Lever Gun Resurgence

Above, the Winchester 94 lever-action rifle I bought in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I bought my Winchester 94 lever-action rifle in .30-30 caliber in 2019, I noticed that the popularity of lever-action rifles in general has risen. 

I had been on the lookout for a pre-1964 Winchester 94 for some time until I found one for sale at Ron Peterson Firearms in Albuquerque. It was in good shape and I verified its age through its serial number as being made in 1962. So I bought it.

Guns Magazine also notice a resurgence in the popularity of lever-action rifles and posted an article on it in 2020.

It begins with:

If I were to pick one class of long guns as my favorite, it would have to be lever-action rifles. They can be chambered in everything from .22 Long Rifle up to Big Horn Armory’s 500 S&W Magnum. There is a caliber just right for your purposes.

To paraphrase an old country song, I liked lever-actions before lever-actions were cool. And, in the last few years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of lever-actions.

 To read more, go here.

Why You Should Travel While You're Young

Go

Travel has always been a part of my life since I was a kid. I visited national parks throughout the western states with my parents. I also visited other U.S. cities such as Kansas City (Missouri), Detroit and Dallas as a delegates to Republican National Conventions.

I have also visited Japan eight times and took three cruises: Alaska, Cuba and the Bahamas. 

Now that I have reached 70, I am glad I traveled when I did when I was younger. 

It is recommended that people should travel while they are young as they will get more out of the experience. Traveling while one is old and retired is great, provided one is in good physical condition to do so.

Go Abroad has posted an article on why one should travel while young.

It begins with:

When it comes to traveling the world, it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll have time to do it…later. And yes, waiting until you’re older to travel can mean you have time to save money for broader experiences, but it also means finding time amongst more responsibility, making it more difficult to get away and explore the world on your own terms.

There are plenty of reasons why you should travel while you’re young instead of waiting for the “perfect” time. The reality is there will always be an excuse not to travel. When you travel while you’re young, you can throw yourself in head first and learn more about yourself and what you want out of life—while you still have your whole life ahead of you.

Plus, life is short and unpredictable, and sometimes you really do just have to say “YOLO” and go for it.

Why you should travel while you’re young

Travel is truly one of the best ways to learn about yourself and the world. No matter how old you are and what parts of the world you decide to explore, there are always lessons to be learned and opportunities to shift your perspective and grow more deeply into who you are. Why not travel young and get a head start?

Traveling is life-changing at any age, but when young people travel, they discover more about who they want to be and how they want to show up in the world. What could be better than that? Here are the top reasons why traveling is important for youth. 

To read more, go here. 

Japan Travel Tips To Avoid Crowds

Above, the stage at Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since Japan reopened the country following the pandemic, it has been seeing a surge in foreign visitors that are setting records.

With more visitors coming into the country, there is also a downside: crowds.

The Points Guy has posted an article with tips on avoiding crows while traveling in Japan.

Some snippets:

Six decades after hosting the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics — when Japan rapidly rolled out new infrastructure like its Shinkansen bullet train and accommodations like Hotel New Otani Tokyo to welcome the anticipated influx of foreigners — the country remains one of the most beloved leisure destinations in the world. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, 17.78 million foreign visitors arrived in the first half of 2024, breaking 2019's previous record of 16.63 million. And there are no signs of a slowdown: Japan aims to nearly double 2019's end-of-year record of 31.88 million tourists to a staggering 60 million annually by 2030.

Though there are countless reasons for Japan's sustained popularity — from tantalizing regional cuisine to safe public transportation systems — the recent surge can largely be credited to a slump in the Japanese yen. In early July, it hit its weakest level since 1990, and while the yen has recovered slightly in the past two months, the dollar remains very strong in Japan. 

Naturally, demand for Japan-bound flights is also booming. "In 2023, Expedia data revealed that the top trending global flight route was LAX to Tokyo, with a surge of 430% compared to the year prior," Expedia travel expert Christie Hudson told TPG. "This fall, Tokyo continues to be a trending destination, with a 50% increase in flight searches."

While Japan is now within reach for more people than ever, there is a downside: relentless crowds. In response, local authorities have instituted a tourism tax for climbers on Mount Fuji, installed barriers to block Instagram-famous views of that same mountain and closed off some private alleys to tourists in Kyoto's geisha district.

Follow these tips to help alleviate the overcrowding and still have an enjoyable vacation in Japan.

To read more, go here. 

Wooden Hanging Mask

One thing I got for the house during my trip to the Bahamas was a wall mask. I picked it up during our stop in Freeport.

The Bahamians have a number of masks available. They have tribal, wooden hanging (such as one I got) and some related to their Junkanoo festivals. 

Above, the hanging wood mask from the Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like a Tiki mask, but those are associated from the Pacific South Seas in Polynesia. The Bahamas are in the Caribbean in the Atlantic Ocean. 

The mask now hangs in my den. 

 

Heading To Bouse, AZ In October

Got one thing accomplished (besides paying my bills) and that is getting my "rub" in for the fall clampout in October with the Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus.

I was expecting that the chapter was going to join other chapters in California for the fall clampout (at least that's what I was told). Apparently not.

The clampout will be in Bouse, Arizona, somewhat near Phoenix. At least I won't be driving to California. It is a six and a half hour drive from home.

Mountain States Most Pro-Second Amendment

A study by Ammo.com found that the mountain states of the U.S. are the most pro-Second Amendment states in 2014.

The HomeTown Register reported their findings.

They begin with:

 (The Center Square) – Mountain States are among the most gun-friendly states in 2024.

The rankings come from ammunition e-commerce and wholesaler company Ammo.com. 

Wyoming is 12th this year, due in part to the Cowboy State having Constitutional Carry, a governor that is pro-2nd Amendment, and Stand Your Ground Castle Doctrine, and No Duty to Retreat policies. 

Idaho is the 11th most gun-friendly state. As it is in Wyoming, Idahoans can open and concealed carry without a permit.

“Those traveling to Idaho will need a concealed carry (CCW) permit, although the state accepts permits from all 50 states,” said Ammo.com in this year’s report. “The state’s standard sales tax applies to all firearms and equipment, but you won’t have to register your firearms or take additional courses before purchasing.”

To read more, go here. 

Bahamas, Dominican Republic Top Affordable Fall Vacation Destinations

Above, a cruise ship docked at Freeport, Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What are the most affordable Caribbean vacation spots for the fall season?

It turns out that the Bahamas, followed by the Dominican Republic, are the the most affordable for vacationers.

According to the Caribbean Journal:

While the demand for travel has only increased since the early reopenings of the pandemic, so, too have travel costs. 

A recent study suggested the average cost for fall vacations would be 30 percent higher than last fall, according to insurance portal Squaremouth. 

So what is the top affordable choices for Caribbean vacations this fall?

It’s The Bahamas, with an average trip cost of $3012, according to Squaremouth data.

That is followed by the Dominican Republic at $3,315 and Mexico at $3,331.

To read more, go here. 

Labor Day Weekend Gas Prices

Above, the Beast in Fort Sumner, New Mexico back in June. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I am staying home this Labor Day weekend, the following doesn't affect me that much.

Right now, gasoline prices in the Gallup, New Mexico area is around $3.15/gal. With my Good Sam discount that I use at the Flying J, I bring that price down to $3.10/gallon, which I did the other day when I filled up the Jeep's gas tank.

How is the rest of the nation faring?

According to an article in RV Travel:

AAA says Labor Day gas prices will be down. Still, they’re not dropping as fast as they have been recently. Prices dipped just two cents to $3.36 since last week. A slight uptick in gas demand may reflect the last hurrah for summer travelers. A storm system forming in the Atlantic may pose a threat to falling gas prices, as well. Meanwhile, the national average for Level 2 (L2) commercial electricity, an important number for e-vehicle drivers, did not budge.

Of course, there are always exceptions, such as California where the average price for unleaded regular now stands at $4.629 (according to AAA). I am sure glad I got the hell out of that state!

To read more, go here.

Black Cows Matter

Above, yours truly at the corral. 

This afternoon, I took a drive in the Jeep over to the corral which is at the main gate to Six Mile Canyon.

As I approached, I saw about a dozen or more black cattle near the gate and corral. They were all females along with their calves.

It had been a while since I last drove Six Mile Canyon Road over to the corral. I'll probably go into Six Mile Canyon on Monday (Labor Day).

Naturally, I took some pictures.  

Court Upholds Gun Ban For Illegal Immigrants

A federal three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that a law banning possession of firearms by illegal immigrants is legal.

According to an article in Reuters:

Aug 28 (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court upheld a federal law that bars migrants who are in the United States illegally from possessing guns, rejecting arguments by a Mexican man convicted of unlawfully having a handgun that the ban was unconstitutional.

A three-judge panel of the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said on Tuesday, opens new tab that the ban was still valid even after recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings that have expanded gun rights by requiring firearms restrictions to be in keeping with the nation's history and tradition.

The panel said those Supreme Court rulings did not unequivocally undermine an earlier decision by the 5th Circuit holding that the plain text of the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment does not encompass immigrants in the county illegally.

"We should not extend rights to illegal aliens any further than what the law requires," U.S. Circuit Judge James Ho, a conservative appointee of Republican former President Donald Trump, wrote in a concurring opinion.

I agree with this decision. In a nutshell, illegal migrants do not have the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment.

To read more, go here. 

Getting To The Cruise Terminal From Miami Airport

Above, my first look at the Norwegian Sky at the terminal in Miami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When Mitch Geriminsky and I went to Miami, Florida to take a cruise to the Bahamas earlier this month, we arrived at Miami Airport around 5:30 AM.

After getting our luggage, we went to the meeting place to catch our shuttle to the Norwegian Cruise Line terminal (about 10 miles away) that we paid $25.00 each in advance. There was nobody there when we got to the location, so we called and left a message. We waited a bit and I called the number and left a message. We again waited. 

We waited a while for someone to show up or get a return call, but nobody came or called.

I decided to get a ride through Uber to the Norwegian Cruise Line terminal. Within a short period of time (about 20 minutes), the Uber driver arrived and took us to the terminal.

The cost for the ride (not including tip) was $23.00. We never did hear back from the shuttle service. (Note: this was with a third-party company and not affiliated with Norwegian Cruise Line.)

Later, during the cruise, I met a couple from Pennsylvania in the smoking area and we talked about getting to the terminal from the airport and, for them, the hotel. They said they took a taxi from the hotel to the terminal which cost around $90.00 (roughly $45.00 each instead of carload). They also were booked at a hotel in Miami that wasn't what they expected. They wanted a hotel reasonably close to the terminal and were assured that the hotel they were booked at was near the cruise terminal. It wasn't.

If one is planning to take a cruise that departs from Miami, a little word of cost-saving caution. Avoid taxi cabs and so-called pre-paid shuttle services. Both are rip-offs. 

It has been posted here and there that the flat rate for Uber and Lyft from the airport to the terminal is a flat rate of $27.00. We got the ride for $23.00. 

When our ship got back to Miami after the cruise, we again got a ride with Uber and the price was the same. Our flight was around 10:00 AM and we arrived in Miami around 7:00 AM.

My general impression of Miami (besides expensive taxi service) was that it looked rundown in comparison to Fort Lauderdale, from which we took a cruise to Key West and Havana five years ago. 

Flooding Near Fort Wingate On Hwy. 118

About three hours ago, we had a storm come through with downpours in Jamestown.

A few miles away (about 10 miles), New Mexico Highway 118 was closed due to flooding near Fort Wingate. Highway 118 was once a part of U.S. Route 66.

The rain has stopped for now. 

That stretch of Highway 118 gets flooded quite frequently in heavy rainstorms. Much of it gets covered in mud.

 

Graycliff G2 Cigars Arrived

My order of 20 Graycliff G2 Churchill cigars arrived in today's mail.

These cigars I discovered in Nassau, Bahamas as we were heading back to our cruise ship after taking a boat and bus tour. Graycliff is based in Nassau.

I found several dealers who sells them online, most were out of stock and on backorder. One sent me an email telling me that got some in.

Flavor-wise, these compare favorably to the Oliva Serie G Churchills I normally get.

California May Make Illegals Eligible For $150,000 Home Loans

This blog post was removed by Facebook claiming that it violated their community standards on spam. Which is totally ridiculous. They are still censoring posts.

The Looney Left Report

Whenever I see a story such as the one below, the more glad I am that I moved out of the People's Republic of Commiefornia. 

The state's taxpayers may be footing the bill that would make illegal aliens eligible for state-supported home loans up to $150,000 if the pending legislation passes the legislature and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.  

According to Fox News (via AOL):

Lawmakers in California could soon make the Golden State the first in the country to make undocumented immigrants eligible for up to $150,000 in state-supported home loans.

The Democratic supermajority in the California state legislature is likely to pass a measure this week that would make undocumented immigrants eligible for the "California Dream for All" loan program, a state-funded program that provides 20% in down payment assistance up to $150,000, according to a report for Politico.

Participants in the program must be first-time homebuyers, and at least one must be a first-generation homebuyer, while income levels must be below certain limits depending on the county where the recipient lives.

This is what you get when you have a one-party state government comprised of leftists.

To read more, go here. 

This blog post was removed by Facebook claiming that it violated their community standards on spam. 

How To Invest In Silver In 2024

Above, a 1976 gem proof Kennedy half dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With silver's spot price hovering around $30/toz (it is currently at $29.75 at this writing), now may be the time to diversify one's investment portfolio by including it.

There are ways of doing so and Money Magpie has posted an article on this.

It begins with:

Investing in silver might not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think about building wealth, but it’s an incredibly versatile and often overlooked asset.

Most recently, the precious metal has shown bullish momentum, heading towards $30. If Silver continues to show strengths, now could be an excellent time to consider adding it to your portfolio.

Whether you’re new to investing or looking to diversify your portfolio, silver is an intriguing investment to consider. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to invest in silver, from the reasons why now might be a good time to buy, to the different ways you can add this precious metal to your portfolio.

To read more, go here. 

Zuckerberg Admits To Being Part of Censorship Scheme

Above, Mark Zuckerberg. Image by Fox News.

This is one of those things where I can easily say, "I'm not at all surprised." 

A "little late and with phony contrition," Zuckerberg admits that Facebook was a part of the Biden-Harris censorship scheme. This was after Rep. Jim Jordan's House Judiciary Committee forced Zuckerberg to release documents.

Fox News Opinion (Jonathan Turley) wrote this:

"I believe the government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it." Those words from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg came this week with an admission in a letter that his company, Facebook, did yield to pressure from the Biden-Harris administration to censor American citizens on a wide array of subjects.

For those of us who have criticized Facebook for years for its role in the massive censorship system, Zuckerberg's belated contrition was more insulting than inspiring. It had all of the genuine regret as a stalker found hiding under the bed of a victim.

Zuckerberg's sudden regret only came after his company fought for years to conceal the evidence of its work with the government to censor opposing views. Zuckerberg was finally compelled to release the documents by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and the House Judiciary Committee. 

To read more, go here. 

UPDATE: They're still at it. This post has been removed from Facebook under the pretext of "spam" this morning.

Labor Day Weekend Looks To Be Busier

Above, Albuquerque's Sunport TSA area will be a lot busier
than this during Labor Day weekend. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There is one thing I don't have to worry about. That is Labor Day weekend travel.

I plan on staying home during the weekend, so I am leaving traveling to others. This Labor Day weekend looks to be even busier than last year's.

According to KOB 4:

Many children have gone back to school in the U.S., and the days are getting shorter, but there is still one more excuse to use the swimsuits and beach towels before packing them up: Labor Day.

Airports, highways, beaches and theme parks are expected to be packed for the long holiday weekend as a lot Americans mark the unofficial end of summer the same way they celebrated the season’s unofficial start: by traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration anticipates screening more than 17 million people between Thursday and next Wednesday — a record for the Labor Day period.

AAA says bookings for domestic travel are running 9% higher than last year for the holiday weekend, while international trips are down 4%.

American Airlines plans to have its largest Labor Day weekend operation ever and expects a 14% increase in passengers compared to last year.

To read more, go here. 

Level 1 EMERGENCY!! 🚨 14 STATES UNDER WARNING

I don't know how accurate this is, but my "honorary sister" sent this to me. 

As the Boy Scout Motto says, "Be Prepared!"

Keeping Your RV Fridge Running Cool In Hot Weather

Above, the motorhome's fridge during the Rice Army Airfield trek. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my trip to Rice Army Airfield for a clampout and then visiting friends in Lake Havasu, I used the motorhome's refrigerator during the whole time. Fortunately, I found a camping spot at Rice that had the refrigerator facing away from the sun. It got pretty hot at times.

Which reminds me, I have refill the propane tank before my trip to Colorado next month. 

That's the subject of an article in RV Life. It is 10 essential tips for keeping your RV fridge cool in hot weather. 

The article begins with:

Your RV fridge has a very important job to do. After all, you can’t eat certain foods that haven’t been kept cold enough, and nobody wants to drink warm soda or beer. 

Unfortunately, we have had our fair share of refrigerator problems while traveling full time. The good news? We’ve also learned a lot about how to keep an absorption RV refrigerator running smoothly.

To read more, go here. 

10 Best U.S. National Parks For RV Campers

Above, Trailer Village at Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Camping in a U.S. national park is something everyone ought to put on their "bucket list" of things to do.

That also goes for RVers who like a bit more comfort than a tent and a sleeping bag.

Lonely Planet has posted a list of 10 best national parks for RV campers.

They begin it with:

Looking to get closer to nature and linger longer at a US national park? RV camping is the perfect way to experience the majestic wide-open spaces of the US national parks.

Camping in an RV within a national park provides a comfortable base to immerse yourself in a park’s beauty from sunrise to sunset (and beyond for great stargazing). National park campsites also create a fun sense of community between RV campers, who share everything from vehicle advice to travel tips, BBQ recipes and s’mores around the campfire.

The national parks listed below are top destinations not only for the quantity and quality of RV campsites within the parks but for the access that RVs have to tour the parks on wide, paved roadways with key park attractions within roadside viewing distance.

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. 

Here's this week's Classic Rock Music Monday is from 1999. It is "Steal My Sunshine" by Canada's brother-sister duo Len. Although considered a one-hit wonder, Len had released several albums, but none reached the heights of "Steal My Sunshine" in popularity. 

The song's music video also received high praise. It was filmed in Daytona, Florida. At the 1999 MuchMusic Video Awards, "Steal My Sunshine" won awards for Best Video, Best Pop Video, and Favourite Canadian Video.

Here's an interesting documentary on how Len made "the greatest summer anthem ever."

From Wikipedia:

Len is a Canadian alternative rock duo based in Toronto, Ontario. The band consists of siblings Marc Costanzo (vocals, guitar) and Sharon Costanzo (vocals, bass) and a revolving lineup of touring and studio musicians. The group is best known for their 1999 single "Steal My Sunshine".

Also from Wikipedia: 

"Steal My Sunshine" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its sample usage and considered the song a quintessential summer hit. The song peaked at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100, giving Len their first and only entry on the chart.

"Steal My Sunshine" received positive reviews from music critics. Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "It's hard to imagine that no one has thought of using the instrumental hook of (...) "More, More, More" to beef up a new concoction. Here, however, the quintet Len does so to grand effect. Somewhere between pop and modern rock, this all-about-summer track-featuring a back-and-forth male-to-female vocal-is uplifting, clever, and instantly appealing. Its melody line, verse construction, and memorable hook make for what should be an absolute breakthrough for this hip, talented act."

A Great Reason NOT To Vote Democrat

 

BREAKING: Washington DC family lose custody of their autistic son, 16, after refusing to let him transition…

“A military family who lost custody of their autistic son after they refused to transition his gender are suing a major DC hospital.”

“The lawsuit says the child is currently living with the hospital's 'non-gendered' chaplain.”

To read more, go here.

Soros Spends $117 Million to Elect, Control Leftist D.A.s Throughout U.S.

 

This is a must-read. 

Radical billionaire George Soros spend $117 million to elect and control leftist county prosecutors through out the U.S., according to Judicial Watch.

They begin their article with:

In a scheme to promote a radical leftwing overhaul of the U.S. justice system, billionaire George Soros has spent about $117 million in the last few years to elect then control dozens of liberal county prosecutors throughout the nation, a new report reveals. Once elected the prosecutors, typically known as district attorneys who represent the government in criminal cases, meet regularly with representatives from Soros-funded nonprofits that coordinate and manage the chief officials responsible for upholding and enforcing the law in their respective districts. The Soros machine orders prosecutors to practice leftist policies that are soft on crime, target police and political opponents. The district attorneys are also directed not to enforce certain laws such as those protecting children from chemical castration and genital mutilation, procedures justified by the left as “life-saving gender-affirming” for transgender individuals.

To read more, go here. 

An Uplifting Story of Retiring In An RV

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

Part two of the series on retiring in an RV by Chuck Woodbury has been posted in RV Travel.

It is primarily by a veteran who began as a trucker and then as a Navy veteran.

It starts out with:

Two weeks ago I wrote about my struggle with successfully retiring. As much as I try, I can’t seem to do it. In my essay I wrote about how I had concluded that a person cannot simply retire. There’s more to it:

“The thing about retiring is that you cannot JUST RETIRE. You have to RETIRE TO something — hopefully something you have always wanted to do but never had time. For many people, that’s RVing. For those who do not replace their work with something they love, retirement is just a pit stop on their journey to their final frontier.”

Readers responded

I asked readers to write me with their thoughts about retirement. Several dozen responded, most with very interesting tales to tell. I can’t post them here in one issue, but what I can do is post them over time. Here is what Greg Surratt wrote. I find it inspiring how he and his wife, Jo Ann, pursued their RVing dreams despite many setbacks.

To read more, go here. 

6 Mistakes To Avoid In Yellowstone

Above, trying to pet a "fluffy cow" like this one is not a good idea. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In recent years, a new word has been coined that combines the words tourist and moron. It us touron.

A touron is someone who does something stupid in places like Yellowstone National Park such as trying to pet a "fluffy cow" (i.e., a bison) and getting gored.

With the above in mind, Travel + Leisure has an article on six mistakes to avoid in Yellowstone National Park. 

They begin it with:

My California cousins may have taken their first steps at Disneyland, but growing up in Montana, my family’s go-to “theme park” was Yellowstone National Park — where the theme wasn’t Mickey Mouse but rather Mother Nature.

Thirty years later, my home base is still just an hour from the Beartooth Pass, which leads to Yellowstone’s northeast entrance. As both a local and regular parkgoer, a part of me dies inside every time I read about a Yellowstone “touron” — a term now in our vernacular thanks to the trending Instagram account — doing something dumb. Most headlines, like June’s “Bison gores 83-year-old woman in Yellowstone National Park,” involve tourists getting too close to wildlife, but touron offenses run the gamut. In May, someone filed a complaint about a “lack of trained Grizzlies.” Just a month earlier, a car full of visitors got stuck in snow for six hours after ignoring road closed signs. And last August, several tourists stuck their hands in a hot spring. Fortunately, it wasn’t the same one that “dissolved” a man in 2016.

Don’t get me wrong: I don’t want people to stop visiting Yellowstone, and I certainly don’t want to be giving hall monitor energy. I just want us to respect the environment and ourselves while enjoying the world’s first national park. For that reason, below are a few "don’ts" that I hope you find helpful, whether it’s your first or 15th time driving through the Roosevelt Arch. It’s not an exhaustive list (see here for the motherlode of park rules and regulations), but it’s a good start. And remember, in the wise words of Jellystone’s lovable Yogi, be “smarter than the average bear.”

To read more, go here. 

Rasmussen: Trump Bolstered By Independents

It seems that the all-important independent voters are moving into former President Donald Trump's direction.

Newsmax posted this on X:

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump leads Democrat Kamala Harris by 3 points in a national head-to-head battle, bolstered by a bump from independent voters, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports poll released Thursday. 

The endorsement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could possibly send even more independents in Trump's direction. That remains to be seen until new polls are taken following Kennedy's endorsement to see how this plays out.   

Last Night's Arizona Trump Rally

It appears that Arizona loves Trump!

This was posted this morning by Eric Trump.

Kennedy Welcomed At Trump Rally

Above, former President Trump introduces Kennedy to the crowd in Glendale, Arizona.

Earlier today, as you know (unless you're in a Black Hole void), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his independent presidential campaign and threw his support to former President Donald Trump.

This evening, Kennedy joined Trump in Glendale, Arizona at a Trump rally. He spoke on the issues that are in simpatico such as vaccines, health, First Amendment, Deep State and other issues.

Above, Kennedy addresses the Trump rally.

Trump introduced Kennedy at the rally to thunderous applause.

It was an interesting rally, a little more mellow (as far as red meat was concerned) and a bit shorter. 

RFK Jr. Ends Campaign and Endorses Trump

Above, Robert Kennedy Jr. endorsing Donald Trump.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has "suspended" his independent campaign for president and has endorsed former President Donald Trump today.

Kennedy's endorsement of Trump hasn't sat well with some of his immediate family. Some of them took to social media denouncing him. 

This should be seen as a badge of honor for him. He has impressed me as an independent thinker and an honest man. I even contributed to his campaign and bought a coffee mug (I am a collector of political Americana). 

Will he appear at this afternoon's Trump rally? We shall see. Tune in at 4:00 PST.

DNC Summed Up On New York Post's Front Page

The New York Post accurately summed up the Democrat National Convention on their front page:

 

Cruise Ship Smoking

Above, yours truly enjoying an Oliva cigar and a screwdriver aboard the Norwegian Sky.

It appears that different cruise lines have different smoking policies.

Recently, I took a cruise with a friend to the Bahamas and found that the only area Norwegian Cruise Line allowed smoking aboard their ship, Norwegian Sky, was at the pool deck level in a small area. 

Above, the Norwegian Sky smoking area's bar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2019, we took a cruise to Key West and Havana, Cuba aboard Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas. At the time, I was able to enjoy a cigar anywhere outside on the ship without being harassed by any crew members. 

Above, having a cigar at the top deck of the
Majesty the Seas. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Even though the smoking area was limited in size (there were about 15 tables with umbrellas in the smoking area arranged in a semi-circle), we had our own bar and we saw the same people everyday, which allowed for making friends easier. I met a couple from Pennsylvania. We even had barman service at our tables. 

Above, Mitch Geriminsky enjoying a cigar aboard the Norwegian Sky. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Although I preferred the freedom with Royal Caribbean, I liked having our own area and bar with Norwegian.

By the way, the biggest gift shop aboard the Norwegian Sky does sell cigarettes and cigars. I brought my own cigars.

Norwegian Cruise Line Sails Into Troubled Waters

Above, the Norwegian Sky docked in Nassau. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, if anything, at least Mitch Geriminsky and I can say about our cruise to the Bahamas was that we did our part to keep Norwegian Cruise Line afloat. 

It appears that the cruise giant is having some financial troubles.

According to Benzinga:

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd has faced rough seas this year, with its stock down 13.02% year-to-date, a 6.32% decline over the past year, and a sharp 19.23% drop in just the past month.

The company's financial outlook is under pressure, and with significant industry headwinds on the horizon, investors are left questioning whether the worst is still to come.

Financial Struggles, Industry Challenges

Norwegian Cruise Line’s financial position raises red flags. The company expects its net leverage to decrease by only 1.5 turns from 2023 to 2024, despite ongoing ship announcements. This modest improvement highlights potential difficulties in de-leveraging effectively.

Additionally, Norwegian may struggle to keep pace with its peers in terms of capacity growth. Competitors are projecting year-over-year decreases in capital expenditures, casting doubt on Norwegian's ability to meet market expectations.

Adding to these challenges, Norwegian’s EBITDA remains below 2019 levels, which is concerning given the long-term impacts of COVID-19, rising fuel prices and potential economic slowdowns. These factors collectively paint a cautious outlook for the cruise line giant.

 To read more, go here.

Ports O' Call Village Now History

Above, an old post card photo of Ports O' Call Village. 

Back in the 1970s and 1980s, my family, friends and I used to head down to San Pedro to visit Ports O'Call Village. It was a fun place to eat at and shop.

Over the years, poor management let Ports O'Call Village become rundown. Shops went out of business.

Today, it is nothing but a memory. 

According to SanPedro.com:

Ports O’Call has been demolished for a planned new development. LA Waterfront Sportfishing, the San Pedro Fish Market, and the Crusty Crab remain open. The Ports O’Call Restaurant is demolished. Harbor cruises, whale watching and sport fishing trips still depart on a regular basis from LA Waterfront Cruises The old Ports O’ Call is gone forever. The slide show below is postcard views from it’s hey day.

Hopefully, the new development will be just a fun as Ports O' Call used to be.

To read more, go here.

Silver Spot Price Around $29.62/toz

Above, 2024 American Silver Eagles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Silver is still hovering near the $30/toz mark. 

According to USA Today (posted yesterday):

Silver traded at $29.62 per ounce as of 9 a.m. ET. That represents a decrease of 0.67% over the past 24 hours. Year to date, silver is up 23.81%.

On the last day, it has reached a low of $29.27 and a high of $29.97.

Much of this is in anticipation of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech, according to Trading Pedia:

Spot Silver edged down on Thursday, while the US Dollar rebounded from a nearly 8-month low ahead of a speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole economic symposium that may provide more insight into potential interest rate cuts.

Meanwhile, the minutes of the Federal Reserve’s July meeting signaled that monetary easing was likely to begin in September. 

To read more, go here. 

RFK Jr. Will Address His ‘Path Forward’ Friday

A few weeks ago, it was reported that Robert Kennedy Jr. will end his independent campaign for president and throw his support to former President Donald Trump.

Nothing happened.

A few days ago, it was reported that he would end his campaign and support Kamala Harris if he were promised a role in a Harris Administration. The Harris campaign ignored him, and...

Nothing happened.

Now, the following is being reported by the Washington Times:  

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will clarify later this week in Arizona whether he plans to stay in the presidential race.

The Kennedy campaign’s announcement comes amid reports and online speculation that he is considering dropping out of the race and endorsing former President Donald Trump.

Nicole Shanahan, his running mate, raised eyebrows this week after she said the campaign is mulling whether staying in the race could help Vice President Kamala Harris defeat Mr. Trump.

Both RFK Jr. and Trump will be in Arizona tomorrow, feeding more speculation.

It is no secret that Kennedy is not enamored with Kamala Harris. When Biden dropped out and threw his support to her, Kennedy said that she "doesn't stand for anything."

It will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow. Stay tuned.

To read more, go here. 

Get Neutered For Kamala!

 Perhaps it's not a bad idea for all Kamala Harris supporters to get neutered 

"Lost Continent" and "Superman On Earth"

Sharp-eyed viewers (particularly Adventures of Superman fans) could easily find familiar footage from this trailer for Lost Continent (1951) by Lippert Pictures..

Some scenes were lifted from the movie and used for the destruction of Krypton scenes in the 1951 Adventures of Superman episode, "Superman On Earth".  

If one views the complete movie, the rocket footage at the beginning was also used in "Superman On Earth" for Kal-El's rocket.

For your viewing pleasure, here's the complete movie:

It is interesting that Lost Continent and "Superman On Earth" were produced in the same year (1951).

Jet Skiing In Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

The photo package I ordered from Photostockplus of Mitch Geriminsky's and my jet skiing activity during the Bahamas cruise at Great Stirrup Cay on August 8 arrived in today's mail. 

I just scanned them a few minutes ago. I'll have to send Mitch his prints as I ordered them all together.

Here they are:

Above and below, at the jet ski dock before heading out.

Above and below, we took a brief break midway at one of the nearby islands.

Not bad for a couple of seventy-year-old geezers!

Trump's New Campaign Ads

 

2024 Trump Campaign Ad: Are You Better Off?

 2024 Trump Campaign Ad: Are You Better Off?

Synopsis: 

In this ad, Donald Trump utilizes a question asked by candidate Ronald Reagan during the 1980 debate with Jimmy Carter 'are you better off than you were four years ago.'

Waitin' For Shooting Weather

Above, yours truly shooting the Winchester 94 last April.

Before I went on the cruise to the Bahamas, some of us were talking about going out to the shooting area for some plinking after I got back.

This morning, I was checking through the list of blogs and found that the last time we did some plinking at the shooting area was back in April. It seemed much more recent than that. So I guess we are due for a shoot.

Well, the weather is not being cooperative as we're in for some thunderstorms at least until Sunday. If we do decide to do some shooting, hopefully the shooting area won't be in a muddy mess. 

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

Today

Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Sunny through mid morning, then becoming mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday

Isolated showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday Night

Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. West wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday

Scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday

Showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Thursday Night

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday

Scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night

Isolated showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.