2026 Gallup Rodeos

Above, bull riding during the 2025 Gallup Lions Club Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's the rodeos that will take place at Red Rock Park near Gallup, New Mexico this year:

76th Annual Gallup Lions Club Rodeo & BBQ

Dates: June 18–20, 2026 

Highlights: Youth rodeo (June 18), Open show rodeos (June 19–20), and a downtown BBQ celebration

11th Annual Best of the Best Timed Event Rodeo

Dates: June 23–27, 2026 

Highlights: High-stakes team roping, $3,000 added per event, and exclusive prizes for winners

WildThing Championship Bullriding

Dates: Typically hosted in July (Mid-summer)

Highlights: One of the premier bull-riding events in the Southwest, featuring elite riders and the Wooly Riders youth division

Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial

Dates: August 1–9, 2026

Highlights: Daily rodeo events begin August 6 

10 Winchester Rifles Smart Owners Should Never Sell

10 Winchester Rifles Smart Owners Should Never Sell — Pure Gold In 2026! video by The Gun Warehouse.

Summary:

Some Winchester rifles are more than firearms they are hidden investments that continue to climb in value year after year. From legendary lever actions like the Model 1873 and Model 1894 to highly sought after Pre 64 Model 70s, collectors are paying record prices for the right examples in 2026. 

You’ll discover why certain serial numbers, chamberings, factory markings, and configurations can mean the difference between an ordinary rifle and a five or even six-figure collectible. We also cover the legendary One of One Thousand rifles, pre-war Winchesters, Theodore Roosevelt’s famous Model 1895, and the rifles that continue to dominate auctions across America. 

The Election (So Far)

While the final results from yesterday's primaries are still to be finalized, it appears that the general election campaigns in New Mexico and California are shaping up as follows:

In New Mexico, former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland won her primary for governor on the Democrat side and former Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull appears to have won on the Republican side. It will be an interesting campaign between dimwit Haaland and successful ex-mayor Hull.

In California, the race for governor is "too close to call" as of two hours ago from The Guardian. With many ballots still left to be counted, three candidates emerged at the top: the Republican Steve Hilton and the Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer. 

In the Los Angeles race for mayor, it looks like Mayor Karen Bass has been forced into a runoff election against former reality TV star Spencer Pratt. This is another race to watch. 

To me, there are no surprises here. The election results (so far) are what I expected .

I Voted!

 

Yesterday was primary election day in New Mexico. I headed down to the Whispering Cedars Fire Station to cast my vote. I was voter number 22 according to the polling place.

It makes it easier for me to vote as New Mexico's primary election day is the same as my former state of Commiefornia, the first Tuesday of June. 

Above, the Jeep at the fire station after I arrived to vote. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Clint Eastwood Retires At 96

Above, my The Enforcer lobby card and autograph of Clint Eastwood. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was bound to happen. 

Kyle Eastwood has announced that his father, Clint Eastwood, is now retired from acting and directing. This is actually better for him to kick back and just relax and enjoy life instead of being carried off on a stretcher from a movie set.

Yahoo! Entertainment reported:

One of Hollywood's greatest careers is officially over. 

Clint Eastwood, who just turned 96 on Sunday, May 31, has retired after more than seven decades in film. 

According to a newly surfaced interview with France Info, his son Kyle Eastwood, confirmed that his father has stepped away from filmmaking.

“I have many fond memories of working with him. Now he’s retired, he’s 95 years old. But I was very lucky to be able to work with him on quite a few films,” Kyle said in November 2025. “It was a great experience for me.”

To read more, go here. 

15 Things Winchester Got Right

Above, my pre-64 Winchesters: Winchester 62A, Winchester 94
and Winchester Model 12 shotgun. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Winchester has been around for over 100 years. 

Although it has undergone changes and ownership, the Winchester brand, be it firearms or ammo, is a brand that still resonates among gun owners. 

MSN posted a slideshow article on the "15 things Winchester got right that kept the brand alive for generations."

They start it with:

Winchester got one of the most important things right from the start: repeating fire mattered. In an era when many firearms were still single-shot or slow to reload, Winchester leaned into lever-action repeating rifles. That gave shooters more rounds on tap and changed what a rifle could do in the hands of hunters, settlers, lawmen, and soldiers.

That early move shaped the whole brand. Winchester did not become famous because it made another ordinary rifle. It became famous because it helped make the repeating rifle part of American firearm culture. Once people connected the Winchester name with fast follow-up shots and practical firepower, the brand had a powerful identity to build from.

To read more, go here. 

Jeep T-Shirt

 Hmm. Maybe I should get one of these shirts!

Above, yours truly at McGaffey Lake in 2024. 

Karen Bass As Supergirl

 

Shibuya Introduces Littering Fine

Above, Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is one of the most cleanest countries in the world.

It is rare to see litter on the ground even in the most populous cities in the world such as Tokyo. Apparently, with huge numbers of foreign visitors, a litter problem is developing in the Shibuya Ward.

They are now instituting a litter fine in Shibuya.

According to the BBC:

Litterbugs in the Japanese tourist hub of Shibuya will now face an on-the-spot fine of 2,000 Japanese yen ($13; £9), as new penalties take effect amid the country's tourism boom.

The fine collection system kicked in on Monday in Shibuya Ward, a commercial and entertainment centre that is home to the famed Shibuya Crossing.

In certain districts, authorities are also handing out fines for food and beverage shop operators who do not install waste bins.

To read more, go here. 

Gallup Lions Club Rodeo June 18 - 20

Above, a past Gallup Lions Club Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This month marks the beginning of rodeo season in the Gallup, New Mexico area.

The first rodeo of the season is the Gallup Lions Club Rodeo that will be held this year at Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena.

The rodeo dates are June 18 through June 20.

It is a great rodeo and I haven't missed it since I moved to New Mexico.

For more information, go here. 

20 of the Most-Trusted Hunting Rifles in America

Above, types of hunting rifles. Sportsmans Warehouse photo.

Since I am not a hunter and I don't play one on TV, I'll leave it to the "experts" to determine the best and most-trusted hunting rifles in America. 

AOL posted an article on what are the 20 most-trusted hunting rifles in America. 

They start it with:

When it comes to hunting, trust in your rifle matters just as much as skill in the field. These are the rifles American hunters rely on when the shot counts, from proven classics like the Remington Model 700 to modern platforms built for precision and durability. What sets them apart is not just performance on paper, but years of real-world use in tough conditions. These are the rifles that have earned their reputation the hard way.

To determine the most trusted hunting rifles in America, History Computer reviewed various historical and military sources. We included supplemental information for each rifle regarding the type, common calibers, primary game use, accuracy reputation, price tier, and ultimately why hunters trust it.

To read more, go here. 

10 Firearms Where Wear Boosts Collector Value

Above, the gun department at Cabela's in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some collectors of firearms prefer pristine or nearly pristine guns. Others prefer some wear on them as it boosts collector value. Since I am in neither camp, I'll just leave it up the the reader.

MSN posted a slideshow article on 10 firearms where wear boosts collector valute. 

They begin it with:

Many collectible firearms gain value when they retain original finishes and show signs of honest use rather than restoration. From classic revolvers and lever-action rifles to iconic military sidearms, subtle patina and light wear often signal authenticity and preserve historical character. Scarcity, craftsmanship, and unaltered condition combine to make these well-worn examples highly sought after by collectors.

To read more, go here. 

Video: Tips For Cross-Country Road Trips

Above, the motorhome at Graceland RV Park & Campground in Memphis. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

Since I bought my RV, I have made three cross-country road trips in it. I consider a cross-country trip to be one that includes multiple states. It doesn't have to be coast-to-coast, in my opinion. 

The first was from L.A. to Metropolis, Illinois with side trips to Memphis, Tennessee and Springfield, Illinois. The second was the Great American Eclipse trip to Idaho to see a total eclipse. Then, last year, a friend and I traveled to Cody, Wyoming and, from there, to the Black Hills of South Dakota with stops in-between.  

RV Travel posted an article with video on five beginner tips for planning a cross-country road trip.

It begins with:

Have you ever wanted to do a cross-country road trip in your RV but don’t know how to start planning? The team from the Long Long Honeymoon is here to help.

In the video below, they share five tips for beginners planning a cross-country trip. For the record, the tips will work even if you are planning a cross-country trip in a car, as opposed to an RV.

To see the video and read more, go here. 

Rate Your Health Considering Your Age

Above, Fort Massac State Park near Metropolis, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As the following RV Travel article states, aging is a funny thing.

Funny, in the sense that is varies among individuals. One may be in excellent health, while another person of the same age may be a wreck. Or, one may be somewhere in-between.

RV Travel has posted a poll on how one rates their health considering their age. 

It begins with:

Aging is a funny thing. One day you’re bouncing back from anything, and the next day you make a strange noise just standing up from your camp chair. But here’s the thing: Age and health don’t always go hand in hand the way people assume they do.

Some RVers in their 70s are hiking trails, climbing into truck campers, and exploring the country like they’re decades younger. Others feel every mile in their joints by the end of a travel day. And, honestly, most of us probably fall somewhere in between.

Health can mean a lot of different things, too. Maybe you deal with aches and pains, but still feel strong overall. Maybe you take medications or have limitations, but consider yourself healthy for your age. Or maybe you feel better now than you did 10 years ago because you finally have less stress and more time to enjoy life.

To read more and participate in the poll, go here. 

Hawaiian Airlines Cuts Free Meals In Economy

Above, a Hawaiian Airlines jet at Maui in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I remember the days when some domestic flights served meals that were a part of the price of a ticket. I only flew to Hawaii and back once and meals were included. This was ten years ago.

Then, gradually, airlines cut domestic meals down to flights over five hours in length. Then they served meals, but charged for them and one must order a meal before the plane even taxies down the runway.

Now, it has been announced that Hawaiian Airlines is cutting free meals from domestic flights from the mainland to Hawaii, except for flights originating from New York's JFK airport. The announcement is being spun like lipstick on a pig.

One Mile At A Time reported:

Historically, Hawaiian Airlines has offered free meals on flights between Hawaii and the United States mainland. That’s an amenity that’s quite rare nowadays, especially outside of the “long haul” Hawaii flights from the East Coast, Midwest, etc., so it was a real point of differentiation.

Well, major changes are coming to Hawaiian’s inflight service, and the airline is certainly burying the lede. The announcement about the change notes how the airline is “elevating onboard service with pre-order dining by celebrated Hawai‘i chefs.” But really that’s just a positive spin on announcing that free meals are being cut in economy.

The changes will be implemented as of July 1, 2026, and entail “a new onboard service program that delivers greater choice, improved quality and a deeper connection to the flavors of Hawai‘i.” The new menu is being developed in partnership with Maui-based, James Beard Award finalist Chef Sheldon Simeon.

To read more, go here.

The Only 11 Lever Action Rifles Worth Buying in 2026

The Only 11 Lever Action Rifles Worth Buying in 2026 (Don't Waste $2,000) video by Survival Pulse.

Summary:

Lever action rifles are back — and in 2026 they're better than ever.

Whether you're a hunter looking for a reliable brush gun, a collector chasing the most beautiful lever actions ever made, or a first-time buyer who just wants something that works flawlessly for generations — this is the most complete lever action rifle ranking you'll find anywhere on YouTube.

I tested, handled, and shot all 11 of these rifles. No sponsored opinions. No manufacturer bias. Just honest, experienced rankings from someone who actually puts rounds through these guns.

✅ WHAT THIS VIDEO COVERS:

• All 11 best lever action rifles available in 2026 — fully ranked

• Best lever action rifles by category: hunting, home defense, collecting, and budget

• Which calibers are actually worth owning in 2026 (.357, .45-70, .30-30, .44 Mag)

• The most underrated lever action nobody is talking about right now

• The most overrated lever action that YouTube keeps recommending

• Price vs performance breakdown from $400 to $3,000+

• The single best lever action rifle for most buyers in 2026

 

The Winchester 1894 Still Wins Against Newer Lever Actions

Above, yours truly in Barking Spider Acre with the Winchester 94.

Before I bought my Winchester 94 back in 2019, I looked at other lever-action rifles. 

While some rifles looked nice, I wasn't impressed with their workmanship and functionality. I was still a lot more interested in the Winchesters and was on the lookout for a pre-1964. 

I found one in an Albuquerque gun shop while just there browsing for something to do. I bought it as it was in very good shape, made in 1962, a .30-30 and the price was right (under $500).

These days, more people are discovering the fun the Winchester 94 and other lever guns provide. But, according to a post at MSN, there are five reasons the Winchester 94 wins against newer lever-actions.

They begin with:

Plenty of newer lever actions offer sharper machining, accessory rails, and updated finishes, but the Winchester 1894 still holds a special edge. Its appeal is not just nostalgia. From handling to heritage, this classic rifle keeps proving that old ideas can remain remarkably hard to beat.

To read more, go here. 

Dollar at ¥159

Now that we're in a new month (June, in case you have been dozing off), it is time to take a peek at how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen. This is important as we are nearing the summer vacation season and American travelers to Japan should know how much yen their dollars will get them.

According to Jiji Press:

On the Tokyo foreign exchange market on the 1st, the yen was trading at 159.45-159.47 yen to the dollar as of 5 p.m., a 20 sen depreciation of the yen against the dollar compared to the previous weekend (159.25-159.27 yen).

 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 Coven with their hit from the movie Billy Jack (1971) "One Tin Soldier". It is interesting to note that Billy Jack only made only $10 million during its initial 1971 release. But during its 1973 re-release, it became a huge hit and reportedly made over $50 million, a big feat for a small indie film at the time.

The song also became a huge hit during the summer of 1973.

John Moses Browning Got Almost No Credit For Gun Inventions

Why Did the Man Behind America's Most Iconic Firearms End Up With Almost None of the Credit video by Ivan Jackson.

Summary:

Why Did the Man Behind America's Most Iconic Firearms End Up With Almost None of the Credit

John Moses Browning designed over 75% of the repeating arms on the American market by 1900. The Winchester 1894. The Colt 1911. The BAR. His name appeared on almost none of them. The companies got the credit. The Belgian factory got the man. This is the story of how America's greatest gun designer ended up nearly invisible inside his own legacy.

 

American Film Icon Clint Eastwood Turns 96 Today!

Above, Clint Eastwood at the Reagan-Bush 1980 Election Night
Victory party at the Century Plaza Hotel. Photo by Paul Evans.

Wow! Clint Eastwood turned 96 today!

It is hard to believe that he has reached this milestone. Then again, it is also hard to believe that I am 24 years behind him in age! 

Well, growing old is not so bad when one considers the alternative, eh?

I was forunate enough to meet him and get his autograph at the Reagan-Bush Victory Party at the Century Plaza Hotel. I had him sign my ticket to the private reception (below).

Happy Birthday, Clint!

Report: Grand Canyon 9th Busiest National Park

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

Summer vacation season kicked off last weekend when we observed Memorial Day. Memorial Day is traditionally considered as the start of summer vacation season. 

A new report is showing that Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is the ninth busiest national park for summer RV camping.

Above, my RV at Grand Canyon National Park in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to an article in AZ Free News:

As Summer RV travel peaks across the United States, new research highlights stark differences in crowding at America’s national parks. Arizona’s iconic Grand Canyon National Park stands as a major draw for RV enthusiasts, ranking ninth busiest overall despite a cooling trend in 2025.

According to data from Blue Capital Holdings, RV campers flocked to Glacier National Park in Montana more than any other over the past five years, logging more than 429,000 summer visits (June-August) from 2021 to 2025. Yosemite National Park in California followed closely in second place.

Top 5 Most Popular National Parks for Summer RV Camping (2021-2025):

• Glacier National Park, Montana – 429,693 visits
• Yosemite National Park, California – 423,672 visits
• Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Tennessee – 333,739 visits
• Olympic National Park, Washington – 280,272 visits
• Acadia National Park, Maine – 158,105 visits

The article also shows the least popular national parks.

To read the full article, go here.

Why National Park Gateway Towns Are Struggling

Above, the gateway town of West Yellowstone, Montana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

These are strange times.

One would think that national park gateway towns are going gangbusters with tourist travel dollars flowing in. Well, yes and no.

According to an article in RV Travel, national park gateway towns are struggling.

They begin with:

For decades, gateway towns near America’s national parks thrived. Travelers came to see the parks, and the towns provided everything else. Fuel. Groceries. Campgrounds. Restaurants. Laundry. RV repair shops. Ice cream. Souvenirs. Showers. Propane. You name it, they probably had it.

But this summer, many of those small towns are feeling squeezed, and RVers, if you haven’t already, you may start noticing the effects.

From Yellowstone to Zion to Glacier to the Smokies, gateway communities are dealing with a difficult mix of rising tourism pressure, staffing shortages, higher costs, housing problems, and aging infrastructure. In some places, local officials say they’re struggling just to keep up with the number of visitors arriving every day.

And for RVers, that can mean longer waits, fewer services, crowded roads, and significantly higher prices.

To read more, go here. 

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Spotlighted At The Federalist

Above, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna official portrait.

Yesterday's Saturday Sultress at The Federalist blog by longtime friend and fellow Clamper Gary Julian spotlights Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida. 

According to Wikipedia:

Anna Paulina Luna (née Mayerhofer; born May 6, 1989) is an American politician and Air Force veteran serving as the U.S. representative for Florida's 13th congressional district since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, she is the first Mexican-American woman elected to Congress from Florida.

Luna served as airfield management specialist in the Air National Guard from age 19, serving from 2009 to 2014. For her service, she was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal.

With her Federalist spotlight, I can easily see why she was elected to Congress. It just fortifies the truth, "Hotter Women Are Republicans!" Wow!

To see her spotlight at The Federalist, go here.

American Rifleman: 18 New Shotguns For 2026

Above, an early Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny. Warner Bros. image.

In the market for a new shotgun?

Personally, I'm not as I already have four of varying ages. The oldest are my Manton 12 gauge made somewhere in the 1800s and my Winchester 1912 (or Model 12) that was made in 1919 along with a Mossberg 500E .410 pump and Remington 870 12 gauge Express. These are plenty for me.

American Rifleman (NRA) posted a list of 18 new shotguns for 2026. They vary in price and design. 

They begin with:

Among today's firearm platforms, the shotgun remains one of the most time-tested, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Today's new crop of shotguns runs the gamut, giving modern shotgunners new options in nearly every conceivable category. From break-action designs with a third barrel to modernized semi-automatics that provide more reliable operation than ever before, it's a good time to be a shotgun fan.

Check out 18 of the latest and greatest new shotguns on the market today.

To read more, go here. 

 

Don’t Buy a Lever Action Rifle… Until You Watch This Brutal Truth!

Don’t Buy a Lever Action Rifle… Until You Watch This Brutal Truth! video by The Armory.

Summary:

Thinking about buying a lever action rifle in 2026? You might be making a costly mistake.

In this no-BS breakdown, we rank the top 10 lever action rifles—from budget-friendly workhorses to high-end powerhouses—and expose what actually matters: reliability, real-world performance, recoil, and usability. From classic hunting rifles to modern tactical lever guns, this list cuts through the hype.

Whether you're into self-defense setups, hunting, or just want a dependable rifle that runs when it counts… this guide will save you time and money.

 

The Most and Least Expensive National Parks To Camp

Above, RV camping at Trailer Village at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Camping used to be an economically cheap way to vacation. Well, it is turning out to be even less so these days.

Granted, camping is still, on average, cheaper than hotel vacations. 

If one wants to plan a camping vacation (provided one can get a campsite) in a national park, expect to find some "sticker shock" costs involved. I last camped in a national park in 2017. It was in Grand Canyon National Park's Trailer Village at the South Rim.

Time Out has posted an article on the most and least expensive national parks to camp in this summer.

Above, my RV at Grand Teton National Park, which tops the list of priciest national parks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They begin it with:

Camping has long been sold as the affordable alternative to pricey hotels and resort fees. But if you've tried booking a campsite lately, bought a bundle of firewood at a national park camp store or filled up your gas tank for a road trip, you already know that roughing it doesn’t always come cheap.

A new study from Casino.org compared the costs of camping across America’s 15 most-visited national parks and found that a weekend under the stars can vary wildly depending on where you pitch your tent this summer. Researchers looked at average costs including campsite fees, park entry and permit charges, meals and drinks, gas, firewood, ice and popular outdoor activities to figure out which parks will drain your wallet fastest—and which still deliver a relatively budget-friendly escape.

Topping the list as the most expensive national park for campers is Grand Teton National Park, where a weekend camping trip now averages a hefty $439. Between campground fees, fuel costs and pricey activities, the Wyoming park proved significantly more expensive than many travelers might expect from a tent-based vacation.

To read more, go here. 

'Supergirl' Pre-release Tracking Looks Disastrously Bad

Above, the classic Supergirl by Jim Mooney.

When James Gunn's Superman was released, I was not impressed. The costume was horrible and the story was not interesting enough to me to head to the local theater.

It appears his Supergirl is underwhelming people as well and is on track to be a disappointing flop.

I enjoyed the previous Superman movies, you know, the Henry Cavill ones. I wasn't too thrilled over his costume either, but I liked the movies and his portrayal. DC Entertainment decided to jettison that series and do another reboot. 

Above, the first appearance of Supergirl by Curt Swan and Al Plastino.

Fox News has posted an article on how Supergirl is not looking too promising. 

They begin it with:

DC Studios, housed at Warner Bros. Pictures, has tried to revamp its film and release strategies under the direction of James Gunn. Gunn, who was responsible for the "Guardians of the Galaxy" series, joined DC in 2022. His first big movie, made to jump-start the new DC direction, was 2025's "Superman." While not exactly a flop, it was a box-office disappointment. And Gunn himself may have been partially to blame.

Though the film avoided politics almost entirely, for some inexplicable reason, Gunn himself brought it up in pre-release promotional interviews.

"Yes, it’s about politics," Gunn explained in a story from The Times of London. "But on another level, it’s about morality.

"I mean, ‘Superman’ is the story of America – an immigrant that came from other places and populated the country," he continued. "But for me, it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost."

"It’s about human kindness, and obviously, there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them," he concluded.

Sure enough, "Superman" brought in substantially less money, before and after adjusting for inflation, than "Man of Steel." And pre-release tracking for the latest entry in Gunn's new DC Studios series, "Supergirl," is tracking to do substantially worse.

To read the full article, go here.