Steph

Have a great one Dave! May many Akros roll your way!

It's that time again! The National Marbles Tournament is almost here. This article in the Beckley, WV Register-Herald is way cool. Straight Shooters I wanted to say more about it but I can't organize my thoughts very well right now. It's just cool. It mentions Debra and Whitney - shows that adorable baby photo where Whitney is already trying to shoot marbles at 9 months of age - and already has better form than I ever will! LOL And it talks about George Springer of Beckley, including a story of how he helped Debra on her quest for the national title. I've read so many articles written by him, from back in the 50's and thereabouts. He was a sportswriter. At times he called himself the marbles editor. Sixty years ago Beckley, WV showed how community support built marble champs. I don't remember right at this moment how many national champions their area had but it was at least a few. AND Debra shows how community support builds marble champs now. Since her win in '73 she has coached 15 more national champions starting when she was still a teenager. In a sad development, her town has lost its 80-year sponsor due to the tough economy, but I'm sure she's gonna get her local kids to nationals. This article is a window into the past, present and possibly the future of marble playing. So enjoy!

sharp

Big orange one might be a Vacor sunset.

What?! you were in Oklahoma and you didn't come see me? . . . oh wait, I don't live in Oklahoma. Is that an agate at the bottom?

Hi Ruth. I haven't seen Gary around in awhile. I'm GUESSING that he wouldn't need to buff away any glass first. That could be naive of me. But it seems as if might be kinda like wetting down a dull rock to see what it could look like polished.

we're jealous because we can't walk to our workshop and whip ourselves up a batch of marbles.

Still don't get it. The $88.98 bid at 18:15:30 caused the $89.98 bid to be the high bid as of 18:15:30. So at 18:15:36, the instructions would have said "enter US $90.98 or more" My best guess is that the person with the $48.50 bid had started to enter it before 18:15:30. Then since their bid met the requirement for when their page was loaded, it went through. Didn't affect the bids, but was registered.

Okay, I'm having trouble with that one myself.

If that's Jabo, then it's a remarkable one. Heck, it's a remarkable one, no matter whose it is.

There was one in 2006.

mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Hey there Howard. Actually been thinking about you. ( : Will let others comment on the value of the marbles. Just wanted to say hi. ( :

Seems like these mibs are the best of both worlds. Got the great ox, plus a distinctive color to set them apart from vintage. Just what the doctor ordered. At least, I'm not familiar with akro oxes having chartreuse.

David has spoken of dug Masters. At least I thought he did. Ain't sayin' which David, in case I'm wrong. :-) I don't think there have been Alox digs. Mike asked about the possibility one time, and I think there was an impediment. Don't know if there was a building over the site or not. The thing I kinda remember is something along the lines of the site being in a rough part of town.

Here's an Alox bag posted by Mike (Runner's Dad). I believe they were a gift from Nancy Frier, granddaughter of the founder of Alox. I also received a bag from Nancy but Mike's pic is better. :-) Here are some mibs from the basement of Nancy's dad, if I recall correctly. From somewhere in his house I'm certain! They came from the Alox factory before that. Big sunbursts, Paul Bunyans, and cat's eyes. The cat's eyes were bought from another company - or maybe were samples from another company. Alox did buy some cat's eyes for packaging under their label. Thing is, I have seen some of those big ones in a Master Glass bag. I'm keeping my ears open for any more info Ron Shepherd and Nancy have to shed on the matter. Alox research is ongoing if I'm not mistaken. I look forward to the next chapter.

Actually started to salivate when I opened that thumbnail. TMI? Well, they're yummy! lol

I've been googling for instructions on how to make some of my own . . . so far no go.

Ghost Cores! bahahaha

it is cool but i was confused. It's so different. I wondered who this jack and linda were that you were thanking. I thought they had some pretty cool glass. yeah, I know you're Jack - that made it more confusing - that there were two of you Jacks who liked glass. (hey it was late)

too cute. (yeah, I did it)

Mighty fine

Myth busted! I love it! That's one fantastic tiger eye.