tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34615695220165539072024-03-13T16:11:27.346-07:00Just JonJust Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.comBlogger549125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-1575401803483903022022-10-04T22:31:00.005-07:002022-10-04T22:50:08.275-07:00Just An Adult Happy Meal . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPVk4cCTF-yd4KkC001CimGo0JkNR5NfMXPiFhtgn0RXrqEF0cfP0fM7xiPecbFcn8K9z65C1Zk7M62H0fsx7hJlMJS6tgp7J-jl247z6U7BHfHt6yv9Wv_6j7ETUOE-tspDRSFzLALPutDY_K5P-_zUqFmTVE8XXtivwqBGhsX9Gl6PVid1Bt6zV7Q/s1570/IMG_5342.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPVk4cCTF-yd4KkC001CimGo0JkNR5NfMXPiFhtgn0RXrqEF0cfP0fM7xiPecbFcn8K9z65C1Zk7M62H0fsx7hJlMJS6tgp7J-jl247z6U7BHfHt6yv9Wv_6j7ETUOE-tspDRSFzLALPutDY_K5P-_zUqFmTVE8XXtivwqBGhsX9Gl6PVid1Bt6zV7Q/s320/IMG_5342.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div>Multiple people over the last several days have sent me direct messages about McDonalds introducing a limited edition adult Happy Meal called the Cactus Plant Flea Market Meal Box. </div><div><br /></div><div>This version of the Happy Meal comes with your choice of a Big Mac or 10 piece Chicken McNuggets, a small fries, a drink, and of course an updated twist on the nostalgic McDonalds characters in the form of a plastic toy all contained in the slightly larger but still recognizable cardboard box with the golden arch interlocking handle.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was after the second person sent me a message I began to think; "What does it say about me and my eating habits that people have reached out about this new Happy Meal?"</div><div><br /></div><div>When I shared this rhetorical question I had been having with myself with my friend she kindly pointed out, "Hello, you are the President and Founder of the Chub Club. The people have expectations. You must deliver!" </div><div><br /></div><div>She was right, for years I have been hash tagging photos #ChubClub, #ChubClubApproved, #IDontKnowWhyImFat, #IKnowWhyIAmFat. I had proclaimed myself to be the President of the Chub Club. (The origin story of the Chub Club is a tale for another day.) And I do pride myself on my knowledge of fast food restaurant dessert options.</div><div><br /></div><div>All these people who wanted to make sure I was aware of the new adult Happy Meal didn't realize, I have never stopped buying Happy Meals. I mean it's not a common occurrence, but I did just buy one a month ago. </div><div><br /></div><div>So yesterday, October 3, 2022, McDonalds officially added the Cactus Plant Flea Market Meal Box to its menu. I had no intention of running out to get one. All these people texting me about this limited time offer Happy Meal know nothing about me. Or do they?</div><div><br /></div><div>So yeah, I lasted one day. What if they run out? It's only available for a limited time. Sure they said it would be available till October 30, 2022; but lest we forget that corporate fast food chains have an inability to accurately forecast the demand for their product. </div><div><br /></div><div>Remember when Popeyes introduced their new chicken sandwich and it was sold out every day by lunchtime? Or how about when Taco Bell reintroduced the Mexican Pizza and then sold so many they had to pull it from the menu again for several months. </div><div><br /></div><div>So on day two of the Cactus Plant Flea Market Meal Box being on the menu I had convinced myself that I needed to rush to McDonalds to secure one for myself before they were gone. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I pulled into the McDonalds drive thru the line up of cars was longer than I had ever seen. (Absolutely exaggerating here for dramatic effect.) </div><div><br /></div><div>OMG! I bet EVERYONE in this line is buying an adult Happy Meal! Again my brain went for full on dramatics. I can guarantee I was probably the only one buying an adult Happy Meal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I went for the Big Mac with a Sweet Tea option.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was hoping for the Grimace toy but I got my second choice "Cactus Buddy" (a new character created for this limited time offer.)</div><div><br /></div><div>So for the people...</div><div>The ones with expectations...</div><div>The ones who wanted me to deliver...</div><div><br /></div><div>I present the unboxing of my Cactus Plant Flea Market Meal Box!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyObGH217wj8_z1ivZX-oGpKWPYDUHdnvwneqfVCotMWuGVIyFniDkv-vwGBK9xckC7hlPvpIzW5b9fCg2Pcw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>After lunch, when I was coming to from my McDonalds Big Mac food coma I discovered that Cactus Plant Flea Market had a web site that is selling..."For A Limited Time Only"...McDonalds inspired clothing!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoh7Gzmo3XJTmv1j4PNKD3vljrwUEvlGNj8NJyN4EigTJR3i5xAQLLejp8fnAoEOM8KpkywGnWt8mc6sdtYErUgm7jvKA2d8VtSkv_qk8AV3NBBkkFM4c15gh9esLi-ry0uCHN3gup_MRtoO9h_cfeKDIumDZlTcdEf2Ao6x1Ud1zh6VJXQlZWFyZ0w/s1125/IMG_5344.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1125" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoh7Gzmo3XJTmv1j4PNKD3vljrwUEvlGNj8NJyN4EigTJR3i5xAQLLejp8fnAoEOM8KpkywGnWt8mc6sdtYErUgm7jvKA2d8VtSkv_qk8AV3NBBkkFM4c15gh9esLi-ry0uCHN3gup_MRtoO9h_cfeKDIumDZlTcdEf2Ao6x1Ud1zh6VJXQlZWFyZ0w/s320/IMG_5344.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Did I buy anything?</div><div><br /></div><div>Am I the President of the Chub Club?</div><div><br /></div><div>The answer to both questions...YES!</div>Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-53972975559203997752022-09-04T23:33:00.002-07:002022-09-05T08:28:20.065-07:00Just 35 Years In The Making . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIZ4Fch6yrNGs2FKfqFO2kAw5lKCBXmSKbnowIletRNSjKw-rkY8QHOvDjhJv4roS-fRiMMgb4echEZDMRj9S5Ygp61of2Zt8JdACZ1bdLgW3DMt4us9Wk16EZIdy66Z61IySMQGiPvBGHdgpneBYZEdqsMeODWW8gHj0BwHmkg8ZJaiPfQtFav0R8w/s3197/IMG_5090.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3197" data-original-width="2773" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIZ4Fch6yrNGs2FKfqFO2kAw5lKCBXmSKbnowIletRNSjKw-rkY8QHOvDjhJv4roS-fRiMMgb4echEZDMRj9S5Ygp61of2Zt8JdACZ1bdLgW3DMt4us9Wk16EZIdy66Z61IySMQGiPvBGHdgpneBYZEdqsMeODWW8gHj0BwHmkg8ZJaiPfQtFav0R8w/s320/IMG_5090.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><p>In the fall of 1987 I started what would become a 35 year devotion to then teen pop princess, Debbie Gibson. </p><p>If I am being honest, yes, I had purchased her debut single Only In My Dreams on a 45 record; but initially when her full length album came out, I didn't buy it. I had placed my money on the other teen pop princess of 1987, Tiffany; whose debut album came out a few weeks after Debbie's.</p><p>I remember being at our 8th grade dance and I said something along the lines of "I hope to hear the song Only In My Dreams," to my classmate Lynz, and she said, "Jon, that's Debbie's old song, she has a new song out that is even better called Shake Your Love." </p><p>I think Lynz giving me this new found information about two hit songs on the album was all I needed to convince myself it would be worth my money to go buy Out Of The Blue on cassette tape.</p><p>...and THAT was how it all started. </p><p>I bet Lynz would have no recollection of this event or how pivotal it was in shaping so much of my life.</p><p>Once I had heard the entirety of Debbie's debut album Out Of The Blue, I was all in. It started slowly with tearing out a picture here and there from Bop or Big Bopper magazine to hang on my bedroom wall. Then I graduated to full size wall posters. I scoured magazines for any mention of her name. I recorded her appearances on talk shows. I took pictures of the TV screen when she appeared on television programs. I talked non stop to anyone about Debbie.</p><p>By the fall of 1988 I was starting my freshman year of high school and soon many of my new classmates were aware of my "obsession" with Debbie Gibson. I was often referred to as "Debbie Gibson Lover."</p><p>Was being called "Debbie Gibson Lover" in high school a cool thing? </p><p>Not really.</p><p>I knew it wasn't a cool thing to be known for. But I also knew that having a nickname did have its advantages. People at least knew who I was. I wore my "Debbie Gibson Lover" title like a badge of honor. In some cases I even doubled down on my fandom. </p><p>Like when Debbie had her 18th birthday party at Ed Debevic's in Beverly Hills, I had to have my birthday party at Ed Debevic's too.</p><p>"You are her biggest fan," people would say. I never felt comfortable claiming the title of "Biggest Fan," but I fully accepted that I was part of the "Debheads" as her fans had become known.</p><p>Over the next several years I spent lots of money on cassettes, CDs, posters, calendars and even perfume (that I gave to my Mom for Mother's Day) all in support of Debbie.</p><p>I got my parents to take me to see the Electric Youth Tour and later the One Step Ahead Tour.</p><p>By 1990, the music scene was shifting to grunge and new jack swing and Debbie was no longer topping the singles charts. I was still a fan. I still bought any new music she put out. By this point in my teenage life I was really an all around music junkie who couldn't wait for the new releases to come out on Tuesday. I could spend hours in Tower Records walking up and down the aisles. </p><p>Fast forward to 2005. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmkl_OnZYqtumYFP44VRMKGuCVcMGJXiRgVmwnLetn67V02-Jhw27suqFiJMDj7CcVA94NCdn1wJ1PEvTOcliLhCv3g2kAZ9A-TOlv9CltmCDRfD4A4YHuN0mk9aYyep9V-ALuovHGugC8jwXj8c-b5ZkNAnq3eVWRhLQqRoN4Yk1UU6wjUfMAp__Tw/s1124/IMG_1197.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1124" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmkl_OnZYqtumYFP44VRMKGuCVcMGJXiRgVmwnLetn67V02-Jhw27suqFiJMDj7CcVA94NCdn1wJ1PEvTOcliLhCv3g2kAZ9A-TOlv9CltmCDRfD4A4YHuN0mk9aYyep9V-ALuovHGugC8jwXj8c-b5ZkNAnq3eVWRhLQqRoN4Yk1UU6wjUfMAp__Tw/s320/IMG_1197.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Debbie had posed in Playboy Magazine and was releasing a new single called Naked. She was going to do a mini set followed by a meet and greet with autograph signing at the Tower Records on Sunset Blvd. My friend Erin, knew I was "Debbie Gibson's Biggest Fan" so she said, "We're going."</p><p>I knew I had been supporting Debbie's career for 18 years, but when we pulled up to that event at Tower Records, I saw for the first time that there are "fans" and there are "FANS". </p><p>I had nothing on these other people in line who had suitcases full of memorabilia. I thought I was going to surprise her and ask her to sign my original 45 record of Only In My Dreams. As I looked at the other people in line I was sure there were dozens of the same record in their bags. </p><p>All those times people had told me I was Debbie Gibson's biggest fan, right then and there, I saw that my fandom was no where near the same level as some of the other people in line. Maybe that was where Debbie got the idea for having a tiered fan group. There are the "Debheads" which I am a part of, and then there are the "Diamond Debheads" who just take everything to the next level.</p><p>That day at Tower Records, I did get to meet Debbie. I also got her to sign my Only In My Dreams record. We had a brief conversation where she asked if we had met before. I distinctly remember saying, "I wish, but the only other chance I had to meet you was when my mom was still driving me everywhere and she didn't take me to the mall you were at." Debbie laughed and said, "It's OK, my mom was driving me back then too." </p><p>I remember feeling so comfortable talking and laughing with her that when I looked down I saw I had put my hand on hers and immediately thought, I don't think you're supposed to touch the celebrity at meet and greets. I quickly pulled my hand back.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpEyRi2Q2sKsTe0e3aWtnSm1kfRlyb_NxlXLxWSDJMTVM5RgFRNzCj-muwDMjjnLeV3IVJQ0DMQKjueydlobgB5_2r4KN8KOiJULSHNdh4QaXn9m9y7oRTq72S4LENkjvIRz7lfNWSccQaddjB8Ash581LZgS77aAJrnq7lxowUJkGxlmcnYUPn7ZCQ/s3024/IMG_2448.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpEyRi2Q2sKsTe0e3aWtnSm1kfRlyb_NxlXLxWSDJMTVM5RgFRNzCj-muwDMjjnLeV3IVJQ0DMQKjueydlobgB5_2r4KN8KOiJULSHNdh4QaXn9m9y7oRTq72S4LENkjvIRz7lfNWSccQaddjB8Ash581LZgS77aAJrnq7lxowUJkGxlmcnYUPn7ZCQ/s320/IMG_2448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>When Erin and I left the Tower Records that day I remember thinking, I'm glad I got to meet Debbie as an adult and not as a kid. I felt like I appreciated it more and was present in a way that I would not have been able to be as a child.</p><p>Fast forward to the 2010s.</p><p>I am now obsessed with this new app called Instagram. Posting photos daily, hashtags, likes; I am all over it. </p><p>I don't even remember what I posted but it must have had something to do with Debbie Gibson and I must have tagged her in it. </p><p>Suddenly, in my notification feed there it was. Debbie Gibson had liked my post. </p><p>I died! </p><p>Then something even better happened. She followed me! </p><p>My inner 13 year old self was officially the coolest person in the world. My idol of 25ish years and I were officially IG friends! It was all worth it! She probably remembered meeting me at Tower Records and that funny story about our moms driving us around.</p><p>A few years later, Debbie did what I consider to be one of the most generous things an artist could do for their fans. She gave her fans the opportunity to buy pages out of her song writing notebooks. These were the beginnings of songs that never became fully formed and published. I jumped at the chance to own one of these gems. I got "Project Songs Unsung" #25 "Breaking Silence."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8a0on4HrHJQX3vs_zs35qZZXd-_EvIHG_xtpKy8sNQuP6giGJQTJqYT5JnnKckgk7ROUHepTezRYcs5fawJgHiNHkVGlA7GNHkTocvA8o9aYayl5UOa5fNmRkQjh-JvtMsBhlx8Y94tathXucCH9hXy1Hb9yENgyMdSIvl6DbVovXYr_ZJacZzhrXw/s2619/IMG_5073%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2165" data-original-width="2619" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8a0on4HrHJQX3vs_zs35qZZXd-_EvIHG_xtpKy8sNQuP6giGJQTJqYT5JnnKckgk7ROUHepTezRYcs5fawJgHiNHkVGlA7GNHkTocvA8o9aYayl5UOa5fNmRkQjh-JvtMsBhlx8Y94tathXucCH9hXy1Hb9yENgyMdSIvl6DbVovXYr_ZJacZzhrXw/w400-h331/IMG_5073%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">That brings us to August 2022.</span></div><p>The 35th anniversary of Debbie's debut album, Out Of The Blue. </p><p>To celebrate Debbie did a trio of concerts at 54 Below, a supper club in New York City, where she performed the entire Out Of The Blue album.</p><p>Once again Debbie created an opportunity for her devout fans to purchase a unique souvenir to celebrate this milestone anniversary. Debbie offered personalized hand written lyrics and music for the title track Out Of The Blue to her fans. What an amazing gift to celebrate this album. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55U2s-9-MUeHvbMNti6burr9DgWF7SAUDsun1nJFAhwmHxqD5A4G7O3X7fKPwJbTy9GvT6diJMEVo8R7RiIjKie_y0uM82C7EeJPSJX9TgxRe7rA82hj8PhN0bsn9N4gj27tTBnruYOfNMd-rCV3uiqYKVGBE0-5c-PIeThvzGcMkLch8JG9YyXh35Q/s3529/FullSizeRender%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3529" data-original-width="2733" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55U2s-9-MUeHvbMNti6burr9DgWF7SAUDsun1nJFAhwmHxqD5A4G7O3X7fKPwJbTy9GvT6diJMEVo8R7RiIjKie_y0uM82C7EeJPSJX9TgxRe7rA82hj8PhN0bsn9N4gj27tTBnruYOfNMd-rCV3uiqYKVGBE0-5c-PIeThvzGcMkLch8JG9YyXh35Q/w310-h400/FullSizeRender%202.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><p>Thank you Debbie for the countless hours of music you have brought to my life over the past 35 years! </p><p>..."Here's to the minutes that turned into all of these years, Cheers!"</p><p>..."Here's to the music that keeps us together, Cheers!"</p><p>(Lyrics from the song Cheers on Debbie's forthcoming Holiday 2022 Album.)</p>Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-2093548227229963902013-11-03T19:36:00.000-08:002013-11-03T19:36:12.336-08:00Just A Last Minute Trip . . . <br />
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This past week I took a last minute trip to Kauai. I had lovely time exploring the Island and more importantly spending a few hours with a dear friend from college.</div>
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Here is a slide show from the trip that features the song Forever Summer by Anuhea and Justin Young. I must have heard this song on the car radio six times a day.</div>
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Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-62382725383021476552013-08-25T13:45:00.001-07:002013-08-25T13:45:37.757-07:00Just Coasters . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VTyMx8jsQ1k/Uhps4FzvsnI/AAAAAAAAEiA/Y5GiahP1Rz0/s640/blogger-image--1989893008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VTyMx8jsQ1k/Uhps4FzvsnI/AAAAAAAAEiA/Y5GiahP1Rz0/s640/blogger-image--1989893008.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is the D.I.Y. Project I did this weekend...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Recycled 3.5 Diskette Coaster.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am sure everyone has a few of these obsolete data storage disks laying around their house that they no longer use. How about turning them into a functional conversation piece for your next cocktail party.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This project is very simple.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What you will need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">* 3.5 Diskettes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">* Self-Adhesive Natural Cork Liner</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">* Self-Stick Rubber Pads</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">* Large Coffee Mug</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">* Pencil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">* Scissors</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FNkQ-6akC_k/Uhps1xov_UI/AAAAAAAAEhw/XhezWUSUa6k/s640/blogger-image-277848514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FNkQ-6akC_k/Uhps1xov_UI/AAAAAAAAEhw/XhezWUSUa6k/s640/blogger-image-277848514.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Step One - Clean 3.5 Diskette of any dust or dirt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ybHdsZEQSz0/Uhps7OCiKYI/AAAAAAAAEiY/NMhhVwrcAA0/s640/blogger-image--1621932013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ybHdsZEQSz0/Uhps7OCiKYI/AAAAAAAAEiY/NMhhVwrcAA0/s640/blogger-image--1621932013.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Step Two - Use the Pencil to trace the bottom rim of the Large Coffee Mug onto the Self-Adhesive Natural Cork Liner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NeSZxqSSrbk/Uhps6FT6G1I/AAAAAAAAEiQ/Eqbi0dDeNRY/s640/blogger-image-395673019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kOQ2_kpd5hI/Uhps5CHx7DI/AAAAAAAAEiI/poYautiUKSk/s640/blogger-image--2093922544.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Step Five - Firmly apply 4 Self-Stick Rubber Pads to the bottom four corners of the 3.5 Diskette.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZfqqGi8Q6cA/Uhps72KE-EI/AAAAAAAAEig/OMdj1bxgKZA/s640/blogger-image--495748131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZfqqGi8Q6cA/Uhps72KE-EI/AAAAAAAAEig/OMdj1bxgKZA/s640/blogger-image--495748131.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Step Six - Enjoy your new coaster!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Optional Conversation Piece - Leave any labels on the 3.5 Diskette that would indicate what was once stored on the diskette.</div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-25269253723725373392013-08-18T20:20:00.000-07:002013-08-18T22:48:17.776-07:00Just Seven Days Of Oahu . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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While driving around the Island of Oahu listening to the radio a song came on that sounded familiar; like I should know it.</div>
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Try as I may I could not place it.</div>
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I pulled out my smart phone and "Shazam"ed the song.</div>
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"Paula Cole - Feelin' Love"?</div>
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Hmmm, I wouldn't call myself a Paula Cole fan. That "I Don't Want To Wait" and "Where Have All The Cowboys Gone?" songs were really over played.</div>
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But this "Feelin' Love" song had a nice groove going on.</div>
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By the time I got back to the hotel I looked for the song on iTunes.</div>
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I listened to the snippet again.</div>
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Wait a second. I know this song. I own this song!</div>
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This song is on the City Of Angels Soundtrack; that awful Meg Ryan and Nicholas Cage movie from 1998.</div>
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But the version I just heard on the radio was a remix and even better than the original.</div>
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So when I was picking the song to play with the photos of my trip I knew I had to use Paula Cole's Feelin' Love (Psychemagik Reem Mix).</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<br />Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-69229957734261019722013-08-15T11:35:00.000-07:002013-08-18T22:42:59.332-07:00Just A Climb To The Top Of Diamond Head . . .<span id="goog_1606299901"></span><span id="goog_1606299902"></span><br />
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I started today off at Bogart's Cafe & Espresso Bar which I found recommended in that trusty Blue Book.</div>
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Bogart's had me when I looked up the menu online and saw the "Crab and Avacado Omlette."</div>
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The Blue Book also said "Nobody can beat their roasted potatoes."</div>
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This was another place with a healthy line that never diminished. The parking lot is tiny and the seating space inside is minimal but I was able to secure both of those items with ease.</div>
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I wasn't going to order coffee, but then I saw the flavor they were offering was called "S'mores!"</div>
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"Can I get that as an "Ice" coffee?" I asked.</div>
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The cashier said yes. </div>
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"I'll take it!"</div>
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The coffee tasted exactly like S'mores, but I think it would have been better hot.</div>
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The Crab and Avacado Omlette was the lightest fluffiest Omlette I think I have ever had. </div>
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The potatoes were just "OK."</div>
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One thing to note if you go to Bogart's is that they are cash only.</div>
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After leaving Bogart's it was a short drive to Diamond Head State Monument.</div>
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There is a small parking lot on the Crater floor that costs five dollars. I think I arrived at a very popular time as the lot was full and I was turned away. </div>
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Since I wasn't sure how strenuous the actual hike would be; especially under the mid day sun; I opted not to park outside of Diamond Head and hike back in.</div>
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I drove around the mountain to kill some time and then attempted to park in the Crater again. This time they let me wait till a space opened up.</div>
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The hike to the top is .8 miles one way or 560 feet up. While climbing to the top you traverse uneven steep terrain, go through tunnels, and assend multiple stairwells.</div>
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It amazed me to see some park visitors attempting this climb in flip flops, bare feet, dragging a baby stroller, and my personal favorite, wearing jeans and cowboy boots!</div>
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When you finish the hike; conveniently located in the parking lot is a food truck selling shaved ice.<br />
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Yes please I deserve this!</div>
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The night before, when I was hanging with my friend Claire, she stopped for dinner at Teddy's Burgers. As you may recall I had already enjoyed my first Udon experience so I did not eat anything at Teddy's. </div>
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That being said, her burger looked amazing and I had a major case of burger envy!</div>
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When I found that Teddy's was listed in the Blue Book, I had to go back and try a Teddy Burger of my own for dinner.</div>
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Any restaurant that has the side option of "Tots" is A+ in my book.</div>
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For the record, the burger was as good as it looked the night before.</div>
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After Teddy's I swung by Shirokiya. A sort of Japanese Department Store that has a food court.</div>
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I had seen these Kulu Kulu Honolulu Mini Waffle bears that I wanted to try.</div>
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They come filled with jellies, chocolate or custard.</div>
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How cute and convenient are these little bear treats?</div>
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Gotta love it!</div>
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Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-33500528027547902512013-08-14T01:21:00.001-07:002013-08-18T22:46:09.379-07:00Just One Meal To The Next . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Today was one of those days that seemed to be all about where is my next meal coming from?</div>
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I started the day off at Wailana Coffee House; which apparently based on the sign doubles as a cocktail lounge at night. </div>
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Wailana Coffee House is straight up state of the art if the year was 1960. From the faux dark brown wood paneling to the orange brick interior facade to the speckled green Formica counter tops. You can't help but look around and think that this was a happening place back in the day.</div>
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I was intrigued by an item on the menu called the Pancake Sandwich, but when I placed my order the waitress told me I should just get the "All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast" instead because it was more food and cheaper. Apparently she sized me up and knew I was president of the Chub Club. I asked if it would still come like a sandwich and she said, "No, it all comes separate but you can put it together yourself if you really want to."</div>
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I forgot how much I really enjoy Coconut Pancake Syrup. Except for the fact that the syrup was the same color as the plate and I couldn't tell where to dip my pancakes. #RealProblems</div>
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After breakfast I walked to the Ala Moana shopping center where</div>
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this happened. It was only a matter of time right?</div>
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And since I was there I might as well check the signage on the camisoles. Good job Ala Moana, your signs were compliant.</div>
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Next up on the food adventure was Marukame Udon. This was another recommendation by my co-worker. Believe it or not, I have never ordered udon before. </div>
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Marukame is organized cafeteria style where you pick up your noodles then your tempura and drink. It must be good because the line to get in stretched down the block. The line moved very quickly and I started to get a little stressed out because I realized I had no idea how to order udon or how to pronounce the different udon offerings. </div>
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I didn't want to repeat the embarrassing meal a few years back when I ordered Pho for the first time. I didn't know you were supposed to mix all the ingredients in the bowl and I ate them all separate as a packed restaurant watched with equal parts shock, wonder and awe at this fool who didn't know any better.</div>
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Here is Yum Yum preparing the noodles. (Hand to God her name tag said Yum Yum which I took as a good sign for my first udon experience.)</div>
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The udon was good, but I have nothing really to compare it to. What I enjoyed even more was the tempura. I had sweet potato and pumpkin. They were delicious.</div>
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While walking back to the hotel I stumbled upon Waikiki's equivalent of LA's Olvera Street. A long aisle of narrow carts selling Hawaiian trinkets that are probably made in China.</div>
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Later in the evening I met up with my friend Claire who lives on the Island. She took me to Bubbies.</div>
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Once again there was a line to get in, but it was worth it! </div>
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I got four mochi. Green Tea, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Honeydew and Chocolate Dipped Raspberry.</div>
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My mouth is drooling just thinking about those last two.</div>
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Thanks Claire for taking me to Bubbies! So good!</div>
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Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-8824762799950579032013-08-13T11:32:00.001-07:002013-08-18T22:44:55.191-07:00Just Some Sun Some Sand Some Water And A Good Book . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First full day on Oahu and I bathed myself in SPF 50, threw on my Chubbies (A San Francisco shorts Company started by a friend of mine) and headed out in search of Eggs N Things for breakfast.</div>
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Eggs N Things was on the list of "must eats" provided by one of my co-workers. I ordered the Island Style Fried Rice and Eggs. It was massive! Honestly, I am not sure what all the ingredients were but it was quite tasty.</div>
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After Eggs N Things I took a drive up to the Pali Lookout. </div>
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The Pali Lookout is at the 1,200 foot elevation and has an awesome panoramic view of the East side of the Island. </div>
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That famous "Blue Book" I have written about in all my Hawaiian adventures said to bring your warmest clothes when visiting the Pali Lookout. Man, that book was not kidding. The winds at the top of the Pali were some of the strongest I have ever felt. I am not sure if the Japanese tourists were screaming in fear or joy at the power of the wind. The wind was so strong my cheeks were flapping! </div>
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After leaving the Pali Lookout I went in search of a beach to sit on and read my book. </div>
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I was looking for Lanikai Beach, which was also recommended by my co-worker, but apparently I pulled off the road too soon and ended up at Kailua Beach.</div>
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It was still beautiful and was exactly what I was looking for.</div>
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A place to swim...</div>
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And a place to read my book.</div>
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After spending a couple hours at the beach I decided to take the long way back to my hotel and drive around the South side of the Island.</div>
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By the time I got back to the hotel it was getting late and I was hungry. I took a shower and went back out in search of food. More importantly I knew that after dinner I was going to top it off with another recommendation, Leonard's Bakery's delicious Malasadas.</div>
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All in all a good day...except for the fact that even though I started the day bathed in SPF 50 and sat under a shade tree to read my book; somehow I got a little sun burned on my feet and head.</div>
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Such is life. </div>
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On to the next day...</div>
Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-30139617637626140162013-08-11T16:45:00.001-07:002013-08-18T22:43:50.596-07:00Just One More Time Around . . .<div>
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I am not one to arrive early for anything. On time or a minute late; that is more my style. So I knew things were too good to be true when my bag was already packed for my 9:20 am flight the night before my departure.</div>
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It should not have come as a surprise when I slowly awoke to my alarm 45 minutes after it started playing. </div>
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Crap!</div>
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I wanted to be leaving for the airport in 15 minutes and I am just waking up now? </div>
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"It's OK it's OK," I told myself; "You are already packed, You can still do this."</div>
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So I powered through my morning routine and called for the Black Car service with my smart phone App.</div>
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Technology has advanced to the point that I can "drop a pin" on the image of a map on my cell phone to indicate where and when I want to be picked up. Despite the fact that I am fairly confident on where the door of my condo is located, for some reason the Black Car service always shows up a block away on the other side of the street. </div>
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"Mr. Just Jon, your car service is here. Where are you?" the driver said upon calling my cell phone.</div>
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"I am standing where I dropped the pin on the map. Where are you?"</div>
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"Well Sir, the GPS told me to make a right turn."</div>
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"Is the pin at a right turn?"</div>
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"No."</div>
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"Turn around and cross the street. I am standing outside...where the pin was dropped."</div>
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I have gotten quite used to having this same conversation with every driver that has come to pick me up.</div>
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Now let the record state that I live REALLY close to the airport. I am talking super convenient. So when the Black Car service driver asked what time my flight was (2 hours from the point of his arrival) his response was, " Oh you are going to get there way early. Plenty of time!"</div>
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Let's just say I have made this trip enough times to know that early morning long distance flights for all airlines tend to all depart at similar times which makes checking in and getting through security a beast. </div>
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"You think?" I said. "I don't know. I have seen it pretty crowded at this time."</div>
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"No, you are good. I mean, I guess it is good you are getting their early because there is some fog."</div>
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"Wouldn't that mean a delay if there is fog," I thought to myself.</div>
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The driver then proceeded to tell me repeatedly as he filled out paper work that the Black Car Services' yard is just five minutes from my condo. </div>
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"I mean you are right there," he said.</div>
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"Well if you are only five minutes away why did it take you twelve minutes to get here?" was the question running through my head. And what was with this paperwork? The beauty of this service in the past is that everything is pre-arranged in the App. No paperwork. Let's cut the chit chat and get this car rolling dude, or my "early arrival" you seem so concerned with will be practically non-existent.</div>
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"Is this paperwork thing new?" I asked.</div>
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"Oh, we have been doing it a couple of months. Ever since the airport started cracking down on the unlicensed ride share drivers," he said.</div>
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"Yes, I was just reading about that. I thought your Company's "cheaper" service "X" is now not allowed to go to the airport," I asked.</div>
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"Oh, I don't know about that. I don't drive an "X" car. I mean that is what they start you out on. The rookies. Like a training car. I haven't done that in over a year," he said in an almost bragging tone.</div>
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We finally got on the road and made it to the airport with no trouble. As we entered the departure level I saw my airline listed on the first sign. And then I saw my airline disappear as my driver kept going. </div>
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"Ummm...I think you just passed my airline," I said.</div>
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"No, your airline is in Terminal 2."</div>
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"Uh, well, I am pretty sure we passed it. But if you think it is in Terminal 2, we shall see."</div>
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As we cleared Terminal 1...2...and 3; I think it was time for my driver to admit defeat and circle back around.</div>
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"Oh man they are going to think I am crazy. It costs $3 every time we go around."</div>
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We started the loop back around to Terminal 1 when I thought to myself, "This fool just took the wrong ramp. We are now on the Arrivals level!"</div>
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"Uh...I think we are on the wrong level," I said.</div>
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"Oh man, I am so sorry! I will get you there now. I know exactly where it is. This is going to cost me another $3, but I know it is the first Terminal. Don't worry."</div>
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Frankly, I wasn't worried. I wasn't even mad. This was down right funny.</div>
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We looped back around for another $3 and as we approached the departures level I said, "As we come out of the tunnel; it will be the first stop on the right." </div>
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My driver began reading the signs. He read off every airline but the one I wanted.</div>
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I interjected, "Not that sign. The smaller sign to the right. Do you see it?"</div>
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"Oh yeah. There it is," he said.</div>
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After pulling up to the curb and getting out of the vehicle; I thanked my driver and wished him a good day. I thought again about how he said only the "rookie" drivers operate "X" cars. Three attempts at finding my airline seemed like a pretty rookie move to me.</div>
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"I don't know man, after this rough start?" he said.</div>
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"Dude, you just got to shake it off," I said as I turned and walked through the sliding glass doors of the terminal. "You just got to shake it off."</div>
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I've got a flight to catch!</div>
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Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-20373159430791803132013-05-05T23:05:00.002-07:002013-05-05T23:21:42.907-07:00Just Washington DC . . .<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='480' height='360' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xrhn9T3USpc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Last month I went on vacation to Washington DC for the first time. The City was incredible and I feel I only scratched the surface of everything that I would like to see and do. Here is a slide show of my week in Washington with Just Mom and Dad.<br />
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And yes, I went to Georgetown Cupcakes on the first day we arrived in town.Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-33099211016487188852013-03-10T23:46:00.000-07:002013-03-12T17:32:33.503-07:00Just Been Hibernating . . .<br />
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Six months since my last official Just Jon post...I thought I should come out of hibernation. Just like <a href="http://www.just-jon.com/2008/07/t-u-r-t-l-e-power.html">Rover the Desert Tortoise</a> - all winter sleeps must come to an end at some point.<br />
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Don't worry; I have been resting up on one of my favorite places in San Francisco - The Golden Gate Bridge.<br />
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Sure, napping in the bike lane was probably not the smartest choice, but I have never claimed to make the best decisions when I am tired.<br />
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And the reality is; it was actually quite relaxing laying there on the concrete. The gentle vibrations of each passing car or bus was like a mini massage on my back. <br />
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What was not so relaxing? The intense stares from the people walking by me on the bridge.<br />
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"What?"<br />
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"You've never seen someone lay down in the bike lane on the Golden Gate Bridge before?"<br />
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"This isn't a David Blaine Magic Special...Keep Walking!"<br />
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OK, I know; I looked like a crazy person. But come on, aren't most people in San Francisco a little bit crazy?<br />
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In case you were wondering...the above photo is what the bridge looked like from down on the ground.<br />
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Quite lovely actually!<br />
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The following are a few more shots from today.<br />
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I love the shadow the bridge casts on the water in the above photo.<br />
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This next shot was taken at Baker Beach. Baker Beach is one step removed from The Castro. Translation - Expect to see naked people.<br />
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The next shot was taken at the new Golden Gate Bridge visitor center. They have a new structure for an expanded store front and several new displays to look as shown in the below two photos.<br />
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I don't know when my next post will be, but keep checking back. In the meantime you can also connect with me on <a href="http://www.94thday.com/">www.94thday.com</a>. There you will find more photos, my music recommendations, and YouTube videos I think you will enjoy watching.</div>
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<br />Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-18536594334667295422012-09-11T08:06:00.000-07:002012-09-11T08:06:15.796-07:00Just Remember . . . <br />
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On this anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy I share with you a brief video I took at the 9/11 Memorial in New York last year. This is the South Pool.Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-71271602085156911382012-09-05T23:29:00.000-07:002012-09-05T23:44:17.321-07:00Just Sutro Baths . . .<br />
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It's time to check another thing off the bucket list. <br />
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The Sutro Baths!<br />
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This past weekend my friends and I went on the Lands End trail hike down to the ruins of the Sutro Baths.<br />
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The Lands End trail starts near The Legion of Honor and winds along the Western coastline just south of the Golden Gate Bridge.<br />
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I am sure if we climb to the top of this hill just off the trail we will be able to see the Golden Gate Bridge.<br />
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Or maybe we'll be able to just see fog...<br />
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lots and lots of fog!<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutro_Baths">According to Wikipedia; "the Sutro Baths were a large, privately owned swimming pool complex build in the late 19th century. The building housing the baths burned down in 1966 and was abandoned.</a>"<br />
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Above is an exterior image of what the complex looked like in 1900.</div>
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Also from 1900, the above photo shows what the interior of the baths looked like.</div>
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And here is what is left of the baths. Just some concrete foundation walls.</div>
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These hikers made it to their final destination in one piece even though there were signs like the one below along the trail.<br />
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Between these two columns would have once been a wall of French windows overlooking the Pacific Ocean.<br />
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Should I take a dive in?</div>
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On second thought; NO WAY! That water is a green cesspool of yuck!<br />
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Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-11567489899250904762012-09-03T20:32:00.000-07:002012-09-03T20:36:04.048-07:00Just 30,000 . . .<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umYJNBXZjcM/UEVl8cKNhGI/AAAAAAAAES8/j9k0IfJhx88/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-08-31+at+7.08.22+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umYJNBXZjcM/UEVl8cKNhGI/AAAAAAAAES8/j9k0IfJhx88/s400/Screen+shot+2012-08-31+at+7.08.22+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last week, with little fanfare, this blog crossed another milestone. It's 30,000 visitor!<br />
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Back in May of 2008, 18 people received an email from me that simply said,<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">"I have started to Blog! </span></i></span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">I haven't written in quite some time so I am a bit rusty. I am sure there will be lots of grammar and spelling errors. </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">If you are bored and have nothing to do, here is something to read and look at. </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">=)</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">Jon"</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Back then the blog had a different web address www.itsjustjon.blogspot.com. The topics were all over the board and when I go back now and read some of those first posts I cringe.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When I first started Just Jon; being a blogger felt like I was part of a unique community of people connected by the Internet.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As the years have progressed, I find that now almost everyone I meet has their own web site.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When I look at other people's sites I sometimes like what they have done more than what I do. Because of that, over time, I have altered the look and content of Just Jon. That being said there are still moments in hindsight where I think I would do things very differently if I could start over.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When I first started Just Jon Twitter was still a fledgling little site and Instagram and Pinterest did not exist.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Those three entities I think altered the blogging world by creating the ability to micro-blog. Short instantaneous outputs by would be journalists, photographers, and critics around the world; connecting and sharing their thoughts and visions.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I find that "Micro-blogging" is sometimes more satisfying and frankly easier than regular blogging.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So what does all this mean?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Just Jon was going through a "Mid-Blog" crisis whether you realized it or not. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Did I still want to do this?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Was anyone other than Just Mom and Just Dad even reading this?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">How many Facebook friends have blocked my status updates because they were annoyed by my self promotion?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Which then lead to the following questions:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Why can't I just start over and do things differently? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What do I like most about the blog?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Just as I had made peace with crossing the 30,000 threshold and stopping "Just Jon" I get an email from Loyal Reader Mary wanting to know why I haven't been posting as much lately.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mary shared some kind words of encouragement as she always has from day one.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In the end I will say that my favorite part about Just Jon is sharing my amateur photography. I know I want to channel my creativity in a new (or additional) direction that does not have my name and face plastered all over it. I am in the process of figuring out what that looks like. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If you click around "Just Some Other Blogs Worth Reading" listed to the left on this site you may just find the beginnings of what my next adventure will be. (Hint - it's got a 9 and a 4 in the blog title.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So thanks again for visiting Just Jon 30,000 times; and cheers to both continued and new endeavors.</span></div>
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Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-63523696065355760072012-08-23T07:48:00.001-07:002012-08-23T07:48:34.911-07:00Just Dog Shaming . . . <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJ5jJCZdCDM/UDZCCEZbzQI/AAAAAAAAESo/mL8kvzrbTzM/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-08-23+at+7.44.06+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJ5jJCZdCDM/UDZCCEZbzQI/AAAAAAAAESo/mL8kvzrbTzM/s320/Screen+shot+2012-08-23+at+7.44.06+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anyone who has ever owned a dog will understand.<br />
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This is the funniest thing I have seen on the Internet in a long time. I literally laughed out loud!<br />
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If you have a "bad dog" you can publicly shame them on this site!<br />
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<a href="http://www.dog-shaming.com/">www.dog-shaming.com</a>Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-26338002557378522692012-08-19T01:43:00.000-07:002012-08-19T01:43:58.948-07:00Just Muir Woods . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I spent the afternoon in Muir Woods and here are my pictures of the beautiful redwoods! Oh, and in case you were wondering; after bridges I have a thing for trees.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Favorite Shot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Second Favorite Shot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Spy With My Little Eye...A Deer!</td></tr>
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<br />Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-7096736118206268282012-08-16T18:57:00.001-07:002012-08-16T23:39:32.607-07:00Just A Bridge A Camera And A Full Memory Card . . .<br />
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This past weekend I found myself driving across the Golden Gate Bridge toward the North Bay. I can't explain my fascination with this National treasure; but I love it! I love it so much that I feel a need to take pictures of it all the time.<br />
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When I lived in the Marina District my apartment had a spectacular view of the bridge. I never once took my view for granted and every morning would get up and go look at the bridge just because I could.<br />
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So here I was driving on the 101 headed back into the City. Just as you exit the tunnel the majestic Golden Gate Bridge comes into view. Of course I had to pull off the freeway and take the above picture of the bridge. I had never taken a picture of the bridge from this exact angle before. The fog was starting to roll in and cover the South tower. It was a perfect shot in my opinion. I snapped my picture and uploaded it to Instagram and Facebook. <br />
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By the time I got home I started to think about all the pictures I had taken of the Golden Gate. Hundreds of them! A photographic story of the weather, the seasons, day, night, sunshine and moonlight all with a single thread of consistency that is the Golden Gate Bridge. I pulled 72 of my favorite shots together and watched them as a slide show set to music, and the bridge that I no longer get to see every morning when I wake up brought a smile to my face.<br />
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So I thought I would share with you my Golden Gate Bridge slide show. . . Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-37249726663396267542012-08-05T23:27:00.000-07:002012-08-05T23:27:17.208-07:00Just My Two Favorite Commercials Of Aug 2012 . . .<br />
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Old Navy + Beverly Hills 90210 = Perfection!<br />
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And this one for the start of the upcoming football season just makes me laugh.<br />
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<br />Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-83923443726854464272012-08-05T13:06:00.001-07:002012-08-05T13:06:08.964-07:00Just Radio Africa Kitchen . . .<br />
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If you are looking for a delicious lunch for under $15 with organic vegetables and greens check out one of my new favorite spots, <a href="http://radioafricakitchen.com/">Radio Africa Kitchen</a> in Bayview.<br />
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In my two visits I have not been disappointed. <br />
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My first trip I ordered the Grilled Flank Steak Sandwich pictured above with peppers, feta and salsa verde and a side of soup. The soup was a little bland but the sandwich was a perfect flavor combination.<br />
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My second visit I ordered the Grilled Chicken Sandwich with tomato mustard and avocados with a side of vegetables. I enjoyed this even more than the Flank Steak Sandwich.<br />
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The location at 3rd and Oakdale is definitely in the "rougher" area of town; but the Muni T Line stops directly in front of the restaurant and there is an almost constant police presence on this block as several new businesses have moved in during the past year in an attempt to generate new life in the neighborhood.<br />
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<br />Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-54302401329194854872012-08-03T01:03:00.002-07:002012-08-03T01:03:49.933-07:00Just Greatness . . .<br />
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Greatness!Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-26475623181830592142012-07-29T17:16:00.001-07:002012-07-29T17:16:42.441-07:00Just Kona Hawaii Revisited . . .<br />
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Sometimes I get too busy to blog everything I want to share. Often, with vacations, I get back home and become consumed in work and never finish the story of my time away. This past month was compounded by a second brief trip to Southern California after Hawaii for my high school reunion. Needless to say July has been go go go and then go some more!<br />
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That being said I did want to share with the Loyal Readers some pictures from my final day in Hawaii. On this particular day my parents and I drove to view Captain Cook's monument from across the Kealakekua Bay.<br />
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You will have to trust me that the thin little white line in the top of this picture is Captain Cook's monument.<br />
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After spending a little time taking pictures we then drove a short distance to St. Benedict's Catholic Church which is also known as "The Painted Church." If you are keeping track, yes, we spent a lot of time looking at churches or at church while on this trip.<br />
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According to The Big Island Revealed by Andrew Doughty, "between 1899 and 1904 Father John Velge dedicated himself to painting frescos on the inside walls and ceiling."<br />
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Finally, you can't spend time on Kona without visiting a Kona Coffee plantation. After leaving the Painted Church we made it just in time to go on Greenwell Farms last free tour of the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only Two Bean Were Ready For Picking That Day</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other Beans Were Laying Out To Dry</td></tr>
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After the tour we got to sample all the coffee we wanted. Of course I liked the Chocolate Mac-Nut Flavored the best.</div>
<br />Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-46214953001921172452012-07-29T11:26:00.002-07:002012-07-29T11:26:26.629-07:00Just The San Francisco Food Bank . . .<br />
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Saturday morning I volunteered at the <a href="http://www.sffoodbank.org/">San Francisco Food Bank</a>. <br />
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I have been wanting to do some volunteer work for a while and after driving past the food bank recently I thought I would look into volunteering there. Being a first time volunteer for this organization I found their on-line sign up system easy to navigate. I also found the email communication post sign up clear and concise.<br />
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I arrived at the food bank and signed in on one of their three laptop sign-in stations and then proceeded to the break room where I waited with about 70 other volunteers for further direction.<br />
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A few minutes later we were given a brief orientation about safety in the facility and told what two projects we may be working on.<br />
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I was one of about 40 people assigned to sort nectarines. We were to examine the nectarines for rotting or damaged fruit and separate the good fruit into smaller boxes that charitable organizations would then be able to pick up later.<br />
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The "bad" fruit will be donated to a pig farm to be used as slop.<br />
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In my three hour shift the "Nectarine Team" processed about 9,000 lbs of fruit!<br />
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As soon as the Nectarines were processed the Food Bank began moving carrots into position for the next set of volunteers to sort.<br />
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My morning at the San Francisco Food Bank was very rewarding and I look forward to volunteering again in the future.<br />
<br />Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-82028388283488907232012-07-28T14:12:00.001-07:002012-07-28T14:16:09.729-07:00Just My Logic And Kind Of Math . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/I_3kHURyv4I/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/I_3kHURyv4I&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/I_3kHURyv4I&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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For Shoppers</div>Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-74818355974250951302012-07-15T22:24:00.001-07:002012-07-15T22:25:59.006-07:00Just Jeremiah . . .<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XFGAQrEUaeU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I read about this video in Entertainment Weekly and wanted to share it with you all.</div>
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A man finds a VHS Tape he made twenty years ago addressing his future self and now answers his younger self's questions.</div>Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461569522016553907.post-35782588687176769132012-07-13T09:13:00.001-07:002012-07-13T09:13:44.075-07:00Just Backcountry Tubing . . .<div style="text-align: center;">
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Loyal Readers, the most memorable activity I did while visiting the Island of Kauai was <a href="http://www.kauaibackcountry.com/tubing.html">Kauai Backcountry Adventures - Tubing</a>. Tubing is when you sit in an inner tube and float down an old sugar plantation irrigation ditch.<br />
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The "blue book" Kauai Revealed by Andrew Doughty said that this activity "doesn't seem to be enough bang for your buck." While I agree that the cost; about $100 per person is high, I enjoyed every minute of this adventure.<br />
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After checking in at the base camp; "tubers" gear up with helmets, gloves, water shoes, and a headlamp. Everyone piles into a four-wheel drive adventure vehicle for the ride up the mountain to the former Lihue Plantation.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the bridge where the tubing adventure will end.</td></tr>
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As the vehicle makes its way to the launch site, guides give a history lesson about this former sugar plantation that operated from about 1870 to the year 2000.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Jon and Just Mom with our headlamps and helmets on.</td></tr>
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Along the way the vehicles periodically stop to share information about the land.<br />
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Here we looked out at Mount Waialeale which is known as the wettest place on earth with an average of 472 inches of rain per year.<br />
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And guess what?<br />
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As we stood on the overlook it started to rain!<br />
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As we continued our journey we learned the rules of tubing. </div>
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First Rule: No #1 in the water!</div>
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Second Rule: No #2 in the water!</div>
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If you have to go to the bathroom they have plenty of facili-trees and porta-plants to use at your convenience.</div>
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Lastly, no one is allowed to say the following words about the water or everyone on the tour will be splashed by the guides:</div>
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Cold</div>
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Freezing</div>
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What you can say about the water is:</div>
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Refreshing!</div>
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Invigorating!</div>
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(The water was not that cold.)</div>
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When we reached to launch site we offloaded the vehicles and the guides rolled the tubes into the open canal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Mom at the launch site.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-te_BLMBzUz0/UAA69r0jIZI/AAAAAAAAECE/Hqmgukoezoc/s1600/59640008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-te_BLMBzUz0/UAA69r0jIZI/AAAAAAAAECE/Hqmgukoezoc/s400/59640008.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could get used to this.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-afGwRXprong/UAA68IPUi1I/AAAAAAAAEB8/NTkw_gKAIws/s1600/59640005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-afGwRXprong/UAA68IPUi1I/AAAAAAAAEB8/NTkw_gKAIws/s400/59640005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Part of the tubing adventure is getting to float through 5 hand dug tunnels. The first two tunnels are straight and you can see from one end to the other. One of the tunnels is a mile long and has an "S" curve in the middle of it because they made a mistake when they were building the irrigation system.</div>
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As you float along the canal the guides will yell out commands like; "Lights On!" "Butts Up!" "Arms and Legs In!" and "Right Turn." (Not that you can control the direction of your tube and bumping tubes is to be expected.)</div>
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There are a couple flumes in the canal where the ride is a little more exciting, but the overall adventure is for anyone ages five and up. The average speed of the tubes on the water is between two and six miles an hour.<br />
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At the end of the hour long canal ride tubers enjoy a deli lunch and have the opportunity to jump into a swimming hole.<br />
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Some of our guides even pulled out a ukulele and sang while we ate.<br />
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Special thanks to our guides John and DJ for taking good care of us while we were on our tubing adventure.<br />
<br />Just Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17914907346952797421noreply@blogger.com1