Red 11: A film by Robert Rodriguez that you were never meant to see, just like El Mariachi

Red 11: A film by Robert Rodriguez that you were never meant to see, just like El Mariachi

This is not a review per se as much as a revelation perhaps, the realization that everything comes full circle at some point in life. 

In 1996, my college roommates were into movies such as Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction and when the Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez film From Dust til Dawn came out, we saw that as well.  It was a good movie.  My tastes were a bit different in the old days.  In fact, I really didn't see too many movies in the theater.  I didn't know anything about Rodriguez at the time so it wasn't until 2004 when his name popped up again. 

I was going through a rough time in my life.  I ended up discovering the world of paid medical research studies and moving to Austin, Texas.   You go in and take some drugs and leave with a check.  It wasn't a bad deal at all.  It was then when Rodriguez's name surface as a bit of an urban legend.  It was purported that he partially financed his first film, El Mariachi at the very research clinic I was at.  I had to look up his name on IMDB and was intrigued to find out he co-directed From Dust till Dawn.  It was also odd to discover that Office Space, another movie I saw years back that was filmed in Austin. 

After 15 years of doing medical research studies, I ended up volunteering for my 4th year at SXSW.  I am now a movie lover and enjoy seeing movies at SXSW as you might never see them again.  I had often wondered if Rodriguez would ever make a film about medical research but I need wonder no more.  During my first run through of the schedule, nothing really stood out.  When I had more time on the toilet, I was delighted to see that Robert Rodriguez was premiering a film call Red 11 which was about medical research.   He was also giving a preview of his upcoming Film School docuseries on his network El Rey.  This series pays homage to his humble beginnings and shows the viewers what it takes to make a film for $7000.  At the same time, he decided to actually film a project while it was not intended to be a complete film nor be seen by people.  Where had we heard that before?  In other words, one could watch this series and shoot a high quality low budget film tomorrow. 

Without giving away any plot points to Red 11, this is a film that people like myself and other lab rats (medical research volunteers) will find amusing and funny.   However, even people who have never heard of medical research can certainly get into the film.  But the real gem is the acting and production.  Without knowing that this film was made for $7000, you would have thought it was a big budget film.  $5 million maybe?  But it goes to show how a lot of creativity and ingenuity can go a long ways. 

The biggest thing I enjoy about SXSW is that most directors and key crew are at the premiers and usually answer some questions from the audience.  This year it seemed like the hosts fielded most of the questions but it's interesting to hear more about the process of making the films.  Robert Rodriguez did not disappoint!  During the preview of his docuseries, he shared many tips and tricks for making mesmerizing effects for no budget as he calls it.  In an age when many directors opt for special effects and green screen, Rodriguez showed how practical effects are still convincing and budget friendly for the budding filmmaker. 

Whether or not this film gets distributed widely, I'd suspect that it will air on his network at some point.  If the run time listed was correct, the movie is a tad short in my opinion.  Shorter than the original Toy Story.  But, Red 11 was actually filmed for roughly $5500 so Rodriguez could certainly shoot a few more scenes, expand on a character or two and still stay under $7000 while getting the movie up to at least 90 minutes which is on the low end of the spectrum. 

How to get cheap airfares and save money while flying

I had an empty row in Main Cabin Select on Virgin America.  Free upgrade due to Alaska MVP status.  A few passengers attempted to sit there but were asked for $150.  

I travel a lot and unlike the old days, flying is generally cheaper than the train or Greyhound.

While flying can be expensive, it all depends on how much you value your time.


1.  Be loyal to one airline -
If you're a frequent traveler, try to only fly on one airline and its codeshare partners.  In the long run, it could benefit you with elite status, upgrades to first class, free checked bags, priority boarding AND free flights.  But if you're just an occasional traveler or once a year, then the airline choice is not important.  But on that note, there are two distinct types of airlines.  Discount and legacy airlines.  Discount airlines like Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant offer rock bottom fares but charge for everything else like choosing seats, printing tickets, checked AND carry on bags and more.  However, even the legacy airlines like Alaska, American Airlines, Delta and United also charge for some of the aforementioned things but usually have better on time performance.  Most of the legacy carriers have introduced base tickets to compete with the discount airlines so be very careful when checking out so you can understand any possible fees you may encounter.
Southwest falls in the middle but ultimately comes down to how far in advance you can book.  While there's no fees for the first two checked bags, the lowest fares are released 6 months out and only go up.  If you travel last minute like me, Southwest will not work out most of the time but it's certainly worth a look.


2.  Don't check fares too much unless you're ready to buy -
Fares go up and down all the time and there's worse feeling than finding the fare you saw yesterday is now $200 more today.  But when you're ready, use an aggregator like ITA Matrix to find the lowest fares and also have a looksie at southwest as they do not publish fares on 3rd party sites.


3.  Book two one-way tickets -
Sometimes you can save money by flying on different airlines for each leg.  Also, should a problem arise and you need to change a date, both legs won't be affected.  Almost all fares carry large fees to change tickets (any change, date, name, time of flight) and in many cases, it's cheaper to buy a new ticket.  I have had to abandon many tickets but ultimately it was cheaper to just buy a new ticket. 


4.  Be flexible on dates and airports -
While this may not be practical for everyone, it can save a lot of money.  Departing on a nearby date can save a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.  Departing from a nearby airport can also save money.  If you won't be driving, you could depart and return from different airports for maximum savings potential.  Of course, there's risk involved with traveling to nearby airports as you still have to get to those airports.  Using a site like ITA Matrix by Google can allow you to search nearby airports up to thousands of miles which can be useful for international travel but could also allow you to visit other cities you have never been to.
Just remember direct flights generally cost more than connecting flights but that can always change.  Airlines lower certain fares on certain routes to balance out the flights so when there's an empty flight, that fare might go down and if there's a near full flight, the fare goes up.
This is also important for international travel.  Most direct flights operate once a day which means that there are limited seats to begin with.  If a connecting flight is offered, it will be routed on emptier flights.  You may add several hours of travel time but you might add several bills to your wallet.


5.  Sleep at the airport -
Again, not for everyone but sometimes the cheapest flights depart early in the morning or late at night and or arrive at odd hours.  I don't drive and rely on public transportation so this works out for me as it saves a night in a hotel.  Most airports are open 24 hours (ticketing and baggage area) and as long as you have proof of your ticket, you shouldn't be bothered.  Just keep your valuables secured.


6.  Volunteer to give up your seat -
Pack carry on only.  This may not work for everyone but this allows you to be more flexible and nimble in the event your flight is oversold.  You can get vouchers for future travel and occasionally cash for giving up your seat and taking a later flight.  Passengers with no connections and no checked luggage are chosen first as it's faster and easier for the airline to bump you.


7.  Check the calendar -
If you're finding the fares not to your liking, there may be a reason.  Check to see if there's a major convention in town, major sporting event or maybe it's spring break.  Know the times of the year when people travel. 3 day weekends, holidays, spring break, winter break and summer.  Try to avoid these times but if you must travel, book at least 3 months ahead.  Fares just go up during the high demand periods.  Just remember you're not the only one trying to go somewhere!


8.  Book directly through the airline -
While I do use ITA Matrix to locate my desired fare as it's very effective, I ALWAYS book through the airline directly.  Why?  Because there's less chance for errors, lost itinaries and fraud.  When you go searching all willy nilly for 'cheap airfare' and you find something that looks too good to be true, IT IS.  If you're a frequent flier member, you'll always want to book directly to ensure you're getting your benefits and earning miles.


9.  Be nice -
While this really isn't a tip to save money, it's just good manners and can go a long ways when your flight is delayed or cancelled.  Agents are much more willing to help you when you're polite and understanding.  Yes, they know it sucks to have the carpet pulled out from under you and you have a big meeting in Sausalito tomorrow but sometimes it's just out of their control and they will get you to your destination as soon as possible.  Ask if there's any other routes you could take, fee based seats such as preferred seating, premium economy or first class.  It might be easier to pay a small fee than wait.  Lastly, you could always throw in 'is rule 240 applicable?'  Rule 240 is an unofficial program that is still used by most airlines.  Simply put, it states that if your original flight is delayed and or cancelled and there's another airline with non-stop service that can get you there sooner than your airline AND there are open seats, your airline could put you on that flight.  There are a few more rules of course but if your delay is more the 3 hours, start tossing around rule 240.  Weather related delays and cancellations are not covered.  Also, there has to be another airline serving the exact same route.


Thanks for slugging through my ramblings and hopefully you found something that you could use.  With airlines merging and going bankrupt, it's becoming more of a sellers market, IE the airlines have you by the neck because there's few or no other choices.  It's a bummer because competition is good for the consumer.

Safe travels!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Visit my and subscribe to my youtube channel!

https://www.youtube.com/user/justanotherlabrat

Visit my ETSY shop!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/theTAILlor

All photos taken by Paul Clough.  

© All Rights Reserved.  Please contact for permission to use photos.

Alaskan Brewing Company Beer Tasting in Juneau

Whether you've had Alaskan Brewing Co beer at home (you can find it in 19 states) or you had it on your cruise ship or vacation in Alaska, chances are you're a fan and would like to learn more about the company.  If you happen to visit Juneau, you can visit the brewery and participate in a beer tasting.  It's not a tour per se, sort of along the lines as Samuel Adams in Boston but more of a history along with several samples.

The brewery is located at 5429 Shaune Drive which is in the Lemon Creek area, between Juneau and Auke Bay.  You can get to it by local bus 3 or 4 from downtown or Auke Bay or you can take a shuttle from the Alaskan Brewery Depot (gift shop, no beer) at 219 S. Franklin Street for $20.  It's still $20 if you get there on your own accord so whatever is most convenient for you.  

Tastings start at the top of the hour and last about 35 to 40 minutes.  Most people come through the shuttle but some are walk ins.  You'll be ushered into the private tasting room which was part of the original brewery.  A brewer will give you a history of the brewery, how it started and how it got to where it is today while serving you three 4 ounce samples of the most popular brews.  Upon conclusion, you'll receive four bottle caps which entitle you to four more samples in the taproom which is the main room and gift shop.  You'll be able to try common brews to limited runs and even rough drafts which are not commercially available.  Also, if they have mystery beers, those are available without using your precious bottle caps.   

All said and done, you'll get up seven 4 ounce pours plus maybe a bonus or two if there are mystery taps.  That's roughly 2 and a half pints and depending on where you go, you'd spend that much anyhow but would miss out on the informative history.  I enjoyed my tasting and got out of my comfort zone of Alaskan White.  They had a smoked porter which I will have to look for when I get back to Texas.  A few people were in a rush to get back on their shuttles and I ended up with a few extra bottle caps which make a nice souvenir.  Or maybe I used them..  Muhahahaha! 

You can also buy souvenirs, get your growler filled, buy cases of beer and kegs (if you'll be in town awhile).

This is a popular and inexpensive actively for cruise ship passengers and fits in well with the schedules.  Visit their site for more information, hours and to see if you can buy their beer where you live. 

https://alaskanbeer.com/visit/

During the summer, it's open 7 days a week but closed on Sundays during the winter.

There are some other tour groups that include this tasting as well in their packages so you might couple this with other popular attractions such as the Mount Roberts Tram, a whale watching tour or Mendenhall visitor's center.

This is also a great stop if you're in an RV and need to stop by Costco which is nearby.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Visit my and subscribe to my youtube channel!

https://www.youtube.com/user/justanotherlabrat

Visit my ETSY shop!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/theTAILlor

All photos taken by Paul Clough.  

© All Rights Reserved.  Please contact for permission to use photos.

Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak Review

I bought this inflatable kayak made by Intex a few weeks ago.  I've taken it out 3 times so far and love it.  

Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak by Intex

I bought mine at Academy Sports & Outdoors for $69.99.  It comes with the kayak, air pump, 84 inch paddle, some repair patches and a carrying case.

My first impression is that this is well built.  It's heavy, about 30 pounds.  It's not a cheap pool toy!  It's made of a pvc/rubber material that feels thick.  Intex makes inflatable swimming pools so they know a thing or two about inflatable products!  

The included instructions are a bit confusing but here's all you need to know.  

1.  Unroll kayak on ground.  Make sure there are no debris or rocks.

2.  Pump up chamber 1.  It's inside the kayak on the right side.  Make sure you screw the main valve and only open the top cap.  These are Boston Valves which allow fast deflation and easy inflation.

There is a clear ruler included.  There is a measuring guide next to the valve.  Don't over inflate!

3.  Pump up chamber 2. It's on top on the back.  The measuring guide is to the right of the valve. 

4.  Inflate the green footrest/support.  There is a tip on the pump hose that will fit the footrest and seat.  Don't over inflate.  This goes inside to the front of the kayak.  This provides some stiffness on the front and makes sure your feet don't go too far up. 

5.  Inflate seat.  2 chambers.  Install seat.  There is velcro on the floor of the kayak and the bottom of the seat.  Curl the top section of the seat inside of kayak and clip in straps to floor of the kayak. 

6.  Don't install the Skeg (plastic fin) until you're ready to go.  The rounded point should be facing the rear.  Make sure the fin clips into the base.  It should not come out. 

7.  Assemble the paddle.  You can offset one side for better ergonomics if you want.  

8.  Set in water and get in!  There is space behind the seat (though you'll have to put that stuff in before you install the seat and won't be able to access it.  This is a good place to put the pump and carrying case.  On the front, there is a nice cargo net that can accommodate a backpack and or small cooler. 

Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak by Intex in the water

The kayak feels stable.  Just don't lean too far to the right or the left.  There are some complaints that the kayak doesn't track well.  I found this to be true but not a huge issue.  Just make sure your weight and any cargo is evenly distributed.  That should help. 

It's not a fast kayak but that's not why I bought it.  I bought it to sort of lounge around and relax.  

That said, the paddles are a little on the short side which makes for uneven strokes at times.  You could certainly buy a new paddle if you wanted.  

When it's time to pack up, I find that releasing the air on top first helps.  It takes about 5 minutes for each chamber to deflate fully.  You'll need to hold the top up while deflating the bottom chamber.  I find that folding the sides of the kayak in and then folding from one end works well.  The included carrying bag is not the best.  There are only handles and no should strap.  I had an old wheeled duffel bag lying around and use that.  It works great.  

A little snug but overall comfortable

All in all, for $70, this kayak can't be beat.  I've enjoyed the few times I've been out.  Since I don't own a car, a traditional kayak is out of the question and I've looked at kayak rentals and rowing club memberships but owning the kayak was more appealing to me. If you have some extra money lying around and live near water, this is a great deal.  

Of all the complaints that I've read about this kayak, it's mainly quirky minor issues but rarely the actual build quality of the kayak.

Here's an update from my 5th trip out!

Got the inflation and deflation routine down.  Usually in the water in about 10 minutes and packed up in 15.  

* Don't forget your safety equipment.  Any public river, lake, reservoir or other body of water in the US require that kayak users have a USCG Type I,II or III life jacket (1 for solo kayaks and 2 for tandems) and a whistle. Also check with state and local restrictions.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Visit my and subscribe to my youtube channel!

https://www.youtube.com/user/justanotherlabrat

Visit my ETSY shop!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/theTAILlor

All photos taken by Paul Clough.  

© All Rights Reserved.  Please contact for permission to use photos.