Comet Shoot

Early tomorrow morning, I am going to attempt taking some photos of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) with my Canon Revel T5i. I have never taken time exposures with a digital SLR, so this will be a new experience for me.

I am in the perfect area for astro-photography as the Milky Way is very spectacular on clear nights.

Above, Comet Hale-Bopp in 1997. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I did take some time exposures of Comet Hale-Bopp back in 1997. I was using my Olympus OM-1 35mm SLR film camera. A neighbor and I went to Acton, California to do the photography, where it was nice and dark between the San Fernando Valley and Palmdale. I was pleased with the results I got. 

Right now, I am charging the camera's battery. I just hope I can accomplish this even though it will be bone-chilling cold.

UPDATE (2/2/23):

I decided to skip going out to shoot the comet (with the camera). It is 14° outside and I found that extremely cold temperatures wreak havoc with digital cameras. Plus, there are some clouds.

Took A Spill

Above, the Stetson that kept me from getting a head injury or worse. 

It took five years, but it finally happened.

I have some black ice on a walkway between the house and garage. I slipped on it and landed on my shoulders and back. The walkway just looked wet, but it had a layer of ice on it.

Thanks to my Stetson, I would have hit my head, but didn't. The Stetson stopped my head from hitting the walkway. 

This happened an hour and a half ago after getting back home from our coffee/breakfast at Denny's in the Flying J. Right now, my shoulders and back are sore. 

I've had some close calls before, but this was the first time I actually went down from slipping on ice. 

Ammo Shortage Is Easing, But...

We are still in an ammo shortage. However, it is not as bad as in the previous two years (during the pandemic). 

I did an inventory of the ammunition that I have and found that I have plenty of 30-30 Winchester, 9mm Luger, .22 Long Rifle and .25 ACP.

I recently went to Cabela's in Albuquerque and the ammunition shelves were fully stocked. There were some calibers that were scarcer than others. There was plenty of 9mm, but hardly any .38 Special or .357 Magnum. There were also plenty of .22 LR and .380 as well. I did pick up a box of .9mm Luger.

Above, the ammo shelves at the Albuquerque Cabela's a year ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I was looking for either .38 Special or .357 Magnum (my revolver uses either) in hollowpoint. There were some full metal jacketed roundnose, but no hollowpoint. I have about a dozen rounds left, but they're old (probably dating from the late 1990s). So, I had to check around online and I found some and ordered. It took me a while to find some for the right price. I refuse to overpay on ammo. Also, if I can't get what I want, I won't buy.

The Gun Zone posted the following earlier this month:

Challenges are ahead! The ammo shortage currently affecting U.S. shooters is not going to disappear anytime soon. This is having a serious issue for those who buy new, off-the-shelf cartridges, but they are not alone. Firearm enthusiasts who prefer to reload their own ammo are also being impacted.

There are a variety of reasons for this dire situation which I will be covering in this article. While it is difficult to see any light at the end of this tunnel, two factors should never be underestimated:

First comes the determination and resilience of the shooting community. It is our right to bear arms, and as such, this right must be allowed to flourish. Secondly, comes the value this market is worth to major ammo manufacturers, suppliers, and the American economy as a whole.

So, let’s get down to some bare bones truth about these shortages. From there, some concise tips will be given on how gun owners can secure that much needed ammunition.

All one can do these days is to keep looking around. There are some scarce calibers, but they can be found if one tries hard enough. 

To read more, go here.

NMSSA Legislative Alert 1/30/23

 News from Zac Fort from the NMSSA:

In two committee meetings today, two gun control measures advanced onwards. The House Judiciary Committee passed HB9, the firearm owner liability bill on a party-line vote of 7-4. The bill creates a new class of criminal charge in New Mexico where you could be criminally charged for the acts of a third-party. If any minor uses your firearm to threaten someone or hurt someone else or themselves, you would be charged criminally. If a third-party provides your firearm to a minor who uses it to commit a crime, you as the gun owner would still be charged criminally. The next stop for HB9 is the House Floor to be voted on by all members of the House. We urge you to contact your state representative now to tell them to vote NO on HB9. In the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee, SB116, the under-21 semiautomatic firearm and magazine ban, was passed on a 6-3 party-line vote. The bill bans anyone under 21 from purchasing or possessing any semiautomatic firearm. Those under the age of 21 who currently own a semiautomatic firearm would have to sell or transfer their gun by June 16th of this year, or they could be charged with a crime. The bill also bans them from owning or purchasing a magazine that holds more than 9 rounds, or a firearm with a fixed magazine that holds more than 9 rounds. The next stop for the bill is the Senate Judiciary Committee. We are tracking numerous bills right now, and we will keep you apprised on what is happening in Santa Fe. HB9 could be voted on by the House this week, so please don't hesitate to contact your state representative today.

Cindy Williams Dies At 75

Above, actress Cindy Williams.

Jeez, what is going on here? Celebrities seem to be dying in rapid succession 

The latest is actress Cindy Williams, one of the stars of the Laverne & Shirley television show of the 1970s and of the movie, American Graffiti.

The Associated Press reported:

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cindy Williams, who played Shirley opposite Penny Marshall’s Laverne on the popular sitcom “Laverne & Shirley,” has died, her family said Monday.

Williams died in Los Angeles at age 75 on Wednesday after a brief illness, her children, Zak and Emily Hudson, said in a statement released through family spokeswoman Liza Cranis.

“The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed,” the statement said. “Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved.”

I didn't think Williams was that old. She played Ron Howard's girlfriend in American Graffiti and he is a month younger than me. I assumed she was around our age (68). 

To read more, go here.

The Hill: 10 Reasons To Take UFOs Seriously

Above, an alien autopsy display at the Roswell International UFO Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For years, official Washington purportedly did not take UFOs (or flying saucers) very seriously. They even scoffed at the Roswell Incident of July 1947.

That turned out to be not the case as recent reports indicate that UFOs were (and are) taken very seriously and are considered possible national security threats.

An opinion piece was posted January 19 at The Hill giving 10 reasons why UFOs should be taken seriously.

It begins with:

In recent years, military aviators frequently encountered mysterious objects in tightly controlled training airspace. According to eyewitness accounts and leaked sensor data, the craft appeared to exhibit flight dynamics that bent – if not shattered – the laws of physics. In the most notable incidents, objects appeared to maneuver and move through the air without wings or discernible means of propulsion.

The years since these encounters became public have seen numerous developments that should prompt us to take UFOs seriously.  

To read more, go here. 

Did Russia Really Shoot Down A UFO?

Above, a "dead alien" display at the Roswell International UFO Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was reported earlier this month that Russian anti-aircraft weapons shot down a "ball-shaped" UFO.

The EurAsian Times reported:

On January 3, a mysterious object that multiple news sources called a “UFO” was taken down by the Russian anti-aircraft weapons in the Rostov region of southern Russia.

The UFO, which witnesses defined as a “small-size object in the shape of a ball,” was spotted flying over the village of Sultan Sala at a distance of roughly one and a half miles.

Vasily Golubev, the governor of Rostov Oblast, first announced the news on his Telegram channel. 

That's all we need. Russia, if this is true, could start a inter-planetary war and have Earth vaporized. 

To read more, go here.

UFO Investigator Says Aliens Not Coming In Peace

Above, an alien on display at the Roswell International UFO Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A top UFO investigator says aliens "have an agenda" and are not coming here in peace.

The Mirror (U.K.) reported:

A leading UFO expert has warned that aliens “don't come in peace” after spending 45 years investigating potential extraterrestrial sightings.

Malcolm Robinson has written 10 books on aliens and described what he thinks they look like.

One of the UK's leading extraterrestrial specialists, Robinson has researched dozens of alien incidents over the decades and claims they have carried out abductions.

Although many sightings are explainable, he says that there are also several incidents over the years that are still not fully understood.

And Robinson has warned that aliens “have an agenda”, although it is not yet clear what it is.

Keep watching the skies!

To read more, go here. 

Snow Showers Tomorrow Morning (Maybe)

Above, Barking Spider Acre is still covered with snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like we may get some scattered snow showers tomorrow morning. Other than that, the rest of the week appears to be clear of any other chances of precipitation.

At least, that's what the National Weather Service has forecast. We shall see. Right now, it feels like we are having temperatures in the mid-40s.

Here's what they're saying.

This Afternoon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Southwest wind around 15 mph.

Tonight

Increasing clouds, with a low around 19. South wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday

Scattered snow showers, mainly before 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 38. Light and variable wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 15. North wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 38. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 13.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 41.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 13.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 49.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 19.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 52.

Beware of Scams in 2023 “Gold Rush”

Above, the fake coins I purchased. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As one who got lured into a "too good to be true" counterfeit silver coin purchase from scammers, it cannot be overstated to warn people to be careful when buying bullion and coins.

Luckily, I got the money I paid returned.

From EIN News:

TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, January 30, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ -- With gold prices now holding above $1,900 an ounce and silver at about $23, investors in the market to buy physical gold or silver should prudently take the time to shop around to avoid overpaying for purchases. They should also be wary of potential counterfeits in the marketplace and mistaking plated “gold coins” for actual bullion products, cautions leaders of the nonprofit Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG www.PNGdealers.org) and their Accredited Precious Metals Dealers (APMD www.APMDdealers.org) division.

“Adding gold, silver, or platinum bullion coins or ingots to an investment portfolio can be a smart choice, but knowing your seller can be a crucial choice,” advised PNG-APMD President Wayde Milas.

“To avoid potential scams, such as counterfeits, and to avoid paying too much when you buy or receiving too little when you sell, investors absolutely must know the credentials of the bullion dealer. If you don’t know gold, you’d better know your gold dealer,” stated Milas.

Buyers should be cautious of an increase in counterfeit coins offered in the marketplace by unscrupulous sellers and beware of scam artists trying to lure investors with urgent claims of too-good-to-be-true low prices and quick, guaranteed profits.

To read more, go here.

Silver Follows Gold In Burying Fiat Currencies

 From SD Bullion:

Lisa Loring, The Original Wednesday Addams, Dies At 64

Above, Lisa Loring as Wednesday Addams.

Another entertainer from the days of baby boomer youth has passed.

The original Wednesday Addams, Lisa Loring has passed away due to a stroke.

Variety reported:

Lisa Loring, who played the young Wednesday Addams on “The Addams Family” from 1964 to 1966 and also appeared in “As the World Turns,” died Saturday of a stroke, her daughter Vanessa Foumberg confirmed. She was 64.

“She went peacefully with both her daughters holding her hands,” Foumberg said.

A friend, Laurie Jacobson, reported her death on Facebook, writing that she “was in our hearts always as Wednesday Addams.”

Butch Patrick, who played Eddie Munster on “The Munsters,” also remembered her on Facebook, writing, “Very sorry to hear of my dear friend Lisa Loring’s passing. We were very close and worked together often. I know she was very weak. I was in her company just a few weeks ago. Godspeed my friend.” 

To read more, go here. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist. 

To start off this week we have "Lay, Lady, Lay" by Bob Zimmerman, better known as Bob Dylan.

From Wikipedia:

Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter. Often regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan has been a major figure in popular culture during a career spanning more than 60 years. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s, when songs such as "Blowin' in the Wind" (1963) and "The Times They Are a-Changin'" (1964) became anthems for the civil rights and antiwar movements. His lyrics during this period incorporated a range of political, social, philosophical, and literary influences, defying pop music conventions and appealing to the burgeoning counterculture.

Dylan is now 81, which is hard to believe (then again, it is hard to believe that I am pushing 69, but oh well), but he is still active. 

7 Great Places To Visit In The Navajo Nation

Above, Window Rock Navajo Tribal Park & Veterans Memorial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This summer (or spring or fall), if you happen to find yourself in the Southwest U.S., you may want to take an excursion or two in the Navajo Nation.

There are plenty of things to see and do in the Navajo Nation and Cowboy Lifestyle Network has seven recommendations.

They begin their list of seven with:

The Navajo Nation boasts jaw-dropping scenery, historic sites, and fun spots for tourists. If you’re planning a trip to the area, add these to your list!

To see what they are, go here.

Five Years

Above, at the house after getting the keys and electric service. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Five years have certainly passed quickly.

It was five years ago today that I went to the title company in Gallup and handed them the cashier's check paying the balance of the house and got the paperwork and keys.

I flew into Gallup the evening before at the Albuquerque Sunport, picked up a rental car and drove into Gallup. I stayed at the Motel 6 in Gallup.

The next morning, I checked out of the Motel 6 and took care of business. I used the lobby of the El Rancho Hotel as my base of operations.

After business was concluded at the title company, I headed over to the electrical company and opened my electrical service account. I also got a post office box as there's no mail carrier delivery. 

I then headed back to the Albuquerque Sunport to fly back home that evening. A few days later, I left L.A. for good and moved to New Mexico.

Before She Went Wacko

Above,  Nancy Reagan with pre-wacko actress Alyssa Milano
in the Diplomatic Reception Room in 1987. White House photo.

 My, how times have changed.

"Fate Is The Hunter" (1964) Full Movie

Fate Is The Hunter (1964) by 20th Century-Fox, loosely based on Ernest K. Gann's book of the same name, is an early aviation disaster movie involving a plane crash and subsequent investigation led by Glenn Ford. 

I saw it when it first came out as part of a double-feature. I don't recall the other movie, but this one struck a chord with me back then (I was ten years old at the time). Some critics weren't enamored with it, but many people (including me) loved the movie.

I watched it a few months ago on YouTube and it has aged well with great actors. Besides Ford, it stars Glenn Ford, Nancy Kwan, Suzanne Pleshette, Rod Taylor, Nehemiah Persoff, Wally Cox, and Mark Stevens. 

Here's the complete movie for your viewing pleasure:

Tyre Nichols's Death By Liberal Policy

This is interesting: 

A Break From Snows Next Week

Above, snow still on the ground three days ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I had to go into Gallup after our Jamestown group's coffee/breakfast gathering at Denny's at the Flying J. I had to pick up my prescriptions and do some grocery shopping.

After picking up my meds, I stopped at Tractor Supply to get a 16 lb. bag of cat food. D.K. and her kittens have been eating like horses and fast depleting the bag of cat food I already had. For some reason, Tractor Supply had a lot of shoppers and long lines at the cashier. All shopping carts there were in use. There were also a lot of people at the Safeway market a couple of blocks away. It was a good thing I got the cat food at Tractor Supply, Safeway was out of 16 lbs. bags of cat food. 

Maybe people were holed up at home during the recent snows and depleted their supplies and it was a nice enough day (it was in the 40s) to go out and shop. 

From what the National Weather Service posted (below), it looks like we are getting a week-long break from snowstorms. It will be sunny and in the 40s for the most part this coming week. 

Today

Sunny, with a high near 42. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 19. Southwest wind around 15 mph.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 38. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 16.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 16.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.

Democrats Know The Real Purpose Of The Second Amendment...

...and That's Why They Are So Afraid of It.

Radical Democrats from the state level to the federal level are trying to destroy our Second Amendment rights. They would be successful if we didn't have people who are resisting them and the Supreme Court.

They are trying to consolidate power at all levels. They would love to turn all states and federal government into California, where one-party rule is the order of the day (just like China, North Korea and Cuba).

Michele Gama Sosa has an excellent opinion piece at the Daily Caller that states that Democrats know the real purpose of the Second Amendment and why they are so afraid of it (like Dracula fears the cross).

Here's a snippet:

Our politicians fear the power the Second Amendment gives American citizens. If they didn’t fear the potential of armed Americans standing up for themselves when all peaceful options are exhausted and there’s nothing to lose, they wouldn’t be doing their absolute damndest to take the guns – even emotionally blackmailing Americans with stories of dead children for which law-abiding gun owners bear no responsibility.  

Instead of pussyfooting around the true purpose of the Second Amendment with stale references to hunting and self-defense against criminals (which is still very important), it’s time to bluntly remind politicians in both parties that the Second Amendment is first and foremost a protection against people like them. Not against the vague concept of a tyrannical government, but real, corrupt, power-hungry officials who never saw a limit they wouldn’t overstep.

The article is a good read. So pass it around to your family and friends.

To read the full article, go here. 

Benzinga's Gold vs. Silver Investment Guide

Above, American Silver Eagles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During times of high inflation, such as the one we're presently in, people turn to precious metals as a hedge to protect their nest eggs.

Which is better? Gold or silver?

Benzinga has posted a helpful guide on investing in either.

They start it with:

The earth yields many precious metals, but gold and silver are the two most famous ones. Each metal has different properties and uses, but they have a few things in common. Both have a finite supply, making them a hedge against inflation. Investors have sought refuge by buying gold and silver during recessions and volatile economic times.

They have been used as a component of legal tender in some countries. For example, the U.S. produces and backs the American Gold Eagle. Canada has minted gold coins like the Canadian Buffalo 2021.

So, is it better to invest in gold or silver? Find out for yourself by reading this guide.

To read more, go here. 

Can You RV Camp At A Military Campground?

For those of you who are active or retired military, there are some military bases that have RV campgrounds available.

I have stayed at one once. It was the Desert Eagle RV Park of Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas as a friend with me is retired military. It was a nice campground.

Above, at Desert Eagle RV Park at Nellis Air Force Base. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has an article asking if one can stay at a military RV park if they aren't a vet or active military.

They begin it with:

Are you or a member of your family on active military duty? Are you retired or disabled? If you are, did you know you’re eligible to camp on military campgrounds?

If you’ve never heard of the program, it’s called the MWR branch. And all branches of service have one. It stands for the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) branch.

If you aren’t a vet, are you eligible to camp at military campgrounds?

As a general rule, if you’ve never been in the military, you can’t camp at military campgrounds. However, some military campgrounds will allow civilians with no military connections to camp. So if you are a civilian, call the campground. Ask them if they’ll allow you to stay with them.

To read more, go here. 

Who To Use For Japan Flight Tickets?

Above, a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 being readied for a flight to Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Someone asked the question, What is the cheapest airline for flying in and out of Tokyo? over at The Independent (U.K.). Since I am not a subscriber, I could not read the article.

But it did remind me that I got my best airline ticket deals at GatewayLAX, a flight booking company. I used them for several of my trips to Japan (and for some domestic flights). The last time I used them was for my October 2015 trip to Japan.

Some examples from years ago:

Now it seems that they are out of business. The link to them I have is no longer viable and there is no trace of them through Google. 

If I were to travel to Japan in the future (I just renewed my U.S. Passport), I would likely go through Expedia, Priceline or Kayak. I have used Expedia and Priceline, but haven't tried Kayak. 

Some say going directly through an airline's ticketing sites are the best ways to getting good deals. Maybe so. I haven't tried it before. 

We'll have to wait and see what the future unfolds.

Two Anti-2A Bills to be Heard on Monday 1/30/23

The following is from Zac Fort of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association:

 

On Monday, January 30th, two gun control bills will be heard in separate committee meetings. First, HB9, the firearm owner liability and mandatory storage bill will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee starting at 1:30pm in Room 309 (Zoom Link). The bill will impose criminal penalties on gun owners if a third-party minor uses their firearm to commit a crime or injure someone. Second, SB116, the proposed ban on anyone under 21 from purchasing or owning a semiautomatic firearm will be heard in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee starting at 1:30pm in Room 311 (Zoom Link). Below is the contact info for members of both committees. NMSSA is opposed to both bills. Another bill we are watching was filed today. HB224 would make it illegal to carry a firearm while drunk or high in a city of more than 90,000 people - yes that is really in the bill. But more importantly, it would make it a crime to shoot a gun within 150 yards of a building without the permission of the building's owner. The bill would shut down all indoor shooting ranges, and some outdoor ranges in our state as well. Acts of self-defense would not be exempt either. House Judiciary Committee Representative Christine Chandler - (D) christine.chandler@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4411 Representative Andrea Romero - (D) andrea@andrearomero.com 505-986-4243 Representative William "Bill" R. Rehm - (R) bill.rehm@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4214 Representative Eliseo Lee Alcon - (D) eliseo.alcon@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4416 Representative Gail Chasey - (D) gail@gailchasey.com 505-986-4777 Representative T. Ryan Lane - (R) RYAN@LANEFORLIBERTY.COM 505-986-4758 Representative Javier Martínez - (D) javier.martinez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4782 Representative Matthew McQueen - (D) matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4423 Representative Greg Nibert - (R) greg.nibert@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4211 Representative Andrea Reeb - (R) Andrea.Reeb@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4215 Representative Reena Szczepanski - (D) reena.szczepanski@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4777 Senate Heath and Public Affairs Committee Senator Gerald Ortiz y Pino - (D) jortizyp@msn.com 505-986-4482 Senator Bill Tallman - (D) bill.tallman@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4373 Senator Gregg Schmedes - (R) gregg.schmedes@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4395 Senator David M. Gallegos - (R) david@ramirezandsonsinc.com 505-986-4278 Senator Martin Hickey - (D) martin.hickey@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4513 Senator Stuart Ingle - (R) stuart.ingle@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4702 Senator Antonio Maestas - (D) antonio.maestas@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4726 Senator Brenda G. McKenna - (D) brenda.mckenna@nmlegis.gov  505-986-4301 Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez - (D) a.sedillolopez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4389

Godzilla Weather Vane

Earlier this month, I was perusing Amazon and stumbled upon a Godzilla weather vane. I've been wanting to get one for some time but the ones I saw were too pricey. This one was reasonably priced.

I'll have to wait until spring to install it on the roof (I am leaning towards the garage roof) for when the weather is better and when I get the right mounting bracket.

How Dictatorships Used Gun Control

If one wonders why Second Amendment supporters are so adamant in protecting our right to keep and bear arms, they should take a look at a new article at AmmoLand on how dictators used gun control throughout history against their citizens. 

They start it with:

USA – -(AmmoLand.com)- Mao Zedong once said, “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.”

Which is why he made sure no one in China could access that political power. Throughout history and well into the modern world, gun control legislation heralded the death of democracies. Usually, it preceded an attempt by the government to take full control of people’s lives. Weapon bans frequently led to human rights abuses, including massacres and sometimes outright genocide.

According to a 2022 Gallup poll, 66 percent of Americans surveyed support stricter gun laws and a sizeable minority advocate for a total gun ban. Most of these people base their opinions on recent tragic events like mass shootings and high crime rates involving firearms and refuse to believe the government would ever do anything to take away their rights.

It’s almost as if they don’t remember the lockdown. Granted, it was for the sake of public health ….in the beginning. Still, once the United States government began restricting travel and requiring the entire population to take a COVID vaccine designed in just a couple of days, as was the case with Moderna, many Americans began to view this as an abuse of government authority, especially when some who took the “life-saving” vaccine died from COVID anyway.

A government gets away with whatever its people allow. A recent attempt to ban semi-automatic firearms across the state of Illinois was met with widespread resistance. 88 percent of the state’s counties refuse to enforce the governor’s mandate, and they can because of the Second Amendment. Additionally, sheriffs work for their communities, not for the state.

Unfortunately, this has not always been the case. Many historical and current dictatorships had their start when they stripped firearms from their citizens and robbed them of their right to rebel against injustice.

To read more, go here.

2021 1 oz Colorized Niue Silver Godzilla vs Kong

A few minutes ago, I saw an ad for a Godzilla vs. Kong colorized coin from JM Bullion. 

I hadn't seen this one before (and a couple of others) from the island nation of Niue. I have a silver Godzilla coin from the country.

This is what I saw:

 

Here's the product details:

In 2021, fans of Godzilla and King Kong were treated to the ultimate movie showdown event with Godzilla vs. Kong. The build-up to this epic clash began in 2014 with the release of Godzilla. This was then followed by a sequel that introduced Kong, plus another Godzilla film. To celebrate this historic face-off, we are offering a stunning line of coins officially licensed by Legendary Entertainment and Toho. Today, 2021 1 oz Colorized Niue Silver Godzilla vs Kong – Godzilla Coins are available to you online from JM Bullion.

If you are a Godzilla and coin collector, this is the best of both worlds.

For more, go here. 

RV Newbies: 4 Embarrassing Things

Above, at a KOA Kampground in West Yellowstone, Montana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Experience in things often come at a price. People doing new (to them) things are learning experiences. 

That goes especially for newbie RVers. Newbies make mistakes all the time. That even goes for me.

When I first got The Beast, we were about to leave the campground to go into West Yellowstone for dinner. As we were starting to drive out, a neighboring camper flagged us down telling us the awning was still deployed. Oops! We rolled it up and left without further incident. This was my first time using an RV awning.

I've never made that goof again. Check and double-check!

That's a topic of an article in RV Life. It is on four embarrassing things we did as new RVers.

They begin it with:

Being a new RV owner comes with lots of good memories and some you would probably prefer to forget.

There are many new things to learn and firsts for new RVers. It can be overwhelming for the first few trips, and unfortunately, things can and will happen. Many of these mishaps are simply a result of being inexperienced and will happen to the best of us.

These beginner mistakes generally only damage our pride, with the exception of some dents and scratches. As long as nobody gets hurt and it doesn’t cause major damage, these embarrassing things are learning experiences and often humorous to look back on.

One thing all RV owners share in common is, that at one point, they were all first-timers. It’s easy to watch a situation unfold or see a picture and wonder how did this happen as an experienced RVer. However, for someone just beginning the RV journey and doing many things for the first time, these silly mistakes are a right of passage in a way.

I think he meant rite of passage. 

To read more, go here.

Six Reasons Why You Should Be Investing In Precious Metals

Above, an 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My retirement accounts have crept up a little bit this week, which gives me a sigh of relief.

I don't solely rely on those for the long term. With inflation eating away at one's purchasing power, a hedge against it is not only desirable, but necessary. That's where investing in precious metals comes in.

Intelligent Living has posted an article with six reasons one should be investing in precious metals.

They begin it with:

If you’re new to precious metal investing, it can be confusing why you should invest in precious metals.

After all, you’re not getting any interest from your money, and there is no natural way of guaranteeing your investment’s value is going up.

But the truth is that there are many reasons why an investment in precious metals makes sense and offers unique benefits. Here are the six reasons why you should invest in them.

To see what the six reasons are, go here. 

Silver ETFs Likely To Record Huge Upside In 2023

Above, circulated Morgan silver dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

ETFs or "exchange-traded funds" are exactly as the name implies: funds that trade on exchanges, generally tracking a specific index. When you invest in an ETF, you get a bundle of assets you can buy and sell during market hours—potentially lowering your risk and exposure, while helping to diversify your portfolio.

For those who are thinking on investing in silver, either buying them from coin and bullion dealers or going through an ETF, you many want to read further.

Gold now has a spot price of over $1,900, so most people don't have the funds to afford such investments. Silver is a much cheaper alternative in these times of high inflation. The spot price for silver is currently at $23.54 per troy ounce.

Nasdaq.com posted today:

Silver has underperformed greatly in 2021 and lost moderately in 2022. However, Silver could hit a nine-year high of $30 per ounce this year and become a better performer than gold, analysts told CNBC. The last time spot silver hit $30 levels per ounce was in February 2013, according to closing price data from Refinitiv, per CNBC. Cheaper valuation of the metal will also likely to fuel the rally.

Below we highlight a few reasons that can drive silver up in 2023.

To read more, go here. 

"Clotty", Pfizer's New Mascot

 

Read more about it by going here.

1976 "First Day of Issue" $2.00 Bills

Above, some of the "First Day of Issue" $2.00 bills that were in the strongbox. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I had a strongbox opened by a local locksmith recently, I found inside an envelope of about 20 uncirculated $2.00 bills stamped and cancelled April 13, 1976  by the Hawthorne (California) post office commemorating the bill's first day of issue. We lived in Hawthorne, California at the time. 

The strongbox was locked for years and stored in my closet. I had no idea what was inside. My dad went to the post office and bought the stamped and cancelled bills.

How collectible is this $2.00 bill?

According to CoinWeek:

Some observers were hopeful that the $2 denomination would be accepted in commerce, possibly reducing demand for $1 FRNs. An April 11, 1976, New York Times article claimed, “The new $2 note is expected to replace about one‐half of the $1 bills in circulation over the next several years. This will result in an estimated saving of $4 million to $7 million per year in printing costs.”

Nevertheless, the notes did not circulate widely, whatever the hopes of their proponents. The denomination is so uncommon in some areas that people have been arrested for trying to spend $2 notes at retail establishments. Yet the vast majority of Series 1976 $2 bills are abundant and affordable.

An interesting notaphilic and philatelic product was created around the Series 1976 $2 Federal Reserve Note release. Many people took the bills to post offices on the release day, April 13, affixed stamps directly to the notes, and had the stamps canceled at their local post office. Numerous series of commemorative stamps were issued marking the bicentennial, which made for thematically fitting note-stamp pairings. The stamped notes are not worth much beyond their face value, but a collector might seek out a note from their hometown or another location of personal significance

This boils down to, "It depends upon whom you ask." The amounts I've seen the most online are $5.00 to $15.00 each.

To read more, go here.

At CraftBuds, this chart was posted: