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At
the 2004 National BarbieŠ Doll Collectors' Convention in
Chicago, we received the Carol Spencer of California
Barbie's Best Friend Award -- the highest honor
awarded in the international Barbie-collecting
community.
Carol
presented us with the awards and certificates.
Joe's
certificate reads: "The Carol Spencer of California
Sixteenth Annual Barbie's Best Friend Award is presented
to Joe Blitman for Sharing his wealth of knowledge on
Barbie with collectors everywhere!
"His
friendly advice, "Buy what you like!" encourages the
prospective buyer to enjoy, and to continue enjoying
their dolls for many years. His talents -- whether
writing books or articles or speaking on tv -- always
provide a wealth of information in a very personable
way."
Kevin's
certificate reads: "... for sharing his creative
photographic talents with interested collectors and
using this talent to co-author books on the Barbie doll.
"His
quiet personable manner makes the collector feel at ease
while they search for that special Barbie doll. His keen
eye and personal charm make him a great person to
consult with on collecting or to share the excitement of
a special purchase.
"Together
and separately, Kevin and Joe are terrific assets to The
World of Barbie."
We
are the authors of two books, Barbie & Her Mod,
Mod, Mod, Mod World of Fashion, and Francie
& Her Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod World of Fashion.
We
also produced the videotape, Joe Blitman's Oh You
Beautiful Doll, an hour-long full-color history of
the Barbie doll and a guide to collecting her.
We've
contributed articles to Barbie Bazaar, Barbie
Collector, Doll Reader, Haute Doll and Miller's
magazines, and we often present slide programs at
international, national and regional Barbie doll
conventions.
We
have been collecting, buying and selling Barbie dolls
since 1989. Our dearest friends are people we have met
through Barbie -- they have become our family. The joy
and love we have experienced as part of this community
are, truly, overwhelming to us. And the nifty "Barbie's
Best Friend" awards -- with their engraved plaques and
bright orange plumes -- look spectacular in our living
room.
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