Take a look at this vintage 1939 Ford Woodie! It was found by American Pickers’ Mike Wolf and company. For all you collectors, watching this series on the History Channel is an absolute must. The show is so entertaining and motivational; just plain fun.



Give us some feedback on some favorite collectible items that you have your eye on. These guys also sell the items online. So when you see an interesting item on the show, they talk about the price they bought it for and the price they hope to get for it. Then go to their website and see what they are actually asking.

Why do people spend their time collecting? Most of us are compelled to collect, we are hunter/gatherers. Today let’s talk about the vintage Fire-King glassware collection and those who seek it out.
These antique glass collectibles were produced between 1942 and 1976 in the USA.They were affordable pieces that could be paired easily and nicely with other items in your kitchen with styles ranging from simple restaurant plain to opaque white to fancy florals and bright geometric shapes.
This collection remains affordable today mostly due to the plentiful supply. It also appeals deeply to our nature as collectors. As individuals, we collect things from the past that will have some relevance or significance to our lives or to the lives of someone close to us.

What is in the heart of a collector? A true collector can be known to accumulate any number of things ranging from classic cars all the way down to old Pez dispensers. Collecting is a love or passion for something; some will go as far as calling it an obsession.
A vintage car collector has a number of reasons for his love of a certain car or line of cars which can make his obsession unique from others. One automobile enthusiast might love a nice American made muscle car, while another prefers a foreign classic roadster. One could speculate that both collectors agree on the initial motive for being drawn to their love; the visual aesthetics. The curves, the chrome and smooth paint jobs are all a part of what initially turned their heads. Some car aficionados couldn’t care less about the engine, they just love the way it looks. Others look for the function and reliability of the machine. Either way, a vintage car is a piece of art.
When we make our t-shirts we think of the process in a similar way. The first glance is always extremely critical so we keep it fresh with unique new art. Then, upon further inspection; when you pick up our heavy t-shirt, you can tell that it is not like other shirts. Our 100% American made heavy tee is all about function. Our thicker woven cotton thread confirms the high quality of the t-shirt and contributes to it lasting for many years to come. They become softer with a little age and each shirt slowly becomes like an old friend. There are guys that have collected this tee over several different brands throughout the decades. Their closets have sections that enclose the different categories of these precious collectables. One area will protect those shirts that should no longer be worn; another that houses the limited edition variety. Maybe there is one that you received as a gift to commemorate the vacation of a lifetime or an amazing surf contest that you attended.
Ultimately, it is the look that draws you in first but the time honored, quality shirts that have proven fit and function makes for an item worth collecting.

We just finished up the biggest shopping season of 2011 and now are optimistically headed into a brand new year. Did you concentrate on buying gifts for family and friends that were produced in the USA? The statistics are alarming – reporting that approximately 98% of the clothing we buy is made overseas.

You may have started to hear of the challenges being made nation wide to buy American. This article in the San Clemente Journal talks about a recent segment on World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer that challenges its viewers to furnish their homes with products that are made in the USA. I have seen other such programs including one that allowed us viewers to follow the whole re-model of a home. The family was successful with most of the items but had a difficult time finding a microwave oven made here. They ended up compromising and getting a unit that was assembled here

A new book has arrived on the shelves and will especially interest those of us who love the ocean and anything to do with it. “Ghost Wave: The Discovery of Cortes Bank and the Biggest Wave on Earth” by Chris Dixon.

The book informs us about the infamous and dangerous seamount located about 100 miles off the southern California coast, that creates some of the world’s biggest and most mystical waves. The title – “Ghost Wave” perfectly describes this terrifying wave. Chris Dixon describes the wave as “a ghost wave that was said to appear, a wave of massive proportions that came out of nowhere, rose like a monster and then slid back into the depths without a sign of its passing.” George Hulse, a local pro surfer at the time who lives here in San Clemente, was the first to ride the wave back in 1990.  George along with Bill Sharp, Sam George and photographer, Larry Moore took off from Newport Harbor in a 29ft boat for a secret surf mission.  They had heard that it was possible that the bank had potential for waking up and they wanted to witness it.

There have been many surfers over the years who have conquered the enormous wave. Among the most recent is San Clemente’s Greg Long who has ridden the break out there on days when the waves are reported as being over 100 ft.

Curious? Head on over to the web site – GhostWaveBook.com - to read more, see a video book trailer and read a little more about the author. You can also check out a recent article in the OC Register written by Fred Swegles.

I actually received this little story via email this week. Thought I would go ahead and repeat it although I haven’t completely confirmed the author. Still, it is worth considering. . .
———————————
This probably sounds crazy, but just yesterday I was in Wal Mart looking for a wastebasket. I found some made in China for $6.99. I didn’t want to pay that much so I asked the lady if they had any others. She took me to another department and they had some at $2.50 made in USA. They are just as good. Same as a kitchen rug I needed. I had to look, but I found some made in the USA and they were $3.00 cheaper. We are being brain washed that everything that comes from China and Mexico is cheaper. Not so. That is also why I don’t buy cards at Hallmark anymore. They are made in China and are expensive. I buy them at Dollar Tree….50 cents each and made in USA.