Humorous No Trespassing Signs

 

The Playground (Six Mile Canyon)

Yesterday afternoon, I took a drive into Six Mile Canyon of the Cibola National Forest near our community in New Mexico. 

It was a nice day with warm temperatures despite the clouds. When I headed into the canyon, three vehicles were leaving the canyon. 

I drove in and spotted a field covered with some prickly pear cactus. I decided to take some photos of them with the Jeep. 

The photos are below:

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 S.O.S. Band with their 1980 hit, "Take Your Time (Do It Right)." I first heard this song in June 1980 in Englewood, Colorado when I was in my hotel's bar. I was there to take a two-week damage appraisal class put on by GAB. The band is still active.

From Wikipedia:

The S.O.S. Band (sometimes styled S.O.S. Band; shorthand for Sounds of Success) is an American R&B and electro-funk group formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1977. The original lineup featured Mary Davis (lead vocals), Jason Bryant (keyboards), Billy Ellis and Willie “Sonny” Killebrew (horns), Bruno Speight (guitar), John Simpson (bass), and James Earl Jones III (drums).

The group rose to prominence with their platinum debut single "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" in 1980—a post-disco, boogie-funk anthem that reached No. 1 on the U.S. R&B chart, No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was certified gold. Their self-titled debut album S.O.S. also achieved gold status.

 

Marlin Years to AVOID — the Exact Year the Quality Died

Marlin Years to AVOID — the Exact Year the Quality Died video from Ivan's Journal.

Summary:

The two-second check that actually matters: the JM oval proof on the left side of the barrel for a Marlin-built gun versus the REP proof on the right for a Remington-built one, and why the proof mark beats the serial number, the box, or anything the seller tells you

Why the early Model 1893 and Model 36 belong to collectors, not hunters, and why 1948's Model 336 by L.L. Hepburn and T.R. Robinson Jr. is really where the modern story begins

Why the return of the 1894 in 1969, the .357 1894C in 1979, and the reborn 1972 .45-70 1895 (built on the 336 action, not a continuation of the original) round out the modern lineup, and why the pre-safety versus cross-bolt safety debate is a preference premium, not a quality grade

Why the most overlooked value on the used rack is the 1983 to 2007 North Haven era: mature tooling, a massive production run past four million 336s, full JM proof authenticity, priced low purely because of an ignored safety button

The real, misunderstood timeline of Remington's ownership: the 2007-2008 acquisition changed nothing on the North Haven shop floor, since North Haven kept building rifles with the same people and the same machines for years afterward

Why April 2011, not 2007, is the year that actually matters: the North Haven plant closing, the tooling's difficult move to Ilion, New York, and the specific, crucial detail that the skilled people who knew how to coax good work out of aging machines mostly didn't make the move with it

The well-documented pattern of quality complaints from roughly 2011 to 2013, canted sights, gapped tangs, rough actions, treated honestly as strong owner and dealer consensus rather than an official manufacturer admission

Why the barrel stamp still isn't a perfectly clean answer, since some transition-era rifles carry North Haven barrels finished with Remington proofs

The real reversal almost nobody accounts for: how quality recovered by 2015-2016, leaving later Remlins carrying a reputation earned by earlier ones, and why a well-inspected 2016 rifle can be a better buy than a worn 1975 JM gun

Ruger's 2020 bankruptcy-court acquisition of Marlin's assets, tooling and trademarks only, no buildings or workforce, and why that should have repeated the 2011 disaster but apparently didn't

What actually shipped from the new Mayodan, North Carolina plant starting in 2021, the 1895 SBL, the 2023 336 Classic, the 1894 Classic, and the honest consensus that these new rifles often match or beat the old JM guns, with real caveats about heavy factory trigger pulls

What's still missing entirely: the Model 39, continuously produced since 1922 and once the longest continuously produced shoulder-fired rifle in the world, currently not in Ruger's lineup at all

If you're standing at a counter needing one number: it's 2011, not 2007, because the building closed, not because the company sold. The worst Marlins ever built and the best Marlins ever built are separated by about ten years, same design, same drawings, same cartridge, and the entire difference came down to who was standing at the machines and how much they knew.

If you sold a Marlin because of the date on the paperwork and have been quietly regretting it, tell me which one.

 

Bison Factoid

Above, a bison rests on a hill in Yellowstone National Park. I used a telephoto lens. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's an interesting factoid.

I spotted it in today's RV Travel Sunday Newsletter and it is on the American bison.

Here it is:

FACTOID: A full-grown American bison can weigh more than 2,000 pounds, yet these massive animals can run at speeds of around 35 mph. Never let their lumbering walk fool you!

We saw a good example of that when a Yellowstone bison attacked an elderly man and tossed him into the air. The video of the attack went viral in July.

Here's a video of the attack: 

It is recommended to keep a safe distance from bison of at least 25 yards.

Idaho Advisory Question: State Gun

The November 3 midterm election is an important one.

Essentially, it is not a choice between right & left, instead, it is a choice between common sense & crazy. 

In this election, there is a ballot advisory question in the state of Idaho on what gun should be designated at the official state gun of Idaho. 

If I were a citizen of Idaho, I know which gun I would vote for (so would many others who follow this blog). I have friends in Idaho, but I don't know which gun they're voting for.

Here's a snip of the sample ballot:

Remember, don't forget to vote!

6 Best National Park Trails For Seniors

Above, on the Lower Yosemite Falls trail. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When one reaches their senior years, keeping in good shape for walking national park trails is essential for fully enjoying the park.

I have always been a walker, but since my 60s, walking hiking trails have become a little more difficult.  That's where a new article in TheTravel comes in.

It lists six U.S. national parks with the best trails for seniors. The most recent walk for me was to Hermit's Rest at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I wasn't a long trail and relatively easy. 

Above, after my Lower Yosemite Falls trail walk.

I also did walk the trail to Lower Yosemite Falls back in 2016. That wasn't too bad either, although longer (about a mile). I was 62 at the time. My only issue was developing leg cramping during the walk.

TheTravel beings their article with:

Some of the best national parks to visit in the U.S. are not off-limits to older travelers, but choosing the right trail matters. There are routes that demand endurance and stamina due to steep climbs, rocky footing, and long miles. At the same time, other trails offer paved rim walks, carriage roads, short waterfall trails, and scenic drives that put major sights within easier reach.

This list focuses on manageable surfaces, shorter distances, gentler grades, accessible facilities, and scenic alternatives when a longer hike is not appealing. National Park Service accessibility guidance helps identify options without assuming that every older traveler has the same needs.

From the Grand Canyon’s South Rim to Acadia’s carriage roads, here are some of the best U.S. national parks with easy hikes that are ideal for seniors.

To read more, go here. 

Deb Haaland Is Hiding

If I were an inarticulate buffoon as Haaland is, I would duck forums too!

5 Legendary Lever Guns America KILLED

5 Legendary Lever Guns America KILLED — And They're Worth a Fortune Now (You Won't Believe #1) video from Ammo Insider.

Summary:

Not one of these five rifles was beaten. Nothing outshot them, nothing outsold them in the field, and no better design pushed them out.

They were killed on paper - by owners who worked out that a machined receiver cost more than a stamped one, and bet you would not notice the difference. For a while they were right. The used market is where that bet finally got settled.

Five lever guns, counted down. The Winchester Model 94 at number one was killed twice - once in 1964, and again in 2006.

 

JD Vance’s 2026 RNC Midterm Convention Speech

FULL: JD Vance’s 2026 RNC Midterm Convention speech video from FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth.

Summary:

Vice President JD Vance delivers his full speech at the 2026 Republican midterm convention in Dallas.

Vance honors Charlie Kirk, discusses his family and the American “birthright,” and outlines the Trump administration’s record on immigration, crime, jobs, taxes, housing and health care.

He also criticizes Democratic candidates and policies, including remarks about James Talarico in Texas and Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, before urging Republicans to turn out in the November midterm elections.

 

Trump’s Speech On Day 2 of RNC Midterm Convention

 FULL: Trump’s speech on Day 2 of RNC Midterm Convention from Fox 26 Houston.

Summary:

President Donald J. Trump delivers his full speech at the Republican National Committee’s 2026 midterm convention in Dallas, Texas.

The 20 Best Lever-Action Rifles That Aren’t the Winchester 94

Above, friend Nandoh shooting his Henry lever-action at the
shooting area near our community. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Regular readers know that I am a huge fan of the Winchester 94. I was lucky enough to find a pre-64 Winchester 94 made in 1962 that was in great shape. 

The Winchester 94 isn't the only lever-action rifle that people should buy. There are others that The Avid Outdoorsman recommends, 20 of them.

That is the topic of a new article and it begins with:

Walk into any gun shop and say “lever gun,” and you’ll watch half the room picture the same rifle. I get it. It earned that spot. But if you hunt in thick timber, keep a rifle behind a truck seat, or just like a slick action and a simple sight picture, there are a lot of lever-actions that deserve daylight without living in that one rifle’s shadow. 

This is a working list, not a museum tour. Some of these are classics, some are modern oddballs, and a few are the kind of rifles you buy, shoot a bunch, and then realize you should’ve bought sooner. If you want a lever gun for deer, hogs, black bear, coyotes, or just honest range fun, start here.

To read more, go here. 

25th Anniversary of 9/11/01

Above, by Archie Waugh.

. 

Above, the World Trade Center under attack.

This generation's Pearl Harbor occurred 25 years ago today. The memory of that day is forever etched into the minds of those alive that day, just as the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941 and the assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963 with earlier generations. I remember the Kennedy assassination as I was nine years old at the time.

September 11, 2001 started out routinely. I was working for a security patrol company and as a claims adjuster temp at Farmers Insurance Company. I was working the two jobs as I was about to make my first trip to Japan in October. I had purchased my passport only days before September 11, 2001. 

On the morning of September 11, I was getting ready for work at Farmers while I perused the Dave Schutz Adventures of Superman message board. On the board, I noticed some postings about some sort of incident in New York. Reading further, I found that airplanes hit the World Trade Center. I then went over to Newsmax.com and saw multiple bulletins posted. While reading, I turned on my Sony Watchman television set that sat on my computer printer. It was then I saw the horror unfold. I watched for several minutes until I had to drive to work. 

I was heading out of the house when my mom called me to tell me about the attacks. Following the telephone call, I grabbed my police scanner and headed out the door. Through the scanner, I was able to pick up radio broadcasts. I had the scanner turned on all day on my desk at work. 

At Farmers, two televisions were rolled out and were kept on all day. One of the workers had a cousin in New York who worked at the World Trade Center. As the day went on, he became more frantic as his cousin hadn't been heard from. Eventually, a family member heard from her. She reported that she left the WTC minutes before the first plane hit to go to the bank. When she returned, she saw the damage to the building and pieces of body parts scattered on the ground. She wasn't allowed back in the building. She spent the rest of the day trying to get home.

Above, the Pentagon under attack as shown by a security camera.

 

 As the day progressed, the news got even worse. Reports came in that the Pentagon was also attacked and a plane crashed in Pennsylvania (it was bound for Washington, D.C.) 

Jessica, my roommate of a few years ago, told me that she was living in the Bronx (roughly 30 miles away) at the time of the attacks. From there, she could see and smell the smoke from the WTC. 

Almost two months after September 11, I took my first trip to Japan. When I arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on October 31, National Guardsmen were still stationed in the airport terminals. We are still feeling the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Airport security has been greatly tightened (often bordering on civil rights issues) as have security in government and private industry facilities. 

Thankfully, we have not been attacked again due to the work of our servicemen and servicewomen as well as our intelligence agencies. Although we have not been attacked since, to lower our guard would be folly. It can happen again. 

What Happened To The DOGE Payments?

President Trump announced a $5,000 dividend payment to every American adult should the GOP win the midterm election this November and retain control of the House and Senate.

This immediately brought to mind, to me and many others: What happened to the proposed $2,000 DOGE tariff payments? 

I did a little checking and this is what Google's AI gizmo came up with:

What Happened to the Proposal

Never Enacted: While President Trump publicly floated concepts like returning a portion of Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) savings or issuing tariff rebate checks, no formal legislation authorizing these payments ever passed Congress.  (https://www.ms.now/news/news-analysis/trump-cash-payments-project-47), 

 (https://time.com/article/2026/09/10/trump-dividend-five-thousand-dollars-midterms-republican-convention/)

Disputed Savings: The idea of a DOGE-funded payout originally relied on trillions in federal spending cuts, but independent audits and government data showed actual documented savings were a fraction of initial claims before DOGE concluded its operations.  (https://www.ms.now/news/news-analysis/trump-cash-payments-project-47)

Legal Hurdles: Proposed tariff-funded checks faced major legal setbacks when the Supreme Court struck down sweeping emergency tariffs, removing the anticipated revenue stream meant to back such rebates 

President Trump: $5,000 Dividend To Every American Adult

President Trump Promises $5,000 Dividend to Every American Adult if Republicans Win Midterms video from CSPAN.

Summary:

President Trump: "Only I can make this promise to you, and here is my promise, if the Republicans win the House of Representatives and the United States Senate, both of them...because of our tremendous strength and success economically I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5,000."

 

Deb Haaland on Gun Control

If one thought that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was bad enough on your Second Amendment gun rights, New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Democrat Deb Haaland is of the same ilk, if not worse.

On The Issues posted a list of Haaland's policy positions on the Second Amendment.

They are:

• Extend waiting periods from 3 to 10 days
• We need 100% background checks, & close gun show loophole
• Ban assault weapons; we need national buy-back program
• Support gun-control, according to PVS survey.
• Require background check for every firearm sale and transfer.
• Haaland voted YEA Background Check Expansion Act

To read more, go here.

She has been endorsed by such radical leftist gun control groups such as Moms Demand Action and Giffords.

Deb Haaland Tied To Jeffrey Epstein

Democrat Deb Haaland had some ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, so much so that she flew aboard a plane chartered by Epstein.

From the Pinon Post:

New Mexico is once again in the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons after a bombshell report revealed that Democratic gubernatorial frontrunner Deb Haaland once flew on a private jet connected to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 

According to reporting by the New York Post, newly released emails show Haaland was among several passengers who traveled on the aircraft in 2014 while attending a meeting in Washington, D.C. At the time, Haaland was running for lieutenant governor as part of then–New Mexico Attorney General Gary King’s campaign.

To read more, go here. 

Evening Drive

Last evening, I decided to take a little Jeep drive on Six Mile Canyon Road after going to the Flying J. I went as far as the corral at the entrance to Six Mile Canyon.

Naturally, I took a few pictures.

John Moses Browning: THE MAN WHO INVENTED MODERN WARFARE!

THE MAN WHO INVENTED MODERN WARFARE! THE GENIUS OF JOHN M. BROWNING video from Logan1851 | Old West History.

Summary:

Welcome to the channel! When you handle firearms out in the field, whether on a hunt, at the shooting range, or during military service, you quickly learn to recognize true mechanical reliability. And almost every time you hold a flawless, indestructible piece of gunsmithing, one name echoes through history: John Moses Browning.

Today, we are looking at the life and legacy of the greatest firearms inventor who ever lived. While we often focus on the guns of the Old West, Browning is the man who bridged the gap between 19th-century frontier lever-actions and the battle-proven, modern weapons of the 20th century.

In this video, we explore his humble beginnings in his father's Utah shop and his early single-shot masterpieces like the Winchester 1885. We will break down his legendary partnership with Winchester that gave us the iconic 1886, 1892, and 1894 lever-action rifles. We will also discuss how his brilliant mind visualized complex mechanics without blueprints, eventually leading to the invention of the slide-action, the modern semi-automatic pistol, and the heavy machine guns that changed global history forever.

Which of John Moses Browning's designs is your absolute favorite piece of engineering? Let me know in the comments!

Where To RV For 70-degree Weather All Year

Above, Ashurst Lake dispersed campground in Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted an interesting article on where to RV for 70-degree weather every month of the year. 

Since we're almost in autumn (that arrives on September 22) and one's wanderlust is still spurring them along despite changing seasons, the article may be useful.  

It begins with:

Wouldn’t it be nice if every stop on your RV journey came with mild days, cool nights, and little need for the A/C or furnace? That’s the goal of chasing 70 degrees—a seasonal travel strategy to stay in the comfort zone year-round.

Traveling this way helps you avoid wild weather swings, reduce energy use, and enjoy nature at its best. Here’s how to follow the 70-degree sweet spot around the U.S.—with tips on beauty, weather quirks, and what to watch out for in each region.

To read more, go here. 

Starting RV Life As A Senior

Above, Ely, Nevada KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People who are retiring and are entering "the golden years" who are interested in joining the RV lifestyle should check out an article and video posted in RV Travel with some useful tips.

The article is titled, "Starting RV Life As A Senior - What You Need To Know." 

While becoming an RVer during one's senior years may sound appealing, but there are things they should be prepared to face.

The article begins with:

Starting RV life as a senior can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. Many people imagine endless adventure, but the early days often bring unexpected aches, exhaustion, and sometimes even regret. Finding solutions to common problems quickly can turn things around, leading to a more enjoyable, sustainable lifestyle.

In the video at the end of this post, John, of Gone With John, offers some useful advice and perspectives.

 To see the video and read more, go here.

Survey: More Women and Minorities Own Guns Than Ever

With the following article, one can easily say, "welcome aboard."

More women and minorities are joining the ranks of gun owners. It seems more people are realizing that the Second Amendment is for everybody.

According to an article in The Reload, which begins with:

A new survey of nearly 17,000 gun owners has found AR-15 ownership now reaches the 40 million mark, and that women and people of color make up an ever-larger share of buyers.

The 2026 National Firearms Survey, published on Saturday, examined firearm ownership and use across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It determined 25 percent of gun owners report they currently have an AR-15, and an additional 12.9 percent said they own a similar semi-automatic rifle–putting the combined number of owners somewhere around 26.4 million. It also found that more people of color and women are choosing to own guns, a trend that picked up speed during the COVID-19 pandemic and persisted in the years since. Gun ownership among nearly every minority group increased from the last National Firearms Survey fielded in 2021.

“In sum, firearms ownership has continued to grow, and firearms owners are more diverse than ever,” Georgetown Professor William English, who conducted the survey, wrote.

To read more, go here. 

7 Shocking Facts About .30-30 Rifles

7 Shocking Facts About .30-30 Rifles They Don’t Want You to Know! video from The Armory Vault.

Summary:

Think you know everything about the .30-30 Winchester? Think again. While generations of hunters grew up carrying a Winchester Model 1894 or Marlin 336, decades of camp folklore and commercial marketing have obscured the true mechanical capabilities and history of America’s quintessential deer rifle. In this video, we break down 7 shocking, lesser-known facts about the .30-30, from debunking the legendary "brush-busting" deflection myth with hard ballistics data, to its overlooked military deployment across three Allied nations in World War I, and the bitter corporate feud that gave a groundbreaking smokeless cartridge a misleading black-powder name.

We also explore how the 130-year-old .30-30 routinely outperforms modern tactical intermediate rounds like the .300 Blackout and 7.62x39mm in terminal hunting energy, investigate the 110-year aerodynamic magazine barrier that was finally cracked using bathroom caulk, and reveal its role in repelling wartime invasions as well as carrying out modern judicial executions. Which of these seven facts surprised you the most, and how many did you already know? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, hit that thumbs-up button if you learned something new, and subscribe to the channel for more deep-dive ballistics breakdowns and firearm history!

12 Cheap Guns People Laughed At — Until...

12 Cheap Guns People Laughed At — Until They Proved Everyone Wrong video from Arms Insider.

Summary:

Cheap guns are easy to dismiss—but some of them earned respect the hard way. In this video, we look at 12 affordable firearms that people mocked, underestimated, or ignored until they proved surprisingly reliable, accurate, durable, or popular. From budget pistols and carbines to working-man rifles and shotguns, these are the cheap guns that ended up proving everyone wrong.

Of the firearms listed, I have number 8 on the list.

6 Big Name Cruise Lines That Just Aren't Worth It Anymore

Above, the Majesty of the Seas in Havana Port in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since taking a cruise isn't my favorite mode of travel (RVing is), I've only been on three cruises. 

The first was with Celebrity to Alaska. The second was with Royal Caribbean to Havana, Cuba. The third was with Norwegian to the Bahamas. 

While I enjoyed each cruise, I noticed that the costs are accumulating and getting higher. 

AOL has also taken notice of this as they posted an article on six big name cruise lines that aren't worth it anymore.

They begin with:

Cruises have long been promoted as an affordable way to visit multiple destinations while bundling accommodations, meals, and entertainment into one fare. But that value is becoming harder to find.

Rising daily gratuities, expensive drink and Wi-Fi packages, and additional charges for dining or room service can push the final bill far beyond the advertised price. That doesn't mean every major cruise line is a bad choice. Many still offer impressive ships, convenient itineraries, and experiences that suit particular travelers.

However, passengers who want to save money on travel must look beyond promotional fares and calculate what their vacation will actually cost. For some former favorites, fewer inclusions and increasingly expensive extras have made the math less appealing than it once was. With that in mind, these big-name cruise lines may no longer provide enough value to justify the total price.

To read more, go here. 

Barbecue Day

As usual, I am sticking close to home on this Labor Day.

I am planning on barbecuing a steak this afternoon. The National Weather Service forecasts isolated showers and thunderstorms this afternoon after 3:00. That being the possible case, I will fire up the barbecue at around 2:00. 

The forecast:

 Labor Day

Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Trump Floats Renaming New Mexico

This is sure to drive the wacko liberals here in New Mexico bonkers.

President Trump is floating the idea of renaming New Mexico to New America. 

According to the Gateway Pundit:

President Trump posted a photo earlier, floating the idea of renaming another landmark, this time a US state. 

Trump posted the graphic on Truth Social on Sunday, showing a map of New Mexico, with “Mexico” crossed out and “America” taking its place.

It would appear that he is just trolling, but who knows?

Why should we have a state with a name that would appear to imply a connection to the neighboring cartel-infested slum nation?

To read more, go here. 

I can easily predict what Deb Haaland's responce would be: "Um."

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day!

The most memorable Labor Day for me was in 1984 when I attended the campaign kick-off for the Reagan-Bush campaign.

It is estimated that 50,000 people attended Ronald Reagan's formal Labor Day campaign kickoff rally at Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley. I remember the day being hot and some who were bused in couldn't get in as the venue was filled to capacity. Luckily, Mike Evans (a longtime friend) and I got there early enough to get in. 

Here's one of my photos of President Reagan addressing the crowd. Those I can identify are: Ed Rollins, Pete Wilson, Nancy Reagan, Charlton Heston, George Deukmejian, President Reagan, Maureen Reagan, Johnny Grant and Dennis Revell.

Above, President Reagan's Labor Day campaign kick-off
 in Fountain Valley, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.