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  

Freeze Dried Food

It is hurricane season and in some parts of the world winter is also on the way. In other words, it’s time to think about being prepared for some inconveniences such as the loss of power or having to be temporarily relocated. One of the things you can do is have some freeze dried food on hand. Of course, you’ll also need a camp stove (or other type of fire) to boil water to use this food. (I’ll be reviewing a camp stove in a couple of weeks.) I decided to try a couple of meals from Wise Company. Here’s one on the video:

That was a substantial meal with decent taste. The one thing you want to be careful of with this stuff is the sodium content. Read the nutritional information on the side of the package for complete details. It’s always good to be prepared and having several of these meals around may make life a whole lot more comfortable in the event of a national disaster or other problem.

Published in: on August 27, 2012 at 10:15 am  Leave a Comment  
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Automatic Gratuity?

A few days ago, while traveling through the Miami Airport, I encountered something very interesting in terms of a dining experience and a lesson in the English language. Take a close look at the following bill for lunch:

Automatic gratuity of 18%.

That’s right, they automatically included an 18% gratuity. If you read the note at the end, you see that if you want it taken off, “please ask for one of our managers.” I appreciate the restaurant doing the math for me. That’s a convenience. However, AUTOMATICALLY including a gratuity on my bill? DON’T YOU DARE. And do NOT FORCE me to ask for a manager to change it. This is slimy behavior. I’ve seen calculations for various tipping levels on the bottom of checks, but NEVER was it automatically included. THIS IS BOVINE FECES. Don’t play games, guilt trips, and other nonsense. Grow up and run your business properly. A gratuity is NOT automatic. It’s something considered and then applied. Corrupt your morals if you like but stay away from my language. Thank you.

Published in: on August 2, 2012 at 2:19 pm  Comments (2)  
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