THE IMMORAL AMERICAN SOCIETY 2018

Changing times indeed! I was educated by the Sisters of Saint Joseph and the Jesuits of the Missouri Province at Saint Louis University. My parents and grandparents were devout Roman Catholic. We didn't steal or carouse. We made do with what we had  and may have been happier than the affluent?




Today's Media play is obnoxious. Young minds look at this shit and think it's OKAY.People are fighting incompatible marriages, striving to outrank others, drive a BMW or Audi thinking this will end up in a happier life. WRONG! It is the blind leading the blind.




Corporate America is usurping the American entrepreneurial spirit. Small Businesses struggle to met payroll. They seem to turn a deaf eye and ear to the cry of the poor and homeless. Many have a negative attitude thinking their persuasions are truth. NO. I know as I too was homeless in 2001-2002 living in the Veterans Shelter in Boston at Court Street. I am not cuckoo.




Jobs in these changing times are redefining the complete picture of employment. I had 4 jobs in my attempt to "RE TOOL" my life. Guess what.. I had 4 jobs..ALL CUSTODIAL and was fired by a Vermont principal because I accused him of "not caring."


The caveat to folks who are computer illiterate will blindfold them and put them on their knew. Further the gambling in Massachusetts, in particular falsely advertises "You to Can Be A Millionaire." Google LESLIE STAHL on her take on the Casinos in CT. VERITAS.




The lives of the "straight and narrow" are quite rewarding. Some wealthy people abuse their comfort. Snobs, condescending social views, and arrogance permeat the Upper Class at the expense of the Middle Class and Lower Class.




Black Friday is a terrific example of Corporate Greed and it is Mexcio and the Orient of flooding our existence with STUFF.




I wrote John Kenneth Galbaith somewhere 1990 about my observations of America being GLUTTED with material goods. He responded saying he "was concerned with the poor in South Boston who were not enjoying the American prosperity.




As an Estate Auctioneer I am on the firing line constantly. I observe and I make mental notes. It is sad. Some businesses may be in denial. Even BIG names like Sears seem to be on the ropes. Inflation is insidious. All this crap offered by Dollar General will not make one happy. The "more" concept will come back to haunt consumers.


As Wes Weslowski said to me "Less is more and More is less." Clearly America is going to hell in a hand basket. Wise consumers frequent the Salvation Army and the Charlton  Flea Market. Being acquisitive will be anathema.




Try losing 10-20 pounds or even 50 or a hundred. Shed tobacco or die with a cigarette in your mouth.

"I'm going to die of something, anyway is pure unadulterated  bullshit. Once again, Bbig Tobacco and Tobacco Lobby and $15 a pack at the casinos sucks. The government thinks it's okay to charge more on The Mass Pike! Thieves. Hundreds travel to 'User-friendly" New Hampshire.


All in all I have a crystal ball and you are not going to like my prognostication. The Fat Lady is so fat.. SHE NO LONGER CAN SING!


"Hate your next door but don't forget to say grace" Barry McGuire.




Yours very truly




Robert Louis Potvin
Blogger and Auctioneer Par Excellance
Box 11
West Brookfield, Massachusetts 01585 Anytime

ANOTHER GOOD MEAL AT SALEM CROSS INN!

Tomorrow is December 1, 2017. In 25 days our lives will be fulfilled in the Spirit of Christmas. Only one thing different: the size and variety of the gifts. Today I treated BOB POTVIN BLOGGER to a lunch at "The Cross." The aroma of ash wood burning in the Rumford kicked my  taste buds in high gear.


Today I chose the Chicken Chowder in a milk broth.  featuring CARROTS, Celery, Onions and Potato. D-licious. The pumpkin cup cakes are supreme. Beverly, the head hostess is affable as are the servers, in particular Christy.


The message of the in is "Welcome tired and hungry traveler." Today there was a small busload from Ashland, MA. Their mood was "UP" as they snapped photos infrnt of the roaring  fire. I loved it. Then Head Chef allen brought  the beef.. and fastened it onto the spit revolving around the blaze. The embedded coals will roast the beef for supper! In a week or three SNOW will grace the 600 acres in fine style. The music playing was Arthur Fiedler's SLEIGH RIDE!


Noqw comes my secret! I am smart.. I ate 1/2 of the portions served. Christy fived me up with a doggie bag of chowder, rolls and a smile.Eating at Salem Cross Inn is my Christmas treat....


DON'T FORGET WHITE CHRIST ON THE COMMON SUNDAY BEGINNING AT12:OO HOURS.(Noon) The Nadons will be giving Wagon Rides..Seize the Sunday moment, but first shoot over to the Charlton Flee Market where opportunities abound..both NEW and USED mdse. Why pay Full Price when you can have it for a Song.


Best Wishes for the Holiday Season!


Sincerely,


Robert Louis Potvin
Santa Clause
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585


508-867-3360 Any Time

VISTA PRINT.. THE BEST OF THE BEST!

One of my first experiences with employing a printer came in 1965 upon graduating from College on Feb. 7. George Scott and I were traveling down Webster Way and I stopped at BERNARD Press. The gentleman printed me some stationery 'ROBERT POTVIN.I recall Judy Murphy in Chicago commenting "and he has his own stationery" I also  sported a black Esterbrook desk set and a broad nib fountain pen. I still have my Worcester County Trust college loan bearing Dad's signature and my "executive scribble" in bold black ink!


Tonight I placed an order for my auctioneer business cards. I had placed a good sized order with VISTA PRINT only days ago. I had a tacit understanding VISTA PRINT was offering me STATE OF THE ART in every respect. So I gave it a shot. Little did I realize my call would be fielded in MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica!


Within two minutes the lady from Montego Bay revealed her very superior skills! "Patrine" by name designed a contemporary card of the HIGHEST ORDER. It was like doing The Limbo. I KNOW WHAT I WANT IN LIFE and Vista Print is awesome. Forget the cheap stuff. French Shriner and Urner . men's shoes had a catchy quote. "FSU.. WHERE QUALITY IS BUILT IN NOT RUBBED ON." As MAX COHEN said to Dad " YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!"


So it is with all of life. Why not log onto VISTA PRINT.  It is a total promotion business at hour keyboard.. of anything and everything.' I watched Patrine create my Bus, Card in front of me.

YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPESSION!"


For those who would like my new auctioneer business card.. Send me a SASE. Actually I'll sent you 2.. one for Bob Potvin Blogger and Auctioneer. You can never go wrong for doing the right thing. Time to Straighten to straighten up  and fly right. There's No Free Lunch in America!

DIVERSION - 'THANKS' GIRLS .PINK AND RED ARE OUT

 BLACK AND WHITE ALL OVER. HOWS THAT?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTHUR TONELLI.. TRULY AN AMAZING MAN AND INSPIRATION

BORN Christmas Day, 1921! Mr. Arthur Tonelli was seated at a lunch counter in his TOYOT DEALERSHIP on Route 9,Westboro. having a sandwich and a green apple. New Car salesman, Joe from Dudley, approached me outside as we both walked forward.


I've been smitten by a black Camry .. very pricey indeed at 36K.


I was more attracted by Mr. Tonnelli's sagacious ways, warmth warmth as an Italian-American and Coast Guard veteran. However his Entrepreneurial spirit Rocks On, regardless! I like the Old Man of the Sea!


Arthur just didn't get married until he was 38.He truly was peripateic. Mr.Arthur Tonelli has traveled to ITALY 78 times.. would you believe?! His father was a house builder and he apprenticed in carpentry as I once did.


At 95 and has superior dental work evidence.. he stands about 5'10 and a SKILLED RACONTEUR. " I LIKE LAND!" When I asked "My Man"  about money he responded immediately " "FAMILY & FRIENDS!"..I agree. Way back in WWII he recounts of being a "submarine chaser." Arthur has one surviving sibling at age 92, "my brother was a "State Cop".. the lead Dog. Edward Tonelli  on Edward McCormic's team. Today Arthur brings his brother The Wall Street Journal! He was big in Falmouth and Hampton Beach. 'One hell of a man' this man and Toyota dealer. Truly a "Man's Man." I think Arthur Tonelli will be a GREAT CANDIDATE FOR 'CHRONICLE" On WCVB, Channel 5 Boston.


I have a picture on my SmartPhone bu don't know just how to unload it. Jeff Nickerson can help  "Edison."


Sincerely,


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY WEDNESDAY..SOARING INTO THE STRATOSPHERE!

I am not innocent and I am extremely observant. Returning from myNatick "Pit Stop" on the Pike, Potvin proceeded to pick a Basketball Hall of Fame Plate #8! I recognized the virtue of the single digit not thinking anything.I pointed again to the front prestigious plate of the Basketball Hall of Fame. #8..WOW.


As I approached the driver her window came down.I told the lady " I' a plate enthusiast and have been since 1958 when, as at teenager requested my parents phone number E6804. It was a highlight of my youth... a politician-in -the-making. A year later I was a BOYS' State Delegate then received the American Legion "Good Citizen's Award. On was on my way.
By the way the "gum-chewing" lady was Mary Hurley Governors' Councilor and Two Term Mayor of SPRINGFIELD! I asked Mary a few poignant questions about being a politician then tipped my Stetson and won my merry way.


TRIP ADVISOR, IN NEEDHAM, HEIGHTS sports a new building .."Amazing Grace!" Spiffy and brand new swarming with Millennials.The Receptionist, JEN, impressed me by her young infectious spirit.Told Jen I would appreciate copies of the myriad reviews I have submitted to TA in good faith. She obliged and gave me TA Mouse pad and a sticker for my office window. "Thanks Kid!"


I have been taking the LOW road in life as I see much more than on The Pike or 495. Of course I must show my Ober Qualifications... and I do. Sixty years of driving.. no texting or booze. I do speed up to 80 mph. So what's new? EVERYBODY IS IN A HURRY...ON THE PHONE...ALL THAT JAZZ.Straighten-up and Fly Right!


Robert Louis Potvin
Ober # AU 2000
Box 11
West Brookfield, Taxachusetts
01585


508-867-33360


My next blog entry is of Arthur Tonelli - Age 95. OMG... WWII Vet


Read on.


Thanks.

HAVE YOUR CHILD TESTED!

It was Nathan M. Cohen, M>D> who put a bug in my ear Have your children tested, Bob.!


This advice was sound and has made all of the difference in the world.


I began my inquiry by calling a psychologist. They gave a WAIS WESCHLER Test to kids. $700, Please! PASS!.Then I went to the Elementary School  Guidance Counsellor who presented me a copy of the same test given to Ben and Josh.. maybe in the 4th grade?


Michael Masney was terrific. My sons profiles guide me to this day. I know exactly how each child's skills play in their development. "Know thyself ".. and Know thy kids aptitude. DA.


Back in the 1930s The Good Sisters of Saint Joseph ae quoted ' WHY ARE THE POULIN KIDS SO SMART?" Francis Poulin went onto be Valedictorian at NBHS  Class of 47! As a tyke of four Aunt Lydia dubbed me "THE LITTLE SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!" And it was in the army where my tests... the GT SCORE of 132 and attendant skills got me an fantastic Military Occupation Specialty 91p20.


I have always been a sponge for taking IQ Tests."VERY SUPERIOR" was how I fared testing my business skills.!

KNOW THYSELF AND THY KIDS.!  children LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE. Your child's skills and abilities ae waiting to be discover "Mom & Dad!" Good Luck!

Bob Potvin    Father of two.. grandfather of 5. 4 girls and a boy.


Bob Potvin
Chief Blogger and Auctioneer - in - Charge.
Auctioneer License AU - 2000
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01535

PUSHING 120,000 Visits

Spread the word. We're going places.. and thank you.


Bob Potvin

NATIONAL AUCTIONEERS ASSOCIATION

1. I had been a member for years. Ben and Josh and I attended NAA Conventions   in
2. ATLANTA 1982 Our first Convention! Tommy Lasorda Pix
3. HOUSTON 1983 (The Year if the Auctioneer) Rex Newcomb
4. PHILDELPHIA Marvelous for kids to Learn
5. ANAHEIM. CAL. Big Time...
6. NASHVILLE Nashville and The Grand Ole Opry where LeRoy Van Dyke sung The Auctioneer song in person. Fantastic!

The Auctioneer Song came out in 1956 when I was a teenager. The lyrics melted my heart and soul as I stood watching COLBY JOHNSON - A Yankee Auctioneer. I knew then I wanted to be an auctioneer. But I had other priorities: education.


When I was 18 Mr. Johnson offered me to"take over "his auction practice!
I wasn't eady yet I followed Old Colby and the vociferous and outspoken and sometime crude P.R.Langevin!


Fast forward to 1974, living in Scituate with an Ocean View from Greenfield Lane on 3rd Cliff opportunity came my way. I would counselling with Father George Connolly and knew St. Mary's parish was to hold an auction. I said 'Who is going to be your auctioneer? "Len Dillon." But he got sick and I stood front and center and began. My life had been "in training for this moment!


Danny Sheehan, a fantastic photographer for The Boston Globe documented his Rookie and today I have a photo of that fateful day in June of 1974! I called the St. Mary's Auction for 10 years. My story may be read on line in the July, 1992 Rotarian Magazine with Sheehan photographs showing me in a straw hat and sons Ben & Josh. Read it! Check it out!


Continued tomorrow recapping some of my more salient sales. "ADVENTURE 

SonBen

Ben Again

Old Glory  The Symbol and beauty of being an American
We ae the envy of the World!

The Late Buddy Lane

NBSB

American Antiquarian Society

My first car  1933 Chevrolet  Paid $40 from Charlie Norcross

My Story

MAN" BOB POTVIN  has other accounts of excitement!


Col. Robert Louis Potvin
Estate Auctioneer AND other disciplines.
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01535

ROBERT L. POTVIN - UPCOMING AUCTIONS 2018

STAY TUNED:

 

AND HOW MANY DOLLARS AM I BID?!

$1,000..THANK YOU!

ROBERT L. POTVIN AUCTIONEER LIC. AU 2000

I am back...New and Improved! Spent $300 on Office Supplies. The employees didn't know where the staples were! Stranger things have happened!


I am Drafting select workers for my Auction team from Manager to Cashier, Clerk, and Runners. I must confer with Worcester Sound as Joe is my friend.


As I get supremely organized I will become more efficient. Homes today are chuck full like a piece of Chuck Eye! LOL. My kind of Steak.


I have an Elvis Presley collection to be cataloged along with my JFK/LBJ holdings.


AuctionZip.com is great. I have re-registered as the Internet has sunk news print or so it seems in the business folks I'm speaking with.


Josh and Evie and Lily stopped by. Lily was a great help and Lily obliging in emptying the Honda trunk to my Office. My toilet is plugged BIG TIME. No privy for me.


I am working on a Saturday showing of Documentaries Matinee and Early Evenings..Cider and Buttered Popcorn...actually POPS POPCORN! Limited seating unlimited History & select Rock Concerts....I JUST DON'T DO FANTACY.


SO..I'm happy and healthy and knee deep in it all. 


SOLD!


Robert Louis Potvin
 Estate  Auctioneer Lic. AU 2000
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585


508-867-3360 Anytime


N.B. You can find my writings on select estate auctions under ADVENTURE MAN  BOB POTVIN IN YOUR TOOLBAR! "American Antique Clock Auction 1994!