Happy Holidays to you… All of You!
Fatheadz is blessed with wonderful customers from all over the world. Thank You. It seems it doesn’t matter where you live – people have big heads everywhere. We’ve found something else to be true. There are good, fun, and friendly Fatheadz folks on every corner of this planet. For those of you who celebrate Christmas we wish a Merry Christmas and those of you who celebrate in other ways – Happy Holidays!
From all of us to all of you – we say Merry Christmas!
· Arabic – I’d Miilad said oua sana saida
· Chinese – (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan
· Dutch – Vrolijk Kerstfeest
· Filipino – Maligayang Pasko
· Finnish – Hyvaa joulua
· French – Joyeux Noël
· German – Fröhliche Weihnachten
· Greek – Kala Christouyenna!
· Indonesian – Selamat Hari Natal
· Irish – Nollaig Shona Dhuit
· Italian - Buon Natale!
· Japanese – Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
· Korean – Sung Tan Chuk Ha
· Portuguese – Feliz Natal!
· Russian – Pozdravlyenie s Rozjdyestvom i s Novym Godom!
· Swedish – God Jul
· Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
· Spanish – Feliz Navidad
· Vietnamese – Chuc Mung Giang Sinh
· Welsh – Nadolig Llawen
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at Fatheadz!
* Thanks to Hubpages for the translations.
Do Your Glasses Fit Your Face?
What’s your best facial feature? Does your eyewear compliment your best features or take away from your appearance? Do your glasses accentuate your least desirable feature? By matching your eye glass frames to the shape of your face you can enhance your look.
To begin with, frames need to fit your head, which before Fatheadz was a huge (pun intended) problem for many. But after that, how do you determine what style, color, and design of frame is best for you?
Before choosing eyewear first determine your face shape. What shape is your face?
Oval – When we consider beautiful faces we usually think of an oval shape. An oval face is a balanced face that many styles of frames will look well on. One hint: be sure the frames are as wide as the widest area of the face.
Round – The round face is curvy. For a thinner more oval look choose angular narrow frames and once again at least as wide as the widest part of the face.
Oblong – An oblong face is longer than it is wide. To make the face seem shorter and more balanced consider frames with contrasting temples.
Square – This shape is equal in width and height with a broad forehead and strong jaw. Use narrow frames to soften the sharp angles of the face.
Diamond – This face is narrow at the eyes and jaw line with broad cheek bones. Use rimless or light colored frames to bring out the eyes.
Base down triangle – This shape forms a trainable with a narrow forehead widening toward the chin. Frames with detail or contrasting color on the top section of the frames can make the forehead appear wider and more balanced.
Base up triangle – The opposite of the base down this shape is wide at the forehead and narrows toward the chin. Light colored or rimless frames will help balance the face.
Eye color, skin tone, and fashion color preferences should all be considered when selecting frames. Eyes are either blue or yellow base. By matching or accenting the frame to the eye color eyes can literally…be framed. For example, green eyes with a soft green or light yellow frame will shine.
If you want to look your best match your frames to your face, and be sure they fit.
For more information on this subject go to All About Vision
How Sunglasses make you…sexier!
Dr. Glenn Wilson, a psychologist at the University of London, who is known as the father of compatibility, has studied the psychological effects of wearing sunglasses
“Wearing sunglasses makes people feel more confident and attractive to the opposite sex. They make you feel mysterious, cool,” Wilson says. “There’s an association with the good life that adds to the aura – Hollywood, sports cars, all that.”
Wearing sunglasses bolsters confidence and makes the wearer feel more attractive to the opposite sex. When you feel more attractive – you are more attractive. Confidence is attractive. Although physical beauty may account for 20% of what makes anyone attractive to the opposite sex, 60% or more may be shear confidence. Being confident in your sex appeal makes you appealing and sunglasses inspire confidence. Protected behind shades people have the confidence to do things they normally would not do such as sunbathing topless or openly apprising a member of the opposite sex. Someone who would never consider “staring” at another may have the confidence to do so when wearing sunglasses.
The eyes have been called the windows to the soul and there’s some truth there. Eye expressiveness is an important part of body language. The eyes can show fear, lack of confidence , or when you’re not telling the truth. People who want to hide what their eyes may reveal, for example, poker players and law enforcement officers, often use sunglasses to that purpose.
Reading body language now.com added this, “There are some who would wear the glasses because they may increase the internal feelings of the man or woman almost as if they were a super hero. In a sense it is like dressing up and role playing while being a kid. Some men or women will have complete changes in their body language of more confidence by just using sunglasses so they become more than an accessory. This personification of this one article changes the whole persona of the person wearing them.”
The bottom line is people are more confident when wearing sunglasses and confidence is…sexy. So go put on your Fatheadz and be the sexiest you – you can be.
How Sunglasses Can Stop a Sneezing Fit
My father sneezes – a lot. He has sneezing fits. Growing up on a farm in Indiana, he calls his allergies – Hay Fever. In the fall he monitors the pollen count daily and stays indoors until there’s a hard freeze. He’s had back problems for 40 years and has occasionally “thrown his back out” during a sneezing fit. The two seasons, which challenge him the most are spring and fall. The leaf mold, golden rod, and high pollen count in the fall all irritate his nose and sinuses resulting in sneezing fits. But why does he sneeze in the spring of the year? It may be the Sun.
According to Scientific American somewhere around one third of the population is affected by PSR (Photic Sneeze Reflex). Although there hasn’t been a lot of research on this subject it has been recognized for thousands of years. The Greek philosopher Aristotle asked, “Why does the heat of the sun provoke sneezing?” Aristotle credited the sneezing to the heat of the sun, but in the 17th century Francis Bacon refuted this claim by stepping from the dark to the sun with his eyes closed. The heat didn’t cause the sneeze – the light did.
PSR seems to be genetic and can be found in either sex. When the optic nerve is aggravated by sudden direct sun light it seems to affect the nerves in the nose as well, however it has not been completely explained. For those of us, such as me, who aren’t affected by PSR it can be difficult to understand how sunlight can cause a sneezing attack, but for the one third of the population who are affected by PSR it can be more than a nuisance. Just as my father could damage his back from a sneezing fit, caused by sudden exposure to sunlight, others may have concerns. Imagine a pilot climbing through the clouds, suddenly staring into the sun then going into an uncontrollable sneezing fit. Drivers, especially race car drivers, could suffer severe consequences. Anyone operating machinery could have a problem. So before you leave that dark theater and walk into the direct sunlight put on your Fatheadz and stop sneezing.
What Are Sunglasses Called Around the World?
Sunglasses. One word, descriptive, and immediately recognizable, but a word that doesn’t tell the entire story. Yes – sunglasses protect eyes from the sun, but they do much more. They protect eyes from glare, they enhance vision, they improve sports, and they’re a fashion statement… good or bad. Should they be called something more than sun – glasses? How about eye protectors? Doesn’t flow off the tongue very well does it? So, what are sunglasses called in other parts of the world?
Shades – We all know and have probably used this wide spread term. Sun-shades is a common derivation of shades.
Sun Spectacles – Is an archaic term still used by some opticians. This is sometimes shortened to sunspecs.
Spekkies – If you’re in southern Australia you may need to wear some spekkies, but in much of Australasia and New Zealand they’re called Sunnies.
Glares – When in India do as they do and wear your glares is the hot daylight sun.
Glints – Thought to be derived from the glint seen shining off of the sunglasses
Solar shields or Stunna shades – Are glasses with oversized lenses
Glecks – What the heck are glecks? Any Scott can tell you it’s slang for sunglasses.
Whatever you call those things on your head that protect you from sun, glare, migraines, and even skin cancer – it’s important to remember they are more than “just” sunglasses. Whether you call them glints, glares, or spekkies – sunglasses should be an important part of everyone’s health initiatives. Now go put on some Fatheadz Stunna shades all y’all.
Should You Wear Your Sunglasses While Driving in the Rain?
If you’ve ever driven in the poor visibility of a driving rain you understand how dangerous this can be. This summer, while driving from Lexington, KY to Indianapolis, my wife and I drove through some of the most difficult summer driving conditions either of us could remember. There were several tornadoes sighted in the area. At times, the only thing that could be done was to pull over and wait it out, which we did. When the worst was past we continued on in a downpour with my wife driving. As she drove I put on my Fatheadz sunglasses and was totally surprised – I could see through the rain -even though it was totally overcast and raining heavily. How did this work? I did some research and came to the conclusion – it’s the polarization. As any fisherman can tell you – reflected light from the surface of the water can and will obscure your vision. Polarization is designed to block the reflected vertical rays of light and does the same with light reflected and refracted off the rain. I discovered limited visibility caused by the tails of rain from passing vehicles, traveling behind a larger vehicle, or sudden sheets of rain – all were reduced and visibility was greatly improved. I’ve also read that in limited fog, polarized sunglasses improve vision, but I haven’t tried this yet and would caution in cases of heavy fog to get off the road. Lifehacker.com had this to say about wearing sunglasses in the daytime rain, “Wearing polarized sunglasses when driving in the rain during the day will help a driver see well. Polarized sunglasses work to block horizontal components of scattered or reflected light, which means they help counteract the scattering of light that atmospheric effects like fog or rain have on daylight.”
How to see better and drive safer in the rain
- Always keep a pair or two of sunglasses in your car
- To be effective in the rain the glasses must be polarized
- If the rain becomes severe pull over
- Do not attempt to use the sunglasses at night, at least if you’re driving.
The rain stayed with us for about 100 miles or just south of Indianapolis, which was in a 60 day drought so of course the rain didn’t make it to Indy. During the drive we learned a better way to see in the rain and a safer way to drive. Share this with your friends it could be important.
How Are Sunglass Lenses Made?
Very carefully. In this case the old joke is absolutely true. Sunglass lenses ARE made very carefully. They are designed and manufactured with precision. Most modern lenses are manufactured from high impact Polycarbonate although glass is still used in a few. Producing sunglass lenses is a multi-step process beginning at design and ending with a finished product, which functions on many levels, and when done correctly, is pretty darn good looking as well.
How are lenses made?
- Molten polycarbonate – this is where the process begins. Polycarbonate is heated to a liquid state so it can be formed and shaped into lenses.
- Additives – some additives are mixed into the polycarbonate while in its molten sate. This may include color pigment, UV blockers, and additives for flexibility and strength.
- Casting – the molten material is cast into a “puck” or blank used to form the lenses.
- Rotated – inside a vacuum chamber with gaseous anti- reflective, scratch resistant, and/or UV coatings.
- Placed – in an Infra-red oven to cure.
- Sized and shaped – by an edger, which curves the lenses and bevels the edges.
- Tension mounted to the frame – the front of the frame is smaller than the lenses thus fitting it snuggly inside the frame.
This is only a few of the key processes in bringing quality sunglass lenses to you. Making sunglass lenses without warping or imperfections, which hinder their function, is a complicated and timely process, but one that is needed to deliver a product with high expectations. Sunglass lenses are expected to block UV, avoid scratches, improve visibility, and look good. Not so easy a thing to accomplish, but like many things in life – good isn’t easy and great is harder. Visit our GREAT line of sunglasses…and their lenses.
If you’re interested here’s a little more on sunglasses construction.
Why Sunglasses Are a Year Round Necessity
As we approach autumn after a record setting summer of heat, drought, and sun, which was not only experienced in North America but around the world, it’s time to remember – sunglasses know no season. Although it’s plain old-fashioned common sense that sunglasses are a necessity in the summer sun they’re still needed every season of the year. From snow blindness on a blistery winter day to clear Indian summer afternoons or bright spring mornings – sunglasses serve a purpose. They protect your eyes from harmful UV Rays.
The sun moves across our sky daily from east to west, but the latitude and therefore the intensity of the sun’s rays varies. During the equinoxes, usually around March 20th and September 22nd, the sun is at the celestial equator rising directly in the east and setting due west. After the March equinox the sun drifts north and it drifts south after September. The December solstice marks the furthest southern point while the June solstice marks the northern limit of the suns daily travel. This is why, in the northern hemisphere, there is more daylight in the summer. Although UV rays are affected and lessened by the angle of the sun they’re still present and dangerous. Even cloud cover, which may diminish UV rays doesn’t eliminate them.
The lesson here is sunglasses have no season. Yes, it may be more critical when the sun is directly overhead in the summer, but harmful health hazardous UV rays are showering down on all of us every season of the year. There is no OFF season for safety. Keep your Fatheadz close year round. Besides, they are pretty cool aren’t they?
11 Parts of Eyewear
When parts wear or break on eyewear can they be fixed or replaced? Yes. No… maybe. In other words some can while some cannot, but the first step in finding out is knowing what the part is. If a nose pad breaks is it attached to a pad arm? Does your eyewear have an adjustable nose bridge or is it a keyhole? Here are the most common parts of eye wear
- 1. The Bridge-
- an arch connecting the frames and supports the biggest part of the weight for the entire frame.
- Types of bridges include:
- Keyhole Bridge – shaped like an old time keyhole they rest on both sides of the upper nose, best suited for smaller or flat noses.
- Saddle bridge – shaped like a (you got it) saddle, it distributes the weight evenly therefore is often used for heavy eyewear.
- Adjustable bridge – with nose pads that can be bent to comfortable position
- Double bridge – uses a reinforcing bar over the top
- End pieces – the portion of the frame extending from the lenses to the temples or arms
- Rims – frame in which the lenses are inserted
- Hinges – attached between the end piece and the temple to allow the arms to fold inward.
- Lenses – glass, plastic, or polycarbonate -may be prescription
- Nose pad – attached to pad arms or directly to the frame they improve the fit and comfort of the eyewear
- Pad arms – arms extending from frames to hold nose pads
- Screws – tiny metal hardware (and if you’ve adjusted them you know they are tiny) at the hinges
- Sweat bar – a bar placed above the bridge for addition support
- Temples/ arms –a piece on each side extending back behind the ears. Types include:
- Skull temples – slightly bent following the outline of the skull
- Comfort cable – a flexible wire that hooks behind the ear
- Riding bow – like a comfort arm, but rigid
- Spring – set with a spring to help hold arms in place
- Library – strait arms, which go on and off easily (excellent for reading glasses)
- Temple tips – a plastic coating at the end of each arm
Now you know the difference between a sweat bar and bridge. I’m wearing an adjustable bridge, extended temple tip, riding bow, wire rim, pair of glasses. What are you wearing? Fatheadz we hope.
Need a visual of the visual? Here’s a little diagram just for you.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Sunglasses
Has this happened to you? You just received those hot new sunglasses you ordered – you know the ones that make you look like a rock star, and well… they’re not what you thought. Wearing them you look more like a rock than a star. Yea, been there done that. How do you prevent this?
1. Get the right size – Not only do poorly fitting sunglasses look bad they may cause problems. So how do you know what size you need? How to measure eyewear
2. Learn what styles fit your face – Just because the ad shows how amazing a model looks in them doesn’t mean you will. Is your face slender or thick? How far apart are your eyes? How big (or small) is your nose. Keep in mind not every style is your style.
3. Avoid cheap knock offs – The old saying, “You get what you pay for” unfortunately may be true if you order cheap sunglasses. Lenses, arms, and fasteners can all be cost cutting areas, which affect how the product performs. There’s a reason they’re cheap and it’s not because of the humanitarian outreach of the manufacturer.
4. Make sure they’re UV400 rated – Yes, you can order a pair of well fitting good looking sunglasses, which do the job you expect them to without protecting you from harmful UV rays, but you should expect more. Don’t settle for less. Protection from UV is important.
5. Read the warranty – Is it a “real” warranty? Does the manufacture stand behind their product OR if it breaks do you get to keep the pieces? The best warranties include Satisfaction Guarantees and the best companies have a customer service department.
By following these 5 simple steps you can avoid headaches later. Take a little time to know what you need and what you are getting before you order your next pair of sunglasses. Choose wisely – don’t just pick and click.