California: Two Anti-Gun Bills that will have a Serious Affect on Semi-Automatic Firearms have been Introduced

California: Two Anti-Gun Bills that will have a Serious Affect on Semi-Automatic Firearms have been Introduced

On Thursday, January 14, California’s NRA-PVF “F”-rated Attorney General, Kamala Harris, announced her support of freshman Assemblymember David Chiu’s introduction of  Assembly Bill 1663 in a press release.  AB 1663 would expand the classification of “assault weapons” to include all detachable magazine semi-automatic rifles and any rifle that uses a “bullet button.1” Gun owners who possess these firearms would be required to register them as “assault weapons” or face potential felony penalties, arrest, and confiscation of the firearm.  AB 1663 will also ban the future sale of these firearms.

On the same day, NRA-PVF “F”-rated Assemblymembers Marc Levine and Phil Ting introduced a second anti-gun bill, Assembly Bill 1664.  AB 1664 would ban the use of a “bullet button.”

The use of a “bullet button” currently keeps semi-automatics with detachable magazines from being classified as an “assault weapon.”  In banning the use of a “bullet button” the possessor will now have possession of what California law considers an “assault weapon.”  With this being said, the possessor will have to register that firearm as an “assault weapon” or face potential felony penalties, arrest, and confiscation of the firearm.  AB 1664 will also ban the future sale of these firearms.

The explanation of registration in both bills means paying a registration fee and completing a registration form that contains:

• A description of the firearm and unique identifiers; 
• The date the firearm was acquired 
• The name and address of the individual from whom, or business from which the firearm was acquired; 
• Registrant’s full name, address, telephone number, date of birth, height, weight, eye color, hair color, and; 

California driver’s license number or California identification card number. 

These bills are detrimental to the Golden State’s law-abiding gun owners, which number in the hundreds of thousands.   They would turn legally-owned semi-automatic firearms into what California law defines as an “assault weapon.”  These same firearms are used in hunting, competitive shooting and for general legal use throughout the United States. 

Assemblymembers David Chiu, Marc Levine, and Phil Ting must hear from all of California’s Second Amendment supporters opposing these erroneous bills.  It is IMPERATIVE for you to forward this CRITICAL alert to your family, friends, fellow sportsmen, gun owners, and Second Amendment supports. 

Contact information can be found below.

Assemblymember David Chiu (D-17)

(916) 319-2017

Contact page

assemblymember.chiu@assembly.ca.gov

Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-10)

(916) 319-2010

Contact page

levineforassembly@gmail.com

Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-19)

(916) 319-2019

Contact page

phil@philting.com

1 A bullet button is a device used to permanently fix a magazine in a semiautomatic rifle that was originally built to accept a detachable magazine in order to comply with California’s current gun laws. A “bullet button” replaces the magazine release with a block and the user needs to remove the magazine by using a tool.  The name came about due to a 1999 California State law which said that a "bullet or ammunition cartridge is considered a tool."

Yosemite Trademark Battle: BOYCOTT DELAWARE NORTH!

Thanks to the greedy and immoral actions of a former concessionaire, the names of some of Yosemite National Park's sites and structures will be renamed.

CNN reported:

(CNN)A few of the iconic structures and sites at Yosemite National Park are being renamed due to a legal battle over trademarks, the National Park Service said. 

In one move, The Ahwahnee Hotel, built in 1927 and a National Historic Landmark in the Yosemite Valley, will have its exotic-sounding name changed to The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, according to the National Park Service. Signs will come down on four other structures in the park as well. 

The name changes are due to a legal battle with Yosemite's former concessionaire -- a subsidiary of Delaware North (DNCY) -- which ran the park's lodging, retail and food services for more than 20 years. 

Yosemite's new partner is a subsidiary of Aramark -- another global concessionaire firm.
The Park Service says Delaware North claims ownership of some of the park's tradenames and trademarks, and is demanding more than $50 million in compensation for the rights to those names. Instead of paying, the Park Service said it will change some of them: the Wawona Hotel will be renamed Big Trees Lodge and Curry Village will be called Half Dome Village.

Yosemite National Park and its trademarks (through the federal government) belong to the American people, not some blood-sucking corporation. I hope the government wins their lawsuit against Delaware North.

In the meantime, all Americans who feels revulsion over Delaware North's actions should boycott them. I hope such a boycott drives them out of business.

I have reservations to camp in Yosemite in April.

To read more, go here.

Welcome To Gunnar!

Above, first picture of Gunnar.

Today, our family was on pins & needles awaiting the birth of Gunnar Pasakarnis to my second cousin Chrissy and her husband Ziggy.

Chrissy was in the hospital since last night and it appeared Gunnar was reluctant to leave the safe confines of his mother.

Finally, this afternoon, he finally gave up and arrived.

Above, Denise getting Aiden ready to head off to the movies. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Denise, Aiden and I went to lunch at the local Olive Garden and then headed to the Winnetka Theaters to see Ride Along 2 in IMAX. During lunch and before & after the movie, I periodically checked to see if Gunnar was born yet.

Congratulations to Chrissy and Ziggy!

Japan - Land of the Rising Sun

Above, the rising sun as seen from Atami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Courier (United Kingdom) has posted a new article on what travelers should do while visiting 

Japan. As they point out, Japan is an enigmatic country and one of many contrasts.

They begin with:

Japan - an ancient culture of emperors, fierce shoguns, samurais and brutal martial arts. Yet it’s also a place of gentle geishas, colourful kimonos, exquisite garden design and Zen Buddhism. 

How did a country so deeply rooted in such diverse heritage become one of the most modern and advanced economies on the planet? Having travelled there once, you’ll feel almost hypnotically drawn back to this truly enigmatic country.  

On a trip to Japan it is recommended to travel around and visit the greatly contrasting areas of the country. On one hand you will see many modern, bustling places that are full of new and exciting sights, whilst on the other you will visit peaceful and spiritual areas that are built on a very traditional Japanese culture.

Above, the sun rises at Atami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Great Buddha To Get Major "Health Check-Up"

Above, the Great Buddha in 2004. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, the first G-TOUR to Japan paid a visit to the Great Buddha of Kamakura.

The Buddha quite impressive and was erected in the 13th Century. At one time, it was enclosed in a building.

It is about to undergo a "major health check-up". The last time it underwent a check-up was in 1959, a process that took over two years to complete.

News On Japan reported:

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is undergoing its first major "health checkup" in more than half a century. 

Trucks carrying the necessary equipment arrived at Kotokuin temple early Jan. 13 to begin the two-month-long procedure on the massive bronze statue. 

The 200 yen ($1.70) admission fee to the temple will be waived until March 10 while the 13.3-meter-tall statue is being examined and treated. During this period, it will be surrounded by scaffolding and covered in a translucent sheet. That means visitors will not be able to step inside the 121-ton statue.

- See more at: http://newsonjapan.com/html/newsdesk/article/114948.php#sthash.WUkrHfQI.dpuf

New Hotel Opening Next To Graceland

Above, Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fans of Elvis Presley will soon have a new place to stay in Memphis it is next to Presley's Graceland mansion.

Travel Weekly reported:

The Guest House at Graceland, a 450-room hotel in Memphis that Elvis Presley’s estate is opening next to his former home, is taking reservations for stays starting Oct. 27.  

The full-service hotel is also taking reservations for the 2017 Elvis Birthday Celebration, which takes place Jan. 5-8, 2017.

To read more, go here.

Those Kiyomizu-dera Stairs

Above, the stairs to the stage building can be seen to the left in our tour group photo.

While lunching with Peter H. Brothers today, we were talking about my recent trip to Japan.

We focused a bit on Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera. He recalled that the stairs going up to the stage building were brutal. He and I went there in 2004 with G-TOUR.

I told him that although I wanted to visit Kiyomizu-dera again when we were planning the trip, I dreaded going up those stairs. However, as I told him, they didn't seem so bad this time.

I remember being tired and winded as I was going up them back in 2004. I said that we went there during the brutal heat and humidity of August. That played a big part.

I pointed out that when Denise and I went last October, it was much cooler and there was no humidity. I also said that I was a bit heavier back in 2004 (about 40 to 50 pounds heavier) as well. I can easily say that I am in much better shape now. That makes a difference!

Lunch With Peter H. Brothers

After about 2 or three years, writer Peter H. Brothers and I got together for lunch today at our usual favorite sushi restaurant, Crazy Tokyo Sushi in Tarzana.

We met up to catch up on the various happenings in our lives. We found that we are now both retired, maybe from clocking in at a job, but not from life. We are both working on more creative endeavors.

Before heading over to the restaurant, I gave Pete a little tour of The Beast.

Pete gave me an autographed copy of his current book, Atomic Dreams and The Nuclear Nightmare: The Making of Godzilla (1954). It is available as an ebook at Amazon's Kindle Store (go here).  To get the print edition, go here.

We had an enjoyable time and we will meet up again for lunch next month.

Drenched!

Above, the class before ours. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tonight was the first hour long karate class that Amber and I attended.

To say it was quite a workout would be a gross understatement. Amber had her evaluation/orientation session (like I had several days ago) before the full class began.

Above, Amber kicking during her evaluation/orientation session. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The actual class began with stretching exercises and, from there, went into defense moves, punches, kicks and a whole range of stances to block an attacker.

By the time we were nearly done, I was drenched from sweat. This is the most workout since probably college when I took a conditioning class. I'm sure more than a few calories were burned away tonight.

Amber said I did pretty good (probably better than she expected) and is proud of me for pursuing this. Since Denise is taking up boxing, I figured I'd do karate. I've been thinking on taking it up for quite a while.

Above, Amber posted this after we were done. "Pops"?!

It is questionable if Amber can commit to a year's karate course due to her work schedule (involving 2 jobs). The school is willing to work with her to give her the instruction she needs to keep up, including private lessons. I hope she is able to attend, I really would like to have someone I know around. I am planning to stick with it. I like the staff.

My next session is this coming Saturday.

China’s Richest Man Buys ‘Godzilla’ Film Company Legendary Entertainment

Above, the Godzilla (2014) Japanese poster.

It looks like the richest Chinese billionaire is now owner of Godzilla. At least, the American side of the King of the Monsters.

Financial Post reported:

Billionaire Wang Jianlin is poised to become the first Chinese person to control a Hollywood film company after Asia’s richest man agreed to buy the co-producer of “Jurassic World” for as much as US$3.5 billion in cash. 

Wang-controlled Dalian Wanda Group Co.’s purchase of Burbank, California-based Legendary Entertainment marks China’s largest overseas “cultural acquisition,” according to a joint statement. It also paves the way for the creation of the world’s biggest film company by revenue, Wang said in the statement.

Besides producing the 2014 Godzilla, Legendary Pictures also produced the Batman Dark Knight trilogy and Pacific Rim.

To read more, go here.

Holy Father Time! 50th Anniversary of "Batman"

Above, the Batman soundtrack album released in 1966. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fifty years ago today, ABC-TV premiered a new television show. The show was Batman, starring Adam West as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Burt Ward as Dick Grayson/Robin.

The show was such an enormous, and overnight, sensation that it sparked "Batmania" for the rest of the year. It was high camp.

Batman premiered on Wednesday, January 12, 1966. It played locally in Los Angeles on KABC-TV Channel 7. It was an unusual show in many ways. It played on Wednesday and Thursday nights, with the Wednesday night show ending with a cliff-hanger. The Thursday show would pick up where Wednesday's show left off. It had odd (tilted) camera angles.

The show was filmed at 20th Century Fox studios and produced by William Dozier, who also provided the voice-over narrations. Neal Hefti composed the iconic "Batman Theme". A LP record of Batman soundtracks was released that year and I bought a copy, which I still have.

Many stars appeared on Batman, either as the week's guest villain (such as Burgess Meredith as The Penguin, Cesar Romero as The Joker, Julie Newmar as Catwoman, Frank Gorshin as The Riddler) or in a cameo. The cameos were set as Batman and Robin scaled a building (with their Bat-ropes) and the cameo star would open a window to banter with the Dynamic Duo.

The success of the television show spawned a feature-length motion picture that was released that summer. I saw it at the Centinela Drive-In Theater in Westchester. The second feature was Our Man Flint, a campy take-off of the James Bond movies.

Above, Adam West at Comikaze Expo in 2012. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

The last happy memory of my maternal grandfather is due to Batman. He came over for dinner the following week after Batman premiered on a "Batman night". I believe it was the first Penguin episodes. He had not yet seen the show.

When the cartoon opening of the show came on, my grandfather laughed his head off. The show was vastly different than the Adventures of Superman of the 1950s, which he was a fan of. He passed away a few weeks later on February 12, 1966.

I saw Adam West in person at Comikaze Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center in 2012.

A Happy Bat-anniversary to all!

"8 Things You Need To Do To Really Understand Japan"

Above, the famous Shibuya Crossing (also known as Shibuya Scramble). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It seems that with the coming of the new year, there are more articles on Japan travel. There's how-tos, must-sees, experience-this, experience-that, eat-this and other such articles.

Of course, with the new year at hand, people begin thinking on what they want to do and where to go on their vacations. That's why there's an influx of articles to give people more ideas on what to see and do during the course of the year.

RocketNews 24 has a new "bucket list" article on "8 Things You Need To Do To Really Understand Japan".

All of their listed suggestions are excellent ones.

The article begins with:

Your first trip to Japan is bound to be a whirlwind visit as you try to pack so many things into a short period of time. Do go to Tokyo and see the white-gloved train pushers, the famous Shibuya scramble crossing, and many of the scenes depicted in anime and manga. Do go to Kyoto and see the shrines and temples that are simply amazing. 

But as a country that has so much to offer, it can take years to really get to know and understand Japan, even when you live here. So if you want to take your understanding of Japan a step further, we’re here to suggest a few things you’ll want to experience in order to better understand Japanese culture: things that give you insight on what’s behind the Japanese way of thinking. 

These experiences will help you understand who the Japanese people are, and why they act the way they do. Get ready to move from tourist to cultural expert after the jump!

My recent trip to Japan (last October) was a whirlwind visit as I needed to collect a few things for the updated edition of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. And, also, to give my "other half" an unforgettable Japan experience as it was her first visit there. When I first broached to Denise the idea of her coming along, she initially thought that it would be nice to go but was unsure if she'd really like it. (Luckily, since the trip was book research-related, much of the cost qualifies as a tax write-off.)

Well, once we got there and began to do things, that's when she really got into it and absolutely loved Japan and wants to go back. It also helped that she enjoys Japanese food.

That was my eighth trip to Japan and I enjoyed it just as much this time as I did during my first visit in 2001.

To see the eight suggestions, go here.

Japan Revamps Map Symbols

Above, a symbol used to denote a temple that some found offensive. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan has a funny way of trying to convey through symbols on what places are on maps. But, one has to give them credit for realizing their mistakes and taking steps to fix them.

The latest are pictograms that baffled foreign tourists.

According to The Japan Times:

The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) has released a set of new standard symbols for foreign-language maps after criticism that some of its current pictograms are hard to understand or are even offensive. 

The most notorious of these is the swastika-like symbol for a temple. Likewise, a big X leaves some foreigners scratching their heads: It denotes a police box.

To read more and to see what the new symbols look like and what they denote, go here.

2015 Foreign Visitor Spending In Japan Estimated At ¥3.5 Trillion

Above, the Dotonbori section of Osaka. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan may be in and out of a recession, but the tourism industry is doing quite well.

The surge in foreign visitors to Japan, along with their spendin, has made the Japanese economy reap the benefits.

According to a new article in The Japan Times:

Foreign travelers spent an estimated ¥3.5 trillion in Japan last year, the tourism minister said Tuesday. A previous high of ¥2.03 trillion was recorded in 2014. 

The figure means foreign tourists brought a “tremendous” economic impact, Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Keiichi Ishii told a news conference. 

But he said Japan is still not fully oriented to the revenue source.

The article also states:

The government has targeted annual spending of ¥4 trillion by foreign tourists and a total of 20 million visitors. Given that such spending is already within sight, it plans to set a new target by the end of March. 

The number of foreign visitors in 2015 is thought to have reached the upper 19 million range, a jump from 13.4 million in 2014.

It will be interesting to see what the final tally is on the number of foreign visitors to Japan in 2015.

To read more, go here. 

"7 Ways To Stretch Your Travel Budget In Japan"

Above, Hozomon gate at Sensoji in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People who like to travel but have limited funds to do so are always on the lookout for deals and tips on making their money go further.

Fortunately, we have Internet resources to find bargains and to learn how to stretch your hard-earned dollar.

GMA News (from the Philippines) has an article on "7 Ways To Stretch Your Travel Budget In Japan".

They begin with:

You might have snagged the ultimate airfare steal to Osaka or Tokyo, but as the saying goes, almost everything in Japan is expensive. The always-on-time trains cost at least ¥120 (currently about P48.50) to ride, while cheap meals like a small bowl of gyudon or ramen will set you back at least ¥500-¥600 (P200-P240). 

While these are just the cost of living in a first-world country, there are ways to stretch your budget in the Land of the Rising Sun.

To read more, go here.

Have To Buy A New Suit

Well, I had to say farewell today to my blue suit. I've had it for about six years.

At my aunt's funeral yesterday, I noticed that the jacket was apparently attacked by Mothra as there were holes in the fabric in different areas. That's why I kept on my wool overcoat.

I went to Tarzana cleaners today to see if they could fix it, but it was too far gone. Even if they were able to, it would have cost me around $35 per hole. There were three just in one area. So, I told them to just chuck it.

REI's Camping Tips On Sleeping Warm At Night

Above, a Yellowstone souvenir blanket atop of my Travasak®
two-person bedding system. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When camping out, one of the essentials is to make sure that you are nice and warm so you can get a good night's sleep.

REI Co-Op's blog has some tips on staying warm to get that good night's sleep. It is primarily tailored to backpackers, but the tips would also be helpful for those who car camp or in a RV.

They begin with:

There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night shivering. 

Night should be your time to rest and recharge for the next day of adventures, but if you’re cold, there’s just no way you can get the rest you need. If you tend to have trouble sleeping warm on backcountry trips, are some tips to help you stay cozy at night:

To read more, go here. 

Types of Japanese Trains

Above, passengers boarding the JR Yamanote Line in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are many kinds of trains in Japan.

Some are fast, some are slow. Some travel long distances while others are for short inter-city commutes.

Japan Travel Blog (BY H.I.S. TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER) has an article listing the different kinds of trains in Japan.

It starts out with:

There are many types of train in Japan, some fast, some slower than other. 

Knowing types of train will get you to your destination faster. Let’s explore it together in our blog today!

To read more, go here.

David Bowie Dies At 69

Sad news greeted me this morning.

Singer, actor and producer David Bowie died at age 69 of cancer.

According to CNN.com:

David Bowie died on January 10 after a battle with cancer, his representative confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 69. 

"David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief," read a statement posted on the artist's official social media accounts.

The news reports I've read over Bowie's passing lauded albums "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust", "Station To Station" and others, but the album of Bowie's I liked the most (and have) is "Aladdin Sane" that came out in 1973.

To read more, go here.

"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" Ebook At Number 37

2016 is starting out good for the Amazon Kindle ebook edition of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

At this writing, the ebook is at number 37 in Amazon's Best Sellers in Japanese Travel.

Remember to make sure your device is compatible with Amazon's Kindle program before ordering.

To order the ebook, go here.

Museum of Death and Amoeba Music

An interesting, yet enjoyable, day was spent today with my daugher Amber and her boyfriend Neil at the Hollywood Museum of Death and at Amoeba Music.

Museum of Death

Above, the front of the Hollywood Museum of Death. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I've heard of the Museum of Death, but never visited it. Until today.

The museum has an interesting collection of death-related items from many sources.

According to their website:

The Museum of Death houses the world's largest collection of serial murderer artwork, photos of the Charles Manson crime scenes, the guillotined severed head of the Blue Beard of Paris (Henri Landru), original crime scene and morgue photos from the grisly Black Dahlia murder, a body bag and coffin collection, replicas of full size execution devices, mortician and autopsy instruments, pet death taxidermy, and so much more! 

Also on display are videos of autopsies and serial killers, the Heaven's Gate Cult recruiting video, and the infamous Traces (not Faces) of Death video, all real (not re-enacted) death footage.

Along with the aforementioned, there is a large collection of traffic accidents showing the poor souls who were killed and a section on cults.

They don't allow photography or videography in the museum and they are planning to produce a book (or booklet) of the museum.

The museum is not for everyone, especially those who are sensitive, as many of the items are gruesome.

For more information on the Museum of Death, go here.

*****

Amoeba Music

Above, the front of Amoeba Music. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following our visit to the Museum of Death, we then headed over to Amoeba Music on Sunset Blvd. I've always wanted to stop in at Amoeba Music (my former roommate Jessica and I have often talked about doing so), but never got around to it).

Amoeba Music is a big store of new and used vinyl LPs, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, books and audios equipment.

Above, a view of the inside of Amoeba Music. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The store has something for everybody, although I was disappointed that they did not have (admittedly rare) some music albums I have been searching for.

Above, another view of the inside of Amoeba Music. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Still, Amoeba Music will most likely have what you want and their staff is eager and willing to help you find it.

If you find yourself in Hollywood, both the Museum of Death and Amoeba Music are places that you should visit.

Yuan's Slide May Dent Japan's Visitor Traffic

Above, the Hozomon gate at Senso-ji in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan may be a little overly optimistic about their projection (or rather, hopes) of 23 million foreign visitors in 2016.

The highest number of foreign tourists who visit Japan come from mainland China.

The reason for the pessimism is that the Chinese yuan has slid against the yen, making vacations to Japan more expensive for Chinese travelers.

According to the Nikkei Asian Review:

TOKYO -- The yuan's slide against the yen could chill spending by Chinese tourists in Japan and dent visitor traffic, spelling weaker earnings for the retail, travel and hospitality sectors. 

The yen hovered around 17 to the yuan on Friday, after slipping as far as 20 in June. The yuan is 12% weaker now than then.

To read more, go here.

Japan May See 23 Million Foreign Visitors In 2016

Above, Mount Fuji from a shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While we're still waiting for Japan's final tourism numbers for 2015, they are already projecting the expected foreign tourism numbers for 2016.

The Japan Times reported:

The number of visitors to Japan in 2016 will surge 19 percent from the previous year to hit a record high of 23.5 million, topping the government’s target of 20 million, according to a recent estimate by major travel agency JTB Corp. 

The upbeat outlook is attributed in part to a growing number of foreign tourists visiting a variety of tourist destinations in Japan, not just the so-called Golden Route covering the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, as well as the nation’s iconic Mount Fuji.

Japan may have drawn 20 million foreign tourists in 2015. But it is likely that the final count will probably be a bit over 19 million. Thus far, the 2015 numbers have not as yet been reported.

To read more, go here. 

Japanese Food "Healthiest" In 1975

Above, a food court at the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Food around the world changes with the times, and that includes Japanese food, deemed to be one of the healthiest foods one can find.

However, according to The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun), Japanese food was at its healthiest in 1975.

They wrote:

Japanese food — high in seafood content and low in calories and fat — is healthy and one of the reasons why Japanese people live such long lives. Although Japanese food changes with the times, it was found to be healthiest around 1975, which coincides with the era depicted in the nationally popular comic and TV anime series “Chibi Maruko-chan.” 

The key to improvements in the health of Japanese people appears to be the boom in ingredients and recipes that came when a touch of Western cuisine was added to good old-fashioned Japanese tastes.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo To Hiroshima Transportation

Above, the famous torii gate at Miyajima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

City-Cost.com has posted a helpful article on the cost, by various means, to travel to Hiroshima from Tokyo.

There are several ways to go, including domestic airlines, shinkansen, buses and commuter trains. If you have a JR Rail Pass, the cost is practically nothing (provided you use it for other JR train travels around Japan). The JR Rail Pass pays for itself when you use it to visit several cities during your vacation.

They begin with:

Hiroshima, the last economic bastion of Japan’s East Coast commercial/industrial highway. Beyond here, we leave the island of Honshu and cross the Inland Sea over to Kyushu. 

A lot has been written about Hiroshima’s tragic past, its emergence from which is nothing short of remarkable.  It is now one of Japan’s most vibrant and attractive cities, as well as being an important place for business and commerce.  So, how much does it cost to get there from Tokyo?

One of the best places to visit in Japan is Miyajima, which is near Hiroshima.

To read more, go here. 

U.S. Airlines Hike Airfares Despite Record Profits

Above, when going to Japan, fly with an Asian airline. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This will bring joy to your eyes. Not!

Travel + Leisure reported that U.S. air carriers have jacked up airfares, despite making record profits in the last quarter of 2015.

They wrote:

Last year was a banner one for airlines: Thanks to increased fee revenue and a 40 percent drop in the cost of jet fuel, the top 10 U.S. carriers made $6.2 billion more in the third quarter of last year than they did in the same period in 2014, reports the U.S. Department of Transportation. Naturally, they've responded to this crippling cash inflow by hiking ticket prices, because, uh, hmm.

Whenever I go to Japan, I try to avoid flying with a U.S. carrier. Their service and food doesn't hold a candle to the food and service that Asian (Korean Airlines, Singapore Airlines, etc.) airlines provide.

To read more (if you dare), go here.

Mark This Off My Bucket List

Above, Amber's t-shirt showing the front (left) and mine showing the back (right). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Another item is about to be marked off of my "bucket list",

Amber and I signed up today for some self-defense classes (karate). It has been something I've wanted to do for myself (to get exercise and prolong my life) and for Amber (for self-defense and fitness).

I had my first orientation/evaluation class today and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was admittedly winded following the warm-up calisthenics, but that faded when we got into some defensive techniques. My instructor, a rather attractive brunette, said I did good, especially with my defense block moves (said I was fast). I told her I did take defense classes when I worked armed patrol.

As we are in an initial two-week course, we were given our schedules and t-shirts (pictured above). Once we sign up (and pay) for the full 12-month course, we will be getting our uniforms and equipment.

Our first class is this coming Tuesday night. I am looking forward to it!

San Diego Bound

Above, The Beast at the West Entrance/Yellowstone KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Concerning the matter over the Winnebago & TriMark Safety Recall #15V-510, an appointment has been made to have The Beast's house door deadbolt lock looked at and, if necessary, fixed. I haven't had any problems with it to date.

Since I bought The Beast at a dealer in San Diego, I may as well make it a mini-vacation down there.

It has been a while since I visited my grandfather's grave at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Point Loma, so I'd like to stop there. After which, maybe go to the San Diego Zoo or Sea World.

I'll see if Denise would like to go and we can take her boy to one of those parks and camp down there (this may be dicey since she plans to go to Atlanta around that time). It'll be a good way to celebrate my birthday, too.