Motorola XPRT Phone Review

Motorola XPRT: Excellent BlackBerry Alternative

Motorola XPRT Review, by Ginny Mies July 14, 2011 - From PCWorld.com

If you feel sure you've seen the Motorola XPRT ($130 with a two-year contract from Sprint; price as of July 14, 2011) somewhere before, that's because it is essentially Sprint's version of the Motorola Droid Pro for Verizon. The design is slightly different and, of course, you'll find Sprint branding and apps all over it, but the XPRT keeps everything we love about the Pro. If you're an Android fan who needs BlackBerry-like functions, you'll be happy with the XPRT.
(Editor's note: Parts of this review were taken from our Motorola Droid Pro review , as the XPRT is virtually identical).
Familiar Design
If you glance at the XPRT, you may well mistake it for the Droid Pro--the two phones are nearly identical. If you look more closely, however, you'll notice some differences. The XPRT is a little squarer (literally, not figuratively!) at the top; it has chrome trim around its front; and it has a soft rubberized battery cover rather than a plastic back like the Droid. I definitely prefer the XPRT's subtly textured battery cover to the Droid Pro's; it feels higher quality.
Like the Droid Pro, the XPRT has a BlackBerry-esque physical keyboard designed for one-handed texting. The XPRT's keyboard goes to the edge of the phone, whereas the Pro's keyboard has a border around it. The keyboard seems a bit narrow, but it's fairly easy to type on. The keys are nicely sculpted (and remarkably similar to those on newer BlackBerry models such as the BlackBerry Torch), with a curved ridge across the top to prevent finger slippage. Though the keyboard is on the small side, it squeezes in a lot of useful keys. You get a dedicated voice command key, an @ key, a whole row with numbers, and a good-size spacebar. There's no '.com' key, but I'll live. I was able to bang out a few long e-mail messages and texts quickly with very few errors.

The touch HVGA display is the same size (3.1 inches) and has the same resolution (320 by 480 pixels) as the one on the Droid Pro. Unfortunately that translates into a fairly small, low-resolution screen for a high-end smartphone by today's standards. It's adequate for viewing your inbox or doing casual Web browsing, but you won't want to watch movies or play graphics-heavy games on it.
Beneath the display are the typical Android touch-sensitive buttons: Menu, Home, Back, and Search. The left spine of the XPRT houses the volume rocker and the micro-USB port. On the right spine, you'll find a shortcut button that you can customize for whatever you need frequent and quick access to. To set it up, you just go to Settings, Applications, Quick launch. I programmed this button to launch my inbox.
Ready for Business
The XPRT packs a clutch of features for business users and IT professionals. It has VPN support for multiple profiles, enhanced data encryption for both your phone and your microSD card (this feature won't be rolled out until 2011, however), a built-in task manager (so you don't need to download a third-party manager), remote wipe capabilities, Exchange-based device management, and advanced password protection. You can edit documents via the preinstalled Quick Office Device management application. Because it is a global CDMA/GSM handset, the XPRT can support voice calling and data in over 200 countries worldwide, making it ideal for business users who travel abroad frequently.
The XPRT also has mobile hotspot capabilities, another boon for business users. You can connect up to five devices to the mobile hotspot, and I had no trouble getting my Wi-Fi devices up and running. The XPRT offers complete support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, and it makes accessing your Gmail account--and any other POP3 or IMAP e-mail account--a snap.
Aside from these additional features, the user interface is almost identical to the Motorola Droid 2's. Yes, regrettably, the XPRT ships with Android 2.2 and not the most recent version, 2.3 (Gingerbread).
Mediocre Camera

Like other Motorola phones we've reviewed, the XPRT incorporates a not-very-impressive 5-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash. Motorola's camera user interface isn't my favorite, but you do get a good number of scene modes and effects, plus face detection and geotagging. In my indoor photos, colors looked washed out and details were fuzzy. My outdoor photos fared slightly better, but they weren't especially strong. The camcorder is mediocre, too: My 720-by-480-pixel-resolution videos looked somewhat fuzzy, though the camcorder function is acceptable for capturing short clips.
For your multimedia needs, you get the standard Android media player, which supports MP3, AAC, AAC+, H.263, H.264, and MPEG-4 video and music files.
Performance
Though the XPRT isn't a dual-core phone, its 1GHz TI OMAP processor is beefy enough to keep the phone running smoothly. It easily handled every app I threw at it, and it didn't choke when I multitasked with multiple third-party and native apps.
Call quality over Sprint's 3G network in San Francisco was quite good. My friends on the other end of the line reported that my voice sounded loud and clear, with no distortion or static.
Sprint's 3G coverage in the South Park neighborhood of San Francisco was reliably good. PCWorld's mobile site launched in 9 seconds, and our full site launched in 43 seconds. As we grow accustomed to 4G speeds, this loading period may seem slow, but it's pretty fast for a 3G network.
Bottom Line
The everyday smartphone shopper will probably pass on the XPRT, but its security and enterprise features will please any business or IT professional, and its design is ideal for banging out e-mail and text messages quickly. The display isn't great for video or gaming, however, and the camera is mediocre. If you're looking for a phone on Sprint that can keep you entertained for hours, you might want to check out the HTC EVO 3D.

Motorola XPRT Phone Review on YouTube at Click Here  by MobileTechReview.com

5.11 Tactical - Sabre Jacket 2.0

5.11 has just introduced its new Sabre 2.0 jacket.  After years of research this new update to the original Sabre will not disappoint.

Sabre 2.0

If you have worn the original 5.11 Sabre Jacket you are going to love the new Sabre 2.0. 

Taking all of the end user feedback and comments received, 5.11 is introducing the next level of performance and design in its new Sabre 2.0.

With its upgraded fully waterproof, completely breathable, seam sealed membrane this jacket is sure to outperform almost every jacket on the market today.  The new updated mesh and nylon liner has been added for more breathability than ever, while still maintaining its fast undercover and conceal carry look.

Upgraded YKK fully waterproof zippers in a matte finish, allow for a sleek and fast look.  Increases in size to the shoulder patches allow for larger or multiple patches.  With its new updated front vertical chest pockets and back up belt system compatible hand warmer pockets, this jacket has more storage than ever.  Add to that the right and left shoulder pockets and this jacket can store just about anything.

With its two front pull out ID panels and one large back ID panel, you can go from a covert to overt operation in seconds.   An updated fit and storeable or removable hood that is completely waterproof for extra protection.  We’ve also added a vertical zipped back pocket right near the lumbar for storage if you choose to remove the hood or not roll it up in the collar.

And for one of the final additions, 5.11 added its new Quixip side access system to the Sabre 2.0 which allows for conceal and covert carry, for the quickest access to a concealed sidearm on the market today.

Check out the demo video.  Sabre 2.0 Demo Video

Buy this jacket at Galls and get 10% off Sabre 2.0 at Galls.  Key in Sabre 2.0 in the search box when the site comes up.

Wine Review - Stone Mill 2007 Petite Sirah

We recently purchased this Stone Mill 2007 Petite Sirah at The Market at Pavillions in Lodi for around $17.99.  A good Sirah is a hard thing to pass up but this one should be avoided. 

It is produced and bottled by Iron Diamond Vineyards in Collegeville, CA. 

While we have purchased many wines from Lodi, most are very good, this one left quite a bit to be desired.  We paired it with a red sauce pasta dish and it definitely left a mark in the form of a headache.  At first taste the wine was not bad, we had let the bottle air for about 30-45 minutes.  But after the second and third drink you could definitely taste the tannins. 

To make a long story short, avoid at least this bottle from this vineyard. 

Taste: 3.0

Value: 5.0

Overall: 3.5

Above is based on a 1 to 10 scale with 10 being the best. 



5.11 Tactical Signature Store - Tidewater - Virgina Beach

5.11 Comes to the Tidewater

June 2nd, 2011

A new 5.11 Signature Store celebrates its grand opening this Saturday in Virginia Beach. The second of its kind in the nation and the first on the east coast, it is owned and operated by Tidewater Tactical. Think of it as a franchise. The store is locally owned and operated but all of the content is 5.11.

Truly a catalog come to life, you could walk into the store naked and walk out, equipped head to toe to perform most LE or associated tactical functions. Not to mention, they make a great pair of pants that are well suited for use by those in construction, utilities, and transportation. In fact, if you are hard on your clothes while at work or play, 5.11 is a good choice. Additionally, 5.11 offers a great deal of product for use by military personnel in addition to their new Fire/EMS line. What’s more, they are constantly expanding their product offerings.

Everything you see in their catalog will be available in the store and it is exclusively 5.11. In fact, it’s 2000 square feet of 5.11. The big plus here is that it is in stock; all sizes, all colors and you aren’t going to see any other brands mixed in there.

Nobody what they do for a living, everybody wears shoes or boots. 5.11 has a great cross section of footwear choices that will fit most any need: casual, steel toe, or duty.

What I’ve said here isn’t just some ad. I mean what I say. I remember about seven years ago sitting down with Bob Denny to take a look at what 5.11 was up to. I was already familiar with the pants as I owned a pair or two that were made by Royal Robbins. What impressed me at the time was what this new 5.11 brand was doing to spearhead the development of what eventually became the tactical clothing market. Today, 5.11 continues to impress me as they refine their current of products and delve into new areas, always mindful of how the products will complement one another. They’ve put a lot into this industry and for that they have earned my respect. There are a lot of folks wearing 5.11 and that certainly says something.
The new store is centrally located at 375 Independence Blvd near Virginia Beach’s City Center district. It lies across the street from Pembroke Mall and is right down Independence from Little Creek NAB. Visitors will find easy access from the Independence exit from 264 which also makes it convenient for many local LE agencies.
5.11 Tactical is interested in opening stores in other areas. To learn more talk to your POC at 5.11.
Stop in for their grand opening this Saturday, 4 June and mention that you read about the store on SSD and you will receive a 10% discount. LE and Military receive a regular 5% discount which essentially pays the tax on your purchase.

Article and photos from Soldier Systems.

Wine Review - 2008 Laurier Cabernet Sauvignon - Alexander Valley

One word for this wine, WOW!  Picked this off of a wine list at an Italian restaurant in Santa Cruz this past weekend.  I am a big fan of Alexander Valley and this wine was really great.

From the moment the waiter poured the first taste to when we finished the bottle this wine never let us down.  Had we not been so thirsty from a long day I would have let it breath for 15-20 mins at least before pouring but even that was not necessary.

A little about the wine and the vineyard (Laurier Vineyard).  Laurier derives its name from the French word for the laurel tree that surround the founding winery in Sonoma County.  This particular cabernet contains clones personally selected from Alexander Valley's best vineyards.  With an abundant fruit character and silky texture this wine will not let you down.

We paid retail for it at the restaurant ($42) but I found it online for between $15-$18 a bottle. 

Rest assured we will be purchasing and drinking more of this '08 cab along with others from this vineyard in the very near future.

Taste - 9.0
Value - 8.5
Overall - 8.5
Above ratings are on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best.

Wine Review - Kirkland Napa 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

Purchased this from Costco today and was looking forward to a decent cab.  Price was $12.99 at our local Costco store. 

To start off with, this wine was much bolder than we anticipated, had a rich and dry finish as well.

This particular blend/bottle was cellared and bottled by DC Flynt MW Selections, find them at DC Flynt Selections.  They have many ratings of Kirkland wines on their website.

The fruit for the 2008 Kirkland Napa Cabernet comes from vineyards in the heart of Napa Valley.  With a hint of vanilla and spice along with black currant we were not disapppointed with the bottle.  With supple tannin and a good balanced acidity we would give this bottle an overall rating of 6.5. 

Certainly worth trying for only $12.99.  We paired our first bottle with a great meat lasagna and garlic bread.

Taste Rating: 6.0
Value Rating: 6.5
Overall Rating: 6.5
Based on a 10 rating with 10 being the best.

New 5.11 Tactical Signature Store Grand Opening

5.11 Tactical Opens First Retail Store in CA

The well-known 5.11 Tactical logo adorns the company's storefront. All photos are from 5.11 Tactical's Facebook page.

Today (5/11/11) marks the grand opening of the 5.11 Tactical Signature Store. Located in Fresno, Calif., the store will have a vast selection of products available to try on prior to purchase. Also, tactical shoppers will receive 20 percent off in-store purchases during the grand opening.

Pictured in this display case is the 9.11 Collection from 5.11 Tactical.

Before the grand opening festivities, 5.11 Tactical invited the public to preview the store. Inside one display case were products from 5.11 Tactical’s 9.11 Collection. Items within the line include a baseball cap, a patch, pins, polos, t-shirts, bags, a briefcase and a wallet.  All profits from these items are donated to the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund and the FDNY Foundation.

5.11 Tactical Pants as far as the eye can see!

The world’s very first 5.11 Tactical Signature Store is chock-full of tactical gear and clothing. Said to feature every product in the 5.11 catalog, shoppers may have a hard time leaving with just one item.

Let's not forget the boots.

Added bonus … the Range Pistol Club is just next door. After shopping for tactical gear, stop by the Range and fire a few rounds off. Recently undergoing renovations, the building has state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities that are utilized for the Police Science Institute.

The Range Pistol Club facilities are just across the way from the new 5.11 Tactical Signature Store.

The 5.11 Tactical Signature Store is located at 5151 N. Gates Avenue. The zip code is 93722 for those who will be navigating by GPS.

Story from tacticalgear.com

Kern River Valley Camping - Camp James Campground Review

We had an opportunity to camp at the Camp James Campground in Kernville this past week while on vacation.  Situated just outside of the Sequoia National Forest and on the Kern River you can't ask for a more tranquil and peaceful spot.

From the moment we checked in, the staff was very friendly and accomodating.  The campground was clean and organized in a way that was easy to get around.  We opted for "full hookups" off the river, spot #33 and were pleased with the site.

The campground is right on the Kern River and there are quite a few sites right on the water, none of river sites have sewer hookups but have water and electric.  The river was running way above normal due to all of the snow this season so it was a little louder than normal but was very nice being close to.

We cooked out for almost every meal, the wood provided at the campground was pretty green so difficult to get lit but once you got a fire going it stayed burning pretty well.  I would recommend using some kindling if you have it.  They also provide ice and snacks in the office which was very convenient.

The showers were about 100 yards from our site, you do have to pay $1 for about 7 minutes of hot water but a small price to pay for a clean shower that is well kept.  You can get quarters for the shower in the office.

We did a rafting trip one afternoon down the Kern river.  The starting point was right up the road from the campground and it was about a 60 minute ride, just right for my kids (ages 9 and 17).  Mostly class 2 with some class 3's.  There are class 4's and 5's if you choose to go a little further up the river on another package.

I think the highlight of the trip was the fishing, the Kern River is known for Rainbow Trout and there are a few fishing competitions during the year.  They stock the river and Lake Isabella (downstream) on a regular basis so fishing right off the bank is fantastic.  The family and I used rod and reel with salmon eggs. 

The fish below was just under 4 lbs, probably the biggest rainbow I have ever caught (photo below).  We caught a lot of 2 lb.+ trout during the week as well.  The campground has a fish cleaning stand, with sink, scale and disposal right near the office so it made cleaning the fish really simple.

I would highly recommend Camp James Campground for a weekend getaway or longer stay, the weather was 75 and sunny every day and is a great place to just getaway and relax.

Norovirus - Stomach Flu

This Norovirus is going around all over the west coast.  We did some research on it so you can help prevent it and stop it from spreading.  Basic information is below and there are multiple lengths to more information as well.

Norovirus—the stomach bug

• Norovirus is a highly contagious illness caused by infection with a virus called norovirus. It is often called by other names, such as viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, and food poisoning.
• Norovirus infection causes acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines); the most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
• Anyone can get norovirus, and they can have the illness multiple times during their lifetime.
• Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States.

Norovirus illness can be serious

• Norovirus can make people feel extremely ill and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day.
• Most people get better within 1 to 2 days.
• Dehydration can be a problem among some people with norovirus infection, especially the very young, the elderly, and people with other illnesses.

Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads rapidly

• Noroviruses are highly contagious, and outbreaks are common due to the ease of transmission.
• People with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days and perhaps for as long as 2 weeks after recovery, making control of this disease even more difficult.
• Norovirus can spread rapidly in closed environments like daycare centers and nursing homes

Many sources for norovirus infection

Noroviruses are found in the stool and vomit of infected people. People can become infected by

• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
• Touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth.
• Having direct contact with an infected person; for example, by exposure to the virus when caring for or when sharing food, drinks, or eating utensils with an infected person.

CDC Norovirus

Wikipedia - Norovirus

Medicine.Net Norovirus

"FBI Vault" and FBI Document Search Engine

Came across this really great link to all scanned in FBI documents you can search on.

The Vault is a new electronic reading room, containing more than 2,000 documents that have been scanned from paper into digital copies so you can read them in the comfort of your home or office. 

Included here are more than 25 new files that have been released to the public but never added to this website; dozens of records previously posted on our site but removed as requests diminished; and files from our previous electronic reading room.  The Vault includes several new tools and resources for your convenience.

Use the search box in the top right corner of the site to search on just about anything that may be in a document on the site. 

Click on the link below to take you to the site.

FBI Vault

The 100 Photographs that Changed the World

Check out these unbelieveable photographs from Life Magazine that changed the world.  Let us know what you think.

100 Photographs that Changed the World

Apple iPad 2 Review

Check out this new article on the Apple iPad 2 and note that it will fit into the 5.11 Tactical Pant.

Click on this link.
iPad 2 Review

4 Person Deluxe Survival Kit - Review

Wanted to do a review on this new survival kit we recently purchased and received from Amazon.  We did an extensive amount of research on many of the products on the market today and found this one to be one of the best and most comprehensive. 

With all of the recent natural and man made disasters going on in the world we thought it was prudent to make sure our family is prepared in the event of anything that might happen.  While you can never be 100% prepared 100% of the time, having a well thought out plan with supplies is just smart.

Quake Kare offers a wide variety of survial kits, we decided on this one based on its content and its supplies for a family of four.  I have listed below the contents of the kit we purchased and a link to purchase it on Amazon for $95.00.  It comes completely pre-loaded and ready to go with very simple instructions and ar

If you have not already purchased one, now is a great time to do it.

U.S. Radiation Tracking Network

Radiation tracking network site in the U.S.  Use this link to get to RealTime (updated every minute) for radiation levels across the United States.  Click follow on the right side of the page to keep up to date.

Welcome to RadiationNetwork.com, home of the National Radiation Map, depicting environmental radiation levels across the USA, updated in real time every minute.  This is the first web site where the average citizen (or anyone in the world) can see what radiation levels are anywhere in the USA at any time.

Click on the below link.

http://radiationnetwork.com/

2007 Valley of the Moon Cuvee de la Luna - Wine Review

I purchased a few bottles of this wine recently on the recommendation of the wine store we shop at.  It is a 69% cabernet, 19% merlot, 7% malbec and 5% cabernet franc.  We did not get a chance to visit this winery the last time we were in Sonoma but based on how great this wine tasted will definitely visit it the next time we are in the valley.  The Valley of the Moon Winery produces ultra premium Sonoma wines that embrace both old and new world techniques. 

Due to the broad spectrum of red grapes this wine has, it would pair well with just about any meal, from fish to meat or just some great cheese.  Aromas of black cherry and plum and hints of bay leaf mix with sweet tobacco to give this wine its full bodied taste. 

At $15-$20 a bottle, we would certainly recommend this wine and will definitely be trying others from the Valley of the Moon Winery.

Taste Rating - 8.5
Value Rating - 6.0
Overall Rating - 7.5

2008 Pascual Toso Malbec - Wine Review

We tried this wine for the first time a few years back based on a recommendation from the owner of a wine store in Texas.  We are big fans of reds from Argentina and this one did not let us down.  We paired it with rosemary roasted chicken and rice and it was just perfect. 

The vineyard of Pascual Toso was founded in the mid 1880's in Mendoza Argentina and has been producing quality, affordable wines for over 130 years. 

The black malbec grapes in this wine create a rustic, sincere medium bodied wine with hints of coffee, violets and blackberry.  The wine is spicy and rich and has a very long finish.  At around $9.99 a bottle this is a must have malbec.

Taste Rating - 7.0
Value Rating - 8.0
Overall Rating - 7.0

Earthquake & Tsunami Video that Hit Japan

While not one of my normal posts I felt compelled to post this video compilation of the all of the earthquake and tsunami footage that hit Japan.  Our prayers go out to the entire country and its people.

Please be warned, this is graphic and contains images and language not suited to everyone.

Click on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG5eQDtALzk

2006 William Hill Bench Blend Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley - Wine Review

One word describes this wine, WOW!  One of the best cabs we have ever experienced.  This wine offers not only intensity but structure and concentrated aromas.  Flavors of rich dark berry fruit, layered with distinct notes of cedar and dark chocolate.  We paired the wine with a great ribeye cooked over almond wood and it could not have been better. 

We had the privilege of touring the William Hill Estate Winery in Napa Valley where we sampled this wine for the first time.  If you have an opportunity while in Napa don't miss out on this extraordinary experience. 

While this wine is certainly pricier than many of our reviewed wines (around $50 retail), it is well worth the spend.

Taste Rating - 9.0
Value Rating - 7.0
Overall Rating - 9.0

2005 Campus Oaks Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel - Wine Review

The great thing about this wine is the vineyard is about 15 minutes from our house at Gnekow Family Winery.  This is a really great inexpensive wine that can be paired with just about any meal.  We paid $96/case, $8 a bottle at the vineyard but you can find it at your local beverage store anywhere from $8-$10.  It is the Reserve so it has been aged for 12 months in oak barrels and I would consider it a medium bodied red.  It has a lively fruit forward palate with a rich blackberry and cherry flavor.  It has a very smooth soft finish.  Try this one out, you will not be disappointed.

Taste Rating - 7.5
Value Rating - 8
Overall Rating 7.5

2007 Frei Brothers Reserve Syrah - Wine Review

Tonight we are reviewing a very bold and full bodied syrah from the Russian River Valley. We paired this great wine with grilled shrimp and quinoa with black beans and it was just perfect. Intense flavors of dark berries and black pepper spices. You'll also get a hint of smoke and toast for a really great finish. Check out the Frei Brothers website for more information on this great vineyard located in the heart of Sonoma County. We found it at our local beverage supplier for under $15. You can't go wrong with this 2007 Syrah.

Taste Rating:  6.5

Value Rating:  6

Overall Rating:  6.5

Above is based on a 1-10 scale with 10 being the best.

9/11 Tribute Collection

Check out the new 9/11 Tribute line from 5.11 Tactical. 

Founded	2011
Release Date	5/11/11 through 9/11/11

Company Overview	2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the downing of Flight 93 - an event that changed the face of the world forever and one that is reflected in our everyday lives. We promise to never forget the men and women who sacrificed. At 5.11 Tactical, we intend to honor and support those that serve and protect today. 100% of all profits on the sales of the 9/11 Tribute collection will be donated to the FDNY Fund and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Foundation. (read less) 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the downing of Flight 93 - an event that changed the face of the world forever and one that is reflected in our everyday lives. We promise to never forget the men and women who sacrificed. At 5.11 Tactical, we intend to honor and support those that serve and protect today. 100% of all profits on the sales of the 9/11 Tribute collection will be donated to the FDNY Fund and the National Law Enforcement... (read more)
Description	The collection will be available for preorder on 3/1/11 with items available for shipment between 5/11/11 to 9/11/11. All proceeds from the sale of the 9/11 Tribute collection will go to the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Foundation and the FDNY Foundation.
General Information	5.11 Tactical creates superior products that enhance the safety, accuracy, speed and performance of law enforcement, military and firefighting professionals. Built on a foundation of durability, quality and value, 5.11 Tactical leads the public safety industry in delivering functionally innovative gear, head to toe. 5.11 Tactical is a proud strategic partner to the FBI National Academy Associates, Inc. and a proud partner of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.
Mission	The mission of the 9/11 Tribute is to raise $500,000 to donate to the FDNY Foundation and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Funds by 9/11/11.
Products	The 9/11 Tribute Collection includes a T-Shirt, Professional Polo, Job Shirt, Side Trip Briefcase, Pistol Bag, Red 2400 Bag, Hat, Wallet, Patch and more all with the 9/11 Tribute logo. Items are only available between 5/11/11 and 9/11/11 with preorders beginning on 3/1/11.

Kirkland 2009 Malbec - Wine Review

Ok, while I am always a big fan of red wines especially if you can get them at a reasonable price this one leaves a bit to be desired.  For around $10 a bottle at Costco, I have to say I am disappointed.  While many Malbec's from Argentina are generally well kept secrets and Costco does not usually disappoint, we won't be buying this one again.

We had a great pasta dish tonight and ran this bottle through the decanter hoping it would improve when we left it set a while, not so.

You generally can't go wrong with wines from Argentina, but you should pass on this one at any cost.

Some information about the bottle.

At the heart of Argentina's most important  wine producing province lies Mendoza, called the land of "sun and wine" by locals.  It's a place where orchards and vineyards line quiet country roads against the backdrop of the Andes mountains.  From this high altitude region comes Kirkland Signature Malbec, made from Argentina's varietal, sourced from low yield, family owned vineyards.  The deep purple wine imparts lively dark fruit aromas and a smooth, rich finish.

While I am all about supporting local, family owned vineyards any where in the world, I would recommend passing on what is a ok wine at best.



Taste Rating:  3

Value Rating:  8

Overall Rating:  4

Above is based on a 1-10 scale with 10 being the best.

Tequila Review - The World's Best Tequilas

Getting just a bit off the beaten path for me, for those of you that like a good sipping tequila, you can't go wrong with any of these.  They may cost more than others, but as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.

Tequila, up until the last few years, was best known for being the quickest route to the floor for members of our great nation’s fraternities and sororities. It's only recently that the spirit has gotten the respect that it deserves, not surprisingly coinciding with Mexico's relatively new laws concerning the way tequila must be made in order to qualify as tequila.

Since February 22nd is National Margarita Day -- America's celebration of the most common delivery device for cheap tequila known to man – now would seem to be the perfect time to defy convention and throw back a glass or two of the finest tequilas mankind has to offer.

Of course, tequila hasn't become quite as rarefied as good whiskey or champagne. Instead, the price of most of the ultra-premium bottles represents an irresponsible splurge rather than a year's salary. These bottles stand apart from what most think of as tequila, being aged for two years or more in oak barrels and taking on qualities similar to scotch or bourbon. These are smooth, buttery, complex experiences that don't have much business being mixed into a Margarita. The aging process brings out caramel and butterscotch overtones, layered with rich spice and a warmth that's tough to beat as we try to crawl out of what seems like a never-ending winter.

If you see any of these bottles sitting on the shelf in your local liquor store, there are certainly far worse ways to spend a few hundred bucks.

Jose Cuervo Reserva de Familia – A familiar sight to anyone who ever threw back a shot in college, Jose Cuervo has put out a yearly limited edition bottling for a few years now and the 2010 edition was one of the best yet. At $100, it's not cheap, but it's one of the best values in the roundup. Oak-aging is good for Jose, bringing out mellow caramel sweetness and a light spice from the wood. There's a slight minty and herbal agave aftertaste, but it adds complexity rather than calling for lime and a saltshaker. Plus, the bottle comes in a sweet box that features art from Pablo Vargas Lugo that'd look awesome on a shelf in the liquor cabinet.

Gran Centanario Leyenda Extra Anejo Tequila – Extra Anejo is a new designation for tequila reserved for those bottles that have been aged a minimum of three years. Gran Centanario was supposedly the first of these tequilas to hit the market. At $223 for a bottle, it ain't a bargain, but it's every bit as good as a fine Scotch. A deep caramel brown in the glass, it's smooth and sweet, hitting hard up front with citrus and cinnamon spice that gives way to the rich floral mint of agave. Every flavor note comes through crystal clear and the taste lingers a long time. Not quite as long as the pain in your wallet after picking up a bottle, but long enough to make it worthwhile.

Herradura Seleccion Suprema – Tasty doesn't even begin to describe this tequila. Seleccion Suprema is another Extra Anejo, this one reportedly aged for more than four years. The years have been kind to it too. Truly the cougar of the group, it's a gorgeous tequila made from 10 year old agave plants – which is when they supposedly reach the height of their flavor. It translates into a silky smooth mix, with vanilla and caramel featured prominently and the agave morphing from what's usually a heavy mint undercurrent into a combination of rose and a creamy ginger taste. At about $250, it's sophisticated, but still amply capable of seducing college-aged males with a taste for the finer things in life.

Don Julio Real – One of the best looking bottles in the bunch, and you pay for all that sexy glass. Fortunately, your $370 scores you not only a trophy for your home bar, but also a pretty tasty liquor. Perfectly balanced between citrus and oak, with only a hint of minty agave to remind you it's tequila and not a rare bottle of whiskey, Don Julio hits the mark nicely, though it can be a tough swallow if you're not a fan of oak.

Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario – Falling easily under the heading of conspicuous consumption, this ultra-rare bottle went for $2,250 when it was released and the price went on up from there. Consisting of a blend of 5, 10, 15 and 20 year barrel-aged tequilas -- not to mention a batch of blanco tequilas that had been sitting in the Cuervo cellars for a century that was then barrel-aged for three years -- the mix was tossed into sherry barrels for another 10 months. Clearly, a lot of love was invested in this spirit. It comes complete with a hand-blown decanter and a custom box that look absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, few will ever crack the bottle open to partake of the precious elixir inside. They don't know what they're missing – the unique process to make this tequila resulted in something unlike virtually anything on the market. There's chocolate, sherry, cherry, citrus, and complex spices there aren't even words for that linger for days.

By Richard Goldsmith

Published February 19, 2011

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