A Los Angeles Landmark! An Icon of Rock and Roll!
Tower Records on the Sunset Strip!
Sacramento based Tower Records used to be the most successful chain of record stores in the United States. They filed for bankruptcy and went out of business in 2006.
Tower Records on Sunset – stock photo of the good old days
Tower Records on Sunset Boulevard
stock photos of the good old days (opened on the Sunset Strip in 1971)
Tower Records on Sunset – Water and Power Associates
Tower Records on Sunset Boulevard
Temporary Halloween Superstore a couple years ago,
the LIVE! retail clothing store,
and the time the Gibson Guitar Showroom was dressed as Tower Records for the Colin Hanks documentary “All Things Must Pass” premier.
Temporary Halloween Superstore a couple years ago
The Sunset Strip storefront is prime West Hollywood commercial real estate.
It sits on a 34570 square-foot lot and rents for around $230000 per month.
Tower Records – File it under “Things that aren’t here anymore”
That time it was dressed up for the documentary “All Things Must Pass” premier
“All Things Must Pass – The Rise and Fall of Tower Records” released March 2015
Colin Hanks’ documentary about the history of Tower Records,
the rise and fall and the legacy left by founder Russ Solomon RIP.
Woah, oh listen to the music Woah, oh listen to the music Woah, oh listen to the music All the time
Earl “Mad Man” Muntz
All Things Must Pass
Tower Records on Sunset Boulevard RIP.
Music makes my world go round And music gets me high and keeps me on the ground In music I feel safe and sound Get lost and still be found
We came across a box of toys and it was opened so we got to poke around inside a little. And it was priced at $14, so we said “what the heck” and bought it for fun and profit.
A “Grab Bag” Box of Toys!
DINOSAURS! A few large ones, a lot of medium size, and some small ones too. DISNEY TOYS! Smurfs, knights, transformers, plastic animals, rubber insects and more. Mattel “Hot Wheels”! Some other nice metal cars, some plastic firetrucks and more.
And a bunch of LEGO pieces (treehouse? miscellaneous pieces).
CLICK ON ANY SMALL PIC TO SEE A LARGER PIC AND VIEW THE GALLERY AND THEN CLICK AGAIN TO VIEW THE PIC AT FULL SIZE!
Dinosaurs!
Disney Toys and more!
Disney Toys and more!
Mattel Cars and more!
SCORE! Not too much junk stuff. Some cool stuff to keep. Some cool stuff to gift to friends and family. Some cool stuff to sell. And other pieces may end up in an art project soon.
Cool LEGO Pieces!
We are happy with our purchase. The 4 large dinosaurs will pay for everything else.
Smokin Deals Custom Glass & More (Smoke Shop) in Ashland, Oregon
There’s a new smoke shop (head shop) on Main Street in Ashland, Oregon! When we were last in town they hadn’t opened yet, so this time we thought we should check them out.
We walked past and stuck our head in the door on our way between Starbuck’s and the Village Bakery (see the previous Master Blog) and a dog barked at us! We came back and went in to explore the store and met Bear behind the counter:
Bear the Dog Behind the Counter
Rolling Papers?
In the front of the store is a nice selection of the typical “Hippie” clothing, t-shirts, hats, bags, e-cigarettes, incense and other accessories:
However, the GOOD STUFF is in the back room!
The GOOD STUFF is in the Back Room!
Under Construction!
They were “under construction” in the back room when we visited but they still had more custom glass smoking pieces than I’ve ever seen in one paraphenalia store…
Pipes, Bongs, Waterpipes, Dab Rigs, Hookahs, Vaporizers, More Pipes, More Bongs, etc…
Most of the Good Stuff is made for them by local artists and they make their own stuff too. There’s a great selection of glass art, styles, colors, sizes, variety and item prices available.
CLICK ON ANY SMALL PIC TO SEE A LARGER PIC AND VIEW THE GALLERY!
CLICK ON ANY SMALL PIC TO SEE A LARGER PIC AND VIEW THE GALLERY!
Smokin Deals Custom Glass & More (Smoke Shop) – 300 Main St., Ashland, Oregon 541-767-8310 www.smokin-deals.com
NOTE: There are also Smokin Deals Custom Glass Smoke Shops located in Medford, Klamath Falls and Grant’s Pass!
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4-20! What’s Legal: Educate Before You Recreate in Oregon! Recreational marijuana is now legal in Oregon. Adults 21 and older can legally possess and use recreational marijuana, but there are limits. It’s important to know what’s legal.
RIGHT CLICK AND “OPEN IN NEW WINDOW”> Go to whatslegaloregon.com for more information
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All photos copyright 2016 JoshWillTravel
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Here’s a handy list of Oregon Health Authority Registered Dispensaries in Ashland, Talent, Phoenix and Medford: (from the Oregon.Gov website as of April 12, 2016)
NOTE: YES in the Retail column indicates recreational sale!
Hiking in Maui and other Travel Answers about Hawaii
Road to Hana, Maui (copyright 2010 JoshWillTravel)
Q: Best spots for hiking in Maui?
I’m looking to escape the cold for a bit sometime in the next couple of months. Where can I find the best hiking trail in Maui? Willing to drive far for a beautiful hike and I’m not worried about the difficulty or length. Thanks!
A: Hiking in Maui?
HIKE THE PIPIWAI TRAIL to Waimoku Falls in Hana, Maui
Take the long drive on the Road to Hana and continue to Haleakala National Park and the Seven Pools aka Pools at Ohe’o.
Come prepared and bring your towel, for a beautiful hike on the Pipiwai Trail through the tropical rainforest, across (dry) stream beds and into the bamboo forest. Eventually you’ll come to Waimoku Falls. It’s a beautiful waterfall, a wonderful journey and well worth the trip.
Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls (copyright 2010 JoshWillTravel)
NOTE: Don’t try to make the hike if there is heavy rain because there are flash flood warnings along the trail.
Top: Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls Bottom: Road to Hana (copyright 2010 JoshWillTravel)
While in Hana, be sure to visit the Hasegawa General Store and the Travaasa Hana (the original Hana-Maui hotel).
Hana Bay – Hana, Maui (copyright 2010 JoshWillTravel)
Q: Hiking in Maui? (part 2)
A: Wai’anapanapa State Park in Hana Maui is an amazing place!
Black sand beaches, beautiful natural sea arches created from lava flows and ocean weathering, and camping/picnic areas. Very nice hiking trails in the park along the ocean and lava cliffs!
Wai’anapanapa State Park – Maui, Hawaii (copyright 2010 JoshWillTravel)
Q: Tell me your favorite secluded beach in the islands?
My girlfriend and I are looking to explore some secluded beaches during our honeymoon to Hawaii. We don’t mind hiking into a remote area to visit a secluded beach. Can someone suggest some places we can explore? Secluded beaches on Maui?
A: The Road to Hana-Maui and Waianapanapa State Park Black Sand Beach.
If you take the Road to Hana you’ll come to Waianapanapa State Park and it’s black sand beaches and amazing polished lava rock shore.
If you’re feeling adventurous there’s a great day hike to Waimoku Falls across dried river beds and through tropical and bamboo forests.
Drive the long road on the Piilani highway on the backside of Maui and visit the Palapala Ho’omau Congregational Church where Charles Lindbergh is buried before heading back to central or west Maui.
Hana-Maui Sunrise – Hana, Maui, Hawaii
Q: Most remote beach?
A: Southpoint – Kalae on the Big Island Hawaii is a green sand beach and the southern most point in the United States.
p.s. You’re not supposed to drive your rental car down the dirt road.
Waikiki Beach – Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Oceanfront Hotel?
We are staying 4 days in Honolulu and would love an oceanfront hotel without all the extra charges—ie. internet, parking, etc. Can anyone recommend one?
A: A great value in Honolulu on the beach is the The Kahala Hotel & Resort Oahu.
It’s on the other side of Waikiki and Diamond Head, and far away from the major strip traffic, but close enough (10 minutes) to be convenient. You get free daily buffet, free WiFi and there’s NO RESORT FEES! Book direct with them online or by telephone. I always recommend telephone and get the name of the person you book with.
Down on Main Street in Ashland, there’s a music store: Cripple Creek Music Co.
Cripple Creek Music Store
In business since 1976, this place is a musician’s dream store. They have a great inventory of instruments and accessories, a very knowledgeable staff and great customer service.
Cripple Creek Music Store
From their website: Since 1976 Cripple Creek Music Company has provided beginner to professional musicians with all their musical needs. Cripple Creek Music Company has a diverse variety of instruments and instrument accessories, as well as offering print music and repair on instruments…from traditional to New Age, Whatever your taste in acoustic music; Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz, Latin, World or Ethnic, Cripple Creek Music will start you on the right note!
Cripple Creek Music Store
There’s a lot to look at, and most items are available for “hands on” inspection and play.
Cripple Creek Music Store
Cripple Creek Music Store
“Folk and Ethnic Instruments of the World”
Cripple Creek Music Store
Cripple Creek Music Store
Cripple Creek Music Store
Cripple Creek Music Store
“Cripple Creek Music Company is a family business built on the traditions of quality service, knowledge, and integrity.”
Cripple Creek Music Store
Cripple Creek Music Store
It’s a great store! And they have a “secret room” that musicians and collectors will really appreciate:
THE VAULT – They don’t advertise it, and it’s a “word of mouth” type secret, but down in the basement is a temperature controlled bank vault with a collection of beautiful vintage instruments for sale (most are on consignment). I was lucky enough to get a tour and they let me take pictures! You may have to be a musical instrument collector or musician to really appreciate them, but here they are:
Cripple Creek Music Store – vintage banjos
Cripple Creek Music Store – vintage banjos
Cripple Creek Music Store – vintage banjos
Cripple Creek Music Store – vintage banjos
Cripple Creek Music Store – vintage banjos, a violin, acoustic guitars, steel drum & a mandolin
Cripple Creek Music Store – vintage acoustic guitars
Cripple Creek Music Store – vintage electric and acoustic guitars
Cripple Creek Music Store – vintage electric and acoustic guitars
Cripple Creek Music Store – mandolins, electric guitars and a 12 string guitar
Cripple Creek Music Store – Acoustic Guitars
Cripple Creek Music Store – they have a Martin ’47 Acoustic Guitar for sale
NOTE: The reason for my visit to the Cripple Creek Music Co. Store
We have a Vintage Martin ’57 D-28 Acoustic Guitar (for sale) – great condition, serious inquiries only, detailed description and more photos available – email us if interested.
Vintage Martin ’57 D-28 Acoustic Guitar – great condition (for sale)
All photos copyright 2015 JoshWillTravel.
Cripple Creek Music Co. – 353 E. Main St., Ashland, Oregon 97520 541-482-9141 www.cripplecreekmusic.com
Did you think I forgot? C’mon now, it’s Rex Manning Day 2017!
Yes, we just just updated this Blog from 2015 to 2017! “Damn the Man!” Celebrate Rex Manning Day!
April 8th! It’s Rex Manning Day!
“Oh Rexy, you’re so sexy!”
“Say No More…. Mon Amour!”
The video for “Say No More (Mon Amour)” was shot in one day at Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina. Originally, it was meant to be just 17 seconds of dance moves, but it was so good, they just went ahead and filmed the entire music video.
“We mustn’t dwell. No, not today. We can’t. Not on Rex Manning day!”
Rex Manning was a fictional pop star (played by the very talented actor Maxwell Caulfied) in the 1995 film Empire Records.
Rex “Oh Rexy, you’re so sexy!” Manning
On April 8th, Rex “Oh Rexy, you’re so sexy!” Manning has a scheduled appearance at Empire Records, a small independent record store.
EMPIRE RECORDS – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112950
(a cult classic from 1995 – USA Release date: October 20, 1995)
Directed by Allan Moyle
Written by Carol Heikkenen
Casting by Gail Levin
“They’re selling music, not selling out.” – Tagline from Empire Records
Lucas: Mark, who’s your favorite singer?
Mark: Axl.
Lucas: Well if Axl Rose was driving down the highway, and saw Rex Manning stranded on the side of the road, do you think Axl Rose would stop and help him?
Mark: [thinks] … Does Axl have a jack?
Warren: No way man!…. Axl would spin the wheel, take aim, pound on the gas…. and take that sucker out!
Rex Manning and “Warren Beatty”
Just Say “NO” to Music Town!
“Damn the Man! Save the Empire!”
Things to Do on Rex Manning Day!
“Oh Rexy, you’re so sexy!”
Gina and Rex (navy blue briefs) Manning
NOTE: According to Johnny Whitworth’s Twitter, the date April 8th was chosen as the date for the story because it’s the day Kurt Cobain died (was it suicide or murder?).
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UPDATED Saturday, April 8th 2017 – It’s Rex Manning Day again!
Welcome washed-up music heartthrob Rex “Oh Rexy, you’re so sexy!” Manning!
A former 80’s pop idol, Rex is due to arrive at the store for an autograph session to promote his new album and single “Say No More, Mon Amour”.
SPOILER ALERT!
The staff at Empire Records are not fans of Rex Manning’s or of “Rex Manning Day” and the fans showing up to meet him are older women and gay men. The employees make fun of Rex behind his back about his fading career and later tell him to his face. And even his personal assistant Jane reveals her distaste for Rex’s music and quits her job.
Gina has sex with Rex Manning in the count-out room, causing the rift between her and Corey to intensify and Rex to get kicked out of the store.
“Why don’t you all just fade away.” – Rex Manning
Empire Records (1995)
SING ALONG WITH REX MANNING!
Say No More… (Mon Amour) Lyrics:
“Oh Rexy, you’re so sexy…”
Hello Baby.
“Hi what are you doing? Do you want to come over?”
♫ Call me on my car phone with that je ne sais quois You say you need a little of my ooh-la-la I know you get lonely in your canopy bed Well say no more baby i’ll be running every red
Say no more Mon Amour I’ll bring my lovin’ right to your front door Here I come baby je t’adore Lips are for kissing baby so say no more ♫
(Say no more Mon Amour ah hah)
♫ You greet me with a smile and a glass of ro-se I find myself distracted by your black negligee You tell me everything with that look on your face Say no more baby, lets cut to the chase
Say no more Mon Amour I’ll bring my lovin’ right to your front door Here I come baby je t’adore Lips are for kissing baby so say no more ♫
(Rex Speaking in French)
Say no more Mon Amour I’ll bring my lovin’ right to your front door Here I come baby je t’adore Lips are for kissing baby so say no more ♫
Oh no more, oh no more Oh baby, adorable
(Rex Singing in French)
Ah Mon Amour, Mon Amour, Mon Amour……
NOTE: We highly recommend “All Things Must Pass” the Tower Records documentary film by Colin Hanks about the rise and fall of Tower Records Music Stores in the USA.
JoshWillTravel 