Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Reportedly Killed

Iran's regime supreme leader Ayatollah has been reported killed in an Israeli air strike.

According to Reuters (via AOL):

Feb 28 (Reuters) - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who turned the country into a powerful anti-U.S. force and extended its military influence across the Middle East while crushing repeated ‌domestic unrest, was killed in Israeli and U.S. strikes, a senior Israeli official told Reuters on ‌Saturday.

There was no immediate Iranian confirmation of his fate.

The United States and Israel carried out military strikes on Iran on Saturday, targeting ​its top leaders and plunging the Middle East into a conflict that President Donald Trump said would end a security threat to the U.S. and give Iranians a chance to topple their rulers.

To read more, go here. 

"Operation Epic Fury"

 

Iran refused to dismantle its nuclear program, despite warnings from President Trump that their refusal would lead to consequences.

Well, it has started. The U.S. and Israel have launched air strikes against Iran.

From the New York Post:

The US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran Saturday morning in response to the regime’s refusal to dismantle its nuclear program after weeks of negotiations —  targeting military infrastructure and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s compound in Tehran.

The attacks — which the Department of War called “Operation Epic Fury” — follow a massive US military buildup in the Middle East and come after President Trump repeatedly warned Tehran that it would face consequences if it didn’t make a deal with the US. 

Iran then launched missiles towards Israel in a retaliatory attack as officials claimed the response would be “crushing.” 

“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump said in an eight-minute video address on Saturday.

To read more, go here. 

Shooting Day (With A Couple of Mishaps)

Above, before his mishap, Larry shooting his pistol. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday's session of target shooting at the shooting area of the Cibola National Forest was an enjoyable time for Larry Lucier and myself. 

It was reasonably warm outside with very little wind. 

I started out shooting my Winchester 62A .22 pump action rifle and Larry started out with his .22 Henry lever-action rifle. Neither of us could hit the broadside of a barn when we had the targets set at 50 yards, so we moved them in to 25 yards. We did much better then.

After that, I switched to shooting eight one-gallon jugs of water with my Winchester 94 .30-30. It was fun watching them explode. Larry switched to a .22 cal. pistol.

That's when we started having a couple of mishaps.

Above, yours truly holding the Winchester 94 and the shredded shooting bag. Photo by Larry Lucier.

It started with me shooting the Winchester 94 from my table with my shooting bags. Somehow, the barrel of the rifle slipped off right when I was firing and it blasted the larger of the two bags to pieces. I thought for sure that I would thereafter be the butt of jokes over this. But, something a bit worse happened.

Above, Larry showing his wounded index finger. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Larry was shooting his .22 pistol and somehow his left index finger went over the gun's muzzle and the round grazed his finger. It was a small cut with powder burns around it. It was a good thing that it was a .22 and not a larger caliber. 

We continued shooting for a little while more and then packed up and later met up with "Uncle Bob" at Jerry Cafe for dinner. Naturally, we had a good conversation about our shooting mishaps. 

As it is said, sh*t happens!

Hickok45: Is This The Peak Of Lever Action Rifles?

Is This The Peak Of Lever Action Rifles? video by Hickok45.

Featuring a 1958 .30-30 Winchester 94.

Which Coins Contain The Most Silver?

Above, a 2023 American Silver Eagle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Gold and silver have been "on a tear" in their respective spot prices during these past few months.

Silver is a lot more affordable to the average American citizen. Before investing, one should look into which coins contain the most silver content. American Silver Eagles contain exactly one troy ounce of .999 fine silver.

CBS News posted an article on this question.

They begin it with:

When precious metals hit new price milestones, investor attention tends to focus on the headline-grabbers. Right now, that's gold, as the price of gold has been on a swift uphill climb over the past few months. In turn, it has hit surprising new thresholds — including a brief stint above $5,600 per ounce — and is now hovering at about $5,166 per ounce. But the price of silver has been on a tear of its own, making it a good option for investors who want exposure to precious metals without tying up quite as much capital in a single purchase.

And that's where certain types of silver coins, in particular, can offer big value to investors, especially in today's market. These small silver assets are tangible, widely recognized and come in sizes that feel manageable to a wide range of investors. You can buy one silver coin at a time, build a stack gradually or choose larger-format pieces if you're comfortable moving more money per purchase. In a precious metals market where prices can swing quickly and dramatically, flexibility matters.

To read more, go here. 

Plinkin' Day

Above, the rifles I am bringing today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today is plinkin' day!

In a few hours, we'll be heading to the shooting area of the Cibola National Forest to do some target shooting. I am just going to bring the Winchester 94 (.30-30 cal.) and the Winchester 62A (.22 cal.) today. 

Above, water jugs to use as targets. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have several boxes of empty one-gallon water jugs to use as targets. I'll probably bring about half of them. I'll fill them with water before heading to the shooting area.

The temperature should be in the upper 60s. 

"Adventures of Superman" Japanese Opening

 

Some years ago, I posted that Emperor Hirohito (now referred to as Emperor Showa) was a big fan of the Adventures of Superman starring George Reeves. The Emperor was such a fan of Adventures of Superman that he sent actor George Reeves a fan letter in 1958.

The above video is the Japanese version of the opening of the show.

According to The Vintage News:

The Adventures of Superman was such a smash hit with audiences that it transcended territorial boundaries. The series became a hit in Japan, with the program being dubbed over. It’s no surprise, then, that Emperor Hirohito, the 124th Emperor of Japan, was a big fan of the series.

Cartel Violence In Mexico Alters Cruise Ship Itineraries

It looks like the violence in Mexico has caused major disruptions to cruise line itineraries.

Here is a video from CBS 8 San Diego:

Newsom Imports Expensive Gasoline From Bahamas

The Looney Left Report

It is becoming more and more evident that the California state government is run by lunatics.

The latest is from the American Energy Alliance:

This story is baffling. Bloomberg reports that California is starting to import gasoline from the Bahamas, while the state sits on enormous oil resources it refuses to develop. Bloomberg reports:

“US supplies of gasoline are being shipped out of the country to travel thousands of miles via the Bahamas before finally ending up in California, a state battling shrinking fuelmaking capacity and high pump prices. Shipments on the circuitous route are increasing. California imported more gasoline in November than ever before, with more than 40% coming from the Bahamas… After Phillips 66 shuttered its Los Angeles refinery in October, gasoline imports climbed in 2025 to the highest level since at least 2016. With Valero Energy Corp. set to close a Northern California refinery this spring, and no fuel pipelines connecting the US Gulf’s oil-producing powerhouse to the West Coast, the nation’s most populous state will likely depend on imports to bridge the gap.”

Only in Governor Newsom’s California does this make sense. The same governor who tried to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035 and has made it nearly impossible to develop new oil fields is now presiding over a state that needs gasoline shipped from the Bahamas because California can’t refine enough of its own fuel.

To read more, go here. 

Minimum Age To Buy A Gun

Cassandra McBride, "How Old Do You Have to be to Buy a Gun: A State Guide 2026"

How old do you have to be to buy a gun?

That is a question that pops up all the time, especially by those who are in the 18 to 21 age range.

Ammo.com posted a state guide that answers that question.

They begin with:

Report Highlights: Federal law states that eligible citizens must be over 21 to purchase a handgun and over 18 to purchase a long gun; however, state laws vary regarding private purchases.

 For more details state-by-state, go here.

Plinkin' This Friday

Above, yours truly at the shooting area two years ago. Photo by Larry Lucier.

Since it will be around 67° outside this coming Friday, we decided to head to the shooting area in Cibola National Forest near our Jamestown community for some target shooting.

Friends here have expressed a desire to do some plinking and this will be a great opportunity before we head into spring next month. 

I have accumulated about 18 empty one-gallon water jugs that I will fill up with water and use as targets.

 

Elvis Slept Here: Inside the Luxurious Waikiki Resort

Above, the Hilton Waikiki Village from the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Expect a flood of Elvis Presley articles in the media as EPIC: Elvis Presley In Concert is opening this week in theaters.

One is from USA Today about the Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel at Waikiki Beach. I visited the hotel in 2016 while vacationing down the beach from it at the Sheraton Waikiki.

The article begins with:

Elvis loved quite a few things: luxury cars, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and Hawaii. The King of Rock and Roll spent nearly 20 years of his life visiting Hawaii, and more specifically, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, an iconic resort that’s still open today — and brimming with fellow Elvis fans who want a glimpse into the King’s past.

The resort has an elite roster of famous fans who’ve roamed its halls, from Barack Obama to Ronald Reagan to Michael Jackson. But Elvis is regarded as the superstar who put this hotel on the map, having filmed “Blue Hawaii” on its property in 1961 and returning frequently over the course of two decades.

As you can imagine, the hotel has embraced the iconic connection. Visitors can explore the resort’s timeline wall, which features photos of Presley during his stays, information about the star, and memorabilia from his various visits.

To read more, go here. 

EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert

The documentary by Baz Luhrmann opens in theaters this week. I have been seeing rave reviews.

The movie features long-lost films found at the Graceland estate and restored.

The Hanford Sentinel posted a review which starts with:

Over the years, countless attempts have been made to resurrect the King, whether it was movies, TV specials or musical ventures celebrating his artistry and legacy, attempting to bring him back and keep him among us.

No single project has done a better job of making Elvis feel present and alive than "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert," director Baz Luhrmann's dazzling documentary-slash-concert film, which lets us see and feel Elvis on stage, in his element.

It's a pure joy to see, to feel, to behold, as Elvis tells his story, in his own words, and hits the stage to let us bask in his greatness. The movie, meanwhile, helps to reclaim Elvis as a singular force of nature, an otherworldly dynamo, not the parody of himself with which we've come to associate his Vegas years.

The movie will be opening February 27 at the Red Rock 10 Theaters in Gallup. I'll be seeing it there.

To read more, go here.

12 Lever Action Rifles Will Be Worth A Fortune By Year's End

12 Lever Action Rifles That Will Be Worth a Fortune by the End of 2026 video by All About Survival.

Summary:

Lever-action rifles aren’t just history pieces anymore.

They’re appreciating assets.

Between discontinued production, corporate buyouts, generational nostalgia, and renewed interest in traditional hunting rifles, a small group of lever guns is positioned for serious market movement by the end of 2026.

In this video, I break down 12 rifles that stand out for:

• Limited production windows

• Pre-cost-cutting manufacturing

• Rare factory stamps and variants

• Cultural and historical significance

• Growing collector demand

• Shrinking supply in original condition

From Pre-64 Winchesters and JM-marked Marlins to the innovative Savage 99, Browning BLR, and the legendary Marlin 39A — these aren’t just rifles.

They’re mechanical history with finite supply.

Whether you’re a hunter, collector, or investor, understanding why certain lever actions rise while others stagnate could save you thousands — or make you thousands.

The market is moving.

Smart collectors move first.

State of the Union Tonight

As one who could be called a "political junkie", I make it a point to watch the annual State of the Union address by the President of the United States.

Some addresses are better than others, but since the advent of Donald Trump in the White House, I find them very entertaining.

Tonight Trump will deliver his first official State of the Union Address (last year's joint session doesn't count) of his second term of office.

With Democrats boycotting, there should be few, if any, disruptions and silly antics. 

Military Campgrounds Offer Opportunities

Above, the motorhome at Nellis Air Force Base RV park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Not being a veteran, I have stayed at a military campground/RV park onlyt once.

That was because I was with a friend who is a veteran. The stay was while en route from Twin Falls, Idaho following my heart attack in 2018 that led to two stents put into a coronary artery. We drove from Twin Falls to Lake Havasu, Arizona in my motorhome. 

We decided to spend the night at the Nellis Air Force Base RV park outside of Las Vegas. It was a nice park. 

RV Travel posted an article with a video on how military campgrounds offer a great opportunity for many RVers. That's provided one is either an active duty member of the military or a veteran.

The article begins with:

U.S. military campgrounds can be an awesome option for those who qualify. In the video below, Steve Turtle explains what these campgrounds are, who can use them, and how to find them. Military campgrounds (MWRs: Morale, Welfare and Recreation) are secure and close to all the post’s amenities.

To read more, go here.

F & S: The Best and Worst Hollywood Shootouts

Above, Paul Newman and Robert Redford in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Gun shootouts have been a part of motion pictures practically from the beginning of the silent era.

While shootouts are a staple in westerns, war movies and cop movies, some of them are better than others even though they are unrealistic.

Field & Stream posted what they consider the best and worst Hollywood shootouts.

They begin with:

I’ve been a moviegoer since 1946 and have seen a great many films since then—war movies, westerns, thrillers. When I could, I would checked up with how realistic they were with combat veterans or police. The vets and cops, to a man, described movie violence as “pure bs.”

Looking for something more detailed, I asked a friend of mine who is a retired street cop, watch commander, and chief of detectives, for his opinion of Hollywood shootouts. He wrote: “None of them are like real life. Police shootings are fast, short, and violent. When I see movies like the Matrix series, John Wick, and Heat, I am in awe of the volume of bullets unleashed and how anyone could survive without getting shot. No one could run through those hailstorms of lead and not get hit. Every bad guy shooting can’t be that bad a shot.”

So, what I’ve done here is highlight three of the most unrealistic shootouts, and three that have a game-changing degree of reality to them. We will never see completely accurate gunplay in the films; it’s over too quick. That’s why the gunfight at the OK Corral, which has been filmed who knows how many times, must always include some added nonsense in order not to leave the viewers feeling cheated and angry.

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.

So, to start off the week, we have one from the Ozzy Osbourne era of Black Sabbath. It is from their 1971 album, Master of Reality. The song is "Solitude", which happens to be my favorite of theirs.

From Wikipedia:

Black Sabbath were an English heavy metal band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. After adopting the Black Sabbath name in 1969 (the band were previously named Polka Tulk Blues Band and then Earth), they distinguished themselves through occult themes with horror-inspired lyrics and down-tuned guitars. Their first three albums, Black Sabbath, Paranoid (both 1970), and Master of Reality (1971), were commercially successful, and are cited as pioneering albums in the development of heavy metal. Subsequent albums Vol. 4 (1972), Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973), Sabotage (1975), Technical Ecstasy (1976), and Never Say Die! (1978) saw the band explore more experimental and progressive styles.

Why I Left Commiefornia (One Good Reason)

If anyone wonders why I left Commiefornia, here's a great reason: 

This was at a Conoco station today in Gallup.

Plinking Weather This Week

Above, yours truly with the Winchester 94 at the shooting area of
 the Cibola National Forest last November. Photo by Larry Lucier.

It looks like we're done with snowy weather for a while. 

This week looks to be sunny and warmer. The Wednesday and Friday high temperature will reach 65°, according to the National Weather Service.

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. West wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 36.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 64.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 65.

I am considering doing some target shooting on either Wednesday or Friday. I have accumulated around 20 one-gallon plastic jugs for shooting. As they're taking up some room (I have them in boxes), going out plinking is in order. 

I'll see if the rest of the gang is interested in joining in on the fun. 

Route 66: What To Avoid and How To Plan

Where I live in New Mexico, there are several segments of Route 66 with easy access nearby. If there is a traffic jam on Interstate 40, I'll drive on Route 66. If I have to bring my 1952 Jeep to Gallup, I take Route 66.

Much of Route 66 was obliterated by Interstate 40, but there are some segments still drivable. 

For the average automobile, Route 66 is safe to drive. But it is a different story for big rigs. 

RV Life posted an article on what to avoid and how to plan a drive on Route 66 during the 2026 Centennial Celebration.

They begin with:

America’s most famous highway turns 100 in 2026, and towns from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, are planning cruises, parades, rallies, museum events, and neon-lit celebrations.

For travelers in larger motorhomes, fifth-wheels, or travel trailers, exploring Route 66 is both a bucket-list dream and a logistical challenge. Much of the “Mother Road” is a two-lane patchwork of state highways, city streets, preserved alignments, and sections that have been absorbed by interstates. Most of it is manageable in a modern RV if you approach it as you would a a big-rig trip, not as a “follow every Historic 66 sign” scavenger hunt.

The safest way to do it: use interstates for the long hauls, drop onto Route 66 only for wide, easy segments, and treat tight towns as park-and-play stops, which means drop the RV elsewhere and explore in your tow vehicle or dinghy.

Above, the gateway to the former Fort Wingate Army Depot is 100 yards from Route 66. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Jeff Goldblum On "King Kong vs. Godzilla"

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Actor Jeff Goldblum's favorite movie as a kid was King Kong vs. Godzilla. It was released by Toho in 1962 and the edited American version was released in 1963 by Universal Pictures.

Interestingly, his excitement about going to see the movie echoed what neighborhood kids and I felt in Los Angeles. 

My parents took me and two friends to the Balboa Theater in the Vermont Avenue/Manchester Blvd. area of Los Angeles. The movie was paired with the John Wayne South Seas light comedy Donovan's Reef.

We can laugh about King Kong vs. Godzilla now, especially the gawd-awful King Kong suit. 

The Japanese version was played as a satire on big business. Unfortunately, that aspect was muddied up in the American version. 

Still, for pre-teens back in 1963, the movie was fun to watch. 

Winchester 30-30 Roundup

Winchester 30-30 Roundup video by Aviation AZ Rancher.

Summary:

Winchester 30-30 is still a great round. Come along and we'll shoot a few of these lever action rifles.

Explore a collection of vintage and modern Winchester Model 94 lever-action rifles. Aviation AZ Rancher details each firearm's history and unique features. Then, they demonstrate the rifles' accuracy with a pop can target practice.

 

Norwegian Slammed For Changing Dining Dress Code

Above, shorts, flip-flops and deck shoes in a Norwegian Sky restaurant.

Two years ago, a friend and I took a cruise to the Bahamas aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky. I packed only shorts and no slacks on that cruise.

Aboard ship, we were able to dine in casual attire (shorts, flip-flops and deck shoes) in the ship's restaurants. It appears that Norwegian is changing their restaurant dress code and now is being slammed by its customers.

According to the New York Post:

That ship has sailed.

Norwegian Cruise Line is facing a torrent of backlash after appearing to tighten its once-laid-back dining dress code rules, which some furious travelers declared “idiotic.”

Passengers hoping to dine inside six of the ship’s ritzy restaurants — Palomar, Ocean Blue, Onda, Cagney’s, Le Bistro and Haven — are banned from wearing shorts and flip-flops, according to its policy page.

The popular cruise line, which expects to host 3 million guests across 34 ships in 2025, champions a “freestyle cruising” culture where travelers can wear casual attire at certain restaurants. [I think they meant to say 2026. - A.]

 To read more, go here.

The Weather Outlook

Above, having some coffee before "Uncle Bob" arrived.

Yesterday morning, we had a "squall" of snow come through. For about an hour or two we had something close to blizzard and whiteout conditions. 

But, fortunately, it moved out of the area so that plenty of time for thawing out took place. This allowed me to head into Gallup for my usual Friday dinner at Jerry's Café.

The streets of Gallup were clear of any ice and snow. There were piles of it at different businesses after it was shoved. 

At first, the restaurant was about two thirds full, so I was able to get a table for myself and "Uncle Bob" as soon as I walked in. Then the restaurant got packed. 

Looking out this morning, there was no new snow on the ground. This was the first in three days that we didn't get overnight snow. 

The upcoming week will be a warmer one, almost spring-like, with highs reaching into the 60s. That's according to the National Weather Service. 

The week's forecast: 

Today

Sunny, with a high near 42. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 19. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 54. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 25. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 62.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 61.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 65.

5 Reasons Why Pre-64 Winchesters Still Hold Their Magic

Above, my three pre-1964 Winchesters. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Prior to 2019, the only Winchester I owned was a Model 62A .22 cal. pump rifle. I inherited it from my maternal grandfather. It was made in 1947. 

Since then, I have bought two more pre-1964 Winchesters. The first was a 1962 Winchester 94 .30-30 rifle. The second was a Winchester Model 12 shot gun in 12 gauge made in 1919. 

Collectors of vintage Winchesters seek them out as they were manufactured better (in their view). 

MSN posted a slideshow article with 5 reasons why pre-1964 Winchesters still hold their magic. 

They begin it with:

Firearm enthusiasts often speak about the legendary status of older rifles with a sense of reverence and nostalgia. The term pre-64 Winchesters specifically refers to model 70 rifles manufactured before the company changed its production methods in 1964. These vintage pieces represent a high point in American gun making that many believe has never been equaled since that time. Collectors and hunters alike pursue these firearms because they embody a level of industrial art that modern mass production rarely achieves today. Understanding why these specific rifles command such high prices reveals much about the history of manufacturing.

To read more, go here. 

Cartridges Families Keep using Because They Still Work

Some cartridges (bullets) come and some may go.

There are some that no longer are available as there are some guns that have been discontinued. There are some whose staying power transcends decades of use and are still popular today.

MSN posted a slideshow on cartridges families keep using because they work.  

They begin with:

In a world where everything is in metamorphosis by giving new cartridges a name, those very cartridges that tend to endure do it the old-fashioned way: they continue to solve problems. They appear in battered ammunition cans, in boxes with labels half torn off, and in rifles, which still reek of grease and autumn.

Hardware is not the only thing that is inherited. It is a combination of options that have been tested out in practice: low recoil to learn with, power to common game, easy guns that never go dead, and calibers that will be available long after the initial owner has given up climbing ridgelines.

To see what they are, go here. 

12 Illegal RV Practices Still Common On U.S. Roads

Above, camping out near the Tehachapi Loop in California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RVers come in all shapes and sizes. There are also smart ones and dumb ones.

MSN posted a slideshow list of 12 illegal RV practices that are still common on U.S. roads. The offenders are the dumb ones. 

Fortunately, for everyone on the road in my vicinity, I don't engage in any of them. But it is a good idea to review them so that they are avoided.

It starts with: 

RVs are a popular way to travel across the U.S., with approximately 11 million households owning one. The RV sector has experienced substantial growth, as evidenced by the 2.8% increase in RV sales between 2025 and 2026.

While RV travel offers freedom, it also invites unsafe and illegal behaviours. Most RV owners unknowingly violate laws, which can lead to fines, accidents, and environmental damage.

Part of these practices is quite widespread on American roads, and although the government is putting all its efforts into regulating them, breaches are still falling outside the net. This is a list of 12 of the most common offenses and why you need to avoid them.

To see what they are, go here. 

Snowing Again

Above, this morning's snow (so far). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When getting my morning coffee today, I took a look outside and, sure enough, it is snowing.

This storm, on top of what we received yesterday, will accumulate to probably around 2 to 3 inches deep. It isn't what is received in the midwest or the northern eastern seaboard, but it is welcome. 

According to the McKinley County Office of Emergency Management a few minutes ago:

Blustery Pacific cold front to cross W central, NW, and N central NM this morning with moderate snow squall: wind gusts up to 45 mph, visibilities around 1/4-1/2 mile, and ~1" of snow in about 1 hr. It will be cold enough for the snow to stick making driving hazardous.

I had to go to the post office yesterday in Continental Divide. It was a windy drive and a trucker ahead of me was swerving around. Thankfully, the driver got the tractor and trailer under control. Still, a lot of them are driving to fast for road conditions. 

Hopefully, the wind and snow will taper off by this afternoon so that I can go into Gallup this evening for my Friday dinner at Jerry's Cafe.  

Top Deer and Varmint Cartridges of All Time

Above, the .30-30 Winchester cartridge
made the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I see (or hear) the word varmint, I tend to think of Yosemite Sam or Elmer Fudd from the Looney Tunes cartoons. 

Anyway, the reason I am bringing that up is that NRA Women has posted a list of the top deer and varmint cartridges of all time. 

They begin it with:

We all love top 10 lists, but there’s a problem when it comes to determining the “best-selling” cartridges: Ammo manufacturers don’t like to share sales data, and who can blame them. When it comes to picking the top-selling cartridges, we’re forced to rely on other factors, like how long a cartridge has been around, how many rifles have been chambered for it and how popular those rifles are, inventory rankings from retailers, industry surveys, search demand data, and more.

So I asked ChatGPT to give me a list using the best data it could find, and it spit out the following list (but rest assured, the expository information is mine, not AI-generated). If I had been asked to come up with a list off the top of my head based on my best guess, it would have looked pretty much exactly like this, at least until we got to the end—a lot of these choices are obvious to hunters. That said, there’s no way to guarantee that this list is 100 percent accurate or in perfect order by volume, but it’s a good best estimate. It also lines up pretty darn well with this 2014 list of sales data from Federal.

So, without further ado, to read the list, go here. 

Backyard Snow

Now that we got some daylight, I was able to see and photograph the backyard from my bedroom window.

This is the first real heavy snow since I cut down the brush in the backyard. 

By the way, that's a deer butchering/skinning rack at center left foreground.

Here's a photo:

Experts: 7 Best Cruise Lines For Foodies

Above, the lobster tails I had aboard the Norwegian Sky two years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Outside of hanging around a cruise ship's pool area, using exercise rooms or drinking adult beverages, cruisers main activity is eating. 

Most cruise ships have several restaurants or other eateries on board to choose from.

Above, a friend and I dining aboard the Norwegian Sky.

Travel + Leisure posted what they consider the seven best cruise lines for the "foodie set" of travelers.

None of the cruise lines I've cruised with made the list.

They start it with:

While cruise ship cuisine used to get a bad rap, a lot has changed over the years. In fact, today, some onboard culinary programming can rival what you’d find on land in any major food city. Moreover, many cruise lines are taking food seriously, partnering with Michelin-starred chefs and the James Beard Foundation, using regional ingredients, and bringing respected land-based restaurants to sea. Some have reworked the traditional cruise model, folding what once counted as specialty dining into the base fare; others up the ante even further with culinary excursions and themed sailings spotlighting local flavors.

From mainstream brands to small-ship luxury lines, we take a closer look at the cruise companies that are truly delivering when it comes to food, with insight from cruise experts.

To read more, go here.  

New Mexico Democrats’ Gun Grab Collapses

Above, the New Mexico State Capitol "The Roundhouse". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to a boatload of amendments to Senate Bill 17 in the New Mexico legislature, the bill died a well-deserved death just before the legislative session ends.

According to Pinon Post:

In the final stretch of New Mexico’s legislative session, two sweeping gun control measures championed by progressive Democrats have effectively collapsed — a major victory for New Mexicans’ Second Amendment rights.

Senate Bill 17, the so-called “Stop Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act,” was rolled indefinitely in the House Judiciary Committee, halting what critics described as one of the most aggressive gun control packages ever introduced in New Mexico. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 261, which sought to dramatically expand so-called “gun-free zones” around polling places and ballot drop boxes, failed to advance out of the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee after Ranking Member Rep. John Block forcefully exposed what he called “massive holes” in the legislation.

According to reporting from the Santa Fe New Mexican, the bill’s sponsors admitted the bill’s effective death, with state Sen. Debbie O’Malley telling the outlet, “There’s not enough time to hear it again.”

With time running out in the session, Democrats were unable to muster the momentum needed to ram the bills through — despite heavy pressure from national gun control groups. Pro-gun groups, lawmakers like Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park), concerned citizens, and others were instrumental in the death of the radical bill — described the most far-reaching anti-gun measure in the entire country. 

It is said that radical leftist Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will call for a special session to try to revive the bill.

To read more, go here. 

Snowy Morning

It's nothing like waking up to a yard that is snow-covered.

That's exactly what I woke up to this morning. The deck table has about four inches of snow that fell overnight. This snowstorm started yesterday afternoon/evening. That was on top of the freezing winds we also had.

It looks like I have some snow shoveling to do today.

I took a couple of quick shots of it:

4 Excellent .22 Rimfire Rifles For $200 or Less!

4 Excellent .22 Rimfire Rifles For $200 or Less! video by mixup98.

Summary:

Ruger, Savage, Rossi and Derya (Rock Island) all make excellent .22 rimfire rifles that are inexpensive yet reliable and accurate. The Ruger is one of the most accurate .22 rifles that I have ever owned, shooting 3/4" groups at 50 yards with CCI MiniMag 40 grain round nose ammo.

mixup98 reviews four .22 rifles costing under $200, including a Ruger 10/22. Each rifle's features, performance with different ammo types.

 

Trump Marks 5th Anniversary of Rush Limbaugh's Death

Above, Rush Limbaugh awarded the Medal of Freedom by Melania Trump in 2020.

Yesterday was the fifth anniversary of the passing of legendary talk show host Rush Limbaugh. 

These five years flew by fast. For many out in radioland, Limbaugh's passing was a life-changer as they began their days listening to his radio show. 

President Trump lauded Limbaugh yesterday in a video.

Mediaite posted:

President Donald Trump commemorated the five-year anniversary of the death of conservative radio giant Rush Limbaugh on Tuesday with a video message mourning the loss of “a really great man.”

Trump spoke directly to camera in the video, which was filmed with Trump seated at his desk in the Oval Office and posted to Truth Social. The president praised Limbaugh, who died of cancer in 2021, as “somebody that loved our country.”

“Well, this is the fifth anniversary of the loss of a really great man, a great conservative, somebody that loved our country, loved his family, loved a lot of things, but he was a friend of mine, Rush Limbaugh,” said Trump.

To read more, go here.