FriendTalk - First Care Package

Ha! Guess what I got in the mail today?!

My first care package full of Hawaiian goodies!

Everything from slippahs, shoyu, furikake and even li hing powder.

I feel so <3<3<3<3.  Thanks Michelle! :]

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

TechTalk - FitTalk - 1,000 Miles - RunKeeper

 Remember the days, when the only way you could actually keep track of your workout distance and time is by running laps? or running a trail?

Thanks to smartphones with GPS along with smart techies that made awesome applications, now we can just start an application and BAM! Our pace, distance, time, elevation, even heartrate can be tracked.

Well, I've used several applications out there (previously Nike+, but their shoes suck) and I had years of lag before I found RunKeeper I love the app so much that I even changed to an Android phone (the windows version doesn't work as well).

So... today I reached a milestone using the runkeeper application - 1,000 miles!!  Through a  combination of running, cycling, a little bit of hiking and a smidgen of walking.

Any other RunKeeper users out there?!

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

BakeTalk - Spaghetti and Meatballs

Baking today I wanted to do something a bit different, and I thought of spaghetti and meatballs!

So... that's what I did... it is basically vanilla cupcakes with vanilla icing along with raspberry jam and ferrero rocher chocolate.

Doesn't it look like spaghetti and meatballs!?

YUM...

This batch was a little on the sweeter side, I would change the raspberry jam and make my own (to be more tart to offset the sweetness of the icing)

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Officially a College Graduate - Now What!?

Yup, as of December 17, 2011, I am a college graduate.  Though apparently, it takes the system up to 12 weeks to verify that all things are in order before retroactively proving a piece of paper that validates me as a more functional member of society. (yey!)

 

 To be honest, I never thought this day would come.  College really wasn't for me when I was younger, I had no desire to mingle with kids my age that just talked about things I really could care less about.  Weird thing is, I knew I was going to be successful even without a degree, but I do know that it is important to my dad, and hey... it was the proper time for me!  Graduating at the age of 31 is actually great (for me anyways), I have a great repertoire with my instructors, always the first to volunteer, not shy to provide my opinion - not to mention a bit more eloquent than my other colleagues.

Well, this is just the first step for me and I can't wait to move forward a pursue a graduate degree in Anthropology.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

TechTalk - Best Tablet Browser

Over the course of the past 2 years, I've had my share of tablets, from iPad, Dell Streak 7, HTC Evo View 4G, HTC Flyer and Blackberry Playbook.  Each running different OS systems, iOS, Android 2.2 (Froyo), Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) and BB OS.

So... who has the best browser?!?

My favorite browser on a tablet the one that can be found on Blackberry Playbook.

Why!?

Well, I know the apps are limited (very limited) but the browser more than makes up for it.  Example, it is true that iOS and Android has applications to stream television from NBC, ABC, FOX, etc. but you won't need those apps for the PlayBook.  All you have to do is go to the website like you would on your computer, stream and watch the show.  This is great for sites that don't have "apps" that still run their website on flash... examples... CW, Logo, Cnet and Yahoo (and countless more)

You'll be able to watch embedded views on these sites!

Streaming Project Runway All Stars on Lifetime

Yes, while other tablets have other capabilities and tons of other applications, for $199 you can get the best internet experience on a tablet...

called the Blackberry Playbook.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

8000 Views! woot!

I know, I know.

It's 8,000 view, which is probably something insane like what Google and Facebook gets in a millisecond, but hey...

woot!  Next time I'll post the stats count is when I hit 10,000 pageviews!

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

TravelTalk - Dominican Republic

Alright, I decided to start a new hashtag - Traveltalk basically when I want to talk about travel!  =D

I was also thinking of one for TechTalk - considering I have way too many technology for 1 person.  

Back to the topic at hand (isn't that a rap song?)... Dominican Republic.  It was a quick 10 days. We started at Santo Dominto then headed up to Caberete via Sosua, then to Punta Cana (via Sosua, Santo Domingo), then to Boca Chica then back home.We must have spent a good 20 hours on buses, motoconch, taxis, etc.

Map Reference!

 Dominican Republic has a lot to offer, but to forewarn you, it is an expensive place to be (in relation to Central and South America), you will be paying US prices for meals - that is probably due to the fact that gas is $6.00 a gallon (if not more).  The people are friendly, though it might be beneficial to you if you spoke a little travel Spanish. (where, when, how much, etc!?)

My friend and new travel buddy - Liz

 Dominican Republic is a country that is developing, you can quickly see the disparity of wealth between the have and have nots - which also divides certain areas of the city.

A suggestion is to skip Santo Domingo all together - unless you are staying an extended period of time and really want to explore the city.  If you are in the country for a week and want some sand, sun, beach and even surf, there are many other places to be. 

I would actually considering going back - knowing what I know now.  I'd probably spend my time in Caberete and also explore Samana (both cities are in the northern part of the country).

There is also smaller international airports (Punta Cana and Puerto Plata).

It was my first time going to an all-inclusive resort and it was fun, but I don't think I would do it again.  Liz and I went to one for 1 night and it was fun, but its definitely a different set of people that were there than the rest of the people we met through our travels.

Surprisingly, there is a large Russian population that visit this place - perhaps it is easier to obtain a visa!?  There were even signs for Russian real estate agents.

More pictures... will post a more detailed blog of how to plan your travel... (later!)

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

TechTalk - E-Readers - Kindle vs. Nook (sharing books!)

Alright... it has taken me forever, but I've finally decided on e-reading as my preferred way to get books.

There are many e-Readers out there and yup, I've done my research!!

The two most popular e-readers out there: Kindle - made by Amazon and Nook - made by Barnes and Noble.

This of these two companies as ecosystems - basically once you commit to one, you'll be buying books from there, and if you decide to switch in the future, you're not going to be able to upload your books from a Nook to a Kindle (and vice versa)

Well, this particular blog is only going to focus on sharing books!

So why is this SOOO important.  Well, physical books are awesome, you buy it, you like it, you can give it to a friend, donate it, sell it, etc.

That is one major disadvantage of an e-book.

The publishers decide which books are lendable.  Some even have restrictions (like only lending once - I'm talking about you Water for Elephants) when it comes to lending... AND no you can't sell an e-book.

So... Generally, I have made a rule.. when it comes to e-books... only buy books that are "Lendable" (Kindle Term) or "Lend Me" (Nook Term)

First... how to check!?

Kindle - When you look at your particular e-book, just scroll to the middle, you'll see a section that looks like this (Product Details), its very tiny text - but what you are looking for is Lending: Enabled.  That means you can share this book, if it doesn't have this then you will not be granting access to anyone else.

Source: Amazon.com

Nook - Nook is definitely a lot easier when it comes to checking if you can share a book.  All you have to do is look for the "LendMe" icon as shows here at the very bottom of the picture.

Source: Barnes and Noble

Ok... now that we know how we can check if a book is sharable... 

How do we let someone else borrow it!?

This is where Nook owners are rejoicing.  Its super easy!  Basically you log onto your MyNook and you add friends (by email), and from there you can see their WHOLE Nook library and the lendable books that they have. You just click a button and WAH POW!  It automatically sends them an email and once the other person confirms your request, you'll have access to the book! Yup, so this is what is looks like below, you'll be able to see which books are mine (and which you can let someone borrow via LendMe monicker) 

Source: Barnes and Noble

Looking for a Nook friend!? - Add me: sandoval.max@gmail.com

Amazon has made it SUPER difficult to lend books, you'll have to go to Amazon.com, manage your Kindle library, then your books are listed in text format.  You'll have to either scroll through pages to find the book you want to lend, and from there input your friends email information.  There is NO WAY for your friends to search your library (like Nook) and see which book they want to read...

So... Of course, to PISS off Amazon, here is a list of every single book I have purchased on Amazon... and yes, I've even put if their Lendable or not... so if you want a book just make sure its lendable, and either email me or post a comment which book you want and your email!

With the closure of Borders, I will start supporting Barnes and Noble (you can even go to their store and read any e-book via your Nook for an hour ever day!) I can't imagine a world with no more bookstores, so many of them are closing and the more we support Amazon, the more physical locations will close (think of all of the electronics retailers that closed!)

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

HI to FL - Spam

Yes...

Today (tonight), I am writing about Spam.

While I was surprised that there is Spam here in Florida in various varieties - Spam Lite, Spam less Sodium, and Spam Bacon...

One particular Spam product that I was not there was Turkey Spam.

Yup, I am confessing my love for Spam - but not just any Spam -- Turkey Spam.

What's the difference?!  Well, Turkey Spam has lower sodium than Spam less Sodium.

That and the taste.

Yes - judge me if you will.  Spam rox.

 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Goodbye My Friend...

Sometimes, when you have someone there through the roughest patches of your life, you imagine they would be there when life is simpler.

Unfortunately, like most things in life, even relationships are uncertain.

This is an email, I sent to my best friend of a decade on January 27th - still no response.  Wish you the best Edwin.

======
I know you're crazy busy, so I thought I'd just share my thoughts with you via email.

I'm just going to share what I am thinking and you can choose what you want to do about it.

I feel like we've been growing apart.  Its really weird, I feel that you have a friend in me, but I don't have a friend in you.  I called 10 times, and if anyone called me that many times friend or not, I'd call to make sure they were alive and that they were ok.

The last 2 years you've had 60 days of leave.  I took the whole year of 2011 off.  You spent 2 days with me and brought your BF - you even asked me if it was ok, how am I suppose to say no!? I don't know, I guess I always catered to your time schedule and needs and never the other way around.  When I was in school in 2010, I had the whole summer off, guess what? you came to visit, while I was in school and you brought your mom - and you said to me - Oh, I wish we could have hang out more... 

The last time we talked I told you I was depressed... You said, oh good, to get your mind off of depression..  I'm not sure if I ever told you I was depressed, but you never asked me why.


You can always confide in me, share your thoughts, I never judge you.  I can't do the same with you.  

You're a smart guy, you're accomplished, but one thing you forgot along the way is how to be a friend.

Yes, I'm moving, Yes, I haven't worked in a year. (and no, don't try to compare it to your moving - with all your expenses paid and your fixed income), I don't know what the future holds and I'm scared, and I can't share that with my best friend.

I guess I've spent almost all of my adult here in Hawaii, you were here in the beginning and the middle of that, the last couple of years - you haven't been there at all.  You're not even in my thoughts really - that's what scares me.  

All of my friends and family knows that I am moving and all of them have made plans with me.  I'm going to Dominican Republic and Haiti as a graduation present to myself.

You might think that me moving is going to change everything between us and put everything back to the way they were - its not.  Not unless you decide you want to be my friend again and make an effort.  Once I go back to work, schedule will become further complicated.  

I'm not sure what I'm trying to say... I guess I'm moving on with my life and writing the next chapters of my life.  You've gone from being a major character to just a cameo.  Don't get me wrong, I'll be there for you when you need me.  

Its even sad the few times when we do talk, you talk to me like we're meeting at a social and we've only met each other once before.  All the phony, How are you?! etc.  

I guess I'm losing one of my best friends, and if you want to be a part of my life, you're going to have to make the effort.


Don't give me theoretical thoughts about being a friend.  Just prove it.  All you have to do is try and it'll fall back into place.

=======

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

HI to FL - Bridge

Yes, in Hawaii there is lots of water... but one of the things that Hawaii lacks that there are plenty of here in Florida are bridges.

This particular day, we just decided to travel and go over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and it was really cool.  No, it is not as grandiose as Sydney Harbour Bridge, but, its a pretty cool bridge nonetheless.

It even looks like it is made out of gold... (oooohhhh)

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

e-reader FAN!

Wow, I bought my Kindle on the big island because it was not only on sale but because it was a returned item, so it was super cheap!  

Cool thing about these items are it still comes with a warranty, and all electronics bought at Target comes with their support for a whole year (if you have any problems with set-up, etc.)

Well, I've read a lot more books that I thought I would, especially on my last trip to Dominican Republic. I'm actually going to be publishing a blog with a list of all of my Kindle books (if you would like to borrow one, let me know!)

So far, I have read...

Water for Elephants

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

Goodness Gracious Green

Shopaholic Ties the Knot

The Undomestic Goddess

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Can You Keep a Secret?

My Kindle

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.