tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72228129404639734402024-03-13T06:37:01.462-07:00The Buzz on Antiquescelebrating your inner antiquarianAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-67360743150104846282017-05-08T11:42:00.000-07:002017-06-19T10:34:13.856-07:00THE UNIQUE ANTIQUE MIRRORS FROM VENICE (PROOF THAT WE'VE BEEN COLONIZED BY MARTIANS FROM OUTER SPACE)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Yeah, yeah, yeah. I've heard about conspiracy theorists who believe that <b>UFOs</b> landed in <b>"Area 51,"</b> an air force base about 150 miles from Las Vegas. And I admit that the existence of Vegas at all is enough to convince me that aliens have been here and they are probably ruled by either Cher or Celine Dion. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">And I don't buy all that baloney about aliens being fake news or alternative facts. In fact, I'm quite sure that our earth has been colonized by extraterrestrials. But I believe that it happened way before the 1950s and I'm not stupid enough to think they settled in Las Vegas</span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12pt;">—</span><span style="text-align: justify;">it's common knowledge they hate the heat, the tourists, excess neon and Mylar, and the constant parties hosted by the omnipresent alien-like Kardashians. My theory is that yes, they're here on Earth, but they settled far from the Vegas strip and arrived more than 900 years ago. Where'd they pick to land? Not so strangely, on a safe little group of islands, the largest one reminding them so much of Venus that they named it Venice (in addition to Murano, which translates as </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Moronsville</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> in Venutian). Need more proof? Just take a look at Venetian mirrors. They are nothing short of out of this world!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Venetian (also pronounced "Veh-NEW-shun," by those who share my belief in Italian aliens from Venus) mirrors come in a shocking variety of shapes (oval, rectangular, octagonal, and shapes that don't have names yet, they're so otherworldly) and colors. Take this incomparable one of a pair we've sold:</span><br />
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Sold: An Important Late 17th-Early 18th C. Venetian</div>
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Polychrome-Japanned, Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid and Giltwood Mirror<br />
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In their most common form, antique Venetian mirrors are all mercury glass, typically etched with delicate rosettes, bouquets, figures, and even landscape scenes. More ornate Venetian mirrors are accented with chinoiserie lacquers and adorned with brilliantly colored mirrored accents (e.g., sparkling cobalt blue, plum purple, cathedral super-saturated reds, etc. WOW!) . Other Venetian mirrors mix etched glass with ornately carved and gilded wood. And some exceedingly rare ones are inset with mother-of-pearl and semi-precious stones.<br />
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But even without the inset stones, mother-of-pearl, and assorted embellishments (that make the mirrors look like the hors d'oeuvres at the Goldstein bar mitzvah in Encino last Saturday), the etched ones can be otherworldly. Witness this palazzo-scaled and incredibly rare pair: </div>
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Now available as a single: An Extraordinary and Glittering Pair of 18th C. Venetian <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Cut Crystal Palazzo Mirrors</span></div>
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Each of these mirrors was created by a team of skilled craftsmen, including a carpenter who carved the mirror's wood sub-structure, artists who poured and polished the mercury to create the mirror surface, a glass cutter who created the etched glass plates and adhered them to the mirror surface, an engraver, and a variety of other artists who prepared additional decorative embellishments (e.g., blown glass appliqués or cut stones). Each member of the team utilized techniques that were carefully guarded secrets and honed over centuries by artists in Venice and Murano, Italy. But aliens can be barbaric<span style="font-family: "cambria";">. G</span>et this: any glass maker who tried to leave Murano island (see below) would get a very special going away gift: they'd have their hands cut off (and I'm not making this up<span style="font-family: "cambria";">, </span>so it's important to remember this BuzzRule: DON'T MESS WITH ALIENS).<br />
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In <i>Mirror, Mirror: A History of the Human Love Affair with Reflection</i> (2003), Mark Pendergrast explains that Venetian artisans first learned to craft glass objects in the 11th century, from the German and Islamic merchants who visited their bustling trade hub peddling all sorts of luxury items from all corners of the world.</div>
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By the end of the 13th century, the Venetian glass industry had become so prolific and respected that to protect their city from the fires of their innumerable glass blowing furnaces, and to protect themselves from vicious industrial espionage, all of the glassblowers were forced to move their studios to guess where? Murano! Oh joy! All I can think of is that the industry of cutting off hands must have boomed even more than the glass business.<br />
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<a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-3176/" target="_blank">No. 3176 A Pair of Rococo Venetian Giltwood Mirrors</a></div>
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each with a pair of scarlet Murano glass candleholders at the base</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-3802/" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">No. 3802 A Pair of 18th C. Giltwood and Etched Looking Glass Venetian Mirrors</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-1867/" target="_blank">No. 1867 A 19th Century Oval Venetian Mirror</a></td></tr>
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While the Venetian glass artists were paid top-notch salaries and mingled with nobility, they were also heavily penalized for trying to branch out and leave their isolated island community. Essentially imprisoned, they became ever more specialized. Having very little else to do and no real choice in the matter, their children and children’s children learned to blow glass. Generations of Barbinis, Briatis, Bertolinis, La Mottas, etc. dedicated themselves to the art of glass making and continuously improved upon their forefathers' techniques.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sold: A Pair of 18th Century Venetian Mirrors</td></tr>
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In the mid-15th century, the Berovieros discovered a technique for creating <i>cristallo</i>, or colorless, transparent glass using ash from sea plants, rich in potassium oxide and magnesium, perfect for protecting the mirror surface. In 1507, the del Gallos patented a technique for adhering the glass sheets to the mirror surface using weights and varnish, ensuring that the mirror plates would be consistently bubble-free. In 1540, Redor perfected a technique for leveling and shining the glass sheets, so they'd be perfectly flat and clean-cut. Others developed techniques for altering the tone of the glass plate itself, inserting gold leaf into the glass before it solidified, or using lead to color it a translucent milky-white, to incredible effect. And so on and so forth!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-2760/" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">No. 2760 A Pair of Early 19th C. Venetian Parcel Gilt Mirrors</a></td></tr>
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These ever-more-impressive Venetian mirrors became sought after by both Italian and French nobility (read: taste-makers), especially King Francois I and his son King Henri II, who was married to Catherine de Medici. In the late 16th century, Queen Marie de Medici ordered 119 custom Venetian mirrors directly from Murano to line the walls of her office. As a token of their appreciation, the Murano artisans gifted her with a lavish mirror encrusted with precious stones, the perfect gift for a woman who truly had everything.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sold: <a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-4566/" target="_blank">No. 4566 A Glittering 18th C. Venetian Colbalt Blue Glass and Parcel Gilt Mirror</a></td></tr>
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Sold: A Sublime 18th C. Rectangular Venetian Etched Mirror,</div>
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richly decorated with detailed paste-colored flowers</div>
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According to Pendergrast, “at the beginning of the sixteenth century, a Venetian mirror in an elaborate silver frame was valued at 8,000 pounds, nearly three times the contemporary price of a painting by Raphael.” Given that some works by Raphael are currently valued at upwards of fifty million dollars, the mirrors we have at C. Mariani are downright bargains.<br />
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Sold: A Magnificent Glittering 19th C. Venetian</div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
Cut Crystal Palazzo Mirror</div>
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Just take a look at this magnificent Venetian 18th c. mirror that we just got in at C. Mariani. Call me for details:<br />
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-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-58524437297542456032017-05-04T10:07:00.000-07:002017-05-09T11:57:19.472-07:00HELP BUZZ!!! WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRAPES AND CURTAINS?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFV9YLT_C2E/WQtbgc2jVHI/AAAAAAAAFV0/nKCUn7PXMj0NqvV1_903I5SDPL70DbHmgCEw/s1600/e025644f793b1048655108305ec959e3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFV9YLT_C2E/WQtbgc2jVHI/AAAAAAAAFV0/nKCUn7PXMj0NqvV1_903I5SDPL70DbHmgCEw/s320/e025644f793b1048655108305ec959e3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">FIRST A WARNING:</span> I usually write these posts in a cheery mood and with a "The Sun'll come out Tomorrow!" kind of optimism. But not today: I missed dinner last night and breakfast this morning so I have serious low blood sugar and am acutely cranky. But no need to panic: I sent one of our staff to get me a Snickers for medicinal purposes. (But that was 10 minutes ago and I'm getting more irritable by the second. Ugh).<br />
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The fact is your question is a good one that comes up a lot. So I'll answer it although I'm feeling more like ripping down curtains that blogging about them. I MEAN, IS IT ASKING TOO MUCH TO GET A SNICKERS AROUND HERE?? AND WHERE IS MY DAMN PERSONAL ASSISTANT WHEN I NEED HER? Oh forgot, I don't have one. :(<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQJFcRWQvFE/WQtdGjsAq1I/AAAAAAAAFWE/y3Ka6EmmI3oi3OmS6MXaSDv0A4mKjgvxACLcB/s1600/2-maya-living-room-0608-xlg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQJFcRWQvFE/WQtdGjsAq1I/AAAAAAAAFWE/y3Ka6EmmI3oi3OmS6MXaSDv0A4mKjgvxACLcB/s320/2-maya-living-room-0608-xlg.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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OK, here goes: Drapes and curtains <b>are not</b> the same thing. Although they both can be termed "window treatments," the truth is that although both drapes and curtains cover windows, curtains are lighter, more sheer, and thinner than drapes. Drapes are typically heavier and usually lined and interlined to both protect the fabric and block out sun glare. So these are drapes:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQkF_FnNMG8/WQtc3V7ys7I/AAAAAAAAFWA/Vg4lR6F0MzAGH1K5GpRbMHI-oDcYZFRNACLcB/s1600/320cb179da4156b2b1581766927f72a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQkF_FnNMG8/WQtc3V7ys7I/AAAAAAAAFWA/Vg4lR6F0MzAGH1K5GpRbMHI-oDcYZFRNACLcB/s320/320cb179da4156b2b1581766927f72a1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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And these are white linen <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">curtains</span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">(look at how sheer they are and how they are unlined-that 's a good tip-off that there're not drapes--see below)</span>:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBcvpXHh2q0/WQjREZCAm7I/AAAAAAAAFUo/Ybue76Ev0K8p7kS6BxoMd8AkYYMOmpoqwCLcB/s1600/df07bd42bf45b9bbb24bb5906fcbcb5e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBcvpXHh2q0/WQjREZCAm7I/AAAAAAAAFUo/Ybue76Ev0K8p7kS6BxoMd8AkYYMOmpoqwCLcB/s400/df07bd42bf45b9bbb24bb5906fcbcb5e.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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And these ARE <span style="color: #6aa84f;">drapes</span>. </div>
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But what are these called?</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkARWB9zXIs/WQjTErpnmAI/AAAAAAAAFU4/DCifykC80ScLUZIR_pmrP-yQEEFfwjVUACLcB/s1600/VICTORIAN%2BDRAPES%2BWITH%2BMIND%2BBLOWING%2BVALANCES%2B%2528GILDED%2BCORNICE%2BBOARDS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkARWB9zXIs/WQjTErpnmAI/AAAAAAAAFU4/DCifykC80ScLUZIR_pmrP-yQEEFfwjVUACLcB/s320/VICTORIAN%2BDRAPES%2BWITH%2BMIND%2BBLOWING%2BVALANCES%2B%2528GILDED%2BCORNICE%2BBOARDS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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These are called <span style="color: #f4cccc;">JPU</span> ("just plain ugly"). And yes, that's a technical term we frequently use in the trade. :) But you could also call them "drapes that are really expensive, gauche, overdone and completely out of step with good taste." The gilded valances (also called cornice boards) only enhance the tastelessness of these window treatments. Although I think I may have sold those valances at Mariani about ten years ago. Ugh.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66g4Jzr8Y58/WQtd0pM4ShI/AAAAAAAAFWM/S3aNCy5gZFEqHvBI2gc_a0gwZ6sQtaRuQCLcB/s1600/0439314cf401453c584fe0278eb99c4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66g4Jzr8Y58/WQtd0pM4ShI/AAAAAAAAFWM/S3aNCy5gZFEqHvBI2gc_a0gwZ6sQtaRuQCLcB/s320/0439314cf401453c584fe0278eb99c4a.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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But here's the truth: "Who Gives a Rat's Ass about Drapes vs Curtains?" (Pardon my French but I still haven't gotten that Snickers). The fact is that many people, even some designers, use the words drapes and curtains interchangeably. So I guess you can just ignore everything I wrote here so far. :)<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUwYw3_Py7c/WQtfncdYXLI/AAAAAAAAFWc/MkwTJHcHnuowYHtz0gxiOWV-dFuBi5ZFQCLcB/s1600/a84c810facb29ea237e26a153a234a84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUwYw3_Py7c/WQtfncdYXLI/AAAAAAAAFWc/MkwTJHcHnuowYHtz0gxiOWV-dFuBi5ZFQCLcB/s320/a84c810facb29ea237e26a153a234a84.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The only reason I brought the subject up was because I wanted to remind you of a major rule with regard to attire. Don't ever wear a dress made out of drapes or curtains. <span style="color: #e06666;">Case in point: Scarlett O'Hara.</span><br />
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Here's a happy Scarlett when she was still practically a virgin, rich, and didn't have to prostrate (girls don't have prostates just so you know) herself to Rhett and beg him for a couple bucks when she went broke:</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5tiiZIiQro/WQjWBJp41qI/AAAAAAAAFVI/wHx8yDt6fVonK-VrHJStLSttPT4KbqznACLcB/s1600/9df9b07f6052adab697225320a055c5c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5tiiZIiQro/WQjWBJp41qI/AAAAAAAAFVI/wHx8yDt6fVonK-VrHJStLSttPT4KbqznACLcB/s320/9df9b07f6052adab697225320a055c5c.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
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And here's a bitter and angry Scarlett after she was so desperate for that money that she had to wear her dead mother's curtains to make Rhett Butler think she was a classy Lady (advice to Scarlett: next time wash your hands too--it was a dead giveaway in the movie and it always is amongst the rich). And get a mani-pedi for God's sake!<br />
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But I can understand why Scarlett soured on life after her <span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Mammy used those filthy old pea green "velvet" curtains that belonged to her dead Mommy (the whole Mammy/Mommy thing is so confusing in the film) to make her a lady-like (emphasis on the "like") DRESS so she could visit rich Rhett to try and vamp her way into his deep pockets. </span><br />
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You can see from her expression below that even she was concerned that this get-up wasn't going to work. And it sure didn't, the poor thing.<br />
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The way I look at it, Mammy should have just chosen a better window fabric from Tara. Why didn't she just choose these newer ones that hung in her powder room at the plantation? Only Margarett Mitchell knows but she ain't talkin.<br />
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Plus how could Mammy and Scarlett not know that thick musty old velvet sucks up dust like a sponge and is <i>never</i> figure-flattering. I mean, just look at her booty below! It's so gynormous it dwarfs even her huge Tara mansion. I suspect that Mammy was secretly hiding under there so as to properly escort Scarlett to visit a single gentlemen. Ah, Southern Chivalry is so romantical.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711750127529714226" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJ8uGD6ea9o/T0Q2epUzYjI/AAAAAAAADRg/IkOCfGPDuL0/s400/jail4.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px;" /></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">And don't get me started on that frightening conehead wig-hat that </span><i style="text-align: start;">Mammy Couture </i><span style="text-align: start;">created from those same tired drapes and trim. Let's be honest--this is not Red Carpet caliber. More like "Back Alley" caliber. Not to be graphic (but I'm still waiting on my damn SNICKERS!!!!). it looks like one huge bird-dropping just plopped down on her head. No wonder she didn't get a dime out of Rhett. Heck,<span style="color: #cfe2f3;"> the hat alone would have justified the burning of Atlanta. In fact, together with that </span></span><span style="color: #cfe2f3;"><i style="text-align: start;">Rumpus Room</i><span style="text-align: start;"> dust mop dress, the entire ensemble fully justifies the South losing the war.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711756336951959042" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ubwRvJBQnk/T0Q8IFObngI/AAAAAAAADRs/mMH012EaEuc/s400/gwtw-green-dress.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px;" /></span></div>
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In summary, just look at her: she looks filthy and common with all that dust flying from those ratty curtains (they'd been hanging in the Tara living room for DECADES--geez, didn't she ever hear of a "dry cleaner?!"). All that dust and dirt made her look more like<span style="color: #d9d2e9;"> <span style="color: #f6b26b;">Pigpen</span></span> than the scheming yet beautiful femme fatale she was trying to be. Hence, she left penniless and sweating like a prize hog at the County Fair. Plus she had zero drapes in the living room.<br />
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And that's the moral to our story. Please don't ask me to explain that because jibberish cannot be explained. The End.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-18605947193910036432017-05-01T15:29:00.000-07:002017-05-01T16:01:30.294-07:00THE 2017 SAN FRANCISCO DECORATOR SHOWCASE SHINES!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This years <a href="http://decoratorshowcase.org/" target="_blank">2017 San Francisco Decorator Showcase</a> dazzles and really is a "must-see!" The Opening Party was a blast and a half especially because I went with my OH SO TALENTED Gallery Manager Riana Lum:<br />
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Riana and I both marveled at the new ideas, creativity and new young talent that was on display at this year's house. It's at a spectacular home at 2698 Pacific Avenue and marks 40 years since the first showcase in 1977. The Showcase runs through May 29th. So get over there before you miss out!<br />
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Kari Mcintosh Design showed how the best rooms are unexpected, mix modern with traditional and make you want to steal every idea and most of the furniture and accessories:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Office by Kari McIntosh, Photo by David Duncan Livingston</td></tr>
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Look how she juxtaposed a vintage glass and bamboo desk, with an ancient Roman bust of a child, antique books, malachite obelisks, 1970's vintage leather chairs and the wildest polka dot wall paper that wrapped the entire room in fun and whimsy. She also took some risks with a chandelier that was, uh, flocked and brass. So unexpected --and yet worked perfectly in the room!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTJ_zeC1BGw/WQeDUYt0PqI/AAAAAAAAFSA/O0GWV2j3hkUfSc7vMCxq0sdniBCZO7JzQCLcB/s1600/sf-showhouse-2017-mcintosh-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTJ_zeC1BGw/WQeDUYt0PqI/AAAAAAAAFSA/O0GWV2j3hkUfSc7vMCxq0sdniBCZO7JzQCLcB/s320/sf-showhouse-2017-mcintosh-02.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Office by Kari McIntosh, Photo by David Duncan Livingston</td></tr>
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She also incorporated a simple etagere bookcase that was directly under an antique inspired starburst giltwood mirror (very 18th century glam) which I know is in the best taste because I have one just like it at home! Who knew Kari and I both had such great a great eye? And the 18th century style upholstered fauteuils (pronounced "FO-toy" because the correct way to say it is really hard. Think of Elmer Fudd, Fee Fi Fo, Chop Suey, Oy Vey, Ah Men and Latoya Jackson, then scramble them together and blurt out "Fuh--ahh-oy!-toya!" Or Fu-oh-tuey but say the tuey more like toya and you're practically Parisian!) The fauteuil is the armchair showing below that Kari used from her own collection:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t1IMZF2dBF0/WQeDUNsiPjI/AAAAAAAAFR8/MLt-XGciCJsagNaZmZGG_nXchX8u6NvAACLcB/s1600/sf-showhouse-2017-mcintosh-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t1IMZF2dBF0/WQeDUNsiPjI/AAAAAAAAFR8/MLt-XGciCJsagNaZmZGG_nXchX8u6NvAACLcB/s320/sf-showhouse-2017-mcintosh-03.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Office by Kari McIntosh, Photo by David Duncan Livingston</td></tr>
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And here's a photo of Kari with Ryan Gosling...oh wait...I don't recognize the old fart next to her but I'm sure he's one of the most important and delightful antique dealers on earth. :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f6JJiBDH-9g/WQeA55DcXDI/AAAAAAAAFRo/12ImyhTon_cD_ScDWeuA3WwbA98xOAEfwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f6JJiBDH-9g/WQeA55DcXDI/AAAAAAAAFRo/12ImyhTon_cD_ScDWeuA3WwbA98xOAEfwCLcB/s320/IMG_7235.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kari and me</td></tr>
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Then I have to talk about the designer who steals the show every time she's in one. This is not a joke and it certainly is not because she used ZERO of our pieces this year (I felt like a shunned Amish character from <i>Return to Amish </i>on TLC). That person is Cecilie "Steal the Show" Starin.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VD3038wgLbg/WQeDvKipiiI/AAAAAAAAFSs/7S9m0_CqWPIua535qL8neUUmHNGguS0YACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-01%2Bat%2B11.47.01%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VD3038wgLbg/WQeDvKipiiI/AAAAAAAAFSs/7S9m0_CqWPIua535qL8neUUmHNGguS0YACLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-01%2Bat%2B11.47.01%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Bathroom by Cecilie Starin, Photo by Margot Hartford, Houzz</td></tr>
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The fact is that when we walked into her Master Bath space, I turned to Riana and gasped at the sparkling multi-colored bubble chandelier in what appeared to be a stark cement space punctuated only with a bright white porcelain, automatic toilet (it opens itself, sprays you clean, brushes your teeth and polishes your shoes for an upcharge) and screamed "Go Sit on the That Toilet!" Sadly my photos couldn't fit the chandelier which does an injustice both to poor Riana (you can tell she was posing by the glass of wine in her hand) and the chandelier:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-alC0Cptpi0k/WQeXw2XDfaI/AAAAAAAAFUU/G4NI1jjOMakYMXN_wxOWhVo5R3BxvV4rgCLcB/s1600/Riana%2Bin%2BStarin%2BBathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-alC0Cptpi0k/WQeXw2XDfaI/AAAAAAAAFUU/G4NI1jjOMakYMXN_wxOWhVo5R3BxvV4rgCLcB/s320/Riana%2Bin%2BStarin%2BBathroom.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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But luckily Riana caught the chandelier in a photo she took; it was hanging directly above her and really pulled the space together. That made no sense but go see the room and you'll love it!<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--NJ_CfteRUY/WQeA297GtqI/AAAAAAAAFRs/iO-oImiAEyMebQENNJncsNuS8hqTJW11QCEw/s1600/IMG_1837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--NJ_CfteRUY/WQeA297GtqI/AAAAAAAAFRs/iO-oImiAEyMebQENNJncsNuS8hqTJW11QCEw/s320/IMG_1837.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Chandelier in Master Bathroom by Cecilie Starin</td></tr>
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I also marveled at Cecilie's choice of very hip furnishings and artwork:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlMbXLBoH1U/WQeA3GyqMwI/AAAAAAAAFRs/GU7MPxrkdJIBJhUthl4TBFcEwiNx9K2MQCEw/s320/IMG_1839.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Accents in the Master Bathroom by Cecilie Starin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfbmmF9pkuc/WQeA5r4JL_I/AAAAAAAAFRs/1vnme8fAsB0ZqQ0gNOW0eQxHnMUMTqeagCEw/s1600/IMG_7272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfbmmF9pkuc/WQeA5r4JL_I/AAAAAAAAFRs/1vnme8fAsB0ZqQ0gNOW0eQxHnMUMTqeagCEw/s320/IMG_7272.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riana in the Master Bathroom by Cecilie Starin</td></tr>
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There were a lot of great rooms to see including David Bjorngaard's (of the new Bjorn Design), Beth Martin's and the perennially chic bar done by Catherine Kwong.<br />
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Catherine did the Penthouse Living Room and Bar and holy cow they are gorgeous. The bar was so sophisticated, understated and luxe (the marble sink had no visible drain, the water escaping unseen beneath a small seam in the marble--you have to see it to appreciate it but then I have to warn you, you'll want at least one your home!).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penthouse Bar by Catherine Kwong</td></tr>
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And then there was the Living Room. It really was a triumph! The muted palette of a celadonish blue silver mohair platform sofa and the pastels and neutrals of the walls and rug were just irresistible. I've watched Catherine's work for quite a few years now and I'm not surprised she's becoming one of this town's hottest designers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lul6kR49T-U/WQeFOXDjx6I/AAAAAAAAFTk/qIym8NnWGCQv0OyX0ZiU19m-f508Mr12ACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-01%2Bat%2B11.47.54%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lul6kR49T-U/WQeFOXDjx6I/AAAAAAAAFTk/qIym8NnWGCQv0OyX0ZiU19m-f508Mr12ACLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-01%2Bat%2B11.47.54%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penthouse Living Room by Catherine Kwong, Photo by Margot Hartford, Houzz</td></tr>
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Lastly, the crowd at the Showcase included the glitterati of San Francisco's Design community including Diane Doranne Saeks, a huge contingency of my pals from the Wiseman Group (James, Shannon, Brenda and more!), Vernon Applegate looking very smart in greys and whites (ask him to explain that), Cecilia Sagrera and George Brazil, and a ton of others who I'd list here but my diet pill is wearing off and I'm getting cranky.<br />
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Here's me and the lovely Holly Kopman, who's been a regular client and friend for-ugh-15 years although she looks exactly the same I swear!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly Kopman and me (I'm on the left)</td></tr>
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All in all it was an uber fun evening ending in an Uber car home because I gotta lay off the Chardonnay. I'd switch over to martinis but I have this fear of admiring the view (see below) from the roof and well, losing my balance and winding up pushing up daisies somewhere in Colma. And worse than that, SF Gate would call me an "older inebriated gentleman who thankfully won't be bothering us with any more silly blogposts like this one." :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roof top view</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-6997049304078998502017-03-03T13:40:00.000-08:002017-03-03T16:11:00.063-08:00ART+AUCTION MAGAZINE FEATURES C. MARIANI'S "MUST HAVE" HAN DYNASTY URNS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Art+Auction March Issue was all about the celebration of Asian art and artifacts - and (of course!) featured two of our C. Mariani Han Dynasty Urns in their Must-Haves section! Yay!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDvSoTOme9U/WLnQ0bvoODI/AAAAAAAAFFk/kAUOjJyMa_8PempqPN0a7zsVsXT6lXjNACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-03-03%2Bat%2B11.11.04%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDvSoTOme9U/WLnQ0bvoODI/AAAAAAAAFFk/kAUOjJyMa_8PempqPN0a7zsVsXT6lXjNACLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-03-03%2Bat%2B11.11.04%2BAM.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. </span></span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">A PAIR OF CARVED MANDARINS in polychromed wood, China,
circa 1760; €35,000 ($37,500) from blah blah dealer. 2. </span><span style="color: #990000;">HAN DYNASTY GLAZED CERAMIC URN, China, 206 B.C.-A.D.220;
$9,500 at C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom, San Francisco.</span><span style="color: #c00000;"> </span><span style="color: #cccccc;">3. </span><span style="color: #990000;">HAN DYNASTY JAR in terracotta, China, 206 B.C.-A.D.220;
$9,500 at C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom, San Francisco.</span><span style="color: magenta;"> </span><span style="color: #cccccc;">4. NORTHERN
QI DYNASTY CARVED STATUE OF THE BUDDHA in limestone, China, A.D. 550-577;
£25,500 ($32,000) from blah blah blah dealer. 5. MINIATURE HAND-CARVED CABINET in
ebonized wood and gilt, China, late 19<sup>th</sup> century; $3,875 for a pair
from another blah blah dealerr. 6. LACQUERED AND GILT WOOD CABINET ON STAND
decorated with birds, Foo dogs, and foliage, China, circa 1890; $4,950 from
another blah blah place 7. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">QING DYNASTY CARVED STATUE OF GUANYIN in
lacquered wood with gilt gesso, China, 17<sup>th</sup>-18<sup>th</sup> century;
$10,000 from yet another blah blah blah. "Blah" edits are courtesy of me. :) Like I want to promote competitors? Uh, not gonna happen.</span></span></span></b></div>
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The Western interest in Asian art and artifacts really grew in the 17th and 18th centuries as many items were imported from Asia during this time. The popularity and intrigue of these unique and "exotic" items grew dramatically in England, France and Italy. More recently, terra cotta urns have become more popular in both the design and art worlds. These Han Dynasty (206 BCE-9CE) Jars or "Hu" (meaning jar in Chinese) were used to store wines, oils and various commodities like grains.<br />
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Here are the two urns featured in the article:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCE8No1xDMU/WLnB8LPrm9I/AAAAAAAAFFE/52BMbAj0Ifol-rIIVmYFTJhsWRc-ChiGwCEw/s1600/1960_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCE8No1xDMU/WLnB8LPrm9I/AAAAAAAAFFE/52BMbAj0Ifol-rIIVmYFTJhsWRc-ChiGwCEw/s320/1960_main.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-1960/" target="_blank">No. 1960 A Chinese Han Dynasty Terra Cotta Jar</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJQR8Tn39Z0/WLnB8IrpvpI/AAAAAAAAFFM/DjM649s_-OQ-6mgn_0PARx0jOLo0Mr7SwCEw/s1600/3602_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJQR8Tn39Z0/WLnB8IrpvpI/AAAAAAAAFFM/DjM649s_-OQ-6mgn_0PARx0jOLo0Mr7SwCEw/s320/3602_main.jpg" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-3602/" target="_blank">No. 3602 A Chinese Han Dynasty Glazed Ceramic Urn</a></td></tr>
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In addition to these pieces, we have more Han Dynasty pieces available:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4ZUv5VH1pg/WLnB8ONvaDI/AAAAAAAAFFI/Ru_MVYRG16g24ONV4KYl72VPgcSqzFihgCLcB/s1600/1992_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4ZUv5VH1pg/WLnB8ONvaDI/AAAAAAAAFFI/Ru_MVYRG16g24ONV4KYl72VPgcSqzFihgCLcB/s320/1992_main.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-1992/" target="_blank">No. 1992 A Set of Four Han Dynasty Glazed Earthenware Jars</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-4500/" target="_blank">No. 4500 A Collection of Six Chinese Han Dynasty Earthenware Jars</a><br />
including two cocoon jars and four domed cylindrical granary or grain jars</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-4504/" target="_blank">No. 4504 Two Chinese Han Dynasty Glaze Earthenware Jars</a></td></tr>
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PLUS, the lacquered and gilt wood chest on a stand shown in the article above is beautiful, but we have some stunners in that category as well (you KNEW I couldn't just shut up!). To quote Siri, who after all does know everything, <b><i><span style="color: #fce5cd;">Take a Look:</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhQVTMddC4c/WLoCHsRRO2I/AAAAAAAAFGo/f1kZ7NdwHY0OpYXRzfvKzkDW7tfr9DpEQCEw/s1600/THE%2BONE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhQVTMddC4c/WLoCHsRRO2I/AAAAAAAAFGo/f1kZ7NdwHY0OpYXRzfvKzkDW7tfr9DpEQCEw/s400/THE%2BONE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-3696/" target="_blank">No. 3696 An Early 19th Century Chinese or Possibly Korean Black Lacquered Trunk with Abalone Inlay</a></td></tr>
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Have a great weekend! Buzz</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-78972839705774330422017-02-10T16:31:00.002-08:002017-02-10T16:32:14.926-08:00THE YEARLY VALENTINE'S DAY REDUX!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEJEfQ4FiZk/Ty7GT6bTFII/AAAAAAAADNM/4ZYkUVJs7Zg/s1600/x.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705715823328564354" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEJEfQ4FiZk/Ty7GT6bTFII/AAAAAAAADNM/4ZYkUVJs7Zg/s400/x.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 238px;" /></a><br />
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It's almost <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">February 14th</span> and you know what that means: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">VD</span> is right around the corner. So I'm sure you're planning a romantic <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Valentine's Day </span>dinner for your "special someone." Awwww. :)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705717130021303074" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OA9u62NTGso/Ty7Hf-PH8yI/AAAAAAAADNY/JolVSbQ4Yls/s400/Romantic%2Bideas%2Bfor%2Bvalentines%2Bday11-1.jpg" style="display: block; height: 262px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff;">UNRELATED FACTOID</span>: I love this holiday because it reminds me of the 5th Grade when Miriam Lipschitz (yes, pronounced "LIP shits") nervously asked me, "Buzzy, would you be my Valentine?"</div>
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Of course, I completely panicked! Did this mean I had to kiss her? Or worse, would I have to go to FIRST BASE with her (whatever that meant-but I heard about it and suspected it could get her pregnant and being a mother at 9 just seemed wrong to me).<br />
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So I said, "Uh, well, Miriam, can I think about it?" That took the blush off the rose so I didn't have to worry about her again, but I still remember her fondly. Besides, truth be told, I secretly wanted either Tab Hunter (woof!) or Mousketeer Annette Funicello as my dream date Valentine. But neither called. :(<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhQKjI4YFXc/UvF1MPoUaKI/AAAAAAAADxo/PfXgxgrv-ZU/s1600/55-img-annette-funicello-mickey-mouse-club-banjo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhQKjI4YFXc/UvF1MPoUaKI/AAAAAAAADxo/PfXgxgrv-ZU/s1600/55-img-annette-funicello-mickey-mouse-club-banjo.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff;">ANOTHER UNRELATED FACTOID:</span> Ralph Lauren's real last name is actually Lipschitz too. Not kidding. But wait...<b>OMG!</b>.... I wonder if Miriam was related to Ralph which means I could've married her, become a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">filthy rich Lipschitz </span>and pretended I belonged to the most restricted WASP country clubs just like Ralph and his POLO models do??? WAAAHHHHHH!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGVohMYbbg8/Ty7d4ngTLpI/AAAAAAAADN8/st0bOBceo7s/s400/x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGVohMYbbg8/Ty7d4ngTLpI/AAAAAAAADN8/st0bOBceo7s/s400/x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But back to the big upcoming romantic dinner: If you're like me, you're wondering what to make for that killer dessert. The one your sweetheart will <u>never</u> forget.<br />
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I have the perfect answer: how about a yummy <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">terra cotta</span> Valentine (pronounced "TER uh COT duh"), drizzled with lots of sweet raspberry coulis (pronounced "COOL lee"). Talk about<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffff99;"> amuse-bouche</span></i>!!! Pronounced "ahm mooz BOOSH." Trust me, it'll make for an unforgettable evening.</div>
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Uh, hang on a second.....lemme think here....um, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffff99;">TERRA COTTA <b><i>IS</i></b> THE SAME AS PANNA COTTA, RIGHT?</span></div>
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Well, that depends. If your Valentine is stoned out of his mind-then yes, terra cotta and panna cotta are exactly the same. They both taste like chicken. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ccffff;">Buzz's disclaimer on controlled substances: just say no to drugs and spend that money on antiques.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZXi8tZvkoY/Ty2IhvbyaTI/AAAAAAAADKk/b8SF_enXlxc/s1600/panna_cotta_heart-190x159.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705366416198363442" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZXi8tZvkoY/Ty2IhvbyaTI/AAAAAAAADKk/b8SF_enXlxc/s400/panna_cotta_heart-190x159.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 159px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 190px;" /></a></div>
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This is important because if your sweetheart is NOT smoking "Valentine weed" (or whatever they call it these days...somebody told me "420" (!?). But I may have just asked for the time-I can't remember I was so out of it....), anyhow if the bf/gf is sober, then the answer is NO, terra cotta is nothing like panna cotta! Here's a pair of late 19th c. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #66ffff;">terra cotta urns</span> from C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom:</div>
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Would you eat them? Of course not! It's criminal to destroy a perfectly good antique. Duh.</div>
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Anyhow,<i style="font-weight: bold;"> Panna</i><b> Cotta</b> is a rich dessert that comes from a Jello mold--and it's SO easy to make! In fact, you can prepare it in advance if guests are coming to admire your collection of terra cotta.</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Terra</i><b> Cotta,</b> on the other hand, <b></b>is just mud that comes from the earth. Well, technically it's a reddish clay used for statues, totems and other objet d'art.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705391349705260338" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CNcuRJORUC4/Ty2fND_EvTI/AAAAAAAADMQ/QYQFTMuVcZc/s400/317_1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 293px; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff;">WELL KNOWN FACTOID</span>: Terra cotta doesn't work as a dessert because it tastes gritty, clogs your colon and makes you extremely gassy. In other words, it's an acquired taste.</div>
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So now you know. Have a ROMANTIC Valentines Day.</div>
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We all have our guilty pleasures.<br />
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You know, those things that give you tingly goose bumps. They're fun, playful, but sometimes addictive. Why? Because they give you an instant jolt of pure happiness. For some, it's <i>The Real Housewives of New Jersey,</i> <i>Beanie Babies</i>, <i>Baby Ruth</i> bars, or just <i>making</i> <i>babies</i> generally. All good!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAOa2cW8obQ/V_wl35S7vWI/AAAAAAAAE_s/mpeFmFTqWYgTfxT-1fbFLVawH-d1s4CMwCEw/s1600/purples%2Band%2Bpinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAOa2cW8obQ/V_wl35S7vWI/AAAAAAAAE_s/mpeFmFTqWYgTfxT-1fbFLVawH-d1s4CMwCEw/s320/purples%2Band%2Bpinks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But for others, their pleasures are more insidious: like <i>Boogers</i> (Ugh! Just be thankful if you've never seen some loser pick one out and eat it) or even worse: prescription painkillers and other drugs (see below). But for me, my guiltiest pleasure isn't any of those. Well, a booger sounds like a burger...and I am kinda hungry...but NO! My guiltiest pleasure is <i>Guilloche Enameled Sterling, </i>like this magnificent jewelry box:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION</td></tr>
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In the last quarter of the 19th Century, Carl Fabergé perfected guilloche enamel by marrying guilloché engraving with enameling on sterling silver and gold. This successful integration of precious metal and glass appeared soon after Michael Perchin became head-goldmaster for Fabergé in 1886.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u-7otLZfQ7c/V_0rvdw850I/AAAAAAAAFAo/EZquznNf-5408jyZaMf0U4YiOjtjFa0jACEw/s1600/MINIATURE-FABERGE-EGG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u-7otLZfQ7c/V_0rvdw850I/AAAAAAAAFAo/EZquznNf-5408jyZaMf0U4YiOjtjFa0jACEw/s400/MINIATURE-FABERGE-EGG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "times";"><br /></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oG59ZmOW4Eo/V_0rvRVttRI/AAAAAAAAFAk/tq8YS-_ozo0UZJY7GGX-HyOODf5Fa8WkgCEw/s1600/FABERGE%2BMINIATURE%2BGUILLE%2BEGG%2BIN%2BBOX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oG59ZmOW4Eo/V_0rvRVttRI/AAAAAAAAFAk/tq8YS-_ozo0UZJY7GGX-HyOODf5Fa8WkgCEw/s400/FABERGE%2BMINIATURE%2BGUILLE%2BEGG%2BIN%2BBOX.jpg" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica"; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Faberg</span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">é Miniature Guilloche Enameled Egg Pendant circa 1910</span></td></tr>
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Under his direction, guilloché engraving became increasingly complex. Basketweave, stacked blocks and other interlocking grid patterns were produced by rotating the piece and then engraving again. Translucent enamel in over 140 hues was then masterfully fired <i>en plain</i> (covering a large surface area) and <i>en ronde boss</i> (over a curved surface) in up to six layers to create a depth of color, sheen, and brilliance that to this day remains unrivaled.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica"; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">A Faberg</span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">é</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica"; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;"> Guilloche Enameled Cigarette Case circa 1908</span></td></tr>
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After firing the enamels, each piece was polished by hand using a wooden wheel covered with chamois leather. These techniques were difficult and time-consuming but the Fabergé workshops incorporated guilloché enameling into a myriad of luxury items, including boxes, vanity sets, watches, magnifying glasses and even several of the famous Imperial Easter Eggs.</div>
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The technique was soon adopted by other great jewelry houses of the time, including Cartier, Boucheron, Tiffany & Co. and the world's finest silversmiths primarily in Edwardian England. These included the likes of Adie Bros., Mappin & Webb, Asprey and others. They created guilloche clocks, watch cases, cigarette cases, cigar cutters, picture frames, cane heads, parasol handles, vanity cases, combs, mirrors, lorgnettes, pens, and matching button sets. The "Golden Age" of the guilloché enamel treasures was from 1890 to 1935. And since most are sterling, each is marked with the year as well as the silversmith and the location where it was created.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica"; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: small;">Guilloché enameled sterling silver represented the height of luxury during the Belle Epoque and Edwardian eras. Think <i>Downton Abbey</i>: The Countess and Viscountess of Grantham and certainly The Dowager Countess of Grantham (played by Maggie Smith) would certainly have owned several guilloche enamel pieces, from full vanity sets to brooches (pronounced "BRO chiz" and not to be confused with the Dutch word "broodjes," which is just a sandwish on a roll. Guilloche items were created only for Royalty and the upper classes-no one else could afford them. Duh. They denoted class, style, and money. Lots of money and you can see why!</span></span></div>
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World War I and the Russian Revolution brought down the curtain on the Belle Époque and its grand lifestyle. Life after 1920 had a completely different character and sense of style. Guilloché enameled items were seen as inappropriately luxurious, elitist and anachronistic. Throughout history, however, canny collectors have recognized the aesthetic excellence of these marvels and cherished them as lasting reminders of luxuries from a bygone era.<br />
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As I referenced earlier, I love guilloche because it gives you a "natural high" and immense pleasure--even if you just have one or two pieces around as accessories. In fact, studies are underway to establish that fine guillloche is a highly effective way to get high without using dangerous street drugs <i>(side note: I just made that up)</i>. And I think that's relevant because I often think that the questions I get on this blog are written by people who are <i><b><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">clearly high on something</span></b></i>. I worry that some may be experimenting with LSD or Oxycontin (also commonly called "Hillbilly Heroin."). Just remember what Nancy Reagan said: "<span style="color: #ffe599;">JUST SAY NO TO DRUGS BUT SAY 'YES PLEASE!' TO GUILLOCHE!"</span> (<i>I made that up too</i>). Regrettably her reference to guilloche was never printed thanks to "The Big Drug Company Lobby" and the "media."</div>
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And another thing...I admit that I'm no doctor (well I do have a doctorate but that would be pompous to bring up here). So please consult your physician or some expensive Malibu dry-out clinic if you are abusing drugs but can't afford guilloche. Sadly, depending on which pills you're popping, you might need a LOT OF GUILLOCHE to kick the habit. <span style="color: #f4cccc;">But at least with guilloche, you have some beautiful accessories after you've gotten sober. </span>All you have after rehab is a craving for coffee, cigarettes and your next fix. That was mean and I take it back-it was just locker-room talk. I apologize. ;)</div>
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Now, before I get into how to correctly pronunciation<span style="color: #ffe599;"> </span><i style="font-family: '"\\22 arial\\22 "', '"\\22 helvetica\\22 "';"><span style="color: #ffe599;"><b>guilloche</b></span></i> (the item) versus<span style="color: yellow;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: "\22 arial\22 " , "\22 helvetica\22 ";"><i><span style="color: #ffe599;"><b>guilloché</b></span><span style="color: yellow; font-weight: bold;"> </span>(the process),</i></span> it's common knowledge that I don't speak a lick of French. OK, I admit have been known to understand <i>"un peu."</i> This is especially true when some hoidy-toidy couple comes into the Gallery and whispers to each other (in French so as not to offend me) that my pants are "a bit" too tight. And then start giggling with delight. It's the giggling that really gets me. Haven't the French heard of Skinny Jeans??? <i>Mon Dieu</i>!!! ("pronounced "MOAN doo!"). I think it's <i>quell tragique</i> (pronounced "KELL trash eek!") how the French have never understood high fashion. Or <i>haute couture</i> (pronounced "OAT coot chur") for that matter.<br />
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Just for the record, I also don't speak Spanish either (well,<i> "un poco,"</i> pronounced "OOON po ko") or German (well, <i>"ein bisschen"</i>); pronounced "AMbition" only you pronounce the 'am' like "AYN" as in Ayn Rand and if you don't know who she I don't have the time to explain it to you right now. "<i>Lo siento bebe." </i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Admission: I've never read any of Ayn's books (nor do I care too since reality TV is so much more interesting--have you seen the new show "Strut"???? If not, you're very lucky and make sure not to watch it under any cuimcumstances).</span></i></div>
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Anyhow, the first step in creating guilloche objet d'arts is designing a hopelessly complex pattern of interweaving lines that can make you both dizzy and nauseous if your stare at it too long.</div>
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The pattern chosen is then etched into the sterling silver (or gold or sometimes brass or brass plated base metal) that then looks like this:</div>
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So far so good but JPU (just plain ugly). But wait! THEN the magic is created by melting translucent colored enamels over the etchings and each layer of enamel (and there could be as many as six to create subtle color variations) has to be fired separately and be completely free of imperfections to allow a clear view of the engraving beneath them as you can see here:</div>
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The effect is mesmerizing, glittering and the pattern changes as you rotate the piece or the light catches it at different angles. The colors electrify, smolder, and morph in the most mind-blowing ways! This is why you don't need that stinkin' LSD or other drugs when you have guilloche!? <span style="color: red;">WARNING: Unlike drugs, DO NOT INGEST, SHOOT UP OR TRY TO SNORT GUILLOCHE ENAMEL! If this happens, immediately call your cemetery, book a plot, buy yourself a lttle black dress or simple black suit for your service, and then call 911. Oh, and make out your will- PRONTO!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Side Question:</span> I just wonder why people abuse drugs anyhow when there are so many other things you can abuse. I think the reason is that when you're at a club or party and you're on LSD or painkillers, no one can tell except that you look robotic, walk wobbly, have dilated pupils and start screaming in terror when you see your face melting in the powder room mirror. It starts like this:</div>
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And ends like this:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFsYs24cNR0/V_lg7M_FXWI/AAAAAAAAE08/WFl9LVSCxwoqRbRgi0mti64kkhFJ5p2egCEw/s1600/candle3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFsYs24cNR0/V_lg7M_FXWI/AAAAAAAAE08/WFl9LVSCxwoqRbRgi0mti64kkhFJ5p2egCEw/s320/candle3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But then again, if you're partying on guilloche enameling, then you have to carry the box or other object around with you all night. And if you shove it in your front pocket you look like some random perv who is inappropriately excited and needs to be stepped on like a cockroach. Or just given the heave-ho. GET A ROOM people!</div>
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NO there are NO MORE PICS OF THIS. This is NOT that kind of site! Try MATCH.com or OKCupid.com. OKStupid would make more sense but that's another post and I'm getting hungry because I'm suddenly craving an In-N-Out Burger with extra pickles. Mmmmm.</div>
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Anyhow, once the enamel layers are baked, it needs to be carefully polished and buffed to smooth out any irregularities so that the surface is perfect, glossy and flawless. And if you think that's easy, give it a shot sometime. I've tried with every polisher known to man (OK, this man) and after hours of laborious work, I'm left with a lumpy mess that would best be described as garbage. Not at all like a Carl Faberg<span style="font-family: "\22 times\22 ";">é</span> piece.</div>
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<span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Side Note Revelation:</span> I wonder if <span style="font-family: "times";">Carl Fabergé is related to the great star of TV and Commercials, </span>Shelley Fabares (pronounced "FAB RAY")--remember her from <i>The Donna Reed Show</i>? Probably not. But I bet that when the Russian Faberg<span style="font-family: "times";">és emigrated to the U.S. (probably to escape a pogrom or something), they surely passed through Ellis Island where names were commonly simplified by the barely literate U.S. Immigration Department lackeys who checked them in. <span style="color: #b6d7a8;">THIS IS A PROVEN FACT! </span>Don't believe me??? If the Ellis Island people hadn't changed my family name when my grandparents came through there in 1907, I'd be Buzz Zychlinski (pronounced..uh..Zick..chhlins [like you're coughing up flem] skee") and you'd be reading <i><span style="color: #ffd966;">The Zychlinski on Antiques</span></i>! So if the Ellis Island staff could simplify Zychlinki into Kaplan, then </span>Faberg<span style="font-family: "times";">é could easily have been changed to Fabares. I rest my case.</span></div>
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But wait! I have more evidence: the guy who played Shelley Fabares' dad on the show was CARL Betz! Hmmmm. CARL Betz and CARL Faber<span style="font-family: "\22 times\22 ";">gé?! </span>A coincidence? I don't think so. Unfortunately, my calls to his publicist weren't returned most likely because he's dead. But in any event, I still love Shelley ("nee <span style="font-family: "\22 times\22 ";">Fabergé?) Fabares:</span></div>
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I mean (no I'm not dropping the subject) who could forget her No. 1 Chart Toppers like <i>Johnny Angel.</i> Uh, let me rephrase that-"Who could forget her one-hit-wonder song (that never even made it to No. 1 but who cares?), <i>Johnny Angel. </i>Here it is -- listen carefully-I think you'll detect just the slightest Russian accent? You be the judge:</div>
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My point is (and yes, I think I did have one about five paragraphs ago) is that if a skilled silversmith made your guilloche, it would look like this:</div>
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Or these:</div>
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Or maybe even like this magnificent trinket box completely made in sterling and guillloche enamel:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8FjgvhG0vY/V_lnGrwauVI/AAAAAAAAE2c/tXuUnA1bQkkAKH14n-jmH-DipDq8EiEJQCEw/s1600/IMG_5579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8FjgvhG0vY/V_lnGrwauVI/AAAAAAAAE2c/tXuUnA1bQkkAKH14n-jmH-DipDq8EiEJQCEw/s320/IMG_5579.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But as with everything that's really fun, there come some caveats (bleh) to wary of:</div>
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1. What we're talking about here is Guilloche ENAMEL. It's copied and sold everywhere for dirt but most of those are <i>faux </i>(pronounced "Pho" as in Fee, Fi, Fo)<i> </i>because<i> </i>there's no enamel on them! They're just a cheap and cloudy cellulose over fake engraving that looks good in pictures but is completely worthless.</div>
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2. Guilloche enamel pieces that are first quality (that is, with no flaws, nicks, repairs, etc.) are very rare and can run you from $500 to $250,000. So they're not for Seniors on a fixed income. OMG! I'll just realized I'll BE a Senior--I'd prefer to say a"Señor"-- in less than 25 years...scary!). </div>
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3. Most pieces offered are poorly enameled, nicked, uneven, discolored or just plain damaged junk--and guilloche enamel when damaged, can never be restored perfectly (even by C. Mariani and we're the best at repairing/restoring/and conserving anything!). We're also humble.</div>
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4. Authentic first quality guilloche enamel should be on .925 English Sterling or .800 French or German silver. </div>
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5. 99% of real guilloche enamel pieces were created in very limited numbers from about 1880 until about the 1940's, so they're hard to find. And when you find one, it's often in a form that makes no sense whatsoever, My favorite example of this is "hair tidies." Take a look at this one--can you tell me what possible purpose it would serve?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hlVtGpR-Eo/V_vp63TXO0I/AAAAAAAAE7U/IngMual_TK8DTJngxDRIQrNX-I-HdenkwCK4B/s1600/BLUEblue1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hlVtGpR-Eo/V_vp63TXO0I/AAAAAAAAE7U/IngMual_TK8DTJngxDRIQrNX-I-HdenkwCK4B/s320/BLUEblue1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The answer is how the hell would I know? For the answer, send $5 to Buzz K....oh what the heck...hair tidies were used during the 19th and Early 20th centuries by women to store their hair that would fall out while combing or brushing. They'd stuff the hair in the tidy and then use it later to make a hair bun, "ratting," hair extensions or merkins. And isn't that a lovely factoid that you can delight your friends with? Now where did I leave my Oxy? Ha! :) </div>
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<span style="color: #f4cccc;">PSA of the DAY: THE BUZZ ON ANTIQUES DOES NOT CONDONE THE USE OF DRUGS, MERKINS OR ANYTHING ELSE IN PARTICULAR.</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-86685909013470497072016-06-08T13:18:00.001-07:002016-06-16T16:39:09.802-07:00OH WHAT A NIGHT! SAN FRANCISCO'S BEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS STRUT THEIR STUFF!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I know you think I'm talking about this year's San Francisco Showcase House, which WAS quite a night!</div>
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But I'm not. It's just that I've been thinking about becoming a professional DJ on the side. I figure retirement parties and wakes can be my target demographic. And what record could be better for a wake or "celebration of life" song than, <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">"Oh What a Night!"</span> by (and I'm sure not one of you under 40 will know them---but think Jersey Boys) Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons! You tell me if you can't stop from jumping up from your wheelchair and wildly boogaloo'ing to this toe-tapping ditty:</div>
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The sad part is that when this came out I had no idea what they were singing about. I know it was "late December back in '63" so I figured it was Christmas night. But I thought it was odd he never mentioned Santa, Elves or Mistletoe. In fact, it sounded like he was breathlessly screaming, "What a lady! What a night! Thunder was striking!" So I figured he was talking about Mother Mary and that he was singing as the "persona" of the Holy Ghost. I was considering converting to Catholicism at the time.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">But if Frankie was serving up "Holy Ghost" realness, I believe the song would have been even better suited for Halloween and could have become an even bigger hit. I'm shocked at how much money the horror genre makes. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">This isn't me (or at least I don't think so) but it shows how stunned I am at the money horror films make.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I don't know who that kid is but I bet she made a bundle in whatever she was in. Just look at all those slasher films with Jamie Lee Curtis! Cha-Ching! But we'll never know because when I called Frankie, he didn't return my call for an interview. His assistant to his assistant said, "Mr.Valli doesn't speak with members of the media." I said,"Wow, thanks!" I'd never been called "media" before so that was pretty cool. :)</span><span style="text-align: left;"></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frankie Valli before I called him</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRsiyPnokrQ/V1dD5uKV1lI/AAAAAAAAEwQ/GOxXyMCeG5A-34nuQU4bAeazrxaoJSS1ACK4B/s1600/MTIxNDI3MjkzNTk0MDI3NTMz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRsiyPnokrQ/V1dD5uKV1lI/AAAAAAAAEwQ/GOxXyMCeG5A-34nuQU4bAeazrxaoJSS1ACK4B/s200/MTIxNDI3MjkzNTk0MDI3NTMz.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Frankie Valli after he blew me off. Nice caps btw</td></tr>
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<br />
Given that Frankie was, uh, unavailable, <span style="color: magenta;">let's talk about the latest Showcase extravaganza!</span><br />
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OK, so here I am arriving at the house and cleverly hiding my busted shoulder which I just had surgery on. <span style="color: red;">Ouchee!</span><span style="color: red;">!</span> But this isn't a forum to promote me or the fact that I was practically a pro athlete, not to mention very stoic when it comes to excruciating pain….whoops…sorry...back to the showcase.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yKKjXW0VsCc/V1XKO--X_nI/AAAAAAAAEvA/ATdpkyvHlPsEj62_9wSxSVmt7unP4Iz8gCLcB/s1600/aIMG_2418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yKKjXW0VsCc/V1XKO--X_nI/AAAAAAAAEvA/ATdpkyvHlPsEj62_9wSxSVmt7unP4Iz8gCLcB/s320/aIMG_2418.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Note how I'm cleverly (but unsuccessfully) hiding my sling for my busted shoulder. I'm practically a martyr! Hehe-geez I can be revolting sometimes. I prefer to think of myself as self-absorbed.</td></tr>
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First, the Showcase House was definitely NO Jersey Boys and thank God for that. The Showcase designers were way more talented, interesting, NorCal locals and put on a better show. Not to pick favorites, but I loved <a href="http://www.antoniomartins.com/" target="_blank">Antonio Martins</a>' Living Room:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58x8f-93_hQ/V1XKFwgQYzI/AAAAAAAAEuw/gr9f0MIRo0UcBbvcrTnZ3kM8xX2BgV7owCLcB/s1600/AM_showcase2016-160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58x8f-93_hQ/V1XKFwgQYzI/AAAAAAAAEuw/gr9f0MIRo0UcBbvcrTnZ3kM8xX2BgV7owCLcB/s400/AM_showcase2016-160.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antonio Martins' Living Room. Photo from The Salon Styliste</td></tr>
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Where DID he get those gorgeous <a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-4473/" target="_blank">Empire Curule Benches</a>!!!! Oh yeah, from me. But, his rooms never disappoint and this year was no exception. Look how deftly he combines modern and transitional with antiques. It's what great design is all about. Mixing not matching.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-utefXvJ0NeU/V1XKIke3DMI/AAAAAAAAEu4/GtzRZzzVK9sTYSt6C81LG8DQcUd80JO0QCLcB/s1600/AM_showcase2016-178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-utefXvJ0NeU/V1XKIke3DMI/AAAAAAAAEu4/GtzRZzzVK9sTYSt6C81LG8DQcUd80JO0QCLcB/s400/AM_showcase2016-178.jpg" width="338" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Room by Antonio Martins, Photo from The Salon Styliste</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0t83we6AiPQ/V1XIMT-BdnI/AAAAAAAAEtc/2otnpX7Vpfgz5VLndpsmAmPtn7wX58n9QCLcB/s1600/Antonio%2BMartins%2B-%2BDavid%2BDuncan%2BLivingston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0t83we6AiPQ/V1XIMT-BdnI/AAAAAAAAEtc/2otnpX7Vpfgz5VLndpsmAmPtn7wX58n9QCLcB/s400/Antonio%2BMartins%2B-%2BDavid%2BDuncan%2BLivingston.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room by Antonio Martins, Photo by David Duncan Livingston, T&C Magazine </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbPP87nC27U/V1XKP1PPZ3I/AAAAAAAAEvI/OnMGHzHWZKwNbx0zO3YXxjRSLB_aqgHpwCLcB/s1600/aIMG_2421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbPP87nC27U/V1XKP1PPZ3I/AAAAAAAAEvI/OnMGHzHWZKwNbx0zO3YXxjRSLB_aqgHpwCLcB/s320/aIMG_2421.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's Antonio looking great and me looking like Death Eating a Biscuit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaQ3N3FTPUQ/V1XKSRe4nRI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/jx5rvJ_5_xoS0KixxJ5Do5Oqi4g1ykHnQCLcB/s1600/aIMG_2432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaQ3N3FTPUQ/V1XKSRe4nRI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/jx5rvJ_5_xoS0KixxJ5Do5Oqi4g1ykHnQCLcB/s320/aIMG_2432.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here is the Queen of C. Mariani (well one of the queens but certainly the most fun and uber-smart): Our Gallery Manager, Riana</td></tr>
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Another one of my favorite designers this year and another perennial standout is my good friend <a href="http://www.heatherhilliard.com/" target="_blank">Heather Hilliard</a> and her amazing team of Fleur and Phebe-they're so talented and so much fun to work with!). This year, Heather didn't disappoint either as you can see from her Garden Room:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQl6r25CnDs/V1XINsiuovI/AAAAAAAAEtw/-iep93s2GWM7GnHBs4ln5RwyKJfIgfUrQCLcB/s1600/Heather%2BHIliard%2BPatricia%2BChang%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQl6r25CnDs/V1XINsiuovI/AAAAAAAAEtw/-iep93s2GWM7GnHBs4ln5RwyKJfIgfUrQCLcB/s400/Heather%2BHIliard%2BPatricia%2BChang%2B2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Room by Heather Hillard, Photo by Patricia Chang, SF Curbed</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mdWl6wuDvc/V1XIN3k8y9I/AAAAAAAAEt4/FQ5MnzFe6IIYnnz4qRyTV7BfDRdiFOFQQCLcB/s1600/Heather%2BHIliard%2BPatricia%2BChang%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mdWl6wuDvc/V1XIN3k8y9I/AAAAAAAAEt4/FQ5MnzFe6IIYnnz4qRyTV7BfDRdiFOFQQCLcB/s400/Heather%2BHIliard%2BPatricia%2BChang%2B3.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Room by Heather Hillard, Photo by Patricia Chang, SF Curbed</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yhvx1Ce7eXw/V1XIOpQjnoI/AAAAAAAAEuI/4kPOv4y4teAkhps2sfh7wUxuMKYkxpc9wCLcB/s1600/Heather%2BHilliard%2B-%2BMichele%2BLee%2BWillson.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yhvx1Ce7eXw/V1XIOpQjnoI/AAAAAAAAEuI/4kPOv4y4teAkhps2sfh7wUxuMKYkxpc9wCLcB/s400/Heather%2BHilliard%2B-%2BMichele%2BLee%2BWillson.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Room by Heather Hillard, Photo by Michele Lee Wilson, T&C Magazine</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5wpakl0xZg/V1XIOnsVNQI/AAAAAAAAEuE/HWzqPzGEh_IYtgdZ8_KQW9EWx3MKX2D7QCLcB/s1600/Heather%2BHilliard%2BPatricia%2BChang.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5wpakl0xZg/V1XIOnsVNQI/AAAAAAAAEuE/HWzqPzGEh_IYtgdZ8_KQW9EWx3MKX2D7QCLcB/s400/Heather%2BHilliard%2BPatricia%2BChang.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Room by Heather Hillard, Photo by Patricia Chang, SF Curbed</span></td></tr>
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Who else did I think scored big that night? <a href="http://www.stephanjones.com/" target="_blank">Stephan Jones</a> did for sure. I worked with Stephan when he was in Chicago and let me tell you, Chicago's loss is San Francisco's gain! Take a look:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfwxbYT07KA/V1XIO20sMYI/AAAAAAAAEuM/1sptldmsSjU_0_tV4CXLba0gnPXmr9CvQCLcB/s1600/Stephan%2BJones%2BPatricia%2BChang.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfwxbYT07KA/V1XIO20sMYI/AAAAAAAAEuM/1sptldmsSjU_0_tV4CXLba0gnPXmr9CvQCLcB/s400/Stephan%2BJones%2BPatricia%2BChang.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Room by Stephan Jones, Photo by Patricia Chang, SF Curbed</span></td></tr>
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I was also really impressed with <a href="http://www.adlsf.com/home/" target="_blank">Tineke Triggs</a>' room--a great example of using neutrals for that calming, serene and timeless look.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X14SXHMBtp8/V1XIPga07EI/AAAAAAAAEuc/WRy3EEt4x8k70f4ZmzXQl8GQ_vFz8cZVQCLcB/s1600/Tineke%2BTriggs%2BPatricia%2BChang%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X14SXHMBtp8/V1XIPga07EI/AAAAAAAAEuc/WRy3EEt4x8k70f4ZmzXQl8GQ_vFz8cZVQCLcB/s400/Tineke%2BTriggs%2BPatricia%2BChang%2B2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Room by Tineke Triggs, Photo by Patricia Chang, SF Curbed</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6boB3iwgv4/V1XIPZAJz2I/AAAAAAAAEug/48mzpGLF_-ogFBeOQls_Ea6uduo0JSUagCLcB/s1600/Tineke%2BTriggs%2BPatricia%2BChang%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6boB3iwgv4/V1XIPZAJz2I/AAAAAAAAEug/48mzpGLF_-ogFBeOQls_Ea6uduo0JSUagCLcB/s400/Tineke%2BTriggs%2BPatricia%2BChang%2B3.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Room by Tineke Triggs, Photo by Patricia Chang, SF Curbed</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm2mY7vYLyQ/V1XIPrJ_CNI/AAAAAAAAEuY/ZqMRdE1sp8AlPFW_U03Xvld27xktOJFlwCLcB/s1600/Tineke%2BTriggs%2BPatricia%2BChang.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm2mY7vYLyQ/V1XIPrJ_CNI/AAAAAAAAEuY/ZqMRdE1sp8AlPFW_U03Xvld27xktOJFlwCLcB/s400/Tineke%2BTriggs%2BPatricia%2BChang.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Room by Tineke Triggs, Photo by Patricia Chang, SF Curbed</span></td></tr>
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Well, my friends, until next year's Showcase, adios, arigato and vaya con dios (whatever that means). ;)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-32741970680853627982016-04-20T09:00:00.000-07:002016-04-20T12:36:30.822-07:00IT'S SHOW(CASE) TIME!The 2016 <a href="http://decoratorshowcase.org/" target="_blank">San Francisco Decorator Showcase</a> is coming up - it'll be open to the public starting April 30th, but you can buy tickets to attend the <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-39th-annual-san-francisco-decorator-showcase-friday-night-opening-party-april-29-2016-tickets-24360130807?ref=ebtnebtckt" target="_blank">opening night party</a> the Friday before. I always have a great time at the party - running into old friends and seeing the incredible work the designers come up with!<br />
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And, because I feel like reminiscing...here are some photos from last year:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa47GOvWzD0/VYxp2-aC94I/AAAAAAAAEaA/lYBydiy11vs/s1600/IMG_7527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa47GOvWzD0/VYxp2-aC94I/AAAAAAAAEaA/lYBydiy11vs/s320/IMG_7527.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always great catch up with the fabulous <a href="http://www.wheelerdg.com/" target="_blank">Marian Wheeler</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvs7lU35yqA/VxfY6U-i-BI/AAAAAAAAEs4/fuODplXC8ks9JqZE2Pvv62d2YP8xqpcSwCKgB/s1600/IMG_7514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvs7lU35yqA/VxfY6U-i-BI/AAAAAAAAEs4/fuODplXC8ks9JqZE2Pvv62d2YP8xqpcSwCKgB/s320/IMG_7514.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Kevin Peters and Chase Roberson of <a href="http://www.wisemangroup.com/">TWG</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c56W6J77poA/VYxpkWQlqXI/AAAAAAAAEZY/4MMNu7zwtqs/s1600/Phillip%2BSilver-SF_Showcase-2015-0045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c56W6J77poA/VYxpkWQlqXI/AAAAAAAAEZY/4MMNu7zwtqs/s320/Phillip%2BSilver-SF_Showcase-2015-0045.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Living Room by <a href="http://www.phillipsilverdesign.com/phillip-silver/" target="_blank">Phillip Silver</a>, Photo by Matthew Millman<br />
Featuring C. Mariani <a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-3687/" target="_blank">tazzas</a> and <a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-4284/" target="_blank">commodes</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9rEoarG8Rss/VYxpkcxdnxI/AAAAAAAAEZU/4b3iVzH68_M/s1600/Phillip%2BSilver-SF_Showcase-2015-0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9rEoarG8Rss/VYxpkcxdnxI/AAAAAAAAEZU/4b3iVzH68_M/s320/Phillip%2BSilver-SF_Showcase-2015-0138.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Living Room by <a href="http://www.phillipsilverdesign.com/phillip-silver/" target="_blank">Phillip Silver</a>, Photo by Matthew Millman </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Featuring C. Mariani <a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-3687/" target="_blank">tazzas</a> and <a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-4284/" target="_blank">commodes</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WIQ6Z1wjTXU/VYxpkBAoZjI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/yHACzxEmCE4/s1600/Phillip%2BSilver-SF_Showcase-2015-0062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WIQ6Z1wjTXU/VYxpkBAoZjI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/yHACzxEmCE4/s320/Phillip%2BSilver-SF_Showcase-2015-0062.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Living Room by <a href="http://www.phillipsilverdesign.com/phillip-silver/" target="_blank">Phillip Silver</a>, Photo by Matthew Millman</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Featuring C. Mariani <a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-3687/" target="_blank">tazzas</a> and <a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-4284/" target="_blank">commode</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yOHwvanNqw/VYxp1qWz4jI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/TPXsJitesqw/s1600/IMG_7526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yOHwvanNqw/VYxp1qWz4jI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/TPXsJitesqw/s320/IMG_7526.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With some of the ladies of <a href="http://www.heatherhilliard.com/" target="_blank">Heather Hilliard Designs</a> (Heather, Erin and Phebe)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8MgQf4ygkkQ/VxfZAR1WpWI/AAAAAAAAEs4/EcRLY3kgu9sgN3Lp2VfkQGqIsxaDUoaRgCKgB/s1600/IMG_7521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8MgQf4ygkkQ/VxfZAR1WpWI/AAAAAAAAEs4/EcRLY3kgu9sgN3Lp2VfkQGqIsxaDUoaRgCKgB/s320/IMG_7521.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With our C. Mariani Gallery Manager, Riana Lum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--rvJe7eSwEk/VYxqJfvExwI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/DHdKC9IoSOI/s1600/MICHELE%2BLEE%2BWILSON%2BPHOTOGCRAPHY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--rvJe7eSwEk/VYxqJfvExwI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/DHdKC9IoSOI/s320/MICHELE%2BLEE%2BWILSON%2BPHOTOGCRAPHY.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our C. Mariani <a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-4317/" target="_blank">commode</a> and <a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-4298/" target="_blank">rock crystal lamp</a> in Heather's "Her Dressing Room"<br />
Photo by Michele Lee Wilson</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-91671754155075654362016-04-15T12:33:00.000-07:002016-04-18T08:56:24.192-07:00#BUZZONINSTAGRAM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, so I got an <a href="https://instagram.com/buzzonantiques/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> not too long ago! Keep up with me @buzzonantiques and let me know if you have any suggestions on who to follow :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-210002629689414052016-01-27T16:05:00.001-08:002016-02-01T12:40:04.255-08:00LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING: MY SECRET WEAPONS AGAINST SILVER TARNISH, DULL FLOORS AND MORE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-3889/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0SK6TaMwEE/Vq0fYaTDDFI/AAAAAAAAEp8/9zoAQYRHkXc/s320/2985_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-3889/" target="_blank">A Remarkable 17th Century Solid Sterling Silver (96.1% pure) Spanish Chandelier</a> </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #f9cb9c;">First, I want to thank Riana, our brilliant Gallery Manager at C. Mariani WHO I LOVE TO DEATH for drafting this post "in my voice" because I'm a lazy bum and am busy reading articles on Brad and Angelina. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-2449/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8ZhM1p2kz8/Vq0gVhSthtI/AAAAAAAAEqE/6ALrsTsYfHM/s320/421_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-2449/" target="_blank">A 19th Century London Silver Chafing Dish with Cover</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-2494/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtZ-Vj7sgig/Vq0gXr8QoOI/AAAAAAAAEqM/fqbOROCIlzk/s320/412_1.jpg" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-2494/" target="_blank">A 19th Century English Silvered Loving Cup Samovar</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Riana is so sweet, funny and smart--</span><b style="color: #f9cb9c;">we couldn't be more different!</b><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> But I'm training her to be as unstable and bitter as I am so she can write this blog for me. </span><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">So, before you start reading this, I want to disclaim any endorsement of <i>The Sound of Music</i> or that insipid song, <i>"These are a Few of My Favorite Things"</i>--those were TOTALLY Riana's choices but I thought they were so innocent and sweetly pathetic that I left them in. But I really detest them both. Just FYI.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: #f9cb9c;">This is how dumb "<i>The Sound of Mucus"</i> is: I wrote a blog a couple of years ago about how <a href="http://buzzonantiques.blogspot.com/2012/02/tucker-marks-shines-at-marin-showcase.html">Scarlett O'Hara</a> had Mammy make her dress from her sweet, dead mother's old drapes. A wonderfully morbid homage to her mom, right? OK fine, that dress wasn't figure-flattering but at least the curtains were velvet. In "<i>The Sound of Muzak,"</i> that nitwit nanny/part time nun Maria makes the kids clothes out of curtains too but they're cheap POLYESTER and JPU (just plain ugly)!!!! She was probably thinking she could just throw them in the washer and save on dry-cleaning. But she was wrong. The only place those rags should be thrown is in the nearest garbage can. Sorry--I got sidetracked.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Interestingly, at least to me, is that I actually kind of know Julie Andrews. I swear! When I was in college in the 70's…(that's the</span><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><b><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> </span><span style="background-color: black; color: #93c47d;">19</span></b><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="background-color: black;">70's</span> just in case you're wondering), my best friend was her houseboy. Not kidding. We had so many fun nights back then, driving around Beverly Hills drunk in her Rolls Royce, wearing "shades" at 11 pm and screaming at unsuspecting tourists trying to figure out who the hell we were. We also played catch (I'm not making this up) with her Oscar! We sort of broke into her walk-in safe (my friend knew the combination) and the statue was wrapped in a purple silk velvet pouch--which was lucky because he grabbed it, reared back, told me to "go long" (which I thought was something sexual--what did I know? I was a virgin and so was he) and he threw the Oscar in a Hail Mary pass for me to catch. Of course, I was as uncoordinated then as I am now, so I fumbled the damn thing and heard it hit the cement floor with a thud. Note to Julie: if you're reading this, don't sue me, sue your lousy houseboy. He really stunk at his job. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Ok, so back to Riana writing this blog post. Although she's way cuter than me, much less butch and practically as adorable, she's from Mars and I'm from Venus; so we write and think <b>very</b> differently. That explains why she chose to start this blog post this way (my smarmy comments are in </span><span style="color: magenta;">pink</span><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">): </span></div>
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When it comes to "My Favorite Things, Maria (nee Julie Andrews), really got it right in <i>The Sound of Music</i>. I mean, who doesn't love raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens? <span style="color: magenta;">Note to Riana: I DON'T! Moisture on roses make them rot. And I'm fundamentally against any whiskers that aren't plucked, lasered or shaved off daily.</span> <span style="color: magenta;">And don't get me started on crisp apple strudel. Every gourmand knows that strudel is best eaten <i>al dente. </i></span><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: magenta;">And that pastry is the main reason so many Viennese are morbidly obese. I can only assume that they refuse to go on the Paleo diet and that strudel is just sugary empty processed carbs that go right to your hips. </span></span></div>
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Plus brown paper packages wrapped up in string are so much fun to get! <span style="color: magenta;">Really Riana? When I get a paper package wrapped in string, I call the bomb squad.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">And here's the best part, Riana put a clip of The Happy Nun (Wasn't Maria a nun? I just Googled her but typed in nut instead of nun and it said "Yes, she was"). Anyhow, Riana put in this clip of the Nutty Nun singing her "Favorite Things" song. ARRRGGGHHHH! CAVEAT: Listening to this song may cause spontaneous bleeding of the ears. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #f9cb9c;">OK, so Riana doesn't exactly speak in my voice. But her idea did inspire me to make a short list of some of my favorite things that I use on sterling silver and sterling plate (if you don't know the difference, you don't own any silver so just skip the rest of this blog):</span></div>
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<b>1. SILVER POLISH: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CFBNSQK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CFBNSQK&linkCode=as2&tag=httpbuzzonanb-20&linkId=26FWWYHX4ZCGWE3N" target="_blank">Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloths</a></b></div>
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These are quick, easy and do a great job! They come in a tin with multiple cloths ready to use. There are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GQY6HQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005GQY6HQ&linkCode=as2&tag=httpbuzzonanb-20&linkId=LSDQVZZSGERVSJLR" target="_blank">smaller canisters</a> (below) but I buy the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CFBNSQK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CFBNSQK&linkCode=as2&tag=httpbuzzonanb-20&linkId=26FWWYHX4ZCGWE3N" target="_blank">super sized</a> version, not only because it costs less per cloth but you'll have enough for the rest of your life. That's comforting, right? :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GQY6HQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005GQY6HQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thebuzonant-20&linkId=2TRXMZFYS4NL26UV"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005GQY6HQ&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thebuzonant-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thebuzonant-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005GQY6HQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<b>2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CFMQO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000CFMQO&linkCode=as2&tag=httpbuzzonanb-20&linkId=Q4CZP5T226VBKPOZ" target="_blank">Hagerty Silversmith's Polish</a> - buy the 12 fl. oz. size!</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CFMQO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000CFMQO&linkCode=as2&tag=thebuzonant-20&linkId=N5YZANTZZTK3UIEW"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0000CFMQO&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thebuzonant-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thebuzonant-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000CFMQO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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OK, this is my second favorite choice for silver cleaning. It's really good but kinda messy and smelly. But it works and we're all messy and smelly at times, so it's perfectly acceptable.<br />
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My next choice (yes, I've tried every silver cleaner on earth) is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CFPQO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000CFPQO&linkCode=as2&tag=httpbuzzonanb-20&linkId=4OJS3WSQBJOVRHW5" target="_blank">Hagerty gloves</a>. These are treated with polishing chemicals so you can just put them on and rub! They're Fun AND Easy but there are side effects ranging from diarrhea, nausea, bloating, gas, "hot dog fingers," and permanent insanity. But I think they're worth the risk if you want your silver to shine. The hot dog fingers only last about a day which is longer than the gloves last because you can't reuse them. BUT, they make great sock puppets for the kids (especially those who already have fat fingers and are permanently insane). It's a narrow market but they make great stocking stuffers for those who don't care about their children's health.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CFPQO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000CFPQO&linkCode=as2&tag=thebuzonant-20&linkId=JD7FHPAKKPVWE5DZ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0000CFPQO&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thebuzonant-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thebuzonant-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000CFPQO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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By the way, I don't recommend the aerosol version of Hagerty's--it puts lots of corrosive chemical cleaners not only on your silver, but also on your dog, bare legs (wear skinny jeans cause this stuff burns), floors and fine antiques.<br />
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I also don't like their Silver Dip (in fact I don't recommend any Silver Dips, including Tarnx). They remind me of flea dips for dogs and those are very dangerous. I had a friend who had the cutest Pomeranian. But his groomer left it in the dip too long. Don't ask. :( Boo-hoo-hoo. Let me just say it was a lovely funeral, closed casket of course. The dip left the poor pooch with no hair she resembled a wrinkled Mexican Chihuahua (the good news is that beauty's only skin deep):<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOkr5TMBICs/VqqaeSzkFdI/AAAAAAAAEgc/Qi9RoNWV-RU/s1600/hairless-dog-breeds-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOkr5TMBICs/VqqaeSzkFdI/AAAAAAAAEgc/Qi9RoNWV-RU/s320/hairless-dog-breeds-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Plus silver dips are messy, smell like rotten eggs, make you high (and not in a good way) and they're scientifically designed to tip over and spill on you, your furniture, any Persian rug within 3 blocks and everything else you treasure. I don't know how they engineered that into the dip bottles but I've knocked over every single one I've ever bought. And that can be expensive: I had to renovate my acid-washed kitchen because of it and even had to throw out my only "muscle-T shirt" that I bought at Baby Gap and they don't make them anymore. But then I don't have muscles anymore. So I guess it's time to let go of my anger about this. Huh: I feel better already!!! :)</div>
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<b>3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001VEA6MG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001VEA6MG&linkCode=as2&tag=httpbuzzonanb-20&linkId=WD2WULYKGALPNJHI" target="_blank">Cape Cod Horse Hair Polishing Brush</a> - </b>this is great<b> </b>for those hard to reach areas. You use it with the liquid polishes. It's not treated with anything. So you can also use it at bedtime on your teeth (talk about whitening!) and save a huge pile of money on those expensive electric toothbrushes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001VEA6MG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001VEA6MG&linkCode=as2&tag=thebuzonant-20&linkId=3NSTJJJS7DWGHPJM"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B001VEA6MG&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thebuzonant-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thebuzonant-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001VEA6MG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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With all these different types of silver polishes, you should wipe the silver clean with a dry soft cloth like an old t-shirt (try Baby Gap) or...</div>
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7. <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XECJES/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000XECJES&linkCode=as2&tag=httpbuzzonanb-20&linkId=JWXDPMZIFWNUH23O" target="_blank">Microfiber cleaning cloths</a></b></div>
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These are really perfect for silver cleaning and they're even washable! </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KHBCIRA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KHBCIRA&linkCode=as2&tag=thebuzonant-20&linkId=XVAQUXRATB7A4RHA"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00KHBCIRA&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thebuzonant-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thebuzonant-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00KHBCIRA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OFIXUIW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00OFIXUIW&linkCode=as2&tag=thebuzonant-20&linkId=3CTZ7CTUS6XBLASS"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00OFIXUIW&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thebuzonant-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thebuzonant-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00OFIXUIW" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Here are some silver pieces we polished at C. Mariani….aren't they dazzling?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=3002" target="_blank">The Magnificent 1958 "$100,000 Californian Stakes" Hollywood Park Horse Racing Trophy</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/images/catalog/1745_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cmarianiantiques.com/images/catalog/1745_1.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=880" target="_blank">Two Sets of English Regency Silver & Tortoiseshell Knives & Fork</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=4390" target="_blank">A 19th Century French Silver Boin Taburet</a></td></tr>
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Speaking of cleaning, I want to talk about wood floors for a sec-I have no idea why. THE BEST and only thing you need for cleaning and polishing hardwood floors is<b> a good strong housekeeper with great knees and good references. </b>But since it's so hard to find good help these days, just buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bona-Hardwood-Floor-System-4-Piece/dp/B00YZXW5W4/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&keywords=bona%20hardwood%20box&linkCode=ur2&qid=1436394192&s=home-garden&sr=1-4&tag=thebuzonant-20&linkId=VA4R44LBR7UYFVXS" target="_blank">Bona Hardwood Floor Care System</a>. It's fantastic.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005S4RBHI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005S4RBHI&linkCode=as2&tag=thebuzonant-20&linkId=VDQ5EIS7XSTYQXAS"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005S4RBHI&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thebuzonant-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thebuzonant-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005S4RBHI" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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You can thank me later when everything looks shiny and new! Ok, maybe not the dog…or your hands. :(<br />
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Having said all this, I want to thank Riana for giving this ghost writing post a shot. She really is a key player on our C. Mariani team and I'd hang myself from one of our 18th or 19th c. Louis XV Chandeliers if she ever left. Any of these would work (and they're all available):<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-3047/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RqtBCmXr39I/Vq0crgzy1dI/AAAAAAAAEpY/_Pg8TOSqHfc/s320/2188_1.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-3047/" target="_blank">A Massive 18th Century 21-Light Genovese Parcel Gilt and Crystal Chandelier</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-3921/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTX_64AHXJ0/Vq0crj8Bf3I/AAAAAAAAEpc/9zBGatWS0yg/s320/2984_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-3921/" target="_blank">An 18th Century Resplendent Giltwood 16-Light Florentine Palazzo Chandelier</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-4047/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VxQNKiKS9fk/Vq0crl06uHI/AAAAAAAAEpo/fMeQKTU5RI4/s320/3146_1.jpg" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-4047/" target="_blank">A First Quarter 19th Century Italian Empire Crystal and Gilt 12-Light Chandelier</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-4201/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_cjKJJ7TGoU/Vq0csPptsjI/AAAAAAAAEpg/3VOwG5fUa9Y/s320/3282_1.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item-4201/" target="_blank">A Towering 19th Century Tuscan Giltwood Palazzo Chandelier</a></td></tr>
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You really should stop in and say hello to Riana because in 10 years she's going to be the CEO here. I really believe that. She's a gem! Mwah Riana! :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-21052623635344128622015-12-15T12:55:00.000-08:002016-02-02T08:49:32.568-08:00REGENCY AND REGENCE FURNITURE ARE TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PERIODS AND STYLES<br />
In describing antiques, many folks use the terms "Regency" and "Regence" interchangeably. Big moos-take. <span style="text-align: center;">Talk about stepping in it. P.U.!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm6jOmbb--Y/VVjxvhGmj9I/AAAAAAAAEVE/gj6Xy_WxUF4/s1600/CALkxbHUYAAd4aQ.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm6jOmbb--Y/VVjxvhGmj9I/AAAAAAAAEVE/gj6Xy_WxUF4/s200/CALkxbHUYAAd4aQ.jpg-large.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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No, this is NOT a picture of me. But people who make this mistake are telling you that they don't know squat about antiques and need to learn to PIPE DOWN once in a while. :) You'll have plenty of other opportunities to demonstrate you went to Cal State Chico and aren't the brightest bulb in the chandelier throughout your life. That was a joke so please don't text or twit me about being "dissing" your alma mater.<br />
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Regency antiques come from England and date to around 1811<br />
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It would be so much more productive to crack a book and learn understand that there really is a difference between ENGLAND (also called Great Britain) and France (also called..uh..France). Duh. Regency furniture comes from England and dates from 1811-1830 while Regence furniture comes from France and predates Regency furniture by about a 100 years (around 1715-1723).<br />
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In England, the Regency period began in 1811 when George IV was named "regency" in place of his insane father George III, showing here:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lb0E2-vyK6U/VVj3qZ6nCmI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/9NRTlLJddz4/s1600/0143_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lb0E2-vyK6U/VVj3qZ6nCmI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/9NRTlLJddz4/s320/0143_01.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><i>Interesting factoid</i>: George III was not only acting cuckoo but his urine was coming out </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">blue</span><span style="color: orange;">. "Rhapsody in Blue" was probably named for this (at least I'd like to think so). And besides, if my pee was blue, I'd be acting like a lunatic too. I can barely keep it together when I get a hang nail). Today we know that the poor guy just had a disease known as PORPHYRIA (poor-FEAR-e-uh).</span><span style="color: orange;"> Por </span><span style="color: orange;">guy. Or maybe he was just nuts--I forget.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><i>Another interesting factoid</i>: King George III's lips. Was King George a pioneer in lip augmentation? His are so big, plump and luscious! Very Angelina Jolie, right? I've Googled "Beverly Hills dermatologist of George III but came up with nothing). So I'll just let his lips speak for themselves:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sI19Ase-qE/VVj6OPLifzI/AAAAAAAAEVY/R6g56scr2p0/s1600/v0_master.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sI19Ase-qE/VVj6OPLifzI/AAAAAAAAEVY/R6g56scr2p0/s1600/v0_master.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">In Beverly Hills, people kill for lips like Geogie's.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Where was I? Oh yeah, Regency England. So <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; line-height: 19px;">when Hot Lips was deemed unfit to rule, his son, the Prince of Wales, ruled as Prince Regent. In 1820, on the death of his crazy dad, the Regency ended and the Prince officially became King George IV, showing here:</span></span></span></span><br />
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I'd like to say that everyone lived happily ever after but nothing could be further from the truth. In the 10 short years of his reign, George IV succeeded in becoming the most despised monarch in English history. Commentators describe him as grossly self-indulgent, faithless, selfish, extravagant, spoiled, histrionic, a tub of lard, a gambler and a sexaholic. He died in 1830 to the widespread cheers of his subjects. Very sad.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Although the Regency period technically ran from 1811-1830, when furniture is described as "English Regency," it really refers to a longer period than just the reign of George IV: my feeling is that Regency furniture dates from about 1795 to 1837 (so that would include the latter part of the reign of George III, the reigns of his sons George IV, as Prince Regent and King, and William IV) because this longer period was characterized by distinctive trends in British furniture, architecture, literature, fashions, politics, and culture. Think Jane Austen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In this way English Regency sits as the transitional period and style between the Georgian and Victorian design periods.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-24829933291765032722015-06-29T15:01:00.000-07:002016-01-27T15:14:29.119-08:00NEW SFC&G MAGAZINE FEATURE ON MAJOLICA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yup, I wrote an article about <span style="color: orange;">majolica</span> (pronounced either "muh-JAH-luh-kah" or "mah-JOE-lee-kah"…or if you're Spanish or Mexican, 'may-HOLL-eek-kuh; course I don't speak Spanish so that's probably wrong) for the new issue of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cottages-gardens.com/San-Francisco-Cottages-Gardens/" target="_blank">SF Cottages & Garden Magazine</a></span> (which I love--it's a great new magazine you should check out). So I thought I'd share my article with you! :) So here goes...along with all of my photos which the Editors decided not to use! Wah.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKOpP-iaE84/VZG93uIEpUI/AAAAAAAAEb4/Ux_NiTWt5CU/s1600/1942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKOpP-iaE84/VZG93uIEpUI/AAAAAAAAEb4/Ux_NiTWt5CU/s320/1942.jpg" width="203" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=1942" target="_blank">A Magnificent and Rare 19th c. Faience Porcelain Bust of "Winter"<br />a masterpiece of modeling from a series of five enormous faience busts<br />originally commissioned in 1730 from the Rouen manufactory of Nicolas Fouquay</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">Whether it is superb antique Minton or more humble country-ware, majolica's vivid hues and whimsical motifs make it a go-to design element for summer. Its rustic elegance lends itself perfectly to the season's more casual entertaining, while its crisp blue-and-white hues evoke Mediterranean shores. A highly collectible art form, it ranges from garden pottery to tableware to statuary, and its distinctive themes--among them sea life, animals, flowers, fruits and exotic plants--continue to inspire contemporary textiles, tiles and accessories that bring color and wit to indoor and outdoor spaces.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cu70cTofoeo/VZG93gD8-dI/AAAAAAAAEbk/ip8W-5Cm_0A/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cu70cTofoeo/VZG93gD8-dI/AAAAAAAAEbk/ip8W-5Cm_0A/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=1916" target="_blank">An Exceptional Pair of 18th c. Faience Ceramic Lions<br />commissioned for the Royal Hunding lodge in Rouen</a><br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">Majolica, with its white opaque and luster overglazes, first became world-famous in the High Renaissance of the 15th century. Originally created to emulate Chinese porcelain, it was eventually produced throughout Europe: In France, they called it Faïence after the Italian city of Faenza--a major early source of majolica--Delftware emerged from its namesake Dutch city; and England had its own interpretations as well, many of which originated with Flemish immigrants.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxvJYxQ30xU/VZHAAeuws_I/AAAAAAAAEck/aTgopewVeLs/s1600/xxxx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxvJYxQ30xU/VZHAAeuws_I/AAAAAAAAEck/aTgopewVeLs/s320/xxxx.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=2839" target="_blank">A Set of Four 19th c. Monte Lupo Faenza Diningware Plates</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #ffe599;">Majolica begins as an earthenware form, typically red</span> <a href="http://buzzonantiques.blogspot.com/2011/04/is-terra-cotta-same-as-panna-cotta.html" target="_blank">terra cotta</a>, <span style="color: #ffe599;">which is covered with a fast-drying, white tin glaze. Once dry, the glaze is decorated with lively colored paints or stains and then fired at more than 1,500 degrees. At that temperature, the glaze interacts with the metal oxide of the paints, producing the deep and brilliant hues characteristic of majolica.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=2189" target="_blank">A 19th c. Exuberant Ginori Ceramic Urn<br />with Leopard Spotted Coiled Boas and Mascarons</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">The vast majority of majolica is unmarked and unsigned (exceptions include English Minton-ware and much of French Faïence such as Luneville and Limoges), so beginning collectors can build an exquisite collection without worrying about identification. Serious collectors look for indications of age--typically fine lines or cracks called "crazing"--or small bits of dirt. Many majolica aficionados look for similar color schemes--yellow and blue is a characteristic combination--while others organize by country of origin, motif or high-relief decoration, like that of Italian maker Capodimonte.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPjPNZRd_qE/VZG94TDs2UI/AAAAAAAAEbw/xBy3bt4Uebw/s1600/3118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPjPNZRd_qE/VZG94TDs2UI/AAAAAAAAEbw/xBy3bt4Uebw/s320/3118.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=3118" target="_blank">A Pair of 19th c. Sicilian Majolica Rusticated Cachepots</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">My favorite majolica takes the form of lions, a popular motif of the French and Italian makers. They were typically sculpted in whimsical and almost comical designs that I find irresistible. My majolica lions roam my summer garden, bringing color, humor and joy to all who spy them hiding among the blooms. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jRhooCTz_Cg/VZG95zjFMsI/AAAAAAAAEcA/Rnvitm9dGMQ/s1600/white%2Bblue%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jRhooCTz_Cg/VZG95zjFMsI/AAAAAAAAEcA/Rnvitm9dGMQ/s320/white%2Bblue%2B1.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=3651" target="_blank">A Pair of 18th c. Angouleme Faience Seated Lions<br />most likely from the Rue de Bondy Manufactory, patronized by the duc d'Anouleme</a></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-49870302410511967372015-05-17T11:21:00.001-07:002015-05-25T15:30:11.489-07:00WHY CAN'T ANTIQUE DEALERS TALK GOOD ENGLISH?Sometimes I think that antique dealers purposely speak in a language that bears no resemblance to English.<br />
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My suspicion is that they speak that way because they're extra-terrestrials (that is, not of this world)-and being aliens, they can't master our earthling vocabulary…..except for the one phrase: "TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER." All aliens know that one.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5MuvyqGqpmI/VVUk9kT9-UI/AAAAAAAAETg/htyp12WDiEE/s1600/mars_attacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5MuvyqGqpmI/VVUk9kT9-UI/AAAAAAAAETg/htyp12WDiEE/s320/mars_attacks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But back to our story: Here's a great example of antique mis-speak: When an antique is painted as opposed to stained, it's called "polychrome". Ok, fair enough since polychrome means many colors. But what do we call furniture that's painted in only one color? Monochrome, right? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Wrong</span>. It's still called "polychrome". Why? Dunno. Probably because even the most sophisticated alien beings can't collect painted antiques (painted finishes burn up in Pluto's atmosphere and so can't be transported back to their planet). </div>
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Shown below: An 18th Century "Polychrome" and Parcel Gilt Settee and pair of Arm Chairs <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">en suite:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SYNP8Yrve0I/AAAAAAAAAN8/Gl1hkk58Vk4/s1600-h/1815_1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297165485554498370" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SYNP8Yrve0I/AAAAAAAAAN8/Gl1hkk58Vk4/s400/1815_1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Here's more proof that antiquarians are from outer space. In their "antique speak", the 19th Century doesn't include 1800-1830.<br />
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Yep, even the top auction houses agree that the first quarter of the 19th century is not really part of the 19th century at all. To illustrate my point, here's a recent quote from Sotheby's: "The 19th Century Furniture Department at Sotheby's deals with items produced after 1835." Strange but true: aliens have taken over Sotheby's! And that explains those phony English accents…Blimey!</div>
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Ok, so what do you call antiques made in the 19th century prior to 1835? Well, in France, you call them Empire (the period under Napolean from 1800-1815), Second Empire or Louis XVIII (1815-1824) and after that Charles X (1824-1830). In England, it's called Late Georgian (1760-1820) and then Regency (under George IV from 1820-1830). In Italy, you can just call this period Italian Empire or Neoclassical.</div>
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Shown below: A pair of Polychrome and Parcel Gilt 1815 Empire Benches with later upholstery embroidered with the symbol of Napoleon, the bee centering a laurel wreath.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SYNSTAnJ3VI/AAAAAAAAAOE/pe8jOXbPuNk/s1600-h/84_1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297168073253051730" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SYNSTAnJ3VI/AAAAAAAAAOE/pe8jOXbPuNk/s400/84_1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 337px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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The reason the first quarter of the 19th century is often separated from the rest of the 1800's because the furniture styles that emerged between 1800-1830 were new and unique (as were those during the 1700's). And so they got fancy period names.</div>
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But after 1835, styles were really just revivals or reinterpretations of earlier designs. Examples would be Neo-Gothic Style in England, Neo-Grecque Style in Paris during the 1860's and 70's and Louis XV/XVI revivals throughout the latter part of the century. </div>
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Boring side note: The furnishings from post 1835 are perhaps best encapsulated by the series of Great International Exhibitions. Although the idea of exhibitions of this type developed in France in 1798, the first truly International Exhibition did not take place until 1851 in London.<br />
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These exhibitions became popular throughout the world, although the most important were in London and Paris. They were intended to follow an eleven-year cycle (another alien concept aimed at confusing us earthlings), with Exhibitions in Paris in 1855, 1867, 1878, 1889 and 1900. London had another exhibition in 1862 but due to financial losses at the time the idea was never really followed through in England in the same way as in France.</div>
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How can you spot an ALIEN antique dealer? Easy. They all look like either gassy babies or (quite curiously), a young and luscious Liz Taylor.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SYyiLASJDSI/AAAAAAAAATc/tSCJI38QExs/s1600-h/x+copy-1+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299789171446582562" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SYyiLASJDSI/AAAAAAAAATc/tSCJI38QExs/s400/x+copy-1+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 292px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 269px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SYyis8fYpcI/AAAAAAAAATk/yxBx3YtJzS4/s1600-h/Elizabeth-Taylor-rushed-to-+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299789754543941058" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SYyis8fYpcI/AAAAAAAAATk/yxBx3YtJzS4/s400/Elizabeth-Taylor-rushed-to-+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 388px;" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-67388957283402310822015-05-14T16:26:00.000-07:002016-02-01T12:45:05.409-08:00BUZZWORDS OF THE DAY: DEBOSSING, EMBOSSING AND "WHO'S THE BOSSING?"<div style="text-align: center;">
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A common question I get is <i>"Who's Da Boss?"</i> Well duh. It's Tony Danza of course! I loved that show with Alyssa Milano as his innocent young daughter before she got edgy, got tats, started smoking and got pregnant. Poor thing. But this has nothing to do with debossing, embossing, or the critical hygienic technique of FLOSSING (PLEEZ don't forget to floss--it's so important! This is a PSA from the ADA). So….uh…so there.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/TOMcOtuLqUI/AAAAAAAACzU/3v2EzawBn2U/s1600/xxxxxxxx.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540303005712886082" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/TOMcOtuLqUI/AAAAAAAACzU/3v2EzawBn2U/s400/xxxxxxxx.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 340px;" /></a><br />
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Turning to our topic, would you be surprised to learn that everything you always thought was embossing is not embossing at all? Shocking but true! Even more shocking is how nobody gives a rats-ass about this, not even me. But I'm still going to blog about it because my blog hits have taken a nosedive.</div>
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So let's start out with a sneaky trick question like this one: "Don't you <i>just love</i> the rich look of a table that has a beautifully gold-embossed leather top like this one?" </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540297093993878386" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/TOMW2m2iU3I/AAAAAAAACy8/SRVLhpJLySk/s400/5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 242px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></div>
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Answer: "Most definitely Buzz, and not to brag but we have an embossed desk just like it in our <i>pied a </i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><i>terre</i></span> in Barthalona!" Retort: "Oh, gimme a break Buckwheat. You don't have a <i>pied a terre </i>in Barcelona-you have an Efficiency with a hot plate in Canoga Park. And lose the Catalan accent. It's annoying and my diet pill is wearing off." But getting back to our topic, if you did have that desk, it's not embossed at all, it's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">debossed</span>!" Read on to learn how I know this.<br />
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C. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mariani</span> is famous for doing this type of specialty leather work. And we do it all by hand (a very steady hand I might add) and in 22k gold leaf. I've spent (OK, wasted) many hours watching Claudio <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mariani</span> take his 200 year old tool set, select one of his 35 antique engraved embossing wheels, and then meticulously apply the pattern and the gold to leather desk tops.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540303014492530066" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/TOMcPObaZZI/AAAAAAAACzc/FJIHf2iQCc4/s400/2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 346px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540311357463671714" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/TOMj02avM6I/AAAAAAAACz0/G4uuNMVrb4o/s400/x.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 380px;" /></span><br />
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He works very slowly and always grumbles that "left turns are the hardest"--of course, I have no idea what he's talking about. I think it's either his driving skills or laying down the perfect left curving gold debossing on these leather surfaces (he's a master at this and insists on perfection!).</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540305730514328242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/TOMetUZeGrI/AAAAAAAACzs/--zUPaJy27A/s400/9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 379px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540294394485882146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/TOMUZeZrPSI/AAAAAAAACyU/d2MrqeYaqfI/s400/xxxxxx.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></div>
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But none of that matters now because I just found out that Claudio and C. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mariani</span> have never embossed anything! All of these desk tops, blotters, and other leather specialty pieces we've been supposedly "hand embossing" over the years ARE NOT EMBOSSED AT ALL.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540294402283882274" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/TOMUZ7c3RyI/AAAAAAAACyc/_rZ4FIPmGG4/s400/xxxx.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 292px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span><br />
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<i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Quel</span> </i><i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">scandale</span>, </i><i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">oui</span></i><i>?!</i> Who knew? Certainly not The Buzz. I wonder if my education was deficient and I should have been assigned to "special ed" when I was a tween.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540297102214937170" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/TOMW3FelulI/AAAAAAAACzE/aFnxBETHFJs/s400/4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 321px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span><br />
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But alas, back then, the only "special ed" available was just being called stupid. So my desperate cries for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">tudor</span> were sadly misunderstood as just being an overly ambitious <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">tweenage</span> phony trying to claw his way into private schools. <i>Oh the humanity!</i> {Cue the sobbing}. I always wanted to use that quote (it's from the 1937 radio coverage of the Hindenburg disaster). It makes no sense in this context, but I just wanted to use it anyhow.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539249219560890002" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/TN9d0SZJXpI/AAAAAAAACus/7sOoESbHqsU/s400/Hindenburg.gif" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 310px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></div>
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But back to our story. So we're now going to learn exactly what EMBOSSING really is and how it differs from the gold leather decorating we've been doing for years, which is called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">DEBOSSING</span>.<br />
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Embossing creates a <b>raised</b> relief image while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">debossing</span> creates an <b>indented/recessed </b>image. So all this time we've been <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">debossing</span> those dang desk tops.<br />
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Sub-question that comes to mind here: what's <span style="color: red;">blind</span> embossing? Blind embossing is just creating a raised relief impression (from the back) with no gold or inking on the raised surface. So what we usually think of as blind embossing is really blind debossing because we do it from the top. In fact, there are many other types of embossing as well, none of which I care about. But just for the record, they include registered embossing, combination embossing, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">pastelling</span>, glazing, and scorching.</div>
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I think the only time I used the term embossing right was when it came to "engraved" stationery. I always said it was EMBOSSED, VERY classy, VERY APPROPRIATE for anyone aspiring to be an old money East Coast WASP. And I was right (finally!) because "engraved" refers to the metal stamp that embosses the stationery. In fact, the widespread use of this engraving that creates embossed stationery is far more widely used than the hand-applied <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">debossing</span> we do at C. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Mariani</span>.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540294410951570098" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/TOMUabvZsrI/AAAAAAAACyk/eYH8tGST5PI/s400/xxx.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 376px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></div>
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Want more details? I know you don't but I have to continue….Embossing applies pressure to the <b>backside</b> of leather or paper stock to alter the surface, giving it a three dimensional raised effect. To do this, a die maker engraves the desired impression (it can be just about anything from text to images to design motifs) into several metal plates (embossing dies). So it's embossing that creates the elegant and understated stationery that no one under 60 uses anymore. Sigh.<br />
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<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Debossing</span>, on the other hand, applies pressure to the <b>front side</b> of the leather (or paper or whatever) forcing the material away or down from the surface.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540303016009616098" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/TOMcPUFHSuI/AAAAAAAACzk/eM91dxr1fWQ/s400/x.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 296px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span><br />
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Placing gold foil between the stamp or roller (rollers are used for continuous lines like desk top trim) lays the gold down in the pattern or motif desired. The best gold <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">debossing</span> (and what Claudio is so good at) is really an old-world process that involves hand stamping/rolling and embossing at the same time. It requires complete concentration to keep the image and foil matched precisely. This is one of the many techniques in our workshop that only Claudio himself does. In fact, it's such a closely guarded trade secret that he's never trained any of our staff in this technique that only he can do.<br />
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Strange but absolutely true.<span style="color: #f4cccc;"> Informational closing factoid:</span> Despite everything I say in this post, EVERYONE still calls debossing "embossing." and I don't think this blog is going to change that so feel free to misuse the term with abandon! I certainly do. :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-89908007644213728842015-04-08T12:04:00.000-07:002015-04-20T09:35:56.913-07:00VITRINES -- THEY'RE NOT JUST FOR BREAKFAST ANYMORE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKonkWXjLYQ/VSVxPFf-JoI/AAAAAAAAEOo/AwCzTugFpms/s1600/120_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKonkWXjLYQ/VSVxPFf-JoI/AAAAAAAAEOo/AwCzTugFpms/s1600/120_1.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=439">A Pair of 19th c. Napoleon III vitrines</a></td></tr>
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Yesterday, I had one of our top interior design clients stop in and ask, "Buzz, <span style="color: magenta;">where are the vitrines</span>?" Pronounced "vuh-TREENS."<br />
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But she looked a bit disheveled. Plus I'm getting a bit hard of hearing-so I honestly thought she asked <span style="color: magenta;">"where are the <b>la</b>trines."</span> Pronounced "luh-TREENS." So I said, "Second door on your left sweetie…and after you've freshened up, let's look at some antiques!" She seemed a bit confused but headed for the restroom.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTQbMN4QPJI/VSVxPILrg8I/AAAAAAAAEO0/EvfTg7XuCKk/s1600/113_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTQbMN4QPJI/VSVxPILrg8I/AAAAAAAAEO0/EvfTg7XuCKk/s1600/113_1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=1814">A Pair of 19th c. Biedermeier Vitrines, these filled with antique tortoiseshell boxes</a></td></tr>
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Unfortunately (for me and her) a latrine isn't exactly a vitrine. <span style="color: cyan;">A latrine is an outhouse, especially a communal one</span>, like this one:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xvnP9JBGNR0/VSVskr2r53I/AAAAAAAAEOQ/R6WiG14QTfI/s1600/outhouse-wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xvnP9JBGNR0/VSVskr2r53I/AAAAAAAAEOQ/R6WiG14QTfI/s1600/outhouse-wide.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This piece is not available at C. Mariani so please don't contact me about it.</td></tr>
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You can see that <span style="color: yellow;">a <i>la</i>trine </span>is quite different from <span style="color: yellow;">a <i>vit</i>rine, </span><span style="color: orange;">which is a glass or partial glass display case or cabinet. </span>Like the vitrines shown earlier in this post, here's another vitrine we have in stock:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZWNtqD3hPU/VSVwPvH7PmI/AAAAAAAAEOY/8w8C1vGsJyI/s1600/87_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZWNtqD3hPU/VSVwPvH7PmI/AAAAAAAAEOY/8w8C1vGsJyI/s1600/87_1.jpg" height="320" width="167" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=2413">A Stately 18th C. Parcel Gilt and Polychrome Italian Louis XVI Vitrine</a></td></tr>
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And so are these:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Og8cRfBQi3o/VSVwPg7H6jI/AAAAAAAAEOc/k1rDVOqc7EQ/s1600/3491_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Og8cRfBQi3o/VSVwPg7H6jI/AAAAAAAAEOc/k1rDVOqc7EQ/s1600/3491_1.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=4379">A Pair of 19th c. English mahogany, brass and glass vitrines</a></td></tr>
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Anyhow, my client returned from the restroom and said she couldn't find a single vitrine in there! But her lipstick and hair now looked great. So I just said, "Really? Oh yeah, I forgot, that vitrine sold. But let me show you some others! :)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aK4LGMr_Wos/VSV3JDlIS-I/AAAAAAAAEPE/ig_z9rd-H3Q/s1600/Butchoff352012T163333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aK4LGMr_Wos/VSV3JDlIS-I/AAAAAAAAEPE/ig_z9rd-H3Q/s1600/Butchoff352012T163333.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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So off we went and she wound up purchasing a lovely Louis XV vitrine very similar to this one:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e_am6jB8cHs/VSV3Ix8MhdI/AAAAAAAAEPA/B3qIno61iTI/s1600/05973-Antique-French-Vernis-Martin-Vitrine-Louis-XV-C1900-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e_am6jB8cHs/VSV3Ix8MhdI/AAAAAAAAEPA/B3qIno61iTI/s1600/05973-Antique-French-Vernis-Martin-Vitrine-Louis-XV-C1900-1.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></div>
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In this case, I agree with Shakespeare: "All's well that ends well!" Happy hunting for a vitrine of your very own! :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-91172245065176798362015-04-05T15:51:00.000-07:002015-10-19T12:58:54.002-07:00WORD OF THE DAY: GAUFFRAGE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj4Mopcofuk/VSGJn1YGZTI/AAAAAAAAELQ/5sj8G2GZjhc/s1600/P1370685.sized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj4Mopcofuk/VSGJn1YGZTI/AAAAAAAAELQ/5sj8G2GZjhc/s1600/P1370685.sized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Picture this: you're in an important job interview and you find your prospective boss very attractive. There's nothing wrong with that.<br />
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But then you make an impulsive misstep trying to show her how much you really want the job:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RH4XySz6300/VSGgb6BNe6I/AAAAAAAAELw/nKQ3kmb1s0g/s1600/xxxxxxxxxxx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RH4XySz6300/VSGgb6BNe6I/AAAAAAAAELw/nKQ3kmb1s0g/s1600/xxxxxxxxxxx.jpg" /></a></div>
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But you quickly realize your pathetic behavior, get off your knees, regain your composure and continue with the interview:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pKJtXP9rb8/VSGhzPalW2I/AAAAAAAAEL4/QGpkHI204Vc/s1600/office_1461406c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pKJtXP9rb8/VSGhzPalW2I/AAAAAAAAEL4/QGpkHI204Vc/s1600/office_1461406c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You start concentrating on smiling, acting poised, sounding smarter than you are, and above all appearing sophisticated and urbane. Which doesn't make a lot of sense because the job you want is an entry level position at your local Jack in the Box. What's the title? Oh yeah, "Fry and Shake Station Operator."<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5EeZ1epWRuo/VSG522xrkMI/AAAAAAAAENE/hRGjrbPaFZU/s1600/cylgauf_glrp07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5EeZ1epWRuo/VSG522xrkMI/AAAAAAAAENE/hRGjrbPaFZU/s1600/cylgauf_glrp07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But let's face it, you need the money (albeit minimum wage). Just be thankful you've kicked that nasty coke habit (the one that put every dime of your family fortune up your nose). So you need to go for it here. I say BULLY FOR YOU BUD (this Bud's for YOU!).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCXsZH2_aRc/VSG523KQvYI/AAAAAAAAENM/XeaEldTpT5w/s1600/cylgauf_glrp01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCXsZH2_aRc/VSG523KQvYI/AAAAAAAAENM/XeaEldTpT5w/s1600/cylgauf_glrp01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then, while she's asking some question about how hot the oil needs to be to properly crisp the fries, you're noticing how luxurious this woman's office is:<br />
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Then you start wondering how much she's worth....I mean, just look at those pillows and how they're perfectly karate chopped (a tired look but nobody's perfect). You're thinking this chick must make a fortune here! That means you could make a ton of dough as you climb the Jack in the Box corporate ladder! <i><span style="color: cyan;">Buzz's side note: I do not endorse or use sexist words like chick but this guy's a moron</span></i>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-viMzfTipzYM/VSGfmwKZd2I/AAAAAAAAELo/nhd3qW_udWU/s1600/Dede.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-viMzfTipzYM/VSGfmwKZd2I/AAAAAAAAELo/nhd3qW_udWU/s1600/Dede.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And behind her you spy that 18th c. Georgian Gainsborough chair and wonder how much she paid for that little gem. Wowee zowee! Things are definitely looking up!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQIeBMjgTXE/VSGw_FsIRrI/AAAAAAAAEMk/yqyWwvlruws/s1600/gauffrage-L.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQIeBMjgTXE/VSGw_FsIRrI/AAAAAAAAEMk/yqyWwvlruws/s1600/gauffrage-L.jpeg" width="303" /></a></div>
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But then she pauses...and notices you looking around appraising her furniture. Uh oh. She looks you dead in the eye and says one word: <span style="color: orange;">"Gauffrage!"</span> Pronounced "GO frahzh!" <br />
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OK so you're busted - what the hell does "GO Frogs!" mean?<br />
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Maybe she was a cheerleader at Texas Christian University…at TCU football games they scream GO FROGS constantly. It's very annoying--wouldn't <span style="color: lime;">CROAKING</span> be more creative? Of course it would.<br />
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Speaking of football, I also like <span style="color: magenta;">"ALL THE WAY IN ONE PLAY!!!!!"</span> That's a football chant too, right? And now that I think about it, that's what we said in high school when you got wayyyy past first base with a hot date! :/ And what about <span style="color: yellow;">S-C-O-R-E !!!!-that chant meant the same thing! I guess gauffrage has a lot more to do with football frogs and their sex lives than I ever imagined! </span>Don't believe me?? Below is a pic of the TCU mascot and DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MASCOT IS??? <span style="color: cyan;">It's called a "horned frog."</span> Not kidding--Google it. I rest my case.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ru4SuXo-_xM/VTAIqjPrWSI/AAAAAAAAEPc/4OS44gy_Sf8/s1600/SuperFrognew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ru4SuXo-_xM/VTAIqjPrWSI/AAAAAAAAEPc/4OS44gy_Sf8/s1600/SuperFrognew.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Christian University's mascot: A Horned Frog</td></tr>
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But back to our story-so you keep your cool….<span style="color: #f6b26b;">you just need to figure out how to respond to Gauffrage!</span>---(this is a multiple choice question) - Should you say:<br />
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1. <b><span style="color: cyan;">Bless you!</span></b> Or if she's of German descent, say <b>Gesundheit!</b> "Pronounced "Guh-zoont-hite!" It's always smart in interviews to show you're conversant in multiple languages (especially if the interviewer looks Aryan and/or possibly Germanic. By the way, if you're Germanic, please know that IT <i>IS</i> TREATABLE).<br />
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But back to the our topic…what was our topic? Oh yeah, how do you answer her saying Gauffrage!<br />
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2. Maybe she's proposing a toast and you got the job while you were daydreaming! Yay! If that's the case, then maybe you should answer:<span style="background-color: black;"> <span style="color: cyan;"><b>Chin chin Fraulein!</b></span><b> </b></span>And wait for her to pop a cork;<br />
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3. Or maybe you should jump to your feet, outraged, and scream: <span style="color: cyan;">DON'T MESS WITH ME MISSY! This is a trick question! I happen to be an expert in linguistics, French fries AND textiles! </span><span style="color: yellow;">Gauffrage is a technique that embosses plain fabric with a hot pressure cylinder that melts a pattern into the fabric (usually silk or cotton) making it permanent</span> and really expensive."<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhujCFy7KtE/VSGOL3MKX5I/AAAAAAAAELY/hAkfeUJV6dw/s1600/example-of-a-gauffrage-embossing-roller-lelievre-eu.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhujCFy7KtE/VSGOL3MKX5I/AAAAAAAAELY/hAkfeUJV6dw/s1600/example-of-a-gauffrage-embossing-roller-lelievre-eu.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Gauffrage Rolling Cylinder</td></tr>
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Obviously, "Don't Mess with Me Missy" is the right answer. So be assertive when you say it and then just lean back, look smug, smirk every-so-slightly (I mean who busted who this time?!), and just wait for her to apologize. But she doesn't. Instead she rips up your resume (it was mostly bogus anyhow) and calmly says, "Don't let the door hit you in the ass you piss-ant." :(<br />
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OK, fine, you didn't get the job, but I think it was worth it, don't you? You don't need no stinkin' fast food job. You need to go and apply at Prada, Jimmy Choo or <a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/">C. Mariani Antiques</a>. Why? <b>Because that's where the gauffrage is. </b><br />
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:)<br />
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P.S. Doesn't gauffrage remind you of flocked wallpaper? Ewwww.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-84828984365387957652015-03-25T15:42:00.000-07:002015-10-19T13:03:24.256-07:00WAS ZSA ZSA GABOR THE SECRET "LOVE CHILD" OF A 2500 YEAR OLD GREEK KOUROS?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-2FWmEO5yk/VRL3oaCZ27I/AAAAAAAAEIs/t8b9ovyrVDs/s1600/Zsa_Zsa_Gabor_-_1959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></a>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-2FWmEO5yk/VRL3oaCZ27I/AAAAAAAAEIs/t8b9ovyrVDs/s1600/Zsa_Zsa_Gabor_-_1959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-2FWmEO5yk/VRL3oaCZ27I/AAAAAAAAEIs/t8b9ovyrVDs/s1600/Zsa_Zsa_Gabor_-_1959.jpg" width="256" /></span></a></div>
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This blog is about Hungarians and why I love them. A great example is the legendary Hungarian movie star, Zsa Zsa Gabor. She (and this post) have nothing to do with antiques except that she passed away when she was really really old. <b><span style="color: red;">BREAKING NEWS: 4/2/15-I just found out from a reader that Zsa Zsa is NOT dead. I made a slight boo boo. And thanks to Alan Deal of BAMO for alerting me to this! Side comment: </span><span style="color: yellow;">I'm SO sorry Zsa Zsa! Get well Soon! :) Buzz</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then why am I writing this? Well it was an honest mistake I swear! Plus, serious writing (this would not be a good example) is my calling-I wasn't meant to "blog" the rest of my life! And I don't want my tombstone to read <span style="background-color: black; color: orange;">"Here Lies Buzz Kaplan-Yeah that blogger dude who said Zsa Zsa was dead."</span></span><br />
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So I'm going to forge on and spread my literary wings here to show you, Houghton Miflin and the world that I'm a serious auteur (even though the whole premise of this post is now discredited) as well as a "blogger to watch" who needs to fact-check more carefully.</span><br />
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Anyhow, let's get back to Zsa Zsa, pronounced "JHASHA gab Bore"; or uh, "Za Za gah BORED"--it's very hard to phonetically spell, but this last pronunciation was vetted in music (albeit dead wrong) by none other than Dion Dimucci (of Dion and the Belmonts) in 1963 in his unforgettably toe tapping hit "Donna, the Prima Donna":</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And who could forget her electrifying win as Miss Hungary of 1936? OK, everyone has forgotten it. But it really did happen and it's worth mentioning because it launched her meteoric rise to the heights of Hollywood Royalty (that's royalty with a small "r"). Even the great John Huston raved, <span style="color: lime;">"At her acting best, she was credible."</span> I think he meant to say <b><span style="color: lime;">INcredible</span></b> but unfortunately he didn't.</span><br />
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Her dizzying rise to stardom (cinched into her signature <span style="color: red;">"Clamato"</span> dress) culminated in the film cult classic <b>"Queen of Outer Space,"</b> a Technicolor extravaganza released in 1958 by a studio that refuses to divulge its name. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">But the plot was riveting: A bunch of astronauts <span style="line-height: 22px;">crash land on </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus" style="background-image: none; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" title="Venus">Venus</a><span style="line-height: 22px;"> only to find that it's an all-female planet ruled by the evil queen Yllana (played by an actress who's name I forget). And for some reason, this Queen </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">wears a mask all the time. Plus she's banished all men from the planet. Ugh.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Anyhow, the astronauts are taken captive by the glamazon Venusians and brought to Yllana's palace. Luckily, one of the courtiers at the palace is the beautiful, overly ripe and very lusty courtier named Talleah (</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zsa_Zsa_Gabor" style="background-image: none; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" title="Zsa Zsa Gabor">Zsa Zsa Gabor</a><span style="line-height: 22px;">). She and a few of her co-courtiers, all <i>"long</i></span><span style="line-height: 22px;"><i> for the love of a man" </i>(isn't that quaint!) and so they're plotting to overthrow the evil Queen to get some desperately needed lovin'. After all, a girl's got needs, right?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22px;">Next scene: one of the astronauts distracts the Queen by twerking wildly to show her how cultured and refined we are on Earth. And as she's transfixed oggling his gyrations, he yanks off her mask, poignantly revealing that she's horribly disfigured (oddly resembling a burnt Kraft Jet Puff Marshmallow-I suspect that this was an early version of product placement.) </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Anyhow, so her face looks like a s'more and the tragic reason is shocking: she was exposed to radiation burns "caused by men and their wars." Damn those men! In a fury, the Queen decides to destroy Earth and its tweaking inhabitants but then she dies because Talleah/Zsa Zsa and her handsome astronaut BF foil her plot. The Venusians are free to once again enjoy the love of men. Yay. Ding dong the Vitch is dead! (Note my authentic Hungarian </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">pronunciation of W's. They say them kind of like Russians saying Wodka.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">Wait! I forgot the most important part! Right before Talleah/Zsa Zsa overthrows the queen, she hisses to her new boyfriend (the cutest of the imprisoned astronauts), </span><b><span style="color: magenta;">"I HATE ZAT KVEEN!"</span></b> I know Zsa Zsa meant "I hate that queen"--but it's Zsa Zsa's perfect delivery of that line in pigeon English that has made it a classic. Much like Wodka. Try her line yourself the next time you get upset with a gay guy. It's fun, he'll like it and it'll be therapeutic all at the same time.</span><br />
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Oh: my other favorite Hungarian/Austrian/German (they all sound the same to me) line is from <i>Blazing Saddles</i>, where an exhausted Madeline Kahn (using a Marlene Dietrich Hungarian cum German accent) comments after a long night of….uh…lovemaking: <span style="color: #e69138;"><b>"I'm tired from the vaist down." </b></span></span><br />
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Am I the only one who thinks this stuff is funny? Sometimes I worry… :(</span><br />
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P.S. Anyhow just to make this a real post about antiques, here's a good word to know: Kouros, pronounced "COO rohs." It's a sculpture form of a young male <span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">from<span style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_sculpture" style="background-image: none; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" title="Ancient Greek sculpture">Ancient Greek sculpture</a><span style="line-height: 22px;"> dating to around 500 BC to the onset of the </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic" style="background-image: none; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" title="Hellenistic">Hellenistic</a><span style="line-height: 22px;"> style around 323 BC. They appear very stiff, much like Zsa Zsa's acting. Zing!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-28878559720933105562015-03-04T10:49:00.001-08:002015-03-13T10:57:00.574-07:00HOW HIGH SHOULD A COFFEE TABLE BE?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The table shown below is a coffee table. Duh.</div>
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It's also a work of art, also sold to a private collector, and also once belonged to James Mayer de Rothschild. No, not the kid who just had the Bar Mitzvah (I took one of the flower arrangements...Gorgeous!) <span style="color: yellow;">This masterpiece belonged to the French-German banker who founded the French branch of the Rothschild family.</span> It's also conservatively valued at well over $175,000 USD... so you and I couldn't afford it anyhow. I'm just glad I got the flower arrangement (which would actually look very smart on this table):</div>
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The top of this table is circa 19th century and was created by the renowned 19th c. masters, the Falcini Brothers. The base was designed and created by C. Mariani Custom Workshop.<br />
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But the BIG QUESTION still remains "How high should a coffee table be, Buzz?"- ah yes, that eternal and imponderable question that has plagued mankind for millennia.<br />
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Which is understandable because the question<span style="color: orange;"> "How High the Coffee Table?"</span> is almost as baffling as <span style="color: magenta;">"How High the Moon?"</span> But <b>that </b>question was already asked back in 1951 by Les Paul and Mary Ford in the first recording ever to feature an electric guitar (I swear!) and became a huge hit for them. Listen for yourself (it's really fantastic!):<br />
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BTW, the correct answer is that the moon is 238,900 miles high -- that's just a tad high for a coffee table.<br />
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Now that I think about it, if Les and Mary were smart they would have recorded "How High the Coffee Table?" That baby would have gone PLATINUM. Plus it's so much easier to calculate than the moon thing. <span style="text-align: center;">And besides, who cares about the moon's height anyhow? Well, Buzz Aldrin but I think he's dead. I should have said deceased. Sounds less dead and more sensitive. Whatever.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sold but extraordinary because the top stone mosaic is 15th c. Roman</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Anyhow, what I want to know (just to prove my point about moon height) is this:<span style="color: lime;"> Has coffee EVER been served on the moon? Of course not! Why? Isn't it obvious? Because there isn't a single coffee table on the lunar surface! Duh.</span> And to make matters even weirder, the knuckleheads at NASA are so clueless they only allow TANG to be served on the moon. No wonder no one goes there anymore.</span><br />
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Um, where was I? Oh yeah, coffee tables: <span style="color: cyan;">A<b> coffee table should be around 18 inches high. But it depends...</b></span><br />
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The exact coffee table height you need can be affected by the seating surrounding the table as well as the purpose you see the table fulfilling. For example, if you're a board gamer, you'll want the table higher than 18" so people don't have to hunch over to play.<br />
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We also create a lot of custom coffee tables at C. Mariani with heights that range from a low of 14" to a high of 26". Test the right height for your needs by sitting on your sofa or club chair and reach for an imaginary Tang cocktail and see where your hand feels comfortable. But 18" is the average.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Rare English Blue John Stone Coffee Table I sold a few years ago</td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Factoid you should know: coffee tables weren't invented until the 1920's! </span>Why not? I have no idea and I'm not your mommie! Ugh-I think I have Mommie issues. But the point is that anyone offering you an "antique coffee table" is shady as hell and you should run for the nearest exit. The closest you can get to an antique coffee table is an antique top (like a scagliola, pietra dure, mosaic or marquetry panel) inset into a later base (or an antique table that's had its legs "tipped," meaning the legs were cut down at some point to take the height down and render it pretty worthless as an antique.)<br />
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Here are some antique coffee table tops with later bases created by C. Mariani (in our descriptions of tables like these, we specifically call out that they have "later" bases--that's the proper way to do it):<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=3332"><span style="background-color: black; color: #d5a6bd;">No. 3332</span></a><br />
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SO PICK UP THE PHONE AND ACT NOW! Call 415 541 7868 - that's 415 541 7868!!! The first 3 lucky callers will get absolutely nothing! :)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-17398981859030731702015-01-13T15:32:00.001-08:002015-03-13T17:32:19.523-07:00"POPPA'S GOT A BRAND NEW BAGUES"<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;">Whenever you think of elegant and </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" style="text-align: start;">sophisticated</span><span style="text-align: start;"> French crystal lighting, you automatically think of Bagues. But you never say it out loud because you're worried you'll humiliate yourself by mispronouncing it. And that's good because you probably would. I know I did. :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8nhub77M3JY/UwveEpWD7OI/AAAAAAAADyg/LPnyBI_KtYQ/s1600/Bagues-FromParisThreeAppliques.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8nhub77M3JY/UwveEpWD7OI/AAAAAAAADyg/LPnyBI_KtYQ/s1600/Bagues-FromParisThreeAppliques.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8nhub77M3JY/UwveEpWD7OI/AAAAAAAADyg/LPnyBI_KtYQ/s1600/Bagues-FromParisThreeAppliques.jpg" height="203" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss2w9LqDSW4/TzF3ABaglTI/AAAAAAAADOI/Fu2c1RMxvo0/s1600/1965.king_.45.papas_.got_.a.brand_.new_.bag_.1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>Anyhow, Maison Bagues was founded in 1840 and quickly became renowned for their art lighting, hand made and utilizing bronze, clear or rock crystal, <span style="font-family: 'Crimson Text', serif; line-height: 22px;">and gold or silver leaf. By 1860, the manufactory had moved to Paris and today Maison Bagues can be found </span><span style="font-family: Crimson Text, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">nestled under the Viaduct des Arts, Paris, and continues to create recreations of its oldest models, examples of which are currently hung in </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Crimson Text', serif; line-height: 22px;">hotels like George V Four Seasons Paris, The Ritz, The Savoy in London and the Royal Mansour in Marrakech.</span><br />
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Most people mispronounce "Bagues" as "BAG'D GAYS," which is completely wrong. A "bagged-gay" is just a homosexual gentlemen who's partied all night, gotten zero sleep, is coming off God knows what pill (or spent the evening "powdering" his nose in the mensroom) and is, well, totally in the bag. It also refers to the unavoidable dark "hound dog" bags under his eyes which scream for chilled cucumbers to take the swelling down. Elvis sung it best:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">But Bagues</span> is completely unrelated to bags of any kind and it's correctly pronounced just "BAG" or "BAG-(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">guh</span>)"- either is fine. </span><br />
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But now you ask, "Ok, Buzz, but how am I supposed to remember this this year's Opera Gala? The thought terrifies me and my doctor won't refill my Xanax prescription." You poor thing. I understand... you're a hot mess. Luckily, I specialize in messes. But I'm afraid you may need more than my blog to screw your head on straight. In the meantime, here's what you should do when that <i>Bagues Panic Attack </i>strikes:<br />
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<ul>
<li>First, throw 3 or 4 martinis down your throat, (Grey Goose up, very dry with olives please). </li>
<li>Second, remember that you can master the pronunciation of Bagues simply by associating it with <span style="color: #f4cccc;">JAMES BROWN, the 1960's King of Soul</span>. Can you believe how easy that was!?</li>
<li>Ok, fine-I know what you're thinking: "Buzz, that makes NO SENSE!" Correct, but what else is new on this blog? Besides, illiterate writing and reasoning are my signature styles of teaching and I consider it a gift as well as the reason I was in Special Ed classes for far to long. Anyhow, let me explain: here's James Brown:</li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UhfDvDAPB9U/UwvUdlYdPSI/AAAAAAAADyU/lPH0bOQAP2Y/s1600/james_brown-1980-snl-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UhfDvDAPB9U/UwvUdlYdPSI/AAAAAAAADyU/lPH0bOQAP2Y/s1600/james_brown-1980-snl-31.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
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According to himself, James was "The hardest working man in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">show business." And he may have been right because NOBODY perspired more on stage than James did. Ok, Judy did at Carnegie Hall but she was hopped up on 20 diet pills so she doesn't count. But what about James Brown? Well, I</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"> suspect the "poor fool" (as James would say) had hyperhidrosis (look it up and be thankful your pits aren't soaked at this very moment). Ick.</span><br />
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<span class="blsp-spelling-error">I also think James overly-wet himself because</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error"> he went on stage (est. temperature 95 degrees) wearing a heavy wool cape over a polyester jumpsuit (OMG who doesn't know that polyester doesn't breathe for God's sake!). On top of all that, he insisted on wearing a </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" style="text-align: center;">huge</span><span style="text-align: center;"> wig-hat on his head (see above). Plus he'd shimmy, gyrate, do the splits (I'm not kidding-he was practically a chorine!), scream </span><span style="text-align: center;">like a banshee (HEP ME! HEP ME!) and then collapse in a sopping heap on the floor. His back-up dancers would then rush to his aid, dragging his lifeless but miraculously still singing body offstage to thunderous applause. What a showman! Liberace had nothing on him. Ok, he did but that's another post completely.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMNrHfHpnJE/VQOBUokKfYI/AAAAAAAAEIY/_2dvNNwFwoE/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMNrHfHpnJE/VQOBUokKfYI/AAAAAAAAEIY/_2dvNNwFwoE/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No comment.</td></tr>
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Anyhow, the point is (yes, there is a point somewhere here) that when you think of James Brown, you remember Bagues crystal because you automatically think of his chart <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">busting</span> hit <span style="color: yellow;"><i>"Poppa's got a Brand New <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><b>Bag </b>Part I.</span>"</i> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss2w9LqDSW4/TzF3ABaglTI/AAAAAAAADOI/Fu2c1RMxvo0/s400/1965.king_.45.papas_.got_.a.brand_.new_.bag_.1.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706473045118457138" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 395px;" /></span></div>
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NPR defines "bag" as "soul slang for a new female love interest." Ridiculous. What does NPR know? Music insiders like myself (and Clive Davis) know that this was the '60's dude! Get with it. Back then "bag" was one of the many "secret hidden street slang words" that only the coolest artists and listening cognoscenti of that era could decipher. Cognoscenti is pronounced "KANYE shentee." I know you expect me to make a smarmy Kim Kardashian crack here…ok, that was funny…and I just did.<br />
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A perfect example of these "street slang lyrics" of the 60's is <i>"Puff the Magic Dragon" by Peter Paul and Mary.</i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P5uehpqIkQU/VLWhBigc_eI/AAAAAAAAEDc/ELkpVnqCgQI/s1600/Sheet%2BPeter%2BPaul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P5uehpqIkQU/VLWhBigc_eI/AAAAAAAAEDc/ELkpVnqCgQI/s1600/Sheet%2BPeter%2BPaul.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cU0nzr4JhiA/VLWhCdqWuyI/AAAAAAAAEDg/2VfFehVmBMI/s1600/tmd_rocker4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cU0nzr4JhiA/VLWhCdqWuyI/AAAAAAAAEDg/2VfFehVmBMI/s1600/tmd_rocker4.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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That dragon is so cute, right? But that song wasn't about a dragon at all! It's hard to say but I think it was about marijuana or maybe just smoking in the boy's room. Or maybe a drag queen. I have no idea but all were verboten back then! True factoid: I've never even tried a cigarette in my entire life. Nor have I done drag. But I have verbotened a coupla times after too many vodka sodas at the Fall Antique Show.<br />
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Anyhow, in the 1960's, it just wasn't cool to be a big "Mo" and I think James might have been, sigh, a friend of Dorothy's. But don't believe me - just check out the name Brown cleverly chose for his back- up singers: <b>"The Famous Flames."</b> Uh huh.<br />
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Desperate to bust outta the closet (but politically impossible back then), James was trying to share with us with his sexual, uh, bent. He was never interested in women! We know this because:<br />
1. He hated sharing his wig hats, and<br />
2. His ONLY passion was collecting foofy/girly and delicate Bagues crystal sconces like this one:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SumtYq4oRjI/VLWoo6xDADI/AAAAAAAAEEA/SE1t1qt8Pkk/s1600/8361823_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SumtYq4oRjI/VLWoo6xDADI/AAAAAAAAEEA/SE1t1qt8Pkk/s1600/8361823_1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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And 3, it's a little known factoid that James follow up single to "Papa's Gotta a Brand New Bag<b> Part 1"</b> was <span style="color: yellow;">"Papa's Gotta a Brand New Bag<b> Part 2"</b></span> which was a disco remix of <span style="color: #f4cccc;">"I Enjoy Being a Girl." </span>So that's even more evidence to support my point. Sadly, Papa's got blah blah Part 2 was never released for obvious reasons.<br />
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Now I forgot what this blog was about. Oh yeah, Bagues crystal. Here's a whopper chandelier in the Chinoiserie style:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UDguaVIegTc/VLWfoFdFGvI/AAAAAAAAEDI/86hs6IMOaEg/s1600/7dfbcd361e903bc1d80f018dd78d3659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UDguaVIegTc/VLWfoFdFGvI/AAAAAAAAEDI/86hs6IMOaEg/s1600/7dfbcd361e903bc1d80f018dd78d3659.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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And my favorite is this pair of rock crystal girandoles (pronounced "JEER on doles") in the Bagues taste:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O8mEK-13S_A/VLWqIs9LdTI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/tHrw0vt2VFw/s1600/2631_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O8mEK-13S_A/VLWqIs9LdTI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/tHrw0vt2VFw/s1600/2631_1.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HyRjubWmJJw/VLWqInyyIDI/AAAAAAAAEEU/jbkd1DWX7SI/s1600/2631_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HyRjubWmJJw/VLWqInyyIDI/AAAAAAAAEEU/jbkd1DWX7SI/s1600/2631_2.jpg" height="320" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=3566">No. 3566</a></td></tr>
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This pair is at C. Mariani so if you want them, drop by, we'll crank up some James Brown music (HAVE MOYSEY!) and get bagged on a bottle of Cristal, which ties me right back into the <i>crystal</i> treasures of Bagues. The end. :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-17102836072615451922014-04-09T12:52:00.000-07:002014-07-15T15:37:39.227-07:00THE CRUELEST FORM OF TORTURE: ONLY GEEKS SAY "APLEEKS"<br />
Let me start by saying I have nothing against Geeks or appliqués.<br />
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In fact, some of my best friends are Geeks. OK, I can't say I'd be comfortable with one moving next door, but that doesn't mean I don't like them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hWahasa17c/U0wr-td19jI/AAAAAAAAD7g/xXl1sMUkKQw/s1600/x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hWahasa17c/U0wr-td19jI/AAAAAAAAD7g/xXl1sMUkKQw/s1600/x.jpg" height="320" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appliqu<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">és of baby geeks <a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=1554">No. 1554</a>-available</span></td></tr>
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I'm actually a very hip guy--I say gag when I really like something....AND I know geeks are cool now, so I accept their lifestyle choice. I just don't want my daughter marrying one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLqqYxX62N0/U0w2xWHxhLI/AAAAAAAAD8E/odNjXu0dK7U/s1600/final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLqqYxX62N0/U0w2xWHxhLI/AAAAAAAAD8E/odNjXu0dK7U/s1600/final.jpg" height="313" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appliqu<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">é of another baby geek <a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=4256">No. 4256-</a>available</span></td></tr>
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And to all you Geek Activists in San Francisco, please don't send me whiney texts about this. In San Francisco, everyone and everything has an activist group: Insects, Polyester, Dust Mites, Clams, you name it.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhFpVBDvnSY/U0go7j4JidI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/C4vU-2x0zRs/s1600/clam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhFpVBDvnSY/U0go7j4JidI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/C4vU-2x0zRs/s1600/clam.jpg" /></a></div>
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I myself am a Gerbil activist (along with other celebrities like Richard Gere). In fact, when biking to work I wear a Go!Cam on my noggin trying to capture videos of Gerbil abuse.<br />
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Just look at these adorable angels (OK, they're rodents, but what mom wouldn't want 1000 of them nesting in her nursery?). I myself own three:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R5dnj7qMIWk/U0cRXeOlfDI/AAAAAAAAD3U/4OSIRyoYATI/s1600/x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R5dnj7qMIWk/U0cRXeOlfDI/AAAAAAAAD3U/4OSIRyoYATI/s1600/x.jpg" /></a></div>
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"Shrimp Boy"</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bD00Eugv_Bo/U0cPFOtS1jI/AAAAAAAAD2o/ll2rX0N4S7Q/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bD00Eugv_Bo/U0cPFOtS1jI/AAAAAAAAD2o/ll2rX0N4S7Q/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
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"Plus-size"</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vj6KfeeQFGM/U0cQlZiNfJI/AAAAAAAAD3M/CUSjrVsVf7Y/s1600/687474703a2f2f7777772e70657473776f726c642e636f2e756b2f696d616765732f67657262696c2e6a7067.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vj6KfeeQFGM/U0cQlZiNfJI/AAAAAAAAD3M/CUSjrVsVf7Y/s1600/687474703a2f2f7777772e70657473776f726c642e636f2e756b2f696d616765732f67657262696c2e6a7067.jpeg" height="244" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
and "Stretch"<br />
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Awwwwww, so cute, right? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">OK, so now that we're feeling all warm and fuzzy, let's talk about inhumane torture.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm talking about what's "going down" (hip right?) at Guantanamo Bay (pronounced WONTON-uh-mo, BAY): Waterboarding. Blasting the Red Hot Chili Peppers music day and night (this is not a joke-really-Google it). </span>Solitary confinement with no access to Cool Ranch Doritos. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">They probably even use the tried and true</span> "Iron Maiden." <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I think we can all agree these are barbaric forms of extracting information from terrorists as well as reappearing cast members on ABC's </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Scandal<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> (ABC </span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Thursdays at 10|9 central):</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545454; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jlgHLao3_k8/U0Xk7Pxk6VI/AAAAAAAAD2I/4ewW7R_ryd0/s1600/iron-maiden-full_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jlgHLao3_k8/U0Xk7Pxk6VI/AAAAAAAAD2I/4ewW7R_ryd0/s1600/iron-maiden-full_1.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Iron Maiden-ouch, ouch, ouchie!</td></tr>
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But for an antique guy like me (no smart cracks about my age), the cruelest and most inhumane torture is having to listen to antique geeks constantly mispronounce one of the most common words in a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">n</span>tique-speak<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px;">APPLIQUÉ.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">
It's pronounced "app-lick-KAY"</span> but for some reason everyone says "app-PLEEK." ARRRGGHHH. And it's so darn easy to remember: just think of that catchy jingle from Kay Jewelers: (music) "Every kiss begins with Kay." And then think of its lesser known but equally delightful sister ditty, (music) "Every <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">appliqué ends with Kay." Simple dimple.</span><br />
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I suspect all this appalling mispronunciation of "appliqué" started in 1978 with that disco crowd in New York City. Many of these glitterati were overly rich antique dealers <b>who learned all the French they know at Studio 54 (while "powdering their noses" in the bathroom stalls with Bianca Jagger).</b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RYWvHdLb_M4/U0gqnAlEoEI/AAAAAAAAD5s/EPMXWWrPJnk/s1600/asgfsd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RYWvHdLb_M4/U0gqnAlEoEI/AAAAAAAAD5s/EPMXWWrPJnk/s1600/asgfsd.jpg" height="284" width="320" /></a></div>
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How do I know this? Well, the biggest disco hit of 1978 was the smash <i><a href="http://youtu.be/gS6OlZFZOkw">Le Freak C'est Chic</a> </i>(pronounced "leh freek say sheek.") So to me it's obvious that calling an appliqué an "App-LEEK" can be directly traced to drugs, alcohol, Studio 54 and some lousy DJ (now waiting tables at Chick-fil-A in Snellville, GA).<br />
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This is why I despise discos: BAD FRENCH.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Damn you Steve Rubel!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The word </span>appliqué is used a lot when talking antiques because it means so many things! It can mean a wall sconce, a bracket, an architectural element mounted on a wall, or a variety of pieces that are carved or molded and then overlayed on a larger piece.</span><br />
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OK, so now that we know how to pronounce appliqué, let's take a look at some.<br />
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Here's a beautiful pair of giltwood wall appliqués (also called trophies) currently hanging in our Gallery. The detail is extraordinary:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u48e2u0pbH4/U0gcPVgzdfI/AAAAAAAAD4k/sd1Wb5aaPXM/s1600/2545_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u48e2u0pbH4/U0gcPVgzdfI/AAAAAAAAD4k/sd1Wb5aaPXM/s1600/2545_1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=3521">No. 3521</a>-available</td></tr>
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And this was an amazing pair we had from Florence, 18th c. Italian wrought iron, showing two of the Papal hats:<br />
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Look at the hat on the left above. It's called a "Saturno" hat--I think it was designed by the renowned milliner to the Popes, Guido Saturno. But to me, it looks like a cowboy hat. Is there NOTHING new in fashion? Anyhow, the Pope dons this jaunty hat for resort wear, beach volleyball, and romantic picnics on St. Peter's Square. Little known fact: Pope Benedict XVI (shown below) was as much a fashion icon as Princess Di. Sigh. Here's a photo of him wearing his smart chapeau at an impromptu beer bust thrown by the College of Cardinals. College boys, will they ever change? :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fieB3mX8vA/U0h12POnNtI/AAAAAAAAD6M/GRD61HNAaI0/s1600/Pope-Benedict--001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fieB3mX8vA/U0h12POnNtI/AAAAAAAAD6M/GRD61HNAaI0/s1600/Pope-Benedict--001.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pope at Malibu Beach early last year.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">More </span>appliqués<span class="Apple-style-span">, these 19th c. polychrome and mecca giltwood with ebonized animal paws grasping candle torcheres:</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=1059">No. 1059</a>-available</td></tr>
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And here's a handsome antique appliqué pair of sconces in silver gilt with tole "leaf" bobeches:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xya5xIV2iv4/U0cg1-jvAgI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/ZXpTs2TZULQ/s1600/02264-pair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xya5xIV2iv4/U0cg1-jvAgI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/ZXpTs2TZULQ/s1600/02264-pair.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
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Appliqués are also wall brackets like this rare and gargantuan 18th c. Italian pair in polychrome and parcel gilt:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=3196">No. 3196</a>-available</td></tr>
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Baroque 18th c. Italian Giltwood sconces with hand-made tapers (hand-made by ME-I kid you not):<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=2250">No. 2250</a>-available</td></tr>
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And this pair of remarkable Italian 17th c. copper<span class="Apple-style-span"> clad repouss</span>é<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">wall sconces:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmarianiantiques.com/item.php?itemNo=2317">No. 2317</a>-available</td></tr>
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So what have we learned from this post? This is a multiple choice question:</div>
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A. Not a whole helluva lot except that I forgot how revolting disco music was.</div>
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B. NOW I know how to pronounce appliqué.</div>
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C. Appliqué means so many things that the word is pretty worthless and so is this blog.</div>
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The correct answer is ALL ARE RIGHT! Congratulations--no one's a loser (at least not here).</div>
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Here's the most important thing to take away from this post. The word appliqué means so many things (sconces, brackets, stuff that hangs on walls, wall trophies, blah blah), that you're much better off just speaking in terms of what you really want. </div>
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If you want a wall bracket, then say that. A light sconce? Say that. Some dooohicky to hang on your wall? You're on your own and I'm not your mother. </div>
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The thing is, that if you walk into an antique shop and ask for an appliqué, you're just gonna be asked, "What kind?" So save yourself the effort but take great comfort in the knowledge that you know a very sophisticated antique term that comes in very handy with all the parvenus (pronounced PAR-ven-news) at uppity cocktail parties. Buzz out. :)</div>
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Legal Disclaimers: I don't own gerbils, I don't ride a bike, I don't wear a Go!Cam on my head; the Red Hot Chili Pepper Torture is absolutely true; I don't have a daughter-duh.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-44920751808342375962014-02-04T13:18:00.000-08:002014-02-04T16:00:08.228-08:00VALENTINE'S DAY REDUX--AND YES, I'LL BE ADDING NEW POSTS FROM NOW ON WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT! :)<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEJEfQ4FiZk/Ty7GT6bTFII/AAAAAAAADNM/4ZYkUVJs7Zg/s1600/x.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEJEfQ4FiZk/Ty7GT6bTFII/AAAAAAAADNM/4ZYkUVJs7Zg/s400/x.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705715823328564354" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 238px;" /></a><br />
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It's almost <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">February 14th</span> and you know what that means: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">VD</span> is right around the corner. So I'm sure you're planning a romantic <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Valentine's Day </span>dinner for your "special someone." Awwww. :)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff;">UNRELATED FACTOID</span>: I love this holiday because it reminds me of the 5th Grade when Miriam Lipschitz (yes, pronounced "LIP shits") nervously asked me, "Buzzy, would you be my Valentine?"</div>
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Of course, I completely panicked! Did this mean I had to kiss her? Or worse, would I have to go to FIRST BASE with her (whatever that meant-but I heard about it and suspected it could get her pregnant and being a mother at 9 just seemed wrong to me).<br />
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So I said, "Uh, well, Miriam, can I think about it?" That took the blush off the rose so I didn't have to worry about her again, but I still remember her fondly. Besides, truth be told, I secretly wanted either Tab Hunter (woof!) or Mousketeer Annette Funicello as my dream date Valentine. But neither called. :(<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhQKjI4YFXc/UvF1MPoUaKI/AAAAAAAADxo/PfXgxgrv-ZU/s1600/55-img-annette-funicello-mickey-mouse-club-banjo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhQKjI4YFXc/UvF1MPoUaKI/AAAAAAAADxo/PfXgxgrv-ZU/s1600/55-img-annette-funicello-mickey-mouse-club-banjo.jpg" height="320" width="291" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff;">ANOTHER UNRELATED FACTOID:</span> Ralph Lauren's real last name is actually Lipschitz too. Not kidding. But wait...<b>OMG!</b>.... I wonder if Miriam was related to Ralph which means I could've married her, become a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">filthy rich Lipschitz </span>and pretended I belonged to the most restricted WASP country clubs just like Ralph and his POLO models do??? WAAAHHHHHH!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGVohMYbbg8/Ty7d4ngTLpI/AAAAAAAADN8/st0bOBceo7s/s400/x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGVohMYbbg8/Ty7d4ngTLpI/AAAAAAAADN8/st0bOBceo7s/s400/x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But back to the big upcoming romantic dinner: If you're like me, you're wondering what to make for that killer dessert. The one your sweetheart will <u>never</u> forget.<br />
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I have the perfect answer: how about a yummy <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">terra cotta</span> Valentine (pronounced "TER uh COT duh"), drizzled with lots of sweet raspberry coulis (pronounced "COOL lee"). Talk about<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffff99;"> amuse-bouche</span></i>!!! Pronounced "ahm mooz BOOSH." Trust me, it'll make for an unforgettable evening.</div>
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Uh, hang on a second.....lemme think here....um, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffff99;">TERRA COTTA <b><i>IS</i></b> THE SAME AS PANNA COTTA, RIGHT?</span></div>
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Well, that depends. If your Valentine is stoned out of his mind-then yes, terra cotta and panna cotta are exactly the same. They both taste like chicken. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ccffff;">Buzz's disclaimer on controlled substances: just say no to drugs and spend that money on antiques.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZXi8tZvkoY/Ty2IhvbyaTI/AAAAAAAADKk/b8SF_enXlxc/s1600/panna_cotta_heart-190x159.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZXi8tZvkoY/Ty2IhvbyaTI/AAAAAAAADKk/b8SF_enXlxc/s400/panna_cotta_heart-190x159.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705366416198363442" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 159px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 190px;" /></a></div>
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This is important because if your sweetheart is NOT smoking "Valentine weed" (or whatever they call it these days...somebody told me "420" (!?). But I may have just asked for the time-I can't remember I was so out of it....), anyhow if the bf/gf is sober, then the answer is NO, terra cotta is nothing like panna cotta! Here's a pair of late 19th c. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #66ffff;">terra cotta urns</span> from C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom:</div>
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Would you eat them? Of course not! It's criminal to destroy a perfectly good antique. Duh.</div>
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Anyhow,<i style="font-weight: bold;"> Panna</i><b> Cotta</b> is a rich dessert that comes from a Jello mold--and it's SO easy to make! In fact, you can prepare it in advance if guests are coming to admire your collection of terra cotta.</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Terra</i><b> Cotta,</b> on the other hand, <b></b>is just mud that comes from the earth. Well, technically it's a reddish clay used for statues, totems and other objet d'art.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CNcuRJORUC4/Ty2fND_EvTI/AAAAAAAADMQ/QYQFTMuVcZc/s400/317_1.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705391349705260338" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 293px; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff;">WELL KNOWN FACTOID</span>: Terra cotta doesn't work as a dessert because it tastes gritty, clogs your colon and makes you extremely gassy. In other words, it's an acquired taste.</div>
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So now you know. Have a ROMANTIC Valentines Day.</div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGVohMYbbg8/Ty7d4ngTLpI/AAAAAAAADN8/st0bOBceo7s/s400/x.jpg" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGVohMYbbg8/Ty7d4ngTLpI/AAAAAAAADN8/st0bOBceo7s/s400/x.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-lGVohMYbbg8%2FTy7d4ngTLpI%2FAAAAAAAADN8%2Fst0bOBceo7s%2Fs400%2Fx.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGVohMYbbg8/Ty7d4ngTLpI/AAAAAAAADN8/st0bOBceo7s/s400/x.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-12255242603191937122012-02-26T21:36:00.058-08:002014-04-13T13:09:35.717-07:00LOST FOOTAGE FROM THE VAULTS OF THE BUZZ ON ANTIQUES: A 2009 HOLIDAY POST ON FIREPLACE ANDIRONS, CHENETS, FIREDOGS, ANDIERS, FIREBACKS AND FENDERS<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BGvflAXJft4/T2zLJVOLJfI/AAAAAAAADXg/l78vZwQtG5Y/s1600/1710_1-1%2Bcopy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BGvflAXJft4/T2zLJVOLJfI/AAAAAAAADXg/l78vZwQtG5Y/s400/1710_1-1%2Bcopy.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723172587656914418" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 261px;" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">We all know I need to get a hobby. But until I do, I often read older posts I did like this holiday post I wrote back on November 21, 2009 about all things fireplace. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">This article really cracked me up. Ok, I'm my biggest fan but it's so MEAN it's funny. Come to think of it, I wonder where my mean sense of humor went? Probably to Los Angeles-meanness is highly prized there. Hehe. Anyhow, hope you enjoy it:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwuX0J9mArI/AAAAAAAABpY/vjuQWsvsNwU/s1600/423_1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwuX0J9mArI/AAAAAAAABpY/vjuQWsvsNwU/s400/423_1.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407582699871666866" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 358px;" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">It's almost that time of year....THE HOLIDAY SEASON.....</span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Yay</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">! Soon we'll start dreaming of a white Christmas, making our gift lists, and snuggling up to the fire with lots of hot cocoa and plenty of </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">valium</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">So what could me more appropriate than a "hearth and home" post about antique pieces that enhance and beautify your fireplace?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwuYtfZVOTI/AAAAAAAABpg/NFZXyYKrQ7k/s1600/BULBOUS+ANDIRONS+W.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwuYtfZVOTI/AAAAAAAABpg/NFZXyYKrQ7k/s400/BULBOUS+ANDIRONS+W.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407583684877695282" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 279px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">You'd think this topic would be simple dimple right? After all, you just grab some andirons, throw on a </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">coupla</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Cracklelogs</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">, fire them up with your Aim 'N Flame lighter (btw, I can totally flame without aiming at all)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> and </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">voilá: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">instant fire. Well, yes, if you're a complete moron (pronounced "MORE on"), this process is indeed that simple.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw9QnNPdgIc/T0wPT43T3mI/AAAAAAAADWw/iVVzeD1bfQ0/s400/x.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713958861582622306" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 177px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 395px;" /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Moronic side note: When I was in my 30's and still a </span></span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">swingin</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">' single, I had a condo with one of those concrete log, gas-ignition fireplaces. And when I had a </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">hot</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> date coming over, I'd put on my "crackling coals</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">" </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">cassette tape (see below) to create that oh-so-</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">important</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> romantic mood--it was actually very effective and my dates (all three of them) were never the wiser as to my faux romantic ambience. BTW, I SWEAR this tape shown below is the real thing-really-but I do wonder why I've kept it for 30 years. I'll ask my therapist...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwzoGFhiLTI/AAAAAAAABsQ/dgnSjeDGicQ/s1600/cassette-tape-1+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwzoGFhiLTI/AAAAAAAABsQ/dgnSjeDGicQ/s400/cassette-tape-1+copy.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407952443824811314" style="cursor: move; display: block; height: 256px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Anyhow, before we can get to andirons, we should talk about log grates. A log grate is the metal frame placed inside the fireplace (often between the "arms" of the andirons) to prevent the wood or coal from falling out. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">This is a log <i>grate:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><i><br /></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPbZgsKwe4A/T0ud9GCAJkI/AAAAAAAADWY/p3jo7Aa_yvU/s400/fireplace_grate_lifetime-785367.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713834225166198338" style="display: block; height: 249px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 282px;" /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">BE CAREFUL NOT TO CONFUSE a log <i>grate </i>with a log<i> </i> <i>rack</i>. The grate sits inside your fireplace; the rack sits outside the firebox and holds your wood (Ok, that's hysterically funny--and Freudian-but let's just move on). </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">This is a log <i>rack:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><i><br /></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xEkQrNJkWEo/T0wRbxtRaTI/AAAAAAAADW8/YHjq_aJgBvs/s400/UN-W-1418-1000x1000.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713961196123679026" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Mistaking your rack for your grate could prove costly since firing up your log rack will get you 10-20 years for arson rather than a romantic evening at home.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">But "HEY BUZZ!", you ask, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">WHAT IF I'M THE ONE WHO'S BUZZED</span> when I come home from a holiday parté and accidentally fire up my log rack instead of my log grate: how will I know?" </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">A provocative question but more importantly incredibly stupid. I like that. Luckily, t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">he answer to your question is as simple as you are:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">First, just say no to drugs. Second, if "No" is not in your vocabulary but you still don't want to star in the sequel to "The Burning Bed," here's the way to tell if you've done it right: start by staggering back AWAY from the fire and try to focus on the flames as best you can.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">If the flames look like this, then you've properly lit the wood on the grate, congratulations, and go to bed:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwzUXApl18I/AAAAAAAABrY/SbQmSRV3WSE/s1600/c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwzUXApl18I/AAAAAAAABrY/SbQmSRV3WSE/s400/c.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407930744341649346" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 252px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 337px;" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">But if the fire looks like the photo below, then you've whoopsied big time. If this is the case, FIRST: call your insurance agent to file your claim, and SECOND, call 911:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwzhqMG-WWI/AAAAAAAABsI/yFPdzmJhp1Q/s1600/large_20071214_SB-PROSPECT-FIRE.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwzhqMG-WWI/AAAAAAAABsI/yFPdzmJhp1Q/s400/large_20071214_SB-PROSPECT-FIRE.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407945367486355810" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 316px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">But to truly undertsand the intricacies and nuances of your fireplace (who thought this could be so complicated??), our adventure must start with baby steps. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">So here we go:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Baby step 1. What's a </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">FIREDOG</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">? Good question because many</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> fireplaces do have one. But what exactly are they? </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Firedogs</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> are </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">DALMATIONS</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> (duh) like this oh-so-cute (but highly flammable) example:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwjaBt6b_6I/AAAAAAAABpA/MmCS3IR6KBU/s1600/x.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwjaBt6b_6I/AAAAAAAABpA/MmCS3IR6KBU/s400/x.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406811075697704866" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 306px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">If I owned this </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">firedog</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">, I'd call him Spot (it's </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">tres</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> retro, don't you think?).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">More relevant to our discussion of antiques, what's another </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">firedog</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> (other than "Spot") that could hang around the fire without spontaneously </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">combusting</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">? That would be an antique </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">firedog</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> that is just another word for andirons (pronounced "AN die urns"). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Baby step 2: What are andirons? Andirons are metal supports for logs (real or </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">phoney</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">) that serve to lift the logs off the ground thereby promoting more air flow around them and making for a better fire. They also keep the logs from rolling forward. And, of course, andirons can be highly decorative too. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Here's a nice pair (when I was in high school that meant something very different than andirons--but I digress):</span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwuXzeCgwrI/AAAAAAAABpQ/F_eZtQqsvIk/s1600/418_1-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwuXzeCgwrI/AAAAAAAABpQ/F_eZtQqsvIk/s400/418_1-1.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407582688081134258" style="display: block; height: 272px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwuXzOyS9aI/AAAAAAAABpI/R4ufNXAoma8/s1600/418_2-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwuXzOyS9aI/AAAAAAAABpI/R4ufNXAoma8/s400/418_2-1.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407582683986589090" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 306px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Baby step 3: Our rich neighbors just got a new expensive set of andirons and offered us their creepy old ones that they "were going to give to Goodwill." These clowns </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">bought Google at $105 a share because they thought the name was "so cute" and now they're worth </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">gazillions</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> and rub it in our faces constantly? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'times new roman';">What should we do?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Not a problem. You can be wonderfully passive/aggressive and effectively put them in their place with some fancy French fireplace terminology that they'll never understand. This will also make them feel less worthy and thereby brighten your holiday season immensely.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">So what's the secret word to use? It's </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">"a</span></i><i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">ndiers</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">" <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">pronounced</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> "</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">ahn</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">dee</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">YAY</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">") and means exactly the same thing as a set of </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">firedogs/andirons</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">. Just like </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">pommes</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">frites</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> are just another name for French fries and their more Americanized cousins, the Tater-Tots:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/Sya7PqDX1wI/AAAAAAAABsg/a1bHbeBkPeM/s1600-h/X+copy-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/Sya7PqDX1wI/AAAAAAAABsg/a1bHbeBkPeM/s400/X+copy-1.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415221479620466434" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 318px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">So when you visit your neighbors to drop off that holiday fruitcake, make sure to compliment them on their shiny new </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">store-bought</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> "</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">andiers</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">", then say "</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">au</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">revoir</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">" and leave smugly </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">knowing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> that money alone can't buy you class (but then neither can this blog).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Baby step 4: If by some miracle the neighbors actually know what andiers are, then just call them "chenets" (pronounced "shuh NEH") which is yet another synonym for andirons. That ought to do the trick.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Baby step 5: "</span></span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Ok</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">, Buzz, got the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">andiron</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">/</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">firedog</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">/</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">andiers/chenets</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> thing, but then what's a </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">FIREBACK</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">? I saw some on your website."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwubMeVJOYI/AAAAAAAABqA/GRswgS2jmBY/s1600/10697.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwubMeVJOYI/AAAAAAAABqA/GRswgS2jmBY/s400/10697.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407586416190896514" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Firebacks</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> can mean a </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">coupla</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> things. First, they relate to a time when men defended a woman's "honor" by slapping each other with gloves (this still happens a lot in West Hollywood) and then challenging each other to a duel (where each fool tries to shoot the other first). The duelers would typically march ten steps away from the other, turn and fire. The one who forgot to "</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">fireback</span></i></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">"</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> would be the dead one and the other loser would "win" the girl. Talk about a </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Pyrrhic</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> victory. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Ok, great. But what's an </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">antique </span></i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32"><i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">fi</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">reback</span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">? Antique </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">firebacks</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> are cast metal plates that p</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">rotect</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> the backside of the fire box against </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">catching </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">fire and </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">spreading</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> to the rest of the building.<br /> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwubMNso3vI/AAAAAAAABp4/wYu_B35Msiw/s1600/10866.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwubMNso3vI/AAAAAAAABp4/wYu_B35Msiw/s400/10866.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407586411726036722" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Plus the thick iron plate serves to keep the heat radiating back into the room, </span></span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">thus</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> working like a radiator and increasing the heating efficiency of the fire by as much as 50%.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwubMkABGLI/AAAAAAAABqI/N5i3LdCIwoU/s1600/6452.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwubMkABGLI/AAAAAAAABqI/N5i3LdCIwoU/s400/6452.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407586417712896178" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Firebacks</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> date back to the mid 15</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">th</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> century and were originally luxury items affordable only to royalty and the aristocracy. Thus the early </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">firebacks</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> show the crests and crowns of royalty and </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">titled families</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">. Later on, as </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">firebacks</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> became more </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">affordable, they came to be</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> embellished with more decorative designs about classical stories, nature and rural life. Today, these decorative antique </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">firebacks</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> are often mounted as handsome wall appliqués.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwubNLGMJJI/AAAAAAAABqQ/7A9z6bWUzhA/s1600/fireback_great_oak-729519.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwubNLGMJJI/AAAAAAAABqQ/7A9z6bWUzhA/s400/fireback_great_oak-729519.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407586428207768722" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 298px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 273px;" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Baby step 6 (this is one long-winded baby): </span></span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Ok Buzz</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">, got the grate thing, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">firedog</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">thing and all the other stuff, but then what's a fireplace FENDER?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwudOXDEeuI/AAAAAAAABq4/8c9EqfH_UrY/s1600/vintage-brass-fender-999-AR.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwudOXDEeuI/AAAAAAAABq4/8c9EqfH_UrY/s400/vintage-brass-fender-999-AR.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407588647619033826" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 283px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Well. if you're a grease monkey, it's that part of the car that's usually dented and hence in need of your expert services.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">If you're "in a band", which is another way of saying you're still unemployed, then a Fender is the coolest electric guitar ever. When I was in high school, my brother had a Fender </span></span></span><i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Stratocaster</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> that helped his band (called <i>"The Periscopes"</i>-don't ask me why) to win back-to-back Van Nuys High School "Sock Hop" Battle of the Band contests. Here's an example of a really sa-weet Stratocaster:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwufNxw1LFI/AAAAAAAABrI/vrFk2nNG3D4/s1600/harley_fender_5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwufNxw1LFI/AAAAAAAABrI/vrFk2nNG3D4/s400/harley_fender_5.jpg" height="274" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407590836633676882" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Sadly, in 1965, the British invasion came on the scene, my brother's music became </span></span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">passé,</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> and his band was defeated by a Beatles knock-off group of freshmen called <i>"The Shiverin' Bones" </i>(again, don't ask how they came up with that brilliantly uplifting name).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Oops, forgot to tell you what an antique fender is. My bad.</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">An antique fender is a low frame bordering a fireplace to contain falling coals or wood and to discourage people from coming too close to the fire. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Also, fenders were</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> used to protect the rug or floor from flying embers or sparks. Here's my favorite 18th c. brass fender:</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwudN0pLv8I/AAAAAAAABqo/G1gY30kM7G8/s1600/7187_austrian_russian_fireplace_fender_4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-jdSLNVsZdc/SwudN0pLv8I/AAAAAAAABqo/G1gY30kM7G8/s400/7187_austrian_russian_fireplace_fender_4.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407588638383652802" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'Times new roman', times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times new roman', times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-weight: normal;">And there you have it. And to all a good night!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-611203115563351072012-02-21T10:03:00.004-08:002016-01-29T11:09:04.205-08:00TUCKER & MARKS SHINES AT THE MARIN SHOWCASE<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711657051562761138" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYwyDIrbZEw/T0Ph06VA27I/AAAAAAAADPo/AgCR7sYM2aM/s400/Tucker_Marks-Marin_Showcase_2012-7092.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></span></div>
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This year's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://www.cvnl.org/calendar/marin-designers-showcase">Marin Showcase</a></span> is the best one ever and runs through the 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>. So if you haven't gone, go! If nothing else, it's worth it just to see Suzanne Tucker's tour <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">de</span> force Living Room and Study. Photography courtesy of Matthew Millman.</div>
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The living room is one of those spaces where everything works. Everything is exquisite. And every piece is one you want to buy:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711657939098655730" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxpEu_U-BJQ/T0PiokqD2_I/AAAAAAAADP0/Hnm4vvKRNtQ/s400/Tucker_Marks-Marin_Showcase_2012-0332.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></div>
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Suzanne employs a neutral palette that showcases her incredible 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> century ivory inlaid antique commodes, gorgeous multi-colored petrified wood and iron coffee table, brass urn lamps, accent pillows, animal print fabrics, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">objets</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">d'art. And then there are those</span> side tables I just wanted to stuff under my shirt and steal. Do you think that makes me bad person? Or just someone who has good taste? Hmmmm.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jrYM7mX-JcY/T0Phbssxs5I/AAAAAAAADO4/AAH6A1-TJOI/s1600/Tucker_Marks-Marin_Showcase_2012-0358.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711656618407605138" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jrYM7mX-JcY/T0Phbssxs5I/AAAAAAAADO4/AAH6A1-TJOI/s400/Tucker_Marks-Marin_Showcase_2012-0358.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffff99;">Insider factoid:</span></i> Suzanne let me in on a secret as I was gushing over the Living Room: along with all the 7-figure artwork, antiques, and other treasures, she's slipped in a couple of Restoration Hardware pieces that she wrapped in her <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;"><a href="http://www.suzannetuckerhome.com/content/textiles">Suzanne Tucker Home</a></span> fabric to make them work in perfect harmony with their lush surroundings. Go and see if you can pick them out. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711657024844968530" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwU7FGdyLF8/T0PhzWy_slI/AAAAAAAADPc/qpimFt93f-c/s400/Tucker_Marks-Marin_Showcase_2012-0111.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">And then there's the Study. Wow.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711741071949618274" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvE-96FKzes/T0QuPiqQ3GI/AAAAAAAADRE/QtFmRxPHlT4/s400/Tucker_Marks-Marin_Showcase_2012-0045a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"></span></span></div>
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Scarlett O'Hara should have ripped down SUZANNE'S DRAPES for her dress to go see Rhett. Very unlike those ratty old green "velvet" curtains Scarlett used in the movie. She forgot the cardinal rule: your mother's drapes are <i>never</i> figure-flattering:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711750127529714226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJ8uGD6ea9o/T0Q2epUzYjI/AAAAAAAADRg/IkOCfGPDuL0/s400/jail4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">And don't get me started about that<i> horrific </i>tassel trim Scarlett masssacred for her hat and sash. Scary. No wonder she didn't get a dime our of Rhett. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">The hat alone cost the South the war.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711756336951959042" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ubwRvJBQnk/T0Q8IFObngI/AAAAAAAADRs/mMH012EaEuc/s400/gwtw-green-dress.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></div>
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Anyhow, the lush silk drapes in the Marin Study are from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;"><a href="http://www.suzannetuckerhome.com/content/textiles">Suzanne Tucker Home</a></span> of course. In any event, if Mammy had made Scarlett's damn dress from SUZANNE'S fabric, Rhett would have coughed up plenty so she could save Tara. It makes me sad. :( </div>
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But I digress....</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711801752404498930" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OauJrC6ybSg/T0Rlbm-GGfI/AAAAAAAADR4/sAuKvwPyP-U/s400/Tucker_Marks-Marin_Showcase_2012-0295.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></span></div>
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As in the Living Room, the study has that <a href="http://www.tuckerandmarks.com/">Tucker & Marks</a>' superb sense of taste and style. I mean it practically screams (actually whispers) "I just couldn't be more chic." The subtle way Suzanne combines materials, surfaces and finishes from tortoiseshell to stone to rush seats to gorgeous woods to pied peacocks are spot on--making everything work seamlessly together.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711801754220275090" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro_5ferpT5g/T0RlbtvApZI/AAAAAAAADSE/9dnCV1nvw0o/s400/Tucker_Marks-Marin_Showcase_2012-0238.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></span></span></div>
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You really need to see these rooms to appreciate them. So go! I think you'll agree with me that there's nothing...absolutely nothing...that should be changed. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-81640678874179545252012-02-20T11:16:00.027-08:002012-03-05T13:04:14.876-08:00DAVID KENSINGTON AND CECILIE STARIN DRAW ACCOLADES AT VILLA BELVEDERE<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3eIz1h0SuA/T0a7sZFsC1I/AAAAAAAADVE/7Pyu9G1hjGs/s1600/grape-juice-1-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: left;">What's an accolade? Not sure. Sounds like a refreshing grape drink, kind of like the one that San Francisco's own Cult Leader Jim Jones drank in Guyana. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3eIz1h0SuA/T0a7sZFsC1I/AAAAAAAADVE/7Pyu9G1hjGs/s400/grape-juice-1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712459548689435474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mmmmm</span>. I'm really parched and that looks so refreshing....But NO! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">BACK AWAY FROM THE JUICE! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">NOW! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not only is it empty calories, but history tells us that THIS JUICE was actually liquid rat poison that Jones (who was a psycho rat) used to...well...it's too weird to talk about here. Google him. Or not. Let's just say I wouldn't associate two of the top interior designers in San Francisco with rodents (although I'm a rabid Animal Rights Activist and make a loving home for too VERY happy dogs, Jacky-Boy and Jamie-Girl).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzzJ7aZcvIY/T0bPtx2cvsI/AAAAAAAADV0/bv_Rgctxbmw/s400/xx.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712481562748829378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 274px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Accolade (pronounced "AK oh! laid") is a word I found in the Thesaurus when I typed in <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffcccc;">applause</span></i>. I typed in applause because that's what I want to do every time I see the interiors of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cecilie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Starin</span> and David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kensington</span>. Not that they're an item or anything because they're not. Totally separate design firms. But they would make a cute couple, right?! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StEFu_geNc0/T0bExL56hrI/AAAAAAAADVQ/Ag_OQow98YI/s400/x.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712469526654387890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 130px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:100%;">Anyhow, I think I strayed off topic. I'll start again.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">They say a word says a thousand things. Wait...t</span>hey say a picture is worth a thousand words? Or a thousand words say a single picture. Doesn't matter. The point is I want to show you some pictures of David's and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cecilie's</span> amazing work at the 2012 Marin Designer Showcase house (running through this weekend, so you still have time to go!).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ccffff;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Cecilie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Starin's</span> Guest Retreat </span>and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffff99;"> David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kensington's</span> Family Room</span> at Villa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Belvedere</span>, are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">uber</span>-refined, stylish and timeless. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Let's start with David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kensington's</span> surprisingly contemporary family room (I usually think of David's incredible work more in terms of ultra-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">luxe</span> period <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">furniture</span> but he obviously masters the modern as well):</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:16px;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5WG9x0i8lk/T0as8X3HyqI/AAAAAAAADTA/ZFU8-juLK5k/s400/42-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712443330563394210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bT6oTW_XzFo/T0as7IfRhCI/AAAAAAAADS0/Z57d4DBLmM4/s400/40.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712443309256967202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:16px;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jA0PtVfHIUk/T0as4wjx26I/AAAAAAAADSQ/DW3J7xFj-7M/s400/45.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712443268473674658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:100%;">These photos really don't do justice to David's room. It's so inviting, comfortable and chic. The artwork is made up of tiny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Pantone</span> color chips that change dramatically in tone and hue as you walk past each piece. Fabulous. And the way David mixes Deco with mid-century modern and abstracts is genius. I really would buy the entire room if I ever get a place with more than 450 square feet</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Turning to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Cecilie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Starin</span> Design, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Cecilie</span> never <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">misses</span> the mark: She always delivers the unexpected, exotic, eclectic and captivating. In past years, I've loved the rooms she did at the San Francisco Showcases. And now her Bedroom at the Marin Showcase gets added to that list:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGEvXMYfj9I/T0a31qrlPFI/AAAAAAAADUU/DVSqIkNtS60/s400/Starin-Marin_Showcase%2Bbed%2Bwater%2B2%2BPostcard%2B-2012-0157%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712455309984087122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Cecilie's</span> rooms are works of art. Which makes sense because she was trained as a fine artist. Her look is like a refined but fresh still life. Very comfortable. Very classic. Very refined. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Hmmmm</span>-not unlike me on a good day.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vC1wocw29hI/T0a32C6sJaI/AAAAAAAADUg/zXfSjBTY7MY/s400/Starin-Marin_Showcase%2Bchaise%2B-2012-0132.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712455316489905570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn1uBlasyEY/T0a32sUwxaI/AAAAAAAADUs/GNU4tQz5bCo/s400/Starin-Marin_Showcase%2Bdesk%2B-2012-0019.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712455327605114274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbNTLtroCA4/T0a3z9TNHJI/AAAAAAAADUI/41IGrGXZA1U/s400/Starin-Marin_Showcase%2Bart%2Bacross%2Bbed-2012-0034.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712455280622378130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>The bottom line. This gal's just got a gift and it shows. The same goes for David only he's not a gal. Duh. Anyhow, they both skillfully juxtapose classic period pieces with contemporary, primitive, exotic, industrial and somehow make them all work together. Makes me pea green with envy but they're both so lovely that I'm trying to rise above that. But I'm saving my therapy sessions for my next post. For now, congrats to both David and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Cecilie</span> on their exceptional work at Villa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Belvedere</span>!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01049237488542387736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7222812940463973440.post-71716929917660625962012-02-03T14:59:00.000-08:002015-06-29T15:18:46.029-07:00IS TERRA COTTA THE SAME AS PANNA COTTA?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OA9u62NTGso/Ty7Hf-PH8yI/AAAAAAAADNY/JolVSbQ4Yls/s1600/Romantic%2Bideas%2Bfor%2Bvalentines%2Bday11-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEJEfQ4FiZk/Ty7GT6bTFII/AAAAAAAADNM/4ZYkUVJs7Zg/s1600/x.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705715823328564354" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEJEfQ4FiZk/Ty7GT6bTFII/AAAAAAAADNM/4ZYkUVJs7Zg/s400/x.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 238px;" /></a><br />
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It's almost <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">February 14th</span> and you know what that means: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">VD</span> is right around the corner. So I'm sure you're planning a romantic <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Valentine's Day </span>dinner for your "special someone." Awwww. :)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff;">UNRELATED FACTOID</span>: I love this holiday because it reminds me of the 5th Grade when Miriam Lipschitz (yes, pronounced "LIP shits")--hey, it was a Jewish elementary school-anyhow, when Miriam nervously asked me, "Buzzy, would you be my Valenti<i>M</i>e?" I said "I'd rather eat ground glass" but I still remember her fondly.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705738694454732306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NSwxX8cQZE/Ty7bHMAs5hI/AAAAAAAADNw/RWwkDedTb4g/s400/pacific_blue_prem-1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 397px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff;">ANOTHER UNRELATED FACTOID:</span> Ralph Lauren's real last name is actually Lipschitz too. Not kidding. But wait...<b>OMG!</b>.... I wonder if Miriam was related to Ralph which means I could've married her, become a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">filthy rich Lipschitz </span>and pretended I belonged to the most restricted WASP country clubs just like Ralph and his POLO models do??? WAAAHHHHHH!!!! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705741742671867538" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGVohMYbbg8/Ty7d4ngTLpI/AAAAAAAADN8/st0bOBceo7s/s400/x.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 278px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></span></div>
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But back to the big upcoming romantic dinner: If you're like me, you're wondering what to make for that killer dessert. The one your sweetheart will <u>never</u> forget.</div>
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I have the perfect answer : how about a yummy <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">terra cotta</span> Valentine (pronounced "TER uh COT duh"), drizzled with lots of sweet raspberry coulis (pronounced "COOL lee"). Talk about<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffff99;"> amuse-bouche</span></i>!!! Pronounced "ahm mooz BOOSH." Trust me, it'll make for an unforgettable evening.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705396107256624754" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHdO8SQRcOc/Ty2jh_PtdnI/AAAAAAAADMc/IsFQq6Z44Og/s400/Valentines-day-2012-panna-cotta-with-raspberry-and-chocolate-sauce1-548x800-2%2Bcopy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 274px;" /></span></span></div>
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Uh, hang on a second.....lemme think here.... um, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffff99;">TERRA COTTA <b><i>IS</i></b> THE SAME AS PANNA COTTA, RIGHT?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705387176756474914" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6y0U7-aFrE/Ty2baKijdCI/AAAAAAAADLg/AiLCE1v3GFk/s400/Terra2002%2Bcopy%2B2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 372px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span><br />
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Well, that depends. If your Valentine is stoned out of his mind-then yes, terra cotta and panna cotta are exactly the same. They both taste like chicken. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ccffff;">Buzz's disclaimer on controlled substances: just say no to drugs and spend that money on antiques.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZXi8tZvkoY/Ty2IhvbyaTI/AAAAAAAADKk/b8SF_enXlxc/s1600/panna_cotta_heart-190x159.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705366416198363442" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZXi8tZvkoY/Ty2IhvbyaTI/AAAAAAAADKk/b8SF_enXlxc/s400/panna_cotta_heart-190x159.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 159px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 190px;" /></a></div>
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This is important because if your sweetheart is NOT smoking "Valentine weed" (or whatever they call it these days...somebody told me "420" (!?). But I may have just asked for the time-I can't remember I was so out of it....), anyhow if the bf/gf is sober, then the answer is NO, terra cotta is nothing like panna cotta! Here's a pair of late 19th c. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #66ffff;">terra cotta urns</span> from C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom:</div>
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Would you eat them? Of course not! It's criminal to destroy a perfectly good antique. Duh.</div>
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Anyhow,<i style="font-weight: bold;"> Panna</i><b> Cotta</b> is a rich dessert that comes from a Jello mold--and it's SO easy to make! In fact, you can prepare it in advance if guests are coming to admire your collection of terra cotta.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705381642532637874" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vof8qmNMUa8/Ty2WYB8xTLI/AAAAAAAADLU/_qpXHRnxaEc/s400/p17.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 287px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Terra</i><b> Cotta,</b> on the other hand, <b> </b>is just mud that comes from the earth. Well, technically it's a reddish clay used for statues, totems and other objet d'art.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff;">WELL KNOWN FACTOID</span>: Terra cotta doesn't work as a dessert because it tastes gritty, clogs your colon and makes you extremely gassy. In other words, it's an acquired taste.</div>
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So now you know. Have a ROMANTIC Valentines Day.</div>
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