What's a Super Bowl without chips and salsa?  Not much.  It's a generally accepted fact that eating whatever you want, and as much of it as you want, is the best part of watching the big game.  It's also generally accepted that in addition to wings, pizza, whatever you choose to barbecue, and beer, chips and salsa are a necessity. 

I've lived in New Mexico (in the 505 area code) most of my life, and I've tasted a LOT of different salsas in said life.  505 Organic Salsa is right up there with the best of the best.  Coupled with the 505 Organic Green Chile Sauce, you've encountered a staple of my diet that might make any lesser human cringe.  I put this stuff on and in almost everything, from eggs to tuna casserole (and if you're thinking yuck, try throwing some 505 Green Chile Sauce into the next one you make...). 

For good old fashioned chips and salsa, there's nothing better than 505 Organic Salsa.  Its signature green chile flavor keeps every bite scrumptious and saliva-inducing.  There are multiple levels of spiciness, if you can't handle the heat (medium is pretty rowdy and hot is scorching).  

The best part of all?  You can enjoy the game knowing that you're benefiting not just yourself, but mother earth as well, as all 505 products are organic.  505 has a flavor for everyone, from their Green Chile Sauce to their Chipotle Honey Roasted Green Chile.  The even make handy packets of their Roasted Green Chile (perfect for camping).  Their salsas come in the regular and chunky variety.  So feel good about yourself AND give your mouth something to rejoice about with 505 Organic Salsa.

Find 505 Salsas at a store near you, or order online.

 

Our Netflix pick this week is a documentary that almost silently made the rounds at independent theaters, called Man on Wire.  It's the story of Philippe Petit, a French wire walker who managed, almost through sheer force of will alone, to tie a rope between the twin towers (then still standing in 1974) and walk across it.  It's not the newest of releases, but it's one that many of you may not have seen.

I had never heard of this (quite historical) moment before glancing in my local rag (The Alibi) and seeing it playing at my local independent theater.  It actually ended up being a first date of sorts, which was made all the better by the fabulousness of this film, which follows Petite and his friends (cohorts) as he follows his dream. 

What makes the film truly shine are the people whose lives we are entreated to enjoy for an hour and a half.  Petit's friends (and the people he meets along the way), and especially Petit himself (his manic, eccentric delivery is a highlight), are beautiful in their simplistic humanity.  Petit's obsession with the feat that in the end he accomplishes tests the limits of his relationships, friendly and romantic, yet Petit will not be moved from his task.  His singular vision and almost claustrophobic telegraphing toward his one goal is at once amazing and humbling.  Would that I had even a tenth of the drive, even to finish one class, much less test the limits of my own humanity and ability in such a profound yet simple way.  Man on Wire is insightful in its capacity for expressing the simplistic nature of human thinking and how it can force us into ever-deepening corners of complexity from which often we do not escape.  But Petit does, and gloriously, beautifully, powerfully.

Man on Wire will run you through the gamut of emotions, and will inevitably overcome you with its singular, shining vision of hope.  In a time where we are all being tested in our own personal ways, Man on Wire reminds us that we are still human, and that in itself is amazing.  Our Netflix pick.

[ Try Netflix Free for 2 weeks, more info after the jump... ] 

I am not an expert photographer.  I'd venture to say that my experience with digital cameras is somewhere in the vicinity of intermediate (read: not a total idiot).  What I do have is experience.  I've been on top of the digital camera revolution nearly since its inception, and since that point, the best point and shoot digital camera I've owned is the Canon Powershot SD1100 IS.  Why?

• It has the best image quality* I've seen from a camera at this price point, and better image quality than some cameras three to five times its price.

*mr. stuff says: "When choosing a compact digital point and shoot, don't get caught up in the mega-pixel wars. 10 mp is as high as I'd go with this compact a camera. Higher mega-pixels means more sensors cramped onto a tiny chip. The tighter those sensors are clustered, the greater your likelihood for noise/color distortion.The SD1100IS comes in at 8.0 megapixels, a perfect resolution for its size."

• It's a beautiful little machine, feels good to hold, is extremely sturdy, and comes in an attractive variety of colors.
• The picture processing time* (the time it takes the camera to save each pic to the SD card) is quite quick.  

*mr. stuff says: "Canon DIGIC processing engines have led the pack since the inception of digital photography. Coupled with a high speed SDHC card, the DIGIC III engine has virtually no delay."

• For a point and shoot camera, the videos this thing takes are very nice, and the length is only limited by the size of your SDHC card.
• The Canon Face Detection Technology is nothing short of eery. It's right about 90% of the time, and vastly increases your image quality.
• Plenty of shooting modes for the average point-and-shooter.

• The LCD* is beautiful.   
  

*mr. stuff says: "The SD1100IS is equipped with a 2.5 inch Purecolor II screen, allowing you to preview your results in crisp, accurate color"

I picked up this gem of a digital camera when my Kodak started to kick the bucket (after only  a couple months of use).  The camera salesman at my local Best Buy suggested the Canon Powershot SD1100 IS.  Until then, I had never read a thing about the camera, but once I got it going, I realized his wisdom.  The SD 1100 simply blew my Kodak away in terms of ease of use, functionality, attractiveness, and most importantly, video and image quality.

You can grab one of these cameras at your local Best Buy, or off Amazon for as little as $155. 

This begins a new, weekly series of posts called Netflix Pix. Seeking to weed out the cinematically terrible from the Terifik, our goal in this is to help you identify the truly unmissable new releases on Netflix. Our picks may include films that are not actually new, but are simply new to Netflix.  If you have time for only one movie on the weekend, we hope to help make your decision a little easier. 

This first Netflix Pix may seem like a no-brainer of sorts.  The Dark Knight was loved by critics in general, and adored by fans the world over (except in third world countries where, you know, rice is more important than an outing to your local non-existent movie theater).  So while this pick might seem a bit, well, cheap if I may, the reasons for it are not.
 
Inevitably, there will always be contention about who actually IS Batman.  Is it Michael Keaton?  Christian Bale?  Adam West?  Certainly not Val Kilmer or George Clooney.  Everyone will have their opinions, as do I, but there's simply no denying what Christopher Nolan has done with the series.  With his films, based on The Dark Knight series of Batman comics, Nolan has (and is one of the few comic book directors to do so) taken Batman seriously.  While no one could dispute the wonderful characterizations, comedy and style of the first two Batman films (starring Keaton), neither of them, and especially not their sequels, really took Batman seriously.

Where Batman Begins was an intelligently directed, darkly conceived origin tale, The Dark Knight moves beyond it in terms of scope, audacity and sheer power.  Christian Bale, back as the bat, sinks deeper into his portrayal of both Bruce Wayne and Batman, and the second time around, since we already know him in the role, we can just sit back and enjoy his gritty performance.  Aaron Eckhart does an admirable job in his descent from white knight Harvey Dent to morally depraved half-human Two-Face.  Much has been made about Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker, and I'm certainly not going to go against the grain.  Ledger's performance is nothing short of genius.  It elevates the film beyond what could have been merely the second coming of Batman Begins.  Ledger's Joker is a calculating, searing whirlwind of nefariousness (yes, nefariousness).  Posthumous Oscar, no question.  Almost everyone else, from the always fabulous Morgan Freeman to the understated Michael Caine, is wonderful as well.  The film does falter in its portrayal of Rachel Dawes, which is sad because Maggie Gyllenhaal is certainly capable with a better script.  And this may be my own personal gripe, but with the attempted realism of the rest of the film, I found Harvey's Two-Face face a little too over-the-top.

Minor gripes aside though, from the stunning IMAX action sequences to the psychological framework, from the killer script to the killer clown, from the... well, you get the idea.  It's a gem.  My Terifik Netflix pick of the week!

[ Find out why Netflix is so great after the jump... ] 

Taste is one of the most evocative memory triggers. Yet, I often feel that food can communicate beyond one's known realm of experience. It can teach you about a place you've never been, show you rolling fields of crops in your mind's eye, cast the heat of a summer day on your skin, and put the taste of earth and sky on your tongue. Some foods speak volumes of their birthplace. The Zirikana, Rwanda micro-lot: Rusenyi coffee from Intelligentsia is one. In my longstanding love affair with coffee, this one just made the list of cups I will never forget.

A Bourbon varietal from the Byumba Province, the micro-lot is a special "reserve" offering from the Rusenyi farm. The flavor is so inviting, delicate, and wonderfully wintery that it seems almost at odds with its origin. The crisp light tang of wild blueberries, hints of spiced cider, a touch of cinnamon, clove (and perhaps nutmeg), and a clear helping of molasses can all be found in this cup. But don't take my word for it, give it your own thorough tasting. Words fail the true pleasure of this experience. 

Zirikana is part of Intelligentsia's Direct Trade program. Direct Trade is  a collaborative program between Intelligentsia and the grower encouraging best practices in production, environmental stewardship, handling, and offering 25% above fair trade pricing directly to the grower. So, this is one African indulgence you can feel wholehearted about.

Available from Intelligentsia for $9 per half pound, the micro-lot: Rusenyi Zirikana shouldn't be missed. Intelligentsia has been roasting and distributing award-winning coffees for almost 15 years. Expect to see this micro-lot on their upcoming roster of accolades.

I moved back to the mountains with a vision of long weekend trail runs full of fresh air, blue sky, and no phone or distractions.  Now, I live so close that I am able to wake up and be on a trail with a 5-minute walk.  This is definitely my idea of heaven.

However, about three years ago I developed knee pain during one of my long runs.  I tried everything that I could think of to tame it: physical therapy, new shoes, old shoes, inserts, longer warm up exercises, yoga, etc.  But when I tried to run, nothing made much of a difference.  Despite therapists' claims that my knees were shot, I continued to seek a solution that would allow me to exercise without pain.  Then I stumbled upon the Montrail Hardrock. 

My first pair of Montrail's completely corrected my knee problem.  Outlasting any previous shoe I'd owned, they stood up to 6 months of heavy hiking, trail running, and walking. (I admit, I tend to abuse running shoes.... they're usually muddy after 1 use and completely discolored after 10.  By my measure, it takes an extremely well made shoe to last 6 months!)
 
[review continues after the jump]

With so many incredible iPhone Apps being developed practically overnight, it's hard to keep up with what's worth downloading. This review is the first in a new regular series of iPhone App picks that we're calling Terifik Apps:

In 2008 Pandora for the iPhone was the #1 Free App download in the iTunes store, and for good reason. For the uninitiated, Pandora is a web-driven customizable music streaming system. In a nutshell, you pick any song, artist, or album title you like and Pandora creates a cohesive "radio" station based on your choice. Using the Music Genome Project, Pandora pools a list of similar artists/songs and serves them to you one by one. You can skip songs you don't like, discover new artists, and rate your favorites, achieving a more personalized station. It's nothing short of brilliant, and it's absolutely free.

Version 2.0, released about a week ago, ups the ante providing even more features, and in turn, greater connection to the music. Here are the additions in brief:

• Improved music engine - This is a HUGE improvement, my tastes are eclectic and my experience the past week with Pandora 2.0 definitely proves an impressive upgrade.  
  
• Cover Flow - lets you browse back through the songs you've heard as easily as browsing your iPod
• Artist/Song info - With a quick tap you can get the essentials on who's playing, and why Pandora chose that song for your station.
• Sharing Features - This is amazingly useful: Bookmark songs for future reference or to download them from iTunes, or Email station recommendations.

Available at the iTunes store for less than a wooden nickel.
[more information and screenshots after the jump]
 

I recently purchased a new laptop.  I'm not an Apple guy, so I went over to Dell to do some building. One of my favorite pastimes is building things online -mostly things I'll never be able to afford. 

When it came to the hard drive section, I noticed an option I'd never seen before: 128 Gb Solid State Drive (SSD).  "Faster!  More reliable!  Lighter!  Consumes less power!", it said. 
Being the semi-geek that I am (I played D&D when I was younger; full geeks are still playing at my age...), I got all tingly.  As is often the case with new technology, the SSD drive was both significantly more expensive than the others, and smaller, so I got to researching.  In the end, I decided to pony up the extra cash for the little bugger.  Why?  Well, um... it's faster, more reliable, lighter, and consumes less power.

I've been using my SSD drive for about three months. Full details and reflections are after the jump...

Remember the first time your parents took you swimming? I can still see the bright green water, smell the distinctive scent of the pool, and feel the sting in my eyes. Invigorating as the water is, I'll never forget that smell. Chlorine makes an effective sanitizer, but it is a sorry excuse for aromatherapy.

Hot tubs and spas are meant to relieve stress. For the most part, they do just that. But as anyone who's been to Yellowstone knows; a pool of hot standing water is an apt Petri dish for growing all sorts of nasty organisms. Therefore, it's extremely important to keep a strict sanitation and maintenance schedule so you can relax and really enjoy your tub. Most people choose Chlorine-based sanitizers, and until last year, so had we. Thanks to Leisure Time Free sanitizer, our tub is cleaner and more clear than it has ever been - without the sting or stink of chlorine.

Free is a 100% chlorine-free system that uses a combination of biguanide and enzymatic scrubbing agents to clean and clear the water and digest organic oils. Biguanide sanitizer, originally developed as a surgical scrub, is gentle on eyes, hair, and skin. Best of all, it's virtually odor-free making it easy to add a touch of actual aromatherapy to your spa water.

The Free system is an easy three-step process, requiring regular weekly check-ups and maintenance. In our spa, Free keeps the water clear and safe for a solid 3 months without chemical smell, foam, or cloudy water. Additionally, the water feels softer and we exit the tub clean and refreshed, not rushing to the shower to rinse off the smelly chlorine.

You can buy the Free system at your local Pool and Spa store, or online at Amazon. You'll need all three compounds to get started (Control, Boost, and Free), and don't forget the Free test strips. Free is also available in a start up kit for about $35

No one loves leftovers less than I do.  I would guess, however, that few people actually use leftovers more than I do!  Food crammed into plastic containers and aluminum foil is an essential part of my meal planning schedule.  And if you're anything like me, then every hour of your day is already accounted for, so saving a few precious minutes may help sustain your sanity.  On the other hand, if you're like my husband, then saving money tops your list.  Either way, this 'clever' version of tupperware may exceed your needs too.

I long ago realized that the cheap, convenient solution, which saves time in the now, may not be worth the cost in the end.  So it's a truly great day when you can find a product that is both inexpensive and durable.  I've been using Reynold's Cleverware for over a year now and I am more delighted with them everyday. 

My favorite feature is the small opening in the lid which lets steam escape during microwaving, but clicks tightly shut when you want food to keep in the fridge.  Better yet, they don't melt in the dishwasher and each lid still fits airtight!  They come in square, circular or oval designs and can stack inside of each other for easy storage. 

My husband loves them because I no longer constantly transfer food from cheap plastic containers to proper dishes and then waste hot water washing both.  Now, I can use the same dish for storage, reheating and serving, then rinse it out before sticking it in the dishwasher. I won't need to throw them out anytime soon, but when I do, they're recyclable. 

I suspect that in the amount of time I've had them, they've saved me hours of work.  A few minutes a day and a few dollars a month may be worth your time too.  Check out their website for more information:  Cleverwareusa.com.

Wow! Busted Tees is offering 100 shirts for $10 each. If you aren't familiar with Busted Tees, take a look around. Since 2004, they've been selling some of the best tee shirts and hoodies online, at Urban Outfitters, Filene's, and anywhere worth shopping.

Busted prints their unique graphics on American Apparel soft cotton tees. AA makes the finest tees in the world; manufactured entirely in Los Angeles by the highest paid workers in the garment industry. (Blank tees from AA cost over $10.)

With thousands of graphic/slogan options, you're likely to find yourself a new favorite tee. For $10 each, maybe you'll find two or three. Busted Tees offers cheap shipping and FREE returns/exchanges if you pick up the wrong size. The sale ends Jan 18th at midnight in somebody's timezone.
 
Get yours here.

In three decades, I've yet to turn a single New Year's resolution into a success. My problem seems to be that I choose resolutions that are no fun to stick with. This year I'm going the distance. I'm not going to try to improve my diet or exercise more frequently, I've resolved to learn a new skill: home brewing.

If you've never brewed beer before, allow me to introduce you to the quick-start guide: Mr. Beer Home Brew Kits. Mr. Beer makes a comprehensive home brew kit that literally takes all the guess work out of the brew process. For as little as $40, you'll get all the essential tools, ingredients, and a recipe to brew and bottle 2 gallons of the good stuff. Once you've gotten your feet wet (and your whistle), head back to MrBeer.com for kit refills, new recipes, additional gear, and a healthy community of brewmasters and aficionados who can help you dial in your next batch.

Brewing beer is a relatively easy process and a barrel of fun, literally. With the right tools and a good recipe, you need only time, patience, and a bit of good hygiene to produce your own artisan craft brews. If you love beer, do yourself a favor a plunk down a couple twenties.  Brewing is a great way to to learn about and deepen your appreciation for your current favorites. If you time it right, you'll have your craft down just in time to debut your masterpiece at your first summer barbecue.

Mr. Beer's kits range from $40-$150, at $59.95 the Premium gold is a great entry package, with enough equipment to get you started, and mix for your first 2 batches.

Having been a competitive swimmer for 26 years (I started when I was six and never stopped), I'm thrilled with the acclaim that the 2008 U.S. Olympic swim team received.  Like the rest of the world, I was amazed by the outstanding performances of Michael Phelps, Dara Torres and many others.  Their achievements have spurred an incredible spike in participation, not just in swimming, but also in triathlons.  Consequently, a female friend recently asked me if  'those fancy suits that the Olympians wore' are the best suits for distance oriented events.  'Those' suits (called Fastskins or LZR Racers) are built for incredible speed, are highly technical, more than skin tight, expensive, and NOT built for triathlons, distance swimming or training. *(If you want more info on the cool technology behind Fastskins...check out SpeedoUsa.)

Fortunately, Speedo has also mastered the art of the training and distance swimsuit.  While other companies have joined the ranks of swimming and triathlete gear in the last 2 or 3 decades, Speedo still takes home top prize with their Endurance line of swimsuits. 

The Endurance comes in basic colors, or patterns and does not fade.  With both types of shoulder straps (skinny and thick), Speedo makes a suit built for any body type.  In my experience, the polyester and nylon blended material takes close to half a year of heavy use to fade or deteriorate in pool, lake and/or ocean water (vs. the old lycra suits that would fade in a matter of weeks).  Best of all, you can often find the Endurance line selling at a discount online or at your local sporting goods store (don't spend more than $55).

The first of the year is a great time to start a workout regime, join a new sport or plan your next triathlon.  Pick up your Speedo Endurance suit to get ready!

I know there are many who extol the virtues of Apple's flagship over and over again.  I am not one of those, but not because the iPod isn't a great product (it obviously reinvented the music player market and put Apple at the top of its game).  Even someone who hasn't had the pleasure of using one can see that.  But I'm kind of about being down on the man (or at least not being down with one man to rule them all), and let's be honest, as much as Apple wishes it was the anti-man, when it comes to music, Apple is the man.

 

Enter Sandisk, and their wonderful Sansa line of mp3 players.  I've had the pleasure of owning the mid-sized Fuze (a reference to the melding of their smaller Clip and its big brother the View), for a while now and I have to say, I love it.  It sounds great (even better with non-OEM earphones - a pitfall of any mp3 player), looks great, has a simple and intuitive interface, and holds gobs of music.  I purchased the largest capacity Fuze, which has 8 gigs of onboard memory.  But here's the kicker, and what makes the Fuze truly great: it has an available micro SDHC slot, which allows you to expand the memory!  I added an 8 gig card, giving me a total of 16 gigs. Add the newly released Sandisk 16 gig micro SDHC card, and you could go as high as 24 gigs of memory! 

I average anywhere from 20-25 hours of music play on one charge, depending on the bit rate at which you encode, or about 5 hours of video if you so desire (although the screen's a bit small for video playback).  Oh, and you don't have to install iTunes to make it work, either.

The 8 Gb Fuze clocks in at a very reasonable $90-$100, and you can buy it online at Amazon or at your local electronics store if you prefer.