RV Camping: Planning Versus Winging It

Above, Devil's Tower, which I plan to see again in July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little over a month from now, I plan to head up into Wyoming and South Dakota for some exploring.

As of now, I haven't made any campground reservations. As the departure time gets closer, I will make some reservations, just have to figure the travel time needed to get there from New Mexico.

There are two schools of thought concerning RV camping. Those who "wing it" and those who plan it. That is the topic of an article in RV Life.

They begin with:

The Right Tools Can Help You Decide Where to Camp, While Still Feeling Spontaneous

Every year, we talk to hundreds of RVers. We ask them how they decide where to camp, which campgrounds to go to, and how they get there safely. There are a variety of strategies, but they can be divided into two primary camps. Those are the planning crowd and the spontaneous crowd.

You’d think the size of the RV would dictate which crowd those RVers would be in when they decide where to camp. But that just isn’t always the case. We’ve seen 40-foot fifth-wheel owners in the spontaneous crowd, and folks towing 20-foot travel trailers plan to the nth degree. Before we proceed, we should define the two styles.

To read more, go here. 

Happy 95th Birthday Clint Eastwood

Above, autograph I got from Clint Eastwood in 1980.

 

Happy birthday to Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood! pic.twitter.com/0zvSqdPYIs

— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 31, 2025

 

 

May 30, 2025 “WE ARE NOT CUTTING MEDICAID” Democrats Voted to spend your Medicaid dollars on illegal immigrants and sex change operations House Democrats voted against the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which will strengthen and protect Medicaid. Democrats voted to keep spending your Medicaid dollars on illegal immigrants and sex changes, instead of using it to help those most in need of assistance—mothers, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families. Democrats voted against prioritizing American citizens and ending taxpayer-funded health care for 1.4 million illegal immigrants . Medicaid itself reported $543 billion in improper payments, but external analyses show that the true number of improper payments is likely much higher. Even CNN admitted  that the Democrats are lying about the One, Big, Beautiful Bill removing people from their healthcare. Democrats voted to continue allowing taxpayer funds to go toward the mutilation of minors. The One, Big, Beautiful bill is a pro-family and pro-American bill that fights against radical left wing wokeness. Republicans are pushing for work requirements to maintain Medicare benefits to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in our system. Democrats voted against this commonsense requirement. Work requirements would not apply to pregnant women, parents, medically frail individuals and people with substance-abuse disorders, and others. WATCH CNN REPORT HERE ⤵️ “We are not cutting medicaid” View

New Mailing Address

As of Monday, June 2, our little post office at the Flying J is closing.

They've already starting gutting it. 

So, my new mailing address will be:

P.O. Box 416

Continental Divide, NM 87312 

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan page has been updated with the new mailing address. 

Monica Crowley Sworn In As Chief of Protocol

 

Wow. Ambassador and Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley to President Trump after being sworn in:

“You looked at the forgotten men and women of this country….Straight in the eye and said I see you, I hear you, and I will be your champion” 🇺🇸
pic.twitter.com/me4MQSQ0gl

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 29, 2025

Top 6 Most Iconic Lever-Action Rifles of All Time (Video)

Video by Rifle Ready. 

Summary: 

From saddle scabbards to deer blinds, these lever-action legends have earned their place in firearm history. In this video, we’re breaking down 6 iconic rifles that shaped generations—from the cutting-edge Marlin 336 revival and timeless Winchester 1894 to underappreciated gems like the Savage 99 and Beretta’s reborn 1894. Whether you're into cowboy classics, pistol-caliber carbines, or precision rimfires like the legendary Marlin 39A, this countdown highlights the craftsmanship, innovation, and firepower that make these rifles unforgettable.

Winchester 94 In Movies

The Winchester Model 1894 has appeared in numerous movies and television shows over the years. 

In some movies, it appeared during the wrong time period the movie depicts. 

The Internet Movie Firearms Database has a list of films and television shows that the Winchester 1894 (or Winchester 94) appeared in. It is likely not a complete list.

They begin with:

The Winchester Model 1894 is a lever-action rifle developed by the famed John Moses Browning, as a follow-on to his previous Model 1892 design; it uses many of the same parts as that rifle, and could be made with few alterations to its production tooling, notably having a nearly identically-sized receiver that could be made with the same rough blanks. Despite this, it was designed to use larger, more powerful cartridges (ballistically comparable to modern intermediates, though many were sized more comparably to full-powered rounds), including the .38-55, .32-40, and the famed .30-30 WCF; to permit the cycling of these much longer cartridges in an action originally designed for pistol-caliber rounds, the Model 1894 uses a rather unique system wherein the entire bottom of the receiver hinges down when the action is cycled, granting a longer throw of the lever that permits a correspondingly-longer stroke of the bolt, allowing a much longer cartridge to be cycled in and out of the chamber.

Due to its re-use of the Model 1892's receiver size, the 1892 and 1894 can be somewhat difficult to distinguish at a glance; if the rifle isn't shown with its action open (as this allows the aforementioned pivoting receiver floor to be seen), the 1894's proportionally longer loading gate can be used for an ID, as can a pin at the bottom-front of the receiver (used to allow the receiver floor to pivot) that the 1892 lacks.

To see the list, go here. 

Will Hawaii's $100M Tourist Climate Fee Actually Fix Anything?

Tourists to Hawaii will be levied a new tax allegedly earmarked to fight climate change.

Need I remind you that Hawaii's state government is dominated by radical leftist Democrats (like California) who love to impose more new taxes on people.

From Beat of Hawaii:

Nearly 10 million people visit Hawaii each year. Now, all of them will help fund the first-in-the-nation climate resilience fee designed to raise $100 million annually in its first and likely not last levy. This will be paid primarily by visitors as a function of an additional accommodation tax. That new law, just signed by Governor Josh Green, brings those taxes to about 19% and, for the first time, applies them to cruise ships.

Supporters call it groundbreaking, while critics call it another vague money grab. Either way, the stakes are high. The critical question is: Can this fee deliver what Hawaii says it will? It is one of Hawaii’s boldest new promises, with high stakes.

To read more, go here. 

Gold, Silver To Be Recognized As Legal Tender In Florida

For those living in Florida and, I presume, those visiting the state, can use gold and silver as legal tender under a law just signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

According to the Florida Daily:

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida House Bill 999, a bill that recognizes gold coins and silver coins as legal tender for the payment of debts.

“Florida stands firmly for freedom, economic self-determination, and resistance to government overreach,” DeSantis said. “But for too long, outdated regulations and unnecessary sales taxes have made it impractical for Floridians to enter the gold and silver market. I signed HB 999 today to change that, by initiating the process to recognize gold and silver as legal tender in our state and, with rule ratification from the legislature, free from sales tax.”

According to the official legal summary of the bill, gold coin and silver coin are defined as the solid, pure form of gold or silver in various physical forms.

The gold coin and silver coin must be imprinted, stamped, or otherwise marked with the coin’s weight and purity and may be imprinted, stamped, or otherwise marked with only the name or symbol that identifies any refiner or mint of the gold coin or silver coin. The bill provides for statutory construction to clarify the scope of gold coin and silver coin being recognized as legal tender.

The use of gold coin or silver coin for payment is optional.

To read more, go here. 

Mustang In, Jeep Home, But...

Above, the Jeep today at the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This should go into the "Good News, Bad News" file.

This morning, Greg Lucier and I (with help from Roger Slape) got the Mustang on Greg's flatbed trailer and hauled it down to the mechanic's in Gallup. I paid for the repairs to the Jeep (it was $85 less than I thought).

Afterwards, Greg and I went to the Silver Screen restaurant at the El Rancho Hotel and we had some lunch. 

From there, I filled the Jeep's gas tank and headed home. For most of the drive, I took Historic Route 66 until the Iyanbito interchange and drove on Interstate 40 to my exit, two miles away. Up to now, the Jeep ran perfectly fine. 

Then, I exited at our exit and headed over to the Flying J to check my mailbox. On the approach road to the Flying J, the Jeep conked out. I tried starting it, but it didn't even give a hint of trying to ignite even though it cranked. I called friend Nandoh for a jump start as the batter was getting drained. 

After more attempts, no no avail, Nandoh attached a rope to the Jeep and his truck and towed it, with me inside, to home. He thinks it might be the points, condenser or the distributor as a whole. 

At least the Jeep is at home. We'll have to check the condenser to see if that's the problem.  

At least the Mustang is in the shop. Roger thinks the problem is the bottom radiator hose. If so, it is a quick, and cheap, fix.

The History of the Sea Diamond (Video)

Here is the history of the Sea Diamond, a cruise ship that hit an underwater reef that was well marked near a Greek island.

The ship sank the next day. It claimed two lives. Over 1,500 were rescued.

Cruise Ships: 15 Nightmarish Facts

Above, the ill-fated Costa Concordia.

To date, I have been on three cruises. One to Alaska in 2001, one to Havana in 2019 and one to the Bahamas last year.

Each one was enjoyable, but I have found on two of them that having so many people in a small space does spread germs. I have come down with an illness twice during cruises.

That's not all people have to contend with while on a cruise. Other things can and do happen aboard cruise ships.

AOL posted an article with 15 "nightmarish facts" that may make one not want to take a cruise.

They begin it with:

Cruise ships market the illusion of a floating escape with unlimited buffets, sunsets on demand, and zero dishes to wash. But behind the floating resort vibe is where things get weird, really fast.

These facts about how cruise ships operate—and what can go wrong—might make you think twice about setting sail.

Here's a snippet:

No, cruise ships don’t sink every week—but when they do, they make headlines and documentaries. Remember the Costa Concordia in 2012? The ship ran aground, tipped over, and tragically took over 30 lives. From 1980 to 2012, 16 cruise ships sank, and many more got stuck. On average, 2.5 ships run aground every year.

To read more, go here. 

Vehicle Swap Day

Above, during a drive near Six Mile Canyon in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I will be swapping vehicles at the mechanic's.

The Jeep has been repaired (grounding issue, as it turned out) and is ready to come home. I will be swapping it with the Mustang as it appears to have a major radiator leak. 

So, when I pick up the Jeep, I'll be leaving the Mustang there. As I have used up my Auto Club service calls for the year (until renewal time in August), the Mustang will be brought in on Greg Lucier's flatbed trailer. 

I'll be glad when all this is over. I've been getting around in the motorhome and mini bike. 

Actor James McEachin Dies At 94

Above, James McEachin.

It has been announced that actor James McEachin passed away at 94.

I remember him as a bailiff in John Wayne's True Grit (1969). He also appeared with Wayne in The Undefeated (1969) as Jimmy Collins. He appeared in several Clint Eastwood films, including Coogan's Bluff (1968). Every Which Way But Loose (1978), Play Misty For Me (1971) and Sudden Impact (1983).

According to the Hollywood Reporter:

James McEachin, who wrote and produced songs for Otis Redding before turning to acting to portray cops on his own NBC Mystery Movie series and in 18 of the popular Perry Mason telefilms, has died. He was 94.

McEachin died Jan. 11 and was interred last month at Los Angeles National Cemetery.

To read more, go here. 

Blubbering Prosecutor

Now that the tables have turned...

Watch this ruthless January 6 prosecutor blubber and sob when her job is threatened.

These people are cold, even callous, when it comes to ruining other people’s lives.

But when their little pinky gets hurt….pic.twitter.com/Afb0BBp8tx

— Dinesh D'Souza (@DineshDSouza) May 27, 2025

Portable Shooting Range

The last part of my order from Cabela's arrived this morning.

It is a "portable shooting range" (shown above) for centerfire shooting. The other one that arrived the other day is for centerfire gun shooting. 

That takes care of the gift card I received from Jessica last Christmas.

Miroku Winchester 94 Review (Video)

It is interesting that Miroku Corp. of Japan is licensed to manufacture Winchester rifles, such as the Winchester 94 lever-action. But the average Japanese citizen cannot own pistols or rifles. 

Japanese citizens are allowed to own shotguns for hunting and trap and skeet shooting. But, people have to go through a lengthy licensing process in order to do so.

It is said that Miroku's Winchester 94 rifles compare favorably to the pre-1964 Winchester 94s manufactured in the U.S. I have one made in 1962.

Here's a review video by Gun City:

Have You Measured The Exact Height of Your RV?

Above, at camp at Ventura Beach RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel asked the question, "Have you measured to learn the exact height of your RV?:"

My answer, yes I did. My motorhome, including the roof air conditioner, is exactly 11 feet high. I keep a piece of Scotch tape with the measurement on the upper left corner of my windshield. 

I did that soon after I bought the RV. 

RV Travel has the question as a poll. 

They begin with:

Do you know the height of your RV? Well, what the owner’s manual and dealer told you is one thing, but do you really know its height? Have you actually measured it yourself to know its exact height?

Knowing your RV’s true height isn’t just a nice-to-know spec—it can be critical. Every year, RVers report incidents involving low-clearance bridges, overhangs, and even fast-food drive-thrus that didn’t go as planned. Sometimes the difference between making it safely under and causing major damage comes down to just an inch or two.

And, oh, boy, have we seen disasters…

To read more and answer the poll, go here. 

Royal Caribbean Tweak That Will Make Your Cruise Cost $60 More

Above, enjoying a cocktail during last summer's cruise to the Bahamas.

Having been on cruises before comes in handy when it comes to adult beverage purchases. One knows what to expect. One friend ran up a several thousand dollar bar tab while on a cruise. He never made that mistake again.

That's why I limited myself to one (sometimes two) cocktails a day while on a cruise. Passengers are charged though their cruise room cards at ship bars. Just because there's no money being exchanged doesn't mean drinks are free. At the end of last year's cruise to the Bahamas, I didn't get any shocking bar charges.

Royal Caribbean is raising prices on cocktails according to Cruise Passenger.

They wrote:

Royal Caribbean general cocktail prices look to be jumping from $14 to $15. 

Royal Caribbean Blog reported seeing the prices jump up, with many of the cruise line’s signature cocktails, which were previously $14, now coming out to $15.

The good news is that drinks packages will be adjusted to cover this change, with packages now to cover drinks purchases up to $15, more than the previous limit of $14. 

Therefore, unless drink package prices rise, this change won’t affect cruisers who purchase a drinks package on their Royal Caribbean cruise. However, it will affect those who opt out of the drinks package. 

To read more, go here. 

20 Great Places To Camp In An RV This Summer

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

Although we are still in spring, Memorial Day weekend has been traditionally the official start of the summer vacation season (to some).

As the official start of summer is a month away, now is the time to plan for vacations. RV Life has posted a list of 20 great places to camp in an RV. Of the 20, I have stayed at one of them, Route 66 RV Resort outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico along Interstate 40.

They begin with:

Finding the best places to camp in an RV can be tough, especially because there are so many options! Some resorts and campgrounds are better than others, so we’ve made a list of 20 great places to camp.

Obviously, every state has its own hidden gems and local favorites, but this list is based on visitor reviews and overall quality ratings from reliable sources. You won’t be disappointed when you decide to camp in any of these great locations. 

To read more, go here. 

Traps That Ruin Hawaii Vacations and Avoiding Them

Above, a hilltop view of Waikiki and Diamond Head. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a good thing that I took a Hawaii vacation nine years ago instead of during recent years.

I have been reading on how a vacation there has gotten more expensive. Back when I went there in 2016, I didn't feel prices were any worse than anywhere else. But, times have certainly changed. 

There are some traps that can ruin a Hawaiian vacation. Beat of Hawaii lays them out and also tells how to avoid them.

They begin with:

A perfect Hawaii vacation is still possible. But more than ever, travelers find that one slip-up can sour the whole trip, whether in Hawaii or not. That’s not just a gut feeling—it’s backed by data. In a new Go City survey of U.S. travelers, 92 percent said one bad element—like poor service, delays, or surprise fees—could ruin an entire vacation. It resonates with us and it might you too.

Hawaii is clearly high-stakes travel. The flights are long, the price tags are increasingly steep, and the emotional investment is big. So when something does go wrong—even something small—it tends to hit harder than on a weekend getaway.

But it doesn’t have to. Knowing where the traps are found and how Hawaii travelers often stumble, you can design a trip that works for you, your budget, and your high expectations. Here’s how to avoid the most common vacation breakdowns in paradise.

To read more, go here. 

Memorial Day: Remembering Those Who Have Fallen

 

Classic Rock Music Monday

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

To start off the week, we have The Bobby Fuller Four with their 1966 hit, "I Fought The Law". 

From Wikipedia:

The Bobby Fuller Four (sometimes stylized as Bobby Fuller 4) was a popular mid-1960s American rock & roll band started by Bobby Fuller. First formed in 1962 in Fuller's hometown of El Paso, Texas, the group went on to produce some of its most memorable hits under the Mustang Records label in Hollywood, California. The band's most successful songs include "Let Her Dance", "I Fought the Law" and "Love's Made a Fool of You".

Preppin' For Plinkin'

The first half of my order from Cabela's arrived yesterday.

It is a triple spinner target designed for rimfire guns and air guns. 

Above, the rimfire target that arrived yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I had some money left in a Christmas gift card, I decided to get some targets for my rimfires and and centerfire rifles. I already have plenty of ammunition.

The centerfire target will be arriving Tuesday. At least, that's what Cabela's said. 

Since I do have an air rifle (a Benjamin pellet gun), I can set the target up in the yard and do some plinking from the deck. 

This Old Gun: Winchester 62a (Video)

One of my Winchester rifles is a Winchester Model 62a, a pump-action .22 rifle. It is commonly called a "gallery gun" as they were frequently used in amusement park shooting galleries. It is a fun plinker. 

I inherited mine from my maternal grandfather. It was made in 1947 according to its serial number.

The Winchester 62a was another creation by legendary gun designer John Moses Browning.

Here's a video on the 62a by Cape Gun Works:

How To Survive Camping In 105 Degree Heat—Yikes!

Above, morning at Crazy Horse Campgrounds in Lake Havasu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Camping in hot weather can cause heat stroke and other maladies. I have camped in hot conditions a few times.

Generally, those hot camps were in the desert (where else?) such as Lake Havasu, Arizona and, more recently, in Quartzsite, Arizona. 

In Lake Havasu, I generally stay at the Crazy Horse Campgrounds where they have electric hook-ups to power the motorhome air conditioner (plus the nearby lake). In Quartzsite, where we dry camped, we had to use some engenuity.

RV Travel posted some tips by Nanci Dixon for surviving camping in 105° heat.

She begins with:

We have started (well, almost) our RV summer migration to the cool green northern clime. But first, we needed to get all the floors in our house redone after an installer error. So instead of camping by pristine blue lakes lined with tall pines, we are in the hot brown desert lined with cactus.

We are using this time to get everything up to par for the trip and the summer: replacing water filters, recharging the water softener, checking the engine and generator, and fixing things neglected when we returned to Arizona. (I wrote more about our packing routine in Friday’s newsletter.)

What we didn’t factor in all this work is the brutal Arizona heat. Unfortunately, we are familiar with it from when we were camp hosts here late one year.

Here are the things we do to stay comfortable. While some seem like no-brainers, I am reminded that my brain didn’t remember.

To read more, go here. 

Freeport, Bahamas: 13 Top Places To Explore

Above, with the Norwegian Sky docked nearby, passengers roamed shops in Freeport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During our cruise to the Bahamas last summer, the first cruise stop was at Freeport.

We were there for a few hours and the time was spent at a shopping complex of small businesses. With our ship, the Norwegian Sky, docked nearby, we wandered around the shops.

There is much more to Freeport for people to see. Unfortunately, the time allotted was not enough for any real exploring. I enjoyed our Nassau stop a lot more as we were able to take bus and boat tours there.

MSN has posted a gallery of things to see in Freeport.

They begin with:

Looking for a Bahamian escape that’s a little less crowded but still packed with charm? Freeport might just surprise you. As the second-largest city in the Bahamas, Freeport blends sun-soaked relaxation with vibrant local flavor. I’ve walked its white-sand beaches, browsed through colorful straw markets, and kayaked through mangrove forests—and trust me, it’s more than just a port stop. Curious where locals go to unwind or where you can find the island’s best conch salad? From underwater cave systems to buzzing cultural hubs, these 13 must-see spots in Freeport deliver more than just postcard views—they offer stories, flavors, and moments that stick with you.

To see more, go here. 

Forest Fire Near McGaffey

A fire broke out yesterday near McGaffey. 

It is situated south of Fort Wingate and Jamestown. We're keeping an eye on this.  

According to the McKinley County Fire & Rescue:

Strong work today by McKinley County Fire Rescue. We had 4 confirmed Wildland Fires today. Also had two more called in that were found to be the forest fire in McGaffey. Thank you also for assistance by Gallup Fire Department and the US Forest Service. Three are out but the Forest Service is still on scene of the Merrill Fire in McGaffey. Additional resources will be arriving in the morning. Our units were released this evening. Good job everyone.

From the McKinley County Office of Emergency Management:

Updated 5.23.25 at 2259

Fire crews have made good progress on the Merrill fire with the help of two air tanker retardant drops. USFS resources will remain on scene overnight to continue building and reinforcing containment lines.

When It Rains, It Pours

Above, the Jeep, mini bike, mower and Mustang a few years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sometimes, when it rains, it pours.

That is what happened this past week when I was driving home from Thoreau, New Mexico in the Mustang. It started running hot. I managed to get it to the Flying J and got some coolant as the coolant level inside the radiator dropped.

Once I got the coolant into the radiator, everything seemed fine, and that was the case for the next few days. Then it started running hotter again. I put more coolant in and most, if not all, ended up dripping on the garage floor. There appears to be a leak (from what I can tell) at the bottom of the radiator. It have to get it to the mechanic's.

The Jeep has been in the mechanic's since a week ago Monday. They've been too busy to get to it. I got a call from them yesterday and it turned out the problem was that there was corrosion to where the grounding wires (or whatever) were connected, which fried the battery and the battery cables. In other words, inadequate grounding. They replaced those and set up new grounding. It seems to be working fine now and will be ready Tuesday (as Monday is a holiday) for me to bring the Mustang in and pick up the Jeep. A vehicle swap! (Yes, I told them about the problem with the Mustang.)

In the meantime, I have been using the mini bike or the motorhome for transportation in the interim. I joked to a friend, if those get disabled, I can always use the zero-turn riding mower to get around until Tuesday. It is good to have backups, eh?  

I was going to go to the grand re-opening of Meteor City Trading Post on Monday. But given the expenses of the vehicle repairs and it usually costs around $130 to fill the motorhome's gas tank (55 gallons), I decided to forego the trip. The trading post is about 160 miles from home. 

John Wayne Day In Fort Worth, Texas

Above, yours truly with Patrick Wayne outside of Ridgway, Colorado in 2022.

John Wayne Day is this coming Monday (which is also Memorial Day) and there will be several events at the Fort Worth Stockyards. The events mark the 118th anniversary of John Wayne's birth.

According to FWToday:

Next Monday, May 26 marks John Wayne’s 118th birthday, and the party is just getting started. Kick up your boots and get ready to celebrate Hollywood’s favorite on-screen cowboy with a series of events in the Stockyards.

One of the events is a special screening of The Big Trail (1930) at the Modern Art Museum. Son Patrick Wayne will make a special guest appearance. I am pleased to see that Patrick is out and about, considering he is now 85. I met him at the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathons outside of Ridgway, Colorado in 2022.

For more information on the events, go here.

RFK Jr. and Coca-Cola

One of things HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is proposing is removing high fructose corn syrup from soft drinks, such as Coca-Cola.

🚨 Would you support RFK Jr. mandating Coca-Cola to remove high-fructose corn syrup just like they do in Europe? 🇺🇸🥤

YES or NO? 👇 pic.twitter.com/QDdoxf6yor

— Tom Homan 🇺🇸 News (Commentary) (@HomanNews) March 29, 2025

Some people are squeaking over this proposal. They act like Coke has always has high fructose corn syrup.

Actually, it wasn't until 1984 that Coke replaced cane sugar with the corn syrup.

From Reader's Digest:

Ready for a shock? Coca-Cola only stopped using real cane sugar in the U.S. in 1984. I had always assumed this happened in, like, 1950. Or maybe after Coca-Cola stopped putting actual cocaine in the formula (which was really a thing, but they took that out in 1903, thank heavens). But Coke didn’t swap out cane sugar for high-fructose corn syrup in the U.S. until the mid-1980s. Yep. Ronald Reagan was president. Madonna was in her “Like a Virgin” phase. And quietly, in factories across America, corn syrup was sneaking into your soda. What a time to be alive!

Notice that Mexican Coca-Cola tastes different, and better, than U.S. Coke? It is because they still use cane sugar. 

10 Guns You Should NEVER Sell in 2025

Survival Firearms posted a video on 10 guns you should NEVER sell in 2025. They also point out that these guns are rising in value.

Of the 10 guns, I have one, a Winchester 94 pre-64 carbine in .30-30.

94 Winchester | Favorite Gun (Video)

Outpost Barn & Armory has posted a new video today on the Winchester 94 (or Winchester 1894). 

In the video, several examples are on display ranging from the early 1900s to the 1950s.

The video summary:

The Winchester Model 1894, commonly known as the Winchester 94, is an iconic lever-action repeating rifle designed by John Browning in 1894. It stands as one of the most famous and popular hunting rifles of all time, particularly for white-tailed deer in North America.

A significant innovation of the Model 1894 was its design for smokeless powder cartridges. While initially offered in black powder calibers like .32-40 Winchester and .38-55 Winchester, it quickly became the first commercial American repeating rifle to chamber smokeless powder rounds, most notably the .30 WCF (Winchester Center Fire), which became universally known as the .30-30 Winchester. The .30-30 cartridge's combination of power, relatively low recoil, and flat trajectory revolutionized hunting. 

The rifle utilizes a robust and efficient lever-action mechanism, allowing for rapid follow-up shots. Its design enabled the cycling of longer cartridges than earlier Winchester models, due to a hinged floor plate in the receiver that opened up more space for feeding.

Production and Popularity: The Model 1894 was produced by Winchester Repeating Arms Company from 1894 to 1980 and then by U.S. Repeating Arms under the Winchester brand until 2006. It has sold over 7 million units, making it one of the most produced sporting rifles in American history. Notable examples were presented to U.S. Presidents, including Calvin Coolidge, Harry S. Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Beyond the ubiquitous .30-30 Winchester, the Model 94 has been chambered in a variety of calibers over its long production run, including .25-35 Winchester, .32 Winchester Special, and later, revolver calibers like .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt, as well as 7-30 Waters and even a .410 shotgun variant (Model 9410). It was produced in various configurations, including rifles, saddle-ring carbines, and trapper's short carbines, with different barrel lengths, finishes, and stock options.

Post-1964 Changes: In 1964, manufacturing procedures were modified to reduce costs, leading to changes in materials (e.g., sintered steel receivers, stamped sheet metal parts) which differentiate "Pre-64" models (highly sought after by collectors) from "Post-64" models. Later innovations included angle eject systems to allow for easier scope mounting, and different safety mechanisms.

Legacy: The Winchester Model 94 holds a significant place in American firearms history, often considered the quintessential "deer rifle" and a symbol of the American West. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its practical design, reliability, and effectiveness for hunters and sportsmen.

Here's the video:

Take An RV Mini Trip To Seligman, Arizona

Above, the Roadkill Cafe in Seligman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first time I had been in Seligman, Arizona was in 1984 when two friends and I took a trip into the Southwest. The day before, we visited Grand Canyon Caverns.

In 2017, my roommate Jessica and I stopped at the famous Roadkill Cafe in Seligman for breakfast while on the way home from Grand Canyon National Park. Don't let the cafe's name scare you. They actually have good food.

Above, we parked the RV next to the Roadkill Cafe at this western town mock-up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, I stayed at the KOA Kampground in Seligman in 2018 when I moved to New Mexico from California. It was an overnight stop after driving from Victorville, California (where I stayed overnight after moving out of Tarzana).

RV Travel has posted an article on things to see and do in Seligman.

They begin it with:

A couple of weeks ago we took an RV mini vacation to Seligman, Arizona, on the longest remaining stretch of Route 66. Although it is sometimes heralded as the “birthplace of historic Route 66”, it is really one of the longest intact stretches of the original Route 66. It stretches from Seligman, AZ, to Kingman, AZ, about 74 miles.

Springfield, Missouri, is actually the birthplace of Route 66. In 1920, the federal government began construction of a national highway system there. About 85 percent of Route 66 is intact, but in bits and pieces across the country.

Nonetheless, Seligman’s claim to fame is Route 66, and the main street reflects that with old-time cafes, motels, and an abundance of gift shops. Tour buses frequently stop there on their way to the Grand Canyon, and we heard several different languages being spoken around town.

To read more (and see lots of photos), go here. 

RV General Budgeting Tips

Above, Double J RV Park near Springfield, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the primary things to do when planning an RV vacation trip is to come up with a budget.

It is a lousy feeling to not budget one's expenses and find themselves out of cash in the middle of a trip, I would imagine. Thankfully, ATMs and online banking are available while on the road (provided your bank is where you're traveling and there's WiFi access). 

Gail Marsh at RV Travel provides some tips on how to budget and budgeting tips.

She begins with:

My husband and I often take work camping jobs that allow us to live in our RV for several months at a time. I’m not going to lie. It took a while to figure out how to budget for us RVers.

Yesterday, I published an article about budgeting for unexpected fun. Things like special events, activities, festivals or fairs, museums… things you might not have planned to stumble across on your travels.

Today, I’ll focus on some more general budgeting tips. Read on.

To read more, go here. 

Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" Passes House

 

🚨 #BREAKING: The House of Representatives ERUPTS in cheers and applause as President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill officially PASSES

CONGRATULATIONS, 47! 🇺🇸🔥

✅ No tax on tips or overtime
✅ $175B for deportations and the wall
✅ Tax relief for seniors
✅ Making his 2017 tax… pic.twitter.com/HtchiQqvCx

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 22, 2025

Pete Townsend on Bruce Springsteen

 Pete's got it right! 

LMAO! https://t.co/E3VoXQ8cUH

— Catturd ™ (@catturd2) May 21, 2025

Plinkin' On The Cheap

Above, out in Texas Canyon New Year's Day 1984. Right
to left, Arleigh Kerr, Steve Born, Glenn Thornhill and me.

With prices the way they are these days, larger caliber ammunition is a little pricey for ordinary target plinking.

Fortunately, there's a cheaper ammo for plinking that won't break the bank: .22 LR.

I have two rifles to choose from for plinking with .22 LR ammunition.

The first, is my Winchester 62A pump-action rifle I inherited from my grandfather. It was made in 1947. I shot with it last year. Still works great.

Above, the Winchester 62A. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I used to target shoot with it frequently with friends in Southern California in Texas Canyon near Newhall/Saugus. 

A friend brought along his Ruger 10/22 carbine and I liked it so much that I bought one around 1983. It is a semi-automatic that came with 10-round magazines. I later bought some 25-round magazines. I have a Bushnell scope mounted on it.

Above, the Ruger 10/22, manufactured in 1983. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So, if one wants to go target shooting, they can still do so without hurting the wallet.

Ruger 10/22 (Video)

From Hickok45:

Plinking with my Ruger 10/22, one of the most popular rifles ever made. This rifle was a Christmas gift from my father in 1987.

Tactical Solutions offers some products for the Ruger 10/22, but it's Tactical Innovations that makes the magazine I was trying to think of in the video.

Biden Autopen Pardons Signed Late At Night

 

A White House staffer from Biden’s administration revealed that most pardons were signed late at night when Biden was asleep, and he was unaware of who was being pardoned.

Should all these pardons be void? pic.twitter.com/ASnj3bb6Pl

— Tulsi Gabbard Intelligence Report (@TulsiGabbardDNI) May 19, 2025

HOW TO MODIFY THE WINCHESTER "94" TO SPIN-COCK AND FAN (Video)

Western fans are familiar with the introduction of John Wayne as the Ringo Kid in Stagecoach (1939) spin-cocking his Winchester 1892.

Here's the scene if you have never seen it:

 

If one want to give it a whirl (pardon the pun), here's how to do it with a Winchester 94:

From Daniel Mink (Rhinestone Roper):

Join Dan Mink, The Rhinestone Roper and multiple Wild West World Champion, as he teaches HOW TO SPIN-COCK AND FAN THE WINCHESTER "94" and explains the modifications to the gun that make these Classic Western moves possible.  Some of us remember Lucas McCain in THE RIFLEMAN and ROOSTER COGBURN as they spun their rifles in one hand take care of the bad guys.  This video shows how any Cowboy, Cowgirl or other frontier enthusiast can handle their rifle in the same way.

Personally, I've never tried spin-cocking my Winchester 94 myself. It needs a bigger and wider loop. Knowing my luck, I'd probably shoot my foot off (or worse).

Winchester’s Lever Evolution: 165 Years and Counting

Above, Winchester 1894 lever-action rifles at the Billy the Kid Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Lever-action rifles have been around since the mid-1800s.

Several manufacturers over the years have produced them in American since that time. However, Winchester started it.

Sporting Classics Daily has posted an interesting article on evolution of Winchester's lever-action rifles.

It begins with:

Even though Americans invented—among other things—the electric light bulb, the microwave oven and (for better or worse) personal computers, as far as I’m concerned, one of our country’s greatest achievements has been the perfection of the lever-action rifle. Yes, even more than the Kentucky rifle (also an American invention), which gave our colonial defenders extended range combined with accuracy, it was the lever action that gave frontiersmen the added benefit of multi-shot firepower. And while other companies, such as Marlin and Savage eventually entered the lever-action competition, it was Winchester that started it all.

To read the full article, go here. 

Why Some Cruise Ships Have Wings

Above, four cruise ships docked in Nassau, Bahamas. One has wings. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here is something about some cruise ships that I hadn't thought of.

Some cruise ships have wings. Why they do is interesting.

MSN posted an article about cruise ship wings.

They begin it with:

Cruise ships aren't meant to fly, but some of them look like they're trying to. Look closely at certain vessels, and you'll notice wing-like structures in two places: one set perched high above the ship, and another hidden beneath the waterline. These aren't just for show; they serve very different, functional purposes.

To read more, go here. 

Cruise Lines: PrIvate Islands Instead of Showing The World

Above, the Norwegian Sky and tender boat off Great Stirrup Cay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last year's cruise to the Bahamas with Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky included a day at their private island, Great Stirrup Cay. 

We had a good time shopping and doing some jet skiing there, this was the first time I have been to a cruise line's private island resort. Norwegian is building a dock at Great Stirrup Cay to accommodate their ships. Currently, they dock off-shore and ferry passengers on tender boats. 

It appears that this practice of taking customers to private islands instead of showing the world is not sitting well with some cruise customers. 

Business Insider sees this as a growing trend with cruise lines. There are reasons why cruise lines are doing so and they discuss this in a new article.

They begin with:

Cruises have always been a vessel for exploration — a way for travelers to see the world. But over the last few years, these floating resorts have increasingly narrowed their focus to just one type of destination: theme parks in the middle of the ocean.

Cruise ships touch virtually every corner of the earth, from Antarctica to Albania, Madagascar to the Mediterranean. They're often the most convenient and affordable way to see several countries in one trip, which is why bookings have remained buoyant despite uncertain economic tides foundering the rest of the travel industry.

However, these exploratory roots are quickly becoming overshadowed by more lucrative, purpose-built beach resorts that not all travel traditionalists may be happy about.

To read more, go here. 

Circus Circus To Be Demolished?

The last time I stepped foot at Circus Circus in Las Vegas was in 2015 when I took my daughter Amber there so she could interview with the dolphin show at The Mirage. We stayed at the Circus Circus RV Park.

Three days ago, Las Vegas Strip - Trip Reports Facebook page posted the following:

BREAKING LAS VEGAS

While an official announcement has not yet been made, rumors are growing that Circus Cicrus Hotel in Las Vegas will be demolished and replaced with a new luxury resort by a world known brand that I cant directly say yet. I would stop in several more times if you have the chance. Circus Circus is apparently up for Sale!

Circus Circus has been a popular hotel and casino since the 1960s. It was featured the 1971 James Bond movie, Diamonds Are Forever starring Sean Connery. We stayed at the hotel tower in 1986 when I got married.

It has been a bit rundown in recent years. This has also fed to rumor mill.  

It would not come as a surprise if the rumors turn out to be true. Too bad, if so.