November 24, 2001
Greetings Accumulators!
I hope all USA Accumulators had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. And to
those of you around the globe, whether you celebrate Thanksgiving,
Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, the 750th Birthday of Buddhism, or
any of the many holidays I've missed naming, I wish a peaceful and happy
holiday season, surrounded by your loved ones - and lots of great finds.
Here in The Apple today it is pouring down rain. It's been rather dry here
lately, so we need this. The fog is so thick that, here on the 42nd floor,
we can't see the ground. Actually, we can't even see the building across
the way. So, here in our closely enveloped tower, Artie is doing some sort
of electronic-techo-thing to our television, and I am typing to my
Accumulators who live outside the fog zone. That's you!
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION WE HAD NO IDEA WE NEEDED TO HEAR
You will be ecstatic to hear, I am sure, that the World Toilet Organization
met this week in Singapore. Among all the other important business they
discussed (I'm not going there, so don't tempt me!), was this: beginning
next year, November 19th has been declared World Toilet Day. I know you are
asking yourself three things: (1)"Gee, how can I swing a tax deductible
trip to Singapore the way these guys did?", (2)"Wow, what activities do
these guys have planned for next year's premier World Toilet Day?", and (3)
"Oh boy, what collectibles can I gather in anticipation of the immense
advance next year of the market in toilet collectibles?" Well, you may
want to put these questions to the WTO yourself. Their web site is at
http://www.worldtoilet.org. There you can read about their objectives, and
enter one of their contests. There's one called "The Toilet Of a Thousand
Names" and another called "Loo's Toons", but the prizes are the best thing
of all: designer "restroom earrings" and a pewter collar pin. There you go
- toilet collectibles! And don't forget to visit the Toilet Support Centre.
You will also find contact information for the organization. My advice: if
you ever get to meet a representative of The World Toilet Organization, do
not shake his hand.
FINALLY, A CLUB OLDER THAN I AM DEPARTMENT
Here's a collecting organization that's been around for a long, long time.
Perhaps it is because they have so much to offer. The American Political
Items Collectors is actually 56 years old, is dedicated to the exploration
of political history, and includes collectors and scholars with varied
interests. Many members have branched off into political issues such as
women's suffrage and the environment. Their web site is wonderfully
informative and, best of all, they have an electronic newsletter to which
you can subscribe at their site. The URL is http://apic.ws/.
YES, ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ARE AFFECTING THE MARKET
At Christie's East this week, another auction of celeb memorabilia. Gone
are the days when collectors would have paid obscene prices for anything
touched by someone famous. At this auction, lots of things were passed
over by bidders. The Monroe dress fetched $18,200, but a bust of John
Lennon sold for $3,525, $1,500 less than the estimate. And an overcoat worn
by Al Pacino in "The Godfather Part II, didn't even get an opening bid. You
will, of course, be thrilled to know that the original tablets Charlton
Heston carried down from Mount Sinai in "The Ten Commandments sold for
$11,750.
Lo and behold, it has stopped raining in New York City. Still foggy as a
window pane in winter, though. I have to stay in anyway - to learn the A
switch from the B switch and cable box 1 from cable box 2. Such complicated
maneuverings! I hope you'll have the opportunity to go out though, and find
some treasures. Have a wonderful week, Accumulators. Happy hunting!
Best,
Judith
© 2001 Judith Katz-Schwartz. All rights reserved.
Antiques and Collectibles Newsletter #163
U.S. Library of Congress
ISSN 1520-4464
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