Phyllis Coates 99th Birthday

Above, Phyllis Coates as Lois Lane in the Adventures of Superman.

Today marks 99 years that actress Phyllis Coates was born.

From Wikipedia:

Phyllis Coates (born Gypsie Ann Evarts Stell; January 15, 1927 – October 11, 2023) was an American actress with a career spanning over fifty years. She was best known for her portrayal of reporter Lois Lane in the 1951 film Superman and the Mole Men and in the first season of the television series Adventures of Superman.

Above, Phyllis Coates and yours truly in 2007. Photo by Carl Glass.

 I had the pleasure of meeting her in 2007 at a Hollywood Collectors Show in Burbank.  

Why Lever-action Rifles Are Surging Again

Above, the 1962 Winchester 94 I bought in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Lever-action rifles aren't just relics of a bygone era anymore. In fact, they are making a resurgence in popularity. This resurgence seemed to roar into high gear after I bought a used pre-64 Winchester 94 in 2019.

Gun manufacturers are pumping out past favorites and new models. 

MSN posted an article on this resurgence.

They begin with:

If you walk a decent gun shop or hit SHOT coverage lately, it’s obvious lever guns aren’t some nostalgia side note anymore. Ruger brought Marlin back with real production behind it, Henry keeps adding SKUs, and now you’ve got Smith & Wesson and others rolling out brand-new models instead of treating levers like a relic line. Industry writeups talk openly about a lever-gun resurgence, with 2025 SHOT Show coverage pointing to strong demand and more manufacturers jumping in because inventory actually moves. At the same time, used prices on older Marlins and Winchesters climbed, which you only see when regular shooters actually want a platform, not when it’s just gun-counter décor.

To read more, go here. 

RV Poll: What Kind of Coffee Maker Do You Use?

Above, the Stanley percolator I use when dry camping. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

No matter where I am at, I must have a "cup of joe" in the morning. This includes while camping in my RV.

When I am at a campground with full hook-ups, I use a drip coffee maker. If I am dry camping (no hook-ups), I use a percolator. 

RV Travel has posted a poll asking RVers what coffee makers do they use. 

They begin with:

For coffee drinkers, we know that coffee is much more than just a morning routine. The magic stuff gets you through your day (us, too). But when you’re living on the road, the type of coffee maker you use can be as personal as your choice of campsite.

Some RVers swear by the simplicity of a drip coffee maker. Easy to use and capable of brewing multiple cups at once, it’s a reliable option for those with hookups or a generator. Others lean toward single-serve machines, like a Keurig, for their convenience and minimal cleanup. When counter space is limited, the compact design of these machines is a lifesaver.

For boondockers and off-grid explorers, a French press or pour-over system is often the go-to. These manual methods require no electricity, just hot water, maybe brought to a boil over a camp stove outside, and deliver a rich, flavorful brew. A Moka pot is another favorite, especially among espresso lovers craving that strong, bold kick without the need for a full-blown espresso machine.

Similarly, for those who like a touch of tradition, a percolator bubbling away on a campfire can turn coffee-making into an experience.

To see the results or participate in the poll, go here. 

"Shin Godzilla" Stomping Back Into Theaters

Above, Shin Godzilla. Toho Co., Ltd photo.

If you haven't seen Shin Godzilla on the big screen, you will have a chance to do so this summer. It is going to be re-released and tickets are now going on sale.

MSN reported:

GKIDS has officially announced the theatrical return of Shin Godzilla, the critically acclaimed 2016 entry in the long-running kaiju franchise directed by Hideaki Anno (Neon Genesis Evangelion) and co-directed by Shinji Higuchi (Shin Ultraman). Tickets are now on sale for the film’s nationwide release onAugust 14, with select screenings available in 4DX and D-BOX, giving fans a fully immersive experience as the monstrous terror resurfaces in Tokyo Bay, along with a new trailer for the epic take on the legendary monster.

Shin Godzilla is decidedly a quirky entry. Many Godzilla fans didn't like it at first, but some (like me) have grown to like it. It is a take on the kaiju that is definitely different than what fans are used to.

To read more, go here.

Silver Spot Over $90/toz

Silver's spot price hit a historical new high yesterday.

It hit $90 per troy ounce.

At present, silver's spot price is at $92/toz. Where it goes from here is anyone's guess.

How Aging Affects Our Driving

Above, driving into Silverton, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I have reached my 70s, I have noticed that my stamina isn't what it used to be. That especially goes for RV driving.

I used to be able to drive 400 miles with no effort, but during the last few years, I have had to stop halfway through for an overnight break. If I had a good night's sleep the night before, it is a lot easier. 

I recently drove from Des Moines, Iowa to Orange County, California. It was easier than I thought it would be, but I still to take breaks and end my driving days at around 3:00 in the afternoon. 

RV Travel posted an article on how aging affects our driving.

They begin it with:

Most RVtravel.com readers are 55 or older and qualify as senior citizens. They’re also keenly aware that their bodies change with time… and that includes how they drive.

As we age, joints may stiffen, and muscles can weaken. Turning your head to check a blind spot may take more effort. Reaction time can slow, and quick moves—like slamming on the brakes or correcting a skid—may not come as easily as they once did.

Vision and hearing also change with age. Older eyes typically need more light to see clearly, yet they’re often more sensitive to glare from the sun, oncoming headlights, or reflective road signs at night. Hearing loss can make it harder to notice sirens, horns, or unusual mechanical sounds coming from your rig. The normal aging process can also slow reflexes and shorten attention span, making it harder to juggle multiple tasks at once, like navigating, watching traffic, and monitoring a large RV’s mirrors all at the same time.

To read the full article, go here. 

54 Years Since "The Cowboys"

Above, a group photo of John Wayne and his young co-stars.

The final decade of John Wayne's movie career was a mixed bag. Some movies were good, some mediocre and some were great. All were entertaining to various degrees.

One of the great ones was The Cowboys (1972). Yesterday marked 54 years since The Cowboys was released. I remember seeing it at a theater during its initial release. It was directed by Mark Rydell. The score was composed by John Williams.

The John Wayne official Facebook page posted the following yesterday:

Celebrating 54 Years of The Cowboys (1972)

On January 13, 1972, The Cowboys premiered, marking a significant chapter in Western cinema. In this film, John Wayne portrays Wil Andersen, a seasoned rancher who, after losing his crew to a gold rush, enlists a group of schoolboys to drive cattle across treacherous terrain. The film is notable for being one of the few where Wayne's character meets an untimely end.

Directed by Mark Rydell, The Cowboys not only showcased Wayne's enduring talent but also launched the careers of several young actors, including Robert Carradine and A Martinez. The film's blend of grit and heart continues to resonate with audiences today.

To this day, some John Wayne fans hold a grudge against the movie's villain, Bruce Dern. He played a very unlikeable villain, but magnificently so. Around about that time, while my family and I were headed up Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu to attend the Point Mugu airshow, we saw Dern jogging along the side of the road.  

If you haven't seen The Cowboys, I highly recommend seeing it. I have a DVD copy of it.

Why A Major Cruise Line Is Turning To Adults-only

Above, adults and children at the pool area on the Norwegian Sky. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Taking a cruise should be a relaxing and tranquil experience. 

However, some cruise lines that allow children may be a source of annoyance, particularly if they are unruly brats.

I have been on three cruises and I never had any bad experiences with kids on board. That doesn't mean that other travelers were so lucky.  Some cruise lines are now offering adults only cruises.

According to Travel Tomorrow:

“Adults only” is about to take on a very literal meaning in 2026, with another major cruise line ensuring that not a single child steps aboard. This is in a bid to preserve “peace and calm for its passengers” and provide them with a “relaxed atmosphere of genuine hospitality and meaningful connection.”

Miami-based Oceania Cruises has announced that, from January 2026, it will only welcome guests aged 18 and over across its entire fleet of eight luxury ships. The company, which operates worldwide, visiting destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, is joining a growing number of operators who are responding to what they describe as a “clear traveller preference for tranquillity over child-friendly activities.”

To read more, go here. 

Don't Do These 5 Things When Traveling To Japan

Above, Godzilla peers over buildings in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether or not one has traveled to Japan, there are some etiquette customs that visitors should be mindful of. If one has been there before, it is always to have a refresher.

Fortunately, Times of India has listed them for our perusal.

They begin with:

Japan is one of the most organised and visitor-friendly countries in the world, but daily life here runs on unspoken social rules that tourists are expected to follow. Clean streets, quiet public transport, and orderly public spaces are not accidental, they exist because people are careful about how their actions affect others. Visitors sometimes assume that common tourist habits, such as speaking loudly, eating while walking, or discarding garbage casually, are acceptable, but these behaviours can be seen as inconsiderate in Japan. With international tourism continuing to grow, local authorities and communities have repeatedly reminded travellers to be mindful of etiquette, especially in crowded cities and popular tourist areas.

To read more, go here. 

15 Long-Range Rifles That Cowboys Actually Used

15 Long-Range Rifles That Cowboys Actually Used video by The Real Frontier

Summary:

The American frontier was not shaped by fast draws and Hollywood gunfights — it was shaped by distance, precision, and the men who could strike from far away.

In this episode of The Real Frontier, we explore 15 of the most powerful, accurate, and influential long-range rifles that truly ruled the Wild West. From the legendary Hawken Plains Rifle carried by mountain men, to the Sharps buffalo guns that reshaped the Great Plains, to the Winchester Model 1894 that carried the West into the modern age — these were the weapons that decided survival long before enemies ever came close.

These rifles weren’t chosen for style.

They were chosen because one shot had to matter.

This documentary breaks down how frontier marksmen, soldiers, hunters, and settlers used these rifles to hunt, fight, and survive across the vast open landscapes of 19th-century America.

If you’re tired of Hollywood myths and want real frontier history, The Real Frontier is where it lives.

"Batman" TV Show Premiered January 12, 1966

Today marks 60 years since Batman, starring Adam West and Burt Ward, premiered on ABC. The guest villain was the Riddler (Frank Gorshin).  

The show was an immediate hit. I have the record album of the main theme and music cues from the show.

Above, the record album from the show that's in my collection.

I had mentioned this before, but my last happy memory of my maternal grandfather was when he came over for dinner a week later and laughed his head off at the opening credits cartoon of Batman and Robin. The guest villain for that was the Penguin (Burgess Meredith). My grandfather passed away few weeks later on February 12. 

14 years ago, I did see Adam West at a Comikaze Expo in Los Angeles. I didn't meet him but I did take a photo of him (below).

Above, Adam West at the 2012 Comikaze Expo in Los Angeles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Batman comic book from DC Comics was in trouble and on the verge of being discontinued. But the television show did revive the comic book's sales, so it was not dropped. 

It is incredible how some memories persist sixty years later. 

California Screws Arizona On Gasoline

Think California's gasoline crisis is confined to just California? Sorry, but it crosses state lines to Arizona (and Nevada).

You can thank Gov. Gavin Newsom and the leftist Democrats in the state's legislature for this. It is all their doing! 

The video below explains it all:

Live 150 Years? Chinese Pill Being Devised For This

Who wants to live 150 years?

A Chinese startup claims that a revolutionary formula that will lead to a pill to lengthen one's longevity to 150 years.

The Mirror US reported:

A Chinese startup claims to have developed a laboratory-created formula for a revolutionary pill that could stretch human lifespan to an incredible 150 years.

Lonvi Biosciences says its breakthrough formula goes after 'zombie cells' within the body. These aging cells stubbornly refuse to perish and instead linger around, sparking inflammation and age-related illnesses.

This reminds me of an exchange in Dark Shadows between Barnabas Collins and Willie Loomis about eternal life. The pertinent part comes at the end.

 

How To Find Free and Low-Cost RV Dump Stations

Above, the dump station at Malibu Creek State Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One "necessary evil" of RVing is emptying out the RV's holding tanks, especially the black water tank. When I lived in California, I used the dump station at Malibu Creek State Park. Their charge for this was $12. 

Camping World in Valencia, California offered free holding tank dumping if one was a Good Sam member. I don't know if they still do. But it was a 20-mile drive from home to go there.

Holding tank dumping goes equally for those who are in RV parks and dry camping out in the middle of nowhere. 

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on how to find free and low-cost RV dump stations when one is dry camping.

They begin it with:

If you spend much time dry camping or boondocking, dumping your RV tanks is part of the routine. Without full hookups, it’s not something you can put off or figure out at the last minute. Knowing where to dump and planning for it before your tanks are full makes off-grid travel far less stressful.

Paying $10–$25 just to use a campground dump station can add up quickly, especially when you’re not staying overnight. That’s why many RVers look for free or low-cost dump stations along their route. This guide covers where to find RV dump stations, how to locate them ahead of time, and what to expect when you pull in to dump.

To read more, go here. 

Top 10 Most Reliable Lever Action Rifles 2026

 Top 10 Most Reliable Lever Action Rifles 2026 video by Foxhole Stories.

Summary:

In 2026, lever action rifles are more relevant than ever – from brush-busting hogs and bear defense to fast-handling home defense and classic hunting. We separate myth from reality and countdown the 10 most dependable lever guns that cycle flawlessly in mud, dust, rain, and high-stakes moments. No wall-hangers here – these are proven tools trusted by hunters, guides, and shooters.

From budget kings like the Rossi R92 to beast-mode big-bores like the Marlin 1895 Trapper in .45-70, we cover reliability, modern features (threaded barrels, optics-ready, side gates), and why these rifles refuse to fail when it counts.

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.

We return to the 1990s with the sole Billboard Hot 100 entry by Lucious Jackson, "Naked Eye".  Although not a giant hit, it did get a lot of airplay.

From Wikipedia:

Luscious Jackson is an alternative rock/rap-rock group formed in 1991. The band's name is a reference to former American basketball player Lucious Jackson.

The original band consisted of Jill Cunniff (lead vocals, bass), Gabby Glaser (vocals, guitar), and Vivian Trimble (keyboards, vocals). Drummer Kate Schellenbach joined the band midway through the recording of their 1992 debut EP In Search of Manny.

Between 1993 and 2000, the band released one EP, three full-length LPs, and ten singles on the Beastie Boys' Grand Royal label. Their biggest hit—and only Billboard Hot 100 entry—was "Naked Eye". Other singles include "Here", "Daughters of the Kaos", "Citysong", "Under Your Skin" and "Ladyfingers".

Keyboardist Vivian Trimble left the group in 1998,[4] and in 2000 the group announced their breakup, after releasing one album as a trio. February 2007 saw the release of the group's Greatest Hits.

In 2011, the three remaining members announced that they had reunited and were planning to make new music. The band released two new albums, including a children's album, in November 2013.

The 30-30...Still A Great Hunting Rifle

Above, my Winchester 94 .30-30. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Regular readers of this blog know that my favorite firearm is my 1962 Winchester 94 lever-action .30-30 rifle. 

I bought it used from a reputable gun dealer in Albuquerque in 2019. Since then, the Winchester 94, particularly the pre-1964 ones, are in high demand. Luckily, I got mine when I did as prices for these have skyrocketed. I got mine for under $500. Nowadays, they average $700-800 and up. True Gun Value says the average price for a used Winchester 94 is currently $841.88.

I use mine for target shooting, but there are many who still use it for hunting. 

North Texas e-News has posted an article that contends that the .30-30 is still a great hunting rifle by Luke Clayton.

The article begins with:

Way back in 1962 at the tender age of 12 when I harvested my first whitetail in the pine and hardwood forest of northeast Texas, I thought my iron-sighted lever action 30-30 was all the rifle I would ever need for hunting deer. Looking back six decades, I’m now convinced I was pretty close to right!

The 30-30 has been around a long time, since way back in 1895 and was one of the first cartridges to use smokeless powder. It’s name is derived from the caliber and grains of smokeless powder; thirty caliber and thirty grains. Pushing a 160 grain bullet at almost 2,000 fps, it was the speed demon of the time!

To read the full article, go here. 

Appeals Court Strikes Down Law Barring Gun Sales to Adults Under 21

There's a federal law that bans the sale of firearms to persons between the ages of 18 to 20 years of age.

A federal Appeals Court in New Orleans ruled that the law is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.

MSN reported:

A U.S. appeals court on Thursday struck down a long-standing federal law barring the sale of firearms to adults under 21 after deeming it unconstitutional.

The U.S. Appeals Court for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans, which has a conservative majority, said in its ruling that the law, which prohibits the sale of firearms to 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds, is inconsistent with the Second Amendment.

 To read more, go here.

"Godzilla Minus Zero" Opens November 6

Above, the teaser poster for Godzilla Minus Zero.

Two Godzilla movies are on the horizon. One from the U.S. (Legendary Pictures) will arrive in 2027 and one from Japan (Toho Co., Ltd.) this year.

The Legendary Pictures feature is titled, Godzilla x Kong: Supernova and the Toho feature is titled, Godzilla Minus Zero.

According to Variety:

“Godzilla Minus Zero,” the upcoming sequel to the successful “Godzilla Minus One,” will open in North America on Nov. 6 from Toho and GKids. The release comes just three days after the Japanese release, which Toho says is a rare near-simultaneous bow for a Japan-produced Godzilla movie.

The Nov. 3 Japanese release marks the same day the original “Godzilla” opened in theaters in 1954, now observed as Godzilla Day. “Godzilla Minus One” also opened Nov. 3 in Japan in 2023, going on to become the highest-grossing Japan-produced Godzilla film and winning the Oscar for visual effects.

To read more, go here. 

John Wayne: An American Experience Opened Five Years Ago

Above, some of Duke's costumes on display at John Wayne: An American Experience. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Five years already?!

Incredible as it may seem, the John Wayne: An American Experience museum has been open for five years. Mitch Geriminsky and I visited it a month after it first opened in December 2020.

Above, yours truly at John Wayne: An American Experience. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

It is located at the Fort Worth Stockyards. The museum has since expanded with more exhibits.

The Fort Worth Stockyards is a fun place to visit. It has many shops and restaurants along with a twice daily cattle drive through its streets. The Cowtown Coliseum has rodeos for people to enjoy. Billy Bob's is a definite "must-visit" attraction. I have been there twice. The first time was in 1984 and the second time was in January 2021.

Above, yours truly having a brew at Billy Bob's. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

From Billy Bob's website: 

Billy Bob’s Texas opened April 1, 1981 with national attention featuring with it’s 100,000 square feet entertainment center, more than 30 bar stations, country music’s biggest stars, real Pro Bull Riding, and a Texas size dance floor. It became known as “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk”, where more than 6,000 fun loving folks of all ages could enjoy entertainment every day and night.

I am thinking about heading there possibly this summer with the motorhome.

For more information on John Wayne: An American Experience, go here.

Winchester 30-30 Roundup (Video)

Winchester 30-30 Roundup, video by Aviation AZ Rancher.

Summary: 

Winchester 30-30 is still a great round. Come along and we'll shoot a few of these lever action rifles.

Explore a collection of vintage and modern Winchester Model 94 lever-action rifles. Aviation AZ Rancher details each firearm's history and unique features. Then, they demonstrate the rifles' accuracy with a pop can target practice.

 

Icy Roads = Staying Put

Above, my street is all iced up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The current temperature outside is around 21°. 

Last night's storm left about an inch snow, but it also has us in below freezing temperatures. The forecast high today in Jamestown is 28°.

The roads in the community are icy. They are too treacherous to attempt any driving. There may be patches of black ice on Interstate 40.

Above, another view of my street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I was planning on going to the post office at Continental Divide to pick up my mail and a package. I was also planning on going into Gallup for my usual Friday dinner at Jerry's Cafe. Unless the roads here thaw out, I am staying put at home. 

It was a good thing that I did my grocery shopping last Sunday. I have plenty of food at home.

1970s Commercials (video)

Here are some 1970s commercials. My favorite was one done by Schlitz Malt Liquor with Teddy Roosevelt finding things rather "Bully!" It starts at about 2:47 minutes into the video. I remember laughing when I first saw the commerical.

Parental Love Is Strong

 Possible AI, but...

Parental love is strong pic.twitter.com/I6fpf37mXx

— Crazy Moments (@Crazymoments01) January 8, 2026

End of Snows (For Now)

Above, the deck this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The second round snowstorm came and went.

It was expected to be a stronger storm than the first, but it left only about an inch of snow, about the same as the first. We'd have two inches of it on the ground, but the snow from the first storm melted mostly away.

Today is expected to be clear, but cold. 

According to the National Weather Service for Jamestown, New Mexico:

Overnight

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 21. West wind around 10 mph.

Friday

A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 8am. Sunny, with a high near 30. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 4. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 33. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 11. East wind around 5 mph.

It will be interesting to see how low the temperature will be tomorrow when the gang heads over to Grandpa's Grill in Gallup for breakfast.

How Much Should You Pay For 1 Ounce of Silver?

Above, a 2023 American Silver Eagle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the spot price for silver has risen to over $70 per troy ounce over the past few months, I have curtailed my buying.

I bought a lot of it (mainly Morgan silver dollars) when the metal was around $25 to $35 per troy ounce. 

What is the amount one should pay now for an ounce of silver? CBS News posted the answers in an article yesterday.

They begin it with:

Silver prices have surged dramatically in recent months. This precious metal price rally has been fueled by a combination of industrial demand, economic uncertainty and renewed interest in precious metals as an inflation hedge. And, with 1 ounce of silver now regularly trading at or near record highs, investors are clamoring to try and capitalize on the potential for future price growth. But if you're ready to add silver to your portfolio, you might be surprised to learn that the silver spot price you see quoted online is only part of the equation.

To read more, go here. 

The 30-30 Derringer (A Hunting Rifle In Your Pocket)

The 30-30 Derringer (A Hunting Rifle In Your Pocket !!!) video by Kentucky Ballistics.

Summary:

In today’s video we have some fun with a 30-30 derringer! I hope you enjoy the video and thanks for watching!

This video is giving me some target ideas.

 

Last Night's Snow

Now that we have some daylight, I went out and took a few photos of last night's snow.

It appears we got an inch worth of snow. More is expected later today. 

Here's the photos:

 

UPDATE (0935):

It is snowing now. It looks like I will be home and indoors today