Bye, Bye Denny's

About a month or so ago, a kitchen fire erupted at Denny's in the Flying J Travel Center down the hill from our community.

For a while, we wondered when the repairs would begin, but they never did.

Friend Nandoh told me a few weeks ago that Denny's lease was expiring in July but the Flying J released them early. The space that Denny's now occupies will be made into a McDonalds. 

I noticed yesterday that the Denny's signs were removed. Looks like they are removing their property from the location. 

Actually, I am not at all surprised. This Denny's didn't seem to get much business, this was especially so since they changed their menu (no Senior menu) and hiked their prices. We have been going to Lil's Cafe in Thoreau since Denny's closed.

A couple of photos:

 

15 Guns Gained Respect When Not Babyied

Above, yours truly with the Remington 870 Express shotgun.

A few years ago, I bought a 12 gauge Remington 870 Express shotgun. I bought it as I didn't have a shotgun for target practice. Yes, I did have a Manton shotgun, but it was made in the 1800s and I wouldn't attempt shooting a gun its age.

I took out the Remington a few times to shoot and it became comfortable enough. I tried skeet shooting with it, but since I wasn't used to it, I couldn't hit the broadside of a barn with it. I got much better with it when I took it out to the shooting area near home.

It is on the list of 15 guns that The Avid Outdoorsman posted that became more respected once owners quit babying them. 

They begin with:

Some guns get treated too carefully at first. Owners worry about scratches, holster wear, rain, dirty ammo, rough rests, truck rides, and every little mark that proves the gun has actually been used. That makes sense with true collector pieces, but most working guns earn respect by doing more than sitting clean in a safe.

Once owners stop babying them, certain firearms start making a lot more sense. They get carried, shot, hunted, cleaned, bumped around, and trusted. The finish may not stay perfect, but the confidence grows. These guns became more respected once they were used like tools.

To read more, go here. 

Grand Canyon Airliner Collision To Be Commemorated

Above, the general area where the two airliners fell after the collision. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Four days from today will be the 70th anniversary of the airline collision over the Grand Canyon. Commemoration events will take place.

The mid-air collision of two airliners led to the formation of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

According to the Grand Canyon Historical Society:

On June 30, 2026, the 70th anniversary of the 1956 mid-air collision will be recognized with a memorial service at Grand Canyon. This will be an all-day event starting at 9 a.m. at the Desert View Overlook amphitheater.  First, talks at the overlook. Next, a visit to the Pioneer Cemetery in Grand Canyon Village. At 3 p.m. an "Ask The Experts" panel will present at Shrine of the Ages. The days event will end at 6 p.m.

On July 1, a visit to Flagstaff Citizens’ Cemetery from 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. where victims will be recognized who perished on TWA Flight 2. There will be lectures given and a time for questions and answers.

Join us to recognize this tragic, historic event. The Patrons of the 1956 Midair Collision is the primary organizer of this event.

If one visits the Desert View Overlook at Grand Canyon National Park, they will see permanent plaques detailing the tragedy. 

Above, the description of the tragedy at Desert View. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From Wikipedia:

On June 30, 1956, a Lockheed L-1049A Super Constellation operating as TWA Flight 2, was struck by a Douglas DC-7 Mainliner operating as United Air Lines Flight 718 over Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. The Constellation fell into the canyon, while the DC-7 slammed into a cliff. All 128 people on board both aircraft died, making it the first commercial airline incident to exceed one hundred fatalities. Both aircraft had departed Los Angeles International Airport minutes apart from each other and headed for Chicago and Kansas City, respectively. The collision took place in uncontrolled airspace, where it was the pilots' responsibility to maintain separation ("see and be seen"). This highlighted the antiquated state of air traffic control, which became the focus of major aviation reforms.

 

Above, the memorial plaque at Desert View overlook. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thunderstorm Last Night

Monsoon season is definitely here!

We had a nice electrical storm last night. It took me a while to fall asleep as we had lightning and thunder show for a while after I went to bed. That was fun to watch.

We also had accompanying downpours to go along with it. This is most welcome as the Gallup/Jamestown area is a bit parched from the ongoing drought. I am sure my trees like it!

According to the National Weather Service, the weekend looks like this:

 Overnight

A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind around 5 mph.

Friday

A slight chance of showers before 9am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Breezy, with a southwest wind 5 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 83. Windy, with a southwest wind 10 to 20 mph increasing to 20 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

Saturday Night

Clear, with a low around 58. Windy, with a southwest wind 25 to 30 mph decreasing to 15 to 20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 82. Windy.

12 Guns Every American Needs In Case of WW3

12 Guns Every American Needs In Case of WW3 video by Clynt.

Summary:

12 guns. One real plan for if everything falls apart. Most safes are full of the wrong ones — find out if yours made the cut, especially #1

Welcome to the channel built for serious gun owners, collectors, and preppers who want more than range day content. Every video breaks down collectible firearms, vintage guns, and rare revolvers, rifles, and shotguns with real auction data, real market values, and the technical engineering details most gun owners never learn. From the Colt Python and Smith & Wesson Model 29 to the pre-64 Winchester Model 70, the M1 Garand, the Winchester Model 1886, and the legendary Parker Brothers shotguns, we dig into matching serial numbers, milled receivers, controlled-round feed actions, hand-fitted cylinders, proof marks, and the manufacturing history that separates a $300 gun from a five-figure collector piece.

This channel covers gun collecting, firearms investing, and survival preparedness in equal measure, featuring countdown-style breakdowns of the AK-47, the AR-15, the Glock 17 and Glock 19, the Ruger 10/22, the Mossberg 500, the Benelli M4, the Springfield M1A, and classic lever actions like the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1894. We pull real numbers from Rock Island Auction Company and other major auction houses to show you exactly what pre-ban rifles, pre-lock revolvers, and original Belgian-made shotguns are bringing today, and why originality, factory letters, and untouched finishes are the biggest drivers of value in the collector firearms market.

Whether you are building a war-ready loadout, preserving a family heirloom, or just trying to figure out what is sitting in your gun safe, this channel gives you the history, the technical detail, and the dollar figures to make informed decisions. New videos drop regularly covering collectible firearms, classic revolvers, vintage shotguns, military surplus rifles, and the preparedness gear every American household should have. 

Battle of the Little Bighorn 150th Anniversary

Above, markers dot Last Stand Hill at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today began the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana.

The battle took place on June 25-26, 1876.

Above, the 7th U.S. Cavalry Monument. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From Wikipedia:

The 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn, commonly referred to as Custer's Last Stand and known to the Lakota and other Plains Indians as the Battle of the Greasy Grass, was an armed engagement between combined forces of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes and the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army. It took place on June 25–26, 1876, along the Little Bighorn River in the Crow Indian Reservation in southeastern Montana Territory. The battle, which resulted in the defeat of U.S. forces, was the most significant action of the Great Sioux War of 1876.

Above, the Reno-Benteen Defense Site monument. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last summer, a friend and I took a driving tour of the battlefield. We found the now National Monument near Crow Agency to be interesting as much of the terrain looked as it did in 1876. A new visitor center was under construction during our visit. 

The battle was seen as a major victory of the Indian tribes and a massacre of the United States Army's 7th Cavalry Regiment. 

Above, the Reno-Benteen battlefield. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From KTVQ:

CROW AGENCY — License plates from across the country filled parking lots and lined roads leading into Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument on Thursday as thousands of visitors gathered to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Traffic stretched bumper to bumper as visitors continued arriving for the first day of a three-day commemoration. The event, hosted by the National Park Service in partnership with Tribal nations and other organizations, brought together descendants, historians, veterans, reenactors, and families to reflect on one of the most significant battles in American history.

Above, Last Stand Hill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more about the commemoration, go here. 

Taking A Road Trip and States To Avoid

Above, camping next to the Colorado River near Moab, Utah. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is planning a summer vacation road trip, some states are better than others.

That is the crux of a new article posted by KRQE (originated from KTLA in Los Angeles), an Albuquerque-based station. Minnesota came in first and Utah came in second for best states for road trips.

The article looks at cost as well as other factors the article was being researched.

They begin with:

(KTLA) – Going on a summer road trip is always a “fun” time – but new research suggests that some places may be better than others when it comes to packing up the car and hitting the road. 

WalletHub, a personal finance company, recently released its 2026 Best and Worst States for Summer Road Trips report, which compared costs (including gas, car repairs, average hotel costs and others), safety and activity options to determine its ranking.  

And what did those findings reveal? You may want to target the lakes and not the oceans.

To read more, go here. 

Imported Japanese RV: 1998 Toyota Camroad Zil 4×4

Above, the Japanese motorhome I spotted in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some years ago, while roaming around the Asakusa section of Tokyo, I spotted a Japanese motorhome. 

It was parked in front of some shops. I took a couple of pictures of it. It was the first time I've ever seen a Japanese RV. 

RV Travel posted an article with video of a Japanese RV. It is a 1998 Toyota Camroad Zil 4 x 4. 

They started it with:

A lot of small campers promise clever packaging, but this one backs it up. The 1998 Toyota Camroad Zil by Vantech fits a full RV layout into a 16-foot body that still slips into a normal parking spot.

In the video at the end of this post, we get a tour from its owner, x90Dude.

It starts with a Toyota Dyna truck chassis, adds four-wheel drive, then tops it with a fiberglass camper shell from Japan. The result feels half mini truck, half tiny motorhome, and all of it has a ton of character.

Above, another view of the Japanese motorhome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more and see the video, go here.

You're Choosing the Wrong Home Defense Shotgun

You're Choosing the Wrong Home Defense Shotgun — These 5 Are the Only Ones Worth Owning video by Survival Gear Showcase.

Summary:

When your home is the last line of defense and backup isn't coming, the shotgun in your hands matters more than anything else in your safe. In this video, five of the best tactical shotguns on the market are ranked and broken down — from a pump-action workhorse that's been trusted by law enforcement for decades, to a cutting-edge mag-fed platform that's rewriting what a 12-gauge can do.

Every gun on this list has been evaluated for reliability under stress, home defense performance, and real-world practicality — not just spec sheets.

Cardiologist Appointment Yesterday

Above, at El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant at Grants. 

Yesterday, I went to Grants (about 45 miles east) for my annual check-up with my cardiologist.

The drive wasn't bad. It did rain (a downpour) near Thoreau, but that only lasted a couple of minutes. 

At the doctors, I was weighed (149 lbs.) and had a cardiogram done. I also had my blood pressure checked (111/71). So far, so good. The doctor told me that he reviewed all the tests (lexiscan, stress test, etc.) I took last year and I came out better than expected and for my age. 

We decided that rather than coming in once every year, I would come in six months. This is nothing bad, but since I am getting older, it is best that I get examined so that if anything develops, we catch it earlier rather than later. He asked if this is a problem, I told him that since I am retired, it is fine with me. So, my next appointment will be in December. 

He noted that since I gave up cigarette smoking ten years ago, I am still alive and kicking. He said if I still smoked cigarettes, I would likely not be here. He wasn't concerned about the cigars. I told him I came down with bronchitis back then and used that as an opportunity to quit. 

Above, the chile relleno plate at El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in Grants. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We discussed my activities and showed him photos of the Jeep. I told him we have OHV roads in nearby Six Mile Canyon and I enjoy driving them. This is a lot better than sitting in a rocking chair.

After the exam and everything was done, I headed out to the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in town. It was a bit of an effort getting there as there was roadwork being done and I had to take numerous detours. 

One I got there, I had the chile relleno plate. Following dinner, I headed back to Jamestown. 

After getting home, we had a good downpour, which gave my trees a good soaking. We needed this. Monsoon season is definitely here. 

Discontinued Rifles That Jumped In Value While Nobody Watched

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

Many moons ago, I was on the lookout for a pre-1964 Winchester 94 rifle in .30-30 caliber. I looked around for or year to two. 

Then, in April 2019, I was killing time in Albuquerque browsing around a gun store. I had a morning flight to Fort Lauderdale from Albuquerque the next day for a cruise. I spotted a Winchester 94 on a rack on sale for $495. It was made in 1962 and in great shape. I confirmed that it was a pre-1964. I put it on layaway and picked it up when I returned from Florida. It wouldn't do to try to bring it on a plane or on the cruise ship.

Nowaday, interest in lever-action rifles has skyrocketed and the gun I bought for just under $500 would likely sell for $800 and up today.

MSN (via The Avid Outdoorsman) posted a slideshow article on discontinued rifles that jumped in value while nobody watched. The Winchester 94 is one of those rifles on their list. I'm glad I bought mine when I did.

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 read more, go here. 

Gwen Duffy Obituary

Above, Gwen Duffy and yours truly at the White House in June 1982.

I was working on something when I happened to find an obituary for former Gardena (California) City Councilwoman Gwen Duffy.

She was a great friend and political ally back in the 1980s. She and I were part of the 1980 California Delegation to the Republican National Convention. The Delegation was invited to the White House for a reception in June 1982. Gwen and I both attended.

The Daily Breeze posted an obituary, which reads in part:

1922 – 2020 FIRST GARDENA COUNCIL WOMAN DIES The first woman to be elected to the Gardena City Council died on February 1, 2020. 

As Chair of the Committee to Preserve Property Rights in Gardena, Gwen helped to defeat a Gardena Redevelopment Agency ordinance. As a member of the Gardena Republican Women, Federated, she served as a member of the California Delegation of Reagan for President at the National Conventions in 1976, 1980, and 1984. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Gardena Emblem Club, Gardena Valley Friends of the Library, Gardena-Carson Family YMCA Board of Directors, Gardena Valley YWCA, Gardena Sister City Association, Gardena Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Chair of the Gardena We TIP Committee. Gwen was the first woman elected to the Gardena City Council and served from 1982 to 1999. 

To read the full obituary, go here. 

Open Campgrounds, But No Water

Above, camping at a Ridgway, Colorado RV park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Checking into a campground and finding that the water system has been shut off has not occurred in my experience. That's not to say that the possibility doesn't exist.

In the Four Corners region, we are facing drought conditions and that has led to some campgrounds to shut off their water. 

RV Travel posted an article on this topic.

They begin it with:

Campground water availability is something most RVers rarely think about until it’s gone. Most travelers assume that if a campground is accepting reservations, basic services such as water will be available when they arrive. Increasingly, that’s not always a safe assumption.

Recent reports from Colorado describe campgrounds that remain open even though water systems have been shut down because of drought conditions. In some cases, visitors are being warned to bring their own water or prepare for limited services.

While the situation is unfolding in Colorado, the lesson applies almost anywhere. Water shortages, well failures, infrastructure problems, wildfire impacts, and maintenance issues can all affect campground services, sometimes with little notice.

For RVers, that means an open campground doesn’t necessarily mean a fully functioning campground.

To read more, go here. 

The Most Underrated Lever Actions Ever Made

The Most Underrated Lever Actions Ever Made video by TacCore.

Summary:

Lever-action rifles aren't just firearms anymore. Some have become highly sought-after collector pieces, family heirlooms, and valuable assets that continue gaining attention from shooters and collectors alike.

In this video, we count down 12 lever-action rifles that many enthusiasts believe are worth holding onto for the long haul. From pre-64 Winchester Model 94s and JM-marked Marlins to the legendary Savage 99, Winchester 71, Browning BLR, Marlin 39A, and even modern standouts like the Ruger-made Marlin 1895 SBL and Smith & Wesson Model 1854.

We'll examine history, craftsmanship, rarity, collectibility, shooting performance, and what makes these rifles so desirable among today's lever-gun enthusiasts.

Which lever-action would you never sell?

Let us know in the comments.

NMTD Manuelito Visitor Information Center

Above, Manuelito Visitor Information Center off Interstate 40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Drivers entering New Mexico from Arizona on Interstate 40 are welcome to take a break at the Manuelito Visitor Information Center which is about 4 miles east of the Arizona border and Lupton, Arizona on the eastbound side. Gallup is about 13 miles east on Interstate 40.

Above, parking is available for passenger cars, RVs and big rig trucks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here, maps and travel guides are available to visitors. There are restrooms and vending machines. There are also kiosks for picnicking.

According to the official website:

New Mexico’s four highway Visitor Information Centers serve more than half a million travelers annually. Maintained by the NM Department of Transportation or the General Services Department and operated by the New Mexico Tourism Department, they provide New Mexico True travel and tourism information. Visitor Information Center staff are knowledgeable members of the hospitality industry who assist travelers and work with the state's tourism industry to promote destinations, events and activities in New Mexico. Specific Visitor Information Center location and contact information and telephone numbers appears above. Contact the Visitor Information Centers directly to discuss special promotions, general travel information about New Mexico and the surrounding areas and/or events taking place across the state.

Above, kiosks with picnic tables are available to travelers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Top 15 Used Firearms That Hold More Market Value Than Gold!

Top 15 Used Firearms That Hold More Market Value Than Gold! video by Gun Addicts.

Summary:

Most firearms lose value the moment they leave the gun store—but a rare few do the exact opposite. Some guns become so desirable, collectible, and sought-after that their prices continue climbing year after year, often outperforming traditional investments and shocking even experienced collectors. In many cases, these firearms have become prized assets that owners refuse to part with, no matter how high the offers get.

In this video, we're counting down Top 15 Used Firearms That Hold More Market Value Than Gold! From legendary military surplus rifles and discontinued classics to premium revolvers, rare shotguns, and highly collectible handguns, these are the firearms that have become some of the hottest commodities in the collector market.

Whether you're a firearm collector, investor, enthusiast, or simply curious about which guns have become the most desirable on the used market, this countdown is packed with surprising examples and fascinating stories. You'll discover which firearms owners are holding onto, which models continue to skyrocket in value, and why certain guns have become nearly impossible to find at reasonable prices.

Stay until the end because our number one pick is a firearm that has become a true collector's dream and has delivered returns that few people could have predicted.

10 Shotguns Quietly Becoming PRICELESS

10 Shotguns Quietly Becoming PRICELESS (Never Let These Go)! video by The Gun Warehouse.

Summary:

Some shotguns are more than just firearms they are pieces of history that collectors are quietly searching for. In this video, we reveal 10 shotguns that are becoming increasingly valuable, from legendary American classics to discontinued models that may be hiding in closets, safes, and collections. 

From the Ithaca Model 37 and Remington Model 1100 to the legendary Winchester Model 21, Parker Brothers, and Browning Superposed, we explore what makes these shotguns valuable and why owners should think twice before letting them go. Learn the key details collectors look for, including rarity, condition, originality, and history.

Mossberg: How America’s Last Family Gun Empire Survived

Mossberg: How America’s Last Family Gun Empire Survived video by Fallen Firearms Empires.

Summary: 

Mossberg is one of the last major family-owned firearms manufacturers in the United States. While many American gun companies were sold, merged, or disappeared, Mossberg survived for over a century through innovation, resilience, and family leadership.

In this video, we explore the history of O.F. Mossberg & Sons, the rise of the Mossberg 500 shotgun, and how the company remained independent in an industry dominated by corporate giants.

Topics covered:

• Mossberg history

• American gun industry

• Family-owned businesses

• Firearms manufacturing in the USA

• Mossberg 500 success story

• Business survival strategies

Update On New Mexico's 7-Day Waiting Period

Many New Mexico residents are wondering what's the status of the state's 7-day waiting period for firearm purchases. I also had been wondering, not that I was looking to purchase any guns.

Well, thanks to the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA) we have our answer.

Their email newsletter just arrived and it contains the following: 

Update on New Mexico's 7-Day Waiting Period

I continue to receive questions about the status of New Mexico's 7-day waiting period for firearm purchases.

At this time, the waiting period remains in effect and continues to be enforced against the general public. While the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ruled that the law is likely unconstitutional under the Second Amendment, the case was sent back to the federal district court for a final decision.

On February 9, 2026, the district court issued a preliminary injunction, but it only applies to the two named plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Unfortunately, that means the waiting period continues to apply to everyone else unless they qualify for one of the exemptions provided by law.

The case is now before Judge James O. Browning. During previous hearings, Judge Browning indicated that he believes the Tenth Circuit's ruling is binding on his court. The parties have completed briefing, and we are awaiting the judge’s final ruling.

Until that ruling is issued, the 7-day waiting period remains in effect for most firearm purchasers in New Mexico.

NMSSA has been closely following this case from the beginning and will continue to keep our members informed as developments occur. We remain hopeful that the court will ultimately strike down this law and restore the rights of law-abiding New Mexicans.

Anthony Segura

Executive Director

New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

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.

15 Guns That Turned Into Lifetime Keepers Without Trying

Above, the Ruger 10/22, the first gun I ever bought. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first firearm I ever bought was a Ruger 10/22 .22 caliber semi-auto rifle. I had inherited other guns previously, but this was the first one that I bought after seeing a friend's when we went out plinking.

I had been using my grandfather's Winchester 62A .22 caliber. While I enjoyed shooting it (still do), I decided to buy the Ruger. I have purchased more guns since then. They range from rifles, pistols and shotguns.

The Ruger 10/22 made the list of 15 guns that turned into lifetime keepers without trying by The Avid Outdoorsman. 

They begin their list with:

Some guns become lifetime keepers on purpose. They’re bought as heirlooms, special editions, or once-in-a-lifetime purchases. Owners know from day one that they’ll never sell them. Those are easy to understand.

The more interesting ones are the guns that become keepers almost by accident. They start out as practical buys, range toys, hunting tools, or ordinary carry guns. Then years pass, and the owner realizes the gun has earned a permanent spot. It may not be the fanciest firearm in the safe, but selling it would feel like a mistake.

To read more, go here. 

4 Fascinating Facts About the Winchester Model 94

Above, the pre-1964 Winchester 94 I bought seven years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Looking at how prices for pre-1964 Winchester 94 rifles have skyrocketed since I bought mine in 2019, I consider myself lucky I bought it when I did.

The Winchester 94 (and lever-action rifles in general) have seen a resurgence in popularity. New ones have been introduced with modern designs. Personally, I prefer the classic ones. 

MSN posted a slideshow article with 4 fascinating facts about the Winchester 94.

They start it with:

The Winchester Model 94, designed by John Moses Browning, was the first American sporting rifle built for smokeless powder cartridges. Over its long history, it has seen millions produced, numerous chamberings, special editions, and design changes that shaped its collectability and performance. Its cultural impact, from being called 'The Gun that Won the West' to becoming a deer hunting staple, has made it an enduring icon among lever-action rifles.

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 kick off the week, we have Aerosmith and their 1973 hit, "Dream On" from their self titled album Aerosmith.

From Wikipedia:

Aerosmith is an American rock band formed in Boston in 1970. The group consists of lead vocalist Steven Tyler, bassist Tom Hamilton, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford. Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has also incorporated elements of pop rock, heavy metal, glam metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many subsequent rock artists. Aerosmith is sometimes referred to as "the Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". The primary songwriting team of Tyler and Perry is sometimes referred to as the "Toxic Twins".

Hilton Hawaiian Village Tower Completes Renovation

Above, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Tower in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel at Waikiki Beach was one of Elvis Presley's favorite places to stay while in the islands. 

I got to see it back in 2016 while at the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. I also visited it and bought an ice cream sundae at their ice cream parlor.

Travel Weekly reports that the Hilton Hawaiian Hotel Rainbow Tower's renovation has been completed:

One of Waikiki's most iconic landmarks, the Rainbow Tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Oahu has completed its renovation. The tower's rooms have been refreshed with design touches rooted in Hawaii.

To read more, go here. 

Cody's Giant Winchester

Above, Cody's giant Winchester. Roadside America photo.

Last year, Mitch Geriminsky and I went to Cody, Wyoming to attend the Winchester Arms Collectors Association (WACA) gun show and to visit the Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

While in Cody, we also stopped by the Irma Hotel for dinner. Unbeknownst to us, near the Irma Hotel a 30 foot Winchester lever action would be displayed atop a gun store's roof. 

I just found out about this last evening.

According to Cowboy State Daily:

Fifty years ago, the highlight of the Cody Stampede Parade marking America’s bicentennial celebration was a 30-foot-long .30-30 Winchester rifle, dominating a float that also carried legendary Western actor John Wayne.

That rifle has been sitting atop a storefront in downtown Cody since. 

Everyone loves the giant Winchester, so they might have noticed when it recently suddenly disappeared from the roof where it had been prominently displayed since its trip down Sheridan Avenue decades earlier.

Like John Wayne himself, Cody’s giant Winchester rifle is coming back, better than ever, for another 50 years dominating Cody’s historic downtown.

“We're putting it back to what it was in 1976, as best we can,” said Mike Darby, owner of the Irma Hotel and the giant Winchester. “I can’t confirm or deny what we’re going to do with it, but we’re hoping to have it done by July 3.”

Apparently, the Winchester was removed before our arrival. 

To read more, go here. 

To read Roadside America's entry, go here.

Don't Sell These Old Lever-Action Rifles

Don't Sell These Old Lever-Action Rifles Until You Watch This! video by Ballistic Edge.

Summary:

Some lever-action rifles become legends—and some quietly become collector treasures.

In this video, we break down 10 lever-action rifles that could be worth serious money because of their engineering, history, and growing collector demand.

From the Winchester Model 1866 to the Savage 99, discover which vintage rifles collectors are watching closely.

Which lever gun still has the biggest upside? Watch to the end and decide.

Lever-action rifles hold a special place in firearm history, but not every lever gun becomes collectible. In this video, we explore ten lever-action rifles whose historical significance, innovative engineering, and rarity have helped them gain long-term collector interest.

You'll learn why the Winchester Model 88, Winchester Model 71, Marlin Model 1893, Savage Model 99, Winchester Model 1894, Winchester Model 1873, and Winchester Model 1866 continue attracting attention from collectors and enthusiasts.

Whether you're a lever-action collector, hunting rifle enthusiast, or simply love firearm history, this ranking examines what makes certain rifles stand apart from the rest.

The State of James Bond

Above, George Lazenby took over as Bond for only one movie.

Well, we're five years since No Time To Die in which the movie ended with James Bond seemingly blown to smithereens by the Royal Navy.  

Much has happened since then, though.

Amazon now owns the Bond franchise and is still searching for a new James Bond as Daniel Craig has ended his stint as 007. The word is that Amazon plans to reboot the series. This will be the second reboot as the Daniel Craig movies, starting with Casino Royale, was the first reboot. 

Frankly, I think they should hang up the Bond movies unless they come up with an inventive way that Bond survived the missiles (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle killed off Sherlock Holmes but brought him back due to public demand). To me, reboots are cheats. The ending of No Time To Die is too firmly tattooed on people's minds. I will give the new Bond movie a chance, but if it turns out to be a POS, then I am done. 

Esquire posted an interesting article on the state of the Bond series. (By the way, a new Bond novel, King Zero, is set to be released in September.) They look at some contenders for the new Bond. 

They begin their article with:

So, here we are. Still. No Time To Die came and went, Daniel Craig has ducked out of MI6. It is now a number of years since his Bond was – spoiler alert! – terminated with extreme prejudice by Her Majesty’s Royal Navy, we’re still no closer than we were then to knowing who will be the next James Bond.

A director has been appointed in the shape of Oscar-nominated French-Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve. In a statement, the Dune franchise director said was a "die-hard James Bond fan" and intends to "honour the tradition" of the franchise. "I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr No with Sean Connery," he said. "To me, he's sacred territory". Meanwhile, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has been enlisted to write the script.

But who will play Bond himself?

Well, we know that the new Bond is very probably going to be in his thirties (the Bond hierarchy has pondered a much younger Bond but ultimately threw it out) because if he's too old, he loses sex appeal; and too young, he loses credibility.

Traditionally, it’s been a role which elevates actors to the A-list rather than being an A-list vehicle. Sean Connery was an undistinguished jobbing actor best known for fighting leprechauns in Disney’s begorrah-and-blimey Irish tale Darby O’Gill and the Little People. George Lazenby was a car salesman turned chocolate advert mascot who bumped into Cubby Broccoli at the barbers. Pierce Brosnan had a perm.

But now that Amazon has wrestled control of the franchise, honestly: who knows?

Good question. Only time will tell.

To read more, go here. 

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.