The One about Mr. Coffee in Los Angeles (Koreatown)
It’s nearly 2:00 a.m. and in Los Angeles on 537 S. Western Ave. is the cafe, Mr. Coffee. While I have been to several coffee shops in Koreatown, we figured that Mr. Coffee is one of the few cafe’s still open this late and ’till Read More …
The One about Cannery Row (Monterey)
This past Saturday, before Super Bowl Sunday, I traveled to Monterey, California and what a gorgeous Saturday it was! While I shared with you my photos from the Monterey Bay Aquarium (which was the location of Hovden Cannery), part of the trip that I wanted Read More …
The One about Rupert Julian’s “The Phantom of the Opera” (1925)
An actor that I respect a lot is Lon Chaney. He has made a number of creepy films in his oeuvre but “The Man of a Thousand Faces” was versatile and just remarkable in his films utilizing his secretive makeup techniques or even doing all Read More …
The One about Joan Didion
Quite often I get into these conversations with a few writers about prose. And over the years, I have been asked if I have read Joan Didion’s “Slouching Towards Bethlehem”, ad infinitum. A few years ago, Didion was promoting her play “The Year of Magical Read More …
The One about Monterey Bay Aquarium
Located in Monterey, California, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of California’s bright gems for travelers to visit. The aquarium is located at the end of Cannery Row, which was once famous for the Hovden Cannery, a sardine cannery which was built in 1916 and Read More …
The One about the Organic Vegetable Garden
Typically, I would prepare my back yard by getting my vegetable garden ready by tilling and getting the soil all set. Purchasing the seeds and begin planting them. But unfortunately, due to the severe drought in California, I have been focusing on doing my part Read More …
The One about Whit Stillman’s “Metropolitan”
I think the reason why I love Whit Stillman’s “Metropolitan” so much is because the characters resonated strongly with me. Especially the character of Tom. The character of Tom Townsend is a character who does not come from a rich family nor a privileged family Read More …
The One about Andrea Marks’ “Fukami: Purity of Form”
I have been fortunate to have met Fukami Sueharu and one book that I treasure (and was thrilled to have him sign) was a copy of “Fukami: Purity of Form” written by Andrea Marks (and also including essays from other associates who are well-versed in Read More …
Travel Guide – Japan: The One about Medicine and Drug Stores in Japan (Common Medicine for Teens and Adults)
One thing that can possibly put a damper on your vacation to Japan is getting sick. Especially if you are traveling between November-April. While I get my flu shots in the winter, I often recommend friends to do the same. But you will be near Read More …
The One about the MagnoGrip Pro Utility Magnetic Gloves
I had the opportunity to use the MagnoGrip Pro Utility Magnetic Gloves on a worksite and also doing work at home. I have large hands, so was glad to know that size Large was good enough to fit on my hands. They fit perfectly and Read More …
The One about my DNA Results Part 2
Second round of my DNA results but this one being more detailed of my ancient DNA history. Last week, after receiving my AncestryDNA, I downloaded and uploaded my data to GEDMatch. Running through various tests… Eurogenes K12 as expected showed an 88% of being East Read More …
The One about GEDmatch Archaic Matches
This one is rather interesting as I compared my DNA to ancient discoveries of people who had their DNA fully sequenced. At 0.5 cm (50 SNP), you see a few with strong connections. I took it down to 1.0 (100 SNPs) and we start to Read More …
The One about my DNA Results Part 1
Old family photo Growing up, I always identified myself as Filipino American or Asian American. But when you get older, you start to wonder, why is it that my brother or my sister are lighter (which my mother is)? Why does my grandfather kind of Read More …
The One about Stephen R. Covey
In life, everyone encounters personal and professional problems. I was in my late teens and as much enthusiasm that I had in life and wanting to make the best of it, my life hit a speed bump after the death of my grandmother. Needless to Read More …
The One about Consignment Stores in Akihabara
While many people flock to Akihabara to get their figurines, idol merchandise and video games, for those who are not interested in brand new items can take part in the various consignment shops that flourish around the city. Consignment shops featuring transparent boxes in a Read More …
The One about Odaiba
Odaiba, the large artificial island in Tokyo Bay is known for the place where anime fans can find the Gundam statue (at Diver City), entertainment fans can find Fuji TV, idol fans can see their favorite idol group at Aqua City or where a lot Read More …
The One about the Lucerne Hotel in Lemoore, California
The Lucerne Hotel in Lemoore, California. Built in 1895 and is believed to be the oldest continually occupied commercial building in the small city. And a building that was once considered long ago as one of the city’s social centers. If there is one thing Read More …
The One about Serena Slocum
Today I am once again watching my favorite Whit Stillman film, “Metropolitan”. The film is enjoyable, hilarious and intellectually stimulating! So, many like-minded people love this film so much that we can’t help but share our favorite moments and many quotes on the Facebook group Read More …
The One about Fixing Your Watches on Your Own
One of choices I made when I was younger was to treat watches similarly to how I treat clothing and shoes. And what I mean by that is that in my life, wearing the same shoes, wearing the same jacket, wearing the same hat, wearing Read More …
The One about the Hawke & Co Remsen Tracker Jacket
As I was perusing for winter jackets for 2016, there were a few things I was looking for. It had a hood that was removable Worked well in the elements, in my case, rain, wind and cold temperatures Good number of pockets And… the jacket Read More …
The One about Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable”
When I heard the news of Natalie Cole’s passing on New Year’s Day 2016, the first thing I did was took out Natalie’s “Unforgettable” album and listened to it. Back when this first album was released, it was a big part of my young adult Read More …
The One about Japan’s New Year’s Fukuburo (Fashion & Electronics Version)
Each year in Japan, on New Year’s Day (and sometimes a few days before), many partake in Fukubukuro. Fukubukuro is a New Year’s custom in which merchants bundle items and put them in mystery lucky bags (or boxes if purchased online) in which people spend Read More …
The One about the OXO Foldaway Dish Rack
I have been using OXO products for awhile now and the OXO foldaway dish rack was very interesting to me, for an aesthetics approach but also, I like how the water goes through the inside rack and drips onto your sink. The extra space for Read More …
The One about my COACH scarves
Are you a person into scarves (or Kremer, Muffler, neck-wraps)? According to wikipedia (so not sure how accurate this is), one of the origins of the scarf was as far back in ancient Rome in order to keep clean. Back then it was called a Read More …
The One about Hyun-seung Lee’s “Il Mare”
Today’s selection for Cineaste365 goes to Hyun-seung Lee’s “il mare” (시월애, Siworae) starring Lee Jung-jae and Jeon Ji-hyun. A US version was made titled “The Lake House” with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock but that film was nowhere as memorable as the original 2000 Korean Read More …