Book Review: Abandoned Cinemas of the World by Simon Edelstein

"Abandoned Cinemas of the World" by Simon Edelstein is a stunning photo book that takes readers on a journey through the remnants of cinema theaters and drive-in cinemas that have been left to decay around the globe. With its breathtaking collection of photographs, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the magic of the movies and the grandeur of old cinemas.

The cover itself is unassuming; it transports you to a world of faded grandeur and forgotten dreams. The photographs within are nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the essence of these abandoned cinemas in all their crumbling glory.

One of the standout features of this book is its diverse range of locations. From the iconic cinemas of Havana, Cuba, to the forgotten drive-ins of California, USA, and the majestic theaters of India, this book takes readers on a visual journey across the globe. Each photograph is meticulously captured, showcasing not just the exterior facades of these cinemas but also the intricate details of their interiors.

The photos of the interiors are particularly striking, offering a glimpse into the past when these cinemas were bustling with life. The decaying seats, the faded hand-painted film posters, and the abandoned projection rooms all tell a story of a bygone era. It's almost as if the reader is stepping into these forgotten spaces, feeling the weight of history and the passage of time.

The book covers an impressive array of cinemas, including the Campoamor in Inglewood, California, the Tower in Ajmer, India, and the Studio in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Each location is unique, with its own story to tell, and Edelstein's photographs do justice to these forgotten landmarks.

The book has received rave reviews from Goodreads users, with many praising its stunning photography and nostalgic value. One reviewer noted, "This book is a treasure trove for film buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. The photographs are stunning, and the variety of locations is impressive." Another reviewer praised the book's ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia, saying, "This book is a must-have for anyone who loves old cinemas. The photographs are hauntingly beautiful, and the stories behind each location are fascinating."

In conclusion, "Abandoned Cinemas of the World" is a beautifully crafted photo book that is sure to captivate anyone with an interest in film, architecture, or history. With its stunning photographs and poignant storytelling, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the magic of the movies. Whether you're a film buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of forgotten places, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Here is a partial list of photos of cinemas in this book:

1. Havana, Cuba, Campoamor Theatre
2. Inglewood, California, USA, 5th Avenue Theatre
3. San Francisco, California, USA, Tower Theatre
4. Ajmer, India, Ajanta Cinema
5. Delhi, India, Filmistan Cinema
6. Allahabad, India, Lakshmi Talkies
7. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, Huntridge Theater
8. Arad, Romania, Studio
9. Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Hemakcheat Cinema
10. Chicago, Illinois, USA, Chicago Theater
11. Alexandria, Egypt, Plaza Cinema
12. Kingsville, Texas, USA, Texas Theater
13. Edna, Texas, USA, Edna Theatre
14. Detroit, Michigan, USA, Harpos Concert Theatre
15. Detroit, Michigan, USA, Senate Theater
16. Houston, Texas, USA, OST (Old Spanish Trail Theater)
17. Yuba City, California, USA, Sutter Theatre
18. Varanasi, India, Natraj Cinema
19. Havana, Cuba, Cine Mantilla
20. Gujan-Mestras, France, Eldorado
21. Stretford, England, Essoldo Stretford
22. Alleppey, India, Vidya Cinema
23. Durgapur, India, Chitralaya Cinema
24. Hospet, India, Vijaya Karnataka
25. Beawar, India, Royal Talkies
26. Brooklyn, New York, USA, Loew’s Kings Theatre
27. Los Angeles, California, USA, Huntington Park Warner
28. Staten Island, New York, USA, Paramount
29. Le Havre, France, Normandy
30. Saint-Jean-d’Angely, France, Eden
31. Biscarosse Plage, France, Atlantic
32. Lisbon, Portugal, Cinema Paris
33. Jaipur, India, Samrat
34. Langoiran, France, Cinéma Splendid
35. Blairgowrie, Scotland, Picture House
36. Sete, France, Rio Cinema
37. Beam, France, Idéal Cinéma
38. Costa Nova (Porto), Portugal, Avenida
39. Delhi, India, Gianand Cinema
40. Gaya, India, Sudha Cinema
41. Casablanca, Morocco, Cinema Opera
42. Delhi, India, Alpana Cinema
43. Havana, Cuba, Cine Cosmos
44. Havana, Cuba, Cine Apolo
45. Perris, California, USA, The Perris
46. Beeville, Texas, USA, Rialto Theatre
47. Bronte, Texas, USA, Texas Theatre
48. Havana, Cuba, Cine El Megano
49. Bakersfield, California, USA, Nile Theatre
50. Inglewood, California, USA, Fox Theater
51. Varanasi, India, Lalita Cinema
52. Tripoli, Lebanon, Cinema Empire
53. Bankura, India, Kusum Cinema
54. Hollywood, California, USA, Hollywood Palladium
55. Detroit, Michigan, USA, Guild Theatre
56. Ubrique, Spain, Gran Cinema Alcázar
57. Vicenza, Italy, Cinema Corso
58. Mumbai, India, Diana Talkies
59. Agra, India, Roxy Cinema
60. Brussels, Belgium, Mirano Cinema
61. San Jose, California, USA, Mexico Theatre
62. Kyaukse, Myanmar, Han
63. Montreuil-sur-Ille, France, Armor
64. Marrakesh, Morocco, Cine Theatre Palace
65. Newark, New Jersey, USA, RKO Proctor's Theatre
66. Havana, Cuba, Cine Campoamor
67. Tangier, Morocco, Gran Teatro Cervantes
68. Ambala, India, Nishat Cinema
69. Allahabad, India, Rupbani Cinema Hall
70. Jaipur, India, Ram Prakash Cinema
71. Marrakesh, Morocco, Cinéma Zohra
72. Kyaukse, Myanmar, Han
73. Chekka, Lebanon, Picadilly Theater
74. Chittagong, Bangladesh, Cinema Palace
75. Mumbai, India, Palace Talkies
76. Mumbai, India, Bharatmata Cinema
77. Portland, Oregon, USA, Laurelhurst Theater
78. Kilgore, Texas, USA, Crim Theatre
79. Beverly Hills, California, USA, Saban Theatre
80. Detroit, Michigan, USA, Fox Theatre
81. Berlin, Germany, Astor Cinema
82. Berlin, Germany, Intimes Kino
83. Viviez, France, Guy Brunet
84. Dallas, Texas, USA, Circle Theater
85. Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, Stanley Theatre
86. Brussels, Belgium, ABC Cinema

Here is my note at Goodreads:

Abandoned Cinemas of the World by Simon Edelstein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a stunning photo book that takes you on a journey through the remnants of cinema theaters and drive-in cinemas that have been left to decay around the globe. With its breathtaking collection of photographs, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the magic of the movies and the grandeur of old cinemas. From the iconic cinemas of Havana, Cuba, to the forgotten drive-ins of California, USA, and the majestic theaters of India, this book takes readers on a visual journey across the globe. Each photograph is meticulously captured, showcasing not just the exterior facades of these cinemas but also the intricate details of their interiors.

"Abandoned Cinemas of the World" is a beautifully crafted photo book that is sure to captivate anyone with an interest in film, architecture, or history. With its stunning photographs and poignant storytelling, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the magic of the movies. Whether you're a film buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of forgotten places, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

View all my reviews

Sarcasm: Grandma Used to Say

GRADMA USED TO SAY: "Sometimes you have to hug the people you don't like so you know how big to dig the hole in your backyard."

The XHDATA D-328 Full Band AM/FM/SW MP3 Radio: Review

The XHDATA D-328 is a mini-sized AM/FM/SW radio I picked up during a nostalgic craving for real broadcast radio at home. Compact and ultra-lightweight, it measures just 12.5 x 3.8 x 7.5 cm and weighs around 160 grams. The unit comes encased in a slim plastic shell with a foldable telescopic aerial on top for better reception. A microSD (TransFlash) card slot is also included, allowing you to play MP3 files directly from the device. For more private listening, there’s a 3.5 mm headphone jack to reroute the audio output. One minor downside: the back panel lacks a serial number label or certifications—only a “Made in China” marking is present.

The XHDATA D-328 MP3 Radio

The model I’m reviewing here was purchased in June 2020 from Amazon India, priced at ₹1,626 before tax and ₹1,919 after 18% GST. Delivery was prompt—the radio arrived within two days. It came packaged in a sturdy cardboard box containing the radio unit, a generic BL-5C lithium-ion rechargeable battery, a mini-USB charging cable, a lanyard, a user manual, and a contact card. This review, written in 2023, reflects my experience using the device over the past three years.

For those in search of a reliable radio that can tune into local AM and FM stations while also offering MP3 playback, the XHDATA D-328 holds up remarkably well. Despite its small size, the audio quality is surprisingly decent. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of analog-style tuning on DSP-based radios—I find them a bit clunky when trying to precisely navigate between stations. But for the average listener who simply wants to tune in and enjoy, this radio more than delivers on expectations.

Setup

Setting up the XHDATA D-328 is quick and hassle-free. Simply insert the BL-5C battery into the slot located at the back of the radio, and power it on using the mode selector shuttle switch on the top—choosing either Radio or MP3 mode depending on your preference. If the battery runs low, recharging is just as straightforward. Use the included USB charging cable and connect it to a suitable power source, such as a wall adapter, power bank, or even a laptop. Within moments, you're ready to enjoy your favorite stations or MP3 tracks with minimal fuss.

Radio

The XHDATA D-328 radio supports FM, AM, and shortwave (SW) reception, all handled by a DSP (Digital Signal Processing) demodulation chip built into the Silicon Laboratories Si4825-A10 integrated circuit. Tuning is done via an analog thumbwheel dial located on the side of the unit, offering a tactile and intuitive experience. Given the compact form factor and limited dial width, the FM and SW bands are cleverly split into 2 and 9 sub-bands, respectively, allowing for more precise calibration across the frequency range. This band segmentation helps users fine-tune stations with surprising accuracy for an analog-style interface. The supported frequency ranges are listed below:

• FM: 64~106 MHz
• AM: 520~1620 kHz
• SW: 4.75~22 MHz

Whether you're tuning in to your favorite morning talk show or catching the latest chart-topping hits, this radio delivers a commendable listening experience. In my usage, FM reception has been consistently reliable, and the audio clarity noticeably improves when using headphones. The built-in speaker does the job for casual listening, but plugging in a decent pair of earphones really enhances the sound quality, making it a more enjoyable experience overall.

Radio Reception

During June-July 2025, the XHDATA D-328 successfully processed these 32 FM stations in Perrysburg in Ohio:

1. Band: FM, Frequency: 88.9 MHz, Name: 88.3 FM WXUT, Format: Alternative Music, Call Sign: WXUT, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
2. Band: FM, Frequency: 88.9 MHz, Name: WBCL, Format: Contemporary Christian Music, Call Sign: WTPG, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
3. Band: FM, Frequency: 89.3 MHz, Name: Yes FM, Format: Christian Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR), Call Sign: WYSZ, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
4. Band: FM, Frequency: 89.7 MHz, Name: EWTN Radio, Format: Catholic Religious, Call Sign: WNOC, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
5. Band: FM, Frequency: 90.3 MHz, Name: Family Radio, Format: Christian Religious, Call Sign: WOTL, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
6. Band: FM, Frequency: 91.3 MHz, Name: WTGE Public Radio FM 91, Format: Public Radio, Call Sign: WTGE, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
7. Band: FM, Frequency: 91.7 MHz, Name: Michigan Public Radio, Format: Public Radio, Call Sign: WUOM, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
8. Band: FM, Frequency: 92.5 MHz, Name: 92.5 KISS FM, Format: Top 40 (CHR) (Contemporary Hit Radio), Call Sign: WVKS, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
9. Band: FM, Frequency: 92.9 MHz, Name: NewsRadio 1370 AM & 92.9 FM, Format: News/Talk, Call Sign: W225AM (WSPD-AM), Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
10. Band: FM, Frequency: 93.5 MHz, Name: 93.5 WRQN, Format: Classic Hits Music, Call Sign: WRQN, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
11. Band: FM, Frequency: 93.9 MHz, Name: 93.9 Virgin Radio, Format: Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR), Call Sign: CIDR, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
12. Band: FM, Frequency: 94.1 MHz, Name: Relevant Radio, Format: Catholic Talk Radio, Call Sign: W231EF (WPAY-AM), Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
13. Band: FM, Frequency: 94.5 MHz, Name: 94.5 XKR, Format: Classic Rock Music, Call Sign: WXKR, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
14. Band: FM, Frequency: 94.9 MHz, Name: 94.9 The Beat (HD2 channel of WVKS), Format: Urban Adult Music, Call Sign: W235BH, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
15. Band: FM, Frequency: 95.7 MHz, Name: Mix 95.7, Format: Urban Adult Contemporary Music, Call Sign: WIMX, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
16. Band: FM, Frequency: 96.9 MHz, Name: K-Love, Format: Christian Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR), Call Sign: WNKL, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
17. Band: FM, Frequency: 97.3 MHz, Name: HOT 97.3 FM, Format: Hip Hop and R&B Music, Call Sign: WJZE, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
18. Band: FM, Frequency: 98.3 MHz, Name: Nash Icon 98.3 FM, Format: Country Music, Call Sign: WMIM, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
19. Band: FM, Frequency: 99.5 MHz, Name: CSN Radio, Format: Religious, Call Sign: W258BT, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
20. Band: FM, Frequency: 100.7 MHz, Name: ESPN 100.7 FM: The Ticket, Format: Hot Adult Contemporary Music, Call Sign: WQQO, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
21. Band: FM, Frequency: 101.5 MHz, Name: 101.5 The River, Format: Adult Contemporary Music, Call Sign: WRVF, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
22. Band: FM, Frequency: 102.3 MHz, Name: Proclaim FM 102.3, Format: Contemporary Christian Music, Call Sign: WPOS, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
23. Band: FM, Frequency: 102.9 MHz, Name: W4Country, Format: Country Music, Call Sign: WWWW, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
24. Band: FM, Frequency: 103.3 MHz, Name: Smile FM, Format: Contemporary Christian Music, Call Sign: TBD, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
25. Band: FM, Frequency: 103.7 MHz, Name: Buckeye Country 103.7 CKY, Format: Country Music, Call Sign: WCKY, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
26. Band: FM, Frequency: 102.9 MHz, Name: 104.7 WIOT Toledo's Rock, Format: Mainstream Rock, Call Sign: WIOT, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
27. Band: FM, Frequency: 105.5 MHz, Name: Q105 Toledo, Format: Hot Adult Contemporary Music, Call Sign: WQQO, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
28. Band: FM, Frequency: 106.1 MHz, Name: We Act Toledo Radio WAKT 106.1, Format: Variety, Call Sign: WAKT, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
29. Band: FM, Frequency: 106.5 MHz, Name: The Truth Toledo (OH), Format: Christian Talk, Call Sign: WTOD, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
30. Band: FM, Frequency: 106.9 MHz, Name: Son Life Radio, Format: Christian Radio, Call Sign: W295DB (WJYM-AM), Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
31. Band: FM, Frequency: 107.3 MHz, Name: The Juice 107.3, Format: Contemporary Music, Call Sign: WJUC, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
32. Band: FM, Frequency: 107.7 MHz, Name: 107.7 The Wolf Country, Format: Country Music, Call Sign: WPFX, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator

In November 2023, I tested the XHDATA D-328 in Pune, a city in the state of Maharashtra, India. The radio performed well when it came to processing FM signals—stations came through clearly, and tuning was relatively smooth. However, its performance on the AM and shortwave (SW) bands left much to be desired. In my experience, there was hardly any reception on those frequencies, rendering them practically unusable in this location. FM turned out to be the only reliable mode of listening on this device during my testing.

1. Band: FM, Frequency: 91.1 MHz, Name: Radio City
2. Band: FM, Frequency: 93.5 MHz, Name: Red FM
3. Band: FM, Frequency: 94.3 MHz, Name: Radio One
4. Band: FM, Frequency: 95.0 MHz, Name: Big FM
5. Band: FM, Frequency: 98.3 MHz, Name: Radio Mirchi
6. Band: FM, Frequency: 101.0 MHz, Name: Vividh Bharati
7. Band: FM, Frequency: 104.2 MHz, Name: Radio Mirchi Love
8. Band: FM, Frequency: 107.8 MHz, Name: Puneri Awaz
9. Band: AM, Frequency: 792 kHz, Name: All India Radio (AIR) Pune

MP3 Playback

MP3 playback is supported via a microSD (TransFlash) card slot conveniently located on the top of the device. Impressively, it handles larger storage capacities like 32GB and even 64GB cards without issue. Listening to MP3 files on this little radio is surprisingly enjoyable—the audio quality exceeds expectations for a device in this price range. However, there are a few limitations to keep in mind. There’s no screen to display track info, and no shuffle mode either. Instead, songs are played strictly in alphabetical order based on their file names. On the plus side, you can skip forward in batches of 10 tracks, which helps when navigating larger playlists.

Audio Quality

The radio features a built-in 5.5 cm speaker capable of delivering up to 5 watts of mono audio output. Given the compact size of the device, there’s naturally limited room for deep bass response or rich audio dynamics. That said, the sound quality is surprisingly clear and crisp—especially when reception is strong. While you won’t get room-filling sound or punchy lows, it performs well enough for casual listening, news broadcasts, or talk radio, making it a solid choice for on-the-go use or small spaces.

Battery

The radio is powered by a removable 3.7V BL-5C 1020mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery. It comes with a generic, factory-included battery, which—at least in my experience—didn’t hold up well over time. Within a year, the battery had bloated and become unusable, a common issue with lower-quality Li-ion cells. Thankfully, the device doesn’t rely solely on battery power. It can operate just fine without the battery installed, as long as it's plugged in via USB and receiving live power. This makes it convenient for stationary use or when a reliable power source is available, even if the battery fails.

Warranty

The product comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty on the device.

Reviews

On Amazon the radio is rated 4.3 out of 5 based on 1,500 customer reviews.

Conclusion

In summary, the XHDATA D-328 is a decent radio for its price, but for a bit more, you can find radios with more features. It's compact, offers decent audio quality, and handles local stations and MP3 podcasts effectively. It's a solid choice, especially if you're on a tight budget, but there are other radios in the same price range that provide even better value. If you're interested in small and affordable radios, there are various options from manufacturers like Tecsun, Tivdio, Degen, and others, so it's worth doing some research to find the one that best suits your preferences. While it may not excel in all areas, its affordability and features make it a compelling option for radio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

The D-328 product page at xhdata.com.cn

The product page for the D-328 is here

The user manual is available here at TEKLIB.

First published: November 4, 2023

My Favorite Country Songs (A Live List)

As a country music enthusiast, I'm always discovering new tunes and revisiting old favorites. This live list is a collection of my go-to country songs that I'll keep updating as I continue to explore the world of country music.

How You Can Help

If you have a favorite country song that's not on this list, let me know in the comments! I'd love to hear your recommendations and add them to the list.

Stay Tuned

I'll be updating this list regularly, so be sure to check back often for new additions. Whether you're a fellow country music fan or just discovering the genre, I hope you find something that resonates with you. Let's keep the country music conversation going! 🎸🎸

Title: Across the Bridge

Artist: Jim Reeves

Year: 1966

Genre: Country

Title: Adios Amigo

Artist: Jim Reeves

Year: 1962

Genre: Country

Title: Always on My Mind

Artist: John Hartford

Year: 1967

Genre: Country

Title: Always on My Mind

Artist: Dean Martin

Year: 1968

Genre: Country

Title: Always on My Mind

Artist: Andy Williams

Year: 1969

Genre: Country

Title: Always on My Mind

Artist: Elvis Presley

Year: 1972

Genre: Country

Title: Always on My Mind

Artist: Brenda Lee

Year: 1972

Genre: Country

Title: Always on My Mind

Artist: Willie Nelson

Year: 1982

Genre: Country

Title: Am I Losing You

Artist: Jim Reeves

Year: 1957

Genre: Country

Title: Andy (I Can't Live Without You)

Artist: Ashley McBryde

Year: 2019

Genre: Country

Title: Before I Met You

Artist: Charley Pride

Year: 1966

Genre: Country

Title: Before I Met You

Artist: Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton

Year: 1967

Genre: Classic country

Title: Before the Next Teardrop Falls

Artist: Freddy Fender

Year: 1975

Genre: Country pop, Tejano

Title: Blue Side of Lonesome

Artist: Jim Reeves

Year: 1966

Genre: Country

Title: Crystal Chandelier

Artist: Carl Belew

Year: 1965

Genre: Country

Title: Crystal Chandelier

Artist: Vic Dana

Year: 1965

Genre: Adult contemporary

Title: Crystal Chandeliers

Artist: Charley Pride

Year: 1967

Genre: Country

Title: D-I-V-O-R-C-E

Artist: Tammy Wynette

Year: 1968

Genre: Country

Title: Distant Drums

Artist: Vic Dana

Year: 1965

Genre: Country

Title: Distant Drums

Artist: Jim Reeves

Year: 1966

Genre: Country

Title: Don't Come Home A-Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)

Artist: Loretta Lynn

Year: 1966

Genre: Country

Title: Don't Cry, Joni

Artist: Conway Twitty with Joni Lee

Year: 1975

Genre: Country

Title: Don't Let Me Cross Over

Artist: Jim Reeves with Deborah Allen

Year: 1979

Genre: Country

Title: Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes

Artist: Johnny Cash

Year: 2006

Genre: Classic Country

Title: First Thing I Reach For

Artist: Ashley McBryde

Year: 2020

Genre: Country

Title: Gentle on My Mind

Artist: Glen Campbell

Year: 1957

Genre: Country

Title: Gentle on My Mind

Artist: Patti Page

Year: 1967

Genre: Country

Title: Gentle on My Mind

Artist: Dean Martin

Year: 1968

Genre: Country

Title: Gentle on My Mind

Artist: Frank Sinatra

Year: 1968

Genre: Country

Title: Gentle on My Mind

Artist: Tammy Wynette

Year: 1968

Genre: Country

Title: Gentle on My Mind

Artist: Waylon Jennings

Year: 1968

Genre: Country

Title: Gentle on My Mind

Artist: The Band Perry

Year: 2014

Genre: Country

Title: Gentle on My Mind

Artist: Alison Krauss

Year: 2017

Genre: Country

Title: Girl Goin' Nowhere

Artist: Ashley McBryde

Year: 2019

Genre: Country

Title: Guilty

Artist: Jim Reeves

Year: 1963

Genre: Country

Title: Have You Ever Been Lonely

Artist: Jim Reeves and Patsy Cline

Year: 1981

Genre: Country

Title: Help Me Make It Through the Night

Artist: Sammi Smith

Year: 1970

Genre: Country

Title: He'll Have to Go

Artist: Jim Reeves

Year: 1959

Genre: Country, Nashville sound

Title: Honey

Artist: Bobby Goldsboro

Year: 1968

Genre: Country, Pop

Title: How's the World Treating You?

Artist: Elvis Presley

Year: 1956

Genre: Country

Title: How's the World Treating You?

Artist: Jim Reeves

Year: 1959

Genre: Country

Title: How's the World Treating You?

Artist: Alison Krauss and James Taylor

Year: 2007

Genre: Country

Title: I Got Mexico

Artist: Eddy Raven

Year: 1984

Genre: Country

Title: I Guess I'm Crazy

Artist: Jim Reeves

Year: 1964

Genre: Country

Title: I Love You Because

Artist: Jim Reeves

Year: 1964

Genre: Country

Title: I Wish I Could I Fall in Love Today

Artist: Ray Price

Year: 1960

Genre: Country

Title: I Wish I Could I Fall in Love Today

Artist: Barbara Mandrell

Year: 1988

Genre: Country

Title: Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone

Artist: Charley Pride

Year: 1970

Genre: Countrypolitan

Title: Is it Really Over

Artist: Jim Reeves

Year: 1965

Genre: Country

Title: Just Because I'm a Woman

Artist: Dolly Parton

Year: 1968

Genre: Country

Title: Jolene

Artist: Dolly Parton

Year: 1973

Genre: Country

Title: Jolene

Artist: Olivia Newton-John

Year: 1976

Genre: Country

Title: Jolene

Artist: Beyoncé

Year: 2024

Genre: Country pop, R&B

Title: Like a Rose

Artist: Ashley Monroe

Year: 2013

Genre: Neotraditional country

Title: Living in the Promiseland

Artist: Willie Nelson

Year: 1986

Genre: Country

Title: Lucille

Artist: Kenny Rogers

Year: 1977

Genre: Country

Title: Mayflowers

Artist: Ashley Monroe

Year: 2015

Genre: Neotraditional country

Title: Me and Bobby McGee

Artist: Roger Miller

Year: 1969

Genre: Country

Title: Me and Bobby McGee

Artist: Johnny Cash

Year: 1971

Genre: Country

Title: Me and Bobby McGee

Artist: Charley Pride

Year: 1971

Genre: Country

Title: Me and Bobby McGee

Artist: Janis Joplin

Year: 1971

Genre: Blues rock, Country rock

Title: Me and Bobby McGee

Artist: Gordon Lightfoot

Year: 1987

Genre: Country

Title: Meanwhile Back at Mama's

Artist: Tim McGraw featuring Faith Hill

Year: 2014

Genre: Country

Title: Mississippi Cotton Picking Delta Town

Artist: Charley Pride

Year: 1974

Genre: Country

Title: Rhythm of the Rain

Artist: The Browns

Year: 1966

Genre: Country

Title: She's Driving Me Out of Your Mind

Artist: Ashley Monroe

Year: 2013

Genre: Neotraditional country

Title: Take Me Home, Country Roads

Artist: John Denver

Year: 1971

Genre: Country, Folk

Title: Take My Hand

Artist: Jim Reeves

Year: 1960

Genre: Country

Title: The Blade

Artist: Ashley Monroe

Year: 2015

Genre: Neotraditional country

Title: Till the End

Artist: Vern Gosdin

Year: 1977

Genre: Country

Title: Weed Instead of Roses

Artist: Ashley Monroe

Year: 2013

Genre: Neotraditional country

Title: Welcome to my World

Artist: Jim Reeves

Year: 1963

Genre: Country

Title: When You Say Nothing at All

Artist: Keith Whitley

Year: 1988

Genre: Country

Title: When You Say Nothing at All

Artist: Alison Krauss & Union Station

Year: 1995

Genre: Country

Title: When You Say Nothing at All

Artist: Ronan Keating

Year: 1999

Genre: Country

Title: Wings of a Dove

Artist: Ferlin Husky

Year: 1960

Genre: Country

Title: Wings of a Dove

Artist: Charley Pride

Year: 1968

Genre: Country

Book Review: White Cargo: The Forgotten History of Britain's White Slaves in America by Don Jordan

White Cargo: The Forgotten History of Britain's White Slaves in America by Don Jordan was an eye-opening experience for me. This book sheds light on a dark period in history - the transatlantic slave trade of white people - which was unknown to me till now. Hundreds of thousands of white slaves were transported to the Americas, forced to work in brutal conditions, and subjected to inhumane treatment.

One interesting fact I learned from the book is that the first slaves in the Americas were not Africans, but English children who were kidnapped and sent to work in the tobacco fields of Virginia. Another surprising fact is that white slaves were often treated worse than African slaves, as they were seen as more rebellious and likely to escape.

The book also delves into the history of the Irish slave trade, where thousands of Irish people were sold into slavery in the Caribbean. I was horrified to learn about the conditions on board the slave ships, where white slaves were packed tightly together and subjected to disease, hunger, and physical abuse.

Overall, I would rate this book 4 out of 5. It's a well-researched and engaging read that highlights a lesser-known aspect of history. Overall, "White Cargo" is a must-read for anyone interested in history, slavery, and the transatlantic slave trade.

Here is my note at Goodreads:

White Cargo: The Forgotten History of Britain's White Slaves in America by Don Jordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book sheds light on a dark period in history - the transatlantic slave trade of white people - which was unknown to me till now. Hundreds of thousands of white slaves were transported to the Americas, forced to work in brutal conditions, and subjected to inhumane treatment. One interesting fact I learned from the book is that the first slaves in the Americas were not Africans, but English children who were kidnapped and sent to work in the tobacco fields of Virginia. Another surprising fact is that white slaves were often treated worse than African slaves, as they were seen as more rebellious and likely to escape. The book is well-researched and engaging.

View all my reviews

Import Latest NAV of Mutual Funds from AMFIndia.com into Google Sheets

Mutual funds are a popular investment vehicle and staying updated with the latest Net Asset Values (NAVs) is crucial for investors to make informed decisions. One of the most efficient ways to track these values is by importing them directly into Google Sheets, which allows for real-time updates and easy analysis. In this blog post, I'll guide you through the process of importing the latest NAV of mutual funds from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFIndia.com) and displaying them in Google Sheets to use the data for various calculations. 

Mutual Funds latest NAV report

One thing I want you to be aware of is that the real-time NAV of your chosen mutual fund is also available in Google Sheets using the GOOGLEFINANCE formula which I have explained in detail in the post How to get stock prices from Google Finance in Google Sheets. Here, the difference is that while the GOOGLEFINANCE formula returns the price of a specific fund, the method which I explain here imports the full list of available funds and their NAVs in your spreadsheet which you can play with later.

If you don't want to go through the hassle of going through this article, I have provided a link to a sample Google Sheets file which you can save for yourself and start using.

Why Use Google Sheets for Tracking NAVs?

Google Sheets offers several advantages for tracking mutual fund NAVs:

1. Real-time Updates: Google Sheets can automatically update data, ensuring you always have the latest information.
2. Accessibility: Being a cloud-based platform, you can access your data from anywhere.
3. Ease of Use: Google Sheets' user-friendly interface and powerful functions make data manipulation and analysis straightforward.
4. Collaboration: Multiple users can view and edit the sheet simultaneously, making it ideal for collaborative work.

Open-Ended and Close-Ended Mutual Funds

Before we get into the detailed steps of how to accomplish the task we have in hand, here a small description of "open-ended" and "close-ended" mutual funds in India. I will leave you with only definitions here as there are many resources online with more details of the same. The AMFIndia website provides data for both types of mutual funds.

Open-ended mutual funds do not have a fixed maturity period. They allow investors to enter (buy units) and exit (redeem units) at any time at the fund’s prevailing Net Asset Value (NAV).

Close-ended mutual funds have a fixed maturity period. Investors can buy units only during the initial offering period (New Fund Offer or NFO) and can redeem them only at maturity. These funds are listed on stock exchanges, where they can be traded like stocks.

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Accessing AMFIndia.com

Firstly, you need to understand where and how to access the mutual fund NAV data on the AMFIndia website. AMFIndia.com typically provides NAV data in a downloadable format directly from the web site

1. Visit the AMFIndia Website (amfindia.com) using your favorite web browser and find the Download NAV link at the bottom of the page
   
   

   

   AMFIndia Website homepage

   
   
   
2. The NAV data for "open-ended" and "close-ended" mutual funds are available as separate links like indicated with red boxes in the screenshot below. The data inside the links are structured in the same format as a flat file with semi-colon separated values
   
   

   

   Latest NAV links

   
   
   
3. The link to open-ended mutual fund schemes typically looks like https://www.amfiindia.com/spages/NAVOpen.txt and a sample content is shown in the image below
   
   

   

   Open-ended schemes data

   
   
   
4. The link to close-ended mutual fund schemes typically looks like https://www.amfiindia.com/spages/NAVClose.txt and a sample content is shown in the image below
   
   

   

   Close-ended schemes data

   
   
   
5. As of this writing, access to the AMFI data is available free of cost to all

Step 2: Importing the Data into Google Sheets

To automate fetching the latest NAV data, we will use Google Sheets’ IMPORTDATA formula which can be used to seamlessly import and parse properly structured .csv (comma-separated value) or .tsv (tab-separated value) data from a URL. Here in our case, the data is not comma separated and there are some additional complexities which we will address later. For now, our objective is to get the full data inserted into our spreadsheet. For the sake of simplicity, here I will demonstrate with only the open-ended mutual fund data. The close-ended data URL can be imported and parsed following the same guidelines.

1. Go to Google Sheets and create a new spreadsheet
2. In a cell, like B2, enter the URL for the open-ended schemes' data https://www.amfiindia.com/spages/NAVOpen.txt
   
   
   
   
   
3. Next, in the cell from where you want the data import to begin, like A3, use the IMPORTDATA formula. This will import all content from the link into the spreadsheet
   
   
   
   
   
4. Next you can parse and display the data into structured cells in the sheet

Step 3: Parsing the Data in Google Sheets

At this point, your spreadsheet should be filled with data which you imported in the previous step, but you will observe that the data is like a big blob of text which got downloaded and is of not much use unless you can parse and split it into specific columns. It gets a little bit tricky after this which is what we will get into here. Here is a screenshot of how your spreadsheet looks like right now - observe that there are some virtual headers and the bulk of the content is related to one mutual fund scheme per line, with the data values separated with semicolons.

On close observation of the first line, you will notice that it is a description of the columns for each line:

Scheme Code;ISIN Div Payout/ ISIN Growth;ISIN Div Reinvestment;Scheme Name;Net Asset Value;Date

We will use this description to do some simple calculations and parse the date into spreadsheet columns.

Now, look at cell A9 which contains the text: 119551;INF209KA12Z1;INF209KA13Z9;Aditya Birla Sun Life Banking & PSU Debt Fund - DIRECT - IDCW;103.9547;31-May-2024

Our objective is to parse and map this text to the header descriptions which we saw above, like this:

Scheme Code: 119551

ISIN Div Payout/ ISIN Growth: INF209KA12Z1

ISIN Div Reinvestment: INF209KA13Z9

Scheme Name: Aditya Birla Sun Life Banking & PSU Debt Fund - DIRECT - IDCW

Net Asset Value: 103.9547

Date: 31-May-2024

In cell C9 enter the following formula to extract the Scheme Code:

=IF(ISERROR(LEFT(CONCAT(A9,B9),SEARCH(";",CONCAT(A9,B9))-1)),"",LEFT(CONCAT(A9,B9),SEARCH(";",CONCAT(A9,B9))-1))

For our convenience, in cell D9, we will calculate and store the offset from where the search for the next field should start from. So, in cell D9 enter the following formula:

=IF(C9="","",LEN(C9)+1)

Use this same method cyclically to get the other field values into further cells.

In cell E9, use the following formula to extract the value for ISIN Div Payout/ ISIN Growth:

=IF(C9="",A9,MID(CONCAT(A9,B9),D9+1,SEARCH(";",CONCAT(A9,B9),D9+1)-D9-1))

In cell F9, again calculate and store the offset from where the search for the next field should start from:

=IF(C9="","",D9+LEN(E9)+1)

In cell G9, use the following formula to extract the value for ISIN Div Reinvestment:

=IF(C9="","",MID(CONCAT(A9,B9),F9+1,SEARCH(";",CONCAT(A9,B9),F9+1)-F9-1))

In cell H9, again calculate and store the offset from where the search for the next field should start from:

=IF(C9="","",F9+LEN(G9)+1)

In cell I9, use the following formula to extract the value for Scheme Name:

=IF(C9="","",MID(CONCAT(A9,B9),H9+1,SEARCH(";",CONCAT(A9,B9),H9+1)-H9-1))

In cell J9, calculate and store the offset from where the search for the next field should start from:

=IF(C9="","",H9+LEN(I9)+1)

In cell K9, use the following formula to extract the value for NAV:

=IF(C9="","",MID(CONCAT(A9,B9),J9+1,SEARCH(";",CONCAT(A9,B9),J9+1)-J9-1))

In cell L9, calculate and store the offset from where the search for the next field should start from:

=IF(C9="","",J9+LEN(K9)+1)

In cell K9, use the following formula to extract the value for the date:

=IF(C9="","",MID(CONCAT(A9,B9),L9+1,LEN(CONCAT(A9,B9))-L9))

At this point you should see all the fields for the first scheme parsed neatly into columns. Use you favorite method to fill the rows below to parse all rows. The data will automatically get updated whenever you reopen the spreadsheet.

Additional Tips for Formatting Data

Now that you have the basic structure ready, you can name your header columns like you wish. To make your data more readable, you can apply formatting options:

Headers: Bold the header row.

Column Widths: Adjust the column widths to fit the content.

Conditional Formatting: Use conditional formatting to highlight important values.

Hide Columns: Hide the columns that you don't want to see, for example the columns where you calculated the offsets.

Here is how I made my final version look:

Application

You can apply this data in various creative ways, like the bumping the NAVs of your purchases against the current NAV and finding out your profitability using advanced formulas like VLOOKUP.

Conclusion

Tracking the latest NAV of mutual funds is essential for investors, and Google Sheets provides an excellent platform for doing so. By importing data from AMFIndia.com, you can ensure that you always have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips.

You can grab a copy of the spreadsheet from this link. 

With this guide, you should be well-equipped to set up your own system for importing and displaying mutual fund NAVs in Google Sheets. Happy investing!

Troubleshooting Tips 

Web access Issues: Ensure that the website data endpoint is accessible. Check for any authentication requirements. At the time of this writing the data is available free and requires no additional authentication.

Data Formatting: If the imported data doesn't look right, double-check the structure of the data and adjust your formulas accordingly.

By following these steps, you'll have a powerful tool to keep track of mutual fund NAVs, helping you stay on top of your investments with ease.

About AMFIndia

Association of Mutual Funds in India, abbreviated as AMFI, is the association of all the asset management companies of SEBI registered mutual funds in India. [Wikipedia]

Note: This is not a financial advice, and I am not a financial advisor. Mutual funds appearing in the illustrations in this article is for representational purposes only and are not recommendations.

Replace characters in folder names using Windows PowerShell

This article describes a method to rename folders by replacing a character with another. In this use case we have a folder full of subfolders which are named in a particular pattern with a date followed by the description of the folder. The words in the folder names are separated by the hyphen ("-') character.  Our objective is to keep the date part intact while replacing all the hyphens after the data with whitespace characters.

The before and after state of the folder names are illustrated in the screenshot below.

Renamed folders with hyphens replaced with whitespace characters

For this example, we consider that our bunch of folders are in a local drive path named "C:\Users\SampleUser\Desktop\2006".

Open the Windows PowerShell and change directory to "C:\Users\SampleUser\Desktop\2006". Next run the following script at the prompt. Remember to set the value of $directoryPath below to the appropriate path according to your situation:

# Set the directory path where you want to rename folders

$directoryPath = "C:\Users\SampleUser\Desktop\2006"

# Get a list of all folders in the specified directory

$folders = Get-ChildItem -Path $directoryPath -Directory

# Loop through each folder

foreach ($folder in $folders) {

    # Check if folder name is longer than 10 characters and contains '-'

    # character at position 11

    if ($folder.Name.Length -ge 11 -and $folder.Name.Substring(10, 1) `

    -eq "-") {

        # Construct the new folder name by replacing '-' with a blank

        # space starting at character number 11

        $newName = $folder.Name.Substring(0, 10) + `

        ($folder.Name.Substring(10) -replace '-', ' ')

       

        # Get the full path of the old and new folder names

        $oldPath = Join-Path -Path $directoryPath -ChildPath $folder.Name

        $newPath = Join-Path -Path $directoryPath -ChildPath $newName

       

        # Rename the folder

        Rename-Item -Path $oldPath -NewName $newName -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

        Write-Host "Renamed folder: $($folder.Name) to $($newName)"

    }

}

On successful execution of this script, you should see an output like this.

Renamed folder: 2019-01-16-Travel-to-France to 2019-01-16 Travel to France

Renamed folder: 2019-03-07-Meijer to 2019-03-07 Meijer

Renamed folder: 2019-05-04-National-Train-Day to 2019-05-04 National Train Day

Renamed folder: 2019-05-18-Woodland-Park to 2019-05-18 Woodland Park

Renamed folder: 2019-05-26-Maumee-Bay-State-Park to 2019-05-26 Maumee Bay State Park

Renamed folder: 2019-07-05-African-Safari-Wildlife-Park to 2019-07-05 African Safari Wildlife Park

Now you are done.