Top 25 Things To Do In Yokohama

Above, a view of Yokohama's waterfront and Cosmo World from the Landmark Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer,

The last time I had been through Yokohama, Japan was in 2014 when I traveled by commuter train to visit the Godzilla Slide at the Kurihama Flower World in Yokosuka. 

Before that, I spent a few hours in 2005 roaming around the waterfront of Yokohama.

Gaijinpot has posted a list of 25 things to do in Yokohama.

They begin it with:

Yokohama is a 30-minute train ride from central Tokyo, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this harbor town was simply another ’burb caught up in the capital’s urban sprawl. That is, until you cross the prefectural border and are greeted by wide waterfront views, gleaming cruise ships and expansive green spaces. A step back from the water lies an array of quirky museums, Japan’s biggest Chinatown and top-notch shopping to boot. All across the city, you’ll feel the relaxed, seaside vibes of somewhere like L.A. or Vancouver, but with a distinctly Japanese spirit.

Keen to make the trip? We’ve teamed up with Marine & Walk Yokohama, an innovative mall and event space, to bring you 25 things to do in Yokohama.

To read more, go here.

10 Best Things To Do In Shinjuku

Above, Godzilla peers over the Toho Cinemas in the Kabukicho section of Shinjuku. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's one thing about Tokyo: there's always something in the city to see and do.

Gaijinpot has posted a list of 10 top things to do in the Shinjuku section of Tokyo. 

They start it off with:

You probably think of Shinjuku when you imagine views of Tokyo. This central area of Tokyo is great for living and has exciting shopping, business and entertainment opportunities.

From skyline views and vibrant, diverse nightlife to the urban oasis of Shinjuku National Garden, Shinjuku is packed with Tokyo’s top sites. Below is our list of the top ten things to do when you visit Shinjuku.

To read more, go here. 

KOA Kampgrounds Explained

Above, Los Banos, California KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On my recent RV trip to Fort Sumner, New Mexico, I stayed at a "no-frills" campground a block away from the Billy the Kid Museum.

The campground was so "no-frills" it didn't even have restrooms or showers. That's okay, I rarely use them anyway since my motorhome has a bathroom and shower. The cost to camp there was a mere $30/night. Not too shabby!

Generally, whenever I am on an RV trip, I usually stay at a KOA Kampground if there are any in the vicinity. Some are expensive, but I have accrued points through KOA and when I apply some, the price comes down. I stayed at Circle Pines KOA in Williams, Arizona last month.

RV Travel has posted an article asking if KOA Kampgrounds are good or bad or even worth the price. It also has a video where all this is discussed.

They begin with:

In the video below, Jason Epperson of RV Miles, one of the winners of our 2024 RV Video Awards, leads a discussion about KOA campgrounds.

With the astronomical prices of campgrounds these days, many are saying that KOA campgrounds are just no longer worth it. Jason discusses the pros and cons and, as always, gives us a lot to think about that we may or may not have considered before.

To see the video and read more, go here. 

"Superman" Costume Revealed

When Man of Steel with Henry Cavill came out (along with various sequels), I was not impressed with his Superman costume design. 

The cape was too long (dragging on the floor) and no red trunks. Although I didn't like the costume, I did like Cavell's portrayal.

Well, new photos of the new Superman costume has been posted here and there and, quite frankly, I am none too impressed. 

Actor David Corenswet looks the part fine, but the costume looks too fake, especially the padding. It looks like a Halloween costume purchased at Walmart. The "S" emblem doesn't look like an "S". At least they restored the yellow "S" to the cape (also too long). I don't much care for the collar either (not shown in the photo below). On the plus side, at least the colors are nice and bright and the red trunks are back. Don't like the belt, though.

Here's a view:

I don't know why Hollywood insists on changing the classic look of Superman and other super heroes.

UPDATE:

Here's the costume with the collar. Someone must've doctored the one above.

Toho Lays Out New Ground Rules For Future Godzilla Movies

Above, the 1954 Godzilla. Photo by Toho Co., Ltd.

Toho Co., Ltd., the parent company of Godzilla and related characters, enjoyed success this past year with their Godzilla Minus One and Legendary/Warner Bros. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. The success of these films guarantee that future Godzilla movies are ensured. 

This has prompted Toho to lay out some ground rules on future films.

TVovermind posted an article on these ground rules.

They start it with:

Toho’s beloved kaiju Godzilla has always been a cultural icon, both within Japan and internationally. However, recent revelations show the iconic beast might undergo significant changes in its future cinematic portrayals. According to industry sources, Toho has outlined new rules for Godzilla’s character that aim to reshape how the colossal figure is seen on screen.

"I really wanted to make sure that they were intertwined in a balanced way so that the human drama and whatever’s going on with Godzilla had the right balance."

Director Takashi Yamazaki emphasized the need for harmony between human drama and Godzilla’s storyline in ‘Godzilla Minus One’. This approach may have set a new tone.

To read what the ground rules are, go here. 

Roswell UFO Festival Coming July 5 - 7

Above, yours truly at the Roswell Visitors Center in 2018.

That time of year is fast approaching.

The 2024 Roswell UFO Festival will be held in Roswell, New Mexico on July 5-7. I attended the UFO Festival in 2018 and had a great time.

From KOB Channel 4:

ROSWELL, N.M. — The City of Roswell is preparing for its annual UFO Festival. This year will mark the 77th anniversary after a UFO reportedly crashed near Roswell and put the city on the map.

There is going to be a little something for everyone.

“At the Chaves County courthouse lawn, we’ll be hosting the human costume contest, and that morning we’ll also be hosting the pet costume contest, which is very, very, a favorite of everyone,” said Barbara Gomez, the executive director for Main Street Roswell.

Adding to those contests are some stargazing and UFO expert lectures. For the first time this year, the festival will feature a car show. 

As the city prepares for the festival, they are expecting anywhere between 5,000 to 10,000 believers.

To read more, go here. 

Trump and the UFO Question

Above, a Stars & Stripes article on the Roswell Incident of 1947.

Years ago, former President Jimmy Carter said while campaigning that he would look into UFOs and release the government's files on them. He never did.

Neither have his presidential successors.

Former President Donald Trump gave an interesting answer recently on UFOs.

According to Yahoo! News:

Donald Trump has revealed whether he believes in UFOs during an interview with social media personality Logan Paul released on Thursday.

While the former president said he doesn’t personally believe in UFOs, he acknowledged the growing contingent of people in- and outside of government who believe aliens exist might have a point.

Trump described meeting with military pilots who had strange encounters with unidentified anomalous phenomena, as the government refers to them.

“I met with pilots, like beautiful — Tom Cruise but taller — handsome perfect, people. ‘Sir, there was something there that was round in form and going like four times faster than my super jet fighter plane,’” Trump recalled being told. “And I looked at these guys and they really mean it.”

“Am I a believer? No,” Trump continued. “Probably I can’t say I am. But I have met with people that are serious people that say there’s some really strange things that they see flying around out there.”

Perhaps if he wins this election, Trump can release the government documents on UFOs that have been kept top secret for decades.

To read more, go here.

More Rain Coming

Above, tire tracks around the GOCO Beast Barn from the motorhome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The past week and weekend saw New Mexico get lots of monsoon rain. This was helpful in putting out wildfires that raged in some areas of the state.

Some areas got too much rain and suffered with flooding. The hills over Grants had some waterfalls form.

In Jamestown (were I live), we got around an inch of rain (maybe more). The ground is currently saturated.

When I drove the motorhome in Barking Spider Acre to put it into the garage, I noticed the ground being soft and muddy. At times, I thought it would get stuck. Luckily it didn't. 

We're to get more rain this week. 

According to the National Weather Service:

 Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then isolated showers between 9pm and midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday

Isolated showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Wednesday

Showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 61. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Classic Rock Music Monday

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. 

To start off this week, we have two from Kate Bush: "Running Up That Hill" and "The Big Sky".

From Wikipedia:

Catherine Bush CBE (born 30 July 1958) is an English singer, songwriter, record producer and dancer. Bush began writing songs at age 11. She was signed to EMI Records after Pink Floyd's David Gilmour helped produce a demo tape. In 1978, at the age of 19, she topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks with her debut single "Wuthering Heights", becoming the first female artist to achieve a UK number one with a solely self-written song. Her debut album, The Kick Inside, was released that same year.

Bush slowly gained artistic independence in album production and has produced all her studio albums by herself since The Dreaming (1982). Bush has released 25 UK Top 40 singles, including the Top 10 hits "The Man with the Child in His Eyes", "Babooshka", "Running Up That Hill", "Don't Give Up" (a duet with Peter Gabriel), and "King of the Mountain". All nine of her studio albums reached the UK Top 10, with all but one reaching the top five, including the number one albums Never for Ever (1980), Hounds of Love (1985) and the greatest hits compilation The Whole Story (1986). She took a hiatus between her seventh and eighth albums, The Red Shoes (1993) and Aerial (2005). In 2011, Bush released the albums Director's Cut and 50 Words for Snow. She drew attention again in 2014 with her concert residency Before the Dawn, her first shows since 1979's The Tour of Life.

Bush was the first British solo female artist to top the UK Albums Chart and the first female artist to enter it at number one. Her eclectic musical style, unconventional lyrics, performances and literary themes have influenced a diverse range of artists. In 2022, "Running Up That Hill" received renewed attention after it appeared in the Netflix series Stranger Things, becoming Bush's second UK number one and reaching the top of several other charts. It peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100, and its parent album, Hounds of Love, became Bush's first album to reach the top of a Billboard albums chart.

Thursday's Presidential Debate

Above, the first presidential debate in 2020.

The debate beteen former President Donald Trump and His Fraudulency Joe Biden will be taking place Thursday, June 27 at 9:00 PM Eastern Time.

According to The Hill:

Four years after last facing off against each other, President Biden will debate former President Trump on June 27 at 9 p.m. EDT.

Trump and Biden decided to flout the Commission on Presidential Debates to debate each other far earlier than is normal for a presidential election. The second debate is scheduled Sept. 10, hosted by ABC. 

How do I watch the debate? 

The debate will air live on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español, and CNN Max. 

For those without a cable subscription, the debate will be streaming on CNN.com.  

To read more, go here. 

100% Pure Aluminum Found At Roswell UFO Crash Site

Above, a framed re-print of the famous Roswell Daily Record front page. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in July 1947, headlines blared out that a "flying disc" or flying saucer had crashed in the southern section of New Mexico and recovered by the U.S. Army. The story was first reported by the Roswell Daily Record and picked up other newspapers around the country such as the Los Angeles Herald Express (below).

Then, almost as suddenly, the Army backtracked and said the object was a balloon, not a flying saucer.

This year marks 77 years since this incident. The controversy has not gone away.

Now, a geologist has found pieces of pure aluminum at the crash site that will surely open up a new can of worms.

According to the Daily Mail (U.K.):

America's most famous UFO case is still producing more evidence as scientists and civilians are on a mission to prove that the Roswell crash was not of this world. 

The 1947 incident made headlines when the US Army Air Force issued a press release stating that it had recovered debris from a 'flying disc' — only later to reverse course, claiming that the material had really just belonged to a downed weather balloon.

Geologist Frank Kimbler is among the many experts who have challenged the military's official version of what crashed on the outskirts of this New Mexico town, where he has scoured the alleged UFO's crash site with a metal detector since 2010.

Kimbler has since uncovered over 20 unusual scraps of metal material, most no bigger than a fingernail, and has now submitted one uniquely odd metal for testing to the Discovery Channel's new series 'Alien Encounters: Fact or Fiction.'

Testing revealed that the metal was '100-percent pure aluminum,' which experts said was 'compelling evidence' that could prove aliens crashed in the area decades ago.

To read more, go here. 

Valley View Mobile Home & RV Park Review

Above, at Valley View Mobile Home & RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Campground review number 72 has been posted at RV Life Campgrounds website. It is my review of Valley View Mobile Home & RV Park in Fort Sumner, New Mexico.  

As advertised, it is a "no-frills" campground. It doesn't mean it's bad, it just means that in these days of inflation, camping can still be had at $30/night. It is so spartan, there are no showers or toilets.

To access the reviews of mine and others, go here.

Run By Idiots

Earlier this morning, I posted the following photo of vintage/antique Winchester rifles at the Facebook page, Winchester Pre-64 Rifle & Shotgun Collectors Group (1964):

These rifles are on display at the Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner, New Mexico and the post was labeled as such.

The post received a lot of likes by the members. I had posted another photo of other Winchesters the day before and, as of now, it has generated no problems.

I received notice that the post was removed and I was put on a limited restriction until tomorrow morning. 

Naturally, I appealed this and they refused to restore the post.

No buying, selling or exchange of the rifles shown were taking place or even an hint of such. They must have morons working at Facebook's headquarters.

I then filed an appeal with the "independent" Oversight Board:

I doubt that anything good will come of this, but we must fight back on ridiculous Facebook decisions. 

Billy the Kid Museum Rifles

The Billy the Kid Museum has a nice collection of firearms of various makes.

Since Winchester made the "guns that won the west" or helped to settle it, the museum had a nice representation of them. They had more than what is shown here.

Here's some photos:

Above, a collection of Winchester lever rifles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Billy the Kid's 1873 Winchester .44 cal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, 1895 Winchester 30-06 take model. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, various rifles of different makes. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, different models of Winchester lever rifles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Monsoon Thunderstorm

Above, outside a few minutes ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I was in Fort Sumner during the last few days, it was forecast to have thundershowers. Well, we did get rain, but no lightning and thunder. It even rained during my drive home yesterday.

That wasn't the case in Jamestown. Overnight, we had some thunder and lightning. According to friends here, it affected the power and Internet. My power is on except for the bathrooms. Internet is working. 

We had some good downpours, enough so that they woke me up. The National Weather Service noted that "strong storms will also be possible Saturday in the Four Corners region." That's us.

According to the National Weather Service:

Overnight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday

Isolated showers before 9am, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 60. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday

Isolated showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 82. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday Night

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Billy the Kid Museum Part Three

This morning, I walked over to the Billy the Kid Museum (only a block away) to see what they had inside.

While Billy the Kid was the focus of the museum, they had other things to see along with antique furnitures, appliances, cars, guns, buggies, carts and many other things. They had a replica of Billy's grave. At least the headstones were a lot more readable than the real ones.

The museum was surprisingly big

Since I took many pictures, I will divide them up in multiple posts.

Billy the Kid Museum Part Two

 This morning, I walked over to the Billy the Kid Museum (only a block away) to see what they had inside.

While Billy the Kid was the focus of the museum, they had other things to see along with antique furnitures, appliances, cars, guns, buggies, carts and many other things. They had a replica of Billy's grave. At least the headstones were a lot more readable than the real ones.

The museum was surprisingly big.

Since I took many pictures, I will divide them up in multiple posts.

Billy the Kid Museum Part One

This morning, I walked over to the Billy the Kid Museum (only a block away) to see what they had inside.

While Billy the Kid was the focus of the museum, they had other things to see along with antique furnitures, appliances, cars, guns, buggies, carts and many other things. They had a replica of Billy's grave. At least the headstones were a lot more readable than the real ones.

The museum was surprisingly big.

Since I took many pictures, I will divide them up in multiple posts.

Donald Sutherland Dies At 88

Above, Donald Sutherland in Kelly's Heroes.

Actor Donald Sutherland has died. He was 88.

According to the Daily Caller:

Legendary actor, Donald Sutherland, died at the age of 88.

His death was confirmed by his son, Kiefer Sutherland, in brief messages shared online, June 20.

“With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away,” Kiefer wrote. “I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that,” he said. Kiefer concluded his message by writing, “A life well lived.”

I first took notice of Sutherland in the Clint Eastwood war flick, Kelly's Heroes (1969). He had appeared in other favorite movies such as Animal House and Space Cowboys (again with Eastwood). 

To read more, go here.

Foreign Visitors To Japan Top 3 Million For 3rd Straight Month

Above, Toho Studios' Godzilla mural. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like the tourism industry in Japan has recovered, and then some.

For the third straight month, three million foreign visitors came to Japan.

According to Kyodo News:

TOKYO - The number of foreign visitors to Japan totaled 3.04 million in May, up 60.1 percent from a year earlier and exceeding the 3 million mark for the third consecutive month, boosted by the weak yen, government data showed.

The Japan National Tourism Organization attributed the strong tourist arrivals to China's holiday season and an increased number of flights and ships coming from East Asia.

The number of visitors from more than a dozen countries and regions, including South Korea and the United States, reached record highs for the month.

To read more, go here. 

Thundershowers Tonight

Above, at camp in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like we are probably going to have thundershower activity tonight and tomorrow in Fort Sumner, New Mexico.

We already had some sprinkles this afternoon.

According to the National Weather Service:

Juneteenth

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a steady temperature around 87. Southeast wind around 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tonight

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 9pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 9pm and midnight. Some of the storms could be severe. Low around 65. Southeast wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

A Visit At Billy The Kid's Grave

Above, Billy the Kid's Grave. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After a drive of about 290 miles, I arrived in Fort Sumner, New Mexico.

Fort Sumner is famous for the location of Billy the Kid's grave. He is buried with two others. The gravesite has a steel cage around it. I guess it is to keep them from leaving and voting Democrat. 

The graves are covered with coins from other visitors. 

Even though I planned on making this trip this week for some time, oddly enough, I got a call last Sunday from an ex-Noble Grand Humbug from the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus asking about getting information on Billy the Kid for a possible plaque in 2026. After the told me what the call was about, my reply was, "Funny that you called. I am heading to Billy's grave in Fort Sumner this coming week..."

To help accomplish that, I stopped at the Fort Sumner Chamber of Commerce to make arrangements to meet with the Chamber president tomorrow. Their office is at the cemetery where Billy the Kid is buried.

It was a good thing I went there today. It looked like rain may be coming (it did, it sprinkled as I am writing this).

Some photos:

Above, the grave of Joe Grant. He was shot and killed by Billy the Kid. Photo by Armand Vaquer.