December 13, 2002
Greetings Accumulators!
Greetings to all triskaidekaphobics! Today is the day for you to tremble in fear. I myself have very few superstitions (but don't try putting my handbag on the floor - ever!). However, part of my extended family is composed of Sephardic (Mediterranean) Jews. Just try complimenting one of the children, and everyone starts spitting on the floor and chanting all kinds of evil eye-off-warding exhortations. Well, you're probably somewhere they don't allow spitting on the floor, so just relax, don't walk under any ladders, and be careful not to knock over the salt shaker.
Before I forget, I want to let you know that I have FINALLY converted all the back issues of the newsletter to HTML language and have posted them in the Newsletter archives. They are completely caught up and current, so if you missed one, or there's a link you want to go back and find, you'll find the archives at http://msjudith.net/news/index.htm.
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF DOES IT COME WITH A TEENY TINY LITTLE FOOT FOR PLACING IN ITS MOUTH TOO?
We all knew this was bound to happen: Talking Presidents.Com has produced and is marketing an action figure of George W. Bush that utters 17 phrases, including some of those amazing gaffes we all know and love. The doll has sold out its initial run of 12,000 and is now backordered until after Christmas. Now, there's nothing satirical about this: these are exact quotes. In fact, the doll speaks the famous phrases in the President's own voice. The $29.99 doll says, among other things, "You're working hard to put food on your family.", "I will not hold this nation hostile.", and "I'm from Texas." Thank you Mr. President. LINK
THE UNKINDEST CUT OF ALL DEPARTMENT
Parents at a Cape Town, South Africa shopping mall threw up their hands in horror at a Christmas display that included a reindeer with testicles made of golden Christmas ornaments. As a result, Rudolph endured an unceremonious but mercifully brief castration by the display company, Display House. The company's general manager and spokesperson, Hein Conradie, said he had been unaware of Rudolph's "jewels" until being asked to remove them, according to The Independent. Conradie added that the baubles were "fairly obvious", and that they were "anatomically correct for an animal of that size." Funny that you would know that, Hein. Perhaps next time a pair of size-appropriate reindeer Fruit Of The Looms would be in order.
SITE-SEEING
Artist-At-Large.com - A comprehensive compendium of art exhibits, festivals and other art happenings around the world. Organized by city, so you can find an art event no matter where you are. LINK
Gang Rule.com - Forget Tony Soprano - these are really, really bad boys. Search this database for the fascinating history of gangsters beginning in 1890. Searchable by individual, family or event. Search by "position" and you'll come up with the names of consigliere and enforcers. Some scary guys here. Includes a collection of rare photographs, mugshot and other. This site is better viewed using Internet Explorer than Netscape. LINK
We'll be out of touch for a while, Accumulators. He Who Is The Light Of My Life and I are headed for the Caribbean next week, along with most of the extended family - time to re-charge the batteries, do a little scuba diving, visit with the loved ones. I'll get back to you before New Year's Eve. Until then, for all my Accumulators of the Christian persuasion, I wish you Peace and Joy and Love, a successful visit from Santa, and all the blessings of the season. Don't forget to stop by your local antiques shop - it's a great source for Christmas gifts. Happy hunting!
Best,
Judith
© 2002 Judith Katz-Schwartz. All rights reserved.
Antiques and Collectibles Newsletter #202
U.S. Library of Congress
ISSN 1520-4464
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