Territory of Ceiling Fans Expands

As homeowners extend their living space outside, manufacturers are expanding their lines of weatherproof ceiling fans.

Fans are being made specifically for wet and damp locations such as patios, porches, gazebos and terraces. Outdoor fans move rather than cool the air, but can make higher-humidity environments more comfortable.

Styles also are becoming more elaborate. Emerson's outdoor line includes an old-world European fan in aged walnut or dark cherry, a Maya Zen fan that mixes Asian elements with Frank Lloyd Wright prairie style and a Tommy Bahama wicker-look fan.

Emerson fans are sold at Eck Supply and Shades of Light in Richmond, Lighting Impressions in Midlothian and Rexel Branch in Ashland.

Feed birds, not the squirrels

If you feed birds in your backyard, chances are you've had exasperating run-ins with squirrels.

Every year, it seems, a new product is launched that guarantees to solve the problem.

This spring, it's the Squirrel Stopper Pole System. The pole holds four feeders and features a "floating" baffle that bounces up and down and side to side. The manufacturer says squirrels can't get past it to get to your feeders.

Squirrels can't jump high enough to reach bird feeders hung from the 8-foot-tall pole. To get to the seed, they must first attempt to scurry up the pole. Once they reach the baffle, its curved dome top prevents squirrels from holding on -- and the rocking action shakes them free.

The pole is $124.95 at www.duncraft.com.

MEMO: HOME WORKS

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