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BEACHWOOD, Ohio - Artists often express political ideas in their work, and many years later, collectors have trouble understanding the politics.
Kirkpatrick/Anna pottery worked from 1839 to 1896 in Illinois and made pottery jugs and other useful containers. But they also created some very strange jugs. Pottery pigs marked with railroad routes were made in the 1870s and 1880s to give to politicians, important owners or employees of the railroads. Those pigs sell today for about $12,000 up to a record price of $35,000.
But mysterious "Temperance" jugs were decorated with three-dimensional figures that can be confusing to someone from the 21st century. One spectacular salt-glazed jug, 10 1/4 inches high, was made with more than 18 applied designs representing the Civil War, slavery and the drinking of alcohol. There is a bust of a Union soldier with a goatee being bitten by a snapping turtle. The rear end of a man in red pants "going in" probably is a reference to the evils of alcohol that "trap" him in the whiskey jug. One of the many snakes on the jug is eating a thin, bearded man. The head of a man, perhaps Abraham Lincoln, is shown near an eagle. The head of a black man and loose pottery chains represent slavery. A man smoking a pipe and drinking from a mug, and a classical figure of a woman holding a lyre still are unidentified.
The jug is well-marked, with the words "from Kirkpatrick Anna Pottery, Anna Union Co, Ills." It may be the most amazing of all of the Anna Pottery message pieces, and it sold at a Crocker Farm auction in Sparks, Md., for $69,000 in March.
Q: I have a glass compote with a frosted stem and foot. The stem has three female faces in relief. The clear-glass bowl has a piecrust edge. It has been in my family for a long time. Can you give me any information about it?
A: Three Face is a pressed glass pattern made by George A. Duncan & Sons, which later became Duncan and Miller Glass Co. It was designed by John Ernest Miller in 1878, and the designer's wife supposedly was the model for the face. Three Face pattern glass was made until 1892. However, it has been reproduced. Original, early pieces sell for high prices, but reproductions sell for about $100.
Q: I bought a Vibro-Shaver at a garage sale and would like some information about it. I have the original box and the instructions, but it doesn't say who made it or the year it was made. It runs and is in excellent condition. It still has the original price tag of $5. What is it worth today?
A: Vibro was advertised in a 1937 issue of Popular Mechanics magazine as the only nonelectric, automatic shaver made. The razor blade is held in the detachable head, which vibrates when the "key" on the front is wound. Shavers are not a popular collectible. Vibro-Shavers with original box sell online for $15 to $20 today.
Q: I have a silver-plated demitasse spoon by Crown Silver Plate Co. The engraving in the bowl of the spoon is of an old battleship. The letters on top read "Battleship Maine," and underneath the ship it reads "Captain Sigsbee." The ship sunk in Havana Harbor on Feb. 15, 1898. I'd like to know if this spoon has any value.
A: The battleship Maine was sent to Cuba in January 1898 to protect American interests during Cuba's fight for independence from Spain. On Feb. 15, an explosion onboard sank the ship. The cause was never definitely determined. The sinking inspired the slogan "Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain" and spurred America's entrance into the Spanish-American War. To commemorate the sinking, several silver companies made souvenir spoons picturing the battleship in the bowl and the head of Capt. Charles D. Sigsbee on the finial at the end of the handle. The name "Crown Silver Plate Co." was used on silver flatware made by J.W. Johnson of New York City in 1898. Souvenir spoons like yours sell for about $5.
Q: I have a hobo clown doll that has been in my family since at least the early 1950s. It is 18 inches tall, has a hard-plastic head and cloth body, and a hand crank on the back that produces a laughing sound when turned. The doll has a cloth tag that reads "Gund Mfg. Co., J. Swedlin Inc." I have tried to learn more about it, and Gund says they have no record of this doll. Can you help?
A: Gund made your clown doll sometime between 1954 and 1957. German immigrant Adolph Gund started his company in 1898 in Norwalk, Conn. He retired in 1925 and sold the business to Jacob Swedlin with the understanding that the Gund name would continue to be used. Swedlin ran the company with his brothers. They changed the company's name to J. Swedlin Inc. but kept Gund as a trade name. Gund was bought by Enesco in 2008 and continues to make plush toys. The laughing box mechanism inside your clown doll is actually a phonograph-like device that plays a small record. It was patented in 1953. The device was used in millions of toys, including your clown doll and other toys made by Gund and other companies, until 1957. Your laughing clown doll would sell for $25 to as much as $100 if it's in good condition and still laughs.
Tip: If you are selling a car, rug, quilt or upholstered furniture and do not smoke, your ad should mention that it was owned by a nonsmoker. That is a plus for many buyers.
Need prices for your antiques and collectibles? Find them at Kovels.com, our website for collectors. You can find more than 900,000 prices and more than 11,000 color photographs that help you determine the value of your collectibles. Study the prices. Go to the free Price Guide at Kovels.com. The website also lists publications, clubs, appraisers, auction houses, people who sell parts or repair antiques, show lists and more. Kovels.com adds to the information in this column.
Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer questions sent to the column. By sending a letter with a question, you give full permission for use in the column or any other Kovel forum. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We cannot guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. The amount of mail makes personal answers or appraisals impossible. Write to Kovels, Auction Central News, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019.
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.
Contemporary, modern and mid-century ceramics made since 1950 are among the hottest collectibles today. Our new special report, "Kovels' Buyers' Guide to Modern Ceramics: Mid-Century to Contemporary," identifies important pottery by American and European makers. Includes more than 65 factories and 70 studio artists, each with a mark and dates. Works by major makers, including Claude Conover, Guido Gambone and Lucie Rie, as well as potteries like Gustavsberg, Metlox and Sascha Brastoff, are shown in color photos. Find the "sleepers" at house sales and flea markets. Special Report, 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches, 64 pp. Available only from Kovels for $19.95 plus $4.95 postage and handling. Order by phone at 800-303-1996, online at Kovels.com
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© 2014 by Cowles Syndicate Inc.
BEACHWOOD, Ohio – No matter how large a house is, there always seems to be a need for more space. During the 19th century, especially in the South, homes often had long, wide front halls that went from the front door to the back door. That allowed the air to circulate and helped cool the house.
Clever furniture makers created a table that could be stored against the wall until it was needed. The table had deep drop leaves hinged to a narrow top. When opened, the leaves were supported by "swing" legs, and the extended table could open to 45 inches long and 32 inches wide. Sometimes the table was made with an under-the-top storage drawer that opened from the side. This type of drop-leaf table was made in the 16th century and has been made in a variety of styles, including modern versions made in the 21st century.
Q: I have been trying to get more information about a porcelain nut bowl that belonged to my grandmother. It has slightly curved sides and two gilt handles. It is painted with squirrels and grass on the outside and pinecones on the inside. The mark on the bottom is a shield with the words, "HC, Royal Bavaria, Patent Application." How old is it? Is there is any value other than as a family treasure?
A: Your nut dish was made in Bavaria (Germany) sometime between 1890 and 1914 but decorated in the United States. The decorating of porcelain "blanks" by independent artists rather than factory-employed artists was popular in the United States from the 1870s to the 1930s. It began in Cincinnati in 1874, when Mary Louise McLaughlin saw a set of European china paints and urged her art instructor to organize a class in china painting. The class was so successful that the ladies in the class exhibited their work at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. By 1900 there were an estimated 20,000 china painters in America. For the most part, they used china blanks imported from Germany and France. Your nut dish is worth about $35 to $50. Rare forms, such as condensed milk containers and celery dishes, usually bring higher prices than ordinary plates, cups and bowls.
Q: I have a small metal toy chair that was a prize in a Cracker Jack box many years ago. From information we have, we think it's from about 1915. Can you give us some information about Cracker Jack toys and what they are worth?
A: Cracker Jack has been a popular snack for more than 100 years. A combination of popcorn, peanuts and molasses was introduced at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, but the name "Cracker Jack" wasn't used until 1896. Prizes were put in every box beginning in 1912. Miniature metal toys were included in early years, plastic toys later. Collectors look for old Cracker Jack toys, boxes and advertising materials. The Cracker Jack Collectors Association is a club with a newsletter for collectors (www.crackerjackcollectors.com/cjcahistory.htm). Some early Cracker Jack toys sell at auctions or online for $10 or $15, but some that are rare or more desirable can sell for much more.
Q: I have two glass decanters with pewter overlay and pewter stoppers. The bottles have pinched sides, and the word "Haig's" is molded on the bottom. The base of the pewter is marked "Ngan Winghing" and "Made in Hong Kong." About when were they made?
A: Haig's is a famous brand of whiskey. Haig's pinch bottles were first made in 1893. Bottles with overlay probably were made at Christmastime. Your pewter overlay bottle is relatively new. Several companies in Hong Kong use the name "Wing Hing." Your pewter decanter may have been made by Wing Hing Metal Manufactory Ltd., a company that makes and exports metal products, including promotional items, metal boxes, badges, toys and other items. The company has been in business for more than 25 years.
Q: I recently rediscovered an album containing Beatles cards that I collected after the Beatles first arrived in the United States. They were the size of baseball trading cards, and had pictures of the Beatles engaged in activities. My Beatles cards are in perfect condition. Are they worth anything?
A: The Topps Co. released seven series of Beatles-themed bubble-gum trading cards in 1964, after the Fab Four made their first trip to the U.S. The first three sets in the series featured black-and-white photographs of John, Paul, George and Ringo, with blue facsimile signatures, totaling 165 cards. They were followed by a "Color Card" series of 64 cards, with questions, answers and facts on the back, a "Beatles Diary" series of 60 cards, with color photographs and "diary entries" by each Beatle on the back and a "Hard Day's Night" series of sepia-tone cards with pictures from the movie. There also is a series of 55 oversized "Beatles Plaks" cards, with photographs and slogans about the Beatles on shaped "plaks" that could be punched out and put together to form a chain-like display. Collectors also look for the wrappers and boxes they came in. Beatles Plaks cards are the hardest to find and therefore the most expensive. Other Beatles trading cards can sell for a few dollars to a few hundred dollars, depending on the set and condition of the cards. Beatles trading cards from the 1990s and 2000s are worth very little.
Tip: Avoid flies. They leave droppings on mirrors, pictures and chandeliers. Flyspecks on pictures can be carefully removed with a knife blade. Glass can be washed.
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Compact, Yardley, gold-tone, black and white enamel, fitted interior, hinged, 1931, 2 1/2 x 2 inches, $40.
Ironstone bowl and pitcher, Grosvenor pattern, flowers, Charles Meigh, Old Hall Pottery, circa 1860, child's, two pieces, $160.
Aneroid barometer and thermometer, shaped oak case, ormolu mounts, circa 1880, 43 x 14 1/4 inches, $240.
Flask, liberty eagle, olive green, Willington Glass Co., 1800s, 6 inches, $265.
Whirligig, "Dewey Boy," sailor holding paddles, carved wood, painted, Nantucket, 1911, 22 x 36 inches, $430.
Cupboard, hanging, raised panel door, fitted interior, blue paint, circa 1850, 28 x 24 inches, $500.
Doll, Sonneberg, bisque dome head, paperweight eyes, human-hair wig, wood and composition body, low-waist dress, circa 1870, 18 inches, $510.
Indian storage basket, Pit River, California, geometric designs, circa 1920, 8 1/2 x 12 inches, $595.
Kutani porcelain vase, baluster shape, animal-shaped handles, mythological scenes, wood base, 1800s, 14 inches, pair, $1,110.
Civil War albumen photograph, Union Gen. William Rosecrans, sitting near tent, mounted, 1863, 7 x 9 inches, $1,765.
Keep up with changes in the collectibles world. Send for a free sample issue of our 12-page, color-illustrated newsletter, "Kovels on Antiques and Collectibles," filled with prices, news, information and photos, plus major articles and opinions about the world of collecting. An important tool for anyone who buys or sells antiques and collectibles. To subscribe at a bargain $27 for 12 issues, write Kovels, P.O. Box 8534, Big Sandy, TX 75755; call 800-829-9158; or subscribe online at KovelsOnlineStore.com
Q: My aunt left me a lamp. The base is a figurine of an 18th-century woman sitting at a piano gazing affectionately at a man with a lute. It sits on an oval brass base. Two curved arms extend from the back and they are decorated with a metal vine and tiny porcelain flowers. In the 1940s, my aunt was window shopping in Chicago with a friend, when she spotted and admired this lamp. Later, the bell boy in her hotel delivered it to her room. It was a gift! I'm interested in learning its maker and history. Value, too.
A: Your lamp is a typical example of porcelain made in the town of Dresden, Germany. Dresden porcelain is known for its naturalistic flowers and gilt trim, reticulation (cutout areas) and lace decorations. Figurines of 18th-century ladies and gentlemen, romantic couples, animal groups, cherubs and mythological subjects were popular. The most famous Dresden figurines are called "crinoline groups," which show court-life scenes like people dancing and playing instruments. More than 200 porcelain-decorating studios operated in Dresden in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They decorated white porcelain made in Germany, Austria and France. Most porcelain blanks were not marked with the manufacturer's mark. Your lamp probably was made in the 1930s and would sell for about $100. Replace the cord. Old cords are often cracked and are fire hazards.
Q: I have a brown clay type teapot that was my grandmother's. It's embossed with a girl at the well. I was told it was "Rebekah at the Well." Can you tell me something about it? How old is it? Does it have any value?
A: "The Rebekah at the Well" teapot was first made by Edwin and William Bennett of Baltimore in 1851. The design was copied from a pot made by an English maker, Samuel Alcock & Company, in the 1840s. The mottled brown glaze is known as Rockingham. Bennett made Rebekah at the Well teapots until the factory closed in 1936. The relief design was so popular it was copied by other makers in the United States and England. It can be found on teapots, sugar bowls, pitchers and other items. Its value: $50 and up.
Q: I found a silk scarf in my grandmother's belongings. The scarf has a small hand-sewn hem around the edges. In the center there is a circle with a statue of a horse and rider standing on a pediment that reads "1688" and surrounded by the words "The Glorious & Immortal Memory of 1688 & 1690." Other symbols, including the harp of Ireland, are in the four corners of the scarf and the words "Aughrim," "Derry," "Enniskillen" and "Boyne" are along the sides. My grandmother's parents were from Ireland. What does this represent?
A: Your scarf commemorates battles in the "Glorious Revolution," when the Catholic king of England, James, was overthrown and replaced by the Protestant King William. The figure on the horse is William, who invaded England at the invitation of parliament in 1688. He and his wife, Mary, were crowned as monarchs of England in 1689. Then William invaded Scotland and Ireland, and became king of those countries, too. The places listed along the sides of your scarf were famous battles in Ireland. These battles still are commemorated by Orangemen in the Protestant parts of Ireland.
Q: What marking should be on the bottom to identify something as Fenton glass? I have seen a few different markings on items on eBay.
A: Fenton was founded in 1905 in Martins Ferry, Ohio. The company is known for its carnival glass made between 1907 and 1920. Most Fenton glass is marked "Fenton," but some other marks also were used. Pieces marked with an "F" in an oval were made from molds bought from other glass companies. Pieces marked with the three letters "O," "V" and "G" are part of Fenton's Olde Virginia Glass line, made from 1960 to 1979. Fenton stopped making art glass in 2011. Copies of Fenton items currently are being made by an unrelated company, Fenton's Collectibles, using original Fenton molds. The copies are marked with both the Fenton mark and Fenton's Collectibles mark.
Tip: Advertising collectors should check every address, phone number, name and price information that is on a label, a sticker or the container. They will help with the research to determine the age of the product.
Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer questions sent to the column. By sending a letter with a question, you give full permission for use in the column or any other Kovel forum. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We cannot guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. The amount of mail makes personal answers or appraisals impossible. Write to Kovels, (Name of this newspaper), King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019.
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Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions
Cruet, glass, feather pattern, pontil, McKee Brothers, c. 1896, 5 1/2 inches, $45.
Stand, Hepplewhite, cherry, drawer, square top, splayed legs, c. 1800, 28 x 18 x 18 inches, $125.
Toothpick holder, silver plated, circus bear on ball, side barrel, marked, Osborn & Co., c. 1885, 2 3/4 inches, $185.
Trivet, wedding, pierced date 1852, wrought iron, marked KW, KE, 13 inches, $240.
Fraktur, birth, watercolor, ink, on paper, two hearts, birds, children, Isaac Broft, 1806, 13 x 16 inches, $300.
Paperweight, pink flowers, green, white ground, domed, box, Paul Ysart, 20th century, 3 inches, $375.
Nautical quadrant, brass, glass lens, ebonized wood frame, case, Spenser, Barrett & Co., London, c. 1860, $415.
Atwater Kent radio, cathedral style, No. 82, 7 tubes, 1931, 19 1/2 inches, $450.
Pearlware figurine, Charity, woman with children, painted multicolor enamel, Staffordshire, c. 1800, 9 3/4 inches, $600.
Belleek figurine, Venus crouching on shell, bronzed, gilt bands on head and arms, black mark, c. 1885, 18 inches, $4,500.
The Kovels have navigated flea markets for decades. Learn from the best. "Kovels Flea Market Strategies: How to Shop, Buy and Bargain the 21st Century Way" by Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel tells you about the latest smartphone apps and websites to help you shop, share and ship, as well as what to wear, what to bring and, most importantly, how to negotiate your way to a bargain. Also, there are tips on spotting fakes, advice about paying for your purchases and shipping suggestions. Full-color booklet, 17 pages, 8 1/2 by 5 1/2 inches. Available only from Kovels for $7.95 plus $4.95 postage and handling. Order by phone at 800-303-1996; online at www.Kovels.com ; or mail to Kovels, Box 22900, Beachwood, OH 44122.
(c) 2014 by Cowles Syndicate Inc.
Q: I inherited an old doll from a friend in 1999. She said the doll was about 160 years old. The doll's underskirt was made of handspun wool made by her grandmother. The doll originally had a wax head, but it was damaged in a house fire and couldn't be repaired, so it was replaced in 2001. The doll's body is made of leather and sawdust. How much is it worth?
A: Most dolls made before the early 1900s had bisque or china heads. Wax-head dolls were made in the late 18th and the 19th centuries. Wax was not as breakable as bisque or porcelain and could be easily molded. Later, most dolls were made with composition, vinyl or plastic heads. Wax can be damaged by light, heat and temperature changes. It is difficult and expensive to repair. With the original head and body, it would sell for a high price. Unfortunately, your doll is not worth much because of the replaced head.
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Q: I have a Royal Crown Cola cigarette lighter that was made by Kem Inc. of Detroit. It's 2 1/2 inches high. Is it worth anything?
A: Kem made a Royal Crown Cola cigarette lighter shaped like a bottle in the 1940s or '50s. It's chrome-plated and has a replica of the Royal Crown label on it. If in good condition, with the label intact, it usually sells for $20 to $75.
Q: We bought a reed organ at a yard sale several years ago. Above the stops and on the pedals are the words "Palace Organ." Above the keyboard, it reads "Loring & Blake Organ Co." and "Worcester, Mass., USA." The organ is in good shape and plays beautifully. Can you give us any information about the organ?
A: J.W. Loring and Rufus W. Blake started Loring, Blake & Co. in 1868. The name of the company became Loring & Blake Organ Co. before 1870. The company had locations in Worcester, Mass., and Toledo, Ohio, and was one of the country's largest producers of reed organs. In 1880 the company exhibited several parlor organs at the Worcester Fair, with prices listed from $40 to $1,200. Old reed organs are hard to sell today.
Q: I have an old RCA Victor Model 6-RF-9 radio that friends of mine were about to throw out because they didn't have room for it at their new place. It was his father's and it still works. It has a propeller-shaped dial and glass bulbs on the inside that light up when I plug it in. Can you tell me anything about this radio?
A: RCA called your table model radio the "Livingston." It was pictured in a December 1951 magazine ad that mentioned its "modern" plastic case, phone-jack for a record-changer attachment and "Golden Throat" tone. It retailed for $79.50. Value today is $100 to $150.
Q: When my father was in the U.S. Army, we were stationed in Germany from 1949 to 1952. My mother bought a pottery wine pitcher in Munich at a shop that sold used items. It's white with relief decorations that include a man holding a musical instrument and a four-line poem in German below that. It has a lid with a pewter thumb-press and is 13 1/2 inches tall. The mark on the bottom looks like a large bird above the words "Villeroy & Boch." The numbers 1821, 90 and 20 are etched next to the crest. My father is 99 years old now and would like to sell the pitcher. Can you tell me more about it and its value?
A: Villeroy & Boch was founded in Mettlach, Germany, in 1836. The "bird" mark on the bottom of your pitcher, or master stein, is called the "Mercury mark." It is the head of Mercury with a winged cap. The number 1821 on the bottom is the mold or form number, 90 indicates it was made in 1890, and 20 is called the "mystery mark" because no one is sure what it means. Pitchers like yours sold at auction last year for $240 to $280.
Tip: A tennis ball can be used to rub out scuff marks on vintage linoleum tiles often used in homes before the 1960s.
Pewter stein, glass bottom, engraved, Genesee Valley Hunt Club, July 4, 1894, $45.
Postcard set, July 4th and patriotic theme, comical, Tuck series, WWI-related, "Hope of the World," early 1900s, 197 pieces, $450.
Silhouette, Reverend Thomas Barnard, cut paper, frame, Salem, Mass., c. 1800, 6 x 5 1/4 inches, $660.
Silver fruit bowl, lobed, flared, applied scrollwork, handles, William Forbes, New York, c. 1840, 12 inches, $865.
Lolling chair, Federal style, mahogany, upholstered, open scrolled arms, box stretcher, 1800s, pair, $1,080.
Weather vane, Indian, bow & arrow, full body, verdigris, gilt, 20th century, 53 inches, $1,295.
Baseball card, Lou Gehrig, No. 160, Goudey Gum Co., 1933, $1,540.
Eagle bell toy, patriotic, Centennial Celebration commemoration, figural, spoke wheels, cast iron, Gong Bell Mfg. Co., c. 1876, 5 3/4 inches, $2,635.
Firefighting bucket, leather, red paint, R.H. Parker, Phoenix Fire Society, Exeter, N.H., 1932, 20 inches, pair, $3,360.
Wood carving, Abraham Lincoln, leather tie, brass buttons, base, painted, 1900s, 32 inches, $5,760.
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BEACHWOOD, Ohio – The skill of sewing with a needle and thread was required in the centuries before the sewing machine was invented. A machine, probably the first, was used in England in 1715, and another was patented in 1844. But the Elias Howe (1845) and Isaac Singer (1851) machines were the ones that gained fame and sold by the thousands.
Women were expected to hand-embroider monograms on bedding and towels, cut and sew parts of a dress properly, and be able to mend. The mistress of the house was expected to sew in the evening, and equipment and fabrics were stored in a table in the living room near a fireplace. The wealthy of the 19th century had tools, scissors, bobbins, tape measures, thimbles and more made of gold or silver, stored in a fancy case.
Twentieth-century housewives had metal or plastic tools and a sewing machine. At a January 2014 Theriault's sale, a collection of sewing utensils brought high prices. A tape measure shaped like a sewing machine sold for $504. An English silver piglet topped by a purple velvet pincushion sold for $224. And a cash-metal thimble with brass finish sold for $112. Look in Grandma's sewing basket and junk drawer. There may be sewing treasures hidden there.
Q: I have a pottery casserole dish stamped with a Wilkinson Royal Staffordshire mark. I think the casserole dates to the 1890s from what I have learned about the mark. It has a gold-colored pattern around the edge of the base and lid. I'm wondering what it's worth.
A: Arthur J. Wilkinson took over the Royal Staffordshire Pottery in Burslem, England, in 1885. The company, known as A.J. Wilkinson Ltd., continued to operate for more than a century. Some Royal Staffordshire casseroles, even from the 1890s, sell for under $20. Others sell for prices in the hundreds.
Q: My mother bought a rocker at a Goodwill store in the 1960s for about $10. When we brought it home, Dad found a crest and date under the seat. It says "S. Bent & Bros., Inc., Gardner, Mass., 1867." It's still sturdy, although the arms have been imperceptibly braced where they meet the seat and the paint is worn down where the hands rest. Can you tell me something about the maker and an approximate value?
A: S. Bent & Bros. was founded in 1867 by Samuel, Charles and Roderic Bent. The company made Colonial-style furniture. The company closed in 2001. The furniture was mass-produced and a rocker sells for about $50 to $75 today.
Q: I own an antique Snoopy candy jar. It's glass with a color picture of Snoopy on it. Is it worth anything?
A: Anything related to Snoopy, Charlie Brown's pet dog in the Peanuts comic strip, can't be called an "antique" because it's not 100 or more years old. The comic strip, the work of Charles Schulz (1922-2000), debuted in 1950. The Snoopy candy jar dates from about 1965, which makes it a "collectible." The jar, in excellent condition, sells for $5 to $20.
Q: I have a glass butter churn, approximately 14 inches tall and 6 inches in diameter, with a metal lid and crank churning mechanism on the top. It has wooden paddles that do the work. The glass is embossed "Dazey Churn No. 40, Patented Feb. 1922, Dazey Churn & Mfg. Co., St. Louis, Mo., Made in USA." What is it worth?
A: Nathan Dazey became manager of the EZ Churn Co. of Dallas in 1904. He bought out the owner a couple of years later and moved the company to St. Louis. Dazey was granted a patent for improvements to small churns for household use on Feb. 14, 1922. The company was sold in 1947. Reproductions of the churn have been made. Dazey made 1, 2, 3 and 4 quart churns given Nos. 10, 20, 30 and 40. Smaller churns are reproductions. Vintage Dazey No. 40 churns sell for about $100.
Q: I own many beautiful items I would like to sell, but I'm not sure about finding a good antiques buyer in my city. I have lost two good Oriental rugs through consignment. When I called to check on my rugs, the owner told me they had been donated and I never received any money. Please give me some advice. I'm not originally from the area where I live now.
A: Before taking any of your antiques to a consignment shop, check on the shop by contacting your local Better Business Bureau. Never give anything to someone to repair, restore or sell without first getting a signed receipt that includes a detailed description of the items and states what you want the shop to do with them. Some places accept items for donation as well as for consignment. Be sure you are specific about what you expect. Some shops have policies that allow them to dispose of items if you don't pick them up within a certain length of time. Be sure you understand what their policy is before you leave your items. If you feel the business has been dishonest, file a complaint with the bureau. To find your local Better Business Bureau, go to BBB.org.
Tip: Never wash plastic dishes in the dishwasher. They may warp.
Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer questions sent to the column. By sending a letter with a question, you give full permission for use in the column or any other Kovel forum. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We cannot guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. The amount of mail makes personal answers or appraisals impossible. Write to Kovels, Auction Central News, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019.
Keep up with changes in the collectibles world. Send for a free sample issue of our 12-page, color-illustrated newsletter, "Kovels on Antiques and Collectibles," filled with prices, news, information and photos, plus major articles and opinions about the world of collecting. An important tool for anyone who buys or sells antiques and collectibles. To subscribe at a bargain $27 for 12 issues, write Kovels, P.O. Box 8534, Big Sandy, TX 75755; call 800-829-9158; or subscribe online at KovelsOnlineStore.com.
BEACHWOOD, Ohio – Vintage motor oil cans are popular among men. There is very little information available about the cans, but there's a lot about the companies that made the oil. So it's easy to date a can by its logo and style, which makes it easy to find great early examples.
The tin can was invented in 1810 to hold food for Napoleon's army. Cans were made by hand in the early 19th century. About six could be made by one man in an hour. By 1900 the main products stored in tin cans were food and petroleum products. Cans made around the turn of the 20th century had a soldered seam on the side that looks like a gray strip.
Cardboard cans were introduced in the 1940s but were widely used from the 1950s to the 1980s. The first soft drink aluminum cans were used in 1953. The first aluminum cans for motor oil were made in 1958. The square cardboard quart oil can came into use in the 1960s.
Most popular with collectors are the quart size, then the gallon, then the 5-gallon, and it does not matter if the can is full or empty.
An unusual Marathon motor oil container sold in 2014 at a William Morford auction. It's shaped and decorated to look like an oil well. The 15-inch-high can has the brand's "Running Man" logo, a silhouette of an ancient Greek runner and the slogan "Best in the long run." The logo dates back to the 1920s, but the brand was purchased by the Ohio Oil Co. in 1930.
Q: I have a New York Mets pennant from the 1969 World Series. It's red with white and blue lettering that reads "New York Mets, 1969 National League Champions." It has the Mets logo, Mr. Met, and the words "World Series." The last names of all the players and the manager are listed. The pennant is in good condition. What is it worth?
A: The New York Mets was an expansion team that ended up in last place in 1962, its inaugural season, and second to last the following seasons until 1969, when they clinched the National League pennant. The "Miracle Mets" upset the Baltimore Orioles and won the World Series that year, too. Mets pennants like yours in good condition sell for about $50 to $100.
Q: We have a Fleischmann's model steam engine that's 9 1/2 inches tall. It's in a box marked "Fleischmann 105/1" and "Western Germany." There also are operating instructions. We can't find a date or any other information, but it seems to be an old toy. Can you give us any information about this model?
A: Jean Fleischmann founded his toy company in 1877 in Nuremburg, Germany. The company began making steam toys after World War II. Model steam engines were made to power model trains and other toys. Fleischmann was taken over by Modelleisenbahn (Model Railways) in 2008 but continues as a separate brand. Your model steam engine was made between about 1950 and 1964. The steam engine sells for under $50.
Q: My small Victorian parlor table is made of oak. It has a shaped top and intricately turned legs and four little claw feet, each holding a little glass ball. I cannot find a mark or label. What would the table sell for today?
A: Those glass ball-and-claw feet were popular during the late Victorian Golden Oak period of furniture-making. If your table is in excellent condition, it could sell for $300 or more.
Q: I have a deck of playing cards with pictures of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, and his henchmen. The joker lists the ranks of Iraqi military next to ranks of the U.S. military. Can you tell me anything about these cards and their value?
A: A set of "personality identification playing cards" like yours was developed in 2003 to help members of the U.S. military identify "wanted" Iraqi government officials and party chairmen. Each card had the person's picture, if available, his or her last known location, and their government or committee position. High-ranking officials were pictured on the aces and face cards, and less important people on low-number cards. Saddam Hussein was pictured on the highest-ranking card, the ace of spades. The day the deck of cards was announced, an enterprising civilian downloaded the images from the U.S. Department of Defense website and offered them for sale on eBay. Soon other people also were selling the cards. Decks of Iraqi Most Wanted Playing Cards have sold online for $5 or less.
Q: In the 1970s, I was a salesman for Wilson's tennis equipment. I recently uncovered long-forgotten boxes of unused tennis rackets from the days when Wilson was far and away the leading manufacturer of rackets. The rackets are in perfect condition. Most of them have never been strung and most also come with a cover. Is there a market for these?
A: There is a market for vintage tennis rackets, although competitive players would never use them today – technology has improved rackets too much. You should contact a dealer or auctioneer who specializes in sports collectibles. And organize your collection and any related printed material to prove the age of each model. It is likely that a single racket could sell for $25 to $50.
Tip: Check wires and screw eyes before hanging an old picture.
Take advantage of a free listing for your group to announce events or to find antique shows, national meetings and other events. Go to the Calendar at Kovels.com to find, publicize and plan your antiquing trips.
BEACHWOOD, Ohio – Collectors sometimes find an unusual "go-with" for their collection. Collectors buy a standard one-sheet movie poster, 27 by 41 inches, or a three-sheet, 40 by 81 inches, or a half-sheet, 22 by 28 inches, or lobby cards that usually are 11 by 14 inches. Sometimes a full set of lobby cards – seven scene cards and one title card – is found. There also are cardboard window cards, autographs, promotional items, jewelry, T-shirts, toys and games, all related to a movie.
A lucky find for movie buffs this year was a jigsaw puzzle made with a photograph of Susan Hayward (1917-1975), a movie star and leading lady from 1937 to 1972. While there are many movie-star paper dolls, there are very few jigsaw puzzles.
Q: My grandmother was married in 1899 and received a curvy birch bedroom dresser and chest as a gift. Both pieces are mounted with a beveled mirror in a carved wooden frame. My mother wasn't fond of the furniture, but she kept it and now we're using it because we can tell its quality is a lot better than anything else we own. The label on the back of each piece says "Robert Mitchell Furniture Co., Cincinnati, Ohio." Please tell us about the manufacturer and the furniture's value.
A: Robert Mitchell was an Irish immigrant who partnered with Frederick Rammelsberg to open a furniture-making business in Cincinnati in the 1830s or '40s. Mitchell & Rammelsberg incorporated in 1867. In 1881, after Rammelsberg had died, the corporate name was changed to Robert Mitchell Furniture Co. It remained in business until about 1940. Any Victorian-era furniture made by Mitchell & Rammelsberg or Robert Mitchell Furniture Co. is high-quality and prized by collectors.
Q: My 85-year-old mother-in-law gave my wife and me a six-sided large glass Planters Peanuts jar she has had for years. She told us her aunt worked in a bar a long time ago and the jar was on the counter for patrons to reach in and grab peanuts. There are fired-on yellow Mr. Peanut images around the outside of the jar, which has its original glass lid with a peanut finial. Are these old jars collectible?
A: Planters Peanuts have been around since 1906, and Mr. Peanut became the company's logo in 1916. Jars like yours have been made in many shapes and styles since then, but yours probably is the six-sided jar made in 1936. If your jar is in excellent condition, it could be worth $50 to $100. Advertising collectors love Mr. Peanut.
Q: I'm looking for information about my black amethyst vase. Can you help?
A: Black amethyst glass looks black until it's held to the light. Then it looks dark but not black. It has been made in many factories since 1860, so unless the piece has a maker's mark, it's impossible to tell who made it. Look for similar shapes online or in books about 19th- and 20th-century glass.
Q: I was given several Lladro figurines and would like to find out what they're worth and the best way to sell them, if I choose to.
A: Juan, Jose and Vicente Lladro started making Lladro porcelain in Almacera, Spain, in 1951. The company moved to Tabernes Blanques in 1958 and is still working. Figurines are made in both limited and unlimited editions, and a figurine may come in different colors and with different finishes. Most have a glossy glaze, some have a matte finish and some were made with Gres finish, a brightly-colored satiny finish introduced in 1970. Lladro figurines can be hard to sell. Price depends on condition, glaze and rarity. You can check online to see what they are currently selling for, but most unlimited edition figurines sell for $50 to $150.
Q: I have two volumes of The History of the Civil War in America, by John S.CIRCA Abbott. The first volume was published in 1863 and the second in 1865. The books have leather bindings and include engravings of battle scenes, maps and pictures of important men.
A: John Stevens Cabot Abbott (1805-1877) was a writer and Congregational minister who wrote inspirational books before he left the ministry in 1844. He wrote books about historical events and biographies after his retirement. Abbot was one of several northern authors who wrote histories of the Civil War while it was still being fought. The books helped shape public opinion about the war. Much of his information came from newspaper accounts of battles. Abbot's history of the Civil War was published in German as well as English because there were many German immigrants in the North. The History of the Civil War in America was sold by agents or by subscription, and a list of subscribers was printed in the books. Two volumes sold at auction last year for $75.
Tip: Pewter looks best when displayed against a blue background. Silver is most attractive against a red background.
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subset: commoncrawl


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President Pratibha Patil said the media must search for and find a balance between portrayal of negative and positive happenings in the society.
Inaugurating the 62nd World Newspaper Congress and 16th World Editors' Forum on Tuesday, she said the function of the media as a social catalyst was so powerful that it imposed an obligation on the media to profile issues of equity and empowerment of all. "There is a tendency in some sections to focus excessively on news which is negative", she observed.
Of course, there was a lesson to be learnt from negative events, but equally important was to convey positive messages and inspire people, she said.
Stating that globalization had created a situation where events could no longer be viewed as isolated occurrences, Mrs. Patil said issues like terrorism, climate change, rapid communication systems and financial integration were some of the indicators of the global village concept. Referring to the complex network woven across the world by terrorists, she said journalists have a stake in building a better and safer world.
Climate change too had ramifications for individuals and nations and media could play a crucial role in promoting behavioural patterns, consumption preferences and production models which were environment friendly.
Emphasising the important role of editors as opinion makers, the President said, "this role, apart from intellectual capabilities, demands objectivity, fairness and a deep sense of responsibility. A discussion on ethics in media and how quality journalism can be promoted in a manner that it serves public interest is an important self-assessment exercise, particularly as journalists influence the thinking, the standards and ethics of a society".
The President said that journalism should remain anchored in some basic principles and criteria. Journalism's first obligation was to truth and its first loyalty to the citizens. The media also had a very crucial role in promoting the cause of good governance, "a role that makes it a higher calling, demanding great responsibility. Is the media doing enough and is it doing justice to this responsibility" the President asked.
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Mohan Jatua stressed the need for media to maintain credibility and work as a guide towards welfare of society. Chief Minister K. Rosaiah said the society would continue to look to the media to be its conscience-keeper. AP Tourism Minister J. Geeta Reddy urged the media to promote a campaign for legalisation of the institution of Ombudsman in every media organisation.
Gavin O' Reilly, President WAN-IFRA and T.Venkatram Reddy, President, Indian Newspaper Society spoke. Earlier a minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect for more than 30 journalists killed in Philippines last week.
Keywords: World Newspaper Congress, World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers, WAN-IFRA, World Editors' Forum


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The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION
More kids taking alternative therapies, but doctors rarely told: study
TORONTO - A growing number of Canadian children with chronic illnesses are being treated with complementary medicine, researchers say, but parents don't always tell doctors they are using the alternative therapies.
Yet informing health-care providers about vitamins, herbal and homeopathic remedies is important because in some cases they can adversely interact with traditional medications, the researchers say.
In a survey of parents having their children treated at two Canadian pediatric hospitals, researchers found that alternative medicines and such therapies as massage and chiropractic were commonly used.
At Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton, 71 per cent of parents surveyed said they treated their kids with complementary medicine, while 42 per cent of parents attending the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa reported their use.
"Our study found that many, many children use complementary therapies, and unfortunately oftentimes parents do not necessarily disclose this use when they're talking to their child's health-care team," said pediatrician Dr. Sunita Vohra, co-principal author of the study.
The research, published Monday in the journal Pediatrics, found almost 20 per cent of families surveyed said they had not told their physician or pharmacist about using both prescription and alternative medicines together.
"The reasons for this are probably many and varied," Vohra said from Edmonton. "Sometimes, parents don't feel comfortable bringing it up. Sometimes, they're not sure how that information is going to be received by the health-care team."
And in other cases, parents may not think the information is relevant because they may not consider a herbal remedy, for instance, as being a medicine, she said.
The study involved a total of 926 families at 10 different clinics in Edmonton and Ottawa, with parents asked to fill out an anonymous questionnaire in the waiting room prior to their child's appointment.
The young patients were being seen at clinics in the two hospitals that deal with pediatric cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, oncology and respiratory health conditions.
The most common complementary medicines used were multivitamins or minerals, herbal products and homeopathic remedies, while the most often-used alternative therapies were massage, chiropractic, relaxation and aromatherapy.
Almost half reported using forms of complementary remedies at the same time as being treated by conventional medicine, while about five per cent said they used such alternative therapies instead of standard medicine.
Parents were two to three times more likely to use complementary medicine if their child's health was fair or poor and if the parent used that form of treatment themselves.
The study also found that about 56 per cent of respondents were treating their youngsters with alternative forms of medication at the same time as they were taking prescription drugs.
But such concurrent treatment can be risky: the study found 80 cases of interactions between complementary remedies and traditional drugs, including 19 considered moderately adverse and six that were deemed severe.
Fish oil, for instance, can cause the blood to thin. Combining it with a pharmaceutical blood thinner can result in bleeding, Vohra said.
Echinacea, a herb taken by many people to boost the immune system, can counter the effectiveness of chemotherapy used to treat cancer, she said.
"There's all kinds of medications that can interact and you have to (assess) it on a case-by-case basis," noted CHEO pediatrician Dr. James King, who led the study with Vohra.
"The big thing is if you don't ask about it, you don't know to check, right?" King said from Ottawa.
"And if it's possible that 20 per cent of your patients are coming in and they are on medications and they're not disclosing this (alternative) treatment ... on our side as a profession we need to make sure that we're asking."
Vohra also cautioned that "more is not necessarily better."
"We have seen patients that have gotten into trouble if they expose themselves ... to polypharmacy —the idea of taking many things at the same time," she said. "Even though the things they're taking are natural health products, if you're on a long list of them, I would be careful.
"People make an assumption that natural means safe."
The study also found that more than 60 per cent of parents reported getting information about complementary medicine from "family." Others cited the Internet, health food stores, pharmacies, and books and magazines.
"They get their information from a variety of sources, and when you have a commercial interest, when someone is trying to sell you something, you may not actually be getting an unbiased source of advice," Vohra said.
"So we think it's useful to try to create an opportunity for dialogue where there isn't a sales pitch attached to it," she said, encouraging parents to raise the issue of complementary medicine use with their child's care providers.
King said the study suggests that families want doctors and other health providers to ask about the use of complementary medicine, and they want a reliable source of information about their potential benefits and harms.
"A lot of people are using it," he said. "I think we need to recognize that and we just need to build it into our care plan."
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TORONTO - Canada is sending expert assistance to the Democratic Republic of Congo to help the central African country contain its latest Ebola outbreak.
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You no longer need to explain multiple Providing an integrated solution also removes benefits as well as the different definitions the opportunity for clients to trade off one and options available under the current lump benefit over another due to the perceived cost sum product sets. or overlap of cover. By feeling more confident about their decision, clients will be more likely to retain their cover in future years. *Macquarie Life Limited (In house research May 2010) The premium difference is based on the comparison of the cost of Active Cover to the cost of a Macquarie FutureWise packaged policy providing life, total and permanent disability and trauma insurance for applicants working in clerical occupations. FutureWise provides different benefits when compared to Active, and either Active or FutureWise may provide for greater claim payments in certain circumstances. Differences in the benefits provided, as well as differences in price, should be considered when determining which policy is right for you. 7 Policy ownership When you arrange cover through Macquarie Life Active, the policy holder is an important consideration as it may affect the following aspects of your client's insurance cover. ■ how cover will be issued ■ who receives any benefit that becomes payable ■ types of cover and options available ■ benefits included in a policy, e.g. some benefits are not available when cover is held through superannuation ■ access to any benefit that becomes payable ■ the tax treatment of the premium paid and benefits received. Policy Owner Insured person* Type of cover available Non-superannuation A person or company Either: All types of cover are available (that is not a trustee of ■ the same person as under a non- superannuation policy: superannuation fund). the policy owner; or ■ death and terminal illness; ■ a different person. ■ Health Events; ■ Income Cover (including Extra Benefits option); and ■ Child Cover. Within superannuation A person or company A member of the relevant self The types of cover available under a who is a trustee of a managed superannuation fund. superannuation policy are limited to: self managed ■ death and terminal illness; superannuation fund. ■ Health Events (meeting the SIS permanent incapacity Macquarie Investment A member of an eligible definition); and Management Limited superannuation plan. ■ Income Cover (not available (MIML) as trustee of a through the insurance- only superannuation fund. A member of the insurance- division of the Macquarie only division of the Macquarie Superannuation Plan). Superannuation Plan. *The person who is insured under the policy 8 Health Events Macquarie Life Active has the following benefit categories for Health Events. Body System: Cancer Body system: Kidneys ■ Solid tumour cancers and urogenital tract ■ Renal failure ■ Lymphomas ■ Brain tumours ■ Kidney transplant ■ Leukaemias ■ Surgical procedures ■ Other cancers Body system: Lungs ■ Diseases of the lung Body system: Heart and artery ■ Heart attack ■ Surgical procedures ■ Cardiomyopathy ■ Lung transplant ■ Other heart and artery conditions ■ Other lung conditions ■ Heart transplant Body system: ■ Surgical procedures Musculoskeletal system ■ Burns Body system: Brain and nerves ■ Back, limb and whole ■ Stroke person impairment ■ Cognitive conditions Body system: Ear ■ Coma ■ Loss of hearing ■ Surgical procedures and events ■ Surgical procedures ■ Other brain and nerve conditions Body system: eye Body system: Digestive system ■ Loss of sight ■ Transplants ■ Surgical procedures ■ Surgical procedures ■ Other digestive conditions Body system: HIV/AIDS ■ Liver conditions Body system: General ■ Body system: General ■ Inability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL) To find out more about how Active provides a breath of fresh air for you and your clients, please contact your business development manager or call Macquarie Life on 1800 005 057. 9 How to contact Macquarie Life Admin Freecall 1800 005 057 Underwriting Freecall 1800 451 689 Fax Gateway 1800 812 175 GPO Box 5216 Brisbane QLD 4001 firstname.lastname@example.com macquarie.com.au/lifeactive Claims Freecall 1800 208 130 email@example.com This document is current as at August 2011 and is issued by Macquarie Life Limited (Macquarie Life) ABN 56 003 963 773 AFSL 237 497 and Macquarie Investment Management Limited (MIML) ABN 66 002 867 003 AFSL 237 492 ("we", "us", "our" or "Macquarie" as the context requires). Macquarie Life and MIML are not authorised deposit-taking institutions for the purposes of the Banking Act (Cth) 1959, and Macquarie Life's and MIML's obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of Macquarie Bank Limited ABN 46 008 583 542. Macquarie Bank Limited does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of Macquarie Life and MIML. In deciding whether to acquire or continue to hold insurance, investors should consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) available from us. This information is provided for the use of licensed financial advisers only. In no circumstances is it to be used by a person for the purposes of making a decision about a financial product or class of financial products. FLY2673
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7 Hour One-day Interactive Seminar
The new international pressure ulcer guidelines recently published 575 recommendations for pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. In this seminar, we will detail the guidelines in a format that will help you determine and summarize what is working in your care settings and what areas need improvement. Additionally, you will be provided with "how to's" specific to the guidelines.
Seminar will cover:
Seminar Objectives—Upon conclusion participants will be able to:
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March 19, 2015 San Antonio, TX
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Enhance your knowledge in wound care and Get a "taste of the apple" with our one day wound care seminars! Designed as either half day or full day events, the seminars are presented in an exciting, motivating and energizing format that makes the perfect learning environment.


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You must earn 10,000 points to post other members' whiteboard
Congratulations on having the perseverance to post for 600 consecutive days! Good Luck on reaching your next goals!! Warren
Congratulations on your first million, that's a lot of gas prices! David
Reached 1 Million points. Yay!
#2 rank 30 days.
Congrats on your consistent performance. Nice to see a buddy on the Consevutive Days and 30 Day list.
#2! thirty day rank
#2! 30 day rank
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30 day rank #2!


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The Bed Bug Plug is a new device for the early and active detection of bed bugs.
NEW YORK, N.Y. — The Bed Bug Plug is a new device for the early and active detection of bed bugs. The goal is to quickly detect a Bed Bug problem before a new or recurring infestation occurs. When designing the Bed Bug Plug, many different ideas and studies were taken into consideration. The design is unique because it uses heat as an attractant and is desirable for the bed bug as it simulates an ideal feeding and resting environment, the manufacturer reports. When bed bugs want to feed they sense the body heat and CO2 from a person. They instinctively use "Thermal Graphic Radar" to zone in on their meal. In addition to looking for heat, Bed Bugs seek rest in a comfortable, warm, textured hiding place, typically a crack or crevice. The Bed Bug Plug embodies all of these attributes. The Bed Bug Plug utilizes a heating element that mimics the heat radiated from a human being. The bottom portion is slightly cooler, at a temperature ideal for the Bed Bug to rest and hide until the next feeding. As they crawl curiously deeper into the specially designed cave, they push themselves against the glue adhesive on the roof of the device. This will permanently catch them, providing a perfect sample specimen for a pest control professional.
According to the manufacturer, the laboratory test results show that the device was effective in detecting bed bugs in a standard room environment. Moreover, the company reports that its results show Bed Bug Plug to be very effective on newly introduced bed bugs.
The Bed Bug Plug design allows the device to be attached to a wall socket and has a dual socket where you can plug other electronics directly into the device making it discreet and easily hidden. The Bed Bug Plug is designed to accept cartridges which contain the special glue boards. This makes it both clean and easy to check if the device has caught any bedbugs and also to replace the glue boards.
The Bed Bug Plug will be available in the first quarter of 2012.
Two of the most destructive termite species in the world are now swarming simultaneously in South Florida, creating hybrid colonies that grow quickly and have the potential to migrate to other states.
Scarlett Nolen, daughter of Truly Nolen, has been promoted to coaching and retention coordinator.
Casey Parker recently won the ONE WORLD competition, organized by the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Challenge 2050 Project in conjunction with the Syngenta Good Growth Plan.
Terminix released its annual ranking of the most termite-infested cities in the country. Cities in California and Texas dominated the list, earning six of the top 10 spots.
Science journalist Brooke Borel has penned 'Infested: How the Bed Bug Infiltrated Our Bedrooms and Took Over the World,' a look at the biological and cultural histories of these amazingly adaptive insects.


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I bought 6 used Cornys, and they were all quite dirty, but hot water, PBW & a stiff brush took care of 5 of them.
However, the last one just won't come clean. I've done 3 hot PBW soaks so far to no avail. It's a ring of brown crud at the bottom of the corny, and my arms are too fat to be able to use a scrub pad directly on the crud.
Anyone have some heavy duty cleaning tricks?
Anytime I buy cornies, I first soak them in phosphoric acid for 24 hours. After a good rinse, I soak them in lye for another 24 hours. Not much survives the soak.
From man's sweat and God's love, beer came into the world. -- Saint Arnoldus
You probably got a keg that was used for root beer. They can be a PITA to clean. I use Mcd Sanitizer. You can't buy it but you can get it from someone who works at McDonald's. Just be careful what you use as some cleaners corrode stainless steel.
buy a new toilet brush, and use it just for the cornies.
Isnt star-san just diluted phosphoric acid.... or is there other stuff in there too?
I had the same problem with a couple of my kegs that had rootbeer in them. I filled them with about a gallon of boiling water and dumped a soop of Oxyclean Free (the oderless scentless type). I let them sit overnight and the rings where gone the next day.


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Arizona Diamondbacks
Rumor: Arizona Diamondbacks interested in acquiring Houston Astros right-hander Bud Norris
It's important to keep all options open in the days leading up to the trade deadline, and apparently Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers is doing just that.
The D-backs have lost out on the Jake Peavy sweepstakes, as the right-hander has reportedly been traded to the Boston Red Sox, but are still in the running for Houston Astros pitcher Bud Norris.
Arizona remains in play on Bud Norris, as do Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Teams involved expect him to be moved before deadline.— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2013
As first reported by MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, the D-backs are one of the three teams -- along with the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates -- trying to acquire the Houston Astros right-hander.
Norris, who was removed from his start Tuesday, has a 6-9 record with a 3.93 ERA in 2013.
For his career, the 28-year-old is 34-46 with a 4.33 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. His current contract with the Astros expires in 2015.
Most Popular
- Chip Hale, D-backs managerChip Hale discusses his conversation with Don Mattingly about ended the D-backs-Dodgers feud.
- Derrick Hall, D-backs President & CEOHow are the D-backs progressing this spring? What did he think of the Dodgers game?
- Tony La Russa, D-backs Chief Baseball OfficerTony shares his thoughts on what happened between the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers.
- Chip Hale, D-backs managerChip Hale says there was nothing intentional in the D-backs-Dodgers bean ball war Monday.
- What's on your mindVince shares what is on his mind this week.


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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: Two-Disc Special Edition
Directed By: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rubert Grint, Emma Watson, Jim Broadbent, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, David Thewlis, Helena Bonham Carter, Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Tom Felton
|Studio: Warner
Year: 2009
Rated: PG-13
Film Length: 153 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 2.4:1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Release Date: December 8, 2009
The Film ****Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, adapted from the penultimate book in the mega popular "Harry Potter" series from J. K. Rowling, picks up quite literally where its predecessor, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix left off, with an exhausted Harry (Radcliffe) and Professor Dumbledore (Gabon) exiting the Ministry of Magic where the climactic confrontation of the earlier film took place. That confrontation has finally convinced the larger wizarding world that the evil Lord Voldemort is indeed alive and thriving. No longer keeping a low profile, Voldemort's followers, known as "Death Eaters" are now operating out in the open, even wreaking havoc in the non-magical "muggle" world. In this environment, Harry begins his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Due to being a rare survivor of multiple hostile encounters with Voldemort, Harry is viewed by some in the Wizarding world as "the chosen one". Keeping him grounded as usual are his close friends, Ron (Grint) and Hermione (Watson), awkward romantic feelings towards Ron's sister, Ginny (Wright), and an assignment from headmaster Dumbledore to get close to the new fame-obsessed Potions Master, Professor Slughorn (Broadbent) who may hold the answer to an important mystery concerning Voldemort's past. Paralleling Dumbledore's newfound solicitation of direct aid from Harry, Draco Malfoy (Felton), a Hogwarts student whose father was exposed as a Death Eater and imprisoned, takes on a secret task from Voldemort abetted by Professor Snape (Rickman), who has sworn an oath to watch after him.
Director David Yates turned Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, considered by many to be the weakest book in the series, into one of the best Harry Potter films by ruthlessly cutting the book down to its essence. He and screenwriter Steve Kloves take a similar approach to streamlining Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince with only slightly less success. ...Half Blood Prince being a much more tightly constructed novel than its predecessor, the film adaptation cannot always hide a number of the character details it is glossing over. This occasionally undermines certain key moments of drama, most notably the reveal of the identity of the titular "Half-Blood Prince", but is far from a fatal flaw.
On the other hand, the film succeeds at establishing a distinctive tone which sets it apart from the other films in the series. The thematic darkness that was always lingering in the background of the series and came to the forefront at the conclusion of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire has found its visual complement in this film. Lord Voldemort never even appears in the film except in flashbacks, and yet the dark and desaturated cinematography gives the viewer the impression that his presence is lingering over every frame. The characters in the film are also engaged in more serious and adult-like tasks appropriate for their coming of age during dark times. This is consistent with where the series seemed to be headed.
One aspect of the film that may catch viewers by surprise, though, are the various romantic complications relating to unspoken feelings between Harry and Ginny as well as between Ron and Hermione. These sequences serve to throw the otherwise pervasive darkness into relief while introducing some recognizable teen angst into the somewhat less relatable "wizarding world in the balance" angst of the larger plot. I thought this element of the film worked quite well, in some ways better than it did in the books, due largely to the skills of the young cast under Yates' direction. It is a credit to director Chris Columbus that he was able to identify so much young talent eight years ago for the first film in the series, a credit to the producers that they were able to keep the cast largely intact, and of course, a credit to the actors themselves that they would continue to improve their craft over time.
The Video **½The 16:9 enhanced 2.35:1 video presentation is best described as inconsistent. Despite devoting an entire dual-layered disc to nothing but the film and a handful of promos, there are numerous passages that look bit-starved with mosquito noise and other digital video artifacts inclusive of "jaggies", aliasing, and macro-blocking in dark areas of the screen. The cinematography of the film is intentionally darker and duller than earlier films in the series, which makes the latter artifact all the more noticeable when it occurs. There are sections of the film that look fitfully very good, but there are too many passages with one or more of the aforementioned artifacts for the overall effect to be satisfactory, especially if viewed on a large screen.
The Audio ****The English Dolby Digital 5.1 track, encoded at a bitrate of 384 kbps, is at least a step-up from the video quality. The active and dynamic theatrical mix is generally well re-purposed for the home environment. Fidelity occasionally seems to fall off a bit, particularly when all 5.1 channels are engaged, but this will only be noticeable with critical listening. An alternate Spanish language Dolby Digital 5.1 track is also included.
The Extras ***½
Disc OneThere are no special features on the first disc, but when the viewer first spins it up, they aree greeted with the following series of skippable promos. All are presented in 4:3 video letterboxed when appropriate, with Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo sound unless otherwise indicated below:
- LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 Video Game Trailer (1:06)
- Harry Potter Spells iPhone/iTouch Game Trailer (:43)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince The Video Game Trailer (16:9 enhanced video - 2:32)
- Harry Potter Ultimate Editions BD and DVD Trailer (2:35)
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Orlando Resort Promo (16:9 enhanced video - 1:05)
- Free Willy: Escape from Pirate's Cove DTV Trailer (2:13)
Disc TwoDisc Two greets the viewer with the following skippable promos when it is first played. They are presented in letterboxed 4:3 video with Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo sound:
- Sherlock Holmes Theatrical Trailer (2:21)
- Harry Potter Wizarding World Interactive DVD Game(1:16)
First Footage from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (1:50) Slightly less than a minute of introductory comments from Producer David Heyman and Director David Yates with a little behind the scenes footage is followed by a slightly less than one minute teaser trailer.
Close-Up with the Cast of Harry Potter (28:33 with "Play All") is a feaurette hosted by actors Matthew Lewis (who plays Neville Longbottom in the film) and Alfie Enoch (who plays Dean Thomas). It is broken up into a series of short vignettes in which young cast members who play a Hogwarts students in the film visit a non-actor member of the production team to learn about what they do. These vignettes are viewable separately or via a "Play All" feature, but since each segment begins with interstitial comments from Lewis and Enoch that reference the previous segment and introduce the next one, it works best with "Play All". The segments are as follows:
- Editing with Daniel Radcliffe - is a discussion between Editor Mark Day and Daniel Radcliffe in which they discuss how scenes are assembled
- Special Effects with Matthew Lewis, Oliver Phelps and Tom Felton - is a review of the inner workings of various practical mechanical effects props with the actors, Special Efects Technician Matthew Harlow, and Special Effects Supervisor John Richardson
- Owl Training with Jessie Cave - finds the actress in a field discussing the extensive work involved in training Oels with Owl Trainer Guillame Grange
- Stunt Training with Rupert Grint - finds Stunt Performer Nick Daines putting Grint in a harness on a trampoline to achieve various Quidditch moves
- Costume Designs with Evanna Lynch - is a conversation between Lynch and Costume Designer Jany Temime in which they discuss the film's wardrobe as well as some jewelry that Lynch made for her own character.
- Art with Bonnie Wright - is a visit to the prop department during which Wright interviews Graphic Designer Eduardo Lima
- Behind the Camera with James Phelps - reviews the Assistant Director Department where Phelps actually worked behind the scenes on the movie when he was not acting.
- Makeup with Emma Watson - is a visits with Make-up Designer Amanda Knightwho has been with the film series for all six titles to date. She helps Watson apply a "Death-Eater" "dark Mark" to her arm and discusses various elaborate make-ups and anecdotes from the six movies.
One Minute Drills (6:45) is a brief featurette in which members of the film's youthful cast are challenged to recap their characters' storylines from the six films in 60 seconds or less. Participants are James & Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, and Emma Watson
What's on Your Mind? (6:43) is another brief featurette in which actor Tom Felton interviews his fellow cast members asking a series of brief "get to know you" questions while requesting that they provide the first answer that pops into their heads. Questions include: What is your favorite word? If You could eat just one food, what would it be? Chocolate or Strawberry? What famous person would they most like to spend the day with? Which historical figure would they most like to spend the day with? What musical act would they like to meet? Who is the most famous person you ever met? What would you most like to change about the world? What sport would you most like to master? Rugby or Quidditch? Where would you most like to visit? Desert Island Book? Favorite Sound? Makes you Laugh? If you couldn't be an actor, what would you like to do? What are you most grateful for? Participants include darn near every actor who plays a Hogwarts student in the film.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Sneak Peek (11:40) is a preview of the forthcoming Universal Orlando theme park. It is an entire park developed around attractions based on the Harry Potter universe of the films and books (Hmmm? Sort of a "Magic Kingdom" I suppose). It consists largely of on-camera interviews intercut with behind the scenes peeks at the various attractions at the park. On camera interview participants include Radcliffe, Watson, Universal Parks and Resorts - Universal Creative Vice President Therry Coup, Universal Parks and Resorts - Universal Creative President Mark Woodbury, Show Producer Paul Dario, Film Series Producer David Heyman, Film Series Production Designer Stuart Craig, Supervising Art Director Alan Gilmore, Film Series producer David Barron, actor Robbie Coltrane, Universal Parks and Resorts Executive Chef Steve Jayson, Gambon, Grint, Felton, Oliver & James Phelps, and Matthew Lewis.
Additional Scenes (6:48 w/"Play All") is a collection of eight brief deleted scenes from the film which are viewable individually or via a 'Play All" selection. A lot of them involve exposition that the filmmakers deemed redundant or at least unnecessary in the finished film. Personally, I thought the additional bits of speculation about and demonstration of what Malfoy was up to over the course of the film would have been useful as it was likely a bit confusing for viewers unfamiliar with the source novel. The last few scenes would have worked primarily as mood pieces and were likely deleted for time. They are interesting enough that I am glad they were included here. The "descriptive to the point of not needing a synopsis" titles for the scenes are as follows:
- Harry and Hermione Walk Through the Halls of Hogwarts
- Harry and Hermione Discuss the Marauder's Map
- Harry, Ron and Hermione Discuss the Vanishing Cabinet
- Harry and Dumbledore Arrive at Cave Entrance
- Harry and Dumbledore Leave Cave
- Clouds Gather over Hogwarts as Flitwick Conducts Choir
- Harry Joins Ron, Hermione and Ginny in the Common Room
- Harry and Hermione Discuss Ron at Astronomy Tower
PackagingThe dual-layered DVD-9 (Disc One) and single-layered DVD-5 (Disc Two) come packaged in an Amaray-sized "Eco-Box" case with a hinged tray allowing it to accomodate each disc on its own tray. Inside the case is an insert with a code for downloading a free iTunes or Windows Media Digital Copy of the film. Unlike previous such features on Warner discs, the digital copy is not encoded on either of the discs for faster than broadband download capability. Instead, it must be downloaded via a broadband connection. The case is in turn contained in a cardboard slipcover with a 3-D lenticular motion image that alternates between Harry and Dumbledore and Malfoy and Snape as you change your viewing angle. A 2-D rendering of the Harry and Dumbledore image is the cover uses for the hard case.
Summary ****Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince occasionally falters in its attempts to condense the immense sixth novel in the series into a manageable film length, but it manages to establish itself as a unique entry in the series by balancing the pervasive darkness of the film's events with some unexpectedly effective subplots involving the foibles of teen romance. It is presented on DVD with disappointingly inconsistent video and generally strong audio. Extras, most of which feature the youthful cast prominently, vary widely in depth, and are highlighted by a 50 minute documentary about author J.K. Rowling and a collection of deleted scenes.