Cruise Ship Dining, Do This One Thing

Above, the Main Dining Room of the Majesty of the Seas in 2019 en route to Cuba.

Over the years, I have been on three cruises. Outside of catching a virus on two of them, I've had no problems with anything else, particularly seasickness. I have gotten seasick on small boats, though.

The Points Guy posted an article on why one should immediately check their seating assignment in the main dining room after embarking.

It begins with:

One of the best parts about any cruise vacation is the food.

There are the seemingly endless spreads in the buffet line, the quick-service options like pizza and ice cream available nearly around the clock and the specialty dining restaurants like steakhouses and Korean barbecue spots. You'll likely eat the majority of your meals on the ship, and the options can seem endless.

If you're like me, you likely head straight for the main dining room upon embarkation. While most cruise passengers are checking in for a midafternoon meal after getting on board, I actually head to the main dining room to check out my table assignment.

Even though I love cruising, it comes at a cost because I'm prone to motion sickness. I do take daily medication for motion sickness while on a cruise, but the feeling of rocking in the sea can be made even worse with a table in the wrong dining room location. Pair that with seeing water in a glass swaying back and forth, and it's a quick ticket back to my cabin before the effects overtake me.

To read more, go here. 

Norovirus Is Making Waves On Cruises

Of the three cruise trips I had taken, I got a bug of some sort during two of them.

In 2001, during a cruise to Alaska, I got a 24-hour flu. In 2019, during a cruise to Cuba, I got a minor cold. Those illnesses were respiratory in nature. I came through last year's Bahamas cruise unscathed.

But currently, gastrointestinal bugs, norovirus in particular, have gotten cruise passengers sick.

USA Today has posted an article on how norovirus is "making waves" with outbreaks.

Here's a snippet:

Gastrointestinal illness has continued to plague cruise ships in recent months. Less than five months into the year, a steady string of norovirus cases has sickened guests and crew members on cruise ships.

There have been 16 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on those vessels that met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s threshold for public notification so far in 2025. Most recently, there was an outbreak aboard Holland America Line's Eurodam, where more than 60 guests reported abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Twelve of those 16 outbreaks were caused by norovirus.

For comparison, there were 18 in all of 2024 and 14 the year prior, with norovirus listed as the causative agent in 15 and 13 of those, respectively.

To read more, go here. 

Gov. MLG’s Veto Invites Taxpayer Funded Healthcare For Illegals

RPNM: Gov. MLG’s Veto Opens Door to Taxpayer Funded Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants

ALBUQUERQUE, APRIL 30, 2025—Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s line-item veto on page 94 of the state budget, which eliminated the requirement that major healthcare changes receive legislative approval, is a dangerous move that threatens the future of New Mexico’s healthcare system. This veto clears the path for the Governor to unilaterally expand taxpayer-funded healthcare benefits to illegal immigrants—without input from the Legislature or the public. If this happens, New Mexico could follow the disastrous model of Minnesota, where illegal immigrant healthcare enrollment exploded costs from $196 million to $550 million, all shouldered by state taxpayers. The consequences for New Mexico would be devastating. Our already-strained Medicaid system, which serves our most vulnerable citizens—including low-income families, children, seniors, and veterans—would face overwhelming new pressure. Even worse, expanding full benefits to illegal immigrants could violate federal Medicaid rules and risk losing federal matching funds that currently support healthcare for thousands of New Mexicans. “We must take care of New Mexicans first,” said Chairwoman Amy Barela of the Republican Party of New Mexico. “Our tax dollars must prioritize the needs of those who are here legally, who work hard, serve our country, and contribute to our communities. The Governor’s action could jeopardize healthcare access for every New Mexican who relies on Medicaid today.” Our veterans, our rural hospitals, and our working families already struggle to get the care they deserve. Diverting limited healthcare resources to illegal immigrants would be an unforgivable betrayal of the people of New Mexico. Expanding healthcare to illegal immigrants at the expense of our own citizens is reckless, unsustainable, and fundamentally wrong. The Republican Party of New Mexico demands that legislative leaders stand up, restore oversight, and protect New Mexico families before it’s too late. Our future depends on it.

President Trump and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

🚨 LMAO!! Trump just HUMILIATED Gretchen Whitmer by impromptu calling her up to speak at his Michigan speech in front of the National Guard.

"Well, I hadn't planned to speak..."

You KNOW her rabid Democrat base is furious with her for this appearance.pic.twitter.com/1bVPikdION

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 29, 2025

Democrat Lies In Medicaid Ad

Mike Johnson: "Do not believe the lies the Democrat Party has said. We had their ads taken down. They were running ads around the country in swing districts trying to convince people that Republicans are going to 'gut Medicaid.' It's just simply not true and that's why their ads… pic.twitter.com/UCH0rFHanK

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 29, 2025

The Jeep: Not The Fuses

Above, the fuses of the Jeep are easy to check. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last week, I was having dinner with a friend at Jerry's Cafe and we were discussing the Jeep. 

I mentioned that it appears to be the ignition that has gone bad and left the Jeep without any power. He asked if I checked the fuses. 

I hadn't thought of that and, today, I went out and checked them. All of the fuses seem okay. Luckily, they are easy to see. So, I am back to my original opinion that it is the ignition that is causing the problem. I tried to start it, but everything was still completely dead. 

As it may rain this week, I will likely get it down to the mechanic's in Gallup next week, weather permitting.

Neal Adams: 3rd Anniversary of His Passing

Above, the Neal Adams cover of Batman no. 200.

It is hard to believe that already it has been three years since the passing of comic book giant, artist Neal Adams.

The third anniversary came yesterday. Adams passed at age 80 from sepsis (which also took my mother in 2010). 

Yesterday, Dennis Hayes wrote this about Adams:

On this date April 28, 2022 Neal Adams died in New York City at the age of 80..

Adams was an American comic book and commercial artist known for helping to create some of the definitive modern imagery of the DC Comics characters Superman, Batman, and Green Arrow; as the co-founder of the graphic design studio Continuity Associates; and as a creators-rights advocate who helped secure a pension and recognition for Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

Adams was inducted into the Eisner Award's Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Harvey Awards' Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1999.

When he came on the scene in the later 1960s, I didn't like his style at first. It was too jarringly different. But his artwork grew on me and he became one of my favorite comic book artists (just behind Curt Swan).

I had the pleasure of meeting him in 2012 at the Comikaze Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center. He was quite friendly and was easy to talk to. I was there to take part in a Godzilla panel.

Above, Neal Adams and I at Comikaze Expo in 2012.

His influence in the comic book industry is still felt today.

R.I.P.

Slight Chance of Rain Showers

It looks like we have a chance of showers this week in our neck of the woods (Gallup/Jamestown, New Mexico).

According to the National Weather Service:

Today

A 20 percent chance of showers after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Tonight

A 20 percent chance of showers before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 66. West wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday

A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Friday

A slight chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Saturday

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.

Albuquerque Cabela's Now Bass Pro Shops

Above, the former Albuquerque Cabela's is now Bass Pro Shops. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While perusing for ammunition deals, I noticed that Cabela's in Albuquerque, New Mexico is now Bass Pro Shops.

Cabela's has been a part of Bass Pro Shops, but the name change may mean more goods and some remodeling of the store.  I have only been to one Bass Pro Shops, which is in Fontana, California. It looked like a Disneyland for sporting goods shoppers.

I still have funds available in my Bass Pro Shops gift card. 

Ammo Crash Coming?

Is there an impending ammunition crash coming? 

Right now, the availability of ammunition seems stable and plentiful. But Gun Man posted a video warning of a possible ammunition crash like the one that took place during the pandemic. 

Is he right or is he just a "Chicken Little" warning that the sky is falling? Is he trying panic people?

As for myself, I am fully stocked with ammunition, so I am not concerned if a crash should take place. 

According to Gun Man, there are seven calibers that will vanish first.

Here's the video:

11 States Recognize Gold and Silver As U.S. Currency

Above, silver Franklin half dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To counter inflation and our "printing press currency", many people are looking to gold and silver to protect their investment portfolios. With that in mind, eleven states are accepting those precious metals as legal tender.

Do you know which states?

The News-Star has posted an article listing them. There is one clue, these states are mostly, if not all, considered red states.

They begin with:

Louisiana may soon start accepting gold and silver as currency if proposed legislation is enacted by legislators in the Louisiana Legislature.

Eleven states currently recognize gold and silver coins as legal tender. Other states, including Louisiana, are either pursuing similar legislation or have made past attempts to do so.

To see which ones, go here.  

Japan Implements Bold Measures To Conquer Overtourism

Above, the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios in Setagaya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

.

With the very favorable exchange rates between the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar and other currencies, it is no wonder that foreign tourists are flocking to Japan. 

In Japan's eyes, this "overtourism" is causing problems and the government is taking steps to deal with it.

According to Travel and Tour World:

Japan is escalating its fight against overtourism with new fee hikes and tax reforms, impacting popular sites like Mount Fuji and Himeji Castle starting in 2026.

Japan is taking steps to address overtourism by introducing new fees and restrictions on certain travel perks.

For instance, the fee for foreign visitors wishing to climb Mount Fuji will increase significantly this summer, rising to 4,000 yen (approximately $28). Additionally, starting in March 2026, Himeji Castle will implement a higher admission fee for tourists from outside western Japan, charging between 2,000 and 3,000 yen, compared to just 1,000 yen for locals.

Japan’s Accommodation Tax In March, nine cities and two prefectures across Japan will begin enforcing an accommodation tax for the first time. This new tax will range from 100 yen ($0.70) to 500 yen ($3.50) per person, per night, in areas such as Miyagi, Hiroshima, and several locations in Hokkaido, Gifu, Miyagi, and Shimane prefectures.

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 the last week in April, we have Bad Company with their hit "Rock 'n Roll Fantasy" from 1979.

From Wikipedia:

Bad Company were an English rock supergroup formed in London in 1973 by singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke (both ex-Free), guitarist Mick Ralphs (ex-Mott the Hoople) and bassist Boz Burrell (ex-King Crimson). Kirke was the only member to remain throughout the band's entire run, while he and Ralphs were the only members to appear on every studio album. Peter Grant, who managed the rock band Led Zeppelin, also managed Bad Company until 1982.

Bad Company enjoyed great success throughout the 1970s. Their first three albums, Bad Company (1974), Straight Shooter (1975) and Run with the Pack (1976), reached the top five in the album charts in both the UK and the US. Many of their singles and songs, such as "Bad Company", "Can't Get Enough" (1974), "Feel Like Makin' Love" (1975), "Shooting Star" (1975), "Burnin' Sky" (1977) and "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy" (1979), remain staples of classic rock radio. They have sold 20 million RIAA-certified albums in the US and 40 million worldwide. Though they initially disbanded in 1982, Bad Company reunited on many occasions to record and tour until 2019. In 2023, Kirke revealed that they would not continue as a band following the development of Rodgers' recent health issues.

Bad Company were selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025.

Norwegian and Royal Caribbean: Banned Items Differences

Above, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yahoo! Life has posted an interesting article on different banned items policies between Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. I have taken cruises on both these companies.

What one can bring aboard one cruise line's ship may be banned on the other's.

The article begins with:

To keep both passengers and crew members safe while at sea, each major cruise line has a long list of items that passengers are prohibited from bringing aboard its ships.

As you’d probably expect, firearms, weapons, explosives, and illegal drugs top the lists. Cruise lines also ban any items that could start a fire — candles, flammable substances, and any items that contain a heating element like irons and coffee makers. Hair dryers, styling tools, and personal grooming devices are the only exceptions to this rule.

Passengers are also prohibited from bringing alcohol on board with one key exception. Most cruise lines allow their passengers to bring at least one bottle of wine or champagne along on their sailing.

This exception stems from a tradition of transatlantic ocean liner voyages when passengers would toast to the beginning of a journey with a glass of champagne.

But while cruise lines’ prohibited items lists mostly cover the same types of items and make similar exceptions, each one has a few differences.

So, if you’ve only sailed on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, for example, and decide to try out Norwegian Cruise Line, it’s important to be aware of certain items that Norwegian bans that other lines may allow.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Hotel Prices Rise, Battle Brewing Between Foreign and Domestic Tourists

Above, Tokyo's Hotel Asia Center of Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With the huge influx in foreign visitors along with Japan's domestic travelers, hotel prices are rising in Tokyo and other metropolitan areas. This is leading to a "battle" for hotel rooms between those domestic and foreign tourists.

According to The Mainichi:

TOKYO -- The cost of staying at hotels in metropolitan Tokyo and regional Japanese cities keeps rising amid a surge in foreign visitors, with a survey by a Tokyo-based corporate analytics firm showing rates at key lodgings had risen by as much as over 50% year-on-year last fall.

A poll of room rates in October to December 2024 by Tokyo Shoko Research Ltd. (TSR) covering 15 hotel brands across 13 publicly traded operators showed an increase from the same period of the year prior for all companies, as much as 1.6 times. "With room prices expected to rise further, the battle for room reservations between domestic travelers and inbound tourists is expected to intensify," the company commented.

The average rate per room at eight business hotel brands for which prices can be compared before and after the COVID-19 pandemic was 13,986 yen (some $98), up approximately 45% from October-December 2019. Rates at four higher-priced "city hotel" brands also increased by some 35% to 20,897 yen (around $146), exceeding 20,000 yen for the first time in the last five years as occupancy rates, which had slumped to the 20% range due to the coronavirus disaster, recovered to over 80%.

To read more, go here. 

Waikiki May Soon Look Nothing Like You Remember

Above, Waikiki Beach near the Sheraton Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2016, I went on a vacation trip to Hawaii. The first part of it was at the Sheraton Waikiki on Oahu.

Much of the time on the beach was spent at the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon near the Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel, a favorite haunt of Elvis Presley.

It seems that Waikiki Beach has been eroding away and the powers-that-be are taking steps to restoring it. In looking over my photos of Waikiki, there's not much sand there.

According to Beat of Hawaii:

Waikiki Beach is quietly slipping away—and with it, a century of shoreline illusions. Engineered more than a hundred years ago and maintained ever since with imported sand and coastal structures, Hawaii’s most famous beach is now retreating faster than ever before. In some places, the sand is already gone. In others, walkways are simply crumbling underfoot.

Now, state lawmakers are being asked for $5 million to kickstart final plans for the latest $60 million beach rescue effort. But experts warn: if the funding stalls, so does Waikiki’s future.

To read more, go here. 

Meetings On Fire Prevention and the Post Office

Above, the meetings were held in the fire station conference room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, our Whispering Cedars community held two meetings down at the fire station. The first was on fire prevention and the second was on the impending closure of the community's post office at the Flying J.

On the fire portion of the meeting, we had speakers from the U.S. Forest Service, McKinley County Fire Department and on insurance. The meeting covered fire prevention measures such as brush clearance and then on evacuation. planning.

I managed to get a few Smokey Bear items:

The second meeting pertained to the planned closure of the post office and what steps we can take to keep it open. 

Afterwards, Larry Lucier, Victor Gomez and I headed to Denny's for lunch/early dinner. 

Poll: What's An "Affordable" RV Campsite?

Above, Route 66 RV Resort in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like everything else, the price of campsites have risen over the past several years. Recently, I stayed at the Route 66 RV Resort in Albuquerque and was charged $62 for a night's stay.

While that may seem high to some, it is still much cheaper than a hotel room these days. Hotel rooms are averaging over $150 to $200 per night from what I've been seeing.

RV Travel has a poll article on what would you define an "affordable" campsite for a one night stay?

It begins with:

Everyone has a different definition of “affordable” and, of course, that depends on many things. What’s affordable to you may not be affordable to someone else and vice versa. Affordable also means different things in campground terms.

Membership programs like Harvest Hosts and The Dyrt may seem affordable when you break it all down, but maybe it’s too much of an up-front cost. Maybe an RV resort with a bunch of amenities for the grandkids seems “affordable” for all that it offers.

Some RVers are perfectly content with a quiet boondocking spot off a forest road, where the cost is zero but the rewards are priceless. Others are looking for electric hookups, hot showers, and a level parking pad—things that often push the price up.

To read more, go here. 

20 Defunct U.S. Airlines

Above, yours truly about to board a PSA jet in San Jose in 1974. Photo by Max Bettman.

Remember when air travel was like an event?  During those days, passengers dressed up, enjoyed meals and cocktails and had great service.

Nowadays, air travel is more like being herded like cattle and not being treated better than cattle.

Above, Max Bettman and I inside a PSA jet in 1974. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Many airlines have gone out of business or have merged with others. Daily Passport has listed 20 defunct U.S. airlines. There's two on the list that I had flown with: Western Airlines and Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA). I had been inside a TWA Boeing 747, but never flown with them. Since I used to live near LAX, friends and I went to TWA's maintenance yard there one night in 1970 and we were allowed to tour inside one of their new Boeing 747s.

The article begins with: 

The U.S. airline industry is more consolidated than ever before. The so-called “Big Four” airlines — American, Delta, Southwest, and United — now control nearly three-quarters of the U.S. market. But that wasn’t always the case. After the federal government deregulated airlines in 1978, a rainbow of airplane tail colors could be seen at airports across the country. Over the years, many of these airlines merged with larger carriers, while over 100 airlines went bankrupt. Take a trip down memory lane and learn more about 20 defunct U.S. airlines you might remember flying at some point.

To read the full article, go here.

Lost Dutchman ECV Challenge Coin

This morning, I finally emptied my travel bag and got out the challenge coin from the last clampout of the Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus.

If I find a challenge coin interesting, I'll buy one. Otherwise, I just stick to buying silver coins.

Here's both side of the coin:

The Winchester Model 12: A Look Back

Above, the 1919 Winchester Model 1912 I bought last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last year, I was looking for a 12 gauge shotgun more suitable for skeet shooting than my Remington Model 870 Express. I am a member of several Winchester Facebook pages and members in each were raving about the Winchester Model 12 (or Model 1912). So I started looking around for one.

I found one at Guns.com that was made in 1919. Most of the bluing was worn away, but there's no evidence of pitting or rust on it. Plus, the price was right: $349.99. So I bought it. As it was made in 1919, it was a definite antique and was called the Model 1912 until after 1919. 

Shooting it in our community shooting area was fun and I found it to be nicely accurate. 

The NRA's American Rifleman website posted an article on the Model 12 in 2017. 

Here's a snippet:

The Model 12—as it became known after 1919—was made from the finest steel alloys of the time. Parts were forged and required extensive, and often complicated, machining to produce them. Winchester’s marketing guys immediately christened it the “Perfect Repeater,” and like a lot of those old Winchester nicknames, it struck a chord with the shooting public and became common in usage. All of this came at a price, of course. The Model 12 was about 40 percent more expensive than the ’97, yet it consistently outsold its older brother during the 45-year-span they shared in the Winchester catalog.

When it was introduced, the Model 12 was only available in 20 gauge, 12- and 16-gauge Model 12s became available in late 1913. A 28-gauge Model 12 was brought out in 1934. Sadly, this is the rarest of Model 12s, probably as a result of The Depression and the fact that the 28 gauge—as wonderful as it is—was the prerogative of those with a fair amount of discretionary cash, something sorely lacking during The Depression and World War II. In 1933 a completely scaled down version of the Model 12—the Model 42—came out in .410 bore.

 To read the full article, go here.

RPNM Demands Accountability After NM Judge Resigns

The Democrat Party in New Mexico is showing its true insane colors. They need to be held accountable.

The latest:

RPNM Demands Accountability After NM Judge Resigns Amid Gang Member’s Arrest at His Home

ALBUQUERQUE, APRIL 23, 2025—The Republican Party of New Mexico today issued a call for sweeping judicial accountability and urgent public safety reforms following the resignation of Doña… pic.twitter.com/fVEBvpBrkC

— Republican Party of New Mexico (@NewMexicoGOP) April 23, 2025

Money Metals Launches Extensive Line of Gold and Silver Bullion Products

Above, an 1890 uncirculated Morgan Silver Dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In recent years, I have bought several coins from Money Metals Exchange, a top leader in coin investing.

They have introduced a new lineup of gold and silver products. This new lineup has garnered a lot of attention as several news outlets have posted articles.

One was from Fox8 WGHP:

EAGLE, ID / ACCESS Newswire / April 22, 2025 / Money Metals Exchange, a national leader in precious metals investing and sound money advocacy, is proud to announce the launch of its exclusive line of Money Metals gold and silver bullion products.

This new lineup provides investors and collectors with an affordable option to acquire physical precious metals like gold and silver, increasing their holdings with greater variety, flexibility, and style.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or investor in precious metals, or just getting started, the Money Metals branded line offers a cost-effective option for everyone. These exclusive products are designed not only to store value securely, but also to lower the costs and barriers to entry traditionally associated with buying gold and silver.

An added benefit of investing in Money Metals branded gold bullion and silver bullion products is that there is a lower premium, which is the cost above the gold spot price or silver spot price that companies charge to do business.

To read more, go here. 

Silver Could Skyrocket To $100 An Ounce

Above, a 2025 American Silver Eagle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If the following does come true and silver does reach $100 per troy ounce, those who have invested in silver while it was in the twenty and thirty dollar ranges would be in great shape with their investment.

There are several reasons why it is possible that silver's spot price could reach $100 and Money Talks News discusses each of them.

They begin with:

While silver has been hovering in the $30-35 per troy ounce recently, some industry experts are making bold predictions about its future. First Majestic Silver CEO Keith Neumeyer has repeatedly called for silver to reach $100 per ounce or higher.

Is his prediction realistic or just wishful thinking? There are solid reasons why the white metal could potentially see a dramatic price surge to triple digits in the coming years, as outlined in a recent article by Investing News Network.

In times of economic uncertainty, many investors turn to precious metals as a store of value and hedge against inflation. While silver offers significant upside potential, diversifying with other precious metals can provide additional protection for your portfolio.

To read more, go here. 

North Rim or South Rim?

Above, the Watchtower at the eastern end of the South Rim. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

North Rim or South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park?

That is the question of an article in RV Travel.

I have been to the South Rim many times, most recently in 2017, but have been to the North Rim only once. That was in 1972 with my parents and we camped at the North Rim Campground. I have also taking an aerial tour of the Grand Canyon in a DeHavilland Twin Otter in 1984.

The North Rim also as breathtaking views of the canyon, but it is a longer drive for tourists to reach. After having been there, it is my recommendation that people should visit the North Rim at least once in their lives.

The article begins with:

Plenty of RVers have been to Grand Canyon National Park. But chances are, they’ve only been to the South Rim. Not many “go the extra miles”—both in the literal sense and in the preparation sense. Here’s a heads up. While the South Rim is open year-round, access to the North Rim is limited—reopening this year on May 15. Should you make the North Rim part of your RV experience? 

To read more, go here. 

The Greatest Lever-Action Rifles Ever Made

By Bolt vs. Lever:

Stress Test Done

Above, last night at Laguna Burger in Route 66 Hotel Casino.

The lexiscan stress test is over and done with.

I got up early this morning and checked out of the Route 66 RV Resort and headed to the hospital where the test would be given.

To say that it was a weird experience would be an understatement. Initially, I had to have monitoring patches attached to my chest and the IV needle installed in my right arm.

First, I was rolled into the imagine machine while flat on my back on a gurney. The picture-taking took around 20 minutes. After that was done, I was wheeled back.

I was then given the radioactive "joy juice" through the IV. When the effect of it hit, I felt as if I were running up a steep hill. After about 15 minutes of that, I was then given the counteractive "joy juice" and it removed all of the effects of the first. It caused me to have something close to a headache as it was administered. 

After that, I was wheeled back into the imaging machine for about 15 minutes. When that was done, I was done with the whole procedure. 

During all this, my blood pressure was checked twice and it was lower than it had been previously. Obviously, the blood pressure meds are doing their job.

I was able to leave the hospital with no ill effects. By then (it was around 9:40), I was starving. I found a McDonalds next to a gas station whose price for unleaded regular was $2.63/gallon. After filling the gas tank, I went to McDonalds for a egg/sausage McMuffin meal that included hash browns and coffee.

After breakfast, I then headed home and arrived home at around 12:40. 

Now that that's over, I can concentrate on getting the Jeep running again (likely due to an ignition switch problem) and more enjoyable pursuits. 

Stress Test Today

Above, relaxing at the Route 66 RV Resort.

Today's the day I'll finally get the lexiscan cardiac stress test done. The first try didn't go as the dates were mixed up.

What's a lexiscan? Here's what it is in a nutshell:

A Lexiscan stress test, also known as a Sit Down Stress Test, is a procedure used to evaluate the condition of your heart's coronary arteries. It involves injecting a small amount of a radioactive tracer and taking pictures of your heart muscle before and after the injection. The test helps determine if there's adequate blood flow to the heart and can be used to assess coronary artery blockages or evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac procedures. 

I am fasting for 12 hours (started last evening) after having a Laguna Burger at the Route 66 Hotel Casino. It was big enough to fill me. At this moment, I am not at all hungry. The only issue is I am not to have caffeine during this period. 

Above, yesterday's Laguna Burger. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am currently staying at the Route 66 RV Resort and will be heading out to the medical facility in a couple of hours. 

Hopefully, I will feel good enough to drive home afterwards. 

Above, at the Route 66 RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have two friends who had or are having stress tests. One found that he needs heart surgery and the other will be taking his today at about the same time as I am. We are all in the same age range. As my late dad used to say, "Growing old ain't for sissies!" Now I know what he meant. 

Stay In A Navajo 'Hogan' Home In Monument Valley

Above, a traditional Navajo hogan in Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Visitors to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park that straddles Utah and Arizona is a part of the Navajo Nation.

A Navajo woman in Monument Valley is opening her hogan to visitors for overnight stays.

AOL reported:

The Diné, or Navajo, are indigenous to the Southwestern United States, where they have lived for over a thousand years. Travelers seeking to explore Navajo traditions and culture can now stay in a hogan, a traditional dwelling, within the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, or Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii. A Navajo hogan is usually dome-shaped or multi-sided and built entirely out of natural elements like logs, bark, and mud.

The MonetValley Eco Hogan sits within the tribal park north of Kayenta, Arizona, and is owned by Verna Yazzie, a Navajo woman who was born and raised in Monument Valley. Her hogan, completed in 2020, is built out of juniper wood, bark, and sand. It is an off-grid structure with no electricity or running water, offering guests an extra dose of dark night skies (the area is renowned for its stargazing) and the chance to connect with the natural world.

By opening her hogan to visitors, Yazzie hopes to introduce people to the Navajo lifestyle, which traditionally involves herding sheep, weaving rugs, growing crops, and silversmithing. The name of her hogan, MonetValley, is an ode to her grandmother, who also lived in Monument Valley.

 To read more, go here.

SCOTUS Declines To Hear Case On Gun Age Restrictions

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case involving a Minnesota law restricting gun rights on 18-to-20 year olds.

This effectively allows those in that age group to buy and own firearms. 

According to USA Today:

WASHINGTON −The Supreme Court on Monday declined to get involved in the ongoing debate about age restrictions for weapons, despite pleas from both Minnesota and the gun rights groups that successfully challenged Minnesota’s age limit on handgun permits.

The court declined to review an appeals court’s decision that Minnesota’s law violates the Second Amendment rights of 18-to-20-year-olds.

Minnesota had restricted permits to carry handguns in public for self-defense to people age 21 or older.

That was challenged by gun rights groups which have filed similar lawsuits in Georgia, Illinois and Pennsylvania.

To read more, go here. 

The Best Lever Action Rifles of 2025

Above, a collection of classic lever-action rifles on display
 at the Billy the Kid Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Originating in the 1800s, lever-action rifles have been around ever since. Some are classic old favorites. Some are new on the market. Regardless, lever guns are here to stay.

Field & Stream (Richard Mann) tested and reviewed lever action rifles currently on the market and posted the best picks for 2025.

They begin with:

Most of the talk in the rifle world these days about bullets with high ballistic coefficients, high-magnification trajectory-compensating riflescopes, and rifles guaranteed to deliver one-hole groups. But while today's long-range practitioners argue about the best high-dollar tripod to shoot from, there are folks out there filling freezers and putting antlers on the wall with lever guns just like their grandad used to use. 

The lever-action rifle has evolved a fair bit over the last century, and with refined designs and modern ammunition, it's now more capable than ever. Maybe somewhat surprisingly, in the midst of today's long-rage craze, manufacturers are still introducing new lever-action rifles, and hunters are buying them up as fast as they hit gun-shop racks. There’s a wider variety of lever guns to choose from now than at any other time in recent memory. So, which one should you get? To help you with that, I've narrowed the field to a manageable number. Below are my picks for the nine best lever guns currently on the market.

To read more, go here. 

JFK Assassination Testimony Rifle Comes to Auction

Above, a rifle like this one at the 6th Floor Museum in Dallas is up for auction. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's something interesting that is coming up at auction for gun collectors.

It is an exact recreation of Lee Harvey Oswald's Mannlicher-Carcano rifle used to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. It was used during the House Select Committee on Assassinations back in 1978. It was also used in a movie on the assassination.

PR Newswire reported: 

BEDFORD, Texas, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An exact recreation of the JFK assassination rifle, owned and utilized by ballistics expert Monty Lutz during his testimony for the House Select Committee on Assassinations, will come to auction this May. The rifle also starred in the 1986 movie "On Trial: Lee Harvey Oswald," where Lutz played himself. Lutz's Carcano rifle will be offered during the first day of Rock Island Auction Company's May 2-4 Premier Auction.

The rifle is an identical configuration to the "Mannlicher-Carcano" rifle long recognized as the weapon used by Lee Harvey Oswald to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. Lutz's rifle was even ordered from the same retailer Oswald used and mounted with an identical scope. Such duplication was critical when this rifle was utilized during the 1978 investigation by the United States House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA), where Lutz cited testing the rifle at various distances. The exact replication of the assassination weapon was a quintessential component in the investigation as the nation continued to search for answers in the tragedy's aftermath.

Lee Harvey Oswald's rifle is currently housed at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland.

To read more, go here. 

Second Try

Above, last month at Route 66 RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This week will be the second try at getting my lexiscan stress test completed in Albuquerque.

The last time I tried, I arrived a day late. I had it down as March 25, but the clinic had my appointment down for the day earlier. This time, we're both in sync.

I'll be arriving a day earlier and will be at the Route 66 RV Resort as the appointment is early in the morning. If I feel okay after the procedure, I'll drive on home afterwards. If not, I'll stay another night. 

At least the weather in Albuquerque will be nice in the lower 80s. 

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 two videos of hit songs by The Left Banke: "Pretty Ballerina" and "Walk Away Renee" from the 1960s.

From Wikipedia:

The Left Banke was an American baroque pop band, formed in New York City in 1965. They are best remembered for their two U.S. hit singles, "Walk Away Renée" and "Pretty Ballerina". The band often used what the music press referred to as "baroque" string arrangements, which led to their music being variously termed as "Bach-rock", "baroque rock" or "baroque pop". The band's vocal harmonies borrowed from contemporaries such as the Beatles, the Zombies and other British Invasion groups.

In 2004, Rolling Stone placed "Walk Away Renée" at number 220 in its list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".

Spring RV Awnings Care

Above, last week in Quartzsite, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last week, I went to Quartzsite, Arizona for the first real RV camping trip of the year. It was with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus.

During the campout (or, as we call it, clampout), I unfurled my motorhome's awning for the first time this year. It was pretty clean as the RV is kept in its own barn during non-usage. The awning came in mighty handy as the temperature in Quartzsite was over 100° most of the time.

RV Travel has posted an article on RV awning care in today's RV Travel Newsletter.

It begins with:

With summer almost here, you may have already rolled out your RV awning. It’s a great addition to any RV, and with a little care it will provide many years of service. But just what kind of care does it need?

There are many different kinds of awnings. They range from the “bag” style manual awning, which is popular for pop-up campers, all the way up to fully automated types. The operation of all the different types vary, and careful attention to the manufacturer’s instructions will help ensure problem-free enjoyment of your awning.

Most awning fabrics fall into one of two categories: vinyl and acrylic (e.g., Sunbrella). Some awnings have material all the way up to the awning rail on the side of the RV. Some have a metal weather guard, which wraps around the awning when stowed for travel.

 To read more, go here.

Happy Easter

"Superman and the Mole Men" (1951) Review (Video)

Above, George Reeves and Phyllis Coates photo from Superman and the Mole Men autographed by Coates.

Last evening, I viewed this review of the "pilot" movie to the Adventures of Superman, "Superman and the Mole Men" (1951) starring George Reeves, Phyllis Coates, Jeff Corey and Walter Reed. It was the first Superman feature movie.

The story involves an oil well in Silsby, Texas that was the deepest oil well at six miles deep. The mole men came to the surface from the well.

Here's the review: 

Interestingly, although Silsby, Texas of the movie was fictitious, there is a Silsbee, Texas near Beaumont. 

Here's its location: 

April Snow #3

Now that we have some sunlight outside, I took a peek (and took some photos) and it looks like we have about three inches of the white stuff. I'm not complaining, we need the water.

Here's the pictures:

Above, the crabapple tree. It had started to bloom with plenty of bees partaking. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the motorhome and the crabapple tree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the deck and furniture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

April Snow #2

Easter Sunday may be tomorrow, but looking outside the weather says Christmas.

We had a fairly good snow last evening and through the night. The accompanying photos were taken last evening, but it looks pretty much the same this morning. It is about a couple of inches deep.

I have the motorhome outside as I am to use it this coming week when I go into Albuquerque for a cardiac stress test.