Let us face it; a clock is vital for any room, no matter if you are decorating your home or your office. More and more digital devices incorporate watches nowadays (just think of all the mp3 players, mobile phones and other digital equipment showing the time). However, what if you want a clock that does not require your permanent attention to tell you the time? In this case, a talking wall clock can be the perfect choice for you. What differentiates a talking wall clock from other types of wall clocks is that the first announces the time using a human voice. You do not have to go up and check the time; you will hear what time it is from the clock itself. It is one of the most convenient methods of finding out what time it is, as you can focus on something completely different and still hear the announcement.
Now it is up to you if you prefer a talking wall clock or a cuckoo clock announcing the time, but it is easier to find out the time from a human voice rather than listening to 12 cuckoo songs to know it is noon. Talking wall clocks have digital mechanisms (most of them show the time in digital form, but there also are classical looking types with a traditional round shape) and all you have to do is to put new batteries when they wear out. Most allow you to select if you want to hear the voice announcing the time hourly or from half to half hour. You can select to mute it at night, so you do not wake up in the middle of the night thinking that someone has broken in your house.
There are talking wall clocks for kids. Disney, for example, has released a series of talking wall clocks having cartoon characters and using their voices to tell the time. If you know that your kid (or someone else’s kid, if you buy the clock as a gift) loves Disney cartoons, you can buy a Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse talking wall clocks. Children will just love them.
There also are talking wall clocks using famous actors’ voice to tell the time. So if you like a certain movie or actor, shop around for a talking clock using voices from that film. Some clocks use quotes from famous movies or songs to tell the time can be the perfect gift idea for a friend or colleague who you know loves that movie (for example, there are Scarface talking clocks, Simpsons and The Godfather ).
You can buy talking wall clocks from online stores (almost all online shops that sell clocks have talking clocks on stock) or from the local brick and mortar clock store. Prices vary, but they are generally affordable, so everyone can buy a talking wall clock and place it in the house or at the office.
When it comes to clock design, George Nelson is indeed one of the huge names in the industry. This is because his designs are held as one of the first ones ever to promote American modernism. It is only natural that there would be reproductions made of Nelson’s original designs. While these reproductions are attractive duplicates of the original, for many collectors only the original vintage clocks will do.
If you are an avid fan of George Nelson clocks, then you surely must have heard of the Ball Clock. This design is one of the earliest ever developed by the designer for the Howard Miller line. The original design is quite simple, with a circle for its center. Connected to this center are the 12 spikes, representing the 12 hours of the day. At the end of each spike is a ball, thus the reason for its name. This is indeed one of the simplest designs ever made by Nelson and it was originally released in six color variations.
The modern versions of this clock, however, have more colors and more variety to them. There is even one popular modern variation that has the balls in different colors! The vintage ones did have 6 color variations, but for each variation, the balls were of the same color as the spokes. For instance, one of the vintage Ball Clock designs came in a black theme, so the balls were colored black throughout.
This particular reproduction, however, has different color balls. The concept is still based on the original one developed by Nelson. But the 12 balls come in different shades of blue, red, and green. The hands of the clock are of different colors as well. It actually makes an attractive design, but it certainly isn’t as originally designed by Nelson.
The Ball Clock is not the only Nelson clock that has been modified for contemporary tastes and the desire for as much variety as possible. If you’re looking to buy a vintage Nelson clock, then it is a good idea to become familiar with some of the reproductions on the market, especially those manufactured by Vitra, as they sell licensed reproductions. If you compare their clocks to the ones made in the 50s and 60s, it will make it much easier to spot the difference when you start shopping for your own collection.
If you are creating a sleep environment and wish to include a sunrise alarm clock, then it would be in your best interest to read reviews before purchasing. The first thing you will find is there are several sunrise alarm clocks on the market, which can be quite confusing. However, to make things easier, the most popular sunrise alarm clocks are the BioBrite Sunrise Alarm Clock, the BioBrite Sunrise Clock Junior for Kids, the EZ Wake SunRise Clock, BioBrite - White Noise Machine, and BioBrite SunRise Clock Radio.
That at least narrows down your search a bit. Now, you will have to decide what features you desire to ensure you purchase the sunrise alarm clock that will be best for you or the family member that will be using the alarm clock.
For those that have small children in the home, the BioBrite Junior for Kids is perfect. This is the best sunrise alarm clock for children. It has a full 30 minutes of gradually fading light that helps sooth your child to sleep and two sunset options that are fade to darkness and fade to nightlight. This will help your little one drift off to sleep at night and slowly wake up in the morning with the simulated sunrise.
The BioBrite Sunrise Alarm Clock is the best sunrise alarm clock for those that have a hard time waking up in the morning and love to hit that snooze bar. It allows them to hit that snooze bar but still has all the great features that you would expect from a sunrise alarm clock.
For individuals that have a hard time sleeping due to stress, noises around the house, or the neighbor’s dog barking at all hours of the night, the BioBrite Sunrise Alarm Clock - White Noise Machine is the best sunrise alarm clock. Not only does it have the wonderful sunrise and sunset features but it also includes a white noise machine that will absorb all those noises that keep your awake at night or wake you up several times during the night.
All of the reviews of sunrise alarm clocks are the same especially when you are talking about the BioBrite Sunrise Clocks. All of these innovative sunrise alarm clocks make bedtime easier as well as the morning ritual. You will begin to enjoy putting your little ones to bed without all the crying and you will then be able to enjoy a quiet nights sleep and wake up rested and ready for your day.
Two Hundred years ago in the early 1800s some American clock makers were crafting shelf and mantel clocks with movements made entirely from hardwoods. Gear wheels were carefully shaped from cherry or other hardwoods and assembled with great care so as to ensure smooth running. Many wooden works clocks have survived for two centuries and are now costly antiques. They command prices in the thousands of dollars when they are available. Many collectors who would like to have such a clock can’t afford the high price tag naturally. However modern reproductions of these fine old clocks are available usually as kits or plans.
Even earlier in the 1700s, tall case grandfather clocks with wooden works were being made by many clockmakers. The tall case left room for the weights which drive the clock to fall further so that the clock would run longer before needing to have the weights raised to the top again.
Building a wooden gear clock takes time and care in the workmanship but it is not really difficult to produce a good working clock. The average home crafter with some wood working skills can do it with simple hand tools just as the early clock makers did. The clock will be a family heirloom which will be passed proudly down through the generations.
The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago has on display a rare and beautiful wooden gear shelf clock which was made in the early 1800s. After two centuries this fine clock is still in running order. It has been carefully measured and detailed drawings made. These plans with complete building instructions are available for purchase. They show complete details of all the working parts and how they fit together. The case of the clock is also presented in detailed drawings showing every part as it is in the original antique clock.
Building wooden gear clocks is a great hobby for the craftsman, and anyone can be a craftsman; it only takes careful work. This is not the type of project which can be completed in a few evenings. Rather it is a project for the person who takes great pride in the quality of their work and will spend whatever time is necessary to do a perfect job. The individual parts of such a clock are of very simple design and quite easy to make. To run smoothly each part must be finished properly so that the clock will keep good time.
To summarize, building a wooden gear clock is perfectly within the ability of almost anyone. It is hard to tell a well made copy of an antique clock from a genuine antique at a quick look. Close inspection by an expert will, of course, show the new wood and materials used to build it establishing its origin beyond doubt. But for the craftsman who made it and for all who see and admire it the clock is a thing of beauty which will tick tock proudly in the home for a lifetime and probably many years after that while keeping good time.
Clocks
There are many different types of clocks that can be found in the world today. Each of them has the ability to show what time it truly is, and keep that time so that a person might know it whenever they choose. However, not all clocks are the same. There are several different types of clocks that are important to understand.
Grandfather Clocks
Grandfather clocks are the largest types of clocks that might be seen in a person’s home. These are large, free standing clocks, and are used to keep time. Most of the time, it is possible to see the clock keeping time through the glass door in the front. Most of the time, Grandfather clocks are much taller than the average person. They display the time on the top of the clock, and often have a deep-sounded noise to accompany the changing of the hour.
Mantel Clocks
Mantel clocks have been around for many years. They are decorative clocks that traditionally sat on the mantel pieces in a person’s home. They are clocks that are decorative but are also useful, as they keep time. Many times mantel clocks are quite distinguished looking and beautiful.
Cuckoo Clocks
Cuckoo Clocks come from Europe, and they are clocks that mark the passing of the hour with a bird or another animal that pops out of a door at the top of the clock. These clocks where once seen as novelties, but are very useful as they do keep excellent time. They are also usually found to be highly cultural items, as cultures all over the world have different versions of their own cuckoo clocks. These clocks are smaller than both mantel clocks and grandfather clocks, and are usually hung on a wall. They have tassels which hang down to mark the time as the time passes.
Alarm Clocks
Alarm clocks are most traditionally seen in a person’s bedroom, but can be seen in any area of the house or workplace. They are clocks that have an alarm function. A person can set the time of the alarm on the clock, and when the clock reaches that time an alarm will sound. These clocks are most often used for waking people up in the morning. They can be wind up alarm clocks, battery operated alarm clocks, or plug-in alarm clocks. Newer versions also have clock radios that can be set as well.
A well-made grandfather clock is an heirloom piece, designed to be handed down from generation to generation. As such, they are made to last over several lifetimes. In fact, some grandfather clocks from the 1700s and 1800s are still in existence today. With such a long lifespan, it is inevitable that grandfather clocks will occasionally need repair.
If your grandfather clock needs repair, first check to see if it is under warranty. Most new clocks come with some type of limited warranty. If it is still under warranty, read the terms of the warranty carefully. Most will have specific procedures to follow for repairs. Grandfather clock repair is available at local clock repair shops. To find one, look in your local yellow pages. You could also do an internet search for “grandfather clock repair in [town].”
If you would like to try to fix your clock yourself, visit the website entitled “How to Repair Clocks.” It gives some tips on such items as “pendulum will not swing,” “runs too fast or slow,” “chimes out of sequence,” and “weights refuse to fall.” The website also offers instructional videos on how to repair clocks. If all else fails, they have a nationwide directory of clock repair shops.
If you need to replace a broken part, some companies or individuals do sell grandfather clock parts. The How to Repair Clocks website offers a short list of companies who sell clock parts. Grandfather clock parts are sometimes available at online auction sites.
If your grandfather clock movement stops working, you can buy a replacement movement at companies specializing in clock movements. While grandfather clock movement repair is available, it is usually less expensive to replace rather than fix.
Whether you are interested in fixing your clock yourself or hiring someone else to do it, there are an abundance of resources available.
Some time or other you will have to move your long case clock whether it’s in the process of moving house or just time to clean behind the case and move it for decorating. A lot of damage can be done by just picking the clock up and moving it in one piece without taking a number of precautions So whether you are moving your grandfather clock ten foot or ten mile Always
1. Wind up the clock so the weights are as close to the seat board as you can get them, but remember you need to be able to put the weights back onto the pulley hooks when reassembling, so leave yourself some room to hold the pulleys with one hand while holding the weight with the other. A good guide line is to wind the pulleys up to just above the trunk door top.
2. Take of the hood to expose the movement and dial and place masking tape or the like over the gut line that is around the strike and going barrels, this will stop the gut line from springing out and getting tangled when you take off the weights and will keep everything in place when you lift the movement and dial from the case.
3. Take off the weights and it’s a good idea to mark them by sticking a piece of masking tape on to each one and writing on them L (Left) and R (Right) or one, two and three in the case of a modern clock with a chiming movement that has three weights, this will ensure the weights go back in the right place, as you will see when you lift them there is a difference in weight.
4. Now take the pendulum off the movement, being very careful not to damage the thin suspension spring (thin piece of spring steel) at the top of the pendulum which is threaded through the crutch at the back of the movement.
5. You can now lift the movement and dial from the case and away from the trunk cheeks by lifting the whole thing up with the seat board and placing it in its packing case. It is best to pack the movement and dial stood upright in the box making sure the bottom of the dial is not crushing the gut lines. This will also keep the front of the dial and clock hands safe, plus the added bonus of keeping the crutch at the back of the movement from possible damage or bending.
6. Your clock is now ready to be moved safely to its new location. To reassemble just reverse the dismantling procedure put the clock into beat and you are up and running.
7. If transporting the clock in your own vehicle be sure the clock case is secure and will not slide, preventing any damage to the veneers or mouldings. We have found it is wise to protect the suspension spring on the end of the pendulum by taping it to a piece of thick card to prevent it form being damaged or bent, also make sure the weights are stowed really well as you don’t want 12lb weights rolling around the boot or foot well of your car.
If using a professional moving company it is always best to dismantle and pack your grandfather clock ready for the removal men to transport. As most are very well experienced in moving furniture very few understand the workings of a clock and attempts to move longcase clocks without using these precautions will inevitably cause damage that is not detected until long after the move has been taken, and by that time they have long gone often leaving the owner with a very large repair bill.
When you think about novelty gifts, chances are that loud, tacky items, like singing fish, or crude jokes come to mind. However, that’s not all there is to the world of novelty gift giving. There are plenty of fun ideas out there that won’t annoy the recipient.
Novelty clocks are one place that you can show some humor, while still giving a gift that’s got some use. Styles are available on the market to suit any taste, but here are a few suggestions.
Clocks in Disguise
One major category of novelty clocks is the type that seems like an ordinary clock, until you take a closer look. Barbershop clocks (with backwards numbers), upside down clocks, and 24 hour clocks are a few of this type.
A little more obvious, but still unobtrusive are the “all 5’s” clock (it’s always time to go home), the “I don’t do mornings” clock (with some of the numbers missing), and the “I don’t care” clock (numbers jumbled at the bottom). One great thing about all novelty clocks is that no matter what’s on the clock face, they’ll still keep accurate time. That means that they’re useful as well as being amusing.
Character Clocks
Clocks shaped like your favorite cartoon character or like animals have been around for a long time. There’s the classic cat clock, Mickey Mouse, and plenty of others to choose from. However, if you’re looking for an unusual novelty gift for a friend, don’t rule these out just because you’ve seen them before.
There are now clocks available featuring characters that weren’t around a few years ago, such as Japanese anime-themed items. Take a look around to see what kind of novelty character clocks you can find. Just a few of the offerings include dog and cat clocks, roosters, mythological clocks, and may more.
Nostalgic Clocks
There are also novelty clocks geared towards a retro look and feel. You can now buy new versions of the old Coca Cola ad clocks, diner-type clocks, and models with turn of the century art on the faces. No matter what era you or your gift’s recipient are interested in, there’s probably a cute novelty clock to help evoke your nostalgia.
Tino Buntic asked:
To a large degree, sales is a numbers game - the more prospects you present to, the more sales you will close. Cold calling is also a numbers game. However, cold calling has the lowest success rate (if we define a success as booking a sales appointment) of any other prospecting method which you can use. Executives and decision makers don’t want to be interrupted in their busy day by a cold caller with a sales pitch. Cold callers get tuned out.
With that said, I have compiled a list of ways to get more sales appointments without cold calling:
Network with your existing client base to get referrals. If you call an existing client, it is not a cold call; it is a warm call because you already have a business relationship. Don’t be afraid to call an existing client, especially one that is pleased with your services, to ask for referrals. It is easier to book a sales appointment with a prospect that has been referred rather than to do so with a prospect that was not met through a business referral. Use websites that provide free sales leads and free advertising. This way prospects will find you. Booking a sales appointment should be easy and our sales closing ratio should be higher when the prospect makes the initial contact as this means that he already knows that he has a need for your services. Trade-pals.com provides free B2B and B2C sales leads without cold calling. Craigslist.org provides free advertising via online classified ads. These are just two of the sites that you should try. Visit trade shows that your prospect base would go to. This way you can not only meet prospects in person in a social atmosphere but you can also collect their marketing material if they have it available at their booths. That way when you book a sales appointment, you will have material to research their firm ahead of time. Instead of giving people one business card, give them five. That way they can freely distribute your business card if they refer a colleague to you. If they didn’t have cards available, they may otherwise not remember to refer prospects to you.
Of course, there are dozens of other prospecting techniques that you can utilize to book sales appointments. Top salespeople always push themselves to book more appointments, close more sales, and sell more.
What do you do when you don’t like to wake up in the morning? One solution is to simply rearrange your life accordingly so that you don’t ever have to. Sounds good, huh? But unfortunately, most of society doesn’t have that option - on to Plan B. If you have to wake up early but **** the idea of it, why not make if fun? There are some unique alarm clocks out there that can make you want to wake up just to watch them go off in the morning.
I’ve always enjoyed a good alarm clock, so one day I thought I’d check out some unique alarm clocks that provide entertainment with their service. In my search, I was able to compile a list of six cool clocks that you would not only be fun for you, but also for your kids - and would make very neat gifts for others.
iHome2Go™ Clock for iPod®
If you can’t live without your iPod then this is the alarm clock for you. It allows you to plug your iPod into it so that when you wake up it will be songs of your choice. It also has the normal alarm clock features like buzzer and snooze, and has a setting to have the clock increase and decrease in volume gradually. It comes with an adapter so that you can charge your iPod, and also has its own carrying case and remote control. Pretty cool!
SmartSet® Projection Clock with Emergency Flashlight
This alarm clock has a lot of neat features. First, all you need to do is plug it in and it sets itself, which means it automatically resets itself after a power outage - completely hassle free! Second, not only does the time show up on the clock, but it projects the time and date on the wall or ceiling, whichever you choose. Third, the clock turns on and off by the wave of your hand. Fourth, it adjusts to seven different time zones. And last, it comes with an emergency flashlight that recharges itself on a dock on the clock itself. There’s not much to dislike about this clock.
Hammacher Schlemmer Peaceful Progression Wake Up Clock
This is definitely one of the coolest and most unique alarm clocks of the lot. This pyramid-shaped clock engages sight, sound, and scent to wake you up pleasantly. So let’s say you set your alarm clock for 6:30 a.m. At 6 a.m. the lights on the pyramid begin to brighten gradually; at the same time it begins to release sweet aromatherapy scents and produces lovely nature sounds, allowing you to wake up at your own pace. If this doesn’t work, then the backup is the regular buzzer sounding off at 6:30.
Bim Bam Banana’s Puzzle Clock
This is by far my favorite and one of the most unique alarm clocks I’ve ever seen. This cool clock is shaped like the Magic 8 Ball, but that’s not the fun part. It’s a puzzle/clock and the only way you are able to shut it off in the morning is by putting the pieces of the puzzle together. To make sure you can’t cheat, when it first sounds off in the morning the puzzle pieces fly off the top of the clock making you get up to find them, then piece them together - pretty cool. This would be great to help wake your children up in the morning, though it could pretty annoying for an adult - and we don’t want to see this cool clock get thrown against a wall, do we?
Clocky Hide-and-Seek Alarm Clock
Like a good game of hide and seek? How about first thing in the morning? If the answer is no, you better not buy this clock, because it will send you on a wild goose chase you may not be ready for. This cool clock on wheels is on the run from the minute you hit snooze - it literally rolls off of its surface and hides from you. And when the alarm sounds again, you must get up to find it to turn it off. It is yet another one of the very unique alarm clocks out there.
There are plenty more unique alarm clocks available for the taking. These are just some that looked particularly interesting to me. So next time you throw a fit over the awful, blaring sound of your mediocre alarm clock, venture out and found yourself one of this unique alarm clocks. You’ll probably sleep better at night knowing something fun will be waking you up.