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Old Radios, my favorite thing about them is________. Please fill in blank.

1/25/2014

1 Comment

 
Hey, Old Radio Lovers ! A bright, sunny, good morning to all of you.
Got an idea, one of the many things--including my door now--that I am semi-famous for. Instead of me writing the blog, why don't you guys write the blog? After all, if you think about it, what is a blog? Back log? What that means to me is a log, that comes back. In other words, a two-way communication (which is appropriate for radios.) I write, you return. Since it's an amazing I've-got-a-chance-to-get-my-spring-cleaning-especially garden chores-began-today, I would like to ask for your help. It's so easy. Just fill in the blank, and return via the comments sections. I will then take all the comments, on a not-quite-so-nice-day and from them, produce an article, which in effect, will be written by all of you.
As my new favorite personality, Ben Bailey might have said, "What do you say? Do you want to play?" Please do. It'll be fun (where have you heard that before? ;) Appreciate it!

Till next time

Regards,

Sue
phlog's Blog



 
1 Comment

Old Radios, More or Less

1/22/2014

4 Comments

 
PictureMore- Cozy chair by the fireplace, old radio on the mantel.
Minimalism--a term referring to styles displaying pared-down design elements--is a popular trend in home décor. It is in one word--simplicity. Everything must have clean lines; be clutter-free, sleek and simple. 
The concept
strips a household to the bare bones. It suggests austerity to me,  I can see only one advantage. A look so understated, that it defies time, might at times, serve a purpose.
Most of us can recall a decorating trend from the past we now find laughable. The yellowish-brown shag carpeting that wilted underfoot in the family room, the dark faux wood panels that heralded the den, or the pink mini-roses wallpaper slapped up in the bedroom. It's understandable how an new idea could develop to buck the backlash of a timeworn trend.

Picture
More- Cushy pillows, a fluffy soft throw, another old radio (console), and Fuzzy in the window.
Minimalism offers stone cold hard granite, sleek stainless steel, concrete and lacquered surfaces to create a modern aesthetic. More (as I'm referring to an older aesthetic) or (maximism as Russ refers to it) offers warmth, softness, and a pleasant comfy surrounding. An ascetic, I'm not; I have to admit I love comfort.  And, I don't think of myself as old-fashioned.

I have an anti-gravity chair, a Keurig K60/K65 Special Edition Brewer and an iPad. But to be truthful, on a foggy, chilly, winter evening,  I'd much rather lounge in an overstuffed chair with a cup of slow-brewed tea and a good book. I want the reassurance of things familiar--like an old friend. I want to turn on the old radios and listen to music I've heard before. I want to know that in a world--where change happens at such a fast pace,  at times it seems almost possible to get thrown off--that some things are still predictable; that they haven't changed.

 Minimalism is full of adjectives that seem to me  to be antonyms of what creates a home. I'll take old radios, warm kitties, soft blankies and sink-in-so-deep-you-get-lost plush chairs over minimalism-- any day.

Till next time,

Regards,

Sue
phlog's blog

What do you think? Are old radios a good decorating idea?
4 Comments

Russ' Old Radios- How It Came To Be

1/19/2014

0 Comments

 
It began as a joke. Russ had reached a milestone birthday--won't say which one;  I decided to brainstorm a memorable gift.  Applying a thought process far too convoluted to explain, I came up with an idea.

I'll take one of his favorite things--old radios, and make them related to his age in a humorous way.
I scurried to the craft for supplies. Paint, precut letters, wood glue and a flower (to serve as a wink.)

Let's see...Old Russ' Radios, Russ' Old Radios, how could I make it confusing enough to be mistaken as Old Russ' Radios?   I scooted the letters around, tried different configurations and finally arrived as the sign below. That's it,  I thought. The sign still graces the entryway to the Old Radio Museum today.
Picture
What do you think? Did I nail it? Let me know.

Till next time,

Regards,

Sue
phlog's blog
0 Comments

FB Link to Russ' Old Radio Repair LLC

1/18/2014

0 Comments

 
https://www.facebook.com/russoldradiorepair

 New link to RORR Facebook page- Give us a look.
We'd like, if you'd like.  :)
0 Comments

Outstanding Example of the Exquisite Beauty of Vintage Radios

12/20/2013

0 Comments

 
An extraordinary work of artistry...
needless to say, this outstanding work of art didn't resemble its current state when we stumbled upon it. Although I've witnessed many miraculous renovations since Russ began restoring old radios, his ability still continues to amaze me. Just about the time I've decided which vintage piece I like the best, he'll bring another old beauty back to life, making her even more beautiful. If perfection is restoring an antique to its original condition, I believe he has surpassed perfection. Russ' eye for detail and nuance--along with the hours of time he invests... Oh heck, why go on? His work speaks for itself- appropriate for a radio.
  (Sorry, but I loved that.)
Picture
1928 Sparton 930
PictureSparton metal logo.
 

This Sparton is an example of the beauty of old radios-- outstanding design, quality materials, and masterful workmanship. These factors blended together- created magnificence works of art.
                               
                  

Picture
This radio sports a complete set of Sparton manufactured globe tubes.
Picture
Before and After- Old wood can tend to turn greenish.
Picture
Intricate detail.




An unique option on  this particular radio was an additional module  added by the factory to improve  the audio level.
 During the period that this radio was manufactured, the Sparks Withington Co. (Sparton), was involved in a patent dispute with RCA over the manufacture of  vacuum tubes. The tubes for this radio are similar to those found in most other radios of the time, however few tubes were interchangeable.
A short time later the dispute was resolved. Sparks Withington began using the more conventional line of  tubes patented by RCA. The original Sparton tubes manufactured at this time are becoming scarce.
Picture
Close-up of the filled grain, smooth finish.
Till next time...

Regards,
Sues

phlog's blog
0 Comments
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    Russ Webb & Fuzzy

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CUSTOM DESIGN BY SUE WEBB  06/2013       Redesigned by Russ Webb     Approved by Fuzzy   Updated:  Pretty much all the time, but I forget to change this date
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Photos used under Creative Commons from valart2008, rafeejewell