"The Day Elvis Met Nixon"

When I returned from dropping off my roommate Jess to Orange County, I found that a book I ordered from the Richard Nixon Library had arrived.

It is a chronicle of the meeting at the White House between President Richard Nixon and the King of Rock 'N Roll Elvis Presley. It is by former Nixon assistant Egil "Bud" Krogh.

Here's the book:

Goodyear Blimp "Wingfoot Two"

Above, Wingfoot Two in Carson, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I am going to be renting a dumpster next week to clear out junk that has accumulated over the years, in preparation for my move at the end of the month, my roommate Jess decided that it would best for her to spend a few days at her mom's in Orange County.

While I was driving her there, we passed the Carson, California Goodyear Airship Operations station that sits next to the freeway. As luck would have it, the new Los Angeles Goodyear blimp, Wingfoot Two, was sitting out in the open. Had I thought of it, I would have brought along my Canon camera to take some zoom shots of it. At least I had my phone/camera with me.

I decided that if it is still there on my return trip, I would snap some photos.

As I was driving the RV, I didn't see that the station had enough parking space for it. It didn't matter as the blimp was facing the station. I found a side road where I pulled off to the side and snapped my photos through a chain-ink fence.

Here's three of them:

Above, Wingfoot Two from the I-405 freeway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Wingfoot Two. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Wingfoot Two. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Starbucks Coming To Yosemite

Above, a view of Half Dome from North Pines Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It seems that everywhere you go, there's a Starbucks just around the corner. Except when you really are desperate for a cup of brew, especially when one is out in the wilderness.

But have no fear, Starbucks will soon be coming to Yosemite National Park.

The Fresno Bee reported:

Fairly soon you will be able to enjoy viewing the majesty of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park while also sipping on your favorite Starbucks drink. But not everyone thinks it’s a good idea. 

The park’s concessionaire, Yosemite Hospitality, a division of Aramark, is working with Starbucks to sell its brew in the Food Court at the Yosemite Valley Lodge.

Although this won’t be a free-standing Starbucks store, some Yosemite supporters don’t like the idea of a multinational corporation like Starbucks gaining a foothold in the national park.

Freddy Brewster, who lives in the area, worries that the inclusion of Starbucks will lead to more national retailers.

To read more, go here.

Japan Air Carriers Ranked Most Punctual

Above, an All Nippon Airways jet at Narita Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one wants to go to Japan and feels they need some assurance that they will likely get to their destination on time, flying aboard a Japanese carrier is probably what they should do.

News18.com reported:

When it comes to arriving to your destination on time, Japanese carriers have emerged the most reliable, taking up the top two spots on a ranking of the most punctual airlines in the world.  

With an on-time performance (OTP) of 85 percent, Japan Airlines was the most punctual airline of 2017 in the category of world's mega airlines, followed closely by rival All Nippon Airways, which likewise delivered their passengers to their destinations 84 percent of the time.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have never flown to Japan aboard a Japanese airline. I've flown on United (2), Singapore Air (2) and Korean Airlines (4).

To read more, go here.

"5 Things To Do In Nagasaki"

Above, the Port of Nagasaki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Venturing out of Tokyo, and even Honshu, is well worth the experience for tourists. There's a lot more to Japan than one would expect. The people are different and so are the cuisines in many cases.

Going down to Kyushu is one way to see more of Japan. I did it in 2007 and it was one of the best Japan trips I ever took. One of the places I visited was Nagasaki.

The Philippine Star has an article on "5 Things To Do In Nagasaki".

They begin with:

NAGASAKI, Japan — The city of Nagasaki in Japan’s Kyushu Island was the country’s window to the rest of the world as it was the only port open during the national isolation from 1641 to 1858. 

Until today, the port city reflects a mixture of Japanese, European and Chinese influences as an indirect effect of the policy. 

Below is a list of activities for those who would like to visit the city on the southern island of Kyushu.

To read more, go here. 

Latest News On Convenience Stores/Travel Centers

Above, a Kum & Go travel center in the midwest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The convenience store/travel center industry is constantly changing and Convenience Store News has the latest skinny on them. RVers and other travelers would do well to keep abreast of the changes.

The Jamestown, New Mexico Pilot Flying J Travel Center is located down the hill from where I am moving to.

The convenience stores/travel centers they have a report on includes Love's, Kum & Go, Pilot Flying J, Circle K and others.

They begin with:

NATIONAL REPORT — The convenience store industry landscape is constantly changing as chains open and close stores each week. On a regular basis, Convenience Store News highlights these comings and goings in this special roundup.

 To read more, go here.

Dollar Weaker In Tokyo Trading

The first trading day in Tokyo for 2018 saw the U.S. dollar weaken against the Japanese yen. Japan was celebrating the New Year's holiday on Monday through Wednesday, so no currency trading took place.

Jiji Press reported:

Tokyo, Jan. 4 (Jiji Press)--The dollar weakened to around 112.50 yen in Tokyo trading late on Thursday, the first market day of 2018. 

At 5 p.m., the dollar stood at 112.57-58 yen, down from 112.65-65 yen at the same time on Friday.

To read more, go here. 

California Back In A Drought?

Above, one of the lakes along Tioga Road in Yosemite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like California might be back into drought conditions again as this winter (so far) has been dry.

The snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains have little snow to speak of. This is where we get our drinking water in Southern California.

Here's the report about Yosemite National Park's Tuolumne Meadows.

According to the Sierra Sun Times:

January 4, 2018 -  - Yosemite National Park Tuolumne Meadows Winter Conditions Update for January 3, 2018.  

Ski Conditions and Weather: The average high temperature for the month of December was 47°F, which is 7 degrees warmer than average for our weather plot here in Tuolumne Meadows. Total snowfall for the month was a paltry five inches with an even more meager water content of 0.17 inches. Thankfully, the wet storms that came through in November have resulted in there still being some snow in the Yosemite high country. Above 9,300 feet there is still 24-30 inches of snow on the ground.  Around Tuolumne Meadows, at 8,600 feet, the snow depths are 3-6 inches, with areas of bare ground.

To read more, go here. 

Yokohama Day Trip

Above, Minato Mirai 21 and Cosmo World. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For Godzilla fans who are interested in seeing locations used in the movies, Yokohama is a good place to go.

Yokohama's Minato Mirai 21 area was the battleground used in two movies, Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992) and Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001).

It is worth a day trip from Tokyo and Tokyo Cheapo has some suggestions on places to see and things to do while there.

They begin with:

Although it might seem a little counter intuitive to plan day trips to a city 30 minutes from Tokyo, especially when places like Hakone and Kamakura are a stone’s throw away, Yokohama is worth it. A thriving port town since the end of Japan’s period of isolation in the mid-19th century, it is home to beautiful gardens, a bustling Chinatown, more ramen than you can shake a stick out and some stunning sunset views. The city is a mix of old and new, with contemporary art filling ex-brothels and neon-lit clocks illuminating red-brick warehouses. There is more than enough to fill a day in Yokohama, so our itinerary is just a suggestion: pick and choose to make your ideal day trip!

To read more, go here. 

Mount St. Helens Is Rumbling

Above, Mount Shasta as seen through an early morning haze. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People around the area of Mount St. Helens in Washington are getting jittery as earthquake activity has increased.

Forbes.com reported:

Since New Years Day Mount St. Helens has experienced 40 earthquakes within its vicinity as tremors continue every few hours. The most powerful earthquake was a magnitude 3.9 that occurred around midnight west coast time about 5 miles from Mount St. Helens and 23 miles from the town of Morton. 

The 3.9 magnitude earthquake was felt in Portland but there were no reported injuries or damage. Since that earthquake there have been 16 more earthquakes, averaging about every half hour with magnitudes from 0.6 to 2.6. 

It is common to experience swarms of earthquakes at Mount St. Helens. While it is certainly not a sign of an impending eruption, the earthquakes are a result of an active volcanic system.

Above, Lassen Peak was the last volcano to erupt in the lower 48 states
 before the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Mount St. Helens is part of the Cascade Range of volcanic peaks that also includes Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, Lassen Peak and Mount Shasta.

To read more, go here.

RV Convoy Nearly Wiped Out By Class A

Above, the Nomadic Fanatic and Jax.

A jackass driving a big Class A motorhome nearly caused a major, and potentially fatal, accident on a highway in Arizona leading to Yuma.

The Class A was towing another vehicle with Alberta, Canada plates and was passing a RV convoy on a single lane highway and ran oncoming vehicles off the road.

Fortunately, nobody was hurt but it there were close calls, including the caravan of RVs that included the Nomadic Fanatic and other RV YouTube vloggers.

The Nomadic Fanatic has a number of security cameras mounted on his RV, including a dash camera. Another RV in the caravan, Destination Open Road, also has video of the incident.

Here are their videos:






Fortunately, I have never faced such an incident like this. But it is something to be mindful of.

The culprit's plates were recorded and it and videos were provided to the local sheriff's office.

Guide To Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Above, Grand Teton's Mount Moran. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (they are under one administration) in California, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in Wyoming are next-door neighbors, but are administered separately.

If one is going to Yellowstone National Park, a visit to Grand Teton National Park is an added bonus.

Above, a sign describing the formation of the Grand Teton range. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

amNewYork has a guide to exploring Grand Teton National Park.

It begins with:

For camping enthusiasts who have conquered the Northeast and are looking westward for their 2018 summer adventures, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming — where the buffalo and camper caravans roam — is a majestic destination. 

The mountain range, located just south of Yellowstone National Park, offers a rustic outdoors experience with activities ranging from the relaxing to the rigorous. 

The peaks form a circle around a valley, aptly named Jackson Hole, about 45 minutes north of the city of Jackson. They also hug several lakes, each so pristine that they reflect the Tetons like mirrors. 

Area wildlife can’t be beat either — from grizzly bears to six-point bucks, moose, wolves and bald eagles. 

And though the western national parks often conjure visuals of “National Lampoon”-style family vacations in cluttered station wagons, or RVs with “happy camper” painted on the sides, my husband and I honeymooned last summer in the Tetons with a tent and a Ford Fusion Hybrid rental.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii's Volcano Awareness Month

Above, a view during our helicopter tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the more interesting excursions we took while in Hawaii was an aerial tour of Hawaii volcanoes on the Big Island with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. There, we flew over the Kilauea volcano.

It just so happens that this month is Volcano Awareness Month in Hawaii.

Above, molten lava as seen during our helicopter tour of Kilauea. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Los Angeles Times reported:

Volcanic eruptions are spectacular, to be sure, but they can be dangerous. That’s why January is Volcano Awareness Month on Hawaii Island, home of Kilauea, from which lava continues to flow. 

Local public safety officials and the U.S. Geological Survey are offering several presentations geared to locals and tourists. 

Four free programs will be held on consecutive Tuesdays at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the hyperactive Kilauea. All begin at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the park’s Kilauea Visitor Center.

To read more, go here.

Hawaii Visitors Spent $1.29 Billion In November

Above, waterfalls on the Big Island. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The state of Hawaii had a very good month of November as visitor spending increased 4.5%.

Travel Agent Central reported:

Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent a total of $1.29 billion in November 2017, an increase of 4.5 percent compared to a year ago, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). 

Total visitor arrivals grew 7.3 percent to 748,303 visitors, comprising of arrivals from air service (up 7.5 percent to 738,519) and cruise ships (down 1.2 percent to 9,784).

To read more, go here. 

Yellowstone, More Than Just Old Faithful

Above, Old Faithful Geyser. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If anyone should have a "bucket list" of places to visit, Yellowstone National Park ought to be put at the top of the list.

If one ever decides to just visit one national park in their lives, Yellowstone should be that park.

The Voice of America has an article on Yellowstone with photos and videos.

It begins with:

When you think about America’s national parks, what probably comes to mind first is America’s first national park – Yellowstone. It's also the first national park in the world, established by Congress in 1872, even before the National Park Service was set up. 

Yellowstone sits on an active volcano, the source of the more than 10,000 geothermal features in the park, including more than half the world's geysers. National Parks traveler Mikah Meyer made sure he caught the eruption of the best-known of its 500 geysers - Old Faithful, which shoots a column of superheated water up to 42 meters into the air, every 60 to 110 minutes.

Take a look at the article, photos and videos and maybe you'll add Yellowstone National Park to the top of your bucket list.

To read more, go here. 

Prince Charming Is A Sexual Predator!

The Looney Left Report

Let's see. The only way Sleeping Beauty could be woken up from her sleep, she has to be kissed by a prince. Okay, gotcha!

But, in today's climate, the bitch has to remain in slumber for eternity!

Fox News reported:

Prince Charming may not be so charming after all. 

Disney’s fairytale princes are sexual predators, according to a Japanese gender studies and sociology professor. 

Kazue Muta, an Osaka University professor and author of “Sir, That Love is Sexual Harassment!” a book on workplace sexual harassment, argued in December that princes from “Snow White” and “Sleeping Beauty” portray “quasi-compulsive obscene sexual acts on an unconscious partner.”

Feminazis and liberals are progressively (pun intended) cutting off the balls of men. There's going to be an awful lot of barren women in the future if this nonsense continues.

To read more, go here.

Drivers Greeted By Sanctuary State Signs

Drivers entering California are being greeted by "Official Sanctuary State" signs.

These signs aren't really "official", but put up by unknown artistic people as a prank. Governor Jerry Brown and the Democrats in the California legislature asked for this when they passed the "sanctuary state" law.

According to Fox News:

Drivers entering California are being greeted with signs proclaiming the liberal bastion an "OFFICIAL SANCTUARY STATE," according to photos and videos circulating on social media appearing to show a prankster attached the official-looking blue signs just below legitimate "Welcome to California" markers. 

The sanctuary state sign, which adds "Felons, Illegals and MS13 [gang members] welcome," is similar to one hung up by a Malibu activist last year.  

“Democrats Need The Votes!” reads a message on the signs, which are plastered with the Great Seal of California and a donkey, one of the symbols of the Democratic Party.

Of course, liberals have no sense of humor.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaiian Airlines Said To Have "The Most Unhealthy Food"

Above, a Hawaiian Airlines jet at Honolulu Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ouch! 

An article has been posted claiming that Hawaiian Airlines serves the "most unhealthy food" of all the airlines in the United States.

Wings Journal wrote:

If you will be traveling to or from Hawaii and are trying to eat healthy, then you may want to think twice before booking with Hawaiian Airlines. According to DietDetective.com, this airline has the most unhealthy food of all the airlines in the United States. Dr. Charles Platkin is the founder of DietDetective.com. He stated that one snack box has 342 calories. One individual snack has 460 calories. One meal has 971 calories. 

It is best for anyone to avoid eating at high altitudes. However, hunger is something that is hard to ignore. If you eat while on a flight, then the best thing for you to eat is hummus and chips. This is one of the best choices because it has fewer calories. If you prefer a meal instead of snack, then it is best for you to try the green salad and Penne Pasta Bolognese Sauce.

To read more, go here. 

Mount Fuji Hotel Deal

Above, a shinkansen view of Mount Fuji in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my eight trips to Japan over the years, one of the rarest things for me was to get a clear daytime view of Mount Fuji.

During G-TOUR in 2004, we drove up the mountain to one of the Fifth Stations. Although we had clear views, we were too up close (well, we were on the mountainside) to really savor the majestic shape of the mountain. We were able to see the full shape one night during the trip. It was during a fireworks festival at Lake Kawaguchi were we were able to see all of Mount Fuji, but in silhouette.

In was only during my 2015 trip to Japan that I caught clear views of it aboard the shinkansen.

Since such clear views of Mount Fuji are so infrequent, and even rarer for travelers, a hotel in Yamanashi Prefecture has a special deal for tourists.

Japan Today reported:

TOKYO - It’s kind of ironic that while Mt Fuji is one of, if not the absolute, most iconic views of Japan, it’s also one of the least reliable. Due to the surrounding weather patterns and topography, Mt Fuji is often covered in clouds and mists, much to the disappointment of travelers with their cameras out and ready as they speed past it on the Shinkansen, or, even more heartbreakingly, who make reservations at local hotels specifically for the purpose of gazing upon the mountain’s majesty. 

Visibility is an especially big concern for the guests of Yamanashi Prefecture’s Hotel Mt Fuji. As you can guess from its name, the hotel’s main draw is its Fuji views, not only from its guestrooms but also from its rooftop open-air baths, which were newly renovated this past August. 

The management knows that guests who happen to stay at the hotel on a cloudy day are probably going to go home disappointed, and so it has a plan to help ease the pain. Between Jan 9 and 19, if you’re unable to see the peak of Mt. Fuji for at least a minute due to cloudy or snowy weather between when you check in and check out, you can come back and stay at the hotel for another night free of charge on a later date.

To read more, go here.

New Yellowstone Theory

Above, one of many hot springs in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most everyone who has taken even a scant look at Yellowstone National Park and its wonders know that below the surface of the park lies a supervolcano.

But what researchers and scientists debate on is where the source for Yellowstone's heat comes from.

A new theory on this has, pardon the pun, surfaced.

The Citizen Tribune reported:

Newly published research contradicts what has been a long-held — although fervently debated — theory about the hotspot underlying the Yellowstone supervolcano. 

Geologists at the University of Illinois used seismic waves that travel through the earth after earthquakes and explosions to produce an almost X-ray-like view of what’s going on underground. The information was then fed through a supercomputer to mimic different geologic scenarios that are known to have occurred over the past 20 million years in an attempt to come up with an explanation for the Yellowstone hotspot. 

Their conclusion? Yellowstone’s heat is being funneled west from the geologically active Pacific Coast.

To read more, go here.

Speaking of the Boy Scouts and 2017...

2017 is the year that a "gallon of grease to the glide path" of the eventual demise of the Boy Scouts of America was added.

As an Eagle Scout noted:

The Boy Scouts of America stood for over a century on its strong foundation of Judeo-Christian values, growing boys into young men, and young men into leaders.  However, in recent years the BSA has allowed cracks to form in that foundation.  

From the lifting of the ban on openly gay boys from joining the organization, to the sanctioning of openly gay adult leaders, to the encouragement of so-called “transgendered” boys to join, the BSA’s moral foundation has been rapidly and steadily eroding into dust. 

As soon as the BSA changed the definition of the phrase “morally straight” in the generations-old Scout Oath back in 2013, allowing for homosexual membership, we all knew that this first compromise would not be the last.  We all knew that it was only a matter of time before the BSA compromised itself into oblivion. 

That day has now arrived. 

From the BSA’s website: 

"Today, the Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors unanimously approved to welcome girls into its iconic Cub Scout program and to deliver a Scouting program for older girls that will enable them to advance and earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout." 

This is incredibly disappointing news, but in light of the BSA’s changes over the last few years, it isn’t at all surprising.  It does, however, mark a complete transformation for the organization.  The Boy Scouts has always been exclusively for boys.  As Ben Shapiro famously noted, it’s in the name. 

There are plenty of organizations out there for all different varieties of youth.  The Boy Scouts even have several co-ed programs for both boys and girls.  The girls already have the Girl Scouts.  If the Girl Scouts isn’t working, why not work to fix that organization instead?  There is absolutely no need for the Boy Scouts to change who they are to be “inclusive.”

Unfortunately, this is all part and parcel of the Left, who are "out to erode our way of life at every level. Their aim is to kill these organizations and slowly erode our moral fabric."

To read more, go here. 

No Commercial Passenger Jet Crashes In 2017

Above, an airliner takes off from LAX. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For some reason, when I first read this story, my mind immediately flashed back to the movie Airplane! (1980) where a parody of 60 Minutes' "Point/Counterpoint" had the liberal and conservative debaters discuss the possible crash of the jet.

The "conservative" said:

They knew what they were getting into [or something like that]. I say, let it crash!

This should be great news for people who are deathly afraid to fly in a commercial jet.

The Independent (U.K.) reported:

In a year when more people flew to more places than ever, 2017 was the safest on record for airline passengers. 

The Dutch-based aviation consultancy, To70, has released its Civil Aviation Safety Review for 2017. It reports only two fatal accidents, both involving small turbo-prop aircraft, with a total of 13 lives lost.  

No jets crashed in passenger service anywhere in the world. 

To read more, go here.

1960s Boy Scout Handbook

Last night, I was going through my bookcase and came upon my Boy Scout Handbook.

Some months ago, some friends and I on Facebook had a discussion on Boy Scout Handbooks and how they've changed over the years. Old editions are collectors' items today.

I was fortunate enough to get an edition with a Norman Rockwell painted cover. It is in pretty decent shape (surprisingly), considering that it is over 50 years old (circa 1965) and it went with me on campouts!

And, as it turns out, the last photo of 2016!

Here I am with the Handbook:

Above, the Boy Scout Handbook I used during my Boy Scout days. Photo by Jess.

Here is a history of Boy Scout Handbooks.

Nomadic Fanatic In Roswell, New Mexico

Above, a screen capture from the Nomadic Fanatic's video.

Life is sometimes funny. No sooner than I mentioned the other day about possibly going to this year's UFO Festival in Roswell, New Mexico in July, the Nomadic Fanatic posts a video today of his visit to Roswell.

Here's the video:

What To Do In Rainy Honolulu?

Above, a view of Diamond Head from Waikiki's Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In May 2016, I took a vacation trip to Hawaii to celebrate my ex's birthday. The trip turned out to be a disaster on a different level (despite enjoying many things there), but we did manage to have good fortune when it came to the weather. We had sunny skies with only a few clouds on occasion. The only time we had rain was at the airport in Maui as we waited for our flight back to Los Angeles, so the weather was a non-issue.

Many people have traveled to Hawaii to enjoy the beaches and get a tropical tan but ended up being rained on.

Travel + Leisure has some suggestions on what to do in Honolulu if it becomes rainy.

They begin with:

You’ve traveled to Honolulu dreaming of sunny days on the beach. But when you get there, it’s raining. What to do? 

Luckily, there are fabulous indoor activities in Honolulu. Here are a few of them.

To read more, go here. 

"The Federalist" Blog Goes Over 4 Million

Above, Gary Julian (second from left) and yours truly (at right) at the Peter Lebeck Chapter's Fall clampout last October.

Congratulations are in order to longtime friend, and fellow member of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, Gary Julian for his The Federalist blog reaching four million page views in 2017.

His blog specializes in politics, with a dash of entertainment and sultresses. He also seems to be doing something right was well in garnering a big readership.

Ten Years of the Ol' Rancho

Above, the header used after the blog hit one million views.

It is hard to believe it, but 2018 marks ten years since I started Armand's Rancho del Cielo blog (named after Ronald Reagan's ranch near Santa Barbara).

Originally, I used a free webpage benefit that AOL used to have. It was called "Armand's Corner of the Net". When they discontinued that benefit, I found Blogger has free blogs. So, I started this one.

I actually started this blog in April 2008, so the actual anniversary month will be three months from now.

It had undergone a few design changes over the years, but it still provides an outlet for me to discuss subjects of interest (at least to me). Apparently I am doing something right since I have over 2 million page views to date.

The current header was created by the talented Asya, who used one of my photos of The Mittens in Monument Valley.

Thanks for reading, and especially, to my followers!

Little Tokyo Oshogatsu 2018

Above, an old friend. It appears to be the same Godzilla figure Anime
Jungle had on display at last year's Oshogatsu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To get 2018 off to a good start, I headed down to Little Tokyo near downtown Los Angeles this morning to the annual New Year's Day Oshogatsu festival. I've noticed that I've had good years whenever I've attended the Oshogatsu.

As usual, they had plenty of stores open, booths with goods, service and food as well as entertainment on stage at Weller Court.

My only disappointment was not seeing my former boss, ex-Assemblyman Paul Bannai this year. He's now in his 90s. I hope he's doing well.

While there I had my first hot mocha of the year at the Japanese Village. Anime Jungle had several booths of Japanese pop culture collectibles and their stores were also open.

I noticed a couple of changes. First, the stage in Weller Court now faces north. In previous years, it always faced south. Second, the New Otani Hotel is now the DoubleTree By Hilton. I attended many events at the New Otani Hotel back in the 1970s.

It was an enjoyable excursion. I don't know when I will be able to return after I move to New Mexico.

Here's a few pictures:

Above, taiko drummers performing at Weller Court. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, one of the shops in Japanese Village who sells Godzilla goods. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, one fun activity in Little Tokyo is roaming around a Japanese market. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, one of the food booths. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Ellison Onizuka/Challenger memorial and Los Angeles City Hall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, my first mocha coffee of the year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly at Japanese Village. 

Above, the crowd watching the Weller Court performances. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a performer on stage in Weller Court. Photo by Armand Vaquer.