Boston Brick & Stone's online newsletter for December 2017
THE MASONRY MONTHLY
2005 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 | 626-296-7700 | www.bostonbrick.com To a Merry and Bright Holiday Season DECEMBER 2017
Over the past several months, we’ve talked about fireplaces, chimneys, restorations, and safety. This month, we thought we’d do something different and fun for the holiday season. What do you know about the electric Christmas tree light? No matter which holidays you celebrate this season, many of us decorate with strands of light. We decorate our homes, illuminate our Christmas trees, and build elaborate yard displays. These strands of lights have come a long way since their invention in the 19th century. Before people transitioned to the electric light, they relied on candles and fireplaces. An open flame in the home — or any fire that isn’t properly vented — can be dangerous. But we don’t need to tell you that. In 1880, after Thomas Edison had just about perfected the incandescent lightbulb, he wanted to do something with his light. He wanted to get it to the masses. As the holiday season of 1880 approached, Edison had a bright idea. He strung together a series of bulbs and draped them around his lab in Menlo Park, New Jersey. He decorated the lab in such a way that people on passing trains could admire this new, vibrant wonder. The idea was slow to take off. Two years later, Edward Hibberd Johnson, a close associate of Edison, took Edison’s idea a step further. In his Manhattan home, Johnson decorated a Christmas tree with electric lights, making it the first electrically lit tree in history. He also used the opportunity to advertise the lights. Insurance companies were a major force behind the electric light craze. At the beginning of the 20th century, many families were still decorating their trees and homes with candles. This was a practice insurance companies did not like. They decided that if your home caught fire and an open flame was the culprit, you were not covered and would not receive compensation. For most families, switching to electric lights wasn’t the answer. At least, not yet. Most people decorated with garlands and ornaments. At this time, only the wealthy made the transition to electric Christmas lights. According to Appalachian State University journal, History Matters, a
string of Edison Miniature Lamps cost $12 in 1900. That’s the equivalent of $300 today.
It was also in 1900 that the first advertisement for the light strands went to print. The ad was published in Scientific American Magazine and did something interesting. It suggested that you to rent a string of lights, rather than buying them. That way, more people could afford the lights and wouldn’t have to worry about storage after the holiday season. Over the decades, more people bought (and rented) electric tree lights. By 1925, there were 15 companies in the electric tree light business. They even got together to form the NOMA Electric Corporation, which may have helped these companies survive the Great Depression and World War II. Since then, the lights we use to decorate our trees and homes have taken many shapes. Today, LED lights are among the most common varieties, along with the beloved mini light. As you decorate your home this holiday season, know that you are taking part in a rich history that goes back centuries.
We hope you and your family have a wonderful and safe holiday season, and may your days be merry and bright.
-Dave Laverdiere
www.bostonbrick.com |
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THE ART OF SAYING NO Business owners can find it hard to say no. If you say no, you can be left with thoughts like “What if I miss out on an amazing opportunity?” or “Can’t I take on just one more project to hit my revenue goal this month?” However, saying no can be extremely empowering and good for your business. are constantly stressed. When your work-life balance is slipping away, it’s time to say no.
Your business serves a specific demographic. But what about when you get a new offer from a prospect who falls outside your normal arena?
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, once said, “People think focus means saying yes to the thing that you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I am actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things.” It can be tempting to jump at every new opportunity or challenge presented to you, especially when you are dedicated to growing your business. However, there are certain instances in which saying no is completely necessary to the success of your business. Regardless of your niche, there is a saturation point at which you cannot take on more work. It happens when you are working long hours, when you rarely spend time with your family, and when your health and sleep habits are suffering. Suddenly, you don’t enjoy work anymore, and you
Ask yourself, does it conflict with my demographic? Do I have enough expertise to be able to do the job? Does it hurt the image I’m trying to create around my brand? If you can say yes to these questions, say no to the prospect. It can be tempting to chase a new offer, but think long term about your business and stay true to your mission and goals. The secret to saying no is knowing not only when to say it, but when to say it right away. Saying no might mean you have to pass on one opportunity now, but it can open new doors for you later down the road. Be empowered by your ability to say no and use it to showcase the value of your work to others and yourself.
TESTIMONIAL
CHIMNEY
•Inspection •Restoration and repair •Construction •Sweeping
Project: Install a Pre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Gas)
FIREPLACE
•Inspection, restoration, or repair of an existing structure •Installation or reconstruction of new structures
“Last year, you recommended Boston Brick & Stone to me for my fireplace cleaning and inspection. They did an excellent job, and I asked them to help solve an additional concern, as I have asthma and am unable to burn wood any longer, and some logs were creating a problem for me. I am pleased to advise that they have just completed the repairs on my fireplace, which had a few problems, and they have run a gas line through it and installed gas logs. I cannot thank you enough for the recommendation. They did a brilliant job, were very professional, and the team was careful to protect my carpet, hardwood floors, furniture, and plants, both indoors and outdoors. They did an excellent job of cleaning up before they left, arrived on time, and you would never know they were here when they left. I now have a beautiful gas fireplace with gas logs, and as my house is a wee cottage, it was a challenge that they resolved and then did a great job. I would highly recommend them for any work along these lines and am proceeding with them on possibly refacing the old brick on my fireplace.” –Homeowner in Woodland Hills, CA
HARDSCAPE
•Backyard patios •Outdoor kitchens and barbecues •Outdoor steps, walkways, and paths •Retaining walls •Outdoor fireplaces •Driveways
HISTORICAL RESTORATION Our previous restoration work includes:
•Restoration of the main lobby chimney system of the El Tovar Hotel on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. •Repair and restoration of chimneys in 56 original historic cabins on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. •Historical chimney restoration for the lodge in Bryce Canyon National Park. •Faithful restoration of the chimneys on the Nottingham and Arden properties in Beverly Hills.
BRICK RESTORATION AND CONSTRUCTION DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION
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A CARBON MONOXIDE PRIMER The Sources and Risks of CO — and What You Can Do
Does your home have a carbon monoxide detector? Many homeowners make sure to install smoke detectors, but all too often they skip the carbon monoxide (CO) detector. They assume they aren’t at risk or presume there are no sources of CO in their homes. The truth is, there are several potential sources of this odorless and colorless gas within a home.
months, people generally use gas appliances at a higher rate. In Southern California, people light up their fireplaces as families gather for the holidays. It becomes a festive centerpiece for the home. With a higher rate of use comes a higher rate of risk. Because the consequences that come with exposure are so high — illness, brain damage, and death — being prepared makes all the difference. Ideally, you should place CO detectors outside bedrooms and on every floor of the home, as well as near each potential source of the gas, including fireplaces. You can even purchase dual smoke-CO detectors, which are convenient and provide an extra level of protection. Here’s a note on motor vehicles: Never turn on your vehicle in a poorly- ventilated spot, such as a closed garage or workshop. If you start your car or leave it idle, do so with the garage door open or
The following are potential sources of CO:
• Oil and gas furnaces • Gas stoves and ranges • Gas lines • Gas water heaters • Generators • Space heaters • Fireplaces • Motor vehicles
in a driveway. Do not let a vehicle, generator, or other gas-powered equipment run in an enclosed space.
When these items are maintained and working properly, the risk of CO exposure is very low. However, during the winter
MEME CORNER
Easy Holiday Party CHEESE FONDUE
Ingredients
• ¾ cup dry white wine • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 1 (8-ounce) package sliced Swiss cheese
• 1 clove garlic • Salt to taste • Foods to dip (apple slices, bread cubes, roasted vegetables, etc.)
Directions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together wine and cornstarch. 2. Chop cheese slices into small, uniform pieces. 3. Rub clove of garlic all over the sides and bottom of a heavy- bottomed pot, then discard. 4. Heat wine mixture over medium-low heat in the pot until thick and bubbling. Add some cheese and slowly whisk. When nearly smooth, add more cheese and whisk gently. Repeat until all cheese is melted. If mixture seems too tight, add 1 tablespoon wine. 5. Season with salt and serve immediately. Keep pot on low heat to keep the fondue dippable.
(Recipe inspired by PinchofYum.com.)
3 www.bostonbrick.com |
SERVING THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA
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2005 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 | 626-296-7700 | www.bostonbrick.com
INSIDE
page 1
The Story of the Electric Christmas Light
page 2
Do You Know When to Say No?
page 2
Testimonial
page 3
The Sources and Risks of Carbon Monoxide
page 3
Easy Holiday Party Cheese Fondue
page 4
Kick Off the New Year in the Magic Kingdom
January isn’t known for much — broken resolutions and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, mostly. But if you’re looking to escape the cold or take your family on a post-holiday adventure, next month might be the best time to travel to the Happiest Place on Earth. The Best Crowds According to Disneyland’s own figures, the first full week of January through the middle of February is the slowest time of year at the park. Visitors report never spending more than 15 minutes waiting for a ride. The Fourth of July, however, finds visitors waiting over two hours for Star Tours and Splash Mountain. In Winter, Disneyland closes a little earlier. But if you have young kids, this won’t affect your plans much. They often close rides for maintenance during this time, but never more than one or two at a time. With all the open options, you won’t feel robbed. DISNEYLAND? Is January the Best Month for Let’s Talk About the Weather Does January sound cold and rainy? Don’t worry. The average temperature is still a balmy 66 degrees, and January gets just as much rainfall as peak months like December (winter break) and March (spring break).
Check weather reports since the rainfall varies greatly depending on the temperature of the ocean that month. But bear in mind, Disneyland is the No. 2 theme park on the planet, raking in 18 million visitors a year. It wouldn’t attract such huge crowds if the weather wasn’t theme park- worthy 99 percent of the time. So, what’s the best month to visit Disneyland? It’s a trick question. The real answer is whatever month you go . Disneyland is magic! But if there’s a month that’s better than the rest, we’ll say it’s January.
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