1960s Mad Men Theme Wedding

What a great idea for a wedding theme - Mad Men!

http://www.weddingchicks.com/wedding-chicks/featured-weddings-events/64868/1960s-mad-men-theme-wedding/#comment-59558

This style would be relatively easy for guests to join in. I imagine that everyone would have had a wow of a time. Truly, a night to remember.
 
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How To Attach Cufflinks

Here's a youtube video on How To Attach Cufflinks



For more about cufflinks visit: Vintage Cufflinks
 
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Swank Cufflinks - An American Icon

When it comes to collecting vintage cufflinks, every collection should include some Swank products. These innovative fashion cufflinks are much sought-after.

"Every significant movement in art can be traced through the design of cufflinks. A prime example is the art deco era of the 20’s and 30’s, one of the most popular forms used and even in modern times sought after by collectors."

Read the full article: Swank Retro Cufflinks An American Icon

News brought to you by Vintage Cove - Vintage Cufflinks
 
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Farewell Tony Curtis

Farewell to Tony Curtis (1925-2010)
A handsome example of 1960s fashion and style, and a wonderful actor.


 
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How To Choose A Necktie

"If you have great shirts, you need to know how to pick neckties that will make both the shirt and tie pop to their best advantage. For the most part, it's easy – just a basic understanding of colors and fabrics plus common sense will help you look your best every time."


Read the full article at: How To Pick Neckties
Brought to you by: Vintage Cove
 
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Antique Earrings - Antique Enamel and Diamond Earrings

Antique earrings have a special appeal to me. I like all things old and vintage, but antique earrings are special. Take a look at these fabulous beauties. They are from France, circa 1890.

These were on a classified ads site and have unfortunately been sold. I didn't find them quick enough. But I just had to share my find. I have a feeling they might have been out of my price range though. They are lovely.
Brought to you from Vintage Cove
 
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Antique Earrings - Tips For Your Vintage Jewelry Collection

Compliment your vintage jewelry collection with some antique earrings. Not just earrings. Antique earrings have a quality and charm that is so endearing you will be the envy of your friends.

A special treasure that you can display or wear.

Your antique earrings collection is to be treasured, and treated with respect. Keep it clean and fault-free. Maintaining its condition will ensure it holds its value as much as possible for years to come.

Tips - Your Antique Earrings Collection

More information - Antique Earrings


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Your Vintage Cufflinks Collection

(image "dmc-gmopsq2" by vintage-cove, on photobucket)

Vintage cufflinks are an amazing accessory that every man should own. Vintage cufflinks are not just cufflinks. Their age and charisma are qualities not seen in modern cufflinks.

The fashion industry has seen a recent comeback for cufflinks. Perhaps spurred by the modern trend of neck ties no longer being compulsory office attire in many companies. Many men have found the need to express their flair in other ways - like their cufflinks.

Read the full article: Your Vintage Cufflinks Collection on Infobarrel.

See also: Vintage Cufflinks
 
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Vintage Cufflinks

There's a new page on our website - Vintage Cufflinks

"Both of these styles eventually gave way to the immensely popular toggle invention that we know today. Designed by Jacob M. Oldak (US Patent No. 2472958), the toggle invention turned cufflinks into an accessory that was incredibly easy to use and opened the door for jewellery production houses to increase production of cufflinks."

 Cheers!

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1895 Postage Stamp Scam - Philatelist Hoax

Coat of Arms, Principality of Trinidad 
- James Harden-Hickey

Here's a great story I just came across. It seems wherever there is a demand, dodgy people will try to come up with a scam. This article describes a number of philatelist scams of the past. Here's a snippet -

The next that was heard of him, he was in New York having changed his name and status to Prince James I of the Principality of Trinidad. In New York, he called on an unsuspecting printer and ordered a series of stamps for his “realm”.

Full article - Stamps of No Country - Some Postage Stamp Hoaxes
 
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Vintage Christmas Decorations - Re-Live The Magic Of Your Childhood

"One of the best ways to bring back childhood memories is with vintage Christmas decorations.

The idea of a vintage Christmas is to re-live the magic of your childhood, to dwell on nostalgia and to reminisce about the fantastic memories of your past."

Full article: Vintage Christmas Decorations - A Vintage Christmas.

By: Vintage Christmas Decorations.

 

Vintage Cufflinks - A Stand Against Modern Bling

It's time to dust of your vintage cufflinks and make a stand. Vintage is way better than modern - every day of the week.

Your task for this week is to wear your vintage cufflinks ... and wear them proudly.

Hey, maybe we should organize a cufflinks pride parade.  :-)
 
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Unusual Vintage Roman Soldiers Head Cufflinks

I love these Centurion cufflinks.

They are on ebay  -  item 220667282077

For more information about cufflinks, visit Vintage Cufflinks.

 
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Vintage Christmas Decorations - Make an Advent Calendar

by Vintage Christmas Decorations

 

Here's a cute Advent Calendar to make for Christmas.

 

 

For more information, see the original article here Christmas Paper Crafts

on the Sugar, Spice and a little bit of Life blog page.

Amethyst Silver Bracelet Vintage Jewellery

Vintage Cove - bringing more to you.

Take a look at the detail in this fabulous 1970s amethyst bracelet. This is what I love about old jewelry. The detail, the character. And what about the amazing amethyst stones! This is the sort of bracelet that anyone would be proud to wear. Don't you just love it?

This bracelet is on Antiques Avenue - page Amethyst Silver Bracelet Jewellery

 
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Vintage Mens Gold-Tone Tie Clasp Bar - Tram / Streetcar

From Vintage Cove - Mens Vintage Cufflinks, Jewellery & Collectables

Compliment your outfit with this handsome vintage goldtone tie clasp, in the novelty shape of a tram. The windows are cut out so the colour of your tie will show through. A remarkable estate piece, with the luxurious hue of yellow metal and darkened detailing. Impressive.

This item is on ebay - Item 150430728504

 
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Vintage Christmas Decorations - A Collector's Passion

Vintage Christmas Decorations

 

As quick as you think the year is passing you by, Christmas will be over before you know it.  Take a look at this article -

 

Vintage Christmas Decorations - A Collector's Passion

 

and remember to stop and admire the decorations, take in the moment, and start planning now for a fantastic Christmas!

1897 Eye Glass Hook

Something old and special from Vintage Cove - Mens Vintage Jewellery

This amazing little doo-hickey is apparently from around 1900 and is an eye-glass hook.  These hooks were pinned to the clothing and attached to a chain connected to the eyeglasses. See? Ever since glasses were invented, people have been forgetting where they put them. Hence, the invention of the eyeglass chain and hook.

This item is on ebay at Item No 150423784824

 
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Christmas Yard Decorations - Is there such a thing as too much?

Another find by Vintage Christmas Decorations.

 

Love it or hate it, there's no denying the amount of love that has gone into this Christmas yard display.

 

 

You don't put in that much effort without a passion for all things Christmas.

Vintage Christmas Decorations - Snowflake Candles

Came across these great little snowflake candle holders.  

 

Here's where they are - http://products.proflowers.com/gifts/snowflake-votive-holders-30003556?viewpos=4&trackingpgroup=cdc

 

Thanks for your interest in Vintage Christmas Decorations

 

Click here to download:

HM_09_FAL_CN400040_W2_PF?nanos=770&qlt=75,1&resMode=sharp2&op_usm=0.5,1.0,0.0,0&wid=300&hei=350 (17 KB)

VINTAGE TIE BAR CLIP-MOTHER OF PEARL & PAUA SHELL INLAY

Is it just me, or do they just not make things like this any more?



A beautiful mother of pearl bar with paua shell highlights at each end. I'm sure it looks even more amazing in real life because I know how hard it is to photograph these irridescent qualities.

I found this on ebay at Vintage Tie Bar Clip-Mother of Pearl & Paua Shell Inlay

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Celtic Design Necklace Sterling Silver Garnet Jewelry

How amazing is this Vintage Celtic Necklace? I came across this while looking for vintage jewelry. I love it so much I wanted to share it with you.  I love the design of the celtic surround and the silver really highlights the red of the garnet stone.
 
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Vintage Marbles

Vintage handmade marbles are sometimes unusual colors or just outstanding in some way that catches the eye. If the marble is attractive, it will be more valuable than a marble that is not. The core and the strands of swirls around the core often determine the artistic merit of a vintage handmade marble. Vintage marbles may have a solid core, a ribbon core or maybe a yellow laticcino core. Sometimes a swirl marble is not clear glass--those are scarce and collectible. Bright colors seem more difficult to locate than pastels.

Read more at Suite101: Collecting Vintage Handmade Marbles in Art Glass http://collecting-ceramics-glass.suite101.com/article.cfm/collecting-vintage-handmade-marbles-in-art-glass#ixzz0y5Ivs9F0
 
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Vintage Tie Press

I just stumbled across this vintage tie press on Ebay UK. What a shame they will only send within UK.

If you're in the UK, here's the link to the item page - Vintage Tie Press by Horne Bros
 
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Vintage Christmas Decorations - Simple Christmas Centerpieces

When it comes to vintage Christmas Decorations, sometimes the simple ones are often the most effective.

 

 

(photo Seasonal Decoration 2, by courtesy of "if" / Stock.Xchng)

 

Decorations such as this would have been common table decorations used by our ancestors. Cinnamon sticks and seed pods, or pot pouri, give your table warmth and cosiness.

 

Add a vintage touch to your next Christmas dinner table.

Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Simon Baker

Apologies, nothing to do with vintage Christmas decorations.  I just wanted to share it.

 

Simon Baker (The Mentalist) was honored at a gala dinner.  He was introduced by his good friend Nicole Kidman. This clip is from her introduction, with the help of her lovely husband Keith Urban.  I might be a bit late to the party, but I've only just come across this.  

 

 

Maybe I could link it back to vintage Christmas decorations by telling you that Nicole is a vintage girl at heart and loves to create a magical special Christmas for her family, but I'd just be making that up.  Maybe she does.  I imagine she would go all out to create loving memories for her loved ones.  Nic, your comments here are welcome. Oh, as if she'd be reading what I have to say. 

 

Anyway, the video is great.  I love it.

The New Trend of Vintage Christmas Ornaments

Here's a great article written by Antique Jewelry.  

The New Trend of Vintage Christmas Ornaments

 

Beautiful and wonderful vintage Christmas ornaments seem to have the power to many of us the atmosphere of warm and soft and the last time.

 

This article conveys the warm and fuzzy nostalgic feeling of a vintage Christmas.

Vintage Christmas Decorations - Santa

Vintage Christmas Decorations can help to add magic and nostalgia to your Christmas Day.

 

 

These fantastic little salt & pepper shakers add a touch of whimsy to the dinner table.

 

I wonder what Santa is saying to poor old Mother Christmas.

VINTAGE JEWELLERY RESEARCH

Once you start collecting vintage jewellery, you start to come across certain manufacturer's names again and again.

My particular area of interest is Mens Vintage Jewellery & Accessories. These are the names I come across often:

• Swank
• Krementz
• Hickok
• Baer & Wilde
• Anson
• Dolan & Bullock

There are many more, but these are the main ones I come across regularly.

Vintage Jewellery Manufacturers

Finding out more about the jewellery manufacturers from the past can be a daunting task. Some are still producing jewellery today, so they might have websites with a page about company history.

Other manufacturers may have gone out of business long ago, so it is difficult to find out more information. For instance, in the past, wars have destroyed manufacturing houses and the companies were unable to rebuild their business from scratch. Sadly, sometimes bankruptcy forces a manufacturer to close its doors.

Why Research Your Vintage Jewellery?

Curiosity remains the biggest driver in vintage jewellery research.

Knowing a little information about where your vintage piece has come from helps to fill a void. Was your item of vintage jewellery from Europe? Or America? Or somewhere else?

Sometimes knowing about the manufacturer can help to date a piece. Knowing when a manufacturer commenced making jewellery, or when they commenced a particular product line, can be very helpful.

Where To Find Out More Information

There are books about vintage jewellery manufacturers. These can be very informative and helpful.

There is always the "old chestnut" Google. A wealth of information can always be located with a Google Search.

But if you want to have some of the hard work done for you, start with the Vintage Cove Jewellery Research Centre.

As I have been researching my own vintage jewellery items, I have been collating the information into this valuable resource tool. You are welcome to benefit from my hours of research, in the hope that we don't all have to reinvent the wheel every time.

So check out the Vintage Cove Jewellery Research Centre and enjoy!

ADD YOUR COMMENTS HERE

Related posts: Gold Markings

 
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LEARN CRAFTS ONLINE

Have you ever wanted to learn a craft? A hobby? A past-time? Something to help fill your creative void?

I was searching recently for just that, and came across something great and want to share it. I was looking for something about crafts that I could learn online. But I didn't really know what I was looking for.

My find is Astarte's Mega-Zine.

Astarte is an online magazine for lovers of art and craft, covering topics such as:

• mixed media
• papercraft
• textiles
• polymer clay
• jewelry making
• and much more

The articles in the magazine are written by Arts Industry Experts. These are easy-to-read articles that are sure to leave you inspired. This is a magazine of quality and excellence, filled with great content.

Astarte's Mega-Zine is an online magazine that you download and save to your hard disk. You can read it on the screen or print it out to read at your leisure.

The magazine is great value at only $9.95(US) per issue. You can pay by PayPal, and you get the issue immediately.

Issues are available by individual issue (pick and choose) or by annual subscription.

So if you want to learn crafts online, check out the Astarte's MegaZine page and see what you think.
 
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GOLD MARKINGS

A reader recently asked about the marking "1/20 12K G.F." on a piece of jewellery. It occurred to me that others may be interested in the answer.

What does 12K mean?

Solid, pure gold is 24 Karat. Any rating less than 24K means there is another type of metal mixed into it. Pure gold is a very soft metal. Mixing with other metals helps to strengthen it. Just remember, when talking about gold purity, 24K is the pure form of gold.

The lower the number of karats, the stronger it will be. So 10K gold is stronger than 14K gold, and 14K gold is stronger than 18K gold.

For example:

• 24K has no additional metals, making it 100% pure gold.
• 18K is 18 parts gold, and 6 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 75% gold.
• 12K is 12 parts gold, and 12 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 50% gold.

The mixing of other metals with the gold is how gold variations came into existance, such as rose gold and white gold.

10 Karat is the minimum number of karats that can be marketed as Gold in the US. If you come across an item that is 8 karat, it will most like be of European origin. This may, in fact, help you to date a piece if you know when your ancestors migrated from Europe.

What does G.F. mean?

G.F. refers to the term Gold Filled. An item that is labelled gold-filled means that it has a layer of gold over the top of another non-precious base metal.

Gold-filled has been a long-accepted practice of producing quality jewellery that is much more hard-wearing, and cheaper, than equivalent articles of fine jewellery. The outer layer is gold, so it has the appearance of fine jewellery, but it has the additional strength of the base metal.

What does 1/20 12K G.F. mean?

A marking that says 1/20 12K G.F. means that the gold layer is 12K gold, and that the gold makes up at least 1/20th of the item's weight. Gold-filled is typically a thicker layer of gold than in gold-plated jewellery, meaning it will last better than gold-plated jewellery.

Assuming the same number of karats and the same mix of alloy metals, gold-filled jewellery has the same appearance as non-filled jewellery because the outer layer is exactly the same.

Gold Jewellery Online

When shopping for gold jewellery online, always look for a photograph of the gold markings. Sometimes they are hard to photograph. Sellers should always try to show a photograph of the gold markings as a form of proof to potential buyers.

Gold markings can be a little confusing at first, but once you start to learn a little about them they become less of a mystery.
 
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VINTAGE CLOTHING JEWELLERY & TEXTILES SHOW - SYDNEY

Bookmark this event in your diary so you don't miss it.
 
The Sydney Vintage Clothing, Jewellery & Textiles Show, held every April and October, is a massive gathering of all things Vintage. As well as the many sellers, there will also be presentations, lectures, demonstrations and entertainment. If vintage jewellery, watches, rings and accessories are your thing, you're sure to find something of interest. Vintage womens clothing, mens clothing, baby clothes, shoes, hairstyles - its all there!
 
All the elegance and style of Vintage fashion.
 
If you're really into it, pull your favourite vintage clothes from the wardrobe. Dress for the occasion and you could win a prize!
 
The Vintage Show is held at the Canterbury Racecourse, on 15-17 October 2010. A free shuttle bus will be running from Strathfield and Canterbury train stations.
 
For more information, check here: The Sydney Vintage Clothing, Jewellery & Textiles Show.
If you're planning a trip to Sydney, see if you can make it the same weekend as the Show.
 
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JAMES MAY'S TOY STORIES - CLASSIC COLLECTIBLE TOYS

I recently had the pleasure of watching James May's Toy Stories. It's a fantastic journey through the various classic toys of our past.

It is an inspiration, and a credit to James, to see how the local communities come together to participate in his challenges. Young and old, male and female, experienced and novices. All want to be a part of it. And all want to see it through to the very end.

• Episode 1 - AIRFIX - James constructs a full-size (scale 1:1) model Spitfire. Making full-sized pieces from fibreglass comes with its own set of challenges.



• Episode 2 - PLASTICINE - Follow the Paradise In Plasticine entry into the 2009 Chelsea Flower Show. The Officials have never seen anything like it, and don't quite know what to make of it. James hopes to win a prize none-the-less.



• Episode 3 - MECCANO - Follow the design and construction of a 23m (75ft) bridge in Liverpool. With the help of Architecture students and design & engineering consultants, this is a challenge like no other.



• Episode 4 - SCALEXTRIC - A 4.4 km (2.75 mile) track along the old Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. 400 volunteers help with this record-breaking challenge - a race between the residents of Brooklands and the "Scalextric Professionals".



• Episode 5 - LEGO - A full-sized house, built using 3.3 million lego bricks. This challenge is not only to constuct a life-sized house, but also for James to spend the night in the house.



• Episode 6 - HORNBY - James' model train layout sees a Hornby train set make its way along a 10 mile (16 km) stretch of track from Barnstaple to Bideford. The disused train site provides many obstacles to the modern model train track layout - roads, fences, water and vandals.
  Five trains set out from Barnstaple - James' own Flying Scotsman model, a passenger steam train, a passenger diesel train, a goods diesel train, and the prototype of Hornby's Hitachi Class 395 "Javelin" model. Only one of these trains makes it to Bideford.

JAMES MAY'S TOY STORIES

• BOOK - The Nile (au bookstore), Amazon UK, Amazon USA
• DVD - Fetch DVD (au), Amazon UK, Amazon USA

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ARSENIC COMPLEXION WAFERS

As much as I love "vintage", I am so glad I don't live in 1897.

Back in the day, you could buy Arsenic Wafers for a clear complexion.

The article reads:
These wafers are from the prescription of a famous French physician, and are perfectly harmless when used according to the directions on each box. They are an excellent remedy for rough and discolored skin. They clear the complexion and make the skin soft and smooth. They tone up the whole system and when used for a length of time will make thin persons plump and keep them so.

Clearly arsenic was not good for weight loss, but hey it gave you good skin!

Would you have tried it?

Leave your COMMENTS here.

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MODERN TECHNOLOGY OR VINTAGE BRAINS

Here's a bit of fun that came across my desk this week. Stick with it - it's worth the read.

A cowboy named Bud was overseeing his herd in a remote mountainous pasture in NSW (Australia) when suddenly a brand-new BMW advanced toward him out of a cloud of dust.

The driver, a young man in a Brioni suit, Gucci shoes, RayBan sunglasses and YSL tie, leaned out the window and asked the cowboy, "If I tell you exactly how many cows and calves you have in your herd, Will you give me a calf?"

Bud looks at the man, obviously a yuppie, then looks at his peacefully grazing herd and calmly answers, "Sure, Why not?"

The yuppie parks his car, whips out his Dell notebook computer, connects it to his Cingular RAZR V3 cell phone, and surfs to a NASApage on the Internet, where he calls up a GPS satellite to get an exact fix on his location which he then feeds to another NASA satellite that scans the area in an ultra-high-resolution photo. He opens the digital photo in Adobe Photoshop and exports it to an image processing facility in Hamburg , Germany.

Within seconds, he receives an email on his Palm Pilot that the image has been processed and the data stored. He then accesses an MS-SQL database through an ODBC connected Excel spreadsheet with email on his Blackberry and, after a few minutes, receives a response.

Finally, he prints out a full-color, 150-page report on his hi-tech, miniaturized HP LaserJet printer, turns to the cowboy and says, "You have exactly 1,586 cows and calves."

"That's right. Well, I guess you can take one of my calves," says Bud.

He watches the young man select one of the animals and looks on with amusement as the young man stuffs it into the trunk of his car.

Then Bud says to the young man, "Hey, if I can tell you exactly what your business is, will you give me back my calf?"

The young man thinks about it for a second and then says, "Okay, why not?"

"You're a senator in Kevin Rudd's Labour Government", says Bud..

"Wow! That's correct," says the yuppie, "but how did you guess that?"

"No guessing required." answered the cowboy. "You showed up here even though nobody called you; you want to get paid for an answer I already knew, to a question I never asked. You used millions of dollars worth of equipment trying to show me how much smarter than me you are; and you don't know a thing about how working people make a living - or about cows, for that matter. This is a herd of sheep."

"Now give me back my dog."

COMMENT HERE (please tell me you laughed!)

MODEL TRAIN HELP

I like to share sites as I come across them. Model Train Help is an instantly downloadable e-book worth $79.95(US), but currently on sale at $39.97(US), and includes free bonuses.

Model Train Help includes hundreds of model railroad tips, model railroading secrets, and clever tips to save you time, money and frustration with your model train layout.

If you are into model trains, this would be a valuable resource whether you are a beginner or already started. Grab your copy of Model Train Help today while it is still on sale at $39.97(US), including free bonuses!

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MY TOP FIVE FAVOURITE OLD-TIME CLASSIC MOVIES

Just for a bit of fun, I thought I'd share with you my favourite OLD movies.

1. AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER
   1957, Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr
   I love the old-time feel and the romance of the movie.
    
2. TWELVE ANGRY MEN
   1957, Henry Fonda, E.G. Marshall, Lee J. Cobb, Jack Klugman, Ed Begley, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam, John Fiedler, Edward Binns, Joseph Sweeney, George Voskovec, Robert Webber.
   The movie was remade in 1997, with another amazing cast and just as powerful.
    
3. THE CHINA SYNDROME
   1979, Jack Lemmon, Jane Fonda, Michael Douglas
   The suspense, the fear of the topic, the good guy doing all he can to do the right thing.
    
4. SILKWOOD
   1984, Meryl Streep, Kurt Russell, Cher
   Again, the fear of the topic. The very ordinariness of the characters (they could be you or me) caught up in a bad situation.
    
5. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
   1962, Gregory Peck, Robert Duvall
   Not a lot of cast, not a lot of sets, but a gripping story.
    
6. CAT BALLOU
   1965, Jane Fonda, Lee Marvin, Michael Callan
   A fun romantic comedy with the ever-lovely Jane Fonda.

Okay, so there were six. I squeezed in an extra one.

What are your favourites?
 

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HOW TO BUY ON EBAY - PART 3 : MORE ABOUT SELLERS

This is the third part in this series. If you haven't already done so, take a look at :
- How To Buy On eBay: Part 1 - Do Your Research
- How To Buy On eBay: Part 2 - Check The Seller

In this post, we will look at some different aspects of the seller. Here are some additional things to look out for.

• Seller's About Me Page
  Another thing you can check is the seller's About Me page or other Custom pages. Obviously, they are going to say good things about themselves, but keep an eye out for what they're not saying. Do they offer customer service? Do they have a return policy? Do they appear to be interested in what they're selling? Or is it just a job?
   
• The Listing Description
  Every seller has their own style. Some say here's an item, the end. And leave it up to you to work out more about it. Others put in some effort to tell you all about the item. I prefer a seller who tells me all about the item, including any flaws, so I know exactly what I am buying.
   
• Photographs
  Most sellers are not professional photographers. But if they have taken a blurry photo and can't be bothered trying again, then I can't be bothered considering buying it. Look for clear photos, and multiple photos. And beware the seller who uses eBay stock photos. These are photos sellers can use instead of taking their own. I don't know about you, but I want to see the actual item I am buying.
   
• The Vibe
  Avoid sellers who spend more time and effort on the rules and regulations that they impose on the buyer, than telling you about the item itself.

A final word - Just trust your gut feeling about a Seller. If you are really not sure, then don't buy. There are plenty of other Sellers.

There are a lot of good sellers on eBay. Most are buyers themselves, and so they treat their buyers how they would like to be treated. The majority of eBay sellers just want a smooth transaction and a happy customer.

Hopefully these tips will help ease any fears you might have about buying online. Armed with some information, you should be in a position to make an informed purchase.

Now that you have all this information, what's stopping you? There are a lot of good sellers on eBay. And there are a lot of good bargains. Enjoy your shopping experience.

Do you have an eBay experience you'd like to share? Good or bad? Leave a COMMENT to this post.

Recommended reading:
Paypal Made Simple
Scams and Scoundrels: Protect yourself from the darkside of eBay and PayPal
PayPal For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)

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HOW TO BUY ON EBAY - PART 2 : CHECK THE SELLER

Welcome to Part Two in this series.

If you haven't already done so, take a look at How To Buy On Ebay: Part 1 - Do Your Research

So you have decided to shop on eBay. In this post, we will look at the seller, rather than the item itself.

You will have already decided on an item to buy, and to buy that item on eBay. But what else do you need to look for?

• Check the Seller's Feedback Number
  On the item page, the seller's details appear on the right. The seller's feedback number is the figure in brackets next to their name. This number represents the total number of positive feedbacks the seller has ever received for that ID, minus the number of any negative feedbacks. Neutral feedback does not increase or decrease this figure.
   
• More on the Seller's Feedback Number
  If the seller's number is very high (in the tens of thousands), this could mean that they have been around for a very long time, or it means they sell a massive amount of items. One thing to look out for here is that a seller who sells many items per day. They might not have much time left over for customer service if you encounter a problem.
   
• Seller's Feedback Percentage
  Below the seller ID is a "% Positive Feedback". You are looking for 100% here. This represents the number of positive feedbacks divided by the total number of feedbacks, for the past twelve months. 100% means that everyone who left feedback was happy with their transaction. 99.x% is also okay - because sometimes things go wrong. And sometimes you get buyers who feel they have to say something bad no matter what. I would only look at a buyer who has less than 99%, if I really want that item at that price. And then I would try to justify that their feedback rating is okay.
   
• Recent Feedback Ratings
  These numbers show you for the past month, 6 months and 12 months, how the seller is doing. From this you can tell if the seller has time to treat you with care. For example, if their 1 month figure is 100 then they are selling on average 3 items per day, and your purchase should receive the care it deserves. Use your own judgement on what is a reasonable level.
   
• Feedback Comments
  Have a read of the comments people have left for this eBayer. Check that you are looking at the "Feedback as a Seller" tab. Reading what others have had to say is your best recommendation.
   
• Negative Feedback
  Most people stick to the "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" rule that Grandma taught us. So when someone leaves negative feedback, I take it seriously. Back at the top in the Recent Feedback Ratings box, if there is a number on the negative line, click on it. The comments listed lower on the page will change to be only the negative comments. Take it with a grain of salt. Some people think it is their duty to leave negatives all the time. Click on that buyer's feedback number and you are taken to their feedback page. Click on the "Feedback Left For Others" tab. Do they leave a lot of negatives? If they are a Serial Neg-er, I don't pay too much attention to their comment on the Seller I was looking at. Most sellers are horrified to receive a negative feedback and, even if they had done nothing wrong, they tend to go all out to make up for it in future sales.
   
• Detailed Seller Ratings
  Unless your seller has a very low number in the brackets, make sure they have more than four stars in each category. Sellers are ranked by buyers after the transaction is complete. If a seller has a very low number of sales, any low ranking will be amplified. But a seller with many sales should have at least four stars in every category. If a particular category is ranked low, is that category important to you?

My next post in this series will give you some more tips on what to look for in a seller.

See also:
How To Buy On EBAY Pt.3 - More About Sellers

Do you have an eBay experience you'd like to share? Good or bad? Leave a COMMENT to this post.

Some interesting reading on this topic -
How to buy on ebay
Buy and Shopping Sately On-line
How To Buy Intelligently on eBay

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HOW TO BUY ON EBAY - PART 1 : DO YOUR RESEARCH

Ebay is full of vultures waiting to take your money. A friend paid $10,000 on eBay and got nothing in return. We've all heard the stories.

I use eBay a lot, and I love it. But I often come across people who rarely or never use eBay, and they always have a horror story of a friend of a friend who got stung. When you ask for more details, they don't have any because they don't actually know who got stung, or what they bought, or what was done about it. All they know is they won't go near it because it's bad.

I think its a shame that people fear the unknown so much, especially when this unknown could save them so much money.

Buying on eBay doesn't have to be a bad experience.

And looking good doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Remember the days when everything you bought was from an actual shop, with an actual sales assistant, and an actual price tag that covered the shop's rent, overheads, wages, and other on-costs. Luckily there are other options today. Don't get me wrong, you can still hit the shops. And there is a certain buzz you get from retail therapy. But it is no longer the only option available to you.

On auction sites, such as eBay, you can buy practically anything for a fraction of the cost in retail stores.

But how do you go about getting a good deal?

• Know Your Retail Market
  Check the real-live retail stores for the item you're interested in. Many stores have online catalogues, so you don't have to trek around a number of stores. Make note of the price. I usually write down the highest and lowest prices that I came across.
   
• Know Your eBay Market
  Perform an eBay search on your item and see what comes up. You might be surprised to see how many search results came up. Once you have checked the items for sale, have a look at the sold items. Select "completed listings" (you will need to be signed-in to eBay for this) to see if items actually sell at those prices. Anything that sold will have the price listed in green. If it didn't sell, it will be listed in red. Often you will get a completely different picture of prices when you look at the sold items. Again, make a note of the highest and lowest prices.
   
• Compare and Decide
  Look at your store prices and your eBay prices. Weigh up your options. Is face-to-face shopping important to you? Are you prepared to wait for the item to arrive in the mail? Decide whether you are going to shop online, or go out for the afternoon.

If you decided to go out, see you when you get back!

If you decided to shop on eBay, my next post in this series will give you some tips on what to look for in a seller.

See also:
How To Buy On EBAY Pt.2 - Check The Seller
How To Buy On EBAY Pt.3 - More About Sellers

Do you have an eBay experience you'd like to share? Good or bad? Leave a COMMENT to this post.

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2010 WINTERSUN ROCK AND ROLL BAND RETRO EVENT 4-14 JUNE COOLONGATTA/TWEED

Australia's Leading Rock & Roll Nostalgia Retro Event. Wintersun in Coolangatta will include :

• the Parade of floats, bands and fun on Saturday 12th June.
• Live entertainment in the parks and streets all day Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June.
• Hot Rod, Classic & Custom Car Show all day Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June.
• Hot Rod, Classic & Custom Car cruises on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June from 6PM to 8PM.

Wintersun 2010 starts on Friday 4th June and ends with the huge Best of Wintersun Concert on Monday 14th June. Wintersun is Australia's leading annual Retro Nostalgia Festival. Many events are free, some are in the streets while others are in the local clubs and shopping centres.

More information on the range of events and activities on offer throughout the Event is available from www.wintersun.org.au.

Have you been to Wintersun before? Leave a comment to this post and share your experience with others.

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BOOK REVIEW: FAMILY TREE MAGAZINE

Researching your family tree is like a virus. Once it gets hold of you, it's hard to shake.

I recently came across Family Tree Magazine. This magazine covers more than just the "how to" basics of genealogy. It is written in a manner that is user-friendly for beginners but, at the same time, not condescending to the seasoned researchers. It includes helpful tips on how researchers can use the tools, that are available to them, to their best advantage.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
FAMILY TREE MAGAZINE, America's #1 family history magazine, is the first mass-market, beginner-friendly genealogy magazine. It covers all areas of potential interest to family history enthusiasts, reaching beyond strict genealogy research to include historical travel, family reunions, scrapbooking, oral history, ethnic heritage, memoirs and other ways that families connect with their pasts.
FAMILY TREE MAGAZINE strives to give readers all the resources they need to discover, preserve and celebrate their family histories -- and to provide engaging, easy-to-understand instruction that empowers readers to take the next step in the quest for their pasts.

This magazine is well written and easy to follow. Packed with interesting stories and helpful tips.

For the Aussies, don't be put off by the fact that this is a US magazine. A lot of the articles focus on people whose ancestors were from the UK. I found it a very interesting read and do not hesitate to recommend it to anyone with similar interests.

Family Tree Magazine subscription is available from Amazon Books.

Have you read something similar lately? And want to share it with others? Leave a comment to this post.

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Here are some fun ways to display your Family Tree photos.

GENEALOGY: STORIES FROM GRANDAD - A FAMILY HISTORY

A few years before my Grandad passed away, I was getting into researching my family tree. I thought what a great genealogy reference source Grandad would be.

As we were living in different cities, I wrote to him (the old fashioned way) and asked if he had any stories from his lifetime and explained why I was asking. He had spent most of his life in England, before moving to Australia to be closer to family. He had lived through two World Wars, peace time, and the Depression years. Not to mention the great advances in technology, like cars, trains, planes, television, mobile phones, man on the moon, and so much more.

About a month later I got a letter in return saying "I think you're too old to be sitting on my knee and telling stories to."

So there went my dream of connecting with the past, finding out more about what might have been a very interesting life. He lived life through some amazing times, and he took it all away with him.

My advice is to pester your seniors while you still can. Find out what they can share with you. And don't take no for an answer.

• Fifty Questions for Family History Interviews
• How To Interview a Relative
• Our Grandad's War

I wish I had been armed with some interview questions such as these when I approached my Grandad. But knowing little about how to go about it, I simply let him brush me and my request aside, like it was of little or no importance.

Family Tree Maker 2010 Essentials
Family Tree Maker 2010 Deluxe

Share your thoughts or experiences. What interesting things have you found out from your grandparents, or even from your parents, when filling out your family tree?
Add your comment here

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BALLARAT HERITAGE WEEKEND ~ 8-9 MAY 2010

Take an unforgettable journey back in time this Mother’s Day at the Ballarat Heritage Weekend.

This year, the Ballarat Heritage Weekend is themed around travel and tourism. Grand buildings, enchanting gardens, intriguing memorabilia and collections will be on display – many just for the weekend – allowing visitors to delve into history they’ve never had the chance to explore before. Nearly 100 activities and events are planned, most free of charge, others with a gold coin donation or cover charge.

More information on the range of events and activities on offer throughout the Ballarat Heritage Weekend is available from www.ballaratheritageweekend.com.

Have you been to the Ballarat Heritage Weekend in the past? Leave a comment to this post and share your experience with others.

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A MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION FOR WINTER

As winter fast approaches (in Australia), I thought it was time for some magazines to read by the fireplace. The mornings are getting colder. The evenings are getting dark so much earlier.

I love to spend my early morning Sundays, my "me" time, sitting beside the fireplace with a hot cuppa and good magazine. The quiet and serenity when I'm the only one awake. The gentle crackle and hum of the small morning flames licking their way around a piece of wood.

I've just had a look through Amazon and chosen Smart Money and Old House Journal.

With Smart Money I should be able to put my new-found financial expertise to good use and have a squillion dollars to spend on any (or every) Old House manor that takes my fancy.

A good plan? Oh, we can all dream. And at the very least, its a fun escape from reality.

Oh damn! I just noticed the two magazines I have chosen can only be delivered to US addresses. We outsiders aren't worthy of financial knowledge or houses we can't afford? I'll take another look to see what I can get. Okay so now I've settled on a book on Antiques.

If you're in the US and want a magazine subscription, check out these subscriptions.

Or if you're from anywhere, check out the Books on Antiques

What are you reading at the moment? I'm always looking for a recommendation from someone who has read or reading something. And it means so much more knowing that it comes from someone with similar interests to me. Tell me what you have found.

If you'd like to share a favourite book or magazine with others, please add a comment.

Click here to leave a comment. And thank you for taking the time.

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DRESS FOR SUCCESS - MENS OFFICE FASHION

If you want to be taken seriously, make an effort to look the part. The current trend toward casual dress for office workers has made people more lax about what they wear. You might be the smartest person in your team, but if you dress sloppily it is going to hold you back.

You and your colleague might be equally knowledgeable, but who is going to get that next promotion?

Okay, so neckties might not be commonplace at your office any more. But instead of a necktie, show some flair with a nice pair of cuff links, or a subtle belt buckle. And don't forget your feet. A good pair of shoes, in a well-maintained condition. All clothing should always look clean and fresh.

Look the part and your bosses will notice. Back it up with some knowledge and the sky's the limit!

Related Posts -

• Vintage is Back
• Classic Style
• Cuff Link Toggle Invention
• Vintage Swank Silver-Tone Cuff Links Dark MOP
• Vintage Mens Gold-Tone Cufflinks

Other Links -

• How To Dress For Success - Men
• Dress For Success
• Dress For Success - Men & Women - Office Fashion

What is your workplace dress-code like? Leave a comment to this post and share your fashion experiences.

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BOOK REVIEW: CELEBRITY CRIMES, BY XAVIER WATERKEYN

The full title is "Celebrity Crimes - The Dark Side of The Limelight".

I have just finished reading this book and found it very interesting. As you can tell by this site, I am interested in anything vintage. How people acted, how they reacted, how they lived their lives, what shaped them. This book fell right into all of that.

The book is broken down into these categories:

• Victims
  This covers victims of crime, such as murder, kidnapping, or other. The Lindbergh baby, the Manson killings, the Munich Olympic massacre, John Lennon, and more.
   
• Survivors
  These celebrities were attacked but, thankfully, survived. Andy Warhol, Monica Seles, George Harrison, and more.
   
• Killers
  Read more about Lana Turners daughter, Marlon Brando's boy Christian, and the OJ Simpson trial, and more.
   
• Misadventures
  This covers a number of topics including accidental suicides, and troubled former child stars. Betty Ford, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, John Belushi, Drew Barrymore, River Phoenix, and more.

FROM THE BACK COVER
Celebrities have always had to make deals with devil - fame, fortune and extraordinary experiences in exchange for the limelight. All the people in this book are celebrities whose lives have somehow gone wrong. And as they traded their private lives for success, we watched them go down and, sometimes, resurface. From Wild Bill Hickock and Jesse James, and the drugs and deaths in the 1920s to the mystery murders of Joy and George 'Born Free' Adamson and the tragedies of celebrities like Versace, "Celebrity Crimes" has all the killings, suicides, victims of crime and drug crimes that shocked the world. The tragic deaths of Beatles stars John Lennon and George Harrison are included, as are the 'trials of the centuries' of OJ Simpson and Lana Turner and her daughter. Then there are the misadventures - Brian Jones, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and the tragic lives of the former child stars - River Phoenix and Dana Plato.

This book is easy to read and well written. I noticed a couple of typos, but they do not detract from the reading pleasure. I found it a very interesting read and do not hesitate to recommend it to anyone with similar interests.

Celebrity Crimes is available from Amazon Books.

Have you read something similar lately? And want to share it with others? Leave a comment to this post.

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ANZAC DAY - 25 APRIL

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

 

LEST WE FORGET.

 

     

GENEALOGY TO GO - SEARCH YOUR FAMILY TREE

           

Click on the pictures for more information.

"Family Tree Maker 2010 Essentials" is a software package to help you create your family tree. Discover your story, preserve your legacy. Step-by-step instructions and tips that will help you easily build and grow your family tree. Family Tree Maker 2010 is the #1 selling family history software.

The other three are Paperback Books:
- The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy: A complete resource to using the Web to trace your family history
- The Family Tree Problem Solver: Proven Methods for Scaling the Inevitable Brick Wall
- Genealogy Online For Dummies

Genealogy is a passion and joy, discovering people from your past, finding out more about them, how they lived, where they lived. It is one of those things that pulls you in and you're hooked.

If you already have a passion for vintage jewellery and collectables, try genealogy too!

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VINTAGE IS BACK

Recent times have seen a fantastic resurgence of interest in Vintage Accessories. Whether it is ladies or gents, people can't get enough of it. Just take a look at your local Op Shops. People are rummaging through clothing, vinyl records (LPs), chinaware, toys, you name it.

My preference is vintage jewellery. I find that vintage jewellery has a character that is not seen in today's modern pieces. Modern jewellery seems sterile by comparison. Clean and clinical.

Vintage jewellery is like an old soul. Unless it has been kept in its original packaging and never seen daylight, vintage jewellery comes with character. Like an elderly gent with greying hair, a few wrinkles, and a cheeky twinkle in his eye. Vintage jewellery might have fading colour, some minor scratches, and a gleem of intrigue.

Some people say that vintage jewellery talks to you, or you get a vibe from it. Others say it means a piece is haunted.

Sometimes it is a sense of pride that comes with your accessory. Did it belong to a grandparent, or a loved one? You get to tell its story, or even cheekily make one up. Who is going to argue that it didn't belong to your grandfather?

The pride you feel when someone asks you about a special accessory is amazing. You can't help but tell its story with gusto. A piece of jewellery that has been around longer than you have deserves at least that.

If you have a collection hidden away, treasure it and treat it with respect. Dust off your pieces and wear them proudly.

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