Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.

To start off the week, we have T-Rex (formerly known as Tyrannosaurus Rex) with their 1971 hit "Jeepster". We have two videos for your enjoyment: one posted by Polydor and one with Pan's People.

From Wikipedia:

T. Rex (originally Tyrannosaurus Rex) were an English rock band formed in London in 1967 by singer-songwriter and guitarist Marc Bolan, who was their leader, frontman and only consistent member. Though initially associated with the psychedelic folk genre, Bolan began to change the band's style towards electric rock in 1969, and shortened their name to T. Rex the following year. This development culminated in 1970 with their first significant hit single "Ride a White Swan", and the group soon became pioneers of the glam rock movement.

George Foreman, 1949 - 2025

George Foreman's passing on Friday reminded me of the heyday of heavyweight boxing during the 1960s through the 1990s. It was an era that is missed by many. 

I can't think of any active big name boxers of today. 

Foreman was a real class act. He will be missed.

Above, my George Foreman grill. I bought it when I still lived in California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In 2017, I bought a George Foreman ceramic grill while I still lived in California. I gave it a grade A+ after first using it. I still use it, most recently when I made chicken enchiladas. I read that Foreman made more money in grill sales than he did boxing.

One Dollar Coins Worth 40 Times The Value

Above, a 1928 Peace Silver Dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I was ten years old when the U.S. Mint decided to end producing silver coins the following year and only produce copper clad coins. Some had some silver content, about 40%. 

Only the 1964 Kennedy half dollar contains 90% silver.

The Mint produced Peace silver dollars with 90% silver content until 1935. When the Eisenhower dollar was introduced in 1971, it had only 40% silver content until 1974. 

Today, if one should get their hands on a silver dollar, whether in a jar of saved coins or in pocket change, that dollar may be worth 40 times the value.

The Daily Express US posted an article on the value of silver dollars, especially ones made in 1935 and earlier.

They begin it with:

If you have some dollar coins hanging around the house, and they've been there for a while, you may want to give them a closer look as you could have small treasure on your hands. 

A typical dollar coin is worth just that — one dollar — but there are dollar coins that are actually silver dollars and could be worth $40 each if they were issued in 1935 or earlier.

Everett Millman, managing editor at Gainesville Coins, explains what the difference is and how to spot one of the more valuable coins.

To read more, go here. 

First RV Trip

Above, at Route 66 RV Resort in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We are now three days into the Spring Equinox. It took place on March 20. 

Winter was a dry one. We've had only a few inches of rain and snow. 

The first RV trip in the spring season will be this coming week when I have to go into Albuquerque for a cardiac stress test. I will go the day before and camp at an RV park as the appointment is early in the morning. 

Depending upon how I am feeling afterwards (I heard that the stress test is about 2-3 hours in duration), I may stay over an extra night and drive home the following day. 

RV Buyer's Remorse

Above, at Circle Pines KOA in Williams, Arizona last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted an interesting article.

It states that 70% of RV buyers have "buyer's remorse" over their RV purchase. I am not one of them. I knew ahead of time what I wanted and what I was going to use it for.

It has been ten years since I bought mine and has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

The article starts with:

According to MJ and Izzy of Endless RVing, a whopping 70% of RV owners regret their purchases. Yowza, that is a lot of unhappy travelers!

The couple has learned from their own experiences buying RVs and from countless conversations with other RVers. In the video below, they break down some of the biggest reasons why people regret buying an RV, and what you can do to prevent RV buyer’s remorse. They’ve made mistakes in the past and don’t want you to repeat them.

To read more and view a video, go here. 

News From New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

 

The 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session is now over. Below is a recap of the session and what comes next. First, what passed? Two bills related to firearms and gun laws made it through and have been signed by the governor. HB8, which included the state-level ban on illegal "firearm conversion devices" in the crime omnibus bill. HB8 states: "Unlawful possession of a weapon conversion device consists of a person knowingly having in that person's possession an unlawfully obtained weapon conversion device or knowingly transporting an unlawfully obtained weapon conversion device." State prosecutors claimed they needed to have a state-level ban as federal prosecutors in New Mexico were declining to take cases regarding illegally obtained machine guns. The second bill, HB12, expanded New Mexico's red-flag gun confiscation law. The law now allows a police officer to initiate an order themselves and not wait for a family member to initiate the order. It also requires immediate surrender instead of within 48 hours in some petitions. Judges could already order an immediate surrender. The three bills that we were intently watching towards the end all failed to pass. SB279, the gas-operated firearm and magazine purchase and transfer ban stalled out in the Senate Finance Committee. The governor was pushing very hard to get the bill through the committee, hence why it was added to the agenda with just two days to go. But nonetheless, it was never brought up for a vote. The gun-store liability bill, SB318, was never brought up for a vote on the House Floor. The concealed carry act rewrite, SB507, met the same fate of never receiving a vote on the House Floor. But before the session had concluded, the governor already stated she wants to call a special session to pass gun control including a ban on semiautomatic rifles. She claimed it was in response to the shooting that occurred last night in Las Cruces, but she had been pushing very hard behind the scenes for SB279 this session even before that tragic incident happened. We don't know for sure if she will call a special session, but we note she has done it before. We will keep you updated on the status of a special session on gun control. The shooting that occurred in Las Cruces was tragic, several young people had their lives cut short and others are hospitalized now. But once again in New Mexico we are forced to witness the escalation of events when our justice system fails to intervene. There had already been outbursts of violence at these "street takeover" events that happened at this park in Las Cruces in recent months along with other criminal activity. The Las Cruces Police Chief Jermy Story spoke of a lack of accountability for criminal acts at a press conference earlier today. It is also worth noting that all shell casings recovered by police at the scene were from handguns. The young individual seen in images on social media carrying a rifle was not one of the shooters according to investigators.

How Devastating is 30-30 Winchester? (Video)

 

Phone Use On Cruise Ships Now Easier

Above, the meter I followed during last year's Bahamas cruise.

Last summer, a friend and I took a cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) Norwegian Sky to the Bahamas.

It was an enjoyable trip, but we found that NCL's cell phone plan was too pricey. The Norwegian Sky Wi-Fi charged $5.99/minute. When out to sea, Norwegian Cruise Lines charges that amount after 75 minutes of free Wi-Fi.

Thankfully, I knew ahead of time to keep my phone on Airplane Mode so that I would not run up any charges. I only used their "free plan" of 75 minutes. 

Two wireless companies, AT & T and Verizon, have announced plans to making cell phone usage much easier (I am with T-Mobile, by the way).

TheStreet posted:

It’s a well-known fact that using your mobile phone on a cruise ship can be a big – and costly – mistake.

Of course, modern smartphones and satellite internet packages have made it easier to keep in touch while remaining in airplane mode. For example, when I’m cruising solo, I stay in touch with my family by calling through Facebook Messenger, and my phone gives me the ability to make and receive calls via WiFi.

However, simply leaving your phone connected to the network while on a cruise can be a costly error. Rates for Cellular at Sea plans can vary, but roaming and data charges can be massive. 

It’s not uncommon to hear horror stories of first-time cruisers who neglected to put their phones in airplane mode, only to come home to hundreds of dollars (or more) in various charges. And that’s not to mention the costs of using your phone in ports when you aren’t connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi.

Fortunately, things may be about to change for the better. Two of the largest wireless carriers recently announced new ways to stay connected while at sea.

To read more, go here.

Would A Cruise Line Ban You Permanently For Complaining?

Above, the Celebrity Mercury docked at Juneau, Alaska. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have been on only three cruises in my life.

The first was a cruise to Alaska with Celebrity Cruises in 2000. The next was to Key West and Havana, Cuba with Royal Caribbean in 2019. The last (and most recent) was to the Bahamas with Norwegian Cruise Line last August. 

Each one was enjoyable (maybe except for catching a virus bug on two of them) and I had nothing to complain about. 

It's a good thing, too. I spotted an article which states that one can get blacklisted by a cruise line if they file a complaint. 

The Points Guy reported:

You might have heard about avid cruiser Jenny Phenix. She's the 68-year-old Floridian who joined a three-year, round-the-world maritime adventure but got booted from the ship before it even set sail.

Her offense? She publicly complained about her frustration with the cruise line and its failure to deliver on its promises.

People were shocked at the cruise line's harsh response to its passenger's complaints. After all, isn't the customer always right?

I wasn't surprised, though. As a travel ombudsman and consumer advocate, I've been tracking this phenomenon. Phenix is only one in a long line of former passengers who've landed on a cruise line's blacklist for excessive, aggressive or public complaints. She's just been the most outspoken about her experience.

Incredible, eh? 

There's more to the story, so if one wants to read further, go here. 

Ninth Circuit Upholds California Ammo Magazine Ban

The old "Ninth Circus" is up to their old tricks.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the California ban on high capacity gun magazines is not unconstitutional and does not count as an "arm" under the Second Amendment.  

According to The Reload:

The court split 7-4, with the majority holding that the types of magazines covered under the ban do not count as “arms” under the Second Amendment.

“Large-capacity magazines are optional accessories to firearms, and firearms operate as intended without a large-capacity magazine,” Judge Susan Graber wrote in Duncan v. Bonta. “A large-capacity magazine is thus an accessory or accoutrement, not an ‘Arm’ in itself. Possession of a large-capacity magazine therefore falls outside the text of the Second Amendment.”

The ruling is a setback for gun-rights activists. It establishes a binding precedent in the country’s largest appellate circuit—which contains multiple states with similar bans—blessing magazine restrictions under the Second Amendment. That precedent will stand permanently unless the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) intervenes. Whether it will choose to remains an open question.

To read more, go here. 

News From New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

 

SB318, the gun store liability bill that could put every gun store in NM out of business by enabling frivolous lawsuits against firearms industry companies, advanced out of the House Judiciary Committee today after a few amendments were made. The amendments were clarifying language suggested by the Attorney General's Office (New Mexico Department of Justice) and language from the House Judiciary Committee to expand liability to companies in other industries. The bill still singles out the firearms industry, but it is expanding the Unfair Trade Practices Act to more companies that sell products in New Mexico and increasing penalties for everyone. The next stop for the bill is the House Floor for a vote by all members of the New Mexico House of Representatives. If it passes the House side, it will have to go back to the Senate Floor for concurrence as the bill was amended. Despite being listed first on the agenda, SB279, the gas-operated firearm and magazine ban, wasn't heard in the Senate Finance Committee today in either of their meetings. The committee has no more meetings scheduled. It is possible the bill could be pulled from the committee and sent straight to the floor if it is going to have a vote by the full Senate in the closing hours of the 2025 Legislative Session. There is just a day and a half left in the 2025 Legislative Session. SB318 is being pushed very hard as it is seen as the best chance to pass a major gun-control law this session. Please continue to contact your representatives and senators and tell them to do everything they can to stop the bill.

February Foreign Visitors To Japan Hit Monthly Record

Above, the Saikai Bridge near Sasebo on Kyushu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's economy is being driven by the surge of foreign tourists, according to CNBC.

This isn't surprising given the favorable foreign exchange rate in Tokyo between the U.S. dollar and other currencies against the Japanese yen.

February's number of foreign visitors hit a new record.

According to an article from Kyodo News:

The number of foreign visitors to Japan in February rose 16.9 percent from a year earlier to a record 3.26 million for the month, driven by strong demand for winter sports and the Chinese New Year holiday trailing into the month, government data showed Wednesday.

The figure topped 3 million for the first time in February, driven by a surge in visitors from Australia and the United States, the Japan National Tourism Organization said.

By country and region, South Korea led with 847,300 visitors, up 3.5 percent and a record for the month. China followed with 722,700 visitors, a 57.3 percent increase, driven in part by expanded flight connections between the two countries.

To read more, go here. 

Chase Bank's Guide To Cruising the Bahamas

Above, the Norwegian Sky docked at Freeport, Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have wanted to visit the Bahamas. Last year, I got the chance to do so when a friend and I took a cruise there.

We went in August, but the busy time for visiting the Bahamas, at least according to Chase bank, is from mid-December to mid-April. We had good weather during the cruise for the most part. We did get a nice tropical storm come through while we were in Nassau. At least it wasn't a hurricane.

Chase has posted a guide to cruising the Bahamas. 

It starts with:

Quick insights

• The busy season for cruising to the Bahamas is from mid-December to mid-April.
• On a Bahamas cruise, you can enjoy activities such as scuba diving through shipwrecks, swimming with pigs and savoring local favorites like conch fritters.
• Due to the Bahamas’ proximity to the U.S., you can often find cruises as short as 3 days, making it an ideal option for a quick getaway.

A cruise to the Bahamas—a nation comprised of roughly 700 islands and cays within an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean—can be a convenient way to explore this tropical paradise. With warm temperatures, stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs and an exciting onboard atmosphere, these cruises are an appealing option for many travelers.

Here’s our guide to cruising to the Bahamas.

To read more, go here. 

News From New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

 

As we enter the final days of the 2025 Legislative Session, the governor is making a frantic effort to push her gun-control agenda across the line. Two bills have been scheduled for Thursday, 3/20. SB279, the gas-operated firearm and magazine ban, has been scheduled for the Senate Finance Committee after sitting dormant for weeks. They will meet in Room 322 at the call of the chair - so no official time has been given (Zoom link). The bill is the first on the agenda. SB318, the gun store liability bill that could put every gun store in NM out of business by enabling frivolous lawsuits against firearms industry companies, will be in the House Judiciary Committee tomorrow morning at 9 A.M. in Room 317 (Zoom link). The bill is also first on the agenda.  House Judiciary Committee Christine Chandler - (D) christine.chandler@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4411 Andrea Romero - (D) andrea@andrearomero.com 505-986-4243 Javier Martínez - (D) javier.martinez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4782 Matthew McQueen - (D) matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4423 Andrea Reeb - (R) Andrea.Reeb@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4215 Reena Szczepanski - (D) reena.szczepanski@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4777 Michelle Paulene Abeyta - (D) michelle.abeyta@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4254 Nicole Chavez - (R) nicole.chavez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4214 William A. Hall II - (R) bill.hall@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4336 Dayan Hochman-Vigil - (D) dayan.hochman-vigil@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4777 Alan T. Martinez - (R) Alan.Martinez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4758 Senate Finance Committee Senator George K. Muñoz - (D) george.munoz@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4371 Senator Benny Shendo, Jr. - (D) benny.shendo@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4264 Senator Craig W. Brandt - (R) craig.brandt@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4703 Senator Pete Campos - (D) pete.campos@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4267 Senator Roberto "Bobby" J. Gonzales - (D) roberto.gonzales@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4362 Senator Steve D. Lanier - (R) steve.lanier@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4724 Senator Michael Padilla - (D) michael.padilla@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4737 Senator Jeff Steinborn - (D) jeff.steinborn@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4862 Senator Nicole Tobiassen - (R) nicole.tobiassen@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4278 Senator Linda M. Trujillo - (D) linda.trujillo@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4863 Senator Pat Woods - (R) pat.woods@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4853

American Rifleman April Issue

The April issue of American Rifleman (NRA magazine) arrived in today's mail.

It is just as well as it did since it is cold and windy outside and my allergies are giving me fits. I had to take a Benadryl about an hour ago. I am now getting some relief.

The eye-catching cover is by Don Troiani. It focuses on the issue's article on the American Revolutionary War's "Arms & Events of April 19, 1775" of Lexington and Concord. The article's actual title is "The Shot Heard Round The World".  This year is the 250th anniversary.

The article is of particular interest to me as I have ancestors dating back to the Revolutionary War (my maternal grandmother was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)). I could join the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). 

Here's the magazine's cover:

Stress Testing

A friend is heading to the hospital for a cardiac stress test. This is all new to him and he's a bit uneasy.

I told him not to worry about it as it is only a test. I am doing a stress test in Albuquerque next week (a lexiscan) so I know what he's facing. 

It is better to find out what one's heart and artery condition is in during a test than to find out during a heart attack or any other cardiac episode. 

I have to go to Albuquerque for mine. So I'll be camping in the motorhome the night before. I may also stay the night after the test, depending upon how I am feeling. 

The worst part is no food, especially anything with caffeine, for 12 hours before the test. I will probably pig out 15 hours before so I won't be as hungry during the 12 hours before and during. Being a little underweight does have its advantages.

I'll have to take my regular meds with water only. 

I Wouldn't Be Surprised!

 This wouldn't be surprising in this day of radical activist judges.

Final Batch of JFK Assassination Documents Released

Above, the assassination site in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As promised, the Trump Administration released the purported "last batch" of JFK Assassination documents.

This was the result of President Trump's executive order made in January.

From the BBC:

The US government has released the final batch of documents on the assassination of President John F Kennedy - a case that still sparks conspiracy theories over 60 years later.

The release follows an executive order in January by President Donald Trump that required unredacted files in the case to be made public.

Experts are combing over the documents, but have said they do not expect many ground-breaking revelations. Trump expected 80,000 pages of records to be unsealed.

US authorities have previously released hundreds of thousands of JFK documents, but held some back, citing national security concerns. Many Americans still believe the gunman, Lee Harvey Oswald, did not act alone.

To read more, go here. 

News From New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

 

After a floor vote on SB318 was delayed last Thursday, the bill was brought up again on the Senate Floor tonight for a vote and was passed 21 to 18. Numerous gun stores from around the state have told us the bill could put every gun store in New Mexico out of business. The bill accomplishes this by amending New Mexico's Unfair Trade Practices Act to make it easier to sue a gun store than any other type of business and imposing harsher penalties on gun stores than any other type of business. Further, the bill states: "proof of monetary damage, loss of profits or intent to deceive or take unfair advantage of any person is not required" to sue a gun store or manufacturer. Activist groups who hate the Second-Amendment would be given free rein to sue New Mexico gun stores until the stores are forced to close. No other state in the country targets gun stores in this extreme manner. The bill now heads to the House Side. We expect it will stop in the House Judiciary Committee first, followed by a floor vote if it passes that committee. We have only days left in the 2025 Legislative Session, so we must act quickly if we are going to stop SB318. First, the contact info for House Judiciary Committee Members is at the bottom of this email. Second, find and contact your state representative, and tell them to oppose SB318. The 2025 Session ends at noon on Saturday, so this will be sprint to the end. Here is a quick rundown of the other bills we are tracking now. SB279, the gas-operated firearm and magazine ban is still sitting in the Senate Finance Committee and has not moved in over a week. HB12, the red-flag gun confiscation law expansion has passed both the House and Senate and is on its way to the Governor. The courts will ultimately be where this type of law will have to be fought. SB507, the concealed carry act rewrite will be in the House Judiciary Committee tomorrow, 3/19, after passing the Senate side. House Judiciary Committee Christine Chandler - (D) christine.chandler@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4411 Andrea Romero - (D) andrea@andrearomero.com 505-986-4243 Javier Martínez - (D) javier.martinez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4782 Matthew McQueen - (D) matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4423 Andrea Reeb - (R) Andrea.Reeb@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4215 Reena Szczepanski - (D) reena.szczepanski@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4777 Michelle Paulene Abeyta - (D) michelle.abeyta@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4254 Nicole Chavez - (R) nicole.chavez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4214 William A. Hall II - (R) bill.hall@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4336 Dayan Hochman-Vigil - (D) dayan.hochman-vigil@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4777 Alan T. Martinez - (R) Alan.Martinez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4758

10 Ships That Changed Cruising Forever

Above, the Norwegian Sky, that the Cruise Critic article gives a mention. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Taking cruises are gaining in popularity these past several years. It was a growing industry before the pandemic hit in 2020. Now that the pandemic is (more or less) over, people are increasingly taking cruises again.

Cruise Critic has posted an article on 10 cruise ships that forever changed cruising. Interestingly, it mentions the Norwegian Sky, the ship Mitch Geriminsky and I took a cruise to the Bahamas on last summer. 

They begin the article with:

When looking back at the fascinating history of the cruise industry, there have been several seminal ships to set sail over the decades. Subjective top 10 lists are sure to vary, but in our book, these are 10 vessels that changed cruising forever.

Do they also float your boat? Have you sailed on any of them? Join the conversation in Cruise Critic’s Community boards.

To read the article, go here. 

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Buy Silver

Above, a 2025 American Silver Eagle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There is talk of a possible recession later this year. It is resulting in (some) people upping their gold and silver investing. 

For me, gold is priced too high, whereas silver is much more affordable at its current spot price of $34.865/toz.

If one isn't experienced in precious metals investing, MSN posted an article on the step-by-step basis of buying silver.

It begins with:

Silver isn’t just a shiny metal you admire in jewelry or old coins. It’s been a trusted investment choice for centuries. Especially in today’s economic climate, investing in precious metals like silver is a solid choice.

If you’re thinking about adding silver to your portfolio but don’t know where to start, this guide will walk you through how to buy silver, step by step. Let’s jump right into breaking down how to buy silver.

To read more, go here. 

Stranded Astronauts Finally Heading Home

 

EARTHBOUND! Stranded astronauts finally headed home after nine months in space, thanks to President Trump enlisting SpaceX boss @elonmusk for a rescue mission. They're set to splash down off the Florida coast tonight — stay with FOX News for live coverage. https://t.co/Jw0j6E5M39 pic.twitter.com/A5HIkJKqkM

— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) March 18, 2025

NM Democrats Want To Ban Common Firearms

The radical leftist Democrats in the New Mexico legislature want to ban semi-automatic firearms that are gas-powered.

A New Mexico gun shop owner explains:

 

Walter Bracken, owner of @BMCTactical, explains the nonsensical SB 279 language that aims to criminalize a majority of commonly used self defense firearms.

SB 279 is in Senate Judiciary today!

Tune in AND contact your legislator via https://t.co/inarp3FJm1#nmpol #2A pic.twitter.com/PqRek5rMZt

— New Mexico Senate Republicans (@NMSenate_GOP) March 5, 2025

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today is St. Patrick's Day!

What is St. Patrick's Day? Well, here's the answer:

Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a religious and cultural holiday held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.

Along with wearing green (or orange, depending upon one's persuasion) and having corned beef and cabbage, there's one other way to celebrate.

That is to pop a DVD (or VHS tape) of John Ford's beloved movie, The Quiet Man (1952), starring John Wayne, Barry Fitzgerald, Maureen O'Hara, Victor McLaglen and Ward Bond. That's what I'll be doing this evening.

Above, the wagon from The Quiet Man at the John Wayne Birthplace Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's trailer number one from 1952:

Why Everyone Will Be Going To Osaka In 2025

Above, yours truly at Osaka Castle in 2015.

Besides Tokyo, Osaka, Japan is a big draw to foreign visitors. One also has to include nearby Kyoto. Usually, one doesn't visit Osaka or Kyoto without going to the other. 

The last time I visited Osaka was in 2015. Of course, we also had to visit Kyoto, but we stayed in Osaka during that portion of the trip. 

The highlights of the visit to Osaka were Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori district.

Above, Japan's food capital is Osaka's Dotonbori district. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article on why everyone will be traveling to Osaka in 2025.

They begin it with:

With a long history as Japan's mercantile heart and major port of call, Osaka is dense and delightfully in your face. Now, as it gears up to host World Expo 2025 this month and welcome more travelers than ever before, the neon-lit metropolis has been reinventing itself. It has launched several ambitious urban renewal projects—like the Grand Green Osaka, a 22-acre mixed-use development that is transforming a freight terminal into verdant public spaces—to draw leisure seekers beyond the usual tourist haunts. The city has also lured some of hospitality's most luxurious names: The Four Seasons arrived last August, and the Waldorf Astoria opens its first hotel in Japan this month. Star chefs from Japan and abroad are shaking up the dining scene with inventive gastronomy, though delicious casual eats from rough-and-ready street stalls and mom-and-pop shops are still Osaka's calling card. Among Japan's major cities, Osaka remains unique: unpretentious, energetic, and ready to show you a good time—as long as you know where to go.

To read more, go here. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.

To start off the week, we have Eric Burdon & The Animals, a big part of the British Invasion of rockers back in the 1960s and their hit from 1967, "When I Was Young".

From Wikipedia: 

The Animals, currently billed as Eric Burdon & The Animals (featuring original frontman Eric Burdon) and also as Animals & Friends (featuring original drummer John Steel), are an English rock band formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1963.

The Animals' original lineup consisted of frontman Eric Burdon, guitarist Hilton Valentine, bass guitarist Chas Chandler, keyboardist Alan Price and drummer John Steel. Known for their gritty, bluesy sound, they balanced tough, rock-edged pop singles against rhythm-and-blues-oriented album material and were part of the British Invasion of the US.

The Animals rose to prominence with their signature song and transatlantic number-one hit single "The House of the Rising Sun", and continued this success with hits such as "We Gotta Get Out of This Place", "It's My Life", "Don't Bring Me Down", "I'm Crying", "See See Rider" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood". They underwent numerous personnel changes in the mid-1960s, and suffered from poor business management, leading the original incarnation to split up in 1966. Burdon then assembled a mostly new lineup of musicians under the name Eric Burdon and the Animals; the much-changed act moved to California and achieved commercial success as a psychedelic and progressive rock band with hits such as "San Franciscan Nights", "When I Was Young" and "Sky Pilot" before disbanding at the end of the decade.

Internet Movie Firearms Database

Suppose you are watching a movie, a western, perhaps, and you notice that a Winchester 1892 lever-action is being used by an actor but the story takes place in 1875. But you aren't totally sure.

Well, there's a website that is the Internet Movie Firearms Database that can tell you what guns are being used in the movie and whether or not a blooper took place like in the first paragraph. 

I have made use of the IMFDB a few times for references in blog posts. 

According to their "About", the website states:

The Internet Movie Firearms Database (IMFDB) is a community-built Wiki that documents the guns found in movies, television series, video games, and anime. Founded in 2007, IMFDB has a large community of active readers and editors, including professional armorers with first-hand knowledge of Hollywood armories.

With 31,190 articles on shows, guns, and actors, IMFDB is the internet's #1 resource for firearms in popular media.

The IMFDB definitely comes in handy!

To access it, go here.

UFO Documentary: "The Age of Disclosure"

 

A new documentary on UFOs (or UAPs) and alien life is coming soon.

From Yahoo! Entertainment:

AUSTIN, Texas — The documentary The Age of Disclosure sets out to do what countless films have done before: present proof that humans on Earth are not alone in the universe. What’s different this time is that 34 senior members of the government, military and intelligence community went on camera to talk about it.

“This is the biggest story there is,” director Dan Farah told Yahoo Entertainment. “What’s a bigger story than an 80-year-old cover-up of the existence of nonhuman intelligent life and revealing there’s a secret Cold War race among nations to reverse-engineer technology of nonhuman origin?”

There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s back up.

The movie, which premiered on March 9 at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival, reveals information alleging that the U.S. government has been working to hide evidence of the existence of extraterrestrials and that it’s competing with other countries to reverse-engineer the complex technology they’ve uncovered.

To read more, go here.