The One about the OtterBox SYMMETERY CLEAR SERIES
For those who want a case that is simple and not bulky will find the OtterBox SYMMETRY CLEAR SERIES to their liking. It’s counterpart, the COMMUTER SERIES is slightly bulkier with two forms of protection, while the SYMMETRY CLEAR features a one piece design and Read More …
The One about Paying your College Loans Off
One of the questions that I often am asked is about college loans and if I paid them off. I managed to pay my college loans off and not only was it one of the most liberating feeling in my adult life but it was Read More …
The One about Harajuku Station
One of the first stations I had the opportunity to visit during my first time in Japan was Harajuku Station. A well-known railway station located in Shibuya, Tokyo and operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), the station’s beginnings go as far back as Read More …
The One about Hot Weather in California
It’s one thing if you live near the ocean and have cold mornings warm afternoons and back to cool evenings. But in parts of California, the reality is a cold or foggy winter and very hot dry summer. Right now, it’s a hot spring and Read More …
The One about Roy Ward Baker’s “A Night to Remember”
Back when the Criterion Collection released “A Night to Remember”, I remember really wanting to watch this film for so many years and I know that for most people, they tend to compare the 1958 film “A Night to Remember” and the 1997 film “Titanic” Read More …
The One about UOMO Magazine
In Japan, you come across several men’s fashion magazines. And one of my favorite publications is UOMO. Combining Japanese and European fashion, the magazine showcases various styles but also showcases your normal everyday people on the street and showcases the brands that they are sporting. Read More …
The One about Avila Beach
In San Luis Obispo County is the community of Avila Beach. The name of the location is derived from Miguel Avila, the owner of Rancho San Miguelito (a Mexican land grant in present-day San Luis Obispo County). The land grant given by then Governor Juan Read More …
The One about Reminiscing about Rokkakubashi Shopping Street
If you are a student at Kanagawa University or living near the area, the place has restaurants, shops, pachinko…probably within that area is where you’ll see a lot of foot traffic. One of the things that people will find the shopping area in “Rokkakubashi Shopping Read More …
The One about Jacques Tati’s “M. Hulot’s Holiday”
A wonderful performance by Jacques Tati, “M. Hulot’s Holiday” is the precursor of Hulot’s perspective towards life, modern advancement in society which would eventually become a storyline prevalent in “Mon Oncle” and “Playtime”. In my case, I have watched the order of these films in Read More …
The One about Akiba Jinja
Omotesando is best known for an area lined with trees and luxury shops but near Omotesando crossing is a small shrine (jinja) that is not hard to miss. Known as Akibajinja (note that the shrine is not located in Akihabara), the history of this small Read More …
The One about Learning another Language with HelloTalk
For those learning a new language, one of the things that will become important is practicing with another person who can speak that language. In college, we would have time set for a “Conversational Partner”. For example, if I’m learning Japanese, I would have a Read More …
The One about the PUR 7 Cup Ultimate Pitcher
I’m a big user of PUR products and I have been needing to upgrade my water pitcher. The PUR 7 Cup Ultimate Pitcher that I am reviewing is the non-LED version. What you get is the pitcher, a filter, lid and a reservoir. A few Read More …
The One about my Kale and Vegetable Fried Rice Dish
I don’t like seeing food that i purchase go to waste. And despite not liking it, it happens to me quite frequently. I buy too much fresh vegetables that by the time I check in my fridge, the kale or spinach and even salad bags Read More …
The One about Hachiko
In Shibuya, right near the station, thousands of visitors come each year to visit and take pictures of the statue of Hachiko. For those not familiar with the story, Hachiko is an Akita dog and the pet of Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, who worked at the Read More …
The One about Joey’s Cafe in West Hollywood
My chill out spot for brunch/lunch when I’m traveling to the West Hollywood area is Joey’s Cafe (http://www.joeyscafeweho.com/). Joey’s Cafe is one of those spots to kick back, indoor or outdoor, order a sandwich or a drink and just enjoy your breakfast, brunch or lunch. Read More …
The One about Go! Go! Curry
In Japan, there are many restaurants that serve curry. But there are a few that have managed to create a brand that has done well for the company and had allowed companies such as Curry House and CoCo Ichibanya but another curry restaurant that has Read More …
The One about the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Restaurant & Market
When it comes to restaurants, one that I have eaten at countless times in Monterey and San Francisco is the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Restaurant & Market. Inspired by the 1994 film “Forrest Gump”, the first Bubba Gump restaurant opened in Monterey back in 1996 Read More …
The One about Nakano Broadway
Nakano Broadway, the otaku shopping area of Nakano (a special ward in Tokyo). A ward that epitomizes Showa era (1926-1989) and the bubble economy, back in 1960, the construction of Nakano Broadway building was created. The goal was to create a 10-story shopping and apartment Read More …
The One about Staying at the Comfort Inn & Suites Near Long Beach Convention Center
Having stayed at several hotels in the Long Beach area, this time I decided to stay at the Comfort Inn & Suites near Long Beach Convention Center. What was surprising was it was located near where I lived in Long Beach as a teenager. This Read More …
The One about Revisiting Porto’s Bakery and Cafe in Burbank
Last week, I wrote about Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. But I figured that people want a more thorough review considering that the Burbank location was rated at #1 for Yelp’s list of highest-rated restaurants in the U.S. As I was in Southern California for several Read More …
The One about Revisiting Salju Dessert in Alhambra
Snow ice. It’s a popular dessert that you can find in areas with a high Asian population in California. But I wanted to introduce family who had never tried snow ice for the very first time. As I posted about Salju Dessert earlier in the Read More …
The One about my Grandmother Virginia
It was a little over a month ago that I celebrated my grandmother’s 90th birthday. And at the same time, our family was preparing the 40th day of the death of my Uncle Jun. And here I am again, preparing another week of mourning for Read More …
The One about the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
Right on 7000 Hollywood Blvd. and a short walk from the TLC Chinese Theatres is the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. An iconic hotel which hosted Hollywood cinema legends such as Charles Chaplin, Carole Lombard, Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe and many more. And while events still happen Read More …
The One about Kin-no-Torikara
When traveling in Shibuya, you will see an interesting restaurant with a cute yellow chick character featured on its sign. The location that I visited is located at: 25-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo Prefecture The chick is the mascot for Kin-no-Torikara, a spot that originated from Kyoto Read More …
Travel Guide – Japan: The One about JAL Mileage Bank
Are you a frequent flier who often takes flights on Japan Airlines (JAL)? I would definitely take advantage of the JAL Mileage Bank card when flying to destinations around the world. Just book your flight provide your JMB membership number when making your flight reservations, checking Read More …