Dry, At Least Until Saturday

Above, Barking Spider Acre and GOCO Beast Barn in June 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It would be nice to sit outside today if it weren't for the winds and cloudy conditions.

According to my thermometer outside, it is almost 60°.

Maybe later this week, the conditions will improve enough. It will be a dry week until Saturday, when it is forecast that we'll be getting a 20% chance of showers through Sunday. Hopefully, it won't rain. The ground here is saturated already. When I put the motorhome into the garage yesterday, it almost got stuck in the soft, muddy ground as I was driving it on Barking Spider Acre to position it with the GOCO Beast Barn door. Thankfully, it didn't get stuck, but the tires are all caked with mud and there are huge ruts on the ground.

According to the National Weather Service, the week looks like this:

This Afternoon

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Southwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 57. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 60.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Sunday

A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.

Got The Kong Silver Coin

Above, the 2021 Godzilla vs, Kong silver coins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before heading to the National Money Show last weekend in Phoenix, there was one coin that I planned to get while there.

That was the island nation of Niue's (near New Zealand) 2021 Kong silver coin commemorating Godzilla vs. Kong. I had bought the Godzilla coin and decided to get the Kong one at the show. I figured that a dealer would have them and, sure enough, one did.

Above, at the National Coin Show. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The mint run for these coins was at 25,000, so once they're gobbled up, that's it. 

The coins contain 1 Troy oz of .999 pure silver in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.

They can still be bought online at JM Bullion by going here.

By the way, see the next issue of G-FAN for more on these coins.

Silver Spot Price Back Over $21/toz

While we were at the National Money Show in Phoenix over the weekend, the spot price for silver crept up over $21.00/toz. 

Whether it will go higher or slide back down in the next several days is anyone's guess. But it made for some good deals at the show for attendees.

As it now stands, the spot price is now at:

UPDATE (1304 hrs.):

Looks like silver's spot price really dropped today. 

Here's where it stands now:

$20.09

-0.97

-4.61%

Low   $20.06

High   $20.79

3/7/2023 12:03:45 PM PST   prices in USD / toz

U.S. Mint At West Point, New York

Above, the 2023 American Eagle Proof coin. Note the
"W" below "In God We Trust". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Not many people are aware that the U.S. Mint has a facility in West Point, New York near the West Point Military Academy.

The 2023 American Silver Eagle Proof coin I bought last Saturday at the National Money Show is from the West Point Mint.

From Austin Rare Coins & Bullion:

The West Point Mint manufactures the entire family of American Eagle proof and uncirculated coins in gold, silver, and platinum. Gold and Platinum Coins are manufactured in denominations of one-ounce, half-ounce, quarter-ounce and tenth -ounce. Silver bullion Coins are manufactured in one-ounce denomination.

Originally, the West Point Bullion Depository was erected in 1937 as a storage facility for Silver Bullion and was nicknamed "The Fort Knox of Silver." From 1973 to 1986, West Point produced cents, and in 1980 began striking Gold medallions.

March 31, 1988 was the date when the American Mint at West Point gained official status as a U.S. Mint. Today it is still a storage facility, but also manufactures, packages and ships Gold and Silver commemorative coins, and American Eagle Bullion coins in proof and uncirculated condition. Its Platinum Eagles have been very popular since their first issuance in 1997. In 2000, it struck the first ever Gold and Platinum Bi-Metallic Coin. There are no public tours at the West Point facility due to its extremely high security.

To read more, go here. 

Review of the National Money Show

Above, the National Money Show in Phoenix. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The National Money Show in Phoenix this past week at the Phoenix Convention Center was an enjoyable event. It seemed to be well-organized with a huge room of dealers from around the country.

There were all kinds of coins, bullion, rounds and ingots to be had. There were special presentations and seminars during the show, there were none that I was interested in on Saturday. People of all ages were in attendance, which is a good sign. I spent a few hundred dollars there.

There were some things I noticed. One, I saw no dealers with coin collecting supplies such as capsules, cases (there was one lady selling used cases), boxes and other items for collection organizing. I thought this was odd. 

Above, the show's main entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Another thing I noticed was that on Saturday (the free admission day), about half of the dealers began packing up to leave about three hours after the show started (10:00). Other dealers who stayed open remarked that they, too, thought it was odd since there were plenty of people wandering the aisles. 

There were new coins along with old ones. It seemed that the older coins were dominated by Morgan silver dollars, which was fine with me (my favorite coin). Just about every dealer had them. I should have made a list of the ones I have and so that I could reference it and just look for the ones I don't have. My mistake. I was hoping to meet Doug Davis of the Anti-Counterfeit Educational Foundation. I didn't see him. He was on the schedule earlier in the week. Each dealer I spoke with were friendly and willing to answer whatever questions I had.

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and I with U.S. Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson.

The National Money Show is sponsored by the American Numismatic Association (ANA), based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They put on two shows per year: The World's Fair of Money in the summer, and the National Money Show in the spring. The cities for each show change each year.

Looking at this year's schedule, the World's Fair of Money this summer will be held in Pittsburgh on August 8-12, 2023. 

Vendors included private and public coin businesses, coin clubs and the U.S. Mint. Memberships in the ANA were also available. I got myself a senior Platinum ANA membership at the show. 

If either of the shows are scheduled in a nearby city in the future, I will attend. I had a great time. The three and a half hours we were there went by quickly.

For more information on the American Numismatic Association, go here.

NMSSA Legislative Update 3/5/23

 

We now have less than two weeks to go in the 2023 New Mexico Legislative Session. We found out today that HB101 will be not heard in the House Judiciary Committee on Monday, but it could be heard later in the week, so be on the lookout for our alerts. The bill would ban the sale of semiautomatic rifles in New Mexico and require current owners to register them with the state. HB100, the house version of a 14-day waiting period for firearm sales, still hasn't been heard on the House Floor yet. This means we have to keep up the pressure against the bill. You can use this link to send a pre-drafted email to your state representative asking them to oppose the bill. Today in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee, both SB427 and SB428 were passed on party-line votes of the senators present. SB427 is another version of a 14-day waiting period. SB428, while amended today to try to make it fall in line with the Federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, would still target gun manufacturers and retailers with lawsuits over the criminal acts of third-parties. We remain firmly opposed to the bill. The next stop for both bills is the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Last Mile Motorcycle Hearse Company

Above, the trailer containing the motorcycle hearse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While Mitch Geriminsky and I were staying at a motel when we attended the National Money Show in Phoenix, we saw an interesting trailer.

It was for a hearse of Last Mile Motorcycle Hearse Company. If a loved one is to go out in style, this would be a way to do it.

Above, the hearse. Photo by Armand Vaquer

The hearse plays music and can display a photo of the deceased. 

The operators were putting the wheel fenders on the hearse and we walked over to chat with them. They are based in Las Vegas, Nevada and can go pretty much anywhere in the Western United States. They were in town for a funeral service.

According to their brochure, their services include:

• H2 Hummer Pulled Coach
• Casket or Urn
• Music Included
• UrnArk Included 

For more information, go to www.LastMileMHC.com. 

 

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. 

This week's spotlight is on the Doobie Brothers, who are still active. My preference of the Doobie Brothers are the pre-Michael McDonald years with Tom Johnston on lead vocals. I first heard them on the old FM progressive rock station KPPC (which later became KROQ) in Los Angeles in 1971. The song was "Feelin' Down Farther" from their first album, which I have on cassette. The song greatly influenced their 1972 hit, "Listen To The Music".

Above, the Doobies appeared at the Route 66 Hotel Casino a few years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From Wikipedia:

The Doobie Brothers are an American rock band formed in 1970 in San Jose, California, known for their flexibility in performing across numerous genres and their vocal harmonies. Active for five decades, with their greatest success in the 1970s, the group's current lineup consists of founding members Tom Johnston (guitars, vocals) and Patrick Simmons (guitars, vocals), alongside Michael McDonald (keyboards, vocals) and John McFee (guitars, pedal steel, violin, backing vocals), and touring musicians including John Cowan (bass, vocals), Marc Russo (saxophones), Ed Toth (drums), and Marc Quiñones (percussion). Other long-serving members of the band include guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (1974–1979), bassist Tiran Porter (1972–1980, 1987–1992) and drummers John Hartman (1970–1979, 1987–1992), Michael Hossack (1971–1973, 1987–2012), and Keith Knudsen (1973–1982, 1993–2005). They performed gospel influenced songs such as "Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)" and "Jesus is Just Alright".[4]

Johnston provided the lead vocals for the band from 1970 to 1975, when they featured a mainstream rock sound with elements of folk, country and R&B. Michael McDonald joined the band in 1975 as a keyboard player and second lead vocalist, to give some relief to Johnston, who was suffering health problems at the time. McDonald's interest in soul music introduced a new sound to the band. Johnston and McDonald performed together as co-lead vocalists for one album, Takin' It to the Streets, before Johnston retired fully in 1977. Frequent lineup changes followed through the rest of the 1970s, and the band broke up in 1982 with Simmons being the only constant member having appeared on all of their albums. In 1987 the Doobie Brothers reformed with Johnston back in the fold; McDonald, who had previously made several guest appearances since their reformation, returned to the band full-time in 2019 for their 50th anniversary tour.

The following music video if of their 1975 hit, "Take Me In Your Arms", which reminds me of my final year at El Camino College.

American Silver Eagle Proof Coin

Above, Mitch and I with Director Ventris C. Gibson. 

While at the National Money Show, Mitch Geriminsky and I met the new (she was confirmed last June by voice vote of the U.S. Senate) Director of the United States Mint, Ventris C. Gibson.

Mitch had met her first at the U.S. Mint's booth at the show. He got this for me from her at the time:

Above, the signed card Mitch Geriminsky got for me. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to the U.S. Mint website:

WASHINGTON – On Friday, Ventris C. Gibson took the oath of office as Director of the United States Mint. President Biden nominated Ms. Gibson on December 13, 2021. On May 4, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs advanced her nomination. The full Senate approved the nomination by voice vote on June 15.

Director Gibson becomes the 40th Director of the Mint. She is the first African-American to serve as Director, and the seventh woman to serve in this position.

“I am honored and humbled to be confirmed as Director of the Mint,” said Gibson. “Since joining the Mint last October, I have been tremendously impressed by the dedication and professionalism of its workforce, and the outstanding quality of the circulation coins, bullion coins, and numismatic products made by the Mint.”

Director Gibson is a U.S. Navy veteran who joined the Mint from the District of Columbia government, where she served as the Director of Human Resources. In this role, Ms. Gibson provided executive oversight and execution of human capital programs and services for nearly 37,000 employees. Prior to that, she served as Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Resources in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She was responsible for the development, articulation, and delivery of Department-wide human resources policies, plans, and programs.

When Mitch went back to the U.S. Mint booth, I went with him and bought the new 2023 American Silver Eagle Proof coin. It was released March 2 and is from the West Point Mint. Director Gibson signed the certificate of authenticity and the coin box for me and posed with Mitch and I for photos. 

Above, the American Silver Eagle Proof coin and other coins
 I got at the National Money Show. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is amazing on who one can meet and the things one can buy at these shows.

Some Stuff From The National Money Show

One thing I managed to do at the National Money Show was to join the American Numismatic Association. It was at a special senior rate.

For doing so, I will receive a year's subscription to The Numismatist magazine. I was given a complimentary copy for joining.

An additional item I received for joining was a jeweler's loupe (magnifier) with two LED lights that can be turned on and off. It came in handy while perusing coins at the show (I brought one I already had, but left it back at the hotel).

Trip Eatin' and Drinkin'

Above, the Old Spaghetti Factory in Phoenix. 

After a little trip to Phoenix, Arizona to attend the National Money Show, I am back home.

It was a good time to get out of cold and windy Jamestown, New Mexico for a few days. Mitch Geriminsky drove to Phoenix from Lake Havasu and met me at the airport.

Above, the Rodizio Grill in Mesa, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along with the National Money Show, we went to a couple of eateries. One was the Rodizio Grill, a Brazillian-style steakhouse in Mesa. I had never been there before, but it was enjoyable. Another place I hadn't been to was The Old Spaghetti Factory. I've passed by several of them, but never tried any out until now. I had the mushroom sauce, which was excellent.

Above, Rio Grande Brew Pub and Grill at the Albuquerque Sunport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before my flight from the Albuquerque Sunport, I went to the Rio Grande Brew Pub and Grill, where I discovered Alien Amber Ale, and had one.

Above, yours truly at the Rio Grande Brew Pub and Grill.

We had a good time at the show and will likely go again next year if it is held in Phoenix again.

The National Money Show

Above, with Ventris C. Gibson, the Director of the U.S. Mint.

We spent three hours today and some cash at the National Money Show at the Phoenix Convention Center.

We had good time checking out many coins and bullion of varying ages and denominations while there. 

Vendors were more willing to make better deals as today was the show's last day and didn't want to lug back goods.

We met Ventris C. Gibson, the Director of the U.S. Mint. 

@ The National Money Show

At present,  I am currently at the National Money Show at the Phoenix Convention Center. 

Gold, Silver Demand Strong Despite Downturn

Above, a 2023 American Silver Eagle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The old adage, "Buy low, Sell high" is alive and well.

The gold and silver spot markets may be "soft" in recent weeks, but that hasn't dented the demand for coins of higher grades. The low spot markets are opening up opportunities in getting better deals. It is definitely a buyer's market.

Numismatic News wrote:

The spot price of both gold and silver has become soft recently, but you wouldn’t think so if you were a dealer in coins or bullion trying to keep sufficient stock on hand. Demand for both metals both in bullion coin and collectible coin form continues to surge. The weakened stock market and uncertainties surrounding high interest rates and a possible recession are helping to feed this frenzy.

The frenzy for quality coins continues on as well. The gap between condition rarity and coins graded anything but at the top has widened, as well as has the gap between many proof and uncirculated modern Mint products in the secondary markets.

To read more, go here. 

After The Storm

Now that the snows have stopped (for the most part), I went out and shoveled the walkways. 

This snow seemed more like what we're used to. It wasn't as heavy as the previous snows we've had this season. It is probably from a lesser moisture content.

It is about 40° outside.

Some photos:

Meanwhile, In Chicago...

 

Ghana Silver Coins (Wait Until You See Them)

A few minutes ago, I received an email from coin dealer APMEX.

They were promoting silver coins from the nation of Ghana. 

Here's what they sent:

 

New Space Alien Release

Add intergalactic space alien and UFO-themed products to your collection! This selection includes the 2022 Ghana Alien release, which has a limited mintage of 25,000 1 oz silver, 5,000 antique silver, 1,500 rhodium plated, 1,500 silver proof, and 1,000 1/10 oz gold. Shop these space-themed products today! 

I wonder if a vendor will be selling these at the annual UFO Festival in Roswell, New Mexico this coming July? 

To order, go here.

No Precious Metals Sales Tax In Arizona

Above, a 1976 Kennedy Gem Proof Silver (40%) half dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Unlike New Mexico and a few other states, Arizona does not levy sales taxes on gold, silver bullion and other precious metals.

According to Golden Eagle Coins:

Bullion Sales Tax in Arizona

According to Arizona law, www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/42/05061.htm, the sale of all precious metals and bullion associated with those metals is exempt from sales tax. Precious metals include gold and silver. In addition, any product made from metal used as money, is also exempt from sales tax when bought and sold in Arizona. This ease of restrictions on the markets of gold and silver bullion has made Arizona a very attractive place for all precious metal dealers. It allows those who wish to make a smart investment, do so without any worry of expense or fees.

This is great since I am heading to the National Money Show this weekend in Phoenix.  

6 Must-Visit Historic Attractions in Key West

Above, salvaged artifacts on display at the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Four years ago, our Havana-bound cruise ship, Majesty of the Seas, made a stop in Key West for a few hours.

We had a good time roaming the town and seeing the historical location and attractions. I was planning of going back in 2020, but the pandemic nixed that.

Tinybeans has posted an article on 6 "must-visit" historic attractions in Key West. I went to two of them on the list and saw a third from a distance during our stopover.

They begin with:

From colorful murals to lavishly painted historic homes, Key West will surprise your family with a new adventure around every corner. A buzzing seaport rich with arts and culture, Key West isn’t just a warm place to chill in the sand (though there’s plenty of that, too).

Combining a laid-back beachy vibe with a wild, vibrant history, it’s one of the most exciting historic cities in the U.S. Think your kids don’t love history? Shipwrecks and snorkeling will soon have them thinking otherwise.

Read on for six of our favorite historical attractions in Key West, sure to create memories that will stand the test of time.

To read more, go here. 

Morning Snow

Above, the front yard and The Beast this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since it is now daybreak in New Mexico, I was able to see how much snow we got (it is still snowing) overnight.

In some places, it looks like 2-3" of it, but on the walkway, it looks like about a quarter of an inch. So it is a little hard to tell exactly how much fell.

Above, the deck and deck furniture this morning. In the background, the county
sheriff was making his morning patrol of our subdivision. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am guessing that most of it will probably be gone by this afternoon. The Weather Channel app on my phone indicates that it will have stopped by 1:00 this afternoon. 

I took the photos that accompany this blog post a few minutes ago. It is currently 27° outside.

NMSSA Legislative Update 3/1/23

 

Today's legislative action got off to a wild start when the governor threatened to hold a special session to focus on gun control if the legislature doesn't pass her priority bills. Her threat was noted in the Senate Finance Committee where HB9, the bill that would impose criminal penalties on a gun owner if a third-party minor uses their gun to commit a crime or injure someone, was scheduled to be heard this morning. Senate Finance rolled the bill over in their morning meeting, but did end up hearing HB9 this afternoon where it passed on party-lines. The bill now heads to the floor of the senate for a vote by the full senate. In the Senate Judiciary Committee, SB116 was heard after sitting dormant in the committee for weeks. The bill would ban the purchase and possession of semiautomatic firearms by anyone under the age of 21. After some lively debate, a motion to table the bill failed on a bipartisan vote of 4-4. Then, a motion to pass the bill also failed on a bipartisan 4-4 vote. This means the bill stays in Senate Judiciary for now, but can be brought back again. Not all committee members were present at the meeting. The governor pushed hard to have HB100, the proposed 14-day waiting period for gun purchases, heard on the floor of the house today. But thanks to the pushback against the bill from New Mexicans from across the state, the bill wasn't called up for a vote today. HB101, the ban on the sale of semiautomatic rifles and registration of currently owned ones, is still waiting to be brought up again in the House Judiciary Committee. We know that the governor is pushing very hard behind the scenes for both of these bills, so we are watching them closely right now.

Travel Tips For the Ultimate Arizona RV Road Trip

Above, at Petrified Forest National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's funny that there's been new website postings touting the beauty of Arizona and travel recommendations on what places to see when, during the past 24 hours, the state has been hit with lots of snow.

Yesterday, the National Weather Service reported that Flagstaff alone received 14.4" of snow as of 5:30 PM.  Not exactly RVing weather, is it?

But I jest.

Arizona is a beautiful state to visit and TravelersToday posted an article yesterday with travel tips for the ultimate RV road trip.

They begin it with:

When deciding whether to travel by vehicle or by plane, there is one factor that often goes in favor of hitting the road: the scenery. Taking a road trip is a special experience that allows you to see nature outside your window. Road trips are engaging and immersive. You're not simply a passenger while a pilot carries you to your destination.

States like Arizona are perfect for going on an RV road trip. There are famous locations like the Grand Canyon, but there are plenty of other beautiful places to see in the desert. We'll discuss some of those, along with the logistics of riding in an RV. 

You need to shop for RV insurance if you're going to use one of these vehicles. It's also important to know what to look for when you are shopping for an RV. We'll review these things and other tips to create your ideal road trip in Arizona. 

To read more, go here. 

Biden's Nurse?!

His Fraudulency Joe Biden said something that can only be described as weird at best.

He is, as Clint Eastwood would say, "Slightly advanced!"

From Michael Reagan on Twitter:

Trip Prepping

Above, The Beast after filling its gas tank. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since we're to get snow showers today and tomorrow, I figured I'd better get The Beast out of the GOCO Beast Barn today and fill up the gas tank. The clouds looked ominous.

These were accomplished, just in the nick of time, it seems. A soon as I got back home from the Flying J, it started to snow shower. Gasoline at the Flying J for unleaded regular was $3.179/gallon. My Good Sam Discount lowered that to $3.129/gallon. It was nice that gasoline came down a bit during the past several days.

After getting the Beast Barn's door opened, I was wondering if The Beast would start up, given the cold temperatures during the past two months and that it hadn't been started since Christmas. But it fired up just fine.

This was in preparation for a drive to the Albuquerque Sunport to catch my flight to Phoenix for the National Money Show. I'll be meeting up with Mitch Geriminsky there. 

Snow Coming

It looks like some snow is coming in today.

The National Weather Service Albuquerque bureau posted the following on Facebook:

Plenty of unsettled weather on the docket today. Strong winds and dry conditions will give rise to critical fire weather across portions of central and eastern New Mexico. An incoming storm system will give snow showers a head start across the Chuskas and Tusas Mountains. 

The main website of the National Weather Service forecasts the following for the next few days for Jamestown:

 Today

A chance of rain and snow showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight

Snow showers. Low around 19. South wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Thursday

A 50 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 11am. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 36. West wind 15 to 20 mph. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 17. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 42. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 15.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 49.

6 Natural Wonders In Arizona

Above, the Three Sisters in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The state of Arizona is handy for me in New Mexico as the border is only 40 miles away from home.

There are plenty of natural wonders in the "Grand Canyon State" and Only In Your State Has spotlighted six of them.

They begin with:

The Grand Canyon State is a nature lover’s dream – not only because we’re blessed with so many incredible places to explore, but also because some of the most iconic natural wonders in Arizona are just as beautiful in every season. From snowcapped mountains to valleys covered in spring wildflowers to fall foliage that belongs on a postcard, there is no shortage of natural beauty in the state we’re lucky enough to call home.

To read more, go here. 

Dollar Weakens Below ¥136

We're now in a new month and it's time to take a look at how the U.S. dollar is faring in Tokyo foreign exchange trading.

According to Jiji Press:

Tokyo, March 1 (Jiji Press)--The dollar weakened below 136.00 yen in late Tokyo trading Wednesday after moving in a tight range above that mark for most of the day.

At 5 p.m., the dollar stood at 135.93-93 yen, down from 136.74-75 yen at the same time Tuesday.

To read more, go here. 

Bye-Bye, Beetlejuice!

The worst ever mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, has lost re-election. It is plainly obvious that the people of Chicago are fed up with her.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

Lori Lightfoot, the first Black woman and the first openly gay person ever to serve as mayor of Chicago, on Tuesday became a one-term mayor.

With nearly 99% of the precincts reporting, the mayor who guided Chicago through the pandemic finished third in Tuesday’s election with 17.06% of the vote behind former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas, who won 33.77 %, and Cook County Commissioner and Chicago Teachers Union organizer Brandon Johnson, who wound up with 20.29%.

Vallas, 69, and Johnson, 46, will face off five weeks from now in the April 4 runoff to decide who will become the 57th mayor of Chicago.

To read more, go here.