The View From Space

I was given early access to the premiere of the new series #TerraNova by Fox and Klout, and all I can say is WOW!

A mixture of Avatar and Jurrasic Park, it takes us on a journey into the prehistoric past … or is it the prehistoric past in a parallel universe?  In any case, the show begins in the not too distant future in which people have trashed the world, plague, pollution, and all the vices of the human race have made the earth a  barely livable place.

Luckily the people there have found a way to travel back in time to a parallel universe in which they try and restart the human race.  A place called Terra Nova.  The series focuses around a family invited (well, some of them were invited) to travel to this new world and begin anew.

As a sci-fi geek I was instantly hooked.  Time travel, parallel universes, dinosaurs, what more could one ask for?  Oh and within the first hour of the series we find out that all is not copasetic in paradise.  Not only are there carnivorous dinosaurs munching on humans, there’s the threat of armed conflict with a group of fellow pilgrims called sixers.

The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and the storyline gripping.  I have my DVR ready for the 2-hour premiere on Fox, September 26 8/7c.  I suggest you have yours ready too.

Now for the legalese part of my post:

I was given a free product or sample because I’m a Klout influencer. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.  I was also provided the preview to Terra Nova by FOX.

Imagine my surprise when I got an email notifying me of my Klout Perk! Not only did I get an advance viewing of the premiere episodes of FOX’s ‘Terra Nova’ and ‘New Girl’, I also won a Fox VIP hoodie!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Fox VIP hoodie!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Klout and Fox VIP Disclaimer:  I was given a free product or sample because I’m a Klout influencer. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

Courtesy of Fox, I  will also be among the first to have access to the premiere episodes of FOX’s ‘Terra Nova’ and ‘New Girl’. #FOXVIP, #TerraNova, and #NewGirl!

While celebrating our 26th Anniversary at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (@hawaiianvillage) we were treated to dinner at Bali by the sea by our friends Ed and Kiki Kaanehe.  Ed is known affectionately and respectfully as “Chief” to everyone here at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

We had no idea what they had planned for us.  Turned out it wasn’t just dinner, it was a wonderful culinary experience.   Meal preparation was under the direction of Sous-Chef David Shue and consisted of 3 appetizers with the main course of our choosing.

Naturally we started off with drinks.  This one’s called a Hawaii 5-O and was created by one of Hilton’s in-house bartenders (notice that I started on it before I thought to take a pic of the drink).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first course was an oyster with a host of great ingredients that I didn’t catch during Chef Shue’s presentation (You were expecting some sort of food critic write-up?  I was overwhelmed by the experience and savoring the moment).  All I can tell you, and this is coming from someone who NEVER eats oysters, is that this dish was absolutely delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second course was Beef Carpaccio.   Again Chef Shue provided a running commentary on the exact ingredients and preparation, and again I sat there in awe of the artistic culinary delight placed before me.  (That means don’t ask me what all the other stuff was on the plate because I don’t have a clue).  All I can say is that this dish too was wonderful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the third course I was actually paying attention.  This one consisted of lightly seared Tombo on a sliver of pineapple with 5-spice and some sort of wasabi sauce (Okay so I wasn’t REALLY paying attention).  What can I say?  The fish was nicely done with a slightly cooked outer ring and an oh-so-tender sashimi interior.  The slightly spicy wasabi was nicely balanced with the pineapple and 5-spice.  This was my favorite of the 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now it’s on to the main course.  I chose the Pepper Seared Sashimi Grade Ahi.  While similar to the above appetizer it presented a totally different taste adventure.  This was much more spicy with the pepper seared into the outer ring of the fish.  One thing that did remain the same was the quality of the fish used.  It was outstanding, firm yet tender and vibrant with color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And after all that, Chef Shue graced us with dessert.  A Pineapple Tart (topped with an Almond Creme and Macadamia Nut ice cream), a Chocolate-Chocolate cake (ok that was my description, I couldn’t find it on the menu), and finally what I think is the Waialua Farms Chocolate cake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last but not least was the Green Tea Creme Brulee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Big Mahalo goes out to our friends Ed and Kiki Kaanehe for such a great evening out.  Special thanks to Bali Sous-Chef David Shue for treating us to such a wonderful culinary experience.  Finally, the night wouldn’t have been such a wonderful experience without the efforts of the staff at Bali’s.  Our waiter Andreas even took the extra effort in getting my wife Laurie and her friend Kiki a front row spot on the lanai to watch the Friday night fireworks.  Mahalo and Aloha to all that made it such a special night.

Oh and just to let you know, the appetizers weren’t on the menu.  So don’t spend too much time looking for them.

 

 

Having lamented about the demise of First Class service and comfort on domestic flights, I was pleasantly surprised when I recently got upgraded to Business Class onboard a United flight to Japan.

The current domestic first class cabin is akin to business class of days gone by, international first class however, is now the pinnacle in comfort.  Cocoon seating with lay flat seats and a huge individual TV screen with more entertainment choices than you can possibly watch over an 8 hour flight.  (Unfortunately I have yet to experience this level of travel nirvana)

International Business Class is no slouch either and is head and shoulders above most of the domestic first class cabins you’ll find.  There’s semi cocoon seating with lay flat beds … I mean seats.  The entertainment choices are just as good as in first class although shown on a “smaller” screen.  Yes I was like a kid in a candy store as this was my first taste of the new cabin seating arrangement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes that’s a lumbar support button in the middle of the seat back

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and I even used the slippers provided in the amenity package.  So chic!

Okay I don’t get out much, this was my first visit to Side Street Inn EVER! All I can say is WOW! Talk about great tasting food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pork Chops were my Favorite!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Snow Crab legs weren’t bad either

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lup Cheong fried rice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The old standby Teriyaki Chicken

 

Now on to Dessert:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peanut Butter Crunch ala mode

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bread Pudding ala mode of course!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last but certainly not least …. Creme Brule!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gotta love the posters our Japan division puts up.  Can you guess where this one is located?

Got my first tattoo done while on vacation in Vegas. Here are some pics following the progress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First the design was stenciled on my back (just like carbon paper).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almost done!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finished product.  Newly inked.

It will take several days for the skin to scab, peel then heal.  Meanwhile the process involves massive amounts of itching (and you can’t scratch or else you’ll cause the design to lighten in the areas you scratch away).

Oh and if anyone tries to sell you the “Brain releases endorphins so that the pain is either pleasurable or minimal” deal, SLAP THEM!

Some portions (like the design outline) was no problem.   Others, like the shading, hurt to high heaven.  I think I left my grip marks in the chair I was sitting on.

So if it hurt so much would I opt for another tat?  In a heartbeat.  Like others who’ve been inked, once you get the bug you cant stop.

 

Now, where was that new design I was looking at….

Celebrated our son’s college graduation by having dinner at the Crab Pot in Bellevue.  Here are some before pics:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crab Legs, Shrimp, Corn and Potatoes

 

 

 

 

 

Crab Legs, Mussels, Clams, Shrimp, Corn and Potatoes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salmon Fillet (This was oh so good!)

And ….. Steak???? (Didn’t have the heart to take a pic of a steak in a seafood restaurant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Aftermath! Only a few potatoes survived the onslaught.

In Seattle for our son’s graduation from Seattle U. So what’s the first thing we do when we arrive? Visit our long lost son? Nope, head on down to Pike Place Market.
Here are a few of the sights (minus the smells) that we took in.

Seafood, and lots of it.

Flying fish:

And one plain old UGLY Monkfish:

Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables:

And what trip to Pike’s would be complete without a visit to the Original Starbucks:

Yes that’s the line flowing out the door and down the street.

The numerous natural disasters that have occurred recently have really taken it’s toll on organizations providing relief.  As large as they are, the Red Cross is not immune to the overload of support efforts.

Managing these massive endeavors require an enormous amount of coordination, communications and computing power.  To provide support to those supporting others, the makers of Drobo are giving away 100 Drobo units to the person/organization that can best use them.

So how can you help?  Visit the 100 Drobo Contest link and enter the following submitter code:  424023

Or you can simply email the submitter code to:  [email protected]

Oh and did I mention that you can win a Drobo for yourself just by voting?

Help the Red Cross help those in need.