It's Here!

When I ordered the Canon 55-250mm telephoto zoom lens for my Canon Rebel T5i camera, I knew it would probably cutting it close to when we are headed off to Yellowstone.

Officially, the USPS tracking indicated originally that it would be due to arrive June 23, the day we're leaving. I contacted the shipper and they said that it would be more likely that it would arrive sooner.

Sure enough, it arrived today! Now I am ready to use it while touring Yellowstone National Park. It will come in handy when we see herds of bison or, if we're lucky, bears or wolves.

Here's the lens mounted on the camera:

Official "Cool Japan" Ambassadors To Be Named

Above, the Godzilla statue in Hibiya, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is continuing to come up with more promotional ideas for attracting foreign visitors as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gets closer.

The latest is from The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun):

So-called Japan connoisseurs overseas will be included on the Cabinet Secretariat’s list of those to be named official goodwill ambassadors as a way to help disseminate Japanese culture to the world under the new “Cool Japan” strategy plan. 

The Cool Japan Promotion Council approved the plan on Wednesday. 

The government and private sector jointly put forward the strategy to promote prominent Japanese cultural items and services such as fashion, food and local brands outside Japan. It is likely to later include the plan in its growth strategy.

Maybe this time, Godzilla will be included as one of Japan's "cultural items" in the promotion. Only time will tell.

To read more, go here. 

Foreign Visitors To Japan Reached Over 7 Million Between January and May

Above, Yokohama harbor and Cosmo World. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is continuing to break tourism records this year as it has been announced today that the number of foreign visitors reached over 7.5 million between January and May.

According to The Japan Times:

The number of foreign passenger arrivals in Japan reached 7.54 million between January and May, government data showed Wednesday, as the country draws more tourists from abroad. 

If the current pace is maintained for the rest of the year, the annual figure would stand at around 18 million, the Japan National Tourism Organization said. The government is aiming to achieve an annual goal of 20 million by 2020, when Tokyo will host the Olympics and Paralympics. 

In May, the number of arrivals surged 49.6 percent from a year earlier to 1.64 million, the second-highest level on a monthly basis following 1.76 million marked in April, the organization said.

To read more, go here. 

"The Donald" Is Running For President!

Not this one:

This one:

Clean Beast

One of the things that needed to get done before we head out to Yellowstone National Park is to get The Beast washed.

That task was done a little while ago before The Valley heats up. It is already pretty warm outside.

Above, The Beast, all nice and clean. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

"A First-Time Visitor's Guide To Tokyo"

Above, springtime at Asakusa's Nakamise Street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Information and tips are always most welcome, no matter where the source originates from. That is certainly the case with a post by the GMA News from the Philippines.

GMA News has posted their "A First-Time Visitor's Guide To Tokyo" which includes basic nuts 'n bolts information on visiting Japan, with the focus on Tokyo.

They begin with:

Move over, Hong Kong! There’s now a new “it destination” for Filipinos: Japan. With more affordable direct flights by budget carriers and the ease of getting a Japanese visa, locals finally find it accessible to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. 

I recently organized a family trip to Tokyo and managed to take care of everything—from visa application to flights and accommodations—for all 15 of us. I am no travel agent nor am I affiliated with a travel agency, but I was able to execute our trip with minimal fuss and stress thanks to technology and a lot of research.

Fortunately, American don't need to go through the visa process as outlined in the article. But there may be readers who are from countries who still do need to know the visa process procedures.

More from: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/504854/lifestyle/travel/a-first-time-visitor-s-guide-to-tokyo 

Japan's 30 Best Travel Destinations

Above, the Tokyo Skytree in the distance as seen from Tokyo City View. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

TripAdvisor has released its annual list of top places to see in Japan as chosen by overseas visitors. And RocketNews 24 has it covered.

They wrote:

Just in time for the peak summer travel season, website TripAdvisor has released its annual list of the highest-rated spots in Japan from its foreign users. With 30 amazing locations on the list, you’ll want to start your journey as soon as possible if your goal is to see them all, so let’s dive right in and take a look at this year’s picks.

Tokyo City View, which is atop the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills is number 30 on the list.

To see what the other 29 locations on this year's list, go here.

My Mini-Raid At Best Buy

As we are nearing the vacation trip to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, it dawned on me that it would be necessary for me to get a larger camera bag as the one I currently have barely fits two cameras and I plan on bringing three of them (the ol' reliable Canon Powershot, the new Canon Rebel T5i and ol' the Sharp camcorder). Therefore, I went to Best Buy and bought a new camera bag (pictured above). A comparable sized bag at a local camera shop would have cost me twice the amount that I paid.

Provided the package arrives on time (the shipper is cutting it close), I will also need to pack my new Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Zoom Lens that I ordered last evening into the bag. If it doesn't arrive in time, at least my Canon Powershot has a pretty decent zoom lens feature that I can use instead.

My old tripod, I found, has a busted leg. It is totally useless as a "two-pod". So, into the trash it went. (It's a good thing I checked it before I went to Best Buy.) While I was at Best Buy, I also bought a new tripod. It's a good thing I bought the bag at the same time. I needed to find a tripod that extends to at least 42", but also closes up to a size that would allow it to fit into the bag.

Mission accomplished!

The Tilted Roof of Hollywood

Above, the "Leaning (or Tilted) Roof of Hollywood." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the Dearly Departed Tour we took last Saturday, we took a main street (sorry, I can't remember which one, but it could have been Highland) towards the Hancock Park area.

While we were heading down this street, we spotted an odd sight. It was a kiosk building for the sale of tobacco products (it looked like it may have been a Fotomat kiosk at one time). The roof the the building caught my attention. The roof looks like it may have been hit by a big vehicle. It appears that a good gust of wind would blow the roof right off as it is already off-kilter.

Luckily, we stopped at a red light near the building and I manage to snap this photo of it:

Yellowstone Weather Forecast Looks Good!

Above, Old Faithful Geyser. Photo source: Wikipedia.

Time is rapidly approaching for our (Amber and I) vacation trip to Yellowstone National Park. This will be our first visit to Yellowstone since 1990.

This will be the first big vacation we will be taking in The Beast (the "shakedown trip" was in April when we went to Las Vegas).

Fortunately, the motorhome is well-insulated and we will be having great weather during our visits to the park.

According to Weather.com:

Explaining Aircraft "Bumps and Glitches" To Nervous Passengers

If you are a "nervous Nellie" while flying anywhere in the world, you're not alone. I know of three people who are deathly afraid to fly aboard a commercial airliner, one of which is a family member.

The worst flight I ever took was one in a Boeing 737 from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in 1976. It seemed like the plane bounced around like a spaceship in the old Flash Gordon serials. That experience hasn't dissuaded me from flying. But, there are those who have major problems with air travel.

Fortunately, Condé Nast Traveler has posted "The Nervous Fliers Guide To Mid-Air Bumps and Glitches" that provides the "What happens" and "What it means" of various things that make airline passengers jumpy.

It begins with:

The adage that "knowledge is power" applies for nervous fliers, and a little explanation often goes a long way to loosen that grip on the armrests. 

Chances are, you've heard the statistics that flaunt the safety of air travel in relation to, well, all other forms of travel. Despite the reassurance that you're more likely to win the lottery or be struck by lightning than end up in an aircraft accident, you still can't brush off all nervousness when it's time to board and news headlines of tech glitches and turbulence don't help the cause. Here, we explain a few bumps that may cause flying anxiety.

To read more, go here.

Crossroads of the World

Above, Crossroads of the World. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before going on the Dearly Departed Tour yesterday, Amber and I took a walk to the local 7-Eleven store so I could get myself a cup of coffee.

Across the street, I noticed the famous Crossroads of the World tower. So I decided to take some pictures.

What's the Crossroads of the World?

Here's what Wikipedia says:

Crossroads of the World has been called America's first outdoor shopping mall. Located on Sunset Boulevard and Las Palmas in Los Angeles, the mall features a central building designed to resemble an ocean liner surrounded by a small village of cottage-style bungalows. It was designed by Robert V. Derrah and built in 1936. 

Once a busy shopping center, the Crossroads now hosts private offices, primarily for the entertainment industry. It has been used for location shooting in many films, including L.A. Confidential and The Adventures of Ford Fairlane, in TV shows, including Dragnet and Remington Steele, and in commercials by McDonald's, Ford, and Mattel. A reproduction of Crossroads' iconic tower and spinning globe can be seen just inside the entrance to Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Florida. 

Today, Crossroads is the creative home of a variety of music publishers and producers, television and film script writers, film and recording companies, novelists, costume designers, publicists, and casting agencies.

Crossroads of the World is located at 6671 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. It is also listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Their website: http://www.crossroadshollywood.com/

Dearly Departed Tour - Part Four

One of the highlights of the Dearly Departed Tour was a 25 minute stop at the Westwood Cemetery, were several celebrities are buried.

Here are some of their graves:

Above, Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, singer Minnie Ripperton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the unmarked grave of George C. Scott. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Walter Matthau. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Merv Griffin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Farrah Fawcett. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Rodney Dangerfield. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Jack Lemmon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Archie Bunker himself, Carroll O'Connor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Peter "Columbo" Falk. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Armand Hammer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Dearly Departed Tour - Part Three

One of the highlights of the Dearly Departed Tour, was a 25 minute stop at the Westwood Cemetery (located behind the Avco Center) where many celebrities are buried.

Here are some of them:

Above. Don Knotts. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Mel Torme. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Truman Capote. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Heather O'Rourke (from the original Poltergeist). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Marilyn Monroe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Dean Martin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Burt Lancaster. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Louis Jourdan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Dorothy Stratten (1980 Playmate of the Year). Photo by Armand  Vaquer.

Above, Billy Wilder. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

End of part three. More celebrity graves in part four.

UPDATE (3/17/24):

I was reading about director Peter Bogdanovich earlier today. I enjoyed his interviews about director Howard Hawks in several Hawks-directed John Wayne movies. I went to Find a Grave and found that he is buried next to Dorothy Stratten, the Playboy Playmate murdered by her estranged husband in 1980. She was living with Bogdanovich at the time of the murder. He later married her sister. 

Dearly Departed Tour - Part Two

Once everyone set for the tour gathered, the Dearly Departed Tour company brought their tour bus to the front of their store for departure.

The tour began with drive-bys of places where some celebrities met their demise.

Above, the apartment where actor Bela Lugosi died in August 1956. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the El Coyote Mexican restaurant where Sharon Tate and Jay Sebring had their last meal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the apartment where actress Rebecca Schaeffer lived. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the doorway of Rebecca Schaeffer's apartment where she was gunned down by a stalker. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Other places included: the house where Humphrey Bogart died, the house were Michael Jackson was murdered, the Beverly Hilton (where Whitney Houston died), the house where Bugsy Siegel was gunned down, Mae West's apartment building, the apartment where Jack Cassidy was cooked, the bungalow where John Belushi overdosed and more.

End of part two. Part three will feature the Westwood Cemetery.

Dearly Departed Tour - Part One

Above, one of Dearly Departed Tour's buses.

For my Father's Day gift this year, my daughter Amber got us tickets to take the Dearly Departed tour. We took the tour today.

The tour includes famous (or infamous) places where tragedy struck those denizens of Tinseltown and a walk through the Westwood Cemetery.

We met up at the tour's office/store at 6603 W. Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood. While we waited for the tour to begin, we wandered around the store to check out some of their exhibits.

The Store

Above, the storefront. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, books available for sale. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Sharon Tate's autopsy diagram of wounds. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, various t-shirts available. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, some artifacts on display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, inside the store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

End of part one. Part two will have the tour.

"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" Ebook At No. 44 At Amazon

The Amazon Kindle Store ebook edition of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan has risen to number 44 in the top 100 list of Best Sellers in Japanese Travel.

To go to Amazon's Kindle Store page for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, go here.

Before ordering, check to see if your browser, software, app or programs are compatible with the various ebooks so that they render correctly for you. One digital size does not fit all. The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan is on the Kindle ebook platform.

Shibuya May Close Streets To Cars During Weekends and Holidays

Above, vehicles passing through Shibuya Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With the exception of my 2001 trip to Japan, two of the main streets of Shibuya have been open to vehicle traffic.

All that may change as the Shibuya Ward fathers may revert back to its pre-2002 custom of closing two main streets.

According to The Japan Times:

Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward said Friday it may resume its old custom of closing two main streets to cars on weekends in hopes of invigorating the area in the lead-up to the Summer Olympics in 2020. 

“Bringing back pedestrian-only streets would greatly help Shibuya’s goal of becoming an entertainment city,” new Mayor Ken Hasebe was quoted by an official as telling the ward assembly Thursday. 

The practice of making two of Shibuya’s busiest streets — Dogenzaka and Bunkamura-dori — off-limits to traffic on weekends and national holidays was implemented from 1970 through 2002.

To read more, go here. 

"Adventures of Superman" In Japanese

Below are the Japanese openings of the Adventures of Superman, one during the black & white seasons and the other during the color seasons.

The show was imported to Japan and dubbed in Japanese. Emperor Hirohito was a fan of the show and had even sent George Reeves a fan letter.

Above, Toru Ohira, Superman's Japanese voice.

Seven Routes To Be Promoted To Foreign Tourists

Above, Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's Tourism Agency has selected seven "routes" for sightseeing for foreign visitors.

According to The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun):

For the first time, the Tourism Agency on Friday selected seven regional sightseeing routes within the nation for foreign tourists. 

The agency aims to encourage foreign tourists — who primarily tend to visit the Tokyo metropolitan area, an area surrounding Mt. Fuji and the Kansai area — to visit attractive sightseeing spots in regional areas linked to specific themes. 

Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Akihiro Ota authorized the seven routes on Friday morning.

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) will be promoting the seven routes to foreign visitors.

For more, go here.