Got Coffee?

Saw this while shopping at a place that's not in a neighborhood near you, and thought I'd share. Wish I had put an object next to the 12-cup filters for scale purposes. They had to be more than 12 inches in diameter. Imagine having this to start your morning off right.

First Bon Dance Fun

With baby's face stained a yellowish-orange (from food), we, like Tabasco Man, went to our first bon dance of the season but at Palacades. Where is Palacades you ask? No, it's not a new restaurant or a new sporting event location. It's actually Palisades. MSO made the colossal mistake of sending e-mail to friends to ask them if they want to join us with the misspelled location. Now he has to deal with the witticism. It was fun listening to the live music performed by some talented musicians, watching friends dance, and talking story.

If you're interested in some bon dance fun, the schedule for the rest of the season follows. Sorry, you'll have to wait till next year to go to Palacades.

The 2006 Obon Schedule

Date	Time	Location
July 28-29	7 p.m.	Jikoen Hongwanji Temple, 1731 N. School St.
July 28-29	7 p.m.	Palolo Higashi Hongwanji, 1641 Palolo Ave.
Aug. 4-5	5:30 p.m.	Koganji Temple, 2869 Oahu Ave.
Aug. 4-5	8 p.m.	Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji, 94-413 Waipahu St.
Aug. 5	7:30 p.m.	Waialua Hongwanji Temple, 67-313 Kealohanui St.
Aug. 11-12	7 p.m.	Shingon Mission of Hawaii, 915 Sheridan St.
Aug. 11-12	7:30 p.m.	Pearl City Hongwanji Temple, 858 2nd St.
Aug. 11-12	7 p.m.	Aiea Soto Mission Taiheiji, 99-045 Kauhale St.
Aug. 18-19	7:30 p.m.	Mililani Hongwanji Temple, 95-257 Kaloapau St.
Aug. 18-19	7:30 p.m.	Soto Mission of Hawaii Shoboji, 1708 Nuuanu Ave.
Aug. 18-19	7:30 p.m.	Jodo Mission of Hawaii, 1429 Makiki St.
Aug. 26	7:30 p.m.	Aiea Hongwanji Mission, 99-186 Puakala Road
Sept. 2-3		Okinawan Festival at Kapiolani Park
Sept. 16	5 p.m.	Autumn Matsuri, Hawaii Okinawan Center, 94-587 Ukee St.

(Information obtained from The Honolulu Star-Bulletin)

'K' For Kiddie & Keiki

Been trying to find a place to get a haircut for baby and have either heard or came across two places. Ever hear of Aunty Denise's Kiddie Kuts or Keiki Kuts? These are two beauty salons(?) that specialize in haircuts and whatnot for children a.ka. kiddies and keiki. I actually did some Internet research ('cause kiddie/keiki haircuts are serious business!) and found that Keiki Kuts was featured in articles in both the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and The Honolulu Advertiser a few years back while Aunty Denise's Kiddie Kuts offers coupons.

So prior to my investigation, I first call Aunty Denise's Kiddie Kuts. Phone rings more than four times but someone answers. I ask if appointments need to be made for haircuts. This was before I saw the page with 'By appointments only'. She says 'yes' appointments need to be made. So I ask if she had any openings on Saturday. She tells me 'no' they're not open on Saturday's. And I'm pretty sure she said Saturday's and not just Saturday. I make a comment about how I saw their sign that they were open on Saturday but she repeats that they're not open. So I say 'thank you' and hang up. Then I go to my handy dandy camera to see what the evidence actually shows, and it shows that they are supposed to be opened on the 'First Saturday of the month'. Hmm, now I'm wavering on whether or not I call back to make another attempt at scheduling an appointment. And what is 'Every Sunday Following' mean? Then I see the page with her coupons on. The hours there say Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri., and Sat. - 9:00am - 5:00pm. Is that a 'Sat.' as in Saturday?! And they're open on Wednesday? WTH?

So that's what sparked me to take this a little further with my aforementioned investigation with the Internet research. Had heard that Keiki Kuts charged a bit more than Aunty Denise's Kiddie Kuts (Aunty Denise's price list pictured) so thought Aunty Denise may be the way to go but now skepticism has overcome me and I don't know how accurate this price list may be as well.

After reading the articles on Keiki Kuts it may well be worth the extra dollars as they seem to provide a fun, cool looking environment for baby. If still valid, I like the 'keepsake bags for a snippet of hair and photo of baby's "after" picture as a memento.'

Parents, where do you take your kids to get their hair cut? Oh, and let me add that I will not cut baby's hair. Period.

Teaching Young People

"When we teach young people, we're not just spending time, we're investing it." --Anon.

Dog Whisperer

He'll be covering many topics regarding canine behavior at a seminar on Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 9:00 AM at the McKinley Auditorium. No pets allowed though. Bummer.

Why Dogs Stretch

When dogs stretch, they're warming up, according to Jonathan Rudinger, the Toledo, Ohio-based author of "Effective Pet Massage for Dogs" (www.petmassage.com). He says dogs stretch when they rise because they are warming up their muscles, and it puts the joints into proper position and gets everything in balance so they're ready to move.

It's actually funny to see dogs do the exaggerated play bow and then extend their back legs like "a hairy, horizontal version of a ballerina who goes on point."

The article continues by saying:

The joint surface gets nutrition through use. The pressure and release action pumps the joint fluid in and out of the cartilage bringing in nutrition, and removing waste products. Stretching maintains the health margins of cartilage that don't get used in routine movement.

Isn't this similar to us humans? Although there are those times when your body just feels like no matter how much you stretch, it just won't help the aches and pains of aging. Not that I got 'em but I can tell MSO feels that way.

Happy Child

Found this article and my valueless ranting can be found below.

How to grow a happy child
By John Rosemond

Here are some tips for having a happy child:

1. If you're married, have a more active relationship with your spouse than with your children. Spend more time in the roles of husband and wife than you spend in the roles of mother and father. Nothing causes a child greater insecurity than the sense that his parents' marriage is not the most solid, permanent thing in his life, and vice versa.

Sometimes having a relationship with your spouse is almost like having a relationship with a child so that could be difficult.

2. If you are single, do not be married to your children. Have an active life outside of your role as mother or father. Be an interesting person to your kids. The well-being of a single parent is essential to that of his or her children.

Not single but there are those days...

3. Expect your children to obey. Expect this calmly, as if you take their obedience for granted. Who is the happier employee: the one who frequently attempts to get away with breaking the rules, or the one who obeys the rules? Substitute child for employee and the answer is the same.

You can probably expect all you want but sometimes things just don't go that way.

4. Expect your children to be responsible citizens of your family. From the time they are 3, assign them to do chores around the home — chores that mean something. Teach your 3-year-old to wash floors. Teach your 4-year-old to vacuum. Teach your 5-year-old to clean the bathroom. Good citizenship is a matter of making contributions. Too many of today's kids have no meaningful roles in their families. They're just there, consuming, and the more they consume, the more they demand.

Wow, just what MSO wants to hear to get baby into gear with cleaning and cooking.
Yeah, and the more today's kids consume, the more they demand, and the more overweight they become. Oh, and that's in addition to cleaning out your wallet.

5. Teach your children that happiness is not a matter of how much you have, but a matter of how much you do with what you have. Don't buy them a lot of things that will end up doing nothing but cluttering up their lives.

Feng shui.

6. Teach your children that two of the most fun things to do are reading and traveling, both of which involve the accumulation of memories as opposed to things. Read to your children early and often. Every time you are inclined to buy your child a toy, consider instead taking him or her fishing or camping or to a museum. Spend time, not money.

I like this one, but look at parents and their toys today - iPods (we know Gee Why will be getting the Nike+iPod Sports Kit eventually, right?), Mr. Potato Head, etc., etc., etc. =)

7. Let television and video games into your children's lives very little, if at all. The happiest children are not found staring at TV sets. They are found in parks, on playgrounds, and in other three-dimensional places.

So far we've been pretty good about not watching TV with baby around. We go out and see three-dimensional people and places whenever we can.

8. Help your children develop hobbies. Few things exercise imagination and creativity as well as a hobby. By the way, a hobby is not an after-school sport. A hobby is something a child can do by himself, eventually without adult supervision.

Is chewing on things considered a hobby?

9. Teach your children good manners. Good manners are a demonstration of attentiveness to and respect for others, and the happiest people are those who pay more attention to others than they want others to pay to them.

Right now it's all about baby.

10. Hold your children to high standards. You show respect for a child by expecting of the child. Expect the best manners. Expect the best schoolwork your child is capable of. Expect your child to pitch in around the house. Hold your child accountable for his behavior. Happy campers always do their best.

We'll see what we can do.

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents' questions at www.rosemond.com.

How much does this guy get paid?

Another Order Incident

Don't know what it is about me and companies that try to rip me off. Today it's a photo company. Last week, I ordered a few pictures of baby in three different poses. Pose 1, 2, and 3. Had already ordered pose 4 in a previous order so didn't want to get more of that pose. Forward to today and I get an e-mail with my "order status." The e-mail thanks me for ordering, tells me that they've received and processed my order and that I should expect to receive my order within 7-10 days. The e-mail continues by listing my order total which includes so many dollars for the handling fee and tax. Fine. Next they list what's included in my order. Key words in this part of the e-mail I say would be "your order" as the listed items includes one line item that I never ordered and does not include an item that I did order. My hand probably darted towards the phone as quick as an Olympic sprinter.
Explained to the representative that there appeared to be an error, on their part, with the poses. I had ordered pose 2 but the e-mail says pose 4 has been shipped. She checks into the system and finds that my order has already been shipped and that pose 4 has actually been sent out. Duh. Informed her that I did not want pose 4. She said she could send out pose 2 and then I could mail back pose 4...on MY dime!!! WTF?! Prior to me asking about who's supposed to pay for mailing the incorrect pose back, she did add that it was usually the policy of the company to wait for the return of the incorrect pose prior to sending out the correct pose. But she said she "usually trusts the people she has dealt with" so she could send out the correct pose today. She then quickly changed her mind and said I would need to send the incorrect pose back before she can send out the correct one after I was quick to inform her that this mistake was in fact their fault and not mine so I felt that I shouldn't be required to pay for postage to send it back. She argued her case, but I asked to speak with a supervisor.
Turns out after much waiting on hold, this same representative (not her supervisor) informs me that the negative or file (I can't remember what she said) of pose 2 was bad and could not be used, and that they decided to *@#$!% substitute and ship out pose 4 for me because pose 4 was the most ordered and "portrayed baby in the best way" or some bull$#!# like that. I was disappointed to hear that the pose that I wanted would not be making its way to our home, but I was so angry to hear that they substituted like that without my consent. My big arguing point was that this company has customer contact information, whether it's a telephone number or e-mail address, so there is NO excuse for sending customers something that they DIDN'T order. After going a little more back and forth with the representative, she asks me if I want to speak with a supervisor. I'm fuming and tell her "Yeah, at this point, whatever." She comes back on the phone (!) and tells me that she has some "options" for me with one of them being a discounted price of pose 4. I tell her once again that I've already ordered pose 4 and I did not want anymore of pose 4. She sounds as if she's exhausted all possibilities but I tell her that I want resolution and she hasn't given me one. I start looking at the Better Business Bureau site while on hold. I finally got to speak with a supervisor and I almost bit the supervisor's head off. But she turned out to be more "customer-friendly" and she gave me "options" as well. One of those options was in fact a method to send back the incorrect pose on their dime. Told her that I do want to send the incorrect pose back and get refunded. She said I would be getting a label.
I'm usually not this resilient when it comes to issues like this but I actually held on and fought for resolution. It was rather liberating, but exhausting and my pressure probably got up there. I think the waiting while on hold might've helped to calm me down a bit too. Took me two days to post this. Now we'll see what happens...

Fish Poisoning

Up until today the only fish poisoning that I knew of was the type that had to do with balloon fish. So I was surprised to find out that there is a fish poisoning called ciguatera. Interestingly, people who get ciguatera find that cold things feel hot and hot things feel cold. Can you imagine that?! No cure is available and you basically have to just pull yourself through the horrible symptoms if they're not deadly. I've been told that reef fish are usually the ones that carry the ciguatoxins.

Got a Hazardous JumpDrive?

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2006
Release #06-205
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 248-2798
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Lexar JumpDrive(r) Computer Storage Devices Recalled for Burn Hazard,
Certain Models Involved

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Lexar JumpDrive(r) FireFly and 1GB Secure II

Units: About 66,000

Manufacturer: Lexar Media Inc., of Fremont, Calif.

Hazard: The recalled JumpDrives(r) FireFly and Secure II products could
overheat, posing a risk of burns to consumers and property damage.

Incidents/Injuries: No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description and Models: The recalled drives are high speed flash drives
used to store, transfer and carry data from one computer to another.
This recall only includes Lexar JumpDrive(r) FireFly which is sold in
various colors, and Lexar JumpDrive(r) Secure II 1GB which has a
metallic silver housing. "Lexar" is embossed on the front of the plastic
housing and the capacity is marked on the back. The part number is
located on the FireFly's packaging, and on the back of the Secure II 1GB
drive.


JumpDrive(r) FireFly
Capacity Part Number
256MB (red) JDFF256-431RU
JDFF256-264
JDFF256-445RU
512MB (lime green) JDFF512-431EM
1GB (blue) JDFF1GB-431TO
2GB (black) JDFF2GB-431BK


JumpDrive(r) Secure II 1GB
Part Number
JDSE1GB-00-500 Rev H and 3052-1GBA-2006
3052-1GBA-2106
3052-1GBA-1906
3052-1GBA-1806


Sold at: The recalled JumpDrive(r) Firefly drives were sold at discount
department, office supply, and electronics stores, and by Web retailers,
including www.lexar.com, between April and May 2006 for between $30 and
$110. The recalled JumpDrive(r) Secure II 1GB drive was sold exclusively
at Fry's Electronics in May 2006 for about $80.

Manufactured In: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled
JumpDrive(r) Firefly and Secure II devices and contact Lexar to receive
a free replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Lexar at (800)
248-2798 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.lexar.com


To view this recall online, please visit our website at:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06205.html

A Quote Heard Today

"The surgery was a success but the patient died."

Postage Poll

Was talking with MSO the other day about postage stamps and postcards, and wouldn't you know it, MSO didn't know postcards had a distinct postage rate. I thought he was being facetious but he actually did not know. So I present this poll...

Do you know what the postage is for a postcard? Yes No    Free polls from Pollhost.com

And for those that are too embarrassed to admit it or did not know that the common (1 oz.) postage rate changed to $0.39, here is a link to the USPS postage rates, effective January 8, 2006, for you.

Coalition for Changing Stations in Men's Restrooms

Don't know how it is around the rest of the states, or in fact, the rest of the world but I've discovered there is a shortage of changing stations in public restrooms for men. Wherever the journey may take you, I'm sure you'll see many females taking babies to get diapers changed rather than males. Why is this I ask?! Aren't we a society that embraces equal rights? With that, I'd like to start a coalition to get changing stations in more men's restrooms. Anybody with me? Hello? Well, I'm sure I'm wasting breath and energy 'cause it'll probably never happen.

But I do wonder how male parents take care of the task at hand when there's no changing station available and they're out alone. Men, tell us your methods.

On our journey last month we did come across a rarity that is a changing station in the men's restroom at this zoo which we only went to for the restroom. Thus, the picture.

Testing Endurance

Wanna test someone's endurance? Subject them to extreme sleep deprivation with an endless audio loop of a crying baby. As a parent that has gone through the sleep deprivation and crying, you are tested, but you are also really truly awakened to the fact that this little critter is so dependent upon you and you do what it takes to make sure that he or she has comfort, cleanliness, and chow. So you can understand how parents may have difficulty in letting their baby cry, even for minutes at a time, and not tend to them. Just the other night I succumbed to some crying after what MSO said was only two minutes. My retort was that baby had started coughing, that gag kind of coughing, while crying and I had to make sure baby was okay. I then appended my response with a statement that it was a good thing that I went to check 'cause baby had spit up on the mattress and the dog was going to lick it up. Well, the dog was going to at least try to.

Since we're discussing the dog, I have to say that it was no piece of cake raising her either. Not as extreme as a baby, but pretty grueling, especially if you don't live in a house where the dog's potty place (outside) is usually easily accessible. How can you let such a cute thing with sad puppy eyes keep crying as well? It's tough. Maybe that's why she's so stubborn at times 'cause she did get the lollipop (MSO). He can be such a softy with her. Oops, try not to make fun of him too much guys.

Rough Week

It has been a rather rough week here at T Land. Partly self-inflicted but mostly on the part of the Garish Man. If you've had a rough one as well, go ahead and dwell in your misery and take heed to what this T-shirt has to say.





Just don't drink and drive! Grab some other drink and wait it out, or call Gee Why 'cause he's on nitrous. Kidding...just about calling Gee Why. We all know he's loaded. =)

She Made The Cut

Look at this cutie! Was at our local studio, flipping through the elusive sample album and what do you know? Born to be a star.

Soda and Mentos

No, I'm not saying people that drink soda are mento. Last night, a friend mentioned soda and Mentos, and the blast that transpires when put together. Check it out!
Dorks...

Where's Wayne?

Wayne's World, look at what you missed out on.

Another Broken 100!

I say 'another' as Wayne's World showed his stuff last week. This one goes to MSO. He managed to accomplish the task at Mililani Golf Club through all the harassing and trash talk between him and my sis. He handled the pressure very well and came out with the victory over her and everyone else in our group.

The day started out cloudy with some light showers, but ended with the sun and a bogey on the last par 5 hole (for me, that's happiness when you're playing like crap). It was great golf to see and MSO amazingly didn't say it was because he had his own cart and I wasn't with him.

TV and Children

Since I've become a parent, I've experienced a diminishing connection to TV and movies. Actually, I shouldn't associate that too much with being a parent 'cause it was before that when the luxury to lay down on the couch (an actual couch and not the floor that I have so become accustomed to now since we don't have one) and watch TV became constricted. The motivation to complete my degree with a high GPA had taken precedence over watching anything, including Wentworth. Anyways, the reduced connection is not a bad thing...Consider MSO and his addiction to TV. MSO and I had agreed that we didn't want baby to watch TV until he's older. We had heard and read that it's bad for the developing brain. Now turn to these two articles:

Study: More parents use TV as an electronic babysitter
Parents Making Use of TV Despite Risks

It's crazy to read that a third of families leave the TV on nearly all the time and young children have TVs in their own rooms. I understand that it is pretty unrealistic to not have your child watch TV as our current sitter uses the TV a lot, but as the first article says, it is scary to see children when they are in front of the TV. They do appear transfixed and sucked in...Just like MSO. Research hasn't really focused on developmental outcomes for children under three so it's not known if educational TV for such children is beneficial. Probably moderation, supervision, and supplementation are key.

Customer Service...A *@#!$% Forgotten Experience

I'm not a great traveler of the world, but what I saw on this last trip at the airports has made me almost glad that I'm not. It started when we arrived at our hometown airport and found that you no longer check in with a person but rather a machine which, by the way, required a credit card for each person checking in. We had wanted to upgrade or change our seats to make our long journey to the Empire State a little more comfortable. MSO started to ask one of the workers there about how he could go about this, but she just kept saying "Check in" while pointing to the very inviting machine. Once we checked in with Mr. Machine, she then told us that we should have tried in the morning to get our seats changed. Nice. We then discovered that baby should have gotten a boarding pass as well. I chided to MSO about not finding this out ahead of time, but he said he had spoken to three different agents over the phone and none of them informed him that we needed one. Sorry, my bad.
To add to our wonderful start, we decided to "gate-check" our stroller which may have been a mistake. The worker there asked us if we were going beyond the first stop, ORD, and we said 'Yes.' We were never told that we had to "gate-check" our stroller at each stop. As a result of this lack of information, the much needed stroller got a much delayed arrival. This stroller also got damaged on its way back home and was left out on the sidewalk outside the gate area with other strollers and walkers 'cause they were going to catch the Wiki Wiki shuttle. Yeah. Don't know why our airport (or is it the airline?) places all the strollers and walkers outside where anyone can just take it, but that's what happened.
Yet another big kick in our asses while we're down was the fact that baby's car seat got lost en route to our destination. The lovely airline baggage claim service person (yes, one person for a long line) was not so lovely in the personality kind of sense. Just what you need is to deal with an unfriendly person after a long, uncomfortable plane ride. We weren't going to pay $9 a day to the car rental company for a car seat after lugging our own seat, so the airlines "graciously" provided a loaner seat. Imagine having a vehicle with LATCH capability and not being able to use it because the seat does not have the strap to utilize that capability. Now imagine our disappointment, struggle, and frowned faces.
We eventually did get our car seat the next day at the hotel although it was by sheer chance that we found out that it had been delivered. We were leaving to go out and the hotel clerk asked us if we knew that our car seat was there. We said 'No' as the airline was supposed to have called MSO but of course didn't. Bastards. Car seat got installed, loaner got kicked to the curb, and off we went.
We also made a shocking discover that airlines no longer provide meals. You have to buy it for $5! Another airline actually charged $1 for the nuts! That's just crazy.
Of course the forgotten experience of adequate customer service is not only at airports. Seems as if many places you go to, including your childhood McDonald's, you are bound to go away with a feeling of anger, disappointment, irritability, etc.
Where has your worst customer service experience occurred?

Multitasking Woes

"I can only do one thing at a time." That was a statement MSO told me recently. What is it with his inability to multitask? Watching TV mesmerizes him to the point that he completely stops what he's doing and doesn't hear or see just about anything that's around him, including of course, me. That's all fine and dandy that he's enjoying one of the intriguing playoff games, discovering whatever it may be on the Discovery Channel, gaining a glimpse into the past through the History Channel, getting in touch with his feminine side with TLC, or even hoping he can be like Norm Abrams on HGTV. But, many a women are able to cook, clean, and take care of the baby without saying "I can only do one thing at a time." Now don't get upset guys. I only say that because I can only remember one thing - that MSO cannot multitask.

Hostile and Abusive Mascots

Chief Illiniwek was placed on a list of "hostile and abusive" mascots and that has made Illinois ineligible to host postseason athlethic tournaments. North Dakota and Indiana University of Pennsylvania are also on this hot list. It's very sad when there has to be an NCAA executive committee to monitor mascots of universites and colleges. There seems to be a thin line when dealing with symbols of culture, race, or ethnicity, and how they're being portrayed and used. Maybe people can take out their anger and frustrations on Chad Ellis. Who wouldn't?!

Second Crock-Pot Meal

I finally got around to making another meal in our Crock-Pot which started collecting dust on its lid. It has been a little over a month since our first one. This time around it was Ravioli Stew. This one was less work than the first one. It may not look that appealing as let's say the can of Starbucks iced coffee, but it was really good. The recipe for the Stew was obtained from our 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes, 200 Recipes for Memorable Meals book. I think it will be memorable and maybe even MSO can make it. Additional ingredients can be added, but can you guess what the 3 ingredients are for this simple recipe?

Pet Expo

And while we're on events from the Pets Event Calendar, there is a Pet Expo on May 13-14, 1000-1600 at the Blaisdell Center for free. Looking at this article regarding last year's Hawaii Pet Expo, it appears pets are able to go and take a look at the booths and exhibits as well. Wayne's World can take his cutie and get some treats and toys for her. And if Phoebe is over her case of the 'd', maybe she can go as well.

Be Kind to Animals

According to the Pets Event Calendar, May 7-13 is Be Kind to Animals Week. If you ask me, I'd say it should be Be Kind to Animals Always. No week, no day, but always. Unless, of course, they are attacking or causing you harm in some way. Hmm, but there are those times when you want to hunt down those birds that pooped on your car. Birds are not animals right? Just kidding. I actually tell the birds to get out of the way when I'm driving and they're in my path. Like they can really hear me. Who's stupid now? Yes, that would be me 'cause I don't even know what the true definition of animal is. Yeah, you see a dog, or a cow, or a horse, and know they are animals. But I'm no Jack Hanna, Old MacDonald, or Farmer Tad so I looked it up. Here it is courtesy of Merriam-Webster:

Main Entry: an·i·mal
Pronunciation: 'a-n&-m&l
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, from animale, neuter of animalis animate, from anima soul -- more at ANIMATE
1 : any of a kingdom (Animalia) of living things including many-celled organisms and often many of the single-celled ones (as protozoans) that typically differ from plants in having cells without cellulose walls, in lacking chlorophyll and the capacity for photosynthesis, in requiring more complex food materials (as proteins), in being organized to a greater degree of complexity, and in having the capacity for spontaneous movement and rapid motor responses to stimulation
2 a : one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings b : MAMMAL; broadly : VERTEBRATE
3 : a human being considered chiefly as physical or nonrational; also : this nature
4 : a person with a particular interest or aptitude (a political animal)
5 : MATTER, THING (the theater...is an entirely different animal --Arthur Miller); also : CREATURE 1c

Hey so during the week of May 7-13 we also have to be kind to humans that are "nonrational" as well. You probably know a lot.

Last Day of April 2006

Yesterday was an event-filled day that started with KAM's 1st Birthday Party. She looked oh-so-cute in her pretty dress and sandals (yes, she's walking already!). It was an Asian theme with colors of pink and red. Food was plentiful as were the children all around.


There was magic courtesy of Glen Bailey





and his little (and a few big) helpers





with one turning into a rabbit right before our eyes.

Parents K & K didn't look stressed, and if they were, they did a great job of not showing it. Cheers to both of you and all your helpers for a great party.

Next up was one of SW's fundraisers for the 808 Basketball Club. There was entertainment, food (again!), and raffle prizes.


Where's my iPod nano? There seemed to be a buzz about winning this prize which was suppposed to be given out in the last hour. We left about the last hour but I think you didn't have to be present to win.

Finally, MSO had his weekly basketball game. It was a rough one as he came home looking really dejected and in pain. He pulled something and they lost 12-53. Yes, you read that right. I didn't go and I'm sorry to say that I'm glad I didn't as that is a damn whoopin'. Maybe they'll get a 'W' next game.

More Restroom Observations

Bad enough I need to wake up really early, but now the restroom at T Land is bad as you can tell by the evidence. What you can't get from the evidence is how bad it can smell as well. Not so much a men's restroom kind of smell (come on guys, you know what I'm talkin' 'bout), but an almost sewer-like smell in the stalls. I've already been told to bring in my own water to drink.

One day there was a sign on the door of a stall that said it was Out of Order. Okay, that's fine. But while in the other stall, it smelled even more. Curiosity as to why it was sooo stank got the best of me and I took a risky peek to find that it was full of you-know-what. Talk about gross!!! There has gotta be some kind of Department of Health issue when the toilet sometimes does not flush (because "there is a problem with the flushing") and fecal matter is just left in the toilet like that.

Sometimes when I go to restrooms, I think of George Constanza. Wasn't there an episode where George claims to know where the best public restrooms are in the city? Was it: Anywhere in the city - I'll tell you the best public toilet.?

My Random Pics

Here are a couple of my attempts to get the moon setting one early morning.











Unlike the random pictures at Wayne's World, bet you can't guess where these are.

I did get a few shots of the moon one night though while not driving.

Office Efficiency

Ewa Nightmare

Unfortunately, it wasn't a dream but rather a nightmare on Saturday as I completed a round of "golf" at Ewa Beach Golf Club, formerly known as New Ewa Beach International. MSO and I were asked to fill two slots so that a friend's group could get the club rate. BIG MISTAKE! What was I thinking?!

It was partially gloomy at the start of the early morning but it turned out to be a rather cool day. Thought the little grass shacks at the first hole were interesting. Almost felt like I was on a tour of some sort. Yeah, a tour of golf hell.

We were told the course got a makeover and was closed for a couple of months as the work was being done. Well done as the course looked very nice except they need to get a spelling checker implemented as the person making the sign messed up on this one.

Maybe he/she was so distracted by the noise generated by all the planes passing by. Hey, that sounds like a good excuse for this nightmare. Oh well, I digress. Let the dust settle on my clubs for all I care right now.

T Day

Did you file your income tax return yet? Today is the federal tax filing deadline for most of the nation. However, per the IRS, if you live in Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont or the District of Columbia, the deadline is Tuesday, April 18. Why do they have an extra day? Who cares, we're getting a refund.

Midlife Crisis

If your life hasn't been touched by a man with a midlife crisis then consider yourself lucky. Midlife crises have often been viewed as balding, overweight men with new sports cars, new earrings, new clothing, new hairstyles, and/or even new girlfriends. Pathetic as it may sound, it happens. But why?! Men can't handle getting older? Scared? I really don't know but I've seen how it has hurt someone in my life. She's on her way to picking up the pieces but her life will never be the same. I hope MSO never goes through one. Earrings on him just won't do!

Happy Birthday

Our dog is a big 2 years old. We got her on Father's Day 2004. She's come a long way and has been a stress reliever (most of the time) in our life. Thanks!

Early Rising

Today is my first day at T Land and it started at 0600 (!) with a busy morning of in processing. They actually have an in processing checklist which allowed me to get off my fat behind and walk around a lot. Unfortunately, one set of stairs made my legs burn and got me going into a bunch of huffs and puffs. Started getting tired around 1000. It didn't help that baby didn't want to go back to sleep around midnight so we were up till about 0100 this morning. Oh the joys of parenthood. No, I'm not complaining. I'm too tired for that.

His Parting Gift

As Tabasco Man takes his next step into C Land, he needs (No, not a 6-pack of Heineken) to be equipped to eliminate any obstacles that may come between him and delicious red peppery meals.


I didn't want him to give anymore excuses that there was no Tabasco anywhere (especially in his new Land) so I decided to custom make him a 6-pack of Tabasco Red Pepper Sauce. It won't last him forever but it is a token of my appreciation for all that he has done. Good luck in your new Land (although you don't need it) and keep bloggin'.

I Got The Net!

I finally received the coveted net after actually winning first place with one of my picks entries. My other entry came in third place. It was an amazing post-season with great games that I don't remember seeing and listening to in a long time. Then again, I haven't been following it real closely like I did this year in a long time. Better luck next year guys. Just kidding...

LB Has Got A New Look

You wouldn't know it from the outside but the bowling alley has got a new look and it's pretty flashy. Probably done for Cosmic Bowling. LB is slowly replacing the old with new and the result thus far is basically what you see in the picture.

Sad Days Ahead

We had our last lunch with the U gang and two other P dudes joined us at Makino Chaya. Hopefully this won't be the last lunch we'll have together as it's a refreshing break from day-to-day activities, so to speak, and we all need some amusement when making fun of each other in one way or another, in person.



Tabasco Man was prepared as he brought his artillery. Makino Chaya does not have it so if you need that hot flavor, don't leave home without it.





Look at the presentation of this sushi-filled plate. Will Tabasco Man's next project be marketing sushi for restaurants? Imagine his work plastered on the pages of your beautiful menu or magazine. Such talent!




We had to finally scrape our butts off the chairs as we relunctantly made our way back to our daily business. Thanks to everyone for the company and the oishii lunch!

Car Washing Tips

If you want to wash your car like a pro, a minimum of once a week, and it's not raining for days and days, or you got your IS 350 and want to keep it lookin' purty, this article provides some tips. In the past when I did wash my vehicle, I actually had used techniques described in the article. The basic guidelines presented in the article are:

1. First rinse the entire car with water to remove loose dirt.
2. Wash and rinse one section at a time—working from top to bottom—to prevent a section from drying too quickly and leaving deposits or residue.
3. Rub the car surface gently to loosen dirt. Aggressive rubbing can grind dirt right into the finish, leaving scratches and swirls.
4. Be sure to rinse the wash mitt or sponge often to prevent accumulated dirt from scratching the paint.
5. Use plenty of rinse water to carry away the dirt.

They also recommend using a soft terry cloth towel or a high-quality chamois to wipe off excess water. I know I've neglected my exterior and interior long enough, and they're starting to look like crap. Maybe I should have it taken to a detail shop for a professional job. Who washes your car and/or what are your tips?