2011/5.1, May 11 — Garden Steps and Landings, Waterfalls, Spa Aesthetics and more

May 11, 2011

WATERSHAPES.COM

LESSONS LEARNED

Making Steps and Landings Safe

Steps and landings are among the most common of all elements in landscapes, says Scott Cohen; unfortunately, he adds, they can be serious safety hazards that could lead to lawsuits. In the latest installment of his ‘Lessons Learned’ series, he offers a number of practical tips on how to reduce the risk. [more]

VIDEO GALLERY

The Calming Magic of Waterfalls

There is something about waterfalls that human beings find both mesmerizing and soothing. Although they are not manmade, these stunning natural wonders offer inspiration to human watershapers for what they can aspire to achieve — even if on a much smaller scale. We’re pleased to present videos of four of the world’s greatest waterfalls for you to contemplate and enjoy. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

The Ugly Truth About Spas

Are spas good for sore muscles but eyesores when it comes to aesthetics? In the latest installment of the WaterShapes World blog, Jim McCloskey writes that ‘something really needs to be done to make pool-adjacent spas — especially when they’re raised — make any visual sense at all. At the moment, I don’t get the general impression that designers put enough thought into this part of their projects.’ [more]

IN THE UNDERWATER OPERA,
IT AIN’T OVER TILL THE FAT
LADY FLOATS — OR MAKES
WHALE-LIKE SOUNDS [more]

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Three Pennies for Your Thoughts

The classic 1954 film “Three Coins in the Fountain” — which starred Clifton Webb, Dorothy McGuire, Jean Peters, Louis Jourdan and Rossano Brazzi.— was about three American women seeking romance in a European city. What was the city and which fountain was at the heart of the story?

1. Paris; Fontaine aux Lions
2. London; Triton Fountain
3. Lisbon; Rossio Fountain
4. Rome; Trevi Fountain

Click here to see the correct answer and to watch the original trailer for the movie, which includes Frank Sinatra singing the title song.

BOOK NOTES

Steve Jobs: Master of the Presentation

Steve Jobs’ prowess at giving compelling, persuasive presentations is well-known — but in his review of The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs by BusinessWeek.com columnist Carmine Gallo, Mike Farley admits, “At first, one might ask how on earth Jobs’ approach to presentations applies to watershaping.” Farley’s response? “What I discovered in reading this brilliant book is that not only is his approach relevant, it’s also transforming.” [more]

DECK-O-SEAL

(Hampshire, IL) offers Deck-O-Shield Plus, a premium-grade, ready-to-use, water-based sealer formulated for natural stone. Designed to seal porous surfaces, the product doesn’t significantly alter the color of surfaces and is ideal for use on pool copings and decks to protect them from salt penetration — and on all other porous surfaces to protect against spalling caused by freeze/thaw cycles. [more]