R2D2s lesser known cousin speaks out

R2D2 is not much of a name. Now Pearlessence Spamist Ultrasonic Mister...that's a name.

Yeah, R2 helped destroy the Death Star but I have my own evil to fight. Whirlpool Energy Star dehumidifier! Now that's an enemy!

No I don't have lightsaber storage but I do have color changing LED's! One minute you're looking at blue and the next...red.

Yeah so he can project a hologram of Princess Leia. Big deal. Can he do this? Puuuhhhhhh....mist. moisturizing.

Well R2 has his legs and wheels but I think Archimedes said it best; "give me an extension cord long enough and somewhere to plug it in and I can roam the world."

Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket Introduction

I had a Patagonia jacket that had started delaminating and was no longer waterproof, so I filled out the repair form on the website and mailed the form and jacket to Patagonia. Three weeks later...BAM! I received my requested replacement - The Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket.

The Torrentshell Jacket is a lightweight waterproof / breathable jacket that has some impressive features for a jacket costing about $130. Expensive for a casual raincoat but a decent price for a jacket for more active outdoor activities.

Some features include:
Pit zips for additional ventilation
Two handwarmer pockets
Adjustable hood
Inside mesh pocket for small waterbottle or accessories
Velcro cuffs

I got mine in black for more versatile, understated use. I like that this is a functional jacket without looking too much like you are going to climb K2 on your lunch break.

If you want a Torrentshell, consider this link. I would earn a commission if you buy through this link.
Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jacket - Men's - Black In Size: Extra

Happy Chinese New Year!

It's the Year of the Dragon! Special shout out to the Bromad. It's your year, Bro!

For all you that manufacture products in Asia, don't expect anything to get accomplished in the next two weeks. All the kids are out celebrating!

All about the Benjamin

Let's celebrate the birthday of my favorite president of all ti...(what? I'm writing a blog post. Huh? Are you sure? Let's check wikipedia to make sure. They are never wrong...hmm...)

Let's celebrate the birthday of the greatest American president that never was, um...president. Benjamin Franklin!

As a polymath he excelled in many different fields such as inventor, writer, and founding father.

For all of Benjamin Franklin's contributions it is a wonder that there is no official National holiday and no statue in Washington D.C. made by the Chinese!

This is an outrage!

I am still fantasizing about the Scion FR-S and cars in general. Meanwhile, my 15 year old car chugs along faithfully with minimal expense.

Still, what would qualities would I want in my next vehicle? The lowest price vehicle with the following:

Manual transmission
Fun to drive
Good handling and feel
Seat four people in a pinch
Reliable
Reasonable cargo room for everyday items, not for occasional huge cargo
Low (diy or local mechanic) maintenance and costs
Simple, low tech
Lightweight - under 3000 lbs
87 octane
Good mpg - 30 mixed
Solid roof for a rack
Small wheel diameter for cheaper tires.
5-10 year lifespan. I'm guessing after awhile I might get tired of the same car.

What qualities are you looking for and at what price?

Muni Geo: 2012

It's a New Year here at Municipal Geographic and like many others, our photographers have made a resolution for 2012...

...to overcome their agoraphobia in order to venture outside as far as a one block radius, staying out till lunchtime if necessary to get amazing unstaged photos of nature for your enjoyment.


well, baby steps...

LL Bean Wicked Good Moccasins: theevildrsin approved

Since Christmas Day, my feet have been mostly ensconced in these shearling moccasins handmade by Leon Leonwood himself, in a factory in China, from genyou-wine Australian sheep. It is a testament to the greatness achieved from a Sino/Aussie/Maineland collaboration.




- both are furry and warm. but only one is wicked good. the other is just wicked.



I have until recently been a toeshoe wearing fool. regular shoes are just too constricting to me. So I happy to find that my toes have enough space in these pockets of sheep fur. There is just enough memory foam padding to insulate but not over desensitize your feet to the terrain. The outsoles are rubber to allow you to venture outdoors. In fact I've gone to the grocer's in them already. Next, work!

- nope. not slippers.


Now I understand why I see a bunch of people running around in THAT shearling footwear brand popularized by countless reality shows. Ugh.

During dry days in the winter I'm not sure why I would ever wear anything else.

I do have a concern. Leon says you are not supposed to machine wash them. Well people wear this barefoot and I suspect one day these are going to get funky. What then? I'll probably try to machine wash anyway and report back. Hell, sheep do get wet, don't they?

The rubber sole looks stitched on, so maybe if I wear the sole down I can stitch on some new ones, if available. My target lifespan for these shoes are 5 years, but wearing them all the time during cold months may reduce that.

$59. Free shipping.

ok, maybe a little branding...

well that was short. three days later i've decided to make another adjustment to my blog regarding brands. this blog is mainly for fun but if it helps people make the right decision on products they actually need, that is good. and if i make some pocket change on ads, i think that is fine too.

so, the name brands of products i use and review are back up on the blog now. if it influences you, let me know in the comments. heck, maybe one of these companies I speak well of will pay me.

so this is the split pea lighter from CountyComm.com
the o-ring makes fuel last longer than a zippo.
the small size ensures you bring it with you all the time.

tell them theevildrsin sent ya.

Lightning Quick Movie Review: One Day

Just watched One Day starring Anne Hathaway. Ever wonder what if When Harry Met Sally took place in England? Me neither.

from the department of lilliputian novelties

...comes a tiny stainless steel capsule with a split ring to attach it to one's keyring.

...when unscrewed, reveals a miniature lighter.

why would one want a such a handy source of fire?

because it's the only thing that separates us from the animals...

Lightning Quick Movie Review; The Other Man

Liam Neeson uses his particular set of skills (again) to hunt down his deceased wife's secret lover and then befriend him???

Basically "Unknown" and "Taken" without any ass-kicking. Hope "The Grey" is good.

Here's a tip to enjoy the movie...shout out liam neeson lines from Unknown and Taken during the movie till your girlfriend punches you.

"I will look for you, I will find you, and I will play chess with you."

Unbranding

I see a lot of consumers and have a few moments to check them out. I have an opportunity to see what they wear and what they carry. I see a lot of brand names on the clothing, sometimes huge logos spanning the entire surface of the clothing. I see a lot of branded accessories that I recognize even without the printed name, which also shows how successful certain companies' advertising has been on me.

I'm not doing resolutions this year but I will say this; I hope to reduce the free advertising I give to companies by wearing their huge logos on my stuff. I probably will stop doing unpaid gear reviews on my blog, except for negative issues I encounter with product. (no news is bad news?)

Brands are not evil. It can give consumers confidence that they are getting a certain level of quality. However sometimes the brand identity outshines the actual product. Sometimes people know the brand before they even know what the product is.

So, if you splash a logo on yourself, at least get compensated for it. better yet, promote yourself and your own brand.

Happy New Year!

another quality post brought to you by theevildrsin.blogspot.com