RCC Los Angeles

This week's mug is from the Rail Construction Corporation, a subsidiary of the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission.  Yes, a long name for a single mug.  On the right side of the mug is the Logo for the RCC along with its long title. There is also the logo for the LACTC. 

On the left side of the mug is a large dark cloud shape in the middle of which you can just about make out the shape of a car.

When hot liquid is added, the entire dark area clears to reveal a light rail train above which is the phrase "The Way is Clear!"  The mug was released to coincide with the construction and opening of the Los Angeles Subway System (The Blue Line) in 1990.

 The color change is about average, but does clear enough to show the change in full.  A great mug and a piece of LA History!

DESIGN:  1+ sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color
TYPE: Promotional

Shadow Puppets

This weeks mug is another retail purchase, given to me as a gift many years ago.  When cold, the mug appears to be many sets of hands in odd positions.  If you look closely there are some dark areas beside each set of hands.

When hot liquid is added and the mug warms up, the dark areas clear to reveal shadow puppets matched to each set of hands.  This mug is in mint condition and the color change is fast and complete.  

There are very few black magic mugs, but this one is a beautiful use of both design and color.  A great addition to the collection.

DESIGN:  Full, 3 Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color
TYPE:  Retail purchase.

Phantom of the Opera

This week's mug is from the Phantom of the Opera Musical production.  This mug was purchased at a touring company performance and sent to me by my sister (thanks, again!) On the right side of the mug is the logo for the show.  

The left side of the mug is supposed to be clear, as if there is nothing there.  The mug is black, and using black magic ink over the design causes what is there to blend in with the black mug.  (The age of this mug has caused the ink to be less opaque then it should, but it's still a great design.) 

When hot liquid is added, the design makes the 'phantom mask' appear as if out of nowhere. A wonderfuluse of the heat changing ink!

DESIGN:  2 Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color
TYPE:  Retail purchase

Arthritis Foundation Telethon

This week's mug is from the Arthritis Foundation Telethon.  On the left side of the mug is a large dark star, surrounded by many small stars. Below this, are the words "ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION."  At the bottom of the mug is a stylized logo for the word "Telethon." 

When hot liquid is added, the star clears to reveal the words "I WAS A STAR."

The Arthritis Telethon began in the mid 1980s and ran for at least 25 years and the mug was given as a free gift for a donation of a certain size.  The color change is very good and the general condition is excellent. 

DESIGN:  Full, 3+ Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color
TYPE:Corporate Freebie
                                                                                                                  

Agatha Christie 100th Birthday

This week's mug is from Berkley Publishing Group's celebration of Agatha Christie's 100th Birthday in 1990 which emphasized that the author was still #1.  The mug has a full wrap around design with #1 AGATHA CHRISTIE opposite the handle. Below this is "The Berkeley Publishing Group."

On both left and right sides of the mug is a design which features a silhouette of the author inside a wreath like frame. 

When hot liquid is added, the silhouette clears to reveal the words "100th Birthday Celebration." 

The color change is excellent on this mug and it is a great addition to the collection.


DESIGN:  Full, 2+ Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color
TYPE: Corporate Freebie