The States Where the Most Guns Are Stolen in America

Years ago, my dad's 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air station wagon was stolen. Inside was a semi-automatic pistol.

The car was later recovered (and the thief was arrested), but the gun was missing from it. This happened in Los Angeles back in the 1970s. 

According to a post by AOL, California comes in at 48th place where the most guns are stolen in America. New Mexico comes in at 11th place. 

If you are wondering where your state ranks in stolen guns, the aforementioned AOL post is where to go to find out.

They begin with:

Each year, hundreds of thousands of firearms are reported stolen from homes, vehicles, and businesses across the United States. While gun theft can happen anywhere, certain states consistently report higher numbers of stolen firearms than others. These incidents represent not only financial losses for owners but also broader public safety concerns, as stolen weapons can later appear in illegal markets or be used in crimes.

Examining where firearm theft occurs most frequently can reveal patterns in crime trends, storage practices, and regional risk factors. Understanding these patterns can help inform prevention efforts and encourage safer firearm storage.

In this slideshow, History Computer looks at the states where the most guns are stolen, using federal data to rank states by the population-adjusted average number of firearms stolen annually.

To read more, go here. 

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. 

These Are the Most Mass-Produced Military Rifles in History

Before starting off with the topic, the most mass-produced military rifles in history, let's take a look at the 15th Century.

According to Wikipedia:

The 15th century was the century which spans the Julian calendar dates from 1 January 1401 to 31 December 1500. In Europe, the 15th century includes parts of the Late Middle Ages, the Early Renaissance, and the early modern period.

The reason why I posted about the 15th Century, military rifles began to be produced during that century according to an AOL article.

It begins with:

Rifles are the backbone of any military. Infantry carries them, taking objectives and seizing goals. They’ve been the crux of the modern army since their introduction to the battlefield in the 15th century. Today, we’re looking at the most mass-produced military rifles in history.

The article then spotlights the most mass-produced military rifles in history. The list includes the Winchester 94, which did see military service.

To read more, go here. 

RVers Best Road Trip Destinations

Above, a view of Lassen Peak from Devastated Area in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Having an RV opens many limitless road trips for people to enjoy. 

These days, people are taking to the road and heading to places that are not crowd draws. They aim to go to places where they can enjoy nature without being overrun by people.

AOL posted an article on the best road trips as expressed by RVers.

It begins with:

Some of my fondest memories from my childhood involve riding in my grandparent's Suburban as they towed their Airstream trailer behind us as we headed off to parts unknown. And it seems like the beloved past time has only grown in popularity.

However, modern travelers seem to have their sights on specific destinations these days, according to the RVshare’s annual Travel Trend Report. This is the seventh year in a row the publication has surveyed a variety of travelers to ask them where their favorite road trip spots are, and here's where they say they want to head time and time again.

To read more, go here. 

Guns Used by America’s Most Notorious Outlaws

Above, the Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's a little something for you crime and history buffs.

It is a collection of guns used by America's most notorious outlaws. AOL posted 15 of them.

They start with:

One of America’s best-known obsessions is guns. Even though gun crimes are horrible, there have been moments in time when famous outlaws gained massive public attention, and many of them were closely associated with a particular firearm used in their crime sprees. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most famous outlaws and the guns they used.

To read more, go here. 

8 Cruise Lines Seniors May Want To Think Twice Before Booking

Above, a couple of geezers in Nassau during a cruise.

Taking a cruise may appeal to many seniors, but not all cruise lines are their "cups of tea" by any means.

My preferred way of travel is hopping into my motorhome and take a camping vacation. Unless a cruise's itinerary and stops are of interest to me, I can take it or leave it.

AOL posted an article on eight popular cruise lines seniors may want to think twice before booking.  

They begin it with:

Conventional wisdom tells us that cruising is an easy way to travel more while crossing more countries off your bucket list, and sailing the open seas is often a popular retirement travel goal. Hopping onto a ship, settling into your quarters, and unwinding between destinations means you're ready for adventure by the time you hit port.

But cruising isn't a one-size-fits-all activity, as singles, families, and retirees all have different desires and needs while at sea. If you're a senior considering booking your next getaway, here are some cruise lines retirees may want to avoid, based on real-world reviews.

To read more, go here. 

Erika Kirk Still Supports Second Amendment

Above, Erika Kirk at Charlie Kirk's memorial service. 

Erika Kirk is still a supporter of the Second Amendment despite her husband Charlie's assassination in Utah.

AOL reported:

Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk said she still strongly supports the Second Amendment, insisting the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, was “not a gun problem.”

The widow rejected the argument that gun violence was the root cause of her husband’s murder, instead blaming factors like mental health and divisive politics.

“What I’ve realized through all of this is that you can have individuals that will always resort to violence. And what I’m afraid of is that we are living in a day and age where they think violence is the solution to them not wanting to hear a different point of view,” she said during the New York Times’ Dealbook Conference on Wednesday.

“That’s not a gun problem, that’s a human — deeply human — problem.

To read more, go here. 

Pumping Ground Water Affecting Earth's Tilt and Rotation

Above, the upper water storage tanks in our subdivision. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We in Jamestown, New Mexico rely upon ground water from the aquafer under our community. 

Apparently, according to an AOL article, pumping ground water is having an affect upon the Earth's rotation and tilt. The planet has tilted 31.5 inches over the past two decades.

They wrote: 

Water has power. So much power, in fact, that pumping Earth’s groundwater can change the planet’s tilt and rotation. It can also impact sea-level rise and other consequences of climate change.

Pumping groundwater appears to have a greater consequence than ever previously thought. But now—thanks to a study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters—we can see that, in less than two decades, Earth has tilted 31.5 inches as a result of pumping groundwater. This equates to.24 inches of sea level rise.

“Earth’s rotational pole actually changes a lot,” Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist at Seoul National University and study lead, says in a statement. “Our study shows that among climate-related causes, the redistribution of groundwater actually has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole.”

 To read more, go here.

Guns Every Smart Investor Should Know

Above, a Winchester 1873 rifle once owned by Billy the Kid on display at the
 Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People collect just about anything. 

Whether it is coins, tapestries, toys, furniture, political memorabilia or other items, collectors will seek out items that may be worth investing in.

This also goes for guns.

Collectors look for rare and vintage firearms at estates sales, auctions, classified ads and even pawn shops.

AOL has posted an article on guns that every smart investor should know.

They begin it with:

Your grandfather’s old service pistol from the war, carefully wrapped in cloth and stored with reverence, might have seemed like mere family memorabilia. More central to this article, that piece could be worth far more than anyone realized at the time.

The most expensive vintage gun ever auctioned, a single-action army Colt revolver owned by Pat Garrett, which was used to kill the outlaw Billy the Kid, sold for $6.03 million in 2021. While not every historical firearm will reach such astronomical heights, the vintage gun market has quietly become one of the most intriguing alternative investment sectors for those who appreciate both history and financial growth.

Historical firearms collecting isn’t just about nostalgia, though there’s plenty of that for those who grew up watching Westerns and war movies. It’s about recognizing that these pieces of American and world history can serve as tangible assets that often outperform traditional investments. The value of a historical firearm depends on several key factors: rarity, condition, provenance, and historical significance. When these elements align, the appreciation potential can be remarkable.

Disclaimer: Before considering any firearm investment, thorough research into local and federal regulations is essential. Market fluctuations can affect values, and proper legal compliance is non-negotiable.

To read more, go here. 

What Is The Cheapest Month To Go On A Cruise?

Above, Alaska cruises in late April/early May and September/beginning of October can save money. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like many things in life, timing is key. That also goes for taking a cruise vacation.

Everyone likes to save money by finding bargains. Some times of the year cruise line operators offer bargains too good to pass up. 

AOL has posted an article on what are the cheapest month(s) to go on a cruise.

They begin it with:

If you’re looking for cruise deals, it pays to pick your sailing dates carefully. Prices can vary based on your cruise line, destination and more – but certain times of year tend to be cheaper than others.

Joanna Kuther, a travel agent and owner of Port Side Travel Consultants, said it’s “all based on the demand.”

“And when you're talking about holidays and when schools are out, when families want to travel together, it's always going to be more expensive,” she told USA TODAY.

However, there are bargains out there if you know when to look for them. Here’s what to know. 

To read more, go here. 

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. 

11 Best Things To Do In The Bahamas

Above, yours truly during a boat tour in Nassau. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

For years, I have always wanted to visit the Bahamas. 

Last summer, I did so when friend Mitch Geriminsky and I took a cruise there from Miami, Florida. During the cruise, we visited Freeport, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay (a private island owned by the cruise company, Norwegian Cruise Line). I have a cousin vacationing there as I write this.

Above, a view of Nassau just before our ship docked. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Our visit was limited, but enjoyable. I can easily see why the late Sean Connery chose to live there.

AOL has posted an article of the 11 best things to do in the Bahamas. 

It begins with:

The Bahamas, as a surprise to many, isn’t just one island. It’s an archipelago comprised of over 700 islands (although only 30 are inhabited) and nearly 2,400 cays spread over miles of pristine turquoise and deep cobalt waters. Although they’re most famous for their white (and sometimes pink) sandy beaches and the island’s capital hub of Nassau, the Bahamas offers an incredibly diverse variety of things to do and see.

“There's so much more to The Bahamas than what you would find as a cruise ship passenger in Nassau for the day. You truly haven't experienced the real, authentic, wild Bahamas until you've been to Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, or any one of the others,” Angie Orth told us. Orth is an award-winning travel writer, blogger and novelist, author of the acclaimed novel Flirting with Disaster, who spent over 5 years as an integral member of the public relations firm representing the Bahamas.

From the iconic pink sand beach to secluded coves, caves and underwater grottos, here are the 11 best things to do in the Bahamas—no matter who you’re traveling with.

To read more, go here. 

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.

State Dept. Updates Bahamas Travel Advisory

Above, a shopping area in Freeport, Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When a friend and I went to the Bahamas on a cruise last summer, the country was under a Level 2 State Department Advisory at the time. 

While there, we saw no problems or potential dangers. 

The State Department has revised its advisory for the Bahamas. 

According to AOL:

The U.S. government wants you to be extra careful if you're visiting the Bahamas. So much so that it updated its travel advisory for the popular destination on March 31, alerting travelers to the dangers of violent crime, beach safety, and ammunition laws across the Bahama Islands.

The Bahamas has been at a level 2 advisory warning since January 2024, and the new update does not change the level.

"What do the advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State mean?

Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)

Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)

Level 3 (Reconsider Travel)

Level 4 (Do Not Travel)"

“Violent crime—like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults—can occur anywhere in The Bahamas. Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands,” the travel alert states. “Stay alert in the 'Over the Hill' area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents.”

We visited both Freeport and Nassau during the cruise.

To read more, go here. 

50 American Tourist Traps

Above, oddly, Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion is on the tourist trap list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Traveling the U.S. is a popular pastime for many Americans. Visiting tourist attractions are part of allure.

However, some can be considered "tourist traps" that will make visitors feel like they've been ripped off. At least in the opinions travel bloggers and travel industry professionals.

AOL has posted a list of what are considered to be tourist traps.

They begin it with:

For better or worse, tourist traps are part of the American landscape. Countless overhyped, colorful, quirky, and sometimes downright mystifying spots draw sightseers nationwide — at least, when a pandemic isn't making travel too dangerous and complicated for such silliness.

Whether an attraction qualifies as a tourist trap is often in the eye of the beholder, and some are still beloved by locals. Travel blogger David James of The GypsyNesters has his own test: whether visitors leave feeling a little swindled. "But we love tourist traps," says his wife and fellow blogger, Veronica James. "David cannot pass them by. Boomers are really into this stuff because, when we were kids, that's where we went. We would pack up our station wagon and go to these places."

Some are iconic locales now overrun or overrated. Others lure road trippers out of the way of their intended destinations. They might be cheesy, inauthentic, overpriced, crowded, boring, ugly, or just plain not worth the time. We talked to travel bloggers and industry professionals and read online reviews to identify tourist traps in every state.

To see what they are, go here. 

Dan Bongino Picked As FBI Deputy Director

Above, Dan Bongino. Photo by Gage Skidmore.

This is great news as far as I am concerned!

From AOL/Associated Press:

FILE - Conservative commentator Dan Bongino speaks at the Conservative Political Action Committee annual conference in National Harbor, Md., March 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dan Bongino, a former U.S. Secret Service agent who has penned best-selling books, ran unsuccessfully for office and gained fame as a conservative pundit with TV shows and a popular podcast, has been chosen to serve as FBI deputy director.

President Donald Trump announced the appointment Sunday night in a post on his Truth Social platform, praising Bongino as “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country.” He called the announcement “great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice.” 

I am a follower of Bongino for several years on Twitter (now X) and Facebook.

To read more, go here. 

7 Big Island Stays That Fit Every Style and Budget

Above, the Waikoloa Beach Hotel and Spa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Nine years ago (has it already been that long ago?), I visited the Big Island of Hawaii. I stayed at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa in Kona. 

While on the Big Island, I took a tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by helicopter with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. We had to drive about 60 miles from Kona to Hilo to get to the Hilo airport to catch our helicopter flight. 

The Hawaii travel arrangements were provided by the Automobile Club of Southern California. 

AOL has posted an article on "7 Big Island Stays That Fit Every Style and Budget".

They begin it with:

The Big Island of Hawaii, officially named Hawaiʻi Island, is the largest and youngest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Famous for its volcanoes, landscapes, black sand beaches, and its diverse range of accommodations, it’s no surprise many tourists travel here year-round for the experience. Being twice the size of all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, covering 4,028 square miles (10,432 km²), there are quite a few places to stay. Kona or Hilo? Or is Waikoloa a better option? Are you interested in lava fields or waterfalls? This guide breaks down the 7 top places to stay on the Big Island to help you find the best location for your trip., 

To read more, go here.

Deer Hunting Lever Actions To Try

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

Lever-action rifles and deer hunting go hand-in-hand. If one is looking for a new deer rifle, there are many brands to choose from. 

That is the subject of an article posted by AOL titled, "Looking For A New Deer Rifle? Try These New Lever Actions".  Several of them have been around for decades.

They begin with:

The lever-action rifle is something of an anomaly when looking back through history. The American Civil War showed its efficacy as a fighting weapon, but it never truly saw widespread military use. Still, they persist as a fun way of shooting or hunting. Today, we’re looking at the best lever-action rifles around.

To read more, go here. 

Rifles of World War II

Above, the Winchester 94 made its way into Allied soldiers
hands. Mine, above, is a 1962 vintage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Rifles used by the Allied forces and the Axis during World War II were many and of different makes. 

Some of them are collectors items today.

AOL (of all places) has posted the different rifles used during World War II. Included is the Winchester Model 94 lever-action. It is number 57 on the list of 69.

They begin with:

As horrible as the Second World War may have been, there can be no question that one of the defining aspects of the war was the weapons put into the hands of troops around the world. With every rifle earmarked for a soldier, there was a likelihood this soldier would be placed on a battlefield and told to capture an essential objective for both the Allied and Axis powers to win the war.

To see them all, go here. 

"Buffy" Goes After Mayor Karen Bass

Above, Sarah Michelle Gellar at San Diego Comic-Con 2011 promoting Ringer. Photo by Rach.

Sarah Michelle Gellar and other celebrities who have lost homes in the fires this past week have turned against Gov. Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass over their incompetent handling of the disaster.

AOL posted (sourced from the U.K. Independent):

Sarah Michelle Gellar has expressed frustration with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass over the city’s response to this week’s devastating wildfires.

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, 47, tagged the official social media accounts of Bass and the City of Los Angeles as she complained in a post on her Instagram Stories: “City of LA you want everyone to evacuate yet you have complete gridlock and not one traffic cop on the roads helping.”

Gellar is just one of many celebrities to have been forced to evacuate by a wave of catastrophic fires sweeping across southern California.

Several have blamed local government for a lack of preparedness. Salvador actor James Woods, who lost his home in the Palisades, wrote on X that the devastation caused by the fire wasn’t due to “climate change” but because of “liberal idiots like Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass.”

“One doesn’t understand the first thing about fire management and the other can’t fill the water reservoirs,” wrote Woods.

To read more, go here.