Derek Odom
Living in Yucaipa, CA
Total page views: 62,631
Published Content: 163
Fans: 29
On AC since: 05.17.08
Bio:
Derek is a freelance writer and author living in Southern California. He does work for a number of places and people. He has an AA in Administration of Justice and is continuing his education in English / Creative Writing.
Derek is a freelance writer and author living in Southern California. He does work for a number of places and people. He has an AA in Administration of Justice and is continuing his education in English / Creative Writing.
Education/Experience:
AA in Administration of Justice
AA in Administration of Justice
Interests:
I love writing, chess, camping, 4x4 anything, old MOPARS, movies and music. I also weld, play the drums, and read a lot of horror fiction. I have a great time and enjoy life.
I love writing, chess, camping, 4x4 anything, old MOPARS, movies and music. I also weld, play the drums, and read a lot of horror fiction. I have a great time and enjoy life.
Motto:
It'll happen.
It'll happen.
Displaying Results 1 - 163 (of 163)
Valentine's Day delivered quite a few chuckles in a feel-good sorta way!
By Derek Odom | Published 2/22/2010
WIN Home Inspection operates in the Inland Empire of Southern California and comes highly recommended.
By Derek Odom | Published 2/12/2010
A tale of faith, trust, and bravery. Denzel Washington did a wonderful job, here.
By Derek Odom | Published 1/25/2010
Are one or both tail lights on your Grand Cherokee acting up? Here are some tips to track down the issue.
By Derek Odom | Published 1/16/2010
For those who play instruments, sing, or both, you have probably considered setting up a band either to jam on the weekends or to play local venues.
By Derek Odom | Published 1/16/2010
The most common lift by far with the Cherokee crowd is a 4.5" full-spring lift.
By Derek Odom | Published 12/17/2009
There are crooks on the Internet, that's for sure! But if we are careful, we can decrease our chances of becoming a victim.
By Derek Odom | Published 12/16/2009
Stephen King has called Weird Tales a major influence throughout the years, and it has surely given inspiration to countless other writers.
By Derek Odom | Published 12/16/2009
I will be moving out of the state soon, and I'm not alone. Folks are leaving in record numbers - but why?
By Derek Odom | Published 12/14/2009
If you haven't seen the Mission Inn Hotel in Riverside, CA, during the holidays, you don't know what you are missing!
By Derek Odom | Published 12/11/2009
If you have ever had your tools stolen or otherwise needed to start from scratch in building up your toolbox, then you know how expensive it can be.
By Derek Odom | Published 11/8/2009
Looking for a place to play long games on the Internet? Try World Chess Live!
By Derek Odom | Published 11/4/2009
A general overview about motion-detecting security lights.
By Derek Odom | Published 11/4/2009
Don't have the cash to shell out for expensive software or books? Here are some wonderful alternative ways to improve our chess.
By Derek Odom | Published 11/4/2009
Shredder 12 for Linux gives those of us who have chosen not to run Windows operating system a great example of chess software.
By Derek Odom | Published 10/29/2009
A must-see flick for all horror fans, and especially Blair Witch lovers. *NOT* a spoiler - just a broad review.
By Derek Odom | Published 10/29/2009
A fun and cheap Halloween event for the whole family!
By Derek Odom | Published 10/27/2009
A player can go from complete novice to strong club player in a very short time by following three easy chess maxims.
By Derek Odom | Published 10/26/2009
A great alternative chess opening for tactical players!
By Derek Odom | Published 10/26/2009
Are you going to pay for Windows 7, or give the free and beautiful program Ubuntu a shot?
By Derek Odom | Published 10/26/2009
Have you tried looking at a database of games played by your favorite Grandmaster and still not picked up much useful information?
By Derek Odom | Published 10/23/2009
So, it's time to replace your winch line, and you are wondering whether to shell out the extra cash for synthetic line, or go with the tried and true cable.
By Derek Odom | Published 10/23/2009
Throwing your tires in the trash hurts the environment. Dispose of them properly!
By Derek Odom | Published 10/23/2009
Tired of Viruses and Spyware? Maybe this is your answer!
By Derek Odom | Published 10/13/2009
Wait...hush! What is that sound? Is it... HIM?
By Derek Odom | Published 10/11/2009
Can free protection really be as effective as anti-virus programs that cost money?
By Derek Odom | Published 10/3/2009
Sticking with the correct tense can really improve your writing!
By Derek Odom | Published 10/3/2009
If you like exciting, tactical chess, the Halloween Gambit might be for you! The early sacrifice of a piece guarantees both players a thrilling game.
By Derek Odom | Published 9/18/2009
It may seem as though walking for 30 minutes a day is a fruitless effort, but in fact it is a wonderful and free way to get healthy!
By Derek Odom | Published 9/15/2009
Many tournament players frown on bullet chess, but it may actually help develop certain areas of your chess game!
By Derek Odom | Published 8/11/2009
How to safely and correctly change a tire on your vehicle.
By Derek Odom | Published 8/9/2009
Keeping an eye on your vehicle's fluids can save you a lot of money in the long run, and even prevent an accident.
By Derek Odom | Published 8/7/2009
Keeping tabs on a few key areas of your automobile can really pay off.
By Derek Odom | Published 8/7/2009
A small amount of tire care can really make a difference!
By Derek Odom | Published 8/7/2009
The basic tune-up will improve fuel economy and extend the life of your engine!
By Derek Odom | Published 8/7/2009
Is "The GM Draw" an acceptable way to earn points, or simply bad sportsmanship?
By Derek Odom | Published 7/28/2009
Progressive Chess is a variant that even beginners can become quite adept at in a quick period of time.
By Derek Odom | Published 7/10/2009
Located at 33900 Oak Glen Road in Yucaipa, CA, Yucaipa Regional Park has a small lake that offers wonderful fishing!
By Derek Odom | Published 6/28/2009
These items should be considered a must for any trail rig!
By Derek Odom | Published 6/28/2009
With horribly graphic images and footage coupled with opinions from viewers, is CNN even news anymore?
By Derek Odom | Published 6/23/2009
Bobby Fischer was a chess player, not a politician. So why let his political views rile us up?
By Derek Odom | Published 6/22/2009
Hitting the trail is awesome, but please, do it safely! Travel in a group!
By Derek Odom | Published 6/18/2009
Riding as a passenger in an off-road rig can sometimes be more stressful than driving the rig!
By Derek Odom | Published 6/15/2009
Your first trail ride can be quite stressful. Obeying a few simple rules can increase your chances of a successful day off road.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/11/2009
This one is definitely worth watching! NOT a movie for those with a weak stomach.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/9/2009
Have you ever had a great story in mind, complete with a beginning, middle and end, but just cannot for the life of you develop decent, believable characters?
By Derek Odom | Published 5/15/2009
Certain openings will fit your playing style, and others most certainly will not. However, without learning them at least a little, it is hard to say which ones you will like!
By Derek Odom | Published 4/28/2009
Knowing how to be prepared and stay safe while reeling in the big ones can make for a much happier fishing trip.
By Derek Odom | Published 4/23/2009
Welding is a skill, and some people get a lot of money for it. How do you know when to charge friends?
By Derek Odom | Published 3/18/2009
How do you know if your oxygen sensor is good or not?
By Derek Odom | Published 3/18/2009
It can be difficult for drummers to practice, especially when they aren't near a drum kit! Here are some tips.
By Derek Odom | Published 3/18/2009
Do you have a Lokasoft engine or use another engine with the Chesspartner client and wish there was a way to make custom opening books? There is!
By Derek Odom | Published 3/17/2009
If you have ever been faced with the task of removing the grips from an old bike, you know that it can be very difficult!
By Derek Odom | Published 3/13/2009
A review of the Red Sansa 2 Gigabyte Red MP3 player with clip.
By Derek Odom | Published 3/10/2009
There are several major differences between playing chess on the Internet and playing chess over the board, in person.
By Derek Odom | Published 3/10/2009
If you aren't very tool savvy, but find yourself needing some now and again for household projects, look no further.
By Derek Odom | Published 3/10/2009
'Simul' is short for simultaneous, and means that one person will play multiple chess boards at the same time. Simultaneous exhibitions have been around for years and years, and they never seem to get any less entertaining.
By Derek Odom | Published 3/10/2009
Developing your pieces, central control, defense, and king placement can ALL give a chess player a great edge in a game.
By Derek Odom | Published 3/10/2009
Personal MP3 players are about the size of your index finger, and can hold a ton of tunes!
By Derek Odom | Published 3/6/2009
While they are a bit pricey, once the initial hit is taken, nitro cars are a fun hobby that is very rewarding and tons of fun!
By Derek Odom | Published 3/5/2009
Do you have a lot of videos or large image files in your Documents? You may want to move them to the root C:\ directory.
By Derek Odom | Published 2/26/2009
Sears introduced the Craftsman line of tools in 1927, and ever since then Craftsman has continued to be a top manufacturer and seller of hand tools.
By Derek Odom | Published 2/25/2009
Do you like welding sculptures or creating odd metal things? Why not make a few bucks while you are at it?
By Derek Odom | Published 2/23/2009
Here are some tips on how NOT to be excruciatingly annoying and horribly disliked on message boards.
By Derek Odom | Published 2/19/2009
TacBase is a superior chess tactics training program for a very reasonable price!
By Derek Odom | Published 2/18/2009
A tarantula molts so that it is able to grow. They do not have flexible skin like we do, and therefore must shed in order to expand.
By Derek Odom | Published 2/16/2009
Are you a chess fan, but sometimes find yourself too busy to sign on to a chess playing site and endure a good long game? Maybe correspondence chess is the answer for you!
By Derek Odom | Published 2/13/2009
If you need decent tools at a decent price, Harbor Freight is the way to go!
By Derek Odom | Published 2/13/2009
A good horror tale can really affect us in weird ways. That uncomfortable feeling we get is like a drug to some people.
By Derek Odom | Published 2/13/2009
Some tips to help you know what your teen is doing when they are on the computer.
By Derek Odom | Published 2/13/2009
Ever wonder how an author might spend a work day? Here are just some of the activities one might be involved in, and ideas for your own budding career.
By Derek Odom | Published 2/12/2009
Are you feeling stuck in a chess rut, and don't know where to turn for answers? I've compiled some suggestions that may help!
By Derek Odom | Published 2/12/2009
Now there is a bold new look available to Gmail users.
By Derek Odom | Published 2/3/2009
Yes, there are four move mates in chess. Yes, they are fun to play. NO, it isn't practical to attack with two pieces every game!
By Derek Odom | Published 2/3/2009
Ask most chess players, and they might tell you that defense is boring. Well, winning must be boring for them, too, because without defensive ability, the losses come swiftly.
By Derek Odom | Published 2/3/2009
Safety in the shop can prevent serious injuries, and even death. Welding is a ton of fun when done safely, so I compiled a few tips which may help avoid welding accidents.
By Derek Odom | Published 2/3/2009
Do you suffer from hypoglycemia? Do you experience frequent low blood-sugar attacks? Read on.
By Derek Odom | Published 2/2/2009
Do you have an old ten-speed or mountain bike lying around the garage? Dust it off, baby, it is time to ride!
By Derek Odom | Published 1/28/2009
If you are like I, and love to travel the back trails in a four-wheel drive, chances are you have lost a camera or two in the mix. Here is a short list of ideas to keep your digital camera alive a bit longer.
By Derek Odom | Published 1/27/2009
Go on, you know you want to! Make sure someone is Rick Rolled today.
By Derek Odom | Published 1/15/2009
Ever wonder which chess program is the best and has the most options? Far and away, it is Fritz.
By Derek Odom | Published 1/13/2009
These are the five most commonly used methods to gain traction for off-road vehicles.
By Derek Odom | Published 1/8/2009
Tired of your kids sitting on the couch and only moving their thumbs for hours while their character steals cars and shoots cops? Check out the Wii game system by Nintendo!
By Derek Odom | Published 1/8/2009
Ever wonder what is in those wonderful tasting, easy to make burritos you love so much? Click on this article for a quick breakdown.
By Derek Odom | Published 1/8/2009
An overview of chess engines in general, and how they can help.
By Derek Odom | Published 1/8/2009
Playing chess on the Internet is fun. Playing chess for free on the Internet is even better! On FICS, there are no fees, ever.
By Derek Odom | Published 1/5/2009
A quick overview of the Crazyhouse chess variant. Crazyhouse is like two-person Bughouse.
By Derek Odom | Published 1/5/2009
A quick peek at three major manufacturers of lift-kits for the Jeep Cherokee: Rough Country, Rusty's Off-road and Rubicon Express.
By Derek Odom | Published 1/5/2009
FIDE, the governing body for international chess, has considered drug testing its competitors. What do you think?
By Derek Odom | Published 1/5/2009
Are you interested in a staff position on World Chess Live? Click on this article to see the guidelines and requirements!
By Derek Odom | Published 1/2/2009
Are you thinking of finding a church, but not sure which one is going to meet your expectations? There are a lot of ways to search for the best church that meets your needs.
By Derek Odom | Published 12/17/2008
Alcohol in off-road areas is just as unacceptable as being drunk on the freeway!
By Derek Odom | Published 12/12/2008
Do you live in or around Riverside, California, and wish there was a local chess hotspot? Well, there is!
By Derek Odom | Published 12/10/2008
Are you tired of paying ridiculous prices at the pet store for "cat toys"? This article outlines some cheaper alternatives.
By Derek Odom | Published 12/10/2008
A quick overview about one of history's coolest vehicles: The 1968 Plymouth Fury.
By Derek Odom | Published 12/10/2008
Did you know that Mozilla Firefox can be extremely customized to make your web experience a more pleasurable one?
By Derek Odom | Published 11/30/2008
Are you considering going back to school, but feel silly about it because you are older? Read this article first!
By Derek Odom | Published 11/26/2008
If you want more speed out of your desktop computer, this is a cheap and easy way to go!
By Derek Odom | Published 11/26/2008
Many Hollywood clubs require the bands who play there to sell the tickets, as well. How do you feel about this?
By Derek Odom | Published 11/19/2008
Do you know someone who thinks they know everything?
By Derek Odom | Published 11/5/2008
If you like blitz and bullet, play them! Do not complain, though, when your slow game suffers. It is the nature of the beast, friends.
By Derek Odom | Published 10/29/2008
Dreadful display is no joke - the message is clear!
By Derek Odom | Published 10/28/2008
Three cheers for Ashley Todd, who commited a completely moronic act, and got her 15 minutes of fame.
By Derek Odom | Published 10/25/2008
While this is a great competition, where is the fire?
By Derek Odom | Published 10/25/2008
Is anyone else upset that people today can do just about anything and become a celebrity?
By Derek Odom | Published 10/24/2008
This is an article that walks through the process of installing drywall anchors.
By Derek Odom | Published 10/24/2008
If you are involved in online gaming sites, forums, or find yourself Instant Messaging people with regularity, you are probably a victim of this phenomenon.
By Derek Odom | Published 10/21/2008
Did you know that studying your dreams can reveal secrets about your life that even YOU didn't know
By Derek Odom | Published 10/20/2008
Whether you are a student, a journalist, a photographer, or write articles for the web, chances are that if you use a computer daily, you could use a flash drive.
By Derek Odom | Published 10/20/2008
Playing an entire chess game in one minute is an insane idea to a large portion of the chess community, but some players love it and are able to excel to a very high rating. How do they get so good?
By Derek Odom | Published 10/17/2008
Have you ever gotten bored with the available vinyl tournament mats, and wish there were cooler colors and themes to choose from? Well, now there is!
By Derek Odom | Published 10/16/2008
Are you embarrassed each time you thump a rook down on the chessboard in a blitz game because the weight inside rattles badly?
By Derek Odom | Published 10/8/2008
Thousands of people every day are playing chess online. With that many people doing the same thing at the same time, especially in a competitive game situation, problems are bound to occur.
By Derek Odom | Published 10/5/2008
If you are an aspiring writer, where you write could be as important as what you write.
By Derek Odom | Published 9/30/2008
Internet chess is a great and viable alternative to classical, over the board chess. However, distractions are many!
By Derek Odom | Published 9/20/2008
The chess notation for castling is 0-0 (castle kingside) or 0-0-0 (castle queenside)
By Derek Odom | Published 9/17/2008
Do you seem to lose chess games within the first ten moves or so? Do you have trouble figuring out where to place your bishops and knights so that you can castle quickly and get on to the middle game? You are not alone!
By Derek Odom | Published 9/16/2008
Keeping a clean, functional tip on your MIG welder is something that is very cheap and easy to do and keeps things running smoothly
By Derek Odom | Published 8/26/2008
Lift blocks have long been a popular and cheap way to gain clearance for larger tires on leaf-spring suspensions. However, they do have some drawbacks, and depending on the situation they can be pretty serious.
By Derek Odom | Published 8/25/2008
How many of us have aired our tires down for the trail, and then creep slowly to the service station afterward to pay them for their compressor use? I
By Derek Odom | Published 8/22/2008
Doing something good for someone else can make us feel better about ourselves - it's true!
By Derek Odom | Published 8/13/2008
If you live in Southern California and enjoy running 4x4 trails, I highly recommend the Cleghorn Road Trail. Located off the I-15 at the Cleghorn Road off-ramp just past Devore, it is a rather conveniently located trail for many off-road enthusiasts.
By Derek Odom | Published 8/13/2008
Finding out you forgot to pack something for a camping trip when you get 40 billion miles from civilization is less than fun. Here are some ideas for some of the more important stuff.
By Derek Odom | Published 8/13/2008
Camping is an extremely fun and healthy activity, but it can go wrong quick. This is the second article of the no-no series on camping.
By Derek Odom | Published 8/13/2008
Have you ever seen someone on a 4x4 trail grabbing the roll cage or roof of the vehicle in an attempt to feel more secure? I have, plenty of times, and it never gets any easier to watch.
By Derek Odom | Published 8/13/2008
If your tarantula ever turns upside-down, pull up a chair and enjoy the show! It is not dying, it's molting!
By Derek Odom | Published 8/13/2008
NAXJA is currently building a 1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ in preparation of a giveaway event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the XJ model Cherokee. The Jeep will be given away in Moab, Utah on October 10, 2008.
By Derek Odom | Published 8/12/2008
Back-road trail adventures are some of the best kind. However, with public land usage becoming more and more scarce by the day, as four-wheelers we need to obey the rules, and this starts with the individual.
By Derek Odom | Published 8/7/2008
If you play chess, chances are you play chess online at least some of the time. Have you ever suspected that your opponent swindled hard-earned points off of you by utilizing a strong chess program? It happens all the time - probably even more often than you think.
By Derek Odom | Published 8/7/2008
Here are some tips that you and the people in your life can use the next time you need to discuss a problem.
By Derek Odom | Published 8/6/2008
It may seem like spray-painting would be pretty easy, but if a quality looking end product is desired, certain techniques can be employed to ensure a great looking paint job!
By Derek Odom | Published 7/31/2008
Are you a fan of speed or tournament chess? Do you use a cheap clock with sticking or loud buttons, a plastic casing, and questionable quality? Check out the Chronos chess clock, it really is far superior to the cheap plastic models.
By Derek Odom | Published 7/30/2008
Setting up a home for a Chilean Rose-Hair tarantula is pretty easy and cheap, and when done right will provide your pet with a happy, stress-free environment in which to live. With proper surroundings, your tarantula will definitely be a happy camper.
By Derek Odom | Published 7/30/2008
I highly recommend this activity to anyone who likes to fish, likes the ocean, or trying new and exciting things.
By Derek Odom | Published 7/30/2008
If you have been beating your head in trying to figure out why book after book about chess is confusing and uninteresting to you, maybe the answer is video chess.
By Derek Odom | Published 7/29/2008
I'm sure you've heard that airing down your four-wheel drive's tires for a trail ride is the way to go, and it's true! Hopefully this article helps you understand why a bit better.
By Derek Odom | Published 7/25/2008
CB stands for Citizens Band radio, which is a certain range of frequencies that may be used by anyone with the means.
By Derek Odom | Published 7/23/2008
Got an old bicycle you'd like to restore? If you have to repaint it, check out these tips!
By Derek Odom | Published 7/21/2008
Have you ever lost a chess game to a player who was rated several hundred points below you? Every experienced player has; let's take a look at one possible reason why.
By Derek Odom | Published 7/2/2008
For many, the reciprocating saw is a tool they just couldn't live without. The sheer variety of things they can do make it a very handy item to have around for both the craftsman and the home hobbyist.
By Derek Odom | Published 7/2/2008
Flopping your rig on its side or completely rolling it over is a terribly scary experience, and it is important for you to keep your head and know what to do if that situation should occur.
By Derek Odom | Published 7/2/2008
Many of you probably believe you have four wheel drive because there is a 4x4 badge on the rig, or the transfer case shifter says things like `4-high` and `4-low`. In most cases this belief is totally wrong, and it is important that we understand why.
By Derek Odom | Published 7/1/2008
The first sip of the Budweiser & Clamato tallboy surprised the hell out of me. I was floored. This stuff was better than any beer I'd tasted to date, by far
By Derek Odom | Published 6/30/2008
Pornography on the Internet is nothing new, but a new strain has emerged: amateur porn. Is this the best thing since sliced bread, or is it ultimately dangerous? Let's take a look!
By Derek Odom | Published 6/30/2008
A community of good people who banded together, helping each other navigate the exciting world of writing; from simple grammar and English advice all the way to editing and publishing novels, this site has it all.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/30/2008
If you or someone you know is interested in purchasing a bike, but you don't really want to pay full price, maybe this article is for you!
By Derek Odom | Published 6/16/2008
Have you ever had an epic night that you wish you could replay over again sometime? Have you ever looked back at pictures of a party and wished you could actually hear the joke that was told which created such pandemonium?
By Derek Odom | Published 6/16/2008
The reason I ask this question is because of the rapid advancement in the playing strength of chess software and its ability to exist on many platforms, the growing prevalence of cell phones and the diminishing size of personal cameras and transceivers.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/16/2008
Maybe you recently rode in a friend's Blazer, maybe you absolutely love military vehicles, or maybe you just like to explore and are feeling limited by your current set of wheels. Whatever the reason, you are now interested in buying your first 4x4.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/16/2008
Camping can be a fun and safe activity for the whole family, when you have your thinking cap on. Here are some tips for an enjoyable stay in the great outdoors.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/16/2008
Well, it seems R. Kelly has done the impossible - tricked 12 people on a jury into believing he was NOT having sex with an underage girl in a shocking 26 minute long video tape which allegedly shows him having intercourse at his home with a 13 year old girl in 2002.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/14/2008
In this article I have compiled ten great tips for drummers just learning how to play. Follow them close and you can't go wrong!
By Derek Odom | Published 6/13/2008
Want your band's next show at the local pub to be a real smash? Read on to maximize your band experience.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/13/2008
NAXJA is the North American XJ Association. It is a club specifically designed for Jeep Cherokee (XJ) owners.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/6/2008
An overview of Azusa Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle area, located in the San Gabriel Mountains in Southern California.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/2/2008
An overview of this family friendly internet chess site including features, events and options.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/2/2008
A few points about cell phones - how they can be helpful and hurtful.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/2/2008
The proper techniques for re-greasing your BMX or other pedal bicycle wheels.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/2/2008
Article on how to choose and operate a winch effectively and safely.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/2/2008
An overview of the popular Chessmaster 10 program.
By Derek Odom | Published 6/2/2008
Staying safe in your trail-rig while traversing the back roads.
By Derek Odom | Published 5/26/2008
Some tips and advice for chess players who are new to the over the board (OTB) tournament scene.
By Derek Odom | Published 5/22/2008
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