13 Million Page Views!

Well, overnight, this blog has tallied over 13 million page views. 

It seems like only yesterday (actually, only a month ago) that the blog reached 12 million page views. 

Thanks to all who made this happen! 

Accordingly, I have updated the header. 

"Winchester: 160 Years In the Making" Exhibit

Above, the exhibit. Facebook image by the Cody Firearms Museum.

Last summer, Mitch Geriminsky and I visited the Cody Firearms Museum in Cody, Wyoming. 

Actually, I visited it twice. I visited it a second time two days after the first.

They have a new temporary exhibit in Winchester firearms.

According to their Facebook post:

The Cody Firearms Museum is pleased to present our newest temporary exhibit, "Winchester: 160 Years in the Making." This display is in collaboration with the Ars Mechanica Foundation of the FN Browning Group and features 60 Winchester firearms arranged in chronological order, encompassing 160 years of Winchester's history. 

The Cody Firearms Museum is housed in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and is well worth a visit.

For more information on the museum, go here. 

SCOTUS Sides With Marijuana Users On Gun Rights

Potheads can retain their Second Amendment rights according to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled yesterday that marijuana users can keep their Second Amendment rights. I always thought that law was stupid. Obviously, the Supreme Court agrees.

According to The Hill:

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled Thursday the government can’t criminally prosecute a man for possessing a firearm simply because he regularly smoked marijuana, rejecting the government’s comparison to the disarmament habitual drunkards in the founding era.

Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that it violates his right to keep arms under the conservative justices’ expanded Second Amendment test. It requires gun control measures be consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.

To read more, go here. 

Six Mile Canyon Evening Drive

Above, the Jeep at the corral. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening after dinner, I got tired of watching television, so I decided to take a little drive in the Jeep.

I headed over to Six Mile Canyon of the Cibola National Forest. It was still warm and there was some sunlight even though it was cloudy out. 

I first stopped at the old corral at the entrance to Six Mile Canyon and took some photos. Then I headed into the canyon. There was one other vehicle in the canyon (it was a side-by-side) but it was heading out.

So far, I haven't seen any cattle in the canyon this year, but they are probably in another section of it. 

After a drive of a few miles, I turned around so that I can head back home. 

I noticed that gasoline at the Flying J went up in price. It was $3.59 the other day for unleaded regular. It it at $3.79 today. I thought prices would be coming down now that the Iran war has ended. I guess the oil companies haven't gotten the memo.

Some photos:

 

The Winchester Gun Factory: The Gun That Won the West

The Winchester Gun Factory: The Gun That Won the West video by Grand Factory.

Summary:

For decades, the Winchester factory produced the rifles that became symbols of the American frontier. From cowboys and buffalo hunters to lawmen, settlers, and soldiers, Winchester firearms helped shape the expansion of the United States.

In this video, we explore the incredible story behind the Winchester factory — how a struggling company transformed into one of the most famous firearms manufacturers in history and created rifles that earned the nickname “The Gun That Won the West.”

Discover the rise of Winchester, the innovations that changed firearm design forever, the legendary lever-action rifles, and the massive industrial complex that supplied America and the world for generations.

This is the story of the factory, the people who built it, and the weapon that became an icon of the American frontier.

15 of the Most Valuable Historic Firearms In Existence

Above, a Colt Python revolver in .357 Magnum. Photo by Coati077.

For many gun collectors, today's polymer firearms doesn't excite them much, if at all. But what does excite them is coming across true classic firearms of yesteryear. 

AOL (of all places) post an article on fifteen of the most valuable historic firearms in existence.

They start it off with:

With firearms playing such a major role in world history, it is not surprising that many older guns have become prized collectibles. Some collectors are drawn to comic books, vintage toys, or rare cars, while others focus on weapons that changed military, sporting, or manufacturing history. The most valuable examples are often more than just working firearms. They are artifacts tied to famous inventors, major conflicts, limited production runs, or turning points in gun design. For collectors, condition, provenance, rarity, and historical importance can turn a pistol or rifle into something worth far more than its original purpose.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaiian Airlines Cuts Free Meals For Economy Passengers July 1

Above, an Ellison Onizuka Kona Airport boarding gate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There was a time when air travel was a joy. Included were friendly first class service, even in Economy. Free meals (well, they were a part of the flight ticket). 

Since then, airlines treat their passengers like cattle and impose charges for any food items above the crappy crackers, cookies and drinks they hand out.

Hawaiian Airlines has joined the list of airlines doing away with free meals to Economy passengers. 

The Travel reported:

Hawaiian Airlines has announced a complete overhaul of its in-flight dining options, and with it comes the end of free in-flight meal service on most transpacific flights connecting the United States mainland to Hawaii. This is the next step in a series of integrations and changes since the airline was acquired by Alaska Airlines that has included revamping its loyalty program and implementing controversial new dress code rules for employees.

Though the new in-flight meals were designed by a James Beard Award finalist and offer far more options than the previous complimentary menu, many customers only see the change as just another cash grab. Initial reactions online are mixed, though we won’t get the full review of the new menu until after it goes into effect July 1.

To read more, go here. 

U.S. Citizens Warned of Bahamas "Rogue" Jet Ski Vendors

Above, yours truly jet skiing at Great Stirrup Cay in 2024.

Two years ago, a friend and I rode jet skis at Great Stirrup Cay, an island owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line.

Our activity on the jet skis went without incident and we had a good time. 

Unfortunately, others haven't had good experiences with jet ski operators as reports of injuries, deaths and sexual assaults. Many of the operators involved are rogue vendors who are unlicensed and uninsured.

According to Fox 11 News:

Americans are being urged to steer clear of jet ski rentals in the Bahamas as U.S. officials warn of sketchy operators linked to deaths, injuries and reported sexual assaults.

In a Monday statement, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas said that "rogue operators" are soliciting tourists on Nassau's most popular beaches, including Cabbage Beach, Junkanoo Beach and Saunders Beach.

The rogue operators are often "unlicensed, uninsured, and operating unsafe watercraft," the embassy said — and officials noted that law enforcement oversight is "sporadic at best."

 To read more, go here.

8 Reasons The Winchester 94 Stands The Test of Time

Above, some Winchester 94 rifles on display at the Cody Firearms Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Regular readers of this blog know that I am a huge fan of the Winchester 94 (or Winchester 1894) that was invented by John Moses Browning.

To date, over 7.5 million Winchester 94 rifles have been produced and it is still going strong. It is currently made in Japan by the Miroku Company and the word is that they are of high quality.

MSN posted a slideshow article of eight reasons why the Model 94 stands the test of time.

They begin it with:

The Winchester Model 94, designed by John Browning in 1894, was the first commercial American sporting rifle built for smokeless powder cartridges, featuring strong nickel-steel barrels and a robust action. Its light weight, fast handling, and balanced performance made it a favorite for hunters, while its cultural impact, high production numbers, and collectible variations cemented its legacy. From iconic .30-30 chamberings to rare pre-1933 carbines and commemorative editions, the Model 94 remains both a practical field rifle and a valued historical artifact.

To read more, go here. 

RVers In Their 70s Are Changing How They Travel

Above, yours truly in Deadwood, South Dakota last summer. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Now that I am a septuagenarian (a person who is between the ages of 70 and 79 years old), the following article caught my attention.

It is on RVers who are in their 70s are still traveling (not slowing down), but changing how they travel. I have changed how I travel in my RV in recent years. 

RV Travel posted the article on this subject yesterday and it begins with:

Spend time in RV parks, snowbird destinations, or popular retirement travel areas and you’ll find plenty of RVers in their 70s who are still traveling extensively. For many, the biggest change isn’t whether they travel, but how they travel.

That’s not exactly news. RV travel has long been popular with retirees.

What’s more interesting is how many RVers in their 70s are continuing to travel—and how many are changing the way they do it.

For some, that means fewer 400-mile driving days. For others, it means staying a week or a month instead of moving every few days. Many are choosing comfort over mileage and experiences over trying to check destinations off a list.

They’re still traveling. They’re just doing it differently.

To read the full article, go here. 

John Moses Browning: Father of Modern Firearms

 Above, John Moses Browning (left) inspecting a Browning Automatic
Rifle (BAR) at the Winchester Repeating Arms Company factory, c. 1918.

I stumbled across a biography of gun inventor John Moses Browning. 

He is described as the father of modern firearms. That's a bit of an understatement as he invented many firearms.

The biography by Eugene Nielsen is posted at Spotter Up. 

This year marks the centenary of the passing of Browning.

To read the biography, go here.

Curt Swan Death 30th Anniversary

Curt Swan, the artist who produced the definitive Superman for over 30 years, died on this date in 1996. Today marks 30 years since his passing. He was my favorite comic book artist.

I first discovered his passing while perusing a comic book at a convenience store. In it, a house ad announced his passing.

Above, many faces of Superman artist guide by Curt Swan.

The actual death date is somewhat questionable as he was found dead at home surrounded by comic books. He had been dead for some time. Some placed his death as June 16 (this is interesting as Superman actor George Reeves died on June 16, 1959) while others place it on June 17.

According to a Wikipedia footnore:

 Curt Swan, Social Security Death Index details, FamilySearch gives June 17, 1996, as the date of death, and was verified by a family member; verification date can be the same as the death date, or one or more days afterward.

As Swan's family recognizes June 17, 1996, I will do so as well (although I have it at June 16 in Find a Grave based on information at the time).  

I am lucky to have a page of original Curt Swan Superman art (inked by Murphy Anderson). I bought in the early 2000s at a reasonable price. 

MSN: 9 Signs You Picked the Wrong Cruise Line

Above, the pool deck of a Bahamas-bound cruise ship. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is funny that many cruise lines are adding humongous cruise ships to their fleets what can carry 5,000 people or more. Some have capacities of 7,600. The reason that is funny (not in a good way) is one of the most frequent voiced complaints about cruise lines is overcrowding.

Taking a cruise is not my favorite mode of travel. I've only been on three cruises. The first was to Alaska. The second was to Cuba. The third was to the Bahamas. Each one were taken on ships that were older and had passenger capacities of under 3,000. I did not feel overcrowded in any of them.

Being stuck on a ship with hordes of people in close quarters makes those ships floating petri dishes with germs passed around by passengers. I caught a bug on two of three cruises I took. 

MSN posted a slideshow article on 9 signs you picked the wrong cruise line. 

They begin it with:

Several major cruise lines have faced passenger dissatisfaction due to overcrowding, aging ships, and inconsistent service. Common complaints include safety concerns, added fees for dining and room service, and underwhelming shore excursions. Travelers also report that certain cabin upgrades and cruise-booked activities may not provide good value for the extra cost.

To read more, go here. 

13 Unforgettable RV Road Trips Across America

Above, Lower Yellowstone Falls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The United States is so diverse in its geography and regions that road trips give travelers a variety of views unmatched. RVers know this fact quite well.

MSN posted a slideshow article on 13 unforgettable RV road trips across America.

They start it with:

From coastal highways and mountain byways to remote deserts and national parks, this set of destinations highlights some of the most scenic and unique RV travel routes in the United States. Stops include iconic drives like the Pacific Coast Highway and Route 66, natural wonders such as Yellowstone, Big Bend, and the Utah Mighty 5, and quirky roadside attractions from giant statues to novelty architecture. Each location offers opportunities for camping, exploration, and experiencing the diverse landscapes and cultures found along America’s roads.

To read more, go here. 

What .30-30 Hunters Were Told Wrong Since the 1960s

What .30-30 Hunters Were Told Wrong Since the 1960s video by Arms Archives.

Summary:

In 1895, Winchester built a cartridge for a specific American landscape. One hundred and thirty years later, it's still in the top ten. This is not a coincidence. This is a terrain argument — and the terrain hasn't moved.

The prosecution gets its say. So does the .30-30.

George Reeves Death 67th Anniversary

Above, the home in Benedict Canyon where George Reeves died. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today is the 67th anniversary of the death of the original television Superman, George Reeves in his bedroom in Benedict Canyon. 

Fans of the 1950s Adventures of Superman are familiar with the different theories of Reeves's death. The theories are suicide, murder and accident. Those theories were presented in the feature film, Hollywoodland (2006). I'll leave it to the viewer on which one to believe.

Above, Hollywoodland screenwriter Paul Bernbaum and yours truly in 2014.

Hollywoodland is a fictionalized account of the last days of George Reeves and the aftermath of his death. It was written by Paul Bernbaum and stars Ben Affleck as George Reeves. It is a film worth viewing. 

Above, George Reeves as Superman.

Justin Root posted two videos on the "Mysterious Life & Death of Superman George Reeves." Root goes through Reeves's life and death in detail. Both parts are presented below.

MSN: 14 Hawaii Tourist Traps To Avoid

Above, resort luaus are seen as commercialized, focusing on
spectacle rather than authentic tradition. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether one is traveling domestically or internationally, tourist trap abound everywhere one goes. 

This is also true when going to Hawaii. With Hawaiian vacation costs rising insanely, avoiding tourist traps is one way to save some money.

That is the topic of a slideshow article at MSN.

They begin it with:

Many popular Hawaiian destinations are criticized for overcrowding, commercialization, and diminished cultural authenticity. From overdeveloped beaches and staged luaus to costly attractions and safety concerns, these spots often leave visitors underwhelmed or at risk. Understanding these pitfalls can help travelers seek more genuine and sustainable experiences across the islands.

 To read more, go here.

Cruise Tipping Charges Are 'Out of Control'

Above, yours truly enjoying a cocktail on a Bahamas cruise in 2024.

The old term, "nickel and diming people to death" is something that cruise passengers have put up with over the years. This also applies to tipping (gratuities) while on board.

According to a Fox News article, it is getting worse.

They posted an article that tipping "just keeps on growing."

They start it with:

Cruise passengers are getting hit with a familiar vacation surprise: the bill that keeps growing after they book.

Daily gratuities, drink-package service charges, specialty dining fees and other automatic add-ons have become a flashpoint for travelers who say cruise vacations are being advertised one way, yet priced another.

Frustration is said to be mounting as several cruise lines have raised their gratuity or service charges in 2026.

 To read the full article, go here.

Lever-Action Rifles Worth Buying Before Prices Get Worse

Above, buying my Winchester 94 in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my Winchester 94 seven years ago, I got it for just under $500. It was in good shape and a pre-1964.

Nowadays, the price for the same rifle has doubled and, in some areas, even tripled since then.

The Avid Outdoorsman takes a look at lever-action rifles worth buying before prices get worse (you know they will). 

They begin with:

Lever-action rifles have gone from “old deer rifle in the closet” to one of the hottest corners of the gun market. Some of that is nostalgia. Some of it is hunters remembering how handy these rifles are. Some of it is the modern tactical lever-gun trend dragging old models back into the spotlight. Whatever the reason, the days of casually finding clean lever actions for cheap are mostly gone.

That does not mean every lever gun is worth chasing. Some are already overpriced, some are hard to feed, and some are more collectible than useful. But there are still rifles that make sense if you find the right one before prices climb even higher. These are the lever-action rifles worth paying attention to now.

To read more, go here. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

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

To start off the week, we have The Mojo Men with their cover of Buffalo Springfield's "Sit Down I Think I Love You" from 1967.

From Wikipedia:

The Mojo Men was an American rock band based in San Francisco. Formed in 1965, the group underwent several name and personnel changes until their 1969 breakup. Their highest-charting Billboard Hot 100 single was a cover of Buffalo Springfield's "Sit Down, I Think I Love You", which peaked at number 36 in 1967.

A Jaunt In Six Mile Canyon

Above, the Jeep in Six Mile Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After having my usual Sunday breakfast at the Silver Screen Restaurant at the El Rancho Hotel and doing some grocery shopping this morning, I relaxed on the deck with a beer (Alien Amber Ale, of course!).

When I was done with that, I decided to take a drive into Six Mile Canyon of the Cibola National Forest. 

I saw only one vehicle there and he was leaving the canyon. I headed in. 

After a little while, I noticed a big black cloud coming in from the Southwest. We're nearing Monsoon Season and I know they can (and do) produce heavy downpours. It was getting windy and some rain drops started falling as it approached.

I decided to make a u-turn near where the windmill is located and head out. I don't need to get drenched and possibly have the road washed out.

Other than that, I enjoyed the drive, even though I had to cut it a little short.

Some photos:

The Real Reason the Boy Scouts Disappeared

The real reason the Boy Scouts disappeared video by Ken LaCorte. 

Summary:

"Not long ago, the Boy Scouts were a major part of American life. Now they're gone. How does that happen?"  –Ken 

 

Ted Nugent Has A Message To Oregon About Hunting

Just when one thinks that the idiots who populate the state of Oregon couldn't do anything more stupid, they meet and exceed that as a challenge.

 

The latest is a petition of a "Peace Act" what would criminalize hunting and fishing.

Laura Ingraham interviews rocker Ted Nugent on this in the video below:

Discontinued Rifles That Jumped In Value While Nobody Watched

Above, purchasing my 1962 Winchester 94 in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my 1962 Winchester 94 in April 2019, I got it on sale for $495. I had been looking for one and it was in great shape. This was before prices of these pre-64 rifles jumped in price when the pandemic hit.

This past week, I saw one of the same year that was bought at a gun show recently for $800. I was lucky to get mine with I did.

Depending on condition, these go anywhere from $600 to $1,500, give or take.

MSN posted (from The Avid Outdoorsman) a slideshow on discontinued rifles that jumped in value while nobody watched. The reason the Winchester 94 is included are the pre-64 versions before the manufacturing of them changed. 

They begin it with:

Some rifles get expensive in obvious ways. Everyone knows the famous collectibles, the military classics, and the rifles that had big reputations from the start. The more interesting ones are the rifles that climbed while most people were not paying attention. They sat in closets, pawn shops, deer camps, and used racks until one day the price tags stopped looking familiar.

That usually happens for a reason. Production ends, quality changes, nostalgia kicks in, or shooters realize a certain rifle filled a role nothing else quite replaced. These discontinued rifles were easy to overlook when they were still affordable. Now clean examples make a lot of people wish they had bought sooner.

To see more, go here. 

Disneyland Monorail Opened 67 Years Ago Today

Above, the Nixon family and Walt Disney on opening day of the monorail.

67 years ago, the Disneyland Monorail system was opened to the public. It was opened four years after the park itself opened in former orange groves in Anaheim, California. These were the days when one didn't need a third home mortgage to afford to take the family to Disneyland.

The grand opening took place on June 14, 1959. It was dedicated by Vice President Richard Nixon and family. They were the first to ride it on opening day.

According to Wikipedia:

The Disneyland Monorail (originally named the Disneyland Alweg Monorail System) is an attraction and transportation line at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, United States. It was the first daily operating monorail in the country.

Walt Disney originally envisioned the monorail as a practical form of public transport for the future. However, the technology never became widespread in the United States beyond a select few novelty installations. The monorail came about during a time when America's—and particularly Los Angeles'—obsession with the automobile was increasing, and monorails in the United States were mostly only located in Disney's theme parks.

To read more, go here.

World Record Winchester 1894!

 WORLD RECORD Winchester 1894! video by Rock Island Auction Company.

Summary:

It is now the highest amount achieved for one of America's most popular and produced rifles! 

This John Ulrich masterpiece Model 1894 includes the Master Engraver's No. 2 factory pattern engraving and gold inlay, along with a bevy of deluxe special order features.

 Auction took place in December 2025.

63 Years of "Donovan's Reef"

I am surprised that I missed this one. But it's better late than ever!

Yesterday marked 63 years that the John Wayne, Jack Warden, Lee Marvin, Cesar Romero and Elizabeth Allen feature, Donovan's Reef was released. It was the last feature Wayne was directed by John Ford. 

I remember seeing it at the old Balboa Theater in the Vermont Ave./Manchester Blvd. section of Los Angeles with my parents and a couple of friends. It was paired with King Kong vs. Godzilla. 

Donovan's Reef was the first movie shown of the double-feature. We mainly went there to see the Godzilla movie, but we enjoyed the light comedy set in the South Seas. 

Here is the official trailer: 

10 Pre 1964 Winchesters That Will Be Worth A FORTUNE NEVER SELL These!

10 Pre 1964 Winchesters That Will Be Worth A FORTUNE NEVER SELL These! video by Arms Insider.

Summary:

This video examines the significant changes in Winchester rifle production, specifically contrasting the craftsmanship of pre-1964 models with later versions. We look at how the manufacturing process evolved, impacting the quality of these iconic firearms. Learn about the shift from meticulous hand-fitting to more cost-effective production methods for many lever action rifle guns.

 I have two of these.