NM Senators Voted Against Bill To Protect Women In Sports

Incredible!

 

Above, Senators Ben Ray Lujan (left) and Martin Heinrich.

Bahamas Attracted Record Visitors In 2024

Above, cruise ships docked at Nassau, Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Prior to the August cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky, I had always wanted to visit the Bahamas.

A friend and I took the cruise there and had a great time. It seems that others were of the same mindset as the Bahamas attracted a record number of visitors in 2024.

According to Travel and Tour World:

In 2024, The Bahamas set a new record in international tourism, welcoming a remarkable 11.22 million visitors. This surpassed the previous high of 9.65 million visitors in 2023, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s tourism industry.

Exceeding Expectations Despite Challenges

The tourism sector, while impacted by disruptions such as Hurricanes Milton and Oscar, still managed to surpass expectations. Despite these setbacks, The Bahamas flourished with impressive figures, surpassing both 2023 and 2019 numbers by substantial margins. Foreign air and sea arrivals in 2024 surged by 16.2% compared to 2023, and a notable 54.7% when compared to 2019. In particular, foreign air arrivals across the archipelago exceeded 1.7 million, matching 2023’s performance but outpacing 2019 by 3.3%.

December 2024 proved to be the best month on record, with a total of 1.15 million visitors. This represented a 14% increase over 2023 and a significant 62% rise compared to 2019, highlighting the ever-growing appeal of The Bahamas, especially in the holiday season.

To read more, go here. 

Lever Action Rifles You Should Own

Above, lever-action rifles on display at the Billy the Kid Museum
 in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are current owners of lever-action rifles and would like to add to their collections or those who are just getting interested in them, Ammoland has posted a list of lever-action rifles you should own. 

They begin with:

From legendary Western films to the modern-day shooting range, lever-action rifles have remained a stalwart symbol of firearms evolution. Both collectors and users alike cherish these rifles for their unique operating mechanism and historic significance.

The Legacy of Lever-Actions

Lever-action rifles have been a fundamental part of firearms history, evoking emotions ranging from nostalgia to admiration. Their timeless appeal is undeniable, and their functionality remains unchallenged even in today’s modern era.

The legacy of lever-action rifles dates back to the mid-19th century, emerging as a revolutionary design in the world of firearms. With their distinctive lever mechanism, these rifles provided shooters with a rapid-fire capability unmatched by other contemporary firearms. This feature made them particularly popular among settlers and frontiersmen in the American West.

One of the earliest and most notable designs was the Henry rifle, a lever-action tubular magazine rifle recognized for its use at significant battles like the Battle of the Little Bighorn[4]. Benjamin Tyler Henry designed the original Henry, a sixteen-shot .44 caliber rimfire breech-loading lever-action rifle, in 1860. This rifle laid the groundwork for subsequent designs, including the iconic Winchester rifle series, which has been described as one of the most famous and popular hunting rifles of all time[3].

Lever-actions have also found their way into popular culture, solidifying their position as symbols of the Wild West. They have prominently featured in Western films like “Monte Walsh” with Tom Selleck and “The Wild Bunch,” as well as in literature and folklore, which adds to their nostalgic value.

Despite the technological advancements in firearms, lever-action design has stood the test of time. Their simple yet effective mechanism remains appealing for hunting, sport shooting, and even self-defense. Modern manufacturers, such as Henry Repeating Arms, continue to produce these rifles, further cementing their place in firearms history[5].

To read more, go here. 

What Supreme Court Justices Said About Mexico’s Lawsuit

Mexico's case against U.S. gun manufacturers is being heard before the Supreme Court. 

Instead of taking responsibility for their lack of prosecutions against drug cartels, Mexico is trying to hold gun manufacturers liable.

America's 1st Freedom reported:

On March 4, the U.S. Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments from opposing attorneys in Smith & Wesson v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos, a civil suit in which Mexico—with the help of U.S. gun-control proponents—is suing American gun companies for $10 billion because of violence committed by Mexican drug cartels on Mexican citizens.

This case is so obviously founded upon anti-gun politics that, in an amicus brief to the Court on the case, the NRA states, “Mexico has extinguished its constitutional arms right and now seeks to extinguish America’s.”

Gun-control groups and politicians who embrace gun bans and other anti-gun efforts are supporting Mexico’s suit.

The politics of the anti-Second Amendment groups and individuals supporting this lawsuit are so clear that the justices began by attempting to determine what law or statute the American companies had allegedly broken.

This led to legal discussion on a “predicate exception” to a 2005 law—the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA)—that specifically bars frivolous suits that attempt to hold a lawful manufacturer, distributor or seller of a firearm responsible if that product was later used in a criminal manner by a third party.

The attorney representing gun makers, Noel Francisco, pointed out early on that if “Mexico is right, then every law-enforcement organization in America has missed the largest criminal conspiracy in history operating right under their nose, and [according to this illogical deduction’] Budweiser [would be] liable for every accident caused by underage drinkers since it knows that teenagers will buy beer, drive drunk and crash.”

As the hearing went on, some of the justices echoed this concern.

To read more, go here. 

Karoline Leavitt Blasts Democrats’ ‘Disgraceful’ Behaviour

 Sky News of Australia reports on the Democrats last night:

The Five On Trump's Joint Session of Congress Speech

The Five on President Trump's joint session of Congress speech:

Megyn Kelly: Democrats Embarrass Themselves

 Review of last night's joint session of Congress by President Trump:

More Snow Coming

It appears we may be getting more snow this week. I sure hope so, we definitely need it!

From KOAT Channel 7:

Gallup, Grants and Jamestown are in the dark blue area.

Dems Do Not Stand For Kid With Cancer

The Democrats haven't learned their lesson from the 2024 election. That was plainly evident last night during President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress.

They either sat stone-faced, heckled or held up signs during the President's speech. They certainly haven't helped their cause with their antics.

One sight was incredible during the speech. The Daily Caller posted an article about it.

It starts with:

Democrats attending President Donald Trump’s Tuesday night speech to a joint session of Congress refused to stand when Trump honored a 13-year-old boy with cancer.

Trump addressed the joint session for over an hour and a half, during which he announced that D.J. Daniel, who has been sworn in by over 900 police departments across the county, would be an honorary Secret Service agent. Trump said that Daniel had survived for six years despite being told he had less than five months to live.

The Democrats could not muster enough class or pause their partisanship to join the applause for D. J. 

To read more, go here. 

Chucky and Pocahontas Identical Videos

 

Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren posted identical videos—word for word—right before Trump’s speech. pic.twitter.com/NXTFZtJ81d

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 4, 2025

Superman Cruise Ship

A friend on a European vacation was recently in Rome and spotted this interesting cruise ship.

He didn't say who owns the ship, but it features a familiar comic book character.

Above, Superman cruise ship docked in Rome. Photo by Glenn Thornhill.

UPDATE:

I did some checking and found this information on the ship:

MS Athara ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel owned and operated by the Italian company TIRRENIA Navigazione. The ship has a max capacity of 2700 passengers and 820 cars (or 69 trucks). The vessel was launched in 2003 and currently operates on the Italy-Sardinia ferry route Genoa-Olbia-Arbatax (crossing time 10 hours). On rotation schedule, the boat also serves the routes Civitavecchia--Cagliari and Civitavecchia-Olbia-Arbatax, with crossing times 5,5 hours (day crossings) and 7 hours (night crossings).

Other ships by Tirrenia feature DC Comics super-heroes such as Batman and Wonder Woman.

Dollar Around ¥150.18 In Tokyo

Since we are now in a new month, it is time to take a peek at how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen in Tokyo trading.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun:

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Tuesday, pressured by fears over a trade war triggered by U.S. tariffs imposed on China, Mexico and Canada, while exporters were sold on the yen's brief appreciation.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 454.29 points, or 1.20 percent, from Monday at 37,331.18. The broader Topix index finished 19.38 points, or 0.71 percent, lower at 2,710.18.

On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by nonferrous metal, securities house and mining issues.

The U.S. dollar briefly weakened to as low as 148.60 yen in Tokyo as the yen was bought after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Japan is pursuing a policy to devalue the yen, dealers said. The U.S. currency later rebounded to the lower 149 yen level.

At 5 p.m., the dollar fetched 149.34-36 yen compared with 149.45-55 yen in New York and 150.17-18 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Monday. 

To read more, go here. 

Hotel Stays In Japan Hit Record

Above, I stayed at this Tokyo hotel in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I first visited Japan in 2001 and seven subsequent visits since, it was relatively easy to get a hotel room in Tokyo and elsewhere in the country.

Due to the exchange rate between the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar along with other currencies, Japan is seeing what they are calling overtourism. Several years ago, Japan sought more foreign tourists and had a goal of 10 million tourists. That has been far exceeded during recent years before and after the pandemic.

Now, hotels and other accommodations in Japan are seeing record numbers in hotel stays.

The Mainichi Shimbun reported:

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Overnight stays at accommodation facilities in Japan by Japanese and foreign travelers rose 5.5 percent in 2024 from the previous year to a record 651.49 million, preliminary government data showed Friday.

The growth was largely driven by foreign visitors, whose stays at hotels and Japanese inns surged 38.8 percent to 163.48 million on the back of a weak yen, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.

Overnight stays by Japanese residents, meanwhile, fell 2.3 percent to 488.01 million, with an agency official suggesting a slowdown in the post-coronavirus pandemic domestic travel boom.

The previous record high was 617.47 million marked in 2023.

To read more, go here. 

Late Season Snow

Above, snow starting coming down yesterday afternoon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With the dry winter season nearing its end, any precipitation we can get is most welcome at this point.

We did get some snow starting yesterday afternoon. It continued on overnight. It was a little better than a light dusting, maybe about a half inch to an inch in total. 

It was snowing when I went to bed at around 8:00 PM last night. 

I took some photos this morning:

Perfect Day For Homemade Chili

Above, the chili after adding the tomato sauce. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today is the perfect day to make chili.

It is cold out (currently around 40°), windy and (occasionally) some snow flurries. But there was one thing I had to do: buy some tomato sauce.

I bought everything I needed for the chili, except I forgot to get tomato sauce. I went down to the Flying J to mail my property tax and get my mail. I checked to see if they carry tomato sauce. They don't. I kind of figured they didn't, but I checked anyway.

After getting my mail, I had to fill the Mustang's gas tank. After that, I headed 15 miles east to Thoreau where the nearest market is located. I got the tomato sauce there.

Then, I had to fight gusty winds and some snow to get back home. 

I bought some extra cans of tomato sauce and tomato paste, in case I need them. 

SCOTUS To Hear Mexico's Lawsuit Against U.S. Gun Manufacturers

The lawsuit by Mexico against U.S. gun manufacturers will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. The case will be heard tomorrow.

USA Today reported:

WASHINGTON − A federal law that protects the firearm industry didn’t stop the parents of the victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting from going after the gun maker.

But in the first test of the law before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, the justices are expected to cast a more skeptical eye on Mexico’s attempt to hold American gun companies responsible for the violence caused by drug cartels armed with U.S.-made weapons.

This time, gun violence prevention groups worry the Supreme Court could side with gun makers in a way that would go far beyond this dispute between Mexico and American gun companies.

To read more, go here. 

Possible Precipitation This Week

Above, three years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that there are some chances of rain/snow in New Mexico this week. Hopefully, we'll get some precipitation this week as it is dry as a bone outside.

The forecast for Jamestown/Gallup by the National Weather Service is as follows:

 Today

A slight chance of snow showers before 9am, then rain and snow showers likely. Some thunder is also possible. Partly sunny, with a high near 39. Windy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight

Snow showers, mainly before 11pm. Low around 24. West wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 48. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 24. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming light southwest after midnight.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 58. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Thursday

Rain and snow showers likely, mainly after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Windy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers before 11pm, then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday

A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39.

Friday Night

A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.

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 and the month of March, we have the Ozark Mountain Daredevils with their 1975 hit, "Jackie Blue". We have the single recording and a live version. They are still active today.

From Wikepedia:

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils are an American rock band formed in 1972 in Springfield, Missouri. They are most widely known for their singles "If You Wanna Get to Heaven" in 1974 and "Jackie Blue" in 1975.

Bassist Michael "Supe" Granda has also written a book about the band, It Shined.

 

Do You Remember "Space Angel"?

Space Angel was an animated series that ran from 1962 to 1964. 

Synopsys: 

The series chronicled the adventures of three astronauts working for the Earth Bureau of Investigation's Interplanetary Space Force on board the spaceship Starduster: Captain/Pilot Scott McCloud, also known as "The Space Angel" (voiced by Ned Lefebver), Electronics/Communications expert Crystal Mace (voiced by Margaret Kerry), and the immensely strong Scottish born Gunner/Engineer Taurus (voiced by Hal Smith).Scott McCloud / Space Angel (Ned LeFebver) 

Major designer on this series was renowned comic book artist Alex Toth. This series marked the beginning of his career in animation.

 Here is an episode:

There was another space animated show that was broadcast in the early 1960s. I cannot remember its name but it was well illustrated and it was on that show that I learned the names of the moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos. If I remember right, it played like a serial. Anyone remember it and its name?

Exploring California’s Highway 49 Historic Gold Rush Towns

Above, the Gold Rush town of Columbia. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Mother Lode country of California is an interesting place to visit. It is where the California Gold Rush started then, in turn, gave birth to the fraternal order I am a member of, the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus.

It has been years since I last visited the region. With California's ridiculously high gasoline prices, it'll be years (if ever) that I will be back for a visit. We used to camp at Marble Quarry RV Park near the town of Columbia every Memorial Day weekend.

However, if high gas prices aren't a hinderance, visiting the Mother Lode is a great way to spend a vacation.

RV Travel has posted an article on exploring California's Highway 49 gold rush towns.

They begin it with:

California’s Gold Rush is one of the most captivating chapters in American history. Highway 49—aptly named for the “49ers” who flocked west in 1849—offers RVers an unparalleled opportunity to step back in time at one of the many Gold Rush towns.

Winding through the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills, this historic route is a treasure trove of charming towns, each brimming with stories, unique attractions, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking a memorable road trip, these Gold Rush towns deserve a spot on your RV travel itinerary.

 To read more, go here.

News From New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

 

On Monday, 3/3, two gun control bills will have their first committee hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee in Room 321 after the floor session ends in the afternoon (times can widely vary at this point in the legislative session) (Zoom Link). The ban on the sale or transfer of gas operated rifles, handguns, and shotguns, SB279, will receive it first committee hearing. The bill would also ban the sale or transfer of all magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, regardless of the firearm operation. Additionally, SB244, which would ban minors from possessing a firearm will also be heard. While there are some exemptions written into the bill, the very limited scope of when and how a firearm could be possessed by a minor could still end youth shooting sports and youth hunting in New Mexico. Additionally, the bill would make it a crime for a minor to use a firearm in self-defense or in the defense of others unless their parent or guardian was physically present next to them. This past Friday evening, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB507, the concealed carry law rewrite. There were two key amendments to the bill. First, the age to receive a permit was moved back to 21 from 19. Second, the reciprocity language removed from the Concealed Handgun Carry Act was added back. The reciprocity change was our primary concern with the bill. The language of the final amendments has not been publicly published yet, but we will continue to advocate on the bill to ensure it is a move in the right direction. Senate Judiciary Committee Senator Joseph Cervantes - (D) joseph.cervantes@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4861 Senator Katy M. Duhigg - (D) katy.duhigg@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4270 Senator Mimi Stewart - (D) mimi.stewart@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4734 Senator Peter Wirth - (D) peter.wirth@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4727 Senator Antonio Maestas - (D) antonio.maestas@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4373 Senator Crystal Brantley - (R) crystal.brantley@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4369 Senator Debbie O'Malley - (D) debbie.o'malley@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4301 Senator Nicholas A. Paul - (R) nicholas.paul@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4395 Senator Anthony L. Thornton - (R) anthony.thornton@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4274

Essential RV Documents

Above, Sierra during a trip to Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I most often travel in my RV with my cat Sierra, I keep her veterinary records in the motorhome just in case they are needed.

That, and other essential documents, should be kept in the RV just in case something should occur and they are needed.

That is the topic of an article in Do It Yourself RV.

They begin with:

When you’re gearing up for an RV trip, packing lists usually focus on gear, gadgets, and groceries. But what about the paperwork? Whether you’re a weekend traveler or a full-time RVer, having the right RV documents on hand can make your life easier on the road.

From registration and insurance to pet records and medical information, keeping everything organized ensures you’re ready for anything—without the last-minute scramble. Let’s go over the essential RV documents you should always carry and the best ways to store them securely.

To read more, go here. 

Park Service Wins Legal Battle Over Cashless Payment Policy

Above, Yosemite entrance gate in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Being a holder of the National Park Senior Pass, this doesn't affect me. But others are bothered by the National Park Service's cashless policy for paying entrance fees at national park entrance gates. 

A federal judge tossed a lawsuit by three people over this policy.

According to RV Travel:

It was a case that really stirred up RVtravel.com readers. Three people filed suit against the National Park Service for its “cashless payment” policy rolled out at some Park Service sites. Now a judge has tossed their cashless payment suit out—but left the plaintiffs a little bit of wiggle room.

Cashless payment suit claimed violation of “legal tender” law

Last March, Esther van der Werf of Ojai, California, Toby Stover of High Falls, New York, and Elizabeth Dasburg of Darien, Georgia, filed suit in U.S. District Court. The suit asked the court for a declaratory judgment. It claimed the Park Service violates U.S. law that “legal tender”—U.S. currency—is suitable “for all public charges.” If their suit was successful, it would have forced the Park Service to accept cash for any fees charged to visitors.

To read more, go here. 

Annual Cardiologist Check-up

Above, at the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant on Thursday.

A couple of days ago, I had my annual check-up with my cardiologist.

He was pleased that I lost weight and am keeping active (I told him about last year's travels, including jet skiing in the Bahamas) and recreational Jeep drives.

Everything came out okay for the most part, but his only concern was the rise in my blood pressure. He said most of the time higher blood pressure comes with age.

So now, in addition to the medications that I have been taking for the past seven years, I also now have to take a blood pressure medication. He wants to see me in six months to see how that's working out. I picked up the medication yesterday and will start it this morning.

It was a longer doctor visit than I expected, so I didn't head over to Loeffler's Guns Etc. I went directly to the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in Grants. 

Free Cruises For Gambling? What To Know

Above, the cruise ship casino entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am not much of a gambler. I have to really be in the mood to go to a casino. I go by the adage, "Only gamble what you can afford to lose!" I only play roulette and avoid slot machines.

Fire Rock Navajo Casino is only ten miles from home, but I have rarely gambled there. I usually only go there to dine at their restaurant.

During the last two cruises I went on, one with Royal Caribbean and one with Norwegian Cruise Line, I did some gambling. I limited myself to an hour's worth of casino fun in both instances. But, I ended up making money at both. I walked out ahead.

Cruise lines offer some rewards programs for gamblers, such as free cruises.

USA Today posted:

On Jorge Martinez’s first cruise, he won a second sailing before he even disembarked.

Martinez got a last-minute invite to join a prepaid Carnival Cruise Line trip to Alaska in 2023 when his friend's partner couldn't make it. The 38-year-old New Mexico resident just had to pay for his plane ticket.

Once on board, Martinez – who has enjoyed gambling for most of his adult life – headed to the casino, where he won more than $1,000 in cash. “I did get lucky on that cruise,” he said.

He continued to play with that money and earned a complimentary sailing through the Carnival Players Club. After he got home, other deals followed. “Even before I left on that (second) cruise, the offers just kept rolling in,” he said.

Cruise line casino rewards programs can give travelers discounts, onboard perks and even free fares – in addition to paying out any wins. But they may not always be worth the money and time passengers have to invest to win. Here’s what to know.

To read more, go here. 

Two Buildings Catch Fire In Oatman, Arizona

Above, the Olive Oatman Restaurant & Saloon was reportedly
one of the buildings involved in the fire. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two buildings caught fire last night in historic Oatman, Arizona.

The Mojave Valley Daily News reported:

OATMAN — A fire broke out in Oatman late Thursday night according to initial scanner traffic and on-scene personnel. As of 8:15 a.m. Friday morning, firefighting units were still on scene to handle flare-ups.

The fire was initially reported at 9:52 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at the historic Oatman Hotel, but later reports indicated the fire is actually located at the Olive Oatman Restaurant & Saloon. Another building is also reportedly involved, but it was unclear which building as of 11:30 p.m. on Thursday night. 

According to Mohave Valley Fire Department Chief Ted Martin, the fire was through the roof of one of the buildings as of 11:36 p.m., and crews are trying to contain it to that building.

As of 12:53 a.m. personnel on scene reported via the scanner that they believed the fire was under control and contained to the building of origin, but the fire was still considered to be active, with all crews remaining on scene.

To read more, go here. 

UPDATE:

The Oatman General Store was reported as the second building involved in the fire.

Time Out: Guide To Hakone

Above, a boat cruise on Lake Ashi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, the first G-TOUR to Japan took place. It was sponsored by G-FAN magazine. 60 Godzilla/Daikaiju Eiga fans went on the tour.

One of the stops (an overnighter) was Hakone. The stop included Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi and a fireworks show at Lake Kawaguchi.

Time Out Tokyo has posted a guide to Hakone, with the best things to see and do.

They begin with:

The mountainous town of Hakone lies about an hour and a half by train from Tokyo, making it a popular day trip or weekend getaway from the capital. It has had a long and illustrious tradition as a hot spring town – its name even appears in Edo-era (1603-1868) rankings of Japan’s best onsen.

But Hakone is about much more than just bathing. It’s got everything from superb art museums to an active volcano, as well as a jaw-dropping view of Mt Fuji on clear days. These are our top picks of things to do and see around the area, from central Hakone-Yumoto and beautiful Lake Ashi to posh but relaxed Gora, which is still one of the most in-demand neighbourhoods for moneyed Tokyo folks looking for a second home.

To see the guide, go here. 

14 Kinds of People Who Should Never Go On A Cruise

Above, if you hate crowds and lines, don't go on a cruise. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Travel, by differing means, is something that isn't "one size, fits all". One person may love taking cruises (I have a friend who is a cruise fanatic he will be taking one solo soon), another may be totally repelled by the idea.

I fall somewhere in the middle. 

MSN has a slideshow article (from January) on 14 kinds of people who should never go on a cruise.

They begin it with:

With a new year approaching, it's natural to start dreaming of our next vacations. Cruises can be a budget-friendly choice for vacationers who want to unpack once and relax, and veteran cruisers know all sorts of tips and tricks to make their trips smooth sailing. The industry has clawed its way back after the pandemic brought it to its knees. Still, cruises can be an acquired taste, and some travelers may simply be better off as landlubbers. 

Here are 14 kinds of people who might want to think twice before booking a voyage on the high seas. 

To see more, go here.