Traveling to Japan This Summer Just Got Easier

Above, the Godzilla mural at Toho Studios in Setagaya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tourism to Japan has been booming since the restrictions on travel there during the pandemic were lifted.

This boom has been fed in part by the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen.

According to Travel + Leisure, travel to Japan will be getting easier this summer.  

They posted:

Japan Airlines is dramatically increasing flight connections to the U.S. for the summer, which means getting to Japan will be easier than ever. 

Starting May 31, 2025, Japan Airlines will launch a direct flight connecting Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). This will be a codeshare flight with Oneworld Alliance partner American Airlines. Tickets go on sale on February 12, and the flight is expected to last roughly 12 hours. 

To help meet demand between Japan and North America, Japan Airlines is ramping up connectivity to several West Coast hubs throughout the summer: 

• Tokyo Narita (NRT) to San Diego (SAN): Daily from March 30 to October 25
• Osaka (KIX) to Los Angeles (LAX): Daily from July 18 to October 25
• Osaka (KIX) to Honolulu (HNL): Daily from July 18 to October 25
• Nagoya (NGO) to Honolulu (HNL): Daily from July 18 to October 15
• Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Honolulu (HNL): Twice-daily during July

To read more, go here.

In Gallup

Yesterday was somewhat busy.

In the morning, I had the new dishwasher installed. The old one started acting up. It wouldn't run for six days. On the day the new one was to be delivered, the old one started working again. I decided to replace it anyway as it could be a sign it was about to totally fail.

Above, the new dishwasher. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In the afternoon, I took Larry Lucier to his physical therapy session in Gallup. While he was doing that, I headed over for a latte at Gallup Coffee Company in the historic district. After I finished my latte, I headed over to the El Rancho Hotel and relaxed by their big fireplace in the main lobby.

Above, the El Rancho Hotel fireplace. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Once Larry's therapy session was done, we headed to Applebee's for dinner. Their service left much to be desired. 

It was a sunny day, but cold out. The wind made it more uncomfortable. 

The 10 Best Lever-Action Cartridges of All Time

Above, the Winchester .30-30 cartridge
made the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Lever-action rifles have made a big resurgence over the past several years. Sometimes I think people are looking at my blog posts about my Winchester 94 pre-1964 rifle in .30-30 caliber I bought six years ago and decided to jump on my bandwagon. Before buying it, I was on the lookout for one for several years.

It was a good thing I bought mine when I did. The price on them has doubled since.

Field & Stream has posted an article on the 10 best lever-action cartridges of all time.

They begin it with:

There’s no rifle that’s more American than the lever-action. From the Civil War forward, it has represented a pioneering and cowboy spirit, and it is recognized around the globe as an iconic American firearm. Though largely viewed today as an old-timer’s rifle, with limited reach and power, lever guns remain the choice of many discerning hunters who understand the importance of an easy-carrying, fast-handling, fast-shooting rifle.

Since the mid-1800s, there have been dozens of rifle and revolver cartridges chambered for lever-action rifles. Most have come and gone without much fanfare, but a handful changed the game. Some of the oldest, like the nearly 150-year-old .45/70, are still widely used today, while some of the most recent and effective are now all but forgotten.

Here’s a look at the 10 best lever-gun rifle cartridges of all time. We’re not talking about cartridges suitable for drop-box or rotary-magazine lever guns like the Savage 99 and Browning BLR. These are the best cartridges compatible with traditionally styled, tube-fed, lever-action rifles.

To see more, go here. 

NRA-ILA: Trump Inauguration A Sea Change On The Second Amendment

The Trump Administration is now in power. We can all thank our lucky stars for that.

For the Second Amendment, this means a "sea change" in the direction of gun policy.

The NRA-ILA takes a look at what this change means for our gun rights.

They begin with:

Some elections are won and lost on narrow grounds. But on many of the most important issues of the day, Donald Trump’s policies promise not just to be different from, but the opposite of, Joe Biden’s. One such area is the Second Amendment. Joe Biden was the most anti-gun chief executive since Bill Clinton. Donald Trump, meanwhile, believes in the Second Amendment and has promised to take actions that will affirmatively protect and advance the right to keep and bear arms.

Joe Biden set the tone for his administration’s approach to firearms policy by nominating a professional gun control activist, David Chipman, to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The NRA helped defeat Chipman’s appointment, but his successor, Steven Dettelbach, was just as bad on the merits, if not as polarizing a personality.

To read more, go here. 

Trump's Present To Southern California: More Water

As promised, President Trump issued an executive order that would provide Southern California more water.

According to Western Journal:

Among President Donald Trump’s first executive orders issued on Monday was one directing that a plan be implemented to deliver more water from northern California to the central and southern parts of the state.

He argued lack of water was a reason the California wildfires did such damage.

Trump recounted in his Jan. 20 order — titled “Putting People over Fish: Stopping Radical Environmentalism to Provide Water to Southern California” and directed to the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior Departments — “During my first term, the State of California, at the direction of its Governor [Gavin Newsom], filed a lawsuit to stop my Administration from implementing improvements to California’s water infrastructure. My Administration’s plan would have allowed enormous amounts of water to flow from the snow melt and rainwater in rivers in Northern California to beneficial use in the Central Valley and Southern California.”

It has been reported that Trump will pay a visit to the fire stricken areas on Friday.

To read more, go here. 

Curt Swan 1958 Superman Daily Comic Strip

Here's a bit of artwork of the Superman daily comic strip by the great Curt Swan (pencils) and Stan Kaye (inks) from 1958. 

Thanks to Randy Sadewater for posting this on Facebook.

Here's the particulars: 

Jan  27 to Feb 1, 1958.

Strips 5967 to 5972, 1958

Continuing Episode 102: My Secret Romance with Superman

Strips 5877-5978 (October 14, 1957 to February 8, 1958)

Writer - Alvin Schwartz

Pencils - Curt Swan

Inks - Stan Kaye

The byline in the newspapers continued to say Wayne Boring.

Could Your RV Be Your Lifesaver in an Evacuation?

Above, the motorhome at Meteor Crater, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My motorhome was a "lifesaver" (somewhat) when I first moved to New Mexico from California seven years ago.

I lived in it while waited for the movers to bring my belongings for about 12 days. My cat Sierra and I were comfortable during that period, which occasionally saw a few snowstorms come through.

But, if a disaster is impending, an RV could be the lifesaver for families. Thankfully, I have not had to use mine for disaster evacuations.

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

They begin it with:

An RV evacuation plan isn’t exactly what most RVers imagine. It might sound straightforward, but in reality, it’s one of the most fluid and adaptable things you’ll ever need to create.

Think about it: hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, tornadoes in the Midwest, avalanches in the mountain states, nor’easters in New England, wildfires and earthquakes along the West Coast, flash floods and dust storms in the Southwest, and heatwaves in the South. Every region comes with its own challenges, and no two scenarios are ever the same.

And that’s just the beginning. Add in the unpredictability of life—changing routes, local laws, your RV’s size and fuel needs—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So, is an RV evacuation plan even possible? Or is it just filler to make us feel prepared? 

Here’s the truth: an effective RV evacuation plan is less about perfection and more about preparation. Stick with me, and we’ll walk through the steps to turn your RV into a lifeline, no matter what comes your way.

To read more, go here. 

Single Digit Temperatures

Above, Navajo Code Talker statue in Window Rock, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I sure hope it warms up here in Jamestown and Gallup this morning. I have to go see my banker this morning in Gallup

I just took a glance at my two weather apps on my phone and we are down to single digits in temperature and less.

WeatherBug has us (currently) at 1° and the Weather Channel app has us at -8°. A lot of people's pipes are probably bursting if they're not properly insulated. 

WeatherBug has us at at 40% chance of snow showers. Hopefully, that will happen as we need the water here. The National Weather Service says there's a 30% chance of snow showers starting Sunday.

The National Weather Service says it is -11° currently in Gallup. There's an Extreme Cold Warning in effect there.

Here's their forecast for the next several days:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 35. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 8. Wind chill values as low as zero. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 40. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 9. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light northwest after midnight.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 35. Light northwest wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 12.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 51.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Saturday

Partly sunny, with a high near 49.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Sunday

A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 43.

Sunday Night

A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Monday

A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 39.

Biden Pardons 5 Family Members

Shortly before being out of office, His Fraudulency Joe Biden pardoned five family members.

The last-minute pardons raised a lot of eyebrows as they have been suspected to have been involved in Biden family corruption activities.

Yahoo! News reported:

In his last official act before leaving the White House, president Joe Biden issued sweeping preemptive pardons to members of his family who’ve long been the target of attacks from President-elect Donald Trump and his allies and commuted the sentence of a Native American activist who has spent a half-century in prison for the death of an FBI agent.

In a statement released as Biden arrived at the US Capitol for the inauguration of his successor, Biden said he was commuting the life sentence of American Indian Movement activist Leonard Peltier and allowing him to live out the remainder of his sentence in home confinement under Department of Justice supervision.

To read more, go here. 

Trump Back In Oval Office

 He signs more executive orders and talks with press.

Inauguration 2025

It was very cold in Washington, D.C. today. It was also very cold here in Jamestown, New Mexico. It was a perfect day to stay indoors to watch all of the inaugural events and that's what I did.

While doing so, I also made a pot of chili. A perfect meal for blustery days.

The inauguration was not dampened by the cold temperatures. I thought it went off well and President Trump's address to the nation was right on the money. He did not mince words. 

I was pleased to see Rev. Franklin Graham there delivering an invocation. He is a great successor to his father, Rev. Billy Graham.

A highlight for me was seeing my current favorite Country singer, Carrie Underwood, singing "America The Beautiful" and the end of the ceremonies. It seemed that she was originally scheduled to sing just before Vice President J. D. Vance was to be sworn in. Apparently, the schedule was juggled.

I have not been so enthused over an inauguration since President Reagan's 1981 inauguration. It was a joyous day for me and many others.

Some photos taken of the inauguration from my television screen:

As I mentioned, I made a pot of chili today. That should be enough for a few meals (and snacks).

Here I am giving it a taste test:

Inauguration Day

 

Trump and The Village People

 Last night at the Trump Victory Rally.

 

I guess you can consider this to be this week's Classic Rock Music Monday entry. 

Our Long National Nightmare Is Over

 

Trump’s Inauguration Schedule

Above, Trump with the Bidens. Sky News photo.

Donald Trump and J. D. Vance will be inaugurated tomorrow at noon. 

The New York Times has posted a schedule of events over the weekend:

President-elect Donald J. Trump will host a series of events around the nation’s capital for his second presidential inauguration, feting a wide array of donors, supporters and incoming members of his new administration over four days.

To read more, go here. 

One More Day!

 

Royal Caribbean Shares Rules Passengers May Not Know

Above, yours truly enjoying a stogie onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

As one goes through life, they learn that there are rules imposed by society, government and companies. 

This also goes for cruise lines. Some have lots of rules and some are more lenient. It is important to know what a particular cruise line's rules are. 

TheStreet has posted an article on Royal Caribbean's rules on board their ships. 

A friend and I took a cruise to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba with Royal Caribbean. I was able to enjoy my cigars without being hassled by the ship's crew. 

The article on Royal Caribbean begins with:

When you take a vacation, there are a lot of rules you typically need to follow. These are generally there to make sure all guests, including you, are safe and have the opportunity to enjoy their time. 

And if we’re honest, some rules are there to protect the interests of the company you’re paying for your vacation. For example, when you visit Walt Disney World, there are rules that prohibit you from allowing your children to swim in fountains or lakes in the theme parks, and ones that govern how many times you can visit each ride through the Lightning Lane entrance if you buy the service.

Cruising is no exception to this. And some of the rules cruisers have to follow are well-known, especially by people who have taken multiple cruises in the past. For example, you cannot buy liquor or wine while in port, or in the ship’s duty-free shop, and then take it back to your room to consume. And you cannot throw anything off of your balcony into the ocean.

On the other hand, there are some rules that aren’t as well known, especially when it comes to where and when smokers can enjoy a cigarette or cigar on a cruise ship. But there is one important rule that Royal Caribbean makes sure its cruisers know.

To read more, go here. 

Cruise Ship Internet Wi-Fi

Above, keep track on your Wi-Fi minutes when on a cruise.

While on a cruise, many passengers are unaware of the charges using a ship's Wi-Fi can be costly. VERY COSTLY.

During last year's cruise to the Bahamas aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky, I did purchase a limited Wi-Fi plan and kept track on how many minutes I had available. When I wasn't using it, I put my phone on Airplane Mode so that sneaky charges wouldn't surprise me when the cruise was over and got a bill for them.

The Points Guy has an article on the ins and outs of cruise ship Wi-Fi usage.

They begin it with:

I have good news for those of you who assume the only way to stay in touch with home from a cruise ship is via a message in a bottle: Cruise ships come equipped with internet, and cruise Wi-Fi connections have been getting faster at a rapid rate — and cheaper, too.

While checking emails and surfing the web on some vessels still requires the patience of Job, onboard technological improvements on many ships combined with new satellite and direct ship-to-shore systems is making cruise internet access much more like what you find on land.

If you're a first-time cruiser, you're likely most concerned with the basics: Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi and how much does Wi-Fi cost on a cruise? Repeat cruisers who have paid the price for finicky service may be wondering the best way to access fast connection speeds across their devices while avoiding unnecessary charges.

I can guide you through the ins and outs of Wi-Fi on cruise ships. Here are five things to know about onboard internet before you set sail.

To read the full article, go here. 

California May Back Off Plan To Ban Motorhome Sales

It looks like the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is backpedaling on their proposed emissions regulations that could ban motorhomes in the state.

This is a step in the right direction, but there is still uncertainty.

RV Travel reported:

Early this week, California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) withdrew its request to move forward with regulations that could force a total ban on big diesel trucks in 2036. CARB had asked the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant them authority for the ban under its Advanced Clean Fleets program, which would’ve required truckers to buy zero-emissions trucks. CARB’s backpedaling could have implications for the so-called California motorhome ban. The CARB reversal is big news. But it’s too early for the RV industry to rejoice—the devil is in the details.

CARB reversal—”Uncertainty presented by the incoming administration”

The move, which surprised many industry insiders, comes just days before the inauguration of Donald Trump as president. Trump has vowed to roll back California’s air pollution rulings somehow, and the message got through to CARB. Yesterday, CARB’s Chair Liane Randolph said this in a statement: “Withdrawal is an important step given the uncertainty presented by the incoming administration that previously attacked California’s programs to protect public health and the climate and has said will continue to oppose those programs.”

While it will make a difference, the battle involving RVs in California—and other states that follow its lead—is far from over.  

To read more, go here. 

Preparing For The Arctic Front

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

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

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

This Afternoon

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

Tonight

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

Saturday

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

Saturday Night

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

Sunday

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

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 8.

M.L.King Day

Mostly sunny, with a high near 33.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 2.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9.

Wednesday

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

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 11.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 38.

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

Japan Visitors and Spending Hit Records In 2024

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

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

 Kyodo News reported:

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

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

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

To read more, go here. 

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

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

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

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

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

RV Travel reported:

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

To read more, go here. 

Old Dishwasher Went Kaput

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

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

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

The old dishwasher:

Yosemite Is One of the Deadliest National Parks

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

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

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

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

They begin with:

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

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

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

Of those fatal incidents, 42 were related to falling.

To read more, go here.

AG Nominee Pam Bondi and the 2nd Amendment

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

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

The article begins with:

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

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

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

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

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

To read more, go here. 

Royal Caribbean and Carnival: Which Is Better?

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

To date, I have only been on three cruises.

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

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

They begin with:

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

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

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

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

 A real class act. Not!

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

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

The Lever-Action Rifles Are Back and Better Than Ever

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

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

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

This is a slideshow article. It begins with:

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

To see the slideshow, go here.