Locomotive shaped barware.
Chickens roosting in bureau.
Friends trivia game.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
N. Morningside Dr. - Morningside “Yard Sale”
I saw no signs for this sale and discovered it while looking for a nearby estate sale. In front of a two-story home was an adolescent girl presiding over a meager selection of goods. Among the stuff there were four dining room chairs, a framed VanGogh print, an old black leather coat, a box of dolls and some assorted clothing. Among the clothing I found a pair of socks with dogs on them. A woman on the porch hailed me to come inside and look at a few things there. All that was inside was a brown sofa, a tattered looking Persian carpet and a spinet piano.
I bought nothing.
Berkshire Ln. – Morningside “Estate Sale”
It was good to get out of the cold and go into this plain looking ranch style home. Upon entering I proceeded past the professional sellers and headed to the dimly lit dining room where I strained to read the titles of some books on a built-in bookcase. There I found “The Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur Survival Kit”, “Predator’s Ball”, “Immune for Life”, “Tips for Teaching Pros”, “How to Put Yourself Across” and “Abandonment of the Jews”. On the floor of that room was a lamp with a large ceramic white cat at the base.
From there I headed into the better-lit kitchen where I found a pantry filled with canned and boxed food. A sign noted all items for 50 cents. Among the food and supplies was a can of Comet cleanser, a jar of calamine lotion, some boxes of bandages, two containers of Morton’s salt, some cans of Hill brand cleaning products, an opened package of egg noodles and some cans of tomatoes. There was also a man’s white belt in the pantry.
A brief survey of the kitchen revealed just the usual fodder of glassware, cookware, utensils and a salt shaker shaped like Shamu the killer whale.
It was good to get out of the cold and go into this plain looking ranch style home. Upon entering I proceeded past the professional sellers and headed to the dimly lit dining room where I strained to read the titles of some books on a built-in bookcase. There I found “The Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur Survival Kit”, “Predator’s Ball”, “Immune for Life”, “Tips for Teaching Pros”, “How to Put Yourself Across” and “Abandonment of the Jews”. On the floor of that room was a lamp with a large ceramic white cat at the base.
From there I headed into the better-lit kitchen where I found a pantry filled with canned and boxed food. A sign noted all items for 50 cents. Among the food and supplies was a can of Comet cleanser, a jar of calamine lotion, some boxes of bandages, two containers of Morton’s salt, some cans of Hill brand cleaning products, an opened package of egg noodles and some cans of tomatoes. There was also a man’s white belt in the pantry.
A brief survey of the kitchen revealed just the usual fodder of glassware, cookware, utensils and a salt shaker shaped like Shamu the killer whale.
From the kitchen I immediately descended a flight of stairs to the basement. Along the narrow stairs was a rail for a chair lift. A sign noted that it was for sale. The basement was divided into three rooms. One room, which must have been the den or rec room, had a full size shuffleboard court in its center. There were benches along the perimeter for shuffleboard fans. No shuffleboard gear remained. On one of the benches was a three ring binder holding a photocopies of the entire text (including the cover page) of “A Year in Provence”, another binder contained a photocopied version of “Under Crescent and Cross” a history of Jews during the middle ages. Nearby was a pile of partially used rolls of gift-wrap and some 6 oz coke bottles. On a table in the same room were three framed 8x10 glossies of early NASA rockets, a Jupiter C, a Juno and the ill fated Vanguard missile. On the floor was a collection of old luggage.
Another part of the basement was part of the garage. In it I found a box of Lps. Among them were works by Guy Lombardo, Xavier Cugat and Mitch Miller, as well as a motivational work by Earl Nightengale entitled “Your Greatest Opportunity”, “Hebrew Melodies in Modern Dance Time” and “Sing Along in Hebrew”. A metal box in the same area contained a tourist map of Israel, a comb, some bandages and an old pamphlet on Georgia driving laws. In the same room was a VCR, a cap from the Standard Club, a strobe light and a shopping cart from some unnamed grocery store.
Another part of the basement contained a number of home health care devise, some lawn tools and a set of golf club in a very attractive leather bag. On a shelf was a selection of Hill cleaning products.
Another part of the basement was part of the garage. In it I found a box of Lps. Among them were works by Guy Lombardo, Xavier Cugat and Mitch Miller, as well as a motivational work by Earl Nightengale entitled “Your Greatest Opportunity”, “Hebrew Melodies in Modern Dance Time” and “Sing Along in Hebrew”. A metal box in the same area contained a tourist map of Israel, a comb, some bandages and an old pamphlet on Georgia driving laws. In the same room was a VCR, a cap from the Standard Club, a strobe light and a shopping cart from some unnamed grocery store.
Another part of the basement contained a number of home health care devise, some lawn tools and a set of golf club in a very attractive leather bag. On a shelf was a selection of Hill cleaning products.
Back upstairs I wandered about the bedrooms and bath. In the bathroom was a single large pink glove with red fingernails lying on a pink ladies hat. In the first bedroom was a selection of bright women’s clothes, at least six pairs of kid gloves, a plush panda wearing a space suit and a pair of slippers with cute puppy heads. In the second bedroom was a selection of men’s brogans that were too narrow for me, a closet full of suit jackets that were too small for me and another closet of men’s dress shirts that were my size. I do not understand the correlation between the small jackets and the larger shirt. I also found a copy the United States official Mah Jong rules.
In the living room were the usual tables set out by the professional sellers featuring what they presumed to be the items of most value. There I found several containers of pepper spray, two large candle sticks in the shape of women, a chunk of granite with a label indicating it had come from Stone Mountain, a framed copy of JFK’s inaugural address, an old bottle of Runite for six bucks and a copy of an lp entitled “How to use tact and skill in handling people”.
I bought four men’s dress shirts for two dollars apiece.
I bought four men’s dress shirts for two dollars apiece.
Sisson Ave. - Kirkwood “Moving Sale”
I had tried to find this sale that was advertised on Artnews when I first went out but either missed the sign or the artist holding the event had not yet awakened. The sale was inside a small frame cottage. In the home it was appeared as though the sale was not affecting the daily lives of the occupants. Aside from a table that was contained a few boxes of cds and cookbooks, it appeared that there had been little preparation for the sale. But the sellers were quite cordial offering me a sandwich and cookies from a platter sitting on a footstool in their small living room. They told me all their books were for sale. The books were crammed into several bookcases along with a variety of other stuff such as a quart of motor oil. The multitude of books were a collection of literature both classic and contemporary ranging from Proust to Pynchon, works on philosophy and the arts as well as a some popular fantasy novels. Near the shelves was a computer desk with a computer with its cover removed and a layer of paper debris. Some hand stenciled TV shirts with comments such as “politics is fun” hung nearby. I wondered into the back bedrooms to find them in total disarray. I could not tell if this stuff was for sale of not.
I bought a copy of “Blink” and “The Dictionary of Symbols” as well as a number of pop, rockabilly and classic cds. The seller also gave me a portable camera mount he had made that consisted of a hardware clap with a quarter inch screw going through the handle. He had been promoting these on the Internet.
I had tried to find this sale that was advertised on Artnews when I first went out but either missed the sign or the artist holding the event had not yet awakened. The sale was inside a small frame cottage. In the home it was appeared as though the sale was not affecting the daily lives of the occupants. Aside from a table that was contained a few boxes of cds and cookbooks, it appeared that there had been little preparation for the sale. But the sellers were quite cordial offering me a sandwich and cookies from a platter sitting on a footstool in their small living room. They told me all their books were for sale. The books were crammed into several bookcases along with a variety of other stuff such as a quart of motor oil. The multitude of books were a collection of literature both classic and contemporary ranging from Proust to Pynchon, works on philosophy and the arts as well as a some popular fantasy novels. Near the shelves was a computer desk with a computer with its cover removed and a layer of paper debris. Some hand stenciled TV shirts with comments such as “politics is fun” hung nearby. I wondered into the back bedrooms to find them in total disarray. I could not tell if this stuff was for sale of not.
I bought a copy of “Blink” and “The Dictionary of Symbols” as well as a number of pop, rockabilly and classic cds. The seller also gave me a portable camera mount he had made that consisted of a hardware clap with a quarter inch screw going through the handle. He had been promoting these on the Internet.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Xmas at an Alcolholstel
No yard ornaments, no tree and no presents, last week Cindy and I ignored the holiday season and booked a stay at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun. We had originally planed to spend a week in Playa Del Carmen at an inexpensive hotel but with the devastation caused by Hurricane Wilma and the closure of so many hotels resulted in Air Tran canceling all service to the area. Just a week ago I found a three-night package with a charter carrier.
For most of my life I have looked down upon those who traveled to other nations only to escape to resort hotels where they were fed, pampered and guarded from any contact with the local culture. I thought I would never be reduced to laying out by the pool along side so many sunburnt bourgeois vacationers sipping upon fruit flavored cocktails while ordering about whatever staff is within earshot.
The first indication that this trip was different was when our plane appeared on the tarmac bearing the logo of a restaurant noted for the risqué apparel of its female employees. It seems that Pace Airlines the charter carrier of this flight operates Hooters Air and uses the distinctively marked aircraft for their flights. The gate attendant sadly told me that there would be no Hooter’s girls on the flight. During the flight the crew did not once mention Hooters Air but referred only to Pace airlines. But the safety instructions found in the forward seat pocket did feature a healthy young lass in a Hooter’s uniform (with the addition of a pilots cap) saluting those seeking the nearest emergency exits and the proper use of flotation devices.
After landing we made our way to the hotel. Along the hotel zone we viewed some of Wilma’s devastation and were told that the Golden Crown where we were staying was but one of only four hotels in operation. After arriving we were taken to the bar, banded, given our keys and left to our powers of gluttony and sloth.
Some notes on the Golden Crown Paradise Spa
I never understood the spa portion, I never saw anyone using the spa. Most people just ate the copious free food and consumed bottomless cocktails.
I declined an ocean front view upgrade and stayed with the lagoon view room. We could not see much of the lagoon from the second floor balcony. What dominated our view was the Old Barn, a restaurant with a agrarian design much like that of a Bonanza Steak house.
The rooms were pleasant except that the beds seemed to be slabs of concrete disguised as beds. My theory was that all the original beds were destroyed in the hurricane and these hard slabs were all that was available in the Yucatan.
I never understood the spa portion, I never saw anyone using the spa. Most people just ate the copious free food and consumed bottomless cocktails.
I declined an ocean front view upgrade and stayed with the lagoon view room. We could not see much of the lagoon from the second floor balcony. What dominated our view was the Old Barn, a restaurant with a agrarian design much like that of a Bonanza Steak house.
The rooms were pleasant except that the beds seemed to be slabs of concrete disguised as beds. My theory was that all the original beds were destroyed in the hurricane and these hard slabs were all that was available in the Yucatan.
The food was plentiful, well presented and reminiscent of the fare one would get in a Marriott in some third tier city(which is high by my traveling standards). It ranged from very good to mediocre. Regardless it was plentiful. The aforementioned Old Barn was a steak/chop house with some Tex Mex thrown in. The décor was old barnish complete with antler chandeliers and video monitors showing a Willie Nelson concert. Overlooking the dinners was a loft holding a plastic life size cow and pig glaring down at people consuming cow and pig. My first impression was that perhaps the Golden Crown was a bit too close to Golden Corral. Other food offerings were a breakfast/lunch buffet/trough, a Seafood place, a poolside grill and the Shangri-la. The later an upscale place where one had to wear long pants to indulge in overeating.
The concept of entertainment offerings in such a resort made me cringe. But with the amount of alcohol flowing into the guest’s brains convinced me that my fellow hotel mates would create the best show of all. An eternally perky British recreation director introduced a Mexican Folkloric show. The show consisted of dancing in elaborate costumes. The highpoints were Aztec warriors holding their bare feet to a flame and a large sombrero clad lariat artist. I hardily support any theatre that includes rope tricks.
The Casino night in the wood paneled Beer Garden was a bit sad with guests gathering around three tiny gaming tables that looked like they came out of someone’s den.
Karaoke night ran the gamut from lame to dreadful. The supporting video was highly bizarre as it looked as thought the producer had purchased the rights to some old European travel footage then randomly put the lyrics over it. While one drunken oaf stumbled through Born to be Wild the audience watched pastoral scenes of the Tuileries gardens. Cindy delighted the gathered crowd with an uplifting version of Material Girl. My rendition of Strangers in the Night left the audience mostly perplexed.
Karaoke night ran the gamut from lame to dreadful. The supporting video was highly bizarre as it looked as thought the producer had purchased the rights to some old European travel footage then randomly put the lyrics over it. While one drunken oaf stumbled through Born to be Wild the audience watched pastoral scenes of the Tuileries gardens. Cindy delighted the gathered crowd with an uplifting version of Material Girl. My rendition of Strangers in the Night left the audience mostly perplexed.
One recreation that seemed underappreacited by all was miniature golf. The Golden Crown claims to have the premier indoor miniature golf course in the Yucatan. The Hollywood themed course features life size figures of Elvis, James Dean, Louis Armstrong and other celbrities. In the center of the course is a large shark. I presume this is saying that Hollywood is just like a little golf course dominated by a big shark. The course may have just been a noble attempt to fill up empty space in the lobby. But by no means is this putting range up to Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg standards. Not once during our visit did I see anyone playing the links.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Merry Xmas- My yard is bare....
Yard sales In Atlanta have ended. The 805 section of the AJC classifieds was absent today as people go about their holiday habits of crowding into big box stores to purchase clutter that will be sold at yard sales in the spring. Last year in this site I reported on my front yard and how it was festooned with illuminated magi and penguins. This year due to my travel plans I declined to haul out the plastic figures from my shed and lay out the grid of extension cords that supply power to these icons that brighten the season for all that walk or drive by. My neighbors were somewhat perplexed at my lack of holiday spirit but all décor needs a sabbatical. All that one sees now in my yard is a frozen fish pond and one bare dogwood tree with a single ornament hanging from it.
Overall in the neighborhood there seems to be a lessening of holiday spirit. Perhaps there is a war on Christmas as Fox news pundits are claiming. As in any wartime conditions the civilians hunker in bunkers and wait for peace. So perhaps this is where the plastic snowmen have gone.
Overall there has been an increase of the large plastic inflatables. These air blown affairs are best seen when their air blowers go into standby and the deflated figures look like victims of Christmas war crimes.
Another neighbor has affixed plaster bas-reliefs of Italian composers to his trees. The Puccini greets anyone who parks in front of his house but the Verdi appears to have had a mishaps and lies in broken shards on the grass. Perhaps an irate and drunken neighbor who hated Rigoletto picked a fight with Verdi.
One yard that is never out of season is at the home of the lady who always gets to the trash piles in the street before I do. Her persistent scavenging has led to the creation of a truly memorable yard environment. The yard is a discordant array of old toys, faux botanicals, shells and anything she finds in trash piles. The most notable part of the yards is a five-foot high pile of old once living Christmas trees mixed with aluminum Christmas trees. Attached to many of the dead and crispy branches are a multitude of discarded escargot shells. Peering out from the dead branches are countless plastic toy figurines. In the middle of the yard is a four-foot tall slightly deflated inflatable plastic palm tree. Along the edges of a driveway covered in oriental carpets is a long spray of bright plastic flowers. The saturated colors of the faux blooms serve to brighten the gloomy winter days.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Sales on a frozen morning.
When I ventured out to pick up the paper this morning my fishpond was covered in a thin sheet of ice. Below the solid layer three goldfish sat very still in the water. I wondered what crazy person would have a sale in subfreezing weather but found to my delight that two stalwart households less than three blocks away were selling clutter from yards and driveways
Icy Birdbath
Harold Ave. “Lake Claire “Yard Sale”
Under the shadow of a POW-MIA flag an assortment of stuff was for sale in the driveway of this newer house just a block from my home. A fire blazed in a ceramic chimera in an attempt to keep the sellers or the buyers warm. Dominating the driveway was a complete silver Ludwig drum kit. Beside the drums was a bowling ball perched in a small pedestal. On a table further up the driveway was a Minolta 35mm SLR camera with a wide selection of lenses. Near the camera was a box filled with leis, a grass skirt, tiki heads and some objects made out of coconut shells. Other things scattered about included some old Nehi Soda bottles, some shoes, and a wizard’s hat, a large subwoofer a set of Mercedes hubcaps, a few old beer coasters, a pile of garden hoses and a few cordless phones.
Print media included “Goddesses in Every Woman”, “Maternity and Gynecological Care” and ”First Aid and Safety”. A box of Lps featured works by Aaron Copland, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Barry Manilow and Twisted Sister. A stack of VHS tapes included “Used People”, “Crime Spree” and “Spellbound”. A stack of Janet Evonovich novels was offered for free along with a Cd of classical music produced by the manufacturer of a drug for eye irritation.
Parked in front of the home was a pickup truck with a flatbed trailer filled with large ceramic planters and birdbaths. Some planters and birdbaths also lined the sidewalk in front of the home some filled with frozen water. One of the sellers told me he had had a gardening and greenhouse business in the neighborhood but the big box stores had caused him to close down. He was now selling his remaining stock.
I bought nothing. I later told Cindy about the closeout of the gardening business. She went to his shop and purchased two Japanese maple trees and several pairs of latex gloves.
Under the shadow of a POW-MIA flag an assortment of stuff was for sale in the driveway of this newer house just a block from my home. A fire blazed in a ceramic chimera in an attempt to keep the sellers or the buyers warm. Dominating the driveway was a complete silver Ludwig drum kit. Beside the drums was a bowling ball perched in a small pedestal. On a table further up the driveway was a Minolta 35mm SLR camera with a wide selection of lenses. Near the camera was a box filled with leis, a grass skirt, tiki heads and some objects made out of coconut shells. Other things scattered about included some old Nehi Soda bottles, some shoes, and a wizard’s hat, a large subwoofer a set of Mercedes hubcaps, a few old beer coasters, a pile of garden hoses and a few cordless phones.
Print media included “Goddesses in Every Woman”, “Maternity and Gynecological Care” and ”First Aid and Safety”. A box of Lps featured works by Aaron Copland, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Barry Manilow and Twisted Sister. A stack of VHS tapes included “Used People”, “Crime Spree” and “Spellbound”. A stack of Janet Evonovich novels was offered for free along with a Cd of classical music produced by the manufacturer of a drug for eye irritation.
Parked in front of the home was a pickup truck with a flatbed trailer filled with large ceramic planters and birdbaths. Some planters and birdbaths also lined the sidewalk in front of the home some filled with frozen water. One of the sellers told me he had had a gardening and greenhouse business in the neighborhood but the big box stores had caused him to close down. He was now selling his remaining stock.
I bought nothing. I later told Cindy about the closeout of the gardening business. She went to his shop and purchased two Japanese maple trees and several pairs of latex gloves.
McLendon Ave. - Lake Claire “Garage Sale”
This sale was in the back driveway and garage of a home at the corner of Ridgewood and McLendon. Among the clutter spread out on the pavement were three sets of golf clubs, one club was protected by a club cover shaped like a bird, a box of beer can cozies, a plush leprechaun, a candle shaped like a snowman, some luggage and a sofa. One unique item was a large shell casing cut diagonally with a carbine bullet mounted inside, the structure resembled a Cana lily created by a munitions maker. In the garage were boxes of books. Some titles included “The Simple Abundance Companion”, “So you want to be a lawyer”, “You were born rich”, “The road less traveled” and several guides to pregnancy. I also found some sets of motivational tapes by Zig Ziglar and Jack Davis.
I bought nothing.
This sale was in the back driveway and garage of a home at the corner of Ridgewood and McLendon. Among the clutter spread out on the pavement were three sets of golf clubs, one club was protected by a club cover shaped like a bird, a box of beer can cozies, a plush leprechaun, a candle shaped like a snowman, some luggage and a sofa. One unique item was a large shell casing cut diagonally with a carbine bullet mounted inside, the structure resembled a Cana lily created by a munitions maker. In the garage were boxes of books. Some titles included “The Simple Abundance Companion”, “So you want to be a lawyer”, “You were born rich”, “The road less traveled” and several guides to pregnancy. I also found some sets of motivational tapes by Zig Ziglar and Jack Davis.
I bought nothing.
Lincoln Logs or Mao Sticks the demise of America’s National Toy.
A few months ago I came across an old box of Lincoln Logs upon which the toy maker proclaimed “America’s National Toy”. Lincoln Logs were a truly great American toy as John Lloyd Wright son of the noted architect created them. (Oddly the toys do let one create Prairie Style structures). When I visited a big box retailer last week after I decided to see if any toys were made anywhere outside of China. Last year one of my students ask me why ALL of his toys said ‘made in China’. The third grader was somewhat puzzled as to why no Americans would want to spend 12 hours a day for low pay sticking Bratz’ heads on Bratz’ bodies.
As I perused the popular playthings I came across a box of Lincoln Logs and found that they no longer carry the claim of being America’s National Toy. This claim can no longer be made since they are no longer made in the USA. Like Bratz, and My Little Ponies and nearly everything else in the store, they were made in China. But when I examined the Legos I found that some portions of the product were still produced in Denmark. If the Danes have a national toy I’m sure it’s these colorful universally fitting plastic forms. While reading the fine print I found that they are actually made in Denmark, Switzerland and the Czech Republic with some components coming from the Asian giant. While other than cheese, Legos are a considered the main product identified with the Scandinavian nation. (Danish modern furniture is no longer modern and has been made in Asia for the last 30 years). This modular toy with Euro flair is the pride of the Danes. While some of the units are made by the Swiss and Czechs (and most American couldn’t tell you the difference between any of these people.) they still speak of proud modern design and craftsmanship. So why is it the Danes still make their trademark designer playthings (I’m not referring to the blue movies they produced in the 60’s) while the USA out sources its toy of national pride. Lincoln Logs represented so many things, from the pioneering spirit to the sense that great things can be rendered from the raw wood of our land or that the scion of a great architect can make a fortune in marketing toys. But that is no more, for now they are created on some assembly line in some Sino boomtown rendered by the same hands that creates imitation Harris Tweeds for canines. America please bring your toys home.
As I perused the popular playthings I came across a box of Lincoln Logs and found that they no longer carry the claim of being America’s National Toy. This claim can no longer be made since they are no longer made in the USA. Like Bratz, and My Little Ponies and nearly everything else in the store, they were made in China. But when I examined the Legos I found that some portions of the product were still produced in Denmark. If the Danes have a national toy I’m sure it’s these colorful universally fitting plastic forms. While reading the fine print I found that they are actually made in Denmark, Switzerland and the Czech Republic with some components coming from the Asian giant. While other than cheese, Legos are a considered the main product identified with the Scandinavian nation. (Danish modern furniture is no longer modern and has been made in Asia for the last 30 years). This modular toy with Euro flair is the pride of the Danes. While some of the units are made by the Swiss and Czechs (and most American couldn’t tell you the difference between any of these people.) they still speak of proud modern design and craftsmanship. So why is it the Danes still make their trademark designer playthings (I’m not referring to the blue movies they produced in the 60’s) while the USA out sources its toy of national pride. Lincoln Logs represented so many things, from the pioneering spirit to the sense that great things can be rendered from the raw wood of our land or that the scion of a great architect can make a fortune in marketing toys. But that is no more, for now they are created on some assembly line in some Sino boomtown rendered by the same hands that creates imitation Harris Tweeds for canines. America please bring your toys home.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Cold and dark days and the sales begin to fade….
As we enter into the last month of the year once again only the true stalwarts are having yard sale. Today it appeared to be a determined man who underestimated the weather and a woman who just mush have desperately needed to get the junk out of here home.
Highland Terrace – Va. Highlands “Garage Sale”
This event was advertised in Craigslist. The sales was presided over by a man who seemed determined to get rid of his stuff regardless of the cold weather. His girlfriend probably told him the night before, “Its too cold to have a sale anyway most people are going to be out Christmas shopping” With his testosterone talking he might have stubbornly responded “hey I put an ad in Craigslist that’s sure to bring people out and the cold won’t bother me, I’ll just dress warm” When I arrived at the small circular turnaround at the end of the street I spotted a garage sale sign next to an ugly white leather sofa and matching chair. Near them was a CRT monitor. A cold wind was blowing when I got out of the car. Since this was the same street I locked my keys in the car on several weeks ago I made sure the leys were in my pocket when I left. In the driveway was a table with a large pile of very wrinkled clothing atop it. Some less wrinkled ties were laid out in an orderly manner near the pile but the seller was asking three dollars per tie (I have a large neck wear collection but I seldom pay over 50 cents per cravat). On top of a small cabinet were a box of pop Cds and an old inkjet printer. I headed past four dinning room chairs towards the garage hoping there would be more there, but a cold and agitated sellers clad in a North Face Parka told me there was nothing in the garage. On the way out I noticed three glass shelves lying in the yard.
I bought nothing.
Highland Terrace – Va. Highlands “Garage Sale”
This event was advertised in Craigslist. The sales was presided over by a man who seemed determined to get rid of his stuff regardless of the cold weather. His girlfriend probably told him the night before, “Its too cold to have a sale anyway most people are going to be out Christmas shopping” With his testosterone talking he might have stubbornly responded “hey I put an ad in Craigslist that’s sure to bring people out and the cold won’t bother me, I’ll just dress warm” When I arrived at the small circular turnaround at the end of the street I spotted a garage sale sign next to an ugly white leather sofa and matching chair. Near them was a CRT monitor. A cold wind was blowing when I got out of the car. Since this was the same street I locked my keys in the car on several weeks ago I made sure the leys were in my pocket when I left. In the driveway was a table with a large pile of very wrinkled clothing atop it. Some less wrinkled ties were laid out in an orderly manner near the pile but the seller was asking three dollars per tie (I have a large neck wear collection but I seldom pay over 50 cents per cravat). On top of a small cabinet were a box of pop Cds and an old inkjet printer. I headed past four dinning room chairs towards the garage hoping there would be more there, but a cold and agitated sellers clad in a North Face Parka told me there was nothing in the garage. On the way out I noticed three glass shelves lying in the yard.
I bought nothing.
St. Charles Ave. – Midtown “Yard Sale”
This event had a bit more stuff than the other sale but it started raining shortly after I arrived and I did not have a chance to examine everything before they began pulling stuff out of the yard in front of this large two story Victorian home. Among the clutter I was able to peruse was a electric foot bath, several adult costumes including a glamour wig and a spider web hoop skirt, a small lap top for only $25, a box a plush toys with a large purple monkey holding a gun, a pair of dumb bells a microwave and a box of some unknown action figures. There were also some CDs by Melissa Ethridge and Missy Elliot as well as a stack of computer manuals. Leaning against the porch rail was a small painting of a dark cloud with a ray of sunlight shining down on a lone flower. Just As I photographed the work the wind blew down a hail of acorns followed by a light rain.
I bought a Photoshop manual for 50 cents.
This event had a bit more stuff than the other sale but it started raining shortly after I arrived and I did not have a chance to examine everything before they began pulling stuff out of the yard in front of this large two story Victorian home. Among the clutter I was able to peruse was a electric foot bath, several adult costumes including a glamour wig and a spider web hoop skirt, a small lap top for only $25, a box a plush toys with a large purple monkey holding a gun, a pair of dumb bells a microwave and a box of some unknown action figures. There were also some CDs by Melissa Ethridge and Missy Elliot as well as a stack of computer manuals. Leaning against the porch rail was a small painting of a dark cloud with a ray of sunlight shining down on a lone flower. Just As I photographed the work the wind blew down a hail of acorns followed by a light rain.
I bought a Photoshop manual for 50 cents.
An examination of Sino-Canine relations at a big box store.
The other night a friend (and dog lover) was telling me of the horror stories coming out China by anti-vivisectionists who have exposed China’s dog fur trade. I had never considered China to be a source of fine furs and leather as Italy, Spain and Argentina still come to mind when I’m in the market for a coat, belt or wallet. But my friend informed me that PETA on their website has a video on dogs being flayed alive to provide linings for gloves and other products being sold at big box stores in the USA. I was unable to determine from what she told me if the canine fur trade was simply a by-product of the canine meat trade, invoking the old “its okay to kill the dog we’re going to eat it” excuse. So on a visit today to a big box retailer in my now suburbanized neighborhood to buy a birthday gift for my goddaughter I tried to find the truth about dogs in China but found another sino- canine issue that was equally disturbing. If China is stripping the skins off dogs they are also providing second skins in the form of designer clothing for canine bon vivants. Most interesting among the selection was festive holiday wear. Today in some faraway sweatshop in Hunan a worker is sewing a canine Santa suit thinking how some day her own children might be able to attire themselves in such finery. But the workers dreams are crushed when a coworker informs her that these bright red ensembles are destined for American dogs. The same specie that on weekends that same worker is flaying. Examining the holiday as well as the everyday attire I looked closely to see if any dog fur was used in the making of the dog clothes. The labels indicate all polyester materials and there is no evidence of animal products used in these animal products. But other pet products were more suspect, some AKC label dog toys appeared to be made of some sort of fur but I doubt the AKC would ever approved of dogs being used in dog toys.In the long run my only fear is a vast Maoist led conspiracy of striping dogs of their natural skin then cornering the world market on badly needed imitation canine Harris tweeds and Santa suits. Who ever thought the Chairman would lead us down this road.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
