From the House With a REAL Ghost...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !

Please Spit Here

1946 Life Magazine cover.

Cuspidor History

"America is one long expectoration."
Oscar Wilde on his first visit to the United States, 1882

In the late 19th century United States and Australia spittoons became a very common feature of saloons, hotels, stores, banks, railway carriages, and other places where people (especially adult men) gathered.
Brass was the most common material for spitoons. Other materials used for mass production of spittoons ranged from basic functional iron to elaborately crafted cut glass and fine porcelain. At higher class places like expensive hotels, spittoons could be elaborately decorated.
Spittoons are flat-bottomed, often weighted to minimize tipping over, and often with an interior "lip" to make spilling less likely if they tip. Some have lids, but most not. Some have holes, sometimes with a plug, to aid in draining and cleaning.
Use of spittoons was considered an advance of public manners and health, intended to replace previously common spitting on floors, streets, and sidewalks. Many places passed laws against spitting in public other than into a spittoon.
Some people of this era objected to restrictions on where they could spit as an infringement on their individual rights. Nonetheless, a larger segment of the public favored use of spittoons. Boy Scout troops organized campaigns to paint "DO NOT SPIT ON THE SIDEWALK" notices on city sidewalks. A mass produced sign seen in many saloons read:

If you expect to rate as a gentleman
Do not expectorate on the floor

Spittoons were also useful for people suffering from tuberculosis who would cough up phlegm. Public spittoons would sometimes contain a solution of an antiseptic such as carbolic acid with the aim of limiting transmission of disease. With the start of the 20th century medical doctors urged tuberculosis sufferers to use personal pocket spittoons instead of public ones; these were jars with tight lids which people could carry with them to spit into. Similar devices are still used by some with tuberculosis.
After the 1918 flu epidemic, both hygiene and etiquette advocates began to disparage public use of the spittoon, and use began to decline. Chewing gum replaced tobacco as the favorite chew of the younger generation. Cigarettes were considered more hygienic than spit-inducing chewing tobacco. While it was still not unusual to see spittoons in some public places in parts of the US as late as the 1930s, vast numbers of old brass spittoons met their ends in the scrap drives of World War II.
A large, publicly accessible collection of spittoons can be found at Duke Homestead State Historic Site, Durham, North Carolina. In 2008, the site's tobacco museum added 282 spittoons--claimed to be the world's largest collection--to its earlier holdings of over 100.

1910 circa Unsigned Lamp

An unsigned stained glass lamp from the teens in the 20th Century. Celtic in inspiration and quite a bargain at this moment.

1984

FROM: Crijevo, Jul 30, 2007

"Reading about all the conflicts between Eurythmics and film director Michael Radford on soundtrack issues regarding his rather good film-adaptation of George Orwells novel, it is truly criminal Radford excluded the duos excellent film score for it served its purpose in all of the story's nature (read totalitarian perfection).
Unlike many that would eventually hump into the soundtrack idea of being classical, Eurythmics used the scary futurist image creating a powerful, frightening testimony. Each theme brings along a phrase accompanying both, the book and the film - the opener I Did It Just the Same offers one sole comforting leisure funk-styled piece, the rest - even deserved hits Sexcrime (1984) and Julia, control their listeners using brainwashing Newspeak phrases confronting individuals true nature of desire (Julia slides and twists from emotional to frigid, ultimately synthetic state of mind). Predominantly instrumental with occasional vocal improvs of Annie Lennox, this is Eurythmics most avangarde offering - using electronics in claustrophobic kind of way, expressing Orwellian stage to its maximum (powered by strange choice of percussion during the process), marking all of the 1984s society's paranoias and misbliefs as enforced by The Party.
Among the pieces that do hit the nerve like a bag of bricks are For the Love of Big Brother, the ultimate tale of hopelessness (continuing with a short harmonica-delivered Winston's Diary, suggesting the decency/danger of silent/thought rebellion/conspiracy; propaganda-anthem Doubleplusgood with excellent vocal cut-up effects, delivered in sort of a sinister reggae/rap thing, Ministry of Love with intimidating s.o.s.-like signals trance before full-blown enraging choir screams of fear and horror; Greetings From a Dead Man in similar percussive horror-fashion leaving absolutely not a single trace of hope. In the end its Room 101 that serves it precise finale - melodically promising and optimistic but between the lines threatening and with extreme aggression - Lennoxs vocal tuning here demonstrates fear struggles before the ending sequence embarks with brutal iron shutting.
Considering the book, the film and the very idea, it is truly bizarre how people today perceive Big Brother as something of a certain entertainment. The fun aspect of today's version, however, proves it is no less different but transferred into a perverse state of play where people corrupt their own dignity for money."

1984 Eurhytmics "Sex Crime"

Dave Gahan Interview by Johnny Vaughn 1993

Isidor Straus Died With the "Titanic" Sinking

"Bookplate bearing the name of the Isidor Straus, with the motto "Veritas Vincit," "Truth Conquers." In very good condition, probably uncommon. About 3 1/4 x 4 3/8".
Isidor Straus (February 6, 1845 – April 15, 1912) was co-owner of Macy's Department Store and served in the United States House of Representatives. He and his wife died in the sinking of the Titanic."

"Never Let Me Down Again" Depeche Mode Live 2006

Rodeo Ben Cowboy Outfit from the 1930s Vintage Near Mint

"Fantastic Rodeo Ben Western Cowboy Embroidered Men's Shirt and Pants - probably Custom Made 1933 - 40's
Best we have ever had - made from Forstman Virgin Wool in Great Condition
Cowboy Ben was born Benjamin Lichtenstein (1894-1979) in Philadelphia and was THE costume designer for Hollywood Western Stars in the 1930's and 40's and beyond - including Tom Mix, Hopalong Cassidy, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers and later for Wrangler where he created the "cowboy jeans" still made today and was the first to use a zipper in jeans.
He is noted as the first to put metal glove snaps on shirts and started using mother of pearl snaps in 1933
This is a stunning suit - the shirt has heavy embroidery collar, down the front placket, sleeves, cuffs and back yoke. The shirt is a nice cream colored back and has dark blue with golden piping and golden and cream embroidery. It has hand ticking around all the embroidered areas. It has 6 mother of pearl golden snaps down the front and 6 on each sleeve.
There are 2 arrowpoint pockets on the shirt with hand ticking in blue and with blue piping. the background material has a diamond pattern woven in the base.
Rodeo Ben tag in neck
Pants - They are a twilled worsted wool in cream with ornate embroidered belt loops in blue with golden piping and front pockets with blue backs that show also hand ticked and two back pockets with triangle flaps -
The back pockets of the pants are the only damage I see - the snaps are missing the MOP tops and has repairs at the snaps in the blue fabric - a tailor could easily replace the snaps
The heavy embroidery starts at the top and continues down the pants legs to the hem."

1927 Film "How to Use the Dial Phone"

Five For Fighting "Superman--It's Not Easy"

"I can't stand to fly
I'm not that naive
I'm just out to find
The better part of me

I'm more than a bird...I'm more than a plane
More than some pretty face beside a train
It's not easy to be me

Wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
About a home I'll never see

It may sound absurd...but don't be naive
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed...but won't you concede
Even heroes have the right to dream
It's not easy to be me

Up,up and away from me
It's all right...you can all sleep sound tonight
I'm not crazy...or anything...

I can't stand to fly
I'm not that naive
Men weren't meant to ride
With clouds between their knees

I'm only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me
Inside of me
Inside me
Yeah, inside me
Inside of me

I'm only a man
In a funny red sheet
I'm only a man
Looking for a dream

I'm only a man
In a funny red sheet
And it's not easy, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm...

It's not easy to be me."

1910 circa Duffner & Kimberly Owl Lamp

Current Bid is $3.055
Duffner & Kimberly was one of the very few competent lamp creators to attempt competing with Tiffany.
The early 20th century was a kind of golden era for the design and manufacture of very fine quality glass lamps and lighting for the home, with top designers Tiffany Studios, Handel, Pairpoint, Galle, Daum, Chicago Mosaic, Bradley & Hubbard, and of course Duffner & Kimberly Company of New York. All of these manufacturers evidenced a level craftsmanship and design as well as the use of the finest glass and bronze that's very difficult to find today. The company began with the partnership of Frank Duffner who managed a factory making kerosene lamps and talented stained glass window designer Oliver Kimberly. Duffner & Kimberly saw the lamps of Tiffany Studios as their direct competitor, and the combination of D & K designer Howard Howell and the craftsmanship of their work force were indeed seen as a rival by distributors who carried both such as the Marshall Field Company of Chicago. Their sales catalogue of 1906 cited a company mission to offer lighting fixtures in the purest period styles for the finest residences." Duffner and Kimberly did not have the design flair and innovation of Tiffany, however, and concentrated their design and production on "period" look lamps such as the Louis XIII, XIV, XV, and XVI styles, a Roman style, and many different styles of floral lamps meant to capture nature the way Louis Comfort Tiffany's were during this same time period. While certainly beautiful and very popular with collectors, few would feel today that Duffner & Kimberly had truly replicated the innovation of Tiffany. Nevertheless, their lamps were very well made and used the highest quality materials in their construction. As such, Duffner & Kimberly lamps commanded high prices from their original introduction to the market in 1905. Expensive lamps were a suitable extravagance in good economic times, but most makers of luxury items suffered during the recession of 1908-1909. After struggling to maintain production and profits, the company finally ceased production in 1913 when they declared bankruptcy. The fact that the company existed for only 8 years means that their overall production was quite small relative to many of their contemporaries, a fact which contributes along with their beauty to the sustained and rising prices for Duffner & Kimberly lamps and lighting.

http://cgi.ebay.com/DUFFNER-KIMBERLY-OWL-LEADED-GLASS-TABLE-LAMP_W0QQitemZ390103377595QQcategoryZ4056QQcmdZViewItem

Antonio Vivadi Aria "Cessate, Omai Cessate"

"Ah che infelice sempre
me vuol Dorilla ingrata
ah sempre più spietata
ah sempre più spietata
m'astringe a lacrimar... spietata
m'astringe a lacrimar"

Nobel Peace Prize Award to Barack Obama

Because of his "work in strengthening international diplomacy" in the World.

Morinelli -- How Embarrassing ! June 26, 2009

Charleston, South Carolina
District 2 - Councilmember Deborah Morinelli
Serving as Councilmember for District 2 is Deborah Morinelli who was first elected in April, 2002. She served as Mayor Pro Tem for the of 2005.
Education:
Cardinal Dougherty High School
Pierce Jr. College - Associate in Science
College of Charleston - BS, 1993
Clemson University - Master Gardener, 1998

Standing Committees:
Chairman, Traffic and Transportation
Vice Chair, Public Works and Utilities
Recreation
Small Claims

Training Courses Completed for National League of Cities:
Advocacy Skills: Persuasive Communication on Issues of Local Concern - 1 Credit
Diversity Awareness: More than Just Black and White - 2 Credits
Speak and Make a Difference - 2 Credits
The Power to Lead: A Personal Blueprint for Leadership - 2 Credits
How to Balance Your Political, Professional and Personal Life - 2 Credits
Leadership Style Makes a Difference - 4 Credits
Total Core Competency Course Credits - 13 Credits


Contact:
c/o Clerk of Council
PO Box 304
Charleston, SC 29402
Phone: (843) 763-4165
E-Mail: tamdam@knology.net

News Video:
http://www2.counton2.com/cbd/news/local/article/city_councilwoman_dui_arrest_video_released/72818/

Babe Ruth Rare Film 1926

"Here is the correct[attribution] This was a hard one. It wasn’t the 1928 W[orld]S[eries] the Cardinals didn’t wear dark stir ups. Also there is no sign of bunting or extra things that would make it Importanted [sic]. Also the dementions [sic] are not set. The game took place on August 14, 1926 the second game of a doubleheader versus the Washington Senators. It was the second game because it was later in the afternoon see the shadows and the Senators would be wearing light stir[r]ups but they forgot to bring an extra pair so they had to barrow some for the Yankees. Also Lou Gehrig had his head down when Ruth pass by because he was still a young player who didn’t win any awards yet. The catcher is Muddy Ruel."
— Bill Volkmann -New York Times Comment
"Ok. Note that Gehrig is walking back to the dugout just before Ruth comes to bat. That is not Gehrig hitting AFTER him. It is the tall and skinny Bob Meusel. Babe only struck out once at home vs. Wash in 1926. It was August 30, 1926 when Gehrig hit before him and Meusel after. Walter Johnson struck out the bambino that day:"

http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1926/B08300NYA1926.htm

— Joe Martini-New York Times Comment

The NEWLY discovered film can be seen in its entirety at:

http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/08/a-ruthian-mystery/?em

1936 Second Term Campaign of Roosevelt

The United States presidential election of 1936 was the most lopsided presidential election in the history of the United States in terms of electoral votes. In terms of the popular vote it was the second biggest victory in contested presidential elections (excluding the relatively uncontended Era of Good Feelings) after Warren Harding over Cox in the United States presidential election, 1920 during which much of Cox's Democratic Party refused to participate, which strongly contributed to the rout.
The election took place as the Great Depression entered its eighth year. Incumbent President Franklin D. Roosevelt was still working to push the provisions of his New Deal economic policy through Congress and the courts. However, the New Deal policies he had already enacted, such as Social Security and unemployment benefits, had proven to be highly popular with most Americans. Roosevelt's Republican opponent was Governor Alf Landon of Kansas, a political moderate.

1902 (circa) Handel Lamp & Label

This is currently on-bid for $1,026.

1926 Ford Model T Bud Vase

In those days it would be very important the atmosphere of the interior of your traveling vehicle !
This was standard equipment with the 1926 Master Body Model T.

Straw Hat 1920--24

".....Lord my body's been a good friend,
but I won't need it when I reach the end...."

Chicago Telephone Supply 1905

This is an original receiver from a 1905 Chicago telephone.