The Official eMedia Release for:
ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith's "Remembering Jewish Chicago"
Talk & Discussion slated for: Friday, January 18, 2008 - 11 AM
eMEDIA RELEASE:
Dateline: Thursday, January 17, 2008
FROM THE DESKTOP OF:
ASK: ADRIENNE SIOUX KOOPERSMITH
Koopersmith’s Global Communications
“People read what Adrienne writes about…”
Chicago, Illinois USA
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TOPIC: ASK/Chicago: ‘Growing Up Koopersmith’…& Jewish in the Heartland.
Chicago, IL USA: This eNote is to personally wish you and yours a most happy, healthy and productive 2008. There’s no better way to start the New Year than to look to The Past to see where We came from and what We’ve achieved during the Decades of our Lives.
I will be doing ‘just that’ on Friday, January 18TH at which time I will be speaking at one of Chicago’s major Jewish Organizations, THE ARK. The Topic is one I know well – myself! I’ve been asked to talk about ‘Growing Up Koopersmith and Jewish’ which will, of course, put My Life into better Perspective. Plus, I’ll be able to share some Episodes that I nearly forgot about and/or feel may help others in their own ways and on their journeys.
The ARK is located at:
6450 North California in Chicago, IL 60645 USA
773-973-1000
arkchicago.org
ARK/Chicago: A BRIEF BIO:
Established in 1971, the ARK provides a comprehensive array of human services for the emotional, spiritual, physical and well-being of 3,000 needy Jewish People (both families and individuals) in the Greater Chicagoland area. Through loving and kindly acts, The ARK/Chicago supports and provides hope with an annual budget of over $3.7 million. It is the Torah’s Vehicle to sustain individuals in times of crisis and turmoil.
Besides providing social, medical and medical services, popular Intensive Day Programs are held on a regular basis that include such Topics as:
Arts and Crafts
Caregivers Group
Chuck’s Breakfast Club
Cooking
Current Events
Expression Through Photography
Health Matters
‘Let’s Talk About It’
Men’s Group
Mitzva Groups
Movie Club
News for Jews
Relaxation
Theatre Workshop
‘The Remembering Jewish Chicago’ Talks
Women’s Group
Writers Workshop and
Yoga for Women
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Speaking time for ‘Remembering Jewish Chicago’ Talks begins at 11 AM on Friday. I sincerely hope to see you there! If you cannot make it or live far away, perhaps you know someone in ‘The City’ who can benefit from this Selection of great Day Programs. If so, feel free to contact:
Steve Zeisel: 773-973-1000. Ext. 272
Na’ama Wasserman: 773-973-1000. Ext. 288
Evvy Gordon: 773-973-1000. Ext. 201
for more info.
Chicago is the Third largest City in the Metropolitan USA and within that select Population, no doubt, I am the only Jewish Gal (age 55 now) that spells her Middle Name as ‘Sioux’ – as the Great American Indian Tribe does. It doesn’t sound Jewish, but these Days, it’s not all in a Name. For Readers who are ‘well-aware,’ a Book cannot be judged by its Cover alone – it helps to see the Movie first!
But why me? “Growing up Koopersmith” in Mendota, Illinois (a small German Farming Community of 7,000 located 100 miles southwest of Chicago, IL), my Father was ‘crowned’ the first Jewish Mayor (for nearly 16 years) in a Town that was mostly German and anti-Semitic. A Jewish Star fashioned from scrap-metal bought from our junkyard was set on fire (klan-style) in the front yard of our ranch style home in the early 1960s. The closest Synagogue was 16 miles south of us. The original Rabbi died; the second rabbi’s wife didn’t like the area. They moved away leaving the Congregation. What were We to eat? My darling Mother (a native of Chicago) would drive (our fleet of Cadillacs) into Chicago (even during the Riots in 1968 when bricks were dropped from the overpasses on the Eisenhower Expressway) to go to the Butcher to make sure we always had our tummies filled. Mr. Berg always sold the best cuts of beef. As the ‘Oldest and the Best of 3 Children (all born in the 1950s) to Betty & Louis Koopersmith, I’m sure their Outlook on growing up was different than mine, but this is ‘My Story’ and I will be sharing it – what I can remember of it anyway – on Friday, January 18, 2008 at 11.
Life before the Computer, Whiteout and Trans-Fats. Imagine that. It’s just too hard to even remember Life before eMail, but it did transpire. What could possibly be more boring? Well, there might be a few things…but this personalized Discussion will definitely make for some lively Banter and Laughs that can shed Light on how even the most ordinary of unsophisticated Towns can yield the most brilliant of People. After all, it’s not where you came from, it’s where you land, straight up that matters in the long haul.
If you miss my Expose, Excerpts and Pictures will be appearing on my Blog, aptly named:
KOOPERSMITHin ® found at:
http://adriennesiouxkoopersmith.blogspot.com/
before February 1ST, 2008.
IN CLOSING:
If there are any Q&Q: Questions and Queries;
if you wish to run a Series of Stories on Events as these;
if you wish to interview me about my other Action Activities of which I am deemed:
‘America’s Premier Eventologist ® via Insight Magazine, Washington, DC in August of 1997;
‘The Premier Eventologist in the History of the World’ via The Chicago Tribune, in January of 2001
The Founder of AFSEE: Advocates For Senior Equality & Enrichment ®
The Founder of Cartoonists Against Crime ©1991 & Cartoonists Against Terrorism ©2001
Writer of 50 Pop Culture Manuscripts
or if you are curious about my 1500+ HOLIDATES that fall into 35 distinct categories that grace my Eventological Roster,
please email me directly at:
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
and/or
Adrienne.Sioux.Koopersmith@gmail.com
Thank you for your Time and Attention devoted to this pertinent subject. Continued Success and Best Wishes as the New Year unfolds…
Cheers,
ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
PS: My Creative Profile is located at:
http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa/illinois/chicago/index.php/author/chicagoblogger27/
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Detail To Resale 101. When Rags become Riches.
Detail To Resale 101. When Rags become Riches.
An Update of: Thursday, January 10, 2008
Original Writing of: Monday, January 7, 2008
ASK’s Note:
Attn: Ellis Island Immigrants, Cubans escaping from Dictatorships, Mexicans jumping the border…
They all can find Life richer and easier by ‘shopping Resale.’ Read Adrienne’s Account below to see how she’s discovered Ways on ‘saving’ and still ‘having IT all.’
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
KOOPERSMITHin' #18
A Look @ Pop Culture at its Cheapest
By: ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
Koopersmith's Global Communications
"People read what Adrienne writes about..."
Chicago, Illinois USA
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
DateLine: Friday, January 11, 2008
TOPIC: The Goodies discovered when you know how to properly 'Shop CHIC-ago' and/or You, too, can appear as ‘most glamorous’ and realize any (miserable) Season of the Year on a Resale Budget. Many do. Many (more) should. ATTN: Newcomers. You’re in the Big City now – on The Verge of finding your Fame & Fortune, but first there are a few Pointers you need to know. Listen up as there are a few Insider Tips you must know. This is all for your Benefit and Trust-FUNding whose Root Word is FUN, of course.
FURNISH YOUR APARTMENT CHICAGO-STYLE:
One of the most exciting Elements about moving into a New Town is The Stores. That means Shopping in an Environment that may be totally different from the one you left. This means a different Style than you were ordinarily accustomed to, plus The Fact that each and every Region has its own Charm & Personality, like you, a Person(ality) chock-full of C&P and exploding at ‘The Seams.’ However, there are better Ways to shop than most People are unaware. Trust me. I know.
“IF I HAD ONLY KNOWN: Slews of Great Deals beckon and await YOU at RESALE STORES. Unbeknownst to me when I first arrived in Chicago circa May of 1974, I could have probably saved over $100,000 the last 3.5 Decades of being a Resident of the ‘Windy City.’ That, indeed, may be the reason why it’s called ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ – because of those ‘Sweet Deals.’”
Quote of: ASK
Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 1:32 PM
There are super(b) Deals to be found. It is now My Mission to absolutely know where each and every one of them is located.
LET ME EXPLAIN:
By methodically checking out Resale Stores you are finding one-of-a-kind Items that:
1. may have never been worn;
2. are slightly used (or altered);
3. were merely given away as The Owner didn’t like them for unknown Reasons; or
4. may have been from great Estates and must be liquidated, thus giving the Thrift Store Customer an astounding Deal.
I have gotten the best-known Bargains in Furniture, Knick-Knacks and Clothes at Resale Outlets since Boyfriend #31 (Buc) turned me on to them circa 1994. If I had only met him 30 years earlier! The Money I would have $aved could have been The Downpayment of nearly any thing my happy little Heart desired.
INSERT: In reality, I have a BIG Heart. Just ask my Friends. But let’s continue:
Furthermore, I highly recommend these Resale Stores to Creative Friends and Artists (who are usually on a strict Budget or a classic ‘Starving Artist’) as well as Seamstresses or Toy Makers. These Aisles are flanked and chock-full of fabrics, quilts, tableware, napkins, terrycloth and endless textiles that can be transformed into anything your uninhibited Mind dreams, at pennies compared to any of the major retail Fabric Stores. All it takes is Imagination & Vision to transform a Resale Store into your very own Craft Outlet.
THE HIERARCHY IN SHOPPING PREVAILS:
For the picayunish Shopper, there’s Designer Resale whose price-tag is somewhat higher dependent on the name and location (for overhead)
Regular Resale Stores follow in second place in that hierarchy. ‘Junk Shops’ fill the lower tier. It’s now CHIC to ‘shop’ Resale whereas 40 years ago, only the Poor Kids (in Class) would go to Salvation Army Outlets. Usually the Mark-Downs hover between Seventy-five to Ninety-Percent (75-90% off the regular price due to its former ‘ownership’). This is what I call RECYCLING at its Best. You do have to realize that when you shop for FINE ANTIQUES, these Relics are actually Recycled Items, Furniture, Chandeliers, etc. from an earlier Age and Era that were consistently well-cared-for. These Furnishings are salvaged Estate Pieces that are then cleverly resold (sometimes) at a Fraction of their original Worth.
After all, let’s not forget: Compared to 1928 Economics, the American Dollar is only worth 6-3/4 cents today. Therefore, because of its pristine State, Antiques can and do command Top Dollars. Their Rarity coupled with Supply and Demand are also leading factors in their pricing. The same Principle holds true at the fine and ever-popular Auction Houses where bidding is the order of the Day.
INSERT: If time allows, please feel free to check out my BLOG, KOOPERSMITHin’ ® #20, entitled:
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc., Chicago's Top Auction House
at
http://adriennesiouxkoopersmith.blogspot.com/2008/01/koopersmithin-16-by-ask-adrienne-sioux.html
whose Theme is primarily the same but its Angle is directed towards Auction Houses and not Resale Shopping.
HOW IT IS DONE. TRICKS OF THE TRADE LEARNED FIRST HAND:
If (by chance), you are invited to a Party where you really don’t like the Celebrant (as a future Mother-in-Law, Sister-in-Law or Friend-of-a-Friend-of-a-Friend) all you need to do is GO TO RESALE, buy a Vase for 90¢, put it into a fancy Macy, Nordstrom’s or Neiman Marcus’ Gift-Box; buy a Card (2 for $1 at a Dollar Store) and some colorful Wrapping Paper (again found at a Dollar Store ) and voila: There you have it: a stunning Gift for less than $3.00. This is nearly cheaper than ReGifting and much more Fun! Pertinent Degrees of Creativity flourish here that cannot be found elsewhere. These existing Fun & Creative Elements cannot be beat! Sometimes the Tax seems higher than The Present (itself). Listen: No one needs to know…That’s THE REAL SECRET OF RESALE although THE TEMPTATION to spill “The Beans’ is very difficult to contain because the Thrill is so addicting. Is this Blog spilling those Beans? You decide while shopping Resale today!
With the Money $aved from this Eco-Gifting, treat yourself to something else you really want; or sock it away till a larger Sum is accrued and then splurge. May I suggest you now refer to my BLOG #14 dated December 21, 2007 (therefore, it is neatly archived away under the 2007 Tab) for my National Splurge Day ©1994 Expose. Its cryptic Title reads as:
From The Creator of NATIONAL SPLURGE DAY ©1994
or merely click here:
http://adriennesiouxkoopersmith.blogspot.com/2007/12/from-creator-of-national-splurge-day.html
to read about another Day when ‘The Act & Art of ‘The Sale’ taken an URGEnt turn.
It is bound to furnish you other Ideas how to effectively enjoy THE URGE TO SPLURGE.
TO CONTINUE:
Because Chicago (as a major Metropolitan City) is actively participating in THE GREEN MOVEMENT and our newly-achieved SAVE-OUR-EARTH CONSCIOUSNESS is in full-swing, by either shopping or donating to Resale, you are cleverly Recycling that equates to bettering the Life and Longevity of THE PLANET. Even leading US TV Networks (as CBS, CNN & NBC) are maximizing Coverage to GO GREEN and to educate their Viewers in doing it as easily and quickly as possible.
MINI-REMINDER: “Painting the Town GREEN” is indeed the Motto of this Century and beyond. Do not forget that what you find at Resale is ‘cheap enough’ to fix over. Many times for a nick or some minor or slight damage, a few inches of duct tape and/or dabs of paint will fix and cover-up the imperfection quite well, if you can’t find a pleasing tablecloth (at Resale, of course) to throw over it.
Since Shopping is a pivotal Part of our Lives, Resale Shopping is a Win-Win Situation from all Sides of The Coin – Pun intended! This is the Best Method to use up that loose Spare Change. After all, ‘The Change’ will do you good; make you feel better; spark up your home, office or both and ultimately upstart the (ailing) Economy. Even if you wear the outfit (shirt, dress, slacks, sweater, pantaloons, blouse, shoes, knickers, belt or scarf, etc.) only once and then recycle it, it’s well worth its minimal Investment.
“After all, where else can you look like a Million on $5 or less a Day?”
Quote of: ASK
Thursday, January 10, 2008 – 8:07 AM
For those Individuals serious about THE ART & ACT OF RESALE SHOPPING, if you develop a real Pension, Passion, Flair and Skill for Resale, it can be(come) a very lucrative Business. Because an Item can be purchased for a few Dollars, it can then be sold on eBay for 100 Times the Price (or whatever higher amount you can obtain) than it was initially purchased for. After all, there is a Buyer for every Thing. With the Internet at our Fingertips, it’s extremely easy to quickly locate that Person, which can become a life-long client and/or friend.
One of the major Canons when Resale Shopping is: TAKE THE ITEM(s) WITH YOU. Even if you are not really sure if you need or want said Item, PICK IT UP AND CARRY IT WITH YOU until you are ready to check-out. Trust me. You'll be glad you did. Years ago, I dashed in to my Favorite Resale Store and luckily found 8 awesome Items I wanted. However, I wasn’t going directly home, could not carry them with me, so I opted to hide them. I thought I hid them very well. Later that Day, I returned to buy them all. I looked here. I checked there. I searched everywhere. High and low. All had been found, retrieved and bought while I was gone. Broken-hearted, I left without a Single Stitch, only the Clothes upon my back. Although that was a wicked Lesson to learn, I haven’t broken it since.
Unfortunately, Resale Stores do not hold your Items. Their Policy is CASH & CARRY (only) with the goal of securing a Rapid Turnover for all the newer Items that continually arrive (on a daily basis – numbering in the thousands). Finders keepers. Losers weepers. Even if you wear the Item once, it’s well worth the cut-rate Price.
“Once bitten by The Resale Shopping Bug, you will never ‘go back’ to Retail Shopping, even Wholesale looks too expensive.”
Quote of: ASK
Tuesday, January 08, 2008 – 11:25 AM
THE IRREFUSABLE DEAL THAT CREATES A WIN-WIN SITUATION:
The New ‘IN’ Crowd…
Resale Shopping puts ‘The CHIC’ into CHICago (as I say) and the Money back in your Pocket (where it belongs). After all, with Global Warming, Foreclosures and the Iffyness of daily Living, Rainy Days are much more prevalent in the 21ST Century due to larger Numbers of People who are no longer insulated as they were 40 years ago. Being prepared with Cheaper Creature Comforts separates the Smart ‘n Savvy Shopper and Consummate Clothing Connoisseur from The Crowd. Looking good for less is what really does put ‘THE CHIC into Chicago while wisely saving for a rainy day…
What's one Man's (or Gal’s) Rags are another's Riches. CONTACT INFO:
Email ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith at:
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
to schedule a Day of Deluxe Resale Shopping.
Cost: 6 Hours + The Limo = $750.00. Fifty percent deposit required.
©2001-2008. Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
An Update of: Thursday, January 10, 2008
Original Writing of: Monday, January 7, 2008
ASK’s Note:
Attn: Ellis Island Immigrants, Cubans escaping from Dictatorships, Mexicans jumping the border…
They all can find Life richer and easier by ‘shopping Resale.’ Read Adrienne’s Account below to see how she’s discovered Ways on ‘saving’ and still ‘having IT all.’
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
KOOPERSMITHin' #18
A Look @ Pop Culture at its Cheapest
By: ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
Koopersmith's Global Communications
"People read what Adrienne writes about..."
Chicago, Illinois USA
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
DateLine: Friday, January 11, 2008
TOPIC: The Goodies discovered when you know how to properly 'Shop CHIC-ago' and/or You, too, can appear as ‘most glamorous’ and realize any (miserable) Season of the Year on a Resale Budget. Many do. Many (more) should. ATTN: Newcomers. You’re in the Big City now – on The Verge of finding your Fame & Fortune, but first there are a few Pointers you need to know. Listen up as there are a few Insider Tips you must know. This is all for your Benefit and Trust-FUNding whose Root Word is FUN, of course.
FURNISH YOUR APARTMENT CHICAGO-STYLE:
One of the most exciting Elements about moving into a New Town is The Stores. That means Shopping in an Environment that may be totally different from the one you left. This means a different Style than you were ordinarily accustomed to, plus The Fact that each and every Region has its own Charm & Personality, like you, a Person(ality) chock-full of C&P and exploding at ‘The Seams.’ However, there are better Ways to shop than most People are unaware. Trust me. I know.
“IF I HAD ONLY KNOWN: Slews of Great Deals beckon and await YOU at RESALE STORES. Unbeknownst to me when I first arrived in Chicago circa May of 1974, I could have probably saved over $100,000 the last 3.5 Decades of being a Resident of the ‘Windy City.’ That, indeed, may be the reason why it’s called ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ – because of those ‘Sweet Deals.’”
Quote of: ASK
Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 1:32 PM
There are super(b) Deals to be found. It is now My Mission to absolutely know where each and every one of them is located.
LET ME EXPLAIN:
By methodically checking out Resale Stores you are finding one-of-a-kind Items that:
1. may have never been worn;
2. are slightly used (or altered);
3. were merely given away as The Owner didn’t like them for unknown Reasons; or
4. may have been from great Estates and must be liquidated, thus giving the Thrift Store Customer an astounding Deal.
I have gotten the best-known Bargains in Furniture, Knick-Knacks and Clothes at Resale Outlets since Boyfriend #31 (Buc) turned me on to them circa 1994. If I had only met him 30 years earlier! The Money I would have $aved could have been The Downpayment of nearly any thing my happy little Heart desired.
INSERT: In reality, I have a BIG Heart. Just ask my Friends. But let’s continue:
Furthermore, I highly recommend these Resale Stores to Creative Friends and Artists (who are usually on a strict Budget or a classic ‘Starving Artist’) as well as Seamstresses or Toy Makers. These Aisles are flanked and chock-full of fabrics, quilts, tableware, napkins, terrycloth and endless textiles that can be transformed into anything your uninhibited Mind dreams, at pennies compared to any of the major retail Fabric Stores. All it takes is Imagination & Vision to transform a Resale Store into your very own Craft Outlet.
THE HIERARCHY IN SHOPPING PREVAILS:
For the picayunish Shopper, there’s Designer Resale whose price-tag is somewhat higher dependent on the name and location (for overhead)
Regular Resale Stores follow in second place in that hierarchy. ‘Junk Shops’ fill the lower tier. It’s now CHIC to ‘shop’ Resale whereas 40 years ago, only the Poor Kids (in Class) would go to Salvation Army Outlets. Usually the Mark-Downs hover between Seventy-five to Ninety-Percent (75-90% off the regular price due to its former ‘ownership’). This is what I call RECYCLING at its Best. You do have to realize that when you shop for FINE ANTIQUES, these Relics are actually Recycled Items, Furniture, Chandeliers, etc. from an earlier Age and Era that were consistently well-cared-for. These Furnishings are salvaged Estate Pieces that are then cleverly resold (sometimes) at a Fraction of their original Worth.
After all, let’s not forget: Compared to 1928 Economics, the American Dollar is only worth 6-3/4 cents today. Therefore, because of its pristine State, Antiques can and do command Top Dollars. Their Rarity coupled with Supply and Demand are also leading factors in their pricing. The same Principle holds true at the fine and ever-popular Auction Houses where bidding is the order of the Day.
INSERT: If time allows, please feel free to check out my BLOG, KOOPERSMITHin’ ® #20, entitled:
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc., Chicago's Top Auction House
at
http://adriennesiouxkoopersmith.blogspot.com/2008/01/koopersmithin-16-by-ask-adrienne-sioux.html
whose Theme is primarily the same but its Angle is directed towards Auction Houses and not Resale Shopping.
HOW IT IS DONE. TRICKS OF THE TRADE LEARNED FIRST HAND:
If (by chance), you are invited to a Party where you really don’t like the Celebrant (as a future Mother-in-Law, Sister-in-Law or Friend-of-a-Friend-of-a-Friend) all you need to do is GO TO RESALE, buy a Vase for 90¢, put it into a fancy Macy, Nordstrom’s or Neiman Marcus’ Gift-Box; buy a Card (2 for $1 at a Dollar Store) and some colorful Wrapping Paper (again found at a Dollar Store ) and voila: There you have it: a stunning Gift for less than $3.00. This is nearly cheaper than ReGifting and much more Fun! Pertinent Degrees of Creativity flourish here that cannot be found elsewhere. These existing Fun & Creative Elements cannot be beat! Sometimes the Tax seems higher than The Present (itself). Listen: No one needs to know…That’s THE REAL SECRET OF RESALE although THE TEMPTATION to spill “The Beans’ is very difficult to contain because the Thrill is so addicting. Is this Blog spilling those Beans? You decide while shopping Resale today!
With the Money $aved from this Eco-Gifting, treat yourself to something else you really want; or sock it away till a larger Sum is accrued and then splurge. May I suggest you now refer to my BLOG #14 dated December 21, 2007 (therefore, it is neatly archived away under the 2007 Tab) for my National Splurge Day ©1994 Expose. Its cryptic Title reads as:
From The Creator of NATIONAL SPLURGE DAY ©1994
or merely click here:
http://adriennesiouxkoopersmith.blogspot.com/2007/12/from-creator-of-national-splurge-day.html
to read about another Day when ‘The Act & Art of ‘The Sale’ taken an URGEnt turn.
It is bound to furnish you other Ideas how to effectively enjoy THE URGE TO SPLURGE.
TO CONTINUE:
Because Chicago (as a major Metropolitan City) is actively participating in THE GREEN MOVEMENT and our newly-achieved SAVE-OUR-EARTH CONSCIOUSNESS is in full-swing, by either shopping or donating to Resale, you are cleverly Recycling that equates to bettering the Life and Longevity of THE PLANET. Even leading US TV Networks (as CBS, CNN & NBC) are maximizing Coverage to GO GREEN and to educate their Viewers in doing it as easily and quickly as possible.
MINI-REMINDER: “Painting the Town GREEN” is indeed the Motto of this Century and beyond. Do not forget that what you find at Resale is ‘cheap enough’ to fix over. Many times for a nick or some minor or slight damage, a few inches of duct tape and/or dabs of paint will fix and cover-up the imperfection quite well, if you can’t find a pleasing tablecloth (at Resale, of course) to throw over it.
Since Shopping is a pivotal Part of our Lives, Resale Shopping is a Win-Win Situation from all Sides of The Coin – Pun intended! This is the Best Method to use up that loose Spare Change. After all, ‘The Change’ will do you good; make you feel better; spark up your home, office or both and ultimately upstart the (ailing) Economy. Even if you wear the outfit (shirt, dress, slacks, sweater, pantaloons, blouse, shoes, knickers, belt or scarf, etc.) only once and then recycle it, it’s well worth its minimal Investment.
“After all, where else can you look like a Million on $5 or less a Day?”
Quote of: ASK
Thursday, January 10, 2008 – 8:07 AM
For those Individuals serious about THE ART & ACT OF RESALE SHOPPING, if you develop a real Pension, Passion, Flair and Skill for Resale, it can be(come) a very lucrative Business. Because an Item can be purchased for a few Dollars, it can then be sold on eBay for 100 Times the Price (or whatever higher amount you can obtain) than it was initially purchased for. After all, there is a Buyer for every Thing. With the Internet at our Fingertips, it’s extremely easy to quickly locate that Person, which can become a life-long client and/or friend.
One of the major Canons when Resale Shopping is: TAKE THE ITEM(s) WITH YOU. Even if you are not really sure if you need or want said Item, PICK IT UP AND CARRY IT WITH YOU until you are ready to check-out. Trust me. You'll be glad you did. Years ago, I dashed in to my Favorite Resale Store and luckily found 8 awesome Items I wanted. However, I wasn’t going directly home, could not carry them with me, so I opted to hide them. I thought I hid them very well. Later that Day, I returned to buy them all. I looked here. I checked there. I searched everywhere. High and low. All had been found, retrieved and bought while I was gone. Broken-hearted, I left without a Single Stitch, only the Clothes upon my back. Although that was a wicked Lesson to learn, I haven’t broken it since.
Unfortunately, Resale Stores do not hold your Items. Their Policy is CASH & CARRY (only) with the goal of securing a Rapid Turnover for all the newer Items that continually arrive (on a daily basis – numbering in the thousands). Finders keepers. Losers weepers. Even if you wear the Item once, it’s well worth the cut-rate Price.
“Once bitten by The Resale Shopping Bug, you will never ‘go back’ to Retail Shopping, even Wholesale looks too expensive.”
Quote of: ASK
Tuesday, January 08, 2008 – 11:25 AM
THE IRREFUSABLE DEAL THAT CREATES A WIN-WIN SITUATION:
The New ‘IN’ Crowd…
Resale Shopping puts ‘The CHIC’ into CHICago (as I say) and the Money back in your Pocket (where it belongs). After all, with Global Warming, Foreclosures and the Iffyness of daily Living, Rainy Days are much more prevalent in the 21ST Century due to larger Numbers of People who are no longer insulated as they were 40 years ago. Being prepared with Cheaper Creature Comforts separates the Smart ‘n Savvy Shopper and Consummate Clothing Connoisseur from The Crowd. Looking good for less is what really does put ‘THE CHIC into Chicago while wisely saving for a rainy day…
What's one Man's (or Gal’s) Rags are another's Riches. CONTACT INFO:
Email ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith at:
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
to schedule a Day of Deluxe Resale Shopping.
Cost: 6 Hours + The Limo = $750.00. Fifty percent deposit required.
©2001-2008. Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc., Chicago's Top Auction House
DIRECT AUCTION GALLERIES, INC.
"Chicago’s Favorite Institution"
By ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
Dateline: Thursday, January 16, 2008
'When The Old Meets What's New. Unraveling America’s Love Affair with Antiques
Since Man stopped swinging from Trees, stepped onto the Ground, moved into Caves and decided to design his Interior Surroundings with home-chiseled and decorative Artifacts, these Actions undoubtedly, signaled the Commencement of the Age of Materialism. That Milestone additionally jumpstarted Culture and beckoned an extreme and continuous Push in Man’s Development. As the Cycle continued to build (figuratively speaking), Objects became complicated. Objects became pretty. Objects became lavish, intricate and detailed. Luckily for We BabyBoomers and our Parents (who reside on The Planet Today with us as well as our Children), We (as Cross-Generational Parties, the First in Recorded History) are easily able to reap and enjoy the Fruits of Our Predecessors that endlessly honed the(se) Arts and set ‘The Scale of Excellence’ as previously elaborated.
DEFINING DETAIL. Separating Trash from Treasures
“The Objects of our Affection & Afflictions prove that Art does imitate Life. Hence, Life is a direct Reflection of The Passions that follow us often found in the very Objects that fulfill that Corner of our Soul, Studio and Station in the Art of Life and Living.”
Quote of: ASK
Wednesday, January 9, 2008 – 8:09 PM
Living in a diverse and sophisticated Metropolitan Area, the Diversity of these Objets d’Art (Art Objects) verifies the Colloquialism that “what is Art to One Person need not be Art to another.” It’s all selective and all objective (dependent upon and according to The Object of Desire). What piques one person’s Curiosity need not necessarily interest another. Luckily, this is so because there might be Fits of Fighting over such Objects due to their Rarity. Mass Production grips a Global Economy in order to satisfy all (if not most of the swelling Population) in their relentless and unending Quest for suitable Interior and Exterior Objects. Diversity of Design sets in to color, enhance and enlighten one’s surroundings. Striving for a “Pleasing” End Product is that Goal.
ENTER: The Assembly Line that powered-up Materialism. That (again) is the Case Scenario for finding, pinpointing, selecting, collecting and displaying the Objects of our Passion. Where do We begin to search for them? Do We know what We are looking for? Can We tell the ‘Real Thing’ from a Fake, Substitute or Replica? Where does a Person go to select and buy Items where he feels he is receiving a fair, just, market-value and legitimately decent Deal? That may be the hardest part of ‘The Quest to Shop.’
Materialism (as a circumstance of Evolution) is rampant and blanketing. Escaping it means the non-Enjoyment of Man’s Creative Self and Growth Process. Quality heads the List as what most Collectors aim for in their persistent Search for more Objets d’Art, Pieces, Items, Bric-a-Brac and Knick-Knacks all listed under the Title of Material Possessions. You will find these interesting Facets of Modern Evolution & Culture plus more at Direct Auction Galleries, Inc. on North Western Avenue. This is the One Stop-to-Shop Facility located in The Midwest in Chicago, America’s Third Largest City.
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc. (known simply as: “Direct”)
7232 North Western Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60645 USA
Phone: 773-465-3300
Fax: 773-465-8873
http://www.directauction.com/
DirectAu@aol.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
Closed on Sunday.
BACKGROUND INFO:
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc (“Direct”) is now owned and operated by John S. Modica and John R. Modica who are Cousins and Joanne Modica who is John R.’s older Sister). Founded in 1962 by Mike and Barbara Modica (John R. & Joanne’s Parents), 2008 marks their 46TH year in the fast-paced, never dull Auction Business. Previously, for those who remember a bit of Chicago Lore and History, “Direct” resided at 4331 North Broadway.
“Direct” employs three licensed Auctioneers (year-round) as 26 Auctions are set annually. Ringmen (whose jobs include ‘walking’ the items amongst the Bidders during the Auction) are Patrick, Juan, Ken, George, Kem and Mike who have been with “Direct” for many years.
DIRECT TRIVIA:
Coins (because of their Antiquity Element) are the Oldest Items sold at “Direct.” Therefore, one of the oldest Coin of Roman Heritage (some 2000 years old) could have very well been used by J. Caesar himself. “Direct’s” oldest Coin dated 2,000 years B.C., was Chinese and sold for a mere pittance: $20.
The most Expensive Item ever sold yet was the Carl Becker Violin for $32,000 on Tuesday, July 19TH 2005.
The largest Diamond that passed through the Doors of “Direct” was 5 Carats and carried a Price Tag of $20,000.
In recent History, the most expensive Painting sold for $22,000 with the Artist being Edouard Cortes.
For over 4.5 Decades “Direct” Experts have collected, sold and auctioned 697,000 Lots of these precious and semi-precious Objects that have sailed across Generations; traveled Century-to-Century and spanned Millennium-to-Millennium. To compute that breath-taking figure, John R. averaged that 600 Items are sold at each Auction; multiplied by the 26 Auctions held annually. That equates to (15,600) 17,000 per Auction or 34,000 Items monthly. Within these Lots many times an Assortment of smaller Boxes or Bags are wedged between thus increasing those Numbers of Items and Objets d’Art. Therefore, the low-end Figure of 697,000 Items are sorted, cataloged and sold with many more similar Pieces because these Lots are boxed and sold as a much larger lot. The Total Yield ranges from (at least) 697,000 Items sold annually. It’s as if Christmas Day happens every Day at “Direct” when new (and oft-times ‘old’) Items come through their doors!
Therefore, with such a Clamor for the Old, the Newer, the Different and the Unusual, “Direct” has become the Source and Resource for the Interior Design Trade that is constantly on a Quest for unique and valuable Items, plus more.
The terrific Aspect about living in this Day & Age is that Science has made so many critical Strides. Scientists have developed Methods on how to better keep, restore and preserve these Items so that Future Generations can enjoy them outside of an insulated Time Capsule at an isolated Museum quarantined on the outskirts of town. Shopping online is now an everyday habit. The same can be accomplished at “Direct,” if you care to bid without leaving the Comfort of your Home, Office or Vacation Spot via an Absentee Bid Sheet. Some Families hand down their dear, meaningful and sometimes precious Possessions (relegated as Relative’s Relics ®) from Person-to-Person and thereby keep their Possessions intact within The Klan. Yet the Change will do you good as you mix, match, dispose and trade-off Objets d’Art year-in and year-out that symbolizes the unbridled ‘Spirit of Capitalism.’ This lively Discussion now brings up another popular, yet resonating Colloquialism:
“What’s precious to One Person(ality) may not be precious to another. What’s significant to you may be of great Insignificance to me.”
THE TRUE DEFINITION OF RECYCLING:
Because of their laid-back Atmosphere and Demeanor, a Person (of any Financial Means) feels warmly welcomed when entering the Doors at “Direct.” Their intuitive and professional Way of working with the Public ensures the Buying and Reselling Process (even in a recessed and slumping Economy) that is handled with the utmost Skill and Expertise. Simultaneously, “Direct” has Deals for every size Pocketbook.
“No one needs go home without a Souvenir of The Day.”
WHERE ORGANIZATION IS KEY: Because of The Nature of their Product Lines that constantly change bi-monthly, the Goods & Objets d’Art you will find (neatly labeled, indexed and shelved) will (most likely) be sensational; one-of-a-kind, uncommon Pieces fit for a Private Collection, for Resale, for gifting away or for merely enjoying its Beauty and/or Style.
LOTS OF LOTS:
What you (may) need to know is that their Showroom (which originally was a Sewing Machine Factory turning into an Auto Repair Shop) is located near the Intersection of Touhy & Western at 7232 North Western Avenue (2400 West). What you (may) unconsciously not know is their Showroom could become the Catalyst for a New Collection, Gift Idea or Room Arrangement! Although Attendance at an Auction is an educational, exciting social Event that spells out FUN, it’s not necessary to physically be present. Online Bidding and via Phone Bidding can be done without making a Live Appearance.
Excitement fills the Air when strolling the Aisles. “Direct” fills twenty-thousand (20,000) Square Feet of Showroom Space here with 6,000 of it being allocated to The Auction Room itself. Their Product Turnover happens every other Week when an Auction occurs. Approximately 1,600-1,800 Postcards (a sizable Data Base here) are sent out while 2,500 Email Alerts notify Customers that an Auction is approaching. Between the eMailers and the Postcards, Pictures are posted (and continually updated on their Website) by late on Sunday Evenings. A panoramic View of the Auction is shown so the Bidder(s) can get a feel of how the (larger) Piece(s) will look in a proper Setting. For so many Individuals (whether they are Antique Dealers, Shop Owners, Private Collectors, Curious Individuals, eBay Traders, etc.), the Event itself is an immediate Draw. People will attend in Droves. “Direct’s” Attendance Levels (quite a Phenomena in a recessed Economy) is comparable to knowing when The Bears or Cubs are playing a Hometown Game.
STAGING AN AUCTION: Multi-Tasking in Action
That Feat alone takes an over-abundance of Physical Labor, Teamwork, Mental Agility and Enthusiasm as well as Business Savvy, Acumen and Logistics that involves choosing and coordinating the Selection of Pieces, the Catalogs, Indexing, Photographing the Lots both online and for the Postcard Mailings, dividing the Lots up and arranging the Furniture. Surprises (of every Variety, Age, Make/Model, Style, Temperament and Monetary Amount) appear around each corner (on every Table Top) for the discerning Client to the first-time Customer or Novice. After all, if King Tut were alive, he’d certainly shop here at Direct Auction Galleries and ‘take it with him.’ Those rotating Items may be:
Albums, Artist’s Easels, Autographed Photographs, Bars & Stools, Beds (Carved), Baseball Cards, Baskets. Benches, Bone China, Books (Bookends & Bookcases) Bronzes, Cabinets/ Cabinetry, Cameras, Candelabras, Carpets, Cases, Chandeliers, Chests, China, Coins, Collector’s Plates & Spoons, Curiosities, Desks, Dining Room Table & Chairs, Dolls, Dressers, Duck Decoys, Etchings, Figurines, Fireplace Accessories, Flatware, Grandfather Clocks, Jewelry (as: Bangles, Bracelets, Earrings, Rings, Necklaces, Pocket Watches and Wristwatches), Leaded Glass, Lighters, Lighting Fixtures, Love Seats, Masks, Memorabilia, Mirrors, Movie Stills, Mugs, Musical Instruments, Music Boxes, Oriental/Persian (and not-so-Perisan) Rugs, Paintings, Photo Albums, Porcelains, Purses (including Antique), Records, Sculptures, Sports’ Cards, Stands, Sterling Silverware, Steins, Still Life(s), Swords, Tapestries, Tea Sets, Tiffanies, Timepieces, Toys, Trading Cards, Tramp Art, Wall Units, Wedgwood and World War II Artifacts.
As John R. had stated while he auctioneered at their January 1ST Event: “Don’t worry, there’s more Stuff. I promise you!”
“Here at the ‘Antique Parade Faire’ sitting and bidding is the preferred positioning. What is easier and many times cheaper (for the Bargain Hunter) than that? If it’s more than 3 Pieces, it comprises a Collection.” That Thrill and Rush of Adrenalin are what makes Collectors collect and continue to collect. That is what makes them tick. Speaking about ‘ticking,’ yes, you can ‘Buy Time’ at Auction on a vast array of grandfather clocks, watches, alarms and other time-pieces. However, just because you have a Watch does not guarantee you will be ON-time all the time. There is Strength and Beauty in Numbers. Collecting Collectibles is a New Year’s Resolution that begins at Direct Auction Galleries, Inc. no matter what your particular Passion or Collectible is.”
As Patrick yelled out while “Direct’s” January 15TH Auction began to gather steam at 5PM after 2 hours of fast-fire Bidding: “There’s more comin’ up here…”
With Chicago being the third leading City in the USA, for Travelers, Visitors and/or Conventioneers “Direct” is only 9.49 miles northwest of the Landmark John Hancock Center. A relaxing 20 minute taxi ride, this is an Opportunity (whether you are here for serious business, a fun-filled family excursion or frivolous shopping spree) to experience a Chicago Auction first hand or (if you arrive between Auctions) to check out their vast Inventory that changes daily. Just ask your friendly Concierge, check-out “Direct’s” website or Mapquest for specific driving instructions.
WHATEVER YOUR SITUATION OR LIFESTYLE PURSUIT IS: Collections of every Type can be created, made, found, formulated and/or traded here at “Direct.” This is the Place to start a new Collection or add to an existing Collection for Family Members, Self, Neighbors, Friends or Co-Workers to enjoy in a plethora of ways. Personal Shoppers delight in “Direct.” From baseball cards to exotic cars to nostalgic or timely pieces to hats, Materialism (as a powerful Force to be reckoned with) has made collecting a Lifestyle to many People for Generations, Centuries and Millenniums. The Concept has rooted itself in our ‘Collective Psyche’ (for lack of a better term). Reports reveal that many People do diligently shop at Auction Houses regularly which make their Search for these special Objects all the easier, as the Auctioneers at “Direct” will firmly attest. With Time being a priceless Commodity alone, it’s reassuring to know that all this is housed under one gigantic all-encompassing Roof.
The “Direct” Building (as a structure or edifice) is divided into three distinct Sections. The South Wing is Used Office Products, Chairs, Desks, Files and Miscellanea. Some Furnishings are completely new but are discontinued Lines. The large Middle Arena (with an overhead Skylight) holds large furniture, cabinetry, antique chests, ornate objects, clothing racks for clothes and furs (season permitting) with a designated seating area for the Auctions’ Bidders. The North Wing has rows-upon-rows of (s)lightly used Office Products that (for a modern high tech office) appears outdated, but does stand as the ‘Best Deal in Town’ for second-hand filing Cabinets and other Paraphernalia and Office Gizmos. Today, many of us scan instead of using Paper as the Green Movement and Recycling have now gone from Avant Garde in the 1960s to become ‘The Latest Rage.’ You just don’t know what you will discover. That Motto encompasses the fascinating Part of ‘The Hunt’ at “Direct.”
From Utilitarian to Elegance, it’s all located there at: 7232 North Western Avenue. Beyond The Shadow of a Doubt, that indeed is the Appeal of attending Live Auctions at Direct Auction Galleries. Speaking about ‘Shadows’ from The Past: Wouldn’t it be interesting to know who once looked into that Vintage or Victorian Mirror you recently purchased? Did any of the Items once belong to Abe Lincoln perhaps? You can’t help but wonder if any Dignitary once owned your recent Acquisition? Was it once part of Marie Antoinette’s, Jackie Kennedy’s or Picasso’s Estate?
2008: THE YEAR OF THE AUCTION @ Direct Auction Galleries, Inc.
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc.’s 2008 Auction Dates are:
January 1, 15, 22, 29 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, December 31, 2007, January 14, January 28, 2008
The Tuesday, January 22, 2008 Auction will be held at Griffin Funeral Home at 3232 S. Martin Luther King Drive (in Chicago) from 11AM – 3 PM.
February 12, 26 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, February 11, February 25
March 11, 25 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, March 10, March 24
April 8, 22 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, April 7, April 21
May 13, 27 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, May 12, May 26
June 10, 24 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, June 9, June 23
July 8, 22 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, July 7, July 21
August 5, 19 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, August 4, August 18
September 2, 16, 30 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, September 1, September 15, September 29
October 14, 28 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, October 13, October 27
November 11, 25 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, November 10, November 24
December 9, 23 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday December 8, December 22
ATTENDEES’ NOTE:
Days & Transportation Availability
Monday Viewing Hours: 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday Viewing Hours: 2-3 PM Viewing
Tuesday Hours: The Auction starts promptly at 3 PM, running through 10-11 PM
The 49B Western CTA Bus runs regularly. Parking is available at The YMCA and behind the “Direct” building.
Pickup of purchased Items is Wednesday and/or Thursday or for such cases when a truck needs to be rented, on Saturday.
There’s no need to stress, if you take a 3-Day Weekend and cannot attend the Sneak Preview held every other Monday. An hour-long Preview is also scheduled for THE DAY OF THE AUCTION in order to see what’s on their Menu and Roster of Collectibles beginning at 2 PM on Tuesday till the Auction officially kicks off at 3 PM sharp.
By checking out their Website late on Sunday Evening, you will conveniently find all the Items photographed that will be auctioned off (on Tuesday).
For those having more time to peruse “Direct’s Website, check-out:
http://directauction.com/past.html
that marks the Spot where former magnificent Museum-type Pieces can be viewed from previous Auctions that date back to August, 2001. As an ‘historical glance,’ the breath-taking Objects show what can appear on the Auction Block. This Page is quite fascinating for the Curiosity Seeker to a Student studying Period Pieces and is reminiscent of the Rizzoli Book Store ‘Coffee Table Texts’ that were popular in the late 20TH Century.
Therefore, if you happen to be out-of-town that Week, you won’t miss a Beat. Furthermore, you can always stop in to peruse their immense Line of Office Furniture which is on display and for sale at 2 locations.
If you can’t find what you are looking for here, just drive, walk, bus, rollerblade or bike the 3 mile distance south to 5041 North Western Avenue where 70,000 Square Feet of New and Used Office Furniture will greet you. Chances are you will not know where to look first so give yourself plenty of time ‘to peruse.’ The same Opening Hours apply at both Locations. The 5041 North Western address houses ten times the amount of Office Furniture that is warehoused at their 7232 Address. If it has been manufactured, you’ll find it here at reasonable prices.
When asked if a Running List of Special Items that their ‘Return Clients’ favor is kept on-file, John R. smiled and said: “That would be impossible.” Because of their great Turnover and sheer Number alone of Individual Pieces (besides the Lots of Lots within Lots), phoning would become a telephonic Challenge that even your teenage daughter could not handle. That’s why it is important to schedule into your Day, enough Time to peruse their Website and preview what will be on-Display and for-Sale at “Direct.” Hiring a Personal Shopper (who could peruse and report back on their latest Acquisitions) is an ideal and handy Marketing Plan, also.
Do your ‘Inner Shopper’ a Great Big Favor and sign up for Direct’s eMail and/or snail Mail List today in order to be apprised of their latest Events & Offerings. Just eMail “Direct” at:
DirectAu@aol.com
You’ll be glad you did. After all, Antiques are an Investment that only appreciate in value as your Love of it continually grows.
WHAT YOU’LL DRAW BY ATTENDING:
“What’s IN Circulation could be(come) yours today.” It’s not so much if the Price is right. It’s how much you crave the Item that drives the Auction Experience. Caution is often foregone as Bidders ruthlessly vie neck-to-neck for the same Item. Competition stiffens. It’s very likely that you may be the only one on your Block with that Item, as Rarity runs high at Auction Houses as “Direct.” Because the Bidders are competing, the Piece attains its Level of Market Value no matter what.”
John R. clarifies: “Every Day here is always different. We always run across something not seen before. Every Day is a Learning Experience. Exotic Snakes, Birds and Lizards are the wildest Selections We have auctioned off.”
Because everything is exciting, new and fresh every Day (although their Products may be as ‘old as The Hills’), Antique Roadshow would find “Direct’s” location pristine and in-demand for one of their ‘Stops Across America.’ Most likely, Antique Roadshow is not viewed in everyone’s homes. A reality TV version of what takes place here ‘at Auction’ would whet the appetite of all those who have not attended an Auction yet, thus changing their outlooks, homes and attitude forever. After all, “Direct’s” Shelves and Aisles are filled with Real Stuff: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly… enough to get those neck-to-neck Rating ahead of any other’s, situated here in the USA’s Third Hardest Working City and Cultural Center, Chicago, Illinois.
TURNOVERECYCLE ®: The New Buzz Term of 2008.
Boiling it down to the Common Denominator of: “Material Leftovers”
The Turnover of Product or Lot Lines is huge as Auction Houses share (actually S-C-R-A-M-B-L-E) for a Piece of an Estates’ Wealth. To coincide with the Reselling Process, Recycling is yet another route in which these Products return to Circulation. This Cycle is perpetuated and continues the Growth, Supply and Demand of those who are constant Bidders. Most of “Direct’s Clients are based in the USA although their international constituency has reached as far as the United Kingdom. With eMail Blasts forwarded multiple times announcing rare Finds at Auction, (the) prestigious Collectors are finding out more about “Direct’s” distinct Flavor in the Auction Business every Day.
The Turnover of Art & Paintings can be slower at established Art Galleries. That’s why it is highly recommended that Collectors should also frequent Auction Houses as “Direct” as Art Galleries no longer have the monopoly on Art, per se. An Auction House’s Volume is varied and at a Fraction (most times) of the Cost. Sometimes, the Frame built at the local Frame Shop is more expensive than the Drawing contained within its borders. Here, with Competition looming, the Deal received may be shocking to both Auctioneer and Bidder and set a World’s or all-time Record.
WHEN SHOPPING IS A HEALTHY STATE: To date, my Guess is no ‘Auction Anonymous Meetings’ are held for those obsessively compulsed to haunt each Auction they physically can. If anything, this Mode of Shopping (which is chided and humorously poked fun at by every husband and male talk show host) is a Learning Experience, a History Lesson, a Financial Class and a future Investment.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF SHOPPING AT ANTIQUE HOUSES. Quality Objects (that cannot be found elsewhere) top the B-List (Bidding, that is). Plus, in Today’s World where GREEN is King and is taking Centerstage in every Sector and Segment of Society, the concrete Reassurance is in knowing that your Purchase is aiding in the Recycling Process. Recycling occurs in a two Cycles, namely:
1. Death freely allows the Donation of Body Organs to others who desperately need them; and
2. The Seller or Consignee found an Objet(s) d’Art that may have been hidden away or lost for decades or longer that he currently wishes to sell and make a profit.
Recycling then (of all Earthly Forms) is a part of “Our Ongoing Pattern.”
WHEN GOING ‘GREEN’: Where do these Items go? Certainly not in a Landfill, slated as one of the most disturbing of all Eco-Problems. The Psychology of:
1. purchasing to turnover and resell;
2. to gift;
3. to add to a(n existing) Collection or begin a new Collection (of Collectibles);
4. to hoard; and
5. as a Hobby and Past-Time,
make “Direct” hum. “Live to Buy or Buy to Live.” It’s easier and more cost-effective at “Direct:” Where you can bid and live Life better because of their Wares at their 7232 North Western Avenue Site in Chicago.
INSIGHTS: Can you say: EXPEN$E-ive?
The Art of The Sale is not only a Learning Process to sit (still) and see what Items sell for, but The Prices obtained are much more reasonable than attending a high-end Auction House Sale that is paying a robust Rent and Overhead on Gold Coast Properties (where the Chatter is all about Location, Location, Location). The(ir) Costs are subsequently passed along to their Clients by charging them a severely larger Fee for each Objet d’Art sold.
Therefore, if you are an avid Collector (as myself) who has combed Antique Stores and Auction Houses since 1968, you will remember places where their desks and chests were piled up to the ceiling tops. Fear of falling drawers (that may have been rotting out or falling down on me) was always in the back of my mind as I meticulously checked out every piece in the place. This, then was the reason why square footage in any Big City is at a premium (price). With many small Antique Shops cropping up, it was normal for them to ‘stock-up’ physically to the ceilings. This is not the case in “Direct.” Furniture will not fall on you. Rotting Drawers or Table Tops will not collapse. You can enjoy walks through aisles without squeezing on by or fearing something will topple and break. However, for the procrastinator, live Auctions are not for you. This is because Products come and go quickly, within nano-seconds. Spontaneity is key in these moments of intense bidding. If you do not bid-buy-and-carry-out, that Item may be gone and lost forever. Therefore, you will sorely miss something that once-in-a-lifetime Objet d’Art if you do not actively bid. At a small Antique Shop that same rare Item may sit for months-on-end till their quarterly or yearly sale occurs. It is better to bid and then resell or consign the Piece than to lose it altogether. That’s the true Auctioning Spirit that’s found at “Direct.”
As John R. kidded his Audience while he auctioned off a Leaf Pin at their Tuesday, January 1, 2008 Event: “You won’t want to LEAF without it. There’s more where that came from.” Those Words of Encouragement ring through and resonate throughout their Auction Hall. It’s not the greedy words of an over-zealous Salesman, but of a Personality who feels the Exciting Atmosphere that’s always raised the Rooftops and felt when an Auction takes off and bubbles on a high-pitched and spirited Note. It’s a Sentiment where he knows that a satisfied Customer yields a life-long Relationship.
THE LAW OF THE SALE: That’s the Working Principal
A Retailer has Options. If an Item is bought at $1, he may charge $2, $3 or $4 for said Piece in his Store. If he then decides to discount the Item in half (50%) that $4 Item is slashed to $2 (that he bought at $1). No matter what the Price, the Retailer is making 100% of the Gross Margin and the Store is doubling their Investment. Keystoning is the Term applied to the Standard Markup meaning ‘a doubling of the monetary amount.’ The General Rule is, Stores will do whatever they can get away with. Trapping and Bating are Tricks to lure Customers in, but this is not the Topic of Today’s Discussion. For voracious Readers, Bookstores have less than this Markup. This all depends on who The Buyer is and how badly he wants said Item. Know your Buyer and your Sales Schemes will work out well for both Buyer and Seller for the long-term. ‘Big Box’ Stores (as K-Mart, Sam’s Club, Target, Wal-Mart, Costco, etc.) who purchase Items in-bulk will sell more Product allowing their Prices to be more attractive than smaller shop owners. Competitive Pricing between ‘Big Box’ Stores makes News on a regular bases and has (unfortunately) put many Ma & Pa Store Fronts out of business the last 50 years. This may be because “Direct” has stormed every Recession and Market Waive(r) the last 46 years, providing their Customers with timely and desired pieces week-in and week-out. Dealing in Antiques and Recyclables of such Items is different because one-of-a-kind Items are auctioned and deeply dependent on and affected by the Clientele’s Bidding. The Supply-and-Demand (of) said Piece can be sold for Peanuts (or Pennies) or for large Fortunes. The Auctioneers seek the large Fortunes. The Clients hope for the Pennies (or Peanuts). A Happy Medium seems to be the Average.
“If an Item at a City Department Store sells at 300% Markup; then discounted by 50%, the Customer is still not coming out ahead. That, of course, is expected as Part of Consumerism. We all know that. Although the Owner(s) may be losing Money on his/their Investment, returning Customers will make his Establishment successful by revisiting and knowing in the ‘back of their mind’ that a Deal is inevitable if your Cards are played right and the Timing coincides. That’s why Auction Houses (as Direct Auction Galleries, Inc.) are the ‘New Department Stores of 2008” – a Forecast I have personally seen by shopping at both Locales since my Move to Chicago in May of 1974. Recycling is in The Forefront of People’s Minds today. The Green Movement perpetuates this new Mindset and with the Dollar only being worth 6-3/4 Cents, Auction Houses will replace Stores that do not offer the greatest Deal and Bang for one’s hard-earned or inherited Buck.”
“But what’s a Dollar really worth and am I getting a Deal?” is the lament of all Shoppers across The Globe (whether their Purchase is at a Retail Store, Resale Store, Department Store or Auction House. This incredibly interesting Subject can be better explained as:
“There are dozens of ways to figure out what a Dollar ‘back then’ is worth now or what a Dollar today (2006 - the last year for which reliable statistics are available) was worth back then. A lot of Folks accept the CPI (Consumer Price Index) as a good indicator and for a lot of comparisons it works OK - not great - OK. Based on that, a Dollar in 1986 would be worth about 52 cents today. During the Depression, in 1932 Babe Ruth's Salary was $80,000. In 2006, the CPI was 14.8 times larger than it was in 1932. However, the GDP deflator in 2006 (an accepted 'Adjustment’ figure for figuring out the Purchasing Power for basics such as Housing or Meals) was 12.8 times larger than in 1932. $80,000 X 12.8 = $1,024,000 So, ‘The Babe's’ Relative Wage was about $1,000,000 today. Or, said another way and based only on the CPI, a dollar back then (in 1932) is worth only 6-3/4 cents today. [100 cents divided by 14.8 = 6-3/4 cents].”
Howie Mandel’s ‘Deal or no Deal’ has nothing over the Ownership and Selling Technique of “Direct” whose proven Sales Technique have listed The Modica’s Establishment as an innovative Leader in the Antique Marketplace of the 21st Century – now for 46 Years – spotlighting Art and Artifacts dated from Antiquity to The Present. For 2008, their Goals are the same as those used the last 45 years whereby Owner/Auctioneer, John R. stated: “To get the best Stuff We can get our hands on. It’s all about “The Stuff’ pretty much and getting the Best Deals for our Customers and Consignors.”
FOR THE SAKE OF ART & FOR ART’s STAKE IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE: Reassurance rests with the Knowledge of knowing that yesterday’s hand-made Treasures will see the Light of Tomorrow at The Modica’s Direct Auction Galleries, Inc. where glorifying and beautifying your Home, Office, Studio and/or Surroundings for 2008 is as easy as lifting your Hand (to bid).
THE COMPETITIVE CLOSE: How Competition fills a Home with Beauty and Love.
LIVIN’ LARGE – LIVIN’ LOVELY:
“It may take a Village to raise a Child, but for that Child, it takes Direct Auction Galleries, Inc. to turn his House into a Home.”
ReQuote of: ASK
Thursday, January 10, 2008 – 7:43 AM
The Atmosphere of High Anxiety floats through the Air while bidding on an Object. It may be extremely close to that same Feeling when watching a Live Birth. When an Object is bid on, there’s a heightened Tension that builds until the ‘Bubble bursts’ and then the Auctioneer diligently continues with the next Item on the Auction Block when that Emotion erupts again for the competitive Bidders. Ah, such is The Cycle and Saga of Life at “Direct” & Auction Houses everywhere. For all your pretty, complicated, lavish, intricate and detailed Objets d’Art, visit “Direct” where the highest Bidder wins.
ABC: ATTICS & BASEMENTS & CLOSETS: OH MY!
ART AND ECONOMICS UNITE: Handle With Care…
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc. is a phenomenal Operation based on Knowledge of The Possessions run by three professionally Licensed Auctioneers and a Team of (at least) 5 Experts who work the floor while these regularly scheduled Auctions transpire. Not only is “Direct” a complete World Marketplace (crossing all Cultures and Periods):
- in which to shop;
- but can also help in The Liquidation of your Estate;
- place Items on Consignment;
- clean or clear out ABC: Attics, Basements, Closets;
- help in the Determination of a Price (as in Appraisals);
- or Purchase the most unique Gift you can find.
Decades of satisfied Clients, Customers and Families highly recommend “Direct” as their First Stop for Shopping – perhaps only Stop – ‘The People’s Antique Auction House in The Heartland.’
“Collecting Collectibles is a New Year’s Resolution that begins at Direct Auction Galleries, Inc.,” year-round and one that tops the List of many.
Renown for ‘Tipping the Scales’ on ‘what’s Gory to what’s Glorious’ to its Clientele, a Visit to “Direct” is a cultural, educational, economic and social learning trip exploring how Man has designed a comfortable Life with Style throughout the Chronicles of Time.
For those Folks who thought Chicago’s Favorite Institution was The Cubs, Sox or even The Bears, they were wrong. It’s been “Direct” all along.
"Chicago’s Favorite Institution"
By ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
Dateline: Thursday, January 16, 2008
'When The Old Meets What's New. Unraveling America’s Love Affair with Antiques
Since Man stopped swinging from Trees, stepped onto the Ground, moved into Caves and decided to design his Interior Surroundings with home-chiseled and decorative Artifacts, these Actions undoubtedly, signaled the Commencement of the Age of Materialism. That Milestone additionally jumpstarted Culture and beckoned an extreme and continuous Push in Man’s Development. As the Cycle continued to build (figuratively speaking), Objects became complicated. Objects became pretty. Objects became lavish, intricate and detailed. Luckily for We BabyBoomers and our Parents (who reside on The Planet Today with us as well as our Children), We (as Cross-Generational Parties, the First in Recorded History) are easily able to reap and enjoy the Fruits of Our Predecessors that endlessly honed the(se) Arts and set ‘The Scale of Excellence’ as previously elaborated.
DEFINING DETAIL. Separating Trash from Treasures
“The Objects of our Affection & Afflictions prove that Art does imitate Life. Hence, Life is a direct Reflection of The Passions that follow us often found in the very Objects that fulfill that Corner of our Soul, Studio and Station in the Art of Life and Living.”
Quote of: ASK
Wednesday, January 9, 2008 – 8:09 PM
Living in a diverse and sophisticated Metropolitan Area, the Diversity of these Objets d’Art (Art Objects) verifies the Colloquialism that “what is Art to One Person need not be Art to another.” It’s all selective and all objective (dependent upon and according to The Object of Desire). What piques one person’s Curiosity need not necessarily interest another. Luckily, this is so because there might be Fits of Fighting over such Objects due to their Rarity. Mass Production grips a Global Economy in order to satisfy all (if not most of the swelling Population) in their relentless and unending Quest for suitable Interior and Exterior Objects. Diversity of Design sets in to color, enhance and enlighten one’s surroundings. Striving for a “Pleasing” End Product is that Goal.
ENTER: The Assembly Line that powered-up Materialism. That (again) is the Case Scenario for finding, pinpointing, selecting, collecting and displaying the Objects of our Passion. Where do We begin to search for them? Do We know what We are looking for? Can We tell the ‘Real Thing’ from a Fake, Substitute or Replica? Where does a Person go to select and buy Items where he feels he is receiving a fair, just, market-value and legitimately decent Deal? That may be the hardest part of ‘The Quest to Shop.’
Materialism (as a circumstance of Evolution) is rampant and blanketing. Escaping it means the non-Enjoyment of Man’s Creative Self and Growth Process. Quality heads the List as what most Collectors aim for in their persistent Search for more Objets d’Art, Pieces, Items, Bric-a-Brac and Knick-Knacks all listed under the Title of Material Possessions. You will find these interesting Facets of Modern Evolution & Culture plus more at Direct Auction Galleries, Inc. on North Western Avenue. This is the One Stop-to-Shop Facility located in The Midwest in Chicago, America’s Third Largest City.
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc. (known simply as: “Direct”)
7232 North Western Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60645 USA
Phone: 773-465-3300
Fax: 773-465-8873
http://www.directauction.com/
DirectAu@aol.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
Closed on Sunday.
BACKGROUND INFO:
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc (“Direct”) is now owned and operated by John S. Modica and John R. Modica who are Cousins and Joanne Modica who is John R.’s older Sister). Founded in 1962 by Mike and Barbara Modica (John R. & Joanne’s Parents), 2008 marks their 46TH year in the fast-paced, never dull Auction Business. Previously, for those who remember a bit of Chicago Lore and History, “Direct” resided at 4331 North Broadway.
“Direct” employs three licensed Auctioneers (year-round) as 26 Auctions are set annually. Ringmen (whose jobs include ‘walking’ the items amongst the Bidders during the Auction) are Patrick, Juan, Ken, George, Kem and Mike who have been with “Direct” for many years.
DIRECT TRIVIA:
Coins (because of their Antiquity Element) are the Oldest Items sold at “Direct.” Therefore, one of the oldest Coin of Roman Heritage (some 2000 years old) could have very well been used by J. Caesar himself. “Direct’s” oldest Coin dated 2,000 years B.C., was Chinese and sold for a mere pittance: $20.
The most Expensive Item ever sold yet was the Carl Becker Violin for $32,000 on Tuesday, July 19TH 2005.
The largest Diamond that passed through the Doors of “Direct” was 5 Carats and carried a Price Tag of $20,000.
In recent History, the most expensive Painting sold for $22,000 with the Artist being Edouard Cortes.
For over 4.5 Decades “Direct” Experts have collected, sold and auctioned 697,000 Lots of these precious and semi-precious Objects that have sailed across Generations; traveled Century-to-Century and spanned Millennium-to-Millennium. To compute that breath-taking figure, John R. averaged that 600 Items are sold at each Auction; multiplied by the 26 Auctions held annually. That equates to (15,600) 17,000 per Auction or 34,000 Items monthly. Within these Lots many times an Assortment of smaller Boxes or Bags are wedged between thus increasing those Numbers of Items and Objets d’Art. Therefore, the low-end Figure of 697,000 Items are sorted, cataloged and sold with many more similar Pieces because these Lots are boxed and sold as a much larger lot. The Total Yield ranges from (at least) 697,000 Items sold annually. It’s as if Christmas Day happens every Day at “Direct” when new (and oft-times ‘old’) Items come through their doors!
Therefore, with such a Clamor for the Old, the Newer, the Different and the Unusual, “Direct” has become the Source and Resource for the Interior Design Trade that is constantly on a Quest for unique and valuable Items, plus more.
The terrific Aspect about living in this Day & Age is that Science has made so many critical Strides. Scientists have developed Methods on how to better keep, restore and preserve these Items so that Future Generations can enjoy them outside of an insulated Time Capsule at an isolated Museum quarantined on the outskirts of town. Shopping online is now an everyday habit. The same can be accomplished at “Direct,” if you care to bid without leaving the Comfort of your Home, Office or Vacation Spot via an Absentee Bid Sheet. Some Families hand down their dear, meaningful and sometimes precious Possessions (relegated as Relative’s Relics ®) from Person-to-Person and thereby keep their Possessions intact within The Klan. Yet the Change will do you good as you mix, match, dispose and trade-off Objets d’Art year-in and year-out that symbolizes the unbridled ‘Spirit of Capitalism.’ This lively Discussion now brings up another popular, yet resonating Colloquialism:
“What’s precious to One Person(ality) may not be precious to another. What’s significant to you may be of great Insignificance to me.”
THE TRUE DEFINITION OF RECYCLING:
Because of their laid-back Atmosphere and Demeanor, a Person (of any Financial Means) feels warmly welcomed when entering the Doors at “Direct.” Their intuitive and professional Way of working with the Public ensures the Buying and Reselling Process (even in a recessed and slumping Economy) that is handled with the utmost Skill and Expertise. Simultaneously, “Direct” has Deals for every size Pocketbook.
“No one needs go home without a Souvenir of The Day.”
WHERE ORGANIZATION IS KEY: Because of The Nature of their Product Lines that constantly change bi-monthly, the Goods & Objets d’Art you will find (neatly labeled, indexed and shelved) will (most likely) be sensational; one-of-a-kind, uncommon Pieces fit for a Private Collection, for Resale, for gifting away or for merely enjoying its Beauty and/or Style.
LOTS OF LOTS:
What you (may) need to know is that their Showroom (which originally was a Sewing Machine Factory turning into an Auto Repair Shop) is located near the Intersection of Touhy & Western at 7232 North Western Avenue (2400 West). What you (may) unconsciously not know is their Showroom could become the Catalyst for a New Collection, Gift Idea or Room Arrangement! Although Attendance at an Auction is an educational, exciting social Event that spells out FUN, it’s not necessary to physically be present. Online Bidding and via Phone Bidding can be done without making a Live Appearance.
Excitement fills the Air when strolling the Aisles. “Direct” fills twenty-thousand (20,000) Square Feet of Showroom Space here with 6,000 of it being allocated to The Auction Room itself. Their Product Turnover happens every other Week when an Auction occurs. Approximately 1,600-1,800 Postcards (a sizable Data Base here) are sent out while 2,500 Email Alerts notify Customers that an Auction is approaching. Between the eMailers and the Postcards, Pictures are posted (and continually updated on their Website) by late on Sunday Evenings. A panoramic View of the Auction is shown so the Bidder(s) can get a feel of how the (larger) Piece(s) will look in a proper Setting. For so many Individuals (whether they are Antique Dealers, Shop Owners, Private Collectors, Curious Individuals, eBay Traders, etc.), the Event itself is an immediate Draw. People will attend in Droves. “Direct’s” Attendance Levels (quite a Phenomena in a recessed Economy) is comparable to knowing when The Bears or Cubs are playing a Hometown Game.
STAGING AN AUCTION: Multi-Tasking in Action
That Feat alone takes an over-abundance of Physical Labor, Teamwork, Mental Agility and Enthusiasm as well as Business Savvy, Acumen and Logistics that involves choosing and coordinating the Selection of Pieces, the Catalogs, Indexing, Photographing the Lots both online and for the Postcard Mailings, dividing the Lots up and arranging the Furniture. Surprises (of every Variety, Age, Make/Model, Style, Temperament and Monetary Amount) appear around each corner (on every Table Top) for the discerning Client to the first-time Customer or Novice. After all, if King Tut were alive, he’d certainly shop here at Direct Auction Galleries and ‘take it with him.’ Those rotating Items may be:
Albums, Artist’s Easels, Autographed Photographs, Bars & Stools, Beds (Carved), Baseball Cards, Baskets. Benches, Bone China, Books (Bookends & Bookcases) Bronzes, Cabinets/ Cabinetry, Cameras, Candelabras, Carpets, Cases, Chandeliers, Chests, China, Coins, Collector’s Plates & Spoons, Curiosities, Desks, Dining Room Table & Chairs, Dolls, Dressers, Duck Decoys, Etchings, Figurines, Fireplace Accessories, Flatware, Grandfather Clocks, Jewelry (as: Bangles, Bracelets, Earrings, Rings, Necklaces, Pocket Watches and Wristwatches), Leaded Glass, Lighters, Lighting Fixtures, Love Seats, Masks, Memorabilia, Mirrors, Movie Stills, Mugs, Musical Instruments, Music Boxes, Oriental/Persian (and not-so-Perisan) Rugs, Paintings, Photo Albums, Porcelains, Purses (including Antique), Records, Sculptures, Sports’ Cards, Stands, Sterling Silverware, Steins, Still Life(s), Swords, Tapestries, Tea Sets, Tiffanies, Timepieces, Toys, Trading Cards, Tramp Art, Wall Units, Wedgwood and World War II Artifacts.
As John R. had stated while he auctioneered at their January 1ST Event: “Don’t worry, there’s more Stuff. I promise you!”
“Here at the ‘Antique Parade Faire’ sitting and bidding is the preferred positioning. What is easier and many times cheaper (for the Bargain Hunter) than that? If it’s more than 3 Pieces, it comprises a Collection.” That Thrill and Rush of Adrenalin are what makes Collectors collect and continue to collect. That is what makes them tick. Speaking about ‘ticking,’ yes, you can ‘Buy Time’ at Auction on a vast array of grandfather clocks, watches, alarms and other time-pieces. However, just because you have a Watch does not guarantee you will be ON-time all the time. There is Strength and Beauty in Numbers. Collecting Collectibles is a New Year’s Resolution that begins at Direct Auction Galleries, Inc. no matter what your particular Passion or Collectible is.”
As Patrick yelled out while “Direct’s” January 15TH Auction began to gather steam at 5PM after 2 hours of fast-fire Bidding: “There’s more comin’ up here…”
With Chicago being the third leading City in the USA, for Travelers, Visitors and/or Conventioneers “Direct” is only 9.49 miles northwest of the Landmark John Hancock Center. A relaxing 20 minute taxi ride, this is an Opportunity (whether you are here for serious business, a fun-filled family excursion or frivolous shopping spree) to experience a Chicago Auction first hand or (if you arrive between Auctions) to check out their vast Inventory that changes daily. Just ask your friendly Concierge, check-out “Direct’s” website or Mapquest for specific driving instructions.
WHATEVER YOUR SITUATION OR LIFESTYLE PURSUIT IS: Collections of every Type can be created, made, found, formulated and/or traded here at “Direct.” This is the Place to start a new Collection or add to an existing Collection for Family Members, Self, Neighbors, Friends or Co-Workers to enjoy in a plethora of ways. Personal Shoppers delight in “Direct.” From baseball cards to exotic cars to nostalgic or timely pieces to hats, Materialism (as a powerful Force to be reckoned with) has made collecting a Lifestyle to many People for Generations, Centuries and Millenniums. The Concept has rooted itself in our ‘Collective Psyche’ (for lack of a better term). Reports reveal that many People do diligently shop at Auction Houses regularly which make their Search for these special Objects all the easier, as the Auctioneers at “Direct” will firmly attest. With Time being a priceless Commodity alone, it’s reassuring to know that all this is housed under one gigantic all-encompassing Roof.
The “Direct” Building (as a structure or edifice) is divided into three distinct Sections. The South Wing is Used Office Products, Chairs, Desks, Files and Miscellanea. Some Furnishings are completely new but are discontinued Lines. The large Middle Arena (with an overhead Skylight) holds large furniture, cabinetry, antique chests, ornate objects, clothing racks for clothes and furs (season permitting) with a designated seating area for the Auctions’ Bidders. The North Wing has rows-upon-rows of (s)lightly used Office Products that (for a modern high tech office) appears outdated, but does stand as the ‘Best Deal in Town’ for second-hand filing Cabinets and other Paraphernalia and Office Gizmos. Today, many of us scan instead of using Paper as the Green Movement and Recycling have now gone from Avant Garde in the 1960s to become ‘The Latest Rage.’ You just don’t know what you will discover. That Motto encompasses the fascinating Part of ‘The Hunt’ at “Direct.”
From Utilitarian to Elegance, it’s all located there at: 7232 North Western Avenue. Beyond The Shadow of a Doubt, that indeed is the Appeal of attending Live Auctions at Direct Auction Galleries. Speaking about ‘Shadows’ from The Past: Wouldn’t it be interesting to know who once looked into that Vintage or Victorian Mirror you recently purchased? Did any of the Items once belong to Abe Lincoln perhaps? You can’t help but wonder if any Dignitary once owned your recent Acquisition? Was it once part of Marie Antoinette’s, Jackie Kennedy’s or Picasso’s Estate?
2008: THE YEAR OF THE AUCTION @ Direct Auction Galleries, Inc.
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc.’s 2008 Auction Dates are:
January 1, 15, 22, 29 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, December 31, 2007, January 14, January 28, 2008
The Tuesday, January 22, 2008 Auction will be held at Griffin Funeral Home at 3232 S. Martin Luther King Drive (in Chicago) from 11AM – 3 PM.
February 12, 26 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, February 11, February 25
March 11, 25 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, March 10, March 24
April 8, 22 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, April 7, April 21
May 13, 27 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, May 12, May 26
June 10, 24 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, June 9, June 23
July 8, 22 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, July 7, July 21
August 5, 19 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, August 4, August 18
September 2, 16, 30 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, September 1, September 15, September 29
October 14, 28 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, October 13, October 27
November 11, 25 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday, November 10, November 24
December 9, 23 (Tuesday)
Preview on Monday December 8, December 22
ATTENDEES’ NOTE:
Days & Transportation Availability
Monday Viewing Hours: 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday Viewing Hours: 2-3 PM Viewing
Tuesday Hours: The Auction starts promptly at 3 PM, running through 10-11 PM
The 49B Western CTA Bus runs regularly. Parking is available at The YMCA and behind the “Direct” building.
Pickup of purchased Items is Wednesday and/or Thursday or for such cases when a truck needs to be rented, on Saturday.
There’s no need to stress, if you take a 3-Day Weekend and cannot attend the Sneak Preview held every other Monday. An hour-long Preview is also scheduled for THE DAY OF THE AUCTION in order to see what’s on their Menu and Roster of Collectibles beginning at 2 PM on Tuesday till the Auction officially kicks off at 3 PM sharp.
By checking out their Website late on Sunday Evening, you will conveniently find all the Items photographed that will be auctioned off (on Tuesday).
For those having more time to peruse “Direct’s Website, check-out:
http://directauction.com/past.html
that marks the Spot where former magnificent Museum-type Pieces can be viewed from previous Auctions that date back to August, 2001. As an ‘historical glance,’ the breath-taking Objects show what can appear on the Auction Block. This Page is quite fascinating for the Curiosity Seeker to a Student studying Period Pieces and is reminiscent of the Rizzoli Book Store ‘Coffee Table Texts’ that were popular in the late 20TH Century.
Therefore, if you happen to be out-of-town that Week, you won’t miss a Beat. Furthermore, you can always stop in to peruse their immense Line of Office Furniture which is on display and for sale at 2 locations.
If you can’t find what you are looking for here, just drive, walk, bus, rollerblade or bike the 3 mile distance south to 5041 North Western Avenue where 70,000 Square Feet of New and Used Office Furniture will greet you. Chances are you will not know where to look first so give yourself plenty of time ‘to peruse.’ The same Opening Hours apply at both Locations. The 5041 North Western address houses ten times the amount of Office Furniture that is warehoused at their 7232 Address. If it has been manufactured, you’ll find it here at reasonable prices.
When asked if a Running List of Special Items that their ‘Return Clients’ favor is kept on-file, John R. smiled and said: “That would be impossible.” Because of their great Turnover and sheer Number alone of Individual Pieces (besides the Lots of Lots within Lots), phoning would become a telephonic Challenge that even your teenage daughter could not handle. That’s why it is important to schedule into your Day, enough Time to peruse their Website and preview what will be on-Display and for-Sale at “Direct.” Hiring a Personal Shopper (who could peruse and report back on their latest Acquisitions) is an ideal and handy Marketing Plan, also.
Do your ‘Inner Shopper’ a Great Big Favor and sign up for Direct’s eMail and/or snail Mail List today in order to be apprised of their latest Events & Offerings. Just eMail “Direct” at:
DirectAu@aol.com
You’ll be glad you did. After all, Antiques are an Investment that only appreciate in value as your Love of it continually grows.
WHAT YOU’LL DRAW BY ATTENDING:
“What’s IN Circulation could be(come) yours today.” It’s not so much if the Price is right. It’s how much you crave the Item that drives the Auction Experience. Caution is often foregone as Bidders ruthlessly vie neck-to-neck for the same Item. Competition stiffens. It’s very likely that you may be the only one on your Block with that Item, as Rarity runs high at Auction Houses as “Direct.” Because the Bidders are competing, the Piece attains its Level of Market Value no matter what.”
John R. clarifies: “Every Day here is always different. We always run across something not seen before. Every Day is a Learning Experience. Exotic Snakes, Birds and Lizards are the wildest Selections We have auctioned off.”
Because everything is exciting, new and fresh every Day (although their Products may be as ‘old as The Hills’), Antique Roadshow would find “Direct’s” location pristine and in-demand for one of their ‘Stops Across America.’ Most likely, Antique Roadshow is not viewed in everyone’s homes. A reality TV version of what takes place here ‘at Auction’ would whet the appetite of all those who have not attended an Auction yet, thus changing their outlooks, homes and attitude forever. After all, “Direct’s” Shelves and Aisles are filled with Real Stuff: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly… enough to get those neck-to-neck Rating ahead of any other’s, situated here in the USA’s Third Hardest Working City and Cultural Center, Chicago, Illinois.
TURNOVERECYCLE ®: The New Buzz Term of 2008.
Boiling it down to the Common Denominator of: “Material Leftovers”
The Turnover of Product or Lot Lines is huge as Auction Houses share (actually S-C-R-A-M-B-L-E) for a Piece of an Estates’ Wealth. To coincide with the Reselling Process, Recycling is yet another route in which these Products return to Circulation. This Cycle is perpetuated and continues the Growth, Supply and Demand of those who are constant Bidders. Most of “Direct’s Clients are based in the USA although their international constituency has reached as far as the United Kingdom. With eMail Blasts forwarded multiple times announcing rare Finds at Auction, (the) prestigious Collectors are finding out more about “Direct’s” distinct Flavor in the Auction Business every Day.
The Turnover of Art & Paintings can be slower at established Art Galleries. That’s why it is highly recommended that Collectors should also frequent Auction Houses as “Direct” as Art Galleries no longer have the monopoly on Art, per se. An Auction House’s Volume is varied and at a Fraction (most times) of the Cost. Sometimes, the Frame built at the local Frame Shop is more expensive than the Drawing contained within its borders. Here, with Competition looming, the Deal received may be shocking to both Auctioneer and Bidder and set a World’s or all-time Record.
WHEN SHOPPING IS A HEALTHY STATE: To date, my Guess is no ‘Auction Anonymous Meetings’ are held for those obsessively compulsed to haunt each Auction they physically can. If anything, this Mode of Shopping (which is chided and humorously poked fun at by every husband and male talk show host) is a Learning Experience, a History Lesson, a Financial Class and a future Investment.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF SHOPPING AT ANTIQUE HOUSES. Quality Objects (that cannot be found elsewhere) top the B-List (Bidding, that is). Plus, in Today’s World where GREEN is King and is taking Centerstage in every Sector and Segment of Society, the concrete Reassurance is in knowing that your Purchase is aiding in the Recycling Process. Recycling occurs in a two Cycles, namely:
1. Death freely allows the Donation of Body Organs to others who desperately need them; and
2. The Seller or Consignee found an Objet(s) d’Art that may have been hidden away or lost for decades or longer that he currently wishes to sell and make a profit.
Recycling then (of all Earthly Forms) is a part of “Our Ongoing Pattern.”
WHEN GOING ‘GREEN’: Where do these Items go? Certainly not in a Landfill, slated as one of the most disturbing of all Eco-Problems. The Psychology of:
1. purchasing to turnover and resell;
2. to gift;
3. to add to a(n existing) Collection or begin a new Collection (of Collectibles);
4. to hoard; and
5. as a Hobby and Past-Time,
make “Direct” hum. “Live to Buy or Buy to Live.” It’s easier and more cost-effective at “Direct:” Where you can bid and live Life better because of their Wares at their 7232 North Western Avenue Site in Chicago.
INSIGHTS: Can you say: EXPEN$E-ive?
The Art of The Sale is not only a Learning Process to sit (still) and see what Items sell for, but The Prices obtained are much more reasonable than attending a high-end Auction House Sale that is paying a robust Rent and Overhead on Gold Coast Properties (where the Chatter is all about Location, Location, Location). The(ir) Costs are subsequently passed along to their Clients by charging them a severely larger Fee for each Objet d’Art sold.
Therefore, if you are an avid Collector (as myself) who has combed Antique Stores and Auction Houses since 1968, you will remember places where their desks and chests were piled up to the ceiling tops. Fear of falling drawers (that may have been rotting out or falling down on me) was always in the back of my mind as I meticulously checked out every piece in the place. This, then was the reason why square footage in any Big City is at a premium (price). With many small Antique Shops cropping up, it was normal for them to ‘stock-up’ physically to the ceilings. This is not the case in “Direct.” Furniture will not fall on you. Rotting Drawers or Table Tops will not collapse. You can enjoy walks through aisles without squeezing on by or fearing something will topple and break. However, for the procrastinator, live Auctions are not for you. This is because Products come and go quickly, within nano-seconds. Spontaneity is key in these moments of intense bidding. If you do not bid-buy-and-carry-out, that Item may be gone and lost forever. Therefore, you will sorely miss something that once-in-a-lifetime Objet d’Art if you do not actively bid. At a small Antique Shop that same rare Item may sit for months-on-end till their quarterly or yearly sale occurs. It is better to bid and then resell or consign the Piece than to lose it altogether. That’s the true Auctioning Spirit that’s found at “Direct.”
As John R. kidded his Audience while he auctioned off a Leaf Pin at their Tuesday, January 1, 2008 Event: “You won’t want to LEAF without it. There’s more where that came from.” Those Words of Encouragement ring through and resonate throughout their Auction Hall. It’s not the greedy words of an over-zealous Salesman, but of a Personality who feels the Exciting Atmosphere that’s always raised the Rooftops and felt when an Auction takes off and bubbles on a high-pitched and spirited Note. It’s a Sentiment where he knows that a satisfied Customer yields a life-long Relationship.
THE LAW OF THE SALE: That’s the Working Principal
A Retailer has Options. If an Item is bought at $1, he may charge $2, $3 or $4 for said Piece in his Store. If he then decides to discount the Item in half (50%) that $4 Item is slashed to $2 (that he bought at $1). No matter what the Price, the Retailer is making 100% of the Gross Margin and the Store is doubling their Investment. Keystoning is the Term applied to the Standard Markup meaning ‘a doubling of the monetary amount.’ The General Rule is, Stores will do whatever they can get away with. Trapping and Bating are Tricks to lure Customers in, but this is not the Topic of Today’s Discussion. For voracious Readers, Bookstores have less than this Markup. This all depends on who The Buyer is and how badly he wants said Item. Know your Buyer and your Sales Schemes will work out well for both Buyer and Seller for the long-term. ‘Big Box’ Stores (as K-Mart, Sam’s Club, Target, Wal-Mart, Costco, etc.) who purchase Items in-bulk will sell more Product allowing their Prices to be more attractive than smaller shop owners. Competitive Pricing between ‘Big Box’ Stores makes News on a regular bases and has (unfortunately) put many Ma & Pa Store Fronts out of business the last 50 years. This may be because “Direct” has stormed every Recession and Market Waive(r) the last 46 years, providing their Customers with timely and desired pieces week-in and week-out. Dealing in Antiques and Recyclables of such Items is different because one-of-a-kind Items are auctioned and deeply dependent on and affected by the Clientele’s Bidding. The Supply-and-Demand (of) said Piece can be sold for Peanuts (or Pennies) or for large Fortunes. The Auctioneers seek the large Fortunes. The Clients hope for the Pennies (or Peanuts). A Happy Medium seems to be the Average.
“If an Item at a City Department Store sells at 300% Markup; then discounted by 50%, the Customer is still not coming out ahead. That, of course, is expected as Part of Consumerism. We all know that. Although the Owner(s) may be losing Money on his/their Investment, returning Customers will make his Establishment successful by revisiting and knowing in the ‘back of their mind’ that a Deal is inevitable if your Cards are played right and the Timing coincides. That’s why Auction Houses (as Direct Auction Galleries, Inc.) are the ‘New Department Stores of 2008” – a Forecast I have personally seen by shopping at both Locales since my Move to Chicago in May of 1974. Recycling is in The Forefront of People’s Minds today. The Green Movement perpetuates this new Mindset and with the Dollar only being worth 6-3/4 Cents, Auction Houses will replace Stores that do not offer the greatest Deal and Bang for one’s hard-earned or inherited Buck.”
“But what’s a Dollar really worth and am I getting a Deal?” is the lament of all Shoppers across The Globe (whether their Purchase is at a Retail Store, Resale Store, Department Store or Auction House. This incredibly interesting Subject can be better explained as:
“There are dozens of ways to figure out what a Dollar ‘back then’ is worth now or what a Dollar today (2006 - the last year for which reliable statistics are available) was worth back then. A lot of Folks accept the CPI (Consumer Price Index) as a good indicator and for a lot of comparisons it works OK - not great - OK. Based on that, a Dollar in 1986 would be worth about 52 cents today. During the Depression, in 1932 Babe Ruth's Salary was $80,000. In 2006, the CPI was 14.8 times larger than it was in 1932. However, the GDP deflator in 2006 (an accepted 'Adjustment’ figure for figuring out the Purchasing Power for basics such as Housing or Meals) was 12.8 times larger than in 1932. $80,000 X 12.8 = $1,024,000 So, ‘The Babe's’ Relative Wage was about $1,000,000 today. Or, said another way and based only on the CPI, a dollar back then (in 1932) is worth only 6-3/4 cents today. [100 cents divided by 14.8 = 6-3/4 cents].”
Howie Mandel’s ‘Deal or no Deal’ has nothing over the Ownership and Selling Technique of “Direct” whose proven Sales Technique have listed The Modica’s Establishment as an innovative Leader in the Antique Marketplace of the 21st Century – now for 46 Years – spotlighting Art and Artifacts dated from Antiquity to The Present. For 2008, their Goals are the same as those used the last 45 years whereby Owner/Auctioneer, John R. stated: “To get the best Stuff We can get our hands on. It’s all about “The Stuff’ pretty much and getting the Best Deals for our Customers and Consignors.”
FOR THE SAKE OF ART & FOR ART’s STAKE IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE: Reassurance rests with the Knowledge of knowing that yesterday’s hand-made Treasures will see the Light of Tomorrow at The Modica’s Direct Auction Galleries, Inc. where glorifying and beautifying your Home, Office, Studio and/or Surroundings for 2008 is as easy as lifting your Hand (to bid).
THE COMPETITIVE CLOSE: How Competition fills a Home with Beauty and Love.
LIVIN’ LARGE – LIVIN’ LOVELY:
“It may take a Village to raise a Child, but for that Child, it takes Direct Auction Galleries, Inc. to turn his House into a Home.”
ReQuote of: ASK
Thursday, January 10, 2008 – 7:43 AM
The Atmosphere of High Anxiety floats through the Air while bidding on an Object. It may be extremely close to that same Feeling when watching a Live Birth. When an Object is bid on, there’s a heightened Tension that builds until the ‘Bubble bursts’ and then the Auctioneer diligently continues with the next Item on the Auction Block when that Emotion erupts again for the competitive Bidders. Ah, such is The Cycle and Saga of Life at “Direct” & Auction Houses everywhere. For all your pretty, complicated, lavish, intricate and detailed Objets d’Art, visit “Direct” where the highest Bidder wins.
ABC: ATTICS & BASEMENTS & CLOSETS: OH MY!
ART AND ECONOMICS UNITE: Handle With Care…
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc. is a phenomenal Operation based on Knowledge of The Possessions run by three professionally Licensed Auctioneers and a Team of (at least) 5 Experts who work the floor while these regularly scheduled Auctions transpire. Not only is “Direct” a complete World Marketplace (crossing all Cultures and Periods):
- in which to shop;
- but can also help in The Liquidation of your Estate;
- place Items on Consignment;
- clean or clear out ABC: Attics, Basements, Closets;
- help in the Determination of a Price (as in Appraisals);
- or Purchase the most unique Gift you can find.
Decades of satisfied Clients, Customers and Families highly recommend “Direct” as their First Stop for Shopping – perhaps only Stop – ‘The People’s Antique Auction House in The Heartland.’
“Collecting Collectibles is a New Year’s Resolution that begins at Direct Auction Galleries, Inc.,” year-round and one that tops the List of many.
Renown for ‘Tipping the Scales’ on ‘what’s Gory to what’s Glorious’ to its Clientele, a Visit to “Direct” is a cultural, educational, economic and social learning trip exploring how Man has designed a comfortable Life with Style throughout the Chronicles of Time.
For those Folks who thought Chicago’s Favorite Institution was The Cubs, Sox or even The Bears, they were wrong. It’s been “Direct” all along.
Monday, January 7, 2008
RIDIN' THAT TRAIN OF HOMELESSNESS
KOOPERSMITHin' ® #15
'Tracking Pop Culture'
By: ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
Koopersmith's Global Communications"
People read what Adrienne writes about..."
Chicago, Illinois USA
DateLine: Monday, December 31, 2007
RIDIN' THAT TRAIN OF HOMELESSNESS
The Elevated Train in Chicago is a bed to many people, comprised of 44 seats in each compartment. At night (when it gets later for the Homeless Segment of a city -- any city for that matter -- they board with their belongings in tow to spend this nocturnal period riding up and down the tracks. When the end of the line (north and south terminals) is reached, I'd assume they exit, only to wait as patiently as possible on the barren platform till the next train arrives so they can continue to attempt sleep. Not a good night's sleep or rest, far from a safe night's sleep, but inhabiting a unit that's dry and enclosed for the long, often dangerously long nights.
I realized that the train (the CTA was a bed) -- even a bedroom to this ever-growing population, as I boarded the Granville El-Train Stop early one morning, the last day of December in 2007, at 5:30. Most Chicagoans were still home and asleep while I thought of what my surroundings really depicted; what they reflected here in the 21st Century. Only 15 hours later, tens of thousands of party-revelers would be boarding the El-trains to attend drunken and raucous parties, ushering in 2008, spending more money in one night (within a few short hours) that many earn in a week's time. These bedrooms would (then) not be in service to those who needed them most.
As I sat and looked around, Sadness filled my Heart. Three were fast asleep. No doubt they were someone's daughter or son. Having completed a marketing study on the effects of sleeplessness, I knew the benefits and detriments first-hand of a good night's rest. Besides not having the ease of being in your own home (and finding your way to the frig or bathroom within a few seconds), safe within the sturdy walls and locked in, the occupants were a sad commentary of the life we have created for ourselves.
After all, this was THE BIG CITY, where people went to find their 'fame and fortune' only to be reduced to nothing but the clothes on their back(s) and the trunks that they pulled. These trains are not club cars. They are not equipped with showers, bathrooms or a spiffy kitchen unit.
Sagging black circles (under one's eyes) are the sure-sign of a sleepless, hard night. With hats pulled down low to keep the glare and light (of the car) and scarves wrapped tightly around their necks, I could not tell (from their faces) how down-and-out they (really) were. Maybe I was better off not knowing...
That is: If they had been without a proper bed for a day, a month or longer than a year.
2007: THE YEAR OF THE FORECLOSURE:
Foreclosures struck -- rocked -- an all-time high throughout the United States. This swelling population of 'Nouveau Homeless" (who weathered 'The Storm') before and after a dire housing market eventually recovers, continues to live as best as they can, traveling from place-to-place, much like the Gypsy. The Scales vary. There is 'The Homeless.' There are those newly labeled as 'homeless' because of foreclosures, fires, natural disasters, divorces or other severities. The bottom line (nevertheless) remains: They are minus a home and the ability to function to their fullest ability(ies).
Chances are People in the near future (who live from paycheck-to-paycheck) will be boarding an El-train...finding a transitional home to help them pull through another night with the forecast of a new Day that beckons as soon as each Sun rises.
In the blackness and chill of the night, as they bear their sorrow-filled transition, Homelessness hardly phases those who sit around them (on these El-Train Cars) while both travel to their next Destination. They, however, have a Destination. The Homeless do not.
Bears live in dens and caves.
Birds and Squirrels build nests.
Some Animals burrow far underground.
Bees live in hives.
Some birds are even smart enough to routinely fly south for the winter.
"And who"," I ask, "Really has the Bird Brain in this particular case?"
Homeless Pets are rare (except for those poor cats and dogs whose former owner could not keep them for any number of reasons) . Without a doubt, some Animals live better than their human counterparts who ride the elevated train (or even a bus) on the inner city train tracks at night or driving through the long and lonely concrete streets of a town inhabited by millions, but all are strangers. Animals possess a much better grip, sense and perspective of care-taking (of their own) than we humans do. They've somehow never bred the dysfunction that we now rampantly take for granted as 'The Norm.'
After all, just ride the El-train at night and see who goes home and who doesn't. Maybe 2008 with its Welcome of Hope, Goodwill and Prosperity will change (any and all) of this for them...Time will tell...as it always does.
Formerly referred to as: RIDIN' THAT TRAIN OF HOPELESSNESS ©2007
PENNED BY: ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
Koopersmith's Global Communications"
People read what ASK writes about..."
Monday, December 31, 2007 5:30-5:45 AM
While riding the Red Line to Grand Av.
Editorial Note:
The Second Revised, Lengthier Version appears on December 31, 2007.
©1979-2008. Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith. All Rights Reserved.
'Tracking Pop Culture'
By: ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
Koopersmith's Global Communications"
People read what Adrienne writes about..."
Chicago, Illinois USA
DateLine: Monday, December 31, 2007
RIDIN' THAT TRAIN OF HOMELESSNESS
The Elevated Train in Chicago is a bed to many people, comprised of 44 seats in each compartment. At night (when it gets later for the Homeless Segment of a city -- any city for that matter -- they board with their belongings in tow to spend this nocturnal period riding up and down the tracks. When the end of the line (north and south terminals) is reached, I'd assume they exit, only to wait as patiently as possible on the barren platform till the next train arrives so they can continue to attempt sleep. Not a good night's sleep or rest, far from a safe night's sleep, but inhabiting a unit that's dry and enclosed for the long, often dangerously long nights.
I realized that the train (the CTA was a bed) -- even a bedroom to this ever-growing population, as I boarded the Granville El-Train Stop early one morning, the last day of December in 2007, at 5:30. Most Chicagoans were still home and asleep while I thought of what my surroundings really depicted; what they reflected here in the 21st Century. Only 15 hours later, tens of thousands of party-revelers would be boarding the El-trains to attend drunken and raucous parties, ushering in 2008, spending more money in one night (within a few short hours) that many earn in a week's time. These bedrooms would (then) not be in service to those who needed them most.
As I sat and looked around, Sadness filled my Heart. Three were fast asleep. No doubt they were someone's daughter or son. Having completed a marketing study on the effects of sleeplessness, I knew the benefits and detriments first-hand of a good night's rest. Besides not having the ease of being in your own home (and finding your way to the frig or bathroom within a few seconds), safe within the sturdy walls and locked in, the occupants were a sad commentary of the life we have created for ourselves.
After all, this was THE BIG CITY, where people went to find their 'fame and fortune' only to be reduced to nothing but the clothes on their back(s) and the trunks that they pulled. These trains are not club cars. They are not equipped with showers, bathrooms or a spiffy kitchen unit.
Sagging black circles (under one's eyes) are the sure-sign of a sleepless, hard night. With hats pulled down low to keep the glare and light (of the car) and scarves wrapped tightly around their necks, I could not tell (from their faces) how down-and-out they (really) were. Maybe I was better off not knowing...
That is: If they had been without a proper bed for a day, a month or longer than a year.
2007: THE YEAR OF THE FORECLOSURE:
Foreclosures struck -- rocked -- an all-time high throughout the United States. This swelling population of 'Nouveau Homeless" (who weathered 'The Storm') before and after a dire housing market eventually recovers, continues to live as best as they can, traveling from place-to-place, much like the Gypsy. The Scales vary. There is 'The Homeless.' There are those newly labeled as 'homeless' because of foreclosures, fires, natural disasters, divorces or other severities. The bottom line (nevertheless) remains: They are minus a home and the ability to function to their fullest ability(ies).
Chances are People in the near future (who live from paycheck-to-paycheck) will be boarding an El-train...finding a transitional home to help them pull through another night with the forecast of a new Day that beckons as soon as each Sun rises.
In the blackness and chill of the night, as they bear their sorrow-filled transition, Homelessness hardly phases those who sit around them (on these El-Train Cars) while both travel to their next Destination. They, however, have a Destination. The Homeless do not.
Bears live in dens and caves.
Birds and Squirrels build nests.
Some Animals burrow far underground.
Bees live in hives.
Some birds are even smart enough to routinely fly south for the winter.
"And who"," I ask, "Really has the Bird Brain in this particular case?"
Homeless Pets are rare (except for those poor cats and dogs whose former owner could not keep them for any number of reasons) . Without a doubt, some Animals live better than their human counterparts who ride the elevated train (or even a bus) on the inner city train tracks at night or driving through the long and lonely concrete streets of a town inhabited by millions, but all are strangers. Animals possess a much better grip, sense and perspective of care-taking (of their own) than we humans do. They've somehow never bred the dysfunction that we now rampantly take for granted as 'The Norm.'
After all, just ride the El-train at night and see who goes home and who doesn't. Maybe 2008 with its Welcome of Hope, Goodwill and Prosperity will change (any and all) of this for them...Time will tell...as it always does.
Formerly referred to as: RIDIN' THAT TRAIN OF HOPELESSNESS ©2007
PENNED BY: ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
Koopersmith's Global Communications"
People read what ASK writes about..."
Monday, December 31, 2007 5:30-5:45 AM
While riding the Red Line to Grand Av.
Editorial Note:
The Second Revised, Lengthier Version appears on December 31, 2007.
©1979-2008. Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith. All Rights Reserved.
Detail To Resale 101. When Rags become Riches.
KOOPERSMITHin' #18
A Look @ Pop Culture at its Cheapest
By: ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
Koopersmith's Global Communications
"People read what Adrienne writes about...
"Chicago, IL USA
DateLine: Tuesday, January 8, 2008
TOPIC: The Goodies discovered when you know how to properly 'Shop CHIC-ago'
and/or
You, too, can be seen as ‘most glamorous’ - any (miserable) Season of the Year on a Resale Budget. Many do. Many (more) should.
Attn: Newcomers. You’re in the Big City now – on The Verge of finding your Fame & Fortune, but first there are a few Things you need to know. A few Things you must get done. Listen up. This is all for your Benefit and Trust-FUNding whose root word is FUN.
FURNISH YOUR APARTMENT CHICAGO-STYLE:
One of the most exciting Elements about moving into a New Town is The Stores. That means Shopping in an Environment that may be totally different from the one you left. This means a different Style that you were ordinarily accustomed to, plus The Fact that each and every Region has its own Charm & Personality, like you, a Person(ality) chock-full of C&P. However, there are better Ways to shop than most People are blindly unaware. Trust me. I know. If I had only known of the Slew of Great Deals that beckon at RESALE STORES, I’d probably have saved over $100,000 the last 3.5 Decades of being a Chicago Resident.
There are super(b) Deals to be found. It is now My Mission to absolutely know where each and every one of them are. LET ME EXPLAIN: By methodically checking out Resale Stores you are finding one-of-a-kind Items that:
1. may have never been worn;
2. are slightly used;
3. were merely given away as the Owner didn’t like them for unknown Reasons; or
4. may have been from great Estates and must be liquidated (for much less than it’s worth, thus giving the Thrift Store Buyer an astounding Deal.
I have gotten the best-known Deals in Furniture, Knick-Knacks and Clothes at Resale Outlets since Boyfriend #31 (Buc) turned me on to them circa 1994. If I had only met him 20 years earlier. The Money I would have $aved could have been the Downpayment of nearly any thing my Heart desired.
THE HIERARCHY IN SHOPPING PREVAILS:
For the picayunish Shopper, there’s Designer Resale followed by regular Resale Stores. It’s now CHIC to ‘shop’ Resale whereas 40 years ago, only the Poor Kids (in Class) would go to Salvation Army Outlets. Usually the Mark-Downs hover around Ninety-Percent (90%). This is what I call RECYCLING at its Best. You do have to realize that when you shop for FINE ANTIQUES – they are actually Recycled Items, Furniture, Chandeliers, etc. from another Age and Era that were well-cared-for. Therefore, because of its pristine state, Antiques can and do command Top Dollars. The same Principle holds true at the Fine Auction Houses.
HOW IT IS DONE – TRICKS OF THE TRADE LEARNED FIRST HAND:
If (by chance), you are invited to a Party where you really don’t like the Celebrant (as a future Mother-in-Law, Sister-in-Law or Friend-of-a-Friend-of-a-Friend) all you need to do is GO TO RESALE, buy a Vase for 90¢, put it into a fancy Macy, Nordstrom’s or Neiman Marcus’ Gift-Box; buy a Card (2 for $1 at a Dollar Store) and some colorful Wrapping Paper (again found at a Dollar Store ) and voila: There you have it: a stunning Gift for less than $3.00. This is nearly cheaper than ReGifting and much more fun!
There are pertinent Degrees of Creativity here that cannot be found elsewhere. The Fun & Creative Elements cannot be beat! Sometimes the Tax seems higher than The Present (itself). Listen: No one needs to know…That’s THE REAL SECRET although THE TEMPTATION to spill “The Beans’ is very difficult to contain.
With the Money $aved from this Eco-Gifting, treat yourself to something you really want; or sock it away till a larger Sum is accrued and then splurge. Because Chicago (as a major metropolitan City) is actively participating in THE GREEN MOVEMENT & our newly-achieved SAVE-OUR-EARTH CONSCIOUSNESS is in full-swing, by either shopping or donating to Resale, you are cleverly Recycling that equates to bettering the Life and Longevity of THE PLANET. Even leading US TV Networks are maximizing Coverage to GO GREEN and to educate their Viewers in doing it as easily as possible.
Since Shopping is a vital Part of our Lives, Resale Shopping is a Win-Win Situation from all Sides of The Coin – Pun intended! This is the Best Method to use up that loose Spare Change. After all, The Change will do you good; make you feel better and ultimately upstart the (ailing) Economy. Even if you wear the outfit (shirt, dress, sweater, pants, blouse, shoes, knickers or scarf, etc.) only once and recycle it, therefore, it’s well worth its minimal Investment.
For those serious about THE ART & ACT OF RESALE SHOPPING, if you develop a real Pension, Passion and Skill for Resaling, it can be(come) a very lucrative Past-Time. Because an Item can be purchased for a few Dollars, it can then be sold on eBay for 100 Times the Price (or whatever you can get for it) it was purchased at.
One of the major Laws when Resale Shopping is: TAKE THE ITEM(s) WITH YOU. Even if you are not really sure if you need or want said Item, PICK IT UP and carry it with you until you are ready to check-out. Trust me. You'll be glad you did this. Years ago, I quickly ran in to my Favorite Resale Store and luckily found 8 awesome Items I wanted. However, I wasn’t going directly home, could not carry them, so I opted to hide them. I thought I hid them very well. Later that Day, I returned to buy them all. I looked here. I looked there. I looked everywhere. High & low. All had been found, confiscated and bought while I was gone.
Unfortunately, Resale Stores do not hold your Items. Their Policy is CASH & CARRY (only) and securing a Rpaid Turnover for all the more Items that continually arrive (on a daily basis – numbering in the thousands). Finders keepers. Losers weepers. Even if you wear the Item once, it’s well worth the Minor Price.
“Once bitten by the Resale Shopping Bug, you will never ‘go back’ to Retail Shopping. Even Wholesale looks too expensive.”
Quote of: ASK
Tuesday, January 08, 2008 – 11:25 AM
THE IRREFUSABLE DEAL: Resale Shopping puts The CHIC into CHICago (as I say) and the Money back in your Pocket. After all, with Global Warming, Foreclosures and the Iffyness of daily Life, Rainy Days are much more prevalent in the 21ST Century to larger numbers of People who are no longer insulated as they were 40 years ago. Being prepared with Cheaper Creature Comforts separates the Smart Shopper and Consummate Clothing Connoisseur from The Crowd. What's one Man's Rags are another's Riches.
CONTACT INFO:
Email ASK at:
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
to schedule a Day of Deluxe Resale Shopping with Ms. Koopersmith.
Co$t: 6 Hours + The Limo = $750.00. Fifty percent deposit required.
©2001-2008. Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
A Look @ Pop Culture at its Cheapest
By: ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
Koopersmith's Global Communications
"People read what Adrienne writes about...
"Chicago, IL USA
DateLine: Tuesday, January 8, 2008
TOPIC: The Goodies discovered when you know how to properly 'Shop CHIC-ago'
and/or
You, too, can be seen as ‘most glamorous’ - any (miserable) Season of the Year on a Resale Budget. Many do. Many (more) should.
Attn: Newcomers. You’re in the Big City now – on The Verge of finding your Fame & Fortune, but first there are a few Things you need to know. A few Things you must get done. Listen up. This is all for your Benefit and Trust-FUNding whose root word is FUN.
FURNISH YOUR APARTMENT CHICAGO-STYLE:
One of the most exciting Elements about moving into a New Town is The Stores. That means Shopping in an Environment that may be totally different from the one you left. This means a different Style that you were ordinarily accustomed to, plus The Fact that each and every Region has its own Charm & Personality, like you, a Person(ality) chock-full of C&P. However, there are better Ways to shop than most People are blindly unaware. Trust me. I know. If I had only known of the Slew of Great Deals that beckon at RESALE STORES, I’d probably have saved over $100,000 the last 3.5 Decades of being a Chicago Resident.
There are super(b) Deals to be found. It is now My Mission to absolutely know where each and every one of them are. LET ME EXPLAIN: By methodically checking out Resale Stores you are finding one-of-a-kind Items that:
1. may have never been worn;
2. are slightly used;
3. were merely given away as the Owner didn’t like them for unknown Reasons; or
4. may have been from great Estates and must be liquidated (for much less than it’s worth, thus giving the Thrift Store Buyer an astounding Deal.
I have gotten the best-known Deals in Furniture, Knick-Knacks and Clothes at Resale Outlets since Boyfriend #31 (Buc) turned me on to them circa 1994. If I had only met him 20 years earlier. The Money I would have $aved could have been the Downpayment of nearly any thing my Heart desired.
THE HIERARCHY IN SHOPPING PREVAILS:
For the picayunish Shopper, there’s Designer Resale followed by regular Resale Stores. It’s now CHIC to ‘shop’ Resale whereas 40 years ago, only the Poor Kids (in Class) would go to Salvation Army Outlets. Usually the Mark-Downs hover around Ninety-Percent (90%). This is what I call RECYCLING at its Best. You do have to realize that when you shop for FINE ANTIQUES – they are actually Recycled Items, Furniture, Chandeliers, etc. from another Age and Era that were well-cared-for. Therefore, because of its pristine state, Antiques can and do command Top Dollars. The same Principle holds true at the Fine Auction Houses.
HOW IT IS DONE – TRICKS OF THE TRADE LEARNED FIRST HAND:
If (by chance), you are invited to a Party where you really don’t like the Celebrant (as a future Mother-in-Law, Sister-in-Law or Friend-of-a-Friend-of-a-Friend) all you need to do is GO TO RESALE, buy a Vase for 90¢, put it into a fancy Macy, Nordstrom’s or Neiman Marcus’ Gift-Box; buy a Card (2 for $1 at a Dollar Store) and some colorful Wrapping Paper (again found at a Dollar Store ) and voila: There you have it: a stunning Gift for less than $3.00. This is nearly cheaper than ReGifting and much more fun!
There are pertinent Degrees of Creativity here that cannot be found elsewhere. The Fun & Creative Elements cannot be beat! Sometimes the Tax seems higher than The Present (itself). Listen: No one needs to know…That’s THE REAL SECRET although THE TEMPTATION to spill “The Beans’ is very difficult to contain.
With the Money $aved from this Eco-Gifting, treat yourself to something you really want; or sock it away till a larger Sum is accrued and then splurge. Because Chicago (as a major metropolitan City) is actively participating in THE GREEN MOVEMENT & our newly-achieved SAVE-OUR-EARTH CONSCIOUSNESS is in full-swing, by either shopping or donating to Resale, you are cleverly Recycling that equates to bettering the Life and Longevity of THE PLANET. Even leading US TV Networks are maximizing Coverage to GO GREEN and to educate their Viewers in doing it as easily as possible.
Since Shopping is a vital Part of our Lives, Resale Shopping is a Win-Win Situation from all Sides of The Coin – Pun intended! This is the Best Method to use up that loose Spare Change. After all, The Change will do you good; make you feel better and ultimately upstart the (ailing) Economy. Even if you wear the outfit (shirt, dress, sweater, pants, blouse, shoes, knickers or scarf, etc.) only once and recycle it, therefore, it’s well worth its minimal Investment.
For those serious about THE ART & ACT OF RESALE SHOPPING, if you develop a real Pension, Passion and Skill for Resaling, it can be(come) a very lucrative Past-Time. Because an Item can be purchased for a few Dollars, it can then be sold on eBay for 100 Times the Price (or whatever you can get for it) it was purchased at.
One of the major Laws when Resale Shopping is: TAKE THE ITEM(s) WITH YOU. Even if you are not really sure if you need or want said Item, PICK IT UP and carry it with you until you are ready to check-out. Trust me. You'll be glad you did this. Years ago, I quickly ran in to my Favorite Resale Store and luckily found 8 awesome Items I wanted. However, I wasn’t going directly home, could not carry them, so I opted to hide them. I thought I hid them very well. Later that Day, I returned to buy them all. I looked here. I looked there. I looked everywhere. High & low. All had been found, confiscated and bought while I was gone.
Unfortunately, Resale Stores do not hold your Items. Their Policy is CASH & CARRY (only) and securing a Rpaid Turnover for all the more Items that continually arrive (on a daily basis – numbering in the thousands). Finders keepers. Losers weepers. Even if you wear the Item once, it’s well worth the Minor Price.
“Once bitten by the Resale Shopping Bug, you will never ‘go back’ to Retail Shopping. Even Wholesale looks too expensive.”
Quote of: ASK
Tuesday, January 08, 2008 – 11:25 AM
THE IRREFUSABLE DEAL: Resale Shopping puts The CHIC into CHICago (as I say) and the Money back in your Pocket. After all, with Global Warming, Foreclosures and the Iffyness of daily Life, Rainy Days are much more prevalent in the 21ST Century to larger numbers of People who are no longer insulated as they were 40 years ago. Being prepared with Cheaper Creature Comforts separates the Smart Shopper and Consummate Clothing Connoisseur from The Crowd. What's one Man's Rags are another's Riches.
CONTACT INFO:
Email ASK at:
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
to schedule a Day of Deluxe Resale Shopping with Ms. Koopersmith.
Co$t: 6 Hours + The Limo = $750.00. Fifty percent deposit required.
©2001-2008. Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
FROM THE CREATOR OF AFSEE: Advocates For Senior Equality & Enrichment ®
KOOPERSMITHin' #17
A Look @ How Pop Culture Ages Best
By: ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
Koopersmith's Global Communications
"People read what Adrienne writes about..."
Chicago, IL USA
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
DateLine: Friday, January 11, 2008
TOPIC LINE: 5 Foibles and Ironies of Aging
Imagine Minnie Mouse & Poppin’ Fresh, the Dough Boy at 101.
As the Friday, January 18, 2008 Anniversary Date approaches, marking the 6TH Anniversary of AFSEE: Advocates For Senior Equality & Enrichment ®, the persisting Ironies that accompany the Aging Process continue to annoy and haunt me.
After all, it was 6 years ago that I founded AFSEE ® after being angered by a Statistic I read in one of my favorite local Magazines that stated their Readership were those Individuals between 25-49.
In January of 2002, I was revving up to turn 50 in 7 short Months. Then, suddenly, it was as if my undivided Allegiance and Support were no longer needed! So this is what ‘they’ mean by being ‘over the hill.’ I finally knew. After all, there is Strength in Numbers, especially so when headlines report about all the Newspapers and Magazines (that due to ‘a dwindling Readership’) are steadily folding because of a decrease in happy, smiling Faces of all Ages reading their Pages. Turning away Readers (seasoned pros as myself) seemed ridiculously ironic and all my Fellow Fiftygenarians would wholeheartedly agree.
CREATIVE RAGE @ ITS FINEST: Luckily for Mankind and the AAL: Annals of Aging Literature, that enraged (as in: ENcouRAGED) me enough to launch AFSEE: Advocates For Senior Equality & Enrichment ® which is a select Series of specialized Stories & Scripts that deal with and focus on the 6 W’s of Aging, including:
Who
What
When
Where
Why &
Whatever
about getting Old(er).
The Irony still exists that We are not giving and/or providing Seniors (with) The Jobs they have earned and/or more qualified to fill. Every 7 Seconds One fearless and mighty American turns 50. It may not be a silly idea to buy stock in candlewick companies with growing numbers as these! The BabyBoomer Demographic is expanding as never before and appears as a takeover. The Scales are tipping. As We loom in Front of a Recession (although I have personally thought we’ve been living in Depressed Times for at least a Decade)
- with so many Americans out-of-work,
- barely getting by,
- not able to save for ‘Old Age,’
- experiencing the deterioration of the once ‘Middle Class,’ or
- on the brink of losing their Jobs (and subsequently their homes) on a monthly basis,
BabyBoomers are routinely finding it extremely difficult to live on what they are making, if they are ‘making’ anything at all. Two can no longer live ‘as cheaply as one’ especially so if there are other Family Members (as children and parents in the equation). It has been hand-to-mouth for the Average American Family for 15 years now which accounts for growing crime, domestic violence, the break-up of families (divorce), drug dependency, escalating drop-out rate, etc. The Burden is moreover compounded by those BabyBoomers who double as care-takers for their Aging Parents (which is a Blessing, of course) but without the Financial Means and Security to do. It is a struggle for them to be in ‘Two Places at One Time’ especially so if they do not live together or within close proximity. Added to this surmounting Dilemma (where there is ‘No Way Out’) is supporting the(ir) own Children (if classically ‘Married with Kids’) which also demands (without a thanks most times) an extraordinary Percentage of one’s most productive daily hours that could be put to better use, if childless.
THE CONFLICTING IRONY BETWEEN LIFE & DEATH ISSUES:
We cry if an Grandparent, old(er) Family Member or Neighbor dies (even a beloved Family Pet Dog or Cat).
We cry if a young Child dies.
We’re a Nation of Cry Babies.
WHERE’s THE RESPECT? We bemoan the Fact that when Somebody dies young (between 1 Day through 18 years), they did not get The Chance or Opportunity to fulfill their Goals and live a ripe, long and productive life. Yet, many old People are shunned, not associated with and even forgotten once they enter their Twilight or even pre-Twilight Years. INSERT: There are Exceptions We could name, of course. However, that’s not Today’s Hot Topic.
Too many Ironies still exist in the ‘Age of Aging’ as I refer to this Era, even upon the 6TH Year Anniversary of AFSEE ®.
The great Aspect about the Mating of Aging + Science is that when Medicine enters the Picture, Life can be prolonged with better and much healthier Possibilities, making each Day more and more enjoyable, productive and do-able. The Stigma of Aging is lessening, but not quickly enough even with ‘Boomers’ (who’ve had The Reputation of being ‘Movers and Shakers’) entering The Scenario.
THE BURNING CANDLE CYCLE:
‘The Fountain of Youth’ is being discovered under a Cosmetologist’s Knife.”
Quote of: ASK
Tuesday, January 8, 2008 – 7:54 AM
“Although swelling Numbers of People (both Men & Women) are hiding behind Cosmetic Surgery to look younger, their CET: Collective Experience Threshold will seep on through once the Retalin, Botox, Desonate or Juvederm wears off or their face falls to pieces (which may very well be the case in the years-to-come APS: After Plastic Surgery). If you’re a ‘Sponge’ to new Educational and Techno Possibilities (as most People are who ‘soak up’ all the Knowledge they can), then, a 15 year old Child cannot hold a Candle to 45 year old Adult as a 45 year old cannot hold a Candle to an 85 year old Person. Looks mature; Skill, Experience and Education remain…hopefully, in tact.”
Quote of ASK:
January 7, 2008 – 11:14 AM CST
By looking too young, your Credibility is shattered. The Experience(s) you bring to ‘The Table’ will be questioned if you’re a baby-faced Novice. That could be problematic in the Job Force and in the course of a serious Accident. So much for blowing one’s bluff.
Aging is what it is. It’s part of ‘The Cycle’ – of Nature. Besides considering the Alternative (of Death & Dying), after I gracefully matured, I realized a few important Pointers that were incremental to ‘The Bettering of Me.’ I realized how tasty Fruits & Vegetables really were for my Diet when I was 19 in 1971. If youngsters consumed more Fruits & Veggies, the American Obesity Problem would be dissolved or, at least, ‘lighter’ by 50 lbs. per Person for the now-looming American Fat Crises. Aging is one Process. Maturity is yet another. Sometimes, they just don’t link-up. My other Maturity Pointers will be discussed in future AFSEE ® Compositions/Editions and after more ‘kick-into gear.’
On Wednesday, January 9, 2006 at 4:45 AM, I turned 55 Years and 5 Months old, sadly suspecting now that half my Life is over. Being upbeat and hopeful, I’m assuming ‘The Best is yet to come…’
Benefits of Aging are surfacing every Day as more and more relevant Breakthroughs make Headlines. Keeping an Open Mind to Change and Progress is necessary no matter what The Odds. This is quite recognizable by the growing Number of Seniors who are now learning all they can about Computers. PC-friendly Machines are available on the Open Marketplace as Artificial Intelligence has taken over every single Facet of our Lives. Personal Computers do not discriminate. Even the most techno-illiterate Individual knows enough to step up to the Keyboard to figure out and reconfigure the Wonders of High Technology, that will, of course, aid in keeping his/her Mind active, wearing off and keeping to a minimum any Mind-loss Degeneration and adding more interesting Years to his/her Life.
Relationships come and go. Now in the 21ST Century with People living longer, fuller and quality Lives, secure Relationships rise to different Levels of Caring. It’s no longer ONE MATE – ONE LIFETIME OR ELSE as the 1950s portrayed. ‘The more the Merrier’ and if one Relationship sizzles out, sours or bellies-up, it’s no longer stigmatic or taboo to move on to the next, or next or yet another. ‘Curling up and dying’ is no longer the route out. It is ‘out’ completely. This World is not the place for Cowards. The Mindset is registered on Green-for-Go with all motors purring. The priceless Value of Old(er) Age is that Relationships vary and getting to know more People is an enlightening and refreshing Pursuit for all your Daily Encounters. Consider Aging like going into a Candy Shop for your entire Lifespan and tasting all the different Sweets from every jar there.
The last confusing Irony about Aging is that it’s a Numbers’ Game. What is it now? 50, 55 or 62 to be considered a Senior or Seniorita? From AARP to State Governments, no one knows for sure and can decide upon the correct answer. However, since the Numbers seem to get ‘lower’ the Older ‘we’ get, it does show that the Marketplace is constantly fluctuating to reflect that significant Change as We approach each New Decade. The older one gets, Seniority seems to be pushed 'further back' as Sociologists are now touting:
"55 is the New 35."
Considering 10,000 years ago, Cave Man (Neanderthals and Fred Flintstone) was lucky if he lived to be 33, then We have some figurin’ to do here, Lucy.
As I had said 1,650 Words before: After all, there is Strength in Numbers. As the Days come and go, wax and wane, ebb and flow, the Reassurance is in knowing that something important is gained for each of us.
CONTACT INFO:
ATTN: Syndication Companies
TV Networks
Aging Conferences:
For those Parties interested in publishing ASK’s AFSEE Writings embodied in this Campaign and/or to book an Appearance/Interview with her, direct your email to:
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
for any and all Inquiries. AFSEE ® Monthly Articles reflect her timely Insights & Viewpoints on pertinent Aging Issues and are highly relevant to today’s Babyboomer’s concerns and those they touch.
©2002-2008. Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
A Look @ How Pop Culture Ages Best
By: ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
Koopersmith's Global Communications
"People read what Adrienne writes about..."
Chicago, IL USA
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
DateLine: Friday, January 11, 2008
TOPIC LINE: 5 Foibles and Ironies of Aging
Imagine Minnie Mouse & Poppin’ Fresh, the Dough Boy at 101.
As the Friday, January 18, 2008 Anniversary Date approaches, marking the 6TH Anniversary of AFSEE: Advocates For Senior Equality & Enrichment ®, the persisting Ironies that accompany the Aging Process continue to annoy and haunt me.
After all, it was 6 years ago that I founded AFSEE ® after being angered by a Statistic I read in one of my favorite local Magazines that stated their Readership were those Individuals between 25-49.
In January of 2002, I was revving up to turn 50 in 7 short Months. Then, suddenly, it was as if my undivided Allegiance and Support were no longer needed! So this is what ‘they’ mean by being ‘over the hill.’ I finally knew. After all, there is Strength in Numbers, especially so when headlines report about all the Newspapers and Magazines (that due to ‘a dwindling Readership’) are steadily folding because of a decrease in happy, smiling Faces of all Ages reading their Pages. Turning away Readers (seasoned pros as myself) seemed ridiculously ironic and all my Fellow Fiftygenarians would wholeheartedly agree.
CREATIVE RAGE @ ITS FINEST: Luckily for Mankind and the AAL: Annals of Aging Literature, that enraged (as in: ENcouRAGED) me enough to launch AFSEE: Advocates For Senior Equality & Enrichment ® which is a select Series of specialized Stories & Scripts that deal with and focus on the 6 W’s of Aging, including:
Who
What
When
Where
Why &
Whatever
about getting Old(er).
The Irony still exists that We are not giving and/or providing Seniors (with) The Jobs they have earned and/or more qualified to fill. Every 7 Seconds One fearless and mighty American turns 50. It may not be a silly idea to buy stock in candlewick companies with growing numbers as these! The BabyBoomer Demographic is expanding as never before and appears as a takeover. The Scales are tipping. As We loom in Front of a Recession (although I have personally thought we’ve been living in Depressed Times for at least a Decade)
- with so many Americans out-of-work,
- barely getting by,
- not able to save for ‘Old Age,’
- experiencing the deterioration of the once ‘Middle Class,’ or
- on the brink of losing their Jobs (and subsequently their homes) on a monthly basis,
BabyBoomers are routinely finding it extremely difficult to live on what they are making, if they are ‘making’ anything at all. Two can no longer live ‘as cheaply as one’ especially so if there are other Family Members (as children and parents in the equation). It has been hand-to-mouth for the Average American Family for 15 years now which accounts for growing crime, domestic violence, the break-up of families (divorce), drug dependency, escalating drop-out rate, etc. The Burden is moreover compounded by those BabyBoomers who double as care-takers for their Aging Parents (which is a Blessing, of course) but without the Financial Means and Security to do. It is a struggle for them to be in ‘Two Places at One Time’ especially so if they do not live together or within close proximity. Added to this surmounting Dilemma (where there is ‘No Way Out’) is supporting the(ir) own Children (if classically ‘Married with Kids’) which also demands (without a thanks most times) an extraordinary Percentage of one’s most productive daily hours that could be put to better use, if childless.
THE CONFLICTING IRONY BETWEEN LIFE & DEATH ISSUES:
We cry if an Grandparent, old(er) Family Member or Neighbor dies (even a beloved Family Pet Dog or Cat).
We cry if a young Child dies.
We’re a Nation of Cry Babies.
WHERE’s THE RESPECT? We bemoan the Fact that when Somebody dies young (between 1 Day through 18 years), they did not get The Chance or Opportunity to fulfill their Goals and live a ripe, long and productive life. Yet, many old People are shunned, not associated with and even forgotten once they enter their Twilight or even pre-Twilight Years. INSERT: There are Exceptions We could name, of course. However, that’s not Today’s Hot Topic.
Too many Ironies still exist in the ‘Age of Aging’ as I refer to this Era, even upon the 6TH Year Anniversary of AFSEE ®.
The great Aspect about the Mating of Aging + Science is that when Medicine enters the Picture, Life can be prolonged with better and much healthier Possibilities, making each Day more and more enjoyable, productive and do-able. The Stigma of Aging is lessening, but not quickly enough even with ‘Boomers’ (who’ve had The Reputation of being ‘Movers and Shakers’) entering The Scenario.
THE BURNING CANDLE CYCLE:
‘The Fountain of Youth’ is being discovered under a Cosmetologist’s Knife.”
Quote of: ASK
Tuesday, January 8, 2008 – 7:54 AM
“Although swelling Numbers of People (both Men & Women) are hiding behind Cosmetic Surgery to look younger, their CET: Collective Experience Threshold will seep on through once the Retalin, Botox, Desonate or Juvederm wears off or their face falls to pieces (which may very well be the case in the years-to-come APS: After Plastic Surgery). If you’re a ‘Sponge’ to new Educational and Techno Possibilities (as most People are who ‘soak up’ all the Knowledge they can), then, a 15 year old Child cannot hold a Candle to 45 year old Adult as a 45 year old cannot hold a Candle to an 85 year old Person. Looks mature; Skill, Experience and Education remain…hopefully, in tact.”
Quote of ASK:
January 7, 2008 – 11:14 AM CST
By looking too young, your Credibility is shattered. The Experience(s) you bring to ‘The Table’ will be questioned if you’re a baby-faced Novice. That could be problematic in the Job Force and in the course of a serious Accident. So much for blowing one’s bluff.
Aging is what it is. It’s part of ‘The Cycle’ – of Nature. Besides considering the Alternative (of Death & Dying), after I gracefully matured, I realized a few important Pointers that were incremental to ‘The Bettering of Me.’ I realized how tasty Fruits & Vegetables really were for my Diet when I was 19 in 1971. If youngsters consumed more Fruits & Veggies, the American Obesity Problem would be dissolved or, at least, ‘lighter’ by 50 lbs. per Person for the now-looming American Fat Crises. Aging is one Process. Maturity is yet another. Sometimes, they just don’t link-up. My other Maturity Pointers will be discussed in future AFSEE ® Compositions/Editions and after more ‘kick-into gear.’
On Wednesday, January 9, 2006 at 4:45 AM, I turned 55 Years and 5 Months old, sadly suspecting now that half my Life is over. Being upbeat and hopeful, I’m assuming ‘The Best is yet to come…’
Benefits of Aging are surfacing every Day as more and more relevant Breakthroughs make Headlines. Keeping an Open Mind to Change and Progress is necessary no matter what The Odds. This is quite recognizable by the growing Number of Seniors who are now learning all they can about Computers. PC-friendly Machines are available on the Open Marketplace as Artificial Intelligence has taken over every single Facet of our Lives. Personal Computers do not discriminate. Even the most techno-illiterate Individual knows enough to step up to the Keyboard to figure out and reconfigure the Wonders of High Technology, that will, of course, aid in keeping his/her Mind active, wearing off and keeping to a minimum any Mind-loss Degeneration and adding more interesting Years to his/her Life.
Relationships come and go. Now in the 21ST Century with People living longer, fuller and quality Lives, secure Relationships rise to different Levels of Caring. It’s no longer ONE MATE – ONE LIFETIME OR ELSE as the 1950s portrayed. ‘The more the Merrier’ and if one Relationship sizzles out, sours or bellies-up, it’s no longer stigmatic or taboo to move on to the next, or next or yet another. ‘Curling up and dying’ is no longer the route out. It is ‘out’ completely. This World is not the place for Cowards. The Mindset is registered on Green-for-Go with all motors purring. The priceless Value of Old(er) Age is that Relationships vary and getting to know more People is an enlightening and refreshing Pursuit for all your Daily Encounters. Consider Aging like going into a Candy Shop for your entire Lifespan and tasting all the different Sweets from every jar there.
The last confusing Irony about Aging is that it’s a Numbers’ Game. What is it now? 50, 55 or 62 to be considered a Senior or Seniorita? From AARP to State Governments, no one knows for sure and can decide upon the correct answer. However, since the Numbers seem to get ‘lower’ the Older ‘we’ get, it does show that the Marketplace is constantly fluctuating to reflect that significant Change as We approach each New Decade. The older one gets, Seniority seems to be pushed 'further back' as Sociologists are now touting:
"55 is the New 35."
Considering 10,000 years ago, Cave Man (Neanderthals and Fred Flintstone) was lucky if he lived to be 33, then We have some figurin’ to do here, Lucy.
As I had said 1,650 Words before: After all, there is Strength in Numbers. As the Days come and go, wax and wane, ebb and flow, the Reassurance is in knowing that something important is gained for each of us.
CONTACT INFO:
ATTN: Syndication Companies
TV Networks
Aging Conferences:
For those Parties interested in publishing ASK’s AFSEE Writings embodied in this Campaign and/or to book an Appearance/Interview with her, direct your email to:
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
for any and all Inquiries. AFSEE ® Monthly Articles reflect her timely Insights & Viewpoints on pertinent Aging Issues and are highly relevant to today’s Babyboomer’s concerns and those they touch.
©2002-2008. Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
National Smith Day - Koopersmith's Official eMedia Release: 2008
NATIONAL SMITH DAY ©1995
14TH Year Celebration slated for Sunday, January 6, 2008
"Hey, SMITHS: This Event has YOUR Name written all over it..."
eMEDIA RELEASE:
Dateline: Wednesday, January 2, 2008
ORIGINATING FROM THE DESKTOP OF:
ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
Studio 1437 West
====================================
Chicago, IL USA: This eNote is to personally wish you and yours a most happy, healthy and productive Happy 2008. One of the best ways to enjoy a Year is to incorporate HOLIDATES into them of which I am:
‘America’s Premier Eventologist’
per Gene Koprowski of Insight Magazine – Washington, DC – August, 1997
&
‘The Premier Eventologist in The History of The World’
per Eric Zorn of The Chicago Tribune – Chicago, IL – January, 2001.
Those hearty Titles allude to the Fact that since Wednesday, July 25, 1990 at 9:45 PM, I have created 1,500+ HOLIDATES…in 35 appealing Genres. 400+ of them deal with Food and are aptly called EAT-Vents ® and teach us how to eat wisely and healthily – indeed worthwhile Resolutions for the New Year to keep.
Today, I am promoting: NATIONAL SMITH DAY ©1995 – that is found on my Blog: KOOPERSMITHin’ at:
http://adriennesiouxkoopersmith.blogspot.com/2007/12/from-creator-of-national-smith-day-1995.html
The Highlight of January 6 – National Smith Day ©1995 – is that it now harbors an Award which salutes Ms. Sheryl A. Smith and the tremendous Efforts she has made in Peacemaking as the SOTY: SMITH OF THE YEAR ®.
Furthermore, it's always a Creative Life and to give us SMITHS more Credit, I've defined and compiled:
THE S-LIST ®
6 ON THE 6TH OF JANUARY, 2008
6 SUPER-SMITHS WHO CALL CHICAGO HOME.
Representing a complete Array of Specialties. Those Individuals include:
1. Sheryl Andrea Smith – The Humanities
2. Lovey Smith – Sports
3. Marc Smith – Literature
4. Nicole Smith – The Arts
5. Mary Ann Smith, Alderman - Politics
6. Tom W. Smith – The Sciences
“I always feel that We are so intertwined as a People and Culture - the more that We know mentally and network with spiritually, the better it will be for ALL the Group, collectively. Therefore, I came up with this S-LIST ® (stands for SMITH, of course), because it promotes them and their hard-work that often doesn't get enough attention; plus We are all nestled here in the greatest US City, Chicago, USA!”
Quote from ASK explaining the above Addendum to NATIONAL SMITH DAY©1995
IN CLOSING:
Please take a read of said Copy found at:
http://adriennesiouxkoopersmith.blogspot.com/2007/12/from-creator-of-national-smith-day-1995.html
and:
if there are any Q&Q: Questions and Queries;
if you wish to pen a Story on this Event;
if you want to interview Ms. Sheryl A. Smith about her Activities;
if you know a(nother) Smith, please pass this along to him/her/them
if you want to know more about my Position as the foremost Event-Maker;
or if you are curious as to my other 1,499+ HOLIDATES that grace my Roster,
please email me directly at:
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
and/or
Adrienne.Sioux.Koopersmith@gmail.com
After all: The Time is now ripe to get ‘Smithy…’ because:
"A Smith has to do what a Smith does so well...(and you can quote/unquote me on that one)."
Cheers, ASK: Adrienne Sioux KooperSMITH
Founder/Creator: NSD ©1995
©1979-2008. ASK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
14TH Year Celebration slated for Sunday, January 6, 2008
"Hey, SMITHS: This Event has YOUR Name written all over it..."
eMEDIA RELEASE:
Dateline: Wednesday, January 2, 2008
ORIGINATING FROM THE DESKTOP OF:
ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
Studio 1437 West
====================================
Chicago, IL USA: This eNote is to personally wish you and yours a most happy, healthy and productive Happy 2008. One of the best ways to enjoy a Year is to incorporate HOLIDATES into them of which I am:
‘America’s Premier Eventologist’
per Gene Koprowski of Insight Magazine – Washington, DC – August, 1997
&
‘The Premier Eventologist in The History of The World’
per Eric Zorn of The Chicago Tribune – Chicago, IL – January, 2001.
Those hearty Titles allude to the Fact that since Wednesday, July 25, 1990 at 9:45 PM, I have created 1,500+ HOLIDATES…in 35 appealing Genres. 400+ of them deal with Food and are aptly called EAT-Vents ® and teach us how to eat wisely and healthily – indeed worthwhile Resolutions for the New Year to keep.
Today, I am promoting: NATIONAL SMITH DAY ©1995 – that is found on my Blog: KOOPERSMITHin’ at:
http://adriennesiouxkoopersmith.blogspot.com/2007/12/from-creator-of-national-smith-day-1995.html
The Highlight of January 6 – National Smith Day ©1995 – is that it now harbors an Award which salutes Ms. Sheryl A. Smith and the tremendous Efforts she has made in Peacemaking as the SOTY: SMITH OF THE YEAR ®.
Furthermore, it's always a Creative Life and to give us SMITHS more Credit, I've defined and compiled:
THE S-LIST ®
6 ON THE 6TH OF JANUARY, 2008
6 SUPER-SMITHS WHO CALL CHICAGO HOME.
Representing a complete Array of Specialties. Those Individuals include:
1. Sheryl Andrea Smith – The Humanities
2. Lovey Smith – Sports
3. Marc Smith – Literature
4. Nicole Smith – The Arts
5. Mary Ann Smith, Alderman - Politics
6. Tom W. Smith – The Sciences
“I always feel that We are so intertwined as a People and Culture - the more that We know mentally and network with spiritually, the better it will be for ALL the Group, collectively. Therefore, I came up with this S-LIST ® (stands for SMITH, of course), because it promotes them and their hard-work that often doesn't get enough attention; plus We are all nestled here in the greatest US City, Chicago, USA!”
Quote from ASK explaining the above Addendum to NATIONAL SMITH DAY©1995
IN CLOSING:
Please take a read of said Copy found at:
http://adriennesiouxkoopersmith.blogspot.com/2007/12/from-creator-of-national-smith-day-1995.html
and:
if there are any Q&Q: Questions and Queries;
if you wish to pen a Story on this Event;
if you want to interview Ms. Sheryl A. Smith about her Activities;
if you know a(nother) Smith, please pass this along to him/her/them
if you want to know more about my Position as the foremost Event-Maker;
or if you are curious as to my other 1,499+ HOLIDATES that grace my Roster,
please email me directly at:
askoopersmith@hotmail.com
and/or
Adrienne.Sioux.Koopersmith@gmail.com
After all: The Time is now ripe to get ‘Smithy…’ because:
"A Smith has to do what a Smith does so well...(and you can quote/unquote me on that one)."
Cheers, ASK: Adrienne Sioux KooperSMITH
Founder/Creator: NSD ©1995
©1979-2008. ASK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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