Japan Hotel Visitors Top 10 Million

Above, the Tokyo Skytree and Asahi Beer Hall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign visitation to Japan is inching up to pre-pandemic levels if the following is any indication.

From The Japan Times:

The number of foreign nationals who stayed at hotels and other accommodation facilities in Japan topped 10 million in April for the first time since January 2020, government data showed Wednesday, buoyed by a weaker yen and an increase in the number of international flights.

The figure rose more than nineteenfold from a year before to 10.38 million, equivalent to 92% of the total in April 2019 before the coronavirus outbreak, according to the preliminary data released by the Japan Tourism Agency.

To read more, go here. 

2023-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle Debuts

Above, a 2023-W American Silver Eagle I bought months ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The U.S. Mint has started selling the 2023-W Uncirculated American Silver Eagle coins.

According to Coin News:

Last week, on May 25, the United States Mint started selling the 2023-W Uncirculated American Silver Eagle for $76.

U.S. Mint sales figures show collectors purchased a total of 117,035 coins in the first four days, making it the Mint’s best weekly seller. As a comparison, last year’s edition opened with five-day starting sales of 143,738 coins.

As a side note, the Mint also reported opening sales of 803 units, or 32,120 coins, of the 40-coin bulk option for dealers last year, bringing the 2022-dated Silver Eagle’s starting total to 175,858. However, this year, the Mint did not publish any bulk sales data for the 2023-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle.

Unfortunately, with the spot price of silver at $23.38/toz (at this writing), $76.00 for an uncirculated coin is a bit pricey. That's a big mark-up! I paid $80.00 for the proof version set at the National Money Show.

What's the difference between these coins and the brilliant uncirculated 2023-W American Silver Eagle coins JM Bullion has been selling for weeks starting at $41.41? (These are the ones I have.) 

Here's the answer: https://libertycoin.com/american-silver-eagle-differences/

To read more, go here.

Snakes, Why Does It Have To Be Snakes?

Yesterday morning, I saw this on my walkway while I was taking the trash out:

I had no idea what kind of snake it was, but according to some in our community Facebook page, it was a garden snake. It had an orange underside. The snake was headless. I am guessing one of the feral cats I feed got to it.

Apparently, snakes are out and about in New Mexico. 

One resident of our community posted:

Idk but they’re everywhere! I ran over 3 snakes this morning before I got to the fire station.

I guess I'll have to carry my .38 with the snake load ammo whenever I'm out in the yard. 

Missing Tennessee Woman Found Safe

The missing Tennessee woman case that had an eerie resemblance to the Gabrielle Petito case ended on a happier note.

From Fox 5 San Diego:

REDDING, Calif. (WKRN) – Police in Redding, California say they have found a Tennessee woman reported missing while she was on a cross-country trip with her boyfriend.

According to the Redding Police Department, police in Eureka, California contacted Nikki Alcaraz and confirmed she was safe.

Alcaraz was reportedly spotted in Eureka on Monday, nearly a month after she departed for a cross-country trip with her boyfriend, Tyler Stratton, and a dog to visit family in Orange County, California.

Early Tuesday morning, police responded to the area and determined Alcaraz and Stratton were “together and had been at the location.” Later in the day, someone reported seeing the vehicle Alcaraz and Stratton were believed to be traveling in. Officers found the vehicle and found both inside.

Alcaraz reportedly told Eureka Police she did not need any assistance, according to a release from the department. Stratton was taken into custody for his outstanding warrant from Tennessee for failure to appear on a theft-related offense.

To read more, go here. 

Latitude 20°

This week's Classic Rock Music Monday focused on the Mike Curb Congregation.

I once saw them perform at Latitude 20°, a Polynesian restaurant and nightclub in Torrance, California around 1975. The Congregation jogged a memory of Latitude 20°.

A group of us used to go there back in the 70s. It closed in 1980, to be replaced by a Country nightclub that was short-lived called Waco's (during the Urban Cowboy fad). I think the location is now a parking lot. They had good food and Mai Tai cocktails. 

According to Wikipedia:

The Mai Tai is a cocktail made of rum, Curaçao liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. It is one of the characteristic cocktails in Tiki culture.

Remembering Latitude 20°, I took a look through Google and found some vintage cups for sale on eBay. 

Above, the cup I bought today on eBay. Photo by seller.

I found this one for $40. There was another one offered for $50, but it had a chip at the the bottom of it. I bought the one offered for $40. I tried buying one years ago by a vendor, but the deal fell through and the vendor was non-responsive to my queries.

Looking further, I saw some photos of Latitude 20° along with menus, advertisements and other cups. It was known as The Polynesian under prior owners.

Here's a sampling:

Above, the restaurant when it was The Polynesian. An undated postcard.

Above, an advertisement for Latitude 20°.

Above, a Latitude 20° matchbook.

Above, Latitude 20° menu.

In Conversation: Inflation

Philip N. Diehl, 35th Director of the U.S. Mint (1994–2000) and President of U.S. Money Reserve, and Edmund Moy, 38th Director of the U.S. Mint (2006–2011) and U.S. Money Reserve’s Senior IRA Strategist, are joined by Angela Roberts, U.S. Money Reserve CEO; Brad Chastain, U.S. Money Reserve’s Director of Education; and host Chuck Woolery. The panel discusses inflation.

Yellowstone: Top 10 Types of Wildlife

Above, a pair of bighorn sheep on a Yellowstone hill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A few years ago, my daughter and I took two tours of Yellowstone National Park with Buffalo Bus Touring Co. One was of the upper loop and the other was the lower loop. 

Taking a tour was convenient as we were picked up and dropped off at the KOA we were staying at in West Yellowstone, Montana and didn't have to fight the traffic inside the park. We left the driving to someone else.

During the tours, we did manage to see bears, bighorn sheep, osprey nest and bison along with the geothermal geysers and hot springs. 

TheTravel posted an article listing the top ten types of  wildlife to see in Yellowstone.

They begin it with:

Yellowstone is one of the most popular national parks in the United States and is a destination that should be on everyone's bucket list. Yellowstone is particularly famous for two things: having more than half of the world's geysers and for being perhaps the greatest hotspot for American wildlife. Yellowstone is worth visiting for its landscapes and hydrothermal activity, as well as its diverse and rich biodiversity.

Yellowstone is one of the best places to go on a safari outside of Africa, with some valleys like Lamar Valley being noted hotspots of wildlife. Remember that animal behavior changes with the seasons (birds fly south, the musk season, hibernation, etc.), so plan in advance and arrange a visit around the behavioral cycles of the animals of Yellowstone. Out of all the wildlife in Yellowstone National Park to see, these species are some of the most amazing to look out for.

To read more, go here. 

Memorial Day Barbecue

For the first time in years, I used my barbecue grill to cook a t-bone steak. I figured that I can indulge a little bit. After all, it is Memorial Day.

The steak came out great.

So, tomorrow, I'll be back on my usual diet.

 

Above, waiting for the charcoal to turn white. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the steak is cooking. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above. steak is done. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Japan Rail Pass Price Hike Very Unpopular

Above, inside a Shinkansen train car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the dumbest moves in the annals of Japan travel was the announcement by the Japan Railways Group that they will be hiking Japan Rail Pass prices nearly 70%.

During seven of my eight trips to Japan, I have obtained a JR Rail Pass and found it very convenient and a bargain. If I go back to Japan, I will likely not buy one.

Other travelers agree with me as surveys have been taken and a big majority of people are also saying "no thanks" to buying a JR Rail Pass, according to an article by SoraNews24.

They begin with:

In April, Japan Railways Group shocked international travelers thinking about taking a trip to Japan by announcing a gigantic price increase for the Japan Rail Pass. Long considered one of the best deals available for inbound tourists looking to see a large swath of the country, the “JR Pass,” as it’s also known among travelers, gives you an unlimited rides on the Shinkansen bullet train, as well as local JR-managed lines nationwide, over a period of one, two, or three weeks.

Currently, a one-week pass costs 29,640 yen (US$220), but that will be jumping to 50,000 yen. The two-week pass will be rising from 47,250 to 80,000 yen, and the three-week pass from 60,450 yen to 100,000. That works out to price increases of between 65 and 69 percent, and depending on where you’re staying and whether you’re splitting hotel costs with a travelling companion, the difference is enough to potentially equal multiple nights’ worth of hotel costs.

Needless to say, the change hasn’t been met with cheers from overseas travelers anxious to visit Japan now that the country has finally reopened from being effectively closed to tourism for almost the entirety of the pandemic. Illustrating just how unpopular is this move by JR is, Export Japan, management company for inbound-to-Japan travel portal Japan Guide, has released the results of an online poll carried out through the site in May, shortly after the Japan Rail Pass price hike was announced. When posed with the question “Will you be buying the Japan Rail Pass after the price increase?”, the responses from 1,098 participants were:

● Probably not: 36.5 percent of respondents

● Absolutely not: 36.1 percent

● I can’t say for sure: 15.5 percent

● I’ll probably buy it: 6 percent

● I’ll definitely buy it: 5.9 percent

To read more, go here. 

Mini Gold Rush In California?

With winter over, the rivers and streams in California are flowing with volume that hasn't been seen in years.

Could the snowmelt loosen up gold in "them thar hills"?

As an article in NBC Los Angeles states, it depends upon who you ask.

They wrote:

Could California’s great snowmelt lead to the discovery of more gold?

It depends on who you ask.

After a series of winter storms, the state’s rivers and streams are flowing at rates not seen in years, leading many gold miners to believe there could be enough movement of boulders and sediment to loosen up gold deposits in the mountains.

The idea is leading to a miniature gold rush of sorts up and down the state.

To read more, go here. 

Modest Money: SD Bullion vs. JM Bullion

SD Bullion and JM Bullion are the two coin dealers I buy from the most.

I have had no problems with either company and have been satisfied with their customer service.

How do they stack up against each other?

Modest Money took a look at both and compared their products, prices and customer service. I should note that the $500 minimum order requirement of SD Bullion that the article mentions is no longer the case. It was lowered to $250 at the end of March and is totally gone now. It was temporary as the company was swamped with orders and had to deal with a backlog.

Modest Money begins their comparison with:

In the ever-growing market of precious metals, choosing the right bullion dealer can make a significant difference in the value and security of your investment. SD Bullion and JM Bullion are two of the most prominent names in the industry, both offering a wide range of products and services tailored to the needs of precious metal enthusiasts.

We will delve into an in-depth comparison between SD Bullion and JM Bullion, focusing on three key factors: product selection, pricing, and customer service. By providing a detailed analysis, we aim to empower you with the knowledge to make an informed decision on which of these reputable companies is best suited for your specific investment goals and requirements. So let’s dive in and explore the world of SD Bullion and JM Bullion, and how they stack up against each other in the competitive world of precious metals trading.

 To read more, go here.

Remembering Those Who Have Fallen

 

Above, Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

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. 

As today is Memorial Day, here is a song used in the World War II movie, Kelly's Heroes (1970) starring Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Don Rickles, Donald Sutherland and Carroll O'Connor. It is "Burning Bridges" by the Mike Curb Congregation. "Burning Bridges" was written by Lalo Schifrin and Mike Curb.

I saw a live show of the Congregation at the Latitude 20° nightclub and restaurant around 1975 in Torrance, California.

From AllMusic:

The creation of songwriter/composer, producer, politician, and label exec Mike Curb, the Mike Curb Congregation was a harmony pop chorale who charted in the early '70s with songs like "Burning Bridges" and "Sweet Gingerbread Man." Formed in 1969 around the time Curb became president of MGM Records, the Congregation consisted of over a dozen performers from a variety of musical backgrounds, including but not limited to rock, country, and gospel.

Above, from left, Wes Bush, California Lt. Gov. Mike Curb, Armand
Vaquer and Bill Fernandez in February 1981. Photo by Ken Huthmaker.

For this week's selection, here are two videos of "Burning Bridges". One is of the Congregation on a variety show (Mike Curb is at the keyboard) and one with scenes from Kelly's Heroes.

Prepping The Barbecue For Tomorrow

Above, after cleaning the barbecue grill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since it is a nice day outside, I decided to prepare for my Memorial Day barbecue. I figured I'd get it done today rather than putting it off to tomorrow. Plus, I may go into Gallup tomorrow morning to see the Memorial Day parade.

It had been a few years since I last used the barbecue, so I had some cleaning to do. 

The charcoal I had in the storage box on the deck got wet and rendered unusable. I think the barbecue grill cleaner leaked and soaked them. I think I knocked the grill cleaner bottle over when I got a fire log out a couple of weeks ago. So I tossed them in the trash. Luckily, I had a couple of bags of charcoal in the motorhome, so I went over to the GOCO Beast Barn and got one of them.

I was thinking of getting a new barbecue this year, but I rarely ever barbecue these days since I had my heart episode five years ago, so it would be a waste of money. The old one is just fine.

Memorial Day Weekend

Above, yesterday at home with the Winchester.

Another Memorial Day weekend is upon us.

Although today's Flying J gasoline price for unleaded regular ($3.299) is a dollar less than last year's price ($4.399), I am not venturing out to be among the hordes of people out on the road. 

The weather has been nice and sunny in the 70s. 

I will be barbecuing a nice t-bone steak tomorrow. It has been a few years since I last used my barbecue and it has been over a month since I last had a steak, which was at the clampout in Tombstone. Since my heart attack in 2018, I rarely have steak (and red meats in general), so it is a treat for me to have one. For the past several days, my meals have consisted of chicken and shrimp scampi.

So I will be hanging out at home this weekend, likely just driving the Jeep in and around Six Mile Canyon.

To those out on the road, stay safe!

National Parks Not Big Rig Friendly

Above, at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my 23' Winnebago Minnie Winnie Class C motorhome, the criteria was to be able to park it in my apartment's double parking space along with my car. I measured the space before making the purchase. 

Another reason was to be able to camp in national park campgrounds. Since I bought it, I have camped at Joshua Tree, Lassen Volcanic, Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Parks with no problem. 

While having big RVs may give someone all the comforts of home, they may be restricted from being able to camp at a national park due to size or even being able to drive on national park roads.

That is the topic of an article in RV Life posted yesterday. It lists 6 national parks that are not RV friendly. 

They begin it with:

When it comes to RVs, a big rig is an RV over 40 feet in length. These deluxe RVs can give you almost all of the comforts of home wherever you go, but getting them into national parks can be tricky. For one thing, all national parks have size restrictions that limit the size of the RV you can bring in.

There are two reasons for this. For one thing, the roadways throughout the park might not accommodate large RVs. Many national parks were developed long before big rigs were really a thing. This means the roads in the park might be too windy or may not be wide enough to safely navigate an RV. Another reason national parks have size restrictions is that the campsites are just not big enough to accommodate big rigs. As a matter of fact, only about half of all national parks allow RVs over 35 feet long.

It’s a good idea to find out about size restrictions ahead of time when you’re planning your vacation. While you’re planning, check out the vehicle length restrictions on the national park’s website. Even though they always have a good reason for it, you might be surprised at the national parks that don’t allow big RVs.

To start with, we’ve found six popular national parks where you should definitely not take your 40+ foot RV. You can find RV parks and resorts nearby that are more suitable for your big rig with a quick search on RV LIFE Campgrounds or while planning your travels with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.

To read more, go here.

Missing Woman Case Has Eerie Similarities To Petito Case

Above, Nikki Alcaraz and Tyler Stratton. 

A missing persons case involving a Tennessee woman traveling cross-country with her boyfriend has eerie similarities to the Gabby Petito case of two years ago.

WJHL News reported:

CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Cheatham County family is desperately trying to find their loved one after she disappeared while traveling across the country with her boyfriend, who is currently wanted out of Middle Tennessee.

It’s been nearly three weeks since Toni Alcaraz last spoke with her 33-year-old sister, Nikki Alcaraz, also known as Nikki Cunningham.

“I talk to her almost every day, so I am scared something happened to them,” said Toni.

Nikki had set out in her black Jeep with her boyfriend, Tyler Stratton, and a dog to visit family in Orange County, California.

“It’s a trip she’s done hundreds of times,” Toni explained. “Our uncle is still in Southern California, and she goes to see him often.”

During their cross-country trip, the couple had a run-in with law enforcement in Torrance County, New Mexico.

Nikki is 5’6″ with brown eyes and black/brown hair. She also has many tattoos.

The Jeep is a 2013 black Jeep Wrangler with tag BGL3539. The vehicle also has a “Mama Tried” sticker on it and camo seats.  

Anyone with information is asked to call Moriarty, New Mexico police at 505-832-6060 or 505-834-2705.

To read more, go here and here. 

This Rocky Mountain Railroad Will Transport You Back in Time

Above, the Durango train at High Line with the Animas River below. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever since I discovered the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad back in the 1980s at a travel show in Southern California, I have ridden the train several times. Most recently, I rode the train last year from Durango to Silverton, Colorado.

Since I moved to New Mexico five years ago, I am only a few hours away from Durango. This allows me to make more visits there.

Above, the Durango train about to depart the Durango depot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thrillist has posted an article on the train that is entertaining as well as informative.

They begin it with:

You can take the Hogwarts Express through Scotland, or the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul, but only in the Rocky Mountains of Southwestern Colorado can you board a vintage train that’s been chugging its way through the San Juan National Forest—hauling both passengers and mine ore—since the 19th century. The appeal of the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, one of very few trains in the nation to consistently use steam locomotives, isn’t magic or murder mysteries. It’s the memories you’ll make while enjoying killer views of the roaring Animas River, dense forest as far as the eye can
see, and picture-perfect mountain towns seemingly preserved in time from a bygone Gold Rush era.

Now a National Historic Landmark, and operating out of the same train depot since July of 1882, a ride on this timeworn train feels like a blast from the gilded past, in which miners would use it to transport gold and silver from the mountains into the burgeoning town of Durango, Colorado. Said town, now an endearingly frontiersy mountain hub lined with saloons and western wear shops, was founded by the Denver and Rio Grande Railway in 1880, fueled by more than $300 million worth of mountain metals that have traversed its tracks. Today, while the Gold Rush has ceased, that same railroad still reigns as a foremost attraction in Durango. It’s anchored by the same classic depot since day one, whisking wistful passengers through the high-elevation forest for day trips and special events.

Above, inside the Durango train museum after entering. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one hasn't decided yet on what to do this summer vacation season, a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is worth considering. Also, there's a free museum at the Durango depot roundhouse that is worth a good browse through.

To read the full article, go here. 

Supreme Court Strikes Down Home Equity Theft

Considering the current make-up of the U.S. Supreme Court these days, any unanimous decision by the court is a major deal.

Such is the case of Tyler vs. Hennepin County in Minnesota that violated the constitution's Fifth Amendment. 

From the Cato Institute:

Today, in a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court held that local governments cannot take surplus home equity after liquidating delinquent taxpayers’ property to pay their tax bill. Typically, if a property owner is behind on her property taxes, governments will take the property, liquidate it, and use the funds to pay off the tax bill and any accrued fees. Most states then return any remainder back to the property owner. However, Minnesota and 13 other states maintained a practice of greedily pocketing any surplus equity instead of returning it to the rightful property owner.

That is what happened to 94‐​year‐​old Geraldine Tyler, the plaintiff in Tyler v. Hennepin County. She fell behind on her property taxes, owing $2,700 and another $12,300 in fees. Hennepin County took her property and sold it for $40,000. But instead of returning Ms. Tyler her remaining $25,000, the County took that money for its own use.

The Supreme Court correctly decided that this practice is unconstitutional. Writing for a unanimous Court, Chief Justice John Roberts explained that governments cannot take more property than necessary to satisfy a tax debt.

To read more, go here. 

RV Shipments Down From 2022

Above, at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango, Colorado last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the pandemic is behind us (for the most part), the record-breaking RV sales of those months are a thing of the past.

At the time, RVing was considered that safest way to travel for people stuck in their four walls.

Now, RV shipments are down from last year's shipment numbers.

From RV Travel:

After years of record sales of RVs, manufacturers’ champagne bottles are still packed away as shipments to retailers continue their slide over 2022. Results for the RV Industry Association’s April 2023 survey of manufacturers determined that total RV shipments ended the month with 31,216 units, a decrease of 45.4% from the 57,192 units shipped in April 2022. Through April, RV shipments for the year are down 52.1% to 109,816 units.

To read more, go here. 

Citigroup Analysts: Silver To Climb To $30/toz

Above, a proof 2023 American Silver Eagle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is a bit hard to believe that silver can reach $30/toz during the next six to twelve months since it is now hovering around $23/toz and sometimes dipping below that. But that's what Citigroup's analysts are saying.

According to Bitcoin.com:

On Thursday, May 25, 2023, the price of silver per ounce lingers just above the $23 mark after experiencing nearly a 4% decline over the past week. Nevertheless, half-year data reveals that silver has risen 6% against the U.S. dollar. Despite recent setbacks in precious metal valuations, market experts forecast strong performances from silver and gold in 2023 and beyond. A Citigroup report highlights that their analysts project silver to climb to $30 within the coming 6-12 months.

“We think recent price weakness offers a strong dip-buying opportunity, reiterating our call for $30/oz silver over the next 6-12 months as U.S. growth rolls over, even if emerging markets growth stagnates,” stated Citi’s market strategists.

I agree that the current dip in prices affords an opportunity to buy more silver. If after buying silver now and the prices does go to $30/toz, then profit is obvious.

To read more, go here.

7 Gun-Free Tactics To Defend Your Home

This is for liberals who don't want a gun in their homes (Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and the Hamptons).

Frightening But 100% True Facts About Guns

The Babylon Bee has done it again with another funny video!

This one's about guns.   

Resolution To Fine "Pencilneck" $16 Million Proposed

A resolution to fine California Rep. Adam "Pencilneck" Schiff has been introduced in congress.

The Federalist Papers reported:

Standing up to the reprehensible and basically treasonous lies perpetuated by leading Democrats in Congress, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., has introduced a resolution that seeks to impose a $16 million fine on Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., for his unsubstantiated claims of collusion between former President Trump and Russia during the 2016 election.

Luna argues that this amount represents approximately half of the total cost incurred by American taxpayers for the federal investigation into the debunked Trump-Russia collusion narrative, as confirmed by special counsel reports from Robert Mueller and John Durham.

Luna, along with the GOP Conference, asserts that Adam Schiff has flagrantly breached the trust of the American people, abused his positions of authority, and engaged in a consistent pattern of falsehoods.

The resolution states, “By repeatedly telling these falsehoods, Representative Schiff purposely deceived his Committee, Congress, and the American people.”

It further points out that Schiff lent credibility to the controversial Steele dossier, supported a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrant against Trump aide Carter Page, and publicly labeled Page as a Russian collaborator.

The $16 million fine represents 50% of what the taxpayers had to pay for Schiff's "investigations".

To read more, go here. 

Key West: 10 Cheapest Places To Stay

Above, there's plenty to see and do in Key West. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before the pandemic started in early 2020, I was planning to head to Key West, Florida for a vacation. Once the pandemic hit, all plans went out the window.

Key West was a stop with our April 2019 cruise to Havana, Cuba. We were there for a few hours and I wanted to go back to enjoy it more. I did notice at the time that accommodations were on the pricey side. But according to a new article by TheTravel, budget accommodations can be found.

They begin with:

Key West is a top beach vacation due to its sparkling waters, tropical climate, and numerous beaches. Travelers can enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico from Fort Zachary Taylor's Historic state park or the abundant marine life and coral reefs at Dry Tortugas National Park. While Key West is one of the best vacation destinations, there is a high demand for accommodation by tourists that can drive prices up, making it expensive for budget travelers. But it doesn't have to be; there are many cheapest places to stay in Key West. With some research, travelers can get decent accommodation without sacrificing comfort and experience or breaking the bank. Here are the ten cheapest places to stay in Key West on the beach for thrifty travelers.

To read more, go here. 

Silver At $23.11/toz

The precious metals markets are in a "wait and see" mode on whether or not His Fraudulency Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy can come to a deal on raising the debt ceiling.

If they can't, there is a potential for the federal government defaulting on its debts.

Silver has dropped a bit in today's trading according to COMEX.

This is, as I always say, a good opportunity to buy silver coins and bullion before the price goes up. Sooner or later, it will. 

Remember: Buy low, sell high!

Gov. DeSantis Preps For 2024 Campaign

 

DeSantis Opposes Central Bank Digital Currency Scheme

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that he opposes central bank digital currencies (CBDC).

According to Reuters:

May 24 (Reuters) - Florida Republican Governor and U.S. presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis on Wednesday pledged to support people's right to trade in digital assets like Bitcoin and said he opposes establishing a central bank digital currency.

This is a plus, in my opinion. Any candidate who supports CBDCs is not worth anyone's consideration.

What About This Blog Is Drawing Amazon SG's Interest?

While checking the analytics for this blog, I found that there is an inordinate amount of page views originating out of Singapore. So far, over 15,000 have been detected this month.

They are basically from three locations and they are primarily from Amazon in Singapore. This has been going on since March.

I don't know what it is about this blog that is drawing Amazon Singapore's interest. They aren't causing any problems, even if they did, they cannot be blocked.

Weird.

Counterfeit 1903 Barber Dime Detection

Above, a Barber dime. JM Bullion photo.

After having been taken in by Chinese coin counterfeiters last year, the topic of counterfeit coins naturally will catch my attention when they are posted.

Such is the case of counterfeit Barber dimes. I have four Barber quarters in my collection, three are culls (what aren't worth all that much even through they are silver) and one that I found on a sidewalk, but no Barber dimes. They ae named for United States Mint chief engraver Charles Barber.

CoinWeek posted an article on detecting counterfeit Barber dimes, particularly the 1903 Barber dime. By the way, Barber dimes are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.

They start it with:

The Barber Dime series (1892-1916) holds one of the greatest rarities in United States numismatics: the 1894-S. Fewer than a dozen of these Proof coins are currently known to the collecting world, and on the rare occasion that they are offered at auction, they command prices over $1 million (USD). Their value has attracted the attention of counterfeiters, who have created outright fakes or added an ‘S’ mintmark to an 1894-dated dime from Philadelphia. Third-party authentication is essential for any coin purporting to be an 1894-S dime.  

In contrast, such scrutiny is often absent for the business strike 1903 Barber dime. It’s not a key date, and generally isn’t worth over $100 except in Mint State condition, according to price guides. In fact, the 1903-O and 1903-S business strikes are each more valuable. Because this is a coin for which some collectors might skip certification it creates a different kind of opportunity for counterfeiters.

 To read the full article, go here.

50 Marines Spot Triangular UFO

Above, a screenshot from a video of the Camp Wilson UFO.

A triangular UFO was spotted by about 50 Marines at Camp Wilson in California last month.

The Gateway Pundit posted an article about the sighting.

It begins with:

A massive black triangular UFO with flashing lights was spotted by 50 US Marines at Camp Wilson in California.

Several officers at Camp Wilson was even able to snap photos and videos of the strange unidentified flying object.

The video of the UFO was taken between 8:24 pm and 8:30 pm on April 20, 2021.

It was described as big as half of a football field in size.

To read more and see the video, go here.

Longhorns

Above, the longhorns keeping a watchful eye on me. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I took a Jeep drive around our subdivision and the neighboring subdivision of Mesa Ridge Ranch.

While at Mesa Ridge Ranch, I stopped for a while to see the longhorn cattle and enjoy the view of the valley below. The weather was nice in the 70s with no rain, which will be the general pattern for the rest of the week.

Afterwards, I got home and popped open a bottle of Alien Amber Ale and relaxed on the deck. While there, I noticed a semi truck with flashing lights coming up Whispering Cedars Road. It was leading one part of a new double-wide mobile home.

I had an idea on where the home was going and, after dinner, I took a Jeep drive up Birch Road. Sure enough, the new home was placed on a pad on the Birch Road loop, a few doors south of Greg Lucier's.

While at the longhorns, I took a few photos.

"Silent Running" Drone #3

Back in 1971, the movie Silent Running went into production. It was released on March 10, 1972. 

The movie was directed by Douglas Trumbull and starred Bruce Dern. 

According to Wikipedia:

After the end of all botanical life on Earth, ecologist Freeman Lowell (Bruce Dern) maintains a greenhouse on a space station in order to preserve various plants for future generations. Assisted by three robots and a small human crew, Lowell rebels when he is ordered to destroy the greenhouse in favor of carrying cargo, a decision that puts him at odds with everyone but his mechanical companions. Lowell and his robots are forced to do anything necessary to keep their invaluable greenery alive.

A friend, Larry Whisenhunt, who played Drone #3 ("Louie"), told me that the film was shot aboard an old aircraft carrier. 

Above, (left to right) Larry Whisenhunt, Mark Persons and Cheryl Sparks (or Steven Brown). 

Above, Larry Whisenhunt and yours truly in La Habra, California, July 1979. Photo by Paul Evans.

I had known Larry Whisenhunt since 1970 and sponsored him into Delta Phi Sigma Fraternity during college. Sadly, he passed away in 1989 from kidney cancer. He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Covina Hills in Southern California.

Above, the final resting place of Larry Whisenhunt. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Best Scenic View In Every National Park

Above, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer vacation season is only a month away and if one has national park visits on the itinerary, here's a helpful article.

Outside Magazine has posted a list of national parks and their best scenic views visitors would enjoy while visiting.

The start it with:

There’s nothing better than rolling up to an incredible panorama in one of our storied national parks. The following views, of high-desert mesas, moss-cloaked redwoods, vast mountain ranges, and more, have something to stoke the inner wonder of just about everyone.

I’ve visited every national park in America, and some the most awe-inspiring experiences in each are the stunning overlooks. So I’ve selected a list of my favorite vistas in all 63 parks, with a keen eye for easy access and geological diversity. Of course, I threw in a couple of leg-busting treks and arm-churning paddles for those among us who like to sweat to earn their views, too.

 To read more, go here.

Is Hospital Overnight RV Camping Allowed?

Above, the RV camping area at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Can you camp overnight in a hospital parking lot?

That is the topic of an article in RV Life and one we had to face five years ago in Twin Falls, Idaho.

While in Wells, Nevada for the Wells Fun Run car show and rally, I had my little heart attack and had to be flown by helicopter to the St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center to have two stents put into a coronary artery.

My friend Mitch drove my motorhome up to Twin Falls. Fortunately, the medical center has an RV camping area with electrical hook-ups. He stayed there for two nights until I was released from the hospital. Other hospitals may not have RV camping areas. So what can one do in a similar scenario?

RV Life begins with:

Can you camp overnight in a hospital parking lot? Typically, hospitals are fine with you parking your RV in their parking lot, particularly if you have a loved one in the hospital or are visiting someone.

These lots are usually pretty big, and there probably won’t be many other vehicles overnight. However, if you are just passing through, it might be best to find somewhere else to drop your jacks.

In either scenario, it’s always a good idea to get permission before you unhitch your trailer or set up camp. Find out where the administration area of the hospital is located and ask someone there for the OK. There may be someone at an information desk or kiosk that can help. Of course, that may have to be done during office hours, which could pose a problem for a later evening stop.

To read more, go here. 

Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks App

For those RVers who could use an assist or two while driving to the national parks, National Parks Traveler will soon have a new phone app for making the drive a lot easier.

According to their website:

Last year the National Parks Traveler debuted its Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks in eBook and PDF formats. Soon you'll be able to download an app of the guide to your phone.

For more, go here. 

Virtual-Reality Tour of Asakusa

Above, there's plenty of stores to shop in at Tokyo's Nakamise Street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of my favorite hang-out places in Tokyo is Asakusa's Nakamise Dori shopping area. 

Besides being a historic part of Tokyo, there's plenty of things to see in do in the vicinity along with shopping. For kaiju fans, there's some toy stores to buy kaiju figures.

Nippon.com has posted "virtual-reality" tour video of Asakusa. 

They begin with:

Our new series of 360º virtual-reality tours of Japan’s most popular destinations kicks off with a look at Tokyo’s Asakusa district, home to the popular temple Sensōji and many other iconic views of the capital.

To see the video, go here. 

MLG's Unhinged Rant Fact-Checked By Breitbart and NRA

It never ceases to amaze me at how such a total nincompoop as New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ever got elected, much less getting re-elected despite her loony policies, living lavishly on the taxpayers' dime and her groping scandal.

The latest is her rants last Friday on the Second Amendment. She made such ridiculous statements that she got herself fact-checked by both the National Rifle Association and Breitbart News. They have been brought to us in living color by Piñon Post. 

She claimed that AR-15 rifles are "automatic weapons". They're not. They are semi-automatics. Big difference.

Piñon Post starts with:

On Friday, far-left Gov. Michelle Lujan (D-NM) Grisham said she would continue her attacks against the Second Amendment — going further to say no one in America should personally own an “automatic weapon” while appearing for an interview on MSNBC. 

She said, “Frankly, no one that isn’t in the military — this is a weapon of war — or, uh, the trained police department. In my view, no one in America who isn’t in one of those two situations should own an automatic weapon. There is no reason to own one of those…. There is no reason.”

She also said she is “looking at” legislation that died in the last legislative session to “go after gun manufacturers. This is an all-of-the-above approach. Every single thing. I want fewer firearms in the street, I want no more gun trafficking, I want people held accountable, and what happened to Mr. Wilson? Did he reach out for help at the school? I’m going to need to know that. Was there a missed opportunity for a red flag high-risk protection order?”

But after making the unhinged statements, she got brutally fact-checked by Breitbart News and the National Rifle Association (NRA). 

Some of the proposed legislation that failed during the recent legislative session was due to being obviously unconstitutional. She needs to take a hard look at recent Supreme Court decisions before shooting off her mouth.

This comes from someone who won't secure New Mexico's southern border, thereby allowing drug & human traffickers, illegals and criminals into the state.

To read more, go here.