| Polished lives Restorers work to keep the 'silver' in your silverware
The phrase "born with a silver spoon in his mouth" connotes a life of ease and luxury. But for objects made of sterling silver or plated with silver, everyday life can take a toll, leaving dents, tarnishes and scratches on once-luminous surfaces. When polishing just isn't enough, silver restoration experts can perform near miracles of renewal. Silver has been in use for thousands of years, but in America, the golden age of silver came during the 19th century. It was fueled by demand from a rapidly growing middle class as well as by the discovery of the Comstock Silver Lode in western Nevada in 1859. Michael Weller is the proprietor of Argentum -- the Leopard's Head in San Francisco, which is the only open shop in the Western United States devoted entirely to antique silver. Says Weller, "The discovery of the Comstock Lode made silver cheap"; the area yielded more than a half billion dollars' worth of silver by 1979.
Farmer
Winter can be a slow time for many farmers, but Saturday, the South Bend Farmer's Market was bustling. Winter Festival has been going on all week. The festival features the usual produce vendors, antique dealers, and arts and crafts makers. Some regular attendees say Winter Festival is a way to keep a South Bend tradition going strong all year long. "It gives us a chance to see good people and old friends," says Greg Leyes, Ginger Valley Vendor. "I've come to the market since I was five-years old so it's kind of nice for me to be here right now." Produce growers tell us, despite the week's fun, they are counting down the days until spring. In case you are wondering, spring is just 39 days away. .
Princely prints at the Morse Museum
WINTER PARK -- The superb new exhibit at the Morse Museum of American Art is certainly at home in its softly lighted gallery. But, given its charmingly antique quality, the dozens of works in "Dickens to Benton: Rare Books and Works on Paper" would seem just as suited for a quaint library. An 1835 edition of Charles Dickens' "Bleak House" is displayed in one case, its richly marbleized cover enhanced by the nearby example of American art pottery, a turn-of-the-century Weller "Dickensware" vase that depicts Mr. Peckinsniff. Just down the gallery wall is a treasure-trove of prints, paintings and sketches by some of the 19th century's greatest artists. The boldly patterned fan design Paul Gauguin made with gouache and pastel between 1887 and 1888 shows exotic ladies lounging, while a Mary Cassatt etching from about 1905 reveals the fine lines in the American impressionist's tender studies of mothers and babies.
Britney is dumped by latest boyfriend
The singer was first spotted with model Isaac Cohen on a powerboat in California early last month and they spent a lavish weekend together at a £20,000-a-night Las Vegas villa. But his agent Brandi Lord has announced the relationship is over, although they may remain friends. She said: "They're both busy with their careers. She just got out of her marriage and she has two kids to take care of. Her plate is full, and the same with him. "They were never getting married. They were having fun together." Britney filed for divorce from wannabe rapper Kevin Federline in November. Feb 2: Federline apologises over ad Feb 1: K-Fed snubs divorce offer .
Updated List: Wrestler Appearances & Autograph Signings (Total ...
Special thanks to Georgiann Makropoulos over at Wrestlingfigs.com for this very detailed list of Autograph Signings all across the country. This also includes all of the Wrestlemania related appearances. 2007 February 9th - Meet BATISTA from 7-9 p.m. @ World of Wheels - Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex - 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL. Call 205-458-8400. February 9th - MATT & JEFF HARDY will be signing autographs @ Westchester County Center - 198 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY from 6 to 8 PM. Call 914-995-4050. February 10th - Wrestling fans in Port Richey, FL. have the opportunity to attend a Live Photo & Autograph Session with former WWE & WCW tag team legends THE NASTY BOYS Jerry Sags & Brian Nobbs. The Nasties will be appearing at USA Flea Market - 11721 US HWY 19, Port Richey, Florida from 11AM to 1PM @ The Achievers Booth on Main Street. $10 will get you an autographed photo with the "Nasty Boys" and a ticket to The King of Florida Match Saturday Night Feb.
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