Papé Clément, Bordeaux

Twenty-five years ago (give or take a few), I enjoyed the big red wines of both France and California. In particular, I liked the reasonably priced reds from Bordeaux that could be had back then for between $14-$20 a bottle. Yeah, that was a little expensive but not a budget buster unless you were really enthusiastic. For various reasons (mostly bourbon induced) I strayed from these classic wines. Well, today I went looking for a few and discovered my old favorite Papé Clément. Wow! The price for a young bottle is nearly $100 with other years well above $200. That’s incredible. Of course, many improvements have been made at this winery. Check out their video:

That’s a serious outfit doing excellent work. Just pull the cork on a bottle and take a sip. You’ll be convinced without a doubt. Please enjoy responsibly.

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Published in: on January 4, 2013 at 2:24 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MSR – XGK-EX Stove, video review

MSR builds some of the best expedition gear in the world. However, you don’t have to be planning a jaunt to the arctic to put together a reliable survival kit. Maybe you live in an area prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, or ice storms that leave you off the grid for a while. In any case, it’s always good to be prepared and the MSR “camp stove” as I’ll call it is an essential part of that preparedness. The XGK-EX is a multi-fuel unit, meaning it will burn diesel, kerosene, gasoline, and many other fuels. That’s why I bought it, to have the flexibility of using various fuel types. Here’s my video review showing a brand-new unit coming out the box, set up, and operating. (You’ll also see the Aplinist 2 cooking set from MSR, which gives you a neatly contained, lightweight cooking pot and eating dishes.)

I look forward to some minor hikes (day trips) putting this kit through its paces and enjoying the great outdoors with a full meal in my belly. Give some thought to having a survival kit in case of a natural disaster or other trouble. That way you’ll be the one living large when the lights go off.

Published in: on September 10, 2012 at 11:52 am  Leave a Comment  
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Scott Derby, illustrator

Scott Derby is one fantastic illustrator. He also creates his own pop-art works that key into cultural icons many of you will recognize. Check out this one derived from Cheech and Chong’s movie, Up In Smoke.

Scott Derby’s “Cheech and Chong.”

Then there was this one based on the Ramones.

Scott Derby’s “Ramones”

These two examples give you a sample of Derby’s work. Here is the man himself standing with yours truly:

Scott Derby and Daniel Putkowski

You can purchase Derby’s work through Etsy.com, by simply going to the site and searching “Scott Derby.” It’s fun and interesting to meet the artist behind the work and chatting with Scott, who has a wicked sense of humor, was a blast.

Published in: on September 8, 2012 at 7:29 pm  Leave a Comment  

On the Griddle, Aruba

Just got back from an early morning visit to the gym and it was time to refuel. Loaded up the griddle with some of my breakfast favorites, a couple of fried eggs, pepper jack cheese on top, grilled tomato, and some sautéed asparagus for contrast and wacky taste. Here’s the photo:

Breakfast on the griddle in Aruba

Add some turkey bacon, glass of juice, half a gallon of water… you’re all set. That little griddle has served me well, cooking breakfast and other meals for more than four years now. I did away with the full-size stove. It threw too much heat into the shack. Better to have a grill outside and this little Presto number on the inside. Efficient, inexpensive, perfect. Eat well. You’re worth it!

Published in: on July 10, 2012 at 1:50 pm  Comments (1)  
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