Gear Review: Klean Kanteen 12oz Wide Mouth Bottle

There are a couple problems with my gear reviews. I typically do not buy gear just to try them out (you are welcome to send me something to test). Gear I do buy usually takes decades to wear out. So this means my gear reviews can be few and far between. I have been using a Sigg water bottle daily for the past two years. Aside from accumulated dents and scratches it has been functioning perfectly. If I waited for it to wear out, I'd never review another water bottle.

So I ordered a Klean Kanteen 12oz Wide Mouth Bottle. This is a 18/8 stainless steel bottle with the same volume as a Coke can. Yeah, it's the size they recommend for kids' lunchboxes. I figure the small size will make for easier daily carry because really, most days wherever you go you do not need to carry a gallon of water. There is usually some source in an urban setting. At home the wide mouth bottle can be used as an open cup and in an emergency situation I could boil water in it. Also the wide mouth makes it easier to clean and put ice in the bottle.

The top has a stainless steel inner piece so that no drinking water touches plastic. This is an interesting detail and I look forward to seeing how long this seal lasts. This top is the loop top option made of molded plastic. There is also a more compact d ring option with a folding metal d ring. I like the idea of less moving parts so I stuck with the loop top. Hmm, there is also a to-go mug option. I may have to try it sometime. Would be good for fast access to drinking in the car or wherever.

I've only had the bottle for a few days but it is going well. I will have more to report as I use this daily. The big question is, what stickers should I put on my new bottle?


If you want one, get one through this link below. I get a commission.
Klean Kanteen 12 oz. Wide Mouth Loop Top Stainless Bottle

Celebrating July 4 Independence Day

I find it ironic that a lot of people will spend July 4 wearing patriotic t-shirts and waving patriotic flags that are made overseas.

I designed the above logo that has Chinese characters that translate to "Made in the USA". If you don't understand the sarcasm, move along. The next blog over has some cute pictures of puppies (though here in Municipal Geographic we have incomparable shots of nature within a one block radius of my house plus cute photos of kittens, in my cargo shorts pocket. Up to you.)

This logo is available on Cafepress.com on various Made In USA clothing. And a vinyl sticker as well. - see link on my blog at the right. Thanks and your feedback is always welcome.

Last Minute Father's Day Guide

Three days left until Father’s Day! Are you panicking? Don’t worry, I am here to help. What do you get a guy that has everything?

Well, NOTHING.

First go read up on Father’s Day on Wikipedia. If it’s true, the day originally had noble intentions but even early on it had commercial aspirations. I am not saying we don’t need a day to honor and remember our dads, one just doesn’t need to buy something or spend a lot of money to do so.

It’s not about what you get. It’s about what you do.

1. Make a card. I don’t care how crappy your drawing skill or handwriting. I guarantee that your dad will appreciate a personalized hand drawn card. If he doesn't, he's not your dad. Put some thought and your best efforts into it. Heck, go to the card store for inspiration if you must. My weapons of choice are typing paper and a Sharpie marker. Maybe I'll post mine on Sunday.

2. If you give a gift, make it yourself. You don’t have to get him a tie or some socks or some crappy gadget to say you love your dad. Again, it's the effort not the money you spend.

3. Take him out for a meal or cook.

4. Just spend time with him and say thanks for everything.

Donate to theevildrsin

Yup, I added a donation button for many reasons. And there are a few reasons you may feel like donating.

I would like to see my blog make a little money for my efforts, however small the both of them may be. Let's be serious, it is very unlikely anyone is going to click on those other ads. I've "made" $.43 in a year. If you feel entertained or informed in some small way by the ORIGINAL CONTENT photos, writings, thoughts, and alleged humor, please feel free to donate whatever amount you see fit. Maybe you don't want to buy something with my graphic designs on it. I'm sure I'll eventually design something you will like.

What I will spend it on. Any donations mean less time spent on a b.s. job and more time thinking, creating, philosophizing, drawing, exercising and of course generating more content for this blog. I think I have become smarter with my money and any income I generate here will be put to good use. Understand that good use may include ice cream and chocolate (but not an insane amount). I may also purchase a new swimsuit to do laps since my current one is starting to get that chlorine fade effect.

Anyhow, thanks to anyone who reads this blog, comments, purchases my designs, and donates.

The Costco Date and other ways to watch movies while saving money

Just FYI, DO NOT, DO NOT tell your girlfriend you are taking her out for a bite to eat then a movie, then take her to Costco to eat samples and watch Toy Story 3 on the Flat Screen with Surround Sound at the entrance. I think this dent in my skull may be permanent.

There are many ways to watch movies inexpensively with your girlfriend without getting your head dented in. I've listed a few with various advantages, disadvantages, and dirtbag rating. Note dirtbag factor is inversely proportional to retention of girlfriend factor.

1. Costco

• Advantage - free with membership (or use expired card to get in). Free snacks available. Multiple screens. Can get a pallet of Charmin while you are there.

• Disadvantage - crowds, noise, limited movie selection, frowned upon moving recliner in front of tvs, girlfriend will dent your head in.

• Dirtbag factor - very high. not for a novice.

2. CABLE TV- assuming you already pay for cable it makes sense to just watch movies on TV.

• Advantage - You already paid for it! You can stay at home (if you consider this an advantage).

• Disadvantage - Commercials, dependent on programming schedule, no latest releases, no sense of occasion

• Dirtbag factor - high

3. WATCHING FREE ONLINE - Hulu, YouTube, etc.

• Advantage - free

• Disadvantage - dependent on internet connection, buffering, have to watch on computer screen unless you output to tv, commercials, usually limited recent releases.

• Dirtbag factor - high

4. DOLLAR THEATER

• Advantage - It's like going out to the regular movies

• Disadvantage - It's like going to the WalMart (aka WalMart factor*) of movies due to low barrier to entry, unwashed masses, head lice. Concessions can cost more than the movie.

• Dirtbag factor - medium

5. LIBRARY

• Advantage - free, you can shower in the sink while you are there.
  

• Disadvantage - selection, dvd's are often scratched unless you get a brand new release asap. See WalMart factor.

• Dirtbag factor - high

6. ITUNES

• Advantage - Very high Apple hipster factor bro.
  

• Disadvantage - must download to computer first then transfer to iphone/pod then wire to TV. Cost as much as renting at Blockbuster - are those still around?
  

• Dirtbag factor - very low.
  

7. NETFLIX - you can stream to your computer or get dvd's in the mail

• Advantage - streaming - instant gratification. Price - can watch tons of movies for rather little money
  

• Disadvantage - streaming - your internet and hardware need to be up to date. fewer latest release selection. You get billed the same no matter how FEW movies you watch
• Dirtbag factor - low
  

8. REDBOX

• Advantage - one dollar a day, many locations. No internet or computer required. Cheaper for two than the dollar theater.
  

• Disadvantage - you get charged a dollar if you reserve a movie and don't pick it up, or pick it up a day later. Less selection if you do not reserve. You actually have to leave the house. DVD's can get scratched though I have not encountered one yet.
  

• Dirtbag factor - low

Right now we're using cable tv, Redbox, and trying the Netflix streaming. I like Redbox the best so far to watch relatively new releases. I'm a fan of things that are pay as you go rather than monthly charges no matter how much or little you consume.

*The WalMart Factor means you will encounter the broadest spectrum of humanity at WalMart due to low barrier of entry ie very low prices however you are most likely to encounter people of the crimson necked variety.

Municipal Geographic Presents: don't be fooled.

Yeah they're all cute till they start munching on your vegetable garden...

Municipal Geographic explores a one block radius to bring you the very best in suburban wildlife and passes the savings on to you.