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Tuesday, June 5, 2018

News From JAPANiCan

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Mt. Fuji Activities for All Tastes!

Meet at Mt. Fuji



Mt. Fuji Sightseeing Passport

Pick-up pass at selected stations
Enjoy unlimited bus rides in the Mt. Fuji area, admission for 8 sightseeing facilities including Fuji-Q Highland, and "En Soleil,” a Lake Kawaguchi cruise boat.
Per Person
from JPY 5,500Book


Asagiri Kogen Paragliding Experience

Beginners welcome
Ever dreamt of flying? Then this is the perfect plan for you! Go on a paragliding adventure and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Mt. Fuji. 
Per Person
from JPY 7,000Book


4-Wheel Buggy Experience via ATV Plan

Driver's license required
Experience buggy trekking with great views of Mt. Fuji! Get a commemorative photo taken in a scenic spot with Mt. Fuji as the background.

Per Person
from JPY 6,000Book


Forest Adventure Mt. Fuji - Adventure Obstacle Course

Japan's first Forest Adventure facility
Are you up for a challenge? Enjoy the best thrills with a total of 5 courses and 43 activities such as bridge crossing, wall climbing, and zip-lining. 
Per Person
JPY 3,600Book


Canoe Experience on Lake Kawaguchi

Beginners welcome
Learn all the basic techniques of canoeing in English, including how to hold and row with a paddle, before heading out for a trip around the lake with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop.
Per Person
JPY 5,400Book


Fuji-Q Highland 1 Day Free Pass

Discounted
Fuji-Q Highland is the place to go for roller coasters! There are plenty of world-class attractions to try including "Eejanaika" and the record-breaking attraction “Do-Dodonpa”. 
Per Person
JPY 5,300Book

Depart from Tokyo



Mt. Fuji Flower Fields, Seasonal Fruit Picking & Thomas Land Train Ride

English-speaking guide
Go on a fun-packed 1-day bus tour and pick seasonal fruits, admire flower fields with a view of Mt. Fuji, and board the Thomas Land train on the Fuji Kyuko Line, the closest railroad to Mt. Fuji. 
Per Person
JPY 10,900Book


S-class Rental Car with Accommodation

Hotel options
Drive out to see the sights in the popular Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi areas! Sightseeing at the Hakone and Fuji Five Lakes area and shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets® are much easier with a rental car. 
Per Person
from JPY 21,800Book

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Roswell 2018 UFO Festival News

New post on Official UFO Festival Roswell Website

Three amazing, fun-filled activities at the 2018 UFO Festival!

by UFO Festival
We know when families travel the cost can add up very quickly.  We want you to enjoy our wonderful city and all it has to offer, so we are providing an additional three activities at no cost to you.  These are amazing family friendly activities that you can enjoy in the shade.
  1. NASA is sending us an actual spacesuit where you can take a selfie and pretend you are floating in space. This will be everyday.  Thank you to Sippy and Opal's for allowing us to use your space.
  2. At our ever-popular Imagination Station, you can build and create your very own tinfoil alien hat.  We will even have a rock painting project where you can hide them for others to find.  Other crafts are also planned.
  3. Thank you Tascosa for hosting the New Mexico Museum of Space History Alien Autopsy.
    Alien Autopsy teaches kids about astrobiology, and life on Earth, by role-playing as scientists studying creatures from the deep ocean of Europa, one of the ice-covered moons of Jupiter. We call it Fake Bodies, Real Science because we build anatomically correct bodies from non-meat products. Students work in teams of four as the dissect and try to figure out what the parts did and how the creature lived. In turn, they learn scientific investigation and about life on Earth.
    While we haven’t found life on other worlds, not even Mars, we might one day. So this activity helps spark imaginations to think about how and where to look, and what life might be like. It’s one of many popular classes, like The Awful Truth About Zero-G and Paging Dr. Droid, that we can take across the state. We will choose a few kids to help with the dissection and talk about the search for life. It will be educational and fun.

Monday, June 4, 2018

Colorado Plateau

Above, the mesas north of Jamestown are a part of the Colorado Plateau. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have mentioned that the area of Gallup and Jamestown, New Mexico reminds me a lot of Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in Utah. I have said that living here in Jamestown is like living near Zion.

There is a reason for this, besides the scenery. The mesas to the north of Jamestown are a part of the vast Colorado Plateau.

This map is from the National Park Service DVD video of Zion National Park:



Compare the above map with this map of New Mexico and focus on where Gallup is located (the western edge of the state on Interstate 40):

map of New Mexico cities


As you can see, Gallup is within the Colorado Plateau as are Zion, Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon National Parks.

Elk Injures Yellowstone Woman Hotel Worker

Above, elk in the Mammoth Hot Springs village. Photo by Armand Vaquer.


People who visit places where there are wildlife should read this so that they don't approach any animal who may suddenly attack. 

The Casper Star-Tribune reported:
A Yellowstone hotel worker suffered serious injuries Sunday when she was attacked by an elk. 
The elk reportedly reared up and kicked Charlene Triplett multiple times with its front legs, striking the 51-year-old in the head, torso and back, the National Park Service said in a press statement released Monday. 
Triplett was flown to the trauma center at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. The announcement did not provide an update on her condition. 
The attack happened behind the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, where Triplett worked. Triplett, who is from Las Vegas, was off-duty at the time. 
The park service says the cow elk was protecting a calf that was bedded down roughly 20 feet away and hidden by cars. Authorities don’t know if Triplett saw the calf or the elk prior to the attack.

To read more, go here

Camping For Moms Who Don't Like To Camp

Above, The Beast at Manzanita Lake Campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some women don't like to tent camp. For many of them, "roughing it" is not having electricity to run their blow dryers. I know this to be true because I used to be married to one.

However, there is a way to coax the little woman into the wilderness and Margot Black has an article on this topic at PeterGreenberg.com.

She starts it with:
I love the outdoors, and as an outdoor family travel writer I endeavor to take myself and my family all over the country as often as I can to experience our beautiful nature and wildlife. 
There’s no better way to do that than by camping, but as a busy working mom I also want to enjoy my vacation. I don’t want to work harder than I work at home, and I personally do not enjoy the idea of packing up my entire house just to relocate to a tent for a few days. As one of my mom friends said to me when I mentioned it to her, why would you want to go on vacation and work harder than you do at home but with cold water? 
Addressing this family travel conundrum, this is the first in a series of articles about camping for moms who don’t like to camp. 
Here’s how it happened. My son had asked my husband and I if we could go camping so I decided that renting an RV would be the perfect compromise. The RV ticked many boxes because, in fairness, I know my kid wants to camp but I also know he currently dislikes spiders and bugs. 
This was a trial expedition for us all and we now plan to try out campers, yurts and cabins. But for this first trip in an RV we’d have a roof over our heads, proper beds and a good shot of enjoying the ‘not sleeping at home’ thrill of life in a top-of-the-range touring vehicle.

To read more, go here

Wholesale RV Shipments Will Reach All-Time High

Above, RVs in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that we have a pro-growth president and the economy is doing much better than it has in years, the RV industry is seeing all-time high numbers in wholesale shipments for the second year in a row.

According to The Roanoke Times:
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 4, 2018--RV industry shipments will reach 539,900 units in 2018, marking nine straight years of growth and – for the second consecutive year – the highest annual total since such data has been collected. This figure is a 7% increase from the previous record of 504,600 units shipped in 2017. Shipments for 2019 are predicted to grow to more than 550,000 units, which would be a third straight record-breaking total. 
The new forecast, along with first quarter 2018 industry shipment totals, were announced today by Frank Hugelmeyer, President of the RV Industry Association, as part of remarks he delivered at the association’s Committee Week luncheon. 
Shipments totaled 137,086 in the first quarter of 2018, an increase of 13.4% from 2017. Among towable RVs, growth was highest among truck campers (which shot up 69%), and travel trailers (up 15%). Motorhome shipments saw steady growth with Type C shipments reaching their highest total since the early 1980s.

To read more, go here.

Winnebago Buying Boat Maker Chris-Craft



Winnebago Industries, the big name in recreational vehicles, has purchased boat maker Chris-Craft.

According to U.S. News & World Report:
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Recreational vehicle manufacturer Winnebago Industries says it is buying boat maker Chris-Craft to expand beyond motor homes and travel trailers and create a diversified outdoor lifestyle products company. 
Winnebago, based in Forest City, Iowa, hasn't disclosed details of the transaction but said Monday it would finance the deal with cash and debt. 
Chris-Craft is a recreational boating brand dating back to 1874. It's been owned by London-based investment firm Stellican Ltd. since 2001.

To read more, go here

Roswell 2018 UFO Festival News

New post on Official UFO Festival Roswell Website

Crash site artifacts displayed at the IUFOMRC!

by UFO Festival
Frank Kimbler is an Assistant Professor of the Earth Science at the New Mexico Military Institute. He is a relatively new researcher in the field of UFO studies but has made some interesting artifact discoveries related to the 1947 Roswell crash.  He moved to New Mexico in 2009 after accepting a teaching position at the New Mexico Military Institute. Shortly after moving to Roswell he took a keen interest in the story behind the Roswell UFO incident. His research has resulted in the discovery of more 20 artifacts from the Roswell UFO debris field area, including metallic fragments of possible extraterrestrial origin, 1940 era military metal buttons, a 50-caliber bullet (WW2 era?) and aerial photographic evidence of disturbed ground in and around the famed UFO Crash site. His research has been featured on National Geographic’s Chasing UFOs, Smithsonian Channel’s UFO’s Declassified, History Channel’s Ozzie Osborn World Detours, Larry the Cable Guy Gets Lost in Space, and several European and Asian TV shows.
The International UFO Museum has some of Kimber’s Roswell crash artifacts on display. The crash site artifacts were found over a period of 8 years. Scientific studies of old aerial photographs, discussions with prominent Roswell crash authors, endless hours reading documents in the Roswell UFO Museum Library and days of metal detecting resulted in the discovery of numerous historically significant crash site artifacts. The artifacts displayed at the UFO Museum include small folded metallic sheets, unusual thin plastic and metallic structural I-beam materials as well as aluminum military buttons from the 1940’s.   Some of the artifacts have been analyzed and the data indicates that the materials may be of extraterrestrial origin. More scientific testing will be done in the future to conclusively determine the origins of the artifacts.
There are lots of unidentified, possible, alien artifacts to study but the scientific community and universities scoff at the notion of doing research on almost anything related to the idea of UFOs and extraterrestrials. Most of the research today is done by individuals like Kimbler with varied backgrounds, education and scientific knowledge. Many of these people lack the skills and resources required to prove what they may have found. Some are promoters, some are fanatics, for lack of a better word, and some have a true desire to prove the existence of extraterrestrials and their visits to earth.
Frank Kimbler will be giving several talks concerning the artifacts during the Roswell UFO festival.

New post on Official UFO Festival Roswell Website

Check out the amazing flight simulation adventure in 2018!

by UFO Festival
Mars 2147 is an space flight simulation adventure attraction produced by Roebuck Entertainment for the Roswell, New Mexico UFO Festival.
This immersive experience will take you into the future where manifest destiny has stretched beyond the confines of Earth and opened up opportunities for civilian exploration on other planets.
Stellar Destinations, a space vacation company, invites you to a sneak peek of Red Planet Resort and Spa. Captain Sophie Conrad and steward Flint Hunter fly you on the space shuttle Triumph of the Stars for an arial tour of the resort under construction and the ancient Martian sub-terrain ruins it is being built on. The martian race died out over 200 years ago… or did it?

"Toto, We're Not In Kansas Anymore!"

This afternoon, I was relaxing on the deck outside and having coffee. I decided to go inside to check my emails.

I was inside for maybe about five minutes when I heard a loud crashing noise. I looked out the window and saw swirling dust cloud pass by.

I then went outside to see what the crashing noise was from and this is what greeted me:




The wind gust or mini-tornado blew the umbrella and table about 3-4 feet from where it usually sits. The only damage was to one of the larger ribs to the umbrella. This was really weird as today was pretty calm with only 5 m.p.h. winds. That had to be one strong wind to do this as the table is heavy.

After righting the table and umbrella. I contacted Home Depot and gave them the information on what happened to see if this might be covered under warranty. Sure enough, it was! (Whew!)

They are checking to see if they have a replacement part. If not, they'll replace the umbrella.

So far, I am very pleased with Home Depot's Customer Service.

Music Reporter Jerry Hopkins Dies

Above, two books by music reporter Jerry Hopkins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.


Anyone who is a real aficionado of rock 'n roll over the past 60 years would be very familiar with the work of music reporter Jerry Hopkins.

Unfortunately, it has been reported by Celebrity Access that Hopkins has passed away at age 82.

They wrote:
(CelebrityAccess) Jerry Hopkins, 82, longtime music journalist, has reportedly died.
Hopkins has published 36 books including the first biographies for Elvis Presley and Jim Morrison. He served for more than 20 years as a contributing editor of Rolling Stone
Hopkins freelanced at Village Voice in the early 60s, then as a a reporter at the Times-Picayune in New Orleans. He joined Mike Wallace as a writer-producer in New York in 61.

I have two of Hopkins's books, "No One Here Gets Out Alive", on The Doors vocalist Jim Morrison and "Aloha Elvis", on Elvis Presley's connection with Hawaii. I bought the latter book at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center two years ago.

To read more, go here.

New Shibuya Mall Opening In September

Above, Shibuya Scramble, the side of Shibuya that most people are familiar with. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Shibuya shopping district is getting a major re-vamp.

Shibuya Station is getting re-done and a new mall with riverside strolling areas is set to open in September.

According to Japan Today:
TOKYO - Ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, officials have been making extensive efforts to overhaul the city not only to be more tourist friendly, but also to beautify and restore. For example, smokers are facing tighter restrictions, and older places like Harajuku Station are getting a remake. Of course, if you’ve spent much time in Shibuya, you’ll know that it’s one of the dirtiest places in Tokyo, and although that admittedly isn’t saying much, since the city is generally pretty spic-span, it’s still deserving of a nice makeover. 
In addition to a revamp of old buildings like the iconic Shibuya 109, major changes are being made to the famous shopping area to bring about a new, more pleasant shine in Shibuya. One such change is a new building called “Shibuya Stream," which appears to be intended to refresh the formerly boring south side of the station. 
Shibuya Stream sits in the former Shibuya Southern District, at the point where the Shibuya River emerges from its underground flow. The complex is built with the riverside in mind, and the theme of the first three floors is “Shibuya Style: Custom Shibuya“. They have recruited 30 businesses that target “adults who have their own style and live their life their own way”; twenty-one of these places are new to the area, the city, or the country, so visitors have plenty to look forward to.

To read more and see concept illustrations, go here

Superman Article In Japan Today



Action Comics #1 had a cover date of June 1938, so this month is the 80th anniversary of the Man of Steel (even though the comic book was published a month or so before).

It just so happens that Japan Today has an article on the 80th anniversary of Superman.

It begins with:
WASHINGTON - In an era when superheroes seem to be everywhere -- there were literally dozens in the most recent "Avengers" film -- the Man of Steel stands apart. 
Eighty years after his debut in Action Comics #1, dated June 1938, Superman is still an American cultural icon, the hero of reference and the undisputed star of DC Comics. 
And today, the comic book publisher -- also known for Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash and Green Lantern, among others -- is counting on Superman more than ever. 
"He is the mold people worked with, the template for the idea of a superhero," explains Jared Smith, who works in a comic book store in Washington. 
"Superman is a very idealized character. They call him the Boy Scout of America. He always does the right thing and tries do to the good thing." 
In Action Comics #1, 13 pages were dedicated to the story of Kal-El, an alien from the planet Krypton with supernatural strength, sent to Earth by his father before his home planet was destroyed. 
Superman's debut was a smash success. A year later, DC Comics gave the Man of Steel his own book, and introduced another formidable hero: Batman.

To read more, go here

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Paul Bannai Coffee Mug

Above, the signature side of the Bannai coffee mug. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever since I got involved in politics over 40 years ago, I have amassed a collection of political Americana.

At one point, while attending El Camino College in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County, I served as a field representative to State Assemblyman Paul Bannai of Gardena.

While working for Bannai, I obtained a coffee mug with the California Assembly seal on one side and Paul Bannai's signature on the other. I still have it.

I noticed today that one is for sale at Eclectic Amanda for $123.75.

Here's its description:
* Vintage coffee mug 
* The front has the seal of the California State Assembly 
* The back has the name of Paul Bannai 
* Paul Bannai was the first Japanese a American to serve in the state legislature. 
* He served in Army Intelligence in WWII. 
* This mug is from his time in the legislature (1973 to 1980) 
* It has no chips or cracks. 
* There are a few dark spots around the cup where coffee seeped into the crazing and stained the cup. There are also dark spots on the very bottom of the cup from usage.
* Measures 2 3/4" tall and 3 1/4" in diameter. 
* We understand antiques, coins and collectibles need to be seen and held to fully appreciate their condition. 
* We offer a 30 day money back guarantee to allow you time to decide if this item is right for you.
Above, the California Assembly seal side of the mug. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I don't use the mug anymore as the handle was broken during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, but I do have it displayed in my dining room with the handle glued back on.

To see the one offered for sale, go here.

Human Remains Found In Joshua Tree National Park

Above, the south entrance sign of Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Partially buried human remains were found in Joshua Tree National Park.

According to The Press-Enterprise:
TWENTYNINE PALMS — A visitor found partially buried human remains in Joshua Tree National Park, and an investigation into the suspicious death was underway, sheriff’s officials said. 
The visitor found the remains Saturday morning near Big Horn Pass Road and Park Boulevard, about six miles south of Twentynine Palms, and alerted a park ranger who then contacted the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, according to a news release from the park.

To read more, go here

David Hogg's Attempted Extortion of Publix Fails

Above, "Teen Tyrant" David Hogg.

ex·tor·tion
ikˈstôrSH(ə)n/
noun
  1. the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.


Keeping above in mind, a news story last week pitted "Teen Tyrant" David Hogg against the Publix grocery chain in Florida.

According to The Gateway Pundit:
Publix CEO Todd Jones on Tuesday told the father of a Parkland, Florida student killed in the February 14 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that the Florida-based supermarket chain would not be making a donation to the school’s student fund. Last week leftist revolutionary Parkland student gun control activist David Hogg demanded Publix give $1 million to the Stoneman Douglas Victim’s fund to atone for donating a reported $670,000 in recent years to Adam Putnam, a pro-NRA Florida Republican running for governor. Hogg led a die-in inside Publix stores last Friday to protest Publix’s support for Putnam, who is currently Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner.

This is nothing but extortion. Hogg led die-ins at Publix stores impeding commerce and demanded $1,000,000 to the Stoneman Douglas Victim's Fund. Publix refused.

So what if the company made campaign donations to a pro-NRA politician? The NRA had absolutely nothing to do with the Parkland school shooting. 

Hogg should be prosecuted for extortion.

To read more, go here.

Japanese Train Station Melodies

Above, passengers boarding the JR Yamanote Line at Shinjuku Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the things that is enjoyable (at least I find it so) while traveling around Japan: the melodies played at Japanese train stations.

According to Japan Info:
If you’ve ever been to the cities of Tokyo and Osaka, you’ll notice the melody being played when trains are about to arrive and depart from stations. They are called train departure melodies or “hassha merodii” in Japanese. These jingles that whisk commuters on their way were actually made by Japanese composer Minoru Mukaiya, who has created almost 200 train jingles in his lifetime. 
Aside from Tokyo and Osaka, there are other cities around the world that use train melodies such as Budapest in Hungary and Seoul in Korea. First introduced by French classical pianist Charles-Valentin Alkan, these melodies or jingles are known to provide a feeling of relief when trains are departing and alertness when arriving. In 1971, they were introduced to Japan; and Keihan Electric Railway was the first Japanese railway company to use such train melodies. 
Bells were first used to mark the departure and arrival of trains. It didn’t sound calming and relaxing, thus certain criteria were used in creating the tunes. Later on, local train managers were able to customize the alarms into melodic ones. It created a positive reaction among passengers and quickly became popular, as passengers felt unhurried before disembarking. Most train melodies are related to Japanese history and are seven-seconds long.

Here are some examples:




And you can even buy some! Here's some you can buy of Tokyo's JR Yamanote Line:




To read more, go here.

Oklahoma Route 66 Attractions

Above, The Beast at the Elk City KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two years ago, I took the longest roadtrip (also the longest trip, period) of my life when I went to Metropolis, Illinois for the celebration of life services for actress Noel Neill.

Long the way, I stayed one night in Elk City, Oklahoma at a KOA Kampground. Unfortunately, I had to continue on and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in nearby Clinton was not yet open for the day (I headed out at about 6:00 that morning). Otherwise, I would have stopped by.

Tulsa World has an article on this and two other Route 66 attractions to see.

They begin with:
There’s always been a certain mystique about Route 66. From the building of the road in the ’20s, to the end of the road in the ’70s, Route 66 brings back memories from one’s youth. Perhaps, it’s a nostalgic adventure, while for another visitor, it’s an entertaining, historical journey of discovery. 
There are numerous fun facts about The Mother Road in Oklahoma, such as the Sooner state has more miles of the original Route 66 than any other state. Many may already know The Round Barn in Arcadia is the most photographed and famous barn along Route 66. But how many know that the Trade Winds Inn on Route 66 in Clinton was a favorite of Elvis Presley’s? Yes, apparently, he was fond of the inn and would stay there whenever he was traveling. 
While there are several iconic destinations along Route 66 in Oklahoma, I want to bring your attention to three.

To read more, go here

Japan’s Love Hotels: What You Need To Know

Above, an Osaka love hotel near Dotonbori. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Three years ago, we were heading to Osaka's Dotonbori section for a meal. However, we got to the street where (we thought) the restaurants were at but made a left turn instead of a right turn.

We ended up in a section of love hotels. Obviously, we made a wrong turn, so we made an about-face and headed to the foodie section. Before doing so, I snapped a few photos (after all, they would come in handy for a blog article).

I have heard of Japan's love hotels for years. There are some tourists who, despite having a regular hotel room, like to try one out for the "fun" of it.

What can you expect at a love hotel? Savvy Tokyo has an article that will answer all (or at least most) of your questions.

They begin with:
You’re walking along a busy, brightly-lit Tokyo street when you encounter a downright outlandish building with a private entrance and a sign reading “stay” (宿泊, shukuhaku) and “rest” (休憩, kyukei). The building has fancy lettering, typically neon signs and a quirky name like Hotel Oz, Casablanca or Hotel Fooo. By now you realize that you have not encountered a regular hotel — you’re standing in front of a Japanese rabuho, the not-so-hidden pay-by-the-hour (or night) pleasure accommodations for couples, secret lovers, and other forms of a one-time celebration of love. 
Love Hotels: History & Background 
No surprises here, a “love hotel” is essentially a no-tell motel, a short stay accommodation that offers hourly or nightly rates — in the name of love, whatever this means to the users. A rest or short stay can be anywhere from 2-4 hours and cost between ¥2,900-¥7,000 depending on the date and hotel, while a stay (typically overnight to 9 or 10 am), can cost anywhere from ¥3,900 to well over ¥20,000. Any room service items or meals that you order can add to these prices as well. 
The whole concept of a love hotel is not unique to Japan, but the modern term itself comes from Hotel Love, the first of this kind which opened in Osaka in 1968 and was soon followed by thousands of other love hotels throughout the country. They were originally meant as short stay destinations for couples needing a little privacy. During the early postwar period, young couples often still lived in extended family dwellings and as such, any one-on-one special moments had to be conducted elsewhere.

To read more, go here

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Climbers Killed In El Capitan Fall

Above, El Capitan is shrouded in clouds. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yosemite National Park's season isn't on a good start.

Last week, a climber on Half Dome fell to his death in rainy conditions. Now, two people fell from El Capitan.

USA Today reported:
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. – Officials say two people have been killed after they fell while climbing El Capitan at Yosemite National Park. 
The National Park Service says it happened around 8 a.m. Saturday while the two people were climbing the Freeblast Route. 
Park rangers and search and rescue personnel responded to the scene but the climbers didn’t survive the fall.

To read more, go here

Westbound Interstate 40 At A Complete Standstill


Above, the 5th wheel RV trailer sat at this spot for over an hour. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tonight's plan was to attend the Indian Dancing show at the Gallup Courthouse Square.

However, those plans were dashed as an accident occurred on Interstate 40 somewhere between Jamestown and Gallup in the westbound lanes.

I first noticed the traffic tie-up at about 4:15. Vehicles going westbound in the direction of Gallup were at a complete standstill. In about an hour's time, a vehicle towing a 5th wheel trailer only moved 5 or 6 carlenghs. There was no movement to really speak of until about 6:00 this evening. I am glad that I wasn't sitting in traffic for over and hour and a half.

Above, semi-trucks at a complete standstill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I checked around the Internet but although I found some reference to the traffic tie-up, I found no details on the accident itself. Traffic is moving, but very slowly now.

It looks like I will be spending tonight at home.

Why California Needs To Vote Out The Democrats

Image may contain: 1 person, standing, text and outdoor

Friday, June 1, 2018

10 Best National Parks In The U.S.

Above, The Phantom Ship at Crater Lake National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer vacation season is only weeks away and people wondering what are the best national parks to visit can take a look at an article Money posted on what they see as the ten best.

The article begins with:
From swampy marshes to soaring canyons, from pristine glaciers to scorching deserts, America’s national parks encompass nearly every possible ecosystem and offer a world away from the everyday hustle and bustle. 
The 60 official national parks form a vast system that collectively spans 84 million acres, and was visited over 331 million times last year alone. But with such a plethora of options, it can difficult to pick just one to visit for any given vacation. 
To help with that, MONEY teamed up with Kayak to price out how much it would cost to visit each of the parks this summer—a tab that covers round-trip airfare, a week’s worth of hotel rooms, plus a car rental, meals, and park entrance fees. From there, MONEY reviewed what each park had to offer—from activities to scenery—and ranked them based on which were primed to deliver the highest value for your dollar. 
Each of the top 10 parks are packed with must-do experiences and amenities but at prices that, relatively speaking, make them a steal. 
Read on to discover which of the national parks should be at the top of your to-do list this year.

To read more, go here

Driving

Above, the Tee Pee Smoke (and Gift) Shop and the rocky cliffs behind it. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Moving out to New Mexico has made driving a pleasure for me again.

This morning, I headed out to Lupton, Arizona to the Tee Pee Smoke Shop to pick up a few cigars.

Above, the Tee Pee Smoke Shop humidor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While inside, I snapped a photo of their humidor. This is only a fraction of the cigars they have for sale. They have the best selection (and at reasonable prices) in the Gallup area.

On the way back to Jamestown, I stopped at the Safeway market in Gallup to pick up a few groceries.

I managed to get back by noon. Not too bad!

Elvis Presley's '68 Comeback Special to Hit Movie Theaters



Thanks to modern digital projection technology, the 1968 "Comeback Special" of Elvis Presley will be hitting theaters this summer.

Rolling Stone reported:
Elvis Presley's legendary television special Elvis, better known as the "'68 Comeback Special," will be screened in movie theaters this summer to mark the 50th anniversary of its airing. The screenings will take place on Presley's death, August 16th, and again on August 20th. 
The owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Authentic Brands Group–which also owns and manages branding for Marilyn Monroe and Shaquille O'Neal, among others–is arranging the screening with Fathom Events. They have yet to announce the screening times.

To read more, go here

National Park Entrance Fees Going Up Today

Above, Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The day tourists dreaded has now come. 

Today is the day that the entrance fees at our national parks goes up. It's not as bad as was originally proposed (to held deal with the maintenance backlog of $11 billion).

According to Travel Market Report:
Higher entrance fees at America's national parks go into effect today, June 1.  
The National Park Service will begin charging $5 more for most seven-day vehicle passes to enter the 117 national parks that charge fees, out of 417 national parks, including the nation's most popular parks, Grand Canyon and Yosemite. More than two-thirds of national parks will remain free to enter.  
At the Grand Canyon, one of the nation's most popular parks, park goers will be charged $5 more to $35 per vehicle, while the annual pass will climb by $10 to $70, according to the park service numbers. 
The price of the annual pass and senior pass will remain $80.

To read more, go here

Tokyo Opens Free 24-Hour Tourist Call Center

Above, the Godzilla mural at Toho Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is in Tokyo and are a "bit bewildered" due to the language barrier, there is a new multilingual call center available to help foreign tourists.

The Japan Times reported:
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government opened a call center Friday for foreign visitors to improve communication with businesses and other organizations of interest. 
The center, the first of its kind, will be open 24 hours a day and provide guidance and translation services in English, Chinese and Korean. 
It also provides information about tourist events and how to use public transport. Non-Japanese can even ask to have their inquiries interpreted at shops and restaurants. 
Furthermore, travelers can send pictures of brochures and signs to the center by email to have the text translated into one of the three languages. 
Calls to the center are toll-free and its services are free of charge, aside from internet access fees.

To read more, go here

Dollar Firmer Above ¥109 In Tokyo



We're now in a new month, so let's see how the U.S. dollar is faring in Tokyo foreign exchange.

The Japan Times reported:
The dollar rose above ¥109 in Tokyo trading on Friday, due chiefly to purchases backed by real demand. 
At 5 p.m., the dollar stood at ¥109.19-20, up from ¥108.77-77 at the same time on Thursday.

To read more, go here

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