Oga's Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Oga's Cantina within Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is perhaps one of the most competitive dining reservations in all of Walt Disney World in Florida. This is simply because the space is small, well-themed, and offers unique drinks available only at this one location. 

During our visit we enjoyed the Jedi Mind Trick (a blue vodka cocktail), the Fuzzy Tauntaun (noted for its lip numbing foam), and the Cliff Dweller (a non-alcoholic drink in a collectable Porg mug). We also had the Happabore Sampler (essentially a charcuterie board) to balance out the flavours. Overall, we thought everything was tasty and well prepared, but especially pricey at just over $100 for these 4 selections.

This is one of those Walt Disney World experiences that I'd probably only recommend for the more dedicated Star Wars fan, mostly because it is difficult to justify the expense otherwise. The theming and atmosphere is lively and fun, but the space can be cramped, getting a reservation can be especially time consuming, and after all of that, once you're inside your visit is maxed out at just 45 minutes and a two drink maximum.

Still, it's difficult to deny the appeal of these exclusive experiences - much like the lightsaber building - drinks at Oga's Cantina is a memorable activity within Galaxy's Edge. Whether or not it's more than a one-time activity, however, is something I'm still questioning.

 

8mm Bell & Howell Model 256 Film Projector

The latest film projector to find its way into my collection is this vintage 8mm Bell & Howell Model 256 movie projector. Made in the 1950s, this projector was made for screening home movies filmed on cameras like this other Bell & Howell I picked up earlier this year. I've yet to screen anything with this 8mm projector yet, but after a thorough clean she looks as good as new.

 

Midnight Madness in Downtown Medicine Hat, Alberta

Last night was Midnight Madness around downtown Medicine Hat, Alberta and the perfect excuse to tour, shop, and graze our way through local hotspots with a reminder of the beer, cookies, bagels, coffee (and more) on offer!

The sidewalks were buzzing, music was playing, and even the Monarch Theatre (the subject of my now year-long documentary) was temporarily back and lit up for the night with a few screenings running. But, the deal of the night had to be the vintage projector and the stack of kitschy vinyl I snagged from one of the downtown thrift shops for a whopping $9.75. 

I already cleaned her up she looks (and works) like brand new!

Congrats to all the vendors, organizers, and businesses who pulled this off - a great evening all around, and a really fun way to support lots of great local shops!

Additional shout out to the businesses in these pics - Local Medicine Hat, King Bagel, the Mezz, Madhatter Coffee Roastery, and Redcliff Bakery.

Dorothy's Ruby Slippers at the Academy Museum

Within the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, California you'll find Dorothy's Ruby Slippers from the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. These are the screen-used, close-up ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland and are the centerpiece of a collection featuring several other props from the iconic film.

 

Bloemenmarkt Floating Flower Market in Amsterdam

Located along the Singel canal in Amsterdam, the floating flower market (known locally as the Bloemenmarkt) is a popular spot to purchase seeds, bulbs, and numerous other varieties of flowers. Holland is known for tulips, and you'll find plenty of real and fake varieties available for sale here along with countless, iconically Dutch souvenirs. 

 

16mm Revere Model 48 Film Projector

Aside from being nice to look at, the initial reason I purchased this 1952 16mm Revere silent film projector was because of some of the 16mm reels I shot while in film school. Even though most of the work we shot was digital, we did play around with various film stocks to get a feel for the medium, and it hit me one day that I had no way to watch these past projects.

Still in excellent working condition, admittedly this Revere Model 48 film projector does not get switched on often, but because it's a beautiful piece of vintage equipment I do display it proudly. These 16mm projectors can be acquired relatively cheaply today, but they are expensive to ship because of their weight and bulb replacements can be tricky to come by. As we move further away from analog photography, vintage projectors like this one will only become more interesting.