I had specific needs and wants that narrowed down my search considerably. I like to hike, camp, bicycle, and motorcycle, so size was going to be a major consideration. If I was going to get into photography, I wanted to be able to get the results I was looking for. Camera controls where going to be a factor, but also, ease of use for my wife. In my research I learned that good glass in most cases trumps the camera body itself. It seems that digital camera sensors have about reached their apex, so just about any large sensor, removable lens camera body out there will get the job done with good glass attached. Speed was my final consideration, specifically, focus speed. I am very much an amateur photographer. I do not set up shots, and I take pictures of just about everything I can, at least until I learn what makes a great photograph. Hunting for focus in my dimly lit living room while the baby makes a cute face that I was missing, was not an option.

All that considered, my options narrowed considerably. DSLRs where out. To big, to heavy, to bulky shaped. Point and shoots where out. You can’t change the glass, and although there are some really good ones out there, I wanted a little more in my camera. Sony has some good options in their ASPC sensor packing NEX line, but fuck Sony. That left me with Micro 4/3 and cameras from both Panasonic and Olympus. Both had just released their 3rd generation of M4/3 cameras, and both had addressed most if not all the technical issues that had plagued earlier iterations. I wanted small, but I didn’t want mini. Both companies offer smaller stripped down versions of their top end M4/3 cameras. Those did not interest me. Panasonic’s G3, and Olympus’ E-P3 did interest me. Sitting at the top of the heap of the M4/3 world, both cameras had excellent picture quality, speed and options. At first the G3 really appealed to me, it had a view finder, a tilt screen and a higher pixel count. It also had that bulky DSLR shape. The E-P3 was lacking a viewfinder, but I have never used one anyway, I wouldn’t miss it. The E-P3 was also lacking the tilt screen, but Oh what a screen it had. It was packing High rez OLED touch screen. Nor did it have that DSLR shape, it is simply beautiful, with a substantialness about it that lets you know there is power in your hand. It also comes equipped with the fastest auto focus on any current digital camera. I was sold.

It has been a pure joy to own. The touch screen comes in handy much more than I would have ever imagined. The OLED technology makes it viewable in the brightest direct sunlight. The UI is great, and the controls are exactly where they need to be. The lenses are small, lightweight, and can produce images on par with the very best of them. I carry it with me almost everywhere I go and couldn’t be happier with images that it consistently produces. Win.

Like I try to do before buying anything, I did extensive research. My criteria included

1. Low price
2. Versatility
3. Efficiency
4. Support

Coming in at just shy of $5400 The KLR 650 sits at the bottom edge of what you can get a new motorcycle for. As far as its versatility, it is what would be considered an enduro, or dual sport. Meaning it is just as capable off road as it is on. In production for for 21+ years, the design has proved itself time and again, and is Kawasaki’s 4th best selling motorcycle to this day. She is a 1 cylinder (thumper) 4 stroke with a displacement of 651 cc’s, which translates into an average of 55 MPG. I save almost as much as the payment in gas. Compared to my Honda Element, about $120 an month. This bike has what you could only describe as a cult following. There are many forums dedicated solely to this bike, the 2 best I have found being

KLRworld and KLR650.net

The aftermarket support is unreal, and anything you would ever want to do to one of these is well documented on one of the above mentioned sites or others.

Owning this bike has without a doubt made life more enjoyable. I ride it as much, and as many places as humanly possible, and if you are daring enough, it will go just about anywhere you could think of. Because of its geometry (tall, with wide, dirt style handle bars) cornering is effortless, and has been claimed by others to be on par or better than any purpose built sport bike in the twistys. Off road prowess is very comendable too, you can see some examples here. With a recent resurgence underway, there are plenty of dual sport type bikes on the market to choose from, but all things considered (nothing to do with me owning one ) It’s hard to see a better choice than the Kawasaki KLR 650. Of course, like everything there are issues and compromises that must be considered. Most of which in case of the KLR have be addressed by a complete redesign for the 2008 model. So, start doing your research, and no matter which you decide, I hope to see you on the road soon!

These were a little more expensive than your ordinary hedge shears, but I have come to learn that paying a little more for tools far outweighs having to replace crappy ones. A normal pair of shears would have been toast after a thunderstorm like the one I left these out in. Its almost spring, and those hedges are going to start going crazy. Getting a pair of these will be a good way to get some exercise, and take care of those sprouting branches that are growing in front of your windows.

[tags]shears,hedges,trimming[/tags]

There is no substitute for having the exact right socket for a particular bolt. If your on a budget though, have limited space, or just some odd shaped things you need to grip, then this is the choice for you. Its a one tool to rule them all type of thing.

[tags]ratchet,socket,gator grip[/tags]

Now I wouldn’t suggest backpacking with one, but if you are planning on doing some car-camping, then it’s ideal. Stack up some some rocks over a fire and you’re good. You can’t beat steak over a fire, and the morning eggs……..yum. I’m doing just that this coming weekend too, so think about me when your stuck in your kitchen.

[tags]cast iron, skillet[/tags]

In later posts I will explain to you the value I have learned of making your own tools. Not necessarily from scratch, but by modifying other tools. You can get cheap Chinese made tools from places like Harbor Freight ,and modify them till your hearts content. If there is a job you find yourself doing over and over, you’re almost certainly going to be able to do it faster and better with a custom tool. This along with a bench grinder will help you in your quest for better tools.

It also makes for much more accurate drilling. It seems brutish to me to try and drill a small hole in a small thing with a huge hand held drill. That’s just me though, decide for yourselves. All tools have a time and a place, and I guarantee with one of these in your shop, you find more time and places for it than you ever imagined.

Believe it or not, you can also hold one of these in your hand! So you can skip the whole “Im not putting that dorky thing on my head” excuse , and use it like a regular flashlight. While reserving the coal miner look for when nobody is looking. I completely understand the feeling too, I don’t even own one myself, but my roommate does, and I’m sure I use it as much or more than him. So this post is just as much a reminder to get my own, as it is a prod for you to get one.

[tags]LED, flashlight, headlamp[/tags]