Writting, Author at Vintage Avenue News

June 2, 2024November 9, 2024

Osafune Japanese Sword Museum: Pursuit of the National Treasure Sword Sanchomo

In the town of Setouchi, Okayama Prefecture, the Osafune Japanese Sword Museum stands as a testament to Japan’s rich history of swordmaking, particularly in the Bizen tradition. The museum, located in the historic village of Osafune, once known as “the land of a thousand smiths,” is built on centuries-old swordmaking heritage. Bizen’s abundance of iron

June 1, 2024November 9, 2024

Antique Radio Museum: Preserving Radio History in Bellingham

In the early days of broadcasting, radio was the heart of family life, a hub for news, entertainment, and sports, much like television today. But as TV gained prominence, radio’s role shifted to a more specialized medium. Jonathan Winter remembers radio’s golden age through shows like The Shadow, The Green Hornet, and The Thin Man.

May 30, 2024November 9, 2024

Geoscience BC Study: Detecting Mineral Deposits with Treetop Analysis

A recent Geoscience BC study sampled treetops for halogen elements to detect underground mineral deposits. The study, “A Geochemical Investigation of Halogens in Spruce Treetops and Integration with Existing Multi-Element Data,” investigates how tree-top samples could be analyzed for halogen elements to determine the presence of mineral deposits or changes in geology below ground. “Our

May 29, 2024November 9, 2024

Zilog Discontinues Standalone DIP-Packaged Z80 CPUs

The enduring Z80 microprocessor, a staple in vintage computing, is approaching the end of an era in its standalone DIP-packaged form. Zilog has announced that production of these standalone Z80 CPU models will soon cease, posing a potential setback for vintage computing enthusiasts and hobbyists who rely on these chips to build or repair Z80-based

May 28, 2024November 9, 2024

A Father-Son Journey Through the World of Baseball Card Collecting

Throughout the last year, I have rediscovered an old childhood passion — collecting baseball cards. This dive back into the hobby was largely driven by my seven-year-old son, George. George has played organized sports for several years, loves to play, and has always enjoyed watching games on TV. However, his newfound obsession with cards began

May 27, 2024November 9, 2024

BRAVUR Team Heritage Collection: Timeless Elegance and Innovation

BRAVUR, the renowned watchmaker, has recently unveiled their latest collection – the Team Heritage Collection. This new release has caused quite a buzz in the watch community, and we were fortunate enough to get our hands on these exquisite timepieces. The Team Heritage Collection is a testament to BRAVUR’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and timeless

May 26, 2024November 9, 2024

Toshimo Mitsumura: A Legacy of Sword Fittings and Artistry

From November 3rd until December 10th, 2017, Nezu Museum is holding an exhibition of some of the most exquisite swords and sword fittings in Japan. It features the collection of Toshimo Mitsumura, a Meiji period businessman and founder of the Mitsumura Printing Company. In the gallery, many works have bilingual commentaries, and the exhibition is

May 25, 2024November 9, 2024

Unveiling the Early Days of Radio Broadcasting in Wyoming: A Blend of Technology and Politics

In the second part of this radio history column, we delve into the early days of radio broadcasting, revealing a fascinating connection between technology and politics. While KWYO Radio officially began airing in 1934, the roots of radio in Wyoming can be traced back several years prior. One notable event took place on June 5,

May 23, 2024November 9, 2024

Unveiling the Minerals of Massachusetts: A Collector’s Journey

On September 18th, 2019, author and collector Peter Cristofono gave a lecture at the Westborough Public Library. His lecture served as an introduction to the 275 minerals that can be found in Massachusetts and the best places to find them. Peter Cristofono has been an avid field collector of New England minerals, gems, and fossils

May 22, 2024November 9, 2024

Julien’s Auctions: Classic Apple Computers Collection

If you’ve been thinking your home or workspace is perhaps deficient when it comes to old Apple hardware, then I have some good news for you. Next week, a massive trove of classic Apple computing history goes under the hammer when the auction house Julien’s Auctions auctions off the Hanspeter Luzi collection of more than

May 21, 2024November 9, 2024

Gotta Have Rock and Roll Sports Legends Auction 2024

Closing on February 23, the auction features items used and signed by all-time great athletes in various sports. Two former NBA players are also putting up their collections for auction. Gotta Have Rock and Roll, a premier online auction house specializing in music, sports, pop culture, and historical memorabilia, is reminding sports fans and collectors

May 20, 2024November 9, 2024

2024 Wristwatch Releases: Bonia Cristallo & Casio TRN-50

In a world where time is not just counted but cherished, the debut of fresh wristwatches from top-notch brands is a moment eagerly anticipated by enthusiasts and collectors alike. In 2024, there has been no lack of impressive releases to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. From timeless favourites to the up-and-coming stars, the world of watches is

May 19, 2024November 9, 2024

Unveiling the Beauty and Legacy of Japanese Swords with Paul Martin

From the “kissaki” tip through the gentle curve of the blade, to the intricately designed “tsuba” hand guard and hilt, the traditional Japanese sword can be a work of art as well as a fearsome weapon. For Paul Martin, who grew up in London’s East End, it was seeing the classic 1974 gangster film “The

May 18, 2024November 9, 2024

Evolution of Electrical Measuring Instruments: A Historical Collection

When EDN published its first issue in 1956, electrical measuring instruments looked a little different than they do today. Howard Skolnik, a former colleague and key analog mentor from my Burr-Brown days, has always had a passion for significant products made by pioneering electrical instrument companies and has accumulated a large collection over the years

May 16, 2024November 9, 2024

HardRock Summit 2021: Unveiling Gems, Jewelry, Minerals, and Fossils

The HardRock Summit 2021 in Denver is set to be a groundbreaking event for the gem, jewelry, mineral, and fossil industries. With a full schedule of educational programming and special exhibit presentations, this trade show aims to bring together professionals and enthusiasts alike for a unique experience. The event will be held in two key

May 15, 2024November 9, 2024

The Rise and Fall of the Atari Jaguar: A Legacy of Ambition in Gaming

Owning an Atari Jaguar in the modern era of gaming is akin to possessing a rare artifact from a bygone age—a testament to the ambition and tumultuous history of video game technology. The Jaguar, Atari’s last hurrah in the console market, was released in 1993 amidst a fiercely competitive era dominated by giants like Nintendo

May 14, 2024November 9, 2024

Unveiling the World of Sports Memorabilia: From Jordan’s Jersey to Maradona’s Shirt

Sports memorabilia has always been a fascinating avenue for collectors, with items associated with legendary athletes fetching astronomical sums at auctions. Among these, memorabilia linked to basketball icon Michael Jordan holds a special place, given his monumental impact on the sport. A prime example is a jersey worn by Jordan during the 1998 NBA Finals,

May 13, 2024December 4, 2024

The Investment Appeal of High-End Watches: A Collector’s Dream

The allure of investing in watches has grown significantly over the years, transcending the mere appreciation of their craftsmanship to becoming a recognized asset class for collectors and investors alike. The market for high-end timepieces has seen remarkable auction sales, highlighting the potential for substantial returns on investment. A notable example is the Henry Graves

May 12, 2024November 9, 2024

Ancient Roman Swords Unearthed Near Dead Sea

Four remarkably well-preserved Roman swords, dating back nearly 2,000 years, have been unearthed in a cave near the Dead Sea, announced the Israel Antiquities Authority. Hidden behind stalactites in the Desert of Jericho, these swords, complete with scabbards, guards, and handles, offer an extraordinary glimpse into the past. The discovery occurred in June within Israel’s

May 11, 2024November 9, 2024

Transforming Vintage Radios into Bluetooth Speakers: A Fusion of Nostalgia and Modernity

Transforming a vintage radio into a Bluetooth speaker is not just a creative way to repurpose old technology; it’s also a stylish nod to the past. The allure of vintage AM/FM radios, with their designer aesthetics, is undeniable. They possess a charm that modern Bluetooth speakers, despite their technological advancements, often lack. This project merges