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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Scuba Subway

In my past career, I built artificial reefs by sinking ships and concrete pipe among other materials. In the early 2000’s, New York City decided to dispose of some of their obsolete subway cars by deploying them in the ocean for the purpose of building reefs. They were distributed down the east coast, some as far as South Carolina, where the following footage was taken. Scuba dive on the subway line to Davey Jones’ locker.

Amazing footage! The sea turtle was particularly impressive as were the numbers of fish seen only ten months after deployment. Reef building is good for the environment. It creates new habitat that forms the basis for the entire marine ecosystem. This video is proof.

Published in: on October 2, 2011 at 12:03 pm  Leave a Comment  
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