When my sister and a friend and I were in England in 1984, one of the things we did for fun in the evenings was go to local pubs to taste the atmosphere. One night, in a small town, we found we were the only Americans in the place. As we sipped our usual —Shandys— I went to the jukebox to make a selection. I picked out Dire Straits and when it came on the blokes in the pub applauded. I didn’t even know at the time that they are a British band! But we were given a round of Shandys on the house that night for free.
August 17th, 2006
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MLB Late Night Music by Dire Straits
Thursday, August 17th, 2006
In Lizzie’s Hand
Thursday, August 17th, 2006Curious as to this title? Well, this post refers to a magic trick that you can purchase related to the Borden case. It is called In Lizzie’s Hand. Only $38!
A Bizarre Magick Effect by Larry White and Bruce Kalver
EFFECT: The performer explains that at a recent auction he purchased an old trunk, full of miscellaneous items. While rummaging through the dusty box he found a very interesting letter inside. Apparently, it turned out to be a handwritten letter by Lizzie Borden. The performer then reads the letter to the audience explaining that whenever he does, he gets the strange feeling that Lizzie’s presence is looking over his shoulder. The letter explains her side of the infamous story about her and her parents, and as he recites the letter, the performer apparently becomes “possessed” by Lizzie and becomes angrier and angrier. As he reads the last line of the letter, “I just want to be left alone Maybe the truth will come out but for now I wash my hands of the whole thing,” the performer slaps his clean hand onto the letter and when he lifts his palm (which by the way, is still clean) the letter is covered by a huge blood-stained handprint!
If any of you purchase this, please email me and let me know what you think. I am soooo curious!
Columbia Exposition of 1893
Thursday, August 17th, 2006Following her acquittal in 1893 for the murder of her father and step-mother, Lizzie Borden traveled to the Columbia Exposition in Chicago. This event, a world’s fair near the end of the 19th century, produced thousands of collectibles in its own right. Those who are serious Borden collectors also have an interest in this part of her story and own pieces from that historical event.
There are a few great sites that price these collectibles and give you an idea as to what these items should go for. Some sell Columbia Exposition collectibles. Here are some of the best:
Online Price Guide, World’s Columbian Exposition 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, is a great one to start with. I really like the large images here, which give you are very good look at the quality of items available.
Another page from the same site offers interesting books and photographic images that were sold commemorating the event. Just beautiful!
And here is an Interactive Guide to the World’s Columbian Exposition. Spend some time on this site!
Amazingly, while Lizzie was there in Chicago, “America’s First Serial Killer”, H. H. Holmes was on doing his thing. The very best book on the subject is, of course, Larson’s Devil in the White City. A must read.
Miss Sullivan’s Damaging Remarks
Thursday, August 17th, 2006From the Chicago Daily Tribune, August 14, 1892:
