The View From Space

Spent our Sunday afternoon watching the Blue Angels perform at the Kaneohe MCB Airshow.  Prepped for the event by reading @geewhy’s blog on what to expect.  The only thing he missed was the traffic trying to leave the base at the end of the day.

As far as the performance, the Blue Angels did not disappoint.  If watching these high caliber pilots perform doesn’t get your blood pumping you need to get your cardiovascular system checked immediately.

Here’s a couple of video clips taken from my Samsung Vibrant:

Added a new energy drink to my repetoire of sensory enhancing consumables.   This one has all the hallmarks of a winner, electrolytes to replenish your body after a hard day of sitting at your desk; High Caffeine to aid in avoiding those mid-meeting naps; ONLY 10 calories per serving (although you’ve got 2 servings in the can); and REAL juice. 

Best of all, it has a strong lemonade flavor with no funky energy drink aftertaste.

So Party on Dude!  Recovery is only a can away.

The new Fall season starts this week for many TV shows.  That means many a DVR will be in heavy use this week.
With so many good looking shows on, the biggest problem will be how to work around the max 2-show-at-a-time recording limit.

Perhaps not widely known (although in this country it should be), today, September 17 is Constitution Day. It commemorates the formation and signing of one of the most influential documents in world history, The Constitution of the United States of America.  On September 17, 1787, 39 individuals signed into existence a document that changed the world.

In addition today also recognizes all who are citizens of the U.S., whether born or naturalized.

And last but certainly not least, today is also known as POW Day.  A day to remember all who’ve served and were taken Prisoner Of War or who are Missing In Action.  A solemn reminder of the sacrifices many have made for our country.

The Big Bang Theory, now in it’s fourth season, celebrates all that is Geek.  They have taken those much maligned and persecuted throughout the ages and have given them status on par with the beautiful people of the world.  No longer is Howard’s helmet with sideburns haircut a source of ridicule (hey I sported one back in the day).  Nor is Sheldon’s obsessive need to explain everything to the nth degree a sign of mental instability (my wife says I do it all the time.  I personally don’t see it.  Sheldon, being a theoretical physcist, takes a much more tangental approach to his diatribe.  Choosing to enhance his illustration by linking them to events in Star Trek episodes.  In talking to normal beings, he likens his elucidation of everyday physical phenomena to that of Spock explaining warp drive physics to tribbles.  I on the other hand, being an engineer, tend to take a more direct and practical approach.  Like Scotty replying to Kirk’s request for more power out of the warp drives, “I cant push her any harder Captain, she’s gonna blow”.  Short and to the point.)  But I digress….

Most of the characterizations are spot on, from the dress code employed by Sheldon.  To the hinted at bromance between Howard and Raj.  The only thing that is not quite believable is the relationship between Penny and Leonard.  C’mon, a geek having sex with a REAL girl…. who’s gonna believe that.

Did a short stay-cation at the Turtle Bay Resort to celebrate my wife’s birthday.  Having not been there in several years, we were pleasantly surprised by the accommodations.  The hotel itself has been wonderfully maintained and the grounds were well manicured.  The room, although rather spartan, was clean and pleasant.  My only issue was that the bathroom was dimly lit and bathing was done in a very dark stall.  I guess you could argue that it made for romantic showers, but at my age it’s probably more important to be able to see if you’ve missed washing any body parts.

I was also amazed to find that free wireless access was available throughout the hotel.  Normally high end hotels/resorts charge you upwards of $12/day  (although I later found out that it’s not quite free, there’s a Hotel Service Fee of $25/day that is charged to cover parking and …. wireless access).  Ok, maybe it’s just because I’m getting easier to satisfy in my old age, but I just looked at the fee as another add-on that resorts charge.

The highlight of the stay was most definitely the Luana Spa.  My wife had a facial and body scrub done the morning we left.  Although pricey, the services were definitely worth it.  The staff was warm and welcoming, making you feel at ease and relaxed.  I highly recommend a treatment or two if you ever stay there.

Happy 44th Birthday Star Trek!  Who knew that this show would still be going strong after 44 years? There is still a large fanbase loyal to the show as seen by the countless conventions and memorabilia.  Not to mention the numerous movies and spin-offs created from it.

To borrow my favorite Spockism …. FASCINATING!

Shot this nice panoramic view from my hotel room while staying at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu.
The built in feature of Android 2.1 comes with the standard camera app and seamlessly integrates up to 8 standard shots into one panoramic picture. You don’t do much more than click on the first frame, pan slowly across then click on the last frame (if using less than 8). It automatically senses the edge of each shot and takes the next.
The picture shown here was only 6 frames wide.

Here’s one I took that uses the full 8 frames