Beyond the Neon: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of the Las Vegas Strip | Ken Hulsey Photographer

The world-famous Las Vegas Strip is known for its casinos, restaurants, bars, concerts, nightclubs, and extravagant shows. What many people don't realize is that the most sinful part of Sin City is also a showcase of unparalleled beauty, if you take the time to look around. Just beyond the view of gamblers parked in front of flashing slot machines and tourists mulling about on the street, there are amazing statues, fountains, and near-perfect recreations of some of the world's wonders. A traveler can experience the sights of Paris, Venice, New York City, and Ancient Greece all in one afternoon. And that's just the beginning—there is so much more to see and experience.

Everyday Miracles: Learning to Appreciate Life’s Simple Comforts in the South | Ken Hulsey

It has become increasingly clear to me that my journey in Louisiana has been a profound opportunity for growth in both my life and faith. Life in the South can indeed present challenges, yet through these trials, I have come to deeply trust in God and have gained a newfound appreciation for the many daily blessings we often take for granted.

Today In Texas History | To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World | “Victory or Death”

 On February 24, 1836, as the beleaguered garrison of the Alamo faced overwhelming odds, Lieutenant Colonel William B. Travis penned a letter that would resonate through the annals of American history. Addressed “To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World,” this poignant missive expressed his desperate plea for reinforcements, emphasizing the dire situation as the Texan forces stood resolute against the Mexican Army, led by General Santa Anna. In the letter, Travis eloquently described the bravery of his men and the significance of their stand for liberty, calling upon the principles of freedom that were foundational to the burgeoning nation. He concluded with the powerful phrase “Victory or Death,” underscoring the unwavering commitment of the Texan fighters to their cause, knowing well that surrender was not an option. This letter not only galvanized support for Texas independence but also immortalized the bravery and sacrifices made at the Alamo, inspiring countless others to join the fight for freedom. Despite the eventual fall of the Alamo, Travis's words continued to echo, fueling the spirit of resistance that ultimately led to the Texan victory at San Jacinto just a few weeks later.

The Greatest Hamburger In America - Blake's Lotaburger Review | Discover New Mexico

The quest for the greatest hamburger in the United States has been a subject of endless debate for decades. Truck drivers and culinary experts alike have weighed in with their personal favorites, ranging from humble mom-and-pop diners to massive fast-food chains. The reasons behind these preferences are scrutinized in minute detail, from the quality of the beef to the type of condiments used. Countless hungry patrons have sung the praises of an exceptional burger.

Adulting: When Life Throws Hangers at Your Face—Duck and Dive with a Smile! | Random Ramblings By Tina Martin

 If you battled with the snooze button and won, if you made it out the door into the world… I’m proud of you and I believe in you. I hope you seize every opportunity today brings, but if you’re not up to it or just not ready… Duck! Let those chances land on someone else!

I don’t know about all of you, but this week has been crazy for me! Adulting hit me hard! This morning was the icing on the cake — I ended up with a black eye when a hanger popped back and hit me right before I walked out the door! I just laughed, shook my head, and went on my way anyway! I won! I hope you did too!

Today In Texas History | The Alamo Under Siege: How One Cannon Shot Became a Symbol of Texas Independence

On February 23, 1836, the forces of Santa Anna’s Army began their strategic approach to San Antonio de Béxar, marking a pivotal moment in the Texas Revolution. Their imminent arrival compelled members of the Texan Army to fortify themselves within the walls of the Alamo. This mission compound had been reinforced and prepared for such a confrontation.

A Call to Action: Advocating for the Rebirth of California's Spirit in Turbulent Times

This morning, as I was reviewing several articles about California, I stumbled upon a remarkable quote from the esteemed California historian Kevin Starr (1940 - 2017).

"From the beginning, California promised much. While yet barely a name on the map, it entered American awareness as a symbol of renewal. It was a final frontier: of geography and of expectation."

One of Starr's most frequently cited quotes appears in the preface of his 1973 book, "Americans and the California Dream 1850 - 1915." Curious about the quote, I managed to find a PDF version of the book and browsed through several chapters. I must say, it's a fantastic retelling of California's history. While the original quote caught my attention, I also discovered an equally thought-provoking excerpt!

Walking on Water: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Faith in the Face of Life's Challenges | Ken Hulsey

Imagine yourself sailing on a serene lake, the gentle waves lapping against your boat. As you gaze toward the shore, a figure emerges, and after a moment of focus, you realize it's a man. To your astonishment, you see him walking toward you on the surface of the water.

As he approaches, it becomes clear—this is Jesus. He stops about fifty yards away and gestures for you to step out of the boat and join him on the water. Now, here's where I find myself facing a real challenge.

Steam Power on the Grand Canyon Railway - Ken Hulsey Photographer - Circa 1994

 This year, one of my goals is to return to the basics of my life and embark on a journey of self-discovery. I want to reflect on my past and understand how I arrived at this point in my life, all in hopes of improving my future. I know that might sound convoluted, but it makes sense to me. Perhaps that’s my problem? I’ll have to think more about it.

One of my passions is photography, particularly railroad and nature photography. If you're a railfan, I believe you'll enjoy the photo features I plan to share. As I contemplated where to begin my exploration of my extensive collection of images, I was tempted to dive into some shots I took about 15 years ago. However, I decided to look back even further, so I pulled an old photo album off the shelf to see if I could find something from the 80s or 90s. I selected what I thought was one of my better images to experiment with and scanned it.

Retro Cartoon Rewind | Silly 70s Sitcom Saturday Morning | Part 2

I find it really interesting how our minds work. Recently, I spent some time exploring cartoons from the early 1970s for this Retro Saturday Morning series, and I was reminded of so many shows I used to watch as a kid. What really strikes me is how quickly our memories and feelings can come back when we see a familiar image or hear a specific sound. Just last week, I looked at a list of Saturday morning cartoons from 1974, and suddenly I remembered watching those shows when I lived in Vernon, Texas. I could picture the TV, my favorite chair, and the room where I enjoyed all those cartoons. It brought back such happy memories!