One essay at a time: Check in on

Western Iowa, where I live, is prone to severe weather events, including tornadoes, derechos, blizzards, and flooding. These hazards can rapidly disrupt critical infrastructure, making reliable communication both a challenge and a necessity. A robust P.A.C.E. (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) communications plan is essential for families, organizations, and emergency responders…

In recent years, the concepts of “overlanding” and “bugging out” have gained popularity among adventure enthusiasts and survivalists. While both involve travel and self-sufficiency, they…

As most everybody who knows me will attest, I am a HUGE fan of Szechuan cuisine. I love the Ma-La (cf. below) in most Szechuan…

Camping next to a river or creek can be a serene and rewarding experience, offering the soothing sounds of flowing water and the opportunity for…

Cooking is an essential part of daily life, and the choice of cookware can significantly impact both the quality of food and health. While chemically-coated…

I’m Alain, a professional fine art landscape photographer, videographer, and educator, often travelling off-road to get to great photography locations.