February 2, 2002
Greetings Accumulators!
Sorry about that. For those writing to find out if everything is okay, it
is. I've just been on work overload. In the past couple of weeks I've been
wrapped up doing radio and TV interviews, book signings, appraisathons and
seminars. But, I'm back in the cozy chair, typing to you. We've been having
the strangest weather here in the Big Apple this week, along with the very
strange World Economic Forum, and its even stranger protestors and their
extremely strange giant puppets. So far, all is peaceful, though, which is
a good thing.
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TREMENDOUS CULTURE SHIFTS
If you've been asleep for fifty years, and need a refresher course in how
much our Western culture has changed in that time, surf on over to The
Gallery Of Regrettable Food at
http://www.lileks.com/institute/gallery/index.html. The site has photos,
advertisements and excerpts from magazines and books of yesteryear, all
with a focus on food. Can't believe what we ate in those days, and what we
did! In the Bad Ads section you'll see a full page color ad for A&P
Supermarkets that touts themselves as immensely popular, as demonstrated by
all the babies in prams parked outside. Can you imagine any mother leaving
her baby unattended in a carriage or stroller outside a grocery store
today? After the local Eye Witness News team filmed the police taking the
mother away in handcuffs, the baby would find herself in the Social
Services system. Lots of other interesting vintage food stuff at this site.
RED BARON DREAMER DEPARTMENT
He Who Is The Light Of My Life has always been fascinated by aeronautics.
I'm sure he was one of those little boys hunkered down on his knees on the
living room floor, with a metal or plastic plane in his hand, going
"Vroooom!". In fact, there are vrooming noises coming from the bedroom
right now. Oh. Snoring. Sorry. Anyway, there's this great site called
Riveting Images, at LINK , where you can view, or
even purchase, aviation art. The catalog is arranged by artist, by type of
plane (all those numbers and letters!), by event, and by personality. My
favorite plane is the B-52, partly because it's the only number/letter one
I can manage to memorize, and partly because it is so bizarre looking, with
its extremely long wings - so long, they require wheels of their own. If
you are still fascinated, as I am, by the fact that these large metal
contraptions can actually get off the ground, go have a look.
SO YOU THOUGHT YOUR COLLECTION WAS UNUSUAL...
The authorities in Calgary, Canada apparently have a little time on their
hands. At least they do now. They have finally arrested and are bringing to
justice that obsessed collector and dangerous thief, The Panty Bandit. The
35 year old man, who is accused of stealing women's underwear while posing
as a prospective home buyer, has been captured after exhaustive police work
and a six-page file maintained by the Calgary Real Estate Board. Inspector
Luch Berti, of the Calgary Police Service, said: "It left us grasping at
straws. Officers put in a great deal of work trying to put all the pieces
of this puzzle together." Thank goodness Calgary's thongs are now safe once
again. No word on how the PB displayed his lovely collection, and no
results yet from the IQ tests of the home owners who left him in privacy to
go through their lingerie drawers.
Okay, Accumulators, time to hop off to the country place. Tonight being the
first Saturday night of the month, The Old Red Barn in Cuddebackville, NY
is holding their usual fab auction of great stuff. Presided over by our
very own Barn Man, Vince, and managed by The Lovely Linda, it promises to
be as much fun as all the others we've been happy to attend over the years.
If you're in the nabe, stop by and say "hi". And bring money. Of course.
Have yourselves a great week. Stay warm, or dry, or cool, depending on
where you are. And enjoy life. Happy hunting!
Best,
Judith
© 2002 Judith Katz-Schwartz. All rights reserved.
Antiques and Collectibles Newsletter #168
U.S. Library of Congress
ISSN 1520-4464
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