Preparing For The Arctic Front

Above, while running the mower, Jeep and mini bike.

Since we're supposed to get an Arctic Front pass through New Mexico this weekend and into next week (mainly in the central and eastern regions), I figured I'd best fire up the Jeep, mini bike and mower to keep their batteries in running condition. No snow is in the forecast.

We're going to see single-digit temperatures according to the National Weather Service:

This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 43. Breezy, with a west wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 19. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 38. Breezy, with a west wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 4. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Sunday

Partly sunny, with a high near 36. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 8.

M.L.King Day

Mostly sunny, with a high near 33.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 2.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 44.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 11.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 38.

The Jeep and mini bike started up fine, but the mower needed a jump start. 

Japan Visitors and Spending Hit Records In 2024

Above, Senso-Ji Temple in Tokyo's Asakusa district. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to a weak yen, Japan saw record numbers of foreign visitors and spending during 2024.

 Kyodo News reported:

The number of foreign visitors to Japan topped 36 million in 2024 in a new all-time high, boosted by a weak yen and the resumption of flight routes to Japan following the COVID-19 pandemic, while their spending surpassed 8 trillion yen ($50.8 billion) for the first time on record, government data showed Wednesday.

Foreign tourists spent a total of 8.14 trillion yen on accommodation, shopping and other expenses in 2024, surpassing the previous record of 5.31 trillion yen set in 2023, preliminary figures from the Japan Tourism Agency showed.

A record 36.87 million foreign tourists visited Japan in 2024 as peak travel periods, including the seasons for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, contributed to annual visitor numbers from 20 markets setting new record highs, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

To read more, go here. 

L.A. Mayor: Fire Victims Can Live In RV On Their Property For 3 Years

Above, during the time I lived in my RV while waiting for the movers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I moved to New Mexico seven years ago, I lived in my motorhome on the property for about 12 days while I waited for the movers to deliver my belongings. 

Although this wasn't disaster-related, I can sort of relate living in an RV for a bit with the following.

Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles approved 3-year RV stays for victims of the fires. Finally, she's done something right!

RV Travel reported:

Los Angeles residents affected by the horrific wildfires haven’t caught too many breaks. But the city’s mayor, Karen Bass, has issued one that may help many with recovery efforts. Considered by some as a 180-turn in direction, call them LA fire RVs, the mayor says those whose homes have been wiped out by the fires will be able to live in RVs on their properties during the recovery process.

To read more, go here. 

Old Dishwasher Went Kaput

Last weekend, the dishwasher decided to go kaput. I don't know how old it is, but it went completely dead. I have been here seven years.

I immediately ordered a new one after taking the measurements of the opening. It is to be delivered this afternoon. I arranged for its installation with a local plumber that I used before. 

Since the new one is to be delivered this afternoon, I'll have to take care of business down at the Flying J in the morning.

The old dishwasher:

Yosemite Is One of the Deadliest National Parks

Above, Yosemite's Half Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

National parks have been beacons of wonder for those who visit them. They also can be deadly for visitors who aren't careful.

That is the subject of an article in the Fresno Bee.

Some national parks are more dangerous than others. Yosemite National Park is listed as the third deadliest national park according to the article.

They begin with:

Yosemite National Park is a popular place to take in picturesque views and marvelous waterfalls, as well as enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures, including hiking. 

But did you know Yosemite also is considered one of the deadliest national parks in the United States? 

According to data collected from personal injury firm Malloy Law Offices, the national park in Central California ranks as the third deadliest national park in the country with 125 fatal incidents from 2014 to 2023. 

Of those fatal incidents, 42 were related to falling.

To read more, go here.

AG Nominee Pam Bondi and the 2nd Amendment

Pam Bondi, President-Elect Trump's pick for attorney general, has a mixed record on gun rights. That has caused concern with Second Amendment groups.

The Reload has posted an article on her confirmation hearings in the U.S. Senate and her stance on the Second Amendment.

The article begins with:

President-elect Donald Trump’s Attorney General nominee defended her record on gun policy during her confirmation hearing.

On Wednesday, Pam Bondi told the Senate she stood by her record on guns. When Senator Alex Padilla (D., Calif.) questioned her, Bondi emphasized that she has “always been pro-Second Amendment.” However, she also said she’d follow applicable laws.

“I am an advocate for the Second Amendment, but I will enforce the laws of the land,” Bondi said.

When Senator Padilla asked if she’d support raising the minimum age for firearm purchases, implementing “Red Flag” laws, and passing universal background checks, she didn’t commit one way or the other. Instead, she offered to follow up with him after the hearing.

“I would be glad to meet with you and review any legislation you have, Senator,” Bondi responded.

To read more, go here. 

Royal Caribbean and Carnival: Which Is Better?

Above, aboard Royal Caribbean's cruise to Cuba in 2019.

To date, I have only been on three cruises.

The first was in 2001 when my mom, daughter and I cruised to Alaska with Celebrity Cruise Line. Then, in 2019, I went on Royal Caribbean's cruise to Key West and Havana. Last August, I went on a cruise to the Bahamas with Norwegian Cruise Line.

The Cruise blog posted an article comparing Royal Caribbean and Carnival and which is the better value for the money.

They begin with:

Royal Caribbean and Carnival are two of the most popular cruise lines in operation with, collectively, over 50 ships at sea. Though I've been sailing with Royal Caribbean since I was 10, I recently began my journey with Carnival to explore why the "FUN" ship brand attracts millions of passengers annually.

Both lines offer unique experiences and cater to different styles of cruising. Royal Caribbean, for example, is known for its innovative and jam-packed ships. 

To see which cruise line is better for the money, go here. 

Harris Gives No Invite To Vance To See Vice President's Residence

 A real class act. Not!

Kamala Harris shuns J.D. Vance, family with no invitation to see the vice president’s residence at the Naval Observatory https://t.co/nIfCwZxhMv pic.twitter.com/7gZQSOoLwV

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 16, 2025

The Lever-Action Rifles Are Back and Better Than Ever

Above, lever-action rifles on display at the Billy the Kid Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I've mentioned this before, but it seems that MSN is becoming more pro-gun. They have posted numerous articles and slideshows on them. 

They have posted another. This time, it is on lever-action rifles, saying they're back and better than ever.

This is a slideshow article. It begins with:

When you think about the lever-action rifle, it’s a weapon that dates back to when rifles first grew in popularity. Even so this rifle format wasn’t a hit for the US military to take advantage of, its popularity grew like wildfire as Americans explored both the wild frontier and the Wild West. It's in these two areas where these rifles proved their capabilities, which is why they are making a comeback once again.

To see the slideshow, go here.

How To Plan A Trip To Japan On A Budget

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

Not everyone has pockets big enough to afford international travel, including Japan.

Travel + Leisure has posted a handy article telling how to plan a trip to Japan a budget. There are some tips on transportation, food, lodging and free activities.

They begin it with:

Japan is a top destination for travelers in 2025. And while some of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences — whether that’s savoring exquisitely prepared nigiri at a Michelin-starred omakase restaurant, staying at one of the best five-star hotels in Tokyo, or relishing a luxurious private onsen experience — do cost a pretty penny, a memorable trip to the Land of the Rising Sun doesn’t have to break the bank (especially considering the weak yen, which fell to a 38-year low this past July). Even in pricier cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, there are plenty of affordable activities, accommodations, and places to eat. And if you venture beyond the main tourist hubs, the prices get even more reasonable. 

Here's how to plan a trip to Japan on a budget.

To read more, go here. 

Kyoto To Hike Lodging Tax

Above, Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Visitors to Kyoto, Japan will be paying more when staying in the city's hotels and other accommodations.

The municipal government will be hiking the lodging tax up to ¥10,000 per person per night starting in March 2026.

According to Kyodo News:

KYOTO - The city government of Kyoto said Tuesday it will raise its lodging tax for people staying at hotels and other accommodations from March 2026, setting the maximum rate at a sharply higher 10,000 yen ($64) per person per night.

The new rates will range from 200 yen to 10,000 yen, compared with the current ones of between 200 yen and 1,000 yen, it said. The top rate will be the highest for fixed amounts imposed by municipalities, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

The city introduced a three-tiered accommodation tax system in 2018, with 200 yen levied on rooms costing less than 20,000 a night and 1,000 yen on those priced at 50,000 yen or higher.

To read more, go here. 

Gavin Newsom Slammed For ‘Inane Nonsense’ During LA Fires

 Leave it to Australia's Sky News for telling it like it is!

It Is Cold Outside

Above, a year ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday's snow was only a light dusting. But it was more than we received in over a month.

Now, it is just cold outside. 

According to my WeatherBug app, it is 12° out. And, according to my Weather Channel app, it is 9° outside. I have to brave this in an hour and a half to meet up down at Denny's at the Flying J for our Tuesday coffee gathering.

According to the National Weather Service, the weather forecast for Jamestown is as follows:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 34. Light and variable wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 9. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 40. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 11. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 50. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers after 11pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 20.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 44.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 20.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of snow showers after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 14.

Newsom Pleads With Biden To Censor Fire Questions

 

BREAKING: Gavin Newsome pleads with Biden to prioritize dispelling wildfire misinformation rather than actually, yknow, fighting the fire.

Gavin Newsom needs to RESIGN. pic.twitter.com/6ojFfpC585

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 10, 2025

Superman Excoriates Gavin Newsom

 

'FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP': @RealDeanCain excoriates California Gov. Gavin Newsom over the state's response to deadly infernos. The actor, who moved out of California 7 years ago, believes the wildfires could start a rightward political shift in the liberal stronghold. pic.twitter.com/vvjKvtfjnd

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 13, 2025

Snow... Maybe?

Above, five years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is snowing east of Grants (around 50 miles east of Jamestown) in the Sky City/Dancing Eagle area.

The forecast for Jamestown by the National Weather Service:

Today

A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight

A slight chance of snow showers before 2am, then a chance of flurries after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 8. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Hope this pans out. We need the water. It is dry here.

UPDATE: 

IT'S NOW SNOWING!

Clampers Involved In Fatal Accident

E Clampus Vitus is in mourning as one of its members was killed and several others were injured in a morning traffic accident Sunday in the South Sacramento area.

Action News Now reported:

PARADISE, Calif. - The Clampers (E Clampus Vitus or ECV) of Paradise are grieving Sunday after a morning freeway incident on Highway 50 in South Sacramento that ended with the death of one of their members and major injuries for four other Clampers.

The ride was held by the Vituscan Riders, made up of Clampers who love to ride motorcycles who live in Sacramento or other parts of Northern California. 

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) told our sister NBC-affiliate station (KCRA) that the crash involved 13 motorcycles and a car. It occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2025.

KCRA said the CHP told them that five people were transported for medical care with major injuries, and that one person died at the hospital.

On Sunday the Paradise Clamper Humbug (president) Dustin Hawley told Action News Now that the motorcycle rider who died was a Paradise Clamper named Brian Shaw. He was 45 years old. 

To read more, go here. 

Condolences to the family and friends of Brian Shaw. To help the Shaw Family, a Go Fund Me page has been set up. Go here.

Delta Smelt Fish Has Not Been Seen in Over a Decade

Leave it to the Democrats in Commiefornia to come up with policies for things that don't exist or are unnecessary.

Attention has been given to the Delta Smelt fish that the Democrats have given preference over the needs of the state's citizens. 

There's just one problem: the fish hasn't been seen in over a decade.

From the Gateway Pundit:

The tiny Delta Smelt fish have not been seen in the wild in California in over a decade.

And yet, California Democrats flushed annual water flow into the ocean to save this little fish that they can’t even find in its natural habitat.

Now several cities are burnt to the ground.

They sacrificed entire communities for a fish that doesn’t exist.

To read more, go here. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.

To start off the week, we have Van McCoy and his 1975 hit of the disco era, "The Hustle". The first video is of the song is with Pan's People of Top of the Pops fame in England. The second video is the official one. "The Hustle" went to No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Soul Singles charts during the summer of 1975.

From Wikipedia:

Van Allen Clinton McCoy (January 6, 1940 – July 6, 1979) was an American record producer, arranger, songwriter and singer. He is known for his 1975 internationally successful hit "The Hustle". He has approximately 700 song copyrights to his credit, and produced songs by such recording artists as Brenda & the Tabulations, David Ruffin, The Stylistics, The Presidents, Faith, Hope & Charity, New Censation, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Aretha Franklin, Peaches & Herb, Lesley Gore, and Stacy Lattisaw.

Reagan Portrait Re-Framed and Matted

Last year, I had a photographic portrait of President Ronald Reagan matted and framed with my invitation to the White House as shown above. It now hangs in my living room.

The portrait was a thank-you gift from the Citizens for Reagan campaign in 1976. I served as an area chairman for the campaign in my congressional district that year. I also was a California Delegate to the 1976 Republican National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Above, in 1981, I had my collection of Reagan campaign memorabilia
 on display at the Hawthorne Library. The photo above shows me
 holding the portrait in its original matte and frame at the Library.
Photo by Mike Davis of the Daily Breeze.

The California Delegation to the 1980 Republican National Convention were invited to the White House in June 1982 for a reception. The convention was held in Detroit, Michigan. While President Reagan was mingling with the Delegation guests in the East Room, I had him sign my invitation. 

Above, the California Delegation reception in the East Room. President Reagan signing a delegate's invitation. I am in the background at left behind someone's white shoulder. White House photo.

I had the items framed and matted at Frame 'N Art in Gallup. 

UPDATE: 

Here I am at the presidential podium (before the seal was put on it) in the East Room of the White House.

RV Clubs: Are They Worth The Cost?

Above, camping at the Ouray KOA Kampground last September. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Around 1987 (give or take), our family had a Starcraft pop-up camping trailer (a.k.a. tent trailer). We tried out the local Starcraft camping club to see what it was like.

We attended some camping trips with the club and found the members friendly. But it wasn't too long that we traded the trailer for a micro-mini Class C motorhome. So that ended our club membership.

These days, I belong to Good Sam and am a member of Kampground of America (KOA). I use their benefits like their 10% discounts and bonus points. 

For some RVers, an RV club may be one's cup-of-tea. For others, not so much. 

RV Life has posted an article on the pros and cons of joining an RV club.

They begin it with:

Tackling the RV lifestyle by yourself can be tough and isolating. If you feel this way, you’re not alone. Over the long history of RVing, organizations and communities have formed to deal with the ups and downs of RV life. Nowadays, these are known as RV clubs, and they can be a major pillar of support for anyone who wants to join.

Of course, if these clubs are so great, why doesn’t everybody sign up? Like everything, there are pros and cons to joining an RV club. You need to pay recurring fees in order to gain the benefits, and sometimes it just seems like you’re getting enough bang for your buck. However, most people find that it’s a worthwhile investment.

The main thing you need to do is identify what type of RVer you are and select a club that provides worthwhile benefits. There are lots of options, and some people even join multiple clubs instead of just one. Today, we want to explore the potential perks and drawbacks of RV clubs as well as some of the best ones you could join.

To read more, go here. 

-4° In Gallup

We may or may not be getting snow in Jamestown this coming week, but it is still cold outside,

The National Weather Service says it is currently -4° in Gallup. 

Here's their forecast:

Today

A chance of flurries after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 35. North wind around 5 mph becoming east in the morning.

Tonight

A chance of flurries before 8pm, then a chance of flurries after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Monday

A chance of flurries before 11am, then a slight chance of snow showers after 11am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 35. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

My Weather Channel app says it is currently 3° in Gallup. It also says it is 9° in Jamestown.

I was going to go into Gallup this morning, but since it is so cold out, I'll skip it.

"Buffy" Goes After Mayor Karen Bass

Above, Sarah Michelle Gellar at San Diego Comic-Con 2011 promoting Ringer. Photo by Rach.

Sarah Michelle Gellar and other celebrities who have lost homes in the fires this past week have turned against Gov. Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass over their incompetent handling of the disaster.

AOL posted (sourced from the U.K. Independent):

Sarah Michelle Gellar has expressed frustration with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass over the city’s response to this week’s devastating wildfires.

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, 47, tagged the official social media accounts of Bass and the City of Los Angeles as she complained in a post on her Instagram Stories: “City of LA you want everyone to evacuate yet you have complete gridlock and not one traffic cop on the roads helping.”

Gellar is just one of many celebrities to have been forced to evacuate by a wave of catastrophic fires sweeping across southern California.

Several have blamed local government for a lack of preparedness. Salvador actor James Woods, who lost his home in the Palisades, wrote on X that the devastation caused by the fire wasn’t due to “climate change” but because of “liberal idiots like Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass.”

“One doesn’t understand the first thing about fire management and the other can’t fill the water reservoirs,” wrote Woods.

To read more, go here. 

BSA Camp Josepho Destroyed By Palisades Fire

Above, Boy Scouts at Camp Josepho circa 1941. Camp Josepho Facebook photo.

Back around 1965, my scout troop arranged for a weekend camp-out at Camp Josepho in the Santa Monica Mountains near Pacific Palisades. We had to hike to the camp. It was the first time I hiked to a camp with a full backpack.

It has been reported that the Palisades Fire destroyed Camp Josepho.

According to Camp Josepho's website:

LOS ANGELES – The Western Los Angeles County Council, Scouting America announced today that 84-year-old Camp Josepho, its Scouting Camp nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, was destroyed in the Pacific Palisades Fire. Council leadership plans to assess the extent of the damage once the fires have been contained and decide on next steps then.

However, right now, they are dedicated to supporting families who have lost homes and livelihoods due to the wildfires that are still ravaging Los Angeles.

“The loss of Camp Josepho is sad, but the loss of life and homes throughout Los Angeles is devastating,” said Lee Harrison, Scout Executive & CEO of the Council. “Scouting families are among the thousands who have lost everything due to the fires, and our top focus is assisting them – in addition to other members of the community who have been affected.”

To read more, go here.  Please consider making a donation. I just sent mine in.

Democrats Fundraising In Guise of Fire Relief

 

Democrats fundraising via ActBlue in the guise of relief for catastrophes made exponentially worse by Democrat leadership. Classy. https://t.co/gnD9q1E6fa

— Ed Morrissey (@EdMorrissey) January 11, 2025

Newt: California From Promised Land To Nightmare

 

See you tonight on an all new Life, Liberty & Levin, 8 PM eastern on Fox. Set your DVR if you can’t watch live! See you then!https://t.co/rpwrdA3P56

— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) January 11, 2025

James Woods Rips 'Blithering Idiot' Newsom

 

LA Fires Rest ‘Directly’ On Gavin Newsom’s Policies