Marilyn and Watershaping
    A comment I’ve been anticipating (and dreading) has recently crossed my desk. It came from a reader who expressed exasperation with our newsletter’s use of celebrity-centered items; she was particularly offended by our link to a generous dose of Marilyn Monroe’s skin in a recent edition of “Ripples.”   I’m sorry that any offense was taken, but it’s a plain fact that items like these get people to 
Revisiting Fallingwater
  Aided by the fact that my sister lives within easy driving distance of Mill Run, Pa., I've visited Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater several times through the years and have had the good fortune to see it in spring, summer and fall.     It's an amazing place and has been documented with 
Kicking Up ‘Curb Appeal’
    “You only get one chance to make a first impression.”    How many times have you heard that in your life? There’s a good reason for it: First impressions last – and that’s particularly true with a home.     This is why real estate agents typically bring up “curb appeal” when advising clients about how to sell at the best price. Why? Because if prospective buyers drive up and sees a messy, weed-plagued yard, chances are good that they will simply roll on by. And even if they stop, the negative initial impression will be hard to shake as they 
Watershapers Must Grow or Go! (Part 2)
In the first installment of this two-part opinion piece, watershaper and educator Mark Holden offered a scathing critique of what he views as the traditional pool industry. To read Part One in its entirety, click here. In the second installment of his two-part opinion piece, Holden offers
Test Your Knowledge #15
What celebrated swimmer keeps trying to swim the Flodia Straits?
10 Years Ago: Why Proper Supervision Is Essential
In April 2001, as part of his “Details” column in WaterShapes, David Tisherman argued forcefully for constant, competent on-site supervision of watershaping projects. In his article, entitled “Super Vision,” he noted, “Call it quality control, attention to detail or perfectionism: There’s no
Ripples #26
Compiled and Written by Lenny Giteck Screen Legend Marilyn Monroe’s Nude Swimming Outtakes from Her Final Film Had she lived, movie icon and sex goddess
Brighter Future or Wishful Thinking?
I’ve spent considerable time in recent days chatting with watershapers about the way things are going — just touching base with old friends, mostly. These conversations generally start with curiosity about
Mastering Outdoor Fire Features
Through the past decade or so, the popularity of all forms of outdoor fire has increased dramatically. No matter whether it’s a fire pit, a fireplace or a fire bowl or box, more often than not these days, our clients are asking for some type of decorative fire treatment as part of their
Test Your Knowledge #14
How much do you know about springboards?