Is it time for a vacation already?  Have you worked long enough?  Well this is one resort that you might wanna check out.  It a resort by the beach which revovles around it's swimming pool.  I mean this thing is massive.  It's like having your own controled ocean where you're davey Jones.  I'm talking about the San Alfonso del Mar resort at Algarrobo in Chile.  Ah, it's only about a 1,000 yards long, covers roughly 20 acres, has a 115ft deep end and holds about 66 million gallons of water.  Guinness Book of Records has named it the largest swimming pool in the world.

Pool2

Pool3

With it's crystal blue waters and ocean setting it took the resort five years to build with a cost around $1billion and a $2 million per year maintanence fee.

Pool4

This pool uses a computer- controlled suction and
filtration system to keep fresh seawater in permanent circulation, drawing it in
from the ocean at one end and pumping it out at the other.

Pool5

The sun warms the water to 26c, nine degrees warmer than the adjoining sea.  Chilean biochemist Fernando Fischmann, whose Crystal Lagoons Corporation designed the pool, said advanced engineering meant his company could
build  'an impressive artificial paradise' even in inhospitable areas.

As long as we have access to unlimited seawater, we can make it work, and it causes no damage to the ocean.
 

Pool6

How would you like to take a long cruise in this?  Bring along a couple of cocktails and a few friends...maybe even a moonlight version...spectacular.

Pool7

The bonus part is that you don't have to worry about any sharks.  Happy mini-vaca!

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Are you feeling glum?  Does it feel like the whole world is against you?  Did you catch every single stop light there was to work?  Was the person driving in front of you actually following the speed limit?  LOL.  Well have I got a solution for you.  I ran across this funny commercial that should brighten your day.  You can't tell me that you watched this and didn't smile.

Badday

Your welcome.

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I'm kind of a helath nut.  I've always been lucky enough to have a pretty good metabolism.  As I get older though, I notice that the old metabolic rate has lost some of it's horse power, so now I watch what I eat and exercise daily.  I ran across this e-mail and thought it was interesting anf funny enough to share with those of you who haven't seen it yet.  When you get to the end, my conclusion is... "fast food is the cause for Americans".  BTW, I'll still keep working out and eating right.

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life, is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. . What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products. 

   
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
 

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

 
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain, Good! 

   
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! .... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you? 

 
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

 A:    If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me. 

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape! 

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember:

 "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride"

AND.....For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION 

Eat and drink what you like. 

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Jkrowling

I guess you could say that I was rather bummed when the final book came out.  You could also say that I couldn't wait till the final book came out.  Then it did...I was like yipee...then after I read it, I was like...is it finally over?  I don't want the stories to end.

I've heard about JK, I'll call her JK because I honestly don't know her real first name, creating future books that explore the lore of the HP universe.  OK, that's cool and all if I want to find out what a snorgalmumph looks like or what a pimplidom tastes like but I want something more.  So while sitting on the throne, it hit me, no not water, an idea.  What if the story could go on?  What if JK just never thought of the idea? 

So here it is.  Everyone keeps bugging her to create a sequel to the Harry Potter series.  Basically to chronical the lives of an adult Harry Potter and his friends or the lives of their children.  Don't get wrong, I'd love those ideas too.  I do hope that she decides to write a bit about their family lives.  What I'm suggesting has already been tested.  Yes, you know it....a  Prequel.  Hey, the Lord of the Rings has one called the Hobbit, Star Trek had Star Trek: Enterprise, Indiana Jones had the Adventure of Young Indiana Jones, Star Wars had the whole 1,2,3 episodes, why not a Harry Potter prequel?  What would she write about?  The lives of Harry's parents and friends as kids, Dumbledor's youth, Severes' youth, Hagrid's upbringing, and "He who must not be named" whole life story.  She could either write on each person individually and tie them together through links or write a 3 book series covering them all.  Think of it...kinda like a Voldemort/Anakin Skywalker story line with a twist like Dumbledore/Obiwon.  Doesn't that sound cool?  I went to JK's website to see if she had some sort of email but never found any.  Alas, maybe this idea was never meant to be.  I know I'm not the only one to think about it, there must be others out there that are longing for more.  Help me petition JK to keep Harry alive.

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Movies_cialis1

Hahahaha.  Who has the time to make these kind of videos?  And has the balls to perform themin public?

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If you've seen my previous post, you'd know that I got a new bike.  Not just any bike, but the bike that I've been longing to get for a while.  Anyway, these type of bikes don't come with your standard kickstand nor do I want one on my "urban destroyer", so I decided to build a stand for it. 

Like all good computer addicts, I decided to Google the bike stand and see if anyone was selling any on Ebay or Craigslist.  To my surprise, a couple of do-it-yourself bike stands showed up.  I clicked on one and it brought me to the "Instructables" site.  If you haven't been to this site, you have got to check it out.  It's my new fave.  People from all over give you instructions on how to do all kinds of stuff from building a generator to changing you watch batteries.  Anyhow, I was able to find a easy to build bike rack made out of PVC piping, you know, it's the white plastic tubes they use for sprinklers and stuff.

Rack-parts

Here's the pieces that are needed to get started.  As you can see, I already cut them and put some together.  BTW, in all I think this project cost me around $20 to build vs. $80 to buy something already made.

Rack-alone

Well here's the completed model.  It came out exactly like the "instructable" version.  I don't know who the person was with the great idea but I thank them for sharing.

Rack-complete

Well, there it is.  Such a simple thing that cost less than half a tank of gas and as simple to build as lego pieces.  Did I mention how light weight it is too?  It's a great rack that you can bring anywhere you need it.

What about repairs you say?  Well, I was so excited about building a rack for my bike, I used the PVC rack to inspire my imagination for a work stand too...

Stand-parts

Here's what you need.  I used 3/4" electrical conduit pipes, foam pipe insulation, and those corner pieces used to build those tarp canopies.  A bike stand like this would cost you close to $200 to buy, but if you like to build it yourself, this one cost me $50 in parts from a hardware store.

Stand-partial

To make the cuts on the conduit you'll need a good hacksaw.  I tried the pipe cutter that you spin and tighten but that took forever.  Once you figure all your dimensions it's just a matter of putting them together.  All those years playing with "Tinker toys" paid off.

Stand-complete

Lastly, just cut and add some foam insulation with those zip ties and your bike stand is set for any repairs you might have to perform.  Like the PVC rack, this stand is portable because you can just unsrew the pipe to disassemble it and put it back together when you need it.  On top of that, working height is totally adjustable.  I wanted to put this idea on the Instructables web site but just haven't gotten the time yet.  I figure if someone shared their idea with me, I should do the same.

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Shiges sign

Well here we are at Shige's Saimin Stand for lunch.  The boss and I had to do some property inspections in the Wahiawa area and decided to visit one of the "mom and pop" places for lunch.  I'm not too sure how long Shige's has been here but to my knowledge at least over 10 years, at least.  It seems that since the last time I've been here, over 4 years ago, they've expanded.  Now theyv'e added a much needed 200 sq feet.  More space to enjoy the home made saimin.

Shiges counter

As you can tell, it's a really small hole in the wall eatery where mostly locals come to eat.  The reason why it's mostly locals is because, 1. it's in Wahiawa, 2. it's off in this out of the way strip mall, and 3. they serve saimin.  So...if your a saimin person like me, you'll love the fact that these guys make their own noodles.

Shiges saimin

See how the noodles are flat in shape?  And they have the right combination of local favorites for your piping hot saimin.  You have your kamaboko, sliced scrambled egg, char siu, spam, and green oninons.  All together they make a fabulous melody of old time memories.  For you Hawaii locals you know what I mean...like when grandma used to make you saimin after a long day at the beach.  Auwe.

Shiges one ton min

Here's what the boss got.  He opted for the Shige's large one-ton min which boasts all the above plus the addition of cabbage and one-ton.  He also got a side order of their teriyaki stick or better known as yakitori.  With the light rain falling in the distance and sounds of the old local folk talking story in the background, one can only think...lucky we live Hawaii.

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One of my most favortie parties to attend are weddings.  It's always a happy atmosphere, the food is great, the drinks are flowing, the entertainment is phenominal, and the locations are usually top notch.  There was no exception to the rule with my most recent wedding party.

It was not your typical day in Hawaii.  The sky was a little smoggy due to the volcano smoke from the Big Island.  We call it "vog".  None the less, it was still a beautiful day without a raindrop in the sky.

Hilton hawaiian village

The wedding was set at what I feel is the top of the line hotel on Oahu.  The Hiton Hawaiian Village is set uopn 22 acres of Waikiki oceanfront and boasts over 20 restaurants and a huge assortment of shops within the hotel.  Did I forget to mention that it's about 10 minutes walking distance from Hawaii's largest shopping mall, Ala Moana.  Newlyweds and newlyweds to be or just vacationers to the islands, if your gonna do something in Hawaii, this is the place you want to be.  Trust me, better yet, let me show you.

Here's some of the shops as you drive into the front desk area.  It's kinda a twist on an asian market theme with shops like Louis Vutton, Le Sport Sac, Honolulu Cookie Company, and many others.

For those of you not interested in shopping, yah right, they also provide what Hawaii is known for...just enjoying the weather by the beach.  The top left picture is of the newly renovated lagoon with it's own little island that you can swim or paddle boat to.  The left is one of the many poolside bars located throughout the hotel.  Did I mention that there's fabulous Waikiki beach  that fronts these pools?

Just walking around this hotel you get the feel that your in paradise.  Ever watch the show "Lost"?  OK, it's like living in that tropical paradise but with the feeling of the "Love Boat" all around you.  Or, kinda like "Gilligan's Island" with a resrot twist to it.

DSC01941

This picture didn't come out too good, but they have events going on around the hotel.  This is a march of the hula dancers and the Royal Hawaiian Guard that travel throughout the hotel.

Of course you have your exotic animals on the premises.  To your left you see the pink flamingos.  I tried to get a close shot of these guys without getting my eyes pecked out.  To the right are the penguins.  If you haven't been around live penguins they stick.  They smell like rotten fish.  They don't really do much but stand around, cute though.

OK. On  to the actual reason why I came here...the wedding.

See how cute the wedding box is?  It's in the shape of an asian temple, kinda the theme.  See the next picture?  It's turned into a local custom here that the bride folds 1000 origami cranes and the husband folds one crane to symbolize good luck and fortune for the newlyweds.  I thought there's was a beautiful art piece.  Then we have the ice scupture and bridal table.  Looks like a long table? Try a bridal part of 18.  Yah, that's local Hawaii style.

Program

Here's a glimpse of their program.  You can also see the couple to be.  Sorry my photo of them was really blury so I didn't include it.  Anyway, it was a marriage between Elvie-Marie Pascual and Eric-Dale Quemado.  *sniff sniff*  Moving on.

Check out the desert table.  I think they do this on purpose.  They set out the deserts before the regular food so that people rush to eat their dinner so they can get to the deserts.  Talk about a spread.  Yumm.

Cake

Now isn't this one of the most beautiful cakes you've seen.  It's along the asian theme, a cherry blossom cake.  Simple and elegant.  Who's the "Ace of Cakes" now?

Menu

Just wanted to show you folks the menu.  I thought this was a nice added touch.  Everyone had a menu of the buffet, which usually is a surprise until you get there.  Nice set up.

Buffet!

Parting gifts

You guys have got to see the party favors.  Not only does each guest recieve a "love" cd made by the couple  but also a glass "love" coaster set and a wedding bell.  Here's the story of the wedding bell.  I'm not too sure if this is a local custom, but in Hawaii people will clank their glasses to get the bride and groom to kiss at randon times throughout the reception.  I guess they wanted to save the glasses.  Once again, elegant.

Well on with the entertainment.  They had the usual video slide show, some ballroom dancing, some singing, and performances by the bride and groom to each other.  My most fave was this though...the Taiko drummers...check these guys out.

MOV01970

Wasn't that something?  Their was one really bad part about the entertainment...the emcee.  They hired this guy "Lanai" from a local radio station to do the emceeing.  I really think this guy is boring on the radio let alone have him emcee your wedding.  I always feel that the best emcee is the friend or family member that's the life of the party.  Besides that, a friend or family knows you, not like this radio disc jockey.  Hey Lanai, give them bakc their money for your lame perfomance.  Well, hope you enjoyed the wedding as much as I have.  6 Heinekens later and I was good to go.  Till next time.

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Well as some of you may know I'm kind of a Bravo TV junkie.  It's funny how I started to just watch "Top Chef" on Bravo and how I've expanded to "Workout", "Step It Up", and "Make Me a Supermodel".   OK, I admit that the last two I haven't really followed all season but do watch the reruns of them on the weekends.

Workt

So I'm watching this "Workout" show which features Sky Sports and Spa owner Jackie Warner and her crew, and I'm thinking to myself, "wow, these girls are hot".  Then...I come to find out that majority of them are lesbians.  Don't get me wrong, gender identity is a thing of the past and is so mainstream that sexual preference really doesn't bother me but...Rebecca is soooo HOT for a lesbian.  You know what I mean.  Most people have this image of lesbians being kinda "guy-like" in appearance, but these "Sky" girls are very pretty and with the exception of Jackie...feminine.

Anyway, this isn't a post about sexual orientation or lesbians for that matter, it's about fitness.  I have been lucky that most of my life my body has sustained a quick metabolic rate.  Unfortunately as I get older it's being to show signs of..*ahem*...rust.  So my weekly regime has been bicycling around the neighborhood about 3 times a week, working out with resistance equipment about 3 times also, and throwing in some yoga for streching purposes every now and then.  BTW, I do my resistance training at home with a "Bow Flex" like machine.  I did have a killer membership with 24 hour Fitness but canceled it due to the crowds and attitudes there...but...that's another story.  So I try to maintain this level of fitness but I don't seem to be able to fit into my old pants, I don't look fat, it's just that my original pants don't fit.  I know, people say maybe it's muscle, who knows, maybe it is but I'm still gonna try and fit into those old pair of jeans. That's besides the point.  A level of fitness should be maintained for health reasons, and it is shows like "Workout" and "The Biggest Loser", even "Ultimate Fighter" and some pro-wrestling shows have inspired me to keep motivated.

So you wanna try and get fit too?  Here's a physically easy way to do it.  If you stick to this plan you'll lose weight without even excersizing, but you must stick to the meal plan.  If you do excersize, you'll just reap faster results.  Keep in mind that this is geared toward my weight and you can adjust the amounts with simple math to find your weighted amount.  BTW, this is Hawaii so it's based on rice for carbs, utilize what is common in your area.  Here it is...

MoOgooGuypAN's Ultimate Diet Plan

8-12 week Diet

Eat every 2 to 2 1/2 hours it will speed up your metabolism then burn fat!

You need 1.5 grams of Protein per body weight

Example ( 160 Lbs. X 1.5 = 240 grams of protein, divided by 6= 40 )

1)      This is for a 160 lbs. Person.

2)      6 meals a day every 2-2 1/2 hours ( do not go pass 3 hours ) 240 grams divided by 6 meals = 40 grams of protein pre meal.

3)      Do not to eat starch after 7:00 PM, But you can drink Protein drink if you’re still hungry.

Monday-       Complex Carbs 75 grams  = 3 scoops of Rice. Per day

                       Protein  240 grams divided by 6 meals =40

Tuesday-      Complex Carbs 75 grams   = 3 scoops of Rice. Per day

                       Protein  240 grams divided by 6 meals = 40

Wednesday- Complex Carbs 100 grams = 4 scoops of Rice. Per day

                      Protein  240 grams divided by 6 meals = 40

Thursday-    Complex Carbs 100 grams = 4 scoops of Rice. Per day

                      Protein  240 grams divided by 6 meals = 40

Friday-         Complex Carbs75 grams   = 3 scoops of Rice. Per day

                      Protein  240 grams divided by 6 meals = 40

Saturday-     Complex Carbs 50 grams   = 2 scoops of Rice. Per day

                      Protein  240 grams divided by 6 meals = 40

Sunday-        Eat anything you want.

Monday-       Complex Carbs 25 grams   = 1 scoops of Rice. Per day

                       Protein  240 grams divided by 6 meals = 40

Then back to Tuesday.

Example Monday  8: 00am.  1^st meal Protein power drink 40 grams

                                10:00am  2^nd meal 1 scoop of rice, chicken breast 40 grams and vegetables

                               12:30 PM  3^rd meal Protein power drink 40 grams

                                 2:30 PM  4^th meal 1 scoop of rice, lean beef 40 grams and vegetables

                                 4:30 PM  5^th meal Protein power drink 40 grams

                                 7:00 PM  6^th meal 1 scoop of rice, chicken breast 40 grams and vegetables

Protein- Whey protein powder, Chicken breast  no skin (1 pc = 25 grams), Turkey breast, Water packed tuna, Egg white, Egg beaters, Lean beef.

Simple Carbs- Vegetables ( as much as you want ),  Fruits ( Only one a day if any )

Complex Carbs ( Starch )- Rice, Oatmeal, Potato, Corn, Pea, Squash, Etc..

No Butter, Oil (Olive oil is OK), Sugar, Etc…

Use Pam to cook.

As you lose weight you have to change you protein amount.

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You know that question that's on every person's mind?  Well, maybe not everyone, let's say majority.  What is life and why are we here?  I think at some time in our life we wonder about these to questions. 

I have my theories but the only people who know the actual answer to this question are expired lives.  I guess it's only at that moment in our life, BTW everyone will 100% experience this, that we will finally understand the meaning of life.  It's either there or not.  Depending on your religion, you'll eventually discover who was right and who was wrong about the after-life if there's any.  I'm not a big religious kinda guy, yah I went to a Catholic elementary school, yah I attended a Marynist highschool, but a college class really opened my mind to different religions.  Who's to say one is right and one is wrong?  Who's to say one will go to heaven or attain enlightenment and who will not?  What about those innocent people who don't even know about your religion?  Are they doomed for not believing? Religions have been taken too much advantage of, either for monetary reasons, power, or for example the Al Queda.  I just don't trust religions.

Now days I just try to live a normal morally correct life and hope that when my time comes it will be an interesting experience.  Might I also mention that a good movie about life and death would have to be "Mr. Magorium's Emporium."  It basically in a quirky way shows how life and death go hand in hand and shouldn't be feared but embraced.  Well enough about all the controversy.  Here's a little something I got that might brighten up your perspective on life.  It's a little "funny" that made me think of this topic.

On the first day, God created the dog and said:
'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at
anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will
give you a life span of twenty years.'

The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking.
How about only ten years and I'll give you back the
other ten?'

So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and
said: 'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them
laugh. For this, I'll give you a 20 year life
span.'

 The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for 20 years?
That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I
give you back 10 like the dog did?'

And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and said:

'You must go into the field with the farmer all
day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and
give milk to support the farmer's family. For this,
I will give you a life span of 60 years.'

The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you
want me to live for 60 years. How about twenty and
I'll give back the other forty?'

And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created man and said:
'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For
this, I'll give you 20 years.' But man said: 'Only
twenty years? Could you possibly give me my 20, the
40 the cow gave back, the 10 the monkey gave back,
and the 10 the dog gave back, that makes 80, okay?'

'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it.'
So that is why for our first 20 years we eat,
sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next 40
years we slave in the sun to support our family. For
the next 10 years we do monkey tricks to entertain
the grandchildren. And for the last 10 years we sit
on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.

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