#auction house florida

[dejavuestateliquidator]

Estate Liquidation Auctions: Everything You Need to Know

An estate liquidation auction is a sale of all or part of the contents of an estate, typically held after the death of the owner. Estate liquidation auctions can also be held to downsize an estate, settle a divorce, or simply to sell off unwanted items.

[beepingmemesauce2727]

Plans for future Spidey-Villains if I were in charge of continuing The Spectacular Spider-Man.

Mac Gargan / Scorpion:

• Private Investigator hired by J. Jonah Jameson, like in the comics

• Fails due to Peter using his spider-sense to evade him, leading to him being fired by Jameson, which not only causes him to lose his job, but also leaves him homeless, but is offered a second chance by a man claiming to work for The Kingpin

• Registers for an experimental operation by Wilson Fisk and Alastair Smythe, the idea behind the operation being to essentially create a genetically-enhanced police officer

• He is injected with multiple steroids that enhance his physical strength, and his outfitted with bulletproof armor equipped with a cybernetic tail

• Same story as in the comics basically, he is sent to capture Spider-Man, but over time, the chemical augmentations start affecting his brain and drive him to insanity, leading him to paralyze Smythe, and attack J.J.J., Peter promptly defeats him

• Eventually joins a new version of the Sinister Six

Roderick Kingsley / Hobgoblin

• Perfume company CEO, wants to buy Oscorp, but Harry doesn't like him as he thinks Oscorp is the "Osborn Family Legacy", Roderick doesn't like Harry either, seeing him as a nepo baby, (which Harry kind of is)

• Has a twin-brother named Daniel, but is less successful than Roderick, leading to constant belittling by his older brother

• Secretly does shady business deals, like in Season 2 where he attended the auction with NYC's various crime lords

• Hires a spy to infiltrate Oscorp one night, that thug discovers the Green Goblin's tech, spy steals it and brings it back to Roderick

• Roderick sees an opportunity, and creates a new persona, The Hobgoblin, and learns that Osborn used performance-enhancers to gain his superhuman powers

• Creates a chemical compound that includes all of the effects of the original Globulin Green with none of the side-effects

• Roderick decides he can frame other people as the Hobgoblin so he can get away with his crimes scott-free and take control of Oscorp and expand his business

• Multiple people are framed for being the Hobgoblin throughout the third season, including Ned Leeds, Harry Osborn, Emily Osborn, J. Jonah Jameson, and even Roderick's own brother Daniel

• Enters a turf war with Wilson Fisk

• Eventually, Roderick is outed as the Hobgoblin, and is imprisoned

Art by TheJikaruss on Deviantart

Micheal Morbius / Morbius the Living Vampire

• Born in Greece in 1939, raised in America

• Was raised by his single mother, his father left his mother before he was born

• His mother died of a rare illness which caused her blood cells to rapidly degenerate, and eventually, Michael develops this disorder as well

• He meets Emil Nikos, and they become best friends, Nikos finds out about Michael's condition and vows to help him create a cure

• They won a Nobel Prize for their achievements in hematological research, and used the money to conduct the experiment that would cure Michael of his condition in 1971

• The experiment involved injecting Michael with a serum derived from the DNA of vampire bats, and electroshock therapy to enhance Michael's mutated blood cells

• The experiment goes awry, and Michael is transformed into a hideous creature resembling a vampire

• Michael kills Nikos in a bloodthirsty rage, and only regains his senses when he has completely drained Nikos of his blood

• Wracked with immeasurable guilt, Michael attempts suicide, but saves himself as living is a habit

• He roams the world for decades, eventually stumbling upon the house of Curt and Martha Connors, who he attacks while Peter is on a school field trip to the Florida Everglades

Morris Bench / Hydro-Man

• Demolitions expert, as he is in the show

• His wife divorced him a few months prior to the series, so he's a bit depressed

• He is brought to an experiment taking place on a cargo ship overseen by Oscorp, where there are experimenting with a device that can filter out hazardous chemicals in the world's various oceans

• The ship is attacked by the Hobgoblin, who is trying to steal technology, a fight breaks out between Spider-Man and Hobgoblin, and in the scuffle, Morris is knocked overboard

• Morris' body reacts strangely to the generator's radioactive materials, which causes his body to break down and then reform itself into a body that can transform itself into living water

• Hydro-Man escapes the hospital he was held in, and runs into the Hobgoblin, who convinces Morris that Spider-Man is responsible for his condition, and Hydro-Man swears revenge against the web-slinger

• He battles Spider-Man, who defeats him by freezing him with liquid nitrogen, and handing him over to the NYPD

• He is imprisoned, but eventually thawed out to join a new version of the Sinister Six

Cletus Kasady / Carnage

• Cletus is revealed to be a serial killer like in the comics

• He was born to Roscoe and Louise Kasady, and after he tortured and killed his mother's dog, he was sent to the St. Estes Home for Unwanted Children

• After he burned down the orphanage and killed the staff and its students, he murdered his parents as revenge for locking him up in that hell-hole

• He went on to murder several more people, until he was arrested, where the judge labeled him insane and had Cletus sent to the Ravencroft Institute for the Criminally Insane, where he "befriended" Eddie Brock

• After the Venom Symbiote returns to Eddie in his and Cletus' cell, Eddie turns into Venom and causes a break out

• Little did Eddie know, the symbiote had produced an offspring, and it bonded to Cletus' bloodstream, turning the symbiote red and giving it full control over Kasady's cellular structure, making him much stronger than Eddie and Venom

• Cletus became Carnage, and resumed his killing spree, but on a mass scale, turning anyone in his way into his symbiote possessed minions

• Spider-Man realizes he has no choice but to team up with Venom. He also joins up with Black Cat, Cloak & Dagger, Morbius, Sandman, Prowler, and Silver Sable to take down Carnage and his drones

• Carnage is eventually defeated, and the symbiote hordes are returned to normal

• Cletus is imprisoned by S.H.I.E.L.D., due to the catastrophic event he just caused, and that's the last we ever see of Carnage

• Or is it?

Hobie Brown / Prowler

• He becomes friends with Peter in Season 3

• He has a bone to pick with Harry Osborn due to his doping in Season 2

• However, his girlfriend Mindy McPherson is kidnapped by the Hobgoblin's men, and he takes matters into his own hands

• He dons the Prowler suit for the first time, and takes out mutiple caches of Hobgoblin's goons throughout the city in order to get to Mindy

• He runs into Spider-Man, and they get into a disagreement on how to take down The Hobgoblin, Peter just wants to simply defeat Hobgoblin and bring him to justice, whereas Hobie wants to kill Hobgoblin, and they get into a fight

• They eventually stop fighting, and put their differences aside to save Mindy

• They defeat Hobgoblin and his men and save Mindy, but Hobgoblin escapes before he can be arrested

• Prowler eventually teams up with Spidey again during the "Maximum Carnage" event

John Jameson / Man-Wolf

• Still in Ravencroft after Season 2

• He's still obsessed with the strength he obtained during his time as Colonel Jupiter

• He is visited in his cell by J.J.J. and Miles Warren, who offers to give him back the power he so desperately wants

• He is injected with a steroid that turns him back into Colonel Jupiter, and he becomes an ally to Spider-Man again

• Warren secretly installed nanites into John's bloodstream that would activate under lunar rays

• During one night out on patrol, John keeled over in pain and transformed into a hulking canine creature dubbed The Man-Wolf

• Man-Wolf eventually attacked his father at the DB, but Spider-Man used an antidote on John that eliminated the nanites in his system and turned him back into a human

• John was eventually turned back into Man-Wolf, and kidnapped by Kraven the Hunter and forced to fight Spider-Man again during this show's adaptation of "Kraven's Last Hunt", (Man-Wolf takes the place of Vermin) but after Kraven dies, Spider-Man goes after Man-Wolf and turns him back into a human again

• Warren finds a strand of Man-Wolf's hair, and keeps it along with a sample of Globulin Green...for safe keeping

Prof. Miles Warren / Jackal

• He's taken Dr. Connors' place as ESU's science division

• He has an assistant named Debra Whitman

• He was behind Molten Man and Man-Wolf, and will be the ultimate mastermind behind the Clone Saga

• He creates a clone of Peter and Gwen, the Peter clone is used to tarnish Peter's reputation as Spider-Man, while the Gwen clone would become Miles' surrogate daughter

• Miles' wife and daughter died prior to the series in an accident, and Gwen reminded him of his daughter

• So that when she died, Miles had a mental breakdown and decided to use his expertise in cellular biology to create a perfect clone of Gwen

• But Peter and his clone eventually put aside their differences, and confronted Miles in the ESU lab

• As a last resort, he injected himself with a serum comprised of canine DNA and Norman Osborn's Goblin serum, turning him into a monster called The Jackal

• He's eventually defeated, imprisoned, and returned to his human form after a vicious fight with Peter Parker and Ben Reilly

• He later escapes prison and creates a newer, stronger clone he calls Kaine, he brainwashes Kaine and sends him after Peter and Ben

• Kaine is eventually freed from his brainwashing and kills Miles for all the people he's hurt, Peter, Gwen, Curt Connors and his family, Mark Allan, and John Jameson

Art by Lunamidnight1998 on Deviantart

Martin Li / Mr. Negative

• Was experimented on by Wilson Fisk's head scientist, Dr. Jonathan Ohnn, and was imbued with Light & Darkforce powers

• Runs a soup kitchen with Aunt May and Nathan Lubensky called F.E.A.S.T.

• Secretly a crime lord called Mr. Negative and forms a group called the Inner Demons

• The experiments by Dr. Ohnn also created Cloak & Dagger

• Becomes the third wheel in The Kingpin and Hobgoblin's Turf War

• Eventually depowered and redeemed

Thank you for reading! :)

[notwiselybuttoowell]

From October:

How will the arts be affected if Trump wins? Given the former television star’s wildly unpredictable nature, it is hard to know exactly what to expect. The Republican Party’s official platform has no mention of culture, nor does Project 2025, a Trump administration wishlist put together by the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank. The Trump campaign’s press office did not respond to a request for comment.

However, a few lessons can be gleaned from the past. Alongside the travel ban (which he has promised to revive in a second term) and proposals to cut arts funding, Trump signed a 2020 resolution to make federal buildings beautiful (read: conservative) again, and he has a long history of being hostile to the arts. When he razed the luxury department store Bonwit Teller to erect Trump Tower in Manhattan, he needlessly trashed valuable sculptures. 

Are the art world’s various powers players—museum directors, auction house executives, collectors, dealers, and artists—ready for a second Trump term? Can they take action now to mitigate its potentially serious consequences? Calling around, I found that many people were not eager to discuss the matter on the record, which is perhaps not surprising. But some people were willing to chat.

Museums: Emotional Tolls, Fiscal Crosshairs

The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services estimated in 2014 that there were upward of 35,000 museums nationwide. For many of their employees, a Trump win would be traumatizing.

“It is generally true that our staff will have very specific views about this election,” one museum director told me. “The employee side would be the thing most difficult to navigate.”

A former curator agreed. “The emotional impact on the workplace is real, and so much of the emotional caregiving in the field is being done by women,” this curator said. “I suspect a Trump administration would see more turnover among women in the field. We saw that in the Great Resignation. So many women working in corporate jobs were burnt out, partly from so much emotional caregiving in the workplace. It’s a lot.” 

Other concerns include cuts to federal funding and censorship.

Many institutions draw support from IMLS as well as from the National Endowment of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, which could be on the chopping block once again. 

Though Trump has not, so far, telegraphed a desire to defund those organizations, one state may prove to be, as the saying goes, a laboratory of democracy. In Florida, Governor Ron De Santis, a failed Trump rival, recently zeroed out $32 million in arts funding for next year.

Private sources of funding may not be able to cover a drop in government support. As it is, experts in philanthropy say that traditional museum funding models are breaking down. “What is going to spur next-gen donating?” asked Melissa Cowley Wolf, of MCW Projects, an advisory firm specializing in philanthropic strategy and organizational wellness. “The younger population is not seeing art’s value in society, particularly as a driver of social, racial, and climate justice.”

In 2018, Cowley Wolf co-founded a group called the Arts Funders Forum to address how the cultural sphere can ensure its future. “There’s a real impetus to develop new models, even more so now with the threat of the abolition of federal funding,” she said.

Even if federal funding isn’t eliminated, a conservative administration could direct support toward projects it deems patriotic or family-friendly.

“In the ‘90s, in the wake of the Robert Mapplethorpe controversy, we saw the introduction of a decency amendment,” said Maxwell Anderson, a former director of five North American museums, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Dallas Museum of Art. “A Trump administration would seem likely to introduce similar language affecting grant recipients.”Some museums spoke out in the wake of Trump’s election with symbolic gestures, such as when New York’s Museum of Modern Art placed on view works by artists hailing from the countries affected by the travel ban. Would they step up again, in an even more charged environment?

Experts say that there’s already self-censorship afoot.

“The sense I’m getting is that, especially among the more established organizations, there is an enormous amount of fear,” a former museum director told me. “The war in Gaza, and now Lebanon, and attendant protests, have resulted in an atmosphere of censorship and self-censorship. Unless a political statement comes from an artist’s project, I just don’t see many institutions having the appetite for it.”

Experts also said that they fear federal-level curbs on free speech.

“Project 2025 proposes censorship in the classroom and elsewhere of speech on subjects like race and systemic oppression,” Anderson said. “This would extend far beyond the classroom to federal institutions like the Smithsonian and grant-making entities that have fostered language on those subjects.”

Museums might fear more than censorship or funding cuts. Trump has taken TV shows like Saturday Night Live to task for one-sidedness, classing their gags as illegal campaign contributions and asking whether the Department of Justice should prosecute them. Could museums, artists, or writers who criticize him also be targeted by a Trump-controlled bureaucracy?

Andras Szanto, a museum consultant, predicted that, under a second Trump administration. “We would be in for an extraordinary period of political turmoil in the ranks of artists and the people who frequent museums,” he said. “I think the museum would be a site of expression of discontent and of political activism. The museum has already become a place of political protest, as one of the last remaining truly public venues.”

Museums could definitely come under fire for speaking out, Szanto said, but he wondered if they could proactively form a kind of mutual defense pact.

“Could there be a NATO attitude among museums, where an attack on one is an attack against all?” he asked. “Could museums be a bit more like PEN,” the association of writers, “where they have plans to make a united stand against attacks?”

But museums may feel pressure from both sides of the aisle.

“Museums are now facing challenges on two fronts,” Anderson said, referring to “progressives calling out ‘toxic’ philanthropy and, more recently, perceived insensitivity toward the plight of oppressed people, and donors who feel unfairly singled out for the origins of their wealth.”

For fear of drawing right-wing ire, museums might also go mum on a recent focus: making progress on diversity, equity and inclusion in their exhibitions and collection as well as their staffing and board makeup.

“From conversations with others in the field,” the former curator said, “I have the sense that they would not be able to talk openly anymore about their DEI efforts.”

Amid the gloom, one museum director who serves a politically diverse audience voiced a degree of optimism.

“Our audience is made up of one-third Republicans, one-third Democrats, and one-third Independents,” said Adam Levine, the director of the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio. “We’ve found that the number one thing our visitors want, regardless of political persuasion, is to be challenged. Having worked other places, I do not believe Toledo is unique. Surveys consistently indicate that museums and libraries are the most trusted institutions in America.”

“We are not perfect and are doing our best to interrogate tough questions and bring people along,” Levine added, “but that is exactly what we think society needs right now: An earnest effort to bring us together.”

(Link goes on to cover art schools, independent artists, and the art market)

[brookston]

Holidays 11.22

Holidays

Alice's Restaurant Massacre Day

Arbor Day (British Virgin Islands)

Bank Workers’ Day (Armenia)

Black Entrepreneurs Day

Conspiracy Theory Day

Day of Justice (Azerbaijan)

Day of Music (Spain)

Day of Remembrance for President John F. Kennedy

Day of the Albanian Alphabet (Albania)

Day of the Andalusian Gypsy (Spain)

Family Day (Palau)s

Go For A Ride Day

Good Married Couple Day (a.k.a. Good Husband & Wife Day or Good Spouses Day; Japan)

Good Twin Tail Day (Japan)

Hockey Day

Humane Society Day

International Chick Tract Day

International Ewing’s Sarcoma Awareness Day

International Musician’s Day

Isfahan National Day (Iran)

JFK Assassination Day

Justice Workers’ Day (Azerbaijan)

Kanakdasa Jayanti (Karnataka, India)

Love Your Freckles Day

Love Your Own Country Day

Music Day (Spain)

Musician’s Day (Mexico)

National Agriculture & Related Industries Day (Australia)

National Amelia Day

National Aron Day

National Dental Dam Day

National Dental Nurses Day (UK)

National Housing Strategy Day (Canada)

National Jukebox Day

National Larimar Day (Dominican Republic)

National Nathan Day

National Poetry Day (Philippines)

National Senior Dog Day

National Stop the Violence Day

National Yeti Day

Phonograph Day

Pajama Day (Ireland)

Prosecutors’ Day (Kyrgyzstan)

Psychologist Day (Russia)

Repentence Day (Sachsen, Germany)

Skywriting Day

Slumber Party Day

Start Your Own Country Day

Substitute Educators Day

Teacher’s Day (Costa Rica)

Turnip Day (French Republic)

22q Awareness Day

White Album Day

World Day of the Schnauzer

World Vasectomy Day

Xanthippe Asteroid Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Cranberry Relish Day

Danish Pastry Day (Wienerbrödets Dag; Sweden)

International Stilton Day

Kimchi Day (South Korea; California)

National Cashew Day

Independence & Related Days

Anniversary of Portuguese Aggression (Republic of Guinea)

Duvalia (Declared; 2015) [unrecognized]

Lebanon (from France, 1943)

Regelis (Declared; 1999) [unrecognized]

4th Friday in November

Comfort Food Friday [Every Friday]

Five For Friday [Every Friday]

Flapjack Friday [4th Friday of Each Month]

Flashback Friday [Every Friday]

Flirtatious Friday [4th Friday of Each Month]

Friday Finds [Every Friday]

Fry Day (Pastafarian; Fritism) [Every Friday]

National Day of Thanksgiving (Turks & Caicos Islands) [4th Friday]

Stars in Our Schools Day (UK) [4th Friday]

TGIF (Thank God It's Friday) [Every Friday]

Weekly Holidays beginning November 22 (3rd Full Week of November)

Deck the Halls Weekend (Seneca Lake region, New York) [thru 11.24]

National Farm-City Week (thru 11.28) [Week Ending On Thanksgiving]

Festivals Beginning November 22, 2024

America's Hometown Thanksgiving (Plymouth, Massachusetts) [thru 11.24]

Beaujolais & Beyond (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

Beef Tongue Cook-Off (Eunice, Louisiana) [thru 11.23]

Bruges Christmas Market (Bruges, Belgium) [thru 1.5.2025]

Cayman Brac (Cayman Islands) [thru 11.24]

Denver Christmas Show (Denver, Colorado) [thru 11.24]

Downtown Baraboo Wine Walk (Baraboo, Wisconsin)

Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration (Raleigh, North Carolina)

FOBAB [Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer] (Chicago, Illinois) [thru 11.23]

Mountain Mandarin Festival (Auburn, California) [thru 11.24]

National Biodynamic Conference (Phoenixville, Pennsylvania) [thru 11.24]

Night of the Proms (Antwerp, Belgium) [thru 11.24]

Plant City Pig Jam (Plant City, Florida) [thru 11.23]

Salute to Ranching Holiday Dinner-Dance & Auction (Workman's Creek, Arizona)

Silver Bells in the City (Lansing, Michigan)

Tallinn Christmas Market (Tallinn, Estonia) [thru 12.27]

Whiskies of the World (Chicago, Illinois)

Feast Days

Amphilochius of Iconium (Christian; Saint)

André Gide (Writerism)

Blackbeard Memorial Day (Pastafarian)

Cecilia (Christian; Saint) [Music]

Christian Rohlfs (Artology)

Clone Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Colbert (Positivist; Saint)

Descending Day of Lord Buddha (Lhabab Duechen) [Bhutan]

Dispute-Settling Assizes (Shamanism)

Feast of Artemis (Moon Goddess; Ancient Greece; Starza Pagan Book of Days)

George (Eastern Orthodox; Georgia)

George Eliot (Writerism)

Herbert (Christian; Saint)

Ignaz Günther (Artology)

Jon Cleary (Writerism)

Light Snow (Chinese Farmer’s Calendar)

Marjane Satrapi (Artology; Writerism)

Miguel Covarrubias (Artology)

Olga Kisseleva (Artology)

Philemon and Appia (Christian; Martyrs)

Pragmatius of Autun (Christian; Saint)

Sagittarius zodiac sign begins

Samonios (Seed-Fall; Celtic Book of Days)

Theodorus the Studite (Christian; Saint)

Vernon the Grizzly Bear (Muppetism)

Ydalir (festival to Ullr, god of archery & skiing; Ancient Norse)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

The Addams Family (Film; 1991)

The Air Hostess (Phantasies Cartoon; 1937)

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (Animated Film; 1991)

Back to the Future Part II (Film; 1989)

The Beatles [The White Album] (Album; 1968)

Beauty and the Beast (Animated Disney Film; 1991)

Bettie Page Reveals All (Documentary Film; 2013)

Blue Hawaii (Film; 1961) [Elvis Presley #8]

Boléro, by Maurice Ravel (Orchestral Work; 1928)

Captain Kidd (Film; 1945)

Casino (Film; 1995)

The Check’s in the Mail (Money Rock Cartoon; Schoolhouse Rock; 1996)

Clambake (Film; 1967)

Coco (Animated Film; 2017)

Convict Concerto (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1954)

Darkest Hour (Film; 2017)

Die Another Day (US Film; 2002) [James Bond #20]

For the Boys (Film; 1991)

Frida (Film; 2002)

Frozen (Animated Disney Film; 2013)

Frozen 2 (Animated Disney Film; 2019)

Goofy’s Glider (Disney Cartoon; 1940)

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (Film; 2013)

Hypnotize, by System of a Down (Album; 2005)

Jack and the Beanstalk (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1931)

Jelly Roll Blues, recorded by Bunny Berigan (Song; 1938)

La Forza del Destino, by Giuseppe Verdi (Opera; 1862)

A Lyell Geste of Robyn Hood, by Winked de Word (History Book; 1495)

King Solomon’s Mines (Film; 1985)

Man of La Mancha (Broadway Musical; 1965)

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (Disney Cartoon; 2017)

Once Upon a Studio (Disney Short Film; 2023)

Pink S.W.A.T. (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1978)

Power and Terror: Noam Chomsky in Our Times (Documentary Film; 2002)

Prefabricated Pink (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1967)

The Producers (Film; 1967)

Shanghai Woody (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1971)

Shine (Film; 1996)

Star Trek: First Contact (Film; 1996)

Swann’s Wy, by Marcel Proust (Novel; 1913)

Throne of Blood (Film; 1961)

Toy Story (Animated Pixar Film; 1995) Vitalogy, by Pearl Jam (Album; 1994)

Wish (Animated Disney Film; 2023)

With the Beatles, by The Beatles (Album; 1963)

Yogi Bear and the Magical Flight of the Spruce Goose(Hanna-Barbera Animated TV Special; 1987)

Today’s Name Days

Cäcilia, Salvator (Austria)

Cecilija, Cilika, Dobrila, Filemon (Croatia)

Cecílie (Czech Republic)

Cecilia (Denmark)

Cecilia, Säsil, Silja, Silje, Sille (Estonia)

Cecilia, Seela, Selja, Silja (Finland)

Cécile (France)

Cäcilia, Rufus, Salvator, Silja (Germany)

Cecilia, Filemon, Filimon, Philimon, Valerios (Greece)

Cecília (Hungary)

Cecilia (Italy)

Aldis, Aldonis, Alfons, Alfonss, Alfs (Latvia)

Cecilija, Cilė, Dargintė, Steikintas (Lithuania)

Cecilie, Silje, Sissel (Norway)

Cecylia, Marek, Maur, Wszemiła (Poland)

Arhip. Filimon, Onism (România)

Cecília (Slovakia)

Cecilio, Filemón (Spain)

Cecilia, Sissela (Sweden)

Cecelia, Philemon, Yaropolk (Ukraine)

Abbey, Abbie, Abby, Abigail, Cecelia, Cecil, Cecilia, Cecily, Cecyl, Celia, Gail Gale, Galen, Gay, Gayle, Philemon, Philo, Shayla, Sheila (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 327 of 2024; 39 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of Week 47 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Hagal (Hailstone) [Day 27 of 28]

Chinese: Month 10 (Yi-Hai), Day 22 (Geng-Yin)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 21 Heshvan 5785

Islamic: 20 Jumada I 1446

J Cal: 27 Wood; Sixthday [27 of 30]

Julian: 9 November 2024

Moon: 50%: 3rd Quarter

Positivist: 19 Frederic (12th Month) [Pombal / D’Aranda]

Runic Half Month: Is (Stasis) [Day 1 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 61 of 90)

Week: 3rd Full Week of November

Zodiac: Sagittarius (Day 1 of 30)

Calendar Changes

Is (Stasis) [Half-Month 23 of 24; Runic Half-Months] (thru 12.10)

Sagittarius (The Archer) begins [Zodiac Sign 9; thru 12.21]

[bropunzeling]

"arranged marriage mattdrai" ok i BLACKED OUT. and i am now thinking of some sort of weird marriage bets frat au mashup where leon and matthew are rival frat presidents and matthew's dumb friends (johnny hockey) bid on leon for him during the annual charity date auction whatever the fuck thing that frat houses do except leon is aggressively following the spirit of the whole auction date thing and is treating matthew nice in a mean way and matthew is ?

screaming. what a beautiful fucking concept this is. Very Serious Dates at the local student dive bar!!!! maybe leon asks matthew to come as his date to the big end of semester formal!!!! maybe they spend spring break together 😌 it's no spain but florida is just as fun. i think this could be very fun for them and they could drive each other into looping sexual/emotional crises through the power of cut up t-shirts and doing ice luge shots

[danyvcollins8]

Antique Auction Guide: What to Know About Buying & Selling

You’re at an antique auction. You feel the thrill of potential discovery in every item up for bid. But how do you know what’s worth your money or just old trash?

If selling is more your game, can you spot a hidden gem among Grandma’s heirlooms that others would dream of owning? This guide aims to unravel these mysteries by offering insights into buying and selling antiques effectively. Dive right in; let this be your road map through the exciting world of antique auctions!

Types of Antiques Offered at Auction in Clearwater, FL

From vintage furniture to remarkable pottery pieces, every auction offers a unique selection that’s sure to impress antique lovers. It is quite common for people to find Chinese Ming Dynasty pottery and Art Nouveau jewelry while browsing furniture pieces from the Victorian era or items from mid-century modern tables. Moreover, these scavengers often discover a plethora of aged wine bottles from Europe.

On your next trip, finding classic chandeliers with intricate detailing dating back centuries could be possible! Even sports memorabilia make their appearance in auctions sometimes. This includes autographed baseball cards and historic match tickets.

Stay eager because comic books that bring waves of nostalgia can also spring surprises, along with old-world paintings stirring profound emotions! It just showcases how diverse and versatile Clearwater’s antique offerings are, providing endless opportunities worth exploring for everyone interested!

Tips for Buying at an Antique

Diving into the world of antiques can seem daunting, but remember, knowledge is power. You must understand that in Clearwater, Florida, auctions, online platforms usually charge lower premiums compared to direct auction services, and this could save you a significant amount. The price range for items at an auction varies widely; some may be surprisingly affordable, while others might reach astronomical figures.

Keep yourself updated with prices through regular research so as not to overpay or underbid for artifacts. Are there hidden costs? Sellers pay what’s called ‘seller premiums,’ which are fees based on a percentage of the final sale cost. Buyers, too, have their share known as ‘buyer premiums.’

A key term you should know about is ‘reserves’. A reserve is a minimum acceptable bid amount set by the seller. Sellers reserve the right to withhold a sale if bids do not meet this reserve number. However, they still have to pay listing fees regardless of whether a sale occurs or not.

Remember: Bidding requires registration, so ensure your paperwork is done correctly before hitting any auction houses!

Determining Your Budget Before Shopping Antiques

While venturing into Clearwater’s antique market, take steps to set your financial limits. This precaution prevents costly mishaps, as antiques can range from moderately priced to astonishingly expensive. Before shopping for antiques, you have two tasks: understand the general price range of desired items and decide what you’re willing to spend.

Research helps in both areas. Identify reputable online platforms that offer an idea of current pricing trends for various antiques. Consider enlisting a professional appraiser who specializes in your area of interest for a more personalized budget estimation. They provide precise valuations that aid in making informed decisions about potential purchases or even sales later. Remember, though: while setting out hunting relics with deep pockets may seem appealing, respect your personal spending boundaries regardless of how enticing that vintage piece looks.

Don’t let perceived value override established monetary confines; seek enchantment within your allotted fiscal sphere.

Selling Your Own Antiques at an Auction House in Clearwater, FL

When planning to sell your own antiquities at an auction house in Clearwater, FL, there’s a clear process you can follow. First, connect with the auction house staff so they’re aware of your interest. They will inform you about upcoming auctions and provide catalogs for them.

Next, inspect properties alongside a knowledgeable professional, such as a builder or handyman. This way, all necessary repairs can be accounted for before making pricing decisions. Procuring legal packs from the auctioneer may also prove fruitful, giving comprehensive insights into each available property.

This means no hidden surprises later down the line! However, swift action remains crucial due to the short periods between catalog releases and actual auctions.

Remember that setting budgets precedes any other step. Understanding how much renovation costs might be, plus knowing payment methods, adds value, too! Lastly, but importantly, don’t overlook those terms and conditions paperwork. Stay familiarized with what needs to be paid without any nasty surprises on D-day.

Essential Expert Advice when Attending Auctions In Clearwater, FL

Auction catalogs come out a month beforehand, so use this time wisely. Investigate the item of interest by researching its history, condition, and value range. Additionally, obtain information about any associated costs, such as set fees or percentages owed to the vendor or auction house. These expenses can add up quickly if they are not taken into account, so be sure to factor them in when making bids at Clearwater auctions.

Always have sufficient funds for deposits, usually around 10%, since failure to provide that could lead you into legal trouble with sellers.

Therefore, avoiding relying solely on selling items at an auction is important. This is because vendors always set a reserve price, which is the minimum acceptable bid they must receive for them to sell the item. As such, there is no guarantee that items will always be sold through auctions.

Additionally, be cautious while referring to guide prices provided by auction houses; they’re often lower than the actual worth to boost public attention, but they might misdirect you when setting your budget limit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Antique Buying & Selling Process

Your attitude during the negotiation plays a vital role. Approaching dealers with respect ensures they will be more receptive in their responses. People may believe that haggling is a must during this process. Unfortunately, this assumption can lead to misunderstandings or neglected opportunities for discovering good items at fair prices.

When you pressure an antique dealer into dropping the price drastically, it may seem unfair and disrespectful toward their expertise and business expenses. Don’t let reality TV fool you, either! Those massive discounts stay confined primarily to television sets as part of scripted deals rather than actual transactions on the ground. So, keep expectations realistic!

Credits: https://blackwellauctions.com/antique-auction-guide-what-to-know-about-buying-selling/

Lastly, remember one man’s trash might just turn out to be another’s treasure. Targeting lower-priced antiques alone won’t suffice. Instead, focus on finding pieces that resonate personally. Striking a balance between taste and affordability should remain your goal.

Navigating the exciting world of antique buying and selling shouldn’t be intimidating. Knowledge is power; knowing what items to look for, understanding the auction process, and acting promptly are key. Always remember that every art piece has a story; your goal should be discovering its worth, considering its historical value.

[worldofwardcraft]

Suspicious riches.

December 5, 2022

It's not unheard-of for someone like a president's son to lean on his famous name and connections in order to get ahead. Yet Republicans remain obsessed with Hunter Biden's business dealings and income, despite there being no evidence of any illegalities or the president's involvement. Meanwhile, these same Republicans are perfectly content to ignore the pecuniary irregularities of the grifters in their own ranks.

Consider, for example, 27-year-old GOP congressman Madison Cawthorn (pictured above with his new digs), who lost his bid for reelection in the North Carolina Republican primary. Cawthorn recently bought a palatial three-bedroom home in Cape Coral, Florida for $1.12 million that measures a spacious 2,281 square feet and includes a pool and spa.

As a congressman for two years, he was paid $174,000 per. And he's never held any other high-paying job. Cawthorn has apparently owned a real estate investment company called SPQR Holdings since 2019, of which he is the only employee. But the company has no reported income, and its only recorded transaction was purchasing a six-acre property in Georgia for $20,000 in a foreclosure auction. So where did he get the scratch to buy that costly crib?

Or, take his fellow first-termer, recently reelected (just barely) Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert. This high school dropout went from being up to her ears in debt to being worth a reported $41 million in just two years. Her financial disclosure statement says her husband earned $1 million from his energy consulting firm, but that her own restaurant, Shooters Grill, is now closed. Her campaign finance committee has only $300,000 cash on hand, according to FEC data. Plus, her congressional salary is (like Cawthorn's) $174,000 a year. Where did the other $40 million come from?

Then there are the Trumps. When Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington examined the financial disclosures of Ivanka and Jared Kushner covering when they "worked" in the Trump maladministration, CREW found the couple took in between $172 million and $640 million in outside income (the exact amount remains shadowy).

Included in their haul were the millions Ivanka made when the Chinese government granted her dozens of product patents on everything from wedding dresses to voting machines — without any explanation why. Then, after leaving the White House, Jared received a whopping $2 billion from the Saudi Arabian government for his newly established private equity firm to invest. Since when did Jared become a financial genius?

However, after the GOP takes over the House, don't expect them to investigate any of these monetary mysteries. No, siree. Instead, it'll be all Hunter all the time.

[nancypullen]

Thursday

I’m trying to convince myself to paint the powder room vanity. I have everything I need, and it’s a small vanity and probably won’t take much time at all. I just can’t seem to get motivated.  I purchased paint from Heirloom Traditions.  It’s supposed to be amazing so I hope it lives up to the hype. You can check it out here: https://www.allinonepaint.com/ They’re always offering free sample pots, all you pay is the $6.99 shipping.  My vanity is small enough that one sample pot should do the trick. Most folks are painting dressers or kitchen cabinets, but my little job will be inexpensive and hopefully quick. The previous owner of this house apparently had a nautical theme in the powder room.  That’s fine, to each their own, but she glued everything in place. She had glued sea shells to the mirror, and worse, there was rope glued all the way around the ceiling. I was able to get the shells off the mirror and scrape it clean, but when the painters pulled that rope down (it was basically cemented on) it tore up the dry wall and made the whole room look shabby and awful.  I don’t need that little bathroom to be HGTV worthy, but it looked really bad.  That is why I was so thrilled when Mickey started sending me photos of his work while I was down in Florida. This is what it looked like at the top of every wall.

And this is what it looks like now, thanks to my hand dandy husband.

Those vent covers went back in, there are no gaping holes. Drywall addressed, trim added, ceiling painted...my hero!

He also removed the contractor grade mirror...

and touched up that wall.

No, there’s not an abnormality in the wall. There’s something about the lighting and the way it throws shadows.  It’s fine.  Just between you and me I plan to change that light fixture anyway. That faucet s coming out too. I have a couple of floral/bee pictures that I printed for this room. I’ve got my auction mirror as well. I’m heading in this direction.

None of those colors are exact, that’s just me playing with ideas.  But that’s the neighborhood we’ll end up in.  A cute little rug, a pretty soap bottle,and some contrasting hand towels (already have those!) and we can check another room off the list.  Hallelujah!  By the time that’s finished it’ll be gardening season.  I may have to ignore the inside of the house until fall. Speaking of things that need work, why is my hair the only project that’s never finished?  While visiting my mother I made an appointment for a hair cut.  I don’t have much faith in the hair community in Denton, so I thought I’d roll the dice in Florida. I gambled and lost. I don’t think the stylist believed me when I stressed that my hair is like a gremlin, once it gets wet all hell breaks loose. To her credit she listened when I said I only wanted about an inch off the ends.  The length is perfect.  But she tried to give me “face framing layers” and cut my hair like straight hair. You can’t do that.  There’s a process to cutting layers into my hair and it usually involves a Ouija board and a goat sacrifice. What is does not involve is sliding the scissors down the hair shafts to create feathery ends.  For me that’s a recipe for frizz.  It did not end well.  It took me two days to calm the beast, and of course one of those days was the big family gathering where loads of photos were taken. I’m always frozen in time with bad hair. At least I had makeup on.

It doesn’t help that I’m growing the white out (again!). I’m so over coloring my hair.  I’m hoping that by autumn (maybe our October trip?) I’ll have enough growth to get a good trim and call it done.  I wish I’d never colored after the first grow out during lockdown.  I bought into the whole “look younger” hogwash.  How about just looking healthy?  Authentic? Comfortable?  I’m not looking for a job or a date. I. am. free.  My hair is too. This was snapped on the morning that my sister and I flew out.  When we looked at this selfie we all moaned about wrinkles, hair, etc.  

But ya’ know what? We’re all grannies, and we’re healthy, and we’re happy. I’ll gladly take every crinkle and white hair (even those frizzy layers!) because they’re no big deal.  Gosh, people are dealing with very real, very heavy problems - who cares about aging? It’s a privilege denied to many.  I’m grateful. Now, after saying all of that - can you believe my mom is 87? She looks fantastic!  She can work circles around me in the yard too.  I hope I have a scoop of her heartiest DNA. Alright, I guess I’d better get busy in that bathroom.  I can’t finish until I start, right?  Can’t get to the fun stuff like pictures and soap bottles until I lay the foundation.  Guess I’ll turn on a murder podcast and make some progress. I hope you’re having a wonderful Thursday. If not, then treat yo’self!  A cookie, a new bottle of nail polish, a bouquet - any little treat can be a cheerful spot in a ho hum day.  You deserve it. Stay safe, stay well, be happy.

Nancy

[houseofcravenart]

House of Craven Miami and Palm Beach Auctions

In Miami and Palm Beach, House of Craven often hosts online auctions where eligible buyers worldwide can view a broad variety of unique items. Recognized as America’s Auction House, we specialize in major categories such as Real Estate, Fine Art, Modern Art, Contemporary Art, Pop Art, Estate Jewelry, Iconic Watches, Asian Art & Antiques, Furniture and Decorative Arts, Silver, Mid-Century Modern Design, Luxury Accessories, Couture, and more. With auction licenses in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, we bring unparalleled access to exceptional collections.

Our Value Proposition: Be Transformative

As part of our mission, House of Craven aims to transform the art market by fostering collaboration between auction houses and galleries. We strive to benefit galleries, artists, and social impact organizations for Miami Art Week 2024(December 2–8, 2024). Our signature ART Auction on December 12, 2024, will spotlight emerging and local artists, institutions, museums, and corporate collectors, allowing them to gain global visibility and connect with art enthusiasts.

Adapting to a Changing Market

Art-market demand now revolves around accessibility. House of Craven bridges gaps by providing transformative art experiences that benefit all stakeholders. Beyond public auctions, we offer private sales at fixed prices, engaging galleries and dealers in unique selling exhibitions. This approach dissolves traditional boundaries between private sales and public auctions, prioritizing collectors’ needs and maximizing opportunities for all parties involved.

In addition, we curate gallery shows to build brand awareness, attract new visitors and collectors, and share a portion of sales revenue with the hosting galleries. This collaborative model benefits the entire art community.

Art Money Partnership

To enhance accessibility, House of Craven partnered with Art Money in 2023. This program enables clients to purchase art interest-free, spreading payments over 10 months. We support this model by paying commissions to Art Money, ensuring a seamless and affordable purchasing experience.

Event Tickets

Tickets for Miami art week are available online. One-Day Passes provide access to Art Miami + CONTEXT, while Multi-Day Passes include Art Miami, CONTEXT, and Aqua Art Miami during public hours.

[xviperstrikex-archive]

Titus offered a small smile, kissing him back. He wrapped his arms around Finn and took a deep breath. He'd never told anyone the full story outside of Divon before. Except Divon had to fight to get it out of him, wanting to be able to help him the right way. This time felt different. There was so much uncertainty. He wasn't sure Finn was going to stick around. The thought of Finn knowing his story and having no intentions of coming around again scared him.

"My mom was kidnapped when she was about ten. They trained her to be the perfect sex slave and then sold her off at an auction. She was bought by the governor of Florida and he kept her locked in the basement of one of the houses he used for what he called business trips. Really he was just making excuses to get away from his wife and use my mom in whatever way he pleased. She was sixteen when she got pregnant with me. The guy let her have a little more freedom to roam the house but he made it clear that I was going to be conditioned and sold just like her. I was four the first time I tried to run away. He beat the shit out of me. I tried again when I was eight. That time he sold me off to one of his friends in Texas." His voice wavered a bit. "He used to starve me when I wouldn't listen. I wasn't allowed to wear clothes. He liked seeing how skinny I'd gotten. He kept me until I was sixteen when he sold me off to avoid scandal while running for governor. I ended up in Arizona with some piercer. He made me work the corner every night and I had to meet a quota. If I didn't make enough he'd make me stay out till I did and then he'd punish me. When I was nineteen I met this kid who was like sixteen working the streets. My pimp wanted him, wanted to do to him what was being done to me but I wouldn't let him. The kid had a chance to get out of that. I didn't want someone fucking that up for him. So I took extra punishments. I slipped the kid money any chance I got even though it meant staying out longer, dealing with more aggressive clientele. He's the one who branded me. It was a punishment for giving that kid all the money I made that night. When I was twenty, he sold me off to a friend of his who was a regular. That guy proceeded to drive to New York with me in his trunk. It was with him that the gang found me. Caine was running drugs since there weren't any scraps going on that night. She walked in on them taking pictures of me for an auction and called in the rest of the crew. They gunned everyone down but I was scared. I broke Divon's arm when he tried to grab me and then his leg to make sure he couldn't chase me. I put Alasdair in a headlock, thinking if I took down the tallest guy there they'd leave me alone. But Caine hit me with a mean left hook and knocked my ass out. When I came to we were in Kehlani's car. I took a book of matches off of Aspen and lit the car on fire, not caring if I survived or not. When they finally got me here to the house and to JP I punched him in the face. They left me alone in what's now the guest bedroom and let me have free roam of the house. It took me two weeks before I was finally comfortable enough to talk to anyone. Divon told me I could leave but I'd owe him money for the damages done to his people and the car, or I could stay and join the crew. He told me if I joined that he'd make sure nobody could hurt me like that again. He promised me we'd save anyone we came across in that position. I didn't have any money and there was no way in hell I was going back to selling myself on the streets so I chose to stay. I don't know what became of my mom. The politician that got her pregnant still holds a seat of power and probably still buys and sells others. I used to want to look him in the face, show him what I've become but not anymore. I'm living for me now. The only person I have to prove myself to is me."

"You know my shifty story, it's only fair that I know yours." Finn leaned down to kiss Titus softly before laying across his chest.

[arely42]

Freedom Auction: A Dynamic Force in the Auction Industry

Positioned as a vibrant player in the auction world, the company is celebrated for its curated collections and seamless bidding experiences. Known for its innovative practices and a diverse range of offerings, Freedom Auction caters to both seasoned collectors and first-time bidders. By blending tradition with technology, the auction house continues to make a mark in an industry that thrives on connecting buyers with exceptional treasures.

Expansive Range of Offerings

Renowned for its eclectic catalogs, the auction house features antiques, fine art, vintage memorabilia, collectibles, and luxury items. This diverse selection ensures that every auction appeals to a broad audience, from enthusiasts of historical artifacts to collectors of rare coins and fine jewelry. The ability to curate distinctive collections highlights the auction house's commitment to excellence and variety.

Notable events include auctions dedicated to rare and vintage sports memorabilia, where items linked to iconic athletes garner significant attention. Among these remarkable offerings is a Ringling Brothers circus wagon wheel, which stands as a testament to the auction house’s dedication to showcasing unique and historically significant pieces. Similarly, themed sales focusing on luxury watches and fine art consistently draw competitive bidding, underscoring Freedom Auction's reputation for offering high-quality and sought-after items.

Its wide-ranging inventory demonstrates its versatility in appealing to niche markets while maintaining broad collector interest. By combining an appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and luxury, the auction house remains a standout name in the industry.

Leveraging Technology for Accessibility

A leader in incorporating modern technology, the auction house enhances the bidding experience through user-friendly online platforms. These allow participants to bid from anywhere in the world. Features like real-time bidding, mobile compatibility, and detailed item descriptions ensure both convenience and transparency. These innovations not only make the process accessible to a wider audience but also create a seamless and engaging experience.

The digital transformation has further enabled the auction house to expand its global reach, attracting collectors who value efficiency and access to premium items. Whether through live auctions or timed sales, its digital presence ensures relevance in an ever-evolving industry.

Highlighting Standout Sales

Freedom Auction’s catalog often includes standout pieces that capture the attention of the collecting community. A recent sale of a rare fine art collection showcased works from celebrated and emerging artists, achieving remarkable results. Additionally, their auction of vintage posters and historical memorabilia further cemented their reputation as a hub for collectors seeking unique finds.

Florida hosted its annual Circus Memorabilia Auction, a significant event that drew enthusiasts from across the globe. Items such as a Ringling Brothers circus wagon wheel and other rare memorabilia brought the world of vintage circus history to life. This annual auction celebrates the heritage of performance art and appeals to both niche collectors and history aficionados, further enriching the dynamic catalog.

Luxury items such as fine jewelry and designer watches also play a prominent role in their offerings, often accompanied by certificates of authenticity and detailed provenance, ensuring buyer confidence. These sales consistently exceed expectations, highlighting the auction house's ability to connect with a broad range of markets.

A Community-Focused Approach

Beyond its impressive auctions, These Auction emphasizes building a strong connection with the collector community. Their events often include educational sessions, live previews, and themed auctions designed to engage and excite participants. By prioritizing customer engagement and satisfaction, Freedom Auction fosters a loyal following and attracts new participants with every event.

In addition, their dedication to philanthropy through charity auctions reflects their commitment to social responsibility. These benefit auctions not only support meaningful causes but also create opportunities for collectors to contribute to the community.

Freedom Auction’s Vision

As it continues to grow, it remains committed to its core principles of innovation, inclusivity, and quality. Their ability to combine traditional auction practices with modern strategies has solidified their reputation as a dynamic force in the auction industry.

With each event, this Auction offers bidders the chance to discover unique treasures while celebrating the art of collecting. Their dedication to transparency, diversity, and community engagement ensures they remain a trusted leader, setting standards for the future of the industry.

Freedom Auction frequently collaborates with platforms like Auction Daily for updates and upcoming events, which provides insights and highlights from their auctions. This partnership reinforces their visibility and underscores their influence in the global auction market​

[dejavuestateliquidator]

Looking for The Best Estate Liquidator Company in Florida

If you're looking for the best estate liquidator company in Florida, contact DejaVu Estate Sales & Auctions today. We are a full-service estate liquidation company that can help you sell your belongings quickly and easily. Visit here: - https://www.dejavuestateliquidators.com/online-store/

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 11.22

Holidays

Alice's Restaurant Massacre Day

Arbor Day (British Virgin Islands)

Bank Workers’ Day (Armenia)

Black Entrepreneurs Day

Conspiracy Theory Day

Day of Justice (Azerbaijan)

Day of Music (Spain)

Day of Remembrance for President John F. Kennedy

Day of the Albanian Alphabet (Albania)

Day of the Andalusian Gypsy (Spain)

Family Day (Palau)s

Go For A Ride Day

Good Married Couple Day (a.k.a. Good Husband & Wife Day or Good Spouses Day; Japan)

Good Twin Tail Day (Japan)

Hockey Day

Humane Society Day

International Chick Tract Day

International Ewing’s Sarcoma Awareness Day

International Musician’s Day

Isfahan National Day (Iran)

JFK Assassination Day

Justice Workers’ Day (Azerbaijan)

Kanakdasa Jayanti (Karnataka, India)

Love Your Freckles Day

Love Your Own Country Day

Music Day (Spain)

Musician’s Day (Mexico)

National Agriculture & Related Industries Day (Australia)

National Amelia Day

National Aron Day

National Dental Dam Day

National Dental Nurses Day (UK)

National Housing Strategy Day (Canada)

National Jukebox Day

National Larimar Day (Dominican Republic)

National Nathan Day

National Poetry Day (Philippines)

National Senior Dog Day

National Stop the Violence Day

National Yeti Day

Phonograph Day

Pajama Day (Ireland)

Prosecutors’ Day (Kyrgyzstan)

Psychologist Day (Russia)

Repentence Day (Sachsen, Germany)

Skywriting Day

Slumber Party Day

Start Your Own Country Day

Substitute Educators Day

Teacher’s Day (Costa Rica)

Turnip Day (French Republic)

22q Awareness Day

White Album Day

World Day of the Schnauzer

World Vasectomy Day

Xanthippe Asteroid Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Cranberry Relish Day

Danish Pastry Day (Wienerbrödets Dag; Sweden)

International Stilton Day

Kimchi Day (South Korea; California)

National Cashew Day

Independence & Related Days

Anniversary of Portuguese Aggression (Republic of Guinea)

Duvalia (Declared; 2015) [unrecognized]

Lebanon (from France, 1943)

Regelis (Declared; 1999) [unrecognized]

4th Friday in November

Comfort Food Friday [Every Friday]

Five For Friday [Every Friday]

Flapjack Friday [4th Friday of Each Month]

Flashback Friday [Every Friday]

Flirtatious Friday [4th Friday of Each Month]

Friday Finds [Every Friday]

Fry Day (Pastafarian; Fritism) [Every Friday]

National Day of Thanksgiving (Turks & Caicos Islands) [4th Friday]

Stars in Our Schools Day (UK) [4th Friday]

TGIF (Thank God It's Friday) [Every Friday]

Weekly Holidays beginning November 22 (3rd Full Week of November)

Deck the Halls Weekend (Seneca Lake region, New York) [thru 11.24]

National Farm-City Week (thru 11.28) [Week Ending On Thanksgiving]

Festivals Beginning November 22, 2024

America's Hometown Thanksgiving (Plymouth, Massachusetts) [thru 11.24]

Beaujolais & Beyond (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

Beef Tongue Cook-Off (Eunice, Louisiana) [thru 11.23]

Bruges Christmas Market (Bruges, Belgium) [thru 1.5.2025]

Cayman Brac (Cayman Islands) [thru 11.24]

Denver Christmas Show (Denver, Colorado) [thru 11.24]

Downtown Baraboo Wine Walk (Baraboo, Wisconsin)

Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration (Raleigh, North Carolina)

FOBAB [Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer] (Chicago, Illinois) [thru 11.23]

Mountain Mandarin Festival (Auburn, California) [thru 11.24]

National Biodynamic Conference (Phoenixville, Pennsylvania) [thru 11.24]

Night of the Proms (Antwerp, Belgium) [thru 11.24]

Plant City Pig Jam (Plant City, Florida) [thru 11.23]

Salute to Ranching Holiday Dinner-Dance & Auction (Workman's Creek, Arizona)

Silver Bells in the City (Lansing, Michigan)

Tallinn Christmas Market (Tallinn, Estonia) [thru 12.27]

Whiskies of the World (Chicago, Illinois)

Feast Days

Amphilochius of Iconium (Christian; Saint)

André Gide (Writerism)

Blackbeard Memorial Day (Pastafarian)

Cecilia (Christian; Saint) [Music]

Christian Rohlfs (Artology)

Clone Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Colbert (Positivist; Saint)

Descending Day of Lord Buddha (Lhabab Duechen) [Bhutan]

Dispute-Settling Assizes (Shamanism)

Feast of Artemis (Moon Goddess; Ancient Greece; Starza Pagan Book of Days)

George (Eastern Orthodox; Georgia)

George Eliot (Writerism)

Herbert (Christian; Saint)

Ignaz Günther (Artology)

Jon Cleary (Writerism)

Light Snow (Chinese Farmer’s Calendar)

Marjane Satrapi (Artology; Writerism)

Miguel Covarrubias (Artology)

Olga Kisseleva (Artology)

Philemon and Appia (Christian; Martyrs)

Pragmatius of Autun (Christian; Saint)

Sagittarius zodiac sign begins

Samonios (Seed-Fall; Celtic Book of Days)

Theodorus the Studite (Christian; Saint)

Vernon the Grizzly Bear (Muppetism)

Ydalir (festival to Ullr, god of archery & skiing; Ancient Norse)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

The Addams Family (Film; 1991)

The Air Hostess (Phantasies Cartoon; 1937)

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (Animated Film; 1991)

Back to the Future Part II (Film; 1989)

The Beatles [The White Album] (Album; 1968)

Beauty and the Beast (Animated Disney Film; 1991)

Bettie Page Reveals All (Documentary Film; 2013)

Blue Hawaii (Film; 1961) [Elvis Presley #8]

Boléro, by Maurice Ravel (Orchestral Work; 1928)

Captain Kidd (Film; 1945)

Casino (Film; 1995)

The Check’s in the Mail (Money Rock Cartoon; Schoolhouse Rock; 1996)

Clambake (Film; 1967)

Coco (Animated Film; 2017)

Convict Concerto (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1954)

Darkest Hour (Film; 2017)

Die Another Day (US Film; 2002) [James Bond #20]

For the Boys (Film; 1991)

Frida (Film; 2002)

Frozen (Animated Disney Film; 2013)

Frozen 2 (Animated Disney Film; 2019)

Goofy’s Glider (Disney Cartoon; 1940)

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (Film; 2013)

Hypnotize, by System of a Down (Album; 2005)

Jack and the Beanstalk (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1931)

Jelly Roll Blues, recorded by Bunny Berigan (Song; 1938)

La Forza del Destino, by Giuseppe Verdi (Opera; 1862)

A Lyell Geste of Robyn Hood, by Winked de Word (History Book; 1495)

King Solomon’s Mines (Film; 1985)

Man of La Mancha (Broadway Musical; 1965)

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (Disney Cartoon; 2017)

Once Upon a Studio (Disney Short Film; 2023)

Pink S.W.A.T. (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1978)

Power and Terror: Noam Chomsky in Our Times (Documentary Film; 2002)

Prefabricated Pink (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1967)

The Producers (Film; 1967)

Shanghai Woody (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1971)

Shine (Film; 1996)

Star Trek: First Contact (Film; 1996)

Swann’s Wy, by Marcel Proust (Novel; 1913)

Throne of Blood (Film; 1961)

Toy Story (Animated Pixar Film; 1995) Vitalogy, by Pearl Jam (Album; 1994)

Wish (Animated Disney Film; 2023)

With the Beatles, by The Beatles (Album; 1963)

Yogi Bear and the Magical Flight of the Spruce Goose(Hanna-Barbera Animated TV Special; 1987)

Today’s Name Days

Cäcilia, Salvator (Austria)

Cecilija, Cilika, Dobrila, Filemon (Croatia)

Cecílie (Czech Republic)

Cecilia (Denmark)

Cecilia, Säsil, Silja, Silje, Sille (Estonia)

Cecilia, Seela, Selja, Silja (Finland)

Cécile (France)

Cäcilia, Rufus, Salvator, Silja (Germany)

Cecilia, Filemon, Filimon, Philimon, Valerios (Greece)

Cecília (Hungary)

Cecilia (Italy)

Aldis, Aldonis, Alfons, Alfonss, Alfs (Latvia)

Cecilija, Cilė, Dargintė, Steikintas (Lithuania)

Cecilie, Silje, Sissel (Norway)

Cecylia, Marek, Maur, Wszemiła (Poland)

Arhip. Filimon, Onism (România)

Cecília (Slovakia)

Cecilio, Filemón (Spain)

Cecilia, Sissela (Sweden)

Cecelia, Philemon, Yaropolk (Ukraine)

Abbey, Abbie, Abby, Abigail, Cecelia, Cecil, Cecilia, Cecily, Cecyl, Celia, Gail Gale, Galen, Gay, Gayle, Philemon, Philo, Shayla, Sheila (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 327 of 2024; 39 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of Week 47 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Hagal (Hailstone) [Day 27 of 28]

Chinese: Month 10 (Yi-Hai), Day 22 (Geng-Yin)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 21 Heshvan 5785

Islamic: 20 Jumada I 1446

J Cal: 27 Wood; Sixthday [27 of 30]

Julian: 9 November 2024

Moon: 50%: 3rd Quarter

Positivist: 19 Frederic (12th Month) [Pombal / D’Aranda]

Runic Half Month: Is (Stasis) [Day 1 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 61 of 90)

Week: 3rd Full Week of November

Zodiac: Sagittarius (Day 1 of 30)

Calendar Changes

Is (Stasis) [Half-Month 23 of 24; Runic Half-Months] (thru 12.10)

Sagittarius (The Archer) begins [Zodiac Sign 9; thru 12.21]

[redpoint-gainesville]

Gainesville Student Apartments

Redpoint Gainesville is an excellent Gainesville student apartment just minutes from Santa Fe College and the UF Campus. It's an apartment that's close to perfect. This is a premier destination for off-campus student housing in Gainesville, which is looking for a community that offers a diverse selection of apartments to meet the unique needs of University of Florida (UF) students. With a prime location, Redpoint Gainesville provides convenient access to academic resources and student activities. Students living here experience the ultimate convenience, comfort, and community that come together to create the ideal housing for students near the University of Florida. To know more, call the Redpoint Gainesville at (352) 707-8068.

Gainesville, FL - Healthcare

Gainesville is a top-rated city because it boasts a lot of advantages. Among these is the top-notch healthcare system. Gainesville has a variety of healthcare facilities, including the UF Health Shands Hospital, the North Florida Regional Medical Center, and the Kanapaha Botanical Garden. This hospital is renowned for its expertise when it comes to colon cancer surgery, hip replacement, heart failure, and lung cancer surgery. The city also boasts the largest live oak tree in Florida, which makes it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Also, the city's real estate offers plenty of outdoor activities for residents to enjoy.

University of Florida

The leading public university in the USA is what the University of Florida is known for. In fact, it ranked fourth in Forbes' listings. The university features a high faculty-to-student ratio of 97.3% and a strong retention rate. I like the features of this university, as it is recognized for its commitment to innovation and diversity, and it actively engages in community development, space exploration, disease treatment, urban growth, and industrial advancement. Florida is an economic and ecological crossroads that addresses the unique needs of the states while responding to global challenges with optimism.

Gainesville Country Club Auction

The Gainesville Country Club auction winners plan to revive the clubhouse and course to "some semblance of past glory." The club sold at auction for just over $2 million, less than two months after an Alachua County judge granted a final judgment of foreclosure against the owner. The winning bid was placed by SILS Holdings Inc., whose managers include successful auto dealers Irving J. Matthews and Sanford L. Woods Sr., as well as entrepreneur Stanley Campbell. Linnes Finney Jr., the LLC's listed president and partner with Port St. Lucie-based law firm Simmons, Finney & Winfield LLC, said his clients want to see the course reopened. The 294-acre Gainesville Country Club was sold at the auction for just over $2 million.

Link to map

University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611, United States Head north on FL-121 N/SW 34th St 0.2 mi Turn left onto SW 20th Ave 1.7 mi Turn right onto SW 62nd Blvd 0.1 mi Turn right onto SW 13th Pl Restricted usage road Destination will be on the left 0.2 mi Redpoint Gainesville 5120 SW 13th Pl, Gainesville, FL 32607, United States

[theboardroomsurfshow]

Surf Legends Unveiled: Unraveling the Stories Behind Surfing Icons

Embark on a captivating journey into the world of surfing legends through the ages, discovering the intricate tales that shaped the evolution of surfboard design and the lives of iconic surfers.

Toes Reef - Randy Ric's Serendipitous Discovery

Toes Reef, a hidden gem in the 60s, uncovered by Randy Ric right in front of his house during high tide, sparked a surfing revolution. Located at the southeast shore of Oahu, it became a breeding ground for surfing talent, shaping the future of the sport.

Surf Legends Unveiled: Unraveling the Stories Behind Surfing Icons

Witness the radical shift in surfboard design during the late 60s, as the Breakaway rail concept transformed the surfing landscape. Delve into the transition from longer to shorter boards and the example of boards quickly becoming obsolete in the ever-evolving surfing trends.

Global Surfing Odyssey of Gerry and Victor

Embark on a 65-year surfing journey with Jerry, tracing his roots from training grounds at Toes Reef to traveling to 70+ countries. Encounter the unsung heroes who played pivotal roles in shaping surfboard design through personal interactions and collaborations.

Legends of the Surfboard Shaping Scene

Explore the legends like Jack Shipley and John Kelly, whose innovations redefined surfboard design. From shaping encounters to feedback loops, discover the intertwined stories that propelled design progress and paved the way for modern surfboards.

Big Wave Riders and Regional Influences

Uncover the stories of influential surfers like the Big Wave Rider from Florida, who left indelible marks on the surfing community. Dive into the regional labels that showcase global influences, hinting at the future inclusion of East Coast legends in auctions.

Pioneering Designs: Matt Kin and Kivlin

Marvel at the unique surfboards crafted by Matt Kin and Kiblin, revered for their historical value and innovative designs. Explore how these rare collector's items set the pace for modern surfing and continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.

Champion Surfer Turned Innovator: Pete Peterson

Follow the extraordinary journey of Pete Peterson, from WWII underwater welder to champion surfer and paddleboard innovator. Discover how his pioneering approach revolutionized paddleboard design, shaping the evolution of surfing equipment post-war.

Legacy of Craftsmanship: VY's Japanese Block Plane

Unravel the story behind VY's Japanese block plane, a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Explore how meticulous restoration work preserves the historical integrity of vintage surfboards, ensuring their legacy endures.

Collectible Surfboard Features and Future Trends

Delve into the unique features of collectible surfboards, from Super Scoop to hatchet fins, and explore the increasing demand for vintage surfboards by renowned artists like Pat Curran. Discover the future collectibility of surfboards ridden by legends like Kelly Slater and Andy Irons.

From the serendipitous discovery of surf spots to the evolution of surfboard design and the inspiring journeys of surfing icons, the world of surfing is a tapestry woven with passion, innovation, and legacy. Embrace the stories, cherish the legends, and ride the waves of surfing history.

Upcoming Surf Auction

[impressivepress]

The Trouble With Writing About Vivian Maier

Biographers get distracted by the photographer’s unusual life story—to the point of diminishing her work itself.

Until 12 years ago, the photographer Vivian Maier was largely unknown. Though she shot incessantly from 1950 until about a decade before her death in 2009, she hid her pictures, literally locking them away. Often, she didn’t even bother to develop her rolls of film. She made money as a live-in nanny for families in New York and Chicago (briefly working for talk-show host Phil Donahue). As she got older, she rented storage lockers to house her overwhelming accumulation of books, magazines, newspapers, and other miscellany. The contents of those lockers were auctioned off in 2007 after she fell into arrears, which is how then-26-year-old John Maloof, a former art student, began purchasing the bulk of Maier’s archive: more than 140,000 images, most of them undeveloped and unprinted. A couple of years later, he uploaded some of the pictures to a street photography group on Flickr to immediate acclaim.

The images arrived already imbued with the aura of permanence. They sometimes evoke the wanderlust of Robert Frank’s photos, the wry self-deprecation of Lee Friedlander, or the grubbiness of Weegee, but they’re not derivative. Attentive to plaintive or absurd interludes in American life, primarily in New York City and Chicago, Maier made a piecemeal record of the sudden encounters and furtive gestures that turn any street into a guerrilla theater. She captured politicians on the campaign trail (Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon, LBJ); celebrities at premieres or out in the wild (Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn); laborers and commuters; drunks, criminals, and down-and-outs; flaneurs and well-coiffed women in furs. She cataloged the textures and cast-offs of the urban environment: graffiti, fire escapes, signs, garbage, shadows, abandoned newspapers, half-demolished buildings. She easily switched between registers, from gentle wit—as in a 1975 photo of an elderly trio crossing a Chicago street in rhyming yellow apparel, or a 1960s photo of an imperious dog loitering beneath a pay phone—to almost ethnographic sincerity, as in her photos from a six-month solo voyage around the world in 1959. She often photographed children, particularly when they were aggrieved or lost in adultlike introspection. Above all, she made images of casual lyricism, as in her celebrated 1957 photo of a woman in white drifting through a dark Florida night. Maier’s are the kinds of photos about which you can only say: These are the real deal.

The fact that Maier was dead by the time she became famous has proved a boon for her posthumous renown; in her absence, the mysteries around the photographer-nanny became irresistible hooks for editors and curators. Maloof has been entrepreneurial about marketing her story. At least half a dozen monographs have appeared in the last decade, bolstered by numerous exhibitions and a steady chorus of press. In 2015, Finding Vivian Maier, a documentary that Maloof co-directed, was nominated for an Oscar and burnished Maier’s legend further. If she’s not quite in the canon yet, she’s certainly wait-listed.

Maier has also been the subject of two notable biographies. The first, Vivian Maier: A Photographer’s Life and Afterlife, by Pamela Bannos, was released in 2016. The second, Vivian Maier Developed: The Untold Story of the Photographer Nanny, by Ann Marks, exemplifies the allure and risks of writing about the enigmatic Maier. Marks, a former marketing executive at Dow Jones, began to dig into Maier’s life after watching Maloof’s film. She kicks off her biography with a brassy sales pitch: “By book’s end, key questions will be answered, including the one everyone asks: ‘Who was Vivian Maier, and why didn’t she share her photographs?’ Mystery solved.”

Well, maybe, maybe not. Treating Maier like a riddle makes for good jacket copy but can also turn her into a kind of Rorschach: One sees in her whatever the critical mode du jour demands. Circa 2011, she was “the best street photographer you’ve never heard of,” to quote Mother Jones. Today, she is an aerosol of neuroses and quirks, the lonely spinster who shampooed with vinegar and slathered Vaseline on her face; who wore men’s size 12 shoes; who dumped drippings from a roast pan into a glass and drank them. As Marks describes Maier’s eccentricities, she starts to play the amateur clinician, marshaling hypotheses from medical experts whose secondhand diagnoses foreground a story of trauma and unwitting victimhood. Commercial publishers require a takeaway, and so Maier becomes here something she would have detested: an inspiration.

Maier is a tricky subject for a biographer. She spent the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s as a nanny, shuttling between families, or sometimes enjoying the reprieve of stable employment. (Her longest post was 11 years.) Whenever she moved, she locked her room and forbade anyone from entering. She seems not to have had romantic relationships, and had few personal ties. She left behind little by way of diaries or letters. Marks bases part of her portrait of Maier on the recollections of people who knew her glancingly, who remember her as an “extraterrestrial” figure. “She was … a very foreign presence in Highland Park,” recalls a friend of the Gensburgs, the family that employed Maier the longest. Marks’s physical rundown suggests why:

[Maier] dressed formally; her everyday attire consisted of a tailored suit or crisp Peter Pan–collared blouse paired with a calf-length skirt. She still wore old-fashioned rolled-down stockings, unable to make the transition to pantyhose. It was all covered up with oversize men’s coats in beiges and grays and topped with a trademark floppy hat.

Adding to the sense of foreignness was Maier’s brusqueness and penchant for French expressions. She presented a stern image that seemed at odds with the sensibility of her photos: The strict disciplinarian who insisted that her young charges address her as “Mademoiselle” and who sometimes slapped the children in her care also created a portfolio rife with humor and tenderness. More puzzling still, the woman who once traveled the world alone, who frankly espoused her opinions, and who seethed with ambition spent most of her adult life in the suburbs, anonymously plying her art. Marks begins her book with an epigraph of dichotomous terms acquaintances used to describe Maier, among them: Caring/Cold, Feminine/Masculine, Jovial/Cynical, Passionate/Frigid, Social/Solitary, Mary Poppins/Wicked Witch.

Despite her outward formality, a streak of playfulness runs through her photographs. In her more than 600 self-portraits, she finds ingenious ways to use mirrors and storefront windows to reflect her plain intensity, or else manifests as a kind of negative presence, as in more oblique shots of her shadow against sidewalks and walls. A self-portrait from the 1970s depicts her shadow against a laborer’s mud-spattered behind; another shows her shadow hovering amid a patch of buttercups (an image later used on a dress displayed in Bergdorf Goodman’s storefront). Other self-portraits are more direct: Maier reflected in a car mirror, her face neutral, aloof. According to Marks, Maier almost never let anyone else take her picture. How are we to understand these paradoxes?

In Marks’s telling, Maier inherited a split sense of self. Maier’s mother, Marie Jaussaud, was born in France in 1897, the illegitimate daughter of a teenage fling. “The baby girl was welcomed into a world where she officially didn’t exist,” Marks writes, noting that this shame “set into motion three generations of family dysfunction.” By 1919, Marie had immigrated to New York City, where she married an alcoholic steam engineer named Charles Maier. The couple gave birth to a son, Carl, in 1920, and to a daughter, Vivian, in 1926. The Maiers’ marriage was unhappy, and in 1932 Marie and Vivian fled to France, leaving young Carl behind. Mother and daughter returned to New York in 1938, where Maier eventually lodged with a widowed family friend, and found work in a doll factory (perhaps accounting for some later shots of dolls discarded in trash cans).

In 1950, Maier again returned to France. It was there she began taking photographs with a box camera: panoramas of the Alps, studies of the region’s working class, portraits of family. “It is clear from her early negatives and prints that Vivian possessed a great deal of confidence,” Marks writes. “She typically covered her subjects with just one shot, an approach that would become a trademark.” In the spring of 1951, Maier returned to New York, where she continued shooting, and even flirted with the idea of launching a picture postcard business. Most importantly, Maier revolutionized her practice by purchasing a Rolleiflex camera, which allowed her to literally shoot from the hip.

Marie almost entirely disappears from the biography after this point. “[She] stands out as disturbed and mentally unstable, even among a group of troubled individuals,” Marks writes of Maier’s mother. A doctor who examined the family records for this biography suggests that Marie had narcissistic personality disorder. She rarely held a steady job and was allergic to housework. She fabricated medical ailments, and in a letter to an officer about Carl’s care, she strikes a paranoid tone, lamenting that everyone had “plotted against” her. Although Marks acknowledges that it’s impossible to accurately diagnose Marie, this doesn’t stop her from premising the whole biography on such drive-by psychologizing. Indeed, the book is a case study for what responsible biographers shouldn’t do.

Some of Marks’s theories are more credible than others. It’s likely, for example, that Maier was a hoarder. By the time she died, she had crammed more than eight tons of possessions into storage lockers. (Her hoarding cost her at least one nanny job.) At other times, though, Marks’s hypotheses are purely speculative. “Physical and sexual abuse can contribute to trauma,” she writes, “and Vivian’s behavior suggests that she may have endured this type of exploitation.” The behavior in question—Maier’s distaste for physical intimacy, her fusty wardrobe, and her cautioning young girls against sitting on men’s laps—doesn’t strike me as compelling evidence of childhood sexual abuse so much as the traits of a reserved woman with old-fashioned notions of propriety. “[Maier’s] brother was definitively diagnosed with schizophrenia, and her mother almost certainly had a history of some sort of mental illness,” Marks writes. “Many felt Vivian’s grandfather Nicolas Baille may have also, based on his antisocial behavior and extreme paranoia.” (Marks doesn’t specify whom she means by “Many.”) She asks the same doctor who diagnosed Maier’s mother to take a crack at Maier herself. The verdict: Maier was perhaps a “classic case of schizoid disorder.”

Marks uses the fact of Carl Maier’s schizophrenia to prop up this diagnosis. One of the assets of her largely lackluster biography is the gumshoe work she does chasing down Carl’s records and filling in his story. (The book’s multiple appendixes, including one devoted to “genealogical tips,” suggests that building out a family tree is Marks’s real passion.) Carl was imprisoned at age 16 for tampering with the mail and forging a check. He joined the military but was dishonorably discharged for a drug-related offense. He bounced in and out of psychiatric hospitals as an adult and died of an aortic thrombosis at a rest home in 1977, at age 57. He and Maier had little contact with each other, although Marks portrays them as heirs to a common bloodline of mental illness. Marks takes Carl’s diagnosis at face value, despite how often the label schizophrenia was slapped onto criminalized bodies at mid-century, particularly among institutionalized drug users. Still, let’s grant that Carl had some kind of genetic psychological disturbance—what does that mean for Maier?

It means that her creativity, her art, is inextricable from mental illness. That’s a generic enough argument, but in Marks’s hands, it turns cloying. Her interpretations of Maier’s work sometimes take unfortunate cues from clinical analyses. She quotes a father-son duo of Freudian therapists who posit that “the negative themes that surface in Vivian’s portfolio—including death, violent crime, demolition, and garbage—represent subconscious reflections of her low self-esteem.” Name any worthwhile photographer—any worthwhile artist—and you’ll encounter “negative themes.” This is vapid psychoanalysis and even worse critical writing.

As I read, I was increasingly irritated by this reductive and patronizing portrayal of Maier. (This is underscored by how Marks refers to Maier as “Vivian.” “I use her first name throughout because this is how most people know and speak about her,” Marks writes by way of explanation. She doesn’t consider that Maier, who worked in a service capacity all of her life, was unlikely to be addressed by her surname.) “With immense strength of character and perseverance,” Marks writes, “Vivian developed compensatory qualities and coping mechanisms, like photography, to manage her mental health issues.” In Marks’s account, Maier is a mentally ill woman who took photos almost as a therapeutic tic rather than a full-fledged artist with (perhaps) a mental illness. Maier’s self-portraits, according to Marks, are simply ways to substantiate herself in the world—signposts of a woman who was forever unmoored. Even Maier’s prolificness is evidence of a compulsion, as if her taking pictures was of a piece with her hoarding of newspapers. Marks never considers that perhaps Maier just enjoyed being a photographer, and that the act of framing a shot was itself creatively fulfilling. Would anyone point to a writer’s pile of false starts and trashed drafts as signs of a mental disorder?

Just because Maier often didn’t develop her rolls of film and rarely produced prints (and almost never exhibited them) doesn’t mean that her creative practice was somehow stunted or insular. That’s a careerist view of how a photographer should operate. Maier was undoubtedly a serious, dedicated, and consummate artist, largely self-taught, who honed her craft over decades. As Marks herself notes, Maier was more than a hobbyist, even from the beginning: “Altogether, the thousands of early images … confirm how intensely Vivian worked to master the basics of photography during her time in [France].” In New York, Maier sought out “colleagues to learn from, collaborate with, and engage in shoptalk.” She assiduously cropped images and experimented with color film. Even by the end of her career, Maier was known to leave precise instructions for the technicians entrusted with developing her images. But by pressing her into a queasy Hallmark narrative of a woman triumphing over her demons, Marks’s biography unintentionally undervalues Maier’s achievement. Photography wasn’t a “coping mechanism” but her life’s work.

“I’m sort of a spy,” Maier once told someone who asked about her profession. She was being cheeky, but the remark indicates how she saw herself: as a witness and a trespasser, a woman interested in momentary revelations of truth, no matter how painful or embarrassing or fraught. Her photographs represent a vast album of American street life across five decades, and, parallel to that, a chronicle of Maier’s own place in that landscape. It’s a body of work that’s simultaneously objective and subjective, in which Maier is both the author and a recurrent, ambiguous protagonist who lends the entire undertaking a kind of self-referential weight. Contrary to Marks’s argument, I see no meaningful distinction between the photographer and the world in Maier’s work. She doesn’t appear to me as an isolated woman trying to fix her coordinates in a universe from which she was somehow estranged. She looks, instead, like a woman who was profoundly and intuitively present.

If you read enough biographies, you realize that the genre has a fatal flaw, a system error: Every person is unknowable, not least of all to themselves. There is, in everyone, some small cinder of truth that never sees the light of day. Biographers pretend that this cinder can be revealed, and that order can be imposed upon an unruly life. That’s a lie. Ann Marks hasn’t solved the mystery of Maier—why would we want her to? The photographer’s mystery remains intact, suffusing the thousands of indelible images she left behind in those storage lockers. It’s better to look there for the truth of her life, in those pictures of the world that she put away, as if she saw, and understood, what the rest of us never would. ~ Jeremy Lybarger · Dec 21, 2021.