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| Above, Christine McVie in 2019. |
Two days ago, I posted this week's Classic Rock Music Monday to spotlight a classic rock artist.
When I posted it, I stated that my original plan was to spotlight Fleetwood Mac, but the passing of Irene Cara changed those plans and that I would spotlight Fleetwood Mac next week.
Those plans have taken on a more important meaning. It was announced that Fleetwood Mac singer Christine McVie has passed away today from a brief illness at age 79.
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| Above, Hiroshi H. Miyamura, Medal of Honor recipient. |
Medal of Honor recipient Hiroshi H. Miyamura of Gallup, New Mexico passed away on November 29.
According to a Twitter posting yesterday by the New Mexico House Republicans:
New Mexico and our country have lost a shining light. Gallup-hero and #MedalofHonor recipient Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura passed away today. Thank you for your service.
From KOB4:
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient hailing from Gallup, has died. He was 97.
Miyamura was born in Gallup on October 6, 1925. In 1945, he first joined the U.S. Army and served in the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Infantry Regiment, which consisted of mostly Japanese Americans. He was discharged after Japan surrendered but then was called to active duty when the Korean War started.
During the Korean War, Miyamura served as a corporal in the 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, Third Infantry Division.
Near Taejon-Ni, Korea, on April 24, 1951, enemy soldiers threatened to overrun Miyamura and his machine-gun squad. Miyamura reportedly ordered his men to retreat, then defended them with machine guns and hand-to-hand combat.
Reports indicate he gave first aid to his men and helped them evacuate, all while killing more than 50 enemy soldiers. Before he was captured, Miyamura continued to fight despite being severely wounded.
Fearing revenge, the U.S. kept quiet about his actions until he was released in August 1953.
Two months later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower bestowed the Medal of Honor upon the Gallup native at the White House.
Miyamura had been honored by the city of Gallup with an overpass and highway named for him.
Wikipedia has a page devoted to Miyamura with details on his heroism during the Korean War. To access it, go here.
To read more, go here.
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| Above, Godzilla peering over a building in Shinjuku. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
It has been over a month since Japan opened up to foreign tourism. Things have gotten easier to get in, but there's still some "rigmarole" travelers have to contend with.
SoraNews24 has posted an article on just what they are.
They begin with:
It’s been over a month now since Japan reopened its borders to international tourists on 11 October, but unlike a lot of other countries, there’s still a bit of rigmarole to get in.
Last month, visitors were required to enter personal details such as vaccination status into an app called MySOS, but from 1 November, that requirement was abolished, and has now been replaced with “Visit Japan Web“, a website designed to smooth out the immigration process.
One of our reporters flew into Japan from Singapore the other day, and upon using the Visit Japan Web site, they noticed three major differences.
To read more, go here.
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| Above, yours truly with Martin Link last January. Photo by Russell Azbill. |
A few minutes ago, I received word that the Martin Link Gallup supper group member Bob Weeks is in the hospital with COVID. I think he mentioned before that he was vaccinated.
It was a good thing that I didn't attend Sunday's dinner at his home due to allergy issues, but there is a possibility that those who did may have contracted it. Hopefully not. I was with one attendee's husband today at Denny's. If she got exposed to it, then he may also be exposed to it through his wife. Again, hopefully not.
I don't think that I should be too concerned since I have been fully vaccinated, including two boosters (Pfizer). Generally, symptoms show up anywhere between 3 to 14 days from exposure (give or take).
Roger, one of our gang in Jamestown, came down with it months ago and we didn't catch it from him. Hopefully, we'll have dodged a bullet again. Knock on wood!
We'll just have to wait and see.
As part of the Red Rock Balloon Rally, this year's Balloominaria will be taking place this Saturday evening at Rio West Mall in Gallup It begins at 6:00.
This is the event where hot-air balloons are inflated and their envelopes are lit up. Spectators are allowed to wander around the inflated balloons. I went to it last year and it was well-attended.
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| Above, last year's Balloominaria at Rio West Mall. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
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| Above, the 2019 Red Rock Balloon Rally at Red Rock Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
The 41st Annual Red Rock Balloon Rally will be taking place this weekend at Red Rock Park east of Gallup this weekend.
The balloon rally begins on Saturday, December 2 at 7:30 am with the ascension of hot-air balloons and ends on Monday, December 4.
From the official website:
December 2nd-4th, 2022
The 41st Annual Red Rock Balloon Rally will take place on December 2-4, 2022. What began as a small but earnest effort by four individuals to share the unique flying challenge offered in the incredible red rock formations east of Gallup, New Mexico has grown into the second largest balloon rally in North America, with 200 balloons.
ADMISSION IS FREE TO ALL EVENTS!
(with only a small $5.00 parking fee at events at Red Rock Park)
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| Above, the 2019 Red Rock Balloon Rally. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
I attended the 2019 Red Rock Balloon Rally and had a great time. The weather looks favorable this year with a forecast high of 54° on Friday.
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| Above, two of my 1964 JFK half dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
From the Urban Dictionary:
Universal Coin & Bullion has a deal on 1964 JFK half dollars. I was first alerted through their ad in the current American Rifleman magazine.
Their lowest price for a 1964 JFK half dollar is $13.50/coin in BU (brilliant uncirculated) condition. These coins are the only JFK half dollars minted in 90% silver. The average price for these coins range from $7.00 to $15.00.
Yesterday, I placed an order for one as I already have several. Universal's limit is two per household. I alerted a friend and he ordered two last night.
Since our currency is being eaten away by Bidenflation, investing in precious metal coins (gold and silver) is a good hedge.
The current silver price is $21.34 per ounce.
For a little history on private ownership of gold by U.S. citizens, go here.
It appears that the resolution of the public "spat" between Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures was short-lived.
Legendary has bolted from Warner Bros. and has signed up with Sony Pictures to distribute their films.
According to Variety:
Legendary Entertainment, the production company behind “Dune” and “Godzilla vs. Kong,” has cut ties with Warner Bros. and entered a multi-year worldwide film distribution partnership with Sony Pictures.
Under the new agreement, Sony will market and distribute Legendary’s upcoming theatrical motion picture titles. However, select existing projects at Legendary are exempt from the pact, meaning Warner Bros. Pictures is still backing “Dune: Part Two.” The sequel to 2021’s sci-fi adaptation “Dune” is currently in production and slated for release on Nov. 3, 2023.
In a press release, Sony Pictures and Legendary emphasized that the companies are aligned in their “ongoing commitment to theatrical distribution as a driver for other ‘downstream’ windows and the theatrical window’s long-term value for films.”
That sentiment may be a not-so-subtle nod to Legendary’s public spat with Warner Bros. in late 2020. At the time, the production company threatened to take legal action over Warners.’ decision to send all of its 2021 movies — including the Legendary-backed “Godzilla vs. Kong” and “Dune” — to HBO Max on the same day they debut in theaters. However, the two companies hashed out frustrations (for the moment) and found an agreement that satisfied both parties. Moreover, “Godzilla vs. Kong” grossed $470 million globally and “Dune” generated $401 million worldwide, making each of them pandemic-era box office hits despite playing day-and date on streaming.
To read more, go here.
Whoever the heck is in charge of the Biden Administration (along with His Fraudulency himself) had to have come from an insane asylum.
Sen. John Kennedy Tweeted last evening:
China is equipping its nuclear submarines w/ missiles that can reach our homeland, while the Biden admin is canceling our nuclear-tipped sea-launched missile—against the advice of top military officers.
Why are we scaling back our nuclear capabilities while China builds its up?
This is totally mind-boggling!
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| Above, Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
The state's government leaves much to be desired, but New Mexico has plenty of scenic and cultural beauty to enjoy.
That is why Lonely Planet has named New Mexico one of 30 places to inspire.
According to Yahoo:
Nov. 28—New Mexico is one of three U.S. entries on Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2023 list of 30 Places to Inspire You.
New Mexico joins Alaska and Boise, Idaho, on a list "designed to help you dream, plan and go to the places that will be buzzing in the year ahead."
As top attractions, Lonely Planet listed Meow Wolf, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, Taos Pueblo, the Very Large Array, Chaco Culture Natural Historic Park, Acoma Pueblo, Spaceport America and White Sands National Park.
To read more, go here.
My new U.S. Passport arrived in today's mail.
It is hard to believe that it is good until I am almost (by two years) 80 years old, should I be fortunate enough to live that long.
Now I am able to do some overseas traveling to Japan or somewhere else (if Mitch Geriminsky comes up with a travel scheme like he did when we took that 2019 cruise to Havana). My old passport should be sent to me shortly. It has stamps from several trips to Japan and the Cuba trip.
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| Above, my cat Sierra likes the motorhome bed also. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Getting a good night's sleep in my motorhome has never been a problem. I found that I actually do sleep better in the RV than I do in my bed at home.
There are those, however, that aren't so lucky and have a hard time sleeping when camping.
Fortunately, Do It Yourself RV has some tips on getting some good shut-eye.
They start with:
Traveling in an RV is a ton of fun, but it can be hard to wind down after a long day of driving or exploring the outdoors. Some people find it hard to sleep in an RV because the environment around them is always changing. You can’t always guarantee that your campground or RV resort will be quiet and peaceful. So, what are some ways to get better sleep in your RV?
Ultimately, you should try to create a sleeping space that mirrors your preferences and habits. Many people are able to get better sleep if the room is dark, quiet, and set to a comfortable temperature. There are also different tactics you can use to make your RV mattress more comfortable.
It’s very important to get a good night’s sleep. If you have a hard time getting comfortable in an RV bed, you’re not alone! Luckily, there are a few techniques and habits you can try that may help you fall asleep faster. Check out our top 10 ways to get better sleep in your RV.
To read more, go here.
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| Above, a park ranger in front of the Manzanita Lake camp store at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Park rangers have a job to do even though their places of employment are gorgeous. They are helpful and informative when asked by visitors.
But there are things that the rangers want one to know to make their job easier and one's visit trouble-free.
RV Life has posted the five things rangers want visitors to know.
They begin with:
For most RVers, camping can be an opportunity to make amazing memories that will last a lifetime. And this isn’t just because our parks are located in exceptionally beautiful wilderness areas. State, provincial, and national parks are run by park rangers who have an absolute passion for the outdoors and helping people enjoy it.
Park rangers are responsible for ensuring everyone brings home happy camping memories. From helping you get the right campsite to making sure the washrooms are spic and span, park rangers do a lot to help make sure you have the best possible stay at the campground. However, there are five things park rangers would like you to know to help ensure everyone has a good time at the park.
To read more, go here.
The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.
Last week, I was thinking about who would be spotlighted on today's Classic Rock Music Monday. I had settled on Fleetwood Mac, but the passing of Irene Cara at 63 last Friday changed all that. So I will have to delay the group's spotlight until next Monday.
I have to confess, I was a fan of hers and was as stunned as many upon hearing the news. I would be remiss to not honor Irene Cara in this week's Classic Rock Music Monday. I just wish it were in happier circumstances. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
The video is from the 1983 Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon. Cara performs her hit, "What A Feeling" from Flashdance.
Since Elon Musk bought Twitter, I haven't noticed too much except for fewer liberals whining about everything.
Also, I noticed more postings by women(?) that border on softcore porn (some even cross that line) like this:
45 years, looking for friends on twitter to exchange whatsapp. Want to see my secret Facebook?
If you have young children, maybe you ought to block their access to Twitter so they would not be exposed to these kinds of posts.
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| Above, last month in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. |
Today, I was supposed to be at our monthly supper group's dinner at author/historian Martin Link's today in Gallup. I had to cancel.
But I managed to wake up this morning congested with gunk in my chest and throat with a persistent cough.
I've stayed indoors all day today relaxing with only one trip to the Flying J to pick up some Nyquil and Dayquil. The Dayquil helped me a lot. I am not as congested as I was earlier.
Hopefully, I will be recovered by tomorrow.
Someone's full of their own self-importance and a bit tone deaf on history. But there's plenty of people around to school her.
Updated 2/4/23.
Sad news today.
Hearing today's news about the passing of singer/actress Irene Cara reminded me that I ran into several of the actors of Flashdance (1983) in an elevator of the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in Los Angeles. Cara wasn't one of them, I don't believe. I was there to attend a meeting of the Los Angeles County Republican Central Committee on a different floor.
At the time, Flashdance was in production and Bob Hope Patriotic Hall and was where the final dance scene with Alex (Jennifer Beals) ("blowing away the five judges with her routine") was filmed.
Irene Cara was only 63 years old at the time of her death.
She is best known for (source: Wikipedia):
Irene Cara Escalera was an American singer and actress. Cara sang and co-wrote the song "Flashdance... What a Feeling", for which she won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1984.
Cara is also known for playing the role of Coco Hernandez in the 1980 film Fame, and for recording the film's title song "Fame".
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| Above, Irene Cara, 1959 - 2022. |
"Flashdance" singer Irene Cara’s official cause of death has been revealed.The Pinellas County medical examiner’s office confirmed to Fox News Digital that Cara's cause of death was hypertension and high cholesterol, specifically arteriosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease.Diabetes was also listed as a contributing factor in her death.
From my own experience, I have a good idea on how her final moments were like. If she (I'm assuming) weren't alone, she could possibly have been saved. It has been reported that she lived her final years alone like a hermit in Largo, Florida.
To read more, go here.
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| Above, at home today. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
If that's accurate, then this will be the warmest it has been in weeks. There is a breeze here, which cools the air temperature a bit, but it is comfortable enough to step out without a jacket.
There may be snow coming next week, though.
His Fraudulency Joe Biden is once again threatening our Second Amendment rights.
Following some recent mass shootings, Biden took the opportunity call for a ban on so-called "assault weapons" during the lame-duck session of congress.
Townhall reported:
President Joe Biden and his Democrat constituents are threatening to take America’s Second Amendment away by attempting to pass a bill that would ban assault rifles during the lame-duck session before the next Congress forms.
On Thanksgiving, Biden reiterated his support for stricter gun laws, saying that it is “ridiculous” that red flag laws were not being enforced throughout the country.
“No. 2, the idea … we still allow semi-automatic weapons to be purchased is sick. It’s just sick. It has no, no socially redeeming value. Zero. None. Not a single, solitary rationale for it except profit for the gun manufacturers,” Biden said.
A reporter then asked the president if he would attempt to sign new gun laws with Republicans in control of the House next year, in which Biden said that he would make that assessment as he counts votes.
“I'm going to try,” Biden said, adding “I’m going to try to get rid of assault weapons.”
To read more, go here.
Several days ago, I received an email from the John Wayne Stock & Supply Company of their holiday catalog offerings.
While perusing it, I noticed that they had infant onesies. Since this would be the first Christmas for my second cousin Chrissie's son Colt in Tennessee, I decided to get him a John Wayne Saddle Up Rodeo onesie.
Colt's older brother Gunnar is now six and I looked around the catalog and spotted a John Wayne "Made In America" puzzle. With his mom and dad's help, Gunnar should be able to while the time putting the puzzle together.
The items were delivered yesterday.
What better way to start kids off right than to get them some Duke goods? Ya gotta teach 'em right, Pilgrim!
To access the John Wayne Stock & Supply Co., go here.
When late-night television talk shows were entertaining.
This is for those who are political junkies and history buffs.
Prior to his presidential run in 1968, former Vice President Richard Nixon made an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. His appearance on the show took place on November 22, 1967.
Until today, I had never viewed this episode. Back on Christmas Day in 1974, my parents gave me Here's Johnny... Magic Moments From the Tonight Show record album (pictured below). Included in the album was a recording of Nixon's appearance. (Yes, I still do have the album.)
After viewing the video, I noticed that the record had the segment not in the actual order.
The audio is scratchy until about 1:50 minutes in, but it clears up. Trisha and Julie Nixon were in the audience and were introduced.
It is an interesting interview and well worth viewing, so I have it posted below:
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| Above, the giant chef bust tells visitors that they're in Kappabashi. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Longtime regular readers of this blog have read blog posts about Kappabashi, known as "Kitchen Town" in Tokyo.
Kappabashi is near Asakusa in Tokyo and the district has everything a cook, professional or otherwise, may need or want.
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| Above, knives on display at the Kamaasa Knife Co. shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
I first went to Kappabashi in February 2014 to pick up some chef's knives. Following my purchases, I wandered around the district to see what other things were available. I returned there a year later to pick up some more goods.
Japan Today has a nice detailed article about Kappabashi that would be useful for future visitors.
They begin it with:
TOKYO - To spend a few hours wandering the Tokyo neighborhood of Kappabashi, not far from Asakusa, is not just a fun shopping experience, it is also a lesson in how many different kitchen toys exist in the world. This neighborhood, and especially its main drag, is jammed with shops that sell everything imaginable for the kitchen, whether it’s a home kitchen or a professional one. It makes sense that a city as obsessed with good food as Tokyo would be home to one of the largest shopping districts for kitchen implements in the world.
The breadth of items available in the more than 170 shops in the area is astounding. There is everything imaginable, and a few things one could never imagine (unless, perhaps, you are a professionally trained chef).
The principal shopping street of Kappabashi, a strip less than a kilometer long, is just a few dozen meters from Tawaramachi station on the Ginza subway line. Its entry is marked by a gigantic bust of a chef atop the Niimi Building on the corner, home of a shop selling dishes.
To read more, go here.
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| Above, a Shinkansen view of Mt. Fuji while en route to Osaka from Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Now that foreigners can travel again to Japan, here's something that will be helpful if one is planning to travel outside of Tokyo to other cities.
Tokyo Cheapo has posted a video guide for using the famous bullet trains, or Shinkansens, while in Japan.
According to the video posting:
Wondering whether the Shinkansen (that’s the bullet train) might be the best way to get from one part of Japan to another? This a comprehensive guide to taking some of the fastest trains in the world, from speeds to seat reservations, luggage and the Japan rail passes.
Here's the video:
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| Above, a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 at Los Angeles International Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Now that life is slowly creeping back to normal, Singapore Airlines has unveiled major network changes to meet the demand.
Japan Today reported:
Singapore - Singapore Airlines (SIA) has unveiled plans to boost frequencies to destinations across East and South East Asia, resume flights to Busan and increase Airbus A380 services to Australia during the northern summer operating season (March 26 to Oct 29, 2023).
As a result, SIA’s flight frequencies will reach or exceed pre-pandemic levels in multiple destinations across East and Southeast Asia by March 2024, including Bangkok, Thailand; Busan and Seoul, South Korea; Fukuoka, Nagoya and Osaka, Japan; Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Vietnam; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Siem Reap, Cambodia; and Taipei, Taiwan.
In addition, Melbourne will get a new daily A380 service and Sydney will get a second daily A380 service.
JoAnn Tan, Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Singapore Airlines, said, “Looking ahead to 2023, we see stronger demand for flights to destinations across South East Asia, parts of East Asia, and Australia. As we restore our network to these regions closer to pre pandemic levels, our customers have even more flight options as they make their holiday plans.”
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| Above, the Economy section of Singapore Airlines Airbus A380. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
As far as Los Angeles to Japan travel is concerned, the article reported:
Flights SQ36 and SQ35 between Singapore and Los Angeles will operate thrice weekly, instead of a daily service, from March 26, 2023. Customers will continue to have the option of two existing daily flights to Los Angeles via the non-stop service SQ38 and SQ37 between the two cities, or flights SQ12 and SQ11, which serve the Singapore-Tokyo (Narita)-Los Angeles route.
To read the full article, go here.
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| Above, the Narrows at Zion National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
A tragedy took place in Zion National Park on Wednesday when a couple who were hiking overnight in the Narrows experienced hypothermia.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
A woman hiker is dead and her husband is recovering after being injured during a 16-mile overnight hike at Zion National Park in Utah.
Zion National Park shuttle drivers reported that visitors found an injured man and a non-responsive woman in the Narrows on Wednesday morning, according to a news release.
Zion rescue team members found the man on Riverside Walk. He was taken to the Zion Emergency Operations Center. Farther up the Narrows, rescuers found a non-responsive woman near the Virgin River. First responders administered emergency aid, but they determined she was deceased.
The 33-year-old man and 31-year-old woman, a married couple, had started their permitted 16-mile trip through the Narrows from the top-down on Tuesday. The man told rescuers that they became dangerously cold overnight and experienced symptoms consistent with hypothermia.
To read more, go here.
Only a few times have I ever done any camping in freezing temperatures. Fortunately, the motorhome has holding tank heaters. Those kept the tanks from freezing.
During the winter months, I empty all the tanks and put in antifreeze. I haven't had any problems since I started doing this.
What should one do if the RV black water tank (toilet contents) freezes? RV Life has an article on just what to do if this happens.
They begin with:
For outdoor enthusiasts, winter camping can be a lot of fun. Ice fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, and tobogganing are all fun winter activities. They are even better when you have a cozy RV to warm up in at the end of the day.
Winter is a great opportunity to go camping and enjoy nature without the crowds you find in the summer. While this is all very good, having a frozen holding tank can really chill all the fun.
So, what should you do when your RV black water tank gets frozen? In this article, we’ll look at what you should do if your black water tank gets frozen and how you can keep it from happening again (without heading south).
To read more, go here.
A few minutes ago, I headed to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. As I walking there, I looked out a window and noticed snow on Barking Spider Acre.
I took a look out front from the kitchen and sure enough, we were getting some light snow.
Eastern New Mexico was expecting snow today, but not here in the northwestern part of the state.
So, I took a few photos:
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| Above, a late November snow four years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
The snowstorm that's expected to hit the eastern portion of New Mexico will be missing us in Jamestown and Gallup, New Mexico, but that doesn't mean we won't be getting winter temperatures.
The high today is expected to be 38° today. That is pretty cold enough.
However, it looks like we'll be getting a 20% chance of snow starting Monday night. Then it will rise to a 50% chance on Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service:
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| Above, yours truly at Navajo Lake State Park. |
If there's anyone out there who wonders what recreational opportunities are available in the northwestern section of New Mexico, the Albuquerque Journal has posted a list of New Mexico state parks in the quadrant.
So far, I have been to one of them, Navajo Lake State Park.
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| Above, the San Juan River at Navajo Lake State Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
They begin with:
Editor’s note: Second in a series as the Journal looks around the map at New Mexico’s state parks.
New Mexico is comprised of 121,697 square miles.
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s easy for New Mexicans to get out of the house and visit an area around the state.
Luckily there are 35 state parks, which can be pure fun to explore.
Here’s a list of the parks located in the northwest quadrant of the state.
To read more, go here.
It appears that we in the northwestern portion of New Mexico won't have to worry about the Thanksgiving Day storm that will hit the eastern portion of New Mexico and the Texas panhandle.
Here's what AccuWeather has forecast:
A general 6-12 inches of snow with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 15 inches will blanket northwestern Texas and eastern New Mexico. It is possible that the heaviest snow may end up falling west of Amarillo, Texas. Motorists planning on traveling along I-40 in this area should expect delays and slippery conditions.
