The Age Of Aquariums

(image from luxist.com)

When I used to fantasize about my dream home as a kid; it included a huge salt water fish tank with colorful and exotic sea creatures. One of my older brothers had a beautiful aquarium with the old fashion deep sea diver that had bubbles coming out from his astronaut type helmet. In the 70's, it seemed as though everyone had a fish aquarium. However, as I got older, the fish tank got tossed out of the dream house along with the deluxe macrame plant hanger & goddess oil rain lamp. It became passe (in my mind) as emblematic of the 70's. About 2 months ago, I learned that my son's baby sitter has a beautiful aquarium which he loves to sit in front of and watch in amazement. Our babysitter, who cares for many toddlers his age, remarked about how many of the kids just love the aquarium. Naturally, that made me wonder if my impression of aquariums as a 70's feature was itself outdated thinking. Fish Gallery Inc. showcases many of today's homes with aquariums. Below are several examples . Enjoy.



(from Professors House website)
When you first begin considering setting up an aquarium, the first question that may come to mind is whether you should set up a saltwater tank or a freshwater tank. Both options provide advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to give the matter some careful thought and consideration.

A saltwater aquarium will certainly allow you to have an interesting variety of colorful fish; however, if you are a novice to keeping an aquarium you may find a saltwater aquarium a bit daunting. The major advantage of a freshwater aquarium is that it allows you as a beginner to gain experience before taking on the responsibilities of a saltwater tank; which can be time consuming and expensive.

Freshwater aquariums tend to be easier to set up than saltwater aquariums and on average require less time and effort in terms of maintenance. When it comes to expense, freshwater aquariums are also less costly for both equipment as well as fish. Marine fish are required for saltwater aquariums and while they are more colorful than freshwater fish, they are also typically more expensive.

Carnevale di Venezia

One of the best places to look for dramatic costume inspirations is undoubtedly the Carnival Of Venice. You'll find some of the most over the top beautiful creations such as the 2 couples above.

Since Halloween lands on a Saturday, Dan and I decided to dress up and host an open house and invite the neighbors on our block.

Halloween is a big event in our neighborhood. Every year we get close to 500 trick or treaters at our door.

This year we both would love to wear any one of the gentlemen's 18th century costumes shown in these pictures.

Unfortunately, as the designated researcher, I haven't had any success finding a theater or costume store in our area that offers this quality of work for rent or purchase.

The two stores that have a reputation(at least according to our circle of friends) for the best 18th century costumes in town are Decades and Broadway Costumes and theatrical.

However, although they have very nice costumes, I haven't seen anything as opulent as the costumes in these images, at least not in our sizes. Dan and I are both 6' tall and over 200lbs which creates a bit of a challenge for us.


However, what makes the challenge almost impossible? the fact that Dan thinks I could find us costumes like these for a maximum of $100.00 for both. Yes, he often shops at the LaLa land mall. For that amount today, we'd have to go beyond the 18th century to second century BC and wear toga sheets. To own something like this can cost you anywhere from a minimum of five hundred to a couple thousand dollars or more.

To rent these costumes is much less but not a whole lot less. I've seen them online for about a couple hundred dollars. However, as I type this, I'm thinking we could perhaps capture the era but just not in this elaborate fashion. Perhaps white tights, white shirt with jabot collar and ruffle sleeves. a black tuxedo coat tail jacket from the second hand store and just embellish the hell out of it with brass buttons and gold gimp remnants from previous decorating projects. a couple of vintage brooches for the jabot. We can do the same for the tricorn hat which can be purchased at Target. A few feathers, vintage award medals and viola! 2 rummage sale interpretations of 18th century royal!...we'll see.

I am crazy about this gentleman's look with all the beautiful and intricate detailed work. It's images like these that make me wish I had the talent and/or patience to sew.

This gentleman is also a favorite. Such a regal look.

So, If you too are looking for some great ideas or are just a lover of drama presented in velvet,sequin and feathers, then perhaps you will enjoy these images as much as I do. Below are even more elaborate and creative costumes that uniquely say Carnevale di Venezia!


















































(all images from carnivalofvenice.com)


The Carnival History
(from Carnivalofvenice.com)

The oldest document pertaining to the use of masks in Venice dates back to 2nd May 1268. In the document it is written that it was forbidden for masqueraders to practice the game of the "eggs". From the early 14th century onwards, new laws started to be promulgated, with the aim of stopping the relentless moral decline of the Venetian people of the day. This restrictive carnival legislation started with a decree on 22nd February 1339 prohibiting masqueraders from going around the city at night. A decree that helps us understand just how libertine the Venetians of the day were, is that of the 24th January 1458 which forbade men from entering convents dressed as women to commit "multas inhonestates"! In a similar vein, the decree of 3rd February 1603 is interesting in that it attempted to restore morality in the convents.

Masqueraders were banned from entering the nuns' parlous - it had been the convention to sit in the parlous and talk to the nuns. Frequently, decrees were promulgated prohibiting masqueraders from carrying arms or any instrument which could cause harm, or other decrees which forbade masqueraders from entering churches.
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