The Curious Bike Messenger

On the way home from work today, I drove alongside one of those bike messengers. A couple things popped into my mind as I tried to avoid running his weaving ass over.

1. Why are most bike messengers these tall, lanky guys with longish, curly hair? Is it just me or do they all look the same?

2. How come these bike messengers always wobble when they start from a complete stop? You'd think their legs would be strong enough to get the bike going without weaving back and forth in the lane and giving motorists a heart attack.

3. How in the world does they pedal when their pants are a contradiction of sorts. On one hand, they're loose enough that we'd all see some plumber's crack had it not been for the guy's boxers. On the other, the cut is so tight and straight legged that they've gotta be skinny jeans. With the top loose and the bottom tight, how can his legs even move to pedal?

4. How do they manage to carry such heavy loads in their packs? I've seen some with bulging bags zipping through traffic like nothing.

I really do think bike messengers are entirely their own creatures. I don't know many people who would volunteer their lives day in and day out to ride unprotected among stupid motorists. These people must come from a brave stock.

WWE's BJ Penn Interview

Hey, hey now!! Today Ed (of World Wide Ed) posted up his Q&A sesh with MMA master BJ Penn based on questions from the WWE gang. Surprisingly, my questions made it on the list.

I know Ed was feeling very squeamish about one of my questions, so I didn't really think he'd go for it. (I'd proabbly feel that way too if I had to do a dude-on-dude interview with someone who could break my legs.) But, being the good journalist that he is, Ed must've gave in because inquiring minds (namely mine) wanted to know.

The ultimate BJ Penn question:

Boxers or Briefs?

LMAO!!! I know you wanna know too but are just too shame to ask! So lucky that I asked for ya!

And the answer?

BJ says, "Boxers, boxers. Boxers or nothing under surf shorts. Surf shorts: nothing. Everything else, boxers."

NOTHING!! That's right. BJ said nothing.

Now that's some good reporting Ed! That's some TMZ shit right there LOL

Movie Addicts Club On Twitter

I signed up my Movie Addicts Club blog on Twitter so click HERE to check it out or follow me. I'm not really sure how to use this thing though.

The concept is pretty simple - update it with asinine or mundane movie-related stuff. But who the hell really wants to know that? Completely puzzling, but I suppose people do want to know because I've already got some followers. However, most of 'em are probably spam accounts, judging from the nicknames they're using.

I'm following some big-name movie stars, and when I have time I'll try to track down some more. It's hard to tell whether they're real or not though. Some of the accounts are "verified" so I take it that it's the actual actor or actress. The others aren't verified so it could be some 12-year-old kid in Overland Park, Kansas for all I know.

Ah well, such is life. I'll play ball with this for a bit and see if anything comes of it.

Pet Diaries

It's Friday and this email gave me quite a good laugh. While I like all animals, I'm normally a full-fledged dog lover. However, this had me laughing my ass off. Enjoy!


Excerpts from a Dog's Diary


8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!


Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary


Day 983 of my captivity . . .

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow - but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now . . .

RIP Michael

Ok what is going on today? First Farah, now the King of Pop?

I'm speechless.

RIP Farrah

Farrah Fawcett died today at the age of 62. While it isn't too shocking, especially with all the media coverage about her battle with cancer, it is still equally upsetting. In her interviews with the press, she was always very upbeat and positive that she'd beat the disease. I, like everyone else, was pulling for her. There was just a story the other day that said she was to wed Ryan O'Neal. I was really hoping that things were going to be okay for her and that it'd lift her spirits even more. Unfortunately, it seems that it was a dying wish that will never be fulfilled.

Eye Ballin'

My reaction to watching the Visian ICL procedure is this:

- It looks safe enough.
- The procedure seems quick enough (probably 15 minutes under the knife).
- It seems like you have quite a bit of waiting to do once you're at the office. You have to get so many drops so that your eye dialates and numbs up.
- Pain factor should be minimal as they do have an anesthesiologist on staff. Don't know if they just numb your eyes or if they numb your brain with some drugs too.
- I didn't get to see inside the surgery suite, but I suppose it's sanitary. All the staff wore gowns, hair nets, masks and booties.
- There were a ton of old people there (getting cataract surgery I assume) and they seemed to be calm. No heart attacks or anything while I was there. If they can do it, I can do it, right?
- The doctor seemed quite confident after surgery. Seemed like it was all easy peasy.

My next move will be to confirm that I want to go through with it and try to figure out the best time for me to go in. My schedule at work is crazy for the next couple of months so I don't really want to try it during that time. I think September will be safe.

Bucket List - Week 11 Update

This week was pretty much a bust. Been too busy at work to concentrate much on this Bucket List.

Bucket List #32

Found a penny at my building's laundromat. Only $999.92 to go.

Bucket List #93
Remember my post a couple days ago about Bush sky diving? I was wrong. Sky diving is on my list. Damn it. If he can do it, so can I.

Visian ICL Case Study

Tomorrow's the day that I get to watch a live Visian ICL surgery. I'm kind of excited and nervous at the same time. I'm into the CSI/NCIS-type shows so it should be awesome to look at an eyeball up close while they poke something in it. But, I'm a little nervous because just the thought of something getting shoved in my eyes gives me the heebie-jeebies.

In any case, it should be educational and give me a good idea what goes into the procedure. Hopefully they let me talk to the patient before and after the surgery. Not sure if they'll do that though.

I was trying to figure out when was the best time for me to do this should I decide to go through with it. I've got a bunch of events coming up in July and August at work. I'm also doing six weeks of golf lessons at KCC. (I would truly hate to have to wear glasses and try to hit the darn ball. It's difficult enough to hit it without the visual impairment!)

I was thinking September would be the best time so that none of this stuff conflicts with the three weeks needed to get this surgery done. It takes about five doctor visits, including follow ups, in that period of time to get it done.

Jury's out till tomorrow.

Scrubbing On Up To The East Side

Actually, no. I'm not scrubbing in on a surgery, but I am getting to watch a real live Visian ICL get implanted into someone's eye.

Let me back up. In researching this LASIK and Visian ICL thing, I asked the patient coordinator if I'd be able to watch a procedure be done. Luckily, while I was in the office last Thursday I got to see a LASIK procedure. I stood outside the operating room (if you can even call it that) and looked through the window. (It was very Grey's-like if you ask me). Everything went well and it was so quick. This technology nowadays is amazing.

Today I got word that I'll be able to watch a Visian procedure be done. Apparently there's no window to peek through, but I'll be able to watch a monitor showing an up-close look at the eye. This should be good enought to see how the lens is inserted into the eye. I think it'll look very CSI.

I've already watched a bunch of ICL procedures on YouTube, but it's not the same when it's live. I also think it's good to see it being done by your own personal surgeon, ya know? I want to watch the patient go in blind and watch them come out going, "Hot diggity dog, I can see!!!" That would be the best outcome. It's suck if the hobbled out still blind in immense pain . . . or maybe not walk out at all.

Still, I think I'm just overanalyzing this and letting my imagination run wild. Sure there are risks with every surgery. The only way not to take risks is to stop living. Risks are unavoidable. If I take this risk and get either the LASIK or ICL done and leave the office without the need for corrective lenses, I think it'll be worth it.

Bucket List - Week 10 Update

Here's this week's update of my Bucket List.

Bucket List #1
Just got a call from my publisher this afternoon and am walking the line between being relieved and falling into depression. The good news is that they're finally proceeding with my book (relieved). It's only taken them a whole two and a half years to do so. The bad news is that it's not coming out till Fall 2010 (depressed). WTF?!?! Seriously, they took so long that they now need to send me a new contract because the first one we did has expired. I think there's a time limit between when you sign and when the book actually comes out. They're probably way past it at this point. So again, it's back to waiting.

Bucket List #2-5
I've seriously been looking into some kind of break from reality that includes a round-the-world adventure so I could possibly do all these things at once. I've found several blogs and websites on long-term travel and they're calling my name. If I could figure out how to sustain myself financially, I'd quit working in a second to be a vagabond and travel the world. Still trying to wrap my head around this concept though.

Bucket List #11
Technically, if I get either Lasik or Visian ICL done I could complete this task. Of course, it's not exactly what I had in mind as far as the type of danger. Still, something zapping or being inserted into your eye is inherently dangerous, right?

Bucket List #16
Going hand in hand with the full-time traveling fantasy is wanting to make some sort of contribution to society. I've been looking into the Peace Corps but that'll just keep me in one place for two years. Sort of hampers the globetrotter fantasy a bit. I've also been looking into teaching overseas and what all that really means. The restrictions don't seem too bad. All you need is to get certified (ie. plop down a couple Gs and get a piece of paper, I suppose). I'll keep mulling this one over.

Bucket List #67
There's a slight hiccup in this golf lesson idea. I need to get me an 8 iron for the lessons. I was originally going to borrow my sister's old set of clubs, but apparently they're somewhere in K-Bay. God only knows who has them and what they've done to them.

Children Full of Life

Most things you get via email are a bunch of crap, and that's not even counting all the spam. But, this email I received tonight is really worth passing on to others because I think we can all take a lesson from it and apply it to our daily lives.

The email contained links to a documentary called Children Full of Life. It followed the fourth grade class of Toshiro Kanamori at an elementary school in Kanazawa, Japan. It follows him throughout the year and highlights some tough life experiences that the kids face.

Unlike most teachers, Kanamori allows his students to dig deeper and encourages them to feel emotions from which most would shy away. He motivates his class to be compassionate and empathetic to one another but to also think independently. To do this, he has each child keep a notebook full of letters and each day students read from their notebook and share their thoughts with each other. The only rule is that the students write honestly and from their hearts.

While the children have only spent two years with Kanamori (3rd and 4th grade), they've confronted serious issues together, such as the death of family members and bullying. Kanamori's favorite word is bonding, and he hopes that by experiencing life together his students will be able to think of others before they think of themselves. He doesn't shelter them from life but helps them through difficult times without condescending to them. Sometimes it's hard to believe the kids are only 10 years old.

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Test-Driving a New Dentist

Today I tried out a new dentist (Dr. Joanne Le on Piikoi) that my friend Elle suggested. It went well considering I hadn't been to a tooth doc for probably three or four years.

My last dentist (the late Dr. Daniel Lui in Waipahu) was actually our neighbor's son when my family used to live in Newtown. Unfortunately, it's been several years since he's passed away and I have not been able to find a good dentist since.

I had continued going to Dr. Lui's partners for my dental care for about a year but have since moved into town. It's too inconvenient to drive out there just for a 30 minute check up and my laziness overwhelmed me so I just gave in to it. I didn't even try looking for another dentist in town till now.

It's literally been years since I've sat with one of those paper bibs 'round my neck and had to say "Ahhhhh." I'm glad to say that since I've been gone for so long technology seems to have improved. Either that or Dr. Le is just on it when it comes to new technology.

The office had x-ray machines, computers and large monitors. They were able to show me my x-rays in minutes and told me about each image. They were even able to demonstrate what tooth decay looks like using computer imagery. Pretty nifty to convince people they really need to floss every day.

Overall, the experience wasn't too bad. Because I hadn't been to the dentist in a while and I'm not a habitual flosser, I had a decent amount of plaque build up. No cavities though (I've never had any before so I guess my record is still holding up). Because they had to scape all the gunk off my teeth, the process too a while. At my old dentist, I could be in and out in 15 minutes. This time I stayed for over an hour (with probably 10 minutes waiting throughout) and have to go back next week for another cleaning. They want to make sure they got all the plaque.

I will try to be more diligent and floss every day but can't make any promises. My mouth and gums ache a little from being picked at. But other than that I'm good. Hopefully it won't be as sore.

Lasik vs. Visian ICL

Yesterday I went to two consultations to see if I might be a candidate for doing refractive eye surgery. I had already gone to a separate informational meeting to learn about it, but this was a full-on screening where they check your eyes and get your prescription.

It turns out I'm a candidate for both Lasik and Visian ICL because of the structure of my eyes and my prescription. From what I can tell, there's a limit to how myopic your eyes can be for Lasik to be effective. If your eyes are too bad, then Lasik doesn't work well (and I think is not approved above a certain diopter). Once you get up into the higher diopters, Visian is more effective. In my situation, I'm stuck between the two options so it's my personal choice which procedure I do.

So what's the difference between the two procedures?

Most people are familiar with Lasik. In this procedure, they use a laser to cut a flap with a hinge in your eye. The use another laser to shape your cornea, which enables you to see better. Then they close the flap and allow the eye to heal.

The Visian ICL (implantable collamer lens) is a lens that is inserted into your eye in front of your natural lens. Together they allow you to see better. Because the lens is within the eye, you can't feel it like a regular contact lens. It's supposed to be permanent, like Lasik, and requires no care at all.

Both procedures cost a pretty penny. Visian ICL costs about 1G per eye more than Lasik. But, Visian ICL is also reversable - the lens can be removed from your eye if a problem occurs. Lasik is permanent - once they laser off those cells, those cells are goners.

Lasik is the more popular option as it has been in the U.S. for a longer period of time. It seems like Visian ICL is the newer technology and will, at some point in time, replace Lasik. It was just FDA approved a couple years ago (although it has been done in Europe for many years).

I'm not sure which surgery option I'm more comfortable with. I'm also not sure how much I want to spend on this. I could always continue to wear contacts. Oh, but the hassle of it all just sucks. Once I pick a procedure, I'll also have to select a surgeon. There are a couple other refractive eye surgeons in town, but I don't think they offer Visian ICL.

I'm also concerned about the side effects and potential complications that may arise due to one of these surgeries. The worst case scenario is that I could go blind because of some kind of infection. Now that would truly suck. However, people with contacts may also get eye infections from bacteria that could lead to vision loss too, I suppose.

Guess I just need to do more research on the two options to see which is a better fit for me. Anyone have any experience getting Lasik or ICLs? The more information I have, the more comfortable I will probably be to make a decision.

I'm Free Fallin'

Ok, I know it's not on my Bucket List, but I always wanted to go skydiving. It just seems exhilarating and fun (if you manage not to pee in your pants on the way down and your chute doesn't fail).

But seriously, if this guy can do it so can I.

Bucket List - Week 9 Update

Here's this week's update of my Bucket List.

Bucket List #16
I don't know where this community service-via-work thing is going. My gut tells me they're canning the entire program. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if they did. So, because I'm already anticipating receiving the pink slip for Lanakila, I've been looking at things I can do as an individual. After reading this month's book (#55 below), I got to thinking about really traveling the world for months at a time. It seems a lot more educational and life altering than a quick two-week jaunt over to Europe. Today I began researching organizations that teach English overseas and what it takes to get certified. I also looked at (again) possibly going to grad school and the requirements for an TESL degree. Still, I think it'd be a waste since I'm not fully committed to one thing or another. I could just as easily go back and get a Master's in English (which I believe I would thoroughly enjoy but have no clue how I would apply practically once I got it). I plan to look into the teaching abroad route, which seems like it takes less to get certified and provides the most impactful change. I also went back to looking at the Peace Corps again. I'd definitely be able to make a difference anywhere they'd place me. However, the committment is a full two years abroad. Can you really stop your life for two years and then come back and start up where you left off?

Bucket List #18
Haven't looked into pilot lessons recently. I think I was scared away by the cost of it all.

Bucket List #50
Um, this isn't happening any time soon. At least I can admit that I think I'm an addict. Admitting I have a problem is the first step or so I hear.

Bucket List #55
I know I said I was going to try out Chris McKinney's Mililani Mauka for June's book, but I picked up The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris and am full trippin'. His theories are simply mind blowing and mind blowingly simple at the same time. Through the book and support on the website, Ferris reveals a step-by-step plan where you can actual work less hours but make more money. "Charlatan!" you say. No, you've got to read it to believe it. He instructs you on how to outsource your life so that you can take mini-retirements (blocks of months at a time doing what you wish, where you wish, when you wish). I know, the idea is completely foreign and shocking to you too, right? But wouldn't it be awesome if you were somehow able to do it? Of course, translating those theories into your reality is the tough, scary part. But, I do believe it can be done if you're brave enough to throw away years of society's conditioning. I don't think I'm there yet, but the ideas and possibilities that this book sparked in my mind are almost as good.

Bucket List #67
Ok, I actually signed up for the golf class. Apparently there's five of us in the class and the minimum to keep the class open is five. So if no one ditches, the show will go on. One weird thing is that the instructor is requiring that we all bring a video tape - you know those things from the '80s? I called the dude up to ask if we really needed one. I mean, who even has a VHS player these days? I surely do not.

Bucket List #78
Update on the freshwater fishing. I think it's a no go. We were supposed to go fishing for catfish and whatever else is up at the Nuuanu Resevoir, but I found out that you had to use this God-awful smelling bait - fermented raw seafood like aku belly and tako legs. Ew, I don't think so. Shrimp I can handle. Baiting the hook and taking the fish off I can handle. Touching days-old rotting fish? PASS!

It's Getting Hot in Herre!

Good golly Miss Molly!

It's getting hot in herre!

The past couple of days has been almost unbearable. All you people with air conditioners should kowtow to it five times a day and clean out its vents to thank it for working. Keep it clean and happy and hope it doesn't go on strike till Christmas. Because unlike you lucky ducks, us folks without A/C are suffering in a concrete, Earth-bound hell.

I just realized this is what my elementary school teachers were trying to impress upon us when they discussed the depleting ozone layer and all that heat from the sun. Had I know it'd be this bad, I would've put the Aqua Net down a lot sooner in the '80s. Back then, it seemed imperative that I get more bounce to the ounce.

Foodie Review - Murphy's Irish Pub

While I was in San Francisco last month, we stopped in Sonoma and had lunch at Murphy's Irish Pub, a traditional pub in the middle of wine country. The interior design and atmosphere of the place is awesome. The walls are chock full of European memorabilia and knick knacks.

Behind the bar, you'll find every kind of alcohol and a friendly bartender. The tv is turned to some real soccer (none of that MLS BS). The day we went there were two British girls at the bar rooting for their hometown team. It made the experience all the better.

I was a little sad that we only had about an hour to hang out in the pub before we had to move on. I bet it would've been cool to experience it in all its glory at night with locals who just wanted to tie one on. Still the food was nice and cheap. Best of all, it was tasty. We had soft drinks and the daily special - BLT with avocado and either a side salad with chardonnay dressing or chips (fries to us Americans). Yummy!

Total for grub at an authentic Irish pub (tax included): $17.44.

Are Kid Movies Really For Kids?

When did kid flicks start getting all adult on us? I don't ever remember animated movies being so high brow before. Lately, they all seem to be geared toward the parent and not the child.

Last night I watched Up with my brother and his family. His 3-year-old daugher was left cowering in her mother's lap during one part. During another part she was practically nodding off because the scenes were slow (from a kid's point of view). They were in fact pretty depressing (from an adult's point of view).

When did Hollywood turn innocent children's movies into these adult art films? It seems like I can find ways to deconstruct most of the recent array of kid movies more than I can the independent art film. What's up with that?

Yeah, I realize that production companies want to entertain the parents because they're the ones who bring the kids and spend all their money at the concessions. But seriously, is the full life cycle of a man and a woman really appropriate imagery for young people?

Site Makeover

I got tired of the old layout so I've uploaded a new one. However, I'm finding some funky bugs in it - font changes for no reason; disappearing line spaces between paragraphs. Argh!

I'll try to mess around with it to eliminate these issues in the future. Aside from this, I think it looks a little more happy and warm, don't you?

Knocked Off While Getting His Rocks Off

Who would've thought that the man who played an ascetic monk on the boob tube would die because of a mishap during some kinky S&M sex? You think I kid, but it could be true.

Apparently after more investigating and an autopsy, Bangkok officials think this may be the cause of death for David Carradine, especially since there was no suicide note. Family members and friends all deny that he would committ suicide. No comments on whether or not they think he'd participate in some Thai S&M during his time off the movie set. Interesting, no?

While this is a little shocking (the dude was in his 70s for crying out loud), I find it funny in an almost absurdly morbid way. I'm not laughing about the fact that this guy died. I'm giggling over the way he might've died. Who would've predicted this would be the way they'd go out of this world? Geez, what a way to go. And most mothers are worried that you're wearing clean underwear. How about NO underwear, Ma? How 'bout that?

You can look at it as the absolute best way to go (while doing the deed). Or you can look at it as the most embarrassing position to be caught in. This got me on the train to morbidville and I started pondering how I'd like to die if I got to choose. Here's what I came up with:

1. Kick the bucket in the middle of an ice cream eating contest with a gigantic glop of ice cream in my hand and my face planted in a 21 scoop sundae. Sounds heavenly to me.

2. Dying peacefully in my sleep sounds like a nice way to go. However, I'm afraid I'd start to attract the extended family of roaches who live in my building and that they'd start nibbling on me before my stink alerted the neighbors. Guess there goes the open casket route.

3. Just so my name would live on, I'd like to go in some exciting/devastating/awe-inspiring manner. I'm not really sure how though. Croaking while doing some kind of Evil Knievel-like move involving a lot of rings of fire atop a moving airplane while riding a motorcycle blindfolded sounds kick ass.

4. Being the last person alive aboard a spaceship looking back at the dead earth while hurtling uncontrollably toward the sun sounds like a poetic demise.

5. Turning into a popsicle in the vast lands of Antarctica while exploring icy caverns in the name of science makes my death sound noble and gives me a chance to get jump started once technology figures out how to unfreeze me and jolt me back to life.

So how would you like to take your last curtain call if you had the choice?

Career Path Counseling

I had this ridiculous conversation with my manager (T-Rex, as my friend Elle calls him) today. It was supposed to be one of those career path/future goals-type meetings where I expressed what direction I wanted to grow in and how he could help get me there.

Well, how are you supposed to tell a guy that you're just here for the paycheck? That you don't really care for his managing style or his personality? That if you could, you'd switch departments in an instant but there's no where else to go? That you're concerned about the direction of this company because its leadership is so F'd up?

How do you tell a guy his overly exaggerated attempts to get to know his staff are seriously a no go. We (my co-worker and I) don't want to be all buddy-buddy with him. Is it so hard to understand that? I'm not going to go all verbal diarrhea on him and share my deepest, darkest secrets. It just ain't happening dude so back off.

It's so annoying that he pretends not to get the hints that my co-worker and I throw at him. No, we would rather not get all personal and touchy-feely thank you very much. I know he's not dumb or naive so I know he gets it. He just ignores it and continues to do his best to become our newest BFF.

T-Rex proceeds to ask if I'd be interested in pursuing new areas such as database management, market analysis, media relations and whatnot. He speaks as if all of this is currently being done and that it'd be a new adventure to me. Um, yeah . . . last time I checked no one, not even him, in our three-person department was doing any of this. So who exactly is going to be leading the class on database management or market analysis? Certainly not him as he's not even organized enough to have an inbox on his desk. And honestly, I don't have confidence in him as a manager to teach me anything.

Another rather irritating thing about this dinasaur behemoth is that he always uses either unnecessarily large words or industry terms in order for him to sound smart. He can never speak plainly and be straight to the point. It takes several attempts before he can even go head with what he's going to say. Sometimes I feel like slapping him on the back to help him spit it out.

Usually, you're supposed to be inspired and look up to your manager. If you can't even respect your manager, where does that leave you?

RIP David

Wow, just got online and the first thing I saw was a story reporting the apparent suicide of Kung Fu star David Carradine. He was found hanged in his Bangkok hotel room.

It seems his career was going well and that he was in Thailand for a new movie. According to imdb.com, he had six movies in post-production and one in pre-production. He also had an illustrious acting career and had been in a ton of movies. This is an unfortunate tragedy.

Growing up I loved watching Kung Fu: The Legend Continues. Carradine had a kind of calmness surrounding himself as Kwai Chang Caine. Very zen-like. I loved his relationship with his tv son Peter, played by Chris Potter. Their fighting styles, one ancient and one contemporary, complemented each other well. It was a great show.

Slow Cooker Virgin Suicide Averted

So I'm alive and well after eating my first-ever slow cooker beef stew prepared by moi for both lunch and dinner.

I gotta say, it wasn't that bad. It was a little too tomato-y for me though so next time I'd opt for less condensed tomato soup. Other than that though, it was not bad. Yay me!

I packed up most of the rest and stuffed it in the freezer. I think I'll have the rest for dinner tomorrow and wait another month before I have it again.

Bucket List - Week 8 Update

Here's this week's update of my Bucket List.

Bucket List #55
Not sure what June's book'll be. Any suggestions?

Bucket List #67
I just got some info about a class at KCC for beginning golf. I'm thinking of signing up because in order to cross this off my list, I'll need to actually learn how to play, right? It's one day a week for six weeks, and I think the class is about two hours. I have basic knowledge of golf (as in my dad tried to teach my 7th-grade self how to hit but my 7th-grade self just wasn't having it). Hopefully, I'll be able to build on this general knowledge and actually learn to do it right. Also, I'm banking on the fact that I'm older and wiser and have more patience now. Not sure how true that is though. So as not to make a terribly huge investment into this, I'm borrowing my sister's clubs. Wish me luck.

Bucket List #72
I actually cleared out a ton of old clothes, bagged it up and shoved it into my closet. I'm not crossing this off my list though. I technically still have the stuff so I'm not officially decluttered. The reason I'm holding these bags of clothes is because I may want to get into them again. If I don't do so in the next six months, I'll probably donate them. Also, maybe in the next six months I'll actually do #85 and be able to fit into some of it again. (Completely wishful thinking, I know.)

Bucket List #78
Not quite deep-sea fishing, but I thought I'd mention that I'm probably going freshwater fishing sometime this summer. Stay tuned for that adventure.

Bucket List #90
Yeah, I haven't even tried working this one out yet. I don't think I could possibly even start on this unless I switched jobs and miraculously found an ideal workplace.

Slow Cooker Virgin Suicide

I thought I'd just let y'all know that I purchased a Crock-Pot the other weekend and I'm popping its cherry tonight. If you don't ever hear from me again, it means I food poisoned myself to death in a sorta suicide.

Normally I'm strictly a warm-it-up (Kris) cooker. Frozen foods and Hamburger Helper is pretty much the extent of my culinary skills. That, and I can do some breakfast foods.

Tonight I'm working on my first slow cooker stew. The recipe seemed easy enough so I went out and got the necessary ingredients from the grocery store today. We'll see if it comes out ok tomorrow morning.

I keep going over to check on it, but it looks like it's doing ok. As far as taste goes though, your guess is as good as mine. I'll letcha know tomorrow as it's going to be my lunch - good or bad.

Asian Art Museum of San Francisco - An Art Attack for your Soul

For all you museum lovers out there, the Go SF Card will bring tears to your eyes. With the card in hand, you'll be able to check out 18 different museums in the Bay Area for FREE. Yes, admission is free with the card. How awesome is that?



There are so many cool places to see that I know for a fact you won't be able to get to them all. Make sure you look them up and plot out your course of attack. One of the museums we visited was the Asian Art Musuem of San Francisco.


It's right near the Civic Center and is easily accessible by public transportation. The building itself is remarkable to look at. But just across the way is City Hall with it's golden roof. Some may say it's gaudy, but I totally love it. It's like the Taj Mahal of city halls.

The special exhibit while we were there was on the Kingdom of Bhutan, which is located in southeast Asia. They had classes and special screenings but we didn't stick around for that. It was pretty quiet and we were in between presentations anyway. After a quick walk through of that exhibit, we spent more time with the regular collections. This in itself takes you through so many countries that it's a little overwhelming.



Despite the fact that I'm not too big an art lover and definitely don't have any in-depth art knowledge, I still found it to be an interesting way to spend a couple hours. The intricacy and beauty of the sculptures, paintings and craft work is wonderful. Most of the exhibits were attractively lit, and each had a descriptive placard next to it to help explain its significance to people like me. Also, there didn't seem to be massive crowds there. If anything, I found it to be pretty empty except for a couple of school groups.



It's amazing to think that these pieces were made hundreds or thousdands of years ago. Technology and tools being what they were at that time, I can't believe people were still able to produce such lasting pieces of work. The skill involved is incredible. I mean, how long does it take to hack away at a piece of marble or jade before it turns into a scuplture of a buddha? Truly amazing.

Robert Hoffman Update

As mentioned in a previous blog, Robert Hoffman will be starring in an upcoming kids/tween flick called Aliens in the Attic (formerly titled They Came from Upstairs). I ran across it again today while doing some movie research for work. I had completely forgotten about it. It'll be in theaters on July 31.

I doubt I'll actually pay $10 to watch this thing just because Hoffman's in it, especially since there's no dancing involved. I'll probably stick it in my Netflix queue and wait for the DVD. Still, it's a great accomplishment to make the transition from background dancer to movie star.

He's also got a number of other projects in the works, according to IMDB. Hopefully they're comedies where he'll be able to bust out the real goods. They seriously need to make something out of his urban ninja character. An urban ninja cameo in some movie would be hilarious!

Beefed up on Beef Jerky

Encouraged by an article by blogger Melissa Chang, I made the uphill trek to Jackson Market, which is located just outside of Chinatown, during this trip to SF. The day we went the cable car was down and they had buses making the journey. We decided to just take a regular bus to the area and hike it because the lines for the cable car were unbelievably long.

In this unobtrusive little corner-store market we found such a wonderful little secret. The beef jerky at this place was delish! It was $10.00 for a half pound and totally worth the trip. I bought a bunch to take home to family. My dad ate most of his bag the second he got it. I had to hand over my bag of beef because I felt sorry for him.

The jerky is very soft and so tender it's almost moist. Even if you're the type who likes the hard, dry, rip-it-with-your-teeth type jerky, you gotta try this one at least once. I'd say this is closer to pipikaula than jerky. Yes, it's that good.

One thing you need to look out for though is that because this place is family-run, the hours are a bit iffy. We had to wait about 45 minutes after the posted time for someone to open the shop. And it's not like they were inside and forgot to flip the sign. No one was even there.

I don't know if this is a regular thing or if something just came up. However, your best bet is to call ahead to make sure the store is actually open before you go. Or you could just order online and pay the shipping to get your delightful treat delivered to your doorstep.