9 Famous Filming Locations Across The United States

Above, The Thumb (or a.k.a. John Wayne's Boot) in Monument Valley. It was
prominently shown in the classic western, The Searchers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have always been fascinated by filming locations, whether they were used for movies or television shows in the U.S. or in foreign countries.

Back in 2010, I published The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan that spotlights locations used (or depicted in miniature) in Japanese monster movies. (I still have some copies available. If you want a copy, go here.)

MSN posted a slideshow article on nine famous filming locations across the United States.

They begin it with:

From iconic city landmarks to remote natural wonders, these locations have played memorable roles in television and film. Each site, from bustling restaurants and historic buildings to dramatic landscapes, has become a destination for fans eager to connect with their favorite on-screen moments. Together, they showcase the diverse settings that have shaped American pop culture on screen.

 To read more and see the slideshow, go here.

10 Rifles NOW Dirt-Cheap In 2026!

Rifle Prices COLLAPSED in 2026 — 10 Rifles NOW Dirt-Cheap in 2026! video by Gun Addicts.

Summary:

The rifle market has taken a dramatic turn in 2026, and savvy buyers are taking full advantage. After years of soaring prices, supply shortages, and overwhelming demand, many popular rifles have become far more affordable than anyone expected. Whether it's increased production, changing consumer trends, or an oversupplied market, some outstanding rifles are now available at prices that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.

In this video, we're counting down Rifle Prices COLLAPSED in 2026 — 10 Rifles NOW Dirt-Cheap in 2026! From dependable hunting rifles and tactical favorites to precision bolt-actions and budget-friendly semi-autos, these firearms offer exceptional performance without the premium price tag.

We'll break down what makes each rifle a standout bargain, including accuracy, reliability, build quality, features, aftermarket support, and overall value. Some of these rifles were once considered expensive dream guns, while others have quietly become the best bargains on the market thanks to recent price drops and increased availability.

If you love getting the most value for your money, this is one countdown you won't want to miss. Stay until the end because our number one pick is a rifle that combines premium performance, legendary reliability, and a surprisingly affordable price—making it one of the biggest bargains of 2026.

Yen At ¥162 In Tokyo

Well, we are now in a new month. June came and went in a flash it seems.

It is time to take a peek at how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen in Tokyo foreign exchange trading for those planning a vacation to the Land of the Rising Sun.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO -  The yen hit a fresh 39-year low past 162 versus the U.S. dollar on Tuesday, despite concerns by market players of possible intervention by Japanese authorities to stem the currency's fall.

The Japanese currency sank to the lower 162 zone in Tokyo, marking its lowest level since December 1986, amid expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate hikes this year. Yen selling was also accelerated at one point by domestic importers who bought the dollar.

"There is a growing view that it will be difficult for the yen to compete with the dollar if the Fed does go ahead with rate hikes," said Takuya Kanda, senior researcher at the Gaitame.com Research.

Although Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama warned earlier in the day that the government is "always" ready to act when necessary, in response to the yen's fall against the dollar, the currency market showed little reaction.

To read more, go here. 

A Drive In Six Mile Canyon

Above, the Jeep where Six Mile Canyon Road branches off. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday afternoon, I took a drive in Six Mile Canyon. The weather was nice with a few clouds and some wind. But otherwise it was sunny.

I saw a couple of other vehicles driving in the canyon and one camper. It was a relaxing drive.

Naturally, I took a few photos.