Remembering Haruo Nakajima Three Years Later

Above, Haruo Nakajima poses with the Godzilla suit during filming of Godzilla vs. The Sea Monster. Toho Pictures photo.

Have you ever noticed that after someone dies, be it a friend, family member or just and acquaintance, time seems to accelerate? It doesn't really, but it seems that it does.

Incredibly as it seems, today marks three years since the passing of Haruo Nakajima, the Godzilla suit actor from the original 1954 movie to Godzilla vs. Gigan, at age 88.

Above, Richard Pusateri, Haruo Nakajima and Armand Vaquer at the 2001
Tokyo International Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

I first met Mr. Nakajima back in 2000 at G-FEST 2000 in Hollywood. I next saw him at the premiere of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack at the 2001 Tokyo International Film Festival.

Above, Armand Vaquer and Haruo Nakajima at the 2013 Mad Monster Party. Photo by Jeff Blanken.

Mr. Nakajima passed away from complications of pneumonia in Japan on August 7, 2017. His daughter, Sonoe, was honored last year at G-FEST for her devoted assistance to her father during his many convention appearances over the years.

If you can spare a moment, it would be a nice gesture to raise a glass in a toast to honor Haruo Nakajima.

Yosemite National Park: Everything You Need To Know

Above, a Yosemite Valley meadow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether you have never been to Yosemite National Park or have been a visitor several times in the past, Leslie Harvey has put together an article on "Everything you need to know about visiting Yosemite National Park" at The Points Guy that is worth a read.

She begins it with:

Few national parks loom quite as large as Yosemite National Park. 

Located in the High Sierra of Northern California, Yosemite is one of the country’s oldest and most visited national parks. Outdoor adventurers and nature lovers flock to the natural wonders of Half Dome, El Capitan and the park’s many waterfalls. 

I began visiting Yosemite with my husband nearly two decades ago, not long after he finished a summer working in the park’s High Sierra Camps in college. After moving to the San Francisco Bay Area just 3.5 hours away, we returned for a number of visits in the years that followed. We recently took our kids with us for their first Yosemite trip this summer when the park reopened after its COVID-19 closure. 

If you’ve never been to Yosemite National Park, here’s everything you need to know to plan your first visit.

To read more, go here. 

Trump Tweet: New York Trying To Destroy The NRA

Horsey Time!

Above, Buddy coming over for a carrot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I bought a new supply of carrots for Buddy and Christmas, I headed out today to give each some.

My first stop was next door where Buddy resides.

He is now taking carrots from my hand. Before he went for training, he didn't do this and just kept his distance. Today was a new first, he came even closer to me and I was able to pet him on the nose. He's still a little leery, but he's improving.

After feeding Buddy, I headed down to Christmas's pen and gave her some carrots.

At both stops, I did take some pictures:


Buddy:

Christmas:

Grisham Extends Public Health Order 30 More Days

Well, Gov. "Malevolent Michelle" Lujan Grisham must be reveling in her recent New Mexico Supreme Court ruling on fines for businesses who defy her health orders.

She is celebrating by extending her health order another 30 days.

El Defensor Chieftain reported:

August presents more of the same for New Mexicans. Last week Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state health officials extended the state’s emergency public health order for another month and keep intact existing public health restrictions and guidelines while the state continues to combat the spread of COVID-19. 

The emergency public health order signed on July 30 will be in effect for 30 days, ending August 28. This means the prohibition on mass gatherings remains in effect, as well as the temporary indoor occupancy restrictions for certain businesses, particularly indoor “close-contact” businesses such as restaurants and gyms. 

The extended public health order streamlines the categories of business operations. Wineries and distilleries will now be classified alongside other food and drink establishments such as restaurants, meaning outdoor and patio seating is permitted while indoor seating and service are not, and outdoor tables must be separated by six feet of distance. 

Also unchanged is the statewide requirement that all individuals wear face coverings in public and that business operators require customers to wear face coverings upon entrance.

To read more, go here.

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum By Virtual Tour

Above, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to COVID-19, travel to Japan is out of the question for the time being.

However, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is commemorating the 75th anniversary (which is today) of the August 6, 1945 atomic bombing of the city with a virtual tour of the museum.

Time Out Tokyo reported:

The 75th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima takes place this August 6, but Japan’s travel restrictions due to the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic have made it impossible for many people to visit the city and mark the occasion as planned. As a way to commemorate the anniversary while sustaining social distancing protocols, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum has partnered with international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as Japanese and American artists to curate materials for a virtual tour of the museum so that people can still visit the site from home.  

The online tour consists of 3D renderings of the museum and its artefacts, including everyday objects which survived the bombing. The new online exhibition, complete with multimedia components, is available from August 6, which marks the anniversary of the bombing.

To read more and to take the virtual online tour, go here. 

New Book Collection Addition

Since today is a day of 40% chance of rain, it is good that the latest addition to my book collection arrived in today's mail.

It is Nixon Library: A President Comes Home.

Here's the description from the Nixon Foundation website:

From the rugged hills of early 20th century Yorba Linda, California to the pomp and circumstance of the White House Oval Office, experience every gallery and exhibit of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. 

Located on the original site of the Nixon family’s Orange County farm, this national treasure vividly presents the rollercoaster life of America’s 37th president, a man whose towering legacy and long-lasting influence continue to impact every American. Stunning images of the interactive museum—and rare photographs from the White House and private Nixon family archives—leap off every page to show how a modest grocer’s son rose from the humblest of beginnings to dominate American life for decades as a congressman, senator, vice president, president and elder statesman. 

Speaker Newt Gingrich said, “I wish every American could visit this Library”—and now you can.

The softcover book is 160 pages thick and is loaded with photographs. The price: $12.95.

Trump Signs Great American Outdoors Act

Above, Upper Yosemite Falls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

President Trump signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act which will begin to address the backlog of maintenance and other project in our national parks that have languished for years.

From The White House:

From the beginning of this Administration, President Trump has prioritized conservation and stewardship of our public lands and national parks. Today, President Trump signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act. This historic legislation, along with the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act—which President Trump signed into law in March 2019—will benefit current and future generations of Americans. 

Each year, millions of people from all over the world visit and enjoy our national parks. Yet today, more than 5,500 miles of paved roads, 17,000 miles of trails, and 24,000 buildings in our national parks are in need of maintenance improvements. 

Fulfilling President Trump’s promise to restore, conserve, and protect America’s lands, the Great American Outdoors Act provides the necessary funds, dedicating up to $1.9 billion per year for five years to fund deferred maintenance projects identified by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Indian Education. These infrastructure updates will preserve our most important national treasures and give more American families opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

To read more, go here. 

Sega Akihabara Building 2 Arcade Closing

Above, one of four Sega stores in Akihabara that will remain open in the foreseeable future. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, there will be one less thing for tourists to visit in Akihabara, Tokyo on August 30.

Mashable SE Asia reported:

It's official. 

After standing roughly 17 years as a landmarkin Japan's major tech shopping district Akihabara, the Sega Akihabara Building 2 arcade will soon shut its doors on August 30 forever. 

The news came as a surprise due to the short notice, and was only highlighted after several Japanese Twitter user circulated photos of the notice posted outside the building. 

“Thank you for your continued patronage. We are sorry to announce that this branch, Sega Akihabara Building 2, will be closing,” the note read, as translated by Sora News 24. “Our last day of operations will be Sunday, August 30." 

"The entire staff wishes to express, from the bottom of our hearts, our sincere gratitude at the loving support you have given our establishment for so many years.” 

Sega has not issued an official statement regarding the closure of the arcade.  

Thankfully, only Sega Akihabara Building 2 will be closing its doors for good. Sega's four other stores in the district will reportedly continue operations for the foreseeable future.

To read more, go here. 

Cattle In Six Mile Canyon

Above, the first group of cattle heading to the water trough at the windmill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the first time in about a month and a half, I took a deep drive into Six Mile Canyon of the Cibola National Forest.

Since the Jeep has been running fine during that time, I figured it was about time to drive further into the canyon.

While in the canyon, I saw a group of cattle walking alongside the road. As I approached they picked up the pace and walked away from the road and then towards the water troughs at the windmill. The group consisted of female cows and calves. 

The U.S. Forest Service allows a local rancher (Navajo, I believe) graze his cattle on national forest land. That's one way for the grasses in the national forest to be cut for fire prevention.

I drove further into Six Mile Canyon and saw another group of cattle. I went to the grassy valley that is about the midpoint of the canyon and turned around.

As I was heading back, the cattle we a little ahead and were crossing the road. Again, they consisted of cows and their calves.

The canyon was nice and green from the recent monsoon rains.

Some photos:

Above, the first group of cattle after leaving the side of the road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, cattle making their way to the water trough at the windmill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the second group of cattle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the second group crossing the road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Forbes: The Summer of the RV

Above, The Beast at Crazy Horse Campground at Lake Havasu, AZ. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The big surge in RV rentals and sales is the result of the pandemic that doesn't seem to want to go away (watch it suddenly disappear in November by magic). Who wants to mingle with possible carriers of the COVID-19 virus on a plane or cruise ship?

Forbes.com has an article on "The Summer of The RV".

They begin it with:

The Covid-19 pandemic has made Americans rethink the way they travel. People are most hesitant to jump on a plane, so road trips have seen a huge surge. Also, many people are wary of using communal bathrooms, so renting an RV, with its own toilet, shower, and sink is a great way to cut down your risk of exposure to the coronavirus while still having a great family vacation. “We've seen triple-digit increases in RV rentals this year on our site,” says Paige Bouma, executive vice president of RV Trader. 

Many families think of an RV trip as a bucket-list trip, and now is the time to make that a reality.  

“We're seeing that 63 percent of our booking requests are from people who have never rented an RV before, and 16 percent have only rented once before,” says Bouma.
The thing about camping—and one of the best parts about renting an RV—is that you’re forced to slow down. There’s no schedule—wake up when you’re done sleeping, explore the campground and surrounding area when you’re ready, eat when you’re hungry, start a fire when you want to roast marshmallows, stay up late talking and telling stories, and go to bed when you’re tired. You’ll get into the rhythm of slowing down and you may be surprised at just how much you enjoy this pace of life. 

The article goes on to discuss types of RVs, how to rent a RV, finding the right campground and other tips.

To read more, go here.

Fire Restrictions Implemented At Crater Lake National Park

Above, a smoky view of Wizard Island in 2017 at Crater Lake National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My 2017 visit to Crater Lake National Park during my Great American Eclipse trip was slightly marred by wildfires in and around the national park.

Smoke from those fires settled into the Crater Lake caldera that prevented clear views.

New fire restrictions are being put into place at Crater Lake for this season.

According to Herald and News:

CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK — With the increased fire danger in Southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park has gone into stage one fire restrictions. According to park officials, the outlook is for above normal significant wildland fire potential for the next several months.

To see what those restrictions are, go here. 

First-Time Gun Buyers May Tip Election Against Democrats

Above, Rep. Xochitl Torres-Small in her campaign ad in 2018.

Politicians who are against the Second Amendment and phonies (such as Rep. Xochitl Torres-Small, D-NM) who campaigned as "supporters" of gun rights but voted for laws infringing on those rights could well be in serious trouble on Election Day.

First-time gun buyers just may tip the scales against leftist/liberal Democrats during the election.

Fox News reported:

The year 2020 has brought with it unrest and uncertainty – from the coronavirus pandemic to the wave of nationwide protests and riots that have resulted in a push not only to enact police reform but to defund and abolish entire departments.

Amidst these developments, gun store shelves are being wiped bare, and more than two-and-a-half million Americans are estimated to have made the purchase of a firearm for the very first time in their lives. 

Data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has found that at least 40% of their sales have come from first-time buyers. Typically, this group accounts for about 25% of buyers.

The glut of new owners has ignited a debate as to whether it will solidify a more pro-gun voting bloc and whether it will bring about more of a "middle ground" in the debate over gun legislation. 

"The huge surge in millions of new gun owners will no doubt have a huge impact on politics in years to come. Long-term, it doesn't bode well for politicians that don't support a strong Second Amendment," conjectured Phil Watson, a gun rights advocate and founder of Washington Public Relations. "Many new gun buyers were surprised they couldn't walk out of the store with a gun without filling out paperwork and going through background checks. This likely doesn't bode well for public support of harsher gun laws, as new buyers are discovering the truth for themselves behind a lot of deceptive political rhetoric."

To read more, go here. 

Monsoon Green

The monsoon rainstorms we had a little over a week ago has greened up the area.

Barking Spider Acre was starting to get greener when I left for California last Wednesday, but it is definitely green now.

Here's what it looks like now:

Above, Barking Spider Acre today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, similar view of July 17. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to the National Weather Service, we will have a 20% chance of thunderstorms this week. That can always change, of course.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 89. West wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Wednesday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

Thursday Night

A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.

Friday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Back In Riverside

Above, Maria and Fred at the Yard House. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday evening, my train back to New Mexico was scheduled to depart Riverside Station at 7:18.

My cousin Maria and her husband Fred drove me to Riverside to catch the train and to pay a visit to Aunt Gloria's grave at Riverside National Cemetery to leave a floral cross there from the funeral services.

We got there after a half-hour drive from Wildomar and we didn't have too much difficulty in locating the grave (made easier by the removal of sod from it).

We left the floral cross and took some photos while there.

Then, after that was done, we headed into downtown Riverside to find a place to have dinner. It was complicated by the lack of indoor dining at the city's restaurants, but we eventually did find one. It was at the Yard House restaurant.

After dinner, they dropped me off at the Riverside Station to catch the Amtrak train to Gallup.

Some photos:

Aunt Glo's Funeral In Riverside and Getting There

Above, the priest reading over the final rites at Riverside National Cemetery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After about a 13-hour train ride, I am back home from attending my Aunt Gloria's funeral service.

She passed away April 4, but due to COVID-19, there were no funeral services or burials at Riverside National Cemetery (this was likely the same at other national cemeteries). So, things were put on hold until last week.

We met up at the mortuary for the rosary and funeral services and then migrated over to Riverside National Cemetery for the interment. The temperature sign at the mortuary was a little bit inaccurate, but not by too much. It was very hot outside.

Above, the temperature sign at the mortuary. It was off, but not by much. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After the ceremonies, my cousin Maria and I went over to my parents grave and placed flowers there.

Then, we all headed to Maria's in Wildomar for a gathering of family members and friends. All of my aunt's siblings families were represented.

My trip to Wildomar was goofed up a bit as I took the Amtrak train from Gallup, New Mexico with the intention of going to Fullerton, California and taking a bus from there to Riverside Station. This was a bizarre schedule as I would have had a four-hour layover in Fullerton before the bus ride. The bizarre part was that the train stopped at Riverside Station. I could have gotten off the train there, but I didn't want to make the wait longer before my cousin picked me up.

What happened was that at Fullerton Station, I got down to the lower level of my train car, but the doors didn't open. It seems that it depends upon what car a traveler is on if that car's doors are opened. I should have gone to a different car. But I had no idea of this. So, I ended up going to Union Station in Los Angeles to get a train back to Fullerton. It was about an hour and a half wait before the Fullerton train departs.

I got on the train and made sure I exited at Fullerton. My cousin's husband Fred was at the station when I arrived as, luckily, he had some business to do in Fullerton.

It was worth going to Union Station as I have never been inside of it before. It is a beautiful historical building. Thankfully, everything worked out just fine after all.

Some photos:

Above, the Gallup Station gate to the tracks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the arrival of the train at Gallup Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, inside the train car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the train snack bar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the main lobby of Union Station in Los Angeles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, waiting for the Fullerton train to arrive. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the pond and waterfall at Riverside National Cemetery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the priest officiating at Riverside National Cemetery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Aunt Gloria's urn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, cousin Maria at my parents' grave. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, your truly at my parents' grave. Photo by Maria Malone.

Above, the flowers and headstone of my parents. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Aunt Gloria in July 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.