There are many things in this world that are strong and powerful. But more specifically, there are certain animals that have an amazingly strong bite. Statistically, the Tasmanian devil has the strongest bite to size ratio.

Others on the list include the Alligator, the Grey wolf, and the Hyena. Number 8 on the list is the Brown Bear. It can puncture metal cans and crush bones with ease. Living in Alaska, these strong jawed bruins are frequently seen, and are prevalent on the Alaska Peninsula. Especially when there is a fresh moose kill involved, which is what we had at the end of a successful Moose hunting season. We were packing up, and  I had unknowingly left my Nalgene bottle at the lodge as we closed down for the winter.

Upon arrival at the lodge the following spring, we found that it was broken into by bears. They had torn apart and bitten into everything, including all of the food cans and propane bottles. Along with all those items was my trusty Nalgene bottle. It also got bitten. However, unlike the propane bottles that were burst and punctured, my bottle survived. Although it got five punctures from the bears jaws, only one hole managed to break through only slightly. I was amazed at how well it held up. I still use it today.

The Nalgene water bottle is a staple on all outdoor adventures and daily treks alike, and now I understand why. They pride themselves on functionality and durability, and I believe them whole heartedly.

Thanks Nalgene for making such great products.

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I found out about the event last year, after my brother, Josiah Ness, was asked to be a model for the fashion show portion. I offered to take pictures, and put our Canon 7D to good use. The pictures can be viewed here.  The event lasts two days in January each year and hosts companies from around Idaho to display their services that aid in the accomplishment of a successful wedding day. It is a difficult process to get a spot in the show, due to the voting process that takes place to grant access to the vendors. This makes it difficult for businesses to get in to display, but ensures that those that are represented will be tried and true.

This year, Josiah was asked to model again, but was able to get my sister Naomi and I signed up to walk the runway as well. The owner of TMTV talent, Tina, got a hold of us, and arranged the details for the event. We got fitted for our outfits from various local Tuxedo shops and Wedding Gown stores, and when the weekend arrived I was nervous. But everything came together well and we all had a great time, getting to display some fancy threads. Since I was not behind the camera this year, we had a friend of ours take photos of the event.

[Show as slideshow]

Although this was definitely out of my comfort zone, especially for an Alaskan Guide, but it was still fun to do an event such as this with family and friends, and try something new.

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Although many of those may never hit the top, or even make millions, there is an amazing 574,607 apps available for download. So with so many options out there, I have found several that have helped me out in many ways. Some to manage tasks, some to view files, some to just pass time. But i figured I would share some of my top picks, that maybe you have heard of, maybe you haven’t. Even if you do not use iPhone, many of these apps are available on android and other platforms as well. I am always looking for new apps and insights though, so please comment or share some of your favorites as well.

Wunderlist & Wunderkit

When we can stay on task, and Get Things Done, we are productive and our mind is free to think and dream. But many times we do not make use of the great tools out there to help us do this because the tools are not practical enough or they are too complicated to actually be of any help. 6 WunderKinder set out to solve this with Wunderlist. The app just reached 2 million downloads, on a free platform has helped people manage tasks that sync between desktop, online, and mobile. Although the features are very limited, it is functional, and good looking. They recently released Wunderkit, which takes the task management to a new level, while still keeping its elegance and good looks. They are both worth a try, even if just to gaze upon their color schemes and design. But strangely enough, that fact keeps me using both, which in turn helps me get things done.

Mint.com

Setting up a budget and keeping track of money has never been so easy, or good looking. Mint.com is not only an iPhone app, but it is also online accessible from anywhere. It uses the same security of top level banks to keep your info safe, and although it does not allow you to make any changes to your bank accounts from the app itself, it allows you to track your spending, and establish budgets. Although it may not be something we enjoy doing all the time, our finances are important and this app makes it fun, and free.

Soundhound:

Have you ever been in a restaurant, and wondered what song was on the radio? Well as the saying goes, there’s an app for that, actually there’s several. It is not the first app of it’s kind, but I have really come to like Soundhound. Although not as commonly known as Shazam, it has great features that give you the option to buy the song on iTunes, send the song to others, and view the lyrics. And of course it’s free.

Full Fitness:

It amazes me when other people can do what seems like hundreds of different work outs, and remember how much weight they would lift for each one, how many repetitions or sets, and what each workout entails, I guess it comes with time. Me on the other hand, am pretty new at this whole fitness and work out thing. This last year was the first time joining a gym and really focusing on staying in shape and building muscle. But when I found out about this app from my brother I was blown away. You can do so many things with it, from designing your workouts, selecting exercises based on a specific muscle group, to tracking your progress over time. So for those out there like me that want to stay on track but can’t do it in their head, I suggest this app. Almost like a personal trainer, it will do it all for you, except get you out the door and to the gym, that’s still up to you.

Craigslist Mobile:

I spend a good chunk of time on Craigslist, not only searching for good deals, but also selling items, even more than ebay, since it’s free. Thanks to this app, my time spent shopping and selling is more productive, and easy. You can search for a specific item, filter it by categories, and when you get the long list of items it gives a picture preview of what you are looking at and highlights the price on the right side. This eliminates you having to click on every ad to see if it is what you are looking for. Another great feature is the option to star an item to your favorites. That way you can narrow it down to exactly what you are looking for and then go back through your favorites. And when it comes to posting items, the process is simplified and allows you to add pictures from your phone and manage your posts. All in all it is extremely useful. Even though it does remind me of something in the 70′s.

Photosynth:

You may think of a word that you learned years ago in biology class, but this is so much more than that. Basically this app allows you to take panoramas, except you are not limited to the number of pictures, so you can create a picture of your entire surroundings. It does all of the stitching for you. just point and start clicking, covering as much area as you want, and afterwards crop it to your desired size. I would say this has got to be one of the best things Microsoft has put out, and there is only one version, and it’s free, don’t know how they pulled that off. So check it out, you can even post the pictures to bing maps and share them with others, but that would just be another extra feature they decided to add that no one wants to use.

Anyway, I hope you found these interesting and gave you some ideas of apps that could stand testing. Please comment and let me know what you think, and share your own App-titude. I am sure out of the half a million out there, there are some jewels still waiting to be found.

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This last fall I had the privilege of producing a video of some of the WWAMI graduates currently located in Alaska. It was showcased at the program’s 40th Anniversary event in September 2011. The footage was captured with the Canon 7D, and the Nikon D90 by Judy Patrick of Judy Patrick Photography. The video was welled received, and upon completion of the project, the representatives from WWAMI wanted individual videos produced of each person featured in the video. The following videos are the individual videos of four individuals that have been through the WWAMI program, and are now actively practicing in various locations throughout Alaska. Portions of the videos were used in a video produced at the University of Washington (click here to view).

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No matter how carefully you plan your goals, they will never be more than pipe dreams unless you pursue them with gusto.”

—W. Clement Stone

I have learned several times before that in all areas of life, especially business, that you have to have a Purpose, Vision, Philosophy, Mission, and an Action Plan. However, (5 steps of alignment) I did not apply it to my personal plan for my life. Although it seemed like an obvious connection, I just did not solidify it for myself. Until the end of this last year, when I heard about Creating Your Life Plan, by Michael Hyatt (Click here to download) from a close friend and mentor. I began to read through it, and immediately realized that it was something I needed to do. As I began to get the information translated from this outline into an actual plan to follow, I really got motivated. There is something empowering about getting to look ahead, and set goals for where you want to be down the road, and have an action plan to follow to help you get there. So maybe you already use an action/life plan to stay on track for the year, but if you don’t, I would encourage you to give it a shot. Take some time, evaluate where you are, and where you would like to be, and see the change that takes place. I am not guaranteeing results, but how you start something, is how you will finish it. Happy New Year everyone!

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This was the first day, of an overnight camping trip to the North end of Lake Clark, aptly named Little Lake Clark.  It connects to the main Lake Clark by ways of a channel, which can be dangerous, but navigable by those that know the way. Our first stop was Cave Falls, which we made quick work of scaling and then descending. The view there was breathtaking, but bad rock formations kept us from attempting the rappel at that location. So we descended the trail with minds on fishing to come and other waterfalls to explore. Once back in the boat, lunch was broke, and water placed behind us, we arrived at a few fishing holes. Grayling, Lake Trout, and Dolly Varden graced not only our poles many times that night, but also our plates. However an oddity occurred upon that trip. Whilst skinning on of the aforementioned lake trout, inspection of the stomach revealed fat and claws, which combined became a porcupine foot. It was a strange sight to say the least. It must have been a good meal for the trout.

That night stories were told around the campfire, and rest for the weary was accomplished. We started the morning with French Press, healthy pancakes, and bear sausage. That got us going. Due to mixed priorities and scrambling skills, our group split, but we still managed to scale on of the very promising locations for the long awaited water fall rappel. It took quite the scouting process and adventure traverse to gain the top of the Water falling sight. But once we made it there, we jumped right into putting together gear and donning harnesses for safety and necessity. We used 6 cams and nuts to attach the main line to the wall, and wrapping a tree, so there was no possibility for failure. Safety first is a good saying any time.

  So as the story began, I was the first to test things out, and I was very pleased to be out there, not just that, but being on rocks, out there, which is a whole new level of enjoyment when you involve the created with the creation. It went smoothly, and as soon as  I touched the ground, I was scrambling to get back up on the rock, not only to continue the exhilaration, but also to reset the system for the following rappels. The two that were with me, Anna and Ryan were new to this as well, and although some experience was behind them, the magnitude of the event was daunting.  They both caught on quick and I believe have a new perspective on the whole rappelling + waterfall adventures. No one got hurt and we made it down safely, so that always equals a grand success in my book. Chock that one up for future adventures. Who said Canyoneering is only possible in warmer locations.

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1. The Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan is the only school in the world offering a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing.

2. New York City has 722 miles of subway track.

3. In 1807 The Clermont made its maiden voyage from New York City to Albany making the vessel the first successful steamboat.

4. The “New York Post” established in 1803 by Alexander Hamilton is the oldest running newspaper in the United States.

5. The first capital of the United States was New York City. In 1789 George Washington took his oath as president on the balcony at Federal Hall.

6. The first presentation of 3D films before a paying audience took place at Manhattan’s Astor Theater on June 10, 1915.

7. Gennaro Lombardi opened the first United States pizzeria in 1895 in New York City.

8. On July 28, 1945 an Army Air Corps B-25 crashed into the Empire State Building at the 79th floor level.

9. The Big Apple is a term coined by musicians meaning to play the big time.

10. New York was the first state to require license plates on cars.

The reason for this discussion about the largest city populous in the United States is my brother and I had the privilege of visiting our sister Naomi a few weeks ago in New Jersey. She lives  just a stones throw from the Manhattan skyline. Ok, maybe a long stones throw, but it’s close by. The fall season was moving in, causing crisp evenings, but gorgeous sunny days with mild temps. It was a perfect walking and commuting weather. Abbie, another sister, (we have five) joined up with us for the weekend of our stay, allowing for a generous amount of family city experiences that tend to get less and less as our ages advance.

Since we had visited before, we were able to take less of a touristy approach to our daily activities. So rather than visting the Top of the Rock we were escorted to the upper floors of the New York Times Building by a cousins’, husband’s, college buddy. A different perspective of the city skyline. We spent a day in Central Park, but not peddling one of the many two wheeled vehicles, but rather rock climbing and free running on the large expanse of rocks and play grounds near Columbus Circle. We had many strange looks. We traversed the High Line Park, although it was a short jaunt, it was gorgeous. Anytime I could get a break from the busy city I was grateful. An afternoon spent with creative director of City Bible Church NY NJ Bryan Bettis was one of the highlights. It’s not so much what your get to see, but it’s the people you meet and grow relationships with. Visiting Ground Zero, and the World Trade Center Memorial was amazing. It was a moving experience, and brought to rememberance that tragic day ten years ago, but in a good way. We did of course do some touristy things, I mean you cannot go without bargaining for wares at China Town, which we did, gaining an odd satisfaction from being the “Name Your Own price” guy from commercials.

Not only did we have a splendid city experience, but we also were able to capture the vibrance and action with video and photos. Some of those things are included in this post. Others we will have to wait a bit longer for. We used the Canon 7D for most of the filming, but we also used the Go Pro Hero, for some of the travel and Time lapse stuff. All in all it was a successful trip, with results in epic camera shots captured, and a positive family travel experience endured. A great growth for all.

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Hyde Park Street Fair from Trevor Alexander on Vimeo.

So, back to the thoughts of movies. If you were one who has wondered if it was possible to be part of making a movie, or even just helping one take place, this is your chance. Not only to see a local film grow, but to actually be a part and contribute to its success. So yes that does mean that we are asking for your support, but the awesome part about it is that it is so easy to do, and every little bit helps. So here’s the “Skinny”. If you would like to contribute financially, please check out our Kickstarter campaign, where you can find out more about all aspects of the film, the people involved, as well as the process of gifting money to the project. You can give whatever amount you desire. There are however, incentives involved. Such as a full copy of the finished film, or original artwork etc, for the different amounts given. Again all of the info is on the Kickstarter page to read more. How it works is we have 60 days to raise $1500. If we reach our goal then the money goes to the film, but if the goal is not met then we get none of it. So please consider helping us out in this endeavor to create a local film that we plan to take to film festivals and represent Idaho, and the creative atmosphere that it holds so close. You can also find us on Facebook as well, at http://www.facebook.com/skinnylovethemovie

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, and I will be keeping you all updated as things progress.

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The rain falls, but with an icy chill forming rather than a refreshing. The air hangs in tension, with signs of snow on every corner. Mountain tops putting on winter caps of crystallized h2o. The wind packs a stronger punch, with temperature dropping force that cuts deeply. Birds are becoming scarce, heading for lower 48 vacation homes. Bears begin to think about dens with a view. Winter time is rapidly approaching in Alaska. It is different though, because it is the first time in 8 years that I have not been in Alaska for this changing of seasons. It is unfortunate, because the fall transition is so vibrant and colorful in the Last Frontier. However, in exchange for the lack of Alaska time, I have been able to see the transition in Idaho for the first time in 8 years, and spend it with family and friends. So it’s a trade off. But being absent does not keep my mind from wandering back to the vast mountain ranges and valleys, screaming of adventure. Watching The Art of FLIGHT conjured up the imagination of riding effortlessly down the mountain faces chased by cascading avalanches. A good friend in Port Alsworth actually started a helicopter operation, and is making the dream more like reality. But all that being said, I am apart from the North Land, and have to rely upon my mind and local adventure. Although the latter has not failed me, and its kept the tempo upbeat and adventure flowing, so I am thankful.

So since I have been thinking about changing seasons and Alaska, I began to think of how I could apply these thoughts to my current situation besides just day dreams. What came up is the correlation between the mountains and daily life. I am in the process of setting new goals for this transition season in my life, and there are many mountains involved. But I have been learning many things during the process. We go through our days, sometimes in a valley, sometimes on the top of a mountain. But during that time, what is our mind on? Are we thinking only about where we are currently, or are we thinking about where we could be. What is the reason we are in the valley, if that is the case. Many times our view is obstructed by things around us, and keeps us stuck where we are because we cannot see past it. But rather than being stuck only looking at the situation, we should be looking at the end goal, to get a vision of where we really want and should be. We must rise above the tops of the mountains around us, even if just for a moment to see the goal and know that it is possible to get there.

Our focus must then come back to the here and now, back to the ground. It’s a balance between keeping our sight on the goal, and also focusing on the process to get there. So then we need action, a game plan to get to the goal. So we have to ask, what is keeping us from getting there? Are there mountains in front of us? If so, is it a mountain that can be moved? The Bible talks about having faith to move a mountain (Matthew 17:20). So if it’s an obstacle that is in you that has to change, or an opposition, then you can have faith to believe that it will move. However, some mountains are in front of us that must be climbed. It may take a long time but if you have scaled a mountain, no matter how big, you know it takes time and effort but the result is a feeling hard to match. Afterward you are stronger and energized to continue. You may have to go back down the other side again only to climb another one, but it is the process me must follow. Our lives are full of changes in elevation, and surroundings, but we do it to reach the goal in the end. If you don’t have an end goal, then its simple, make some. You will never know how you are doing, or if you have grown, if you don’t have goals to accomplish and complete. Then have a plan to accomplish them that you can handle. But when it gets hard to continue, or the mountain seems too tall, get your view above the tops of the mountains, to see the goal again. Although you can’t skip the process to get there, it will remind you that the goal is still there, and give you a vision to accomplish it.

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