Alex Landeen

Archives for May 2014

Octopus tacos, and other outdoor percentages you can never know

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landeen_blog-0405 He asked me what I wanted on Wednesday. Said, if I had any thoughts to let him know.
“Grilled Octopus tacos.”
“Octopus tacos?”
“Yeah.”
He turned in his chair and looked at me, probably to see if there was any bullshit on my face and didn’t find any there.
“Octopus tacos. Hmm.”

It makes me wonder how far away one would have to search to find another person or group of people in a camping situation with 1) octopus in their coolers, 2) that was destined to be grilled and then, 3) eaten in a taco.

Probably a good long ways.

And even if by some strange luck you were to find another set of octo-grillers with accompanying corn tortillas, I would have to bet that ours was more delicious. Actually, I am just going to say that I am sure that ours was more delicious. Partly because it was the best octopus I have ever had, but mostly because there is no way to prove me wrong.

Profile: AZ Knifemaker Bryan Bates

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landeen_blog_bates-5287A while back I had the pleasure of meeting knife maker and former Marine Bryan Bates for a set of photos to accompany a profile on his unique knife crafting process. Bates was brought to the internet’s attention after a cell phone video of him arguing with Senator John McCain over sending troops to Syria during a Tucson town hall meeting went viral. Author Mike Detty decided to pick up the story for Tactical Weapons Magazine, and I accompanied him to meet Bates at his home and shop located just southwest of Tucson.

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landeen_blog_bates-7331 Bates’s unique method may definitely leave some people feeling a little unsettled. From BatesKnives.com:

Bates Tactical Knives are not for the politically correct. Every blade is stamped with the word “Infidel” in Arabic. During the hardening process the red-hot blade is pulled from the forge and immediately quenched in liquid with pig’s blood added to it, completing the “Infidel” touch.

Regardless of how you feel about his process, after meeting the soft-spoken former Marine Rifleman, there is no doubt in my mind that Bates cares most about manufacturing a quality product to help the fighting men and women get their job done. It was a pleasure meeting him, and I thank him for his service. Bryan can be reached through his website BatesKnives.com

See a preview of Detty’s article at TacticalLife.com

To read the full profile, see the July 2014 issue of TACTICAL WEAPONS, currently available on newsstands.

One said inhabitant

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While I was poking through the images from the trip last week, I came across the photo below, which I took for the purpose of showing a fellow camper what one could accomplish at 25,600 ISO with a 200mm lens at f2.8.

landeen_blog-0445 Is it a little crunchy? Yes. But is it usable? Absolutely.
Photographers can be put off (off put?) by the response, “wow, that is a great photo, you must have a really nice camera,” as it is akin to telling a chef that the meal was fantastic and that he must have really nice pans. But in a case like this, there is no substitute for full-frame goodness.

An abnormally complicated reminder to protect your boats

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landeen_blog_cleanyerboat-7104landeen_blog_cleanyerboat-7098303 aerospace protectant commercial 2399 –
CU close up
ECU extreme close up
BG backgrund
OS off screen
Open FADE IN ON:
Man in carport, wiping pontoon.

“I love my boat. I have had it for many years, and it has taken me to some amazing places. But all that time in the sun can take its toll on the Vinyl and soft rubber parts leaving them brittle and faded.”

CUT TO: image of something brittle and faded (check with Dan in props)
NARRATION CONTINUES
CUT TO: man standing in front of pontoon holding product

“Which is why I use 303 aerospace protectant. It’s non-toxic and non-flammable and protects and beautifies vinyl, rubber, plastic, leather and even fiberglass! Offering one-hundred percent prevention of UV caused slow-fade with regular use.”

CUT TO: CU bottle being sprayed on example surfaces (check with Dan in props)
NARRATION CONTINUES

“So To keep your toys looking and feeling good for years to come, use 303 Aerospace protectant. I do.”

CUT TO: ECU product sitting on grass, overlay caption “SPF 40” For Your Stuff
BG man in yard/driveway in front of pontoon boat playing with small child, both looking happy.
[note- need child (ask Dan)]

FADE OUT

Why Blue Force Gear is the most awesome

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1) Terry Clauson

blue_force_tactical_raptor-6618It’s not that they have a Velociraptor. Or that they named him Terry Clauson. Or that they brought him to SHOT, or even took the time to make a website dedicated to the worlds first tactical dinosaur:

With a very high size to carnage ratio it poses a green solution to warfare. How does one stop a cold, calculating raptor running around wreaking utter havoc on the enemies of freedom? The Tactical Dino is equipped with the world’s most advanced load carriage solution. The ultralight, raptor-tough gear carries the necessary navigation and telemetric equipment in a low bulk, fluid setup that does not hinder slashing, gnawing, and mauling.

[Read more…]

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