Scoop

Cool Parrot... From that angle, you'd almost swear it was gonna cork!!! I love the name.... "electricmayhem."

He who digs will find.... I do a lot of yard sales... Sometimes, if I pull up and see nothing but baby clothes and Little Tykes toys, I'm motivated to drive away (I usually don't unless it's late and I'm tired).... One day I got out to see NOTHING but kid stuff and a few new kitchen items.... Along with a bunch of new cookbooks... Tucked in with the cookbooks, was a little old book. It was the diary of a girl from an exclusive school for girls in the early 1800's, complete with a few drawings, one of which was a real score for the ephemera folks... I paid 25¢, Skinner's Gallery sold it for $250.00 (almost 20 years ago...) The only.... ONLY thing in the yard sale over 5 years old and what a score Ya may have to kiss a lot of frogs, but princes ARE out there....

I've heard of marble companies buying scrap or cullet from the Ohio / WV production line glass companies... Specifically, I remember Cambridge being mentioned... I deal in a lot of glassware and I've read.... somewhere.... Of how these companies and their families carried each other, married each other, bought and sold to each other and sometimes hated each other... It would only seem logical that the marble companies were "in the mix" of all that... But, due to the difference in product nature, only (mostly) Akro stuff seems to blend marbles with other production items in historical reference... If there's evidence of Fostoria glass being used by marble companies, it would probably be information the diggers might have... Did the Fostoria company produce marbles?? Not that I've ever heard of.

Wow Cat!!!! DAMN!! Dani, are the Alley green and ox and the 2 in the last pic, really.... technically.... considered flames?? All 3 are amazing... But, if I don't ask, I don't learn, right?? All are awesome!!!!

I'llhavethat1.......... Why YES!!!! Bottom picture, I'll have those TWO!!!! LOL But, If I can only have one, I'll lean to the left!!!

Great Score!! Sadlly too true... But damn Kevin, your good at it!!

Not to mention circumventing ebay fees AND overcharging for shipping are both violations of ebay rules... Now, please understand that I'm not a huge fan of all of ebay's rules.... HOWEVER... If your going to (assume to) get the money for the auction, it only seems fair that the auction venue gets the agreed upon commission... I don't see that as an unreasonable rule... It's simply standard fair business.... So.... Whether or not the seller knows what they're selling, you've got a person who..... 1. Admits to being a cheat and 2. Is stupid enough to admit it in an email.... These are the people who are causing ebay to create rediculous rules and force the rest of us to jump over high bars to stay afloat... sad....

Whoa!! The purple is cool.... But the green???? AWESOME!!!!

OK Kevin... Fine... you just keep up doing whatever you want... I really don't understand why it's ME that's getting flack for Scott's return... Maybe, because he showed up around the same time? Yes, I've known Scott for a very long time.... We've been both friends and enemies.... Sometimes at the SAME time.... It's one of the oddest relationships I've never been able to explain... But, it works. HOWEVER.... I did NOT have anything to do with his return. So imagine.... I suddenly get VERY rude PM's outta the BLUE accusing me of "allowing" Scott back on the board??? No "Hi Sue"... No "Hey can we discuss this?" No.... Just a scathing blast telling me how terrible I am for that, for how I talk about ID's (I'm SORRY!! IT'S TRUE!! AND, I don't think it's such a big deal!!) and then, the posts from people I've gone out on a limb for, complaining that I have contempt for the board members??? Well.... I'm really sorry... But, when I walk in out of the blue and suddenly get a bunch of rotten eggs thrown at me, I tend to be a little defensive!! The whole thing with Steve was a totally different situation. But, I had them both coming at me at the same time from different directions... So Kevin, if YOU can speak out when you feel you've been crossed, I'm supposed to suck it up??? NO, I think not.... I simply don't understand why you say.... Why ME??? Again.... READ MY LIPS.... HOWEVER.... I did NOT have anything to do with his return. Also... You say I think I've said it before SEVERAL times.... I CANNOT BAN OR UNBAN A MEMBER!!! AGAIN??? I CANNOT BAN OR UNBAN A MEMBER!!! ONE MORE TIME...... I CANNOT BAN OR UNBAN A MEMBER!!! I think maybe Lou can give you an idea of how many times I've requested that a member be banned.... I know when he decided to ban Tom Reed, I suggested that Scott & Tracy be banned at the same time... When Scott was banned, I think I suggested that YOU be banned at the same time... In all cases, I felt those people were equally responsible... Beyond that... I'm not sure... I know I saved a few butts from GETTING banned... (And for that, little thanks) Oh and, we won't even go into the accusation of my "Playing Favorites" (which has come up, somewhere...) I really don't get that at all... Half the reason I get into trouble is because I call a shot on someone who feels THEY should be the favorite... So...... When you say.... Guess what?? (See above... in red...) Again... I apologize for telling you to shut up. My job is to stop trouble and it was just getting to that point... You do whatever you want. I'm REALLY outta here.... (To the show....) Good Luck folks....

Just stay cool, Scott.... It takes 2 to argue... Relax and focus "On Topic." No sense in trying to show me anything... We all can see. I'm headin' out (This is my last stop at the desk...) Pointing fingers isn't gonna do anything more than escalate the arguement.... In Fact... Maybe a helpful hint for you both.... It seems to me that you can each block each others posts... If it stirss up a "burn" to see each other posting, block each other and "Poooof" to each, the other goes away... Simple... easy... I'm not sure how to do it, but I am sure that either Lou or Steph would be MORE than happy to help.... Play nice.... See ya Sunday!!

HOLY SHNIT!!!!!!! I haven't seen the $99.00 Flat Rate box, yet..... It must be a DOOOOOOZY!!! ROFLMAO

Kevin...... Scott...... PLEASE stop this!!! Kevin, I want to apologize for telling you to shut up... After a years worth of trying to tell you politely, finally, something worked... And, please note that it DID work. I didn't want to be that blunt... But, it seemed to be the only way to stop what is beginning to churn up again... Neither of you is an angel... But, it seems pretty clear to me who is dogging who, here... After the last blast when Scott was banned, I pushed for both to be banned... Kevin, since then, you've been a great board member. I really enjoy your posts (I know you probably hate me for what I said... But.... It was a last resort) I like YOU... I don't want to be PO'd at you... I don't want to have to support the loss of either of you... GROW UP!! PLEASE don't carry this on any further. You both know it won't end well unless you both stop it. I'm outta here for the NE show... I REALLY hope your both here and not fighting when I get back!!! (Geeeeeez, good thing I have "mother" experience... )

Well Ann, they aren't diaperfolds!! LOL But, it is in this thread for the time being.... The construction of a German handmade swirl is usually based on a "core" with a layer of clear, then a second outer pattern, then a layer of clear. Making it a 2 stage design (inner / outer) Some of the solid core marbles have a solid (usually white) center, with a layer of transparent stripes (Like the green of the one pictured, which sits on top of the white, but really doesn't look to me as if there's any actual space between it and the white) In some cases, those stripes stand out from the solid just enough to see that they are not fully attached. In a very technical way, that makes it another "layer" or stage... BUT, from the collectors point of view, that is still a part of the core design. Not another intentionally different layer of pattern. Where there is "wiggleroom" a buck can be made on the less informed!! But, these solid core marbles are NOT what is considered a tri-stage to those who understand the rarity they are paying for. I know the distinction you're trying to make between matching the description and meeting the criteria was a little tricky to express!!! LOL I have a feeling we can agree on a LOT of things... As long as outside influences let us!!

Old silver turns REALLY black with tarnish over time... That's a great yard sale benefit... Most folks think the black is bad and the metal worthless.

Cool ice picture!!! Was that recent??

Mmmmmmm..... I love squiggles!!!

A third thread??? Snicker!!!!

Maybe we have a winner!!!! I'll check it out!! Rather than eliminate names due to conflict, I think it may be wiser to explain the conflict. Hey... We're hyjacking again... Should we fix it?? Let me know.... Split this thread??

I apologize for being a part of the constant hy-jacking of the Daiperfold thread... There's 2 very different conversations going on there and both have merit... It IS possible to split these topics and allow the diaperfold some peace... However... It may also make some posts look a little goofy and it's hard to fix that... I also promise... If it's done, nothing will be deleted or modified in such a way as to change it's meaning. Whattayathink???

Ya know Bo... You may be right... But, I'm not concerned about that. If it could be done in such a way as to REALLY work for everyone... I'd pay up. I have a stack of books I've paid for. The only thing that really seemed to pull everyone together for a fairly long time... Was Marblealan's FREE ID page... The sad thing was, it was a tremendous amount of work for one person and I'm SURE he took a lot of flack for conflicted ID's... Lately, I've seen Alan list marbles as something that I KNOW they are not. Going back to the Tri-Stage Swirls..... The original description was loosely defined. But, ABSOLUTELY understood by all (They weren't even called "Tri-Stage"... There was no absolute name. Yet, everyone knew what we were talking about, when we talked about them...) Then, a book gives a description... The description includes marbles that physically meet the description... Yet, are NOT what experienced collectors see as fitting the category... These marbles pull in a LOT of money!!! Well...... If they meet the proper criteria... If they simply MATCH the description, yet DON'T meet the criteria, they are relatively common!!! The thing is.... If someone consigns to Alan, where does he stand?? The BOOK calls it a Tri-Stage. But, HE knows it isn't what was intended to BE a Tri-stage.... Here's an example of a marble, listed by a very good seller, who is apparently in the same position... I hate to pin point anyone, because I understand their need to use the term... It would be slightling a consignor not to... BUT, if I don't use an example, my rant is pointless... So, with ALL apologies and a statement that I'm watching this marble, because it IS a WONDERFUL marble and no one should ridicule the seller... Here goes... NOT a Tri-stage Swirl... This marble (barely) meets the "Book" description ID of a Tri-Stage swirl... HOWEVER, it has absolutely NO resemblance to what experienced collectors of "Tri-Stage" swirls collect. This is not confusing to the "Newbie?" Well... Let me tell ya... I bet the guy who first listed this in a book made a little cash on the slip.... But now, honest sellers are conflicted over a correct definition... To appropriately represent their consignors, they are abliged to follow the "Book." However... To the newbie, who hears that "Tri-Stage" marbles are rare, pricey and a "Great addition to any collection!!" This is NOT the marble they are looking for. (Even though, it is beautiful, hard to find colors and a FABULOUS addition to any collection) If I thought, for ONE SECOND, that an ID website could be built, maintained and corrected, use an "open end" for desputable ID's (Here's what some think, Here's what other's think, you decide what YOU think.....) Available for a contribution, or free.... Without some fool raising a stink over every SINGLE detail.... Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm........................ Here are 3 "True" Tri-Stage Swirls....

I sent a PM to Steve and I think, right about now, is a good time to go public with it... The basic concept was... Collectors were better able to communicate BEFORE books were published to help us.... I'm "Old School"..... Ok, we know that.... I'm going to say, right upfront.... There is no contempt intended here. There is no hidden meaning. The is no "favoritism" being expressed. There is simply the observations of a person who started out to learn... 'Learned a LOT when there were NO books or internet.... NEVER had a problem communicating with another collector, through mail or in person I've seen a LOT of changes in..... 43? years of collecting... Probably the biggest change is... I've gone from a 20-something kid that felt like and looked like an expert on TV, to a 55 year old who is afraid to open their mouth for fear every time I do there is an "Expert" waiting to shove their foot in it... These "experts" are out to correct us all in our terminology... Get it all in print, so that EVERYONE will be on the same page!!! Now...... wait a minute... What page was that??? WHEN was that??? Oh Crap.... Now, even my concept of TIME is wrong.... I can't deal with it....................

:-)

Now THAT'S funny!!!!

OK... Despite my meager classical education in this area.... I'm gonna throw out a scenario. It can be applied anyway anyone wants to apply it... A few years ago, at the Wheaton Marble Show, Scott Meyer refurbished an old Vitro marble machine... He did a beautiful job and got that puppy running... It was just the roller part working... There was a section for the glass to drop down, but either it wasn't complete, or they simply weren't able to set it up to work in full automation. So, they gob fed the rollers and produced a group of marbles. There are a few "out there" and I have 2... Both of mine have 2 seams... Here's why... The glass was pulled up on a punty in a fairly large glob, and allowed to drool / drip down into a string about the right size for a marble. One person held the punty, while another clipped off pieces of glass and sent them down the rollers... Soooo, theoretically, the very first marble cut, should have one seam, correct? The rest of each gob would have 2.... I think they managed to get somewhere in the area of 5-7? Marbles out of each gob before the glass cooled too much and a new gob had to be pulled.... There's that info. Do what you want with it... Here's pictures.... And one of the marbles (Ok, they're a little novice looking!! It was the first run!!)

Cool Debra!!! We'll be watching for you!!! Congratulations to you both!! 'See ya Friday, Griff!!! (Don't eat too much!!! )