound.

It may take a bit of experimentation to find the right direction to lean the case in and to figure out the amount by which it should be adjusted.

* When moving the hands of grandfather|clocks to set the time, don’t move them backwards more than a few minutes. And never move them backwards past the number twelve.

You can safely move the hands forward. When moving the hands past the number twelve, wait until the clock has finished striking the hour before moving on.

* Some grandfather|clocks come with moon phase and / or day count discs. When you adjust these discs, wait until they are unmeshed from the clockwork mechanism. Usually, they are meshed with the clockwork between 5 pm and 7 pm or between 11 pm and 1 pm. So avoid adjusting the moon phase and day count at these times.

Your clock may work a bit differently, so experiment to find out when the discs are unmeshed from the rest of the mechanism before making adjustments.

* As your long case clock runs for several days, you may find that it is gaining or losing time. To set this right, you need to alter the length of the pendulum.

To slow down the clock, increase the length of the pendulum. Usually, you’ll find a nut at the end of the pendulum bob. When you turn the nut downwards, the bob will move downwards thus increasing the pendulum length. Move the nut upwards to make the clock go faster.

These simple tips should help you set up your grandfather clock correctly. If necessary, get help from the store you purchased the clock from. Enjoy the look of elegance and grandeur a grandfather clock adds to your home!

About the Author:

Peter Strides is a connoisseur of clocks. See http://www.grandfather-clocks-guide.info/ and http://www.grandfather-clocks-guide.info/history-of-the-pendulum-clock.html for articles covering the history of pendulum clocks, how grandfather clocks work and more.

Read more articles by: Peter Strides

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

By: Sandy Knoll

Is this what your clock shows?:

6:30 am - Coffee’s brewing. The rich aroma confirms your day has begun. Time to have a cup and get going.

9:40 am - A break in the day. Whether the day is monotonous or frenzied, your coffee break tells you that time is moving forward.

12:30 pm - Lunch time and time to clock out. A work mate joins you at the local lunch spot where you hash over the hassles of the day, talk about your family and discuss your plans for the yearly vacation. Lunch winds down with a cup of joe.

3:00 pm - The afternoon is neither beginning nor ending. A cup of coffee is just what you need to get a boost. Taking a moment to chat with a fellow worker at the coffee pot doesn’t hurt either.

8:00 pm - Meeting up with friends for dinner is is a great way to end the day. Drinks, some appy’s and a good meal along with conversation that lingers over coffee makes for a fine finale.

Does your day go something like this? Is coffee keeping your day on schedule?

HOW MUCH ARE WE DRINKING?

With Americans drinking an estimated 300 million cups of coffee every day, it is no surprise that our day, and our social interactions are often associated with having a cup of coffee.

The trend towards ’specialty’ coffees has only added to our national pastime.

The SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) reports that DAILY specialty coffee consumption rose from 9% of the adult population in 2000 to 16% in 2004. Occasional indulgence is a staggering 56%!

The sales from cafes alone (not including purchased bean sales) was a whopping $8.47 billion in 2003!

Do we stop there? No. We take those beans home to brew as well - and so our cycle goes on.

It brings up the question:

If there was no coffee - would the clock tick? Would the clocks stop? How would we get from one point in the day to another with nothing to measure the time going by?

WHAT ABOUT NON-DRINKERS?

Whether you personally feel that coffee controls your day, it might be valuable for you to take a moment and reflect on how our society is turning coffee into an established routine rather than a simple beverage.

Does this leave non-drinkers out? Has coffee replaced smoking as the social connection? Clearly the hazards are not the same, but the addiction might be. Just to be sure, why not replace the occasional coffee with another drink or even the odd decafe - you’ll be enjoying the social aspects as much as the drink in your hand!

And by the way…stop watching the clock!

About the Author:

Sandy Knoll, webmaster of http://www.clockwurks.com is a habitual clock watcher. Be sure to visit http://www.clockwurks.com for a great information resource relating to clocks.

Read more articles by: Sandy Knoll

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Over 100 years ago in Piercebridge, North Yorkshire, England, two bachelor brothers named Jenkins, also from England, managed a charming country lodge known as the George Hotel.

For many years, a floor clock (now known as a grandfather were not generally noted for their accuracy.

One day one of the brothers died, and suddenly the old clock started losing time. At first it lost 15 minutes a day, and even though several clocksmiths tried to fix it, by the time they had given up trying to repair the afflicted timepiece, it was losing more than an hour each day.

The fact that the clock was now losing time became the talk of the town. Therefore, when the surviving brother died at the age of ninety, some said it was no surprise that the old|clock, though fully wound, stopped completely — forever.

The new manager of the hotel never tried to have the clock fixed. He just left it standing in a sunlit corner of the lobby, its hands arrested in the position assumed the moment the last Jenkins brother died.

About 1875, an American songwriter named Henry Work, while on a trip to England, happened to be staying at the George Hotel. He was told the story of the old clock, and after seeing the clock, Work decided to compose a song about the fascinating coincidence that the clock had stopped forever the moment the last of the elder owners had passed away.

Henry came back to America and published the lyrics about this unusual clock standing in the corner of the George Hotel in England. Henry sold over a million copies of sheet music about the grandfather|clock.

Until that time, such long floor clocks had been called a variety of names, but only after Henry Work, over 100 years ago, had written and published his song were these tall floor clocks referred to as "grandfather clocks".

Here are the lyrics to the song. Do you remember them? (This song was quite popular in the 1950’s when I was still in elementary school.)

1.
"Oh, my grandfather’s|clock was too tall for the shelf
So it stood ninety years on the floor.
It was taller by half than the old man himself,
But it weighed not a pennyweight more.
It was bought on the morn of the day that he was born
It was always his treasure and pride.
But it stopped, short, never to go again
When the old man died.

Chorus:
Ninety years without slumbering
Tic Toc Tic Toc
His life’s seconds numbering
Tic Toc Tic Toc
But it stopped, short, never to go again
When the old man died.

2.
In watching its pendulum swing to and fro
Many hours he had spent when a boy.
And through childhood and manhood, the clock seemed to know
And to share both his grief and his joy.
For it struck 24 when he entered at the door
With a blooming and beautiful bride.
But it stopped, short, never to go again
When the old man died.

CHORUS

3.
My grandfather said that of those he could hire
Not a servant so faithful he’d found.
For it kept perfect time and it had one desire
At the close of each day to be wound.
And it kept to its place, not a frown upon its face
And its hands never hung by its side.
But it stopped, short, never to go again
When the old man died.

CHORUS

4.
It rang an alarm in the still of the night,
An alarm that for years had been dumb.
And we knew that his spirit was pluming for flight
That his hour of departure had come.
Still the clock kept the time
With a soft and muffled chime
As we silently stood by his side
But it stopped, short, never to go again
When the old man died.

About the Author:

A recently retired teacher, Marcelle Snyder, a home decorating enthusiast, decided to supplement her income by going online selling clocks. Always interested in learning, she came across some fascinating information re the origin and the evolution of the grandfather clock and the pewter clocks, her favorite clocks. http://www.awesomeclocks.com

Read more articles by: Marcelle Snyder

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Clocks are an important part of our culture and history. For centuries the quest to keep accurate time has resulted in the amazing ability to keep almost exact time in a functional, stylish package. Clock manufacturers go to great lengths to produce highly accurate clocks in a wide variety of designs. It is often the easiest path to simply purchase an inexpensive clock that functions adequately, but there are numerous choices and types when it comes to shopping for a clock. By simply taking the time to shop for your next clock rather than just pick up the cheapest, most convenient clock you can find, you will discover a wide range of clocks for any room in your home that will express your unique style and excellent taste.

Clocks are the perfect addition to any room, wall, desk, outdoor area, shelf, or mantle. A clock can be handcrafted so exquisitely crafted that it is of heirloom quality and would be a treasured addition to your family. There are clocks in any shape, color, style, and many feature additional functions such as alarms and weather forecasters. You may choose a traditional clock with hands and a numerical face, or a modern digital|clock with sleek, contemporary styling. A clock is one of the better accessories you can choose for your home or office dcor and you can often find great deals from online merchants.

Choosing a clock should be given a larger place of importance than we normally consider. A clock can be a wonderful decoration, a purely functional item that is purchased out of necessity, or an heirloom treasure to pass from generation to generation. Whether you want a full-size grandfather|clock or a small wind-up alarm clock, take a little time in choosing your next new clock and stop to recall the pride and workmanship that have gone into creating clocks throughout history.

Article Source: http://real-articles.com

Desk|clocks are a statement of authority and professionalism. No desk is complete without a desk clock that reflects the personality of the person who uses the desk. In your home, a desk clock will be a great way to accessorize and add depth to your home office decor. In your place of business, a desk clock is a symbol of your good taste and your style. You can find desk clocks ranging from the modern to the traditional and in any price range. Your desk clock can be personalized, engraved, custom made, or simply be a basic accessory, but no matter which type of desk|clock you choose, you will love the look it adds to any desk in your home or office.

Many different types of desk clocks are available to you. Simply framed, elegant clocks, handcrafted classics, or sleek modern designs are among the many popular choices. A desk clock is also a great gift idea for that special someone who is extremely difficult to buy for. A desk clock in an elegant design will be an unexpected gift that will be remembered for years to come. There are even desk clocks for children and young adults featuring bright colors and fun designs. Your purchase of a desk clock will enhance your desk and your new clock will leave a definite impression upon all those who see it.

Shop for your new desk|clock today. There are many online merchants who offer superior pricing, varying selection, and safe, reliable shipping. You are sure to be delighted with your purchase and will undoubtedly wonder why you waited so long to add a desk clock to your home or office decor. Whether for your personal use or as a wonderful gift, a desk clock will be a great addition to any desk.

Article Source: http://real-articles.com

You can now buy clocks online! To view our complete and comprehensive
selection of desk clocks, please visit:

clocks.partnersinsuccess.net/

This article is about Clock screensavers and their message to us that- Time Never Stops. On the Internet, Clock Screensavers have been newly introduced. In these screensavers, there is a background video in flash of nature and a giant Clock ticking on it. The moving hand of clock never stops and that gives us the message about life. Let us see what?

Screensavers were earlier used to protect the screens of computers. Now with latest technology, that is no more required. People still download screensavers in large quantities and enjoy watching them on the desktop. A beautiful visual of the screensaver can take us away from our daily stresses and relax our mind by showing us waterfalls, trees, rivers, ocean and clouds in the sky. Birds look equally enchanting, and if you watch a butterfly that can mesmerize you on your desktop. Screensavers with great visual are very effective in removing stress. Try them whenever you feel stressed or under tension.

Clock screensavers combine a ticking clock on a screensaver. When you look at the scenes with the clock hand-moving non-stop on the screensaver the message is very poignant. Time never stops. Since billions of years, the only thing that has always gone ahead and never turned back is time. Time always moves forward and the clock never turns back. A clock screensaver on the screen reminds us about how valuable this time is. We are all given short lives. Every second counts. Utilizing time to do something good is the best way to spend time. Use time to achieve your goals and use time to help others.
A majority of us take time for granted. We always believe that we have enough time left to do so many incomplete jobs. But that is not so. We do not know how much time is allotted to us by nature. We do not know when we shall go away to the great beyond. A clock screensaver tells us not to delay saying a Thank You or apologizing. Not to delay helping anyone in need. Who knows tomorrow may never come for us. This is the message of Clock screensavers.

Article Source: http://real-articles.com

CDMohatta writes content for free clock screensavers, free ecardsand fun tests & quizze

by: Mike Yeager

Clocks can be of any type - they could be wall|clocks that not only decorates the walls, but also tells time or a mantel piece resting on one’s table etc.. Wall|Clocks can be of one of two types. Analog and Digital. While digital clocks are precise, the analog clock serve the same purpose. With the increasing need to be accurate, and every microsecond accounted for Digital clocks are the way to go.

Wall|Clocks are a central time telling pieces. Be it a work place, home or a visiting place, its always nice to look up and know what time it is. After all time is money. They can also help other ways - for example a family can set a family alarm while a school can have a clock with a really loud alarm and a microphone attached to it. Apart from serving a functional requirement, of telling the time, the Wall clocks can be used extensively as decorative pieces, collectors items and even investments.

You should see some on the large wall clocks tucked away in a mansion somewhere or an extensively decorated cuckoo clock. Wall|Clocks are about more than telling time. They are about style.

Article Source: http://wowarticles.com

By: Mike Barus

A cuckoo|clock is a humorous and charming addition to any home. In addition to notifying you of the time with its classic “cuckoo,” these conversations pieces are historically made in the beautiful Black Forest region of Germany, so they make excellent souvenirs for travelers heading to this area on their next European adventure. Whether you bring a new cuckoo clock into your home or proudly display an heirloom clock, be sure to take proper care of your clock so that it will keep prompt time and last for future generations of enjoyment.

Move Warily: The best way to take care of any cuckoo clock is to keep the clock firmly secured in an upright position to a wall. Take great care in moving the clock over any distance and be sure to keep the clock upright at all times. Often, moving a cuckoo|clock requires an extra set of hands, since the weights and other pieces that dangle beneath the clock are extremely delicate and should be moved with the utmost care. When moving a cuckoo clock across greater distances than another room, consider consulting a clock expert to ensure the clock will remain in working order upon arrival of your new destination. Also, remove all movable pieces from the clock to prevent items from becoming damaged or the dangling weights from damaging the clock itself.

Hang Judiciously: When it comes time to display your clock, consider the specific space before hanging the clock. Depending on the size of your clock will directly affect the minimum height that the clock can be hung, since the weights will need plenty of space to swing without resting on a table, cabinet, floor, or any other barrier. Also, avoid hanging your cuckoo clock near high traffic areas where it can potentially be knocked off its perch or next to main doors that can jar the workings of the clock if the door slams. Furthermore, some clocks have been damaged by pets who find the raising and lowering chains and weights interesting, so consider placing the clocks well out of their reach.

Clean Carefully: If you are tempted to clean your cuckoo clock, do so with great care due to the many delicate pieces that make up the workings of the clock. Unless you are well schooled in clock making and repairing, avoid disturbing the workings of the clock unless you are prepared to take the risk that the clock may be damaged. That being said, antique clocks should be cleaned by a reputable clockmaker in order to prevent any potential problems later on down the road. Also, a clockmaker will be able to make any necessary repairs to make sure the clock will work years from now.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Mike Barus specializes in clocks, find out more at Cuckoo Clocks

By: Donna Somerkin

Cuckoo|clocks make great gifts, souvenirs, and timepieces that will add charm and character to any home. If you are in the market for a cuckoo clock, carefully consider your options before purchase. In addition to scouring your local antique and clock shops, turn your search to the World Wide Web to find that perfect clock. Since cuckoo clocks are traditionally made in the Black Forest area of Germany, consider picking one up on your next European holiday or purchasing one from a store based in the country. There are countless places to find the perfect cuckoo clock, so start your search today.

When looking for a cuckoo|clock, you should first assess your budget and expectations. Cuckoo clocks are sold in all budgets, from modest pieces with little decoration and moving parts to colossal works of art that can occupy an entire wall. Additionally, consider the space for your cuckoo clock. When finding a place in your home, ensure the clock’s weights and chains will have plenty of room to move, since obstacles that block the movement would prevent the clock from properly working. Also, consider the look you want for your cuckoo clock. Although the traditional look of the clocks may be similar, different makers offer different styles of clocks, from the more modestly decorated to the king of kitsch.

By far, the best place to look for a cuckoo|clock is in Germany. Although a European visit may be more than a hop, skip, and a jump away, if you are planning to visit the country in the near future, keep in mind a cuckoo clock is an excellent souvenir. Many manufacturers open their shops and workshops to the public, allowing you to chat with the men and women that created your personal timepiece. In addition to learning about the history of the clocks, the experience is one that is sure to be remembered.

If international travel is not on your itinerary, look to your local shops for cuckoo clocks. Most shops that sell clocks will have at least a couple styles of cuckoo clocks. Also, if you are interested in purchasing an older clock, check out the antique stores in your area or visit local flea markets to see what your search will reveal. In some instances, you may be able to pick up a clock for less money than in a store, but keep in mind the clock may need to be repaired or restored.

For a greater source of cuckoo clocks, turn to the World Wide Web. The internet is a veritable treasure trove for anything and everything under the sun. A quick internet search will produce countless dealers that sell every imaginable version of cuckoo|clocks. However, keep in mind when using the internet as a shopping tool that scams can be more difficult to detect. In order to not become separated from your hard earned cash through a tricky internet scam, ensure you purchase a cuckoo|clock from a quality, reputable dealer with a sterling reputation.

Looking for an antique cuckoo clock? Turn to internet auction sites like Ebay! Ebay is a fantastic tool for finding anything and everything under the sun and unites the world through a single forum that serves as a gigantic flea market. Again, the word on Ebay is “buyer beware,” so only purchase clocks from sellers with positive feedback from previous buyers. Also, keep in mind that older clocks may need more work, which results in costs associated with hiring a clockmaker to fix your newfound treasure. Although they may need a bit of tender loving care, antique cuckoo|clocks are truly unique creations.