UN General Assembly Votes To Allow Gays To Be Executed Without Cause

Wow... I haven't posted in a while, since I'm working on the launch of my new site... but dang YO...

Are you serious?

CLICK HERE for the full article...

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

South Point, Hawaii

Yikes.

It has been a while since I've posted anything!

Sorry guys, midterms, travels and stress has really taken up most of my time.

Well, I managed to sneak in some time to create a clip from a part of my trip.

Enjoy

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Live Like We're Dying...

Live Like We're Dying - Kris Allen


This song was released over a year ago, but I still love this song.  It's message... Life is short, Live like you're dying...


Sometimes we fall down, can't get back up
We're hiding behind skin that's too tough
How come we don't say I love you enough
Till it's to late, it's not too late

Our hearts are hungry for a food that won't come
And we could make a feast from these crumbs
And we're all staring down the barrel of a gun
So if your life flashed before you,
What would you wish you would've done

We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying

And if your plane fell out of the skies
Who would you call with your last goodbye
Should be so careful who we live out our lives
So when we long for absolution,
There'll no one on the line, yeah

Yeah, we gotta start
Looking at the hands of the time we've been given
If this is all we got and we gotta start thinking
If every second counts on a clock that's ticking
Gotta live like we're dying

We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying

Like we're dying, oh, like we're dying..

We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying

You never know a good thing till it's gone
You never see a crash till it's head on
Why do we think we're right when we're dead wrong
You never know a good thing till it's gone

Yeah, we gotta start
Looking at the hands of the time we've been given
If this is all we got and we gotta start thinking
If every second counts on a clock that's ticking
Gotta live like we're dying

We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying

Like we're dying, oh, like we're dying..

We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying..

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Check Engine Light...

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT...

My check engine light came on... so what do I do?

Take my car to the mechanic? Oh hells no!

I bought a OBD2 car reader, which was $50 on Amazon.  LINK HERE!!

Yes, instead of taking my car to the mechanic and having them charge me $75+ just to plug this in and get some codes, then go online to translate the codes...

I'll pass, the whole process took me just 4 minutes.

First you have to know where to plug this in, so just google it! Car make + OBD2, it'll tell you exactly where to plug it in.

Second, take down the codes, I would wait to reset it until your mechanic gives you the clear.

Next, don't be fooled by subscription places when you try to translate your codes!!

Go to http://www.obdii.com

Just answer a few questions and voila! You'll know if its super serious or something dumb.

PS. If you're not sure, call a mechanic friend and make sure you're not going to die by driving your car.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Apple and Sage Porkchops

APPLE AND SAGE PORKCHOPS

It's been a while since I have posted about food and even longer since I posted about food that I actually made!

The recipe is actually simple, its just boneless porkchops, various spices, onions and apples.

I was apprehensive at first because I really don't like my entree to be on the sweeter end, that's what dessert is for, isn't? The spices really cut the sweetness of the apple and the apple juice and makes the meat much tender!

The porkchops was great with red wine, this time a merlot and instead of my usual starch of rice, I decided to try potatoes, and that was great too.

Ha! Want the recipe?  Let me know!

It was nice to have a fancy dinner at home!

I'm going to eat my last porkchop left over.

nom nom nommm...

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Cable... To Cable or to Stream?!

Over a year ago, I decided to give up my cable box and save myself nearly $100/month in cable bills.

For about a year now, I have scoured the web, trying to find my favorite shows.  I am very happy to say how successful the hunt has been.

Most of the shows I watch are available on:
http://www.hulu.com (top chef, Naruto)
http://netflix.com (stream TV shows, movies - largest library!!)
http://www.cwtv.com/ (America's Next Top Model - woot!!)
http://abc.go.com/ (Desperate Housewives and Wipeout)
http://www.logotv.com/ (Ru Paul's Drag Race!)
http://www.mylifetime.com/ (Project Runway)

In addition to steaming online via computer, some are also available for free with a corresponding mobile application.  ABC and Netflix have Apple Store applications that allow you to stream the television shows online, on your iPhone, on your iPad.

There are certain shows that are a must buy, and why not?! Saving $100/month, you're allowed to purchase other media in lieu of.  On iTunes, ANTM is only $8.99 for a whole season so you can watch it over and over until your heart's content.

There are so many ways to stream now that you can even watch your shows on your TV.  You can buy a Roku Box, a Xbox 360, Wii or PS3 and you can stream shows via Netflix.  If you buy a Blu-ray player now, you can probably also stream Netflix or Amazon's Video on Demand.

Cut the cable and upgrade your WI-FI!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Songs... Lyrics... Max?

One of my favorite lyrics that I find myself listening to more often is Jason Mraz, "I'm Yours".


I know the song is old, but I just love the 2nd half of the song about not complicated things because our life is short.

I guess what I'm be saying is
there ain't no better reason
To rid yourself of vanity and
just go with the seasons
It's what we aim to do
Our name is our virtue

But I won't hesitate
no more, no more
It cannot wait I'm yours

Well open up your mind
and see like me
Open up your plans
and damn, you're free
Look into your heart
and you'll find the sky is yours

Please don't, please don't, please don't
There's no need to complicate
Cause our time is short
This, oh this, oh this is our fate, I'm yours


Open up your plans and damn, you're free!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Nervous...

Nervous...

About the wrong things.

The semester starts up again next Monday.  I am rather nervous about not having a parking pass this semester (I totally forgot and they will not give me one though I have 135 semester hours)

Excited...

I like being busy, working, school, training, homework, video games, emails, blogs, relationships, reading, holidays, birthdays, christmas, gifts, thanksgiving, vacation, text messages... the more I do the more mental clarity.

I am also nervous and excited to see everyone visiting me in the next couple of months.  My BFF is coming next month and my sister the month after, add in a trip to Big Island and Palm Springs that'll pretty much be a busy end of year.

Hopefully, I can squeeze in some surfing in there and of course training for the Honolulu Marathon.


Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Reading is dead... I think NOT!

With technology evolving and the digital medium taking over the world and accessible everywhere, I am glad that books have evolved as well.

Today where local Blockbuster stores are closing because everyone streams or get their fix via mail, the book medium is along for the ride.

I remember a couple of years ago where I could get lost in Borders and wonder where the last 4 hours has gone.  I don't think I've been to a book store this year other than to meet other students for studying.


This past month has rekindled (get it?) one of my hobbies.  Reading.

I can't even count how many travel books I've read or mystery novels (Sue Grafton style).

Now that books are available at the palm of my hand like movies, I've read 5 books in the past 3 weeks.  I was planning to read school books, but there will be a time for that.

I am debating on buying some of my school books online, but the page numbers would be completely off if I needed to cite.   HMMMMM...

The great thing about Amazon's Kindle is you don't need a Kindle to read books, you can read on your smart phone, on your computer, on your iPad.


They also have the technology called Whispersync, so you can read from your iPad, close the application, then open the book on your PC or Mac and it'll start off where you left off.

Not to mention the price, most eBooks are cheaper than their physical counterparts.

Me - A summer bookworm? Who would have thought?

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Living... In a eety bitty little space...

The following clip is about living... in a eety bitty little space.

I think he has a great message.

Enjoy!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Gamestop - Buy 2, Get 1 Free

Aloha all!

Sorry for the double post today, I just found another great deal and hey, sharing is caring, right?

For the next 48 hours, you can head to your local gamestop or online and get an awesome deal on games!



Like most deals, this doesn't last forever and only applies to games in stock, so yeah.

Happy Gaming.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Cell Phone Bills - How much are you paying?

Aloha all,

I've been recently ranting and raving about technology and the cost of things, so this time this particular blog will combine both.

Most people have heard of cell phone companies such as: ATT, Verizon, Sprint and T-mobile.

Though these companies offer great service and value (not to mention the newest and flashiest phones) if your monthly bill is the most important thing, you may want to look at a pre-paid cell phone company.

Pre-paid cell phone companies get a bad reputation as most associate these plans with phone with lesser capacities, bad service, plans that are not conducive to most people, but it's 2010, and there are many options depending on your needs.

 If you're a Blackberry user and you use it a lot, your bill might look like this:
With ATT, your cell phone will be free and for unlimited text, mobile phone calls and emails (max 2GB), you are looking at a monthly bill of $114.99.

Since this is a 2 year contract, we'll use a 2 year total cost (note that the bill doesn't include taxes!!)
Monthly = $69.99 + $25.00 + $20.00 = $114.99
2 year total cost = $2759.76 + $36.00 (Activation fee) = $2795.76


A great option for you is Boost Mobile.
There maybe more upfront costs: $199.99 for the phone, but your monthly bill is $60.00 (unlimited phone calls, SMS, emails).

Your upfront costs for the phone: $199.99
Your monthly bill: $60
Your 2 year total costs: $199.99 + $1440 = $1639
Your savings: $1156.76




This may sound like someone paid me off to endorse Boost Mobile, but in a way, its just time to WAKE UP! Don't get stuck! There are many more options out there now.  Note that I don't have Blackberry.  I actually have a Sanyo Juno, so my monthly bill is $50/monthly.

One cool feature for those with friends overseas is their International Connect program.  For an additional $10/month, you can make unlimited phone calls to: Mexico, Dominican Republic, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and Canada (just check the website as some are for unlimited mobile calling, or unlimited landline calling or BOTH!).  In addition to these awesome perks, this includes unlimited SMS to overseas numbers.  This is just an awesome feature as most cell phone companies charge $.25 to $.50 per text message (incoming and outgoing!) so if you have family overseas or a friend traveling with a local SIM card, you can keep in touch without paying out the WAZOO! 

The most important thing is do your research, just review your last couple of bills and see how many minutes you actually use and how many SMS you actually send!  You maybe paying more than you currently are with your cell phone company.

While I was writing this blog, researching, comparing cell phone companies, plans and mobile devices, I think I ran into a plan that may be the best fit for most people.  It's affordable and the phones are decent.

Check out Virgin Mobile "Beyond Talk Plans"


 Looking at this, this maybe one of the best cell phone plans around.  They are based on the Sprint Network (Boost Mobile is as well) so you will have great reception!

For me, if I were to switch, the $40 plan would be more than plenty! Which would be $960 for 2 years (wowsers).

Check out these options too for pre-paid cell phones:
MobiPCS
VirginMobileUSA


We'll hopefully you can find the best deal for you!!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Eat out Hawaii and don't pay full price...

EAT OUT HAWAII AND DON'T PAY FULL PRICE

Yes, I am one of those people that goes out to eat, with a coupon handy for nearly everything.  In some cases, you save a little bit of money, and in some cases, its basically just paying half!

Tricks of the trade.

Going out to Jamba Juice or California Pizza Kitchen?  Stop by your local Costco and pick up gift cards.

Costco has $50 (2 - $25 cards) Jamba Juice gift cards for $39.99.  They also have in stock $100 (2 - $50 gift cards) for $79.99).  A savings of $10 and $20 respectively. So if you frequent these 2 places, stop by Costco first!

Another place to check out deals is the newspaper, the dining sections has plenty of deals!

Show your ID - Yes, lucky we live Hawai'i and we get Kama'aina discounts at a lot of places, especially in Waikiki.

The best deals around town right now are called JUST PAY HALF, and that's exactly what you do, JUST PAY HALF.  For $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant, eatery, pizza place, etc. you will pay just $25, and sometimes depending on the website a nominal processing fee (sometimes up to $3.25) still a deal nonetheless.

Here are some links:

Play Savvy (I like this one the most - there is no processing fee and you print the certificates online, perfect if you're going right before to dinner! Check this site every 3 days for new deals!)
KHNL Just Pay Half (There is a processing fee of $3.25 for each certificate, and they mail it, so plan ahead and check the sites for deals once a week!)
KBMG Just Pay Half (same as KHNL)
97.5 Just Pay Half (This one has a large variety of offers, dining, activities, EVEN GAS, but PAY ATTENTION, some of offers you have to go downtown to pick it up physically - this maybe a deal breaker for some!)

Just a couple of helpful HINTS:
-If you decide to by these as presents, note that they do say just pay half.
-Very few have date/location restrictions (ex. Big City Diner is only M-TH and NO major holidays)
-Tip on the FULL AMOUNT of your BILL

Hope this helps Hawaii, go eat out and don't spend full price!!


Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Technology - Helping us communicate?

Technology - Helping us communicate?

Technology has certainly advanced exponentially in the past 10-15 years, I recall being in high school and pagers was the thing that put you in the in crowd.

Then came cell phones, I remember when Motorola was super cool and I wish I had one.  Well, I did but its not the cell phone pictured on the right, I had a Motorola peanut phone with the customizable faceplates.

Now its 2010, with emails on mobile devices, Facebook (on your phone, on the internet, on your Gaming system), Twitter, iPhones, Android, Blackberry, Instant Messaging (AIM, yahoo, MSN, Google Chat), VoIP (Skype, Fring, Vonage), not to mention text messaging.

With everything keeping us in "touch" cheapened the value of communication?

I miss the days when I would receive a letter, a physical letter, or even a physical card with someone's hand written thoughts.  Now, I receive email greeting cards which to be honest, I hit archive on the gmail button.  100% of email cards I've received throughout the years has never had any inkling of personal thoughts.  Its sort of like a "mandatory email card" that a person created because they received a reminder that it was someone's birthday.

To be honest people say that I am really hard to shop for.  That is true, but honestly, that isn't what I want for my birthday or Christmas, or any holiday, or any day.  Just think of me, and prove that were thinking of me, I would rather have something that came from the heart and not from the wallet.

I deviate from communication.  People ask why I don't have Facebook.  Really? You'll only communicate with people if you can read their thoughts and maybe click a "like" button occasionally?  If that's the only way you'll communicate with me, I'd rather not have your "communication" because you're not really communicating, you are receiving information.


Communication - "an interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs"


Perhaps, I am "old-school", I send Thank you cards, Birthday cards, Christmas cards, all with personal thoughts I share with the intended receiver.


Maybe I just don't understand it.  Is the "like" button sufficient for a person to fully understand your experiences?  I don't think so, I stopped posting pictures online because pictures without a story perpetuates a person's thoughts about a subject, there is no insight given, just confirmation of the receiver's thoughts.


Then again I am blogging, my rant and raving about communication a 1 way medium. Then perhaps you will reply with your thoughts.


It's sort of like text messaging, you can text, "hey b***h" and it can be a good thing or a bad thing, not easily decipherable, perhaps I'll receive more phone calls or messages.

Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

Where to go?!

The problem with traveling is that you can only be at one place at one time.

I want to experience new places (Iceland, Finland, Middle East, Bangladesh), yet there are so many places to re-visit and see old friends (Australia, New Zealand, Morocco, Portugal, all over the U.S., Nicaragua).

I am heading to Alaska in June 2010 for my 30th birthday.

I am now planning my travels for 2011.  I am thinking of heading to Australia and NZ to see visit some friends as well as head to Philippines to explore for a little bit.  I've only been to the main island of Philippines (Luzon), I think its time to go back and explore and check it out more.

Where to go?

Hmmmm... Maybe Nicaragua again, I barely scratched the surface on what that country has to offer.  I could see myself spending the summer there learning Spanish, surfing and just hanging out.

Just writing my thoughts, maybe my next travel destination will come to me... hopefully sooner than later...

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Aloha...

Hey Blogger world.

Long time no talk.

Weird thing is I haven't been really busy with anything just occupied with random things here and there.  School is now over and I can't believe I had a repeat of last semester, I worked very hard and just pleased that my hard work has been rewarded.

Now that school is over, its just getting back into shape, enjoying summer and doing things I haven't been able to do with school in session.

I am working again with my personal trainer, she's great, we are working out 1-2 times a week.  I have signed up for Bikram again, so I'll be going to class 2-3 times a week.  I was suppose to run this week, but decided to take a week off, which I shouldn't have because I leave for Alaska in 3 weeks (yikes), I guess I'll be running on the daily... o_O

I've been filling most of my time with my iPad, currently playing words with friends (with friends...), We Farm and Castle Craft.  On my Xbox 360, I decided to get the Blockbuster gaming pass for the summer and I am currently playing Final Fantasy XIII, L4D2, Dragon Age Origins: Awakening, Magic the Gathering (2nd expansion pack).

Besides that nothing much really, I decided to give away or sell most of my stuff, I have A LOT of stuff.  I need to clean my car (its been ages), and I can't wait to head out and surf...

3 months until I'm back to the daily grind with school.  Hopefully, this time around, I can get some scholarships!

PS. Call me or text me... I have unlimited mobile minutes and SMS now that I am with Boost Mobile.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

My New Cell Phone & Cell Phone Company

 I was really apprehensive about switching to another carrier, since I've had AT&T the past 4 years, but the monthly bill, reception wasn't cutting it anymore.  I've been following Boost Mobile for a while now and after the recent releases of the Blackberry 8330 and the Sanyo Juno, it was time to make the plunge.

I decided to the Sanyo Juno.  A midrange phone known for its messaging capabilities.  I am super happy with this phone, it even has push email (with POP3 accounts).  The emails aren't in HTML, but its enough to check important information, I wouldn't recommend writing long emails on the phone.  The best part of the phone is the ease of texting, there's even a dedicated TEXT button.

Reception and battery life is great.  I haven't charged my phone in 24 hours and I still have 3/4 bars.  Reception is much better as well, I can clearly hear without having to strain.

The best part is my monthly bill is $50.00 + tax (which you can pay pre-pay online or buy the Boost Cards at a local retailer - great for gifts!!)

My recent bill with AT&T was over $60+, which was only for 450 minutes and 1500 texts.  Not only do I have unlimited minutes, unlimited text and push emails.

This cell phone does have some CONS: don't expect much from the camera.  Actually, that was the only CON.

Sorry to all my AT&T friends, but it was time to move on...

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Locks of Love

It is official.

My hair has been received by Locks of Love and I'm excited to repeat this process and grow it out again!



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

SPAM JAM 2010!

This was an event I've been looking forward to for a long time!

Click here for my Spam Jam post in 2008.

I was looking for the post on last years event and though I didn't post, my parents and I attended last year's event.  The food, ambiance was great!

Here's a pic from last year... (miss my hair...)

Well my day started off great, woke up at 5am.  Arrived in time for training at 0600 at Nuuanu, across from 7/11 by the basketball courts.  I missed the previous training from this location because I was in Nicaragua... so I was in disbelief when I was told we would be running to the Pali lookout (Yes, the Pali lookout) and back.

Two hours, 4 shot blocks, 2 water bottles and 12 miles later, I was surprised I was able to run with my calf injury and even came in 2nd. (woot!)  Honolulu Triathlon and Alaska Marathon - Here I come!

After a two hour nap, a protein shake, a banana, lots of water, and a plate full of pasta, it was time to check out the 2010 SPAM JAM!

The weather was perfect, the crowds started to line up for food, the music playing in the background, while some tourist really questioned the festival surrounding SPAM! (I gave one a dirty look and informed him that all proceeds from this event benefit the Hawaii Food Bank)...







After buying my commemorative t-shirt for $20, it was time to hunt down the SPAM - for PHOTO OP!!

T-shirt - check
SPAM photo - check.


It was time to analyze the different interpreted SPAM offerings by local restaurants.  A couple of restaurants that were not present this year are: Mac 24-7 and P.F Chang's.  The later created a lettuce spam wrap last year - YUM!!

The food this year was abysmal.  There was no flair and somehow the mediocre food from last year made its way back this year.  The best thing offered this year was by Coconut Willy's which didn't even have SPAM, it had shrimp!  The worst food award goes to Gordon Biersch, I was so upset I vow never to go to this restaurant.  SPAM sliders - my ass!  It was a sliver of SPAM dipped with bbq sauce in a dry bun.  Tasteless.  Repeat offender - Pancit SPAM!  I do not understand how ANYONE can make PANCIT + SPAM = BLAND.  Needless to say, I was pretty upset, so I had to get some dessert...

We decided to head to Cheeseburger in Paradise.  For a mudslide pie... That is one pie that ALWAYS delivers...

BEFORE...

AFTER...

After waking up to birds chirping...Today, I decided to take SPAM into my own hands... With the help of my SPAM cookbook (thanks Lovella!)

Tortilla SPAM.

A simple recipe with potatoes, onions, eggs, parsley, and of course SPAM...

Two mods: I used Turkey SPAM and I didn't add more salt (like the recipe required...)

Here is a pic of the final product.

It was hearty and oh so yummy.

It's a beautiful day outside!! Go enjoy!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

We Will Remember Them...

To my grandmother, one of few who loved me unconditionally...

The ones that we've lost

Still go with us in spirit-

We will remember them

In the faces of family

Their presence still lingers-

We will remember them

In the dreams they once nurtured

They still shape our future

We will remember them

In the hearts that embrace them

They live on forever

We will remember them

R.I.P Lorenza Ladignon.

Mahalo for reading.


Until next time.

Health - What does it mean to me? A Photo-Montage

Health is a lifestyle, it truly is.  

Health is a compromise and the act of integrating healthier options into one's life.  

Most of you know that I am very regimented person.  Wake up at 0600 and 9 times out of 10, I'll wake up before my alarm clock.

After a pit stop at the loo, next stop time for a run.

I normally run 3-5 miles, at least 5 times a week, with my longer runs on Saturday morning with Team in Training.

Sorry for the bad photo... My roommate isn't awake yet, well most people aren't...

I'm weird, I know...

Whatever you choose to do, get out there and BE ACTIVE...

After a quick run... breakfast time!

Breakfast seriously is the most important meal of the day.

I did mention, I am a regimented, right?  Every day, I will have oatmeal (not from a box...) with organic white honey, a banana and a glass of soy milk.

This takes less then 6 minutes to make!

10am, everyday, it's snack time.

I normally have a yogurt when I am at work (we have a fridge!), or while I am in school, I will have another banana or a granola bar.

I eat lunch everyday around noon.  Today I ate a sandwich and I was so hungry, I forgot to take a picture of it... o_O.

I have dinner everyday at 1900, like clockwork, I start cooking at 1830 for something yummy.

Today, I was running late and decided to order some take out from Buca di Beppo... This picture was taken later after I ate, went to class, got home to re-plate this and take a picture.

Note:  If you eat pasta - stick to any red sauce.  Way better for you than ANY white sauce made of cream!

I love SWEETS! Ice cream, chocolate, ice cream and chocolate, waffles, waffles + ice cream + chocolate.

One thing I've learn is never deny yourself.  Once you start denying yourself the stuff it craves, you'll binge...

Just eat in moderation...  I eat 2 Ghirardelli every night around 8PM.  Kills the sweet tooth...

I think the most important thing is regulated sleep.  I sleep every night around 2200-2230 and wake up at 0600.  Sleep is VITAL to functioning.

Alright, that's a quick insight to my daily routine.

But before I go, I want to talk about another piece of the health puzzle that I believe in.

Helping others...

I participate, volunteer and fundraise for non profit organizations which are essential to our community.  We are truly blessed to have our "health".

The first non-profit organization is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  This year I will be running the Alaska Marathon to raise funds with those afflicted with Leukemia and Lymphoma.  This is a non-profit near and dear to my heart, as I have lost friends with this disease.

http://thepowerofadollar.info

The other non-profit organization I am active with is called Kiva.  Kiva assist members in third world countries with "micro-lending" so they can run their own business and help themselves.


I decided 2 years ago when interest rates on savings account started to hover around 0.000%.  Instead of the banks having my funds, I can lend monies to businesses and I know that I am helping others help themselves through kiva.

Kiva.org for more information.


Well, its almost 2100, so its decompression time, so I can do it again tomorrow.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

12th Avenue Grill - Kaimuki

We went to 12th Avenue Grill to celebrate my 3 years anniversary.

It has been a long time since I have been to 12th Avenue Grill and everything is just as I remembered it.  The great good, the warm ambiance, everything was on point, except the service wasn't as exceptional as it normally is.

12th Avenue Grill is a great restaurant, though there is a set menu, everyday 4-6 specials that are made from the fresh produce found at the market... So don't be afraid to try new things!

Food - 4.25 stars out of 5.

Service - 2.75 stars out of 5.

Entree - $18-$26

My favorite... Mac & Cheese - Don't forget to add the Black Forest Ham... :]]

Crispy exterior, creamy rich interior.  Classy yummy goodness that will leave you yearning for more!

Potato Croquette with some phenomenal cheese that I can't remember!














Asian Pear Salad - Phenomenal.  Light dressing, with bacon wrapped grilled pears... YUM

Beef Wellington - Oh so delicious, the puff pastry was flaky and the beef was oh so tender!

Grilled Chicken - The most mediocre thing out of an outstanding dinner.  Skin was slightly charred, but the mashed potato and the mushroom were very delish!

So, what you eat after, you say?  Dessert of course.  This was one of the highlights of dinner.  With 4 eager forks, needless to say, you snooze, you lose.

This is a fruit crisp with fresh creme, the fruit will vary, and today it was apple.  Completely appropriate as the last apple crisp we had (at The Counter) was a complete disappointment!  The inside was cold and the server made it seem like it was our fault... Anywho... This is surprisingly light, airy and delish.  You think you want to share... but don't...  :]

All pictures (except Mac & Cheese, shot by Aubrey Pucan Hester - Check out her site!)


Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Pets and iPad.

Cat and iPad



Dog and iPad



Mahalo for reading (watching).

Until next time.

Apple iPad... One week later...

I have decided that I will be returning my Apple iPad.

Gasp!  I know, right?  I will be returning it not because I am unhappy with the device, I am returning it for the same device with added functionality... 3G.

As most of you know, I am one of the few individuals out there who has owned all 3 models of the iPhone and now no longer own the device that has changed the mobile scene.

Since I do have a 3G enabled device, there are certain instances where I do not have access to WiFi and 3G would be handy, so basically that is only reason I am returning my iPad.  That and I am debating on the 32GB version and the 64GB version.

I currently have a 64GB and though I have an iMac with a 1.5TB HD and I've used over 500GB of data, I feel that I don't really need to carry 64GB of music/videos and such.

To illustrate, here is a snapshot of what is in my iPad.

I have almost 1700 songs with 9 movies and a lot of music videos and video podcasts along with my whole photo collection and almost 80 application.

Yet, I will have 14.9GB to spare.

I think I will be buying the 32GB iPad + 3G.  I will be cutting down on the amount of photos I carry as well as coming up with a better system to filter my photos.

Ok, enough about mechanics... Let's talk about the device itself.  I still likes it a lot, I use it on a daily basis, yet I do not carry it around with me everywhere.  I do not use it at work, since I'm on the computer all day, nor do I use it all day in class, I use it maybe once every 2 hours to quickly check email.

As for the applications, I have downloaded many applications specific to the iPad and I have to say...
5 STAR APPS:  Netflix, ABC Player and Dragon Dictation.

These apps are the cream of the crop.  They not only work as intended but also surpass your expectation of the application and the interaction you come to expect.  Dragon Dictation is an application where you speak into the microphone and it takes your vocal speech and turns it into text, which you can then email, save, etc.  Surprisingly accurate.  With ABC player, though limited in the amount of episodes available, I have been able to catch up Desperate Housewives for free!  Netflix, not only does it have the full functionality of the website, you can stream movies and looks as good as the HDTV!

1 STAR APP: iStudiez Pro

I was looking forward to this application as it was one of Wired 15 iPad Apps You Should Download!
Needless to say, it has great promise for students and keeping them organized, but consistent crashing while trying to add your information left me furious.  It is the first application that I contact Apple for a refund, told Wired they suck for recommending this app and I even emailed the developer asking for a refund.  Surprisingly, the iStudiez guys apparently know there is a problem, so hopefully an update can work out all of kinks. 

Hi Max,

Thanks for your letter, we are sorry for the inconvenience.

Right now we are working hard to submit the critical update asap.
Thank you for your patience.

Kind regards,

[name deleted for privacy]
iStudiez Pro Lead Architect

The app with the biggest potential is: iBooks.

I love this application.  I have purchased a book, and I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was.  I was pretty shocked it downloaded as fast as a song on iTunes.  There is 1 major drawback though, content.  I searched for 3 books I wanted to buy and they were not available.  Hopefully when this matures like iTunes did, the amount of content will flourish.

Off to bed!  I have to wake up at 6 to run in the AM!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Time for a makeover!

Alright...

We all know I left for spring break, looking kinda scary..

So to mark my return, it was time for a makeover!

Just a bunch a pictures marking my transformation!

Step 1:  Trim that beard!

Step 2:  Take off those braces!

Step 3:  Get a haircut!

Step 3:  Smiles!

My hair will be donated to Locks of Love.

Just another plug!  I am fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  I am a mentor for this years Alaska Mayor's Marathon which happens to be on my 30th birthday, please visit http://maxisturning30.info or http://thepowerofadolalr.info for more information.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Spring Break 2010 - Granada, Nicaragua Part I

Granada, Nicaragua Part I...

Three flights later, with a layover in Los Angeles and Atlanta, we arrived in Nicaragua at night. Shortly thereafter, receiving my first passport stamp in Central America (number 38, but whose counting?! woot!). After collecting our luggage and meeting with out shuttle guide person, we exited the airport to a crowd of people with signs - very reminiscent of Manila Airport - along with the signs, we were greeted with warm air.

Yup, the forecast before our departure was 82 degrees at night, and hot as hell during the daytime, peaking at lava flow. Excitement filled the air, well our driver wasn't very friendly and actually didn't say a word to us, so we entered the shuttle and just took in the scene to get to Granada - our destination.

We arrived in the city late at night, excited to reach our hostel while our tummy grumbled, the city reminded me of a cross between, Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Spain. At our hostel, we busted our best Spanish telling the lady "tenemos una reservation". Honestly, you can make any word sound Spanish, just say it with a Spanish accept. Repeat after me, "reservation! Reh-serrrrr-vah-shawn". Our hostel was pretty ghetto, and at age 29, we decided to share a private room instead of bunking with a bunch of kids who roam the streets and return drunk and loud, which will create friction when I tell them to STFU upon their return. Oh yeah, ghetto... so our room wasn't bad considering it was $28 for both of us, it included a bed, a fan (with a timer), a small bathroom (which smelled), and WiFi! The AC costs an additional $5, but that was not a big deal given that it was 80 degrees.

Upon seeing our room, we decided to gallivant and check out Granada, it was pretty late, and since it was low season there wasn't many people around - the way I likes it. We found the restaurant that Lola (my partner in crime wanted to visit), El Jardín de Orión, the food, good, the price, good, the ambiance, stupendamous. After stuffing our faces with various breads and our main entree, which composed of fish, we decided to explore the town further. Armed with a free map from the airport, we found the main street. Apparently, it was party time and our invite was lost in the mail as we had already eaten. Loud, dark and hospitable, the music played on the background while we walked on the cobblestone road, with restaurants, and tables on the street, filled with people, food and laughter.

One thing we decided was it was time to check out of the hostel and move to a different hotel. Nicaragua is a great country for Americans to visit as you can have a completely low end vacation ($4/night at a hostel) to higher end ($62/night at a hotel). We decided on Hotel Spa Granada. Words cannot express how much I love this hotel. The end.

Just kidding! The hotel was more than we could ever ask for. The rate was reasonable, there's even a cheaper option of $52 night. (More pics to come in Part II) The amenities were pretty much super awesome. Nice room, hot water (not included in hostel), WiFi, a pool (people from surrounding hotels come for $5 a visit) and it includes a 30 minute massage (DAILY!!) Granted it isn't as cheap as Philippines and south east asia, but if you throw in the airplane ticket price (hint hint, much closer, its definitely worth it). The number one reason why we loved this hotel is the staff. The people are super friendly, bi-tri-quad linguists knowledgeable about their city.

Old Hospital...  It was near King Quality.

Ok, so this is actually our first day in Granada, we already switched hotels and we leave the next day for Monteverde, Costa Rica. The cheapest method to get from point A to point B in Nicaragua is chicken buses. You could probably get from one side of the country to the other side for $3. BUT with our schedule we had to take the most expensive and reliable mode of transportation, King Quality. After buying our tickets, I somewhat grumbled, well I did grumble that we had to be at the bus stop at 0445AM (yawn! I know right!). Since it was basically hot as hell outside, we returned back to the hotel, and yup pool time for me. Then massage time. What a hard life...

Dinner time! After walking around Lola sawer (British accent) it, El Zaguán. Needless to say, after eating at this place, we were in tears. The food was so good, so good that my stomach rumbles in rabid desire for El Zaguán. Ummm... I don't even know how to phrase it... Let's just say you'll be hearing more about El Zaguán.

Alright, so basically after eating enough for 2 people, well 2 American people and probably 3-4 Nicaraguan peoples, we walked back to the hotel and I was basically so full I didn't really do much, watched the health care issues on TV. I woke up at 4am after a power nap and lugged our luggage downstairs. Well, more like a duffel bag and backpack for me, and a large backpack for Lola and a tote bag. So after flagging down a cab, which BTW was my preferred mode of transportation as Lola wanted to walk everywhere. Tip 411, cabs are really cheap, its 20 cordobas anywhere in town which the exchange rate was $21.80 when we were there. We arrived at King Quality bus stop at 0445.

0445. No Bus.
0500. No Bus.
0515. No Bus.
0530. No Bus.
0545. No Bus.
0600. No Bus.
0615. No Bus.
0630. No Bus.

Obviously the bus was NOT coming, so we talked to the guy well Lola did because I'm quite cranky when I am deprived of sleep and I can't vocalize my frustrations in Spanish (not yet anyways)... Supposedly, the AM bus was not coming so the next bus was coming at 1430.

We returned to our safe haven that is Hotel Spa Granada and they were more than happy to give us our room, since no one cleans rooms anywhere in the world around butt crack of dawn. Breakfast time was in order. We went to breakfast at the Garden Cafe, which was free - Holla! This threw a wrench in our plans because we had a 2:30pm bus to catch in Liberia, Costa Rica to get to Monteverde (3.5 hours by car... ????? by bus). At this point it was talking time, should we stay? should we go? We would lose the deposit at the hotel, or pay $140 for a private driver to take us from Liberia to Monteverde. After a phone call from the telephone business center to Jose in Monteverde and a drink from the center which I don't really recall what it was, and a breakdown of all the costs we would accrue with going and not going.

We decided, wheez funna go.

Alright... this time around we got to the bus stop at 1430 (2:30pm for you non 24 hour clock peoples)...
1430. No Bus.
1445. No Bus.
1500. No Bus.
1530. No Bus.

Krabby Patty

At this rate Lola is talking to a photo journalist who have traveled pretty much around the world, Martin is his name and he's from New Zealand. I felt like a puppy at a pet store looking at all the passersby asking to be picked up. I honestly needed a chiropractor after 2 hours of my neck zigzagging.

Oh yeah here's a pic of me at the stop. Not really friendly... LOL

1600. Could it be? The magical bus that will take us to foreign lands? STFU?!

It is! After the gentlemen tagged our luggage (seriously) and gave us a claim check, we entered the air conditioned bus with seats across from each other. Ok, King Quality is the equivalent of first class of buses. There was air conditioning. The young lady provided us with a box which included a sandwich and also gave us a beverage (we even got to keep the whole can. What?!) After pretending that I was reading my notes for my midterm upon my return, I decided to just look outside. Yup, it was a volcano and one of the places we wanted to visit. Omotepe. We decided earlier that this trip would be an amuse-bouche basically tantalizing our taste buds with a smidgen of Granada here and Monteverde there. One surprise to me was the presence of large wind turbines. As I would say, "Ho, there's choke turbines!", but given that we were on a bus and a lot of people were sleeping, I just kept it to myself and grinned at another moment captured in my mind that I cannot express into words. Before our arrival to the border, the gentlemen offered us treats and yeah it was hella good. It was a ribbon-esque pastry dessert that wasn't too sweet. Yet it had a gentle crunch when you bit into it which suddenly melted coating your tongue with its delicious goodness.

In case we needed further confirmation that King Quality was the bomb, they took all of the passengers passports and they stood in line for us. We were very happy yet anxious as we thought we would be in Liberia at 5pm, where our ride was now waiting to take us to Monteverde.

Stamp #39, you're departing Nicaragua. Here's where it's crazy retarded and I probably will not be visiting Costa Rica anytime soon because it does not make any sense whatsoever. Needless to say we waited in line to enter Costa Rica for 3 hours. There was 1 line for everyone. In my travels, I am always pleasantly surprised to meet very nice people who want to talk and in this case, Lola's bus neighbor became chat buddies (Cadelia) and she would help us out in more than 1 occasion.

Departing Nicaragua...

If you're going to Costa Rica from Nicaragua, be prepared. You'll need to hold on to your yellow slip and you'll need a ticket saying your monkey ass is leaving Costa Rica because they don't want you to stay in Costa Rica for more than 90 days.

2000.  We're entering Costa Rica, feeling bad that the person waiting for us is just waiting and we have no way of calling.

That my friends is the first 48 hours of my holiday.

Next... Monteverde, Costa Rica!!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.