Best Cruise Lines For Families and Budget Travelers

Now that we're almost at the end of the year, this appears to be the time when the cruise industry hands out awards for the "Best this" and "Best that".

Yahoo Life has posted the winners.

They begin with:

The holiday season is upon us, and you ponder how to maintain this seasonal cheer throughout the year. Suddenly, a light bulb sparks to life inside your mind. Yes, a cruise!

Visions of a cruise ship sailing toward a sunny island with pristine beaches confirm that this is indeed a brilliant idea. Now, which is the best cruise for you?

U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2025 Best Cruise Lines rankings. The timing is perfect, almost like a Christmas gift to you. It's okay to open this present early. After all, you have a cruise to plan.

While U.S. News ranks cruises across several categories, I want to focus on the top cruises for families and from a value perspective.

To read more, go here. 

Turmoil in Courts on Gun Laws

Above, yours truly with the Winchester 94.

Snowflake liberals are upset over a recent Supreme Court ruling on the Second Amendment and the lower courts in states around the country may be in "turmoil" as a result. This is good for those who support the Second Amendment. 

U.S. News & World Report has posted an article on what's been happening as a result.

They begin it with:

WASHINGTON (AP) — A landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Second Amendment is upending gun laws across the country, dividing judges and sowing confusion over what firearm restrictions can remain on the books.

The high court's ruling that set new standards for evaluating gun laws left open many questions, experts say, resulting in an increasing number of conflicting decisions as lower court judges struggle to figure out how to apply it. 

The Supreme Court’s so-called Bruen decision changed the test that lower courts had long used for evaluating challenges to firearm restrictions. Judges should no longer consider whether the law serves public interests like enhancing public safety, the justices said.

Under the Supreme Court's new test, the government that wants to uphold a gun restriction must look back into history to show it is consistent with the country’s “historical tradition of firearm regulation."

To read more, go here. 

Should You Invest In Silver As A Hedge?

Above, an uncirculated 1890 Morgan silver dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since inflation (or Bidenflation) has been hitting the pocketbooks of Americans, I made the decision to diversify my investment portfolio by buying silver coins as a hedge against the weakening dollar.

Granted, silver isn't as valuable as gold and as a hedge, it has mixed result. But it is far more affordable than gold to the average American. Gold is currently near $1,800 an ounce, while silver is around $23 an ounce. I have mainly concentrated on Morgan silver dollars, a beautiful coin, if I may say so. Besides the price of silver in general, the rarity of certain coins (depending upon mint year) also add value to individual pieces. There are three things to also consider in regard to coins: condition, condition, condition.

When buying coins, it is best to shop around for the best deals.

I prefer coins over silver bars or ingots. Those can be counterfeited.

Should you invest in silver as a hedge? This question was looked into great detail by U.S. News & World Report in an article on August 30, 2022.

They begin with:

Unprecedented government spending, supply chain disruptions and global energy shortages have sent prices soaring in 2022. Americans are understandably concerned about how to mitigate the damage of inflation that has been running at multi-decade highs throughout the year.

Unlike fiat currencies, there is a limited global supply of silver. In addition, silver has held value around the world for centuries, and it has a wide range of uses that should help maintain demand over time. Unfortunately, silver has had a mixed performance as an inflation hedge in history.

If you're thinking about investing in silver as an inflation hedge, here are several elements to consider:

What is silver used for?

Silver price history.

How to invest in silver.

Silver stocks and ETFs.

Is silver a good inflation hedge?

Is investing in silver a good idea?

To read more, go here. 

Ban On Guns With Serial Numbers Removed Is Unconstitutional

Above, old rifles on display at the Hubbell Trading Post in Arizona.
How many have no serial numbers? Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This is sure to give liberals apoplexy!

A federal judge has ruled that bans on guns with serial numbers removed are unconstitutional. 

According U.S. News & World Report:

(Reuters) -A federal judge in West Virginia has ruled that a federal ban on possessing a gun with its serial number removed is unconstitutional, the first such ruling since the U.S. Supreme Court dramatically expanded gun rights in June.

 U.S. District Judge Joseph Goodwin in Charleston on Wednesday found that the law was not consistent with the United States' "historical tradition of firearm regulation," the new standard laid out by the Supreme Court in its landmark ruling.

The decision came in a criminal case charging a man, Randy Price, with illegally possessing a gun with the serial number removed that was found in his car. The judge dismissed that charge, though Price is still charged with illegally possessing the gun after being convicted of previous felonies.

No doubt this decision will be appealed.  

To read more, go here.

Roswell Dispatch July 9, 1947 Front Page Discovered

 

Above, the July 9, 1947 edition of the Roswell Morning Dispatch.

This is the first time I've heard of the Roswell Morning Dispatch, but it was another newspaper published in Roswell, New Mexico during the time of the famous Roswell Incident involving a crashed flying saucer. The famous July 8, 1947 front page of the Roswell Daily Record on the flying saucer is very familiar one as it has been posted for years. I have a reprint copy framed and hung in my living room.

The Roswell Morning Dispatch front page of July 9, 1947 has been recently discovered. Why it has taken 75 years to be discovered is a mystery. 

U.S. News & World Report posted:

ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — The Roswell incident has been one of the most thoroughly researched and debated mysteries in the history of the UFO phenomenon and among the most enduring.

Barring a major revelation between now and July, Roswell will mark the 75th anniversary of the alleged 1947 UFO crash with the debate over what occurred here far from settled.

That hasn’t been for a lack of digging. For decades now, journalists, authors, documentary film crews and others fascinated by the incident have unearthed and publicized countless bits of information and artifacts of that time.

Along the way, they’ve brought attention to many pieces of Roswell history, such as the July 1947 front pages of the Roswell Daily Record that recorded initial reports of the incident along with a follow-up version of events presented by the military that some now view as one of history’s greatest cover-ups.

The intensity of focus placed on the Roswell incident for three-quarters of a century has led some to posit that most contemporaneous records have already been scrutinized. But one piece of local history recently uncovered provides an interesting companion to those iconic 1947 headlines the public has become familiar with — while adding yet more pages to a still-growing historical record.

The Roswell Morning Dispatch, a long-defunct sister newspaper of the Roswell Daily Record, was published in the mornings from 1928-1950. The Dispatch covered the news of the day, and as such, it carried accounts in July 1947 of the unfolding events related to the alleged recovery of a crashed “Flying Disk” outside Roswell, along with the military’s explanations for what had occurred.

Its historical headlines were discovered among archived editions of the newspaper, the Daily Record reported.

Above, the famous Roswell Daily Record front page of July 8, 1947 on
display at the Roswell International UFO Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There must be a July 8, 1947 front page of the Roswell Morning Dispatch floating around somewhere, waiting to be discovered. That is the date the Roswell Daily Record published its famous flying saucer headline.

To read more, go here.

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

Above, the tour bus we took to see Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Seven years ago, my daughter Amber and I took two guided tours of Yellowstone National Park with Buffalo Bus Touring Company. One was the upper loop of the park and the other was the lower loop. We enjoyed the tours since we didn't have to do the driving and we were able to concentrate on the scenery and the guide was informative. The tours were reasonably priced at under $80 per person.

U.S. News & World Report has posted and article on the 16 best Yellowstone National Park tours. Some are land tours and some are float (raft) tours.

They begin with:

Home to more than 2.2 million acres, hundreds of geysers and waterfalls, as well as Yellowstone Lake – the largest high-altitude lake in North America – Yellowstone National Park is a bucket list vacation destination for many travelers. For help planning an unforgettable visit to America's oldest national park, consider a guided tour. In addition to in-the-know locals, these tours also provide hassle-free transportation from nearby cities like Jackson Hole, Wyoming. With the help of traveler and expert input, U.S. News determined that the following tours offer the best ways to take in all that the park has to offer. All of these top-rated excursions feature skillful guides who are eager to share their knowledge of the park's unique geologic features and wildlife.

Note: Because of weather and other factors, the park's roads are not accessible all year, and its entrances in Wyoming and Montana have differing seasonal opening and closing dates, so plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, tour companies' prices typically do not include the park's approximately $20 entry fee for each visitor 16 and older.

To read more, go here. 

Top Things To Do In New Mexico

Above, a ceremonial kiva at Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

New Mexico is not one of the largest states in the U.S., but it isn't one of the smallest either. 

It is surprising to some that there are plenty of things to see and do in the Land of Enchantment. U.S. News & World Report has posted a list of 18 top things to do in New Mexico. Of the 18, I have done six of them. 

They begin their article list with:

From distinguished art galleries and intriguing UFO museums to significant archaeological sites, New Mexico is the gift that keeps on giving. Visit in October to watch hundreds of brightly colored hot air balloons take over the Albuquerque skyline or head to Taos in winter for prime skiing conditions. New Mexico's authentic energy and strong cultural roots also attract travelers in search of a spiritual experience. Whether you're ready to plan your trip or you simply want to daydream about the state's stunning rock formations, keep reading for a list of the top things to do in New Mexico. (Note: Some of the following activities and locations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

To read more, go here. 

Top Things To Do In Arizona

Above, the Colorado River meanders through the Grand Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I moved to New Mexico four years ago, the state next to New Mexico I have spent the most time in has been Arizona.

The reason for that is simple, the Arizona border is only forty miles from home, Plus, I belong to a fraternal group based in Arizona.

There's plenty of things to see and do in Arizona and U.S. News and World Report posted a list of the top 21 things to do there.

They begin it with:

Tucked into the southwest corner of the United States, Arizona offers something for all types of travelers. Visit highlights like the Grand Canyon, the Wild West town of Tombstone or the red rocks of Sedona, or head to cities like Phoenix or Tucson for professional sports, museums, observatories and science centers. Read on to discover which of the state's endless iconic sights, stunning landscapes and gorgeous natural formations you should add to your Arizona bucket list. (Note: Some of the following activities and locations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

To read more, go here. 

$200 Million Spaceport America Lawsuit Starting To Get National Attention

Above, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

The $200 million lawsuit by the former CFO of Spaceport America is starting to garner national news. 

The story is being widely reported in New Mexico and this does not bode well for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is up for re-election this year.

She already has problems with other financial, coronavirus lockdowns and sexual groping scandals. 

The story has been picked up by U.S. News & World Report via the Associated Press.

They start it with:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The former chief financial officer for the New Mexico Spaceport Authority filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging that he was forced to resign after raising concerns about financial malfeasance that he said cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

Among numerous allegations, Zach DeGregorio said in the lawsuit filed Dec. 28 that top officials committed securities fraud by refinancing spaceport gross receipts tax bonds under false pretenses.

He also said secret meetings held between state officials and Spaceport America’s most notable tenant — Virgin Galactic — may have resulted in violations of the state's anti-donation law, which restricts government donations to personal and private-sector enterprises as a precaution against graft and corruption.

The civil complaint filed in state district court lists numerous officials, including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Economic Development Secretary Alicia Keyes, officials with the New Mexico Finance Authority and members of the Spaceport Authority board.

According the a recent post by The Hill, Lujan Grisham is one of the most vulnerable governors this election year. Small wonder, considering she's loaded with scandals. She has raised over $2 billion in campaign contributions. 

To read more, go here.

South Dakota Sues Biden Administration Over Denial of Mount Rushmore Fireworks

Above, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since January 20, there's hardly been a week that the administration of His Fraudulency Joe Biden hasn't been sued.

Another lawsuit against the administration has been announced by South Dakota's governor. That lawsuit involves Independence Day fireworks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

According to U.S. News & World Report:

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is suing the Biden administration for not allowing the state to hold an Independence Day fireworks show over Mount Rushmore.

"Mount Rushmore is the very best place to celebrate America's birthday and all that makes our country special. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration cancelled our Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration," Noem said. "So we're suing them to get the fireworks back."

The National Park Service first denied a request from South Dakota in March, stating that a fireworks show posed risks to both the park and the health and safety of its employees and visitors.

"After telling us they'd 'circle back,' the Biden Administration has not responded to our request to uphold the Memorandum of Agreement between the State of South Dakota and the National Parks Service to host a safe and responsible national celebration and fireworks show," Noem continued.

To read more, go here.

New Mexico Grocers Can Now Allow More People

New Mexico Gov. Michelle "Wuhan Lujan" Grisham has been catching hell for her coronavirus restrictions in the state, particularly when it comes to supermarkets and "big box" stores.

These restrictions forced people to wait outdoors in frigid temperatures. I got lucky two days ago when I went to Albertsons market in Gallup and was able to immediately enter the store upon arrival. It was around 20° at the time.

She finally capitulated and is allowing more people into those stores.

U.S. News & World Report posted:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — More people will be allowed inside grocery stores and other essential businesses as New Mexico on Wednesday amended its public health order on the coronavirus to address waiting lines as frigid temperatures take hold across the state.

Lines have formed outside grocery stores and other retailers for weeks following Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's order that capacity be limited at establishments as a way to curb the spread of COVID-19. She has said the tough measures have helped to reduce new infections. However, deaths and hospitalizations related to the pandemic remain high.

Under the change, grocery stores and other essential retailers will be allowed to operate at 25% of maximum occupancy if they are in the red zone. Previously, essential retail spaces could operate with either a limit on maximum occupancy or a specific number of customers at one time, whichever was smaller.

To read more, go here. 

New Mexico Announces $100 Fines for Flouting Face Mask Rule

Above, yours truly at Denny's a few weeks ago. Photo by Russell Azbill.

Well, the little dictator is now going to fine businesses and individuals $100 for "flouting" the wearing of masks in public.

The U.S. News & World Report reported:

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday said there will be more aggressive enforcement of the state's public health order, including individual fines, to rein in rising coronavirus infection rates across the state. 

The Democratic governor said people who ignore mask requirements in public places can be fined $100 and that businesses that flout the health order will see workplace citations and misdemeanor criminal charges.

Too bad we can't fine her for not wearing a muzzle.

To read more, go here.

Monument Valley Tribal Park Established In 1958

Above, "The Mittens" of Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Monument Valley is famous for being the location for a number of John Ford/John Wayne westerns, such as Stagecoach, Fort Apache, She Wore A Yellow Ribbon and The Searchers.

It is presently a tribal park of the Navajo Nation.

On July 11 in history:

On this date in 1958, the 30,000-acre Monument Valley Tribal Park, the first park established on the Navajo reservation, was established by a resolution of the Navajo Advisory Committee of the Navajo Tribal Council.

Source: U.S. News & World Report 

NM Second Amendment Sanctuary Counties Drawing Media Attention

The news that several New Mexico counties are resisting against the radical liberal New Mexico legislature and governor by declaring themselves as "Second Amendment Sanctuary Counties" is beginning to percolate into the national media.

First, it was Fox News, and now U.S. News & World Report.

This puts the Democrats in New Mexico's capital in a bind. Pro-Second Amendment sheriffs and county commissioners are using the Democrats' own weapon against them.

Some snippets from U.S. News & World Report:

So far, commissioners in at least four counties situated in some of the most remote pockets of New Mexico have passed the resolutions in the past week, Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace said. He expects more county commissions to be presented with similar resolutions at their upcoming meetings, he said. 

The resolutions represent the sheriffs' latest attempt at pushing back against legislation supported by Gov. Lujan Grisham, a Democrat who took office in January, after the lawmen expressed opposition to the bills for weeks in legislative committee hearings, arguing they are unconstitutional. 

The counties that this week declared themselves Second Amendment "sanctuaries" include Quay, Union and Curry counties in eastern New Mexico, and Socorro County, situated in the middle of the state and about an hour's drive south of Albuquerque, the state's largest city. 

Mace said he expects commissioners will weigh the resolution next week in Cibola County, where he is sheriff. The county dotted by small towns amid mountains, mesas and open desert is on the western side of the state.

To read more, go here.

California's Veto-Proof Dictatorship

California has gone further left by the election of a governor who is even more wacko than Jerry Brown and the veto-proof majorities in both houses of the state legislature the voters gave the Democrats.

According to U.S. News & World Report:

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Democrats have won two Republican-held California state Senate seats in the Central Valley, giving the party veto-proof supermajorities in both chambers of the Legislature. 

Vote totals updated since Election Day made winners Monday of Melissa Hurtado and Assemblywoman Anna Caballero. 

Hurtado won the open 12th District seat while Caballero defeated Republican Sen. Andy Vidak in the neighboring 14th District. Both are in the Fresno area. Vidak, of Hanford, has held the seat since a special election in 2013. 

The victories give Democrats a two-thirds advantage in the 40-member Senate. The party also has that advantage in the 80-seat Assembly. The party also holds every statewide office, led by Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom. 

Two-thirds majorities allow Democrats to raise taxes, suspend legislative rules and override vetoes without Republican votes.

The people in Commiefornia have no one else to blame but themselves for perpetuating the essentially one-party state government. Apparently, the voters want the state to do everything for them short of wiping their asses. That may soon come as well, considering how things are going.

Small wonder many people, including me, voted with their feet and left the state.

Welcome to utopia, folks!

To read more, go here.

USS Arizona Memorial Boarding Dock Sinks

Above, the USS Arizona Memorial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

First, the National Park Service closed walk-on tours of the USS Arizona Memorial for several months for repairs.

Now, all that changed again as the floating dock for shuttle boats to the memorial sank.

According to U.S. News & World Report:

HONOLULU (AP) — The National Park Service says the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor will be closed for the rest of the week after the floating dock where visitors board vessels to the site became partially submerged. 

Boat tours to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Honolulu stopped Sunday after the 180-foot (55-meter) concrete dock dipped below the water overnight. 

Park service spokesman Jay Blount says repairs have been estimated to take a week. He says crews were working to pump out the dock's chambers, but the cause of the damage was not yet known.

To read more go here.

Zinke Visiting Zion National Park

Above, The Organ rock formation. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In an effort to draw attention to the $12 billion backlog of national park maintenance projects, Zion National Park is getting a top level visitor.

According to U.S. News & World Report:

ZION NATIONAL PARK, Utah (AP) — Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke will be at Zion National Park to draw attention to a maintenance backlog at national parks. 

The Southern Utah park known for striking red-rock vistas estimates its backlog at $65 million. 

Also on hand Monday to call for Congressional action on the problem will be Republican U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop, who chairs the powerful House National Resources Committee, and his fellow GOP Congressmen Chris Stewart and John Curtis.

To read more, go here. 

Crater Lake Saw Fewer Visitors Again Due To Fires

Above, Wizard Island as seen through smoky haze last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I visited Crater Lake National Park last year, I found the park to be so full of smoke that it was hard to see the lake at times.

It has happened again this summer.

According to U.S. News & World Report:

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) — The number of summer visitors to Crater Lake National Park in south-central Oregon has dropped for the second consecutive year because of smoke from wildfires. 

Park Superintendent Craig Ackerman says wildfires inside and outside of the park kept people away during July and August, traditionally the park's two busiest months. 

The Bend Bulletin reports that visitation in July dropped by 22 percent from the prior July. Visitation in August was down nearly 17 percent compared to the previous August.

To read more, go here. 

Cibola National Forest Lifts Fire Restrictions

Above, the Six Mile Canyon area of the Cibola National Forest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's some good news for people in New Mexico who love the great outdoors.

U.S. News & World Report posted:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is lifting fire restrictions because widespread precipitation from the monsoon has substantially reduced the fire danger. 

Cibola's announcement Thursday say the restrictions will be lifted at 8 a.m. Friday and that the decision resulted from consideration of moisture levels, recent and predict rainfall and other weather conditions. 

Cibola's lifting of fire restrictions follows recent moves by the Carson and Santa Fe national forests in northern New Mexico to reopen trails, campgrounds and other areas that were closed because of wildfire danger.

Speaking of the monsoon, we're supposed to have thunderstorms in the Jamestown area this afternoon. I've been enjoying the light shows from them.

To read more, go here. 

Best National Parks For Your Next Vacation

Above, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming made the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer is here and people are wondering, "Where should we go?"

Fortunately, WTOP has posted the "Best National Parks To Visit On Your Next Vacation". It originated from U.S. News & World Report. These will give people some ideas.

It begins with:

WASHINGTON — Nature buffs looking to explore the outdoors have a lot of options in the U.S. 

It’s not easy to choose which national park to travel to on the next vacation. 

U.S. News & World Report released its list of the best national parks in the U.S. for 2018. 

Check out the list in the gallery below. 

When it comes to which park to choose, travelers mostly head toward those locations offering a lot of different activities, according to U.S. News & World Report. 

“The ones that are the most popular are the really large national parks where you don’t only have hiking but you’ve also got fishing, you’ve got kayaking, in the winter you can do snowshoeing in some and even skiing,” said Erin Shields, assistant managing editor of travel at U.S. News & World Report. 

In addition to physical activities to keep moving, these parks also offer opportunities to see and experience local animals.

To see what parks are the best, go here.