Phil Houtz

Scientists Reveal True Face of Jesus…and He Had a Mullet

At last scientists have discovered the real face of Jesus. Broad features, dark skin and an expression that says “really? This is what you guys have spent the last five years studying?” The clincher is the hair. Leviticus says that ye shall not round the corners of your head. And the Apostle Paul says men

bates motel movie set

The 5 Worst Places to Stay in America

Who plans a crummy vacation? If you’re like most people you check out the travel guides, Google the internets and browse through the Pinterests looking for the best places to vacation. That kind of thinking is only going to leave you disappointed. Instead I say shoot for the worst travel destinations and if they turn

The Best Places to See Nature in Every State

Business Insider has a run-down of all 50 states with The Most Breathtaking Natural Wonders in Every State. Some of the suggestions are obvious – in Colorado you go to Pike’s Peak of course. But some of the recommendations are a bit provocative. When in Delaware go see the cypress swamps. 50 states, 50 natural

Top 20 Best Places to Camp in California

The Huffington Post lists their picks for must-do adventures in California. There are some great spots on the list, even if it is a little heavy on campsites and hot springs. I’m a little surprised to see Two Harbors on the list – I think I’d opt for camping on Anacapa Island instead. That said,

”Human Beings Are Wired to Find Peace in Nature” … Honestly?

I pretty much take it as fact that human beings have not evolved to run on concrete. It kinda makes sense that scrambling over boulders and swinging from trees are better exercise for micro-muscles than are gym machines. And I can mostly accept that our digestive systems have not evolved to handle processed foods. But

Improve Your Situational Awareness: the Secret Art of Sideview Mirrors

If you spend any time on the 101 freeway through Los Angeles you know that “situational awareness” is your key to survival. And your sideview mirrors are the key to knowing what is going on around you at all times as you drive. But most people don’t have their sideview mirrors adjusted correctly. The technique I learned

The Two Types of Clutter: Misplaced Stuff and Logjams

As I’m working on clearing off my desk and clearing out my office I’m starting to realize that this time around the clutter I’m dealing with is of a different quality than your garden variety crap-fest. Use the Two-Minute Rule to Banish Vulture Vomit Forever That was the term Stanley, our colorful across-the-street neighbor, used

Use Pinterest to Find the Best Hiking Trails

When I think of Pinterest I think about knitting. It wouldn’t be my go-to-destination for planning my next big adventure. And I’d be wrong – check out these pinboards listing the best hiking trails in the world. While you’re at it, check out the boards for outdoor gear, camping trailers, canyoneering and bushcraft. SEE ALSO

Easy Closets garage diagram

Get Your Garage “In the Zone”

The American garage is truly a multipurpose space. Part workshop, part storage unit and part garage there are so many demands put on this space there’s no wonder it can get out of control in a hurry. Easy Closets takes a strategic view by breaking the typical garage into six zones – 1) Transition, 2)

BMW stability control

BMW i3 Stability Control Just Saved My Ass

Yesterday some doofus in a Dodge Magnum decided to test the general properties of matter by occupying my lane while I was still in it. I swerved hard to avoid the oncoming rear quarter panel of the Dodge and then swerved back to avoid causing a chain reaction of my own. At least that’s what