Honolulu Rail: Ads or Graffiti?
It’s only a matter of time before these clean canvases presented by the massive pillars of the Honolulu Rail Transit system become targets for graffiti or advertisements.

I’m hoping not but just too tempting being so big and so clean. Wonder what the ideas are to prevent defacement? Something better than the long gone decorative fence liners of Kamehameha Highway.
Air Jordan 8 Destroyed
Had to say farewell to my Air Jordan 8 Retros. These kicks went to Italy and Greece with me being retroed the week before the trip. Yes, I walked the dusty Colosseum and visited the original site of the Olypmics in these AJ8 back in 2003.

But after years of sitting in my garage, the Hawaiian heat took its toll.


Going Dancing!
I’ll be going to the Big Dance come March! I’m hoping the Big West Conference champion (Hawaii, wink, wink) makes it to the Sweet 16 in the West regional.
Q and His Supermoons
Give the game ball to Quincy “Q” Smith as the Warriors of UH held off the Matadors of CSUN in the final minute. An off-balanced game saw Sai Tummala’s triple put the Warriors back up. As the Matadors defensive pressure mounted, the ball ended up in the hands of freshman Sheriff Drammeh.
Oh the drama! Sheriff made a good move to get to the basket as time was ticking down. But the youngster didn’t go up with authority and left the weak-hand layup short.
But there was Q, flying down the lane, slamming home the miss with the Supermoon Under Armours flashing for the cameras. I can’t identify these neon green kicks from Under Armour. I’m guessing the older Curry One Low??
Hawaii’s not looking to good headed to Irvine for a rematch. Fleming isn’t back to his old self, Valdes is sick, and to me, it looked like Roderick Bobbitt was fatigued or sick himself.
Seen at Sam’s Club
While filling up gas at the Sam’s Club Gas Station, I saw this on the screen on the gas pump.

What do you make of this diamond pendant in yellow gold?
Starbucks Smoked Butterscotch Latte First Taste
Brach’s and bacon is what came to mind after sipping the new Starbucks Smoked Butterscotch Latte. The scent is unmistakably butterscotch, instantly reminding me of small kid time sucking on those bulk Brach’s Butterscotch disks from the market. Then the depth of the smokiness follows and for some reason, I thought of bacon. There’s a sort of savory/salty/bacon-y tinge that follows the sip which elevates this drink. And it’s not overly sweet either, just a nice balance of flavors. Seriously, I think I found my new favorite drink while it’s still on the menu.
From Molten to Smoked
Valentine’s Day is done and so are Starbucks molten chocolate themed drinks. But in its place is a smoked drink in the form of a Smoked Butterscotch Latte. Smoked butterscotch? I have no idea, but I’ll have to find out.
Along with the Smoked Butterscotch Latte is a very green Citrus Green Tea Latte. Tea and a latte? I’ll probably pass, but that green color is appealing in an unusual sort of way.
I’m hoping the smoked butterscotch is more original than the molten chocolate. Even when cold, the Molten Chocolate Latte ultimately tasted like a very deep mocha.
Time to Get Versed in the Harry Potter Universe?
Although the official opening for Universal Studios Hollywood’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter doesn’t open until April 7, 2016, “technical rehearsals” are underway. These soft openings are unannounced and somewhat random, likely to open and close whenever. But the point being, you can actually experience Hogwarts in California now (if you’re lucky).
Never interested in the Harry Potter series previously, I may just have to dig into a book (or two) to get versed with Harry and his pals.
Dear Employee

Molten Chocolate Mocha Second Taste
My first taste of the limited Starbucks Molten Chocolate Mocha was okay, but of course, I need to retaste for accuracy. But the mistake I made this time was ordering the drink without the mocha-espresso whipped cream. Because I didn’t like the hot and cold combination of the drink with the whipped cream, I figured I’d forgo the cream and also save on calories. I also customized the drink with non-fat milk.
Mistake.
I mentioned that the MCL could be sweeter and without the whipped cream, there’s no sweetness at all. The drink is now dry, leaving a flat sensation on your tongue. Too much mocha, not enough fat for balance, and not enough sweetness for contrast. The drink is now a super dry mocha.
My next (and final) taste test will be a cold MCL with the whipped cream and probably 2% milk (the standard for this drink). Fortunately, the molten chocolate drinks won’t be available after Valentine’s Day, so I can stop this extra high calorie intake. 🙂



