Jeffrey Donenfeld

Author: Jeffrey Donenfeld

  • Introducing the Technology & Camera Creatives Meetup Group

    Introducing the Technology & Camera Creatives Meetup Group

    Lytro-Illum-tileIntroducing the Technology & Camera Creatives Group – a meetup group Kevin Owocki and I are co-founding here in Boulder, Colorado. The group was born from an obvious and increasingly present intersection of technology and photography in our everyday lives. We thought it was finally time to have a formal group in Boulder to discuss these intersections, and make the most of it.

    The Technology & Camera Creatives Group will meet on a monthly basis in Boulder, Colorado, USA and is open to anybody interesting in learning, teaching, networking, and enjoying the creative and technological fringes of photography, media, and technology.

    Our first meetup is this coming Wednesday – details are at Meetup.com. Stop by our next event, share what you’ve been working on, and get inspired! This week, I’ll be showcasing a bit of my photography taken in freezing temperatures in Antarctica, as well as will be discussing how lightfield photography works, and showcasing the latest Lytro Illum camera system.

  • Competing in the Gociety & Arc’teryx: Urban Adventure Race

    Competing in the Gociety & Arc’teryx: Urban Adventure Race

    423750.7e2f6304-3e1d-48ce-9a3c-3cbf938521dd.LARGE.c08cf80ef6fc4494987a8342aa5337d31442879903966This weekend, the Gociety & Arc’teryx: Urban Adventure Race took place in downtown Denver, Colorado. Myself and three other teammates competed in the race, and finished in just over 3 hours. We had a great time, including biking furiously across Denver, slacklining, inflating standup paddleboards, paddleboarding and tubing down rapids, shooting 3-pointers, and lots of other random activities all over town.

    Gociety & Arc'teryx have teamed up to bring you an Urban Adventure Race!

Rally a team of 3-5 members and email their names to info@Gociety.com

What: Urban Adventure Race
Where: Arc'teryx Basecamp, [2nd & Columbine, Cherry Creek]
When: Sunday September 27th, 2015 @ 11:00am

This Urban Adventure Race will have you putting your outdoor adventure skills to good use in the concrete jungle this weekend.  Utilizing human power, your will travel throughout Denver navigating over land and water to solve problems, complete challenges and have a blast with good friends!

Come to the Arc'teryx HQ to get checked in at the Gociety tent no later than 11:00am on Sunday September 27th, 2015

What to bring:
A team of 3-5 people (Team Captain must email info@gociety.com before Sunday!)
Clothes that can get wet
Active clothes to prepare you for this weather forecast
A Bike (w/ a helmet & lock)
Smartphone (w/ full battery that can take pictures & video!)
Shoes to run/hike/pedal in
A backpack to carry all of these items
Costumes receive immediate extra credit!

Duration:  Registration begins at 11:00am, and expect to finish the race no later than 5:00pm (I imagine most of you will finish sooner!)

    A few photos from our day:

  • Quick Actions on my Keychain with the Nonda iHere Bluetooth Fob

    Quick Actions on my Keychain with the Nonda iHere Bluetooth Fob

    pic_ihereBluetooth Low Energy, or Bluetooth Smart, has been popping up in all sorts of new, micro sized gadgets lately, continuing to build out the “Internet of Things”.  Because the new wireless specification enables devices to use extremely low power, all sorts of buttons, trackers, and sensors are now possible.   Gadget and accessories maker Nonda recently send me their new iHere 3.0 Rechargable Bluetooth Key Finder to try out. The device is a small plastic triangle about the width of my house key, and features a central button (which looks like a copy of the button on your iPhone), red/green led light, speaker for beeping, charing port, and keychain attachment hole.

    Nonda makes a number of interesting gadgets, but by far the most noteworthy one is their upcoming USB-C Hub+ – I’ll post a review for that as soon as possible.

    Pair the device with your smartphone, and enable all sorts of interesting applications. The app features a separation alarm, and a programmable button. When the separation alarm is activated, the iHere will start beeping whenever it’s out of range of your paired phone. The programmable button is just that – click the button on the iHere, and your phone executes one of a couple different actions – start recording audio, activate the phone’s ringer, record a gps location (for marking where you parked your car), or snap a picture – especially useful for selfie sticks.

    After about two weeks of daily use on my keychain, here’s my review.

    Pros

    The iHere is a generally solid product, and gets the basic job done. The size is great, and shape fits well in my pocket. The color of the unit, and “iPhone” style of the button make it look good and blend in with the rest of the items I carry every day. After two weeks of occasional use, the battery is still at 98%.

     

    Cons

    The button on the unit is large, concave, and easy to press – I’m afraid that it will get accidentally pressed in my pocket, and inadvertently start recording audio, or making my phone ring – two of the actions assignable to the button. I’d prefer a slightly smaller button, or one that’s more difficult to press, like the remote key for my car. And/or, double/triple click shortcuts would be great, with the option to completely disable the single-click shortcut. Finally, the charging port is a small barrel-type connector, which a special charging cable. This needs to be Micro-USB or ideally, USB-C. I understand a USB charging connector is larger, but for somebody on the go constantly, I’d gladly have a larger, standards-based, ubiquitous charging connector rather than dragging yet another cable around with me, or fishing one out of my giant box of wires.

    Screen Shot 2015-09-26 at 12.12.25 AM

    Separation Alarm

    It’s not useful to me. I usually keep my keys by the door, but my phone goes all over the house, activating the alarm frequently and erroneously. I actually tried to turn the separation alarm off, but the unit keeps beeping even after I’ve turned the feature off. This is a pretty big issue.

     

    Find Phone

    Yes, I’d love a double click shortcut. Actually, in lieu of making the button smaller, I’d love to be able to disable the action on a single click, and make it only respond to a double click – that way it’s more difficult for the unit to be activated accidentally in my pocket.

     

    To what else could I attach this?

    Digital camera, briefcase, cat.

    Screen Shot 2015-09-25 at 11.54.15 PM

    Should you buy it?

    Currently I wouldn’t recommend it. I feel like the separation alarm is a bit buggy and not super useful. The button clicks too easily. Also, the look of the unit is nice, but when handling it, the plastic feels cheap and thin. Ideally, the case fit and finish will be improved to feel more like a high end key fob. Additionally, the Bluetooth pairing is a bit flaky – I understand it could be an iPhone related issue, but the unit doesn’t always stay paired with my iPhone 6, even when it’s sitting right next to it, with Bluetooth on. The iOS version of the mobile app is well-designed and works well, save for a few bugs. In the next version, I’d like to see more customizable shortcuts, as well as double and triple click shortcuts, and the option to turn the single click shortcut off.

    • Other shortcut actions I’d like to see include:
    • Check in to current location on Foursquare
    • Activate IFTTT action
    • Turn on flashlight
    • Place a call to a pre-defined number
    • Send a pre-defined text message
    • Various HomeKit actions and scenes

    The Android version of the app works just fine, and the same feature advice applies.

    Final Thoughts

    The iHere is a great concept, and a solid initial offering. Once details of the software and operation are worked out, case quality improved, and BT pairing integrity strengthened, this will be a great addition to the mobile multitaskers keychain.

    Buy the iHere direct from Nonda

  • My Personality Is “The Commander” (ENTJ)

    My Personality Is “The Commander” (ENTJ)

    According to personality measurement site 16 Personalities, my personality is ENTJ, “The Commander”. A few excerpts from their explanation of my personality profile:

     

    Screen Shot 2015-09-24 at 6.27.25 PMENTJs are natural-born leaders. People with this personality type embody the gifts of charisma and confidence, and project authority in a way that draws crowds together behind a common goal. But unlike their Feeling (F) counterpart, ENTJs are characterized by an often ruthless level of rationality, using their drive, determination and sharp minds to achieve whatever end they’ve set for themselves. Perhaps it is best that they make up only three percent of the population, lest they overwhelm the more timid and sensitive personality types that make up much of the rest of the world – but we have ENTJs to thank for many of the businesses and institutions we take for granted every day.

    Screen Shot 2015-09-24 at 6.25.54 PMENTJ Strengths

    • Efficient – ENTJs see inefficiency not just as a problem in its own right, but as something that pulls time and energy away from all their future goals, an elaborate sabotage consisting of irrationality and laziness. People with the ENTJ personality type will root out such behavior wherever they go.
    • Energetic – Rather than finding this process taxing ENTJs are energized by it, genuinely enjoying leading their teams forward as they implement their plans and goals.
    • Self-Confident – ENTJs couldn’t do this if they were plagued by self-doubt – they trust their abilities, make known their opinions, and believe in their capacities as leaders.
    • Strong-Willed – Nor do they give up when the going gets tough – ENTJ personalities strive to achieve their goals, but really nothing is quite as satisfying to them as rising to the challenge of each obstacle in their run to the finish line.
    • Strategic Thinkers – ENTJs exemplify the difference between moment-to-moment crisis management and navigating the challenges and steps of a bigger plan, and are known for examining every angle of a problem and not just resolving momentary issues, but moving the whole project forward with their solutions.
    • Charismatic and Inspiring – These qualities combine to create individuals who are able to inspire and invigorate others, who people actually want to be their leaders, and this in turn helps ENTJs to accomplish their often ambitious goals that could never be finished alone.

     

    Continue reading on 16Personalities.com

  • The 42nd Annual Telluride Film Festival

    The 42nd Annual Telluride Film Festival

    TFF2015-webresI had a great time attending this year’s 42nd annual Telluride Film Festival. Although I didn’t get to see as many films as I ultimately wanted, the rest of my time was spent on beautiful hikes and excursions with my family and Miho. A few quick reviews of the films I did manage to see this year.

    Telluride Film Festival 42 Program Guide PDF

    Only the Dead See the End of War

    Inside Iraq RAMADI, IRAQ-APRIL 27, 2006: U.S. Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Kilo company scan streets and surrounding buildings for insurgents during a patrol in Ramadi, 115 kilometers (70 miles) west of Baghdad.
    Inside Iraq
    RAMADI, IRAQ-APRIL 27, 2006: U.S. Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Kilo company scan streets and surrounding buildings for insurgents during a patrol in Ramadi, 115 kilometers (70 miles) west of Baghdad.

    From the LA Times: “An on-the-ground diary with narrative shape, “Only the Dead” follows Ware from his early days in Iraq during a brief period of 2003-era optimism, after the deposal of Saddam Hussein, to the increasing chaos and violence over the years that followed, the journalist staying in the country nearly continuously for seven years. Backed with an almost-constant stream of narration by the baritone-voiced Ware, the footage places the viewer uncommonly — often uncomfortably — in the middle of battle scenes, thrusting in front of us the region’s daily confusion and fear.”

    This is the winner of the Telluride Film Festival. If there’s one film you go see, this is the one. Only the Dead is engaging, real, frightening, honest, intense, gritty, and unblinking. The filmmaking is raw and real. Reporter Michael Ware is real and honest, and makes an incredibly compelling documentary about the horrors, politics, mechanics, and viewpoints of the war in Iraq.

    Link – LA Times Writeup

    Should you go? Yes, definitely. Go to the theater as soon as it’s available. Get it online. Whatever you do, go see it.

    Black Mass

    BLKMS_1sht_Tsr_INTL_2764x4096_masterJohnny Depp is expert at playing a creepy, seedy, uncomfortable character. Mark Ruffalo is honestly likable. The story is twisted, creepy and engaging. The cinematography is beautifully shot, with spot-on color, feeling, and depth. The length of the film was just right, and by the time it ended, I was thoroughly absorbed in Whitey Bulger’s scary world. Benedict Cumberbatch also delivered a spot-on performance.

    Link – Black Mass on Wikipedia

    Should you go? Yes, definitely go see this in theaters. The cinematography is beautiful and immersive. Whitey Bulger has to be seen on the b

    Spotlight

    Spotlight movie poster
    Spotlight movie poster
    The story is gripping, acting is spot on, but the filmmaking is uninspired. Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, Michael Keaton, and Mark Ruffalo all give very solid performances, the storyline is compelling and interesting, and actually, although uninspired, the cinematography fits in with the straight-ahead story. It was interesting to watch and engaging. However, not memorable for any particular aspect.

    Link – Spotlight on Wikipedia

    Should you go? Yes, go see this with your parents or mature friends for a good interesting story and some potential serious discussion at the end. But don’t expect a big thriller, beautiful trip, or life changing story.

    Taj Mahal

    Taj Mahal 2015 movie poster
    Taj Mahal 2015 movie poster
    A helpless rich kid gets randomly trapped in the middle of a terrorist takeover of the hotel she’s staying at in Mumbai, India. Through no fault of her own, she’s not discovered, captured, or killed by the terrorist. Then by sheer luck, she’s rescued by a firetruck ladder off the balcony of her burning hotel room. Done. Sure, the situation was terrible, and it’s a damn miracle she survived – but her personal journey was uninspiring and vaguely annoying, and certainly not worth recounting in cinematic form. I’m glad the girl was ok, but I didn’t need to see her whole ordeal.

    Link – Taj Mahal on IMDB

    Should you go? Definitely no.

    Taxi

    taxi_xlg Filmmaker, and Taxi driver Jafar Panahi made this fake reality movie brilliantly. There were seemingly 2 or 3 movable cameras mounted in a taxi he was driving for a day, with a bunch of other viewpoints provided by mobile phones and handheld consumer cameras operated by him and his riders. The film takes the viewer through the roller coaster ride of Jafar’s day driving a cab – picking up friends and family, solving business disputes, saving people, and ultimately becoming the victim. The film was original, engaging, and had real heart, despite it’s relatively slim plot line. I admire Panahi for his creativity and resourcefulness in making a film in his difficult situation.

    Link – Taxi on Wikipedia

    Should you go? Watch it at home, in one sitting, when you can concentrate the whole time. It’s not necessary to see this in theaters.

    Cinema: A Public Affair

    Cinema-A-public-affair-bw-stillThis was so cool seeing the fight of the Moscow Film Museum to remain relevant, funded, and with a roof over its head. By far the selling point of this was the zeal and dedication of the musuem’s staff. Also notable, I loved seeing film of normal life in moscow – street scenes, random buildings, etc -it’s “everyman” footage like this that makes me want to travel there myself, and puts it into a more realistic perspective.

    Link – Cinema: A Public Affair on IMDB

    Should you go? Watch this one at home, in parts, as you eat take out.

    In the Shadow of the Great Oaks

    Abel_Gance_Napoleon By far the most interesting part of this long, drawn out slog through Able Gance’s career is the fleeting few minutes of bonus footage screened at the beginning of the presentation, showing Able Gance strolling through Telluride, Colorado in the 70’s. And even then, the footage was only interesting to see what Telluride looked like in the 70’s. Able Gance is an interesting, creative talent, but there’s only so much black and white footage, endless talking heads, and randoms Ken Burns’d stills I can sit through. The man is still a great filmmaker, but this doc is not all it could be.

    Should you go? No, don’t bother. Spend that time watching one of Gance’s many works – I’d recommend J’accuse.

    Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict

    peggy-guggenheim-doc-tribeca-02I never knew what an interesting career and life Peggy Guggenheim had – and this cleared that right up. The documentary was a great blend of music, art, and footage of Peggy Guggenheim’s life and work. I was especially interested to learn about her relationship with her uncle Solomon, and the events leading up to her exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum in NYC. The filmmaking was straightforward, with lots of focus on archival footage to help tell the story. I think it probably could have been shortened by a solid 20 minutes if it cut to the point a bit more. Finally, I was surprised by how many partners she had – intense!

    Link – Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict on IMDB

    Should you go? Don’t go see this in the theater, but watch in your living room as you eat takeout on your couch, and don’t worry if you need to watch it in a few parts.

    In addition to seeing lots of films and documentaries, I also had a great time exploring Telluride.

    The drive from Boulder to Telluride…
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3n6tD-NVoc

    See ya next year at Telluride Film Festival 43

  • Interviewing to become one of the two new Columbia Directors of Toughness

    Interviewing to become one of the two new Columbia Directors of Toughness

    This morning, I had a great time interviewing in NYC with the Columbia Sportswear team for the new position of “Director of Toughness“. I was actually expecting a more formal sit down meeting room interview, but what I found was a casting-session style panel, with lots of lights and cameras. Talking with the Columbia crew was fun – they had me show them the (correct) way to pack a sleeping bag, and we chatted about my various experiences working in Antarctica, running in North Korea, and sailing the high seas.

    Tweet @Columbia1938 and tell them to pick me as Director of Toughness

    An excerpt from the job description:
    columbia-director-of-toughnessThe Directors of Toughness will answer the call of the wild with Columbia Sportswear in the most epic six-month position for anyone who lives and breathes adventure! These two die-hard adventurers will have the unparalleled opportunity to test Columbia’s gear in wildly iconic locations around North America, and the world. With over 75 years of experience in the industry, Columbia knows a thing or two about building tough gear, and is ready to take its mission of testing to the next level. The Directors will put their gear and personal “toughness” to the test through exhilarating expeditions supported by Columbia’s range of innovative apparel, outerwear, footwear and equipment, demonstrating an ability to withstand unpredictable weather conditions and harsh terrains. The journey will be documented by the Director of Toughness and publically broadcasted everywhere from national television shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live to social media to allow the greater Columbia community to travel along on this adventure and testing experience of a lifetime!

    If you feel alive in the wild, dream of Snapchatting a 100 ft. cliff-dive, Instagramming from the top of Mount Rainier and putting gear to the ultimate test, this position is for you!

    We’re looking for two outgoing, personable outdoor enthusiasts committed to going above and beyond physical limits and personal expectations to guarantee that our apparel and gear keeps people warm, dry, cool and protected in any weather or geographic situation. We are seeking those who possess perseverance, creativity and an irrepressible spirit to help them survive, thrive and most importantly expertly share their journey across unusual and challenging environments.

    For the duration of the experience, the Directors of Toughness will call the beautiful bridge city of Portland, OR home. Portland not only hosts the headquarters of Columbia Sportswear, but is also a mecca for outdoor adventurists. However, 85% of this journey will be devoted to traveling, and there’s no telling where you will end up!

    • Skilled at skiing or snowboarding (resort and/or backcountry)
    • A pro at balancing gear and navigating trails of varying degrees
    • Adept at pushing through a long, hard day, subsisting on trails snacks and the occasional wild berry
    • Prefer sleeping under the stars to high thread counts and room service
    • An outgoing, media-savvy personality, and affinity for being in front of the camera– whether on a smartphone’s live stream or a television’s live feed
    • A talented, artistic photographer with an eye for taking”insta-worthy” photos that tell a story and generate a lot of likes
    • Awareness of and imagination about where gear can best be put to the “toughness” test
    • A love for creatively sharing wilderness adventures with others through social media, and the natural ability to promote the company by doing so
    • The presentation skills, professionalism, and good judgment required to be a public image of a worldwide company
    • Must have a valid US passport with no restrictions and with no less than 18 months before expiration; must also have a valid driver’s license

    (Full description – PDF)

    Although they didn’t let me record the entire interview, here’s a quick clip of me coming out of the green room and into the interview set.

    Here’s an idea of what it was like, from Portland’s KGW:

     

    Tweet @Columbia1938 and tell them to pick me as Director of Toughness

  • Talk: The Making of an Antarctic Science Expedition with Jeffrey Donenfeld

    Talk: The Making of an Antarctic Science Expedition with Jeffrey Donenfeld

    Thanks to everybody who made it to my talk “The Making of an Antarctic Science Expedition” this week at Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder, Colorado! We had a great time discussing Antarctic expeditions, science, and life!

    Thanks to Miho Catering for providing delicious Japanese food, Sanitas Brewing Co. for providing refreshing beer, Voltaic Systems for sponsoring an 8w Solar Panel giveaway, the Alpine Club of CU for marketing support, thanks to Katrin Bell for snapping photos, and of course to Neptune Mountaineering for hosting the event.

    Here’s a replay of the talk:

    The talk was broadcast on Google Hangouts and YouTube for a little bit. Here’s the recording:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUhpoJ_D7Is

    A few event photos:

    Description:

    Join Antarctic Field Technician Jeffrey Donenfeld for a look inside life in the middle of the highest, coldest, windiest, and driest deserts in the world: Antarctica. Jeffrey, who currently works for Four North, a field and expedition consulting agency in Boulder, will share his process of beginning a career working in Antarctica, joining the United States Antarctic Program, and living and working at both the South Pole Station and West Antarctic Ice Sheet Field Camp.

    He’ll discuss in depth the logistics, equipment, preparation, and planning that goes into working and living at some of the coldest and remote places on the planet. See candid photos and videos from across breathtaking Antarctica.

    There will be a Q&A Session following the presentation. Plus enjoy delicious Japanese food from Miho Catering, drinks, and a giveaway of a genuine United States Antarctic Program patch, as worn by Antarctic Scientists on the iconic “Big Red” parkas.

     

    Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to hear about my next speaking engagement, and the upcoming release of the short documentary covering my trip to North Korea.

  • Climbing Mt. Rainier

    Climbing Mt. Rainier

    During one of my high school summers, I climbed Mt. Rainier with Rainier Mountaineering Incorporated (RMI), as part of a larger trip with Wilderness Ventures. Here’s the only photo I can find from the trip, showing me learning to ice climb at the base. Shot with my first compact/waterproof/shockproof camera, the 35mm Canon Sure Shot A-1. I loved that camera.

     

    143375639_bf8d296d96_o

  • NYC Pizza in CO? Reviewing Boulder Colorado’s “Brooklyn Pizza”

    NYC Pizza in CO? Reviewing Boulder Colorado’s “Brooklyn Pizza”

    Brooklyn-Pizza-Boulder-Colorado-Review-LogoTo be clear, I haven’t actually tried the new Brooklyn Pizza in Boulder, Colorado yet , but I gave them five stars on Yelp because I don’t hate them, and I admire their willingness to at least try to pull this kinda thing off. Anyway, here are my general feelings on this endeavor, written after reading a review by Stewart Ward. Someday I hope to actually go try this place, but for now, my initial impressions on just hearing that a place like this is trying to exist.

    I’m a crust person. And a New Yorker.

    Saying that you can make NY pizza here in Colorado is complete bullshit. It’s the water, and you can’t get the water anywhere but nyc. Even if you try to transport it, it loses its “je ne sais quoi”. Also, “trying” to make NY pizza is wrong in itself. You can’t deliberately make NY pizza – there’s no sort of “gourmet technique” you can use. It has to be made fast and dirty by the guys behind the counter, reheated when you order it, and served on paper plates. Finally, that slice pictured in the review barely barely covers the plate. Proper pizza spills off the plate and gets grease everywhere. I can’t even see the beginning of a grease stain on that plate.

    Yeesh, what’s next, a bagel shop, and then a deli? NO

     

    **Update 2016-03-26**

    I’ve tried it now. It’s pretty good. Actually, for a pizza slice in general, it’s great. I’d say if you’re looking for a tasty slice, go to Brooklyn Pizza or Cosmos.  But still, it’s not a real NYC slice.

     

     

     

  • IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica Confirms Existence of Cosmic Neutrinos

    IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica Confirms Existence of Cosmic Neutrinos

    In the news today, the existence of cosmic neutrinos was confirmed by Antarctic scientists. I had the opportunity to work at the South Pole Station during the operation of the Ice Cube Neutrino Observatory, and feel lucky to have become friends with PI Albrecht Karle and his team.

    A few articles about Ice Cube and related projects I helped out with there:

    Our transport from the station to Ice Cube Lab was in a van, but not any ordinary van
    The main control center for the Ice Cube Observatory
    This is where raw data from each photomultiplier tube frozen in the ice comes into the racks of electronics.
    Beginning to setup the shop tent. The sun in Antarctica is intens, as is the cold and wind. All skin must be covered.

     

    From The Guardian: “Existence of cosmic neutrinos confirmed by Antarctic scientists”

    Antarctic scientists have confirmed the existence of cosmic neutrinos – ghostly particles that have traveled from the Milky Way and beyond. These particles carry messages from distant galaxies, and could potentially help solve several cosmic puzzles.
    A good week for neutrinos: highest-power beam delivers oscillations, space delivers highest energy

    Neutrinos are subatomic particles created by some of nature’s most energetic and violent phenomena, such as black holes and massive exploding stars. Spotting them is difficult, however, because they have very high energy and nearly no mass. If you can catch a glimpse of them they make the ideal long-distance messenger because the information they hold is pristine, unchanged as the particles travel millions of light years through space.

    Now, Albrecht Karle at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his colleagues working at the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica have sorted through billions of particles that bombarded their detectors between 2010 and 2012 and identified 21 ultra high-energy muons – secondary particles created on the rare occasions that neutrinos interact with other particles.

  • The Best Gear from the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2015

    The Best Gear from the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2015

    Last week I attended the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show, a giant collection gear manufacturers showing off their wares for the upcoming years. Although I didn’t get to talk to everyone at the show, I did stop by a bunch of booths to check out what they have coming up.

    Here are a few of my favorites, just based on my handling at the show – I haven’t field tested any of these, yet.

    Don’t see your product in this roundup? Get in touch with me and let’s fix that. 

    BD Ultralight CamalotBlack Diamond Ultralight Camalot

    What it is:

    From BD press release: “For years Black Diamond Equipment has been working to improve its Camalot design, the standard for camming devices worldwide. Building on this time-tested foundation, Spring ’16’s new Camalot Ultralights are the next step in this evolution. Camalot Ultralights incorporate sculpted lobes and a patent-pending continuously looped Dyneema® core to replace the cable stem, which helps contribute to more than 25% weight savings, making them among the lightest camming units on the market.”

    Impression:

    They’re light, but seem well built. I’m wondering how they stand up to a couple seasons of abuse and falls.

    Black Diamond’s Spring 2016 Collection Forged for Climbers From Gym to Crag

     

    hqdefaultPower Traveler Wind Turbine

    What it is:
    A compact, rugged power generator that uses the power of the wind to turn blades connected to a turbine. The turbine assembly is connected to one of Power Traveler’s batteries, and is compatible with their range of gear.

    Impression:
    A compact wind turbine seems like an excellent compliment to a field power kit where constant power in any weather is required. I could have used this while shooting photos during my recent sailing expedition in Baja, when the ability to charge day and night would have been great, and my sailboat, when anchored at night, always faces into the wind. This would also be great while visiting tropical regions where nasty weather is a daily ordeal, and the wind from storms can help keep systems online.
    Power Traveler

     

    79486_h1_fGSI does Coffee

    What it is:
    GSI this year had a huge range of coffee contraptions. Maybe they’re not all new, but I was impressed by the scope of their offerings. Java presses, grinders, indulated mugs and cups.

    Impression: 
    I was particularly impressed by the pass-through Java Mill, which is great for coffee snobs like me who like their coffee ground precisely and evenly. The insulated pint glass was about on par with the offerings from Hydro Flask, and others, but we’ll have to see who actually performs better at keeping a frosty pint cold. Finally, their Commuter Java Press seemed like a perfect combo for coffee snobs on the go.

    GSI Java Mill

     

    Big-Agnes-Tent-1024x682Big Agnes mtnGLO

    What it is: 
    From Big Agnes: “Introducing the Big Agnes mtnGLO™ Collection, a series of tents and accessories designed to light up your camp and backcountry experience. Illuminated with patent-pending mtnGLO™ Tent Light Technology featuring LED lights integrated into the tent body, this collection is a source of not only convenient ambient light at the click of a button, but all the comfort and security that comes along with it. The LEDs are bright enough for you to sort gear, play cards, change clothes, or simply get up in the middle of the night without blinding your tent mate with a bright beam of light.”

    Impression: 
    mtnGLO is certainly novel, and makes for a cool demo of the fusion of new electronics with tents. However, I’m skeptical on how genuinely useful this will be in the field, and whether it’s worth the extra weight to have a bit of ambient light, which can be accomplished just as easily by pointing my headlamp at the ceiling. I’m also wondering how the electronics will handle years of packing and unpacking, being packed up on damp mornings, frozen in alpine night time conditions, etc. Seems like a great integration, but is it worth it?

    Big Agnes mtnGLO

     

    100-22_1_hiresSea to Summit X-Pot

    What it is:
    From Sea to Summit”Our X-Pot is a fully featured cooking pot that combines the heat-distribution of aluminum with the flexibility of silicone. The hard anodized aluminum base offers a fast boil time and the stainless steel ring embedded in the rim lends a rigidity to the silicone walls for easy lifting and stirring. ”

    Impression:
    Super cool idea – make the heating surface strong enough to be heated, but make the rest of the pot soft and compact. But will the fusion of the titanium flame surface and silicon collapsable wall surface really be able to stay bonded, and hold up to seasons of use? Will consumers be able to control the flame of their stoves enough to prevent the melting of the silicon by open flame? Will the interface of the silicon and titanium slowly wear out after repeated heating and cooling cycles? Is it worth it to have the weight of silicon for a collapsable pot, or would I rather go with an all-titanium pot, its volume stuffed with other gear I needed to pack anyway? These are what bother me.

    Sea to Summit X-Pot

     

    v15-1Voltaic Systems V72 Laptop Battery

    What it is:
    From Voltaic “This 20,000 mAh / 72 Watt Hour battery will power most laptops, tablets, smartphones and digital cameras. Features two output ports: a hi-Voltage port for laptops and a USB port for phones and iPads. The V72 charges from included AC charger or optional 18 Volt solar panel. ”

    Impression:
    Yep, it’s awesome to have a laptop battery with enough juice to recharge a laptop, and with power output ports that are adaptable to converters for actually charging laptops. But this is old tech. We’re now in the new era of USB-C, the 100watt universal charging/connecting/transferring/syncing connector and protocol standard that was recently rolled out by Apple in the new MacBook, and by Google in the new Chromebook Pixel. A USB-C port on this battery could allow for power input from solar panels, and power output to all usb devices, INCLUDING new USB-C laptops. Since the USB-C power spec can support up to 100W, it’s the only connector you need for the entire range of gadgets. Sure, you can still charge a USB-C macbook from the old-school USB-A connectors on this existing pack, but that’s slow. Let’s start seeing some USB-C power packs and solar panels.

    On another note, I am thoroughly impressed with the Voltaic V15 power pack that was given to me at the show. It’s got enough power to keep me juiced all day, its battery life indicators are perfect, it supports pass-through charging, and you can even switch it from an auto-off mode to a constant-on mode. Great to have that flexibility for unmonitored solar charging installations, etc. Love it!

    Voltaic Systems V72 Laptop Battery

    Voltaic Systems V15 USB Battery

     

    16tp_old_everest_blue_1Hydroflask True Pint

    What it is:
    A vacuum-insulated pint glass. Simple, effective.

    Impression:
    Despite having a small-ish booth at OR, Hydroflash seemed to be all the rage this year. Their booth was constantly packed, their margarita happy hour sold out and had lines down the isle, and people were proud of their limited edition lime green true pint. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get my hands on one. But from the looks of it, a vacuum insulated pint glass seems like a great idea for both cold stuff, and hot stuff. I’m personally in love with my 4 year old 40oz hydroflask!

    Hydroflash True Pint

     

    Scrubba_bag_green_hand_deep_etched__03711.1425419625.1280.1280Scrubba Wash Bag

    What it is:
    From Scrubba: “The Scrubba™ wash bag works on the same principle as an old-fashion washboard. Clothing is cleaned by rubbing them against the washboard. As opposed to an old-fashion washboard, the Scrubba™ wash bag is lightweight, compact and self-contained (you no longer need a bucket or basin). Furthermore, the Scrubba™ wash bag can mimimise exposure of the user to cleaning materials. ”

    Impression:
    It’s so simple, it’s brilliant. A drybag is something I’m usually going to travel with anyway, so add some washing texture to the inside, and a little window, and turn it into a portable washing machine. Love it! Washing clothes by hand in hostel sinks sucks – clothes are never really clean, water goes everywhere, people look at you funny. So this bag fixes all of those issues right there. How it holds up in the real world, I’m not sure yet..

    Scubba Wash Bag

     

    leap-wirelessYurbuds Leap Wireless Headphones

    What it is:
    From JBL “Enjoy the freedom to move on your terms. yurbuds® LEAP™ Wireless in-the-ear earphones have no wires to get in your way, offering the signature sweat-proof, comfortable fit of all yurbuds sport earphones. Featuring exceptional sound performance, a microphone with easy one-touch audio control and 6+ hours of music and call time with audible and visible low-battery alerts, these earphones will go with you everywhere. Bluetooth connectivity and a secure fit complete the package so you can challenge every limit.”

    Impression:
    Everyone makes bluetooth headphones nowadays. So what makes these special? JBL’s backing and engineering, I think. I usually regard JBL gear fairly highly in the accessibly-priced consumer audio segment, so I’ll be looking forward to solid build and sound from these bluetooth buds. I typically destroy headphones, so hopefully these will hang on.

    Yurbuds Leap Wireless Headphones

    Don’t see your product in this roundup? Get in touch with me and let’s fix that. 

  • I’ll Be Speaking at Neptune Mountaineering about Antarctica on August 27th 2015

    I’ll Be Speaking at Neptune Mountaineering about Antarctica on August 27th 2015

    Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder, Colorado is hosting this event on August 27th 2015.
    Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder, Colorado is hosting this event on August 27th 2015.

    Upcoming on August 27th, 2015 at 20:00 MDT, I’ll be giving a talk at Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder, Colorado, USA titled “The Making of an Antarctic Science Expedition”. I’ll be covering the details of putting together an Antarctic Science Expedition, including pre-departure preparations, personal gear and packing considerations, specialized Antarctic expedition equipment, logistics, and teamwork.

    Visit the event page on Facebook for more information and to RSVP. 

    Event: (Add to Calendar) The Making of an Antarctic Science Expedition
    Time: August 27th 2015, 20:00 MDT
    Location: Neptune Mountaineering, 633 S Broadway St, Suite A
    Boulder, Colorado, USA

    Description:

    Join Antarctic Field Technician Jeffrey Donenfeld for a look inside life in the middle of the highest, coldest, windiest, and driest deserts in the world: Antarctica. Jeffrey, who currently works for Four North, a field and expedition consulting agency in Boulder, will share his process of beginning a career working in Antarctica, joining the United States Antarctic Program, and living and working at both the South Pole Station and West Antarctic Ice Sheet Field Camp.

    He’ll discuss in depth the logistics, equipment, preparation, and planning that goes into working and living at some of the coldest and remote places on the planet. See candid photos and videos from across breathtaking Antarctica.

    There will be a Q&A Session following the presentation. Plus enjoy delicious Japanese food from Miho Catering, drinks, and a giveaway of a genuine United States Antarctic Program patch, as worn by Antarctic Scientists on the iconic “Big Red” parkas.

    Giveaway also includes solar charging gear from Voltaic Systems. Thanks Voltaic!

    Event Sponsors:

    Boulder Catering Company Miho Catering will be providing fresh sushi and other Japanese delights at the event.
    Boulder Catering Company Miho Catering will be providing fresh sushi and other Japanese delights at the event.
    Voltaic Systems are makers of portable solar power technology in Brooklyn, NY.
    Voltaic Systems are makers of portable solar power technology in Brooklyn, NY.
    Drinks provided by Sanitas Brewing Co.
    Drinks provided by Sanitas Brewing Co.

  • Portfolio Afield

  • Portfolio Antarctica

  • Nitecore MH20 Flashlight Review: A versatile, compact powerhouse

    Nitecore MH20 Flashlight Review: A versatile, compact powerhouse

    MH20_OI_webThe Nitecore MH20 Flashlight: An awesome little light.

    Here’s the deal:
    It’s a compact, bright rechargable flashlight designed to suit a variety of home and professional needs. From the manufacturer:

    The smallest, lightest 1x 18650 USB rechargeable flashlight, Max output of up to 1000 lumens, Integrated “Precision Digital Optics Technology” provides extreme reflector performance, Boasts a peak beam intensity of 12,500 cd and a throw distance of up to 220 meters

    What I love about this:
    Extremely extremely bright, but very compact. I love the charging indicator, and immediate access to multiple brightnesses. With USB charging, I can keep it charged in my car, while camping from solar/battery, or at home. Additionally, with the standardized, replaceable, almost universally available 18650 battery, I can carry an extra one for quick swapping, and travel knowing that i can buy another in cases where I can’t or don’t have time to recharge.

    What I hate about this:
    There’s no lockout mode – so short of unscrewing the pices a little to disconnect the battery, I can;t prevent the light from being accidentally switched on while in my bag. This is an issue. I’d appreciate it if there was a lockout mode – for example on my Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp, holding the power button for 7 seconds locks the switch in the off position,and lets you know by flashing the power indicator a few quick times. Unlocking is as simple as another long press.

    Should you get it?
    It’s compact, rechargeable, and powerful. I ride with it clipped to my bike as a bike light, i carry it in my car as an emergency light, wear it on my belt on EMT duty as a general duty light, and camp with it as a safety light.

    Nitecore MH20 Flashlight Product Page

    Buy it now:

  • Cygolite Hotshot 2-Watt USB Rechargeable Taillight Review

    Cygolite Hotshot 2-Watt USB Rechargeable Taillight Review

    cygolite-logo-200x133pxThe Cygolite Hotshot 2-Watt USB Rechargeable Taillight – Bright and visible, with a few basic design and usage issues.

    Here’s the deal:

    It’s a red blinky tail light for your bike. From the manufacturer:

    Integrating Cygolite’s 20 years of tail light expertise, the HotShot 2W USB features a powerful 2 watt H.B. LED for max visibility, USB rechargeable Li-Ion battery, 5 flash modes, and adjustable flash speeds for additional safety. This Hotshot includes a USB cable and wall charger. (OSP Patent Pending)

    What I love about this:

    Super bright and easy to see from a distance. This light will surely get the attention of people behind you. It has a few flashing modes so you can choose one that’s the best for your situation. Its mounting bracket allows you to strap it to your bike, but also remove it easily to carry with you or clip to your bag/jacket.

    What I hate about this:

    The charging connector is Mini-USB. Nobody uses Mini-USB anymore – all the new phones, and everything else charges with Micro-USB. So it’s a pain in the ass to have to carry another cable, when there are already Micro-USB cables at home and office. This light should be updated with Micro-USB – or ideally, it should be updated with USB-C.

    Should you get it?

    I don’t use this – in fact, I returned it, and am waiting until something better crops up.
    Cygolite Hotshot 2-Watt USB Rechargeable Taillight Product Page

    Buy it now:

  • Enter Pyongyang

    Enter Pyongyang

    Interesting…

  • Trekking Across East Asia, Summer 2015

    Trekking Across East Asia, Summer 2015

    This summer, I spent a few months trekking solo across Eastern Asia. On this trek, I visited New Zealand, Australia, The Philippines, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, and the US State of Hawaii. Here’s what I wrote during my trek:

    The outdoor mall in downtown Kuala Lumpur. I’d been here before, but since I only had a few hours and the airport train goes straight here, I decided to stop by.
    Clay pots are heated up on charcoal. Dry rice and water are put in first, and the rice is cooked up fresh.
    Touring in Macau.
    Looking out over Shenzhen, China from the top of the KK100 Building.
    Dressed in anti-static gowns. Trendy!
    Connectors of every shape and size, sold on-site by the bundle, or shipped anywhere in the world.
    Each stall represents a different electronic supplier, factory, or component manufacturer. They’re divided up into sections and floors, depending on what they make or sell.
    Every Wednesday during the hot summer in Hong Kong is Happy Wednesday down at the Happy Valley horse racing track. I went with a group of friends from the Check Inn Hostel, where I stayed during my time in Hong Kong. Owner Wincent is great!
    Running at night in Hong Kong.
    Learning to play Chinese poker with my friends on the train to Hong Kong. This family was traveling to Hong Kong to buy baby formula.
    Riding the overnight train from Shanghai into Hong Kong, I made friends with my cabinmates, and ended up hanging out with them quite a bit during the long train ride. Lots of fun!
    Man Mo Temple
    Exploring the legendary Man Mo Temple, with coils of incense burning everywhere.
    Fish are displayed in large tanks, with dramatic lighting throughout the many many many stalls.
    Admiring modern architecture in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
    Volkswagen has a major plant on the outskirts of Shanghai. Although I didn’t have an appointment or any contact there, I showed up and managed to talk my way into a private tour of the factory.
    On Sundays, a portion of the central park in Shanghai becomes matchmaking central. Here, parents post advertisements for their kids, with hopes that another passing parent will see the ad and connect their kids. Personal ads are put on cards which are pasted to umbrellas for higher visibility, and assembled into large boards. The practice is so huge that there are now even brokers who manage listings for lots of people.
    A hopeful parent holds up information about his kid, hoping that another parent will have a suitable match.
    I got addicted to this pounded, breaded, fried chicken, simply called “big chicken”.
    My timing in Shanghai was perfect for the Shanghai Auto Show -which was horribly overcrowded. I lasted about an hour, and then had to leave – it was madness pushing through the masses to stand in line to see a random crappy car. And no models!
    Couples taking wedding engagement photos are everywhere in Thames Town, a Chinese copy of a traditional British town. How many couples can you count?
    Couples taking wedding engagement photos are everywhere in Thames Town, a Chinese copy of a traditional British town.
    After being the more traditional cities of Beijing and Xi’an for a bit, I was ready to step into the more modern world of Shanghai. In the last few decades, like much of China, Shanghai has been on a building spree, with new buildings popping up everywhere. I took about a week to walk the city, and explore as many interesting places as I could. Arriving in Shanghai, this is the classic shot from the Bund, looking into the main financial district.
    As the sun fades on The Bund of Shanghai, orange lights illuminate the classicically styled buildings. It’s a beautiful sight, enjoyed by masses and masses of people strolling up and down the curved walkway. The bund is beautiful now, but given the speed at which things are being knocked down and rebuilt in China, I’d be surprised if the skyscrapers of Pudong didn;t start to creep into the Bund area and the Concession areas in short time. The Chinese seem to be on such a fast and determined building spree that they’re fine with buldozing away beauty, culture, and history in favor of new soulless office buildings and factories. It’s a sad reality of the new China.
    In the business center of Pudong, skyscrapers are huge, and being built as fast as possible. Looming in the back of this photo is the Shanghai tower, the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world.
    The warriors are in various states of repair, and each face is unique.
    The main hall of Terracotta Warriors. There are actually three excavation sites, but this one was by far the most impressive. The entire site is ringed by a tourist walkway, with lots of photos being taken at all times.
    Terracotta horses, preserved in the musem.
    Girls in the crowd all wearing the same uniforms, with matching allegiance pins.
    A group of kids, with their supposed coaches, about to enter the stadium. These kids had a great energy, and I think they were more interested in my camera than they were interested in me. Everybody in the background is staring in my direction because I was on the side of the tourists – we were all checking each other out.
    Here I am coming around a corner during my run of the 2015 Pyongyang Marathon. Both tourists and professional Korean athletes ran at the same time – so the entire time I was running, I was being passed by the pros!
    With about a week of training, I finished the 2015 Pyongyang Marathon (26.2 Miles) in 3:34:47.
    At the Pyongyang Victorious War Museum, I was led around by a well dressed tour woman, wearing a military-inspired uniform. She gave a tour to my entire group, including a walk through some relics from various wars, and of the US Navy Ship Pueblo.
    AGER-2, the USS Pueblo. From Wikipedia: USS Pueblo (AGER-2) is a Banner-class Environmental Research Ship, attached to Navy intelligence, which was attacked and captured by North Korean forces on 23 January 1968, in what is known today as the Pueblo incident or alternatively, as the Pueblo crisis. The seizure of the U.S. Navy ship and its 83 crew members, one of whom was killed in the attack, came less than a week after President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “State of the Union” address to the United States Congress, just a week before the start of the “Tet Offensive” in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and only three days after 31 men of North Korea’s “KPA Unit 12” had crossed the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and killed 26 South Koreans in an attempt to attack the South Korean “Blue House” (executive mansion) in the capital Seoul. The taking of Pueblo and the abuse and torture of its crew during the subsequent 11-month prisoner drama became a major Cold War incident, raising tensions between the western democracies and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and People’s Republic of China. North Korea stated that the Pueblo deliberately entered their territorial waters 7.6 miles away from Ryo Island, and the logbook shows that they intruded several times.[1] However, the United States maintains that the vessel was in international waters at the time of the incident and that any purported evidence supplied by North Korea to support its statements was fabricated.[2] Pueblo, still held by North Korea today, officially remains a commissioned vessel of the United States Navy.[3] Since early 2013, the ship has been moored along the Botong River in Pyongyang, and used there as a museum ship.[4] Pueblo is the only ship of the U.S. Navy still on the commissioned roster currently being held captive.[5]
    Inside the Pyongyang Military Museum, a giant statue of Kim Jong Un.
    Before going to the the actual line, a guide explains the layout of the “Joint Security Area”, which is the neutral zone which surrounds a particular section of the “Military Demarcation Line” that is the actual border between the north and the south.
    Another interesting propaganda poster, found in the DMZ gift shop.
    Walking back from the MDL back to the north. The two guards facing each other in the background are standing right next to the actual line, a raised concrete strip.
    This photo is of the North Korean guards inside one of the blue buildings. I had been in this exact room a few weeks prior, and in addition to the South Korean guards, there were also North Korean guards. However, the tone was completely different from the Northern guards. When I visited from the south, the North Korean guards wore completely different uniforms, with large korean letters on their helmets, imposing dark RayBan sunglasses, and an extremely stern, tense pose. This time, the guards were upbeat and friendly, and there was no sign of any guards from the south.
    Strolling around the Koryo History Museum.
    These epic paintings of the leaders were everywhere, and displayed proudly.
    A mosaic in the Pyongyang metro of Kim Jong Il standing in a grassy field. Epic.
    Each station has its fare share of epic mosaics, depicting the leaders in a variety of triumphant poses. This one of Kim Il Sung with common people was particularly grand.
    Of course on each train car is the portrait of the dear leaders. Friend Justin Martell poses with them.
    Riding the Pyongyang metro was a great opportunity to interact with some of the locals. Here, I’m sitting next to a group of school girls, who are getting nervous while practicing their english skills.
    A typical scene on the streets in western North Korea. Of note in this picture is a the woman on the right hand side selling flowers on top of a cardboard box. This is a small example of the illegal North Korean Black Market – and although innocuous looking, there’s been lots of talk about private enterprises like this recently.
    Another lunch. This time, after our servers were finished bringing out food, they all went to change into costumes, and then performed a very sweet, very weird song and dance karaoke routine. Entertaining for sure.
    Inside the Nampho Dam (P’i Do) Lighthouse is another great portrait of Kim Jong Il, posing in front of the dam.
    In Pyongyang, I made a stop with my group for lunch at a restaurant right across the street from the giant Ryugyong Hotel. I was scolded for having this picture taken of me, because it shows the shanty village that surrounds the giant uninhabited building.
    Women wait for their bus in front of the iconic Pyongyang Ice Rink.
    In the alleyway where my friend’s apartmen was, there were always these fun kids playing around. Fun making friends! Beijing housing subdivisions, although some more rundown than others, almost always seem like safe, fun, community-oriented places.
    Arriving in Beijing was certianly a wakeup. As soon as I stepped out of the terminal, I was hit with dense, choking smog that could be seen from as little as 20 feet away. The air smelled like burning, and I could taste a fine grit. Certainly not great – but this was a 200 AQI day – mid-levels of pollution for Beijing.
    Hiking all day up and down. Good thing I havd my Salomon XA-Pro-3D-Ultra2-GTX trailrunning shoes, Darn Tough socks, and Black Diamond Modernist Rock Jeans!
    Playing cards in a public park.
    Springtime means lots of beautiful blooming trees.
    Folks playing in the central hutong area of beijing.
    These meat skewers were really great! I’m still not sure what kind of meat, though..
    Orange tiles protecting the roofs of the Forbidden City fro m the afternoon sun.
    Finally, I made it inside the Forbidden City! I remember watching the film “The Last Emperor” in middle school, and seeing shots of this space. (as well as learning about it in history class) Cool to finally be there.
    Entering the Forbidden City
    Biking through the Hutongs of central Beijing. Entire families own blocks of these traditional styled homes. Some of them are actually very old, but lots of other subdivisions, like the one pictured, have been built in recent years to emulate the traditional style. They’re really brand new.
    Descending the steps from the viewing deck of the Seongsan Ilchulbong. Dissapointed, but still had a good early morning hike.
    A lighthouse on the way to Udo Island
    Making it to the end of Gimnyeong Maze Park, Jeju
    The cave is truly amazing. From UNESCO: “The Geomunoreum lava tube system, which is regarded as the finest such cave system in the world, has an outstanding visual impact even for those experienced with such phenomena. It displays the unique spectacle of multi-coloured carbonate decorations adorning the roofs and floors, and dark-coloured lava walls, partially covered by a mural of carbonate deposits. The fortress-like Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone, with its walls rising out of the ocean, is a dramatic landscape feature, and Mount Halla, with its array of textures and colours through the changing seasons, waterfalls, display of multi-shaped rock formations and columnar-jointed cliffs, and the towering summit with its lake-filled crater, further adds to the scenic and aesthetic appeal.”
    The top of Mt. Halasan.
    Inside the meeting room on the MDL Military Demarcation Line, the border officially separating North Korea from South Korea. In this photo I’m physically within the North Korean border, however the entire space of the room is considered a neutral zone, so I’m not officially in either Korea. Next to me is a north korea border guard. Interestingly, during my return visit to this exact room a few weeks later, coming from the North side, the North Korean guards were dressed completely differently, in more standard military outfits, and were much more relaxed and personable. They only put on this steely dress and demeanor when tours from the south are present. Photos of this exact room while i was on my tour of North Korea are coming soon. I would also sit in the seat pictured here during my subsequent tour from the north.
    Hiking up Mt. Halasan, the well-worn trail gives way to slick snow on the higher half of the mountain. Avid Korean hikers are quick to strap on metal mesh grips to their hiking shoes in order to navigate the snowpack.
    Of course, Korean BBQ is a must.
    Walking around Hongdae, Seoul. There are lots and lots of areas in Seoul filled with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Hongdae is one of the more youthful ones.
    Seoul has magnificent and dramatic architecture. Buildings come in every shape and size, and modern masterpieces are squished right next to ancient heritage sights.
    Lights and shopping everywhere. Never a dull moment in Seoul.
    Seoul at night, seen from the N Seoul Tower. Seoul is electric, with colorful lights stretching off into the smog.
    The statue of King Sejong, sitting outside of the seoul palace.
    Yi Sun-sin looks into modern-day Seoul.
    Saori and I were introduced by a mutual friend, and met up in Tokyo at the main Tokyo train station. To save on time, and have an awesome ride, we took a Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Nagano – fast and comfortable!
    Arrival in Nagano, site of the 1998 Olympic Games. From here, we got another slower train up to Yudanaka, and then walked about 30 minutes to Shibu Onsen.
    Starting the hike up the snowy path leading to the Snow Monkey Onsen.
    Macaque Snow Monkeys relaxing in the snow.
    Snow monkeys love hanging out in the warm onsen. Only for monkeys though!
    Snow monkeys love hanging out in the warm onsen. Only for monkeys though!
    Stamping my 1st onsen.
    After snow monkeys, we went back to our homestay and changed into comfy robes and not so comfy wooden flip flops, grabbed our keys, and went out to hit all 9 Shibu Onsen Onsens. The red pouch I’m holding has my onsen cloth, which has the names of all 9 onesns, and is stamped at each one. Saori is holding her key, attached to a piece of wood with a map of town.
    Vending machines are everywhere, and this one brews fresh coffee on demand.
    What to do after a long day of snow monkeys, onsens, sushi, meat skewers, and beer? Karaoke.
    Coins and papers tied to a tree for luck at the Zenkoji Temple, Nagano, Japan
    Photo courtesy of Photocreate Co.,Ltd at https://tm15eng.allsports.jp/photo/photo_list_tag_search.php?page_id=238626&tag=81479&tag_code=zekken
    I finished in 4:31. It wasn’t my best marathon time, but it felt great to run, and was fun to see lots of neighborhoods of Tokyo.
    Photo courtesy of Photocreate Co.,Ltd at https://tm15eng.allsports.jp/photo/photo_list_tag_search.php?page_id=238626&tag=81479&tag_code=zekken
    Photo courtesy of Photocreate Co.,Ltd at https://tm15eng.allsports.jp/photo/photo_list_tag_search.php?page_id=238626&tag=81479&tag_code=zekken
    I joined the Tokyo Gaijins group on my trip to Shiga Kogen. The group is a snow club, which runs amazing trips to the mountains every weekend in the winter. Bus transportation, lodging, meals, and great times are provided on each trip! Since our group was fairly large, we had an entire hotel to ourselves – complete with dining hall, onsen, and our own rental and gear shop. The base of the mountain was right across the street – perfect!
    Getting ready to go down the mountain on my rental snowboard. Although the terrain at Shiga Kogen is nowhere near as challenging as in Colorado, the snow is great, and runs are wide open.
    Snow Monkey Beer – tasty, especially after a day of snowboarding.
    Making friends on the mountain!
    One of the steeper sections of the mountain – still nothing compared to Colorado, but a fun time nonetheless – snow conditions were absolutely perfect.
    A few of us got together before lunch for some big group runs. Skiing as a group is fun for a run or two, but gets annoying quickly as you spend half your time waiting for everybody.
    With the mascot Okamin!
    Brad, Talitha, and I flew from Manila to El Nido, Palawan on a charters ATR-72 with ITI Air, booked by El Nido Boutique & Artcaf
    Naturally, we had to relax in the pool at the Mahogany Resort, where Brad and Talitha were staying.
    After a day of diving, we decided to get some fresh air on the jeepney ride back to town.
    Getting ready to dive Barracuda Lake, Philippines.
    We had a great dive!
    Triking around Coron.
    Small fish swim in the shallow tidal pools of the hidden coves in El NIdo.
    One of the hidden beaches – this beach is only accessible by swimming through a small underwater tunnel.
    Local kids playing on a dry docked boat on the beach.
    In Coron, we dove with Neptune Dive Center, which was great. Highly recommended!
    Fish at the local market
    The cutest little girl ever, riding with her father as he biked us around El Nido.
    Ready for a day of sailing!
    Sunset in El Nido, with outrigger dive boats anchored in the shallows.
    The tides in Palawan Island are dramatic, and the area outside of where we were staying drained completely during low tide.
    Brad and Talitha strolling on local beach at sundown. The small waves were perfect for bodysurfing.
    Passing through local villages as we discover waterfalls, jungle farmlands, and hidden beaches.
  • Sailing the Sea of Cortez, Mexico

    Sailing the Sea of Cortez, Mexico

    At the end of June, I embarked with my longtime crew on a sailing expedition to explore the Sea of Cortez, Mexico. This was another epic adventure in a long series of sailing adventures that we’ve been doing as a group, in one form or another, for nine or ten years now.

    Although we’ve sailed the Sea of Cortez on a previous trip, we decided to return to rediscover the unrelenting beauty, serenity, and dramatic contrasts of sailing surrounding by the hot, crushing desert.

    The expedition ended up being wonderful. We had a great time sailing, fishing, scuba diving, cooking, relaxing, swimming, hiking, and exploring the Sea of Cortez, and surrounding desert. Here are a few photos from our adventure.  Video clips and other related media are coming asap.

    The sailing trip began by assembling everyone in Cabo San Lucas, on the southern tip of the Baja Penninsula. From there, we rented a suburban, and the 6 of us drove north to La Paz. La Paz is a larger city in Baja, and is the center of operations. During the northward drive, naturally we had to stop for some delicious roadside tacos. It’s good to be in Mexico!
    Delicious tacos and drinks, on the way up to La Paz. Sean drove the massive suburban, and did a great job of getting us to the marina. All six of us fit in the car, with all of our gear.
    On our way north, we were stopped by a few small inspection stations. Enough said.
    Arrival at the Dream Yachts marina. This marina was shared by a few different charter companies, and was located just outside of La Paz. Our boat was ready and waiting for us when we arrived in the late afternoon.
    After loading our gear onto the boat, we walked across the street from the marina and took a refreshing dip in the 5 star resort pool, which we had access to since we were living on one of their sailboats.
    Naturally, we had to take traditional beginning of the trip tequila shots before we did anything else. It was good to be back together as a crew!
    On the evening of the first night, we drove into La Paz to watch sunset over the water, and have a tasty mexican dinner on a rooftop.
    First dinner! In downtown La Paz, Mexico.
    After dinner, we went straight to the grocery store, where we bough about $600 of groceries – enough to feed 6 people for ten days. Not so bad when you divide it out. Here we are deliberating on what to get.
    Dyana had a bit of a shopping plan, and doled out responsibilities accordingly. Sean was on hot sauce and fruit juice patrol.
    I was on checkout duty, and managed to keep the checkout girl calm as she scanned $600 of groceries at closing time.
    Loading provisions onto our boat. Every space on a sailboat is used, and there are endless pockets and storage areas behind the cushions, under panels, and beneath the floor. I love this aspect of sailboats – every bit of space is thought out and used.
    Sean reviewing the Baja cruising guide, the night before our departure. Sean is sitting at the nav table, with all of the electrical controls and instrumentation. Under the table is emergency gear, and inside the table are charts and guides.
    Breakfast at the beach club, shortly before our departuer from the marina.
    And one last swim in the luxurious infinity pool.
    We rented deep sea fishing gear, and had a great time catching a few dinners.
    Our first catch – a Bonito that we later ate for dinner.
    Zac filleting the Bonito. Tasty!
    One of the anchorages we stopped at, from the midpoint of our desert hike. Our boat is on the left.
    Dried cactus found in the desert – this makes pretty good kindling for a fire, as we later found out when making a beach fire to cook clams.
    Shower time at the end of each day. On the boat, we take “navy showers” – jump in the water to get wet, soap up on the transom, jump back in the water to wash off the soap, and then rinse with fresh water from the hose. It’s effective, fun, and saves on fresh water. And you get to do it with friends – here’s Dyana giving Zac a scrub.
    Dyana relaxing on deck with a sunset drink. This is what it’s all about.
    Zac adding a little beer to the ground beef, to give our tacos an extra little kick. Cooking on the boat is always fun!
    Dinner in the cockpit – this was taco night, with lots of hot sauce.
    Evan and Kaitie right before Scuba Diviing with the sea lions.
    Me and Sean before diving.
    Swimming through a narrow passage into a swirling school of fish.
    Evan checking out schools of fish.
    Wildlife abounds in the Sea of Cortez – here we saw a whale and her calf.
    Our crew, minus Kaitie, at the end of our second dive.
    Evan walking onto the shore to enjoy some post-dive lunch and refreshments.
    This particular sailboat had a motorized winch, so in order to raise the main sail, we just had to push a button. Here, I’m steering us into the wind while we watch the sail raise. Shorly affter this I steered the boat to “fall off” and catch the wind in the sail.
    Under sail. It’s peaceful and quiet while sailing, with just the wind whistling and the waves splashing around the boat.
    Evan reeling in a Mahi Mahi.
    Zac with our first Mahi Mahi – dinner!
    Two girls from another boat standing up on their twin kayak at sundown.
    Dyana dives off the bow for a late afternoon swim.
    Evan brought along an inflatable donut to lounge in. Perfect!!!
    Dyana and Evan float in the nearly still water, while our boat floats anchored just off shore.
    Sean hikes a ridge on one of the small anchorages we stopped at. Sunset hikes are great.
    We had a small grill on the boat, and used it to cook burgers, fish, and veggies. An essential accessory on any sailing trip.
    More hikes in the desert with the full group.
    Isla Coyote, one of the small fishing villages we encoutered. We bought fish and clams here.
    Chocolate Clams, fresh from the sea and very tasty.
    Towing Evan behind the boat in his donut. Mmmmm
    Approaching another one of our anchorages, at the mouth of a beautiful valley.
    Sean and I went exploring the valley at sundown, and found lots of animal bones – and animals!
    Relaxing while underway.
    At one of our anchorages, we found the remains of an abandoned hotel.
    Cactus flowers in the hot desert.
    Hiking through the desert back to the sea. The contrast is extreme.
    A dried puffer fish found on the hot, dry beach.
    Our peaceful beach fire spot, where we cooked and ate lots and lots of clams.
    Dyana and Evan checking out the first stars of the evening, as our fire burns down to cooking coals.
    Kaitie and Dyana selecting fresh clams, while Sean, Zac and Evan supervise the fire.
    We cooked clams directly on the fire, as well as by boiling them.
    Eating fresh cooked clams by the fire, under an almost full moon.
    Anchored.
    Dolphins frequently swam with our boat.
    The full moon, rising over the desert peaks.
    Naturally, there are always always minor disasters on every trip – completely expected, and we can ususally deal with whatever we need to. This small engine issue was a quick fix.
    Dyana reeling in.. a shark!
    Hot dogs for lunch.
    Sean made himself a swing from the boom.
    I got hoisted up the mast on the emergency halyard. A spectacular view!
    Under way.
    Sean driving the Dinghy through a small mangrove forest. This was on our last day of sailing. After this, we returned the boat to La Paz, and then got in the car to head back down to Cabo.
    On our way back to Cabo, we witnessed a large drug bust.
    Our last night in Mexico was in Cabo San Lucas, and it was the 4th of July! We checked out lots of lively, trashy parties on the beach, and had lots of fun watching fireworlks from afar.
    Entering spring break zone at El Squid Roe.
    End of the trip drinks at El Squid Roe. For our final night in Cabo, we stayed at a generic hotel on the main strip. Comfy and easy.
  • La La Land.. and Disneyland!

    La La Land.. and Disneyland!

    In June, Miho and I explored LA. A few pics.

    Evacuating Splash Mountain.
    Splash Mountain – 2nd time.
    Naturally, I had to try to pull off some sort of photo of the Hollywood Sign.
    Disneyland.
    We didn’t ride the teacups, but they were quite neat to watch at night.
    An exciting sunset at the Griffith Observatory.
    I loved this Mariachi Band at Disneyland! They were too cool.
    Nope, I couldn’t do it. Darn.
    We also visited the California Science Center, and got to see the Space Shuttle Endeavor in person.
    At Disneyland, I found the secret Club 33, which I had been wanting to visit for ages. I still haven’t been inside, but hopefully someday soon I’ll make it happen.
    Sunset at the Griffith Observatory.
    Space Mountain – first time!
    Space Mountain – second time!
    Riding the carousell was classic and fun.
    Thank goodness!
    Evacuating Thunder Mountain.
    We got evacuated from Splash Mountain right before the lift up the big hill at the end. It was very very interesting to see the inside of the ride with the lights on and sound off – almost more interesting than doing the actual ride.

  • Shooting for the Stars in Hawaii

    Shooting for the Stars in Hawaii

    Miho and I decided to spend a wonderful few weeks exploring Hawaii. It was my first time there, and in order to see a few different areas, and to see a few friends and family, we dedicated to check out Oahu and The Big Island. A few photos from our Hawaiian Adventure.

     

  • Lunch in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Claypot Chicken and Rice

    Lunch in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Claypot Chicken and Rice

    On my way back from Macau to Sydney, I had a quick 8 hour layover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As soon as I got to the airport, I took the train into the center of town, and spent an afternoon walking around, and grabbing lunch. Here’s my quick trip.

     

    The outdoor mall in downtown Kuala Lumpur. I’d been here before, but since I only had a few hours and the airport train goes straight here, I decided to stop by.
    Downtown Kuala Lumpur
    I had just enough time for lunch, and decided to get the traditional Kuala Lumpur Street-Side Claypot Chicken and Rice. This dish is served all over KL, and is cooked fresh to order,
    Clay pots are heated up on charcoal. Dry rice and water are put in first, and the rice is cooked up fresh.
    Once the rice has been made in the clay pot, marinated bone-in chicken pieces, salted fish, and Chinese waxed sausage is added. Soy sauce, scallions, and a few other seasonings are added in too.
    The entire mixture is cooked together in the clay pot.
    The dish is served with a small bowl of chiles in oil, added to taste.
    Overall, a super satisfying lunch in KL.

  • Rain and Games in Macau

    Rain and Games in Macau

    My final stop in China was in the former Portuguese colony of Macau.

  • Shenzhen – Where The World’s Electronics Are Made

    Shenzhen – Where The World’s Electronics Are Made

    Shenzhen, China – where all of the electronics are made. Or at least it feels like it. For this trip, I was lucky enough to be hosted by an old friend from NYC, and got a view of work life within Shenzhen.

    At SEEED Studio, small custom electronicsn are developed, prototyped, and ushered into mass manufacturing. Here are a few recent products made at Seeed.
    The prototyping and small-run factory production schedule at Seeed.
    A worker monitors a pick-and-place machine at Seeed Studio. This machine automates the production of circuit boards and other electronics.
    A worker hand-solders a circuit board for a small run of eletronics.
    Dressed in anti-static gowns. Trendy!
    Lunch with the gang from Seeed Studio
    Outsize of the Huaqiangbei electronics markets, vendors take a break with some snacks.
    Each stall represents a different electronic supplier, factory, or component manufacturer. They’re divided up into sections and floors, depending on what they make or sell.
    Connectors of every shape and size, sold on-site by the bundle, or shipped anywhere in the world.
    Every imaginable style of flashlight – all available in Shenzhen in quantities from 1 to a million.
    This is where the cases for your hard drives come from.
    LED Lights of any shape and size at Huaqiangbei.
    If you’ve ever ordered small electronics from China, this is probably where it ships from.
    Checking out the Shenzhen 22 art district.
    Checking out the still under construction Pingan Finance Center – when it’s complete, it will be 118 floors and 660m high. When it’s complete, it will be the 4th tallest building in the world.
    Going for a drink at the KK100 Building – Currently the tallest building in Shenzhen.
    Looking out over Shenzhen, China from the top of the KK100 Building.
    Nightly traffic in Shenzhen.