Reality of Cruises At Night

Above, the moon over the cruise ship to Havana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's an interesting article on cruise ships.

To begin with, I am an early riser. Being so, I usually go to bed early, maybe anywhere between 8:00 to 9:00. 

Most often during cruises, I'll get up around 4:00 in the morning and head on down to a snack bar and grab a cup of coffee and, if available, a small box of cereal to munch on and take my medications (several require taking with food). In my experience, the seas, when I have gotten up, are relatively calm. But, there are instances where staying indoors on a cruise ship at night is the most prudent thing to do.

LADbible posted:

Thinking about a holiday on a cruise ship soon? It's a great chance to sample the unique experience of traveling the world on water, and enjoying some well earned relaxation time on deck.

Yeah, that sounds incredible, but, one cruise line regular has explained why it's not all rainbows and unicorns on cruise ships.

I know what you're thinking - it's a cruise ship, in the middle of the ocean at night, they're just going to say it's really, really dark. Sorry to disappoint, but that's not the only thing to worry about.

According to this frequent cruiser, one of the biggest concerns around cruises at night is just how rough the ocean can get. Uploading a video to TikTok, he gives us a glimpse of just how rough the sea can get at night, and the dangers that could bring to anyone up on the deck.

 To read more and, see a video, go here.

Prepaying Gratuities In Advance: 3 Reasons Why

Above, yes, one should tip their cruise dining room team Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One expense that first-time passengers on cruises are surprised about are gratuities (or tips).

The stewards and others rely on gratuities as do waiters on land for their incomes. (I wonder if President Trump's "no tax on tips" apply to cruise gratuities for American cruise staff). 

Some are shocked at the end of cruises when tips are usually left for one's cabin steward. Some feel that it's easier to pay gratuities in advance. 

Cruise Blog has posted an article on paying gratuities in advance. They also post the gratuity amounts for different cruise lines.

They begin with:

When booking a cruise, you must decide whether you want to prepay gratuities or wait until you are onboard. 

Gratuities, or tips, are service charges that go toward the crew members, including your cabin steward, dining room team, and more — and how you pay them can make a big difference in your cruise experience. 

Within the past two years, I've taken over 15 cruises and prepaid my gratuities for every single voyage. Not only does it help me budget for each sailing, but it helps me avoid uncomfortable surprises at the end of the cruise. 

Far too often do I hear about cruisers who didn't know that cruise lines will automatically bill their onboard account for the daily recommended gratuity rate, resulting in a high onboard statement. 

While budgeting is a major reason I think everyone should prepay their tips, there are other reasons why smart cruisers settle their gratuities before boarding their cruise. 

To read more, go here. 

Preventing Sunburn When RV Camping This Summer

Above, wearing my outback hat in Cool Springs, Arizona while camping.

One item in the motorhome's bathroom cabinet is sunblock cream. Since I tend to camp in higher elevations where the atmosphere is thinner and in the desert, I always have it handy when needed.

Also, I have small bottles of sunblock cream, courtesy of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's "Block the Blaze" campaign. 

Since I live at 7,000 feet above sea level, I also wear hats most of the time, especially cowboy style or outback hats. Baseball caps don't shade the back of one's neck from the sun.

RV Life has posted some handy tips on preventing sunburn while RV camping this summer.

They begin with:

Summer is the season for camping, road-tripping, beach vacations, and all kinds of sunny-day activities. But at the end of the day, you might find yourself turning red from a nasty sunburn. We usually don’t feel these burns in the moment, so we may not realize how bad it is until it’s too late. That’s why every RVer needs to know how to prevent sunburn.

Sunburns are not only painful, they can also be quite dangerous. Many types of skin cancer can be linked to sunburns and UV radiation. So preventing these burns is good for your short-term comfort … and long-term health. Don’t be fooled into thinking a little burn can’t hurt you.

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to protect your skin. With just a bit of forethought, you can avoid almost every issue. Follow along with the tips below if you want to know how to prevent sunburn this summer.

To read more, go here. 

Silver Price Hits $50 In Canada

Above, silver 2022 Canadian Maple Leaf coins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Silver has touched on $50/toz. But this is in Canada. Is the U.S. next?

Inside Halton posted that the metal price may be what people need to begin selling.

They begin with:

If you have old coins or junky silver jewelry hanging around the house, now might be a good time to sell.

While it hasn’t garnered the same attention as gold, silver prices have also skyrocketed recently, briefly touching the $50-per-ounce mark in Canadian dollars earlier this week, according to silverprice.org.

The silver price has more than doubled over the past five years. 

According to David Erfle, founder and editor of Juniorminerjunky.com, silver could be set for a breakout. While sellers may wish to cash in now, the white metal could still have some additional upside for anyone waiting for a further bull run.

To read more, go here.

June 16, 1959: 66 Years Ago

Today in history from Yellow Advertiser:

1959: TV’s Superman George Reeves dies from a gunshot to the head aged 45. The coroner rules it as suicide but mystery remains over the complete absence of fingerprints on the gun or gunpowder residue on the body. Theories include a mafia hit or murder by Reeves’ fiancee.

This has to be one of Hollywood's most perplexing mysteries. Was Reeves's death really a suicide? An accident? Ot murder? 

Above, George Reeves's home in Benedict Canyon in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was 66 years ago today that Reeves died from a gunshot wound to the head in his Benedict Canyon home. Books and a movie (Hollywoodland in 2006) have covered the story. 

Fan Brad Shey puts it this way:

June 16, 2025, the 66th anniversary of George Reeves' untimely passing. A day to remember not how he died, but to celebrate his life. Super hero, role model and father figure, his wink and smile created a bond with his fans. His legacy continues to create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

 

Above, George Reeves with his rifle collection about 72 hours before his death. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

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

I would be remiss in not posting Brian Wilson's most complex song composition for Classic Rock Music Monday after he passed away last week at age 82 even though I spotlighted the Beach Boys previously. Therefore, here is "Good Vibrations" that was released in Pet Sounds in 1966.

From Wikipedia:

The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine. Distinguished by their vocal harmonies, adolescent-oriented lyrics, and musical ingenuity, they are one of the most influential acts of the rock era. The group drew on the music of older pop vocal groups, 1950s rock and roll, and black R&B to create their unique sound. Under Brian's direction, they often incorporated classical or jazz elements and unconventional recording techniques in innovative ways.

The Beach Boys formed as a garage band centered on Brian's songwriting and managed by the Wilsons' father, Murry. Jardine was briefly replaced by David Marks during 1962–1963. In 1963, they enjoyed their first national hit with "Surfin' U.S.A.", beginning a string of top-ten singles that reflected a southern California youth culture of surfing, cars, and romance, dubbed the "California sound". They were one of the few American rock bands to sustain their commercial standing during the British Invasion. At the end of 1964, Brian stopped touring with the group to focus more on his songwriting and production duties. Bruce Johnston replaced Brian on tours and eventually became a full member. Starting with 1965's The Beach Boys Today!, they abandoned beachgoing themes for more personal lyrics and ambitious orchestrations. In 1966, the Pet Sounds album and "Good Vibrations" single raised the group's prestige as rock innovators; both are now widely considered to be among the greatest and most influential works in popular music history.

100° Outside!

After enduring months of cold weather (even into spring), we finally have summer-like temperaturres!

 I may barbecue a Porterhouse steak I bought this morning.

2025 Gallup Lions Club Rodeo

Rodeo season has opened in Gallup, New Mexico. I attended the rodeo last evening at Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena. It is the 75th year Diamond Jubilee rodeo.

As I've mentioned several times, this is my favorite time of the year in New Mexico. The rodeo last night also included a dance and fireworks. I didn't stay for them. But I did enjoy several events that took place.

The rodeo started at 7:00 last night. 

Rodeo season here continues next weekend when the Best of the Best Rodeo featuring contestants from junior high and high schools takes place at the same venue.

Naturally, I took many pictures. 

Here's some of them:

Foreign Tourists Outnumber Japanese Ones In Kyoto Hotels In 2024

Above, Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion in Kyoto in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last time I was in Kyoto, Japan was in October 2015. It was during a day trip to see places like Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu-dera,

We stayed in nearby Osaka during this trek. 

SoraNews24 reported that Kyoto hotels has seen more foreign tourists than Japanese ones in 2024.

They wrote:

Japan’s former capital experiences a historic first as inbound travel boom continues and Japanese travelers avoid staying in the city.

Recently, with Japan experiencing a surge in inbound international travelers, it’s not unusual to hear locals remark “These days, it feels like there are more foreign tourists in [sightseeing place] than Japanese people!” Oftentimes this is an exaggeration, but in the case of hotels in Kyoto, it’s the statistical truth.

The Kyoto municipal government recently released its tourism-related numbers for 2024, reporting that during the year 8.21 million foreign travelers stayed in hotels within Kyoto City. That’s the largest number ever, and a 53.2-percent increase from the previous year. It’s also the first time in history for more foreign travelers than Japanese ones to stay in Kyoto hotels, which received 8.09 million Japanese guests in 2024.

To read more, go here. 

MSN: Why I Still Shoot .30-30 In 2025

Above, .30-30 Winchester cartridges. The Hornady LEVERevolution is at left. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last Wednesday, three of us went out target shooting at the shooting area near our community. I started with my Winchester 62A .22 pump rifle I inherited from my grandfather.

After that, I did some shooting with my Winchester 94. I took the opportunity to try out the Hornady LEVERevolution .30-30 flex tipped ammo for the first time. No problems or issues occurred.

MSN posted a slideshow article by JoshC on "Why I Still Shoot .30-30 In 2025".

It starts out with:

Some folks say the .30-30 Winchester is outdated—like it should’ve been retired with grandpa’s flannel. But I still keep one in the safe, and honestly, it sees more use than a lot of my “modern” rifles. It may not check every spec-sheet box, but it flat-out works. Whether I’m hunting, hiking, or just messing around on the range, there are a few solid reasons the .30-30 hasn’t lost its spot in my lineup.

To view the slideshow article, go here. 

History of the Winchester Model 94!

New video from Hunt Shoot Live: 

History of the Winchester Model 94!

Seven (7) Million Views!

The ol' Rancho hobby blog has now reached a new milestone.

It has reached 7 million page views! It didn't seem that long ago that it reached six million page views.

Apparently, I am doing something right since it is drawing so many page views.

The header at top has been updated.

Rodeo Season Starts Today

Rodeo season is kicking off with this weekend's Lions Club Rodeo at Red Rock Park. 

Next weekend, the Best of the Best Rodeo, also at Red Rock Park, will be taking place.

From Rodeoticket:

Join us in Gallup, New Mexico at Red Rock Park from Wednesday, June 21, through Saturday, June 24, 2023, as America’s top junior high and high school rodeo athletes compete for big cash payouts and prizes. The Best of the Best Timed Event Rodeo offers eight timed events, including barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, team roping, and steer wrestling. In addition, there will be a special parent-contestant team roping and ribbon roping competition.

The contestants are from junior high and high schools. Don't let that dissuade you from attending. They put on a great show!

This is the time of the year that I really enjoy living in New Mexico.

For more information, go here. 

All Yosemite Campgrounds Opening Beginning This Month

Above, The Beast at Yosemite's North Pines Campground in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yosemite National Park has announced that all 13 campgrounds within the park will be open for the first time since 2019.

According to the National Park Service:

Yosemite National Park will open all 13 park campgrounds this summer, marking the first time since 2019 that all campgrounds have been open. These additional openings will add approximately 500 campsites available to the public for enjoying the park.

"We're very excited to have these campgrounds open to the public as we enter the busy summer season," said Acting Yosemite National Park Superintendent Ray McPadden. "Camping in this park is truly a magical experience, and we want to provide the opportunity for as many visitors as possible."

To read more, go here. 

Removal of Sen. Alex Padilla Videos

 Sen. Alex Padilla was removed from a press conference held by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem:

Here is the full video.

You can see that the security pounces on Padilla as he attempted to interrupt Noem with a question. That's why they pounced on him.

Also in the video: Padilla quickly calms after the initial contact. The security continues pushing him back as he tells… pic.twitter.com/cj9LrK3QnI

— Rachel Bitecofer 🗽🦆 (@RachelBitecofer) June 12, 2025

After he interrupted our press conference with law enforcement, I met with Senator Padilla for 15 minutes. We probably disagree on 90% of the topics but we agreed to exchanged phone numbers and we will continue to talk—that is the way it should be in this country.

I wish he… pic.twitter.com/WdDs26jyCY

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) June 12, 2025

Norwegian Sky News

Above, the Norwegian Sky docked in Nassau, Bahamas last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There is more news on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky, the ship Mitch Geriminsky and I cruised to the Bahamas last summer.

The ship is in Europe and will remain with Norwegian's fleet until next year.

According to Cruise Industry News:

The Norwegian Sky returned to Europe earlier this month to kick off its first summer deployment in the region.

After offering itineraries in Asia and the Indian Ocean during the 2024-25 winter, the Norwegian Cruise Line ship recently completed a repositioning voyage in Barcelona, Spain.

The 21-day cruise sailed from Cape Town, South Africa, in mid-May and included visits to a wide range of destinations in Africa and the Atlantic.

Before arriving in Europe, the 1999-built ship sailed to ports in Namibia, Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe Ivory Coast, and Senegal.

According to the article, the future for the ship is as follows:

After being acquired by Cordelia Cruises earlier this year, the Sky will leave Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet in September 2026.

Following a refurbishment in the Middle East, the ship is set to join the former Empress of the Seas for a series of cruises from India.

Renamed Cordelia Sky, the 2,000-guest vessel offers two- to five-night cruises from Mumbai, Goa and Chennai during its maiden season.

In 2027, the ship’s schedule also includes longer cruises to Southeast Asia that sail to and from Singapore.

To read the full article, go here. 

Tried Out The Hornady LEVERevolution .30-30 Ammo

Above, the box of Hornady LEVERevolution ammo is at top. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One thing I wanted to accomplish during yesterday target shooting was to try out some rounds of the Hornady LEVERevolution.30-30 soft points. I bought a box last year.

I started with normal "flat-nosed" .30-30 cartridges, then I tried out three of the soft points. I noticed no difference in the handling or performance of the cartridges. They worked just fine in my 1962 Winchester 94. Loading the rifle with them was no problem either.

I decided to just try out three of the cartridges since they are a little on the expensive side. I did more shooting with the inexpensive .22 ammo in my Winchester 62A. 

Gun Cleaning

Above, the Winchester 62A before disassembly. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I've said before, I love the smell of Hoppe's No. 9 in the morning.

A while ago, I cleaned the rifles used during yesterday's plinking. I limited myself to shooting the Winchester 62A .22 and the Winchester 94 .30-30. 

Above, the Winchester 62A after disassembly. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I got both cleaned and oiled this morning. I took apart the Winchester 92A as a couple of patches got stuck inside the receiver. It was easy to take apart and put back together. After taking out the patches, I did a thorough cleaning inside. It probably hadn't been taken apart and cleaned this extensively since my grandfather had it. 

Above, the Winchester 94 before cleaning. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Now both rifles are ready to shoot again.

Hot Target Shooting

Above, Larry Lucier taking aim with his .22 Henry lever rifle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday's shooting session at the shooting area of the Cibola National Forest could have gone better.

The target shooting went fine, but it was very hot outside. It must've been in the upper 80s or the low 90s out.

Three of us did our plinking: Victor Gomez, Larry Lucier and myself. I started with my Winchester 62A .22 and finished up with the Winchester 94. 

Above, the targets. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I liked the new targets, especially the ones designed for rimfire rifles. I also like the much bigger centerfire target. 

We wrapped up or shooting about an hour or so after arriving due to the heat. We then went to Denny's at the Flying J for some chocolate milkshakes and water to cool off. 

It may be better to go shooting earlier in the morning or late afternoon where there is less heat.

I will be gun cleaning today.

Brian Wilson, R.I.P.

Updated 6/12/25

The world of popular music is in mourning today.

Brian Wilson, the co-founder of the Beach Boys passed away today. He was 82. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

For those of us who attended Hawthorne High School, the Beach Boys were a major part of our lives and were considered part of the school's extended family. Brian graduated in 1960 (I graduated in 1972). In 1969, the Beach Boys performed at the Senior Prom. Brian was our school's most famous alumnus. A few years ago, the school changed his "F" grade in music to an "A" with an apology.

I attended the Beach Boys New Year's Eve concert in 1980 at the Forum. Brian was there playing piano. Interestingly, the Beach Boys were introduced by none other than Priscilla Presley.

About 13 years ago, while in-between insurance claims jobs, I worked as a security patrol officer at the gated community where Brian and his family lived. I never saw him but I did meet Christina Aguilera and Shakira's husband (she was sound asleep next to him in their car). 

Later, I sent him a copy of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan as a thank-you for all of the years of great music he provided. I inscribed the book thanking him.

Brian Wilson had a tortured life due to mental issues. But once he was correctly diagnosed, he was able to reach new heights in music. The 2014 movie, Love & Mercy details how he was taken advantage of by Eugene Landy, a quack psychologist and how he met his wife Melinda Ledbetter. She passed away last year. Brian considered her to be his savior.

Brian Wilson left a music legacy that will live through the ages. He is now reunited with his brothers Dennis and Carl and his wife Melinda.

R.I.P. Brian. 

Late Campground Check-In Times

Above, last April at the KOA Kampground in Flagstaff. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After RV camping over several years, I wondered why some campground have such late check-in times.

Naturally, campground/RV park operators have to make sure people have checked out of a campsite and it is left in a presentable state. 

Generally, my driving days usually end around 2:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon (I am an early riser and like to get on the road before sunrise), so late check-in times have not been an issue. I have also checked into campgrounds earlier than the posted check-in time with no problem.  

This is a topic of a Letter To The Editor at RV Travel.

They begin with:

We received this letter from Laura G. last week, and we think many of you can relate. How many times have you arrived at a campground early, only to find that you can’t park until your check-in time? How many times have you “killed time” to get to that hour of the day when you can check in?

Read on, and then please leave a comment for Laura.

To read more, go here. 

Elvis Presley Hated His Hit Song "Burning Love"

It was in late 1972 that Elvis Presley released "Burning Love" as a single.

A few months later, he performed it during his Aloha From Hawaii television special. It is interesting to note that during the rehearsal concert the night before the Aloha special, he forgot some of the lyrics. But he performed it during the actual television special the next night perfectly.

Still, he severely disliked it. 

Collider posted an article on Presley's disdain for the song.

They begin it with:

Elvis Presley is undoubtedly the King of rock 'n' roll. His music, a mash-up of country, gospel, and rhythm and blues, not only revolutionized the 1950s and beyond, but his distinct voice, electric dance moves, and magnetic persona did too. Beyond his influence on music, his talent graced the big and small screen, and he defined what it meant to be a triple threat. Today, his legacy is synonymous with the word' icon.' During his lifetime, few could outmatch his talent. Unsurprisingly, the music legend also possessed an innate ability and passion for music and wasn't shy about voicing his opinions on various songs, including his own. One of his biggest hit singles, "Burning Love", was also the track he hated the most.

To find out why, go here. 

Plinkin' Day

Above, the stuff I am bringing to the shooting area today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today will be the first plinking day of the year.

The weather has been warm and sunny (we have been getting some occasional rain squalls here and there). Hopefully, the ground at the shooting area will not be muddy.

I am going to use my new targets. One set is for centerfire guns. I will be shooting the Winchester 94 with .30-30 cartridges for that target. The other, for rimfire guns will be tried out with the Winchester 62A .22 rounds. 

I have already put my table and seat in the Mustang, so all I have to do is load up the guns and targets.

Gov. Newsom Lied Again

 So, what else is new?

NEW: California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) LIED and said President Trump never called him. Trump contacted Fox News host John Roberts and provided the call logs proving he spoke with Newsom for 16 minutes on Saturday.

John Roberts: “Well, President Trump contacted me from Air Force 1… pic.twitter.com/BYcr5e8TWk

— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) June 10, 2025

Fired Up The Swamp Cooler

Above, the swamp cooler vent in the den. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the outside temperature has climbed into the 80s, I got the swamp cooler connections set-up and then started it.

So far, it is working just fine. It hadn't been used since last July.

Here's Sierra enjoying the cooling in the den:

 

Travel Ban of 12 Countries Took Effect

Above, yours truly in Havana Port, Cuba in 2019. Cuba is under partial restrictions.

Yesterday, the travel ban imposed by President Trump went into effect.

Several countries are under a total ban while others are under partial restrictions. 

According to the BBC:

President Donald Trump's sweeping new travel ban which bars citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States came into effect at 00:00 ET (05:00 BST) on Monday.

The order, which Trump signed last week, restricts the nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the US.

Nationals from a further seven countries - Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela - will face partial travel restrictions.

The US president said the list could be revised if "material improvements" were made, while other countries could be added as "threats emerge around the world".

Above, Havana's Plaza de la Revolución in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean: Which Is Better?

Above, yours truly on the cruise to Havana, Cuba in 2019. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

TheTravel has posted an article comparing Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. They ask, "Which is better?"

Personally, I have cruised once with Royal Caribbean and never on Carnival. I enjoyed the Royal Caribbean cruise to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba in April 2019. I have no complaints.

The article begins with:

With so many cruise lines to choose from, finding the right one can feel overwhelming—especially for first-time cruisers. Two of the most popular options, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, often come up in the conversation. Carnival recently surpassed Royal Caribbean in total number of ships, but more doesn’t always mean better. So, which cruise line truly delivers the better experience?

Both cater to a wide range of travelers, from families with young kids to couples and retirees, and each offers a packed schedule of activities across dozens of ships. In 2025, both lines are also making bold moves with their private island offerings—Carnival is launching Celebration Key in the Bahamas, while Royal Caribbean expects to bring 3.5 million guests to its popular Perfect Day at CocoCay.

In this article, we’ll compare Royal Caribbean and Carnival side-by-side, exploring their differences, similarities, and what makes each a favorite among millions of cruisers every year.

To read the full article, go here. 

James Woods Calls Out Pocahontas

 

Wrong again, dear liar. Under a provision of Title 10 in the Code of Armed Services, the president may direct the National Guard to protect federal employees and property from a rebellion or the danger of an impending rebellion. pic.twitter.com/ylK9nmVsHH

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) June 8, 2025