Is that guy strumming a violin? Is that other dude playing the cello standing up? Wait, is that an accordion? And the guitarist has a snazzy hat! So I asked social media who these guys were and in no time, I was told this group is Streetlight Cadence who attended HPU and performed at the Ala Moana Center Stage. I’m still finding out more about this interesting group while listening to Roger’s Song.

I should have bought both the regular and 0 sugar Major Melons to compare at some point. I’ll be on the lookout for the non-sugar variation. But until then, I’m almost done with my first bottle of Mtd Dew Major Melon.

Oh, I found my first bottle at Palama Market. Yup, the Korean market stocked this ahead of (few) other stores that I had checked.

I’m not sure if every Rewards member automatically gets this promotion, but I’m guessing so.

GAME FUEL is here to help you #StayInTheGame while staying at home. Tweet #GAMEFUELCarePackage + #Sweepstakes for your chance to get FREE GAME FUEL delivered to your door. Get yours while supplies last!
US residents, 18+. Rules @ https://t.co/qCZxkl8cYS pic.twitter.com/eaTkxW3M3L

— MTN DEW GAMING (@MTNDEWGaming) April 9, 2020

Really, it’s as easy as sending a tweet with #Gamefuelcarepackage and #sweepstakes. You don’t even have tag the GameFuel Twitter account. In less than a minute, you should receive a response with a link that you need to follow and fill in some information.

That’s it!

Looking like a typical 12 fl oz can, the contents is only 9.6 fl oz so the can is light and you can tell there’s space inside.

Not very sweet, minimal nitro bubble feel to the drink.

Am I supposed to shake this? The directions on the back say to “Gently tilt can once…”

Nitrogen is on the ingredients list, albeit last.

Consistency is thin and definitely not creamy like an Ito-en canned drink. The entire can is only 45 Calories though.

Cost is high, around $4 per can?? Or was it 2 for $4? I would only get again if it were on sale.

Here’s a quick video of what it sounds like when the can is opened.

Thank you for your order. We are currently out-of-stock, however…

Well, my chance at getting my Nike Wishlist came true. But first, I gotta say thanks to the No Ka Oi connection for a dream come true. I thought visiting the Nike Company Store in Beaverton, Oregon was a long shot, but the Nike gods were with me.

Let’s rewind to a Thursday morning in July when I was in line at the Company Store before its opening at 10am. It was game time, and I knew my first target was the “back wall” of shoe odds and ends. You just never know what you’ll find (and find I did).

But what was I looking for? Read up on my Wishlist series with version 4 looking like this:

1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
2. Air Max 270 ($170)
3. Odyssey React ($120)
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
5. Kobe 1 Protro ($175)
6. React Element 87 ($160)

What I ended up with, looked like this.

If you recall my original list, I had the LeBron 15 but then changed to the LeBron 15 Low in Update 1. But as fate would have it, the colorway I randomly used in my original Wishlist is the exact colorway I found on the back wall in my size! Yeah, I did say the LeBrons didn’t fit my feet well so I did try them on again in the Company Store and even wandered the aisles finding other shoes to try on while wearing the BattleKnit LeBrons. And that’s when I changed my mind. The overall feet of the LeBron 15 was top-notch. The support, the feel of the materials, the colors. I couldn’t put these back to the back wall.

Then there’s those crazy Perry the Platypus colored Air Max 98. Truth be told I coveted these shoes when they released on Nike’s SNKRS app. Truth be told I passed on them and regretted it. Truth be told I have a watch on GOAT for these shoes going for around $180. Truth be told I was amazed to see a few of these on the back wall. Truth be told they’re a little big at size 10.5, but truth be told, I wasn’t putting these back. So that’s two from the back wall.

So what about my Wishlist? I did try on the VaporMax 97, and they were okay. Plenty were in stock in different colorways, and I even tried on a variety of VaporMax models. The Utility model wasn’t bad but overall, none of them were keepers.

The same goes for the Air Max 270. So many colorways. Some nice ones on the back wall as well, but none stood out. I tested out the Air Force 270 line for a change on the 270 bubble, but none of them resonated with me.

The Odyssey and Epic Reacts were really the most disappointing for me. I was fully commited to buying one of these React models to run in. But they just didn’t feel right. Super snug, going up half a size made the fit better. But the arches on both models felt problematic, and I really didn’t want to buy running shoes that would either be non-supportive or chafe too much.

Kobe 1 Protros had lots in stock. I even found a few Lakers gold and purple colorways on the back wall, but these shoes are super stiff. I didn’t like them as soon as I put them on.

The React Element 87 that released that week was a long shot to find, and I was correct in that assumption. But the React Vapor Street Flyknit was there, and they felt great. Surprisingly great. I was super close to buying a pair.

But right next to these were the brand new EXP-X14 that released the week prior. The colorways were neutral with either white/wolf grey or mountain blue, but of course, I had to try the on since they were right there. I’m glad I did. Super comfortable and an overall different feel and vibe to this shoe. I put back the Vapor Street in favor of a white pair of EXP-X14 which was also my substitute for missing out on the Element 87. While looking for my size, another shopper asks if I wanted the X14 in the Just Do It colorway. I don’t know where he found this special colorway since I didn’t see any others. And can you believe they were in my size too?!? Was meant to be…

While I tried on many more models and also helped family members pick out kicks (Epic React and Pegasus were popular), in the end, my Nike Wishlist was this:

1. LeBron 15 Black/Sail/Bright Crimson
2. EXP-X14 JDI
3. Air Max 98 QS Cone/Tour Yellow-Hyper Grape

1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
2. Air Max 270 ($170)
3. Odyssey React ($120)
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
5. LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)

The first addition is the upcoming Nike React Element 87. Funky name, funky look – distinctive. But being new, I doubt these will yet be available at a discounted price.

My next addition is a whim. Taking it back to the old school, I think I’ve owned one pair of classic Air Force I, and this JDI “Just Do It” pack looks intriguing. Not sure if I can handle all that orange though.

So just to keep the wishlist at seven (just a random number), here’s how it now looks:

1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
2. Air Max 270 ($170)
3. Odyssey React ($120)
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
5. LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)
6. React Element 87 ($160)
7. Air Force I “JDI” ($130)

When it comes to decision time (aka time to pay), I’d say I’d go with the LeBron (for badminton and to honor his past season) and the Odyssey React (since I want to try Nike’s new running foam). A third pair would have to be something deliciously good.

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1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
2. Air Max 270 ($170)
3. Odyssey React ($120)
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
5. LeBron 15 Low ($150)
6. Air Jordan 1 ($145)
7. ACG Dog Mountain ($110)

Thanks to Nordstrom’s redemption, I can strike out #6, the Air Jordan I. But however, I always reserve the right to reverse my choice if a super fresh or rare colorway is lucked upon.

Looking at #7, the ACG Dog Mountain, I think I’ll also strike this outdoors-theme shoe from the list. Why? Because I found the Nike Air Zoom Albis 16 at Ross. While I would have loved that Concord purple colorway, the black and wolf grey makeup is just fine with me.

At #5, a refinement if available. This Flight Pack colorway of the LeBron 15 Low is too good featuring the Teal Tint and Sunset Pulse, but it’s not yet released.

So I’ll end Update 2 of my wishlist like this:

1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
2. Air Max 270 ($170)
3. Odyssey React ($120)
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
5. LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)
6. Air Jordan 1 ($145)
7. ACG Dog Mountain ($110)

1. Air VaporMax Utility
2. Air Max 270
3. Odyssey React
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit
5. LeBron 15
6. Air Jordan 1

The first change I’m making is taking the VaporMax Utility out of the rotation. I still love its look but after watching a review of this sneaker by Hes Kicks, I’m hesitant due to the squeaking and chaffing. If I find a pair, I’ll try them out of course, but instead I’ll probably opt for one of those “Past Meets the Present” hybrids like the Air Max 97 VaporMax or Air VaporMax Plus. I gotta like the colorway though.

I’ll leave the 270 on the list for now but again, I’d have to find a great looking pair. With so many variations coming out, this shoe is ultimately bound for discounters in a about a year.

The original Epic React runner still has the nicer colorways than the the Odyssey React, but for fit purposes, the Odysseys are a better match. These stay on the list. So do the React Vapor Street Flyknit if the price, color, and fit are just right.

Win or lose in the NBA Conference Finals this year, LeBron James continues to impress. Getting up in age, he’s still producing and playing at an unreal level. To pay tribute, I’d go for the LeBron 15 (which reminds me, did LeBron even switch to his Solider line this post season like he’s done in the past?). The LeBron 15 high top version is cool but the LeBron 15 Low sounds better for me according to the Weartester’s reviews by Duke4005 and Nightwing2303.

The Air Jordan 1 would have been crossed off this list if Nordstrom had come through. But instead, I took a loss with the AJ1 Shadow. Again, so disappointed with Nordstrom and its wonky inventory system, but I digress…

Another Nike that caught my attention recently is the new ACG Dog Mountain. Yeah, weird name, but kinda useful to have an outdoorsy shoe that can take a beating. This shoe may eventually replace the React Vapor Street Flyknit in my Wishlist.

So here’s my Nike Wishlist updated for May 28, 2018.

1. Air VaporMax Utility Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
2. Air Max 270 ($170)
3. Odyssey React ($120)
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
5. LeBron 15 LeBron 15 Low ($150)
6. Air Jordan 1 ($145)
7. ACG Dog Mountain ($110)

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A few hours later, I get an email from Nordstrom. I had ordered a pair of Air Jordan 1, Shadow colorway at a discount earlier in the week. Sometimes Nordstrom surprises me with what they carry, and they were clearing out the black and gray AJ1. After much refreshing and retries on their online store, my order successfully went through with a confirmation email. Well I guess a Nordstrom confirmation email is easily reversed with a cancellation email.

Dammit, Air Jordan loss number two of the day!! The day was just about a bust except for one saving grace at Starbucks. I hadn’t paid attention to their ads, but I scored a BOGO offer in the afternoon.

So I had two Caramel Macchiatos, one for each AJ1 I missed out on.

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery location in the Waikiki Trade Center is the only place in all of America where you can order a Haupia Nitro. Yup, that’s a nitro cold brew infused with a coconut blended mixture. The walls of the special Reserve cup are lined with condensed milk (I think), and the finished drink looks like this.

Like any other Nitro cold brew, this drink is amped on caffeine. The taste is kinda strong for my preferences, but the haupia mellows it out overall. This is an expensive libation though, coming in at $6 for a grande, but keep in mind that since there’s no ice added, it’s all unadulterated coffee.

If the Haupia Nitro is not for your palette, be sure to check out the other unique menu items at the only Reserve Roastery in Hawaii.

Or better yet, ask the barista for a recommendation, and let her photobomb her creation for you.

My latest Starbucks obsession is the Nitro Freddo. This drink starts with nitro cold brew on tap. Then it’s topped off with a dark caramel foam and a sprinkle of what looks like Starbucks instant VIA coffee.

Alone, the Nitro Cold Brew is a potent drink – highly caffeinated and all coffee flavor. The Freddo balances the cold brew with that wonderful foam. If possible, don’t savor the drink and let it sit. Drink the layers as is before everything dissolves together and enjoy the waves of flavor.

Unfortunately, this drink is only available at two locations on Oahu – Waikiki and Nuuanu. Yup, the Nitro Cold Brew is only on tap at these two stores. And this drink is expensive with a grande coming in around $5.70. But since the drink has no ice, it’s all Nitro Cold Brew, but it does get lukewarm quickly. Also, this drink has its own special lid made for sipping, not for straws.

It’s foamy on top, and it doesn’t come sweetened or with any kind of milk or cream. According to the barista, it’s the most caffeinated drink on their menu, and I believe it. After a few sips, I started getting a headache that I tend to encounter after too much caffeine throughout the day. But did I feel more awake and alert.

The Nuuanu Shopping Plaza has gotten a resurgence with the arrival of Starbucks. Before whenever I would drive by, the parking lot had some cars, but the smallish lot is now packed with Starbucks patrons I’m guessing. The lot was completely full yesterday afternoon with several cars jockeying for an open stall. But as one of the few Starbucks serving Nitro Cold Brew, you gotta go and make a visit.

Other matcha items I should have tried…

Ah heck, I wish I tried these non-matcha goodies as well…

Missing the different items available in Starbucks Japan…

My canned coffee drink was sadly dumped at Haneda Airport when we had to go through security for a second time. Having gone through security at Hiroshima, I figured it was safe to buy bottled drinks. But when changing to international travel at Haneda, there was another screening with typical restrictions. So there it went. Instead, I conclude this series with a playful artistic cup of my Starbucks Chocolate Cake Frappuccino with Matcha Shot.