Full Moons Don't Cause Madness -- We Have Proof

Done Chasing the Super-moon

Every month, I get out with a camera and, attempt to capture images of the full moon.

It's usually a three night event and, sometimes the weather makes it impossible.

This photo was taken on the last of the three nights. I'm glad it's over.

Strong winds, dark clouds and low temperatures, made it a challenging experience.

Busting Myths About the Full Moon

 

 

Some investigation was required to see if, the phases of the moon, cause crazies to come out.

Over at BBC, they say the full moon doesn't really make any difference in people.

More folks get bit by dogs and horses, during the full moon but, that could be caused by mites.

Farmer's Almanac says, studies prove there's no connection between crazies and the moon.

And, Live Science reports, no connection between the full moon and folks acting crazy.

Mental Floss says, there isn't any psychological effect on people, caused by full moons.

If, you look at Science Line an urban myth, is what , they might call full moon wackiness.

Scientific American, debunks lunar lunacy, saying there's no evidence to support the myth.

A good one was, Universe Today, talking about the pull of the moon on gravity.

For example, some folks claim because, the moon affects tides, it must do the same to people.

Scientists say, your body gets more gravitational pull from your chair than, from the moon.

Maybe, this chair, I'm sitting on makes me crazy !

Moon Shot's Done Let's Go to Town !

Three nights in a row, I was up on the roof, freezing and shooting the moon.

Once it was done, I threw the camera in the office, without downloading images.

It seemed like a good idea, to get some antifreeze in my body and, check town for lunatics.

It was unusually quiet in the village last night so, the bartender showed me this video.

Piko Taro is all the rage, in Japan these days This version has almost 20 million views.

Listen to it. It's all in English and, my grandkids love it.

Video Compliments of Bar & Cafe Brasil

To prepare for an end of the year (Bonenkai) party with the family, I decided to rehearse.

The bartender shot this video with his iPhone and, I did the rest.

At home, showed it to the wife and, I asked her, "You think the full moon made me crazy?"

She said, "No. You act crazy, all the time."

Now, you know. The full moon, doesn't cause craziness. We have proof.

Photo Tour of Chinen Castle Ruins in Okinawa

Little Known Fortress Is an Attention Grabber

 

 

Today we breezed through a couple of the outer islands and decided to revisit Okinawa.

It's been a few years since Goya Republic Dude and, I explored Chinen (Castle) Gusuku.

The place was destroyed during the War of the Pacific and, is still under construction.

This is the only castle ruins, I know of, that requires a downhill walk from the parking area.

Signs, in English and Japanese, guide you along the way.

And, everything is free.

The photographer in photo #1 is shooting the external walls of the castle.

This is a view from the inside.

There are construction materials, warning signs and a fence behind me.

The Pacific Ocean is back there below the cliffs, too.

There was a hole in the fence so, I went through, to get closer.

At the end of the pavement, outside the castle, this sign appears, to your right.

Hearing that the first rice, planted on the island was below the castle, I wanted to see the sight.

Somehow, I figured it was a long way from the castle.

But, Goya Republic Dude, had been there on a tour, in the past.

And, he said it was just a few minutes walk from these signs.

It was hot, out in the sun and the trail leading towards the original rice fields, was in the shade.

So, we went flip-flopping down the hill.

There we found the Chinen Spring and three little rice paddies, like this.

Most people probably, wouldn't be impressed.

But, I got the first place rice was ever planted in Okinawa off my checklist, now.

So, I'm happy, it's done.  And, we got the heck out of there.

The gusuku (castles) in the Ryukyu islands have some common features.

There are,usually wells or springs and sacred sites within the walls or nearby, on the outside.

We found the Noro's (priestess) dwelling outside this one, but, I didn't take a photo.

It looks like it could use some help getting re-constructed.

But, I will return to his fortress again and again because, I want to learn more about it.

Facts About Chinen Castle

 

 

It is one of the oldest, out of 192 Gusuku Sites located by Okinawan archeologists.

The Ryukyu King and Supreme Priestess (Kikoe Ogimi) made pilgrimages here.

A sacred grove dedicated to the god of fire (Hinukan) was located at this site.

On May 15, 1972 this castle was designated a National Historic Site. 

Myths or Legends

The Goddess Amamikyo or, Amami-kyu, brought the first rice to this location.

She and a male deity, Shineri-kyu, lived in separate homes.

They never had sex. Somehow, the wind made her pregnant. Three times.

And, that's how Ryukyu Kings and Priestesses came along.

Conclusion

Someone in the travel and tourism industry, should recognize this fortress.

It could become a goldmine.

The place has historical, religious, cultural and architectural significance.

Put it all together and visitors will come.

Wouldn't you think ?

References:

Fortified Castles on Okinawa

Nanjo City is full of history, beaches, places to see 

Okinawa Story: Chinen Castle Ruins 

Okinawa The History of an Island People ISBN 978-0-8048-2087-5 (P36)

Now Look What This Spider Got Me Doing !

It Hasn't Been Identified Yet

 

 

The rascal moved out of the field and set up a web right next door.

So, I carefully set up some props for background.

I took lots of photos, crawling around outside my neighbor's kitchen door.

It's a good thing, nobody was home.  They would think I was crazy.

The internet search wasn't helping.  So, I walked to the library this afternoon.

The librarian helped me, after awhile and, she found me this book.

Spiders in Okinawa by Akio Tanikawa

So, I checked it out and went on my merry way.

After looking at all the Latin, Japanese and English names, I gave up.

This spider isn't in the book, anywhere.  I read it frontwards and backwards, twice.

Back on the internet I went and found out some more stuff about spiders.

But, nothing about the suspect above.

A Person Could Waste A Whole Afternoon

 

 

Spiders get some bad publicity.  They are really nice little critters but, people don't know.

Spider Legends

Spider Myths

If you go over there to learn all about spiders, keep an eye out for this one.

It's driving me crazy, trying to find an identity.

Do you suppose, it crawled in here when I was napping on my sleeping bag ?

Maybe, it laid some eggs in my brain !