Normally, Forecast Lighting has dominated the drum style for lighting fixtures, but I am glad to see Bruck Lighting adding their two cents to the equation with their stylish Cantara series. While offering the same type of shapes, Bruck Lighting separates itself from the Forecast drum by adding some color, with the orange and cream hues, plus bronze, chrome or matte chrome finishes. These Cantara fixtures can be used in conjunction with Bruck lighting’s track systems or by themselves with a uni-plug adapter. All of these fixtures feature classic woven fabric drum shades with a white inner glass for even illumination.  And you can even hum the name to the tune of Volare.

Volare, oh oh
E cantare, oh oh oh oh
No wonder my happy heart sings
Your love has given me wings
Nel blu, dipinto di blu
Fenite di stare lassu

Sing it, Dean!

“The Regency Period probably begins about 1790 and runs through the early 1820’s. It was the day of Jane Austen and Napoleon, when the cut of a man’s coat was as important as his politics.” From the Westercon 63 home page. Text © John Hertz.

For the first time ever, you can order the lamp and then learn the dance.  Elk Lighting has one glorious traditional chandelier here, the Regency 6-Light Chandelier (product page: http://www.affordablelamps.com/elk-2163-6.html).  This regal, royal, and stately chandelier measures 28″ in diameter, and 33″ high, and uses six 60 watt medium base bulbs. The Regency features weathered gold leafed detail, burnt bronze arms and body that embodies luxury. Live like an emperor and dance like one to at the Westercon, this July 4th weekend in Pasadena, CA. I’ll be there in my splendor and so should you, so you can learn Regency Ballroom Dancing. Here’s their web link: http://www.westercon63.org/regency.html.

Be warned, the Regency lifestyle is addictive.

Chrome candelabras coalesce in this curvaceous creation from Elk Lighting. The Zullaix six-light chandelier (product page: http://www.affordablelamps.com/elk-11245-6.html) is a sparse yet sensuous entry on our crystal chandeliers section. This fixture measures 28″ in diameter by 31″ high, and requires six 60 watt candelabra base bulbs to finish the effect and truly create a dazzling display. Perfect for traditional homes with dining rooms, this Zullaix is not for everyone. Not really my taste, to be honest, but I can see this fixture in homes of those with more traditional values than mine. I’m still thinking about the Flutterby from my last blog entry, so you know where my head is at.

Who comes up with some of these names, anyway? Zullaix has no meaning that I can fathom.

Oh mother tell your children
Not to do what I have done
Spend your lives in sin and misery
In the House of the Rising Sun
Animals House of the Rising Sun

I just saw Eric Burdon on Fuse this last Monday, singing this song at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And now this lamp appears before my eyes, and can you say “House of the Rising Sun?” Talk about synchronicity. This lamp belongs in a house of ill repute, if there ever was lamp that did. The Flutterby (product page: http://www.affordablelamps.com/tra-pnd-610-red.html) features a passion red shade decorated with butterflies and crystal ornaments dangling below as if to tease and entice. This fixture measures 20″ in diameter by 18.5″ tall, and requires you to purchase three 60 watt candelabra base bulbs. Trans Globe Lighting’s ventures into pendant lighting are exotic at the least and decadent at the most, and I do not have a problem with that at all.

But you know, there are probably little old ladies in Pasadena that would love this pendant as well. Not to mention Wicca’s, Earth Moms, domestic goddesses, and maybe even Ru Paul! Now, sashay away!

Starship Trooper

Starship Trooper, go sailing on by,
Catch my soul, catch the very night.
Hide the moment from my eager eyes.
Though you’ve seen them, please don’t tell a soul.
Lyrics © Jon Anderson and Yes

As a die-hard Yes fan for almost 40 years, I am going to ask you to ignore those above quoted lyrics, and tell them you have seen them. Them being Stars from Mars®, the fiber optic Starfield systems we feature on our home décor page. Stars from Mars® are do-it-yourself fiber optic systems with lifetime warranties, suitable for home theaters, stage lighting, fiber optic curtains, pool lighting, Halloween visual effects and even patio lighting. I cut my teeth in the lighting biz with those fellows, and I still have close ties to them.

And this month, we are offering March Madness, an extra 10% off for Stars from Mars®phone orders with me. So say Yes to Stars from Mars®. These systems are as green as they come, versatile, durable, made in the USA, and have been used by NASA, Boeing, New Orleans Mardi Gras, Drew Carey, Bally’s, and Janet Jackson (with no discernible wardrobe malfunction). There are four systems to choose from, plus special orders for shooting star panels via the phone.

Then you can catch the very night.

The Password for today is burnished. This large pendant fixture out of Landmark Lighting (product page: http://www.affordablelamps.com/lan-70048-4.html) features a burnished copper finish, tea stained art glass that feels burnished, and is the definition of the word: burnished - made smooth and bright by or as if by rubbing; reflecting a sheen or glow.

This bowl pendant from the Dimension collection measures 35” in height by 22” wide, large enough for foyers, dens, or dining rooms. Similar to those offered by Quoizel or Murray Feiss, this particular fixture may be a bit more subtle than those served up by those top companies. Plus, this is a copper fixture, so perfect for kitchen island lighting.

Landmark is the sister company of Elk Lighting, and their product line is what I would dub New Americana. We will be offering this at $322.20 in the next week or so. Just remember the password, if you want a deal.