Nithya Raman Proposes Backyard BBQ Ban

The Looney Left Report

Here's one for the books.

LA mayoral hopeful Nithya Raman, who is currently a member of the Los Angeles City Council, wants to ban backyard barbecues during red flag warning days.

The New York Post reported:

Los Angeles mayoral hopeful Nithya Raman wanted to ban backyard barbecues for residents during certain high fire danger days across the city.

Raman introduced a motion Wednesday directing city officials to examine emergency restrictions on grilling during Red Flag Warning days, when high winds and dry conditions significantly increase wildfire danger across Los Angeles.

The proposal specifically asks officials to consider possible limits on backyard barbecues, fire pits and other open flames in residential neighborhoods during those high-risk weather events

Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents much of the San Fernando Valley, stepped in and successfully blocked the proposal by introducing a separate motion that stripped Raman’s barbecue ban.

To read more, go here. 

Scope Adjustments Made Simple

Above, yours truly with the Ruger 10/22 yesterday. Photo by Larry Lucier.

Yesterday, I had some difficulty with my Ruger 10/22 rifle. I have a Bushnell scope on it, but it wasn't hitting where the cross hairs were aimed at. 

Obviously, I have to adjust, or zero, the scope.

I found a website explaining how to do scope adjustments. It is from NRA Women.

It starts with:

Though most of us utilize a riflescope on our hunting or long-range precision rifles, few of us (myself included) truly grasp the real complexity of our optics. We know to turn this dial to do one thing and turn the other dial to do another thing, and that’s about it.

Truth is, that’s really enough for most of us. Studying optics gets you deep into the weeds very quickly, and most of us don’t need to know exactly how the image we’re seeing through our scope is produced. But knowing just a little bit about what’s going on inside that scope will help you better understand why and how your dials work the way they do.

First, a quick primer on what those dials (called turrets) do.

Above, the scope with the turret caps on. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the scope's elevation turret with the cap off. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the windage turret with the cap off. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This post is for my future reference and for those who have to adjust their scopes. 

To read more, go here. 

Chilling 'Alien' Message To Humanity Revealed

Above, The Day The Earth Stood Still display at the Roswell International UFO Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

More stuff from the release of UFO files has been gleaned through.

Several news outlets have posted about "chilling" warnings allegedly from extra-terrestrials. Shades of The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)!

MSN posted:

The FBI files revealed alleged messages from ‘outer space people’ containing chilling warnings for humanity.

The documents were part of the Trump administration’s latest UFO disclosure release on Friday, which included never-before-seen memos, witness reports, photographs and videos tied to mysterious aerial phenomena.

One FBI memo, dated January 12, 1955, detailed claims from members of the Detroit Flying Saucer Club, one of the earliest UFO organizations in the US.

According to the document, club member Randall Cox told agents the group had received multiple messages from extraterrestrials warning humanity about its place in the universe.

The memo states the beings said all planets except Earth had already conquered outer space. 

To read more, go here. 

Today's Shoot

Above, yours truly with the Ruger 10/22. Photo by Larry Lucier.

It was a nice day for plinking at the shooting area. The only issue was that it was a little windy. 

Joining Larry Lucier and I was Victor Gomez. 

Above, Victor Gomez and his revolver. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

All three of us just shot .22 caliber ammunition. It is a lot cheaper these days.

We all had a good time. I have to get my Bushnell scope on my 10/22 adjusted (or zeroed). I would aim perfectly at the target but kept missing. The targets were probably too much further away as well. I did much better with the .30-30 Winchester during the last shoot. I basically couldn't shoot the broadside of a barn today.

Above, Larry Lucier shooting his Henry .22. lever-action. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We tried to go to Denny's for coffee afterwards, but they were closed with yellow fire warning tape draped across the main entrance. It has been closed off at least since Tuesday.  

Arizona Was Home To These Iconic Western Movies

Above, Monument Valley's West and East Mittens. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Living just 40 miles from the New Mexico/Arizona border on Interstate 40 has some great advantages. I can visit places in nearby states where classic westerns were filmed.

The region is best known as Four Corners, wherein four states (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah) meet up.

Over the years, the Four Corners has been home to many movie locations and sets. Monument Valley and Old Tucson come immediately to mind. I have been to both. Monument Valley straddles the Arizona/Utah border.

Above, a familiar hotel and saloon set at Old Tucson Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

AZCentral posted a list of movie sets used in westerns.

They begin with:

From shootouts and saloons to barren desert landscapes and iconic red rocks, Arizona has been home to some of the most memorable scenes in Western films.

Many Old West movies, from "Stagecoach" and "Tombstone" to "The Outlaw," were filmed at locations you can still visit today. Stars from John Wayne and Kurt Russel to Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra have also graced the Grand Canyon State filming locations.

While some of the sets have been adapted for tourists, other stops remain exactly the same.

So are you in the mood for a walk down memory lane? Here are Western film sets you can visit in Arizona.

To read more, go here. 

Shooting Day

Above, the .22s I will be shooting with today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's the day that we'll be heading to the Cibola National Forest shooting area to do some target shooting. 

This time, I am limiting my guns to two .22 caliber rifles: the Winchester 62A (inherited from my maternal grandfather) made in 1947 and the Ruger 10/22 (made in 1983).

I was holding off packing for the shoot until this morning as it looked like it might rain in the area. That would render the roads to the shooting area as too muddy. But, no rain came (even though we had a 60% chance forecast) yesterday. So, we're good to go.

A Little Godzilla History In Memory Lane

The above photo taken at the Rainforest Cafe in the Chicago area after G-FEST XII (2005) shows a group of us including (from left) yours truly, Stan Hyde, Yoshikazu Ishii, Ruth Lees, J. D. Lees, Yoshimitsu Banno and Robert Scott Field. 

The photo popped up in the Memories gizmo of Facebook yesterday. It prompted a comment by Field on the significance of it.

He wrote:

Great picture. In 2000 Banno asked me to help him connect to Hollywood for a 4D version of Hedorah. No one was interested in Hedorah but in 2005 we talked again for a couple of hours about getting the rights to Godzilla and before and after this picture of the dinner at the Rain Forest in Chicago was taken. I'm guessing that no one knew (including us lol) that this is where the turning point of the Legendary G-franchise actually began… And now history!!! It’s a beautiful thing!!!

Above, director Yoshimitsu Banno addresses the 2004 G-TOUR group in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The very first time we met Yoshimitsu Banno was at the T.G.I. Fridays dinner (above photo) in Roppongi, Tokyo of the first G-TOUR in 2004. He spoke to the group and dropped strong hints about his plans for a Hedorah movie in 3D.

He was later invited to G-FEST XII in 2005. Sadly, he passed away at age 86 in 2017.

The Last & Worst Winchester

The Last & Worst Winchester video by InRangeTV.

Summary:

The 1895 Winchester was the last lever action gun designed by John Moses Browning.   It is very popular in pop culture, mostly due to its appearance and presence in video games.   In this video I will discuss why it is absolutely the worst Winchester lever action model and why all of the compromises made to allow this gun to chamber modern military cartridges ruined the qualities that make lever actions great.

This is an original Winchester manufactured in the 1920's.   It is not a current manufacture Miroku.

The Most Common Class C RV Problems

Above, at the Moab (Utah) KOA Kampground last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The motor home I have is classified as a Class C. It is a 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R. To date, it has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

The only problem I have had with it was only recently when the flush valve to the toilet started acting up necessitating the need to replace the toilet. All things considered, I'm very pleased with it. Still, not bad for an eleven-year-old vehicle.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on the most common Class C RV problems owners run into. So far, none of the problems listed I have encountered.

They begin it with:

Class C RVs are easy to fall for. They feel more approachable than a large Class A, roomier than a camper van, and familiar enough from the driver’s seat that many new motorhome owners feel comfortable right away.

That first impression is part of the appeal, but it does not tell the whole story. Once you start loading the storage bays, driving in wind, using the cabover space, and keeping up with service, the tradeoffs become easier to see.

A Class C can still be a great RV. The key is knowing where this style of motorhome tends to ask for the most patience.

To read more, go here. 

Millions of Americans Turning To RV Travel This Summer

Above, the RV at Arches National Park last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Millions of Americans are turning to RV travel this summer. Well, you can include me in this. I plan on taking some RV trips this summer, but to places more closer to home this year.

Last summer, a friend and I took a long trip up through Utah to Wyoming. From Wyoming, we went to Montana to see the Little Bighorn Battlefield. From there, we went back into Wyoming to visit Devils Tower National Monument and, from there, to South Dakota to the Black Hills. After that, we headed home through Colorado. It was a long bunch of drives, but we and the RV weathered it just fine. 

MSN posted an article on the millions of Americans planning to do some RV travel.

They begin it with:

As Americans plan their summer vacations, new research from the RV Industry Association’s Travel Survey reveals that RV travel is resonating with travelers looking for flexibility, affordability and outdoor experiences. So much so, that 37 million Americans plan to go RVing this summer.

With ongoing economic pressures, crowded airports, flight disruptions, rising travel costs and broader travel unpredictability, it appears travelers are looking to RV road trips to ease these day-to-day stressors.  

RVing fits the bill for travelers increasingly prioritizing time on the road, trips closer to home and vacations that allow greater control over spending and schedules. The survey showed that 58 percent of leisure travelers report that taking an RV trip is a more affordable way to travel and that Memorial Day and Fourth of July bookings have increased compared to summer 2025.

 To read more, go here.

Are Your Firearms Registered?

Are Your Firearms Registered? video by Hickok45.

Summary: 

Hickok45 discusses the registering of firearms and transporting them across state lines. He says much of it is bunk.

Target Shooting Tomorrow

Above, the Winchester 62A .22 I inherited from my grandfather. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that spring is in full swing, we decided to to some target shooting tomorrow at our shooting area. 

According to the National Weather Service, tomorrow will be sunny with a high of 76°, which is good plinking weather.

Here's the forecast for this week: 

Wednesday

A slight chance of thunderstorms after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday Night

A slight chance of sprinkles before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 76. West wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 78.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 49.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 79.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 48.

For this session, I think that I will stick with .22 LR caliber rifles. It will either be with the Winchester 62A or the Ruger 10/22 (or both). With prices for larger calibers high right now, shooting with the .22 caliber rifles is more economical. 

Hopefully, we won't have any mishaps like the last time.

Silver Jumps To 2-Month Highs

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

There are times when I am glad that I invested in silver when I did. This is one of those times.

Silver has risen to the highest prices since February. 

According to MSN:

Spot silver surged above $85 an ounce for the first time in nearly two months as technical buying and momentum-driven trades fueled a powerful rally that has lifted the metal’s prices roughly 15% this month.

At the time of writing, spot silver (XAG/USD) was up nearly 6% to $85 an ounce, while silver futures for July 2026 deliveries also climbed nearly 6% to $85.6 per ounce. Last week, Spot Silver posted its strongest weekly performance since late February.

To read more, go here.

Guns That Are Worth More To Owners Than the Market Understands

Above, my Winchester 94 and Winchester 62A. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some guns are worth more to their owners than what its market value may be.

That's the crux of an article posted by The Avid Outdoorsman. Some guns are worth more to their owners, whether it may be sentimental value or other reasons, than what the market understands.

When I bought my Winchester 94 in 2019, I was looking for one that is pre-1964 and in good shape. I found one and it is my favorite gun. I would not ever sell it. The Winchester 94 is included in The Avid Outdoorsman's list. On paper (and online), the Winchester 94 doubled in price from what I paid for mine. 

The begin it with:

Some guns never look impressive on a value chart. They are not rare enough for collectors, not flashy enough for trend chasers, and not expensive enough for people to treat them like safe queens. If you sell one, the market may shrug and offer you less than you think it deserves.

That is exactly why some guns are better kept than sold. Their value is not always in resale price. It is in how well they fit your hands, how many seasons they have seen, how easily they still do the job, or how many memories are tied to them. These are the firearms that are worth more to owners than the market usually understands.

To read more, go here. 

Pro Gun Control Extremist Interrupts A Hickok45 Video

Pro Gun Control Extremist Interrupts A Hickok45 Video During Filming video by Hickok45 Clips.

Summary:

Yes, this channel is created and managed by Hickok45 and John, mainly John. The video clips on this channel are segments of videos taken from videos originally posted on the Hickok45 YouTube channel. John always includes a link to the original video from which the clip is taken.

Hickok45 videos are filmed on my own private shooting range and property by trained professionals for educational and entertainment purposes only, with emphasis on firearms safety and responsible gun ownership. We are NOT in the business of selling firearms or performing modifications on them.  Do not attempt to copy at home anything you see in our videos. Firearms can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

 

Hickok45 was at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston last month. I didn't see him, though.

Go Topless New Mexico 2026

Go Topless New Mexico 2026 video by 4 Corners 4x4 Week.

This looks like a lot of fun. In order for me to do this with my Jeep, I would need a trailer to haul it up to Farmington, which is 100 miles north.

Summary:

We are less than 1 week away from the Go Topless Event. What to expect when you come to Farmington for the 2026 Go Topless Day New Mexico Event.

 

9 Best Lever Action Rifles for 2026

9 Best Lever Action Rifles for 2026 — From Classic to Tactical Beast! video by The Armory.

Summary: 

Lever action rifles in 2026 aren’t “retro” anymore. They’re evolving fast — with suppressor-ready barrels, AR magazine compatibility, optics rails, and modern tactical upgrades that most shooters never saw coming.

In this video, we rank the 9 best lever action rifles for 2026, from classic .30-30 workhorses to next-gen detachable-mag lever guns that are changing the entire category. Some of these rifles are legendary. Others? Most gun owners still underestimate them.

From Henry, Marlin, Rossi, Smith & Wesson, FightLite, and Winchester, we break down reliability, handling, recoil, modularity, suppressor compatibility, and real-world practicality for hunters, range shooters, and tactical rifle fans alike.

 

Sydney Sweeney Goes Godzilla

Behind the scenes of the Cassie Godzilla scene. #Euphoria pic.twitter.com/b30VRaku5k

— Euphoria News (@season3euphoria) May 11, 2026

Sydney Sweeney goes Godzilla in a video at Euphoria. 

Yahoo! Entertainment posted some behind-the-scenes videos of the making of it.

According to Yahoo! Entertainment:

Sydney Sweeney sent Euphoria fans into collective disbelief after one larger-than-life Season 3 scene took over social media timelines. Within hours, viewers on X were repeating the same phrase as the moment became the internet’s latest obsession.

Euphoria fans are saying this about Sydney Sweeney’s Godzilla scene

Several viewers on X described the storyline as a “humiliation ritual” after Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie filmed explicit OnlyFans-style content and appeared in a giant monster-inspired fantasy scene.

One user wrote, “I’m convinced this season of Euphoria is a Sydney Sweeney humiliation ritual,” while another posted, “This production is crazy, can’t lie.”

To read more and see videos, go here. 

Trump Releases Government UFO Files

With the release of some UFO files at the order of President Trump, I can't help but think that Russell Azbill, a friend in Jamestown, New Mexico who passed away last October, would be in his element.

He and I used to talk about UFOs and other things (such as Bigfoot) quite often. 

From Reuters:

May 8 (Reuters) - At the order of U.S. ​President Donald Trump, the Defense Department on Friday released dozens of previously classified files on alleged UFO sightings to provide what ‌it called "unprecedented transparency" to the American people, though analysts said many of the documents had already been made public.

The disclosure, opens new tab of documents, photos and videos of "unidentified anomalous phenomena" will be followed by future releases as more materials are declassified, the Defense Department said in a statement.

Upon the release of the initial batch, President Trump said that people can decide for themselves. 

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.

It is hard to believe that 1996 was thirty years ago, but that's where we get this week's entry of Classic Rock Music Monday. Today, we spotlight OMC with their hit "How Bizarre" from that year.

From Wikipedia:

OMC, or Otara Millionaires Club, were a New Zealand music group, then duo, with vocalist Pauly Fuemana later becoming the sole member. OMC was best known for the 1996 hit "How Bizarre", named one of the greatest New Zealander songs of all time by the Australasian Performing Right Association. The full name of the band is a tongue-in-cheek reference to Ōtara's status as one of the poorest suburbs of Auckland.

Cruise Passengers Outraged Over Bahamas Booze Ban

Above, yours truly enjoying an adult beverage aboard the Norwegian Sky on a cruise to the Bahamas..

Cruise passengers who relish their alcoholic "adult beverages" are up in arms over a ban to be imposed on election day of the Bahamas. But, they can still booze up aboard their cruise ships.

The New York Post reported:

A temporary alcohol ban will roll out at a Caribbean destination next week — leaving cruise passengers high and dry on shore.

The Bahamas will suspend alcohol sales as the country holds elections on Tuesday, May 12.

A government notice obtained by Fox News Digital says the ban will take place that day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Parliamentary Commissioner is suspending sales of “intoxicating liquor” while polls remain open during that time.

“Any person selling or exposing or offering for sale any intoxicating liquor during such hours shall be deemed to be so doing while not holding a license under the provisions of the Business License Act,” the notice warns.

The restriction covers all Bahamian islands, including private islands operated by cruise companies.

Cruise giant Royal Caribbean confirmed to People magazine that the ban applies to its private island, CocoCay.

To read more, go here. 

Plinking Weather This Week?

Above, the shooting area a few years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like this coming week will be a nice warm one.

With comfortable temperatures in the 70s, it looks like good plinking weather at the Jamestown/Cibola National Forest shooting area. The only issue may be wind, but it doesn't look like the winds will be much.

According to the National Weather Service, the weather in Jamestown looks like this:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 76. Light west wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 44. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast after midnight.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 81. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Monday Night

Clear, with a low around 46. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 48.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 77.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 48.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 77. 

Happy Mother's Day!

 

Top 10 Old-School Rifles That Refuse to Become Obsolete

Top 10 Old-School Rifles That Refuse to Become Obsolete video by Latest Gear. 

Summary:

Top 10 Old-School Rifles That Refuse to Become Obsolete

Before synthetic stocks and digital optics, hunting rifles were built with steel, wood, and pure craftsmanship. These old-school rifles earned their reputation through decades of reliability and real hunting success. In this video, we’re counting down 10 old-school hunting rifles that shaped generations of hunters and still hold their own today. If you appreciate classic design, proven performance, and timeless appeal, this list is a must-watch.

Not So Uneventful Day

Above, the Subaru's front end. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday would have been uneventful except for one little thing.

 We got into a car accident while exiting Grandpa's Grill after we had breakfast.

I was riding in the back seat in Greg Lucier's Subaru Tribeca with his brother Larry in the front passenger seat. We were exiting the parking lot when a pick up truck was driving in front of us in the street. Greg went to apply the brakes and his foot (he was wearing sandals) slipped off the brake pedal and we hit the truck.

Above, the pick-up truck. Photo by Armadn Vaquer.

There were no injuries to either party. The Subaru was drivable, although the plastic front end was knocked off. One part was rubbing on the driver's side front tire. I went to a nearby stationery store and bought a package of bungie cords to tie up some loose parts. After doing so, we were able to drive it back to Jamestown. We put the front end in back of the Subaru. It was basically one big piece and light in weight.

Before leaving, we filed a report with the Gallup Police Department and waited for Greg's wife Marlo to arrive. Larry's dog Niko and I rode back to Jamestown with her. 

Funny thing, a few things came back to me from my days as an insurance adjuster while we were talking to the police officer. 

Guns That Last Longer Than Expected

Above, a Smith and Wesson Model 686 revolver. Photo by Stephen Z - S&W 686+ 2.

Some guns are made better than others.

The ones that were designed and made well will last for decades with regular use and maintenance. 

The Avid Outdoorsman posted a list of rifles and pistols that will last longer than expected. 

They begin it with:

A gun does not have to be babied to last. Some firearms get bought as beaters, loaners, truck guns, camp guns, or budget picks, and nobody expects much from them at first. Then they keep working season after season, long after the finish wears thin and the owner stops treating them gently.

That is when a gun starts earning a different kind of respect. Not because it was expensive. Not because it had the loudest reputation. But because it kept feeding, firing, grouping, and holding together after years of use. These are the guns that often last longer than people expected when they first brought them home.

To read more, go here.

Winchester's New American Lever Range Ammo

The Winchester Facebook page posted an announcement of a new line of ammunition specifically for lever-action rifles. 

It is called American Lever Range.

Here's their posting:

Now Shipping: American Lever™ Range!

Fresh off the manufacturing line and heading out the door — our new American Lever Range ammunition is officially shipping!

Built specifically for lever-action enthusiasts, this purpose-designed ammunition delivers smooth feeding & fast cycling, cleaner burning, and tighter groups so your classic lever guns can keep winning on the range.

Available in: 

• .30-30 Win 

• .357 Mag 

• .44 Rem Mag 

• .45 Colt 

• .45-70 Gov

From the hands of our dedicated American workers straight to yours – proudly built in America with the best American manufacturing.

Guns.com: Remembering the Ruger P95

My main defense handgun is my Ruger P95 9mm (pictured above). I bought it in 2011. I had a prior Ruger P89 pistol, but due to tight money at the time, I sold it. 

The P95 is a fun semi-automatic handgun to shoot with a recoil that isn't too jarring. I never had any problems with it.

Guns.com posted an article on "remembering" the Ruger P95. It was produced from 1996 to 2013. 

The article begins with:

Like many of you, I have a special place in my heart for movie guns from my youth. One such gun is the Ruger P series. I was first introduced to the P series by its standout Hollywood roles in ’90s hits such as “Desperado,” “True Lies,” and “Grosse Pointe Blank.” It was often the hero’s gun, and I’ve wanted to try one ever since.

I’ve been asking to test a Ruger P for years, and Guns.com finally sent me a P95 so I could see if it lives up to my imagination.

Wonder Nine

Beyond the movie hype, there is a lot to this pistol. On the surface, it might not look like much, but the P95 and the entire series of Ruger P pistols helped usher in the era of Wonder Nines in the 1980s and ’90s.

The term “Wonder Nine” generally refers to high-capacity, double-stack 9mm pistols developed in that era using modern materials or production technologies. The Glock is most famous, but over 1 million Ruger P series pistol were also produced. This was because they were considered reliable and affordable. When the P85 was released in 1987, it sold for under $300. Today, used P series guns still sell for around the same price. 

 To read more and see a video, go here.