The correlation is between the average light wavelength (nm) and the correlated colour temperature (CCI). This is in comparison to so-called black-body radiation, which is emitted by a theoretical perfect radiator. The radiation from such a hot body is a smooth curve which peaks at a wavelength that depends on the temperature. The link shows a few curves for different temperatures. For example, the 6000K radiation curve peaks at 480nm which is in the blue-green area. 6000K black-bodt radiation still appears white (with a slight blue tinge) because it is actually a broad spread of radiation with a peak at 480nm. Notice that the 3000K curve (halogen and incandescent are 2500K-3000K) peaks in the infrared. OK, back to fluorescents. Most fluorescents don't emit a broad spread of radiation, but it is possible to average out the wavelengths that they do emit to get the average wavelength. The correlated colour temperature is the temperature of black body radiation which would peak at this wavelength. So if the average fluorescent wavelength is 480nm, the tube would have a CCT of 6000K. Note that this fluorescent tube's spectrum could have a red spike and a blue spike that average to 480nm, or it could come from a big blue-green spike right at 480nm. One tube would appear purple and one would appear blue-green. Neither would appear white. Using three phosphors is the most common modern approach to creating white-ish light. That white-ish light is actually made up of a red spike, a green spike, and a blue spike, and some stuff in between in more expensive tubes. It appears white, but it illuminates certain colours brightly and most colours very dully. It is the classic flat grey cast that comes from a cheap fluorescent. A fluorescent that emitted a broader spread of light wavelength would render more colours better. How close an artificial light is to that ideal broad spread is measured by the colour rendition index (CRI), where 100 is the best. What this means is that a tube with a higher temperature must emit more light somewhere at the blue end of the spectrum to have an average wavelength that is nearer to blue. Those 6500K bulbs appear white with a bluish tinge, 4100K bulbs appear as a fairly clear white, and 3000K bulbs appear distinctly orange. I knew this picture would come in handy one daya :) Here is a link that might be useful: Some black body radiation curves

Hey, Esther, I'm sure if you talked to your neighbor, he would be pleased to get you some tiny Chinese umbrellas to shade your mini hosta. Just kidding, of course. Is it due east that the sun comes across your bed? And that would be the sun on the vernal equinox and autumnal equinox. At the solstice, it will be at its most extreme, not equal. But as a science person, you know that. What I did here was to mark the shade on those four occasions, the equinox and the solstice, and know all the sun patterns for my house....which sits almost facing due west, but not completely, so in the long days of summer, the north side of my house has no shade at all....except that created by my taller shrubs and the jasmine covered privacy fence. No hosta on MY north side. Along the eastern side, I can allow hosta in pots to remain by the deck until late June, when it becomes much too hot for them, unless I employ umbrellas. Is the building a dark brick with a dark foundation? Then more heat will radiate and you will need more water to cool the area. Maybe think of ice cubes for the hottest part of the year. They water orchids that way. Oh yes. And mulch them very well. Or, think of a bushy shrub strategically placed to give the shade at the right time of year. Cannot recommend anything for your climate, but something which would not give your management a heart attack.

Great Tina, I will duly note those plants to be sent to you when it quits raining here and thaws there for good in Spring. That is very cool about the 'Jack' memorial planting. Glad to contribute to his honor. Earthly, The puppy is being a puppy! How could you not love him? I recommend lots of chew toys, Kongs are good stuffed with a treat or peanut butter. Maybe bitter apple spray on stuff he's not supposed to chew. LOL- don't know how it affects plants! I'm doing fine. I am taking a hiatus from the swap scene for a bit to concentrate on work. ICK! Am I nuts, or what? DD loves school in southern Cal and just returned there after a month winter break at home. She's wonderful and we miss her, but it's very exciting to see her spread her wings and discover things of interest in and out of school. She thought this program (link) reaching out to pre-adolescent girls would be a good volunteer opportunity and was just accepted into training. She loves going to schools to teach and interact with the kids. Good for her. We are about to get blown of the map with an incoming storm so I'm trying to do all things requiring electricity NOW! And if we miss that Superbowl because of a power outage, which are common out here in the heavily treed boonies, I will be one crazed woman! If everyone would just root for the Seahawks for me, I'd be much obliged. They are accustomed to huge, loud fan support and this game is clearly stacked in favor of the opposition in terms of fans. Time to plug in the rechargeable radio before it's too late.... Even if you hate football, just OHMMMMMM think positively for the home team here: we've never had a team even go to the Superbowl before now. Thank you! You all stay warm and dry, and I'll be working on Shelby Ray mom/Tammy's birthday box in the days to come, assuming I am not out giving my chainsaw a good workout to clear the house of fallen trees :( Here is a link that might be useful: Girls, Inc.

Well, the DIY seminar on waterfall building was mainly a dudd. But I did pick up a few ideas about the sound of the waterfall. Apparently, concave backdrops make the sound project (because it doesn't have anywhere else to go). Also, the sound of the waterfall is a deeper pitch when it falls into deeper water. OK, well the final drop into the pool is deep already, I'll just have to apply that to the intermediate drops as well. I'm working on a revised drawing of the waterfall (This waterfall going to be a project in itself! But it will be fun.) I'll post the design pic in a little while. I'm ordering the pool kit today. The clearers/diggers will be here in the next few days. I hope that I have this right!! -Renee