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Hang Glider
Porch Gliders and Porch Swings Continue their Sibling Rivalry
In the on-going debate to determine the greatest invention of all time, there is a vast pool of candidates. Although certain things, such as the telephone, the automobile, and the airplane, consistently top the list, their biggest challengers, interestingly, are often at the opposite end of the scale, in terms of grandeur. "Sliced bread," for example, is a surprising, yet recurrent, contender. So, it's no mystery that the humble porch glider also gets a nod. Besides being a source of constant comfort, it has, in a way, even improved our ability to express ourselves.
Indeed, the porch glider has been bringing people closer together since its inception, which, by most accounts, was somewhere around the end of the 19th century. It is thought that the original was created in 1898. In the ensuing years, other versions followed, and were referred to by a variety of names, including the "couch hammock," the "swinging couch," and the "swinging davenport."
It took more than a quarter of a century, and much refining, before the design was perfected by a craftsman who, in 1925, began calling his model a "glide hammock." Obviously, that was eventually shortened to "glider," which is the name by which it is known to this day. You might even call it a term of affection, as, there's no denying, it is well-loved by all.
Its closest competitor, which also happens to be its closest relative, is the porch swing, an equally-cherished piece of outdoor furniture. Both are exceptionally soothing, and have long histories of inducing relaxation deep enough to evaporate stress. In some cases, their effects can even be profound enough to induce virtually-hypnotic states, under which people have been known to reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings. That's why, for better, or for worse, porch gliders and swings have been the sites of many marriage proposals.
One of the differences between these two sibling rivals, so to speak, is that porch swings travel in an up-and-down path, while porch gliders keep things on an even, back-and-forth level. The main distinction, though, is that gliders are less needy. For one thing, they can be placed and used almost anywhere, while swings require beams, or stands, from which to hang.
Moreover, porch gliders take up less space, even when in use, as their range of motion is restricted. On the other hand, even though the same can be said, technically, for porch swings, they certainly have much more leeway, and the areas that they can cover, when active, are largely determined by the swingers. Consequently, someone may situate one in a space that's suited to his or her normal swing scope, only to have, say, a rambunctious child, or an over-ambitious party guest, climb aboard and go crashing into a wall, or knocking over an accent table (and whatever may be sitting on it).
Of course, these unpleasant incidents are rare, as the owners are usually quite aware of the dimensions surrounding their porch swings when they put them in place. Therefore, if they have to hang them in spots where any swingers must be conservative (if, indeed, it's even possible for a swinger to be conservative), they'll be sure to impart the limitation information before first launch.
Naturally, the porch glider needs no such warning; but still, the two are running neck-and-neck in the contest for favorite piece of outdoor furniture, even if neither wins in the all-time-greatest invention category.
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No matter which gets your vote, however, you'll find them in several styles, materials, and colors, along with a complete line of outdoor furniture, at CedarStore.com. You can also contact a design consultant or a customer service representative, at 888-293-2339, or contact@cedarstore.com.
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