ESLTalk - Week 5 - Description (Part II)

This week we continued to practice describing emotions, people, and general things we things we see.

Note: there is no C1 lesson this week because of the holiday!

Intermediate Lesson - CLICK HERE

For the article - CLICK HERE

Happy Halloween!

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

 Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

TechTalk - Why I love my Surface RT - #7 and #13

Aloha everyone!

I'm writing a little bit about my Microsoft Surface RT.  I hear a lot of negative press about it and many people such negative options about it (reading from tech blogs and comments) and I've had my Surface for a while know and I really like it - so, I'm recording 20 short videos on why I love my Surface RT.  I will be posting a couple every other day, check these videos out and stay tuned!

Yes, I can probably just write about it, but its better if you see it in person.

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

 Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

TechTalk - Top 3 IM (Instant Messaging) applications

Alright everyone,

If you have a smart phone, chances are you probably have a IM application.
Instant messaging applications doesn't cost you to send messages if you have a data plan or WiFi.
With many options out there, I wanted to write about  my favorites and why (and other IM applications that did not make the top 3).

Top 3
1) Viber - CLICK HERE

2) Google Hangout - CLICK HERE
3) WhatsApp - CLICK HERE

WhatsApp - This is a great application.  The service has a large number of users, so finding others to contact is easy (assuming you have programmed phone numbers into your phone).  For example, if you keep your contacts updated on your device, once you download the application, you will be able to see everyone on your contact list who also uses WhatsApp.  Another great thing about this service, is the ease of group chats, sharing photos, and you can also share your location.  One of the things I don't like about WhatsApp, which my top 2 choices have is the capacity to message from your computer or tablet (I'll explain further in detail), so basically to communicate you will need the phone that you used to register your account to.

Google Hangout - I love this even more than WhatsApp.  If you already use Gmail, individuals are autopopulated into your messaging list, so you can just message anyone.  Unlike WhatsApp, Google Hangout (GH), doesn't allow you to share your location, but you can video chat.  One of the things I really love about GH and Viber as well is the ability to continue a conversation with any device you have.  For example, I'm walking home chatting with friends and once I get home, I sort of want to check my emails at the same time, so I just turn on my computer, open a browser, log into Gmail, and voila - you can continue your chat online.  This is great as well especially when you are having long chat conversations (typing on a mobile device gets old after 5 minutes), so with GH and Viber, you can chat away on your desk, mobile, tablet, etc.  You're not limited to 1 device.  One downfall of this application is that the other person has to have a Gmail account (which most people do), but they also have to use Google hangout on their mobile device or the chat while checking Gmail on a computer browser.  

Viber - This application won the #1 spot by a hair, for a couple of reasons.  Viber is available on almost every single platform.  Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Desktop (and laptop computers) has the capacity to run Viber.  This is great, because #1, you don't have to have Gmail (another reason why I don't have Facetime on my top 3, not everyone has a iOS device).  Similar to Google Hangout, you can chat from your computer, your phone, tablet, etc.  Another plus Viber is that you can make phone calls through the application and it doesn't cost any money!  The application is also easy to install and easy to use.  

The rest of the field.

BBM - According to recent news there were 20 million downloads of the popular application; however, after installing and signing in (which happened to be a long drawn out process because I HAD a blackberry before and of course, I could not remember the password.  Fortunately, I remembered my challenge password), I had only 2 friends.  Yes, this is quite a drastic difference, considering on Viber, I have over 100 contacts, and on my GMail, probably closer to 200.  Blackberry still uses PIN code (an alphanumeric code) as your ID, so finding friends isn't as easy as the other applications.  While there are also other options to add people, like QR scan, it really isn't easy compared to the rest of the field.  One of the things I did LOVE about BBM is the speed of the messages, they were almost instant; unlike WhatsApp which appeared to have a 1-3 second delay per message (on the same phone).  BBM has the same core functions as WhatsApp, sending pictures, etc, but does lack the option to send your location.

LINE - This application is good.  You can chat from your computer (Windows 8) and your phone as well.  However, the interface isn't as clean and easy to use as Viber.

Personally, I have uninstalled all of the IM apps (minus Viber, Google Hangout and WhatsApp), having too many options to chat is counter productive and a drain on your battery life.

What's your favorite IM application?

Do you have any questions about any of the IM apps?  Post in the comment section.

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

SpainTalk - My Weekend.

I have been here in A Coruña for 6 weeks.  Time does fly by.  Funny thing is I haven't gone out at all.  

The few times that I have explored A Coruña, it has been with friends from Ferrol.  Speaking of which, I need to plan the next Ferrol English Dinner Club!

This weekend was quite unique, simply because my class (Health Care Management) ended last Friday.  No school (teaching wise), and no responsibilities.

So what do I do when I have nothing to do?!  

Video Games and Junk Food WEEKEND - DUH!

Weekend of The Walking Dead, DOHA 2, Final Fantasy VII, ice cream, banana chocolate pancakes, 3 bags of potato chips and even home made syrup!

Just in case you're on Steam - hawaiiinsomniac.

While, I definitely agree that it is ok to have junk food once in a while, this can't be a daily thing.  

In fact, just got home from the gym.  Took a spinning class, then ran on the treadmill for a quick 15 minutes, then swam.  Protein shake and gatorade.  

That was my weekend.  Perhaps, I should get productive and plan some lessons!  o_O  

Yes, I had the most kills.  Target practice.

Chocolate banana pancakes!  woot woot!

Just add water for home made syrup!

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

 Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

SpainTalk - Things that I miss... Oct. 2013

One of the great things about traveling is I get to experience new things, but it comes at a cost 

(opportunity cost - for you economists out there).  

There are a few things I miss about being in the United States... 

Here are a few of those things...

1) A Big Screen HDTV.  

Televisions are common place in the United States.  In Hawaii, my roommate and I had 3.  I had a 42" HDTV in my bedroom, she had a 47" HDTV in hers and we had one in the living room.  I bought my dad a 55" HDTV for Christmas 2 years ago.  In Florida, I have a 32" HDTV. I would buy one here as well, but they are WAY too expensive in comparison to US prices.

Yes, killing zombies is not the same on my 17" laptop.

Walmart.com

2) Big Breakfast

Yes, I can cook my own breakfast, and most of the time I do.  Sometimes its a lot of work.  It would be nice to go to a restaurant and order breakfast!  Funny part is in the US, its really cheap.  Its probably cheaper to eat out for breakfast, than to buy the ingredients for yourself and cook it (especially party of 1).

Some of my favorite breakfast places:

San Diego, CA - HASH HOUSE A GO GO 

Hawaii Kai (Honolulu), HI - Moena Cafe

Kailua, HI - Boots and Kimo's

St. Petersburg, FL - Trip's Diner
Long Beach, CA - Jongewaard's

3) Halloween
Halloween is my favorite holiday (after Christmas - of course) and this year, its unfortunate because I don't have my favorite makeup artist and I'm not really inspired to be creative and gruesome.  I'm going to the store today (maybe tomorrow), but even then - the best Halloween costumes aren't bought, they're made (anyone makeup artists out there?!).

One of my BFFs 

Yes, made by the zombie above!

Yes, I'm trying of course, but like most things, access is easier if everything is readily available - not to mention if you're friends enjoy dressing up in costumes and scaring kids at night.

Ha ha, I think I want a really big screen TV because I miss playing video games on a huge screen.

Oh yeah - also a very cool Xbox One ad.

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

 Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

ESLTalk - Week 4 - Description and Communication

Aloha everyone,

This week, for my intermediate students, we practiced describing people.

CLICK HERE for INTERMEDIATE LESSON.

For my C1 students, we had a discussion about communication.

CLICK HERE for C1 LESSON.

The recording this week is for Advanced students and above.

CLICK HERE for article

What do you think of the article?

How does American youth differ from Spanish youth?

Write in the comment section below.

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

ReadTalk - Interesting articles 10/22

I am just writing about a bunch of things I find interesting.  Those of you who follow my blog, probably know I read a lot.  I read about 1-2 books a month (even more during the summer when I am not working).  

I subscribe to magazines, such as Time Magazine and Wired (thanks to my tablet).

Here are just a few articles, I've found quite interesting this week and if you have time, you should take a look.

AXS Maps - CLICK HERE

I really like this article as it shows, how an idea and technology can change people's lives.  AXS Maps is in its stages of building a community accessible to handicap users.  I almost with I was in the United States, so I could volunteer and help out with this project.  #feelinginspired

China Smog - CLICK HERE

Many people think that China is the next superpower.  I am not one of those people.  There are many conditions which prohibit the continued growth of this overpopulated nation.  One of those factors is pollution.  The pollution is so severe in China that production has to be halted for days.  

This week 2 links regarding education

Lincoln High School - CLICK HERE

This article takes a look at a different point of view when it comes to discipline in schools.  

Free Thinkers - CLICK HERE

I really enjoyed this article.  I think children's minds have the capacity to just about anything and our current structure of thinking, schools, and even technology can prevent the full potential of students.  Fortunately, this article is an exception.

Nokia 1520 - CLICK HERE
Yes, I am mildly obsessed with technology and I can't wait to try out this phone!

Which one is your favorite article?  Why?!

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

ESLTalk - Cafe con leche with Max - Episode 1

Aloha everyone!

Just finished recording the first episode with one of my best friends Michelle.

Sorry for the lighting, my front camera on my laptop isn't that great.  I do have a HD webcam, but unfortunately the WiFi in my apartment isn't that great, so I can't use it at the moment.  Also, this episode ran quite long, a little under 20 minutes.  We actually talked for almost an hour.  You may want to skip the first 5-10 minutes.  Hopefully, my friend +Poli P (who is great with video editing, can work her magic and we'll publish a 2nd version which is shorter).

Thanks for watching!

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

 Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

TechTalk - Nokia Lumia 920 - Spinning Gears FIX!

You have a Nokia Lumia 920 (or 520, 620, 820, 1020, 925, or 928 - I think that's all the Nokia Lumia Windows Phone 8 series) and you decide to do perform a factory reset...

But you encounter a problem, once your phone is restarting, all you see is SPINNING GEARS.

DO NOT PANIC.

Well, of course you can panic a little, mobile phones aren't exactly cheap and such, but just follow the next steps and you'll be back to your fully functional Nokia Lumia series phone!  WOOT WOOT.

STEPS... 

#1 - Breathe

#2 - Hold down the following buttons

(Power, Volume UP and Volume DOWN)

#3 - Wait until phone resets (if it shows spinning gears again - Repeat Step 2)

Check out my video.

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

 Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

ESLTalk - Introduction

Aloha everyone!

This is my first week teaching - yippie!  I am so happy to be back, I've had quite a bit of free time recently and getting back to a normal routine is something I am looking forward to.

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson

For those of you looking for a listening activity (this week is advanced 2 and C1), listen to the audio below.  The article which accompanies the audio is below as well.  First, listen to the audio, then open the article, and listen to the audio again while reading the audio.

(Sorry for the sound, my nose is still a bit stuffed up!)

CLICK HERE for article.

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

ESLTalk - My Schedule 2013-2014 School Year

Aloha everyone!

Here it is, my schedule.  I know that some of you have been wondering about private classes and I'll start teaching both at the EOI and private classes next week (Oct. 14).

Have a great weekend!

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

SpainTalk - First Care package...

I received my first care package in the mail yesterday from +Poli P .

(Hooray, I can actually tag people through my blog!)

Ok, let me describe what's in my care package.

First - Pentel EnerGel Retractable liquid gel 0.7 metal tip pens in multicolor.  Yes, I am neurotic about pens.  I've been using the same pens for about 6-7 years now.  Working in finance before, and being a notary, I had to sign lots and lots and lots of paperwork, so a good pen is essential, needless to say, I tried others and this is the best pen out there!

Next is yellow curry - one of my favorite foods, from Thailand.  Its a little spicy (I don't think its that spicy, but most Galicians think otherwise).

Next is sriracha - because +David Azevedo used all of my sriracha and didn't tell me this past summer... hahaha... balance has been restored, and I can't wait to try some since I can't breath out of my nose.

I think sriracha is actually from Vietnam and is commonly used in foods like Pho.

Lastly is caldereta mix, this packet of spices are from the Philippines and its great with meat, potatoes and carrots, I can't wait to cook some!  I'm actually getting a little hungry now.

Well, time to work on my final paper.  meh.  Enjoy your weekend.  I'll be couped up, recovering and writing.

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos

Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

SpainTalk - Campanadas de Boda - 1st play in Spain

Considering that I've lived in Spain for a little over a year, its someone surprising that I've seen my first play this past weekend. 

 

I enjoy going to plays and to concerts, I remember my first play overseas Kiss in Porto, Portugal, I really didn't understand most of the dialogue, but you sort of get the idea of the bigger picture, and the same pretty much with this play "Campanadas de Boda".  I had a hard time understanding all of the jokes and nuances, but for the most part, I understand the play. 

 

This play is about a wedding between an Indian gentleman and a Spanish woman, which highlights many of the stereotypes of marriage and even perhaps Spanish culture.

 

One of the things I really enjoyed the most about the play is the interactive nature.  For example, they take pictures during the play and you can download them after the show - for free!

 

CLICK HERE to see some of the show pictures and to buy your tickets!

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos

Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

 

VideoTalk - Funny/Cool video of the week.

I like scary movies like most people, but if this were to happen in real life, I would have ran faster than Forrest Gump.

o_O

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

 Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

ESLTalk - Café con leche with Max - Introduction

Aloha everyone!

Well, school has started again and I can't wait to meet all my new students!

One of the main feedback I received from my students is they don't always have access to native speakers.  Well, worry no more.

Starting this week, I will start a YouTube bi-monthly publication staring me (of course! haha) and one of my friends from around the world (Americans, Canadians, Australians and Britons).

You'll have the opportunity to get to know more about me and my friends from all walks of life: fellow world travelers, lawyers, teachers, yoga masters, and other types of professionals!

Don't be shy - if there is a word or phrase you don't understand - write a comment!

Here is the introduction video (to explain a bit about the program!)

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos

Mahalo for reading.
 Until next time.

MusicTalk - Britney Spears - #WORKBXXCH - A Review

Work B**ch is the lead single for Britney's new album coming out in later this year.

 

Why is this so important?  Well, for multitude of reasons, actually.  First, in regards to pop culture, Britney has been regarded as a lead icon for quite some time.  However, with recent mishaps, lackluster album sales, lack of impact in the pop culture (in comparison to Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and recently Miley Cyrus), I am glad to say its #britneyb**ch back on top.

 

Her recent album, Femme Fatale is her least selling album which is her only album not to sell over 1 million copies, but the album did spawn 3 top 10 singles: Hold it Against me, Till the World Ends, and I Wanna Go.

 

If you haven't seen Work B**ch, scroll below and watch the video.  While I feel that the choreography doesn't completely highlight Britney's abilities, it does go a good job of dismissing all the critiques, Britney is back, and you'll see a great show in Las Vegas.  Britney recently signed a deal with Planet Hollywood and will be performing shows there for the next 2 years starting this December.

 

This video is great.  Great imagery, over the top cinematography from the dancing in the middle of the dessert (a la Beyoncé in Baby Boy), singing in the middle of an enormous pool with CGI sharks I'm assuming.  Also, what I love are the images with the women.  The play on domineering woman by Britney with whips shows that she is ready to take charge.  Basically, the image with Britney at the top of an inverted pyramid is her stamp on the Diva crown.  She is back on the top of her game.

 

Some of you may not agree that her work is great, but what she is selling here is her brand, her image.  Britney is 100% fit, look at those abs vs. Gimme More performance at MTV VMAs; in addition to the abs, she is dancing well, great costume changes, a good upbeat song, which I am ready to go clubbing to at any time or run some sprints.

 

Welcome back Britney Spears.  You better Work B**ch. 

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos

Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

TechTalk - A month with Windows (Surface RT, Nokia 920, 8)

For my long time readers, you guys probably know that I am probably one of the few people who has switched from Apple to PC.  Yes, I've used Apple G4 cube, 1st iMac, PowerBooks, MacBook Pro, Air, iPod, iPod nano, iPod classic, iPod Touch, iPhone all models, iPad, blah blah blah.

 

Now, I am using a HTC One (all of the pictures on this blog for the past 3 months - including this one was taken with this one).  However, now that I am using a surface RT, Windows 8 laptop, I thought to myself, why not go all in and try it out!  So, my phone for the month will be Nokia 920 (and I even have wireless charging and NFC (BOO YA - Apple!).

 

A lot of people talk badly about Microsoft, and that's probably they don't use the latest and greatest OS and hardware like Apple users.  Seriously, do you buy a new PC annually?

 

Anyways, this is also an opportunity to get to know the Microsoft ecosystem more and maybe - just maybe, I'll walk away from parts of Google (Gmail, Calendar, Chrome, Contacts, Drive, Keep, Maps, Android, Blogger)...

 

The challenge, use all Microsoft products for the next 30 days (with the exception of Blogger of course), I'll write about the good, the bad, and even the ugly.

I'll be using these devices primarily:
Dell Inspiron 17"
Microsoft Surface RT
Nokia 920

If you have any questions about any of these devices, post a comment!

Clean me, Max... CLEAN ME!

Wish me luck.

 

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos

Mahalo for reading. Until next time.