Living Refuge

I Don't Normally Post Food Reviews... But I Couldn't Help It

2010-08-04T09:01:00.001-07:00

Trader Joe's prepackaged cinnamon rolls are absolutely amazing. Seriously. I think they are the best cinnamon roll I've ever had.

They are in the refrigerated section near the biscuits. Just pop the rolls in the oven and you're on your way.

Wow. I need more of these.

Paradise Lake Backpacking Trip

2010-07-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

Mosquitoes anyone?

This past weekend, Heather and I took a trip up the PCT north of Donner Lake to Paradise Lake. We've never really backpacked in that area and took a tip from a friend to try it out.

The trip to the trailhead nearly as exciting as the hike itself. Our trusty 4Runner shaved 3 miles off a boring hike to the PCT trailhead. The best part? No other trucks / SUVs took the forest service road. At the top of the road, people walked up to us and ask "You can drive up here?" Gotta love the 4Runner.

In any event, the trip was fun initially, but quickly became a fight to survive against buggers. We were really made aware when a crew was going the opposite way in complete bug prevention gear.

After a 4.5 mile hike in, we arrived in bug city Paradise Lake. And we were not alone. Roughly 20 people greeted us all around the lake on this particular Friday, leaving us with few options.

We finally settled on a granite rock and by this point I had about 15 bug bites. The evening was evening worse with more buggers, forcing Heather to stay in the tent the whole evening!

After a generally unenjoyable night, I had about 40 bites. That was it.

We woke up the next day and packed out. Needless to say, this area was beautiful, but beware of the bugs.

Reno Pho Restaurant Reviews

2010-05-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

As an exciting new post for springtime, I thought I'd give my two cents into the wild variety of Pho restaurants in Reno. I'm a certified Pho addict and could eat the delicious soupy soup everyday. Maybe you were wondering which pho restaurant in Reno is the best?

Pho

This restaurant is simply named Pho; you'd think they could have come up with a better name. In any event, it's located by Target on Sierra Center Parkway in south Reno. I enjoyed my vegetarian pho soup but thought the prices were a bit high and spring rolls left a bit to be desired.

3 out of 5

Saigon Pearl

This is one of four pho restaurants downtown and if I had to choose one of the four, this would be it. The veggie pho is huge, cheap and hot and seems exceptionally authentic. I'm not a huge fan of the often over-powering onions in the soup, but overall it's good. It's located in the old El Cortez Hotel and subsequently has a tendency of smelling like smoke.

3 out of 5

Pho 777

Another downtown joint located literally three blocks east on 2nd Street from Saigon is Pho 777. Lacking much in the way to ambiance or service, this place prides itself on being the cheapest, most authentic (read: barely speaks English) Vietnamese shop in town. I was saddened to learn they don't really offer a veggie pho so I had to order something random. This place seems to be popular with tourists and locals alike, but I thought the service was lacking and food left me hungry.

2 out of 5

Asian Noodles

Asian Noodles, near Costco in Central Reno, seems to always be busy at lunch, and for good reason. They offer a variety of soups and noodle dishes aside from traditional pho. Asian Noodles has decent service, cheap-ish prices and huge, delicious pho. Just wish they'd speed up service a bit.

4 out of 5

Saigon 88

I think this is the only pho joint in Sparks. In any event, this is a regular favorite lunch spot for me due to its convenience, service and taste. Of all the pho restaurants in Reno / Sparks, Saigon 88 tried to position itself as a bit more fancy with nice ambiance, good service and attention to detail. Taste-wise, the pho here is my number two favorite. My only beef is the service at lunch seems to be a lot slower than other phos in Reno.

4 out of 5

Pho 21

Seriously. Is it a pre-requisite to have some number in the pho's name? Doesn't matter. Pho 21 knocks the socks off all pho restaurants in Reno by offering best-in-taste pho soup, spring rolls and banana springs rolls. The restaurant is clean, open and inviting, located in NW Reno by the Flowing Tide Pub off Mae Anne. Pho 21 is quick and delicious and also makes great take out.

5 out of 5

Conclusion

Go to my top three and you shouldn't be disappointed. I still have a couple to visit (Golden Flower, Pho Country, Viet Pho) before I can give every pho restaurant a chance. In any event, go eat pho. It's pho good!

9 Ways To Reduce Plastic Bottle Waste At Your Workplace

2009-06-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

Great article on going green at the workplace and helping to reduce plastic bottle waste. I'm a huge fan of reusable bottles and have my Nalgene nearly everywhere I go. In fact, when I'm away from my Nalgene I feel like I've lost a part of my soul :)

In any event, here are Nine Ways to Reduce Plastic Bottle Waste At Your Workplace.

Roland Della Santa Wins Best Road Bike At NAHBS

2009-04-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

Reno native Roland Della Santa won Best Road Bike at this year's North American Handmade Bicycle Show. The Reno-native, known for producing bikes for guys like Greg Lemond and yours truly, won with his beautiful 40th Anniversary Frame.

About nine years ago Roland Della Santa purchased the last 23 sets of Nervex lugs from Geoff Butler Cycles in London, intending to save them for a special project. This project became a limited edition set of 20 bicycles to celebrate his 40th anniversary of frame building. Using old Columbus tubes and offering only three braze-ons (and one waterbottle cage) Della Santa created an Eddy Merckx period piece that the awards jury simply could not resist.

Congrats to Roland - keep up the great work!

My Della Santa Steel Road Bike

2009-03-30T21:23:00.001-07:00

It's getting time to polish off my Della Santa steel bike and get ready for a great spring riding season. Hopefully the year will start off on a better track - last year my chain jumped the rear cassette causing my classic Campagnolo derailleur to collaspe into the spokes. This ended up being a big mess.

In any event, I contacted Roland Della Santa who graciously helped fix my bike and even managed to find an old-school Campy derailleur as a replacement.

My wife and I hope to spend a great deal of time riding this summer including around Lake Tahoe and spots in Northern California. My old steel bike still runs like a gem.

Shema - A Reno Blogger's Perspective

2009-03-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

The Shema is a Hebrew phrase dating back to the time of the creation of the Torah. I've recently spent some time studying this section in Deut. 6 and have found it to be both inspirational and convicting.

The Shema is considered to be the most important prayer in the Jewish faith...and for good reason:

"Hear, oh Isreal, the LORD is our God, the LORD is one."

The following verse continues on this thought pattern by stating that we are to love the LORD our God with all of our heart, soul and might. Essentially every part of who we are from our inner-most gut to the toes on our feet are to be in love with God.

Think about it. The Lord is our God. How often do I fail at pressing this into my life, goals, money, job, etc.? I've found inspiration from this verse to remember God and who He is.

Renoites Invade the U.S. Virgin Islands

2009-02-20T23:27:00.000-08:00

The past couple months have been busy. In January, we took an anniversary trip to St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. The trip was exhaustive, leaving Reno at 11am on a Tuesday and arriving in St. Thomas at 12:30pm on Wednesday. Once we crossed the bay and got our car, we finally arrived at our campground at 3:30pm. What a long trip!

Our trip consisted of hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and exploring. I think the best way to see it was as an adventure. Our days were filled with beautiful scenery and amazing colors, while our evenings and nights consisted of fighting off rodents, spiders and scorpions from our poorly designed tent.

In the end, we had a great time on the island. Nearly 2/3rds of the island is designated a National Park by our government and as such, development was few and far between.

Wish I Were A Full-Time Student

2008-12-23T08:31:00.000-08:00

Looks like Squaw must be struggling a bit for business as the ski resort is now offering a college pass for only $299! I wish I could take advantage of this incredible offer- Squawliwood is my favorite resort sans crowds.

Link love - http://www.squaw.com/college-pass

Freelance Shop Now Open!

2008-12-04T08:50:00.001-08:00

Things are starting to get more exciting as I venture into the world of freelancing! I've officially opened up shop for part-time freelance web design and marketing services.

If you or someone you know is interested in increasing its web presence through a professional website design, search engine marketing, seo, or pay-per-click management, check out my new site: http://www.redsagedesign.com. You can view some of my most recent projects as well as more detailed information about the services I offer. Feel free to contact me directly at info [at] redsagedesign.com for more information!

Black Friday - An Excuse For Mediocrity

2008-11-26T07:38:00.001-08:00

It's true. I've participated in Black Friday in some years past. No, I'm not proud of myself for getting up at an asinine time on a holiday weekend. But hey, I snagged that George Foreman Grill for $14!

In any event, I'm choosing to avoid as much Black Friday this year as possible. It's not necessarily because of economic conditions, I've simply realized that 'deals' are simple a crazy ploy to get me to spend money on crap I really don't need.

This year, I'm going to make it a point to use Craigslist as my shopping source. In general, if I am patient, I can find gently used stuff at incredible prices. And no waking up at 3am.

Oh, by the way, my favorite store this year is Kohl's, open bright and early at 4am. Who in their right mind would EVER come to your store at 4am for deals? I mean, really? A sweater for $9.99? Please.

My Presidential Election Theory

2008-11-07T15:21:00.001-08:00

The most attractive male wins.
My theory has held up yet again with the success seen by Barack Obama. Forget party platforms, promised tax break, nigh even a 'Yes We Can' attitude. In America, the most attractive presidential candidate wins.

Dare to test? Let's work our way back into history for a moment (history as long as I can remember). Bill Clinton vs. George Bush (the older one). Bill, with his young, southern accent and clean smile vs. old man Texas. Winner? Bill. Bill, again faces an even older southerner, Bob Dole. Wrinkly, crazy old republican. Winner? Bill.

Enter George Bush, the younger. Crazy Texas governor up against the inventor of the internet, Al Gore. Al, with his staunchly square face against young-gun slingler Bush. Outcome? Bush by a nose hair. Enter 2004, an older [wiser?] Bush faces lanky senator John Kerry. Heck, even the democrats weren't that jazzed about Kerry. But apparently they assumed anyone, even a goofy looking lurch-like senator could take the reigns. Winner? Bush.

Now 2008 is a storied year. The possibility of a woman president, black president, woman vice president. Wow. But....the same theory has held true yet again. Sleek Obama with his pretty wife and small kids versus war-time hero John McCain. Now don't get me wrong, McCain probably was a nice looking man at some point. However, many are scared of his age and inability to move his arms. Winner? Yep. The pretty guy Obama.

So in 2012 when the time comes to vote, think deep and hard about the candidates, and then look at their pictures side-by-side. I'm pretty sure you'll discover who the winner will be...

Reno Disc Golf Volunteers Needed

2008-09-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

Reno's been needing a disc golf course for quite some time. And now may just be your chance to make it a reality.

The Reno Disc Golf Association will be doing dirt work this Saturday at Rancho San Rafael Park to make way for the course's back nine.

For more details, check out this article:

Volunteers needed Saturday to make new disc golf course whole and done

24 Minute Parking - Really?

2008-09-07T14:41:00.000-07:00

Heather and I were at My Favorite Muffin the other day and I noticed that parking along California Ave. was 24 Minute Parking Only.

24 minutes.

Do you believe in logic? Apparently our city leaders don't. Obviously it would make way too much for it to be 15 or 30 minute parking. Let's try to confuse as many people as possible by making it 24.

Oh - and don't believe for a moment you'll be able to park there for your scheduled half-hour law office visit. Nope. Better find a better place to park your shiny black Escalade.

Good work, City of Reno.

Politics As Usual

2008-08-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

I hate voting season.

I hate the political banners strung on fences, television commercials, and radio ads. They are all worthless to me. From a marketers point of view, this idea of mass marketing only pushes people like me further away from the candidates.

Then there are the issues.

Environment, social justice, the economy, the war, taxes - the list goes on. The irony of it all? Both presidential candidates have some similar views; seemingly more similar than the past few elections. So how can I choose?

I hate "who are you voting for" conversations. Honestly. It'll only end up in arguments.

How do the candidates reach a voter like me? Let me do my own research. I do have a degree after all.

Wharf-to-Wharf 10K Race

2008-07-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

Heather and I spent some time in Santa Cruz this weekend to run in the annual Wharf-to-Wharf 10k Run. This was our first time racing in an event like this. I was a bit shocked to see 15,000 other participants running as well! This made it quite difficult to keep my own pace throughout the race.

Running weather was ideal - temps in the 60's, cloudy and cool. The Wharf-to-Wharf course takes runners from the beach boardwalk in Santa Cruz south to Capitola. This race is definetely a fun race and not to be taken too seriously. Take, for example, the 52 bands (yes 52) that are scattered throughout the course. Just as you leave the sound of one band, you hear another coming quickly as you run.

All in all, we found the race to be quite fun and wish we had taken some pics. My race time was about 54:40 - decent for a first-timer. Hopefully I'll be able to improve my time as I continue to run. By the way, the winning time was 27:48 by an Ethiopian.

10 Ten Must See Tahoe Waterfalls

2008-06-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

H.T. to Around Carson

According to a recent post on Tahoe.com, these are the top ten waterfalls to check out in the Reno/Tahoe area:

1. Webber Falls, Truckee
2. Heath Falls, Soda Springs
3. Shirley Canyon, Squaw Valley
4. Eagle Falls, Desolation Wilderness
5. Fontanillis, Desolation Wilderness
6. Cascade Falls, Desolation Wilderness
7. Glen Alpine Falls, Fallen Leaf Lake
8. Upper Truckee Falls, Meyers
9. Horsetail Falls, Twin Bridges
10. Hot Springs Creek Falls, Markleeville

1 Have visited and it is spectacular in late spring - highly recommend
2-3 Have not been to
4 Visited numerous times - great view of Tahoe
5 Not yet visited
6 Have visited - another great waterfall
7 Have visited a while ago
8-10 Not yet visited

Alex's Lemonade Stand in Reno

2008-06-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

Heather and I helped out at Alex's Lemonade Stand this past weekend in Reno. The idea behind this lemonade stand is to support the cause of a little girl named Alex who was diagnosed with cancer at a young age. Her idea, to start a lemonade stand to raise money for cancer research, has spread across the country since her passing at the age of 10.

Our church sponsored Reno's lemonade stand at the Butchor Boy on So. Virginia. This was our second year of involvement and we plan on working again at next year's festivities.

For a recap of the event, check out this post: http://cdreno.org/2008/06/10/recap-alexs-lemonade-stand-2008/

Krispy Kreme in Reno Closes For Good

2008-05-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

My favorite Reno donut shop, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, has closed its Reno doors permanently today. It's a sad day for all donut lovers here in the Truckee Meadows. Apparently, the company had to close the store due to 'high fuel costs'.

Employees found out the news the hard way as they arrived for work this morning with a notice of closure on the door. I will savor the memory of my last Original Glazed that I ate last Saturday at the Great Reno Cleanup. Goodbye old friend...

You Might Live in Northwest Reno If...

2008-05-09T13:47:00.001-07:00

I found this op/ed on the RGJ website today and couldn't help but link to it. Basically, we've had a lot of earthquakes in the NW and live and work a bit differently than most other people in Reno. Here's a few I could relate with:

The USGS Web site is your home page, and you check the UNR Seismology site as frequently as you check your e-mail.

You can adeptly convert UTC to Pacific Daylight Time.

Earthquake insurance brochures and estimates are in your “To File” stack.

Wall hangings = floor leanings.

From RGJ.com: You might be a Northwest Reno resident if …

A Prostitute Needs Love Too

2008-05-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

H.T. to The Ugly Evangelical

A journalist from the University of Nevada's school newspaper recently published an article about his experience going to a brothel and only wanting to cuddle and talk. No sex. No nudity. Nothing vulgar.

This article was an amazing read as it gave insight to the astonishment of the prostitute that he didn't want to have sex. In the end, we realize that this woman is exceptionally unloved and had a glimmer of human contact amidst her otherwise sad days.

Nevada Sagebrush:
I paid $100 to cuddle with a prostitute

Ten Commandments Day - Why the Need?

2008-05-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

Christians are known for their crazy government antics and this is no different. Apparently there is a bill going around in Congress that would mark the first weekend in May as "Ten-Commandment's Weekend". This bill is sponsored by the Ten Commandments Commission. I read over parts of the bill and find it odd and too idealistic about our "Christian" country:

That the Senate--

(1) recognizes the first weekend of May 2008 as `Ten Commandments Weekend';

(2) celebrates the Ten Commandments as a significant aspect of the national life of the United States; and

(3) encourages citizens of the United States to reflect on the integral role that the Ten Commandments have played in the life of the Nation.

Why the need? Not sure. But let's try to remember the great Godliness of our country, shall we? America & Christians have endorsed slavery, failed to give humans certain unalienable rights, and deemed themselves correct in every instance. Plus, let's spend more money and time fighting abortion than giving aid to orphans that were not aborted. What is true religion after all?

Christian License Plate - Coming Soon??

2008-05-02T09:04:00.001-07:00

Florida lawmakers are considering allowing Christian license plates quite possibly allowing for a separation of church and state issue. The plate, which features a cross and under tag "I Believe", is sponsored by Rev. Edward Bullard. Bullard argues that drivers already grace their cars with other specialty plates like sports teams and colleges they believe in- so why not allow plates with something others believe in?

These plates have a long way to go to get approved. But if approved, opponents like the ACLU believe this will allow other racy plates to be approved such as Klu Klux Klan license plates.

These plates have disaster written all over them. For starters, I would expect people bearing these plates to drive with humility, always following all road laws. Second, this idea will again continue to make Christians look goofy as they fight for the 'rights' for a license plate. Isn't it enough just to have a fish? Third, there is the issue of separation of church and state. Opponents argue that this may seem like the endorsement of a religion in Florida. I know if I were a foreigner and saw a plate that said 'Florida, we believe', I'd assume it was a statement of faith.

I can understand the idea to display one's ideals. That's a right. But to go so far as using a state's license plate? This may be taking it too far...

Faith In Nothing Equals Faith In Something

2008-04-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

I just finished listening to a guy named Rob Bell teach on the subject of faith. Bell pastors a church in Grand Rapids, MI called Mars Hill and is known for his culturally relevant teaching and excellent communication style.

His latest teaching followed the thought pattern and lifestyle of people from a perspective of faith. Faith, as our culture perceives it, tends to be seen as believing in something like a god or something hard to see and aligning our lives towards that particular lifestyle. America has "Faith-based Ministries", faith churches, faithful believers, etc.

One point that Bell made about faith, however, is that regardless of what we believe / don't believe, we all have faith in something. This something or lack of something will determine how our lives will be aligned, how we will make decisions and actions. Those that have a faith in Christ tend to align their lives differently than their 'non-faithful' counterparts. But here's the thing: the 'non-faithful' counterparts are in fact faithful. They have a faith in the idea that there is no God, that religion may just be a fluke and have lived their life accordingly.

Faith is not a sub conscience decision. Each person has chosen a particular line of faith. Ultimately, we all have a choice. Though difficult to weigh the options, Bell shows us that he has chosen the way that leads to more hope, more love, more justice for the injustice and more life for the down-trodden. That's the faith I've aligned myself with. It's not a faith in a system or in a building or even in a denomination. It's in a single event. That's faith.

Google April Fool's Jokes Roundup

2008-04-01T08:27:00.001-07:00

Google Blogoscoped has a great list of all the funny tricks Google has pulled this April Fool's Day. Google's April Fool's jokes are very creative leading to the question: don't Google engineers have anything better to do with their lives?

My favorite? YouTube's featured videos prank. Hilarious.

Google April Fool’s Jokes Galore