Dotonbori, Osaka's "Eat Street"

Above, interesting restaurant signs are plentiful in Osaka's Dotonbori. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Three years ago, I visited Osaka's restaurant district, Dotonbori, and partook in a hearty meal. This was one of the things I wanted to see and do while in Osaka. It was well worth the trip.

Dotonbori is an interesting place to visit. Along with enjoying aromas coming from its restaurants, looking at the signs is also a lot of fun.

Osaka is known for its culinary delights and The Guardian has an article on taking a "foodie tour" of the city.

They begin with:

The woman on the early morning train from Osaka station made swift work of a large noodle-stuffed omelette, and just as I was thinking that was a substantial breakfast for a far from substantial person, it was out with the chopsticks again as she set about a generous bento box, its nine compartments filled with rice, fish, veg and pickled bits and bobs. 

But that’s Osakans for you: prodigious appetites for food and, in marked contrast to Tokyoites, also for drinking and general fun. You have to love a city that has a word for “scoff till you drop”. Kuidaore literally means “eat to ruin” (whether that’s financial or physical is not specified).

To feed those appetites, the eating opportunities in central Osaka are many, hugely varied and, for those with only very basic Japanese, mystifying. So we asked Ayako “Aya” Kiyono, an Osaka-born tour guide whose hobby is restaurants, to take us on a night out.

Above, the counter of one Dotonbori eatery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Payment and Tax-Free Tips In Japan

Above, the Shibuya shopping district of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is planning to visit Japan for the first time, they should be mindful that "cash is king" in the country.

Time Out Tokyo has an article on paying for goods and avoiding some taxes.

They begin with:

Although having a credit card is very common in Japan, the majority of all purchases in this country are still made with cash. Although that might change in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as various experiments with cashless payment solutions are being undertaken by the government, it’s best to carry at least some cold hard yen at all times. Read on for our tips on paying in Japan and learn how to avoid the usual pitfalls.

To read more, go here. 

Kyoto Tower Virtual Reality Bungee Jump

Above, Kyoto Tower. The new attraction is located
 in its observation deck. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

How would you like to bungee jump from the stage of Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto? Well, from now to December 24 you can! 

Well, sort of.

Kyoto Tower (blasted by Godzilla in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II in 1993) has opened the Kyoto Tower Virtual Reality Bungee Jump attraction. 

According to The Asahi Shimbun:

KYOTO--Kiyomizudera, one of the nation's most celebrated temples, is known for its wooden stage built off the main hall that offers panoramic views of the hillsides below.
While no one would advise anyone to contemplate the 13-meter leap from the stage, 

those wanting to experience the thrill of a steep jump can now do so at Kyoto Tower in complete safety, courtesy of virtual reality. 

Thrill seekers don VR goggles while seated in special chairs 34 meters above ground on the observation deck of the structure in the city’s Shimogyo Ward.

Above, the stage of Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kyoto Tower is located just across the street from the JR Kyoto Station (where Gamera and Irys had their final battle in Gamera 3).

To read more, go here. 

Boeing 787 Displayed At Chubu Airport "Theme Park"

Above, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Los Angeles International Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those planning to visit Japan in the future and who are also aviation buffs, they may want to make a special detour to Chubu Airport to check out the new Flight of Dreams commercial complex "theme park" which has on display a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The Asahi Shimbun reported:

TOKONAME, Aichi Prefecture--While aviation buffs usually hang out on airport observation decks to check out airliners, they can simply head into Flight of Dreams at Chubu Airport. 

The new commercial complex, which opens Oct. 12, is dominated by Boeing Co.’s first 787 Dreamliner on display. 

Flight of Dreams, which offers aircraft-related attractions, shopping and dining, is expected to garner much public attention as an “airport theme park.” 

The main attraction of the four-story complex is the Boeing 787 midsize passenger jet, which weighs about 100 tons and measures 60 meters in length. It is parked in the central area, dwarfing visitors and shops.

To read more, go here. 

Fall Snowfall In Rockies and High Plains

Above, it won't be long before I start seeing this again. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was only a weekend ago that I was in Kingman, Arizona that had 90° temperatures. In fact, all along my drives along Interstate 40 in Arizona were in warm weather, including Flagstaff.

That has changed as we move further into the autumn months and some states are getting early snowfalls, including Flagstaff.

The Weather Channel reported:

Snow has already been falling in parts of the northern and western United States over the last few days. 

Denver picked up its first measurable snow of the season early Saturday, with a half-inch measured at the airport east of the city. 

Accumulating snow spread as far south as Flagstaff, Arizona, early Sunday morning, with 0.7 inches reported at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. Additional snow reports from the past several days can be found at the bottom of this article.

The temperatures here in Jamestown, New Mexico have been dropping during the past several days. It will drop down into the mid to upper 30s tonight.

It appears it won't be long before we get some snow.

To read more, go here. 

Early Morning Sightseeing On Rise In Tokyo and Kyoto

Above, an early morning view of the Skytree from Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is looking to accommodate foreign tourist "early birds" by opening attractions earlier and longer.

The Japan Times reported:

More tourists in Kyoto and Tokyo are sightseeing early in the morning, although many venues are not yet ready to handle the new trend. 

In Kyoto, home to a huge array of temples and shrines, officials have been trying in recent years to ease congestion from the influx of visitors by opening tourist sites longer each day and seeking to attract off-season visitors. 

Nijo Castle, for example, opens at 8 a.m. from July through September, 45 minutes earlier than usual, and closes at 7 p.m. in July and August, two hours later than usual. It also offers a seasonal breakfast set featuring Kyoto-style congee with yuba (bean curd skin) and other ingredients. 

Tokyo Skytree, a 634-meter-tall broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida Ward that was completed in 2012, is not very crowded soon after it opens at 8 a.m. Some early bird tourists visit the tower for its sweeping views of the capital and to make tour plans for the day.

To read more, go here.

Rain Arrived

Above, clouds over the mesas today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The rain is here.

I headed into Gallup for some errands and the rains began when I reached the outskirts of town near Fire Rock Navajo Casino. The rain was steady and, at times, coming down pretty hard.

When I headed back to Jamestown, the rain tapered off a tad but started up again when I made a stop at the Flying J for some gasoline.

So, for the rest of the day, I'm just going to kick back at home.

Haunted Memphis Landmarks

Above, the back of Graceland mansion. Elvis is claimed to be seen by visitors just wandering around the building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ghosts and hauntings in Memphis? Maybe. Maybe not.

There are nine landmarks in Memphis, Tennessee that are said to be haunted and StyleBlueprint.com discusses each one of them in an article.

One of the so-called haunted landmarks is Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion. Another is the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.

The article begins with:

Yes, there are hayrides, fall festivals and pumpkin patches — but for all you lovers of things creepy, paranormal and even terrifying, we’ve got the list for you. You’ve probably heard of these places and maybe even been to some of these landmarks, but did you know they were “haunted”? Read for yourself, and see if you think these local spots are haunted or if it’s just hallucinations.

To read more, go here (if you dare). 

Rain Coming

Above, last week's rains. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I have some errands to do today in Gallup, I took a look at today's weather forecast and it says we're getting rain today.

It is supposed really hit this afternoon, so it is best that I head out to Gallup this morning so I can get back before the rain.

Right now it is partially cloudy with winds. That's what made me take a look.

President Trump: You Don't Hand Matches To An Arsonist

President Trump, speaking at a Kansas rally tonight:

"The Democrats have become too extreme and too dangerous to govern, You don't hand matches to an arsonist, and you don't give power to an angry left wing mob -- and that's what they've become."

Tsukiji Fish Market Is Now History

Above, a worker prepares the day's catch for sale. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The historic Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo has closed its doors for good. Today was its last day of operations before the big move to the new facility.

I visited the Tsukiji Fish Market in 2010 and now that it's history, I am especially glad I did.

Above, one of the vendor aisles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun) wrote:

The iconic Tsukiji market, part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market, marked its final day of operations in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, on Saturday, drawing the curtain on 83 years of history. 

The final auctions were held from the predawn hours of Saturday morning. By noon, the move to the Toyosu market had begun. The new wholesale market in the Toyosu district of Koto Ward, Tokyo, is scheduled to open early Thursday. Before then, an “unprecedented transfer operation” will have to be completed.

The Outer Market, where the restaurants and shops are located will remain open.

Above, yours truly with one of the workers at Sushizanmai at the Tsukiji Outer Market in 2010.

To read more, go here.

KAVANAUGH CONFIRMED!

Martin Heinrich, Hypocrite!

First Heinrich voted no to confirm Neil Gorsuch, now he is going to vote no on confirming Kavanaugh. New Mexico deserves better than a Senator who is so blinded by partisanship, he cannot even vote for qualified judges. - Mick Rich for Senate.





ALBUQUERQUE, NM, Oct. 6, 2018 – Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, Mick Rich, issued the following statement about Martin Heinrich's vote against Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh:

"Immediately after President Trump announced Judge Kavanaugh's nomination, Martin Heinrich pledged to vote against him. He did not wait to hear a single word of testimony. He did not deliberate. He did not contemplate. If President Trump is for it, Senator Heinrich is against it. He is a Washington politician who votes however Chuck Schumer tells him – whether or not it is good for our state and nation.

"Years ago, Martin Heinrich quit listening the hard-working taxpayers of New Mexico. It is time for him to go."

Frosted!

Above, the white area on the deck is frost. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My outdoor thermometer, the National Weather Service and The Weather Channel weren't kidding.

It is cold outside!

Above, the frost is confined to the outer part of the deck. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I opened the front door (the storm door keeps the cold out) and saw that there's frost on the deck. The warmest it is going to get today will be in the mid-60s.

Getting Colder Here

Above, after a snowstorm last February. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, that was quick!

Autumn temperatures have taken hold.

I just took a gander at the temperatures for the Jamestown, New Mexico area and found that the temperature now is 35° outside. It looks like that I will have to plug in The Beast so that the holding tank heaters will keep the tanks from freezing up.

Thankfully, once I store The Beast in the GOCO Beast Barn, I have 30 amp extension cords that will reach it to do the same.

It is interesting living in a place where there are actual four seasons, unlike Los Angeles. The summer was pretty mild, compared to what I am used to. The temperatures averaged around 80° with occasional 90° temperatures with the hottest period being around late June to mid-July.

I was told that the snows around here generally start during the start of the new year. We'll see.

UFO Sightings In Decline

Above, an alien and UFO display at the International UFO Museum in Roswell, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that reports of UFO sightings are in decline, at least according to an article in The Guardian (U.K.).

They wrote:

This month, the two major online sites for reporting UFOs – the National UFO Reporting Center and the Mutual UFO Network – both documented steep drops in worldwide sightings. The declines started around 2014, when reports were at a peak. They have since reduced drastically to 55% of that year’s combined total, many UFO interest groups have folded, and numerous previously classified government documents have been disclosed. 

Do these declines reveal that UFO interest is becoming a blip on the human cultural radar? Perhaps UFO and alien lore is seeming more like a reflection of human culture, tied to the space age, motivated by conquering new existential frontiers. 

It might not be a coincidence that the term UFO (unidentified flying object) and some of the phenomena that surrounds it – abductions and impossible technologies – are relatively recent. Before the 1940s, reports of sightings of objects in the sky were extremely rare. Centuries of recorded history give no clear indication of any such activity. Then, at the predawn of the space-age, around the time of the Roswell conspiracy, UFO culture was born, giving rise to everything from Space Invaders to The X-Files.

To read more, go here. 

USS Arizona Boat Tours Resume

Above, the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Boat tours past the USS Arizona resumed today after repairs to the floating boat dock were completed.

According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser:

Navy divers worked on the sunken USS Arizona Memorial visitor center dock Tuesday to try to get it refloated. It has since been repaired.

Boat tours of Pearl Harbor’s former Battleship Row will be reinstated Friday morning by the National Park Service following a five-day stop after the floating shoreside dock sank at the USS Arizona Memorial visitor center last Saturday. 

The repairs were completed thanks to the “outstanding support” of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard divers, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, Port Operations and Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii, the park service said. 

Visitors will continue to see a 25-minute documentary film, followed by transfer to Navy boats for the harbor tour, which transits in close proximity to the USS Arizona Memorial. 

Visitors normally have the opportunity to get off the boat on the walkway memorial that extends over the sunken Arizona, but walk-on access was curtailed as of May 10 to address a faulty anchoring system on the concrete floating dock that’s attached to the memorial.

To read more, go here.

If Only I Had A Spare Half A Million Dollars

Above, Norman Rockwell's portrait of John Wayne. 

Two favorites of mine came together in 1973. It was for a portrait sitting. The National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum commissioned a painting of John Wayne by Norman Rockwell.

The painting by the legendary American artist Norman Rockwell is coming up for auction. It is estimated to fetch anywhere between $1,000,000 to $1,500,000.

According to the Jackson Hole News & Guide:

The Jackson Hole Art Auction announced that an iconic Norman Rockwell painting of John Wayne will headline the auction’s addendum. 

“They’re two American icons and legends,” auction coordinator Madison Webb said. “What Norman Rockwell did for Americana and illustration, Wayne did for the American West in film. To see two titans of industry come together is really amazing, and both left an indelible mark on the American landscape and culture.” 

The painting, a 38- by 31-inch oil on canvas, is estimated to worth between $1 and $1.5 million dollars. Fresh to the auction market, the painting was brought to the auction from a private collection. 

The auction, a signature event of September’s Fall Art Festival put on by Trailside Galleries and Gerald Peters Gallery, will take place Sept. 14 and Sept. 15. The year will feature the auction’s largest sale.

Above, John Wayne and Norman Rockwell during the time of the portrait sitting.

 Ah, if only I had a spare half million dollars to spare.

To read more, go here.

DC May Produce Comics Based On George Reeves Version

Above, George Reeves as Superman.

For the baby boomer generation, George Reeves is the one and only Superman in their eyes.

Yesterday, DC Comics representatives indicated that the publisher is looking to produce a comic series of Superman based on the George Reeves Adventures of Superman television show of the 1950s.

Bleeding Cool reported:

During the “DC Meet the Publishers” panel at New York Comic Con today, representatives from DC Comics indicated that the company is looking into making Superman stories based off George Reeves‘s take on the character. Reeves, not related to fellow Superman actor Christopher Reeve, was the first actor to have the pleasure of portraying the iconic man of steel for the Adventures of Superman tv show in the 1950s.

To read more, go here. 

1983 Sons of the Desert Banquet

Above, the banquet program with autographs from Hank Worden and Hal Roach Sr.

Thirty-five years ago this month, I attended the 13th Annual Banquet of the "Way Out West" Tent of the Sons of The Desert at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City with Glenn Thornhill and Mark Rosenthal. The banquet was held on October 15, 1983.

It was there that I met and obtained the autographs of actor Hank Worden (Mose Harper of The Searchers) and Hal Roach Sr. on my program.

Above, actor Hank Worden. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At the table I was seated at was actress Joyce Compton, who was tickled that I remembered her starring with Bela Lugosi in Scared To Death.

Other stars were in attendance at the banquet, including Vivian Blaine, Alan Young, Henry Brandon and Anthony Caruso.

Above, yours truly with Mark Rosenthal (center) and Glenn Thornhill at the banquet.

Herald-Examiner columnist James Bacon was also in attendance and he wrote this in the October 20, 1983 edition:

Some of us were discussing John Wayne this morning and I noted that I met two actors in a clip from The Searchers: Hank Worden and Henry Brandon (Comanche Chief Scar). This led me to dig though my files of the banquet. 

Fired Up The Heater

Above, one of the heating floor ducts in the living room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the nighttime temperatures are dropping down into the 40s, the inside of the house is also getting colder. I was starting to shiver this morning.

For the first time since last spring, I fired up the heater (propane). There's heating outlets in every room on the floor.

Above, Sierra giving the floor duct an inspection. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So far, the heating system is working just fine. I am just going to keep it on to get the chill out.

In no time, the heating system started warming up the house.

Yosemite Tradmark Fight To Drag Into 2019

Above, the former Ahwahnee Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that the legal fight between Delaware North and the federal government will drag on into 2019.

National Parks Traveler reported:

It could easily be mid-2019 before any clarity is shed on the dispute between DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite and the National Park Service over who owns the rights to such iconic Yosemite National Park names as The Ahwahnee, Curry Village, and the Wawona Hotel. 

Court documents in the standoff that dates to 2014 show that the two sides have until July 23, 2019, to report back to U.S. District Judge Patricia E. Campbell-Smith on whether they are optimistic that they can negotiate a settlement. 

The issue of trademarking words attached to properties in the National Park System arose in 2014 year when the Park Service released a prospectus for a 15-year contract involving lodging and dining concessions at Yosemite. During the process, DNC, which had held the concessions business in Yosemite since 1993, notified the Park Service that it owned "intellectual property" rights in the form of trademarks attached to lodgings in the park. 

Yosemite National Park officials, looking to avoid a costly trademark fight with DNC Parks & Resorts, announced in January 2016 that they would change the names of iconic lodges in the park. The Ahwahnee Hotel, for instance, would be known going forward as the Majestic Yosemite Hotel. The new names were chosen in order to minimize the impact on visitors, the park announced, and include: 

● Yosemite Lodge at the Falls to become: Yosemite Valley Lodge
● The Ahwahnee to become: The Majestic Yosemite Hotel
● Curry Village to become: Half Dome Village
● Wawona Hotel to become: Big Trees Lodge
● Badger Pass Ski Area to become: Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area

To read more, go here.

Japan Visitors Topped 20 Million Already

Above, Osaka's Dotonbori restaurant area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the third year in a row, the total number of foreign visitors to Japan exceeded 20 million.

According to Nippon.com:

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of foreign visitors arriving in Japan in 2018 reached some 21,308,900 as of the end of August, surpassing the 20 million mark earlier than any other year in history. The JNTO cites the addition of new aircraft and expansion of flight routes, together with the continuous development and promotion of tourism, as the drivers behind this record-breaking number. 

The greatest number of arrivals from the August 2018 totals were from China, with 5,795,600 (up 18.7% from 2017); South Korea, with 5,218,300 (up 12.0%); and Taiwan, with 3,360,800 (up 8.0%). The countries with the biggest percentage hikes since last year were Russia, which increased by 27.2% to 60,900; Vietnam, up 26.9% to 262,000; and Spain, up 21.5% to 79,500.

Unfortunately, the article doesn't indicate the number of arrivals from the U.S. Apparently, we're not making that much of a dent.

To read more, go here. 

New Mexico In Lost Dutchman Chapter

The majority of members of the Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus primarily are from Arizona, but the chapter "annexed" New Mexico as part of their territory in 1999.

From the Lost Dutchman website:

NEWS FLASH Date May 24,1999 

DUTCHMAN ANNEXES NEW MEXICO 

In a news conference today, Humbug 'roundevil' Johnson announced that the take-over of New Mexico Territory by Lost Dutchman Chapter 5917 ECV was approved by the Board of Proctors of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus at the annual meeting in Sonora, Alta California on May 22, Clamper Year 6004. The combined area will be named New Arizona and will have an Eastern Boundary of 103 degrees, 03 minutes West Longitude. 

Johnson said the reason for this shameless land-grab was that numerous Missionaries, Clampers, Explorers and Proctors had investigated this area and all reported NO credible evidence of intelligent or any other form of Clamper activity in this vast wilderness. It was therefore necessary to take this step to preserve Inviolet the Precepts and Purposes of the Order. 

Johnson also stated " We will continue to Colonize, Clamperize and Proselytize this land until such time as there are enough Clampers to form an Outpost with the future aim of resurrecting the now defunct Quivara Chapter #4 . Only then will Lost Dutchman feel secure about the future of this Territory". 

   WE ARE NOW Chapter 5917 + 4... What Say the Bretheren.

Above, the plaque that was dedicated in Kingman, Arizona last weekend. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As such, I am working with the chapter to organize a clampout next year in New Mexico. Some ideas for a plaque are being investigated. I have a call in to the local congressman's office on one of them. 

Japan Rail Pass Now Launches in the US

Above, two of my old Japan Rail Passes. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those Americans who plan to visit Japan and, also, want to save money on visiting places outside of Tokyo that involve longer train travel, here's some good news.

From SBWIRE:

Sydney, Australia -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/04/2018 -- Australia's leading Japan Rail Pass retailer Japan Rail Pass Now has expanded into the US market. 

JapanRailPassNow.com was officially launched in Sydney last night at a private function in Manly which attracted over 100 people in attendance. 

With more than 1.3 million American visitors to Japan each year, Managing Director Adam McKnight and team have launched the new website www.japanrailpassnow.com in a bid to help improve the Japan Experience for travelers from the United States. 

Japan Rail Pass Now USA will be operating out of Las Vegas, Nevada.

To read more, go here. 

Loose Moo-Moos

Above, the view as I was driving down to the bend in the road near the fire station (right). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While heading down to the Flying J and Denny's this morning, I was met by the sight of loose cows in a field near the Whispering Cedars Fire Station.

Above, the cows near the fire station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Apparently, the cows got out of their fenced grazing area and are wandering around near the fire station.

I stopped and took a few shots.

Fortunately, there are a couple of cattle grids between the fire station and Interstate 40 so they can't get onto the freeway and be turned into hamburger.

Odyssey Party 2 Years Ago

Above, Asya and yours truly at the unveiling. Photo by Lori Thornhill.

A reminder came from Facebook a little while ago that it was two years ago on October 2 that the party for the unveiling of my portrait was held at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills, California took place.

I commissioned the portrait by Asya Lipovetskaya as I was curious about how an artist would "interpret" me. While I could have just hung the portrait at home with no fanfare, I decided to throw a little party for friends and help promote Asya's art career.

The room that we had the party had a commanding view of the San Fernando Valley and everyone had a good time.

Above, Asya with the "Three Mesas".

Since then, I commissioned another painting by Asya. It is a landscape of the "Three Mesas" that are across the valley from my Jamestown, New Mexico home. It is now proudly displayed in my living room as is the portrait. It has received many compliments.

Above, Asya and I in Santa Monica on January 23.

Asya is currently working on art projects in her hometown of St. Petersburg, Russia and we occasionally chat. She's doing quite well, I am happy to report. We last met up just before I moved to New Mexico in Santa Monica on January 23.

Whatever Became of... Dolores Hart?

Above, Dolores Hart and Elvis Presley in Loving You.

She starred in two Elvis Presley movies, Loving You and King Creole, and was a rising star. From 1957 to 1962, Dolores Hart made 11 movies. She was only 17 when the starred with Presley in Loving You.

Then she disappeared.

But, it was by choice and Dolores Hart, now Mother Dolores, is happily still with us. She gave up Hollywood for the church.

According to an article in the Herald-Tribune:

Just as Grace Kelly gave up making movies to follow her heart and marry Prince Rainier of Monaco, Dolores Hart chose her vocation to become a Benedictine nun over Hollywood stardom. 

Mother Dolores Hart told her story Sept. 30 to a large crowd at St. Louis Catholic Church. 

"I began thinking about this (entertainment) industry when I was 7 years old. I wanted to be an actress. My father was an actor, and he was so handsome," reported the woman who was born Dolores Hicks.

To read more, go here.