Life
LeBron X Low Plum/Electric Green at Ross
My eyes popped when I saw these LeBron X Lows stashed away in the corner of the shoe section at Ross. In the size 8 area, but really a size 9.5, these kicks are the red plum/electric green colorway. Sadly, I could have fit these 20 years ago, but now a 9.5 is just too squeezy for my toes. If they were a 10 or 10.5, I would have snatched these up for sure, even at a higher than normal $60 price tag.
I always loved the LeBron Low with its full length Air Max unit. Even though two generations old, these are $100 cheaper and are very, very distinctive, and I’m a sucker for that paint-flecked look.
Poor Radio Reception
Any Lexus owners out there have poor radio reception with the stock deck? We got a used Lexus that’s newer than our (former) Toyotas, but the radio reception is so bad.
Driving my normal routes, the FM radio reception is staticky and even drops out at certain spots. This didn’t happen with the Toyota stereos. I figured this wouldn’t have been an issue for the luxury Lexus line, but it is, and it’s real bothersome.
I talked with Bill at Progressive Auto Sounds in Aiea, and he said changing the deck wouldn’t necessarily improve radio reception. It may or it may not. An alternative is to stream radio broadcasts via a smartphone and apps like Tunein or iHeartRadio. But then, I’d still need to change the deck with a newer one that can connect to my iPhone. Guess I’ll be listening to static…
Target Kailua Soft Opening
The Target location in Kailua had their soft opening today with the grand opening scheduled for Sunday, March 8. Open to the general public for the first time, the people of Hawaii didn’t disappoint. There was an expected line to get in as many thought today was the official grand opening.
The shopping carts were quickly snapped up as the people kept on coming.
I didn’t grab a cart but instead, opted to zip around unencumbered, and you know what? From what I saw, this Target looks like any other Target you’ve been to. Check out the familiar bath section.
Here’s the electronics section.
The groceries.
Although I love the layout of the milk containers. Reminds me of the Matrix movie for some reason.
The toy section was happening as serious Hot Wheels collectors picked through the virginal batch of cars. I found the latest Lego Minifigures series along with the newest line of Lego Elves.
Some of the sale items advertised in last Sunday’s ad were wiped out already on the first day of shopping.
Sadly, no new flavors of Mountain Dew Kickstart were available like at the other locations. Just the usual ones.
The Target dog wasn’t on-hand today but his replica was. But I didn’t take a selfie.
The Starbucks inside wasn’t as crowded as I expected, and there is another location just down the block.
All shopping carts were accounted for, and you had to hunt for one.
The plentiful parking disappeared as well. The connecting lane joining Safeway was still blocked off. All I can say is that Boots and Kimo’s is gonna be nuts with this Target (and its parking) open across the street.
Be sure to watch the local news tonight for in-depth coverage. Every channel was there. Anyways, here are more of my rushed pics. I didn’t want to stay too long as more and more people entered the building. Although I must say that since this location is so huge, even with all the shoppers, the store didn’t actually feel cramped or crowded. It was a comfortable shopping experience despite the craziness.
A Shoutout from Gregg Hammer
What a way to start Thursday morning! I had just pulled out of my driveway for my morning commute with the radio tuned to KRTR 96.3. Aunty Mildred Kaneakala was kicking off the morning’s Story Time when I heard my name on air. Wait, what was that? Did I hear Gregg Hammer as Aunty just give a shout out to his/her favorite blogger?!? Why yes I did (see the Instagram comments)!
Sadly, I wasn’t ready to record the audio or fast enough to get the delayed playback on the Tunein app. So no recording, just memories of this special good morning! Thanks Gregg and keep everyone laughing in the mornings.
Yelped Bob’s Bar-B-Que, Toyota Windward, and Mexico Restaurant
Not like I’m headed towards Yelp Elite-ness or anything, but I was in the mood to review some of my recent visits. So I Yelped about:
- Bob’s Bar-B-Que. 4 stars.
- Servco Toyota Windward. 5 stars.
- Mexico Restaurant. 3 stars.
Now if a current Yelp Elite member decides to nominate me for elite status, I would not decline. 😉
HD Radio in Hawaii
So I just learned that HD radio is indeed available in Hawaii and has been in the islands since 2007. Without HD radio compatible gear, it never mattered to me. But now that I can tune into HD broadcasts, I was looking for tunes in HD. Sadly, there’s not much. Can you tell what music genre is popular?
- 92.3 KSSK. Adult Contemporary Music
- 93.9 KHJZ. Rhythmic Adult Contemporary
- 97.1 KORL. Japanese – J-Pop Music
- 98.5 KDDN. Island Rhythm 98.5. Island Music
- 100.3 KCCN. FM 100: Island Music & Reggae
- 101.5 KORL. K-Rock: Hawaii’s Real Rock
- 101.9 KUCD. Star 101.9. Hawaii’s New Music Alternative (not working for me)
- 105.1 KINE. Contemporary Hawaiian Music
- 107.5 KORL. Hawaii’s K-Pop on FM (Korean)
There’s always Pandora and iTunes Radio…
Seize the Weekend
How was your long weekend? Was it eventful with Valentine’s Day, strong gusty weather, Chinese New Year celebrations, the SNL 40th anniversary, oh, and the NBA All Star weekend? I hope you managed to get out there and seize the days of the extended weekend.
Valentine’s Day started off ugly as wind and rained marred the morning. As the day progressed, the sun started to peek out as we went car shopping. The night was topped off with a nice family cookout.
On Sunday, the sun was out and so were the people. The Makapuu lighthouse trail was absolutely packed as we drove by. Instead of hiking, we went exploring the tide pool areas of Sandy Beach. The kids managed to catch some fish then went swimming. A trip to Ross yielded some cool wall clocks.
Dinner that night was at Mexico Restaurant. Highly recommended, it was crowded at an early hour – a good sign! Sadly, I was unimpressed as my Mexico Burrito arrived cold.
President’s Day was a catchall kind of day. Running errands, we ended up in town. Unfortunately, Hawaiian Pie Company was closed, but next-door Saveco was open. Saw some interesting goods like Sony AV receivers, but I didn’t pull the trigger.
Lunch was at the old time Bob’s. My loco moco was okay, but the hamburger patties were pre-made.
A visit to Marukai always brings me surprises. You never know what you’re going to find there like this Stainless Steel soap and Tony the Tiger appearing with Hello Kitty.
All in all, a simple but fun-filled weekend. 🙂
High Wind Damage
The wind’s been whipping through Hawaii this Valentine’s weekend causing all kinds of damage. Check out the Windward side.
Fence down.
More missing fence sections around the corner.
Lots of broken branches.
Blown out vinyl planks.
Trees downed on the Pali.
This is actually renovation being done at an McD. Not related to the winds as I initially thought.
How’s the damage in your neighborhood?
Anyone Awake from the Wind
Who else work up very early on Valentine’s Day due to the blustery winds hitting Oahu? I’m afraid to go outside to see the aftermath of this onslaught.
Doing Some Maintenance
Don’t mind things around here for a bit. Doing some maintenance to see if I can address a problem that I was unaware of previously.
Woot Deal: Sennheiser MOMENTUM On-Ear Headphones
Happened to wander by woot.com where I saw this deal for the Sennheiser 505982 MOMENTUM On-Ear Headphones. Only colors available are red or pink with a cost of $89.99. Normally these go for $250+ and even on Amazon, they’re listed at $115.
Overall, Amazon ratings are at 4.5 stars over 361 reviews, so they can’t be bad. There are some complaints about too much bass and a muddy middle. Reviews also vary wildly over the fit and comfort of these headphones, but the general consensus is that they are well made and very stylish.
Head on over to woot.com before this deal is sold out!