Inspiration: Don't wait for time. Make it.

Don't wait for time. Make it.

Don't wait for love. Feel it.

Don't wait for money. Earn it.

Don't wait for the path. Find it.

Don't wait for opportunity. Create it.

Don't go for less. Get the best.

Don't compare. Be unique.

Don't fight your misfortune. Transform it.

Don't avoid failure. Use it.

Don't dwell on mistake. Learn from it.

Don't back down. Go around.

Don't close your eyes. Open your mind.

Don't run for life. Embrace it.

- Bigvai Volcy

Champions aren't made in gyms...

“Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.”

- Muhammad Ali

Inspiration: There's no one that can...

"There’s no one that can push any harder than I’ll ever push. No one that can want something more than I’ll ever want something. The drive has to come from within, no matter what you’re given, it’s always the guys who are gonna make it, the guys that will stop at nothing and sacrifice everything to be where they want to be."

— Travis Pastrana

Surefire G2X Pro Dual Output Flashlight

A few weeks ago, I needed to purchase a new flashlight for the car. My original light for the car was a Streamlight Twin Task 2L was given to my brother. It's not a great light, but it was something. I went to a few stores to pick up and check out a new light, but nothing really caught my eye. Luckily, when I got home and checked my emails, my prayers were answered. I saw the press release for Surefire's new G2X and 6PX flashlights and knew that that was the light. My only problem was where to get one right now since online stores were already backordered. So, I had to wait for a bit for local retail shops got them in. And now, I finally got it and here are some pics that I can share...





More specifically, I ended up getting the Surefire G2X Pro. I have a G2 that gets used regularly and never had an issue with it and takes a beating. With it being Nitrolon polymer body, it doesn't show scratches and wear much like regular aluminum bodies do. The fact that it's also a dual output light that has a low and high setting, it's perfect for emergency use for the car. So it wasn't hard deciding to get the updated version G2 called the G2X Pro. With the high setting putting out 200 lumens, it just became one of my brighter lights that I personally own. More photos here...









Here are some product info on the G2X Pro off of Surefire's site... "The G2X Pro, a polymer-body version of our 6PX Pro, uses a high-efficiency LED—virtually immune to failure since there's no filament to burn out or break—that provides two light output levels: a brilliant, penetrating, perfectly pre-focused 200-lumen beam, and a 15-lumen low-output setting that lets you greatly extend the runtime per set of batteries, an invaluable option when you find yourself miles from civilization. Press the tailcap switch for momentary-on low, press further to click constant-on low, return to off and press or click on again within two seconds for high. The tough Nitrolon® polymer body is smoothly sculpted for a comfortable, secure grip and resists scratches, abrasion, and corrosion. A polycarbonate micro-textured reflector delivers a comparatively wider beam with generous peripheral light. We also make a single-output version of this light with a classic tactical tailcap switch, the G2X Tactical." More photos here...





Considering that the Surefire G2X and 6PX line of lights are aimed at a broader market and priced to reflect it, it's an awesome light for the price and what you get out of it. After having played with it for a bit, I'm seriously thinking getting a second one or maybe the 6PX Pro. Yup, I really like the sound of that. What can I say; I'm just another happy customer of Surefire flashlights. And I will continue to purchase them because I could not be happier with their products.

Here are some links to other related products that you may find interest in. Check them out... SureFire G2X PRO LED Flashlight, SureFire 6PX Pro Flashlight, SureFire G2 Nitrolon Polymer Flashlight, Surefire LX2 LumaMax Flashlight, and the SureFire E2D LED Defender

Inspiration: Those poor spirits...

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."

- Theodore Roosevelt

Spyderco Terzuola Carbon Fiber Knife

A few weeks back I bought a few Spyderco knives to test out and try for EDC use. And one of them is the Spyderco Bob Terzuola carbon fiber plain edge knife. Not knowing much about the knife and it being my first Spyderco, I basically bought it because of the cool carbon fiber design that stems from my past love for car racing parts. So, I bought it and here are some pics.





As awesome as the knife is, it has some issues that I didn't realize when I bought it. You can't flick it open and it's a non-locking knife when open. Mind you, it's a great knife for EDC purposes, but since I'm so used to the Axis mechanism of some of Benchmade's knives it's hard to go back. But, let me tell you, the Spyderco Terzuola comes very sharp out the box. I almost cut myself from being a bit careless. Oh, did I mention the carbon fiber? I love carbon fiber and it's a bit refreshing when compared to the simple knives I have in the collection. Enough about that, here are more photos, which I'm much better at than reviews. More photos here...







Here's a product description of the Spyderco Terzuola knife from Amazon... "Designed by noted custom knifemaker Bob Terzuola, the Bob T SLIPIT is a non-locking folding knife with a distinctive folding mechanism. Called the -Inch Ball Joint Non-Locking System, -Inch it uses two sets of small ball bearings in spring leaves in the liners to hold the blade in the open position and provide resistance when closing it. Previously only available on his prized custom knives, this mechanism also half-stops the blade when closing for safety. A pronounced finger choil provides a home for the index finger and helps keep the blade from closing during use. The modified wharncliffe blade of the Bob T SLIPIT is hollow ground from CPM-S30V stainless steel. The handle is constructed of woven carbon fiber scales with stainless steel liners. A reversible steel pocket clip provides left or right-side tip-up carry and is nested into the handle to prevent loosening. Every Bob T SLIPIT also includes a folded leather lanyard a silver crimp." More photos here...





This would be my ideal EDC if it had the capabilities to flick open like the Spyderco Manix or Benchmades. It's light and it's the perfect size for my needs. It's the same size as my Benchmade Mini Griptilian (shown in the photos) in not only from the handle, but also from the blade. It's more flat feeling than the Mini, but it does have that cool carbon fiber. The Terzuola is that accessory that goes along with your outfit kind of deal. HAHA! It's that good looking. Anyways, I hope what I post as well as the photos help.

Here are some related product links that you may have some interests in. Check them out... Spyderco Bob Terzuola Carbon Fiber Knife, Spyderco Manix 2 Plain Edge Knife, Spyderco Tenacious Plain Edge Knife, and Benchmade Mini-Griptillian

Modified Maglite Mini Mag Flashlight

As a kid, I grew up using Maglites and more specifically, the Mini Mag. They were simply awesome when I was at that age and now they're really starting to show their age with the incandescent bulb. So, in order for this flashlight to continue to earn its spot and ready for use, an upgrade was in order. It didn't need to compete against my other lights, like Surefire. But it does need to be useful for general purposes and as loaners. Besides, I just can't throw away a perfectly good tool. Here are some photos of what I've done to it...





My Mini Mag will primarily be used as a fishing light other than for general purposes and loaner. It will also be stored in the tackle box for the most part and modifications to it weren't going to be drastic. For the most part, the incandescent bulb hasn't given me any grief. But it severely lacks in brightness. And that's where the Nite Ize 3-LED bulb replacement comes in and thus making it very useful for close-ups and short distances. It also works in candle mode, but it can't focus is you want a tighter beam. Another upgrade is the use of paracord that's wrapped around the light. It adds more grip, more girth and more importantly for fishing, a rope is there when needed. I also added a simple paracord lanyard to keep around my neck when trying to catch the big one. More photos here...







Not much upgrade was needed to make it more useful. It isn't the brightest bulb you can get, but it's definitely an improvement over the stock bulb. That upgrade is best if you have an extra Maglite Mini Mag lying around that you want to bring back to life. Otherwise, just buy another light because there are tons of other lights that are brighter. The next set of photos shows its size compared to my other lights. The top one is a Surefire G2 and the bottom is a Surefire E2E. But I'm sure that you know what the Maglite Mini Mag looks like. It's probably one of the most popular lights in the world and the fact that they've been around for quite some time. More photos here...





Here are some links to the products mentioned in this post and other stuff I would recommend that you may be interested in... Nite Ize 3-LED Bulb Upgrade/Replacement, MAGLITE AA Mini Flashlight, TerraLUX MiniStar2 Extreme LED Upgrade, SureFire G2 Nitrolon Tactical Flashlight, OD Green, and SureFire E2E Executive Elite

7th San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

When luxurious cuisine meets with luscious wine, you know it's time for the return of the 7th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival on November 17-21, 2010. This November join the wave of epicureans taking over America's Finest City in a week-long experience your taste buds will never forget.



170 Wine & Spirit Purveyors, 70 of San Diego's Top Chefs, Celebrity Chefs, Cooking & Wine Tasting Classes, Big Bottle Auction, Continuous Food and Wine Tastings, Over 800 Wines, and $50,000 Chef of The Fest Competition.


For more information on the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival event, please visit www.WorldofWineEvents.com

Inspiration: Start living now...

"Start living now. Stop saving the good china for that special occasion. Stop withholding your love until that special person materializes. Every day you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God."

- Mary Manin Morrissey

Surefire C3 Centurion Flashlight

Here are some detailed photos of my high powered Surefire C3 Centurion flashlight. It's my favorite, go-to brand for flashlights. The quality, reliability, and lifetime warranty speaks for itself. The Surefire C3 is the most powerful incandescent light that I have. Most of my current lights are LED (light emitting diode), so the C3 doesn't get used as much as I would like due to runtime. And because of that, it may be subject to some updated modifications in the future. In the meantime, here are some photos...





I know some of you are asking why the C3. Especially from those who may consider themselves flashaholics. Well, why not? The quality is there and it has a decent runtime for a high powered light and the reliability is second to none. The runtime is not in the same league as LED, but the light temp is real easy on the eyes when being used outdoors. It's something that LEDs have not sold me on yet. Maybe in the future it will. Besides, there wasn't nearly as many LED options that you see now when I bought the C3 years ago. Incandescent was king.

The next set of photos are it being taken apart. As you can see, the Surefire C3 uses three lithium cr123 batteries and a Surefire P90 bulb. These bulbs are pretty hardy and can take some serious drops without it breaking on you in the most opportunistic time. It's also a momentary on/twist tail cap. Depending on how you look at it, it could be looked at as a good thing or bad thing. More photos here...







Here's some info on the C3 Centurion Single Output Incandescent light from Surefire... "The C3 is a high-output flashlight featuring a CombatGrip™ body. It uses a precision micro-textured reflector and a SureFire incandescent lamp to produce a smooth, brilliant beam with more than enough power to temporarily blind and disorient an aggressor by impairing his night-adapted vision, or to reach out and illuminate distant areas. Output is either 105 or 200 lumens, depending on which easy-to-install lamp you use—high-output or ultra high-output. The tactically-correct pushbutton tailcap switch provides secure, ergonomic activation control: press for momentary-on, twist for constant-on. The C3's patented CombatGrip™ body improves performance with various flashlight/handgun techniques, such as the Rogers/SureFire technique, and provides a secure hold in wet or cold conditions or while wearing gloves." More photos here...





Here are some key features on the Surefire C3... "Brilliant white light from high-output lamp (included) or ultra high-output lamp (optional). Precision micro-textured reflector creates smooth, optimized beam. Coated tempered window resists impact, maximizes light. CombatGrip for secure hold in all conditions. High-strength aerospace aluminum body, anodized (BK) or Mil-Spec hard-anodized (HA) for durability. Tactical tailcap switch—press for momentary-on, twist for constant-on. Steel clip provides multiple carry options. Weatherproof O-ring and gasket sealing." More photos here...



The photo above shows the C3 with other lights. From top to bottom: Surefire L5 Digital Lumamax, Surefire C3 Centurion, Maglite Mini Mag wrapped with paracord, and Surefire E2E. The C3 really isn't that big. I think it's too big to EDC, but for general purpose, it's the right size and weight. It's also not that much larger than the ever popular Mini Mag with the paracord.

As usual, click on any of the photos to go to more detailed images of the Surefire C3 Centurion in my gallery. Check them out and hopefully it gives you some looks that you don't see often when talking about these fine tools. Also, check out the following links for some cool accessories/modifications for the C3... Surefire LED 80 Lumens Lamp Reflector Assembly, SureFire Z58 Click-On Lock-Out Tailcap Switch, Surefire V70 Flashlight Speed Holster Polymer, and SureFire Z34 Lanyard System

6th Annual Photo Expo West, San Diego

Don’t miss the 6th Annual Photo Expo West, November 13-14 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. New year, new products, new vendors and new seminars. Parking is $9. Admission is free to the public. Two day seminar badges are $20 (full access). For students (with proper ID) and children under 14, seminars are free. Purchase $200 or more at the show and receive a $20 refund on seminar badge. Go to www.PhotoExpoWest.com for more information.