Rio Theater In Los Angeles

Above, the Rio Theater circa 1970. The Gospel Records shop once
 was a novelty shop with magic tricks, masks, jokes and other items.

Back around December 1961, Walt Disney's Babes In Toyland with Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands was released. 

Earlier that year (March),  Eugène Lourié's giant monster in London flick, Gorgo was released by MGM. 

I saw both movies on a double-bill at the Rio Theater in Los Angeles on Western Avenue near Imperial Highway with my parents and an aunt and cousins. I don't remember much of Babes In Toyland, but Gorgo is one of my favorite monster movies.

The Rio Theater opened on December 25, 1948 with Red River starring John Wayne and Montgomery Clift. 

The theater closed in 1971 as the neighborhood deteriorated due to gang activity. It was demolished in the 1990s.

Gun Owners of America Comes Out Swinging Against John Cornyn

Above, Sen. John Cornyn official portrait.

The dust hadn't even settled after the announcement yesterday by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell that he was stepping down in November that Texas Sen. John Cornyn announced he was running for the Senate Republican Leader post.

Gun Owners of America is not at all happy with the announcement.

According to the Daily Caller:

Gun Owners Of America (GOA) shared their concerns Thursday with Republican Texas Sen. John Cornyn after he announced his intention to run for Senate Republican Leader, just one day after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would be stepping down as leader in November.

In an exclusive phone call with the Daily Caller, Aidan Johnston, the Director of Federal Affairs for GOA, said Cornyn is not a Conservative pro-gun leader, mentioning pieces of legislation that Cornyn has supported in the past, which Johnston described as gun control.

“The United States Senate deserves a conservative pro-gun leader, and John Cornyn is not that person, it seems. I’ll say every time a gun issue comes up: He’s right there with a compromise. And that’s not leadership. That’s just capitulation to gun control. Americans deserve someone who will refuse to compromise with their God-given Second Amendment rights. And unfortunately, John Cornyn is, always, always, always cutting deals with our Second Amendment,” Johnston told the Caller.

To read more, go here. 

12 Steps To A Stress-Free RV Trip

Above, at Fillmore (Utah) KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV season is approaching. In less than a month, it will be springtime. 

For those new to the RV lifestyle or as a refresher for seasoned RVers, RV Travel has posted 12 steps to a stress-free RV trip.

They begin it with:

To be sure, RVing is not always stress-free. But in the video below, Izzy from Endless RVing, a channel that won one of our 2024 RV video awards, shares 12 tips to increase your chances of a stress-free RV trip.

Izzy says that before he and MJ start any long RV trip, they have a specific checklist they go through before leaving. They share that checklist in this video because paying attention to it can be the key to stress-free RV trips.

To read more and see the video, go here. 

Surging Gas Prices

Gasoline prices have been surging upwards during the past two weeks.

Currently, a gallon of unleaded regular in the Gallup, New Mexico area is around $3.099. Luckily for me, I filled my gas tank last week at $2.779/gallon in Gallup. Thank goodness I get around 30 miles per gallon with the Mustang.

If New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signs S.B. 41 (gas tax bill) into law (if she hasn't done so already) that the Democrats passed during this year's legislative session, we could see at least fifty cents a gallon more at the pump. So, take $3.099/gallon and add fifty cents to it, New Mexico drivers would be paying $3.599/gallon.

According to Forbes:

TOPLINE The national average price for a gallon of gasoline hit a four-month high on Wednesday, and analysts expect it to keep rising as oil prices trend upward, refineries struggle with capacity and states transition to a more expensive summer fuel blend, though prices are far from where they were at their mid-2022 peak.

KEY FACTS

Drivers in the U.S. are paying roughly $3.31 for a gallon of gas on Wednesday, according to data from GasBuddy, while AAA puts the price slightly lower, at an average of $3.29.

We have a mothballed refinery here in Jamestown, New Mexico. It has been shut down since 2020. 

People in New Mexico need to contact the governor and demand that she veto S.B. 41! 

To read more, go here.

Ammo Order

Above, this week's order that arrived yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday morning, I received a package from Cabela's of ammunition I bought with a birthday gift card from a friend. I ordered the ammo on Monday. Talk about fast service!

I ordered a box of 410 shotgun shells, two boxes of 12 gauge shotgun shells and a box of .30-30 centerfire cartridges.

A few hours after receiving the package, I received an email from Cabela's stating that my order was "just shipped". This, of course, had me wondering if this was a goof-up on their part and they sent me another package of ammo. 

I called customer service and told them about the email and that I had already received the order. With the order number I gave them, they checked and said that the email pertained to the package that arrived that morning. I told them I was wondering if they got a bit more generous than usual and sent me more ammo. 

We had good laugh.

Woman In Birthday Suit Goes On Rampage In Venice

Above, this is even weird by California standards.

Here's some news of the weird, thanks to my "honorary sister" who passed this on.

A naked woman went on a violent rampage at California's Venice Beach boardwalk. This reminds me of the time I was coming home from work and at the end of my freeway exit in Hawthorne, a nude middle-aged woman was standing at the crosswalk and waving at motorists exiting the freeway.

After leaving the exit, I went to the gas station down the street to get gasoline. While I was pumping gas, I saw a police car pass by and the woman was in the back seat. She must've been on drugs or something.

According to the Gateway Pundit:

A crazed woman was caught on video going on a violent rampage in a tony Los Angeles neighborhood and even used a medieval weapon during part of the attack.

The incident occurred Monday according to TMZ. Witnesses saw a fully naked lady go berserk on a boardwalk in Venice Beach, confronting and attacking residents before another woman intervened.

The woman, dressed in a black tank top, attempted to end the madness with spiked clubs. The video, captured by TMZ, shows the clothed woman swinging a club at the nudist, who retreats to defend herself. This process repeats itself for several minutes.

Naturally, people may wonder what the police did about this incident. Apparently not much.

According to the article:

Police did not respond to TMZ for comment when asked if anyone was arrested following the incident.

Los Angeles has been ravaged with serious crime over the past several years thanks to Democrat-run leadership. But this incident qualifies as bizarre even by their standards.

To read the full story, go here. 

NRA Gun Safety Class At TRW

A discussion this morning on Facebook about the recent Ninth Circuit Court panel's ruling on gun advertising in junior sports magazines reminded me that I took the National Rifle Association gun safety class while in the Boy Scouts (Troop 158 in Los Angeles) at the TRW Space Park in Redondo Beach.

I had done target shooting prior to this with my dad and neighborhood friends at Centinela Park in Inglewood, California, so I was already familiar with handguns.

The TRW Space Park now belongs to Northrop Grumman. 

The NRA gun safety class was held in a conference room in the tallest building at the Space Park. 

Here's a photo (from a post card) of the building (the white one) and Space Park when it was still TRW:

The Boy Scouts still has a shooting sports safety program. For information,, go here.

Songs By Elvis and Jimi Hendrix Now On The Moon

Above, Jimi Hendrix on September 17, 1970.

A U.S. spacecraft has touched down on the moon for the first time since 1972 when Apollo 17 landed there. The spacecraft was unmanned, but it did contain digitalized recordings of top rock superstars including Jimi Hendrix and Elvis Presley.

Far Out Magazine reported:

For the first time since 1972, an American spacecraft has touched down on the moon, bringing digitised recordings from some of the greatest musicians ever, including Jimi Hendrix.

The spacecraft, called Odysseus, has tucked tunes into the time capsule resting on the moon’s surface from legendary 20th-century artists including Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, Santana, Chuck Berry, Sly & the Family Stone, Bob Marley, Janis Joplin, The Who as well as Hendrix.

To read more, go here. 

Navajo Dam Road Closure Begins Today

Above, driving on the road on the backside of the Navajo Dam. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the nicest places for boating and camping is at Navajo Dam near Farmington, New Mexico. 

I went there two years ago and had a great time. A highlight was driving on a road on the backside of the dam.

That road is to be closed for a few months for exploratory drilling starting today. One of the things to be checked will be seepage from the dam.

The Durango Herald reported:

New Mexico Highway 539 over Navajo Dam, located about 45 miles east of Farmington, will be closed to traffic from Wednesday, Feb. 28, to May 15.

Traffic detours will re-route traffic traveling between Navajo Dam and Navajo City that runs from north/south on New Mexico Highway 511 and runs east/west on US Highway 64 and detours may cause travel delays.

Maintenance crews will be completing exploratory drilling to gather geotechnical data on Navajo Dam as part of Reclamation’s Safety of Dams Program during this period. 

To read more, go here. 

Pay To Play On Snake River?

Above, the raft trip I took on the Snake River in 2019.

Five years ago, while in the Jackson, Wyoming area, I took a raft trip down the Snake River south of Jackson. I had an excellent time and was pleased I was able to do so a year after a near-heart attack in Wells, Nevada. My cardiologist was also pleased when I told him about the trip.

Now, it seems that the Snake River is so popular that fees are being considered for people who partake in float trips. In other words, pay to play.

Above, another photo of our raft trip on the Snake River in 2019.

Jackson Hole Community Radio (KHOL) reported:

The Upper Snake River south of Jackson could become the first river in Wyoming to require a fee for access.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest held a meeting last week in Jackson for the proposed fees to give the public another chance to weigh in. If the program goes into place, floaters would need to pay to access the stretch between the mouth of the Hoback River to just upstream of the Alpine Junction.

David Cernicek, with the Bridger-Teton National Forest, said the fees are necessary to manage the river due to increased recreational use.

“Our funding is very limited on the river,” Cernicek said. “And we’re not really able to afford the river anymore. Our expenses exceed our costs in providing what we do down in Snake River Canyon.”

The national forest says the river can see over 200,000 people every season, and the fees are needed for maintaining and improving infrastructure like boat ramps, bathrooms and parking areas, among other needs.

The forest would charge $5 per vehicle per day and $3 per person for outfitters and larger groups over 15. Floaters could also choose to buy a season pass for $40, or get a discount for buying two season passes at the same time.

To read more, go here. 

Major 2nd Amendment Victory In Circuit Court

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (sometimes referred to as the "Ninth Circus") or at least a three-judge panel of it, got this one right.

The following is definitely a Second Amendment (and First Amendment) victory.

MSM reported:

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request to rehear a ruling that found California’s ban on gun advertisements in junior sports magazines likely unconstitutional.

The decision was made by a three-judge panel, stating that the ban does not directly reduce gun violence among youth and violates the First Amendment by restricting truthful advertisements about lawful gun use.

The panel’s conclusion was “that because California permits minors under supervision to possess and use firearms for hunting and other lawful activities, [the Marketing Firearms to Minors Law] facially regulates speech that concerns lawful activity and is not misleading,” Judge Kenneth Lee said.

To read more, go here. 

Spruce Tree House Stabilization Plan Identified

Above, Spruce Tree House in September 2020. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Spruce Tree House in Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado has been in a precarious state for the past several years. The arch above it has become destabilized due to weather and erosion and has been closed to the public since 2015.

A plan to stabilize the arch has been decided by the National Park Service. All that is needed are funds to implement the plan.

According to National Parks Traveler:

While the National Park Service has identified a plan to allow Spruce Tree House at Mesa Verde National Park to be stabilized and reopened to the public, funding for the work has not yet been identified.

The popular attraction, which houses the third-largest cliff dwelling in the park in western Colorado, with 130 rooms and eight kivas, has been closed to the public since October 2015 because of concerns that layers of sandstone could peel away from the arch at any time and fall on bystanders below. Spruce Tree House may be seen, however, from an overlook near the Chapin Mesa Museum. 

Back in 2016, the Park Service pointed out that "[E]arly stabilization work was performed (on the arch) in the 1940s, with additional stabilization work completed in the 1960s. Natural erosion processes, including the settling of the arch, have been affected by the early stabilization work, so that modern engineering techniques may be necessary to ensure continued stability of the arch."

To read more, go here. 

April 8 Solar Eclipse: Things To Do Now

Above, the April 8 eclipse path through Texas.

We're almost into March, but before we know it, we'll be in April.

The big event coming on April 8 is the solar eclipse that will cut across North America. People have already made travel plans to view it.

Above, 2024 U.S. eclipse path.

I was lucky enough to live in the path of the annular solar eclipse last year, so I didn't have to travel anywhere. I just sat out in the yard.

In 2017, I drove up to Idaho to view the Great American Eclipse. I made a vacation out of the trip and also visited Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California. 

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse in totality. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The only thing that wasn't fun was spending several hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic immediately following the eclipse. I had a campsite at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho to get to. I made my reservations months in advance. 

Still, it was a great event to experience.

The Points Guy has posted an article things to do now if one wants to watch the April 8 eclipse.

It begins with:

On April 8, the moon will pass directly before the sun, darkening the afternoon sky with a rare, total solar eclipse. For those along the path of totality, the solar eclipse will last around four minutes. With so many people clamoring to see this rare celestial spectacle, you'll need a plan if you want to be among them.

Whether you plan to watch the solar eclipse from home, on the road or even from the sky, here are the things you should be doing now to prepare. 

To read more, go here. 

Gabe Vasquez and The Big Lie Strategy

Above, Rep. Gabe Vasquez. Official photo.

The Big Lie.

That's a technique that despots use against their opponents. If they tell a lie often enough and loud enough, then people will start to believe the lie to be true.

Such is the case with hardcore leftist Rep. Gabe Vasquez. Last week, he lied that his opponent, ex-Rep. Yvette Herrell was against in vitro fertilization, which is not true and was so pointed out.

However, that hasn't stopped Vasquez from doubling down with the lie.

From the Piñon Post: 

Vasquez wrote in the melodramatic X post last week, “Extremist Yvette Herrell is in lockstep with Alabama’s Supreme Court. Republicans are taking away women’s reproductive healthcare rights & now they’re taking away the opportunity for loving couples to start a family. This is shameful & Herrell’s voting record is clear. Enough.” 

Then in a recent fundraising email ironically titled “Hypocrites,” Vasquez’s team lied again, writing, “The Alabama Supreme Court just ruled on restricting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Gabe’s extremist opponent, Yvette Herrell, has a voting record that proves she would support measures just like this one and MORE at the national level.” 

However, Congresswoman Herrell is not against IVF. National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Delanie Bomar posted that “this is a blatant lie,” sharing an article from Axios that noted the former congresswoman’s position.

“Former Reps. Mayra Flores (R-Texas) and Yvette Herrell (R-N.M.), who are running for their old seats, said in statements to Axios that they support access to IVF,” read the article.

That's not stopping Vasquez or his hard-Left backers from continuing to lie. This is an old story when it comes to socialists and communists like Vasquez. 

Back in 1981, President Ronald Reagan pointed this out about the Soviet Union:

Now, as long as they do that and as long as they, at the same time, have openly and publicly declared that the only morality they recognize is what will further their cause, meaning they reserve unto themselves the right to commit any crime, to lie, to cheat, in order to attain that, and that is moral, not immoral, and we operate on a different set of standards, I think when you do business with them, even at a detente, you keep that in mind.

Vasquez and his campaign are just following the usual communist playbook about reserving for themselves the right to lie and cheat to further their cause. Shameless.

To read more, go here.

DIYRV: Complete Guide To RV Decal Care and Maintenance

Above, the exterior of the motorhome is protected inside the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I had my RV garage built (called the COCO Beast Barn), my motorhome was three years old. The exterior and decals were still in pretty good shape.

For the past five years, I keep the motorhome protected against the elements inside the garage. The exterior still looks good, as do the decals.

Do It Yourself RV has posted a complete guide to RV decal care and maintenance.

It begins with:

RV decals straddle the fence between two worlds. On the one hand, decals are the panache and pop of the camper, conveying style and sleek creativity. On the other hand, they’re the most underappreciated part of the entire RV. After all, who decides to go with the Forest River Alpha Wolf 30RDB-L because it’s got that snazzy exterior look?

One thing is for sure, however, when RV decals go bad, it becomes a “beauty is only skin deep” issue in a hurry. Peeling, cracking, or blistering decals will ruin the appeal of an RV and morph it into a head-turner for all the wrong reasons. Unfortunately, preventative maintenance rarely includes RV decals, with most RVers focusing on plumbing, electrical, and structural damage prevention.

The next time you run through your maintenance routine, incorporate the exterior of your RV as well. The decals don’t need a ton of love and attention, but they do need some. If you notice that your RV is losing some of its visual pop, bookmark this page so you have a comprehensive decal repair, enhancement, and protection guide to check in with.

To read more, go here. 

San Diego Rodeo Ban Would Threaten Tribal History and Culture

Above, many rodeos in the Southwest are predominantly Native American. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Once upon a time, the city of San Diego was pretty much a conservative city with Republican mayors and council members. That has apparently gone by the wayside as liberal lunatics have taken over and there is talk of an ordinance banning rodeos within the city.

Nearby Native American tribes call any ban on rodeos a threat to their history and culture. 

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported:

SAN DIEGO —  Local tribal leaders and charro groups are lobbying San Diego to put the brakes on a proposed citywide rodeo ban, contending city leaders have been duped by activists and need to thoroughly educate themselves.

While the ban wouldn’t apply to local tribes because their land is outside the city limits, they’re fighting it because they believe bans proposed recently in San Diego and Los Angeles could spread statewide quickly.

They say San Diego’s ban threatens longtime traditions because rodeos are a cultural practice with roots that have been intertwined with Black, Indigenous and Mexican American communities for centuries.

“The city has not equipped itself with accurate information to craft sensible, equitable policy, and we fear that it could lead to a dismissal of our cultural history and heritage in San Diego,” the groups said in a joint letter to the city. “In the spirit of inclusivity, we urge the City Council and its staff to participate in a dialogue and begin their educational journey on our practices and values.”

This really shouldn't come as much of a surprise. After all, we're talking California (i.e., Commiefornia) here.

To read more, go here. 

Italian TV Brutally Mocks Feeble Joe Biden (Video)

Mama mia!

Italian television really brutalized His Fraudulency Joe Biden in a video skit that was originally posted on X (formerly Twitter), but brought to us by the Gateway Pundit (doing their usual public service postings).

According to the Gateway Pundit:

Everyone is laughing at the United States and the pathetic leadership of dementia Joe.

A clip shared on X from Italian TV shows what the world really thinks of old Joe.

As the skit opens, a wandering Biden misses the podium multiple times while in a state of confusion.

The Biden character opens his remarks by mistaking Israeli President Isaac Herzog with the deceased former leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, and then names former NBA star Michael Jordan.

I have to thank my "honorary sister" for sending me this!

To read more and see the video, 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 the week, we have John Kongos with his 1971 hit, "He's Gonna Step On You Again". I first heard this in the summer of 1971 on Los Angeles progressive/underground rock station KPPC-FM (which later became KROQ-FM). At that time, it was just called "Step On", so I have to disagree with Wikipedia.

Speaking of 1971, most likely the next two weeks of Classic Rock Music Mondays will also have 1971 rock songs. One sort of led to the others in the ol' memory banks.

From Wikipedia:

John Theodore Kongos (born 6 August 1945) is a South African-born singer and songwriter of Greek ancestry, best known for his 1971 Top 10 hit single "He's Gonna Step on You Again", on which Happy Mondays based their hit "Step On". His other big hit was "Tokoloshe Man", which was featured on the TV show Life on Mars and the CD soundtrack. His second album, Kongos, made the top 30 of the UK Albums Chart; but his subsequent singles, "Great White Lady" (1972), "Ride the Lightning" (1975) and "Higher than God's Hat" (1975) did not chart.

Ran The Mower, Mini-Bike and Baton Found

As planned, I went out to the garage to fire up the mini-bike and mower. 

The mini-bike started after a few pulls. The mower, however, needed a jump start from my battery charger as I hadn't started it in over a month and a half. After about five minutes on the charger, the mower started.

I ran both for several minutes (the mower over 20 minutes). 

While both motors were running, I looked around the garage for my old PR24 aluminum side handle baton. I mentioned in an earlier post about California's billy club ban being struck down. I knew my police PR24 baton was in the garage somewhere.

Actually, it was easy to find. It was on a shelf next to my patrol gear bag. 

Here's photo of it:

Pan's People: "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet"

A little while ago, I finished putting together tomorrow's Classic Rock Music Monday entry. It will go live at 2:00 am tomorrow morning.

Without giving away who the artist being spotlighted, I'll just say that the song is from 1971. In fact, the next three Classic Rock Music Mondays will be from 1971. I didn't plan them that way, it just worked out that one led to another and another.  

The summer of 1971 was a good year in rock music, I have to say. 

For now and for the fun of it, here's Pan's People (from Britain's Top of the Pops from 1974) with "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" by Bachman Turner Overdrive.

California Billy Club Ban Struck Down

Above, a PR24 side handle police baton.

Somewhere in my garage is my old PR24 side handle police baton that I carried while on security armed patrol back in the day. I have a California permit for it which is still valid.

However, a crazy California law made it illegal for people to carry or even possess a "billy club" or police baton for self-defense if they don't have a security or police permit.

Until now.

From Yahoo! News:

A court in California has stricken down a state ban on billy clubs on Second Amendment grounds.

The lawsuit was brought by plaintiff Russell Fouts against California Attorney General Rob Bonta over the state law making it a crime to carry or even possess a billy club.

"This case is about a California law that makes it a crime to simply possess or carry a billy. This case is not about whether California can prohibit or restrict the use or possession of a billy for unlawful purposes," the verdict reads.

It continues, "Historically, the short wooden stick that police officers once carried on their beat was known as a billy or billy club. The term remains vague today and may encompass a metal baton, a little league bat, a wooden table leg, or a broken golf club shaft, all of which are weapons that could be used for self-defense but are less lethal than a firearm."

To read more, go here. 

Protecting Privacy In Purchases Act Introduced

Protecting Privacy In Purchases Act has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York, Richard Hudson of North Carolina and Andy Barr of Kentucky. 

This act, if passed into law, will prevent credit card companies and banks from tracking gun and ammunition purchases.

My last two gun purchases were by cash. It's nobody's damn business what I buy.

The Highland County Press reported:

Restricting use of a merchant category code to track transactions for firearms and ammunition sales has been proposed by Republican U.S. Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York, Richard Hudson of North Carolina and Andy Barr of Kentucky.

The implementation of the MCC, as it is commonly known, happened in September 2022 by the International Organization for Standardization. Visa, Mastercard and American Express paused the implementation, and Hudson said he’s questioned it from the outset.

A release from Hudson says the proposal would “preempt California’s newest attempt to single out and surveil law-abiding firearm and ammunition owners.” News broke last week that American Express, Visa and Mastercard would go forward and track gun store purchases in the state.

In a release, Lawrence G. Keane, National Shooting Sports Federation senior vice president and general counsel for the Firearm Industry Trade Association, said, “The Biden administration has already proven they cannot be trusted to respect the private firearm transactions of law-abiding citizens. Without a warrant, federal agencies collected financial information on private firearm and ammunition transactions to create an illegal government watchlist of gun owners. Representative Elise Stefanik’s legislation would rein in federal overreach to use the private financial transactions of law-abiding citizens against them for political means.”

Stefanik said such tracking is a violation of constitutional rights.

To read more, go here. 

Out and About Yesterday

Yesterday was enjoyable.

It started out with six of us met up for coffee/breakfast at Denny's down at the Flying J. We were joined by Nandoh Munoz who told us about his recent cruise down to Mexico.

Afterwards, since the temperature was in the upper 50s, I got the Jeep out and did some driving around the subdivision and, later, down to the corral at gate to Six Mile Canyon. It is closed until the end of next month. Still it was a nice bit of exercise for me and the Jeep. Ultimately, it got to around 60°.

Later, I headed into Gallup for dinner at Genaro's Mexican Restaurant. I had two chile rellenos. When I got there, the restaurant was packed and I had to wait about 15 minutes to get a table.

All in all, it was an enjoyable day.

A few photos:

 

Tulsi Gabbard At 2024 CPAC

New Mexico Senate Bill 41 - Gas Tax

One of the most stupid moves the Democrats who control the state legislature in Santa Fe made this legislative session is the gas tax bill. It appears the Left in New Mexico wants to make gasoline almost as pricey as in California. It is particularly stupid of them since this is an election year.

They passed this bill:

S.B. 41 – Gas Tax

The bill, referred to as the “Clean Fuel Standard” sponsored by Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), will increase gas prices by at least 50 cents per gallon, and you can expect similar increases in groceries and supplies, as well as an increase in pretty much everything else. This bill will make life more expensive in New Mexico.

Nothing like sticking it to the people of New Mexico. 

Unless she already signed the bill into law, people need to contact Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and demand that she veto this bill. 

If she signs it, we'll need to remember this come the November election and vote out every Democrat who voted for it.

Here are the final votes:

House final vote on S.B. 41: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/24%20Regular/votes/HB0041HVOTE.pdf

Senate final vote on S.B. 41: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/24%20Regular/votes/HB0041SVOTE.pdf

To read about more stupid legislation, go here.

Jeepin'

Above, after getting the Jeep out of the garage this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since it is sunny out and the temperature is in the mid-50s, I decided to get the Jeep out and do some driving around our subdivision. The Jeep (and me) could use a little exercise.

It was two weeks ago that I last drove the Jeep since it has been cold out. But the temperature (and mild winds) made today a good day for driving.

Maybe it is starting to feel like spring is not far away (well, it arrives March 19). 

Six Mile Canyon of Cibola National Forest will be open to vehicles at the end of March, so that is something to look forward to. 

Remington Arms Moving Out of New York

Thanks to hostile liberal anti-gun policies of New York state, another firearms manufacturing company is abandoning a northeast liberal state for more friendlier surroundings. 

First, it was Smith & Wesson leaving Massachusetts, now it is Remington. The company is heading to Georgia.

Law Enforcement Today reported:

ILION, NY- The residents of the small community of Ilion are discovering firsthand that the anti-gun stance adopted by New York's legislature would result in numerous job losses. This is evident following Remington's decision to relocate to Georgia, marking the end of over 200 years of the oldest firearms manufacturer's presence in New York, Fox News reported.

Ilion, located approximately 230 miles northwest of New York City, has been identified with Remington for over two centuries, and with the move, that history is now gone. 

“Two hundred and eight years of history. Gone…gone,” Ilion Mayor John P. Stephens told The New York Times. “Ilion is Remington. Remington is Ilion.” 

The move to relocate the remaining portions of the company shouldn’t come as a surprise since RemArms, the current version of Remington Arms, announced last year to union officials that the company would be pulling up stakes and ending New York manufacturing operations effective this March. The remaining operations are moving to Georgia, where company officials say the firearms industry is supported and welcomed. 

Residents of the small community are now bracing for life without Remington, which some say will take a part of the town’s identity with it. 

“When Remington leaves, it’s not going to be like a facility leaving, it’s going to be like part of your family has moved off,” said Jim Conover, a Remington retiree who started with the company in 1964, to the Associated Press. 

Last year, I bought my first Remington, a Remington Model 870 Express shotgun.

To read more, go here. 

NY Jury Finds NRA Officials Liable

A New York jury found that Wayne LaPierre and other NRA officials are liable for millions of dollars in damages.

The Daily Caller reported:

A jury in New York found officials of the National Rifle Association(NRA) liable for millions in damages on Friday.

Democratic Attorney General Letitia James of New York sued the gun-rights organization in August 2020 seeking the group’s dissolution. The jury found former NRA CEO and Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre liable for $5.4 million, Fox News reported.

The jury also ruled against former NRA Treasurer Woody Phillips and current NRA Secretary and General Counsel John Frazer, but did not find them liable financially, according to TheReload. A New York judge, Joel M. Cohen, ruled that James could not seek dissolution of the NRA in March 2022.

To read more, go here. 

Behemoth Cruising?

Above, yours truly on the Majesty of the Seas. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Five years ago, friend Mitch Geriminsky and I took a cruise on Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas (sold a year later to a Greek shipping company) down to Key West and Havana, Cuba from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

Above, the Majesty of the Seas. Royal Caribbean photo.

The ship's capacity was around 2,800, which was more than enough. Still, it was not too overcrowded for the space available. I enjoyed the trip, even though I caught a mild cold.

Royal Caribbean sold the ship (and others) in favor of bigger ships. Their new (as of 2022) Icon of the Seas has a capacity of 5,600. In my view, that is too many people for a ship. Can you imagine trying to get that many people into lifeboats should a massive fire breaks out?

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

We have been talking about taking a cruise in the Caribbean or Mexico. 

I've been looking at videos of these new behemoths and they are basically floating Disneylands. 

Some screen captures:

 

Being on a ship with over 5,600 other people is not my idea of fun, especially in these days of contagious viruses. No thank you. If there are cruise lines with smaller ships of the size of the Majesty of the Seas, I might be interested.

George Jones and His Winchester Model 94 Tribute Rifle

Here's a photo I've never seen before.

It is of the late, great country singer George Jones with his Winchester Model 94 Tribute Rifle. It was posted at the Winchester Model 94 Facebook page.

Jones turned his life around from addictions during his final years. Here's an interesting article by his widow Nancy.

Gun Owners of America Announces First Convention

There's an old saying, "The More, The Merrier!" 

That could apply to the Second Amendment group, Gun Owners of America, who has announced the group's "premier" convention this summer in Knoxville, Tennessee.

According to the Colorado Springs Gazette: 

The pro-Second Amendment group Gun Owners of America announced Thursday their first-ever summit to be held in August in Knoxville, Tennessee, saying it aims to draw tens of thousands of attendees with the goal of being the "premiere event" for firearms enthusiasts.

The event, titled the Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit, will be held just months before the pivotal 2024 presidential election, which GOA's senior vice president, Erich Pratt, says is going to be "the most critical in history for Second Amendment rights," according to a press release.

"With that in mind, our goal is to make this the premiere event bringing together Second Amendment enthusiasts and advocates as we prepare for the political fight of our lives this November. I can’t wait to reveal more details as we lock in speakers and other guests of honor," Pratt added.

The Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit comes as the nation's most powerful gun lobby group, the National Rifle Association, is in legal jeopardy over the New York attorney general's claims that its top executives engaged in mass corruption. According to internal audits, revenue for the NRA is down more than 40% since 2016 as legal costs are amounting to tens of millions per year, the New York Times reported.

The two-day GOA event is slated to begin Friday, Aug. 16, and will feature talks from "leaders in the gun rights movement, educational panels, meet and greet sessions, and musical performances from major artists."

It appears this event might be worth going to.

To read more, go here. 

How To Avoid Tourist Hordes In Kyoto

Above, tourists pack the Kiyomizu-dera stage in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last time I was in Kyoto, Japan was in October 2015. The pandemic was five years away and Japanese locals were beginning to complain about overtourism in the city, while at the same time, enjoyed the money tourists brought to their economy.

When we were in Kyoto, there were many people visiting the main attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkakuji. We signed up for a bus tour to visit those places at the JR Kyoto Station (famous for the final battle between Irys and Gamera in Gamera 3 in 1999). 

Above, our tour group posed for a photo at Kiyomizu-dera. 

Although crowded, we still enjoyed the tours.

The Australian Financial Review has posted an article on how to avoid tourist hordes.

They begin it with:

It’s 5.30am when I pull back the sheets and greet the dawn from my sumptuous sanctuary at Kyoto’s Park Hyatt hotel.

It is not easy prying myself from this serene 45-square-metre room with its views over a manicured Japanese garden, but the Park Hyatt’s ultra-convenient location means some of Japan’s most picturesque streets are literally on my doorstep.

And there is only one way to beat the crowds in Japan’s former ancient capital – get up ridiculously early.

Even before Japan’s plunging yen started attracting post-lockdown visitors in record numbers, the country’s ancient capital was suffering from serious over-tourism. There are now queues and selfie-stick-wielding masses clogging top sights such as the Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Taisha with its famous red gates year round.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Proposes $25 Tourism Tax

Above, the battleship USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there is a constant in this universe, it is that blue states (controlled by Democrats) will find any means to tax people using overtourism or climate change as an excuse.

Hawaii is considering a $25 tourism tax. Of course, Hawaii is a Democrat-controlled state.

According to Lonely Planet:

Spending time on Hawaii’s gorgeous beaches or traipsing through its vibrant forests could cost travelers just a little more in the future.

Joining other nations struggling with the heavy burden of over-tourism, Hawaii’s governor, Josh Green, proposed a $25 climate fee on tourists. The bill, HB206 is currently in committee in Hawaii’s legislature. 

What lawmakers call the green fee, or visitor impact fee, is intended to raise funds to help protect beaches, prevent wildfires and offset the repercussions of nearly 10 million visitors per year. Hawaii’s population hovers at 1.6 million, meaning tourists make up the vast majority of people on the islands at any given time.

“A Climate Impact Fee on visitors would provide the needed resources to protect our environment and increase awareness of the impacts of climate change,” Green said. “I believe this is not too much to ask of visitors to our islands… Hawaii’s natural resources – our beaches, forests, and waterfalls – are an essential part of our culture and way of life.”

The proposed fee would be added to a visitor’s accommodation charge in lieu of raising hotel and resort taxes, which in Hawaii are already some of the highest in the world. 

To read more, go here. 

Foreign Visitation To Japan Reached Pre-Pandemic Level In January

Above, a photo/movie shoot in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The numbers of foreign visitors to Japan reached pre-pandemic levels in January.

According to Kyodo News:

TOKYO - The number of foreign visitors to Japan soared 79.5 percent in January from a year earlier to about 2.69 million, reaching the level seen in the same month in 2019 before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, government data showed Wednesday.

The number of overseas visitors has been growing after Japan lifted border control measures related to COVID-19 in late April. A weak yen has also been fueling the return of inbound tourists.

The impact of a powerful earthquake that rattled central Japan on New Year's Day has been "limited," although some people in South Korea and China canceled their trips to Japan in the wake of the quake, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

To read more, go here. 

"It's The Josey Wales!"

After going into Gallup this morning to do some grocery shopping, on the way home I stopped at the Flying J to pick up my mail.

One item in my mailbox was the latest (March) issue of American Rifleman. The first thing that popped into my head upon seeing the cover was, "It's the Josey Wales!" It was of Clint Eastwood in a familiar pose from the classic 1976 western, The Outlaw Josey Wales.

Besides being a great movie, The Outlaw Josey Wales is well-known among my circle as the movie a friend from Sacramento leased an antique (authentic) wagon to Eastwood's production company, Malpaso. Unfortunately, during a scene in which the rebels were surrendering to the Redlegs, a wagon caught fire and burned to the ground. It happened to be our friend's wagon. Oops!

The reason for Eastwood being on the cover is that the issue contains an article on "The Guns of The Outlaw Josey Wales:". It should be a good read. Maybe I'll watch the movie this evening.

The line, "It's the Josey Wales!" was used in the movie, by the way.

Anti-Gun Politicians Owe Answers

Contrary to what one may think, the National Rifle Association (NRA) is "strictly non-partisan". They support those who support the Second Amendment, including Democrats.

NRA President Charles L. Cotton has posted an article at America's 1st Freedom on the growing number of Democrat households with firearms and the Anti-Gun Politicians who owe them answers.

It begins with:

Registered Democrats are buying guns like never before, and they’re headed our way. Are you ready?

Before anyone misconstrues my words: No, I’m not suggesting that the legacy media’s fever-dream fantasies of “civil war” or widespread “insurrection” in this election year are founded. No, when I say Democrats are buying guns and “heading our way,” what I’m saying is that they’re agreeing with us. They’re coming over to our side of this debate. That’s good news.

In case you missed it, last November, an NBC News poll found that the number of Democrats who reported owning firearms jumped significantly over the previous four years.

Between August 2019—when a similar survey was done by NBC News and The Wall Street Journal—and the survey last November, the number of registered Democrats who reported living in a home with a firearm increased from 33% to 41%.

What’s more, since 33% of registered Democrats also reported owning guns in a 2004 survey, that means the jump from 33% to 41% apparently occurred mostly over the past four years.

It’s not hard to understand why.

To read more, go here. 

What Is A 1943 Steel Penny Worth Today?

Above, 1943 steel Lincoln pennies. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two years ago, I had a strongbox opened at a locksmith's shop. I had no idea what was inside of it as I had no key to it. It belonged to my father before he died.

When the strongbox was opened, I found inside coins, jewelry and just plain junk. Some of the coins were several 1943 steel Lincoln cents.

Which brings me to the topic of this blog post: 1943 steel pennies.

U.S. Gold Bureau has posted an article on the steel pennies.

They begin it with:

For the mint industry, 1943 was a year of turmoil. This is particularly evident in that year's penny, one of the most unique coins of all time.

There are several reasons why the 1943 penny enjoys this reputation. One is that it's the only steel penny that was ever mass-produced in the United States. It also comes in rare varieties, some of which are extremely valuable.

Want to know more about the 1943 steel penny value? Read on to find out how this coin came to be, what makes it valuable, and how to identify it.

To read more, go here. 

Dealing With Medical Emergencies While RVing

Above, St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center where I had two stents put in. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I have been RVing, I've only had to deal with one medical emergency while on a road trip.

That took place six years ago while at the Wells (Nevada) Fun Run. While at a restaurant in town, I was stricken when a coronary artery became blocked. Luckily, I was with friends who jumped into action and got the paramedics to me very fast. I ended up being flown to Twin Falls, Idaho to have two stents put in at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center.

RV Travel has posted an article with a video on dealing with medical emergencies while RVing.

They begin it with:

The video below from Dustin and Leslie, aka Wayward Waggs, is an important one in that it could save your life or the life of someone you know. That’s because it covers dealing with medical emergencies on the road.

The time to think about preparing for medical emergencies on the road is BEFORE they happen. Therefore, the Waggs cover the emergency medical supplies they keep with them on the road at all times.

To read more and view the video, go here. 

Reader's Digest Yellowstone Itinerary

Above, Old Faithful Geyser in eruption. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It hardly seems possible that it has been five years since I was last in the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks area. 

That trip was made possible as a friend and I went to Buhl, Idaho to visit an ailing friend. Since we were in the vicinity, we decided to go on to Jackson, Wyoming and the national parks.

Above, yours truly (white shirt) rafting the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming.

Reader's Digest has posted one family's one-week itinerary which looks pretty interesting that one should consider.

It starts off with:

Every time I told anyone—friends, family, people I had just met—that my family’s summer vacation plan was to visit Wyoming and Montana, they inevitably asked about our Yellowstone itinerary. I get it. As a lifelong East Coaster, planning a trip to a national park out West is intimidating, even for an experienced traveler like me, who, as an editor at Reader’s Digest online, has the advantage of being able to consult with tourism boards and other travel experts.

After a year-plus of research and planning, here is the one-week Yellowstone itinerary I followed with my husband and two elementary-school-age kids—along with the one thing I wish we had done differently.

To read more, go here.