Watch Gadaffi

You probably won't be visiting Libya right now, which means you won't be picking up any of these fine Muammar Gadaffi souvenirs. I didn't go either, but my mother did and brought back these gems -a watch and a keychain. Let me just say that the wristwatch NEVER worked - not Mom's fault.  I'm not about to take it back to Libya and ask for a replacement.

This may not be the ideal time to visit Iran either, and the hotel doesn't look so great for that matter, but at least you'll have a place to stay...if the hotel's still there.

Get Well, Thomas!

My friends Susi and Thomas went to Hong Kong a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, Thomas fell ill as soon as they arrived and has been in the hospital ever since. He'll likely be there another week. In his honor, and with the hope that he will recover soon, I am posting this not-so-old postcard from Hong Kong.

This is the Peak Tower Restaurant in Victoria Gap, built at the upper terminus of the peak tram in 1972. While it's not exactly my favorite building, I wonder if it wouldn't have benefited by taking the photo from a different vantage point. In any case, it's not there anymore, so it doesn't really matter.
The Peak Tower was redeveloped in 1997 based on a design by British architect, Terry Farrell.
Here's what it looks like now:

Courtesy of Minghong

More views and history of the Peak Tower are available here.

Smithville Flats is Flooded

In 1935 the small town of Smithville Flats, New York was hit by a massive flood after two nearby dams gave out. Residents of the the town were filled with trepidation when the Broome County Transient Bureau sent in transients to work on the extensive clean up efforts. However, the transients worked hard in unpleasant conditions and residents were soon pleased with the results.

Now, if you happen to be heading over to Smithville, I would like to alert you to a good deal. Since Leon Tyler's General Merchandise has entered into an agreement with a leading photo studio in nearby Binghamton, if you buy $5.00 of merchandise you get a portrait almost absolutely free (if you don't count the 10 cents you pay to Leon Tyler for the card and the 5 cents to the studio.) Unfortunately, as with most other coupons, I have let the expiration date pass. It expired in 1925, but I find that some merchants will still honor expired coupons if you ask nicely.

And, it is signed, as required, on the back by Leon Tyler himself!

Oh, and here's the back of that postcard, for people who like that sort of thing.