13 Must-Photograph Landscapes Across the U.S.

Above, Monument Valley made number 3 on the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back when I was nine years old, I got my first camera. It was an Imperial Lark camera. I still have it and is on display in my great-grandfather's bookcase. 

The photography bug got me then and I still enjoy photography today. 

Grand Tour Nation has posted an article featuring 13 "must-photograph" landscapes across the U.S. Many of them I have been to and, of course, photographed. 

They begin with:

As photography enthusiasts, we constantly seek breathtaking landscapes that offer unique shots capturing nature’s most incredible moments. Whether you’re a seasoned landscape photographer or someone just venturing into the craft, the United States boasts a myriad of awe-inspiring locations known for their exceptional photographic potential. From dramatic coastlines to iconic national parks, this listicle guides you to some of the most photogenic spots across the country. Ready your cameras as we explore these mesmerizing destinations perfect for creating stunning visual masterpieces.

To read more, go here. 

The Hobby Protection Act

Above, two counterfeit coins, now in the possession of the McKinley County Sheriff. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is a hobbyist, a collector of stuff, whether it involves comic books, coins, toys and other collectible things, the federal government passed the Hobby Protection Act in 1973. It was amended in 2014.

What is the Hobby Protection Act? 

According to Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF):

Hobby Protection Act

The Hobby Protection Act, signed into law Nov. 29, 1973, and amended in 2014, is designed to protect collectors against deceptive reproductions and the manufacture of imitation collectible items. The Federal Trade Commission promulgates rules and regulations under the Hobby Protection Act and is empowered to enforce the law.

Until recently, when I bought two counterfeit silver coins (which were not silver at all), I was unaware of this law. We can thank congress and President Richard Nixon for passing and signing this act into law.

So, for those who are collectors of things that can be counterfeited, here's the Hobby Protection Act. 

Coin Dealers

Above, an 1890 Morgan Silver Dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To fight the Biden brand of inflation (i.e., Bidenflation), I have been concentrating on buying silver coins, both vintage (my preference are Morgan silver dollars) and current, as an investment.

I have always been a coin collector, but since Bidenflation is eating away the value of paper currency, precious metals are the way to go. Gold is too expensive for me, so that is why I am concentrating on silver.

I shop around looking for deals. Some coin dealers are more reasonable than others. It is best to shop and compare prices.

The dealers I have been using include:

JM Bullion 

SD Bullion 

Universal Coin & Bullion (they advertise in NRA's American Rifleman magazine)

APMEX

U.S. Mint

Golden Eagle Coins

Money Metals Exchange

Sittin' Good Financially

Last week, one of my investments came to maturity and the funds were transferred to my checking account.

This was rather timely as I needed to purchase a mower after neighbor friends Nandoh and Bo mowed the "Barking Spider Acre" to keep it under control. Since I wanted to get a mini bike for recreational riding (I took a ride a mile up the hill this morning), I got one of those and, lastly, I bought a reflector telescope. When one is retired, one should indulge in hobbies instead of vegetating and doing nothing (that's also my doctor's orders).

Since I had cash left over, I had my investment counselor buy into a new investment, which he as done. Even after that, I still have cash left in checking. 

After all this, I feel pretty good about my retirement finances. 

A Child's Obsession of Dinosaurs Should Be Encouraged

Above, part of the collection of writer, director and dinosaur expert Donald F. Glut. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When people see a kid, or even adults, with collections of dinosaurs or has an intense interest in them, the parents of them should consider themselves blessed.

Kids who have a keen interest in dinosaurs have an enhanced intelligence.

Many of them also are very fond of movies featuring dinosaurs or fictional dinosaur monsters such as Godzilla, the dinosaurs of King Kong, the Rhedosaurus from The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms and others.

Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons has an article that says kids with an obsession for dinosaurs should be encouraged.

They wrote:

If your kiddo has a dinosaur obsession, you should be thrilled. Science calls this an “intense interest” and says it will drive a child’s learning as well as help foster lifelong curiosity. 

In fact, above-average intelligence is not unusual for kids who are enamored with dinosaurs, or any subject that generates a natural strong interest. 

The same thing goes for a focus on cars, trucks, trains, dolls, drawing, etc. If a child shows an incredible fondness in something, it can be a very good thing. 

In this post, I’m going to talk specifically talk about dinos because it’s such a popular interest among kids.

 To read more, go here.

Best RV Hobbies

Above, an osprey nest at Yellowstone National Park. Animal watching
 is one hobby mentioned in the article. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In between driving and sightseeing while on the road in a RV, there are down times where travelers will want to indulge in a hobby.

Some hobbies take up too much space and RVs are limited in amounts of available space. But Do It Yourself RV has an article on what are the best hobbies for RV travelers.

They begin with:

As you already know, RVs do not typically provide very big living space. Big enough to hold necessities, yes, but not big enough for excessive hobby materials. 

For this reason, many people who travel extensively in their RVs find themselves in a place where they have to drop certain hobbies. This stinks, but luckily there are plenty of options for hobbies that can go hand-in-hand with the RV travel life. 

Are you looking for a fun hobby to take on the road with you? Here are some great options that offer hours of fun while taking up very little space.

To read more, go here.