Perry Says Rip It Up!
Perry the platypus says to rip it up in Crazy Shirts’ latest Disney collection.
hawaii
Google Street View Trekker Hits Hawaii
The popular Google Maps service has a simple goal – to make the perfect map. With views from space to views on the street level to views underwater, you gotta be passionate, dedicated, and just a little bit crazy to get the “perfect map.” And that’s what the team at Google Maps is, a little bit crazy (crazy good, not crazy bad). From a car to a trike to a trolley to a snowmobile and now a wearable backpack version of the Street View Trekker, their passion for the perfect map is crazy.
Partnering with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), Google launched its third party Street View Trekker program. If your organization has amazing visual stories to tell, you can now apply to borrow a Trekker to capture your geographic stories. For the Hawaiian islands, the Big Island will be first to get mapped by Hawaii Forest & Trail whose focus is on popular Hawaii trails.
So what’s the Google Street View Trekker like? Well, it’s like this.
The backpack version is about 40 pounds heavy (with the batteries) holding a ruggedized rig of 15 cameras. Taking pictures every 2.5 seconds to compose a 360-degree view of the surroundings, you’d think this high tech gear is fragile. Not in the least. Constructed to take a fall, this rig is tough and is designed to be exposed to the elements. It raises your profile about 18 inches and along with its weight, your body’s center of mass is significantly altered. You have to be a little bit crazy to take this on a hike! I felt like I’d topple over with every turn, and you can’t lean over otherwise you’d surely topple over. A strong back and strong legs are definitely recommended.
How much does this backpack Trekker cost? A million dollars? Probably not. Buku bucks? For sure, and Google is letting you borrow it. Supposedly it has no comms although I find that highly unlikely since Google has the ability to remotely update and troubleshoot the packs. Images are stored on media cards which are then sent back to Google for processing. The cleaning and stitching of all the images could takes months before they’re live on Street View.
Street View collections recorded with this Trekker should be available in September and who knows, soon enough you may see this Trekker pack roaming the scenery of Oahu.
More pictures from today’s announcement.
Thanks to Nathan Kam for this invitation.
Sargeant Shaka Shirt
Didn’t see the subtle chevron patterns behind the classic Sharka. Hence “Sargeant” Shaka. Click on the image for more details.
Ala Moana Unveilings
In the upcoming weeks, there’ll be some “unveilings” done at Ala Moana. Of course, there’s the grand opening of the new Microsoft Store on Thursday, June 13, 2013. Following the store’s launch is their exclusive concert featuring Macklemore & Ryan Lewis + Neon Trees (at Kakaako however).
The following week on June 19, this mysterious Lexus will be uncovered. It’s a reddish maroon IS model that’s completely covered over, including the wheels. Kinda gimmicky but if the car looked as is, then it’s kinda fascinating.
Even with these unveilings, do not forget the titans.
Where Titans Once Stood
It’s somewhat saddening to see these locations vacated and boarded up. Both stores were long time tenants at their respective shopping malls, Sears at Ala Moana and Cinnabon at Kahala Mall. Now, both are mere shells of these ancient titans.
Signs of Hawaii: What Goes Up
While driving on the H3 headed town bound, you may notice this sign on the underside support pillars of the freeway.
It’s hard to notice while zipping along the H3, but if you’re slowed by traffic then you have a better chance of seeing the sign. Not exactly sure what it says, but it looks like “What goes up must be down.” I don’t know how this sign made it up there and so I don’t know if it’ll come down.
Signs of Hawaii: Unattended Children in Vehicles
Say what? I had to do a double take when I saw this sign at the entrance of Walmart. If there’s a professionally made sign for this, you know there’s got to be precedence. I’ve heard of problems leaving pets in parked cars, but leaving children in parked unattended vehicles?!
And look before you leave? Really? You have to look in the back seat to see if you got your kid back there? This sign is just odd and troubling.
Bikes Be Gone
What does it mean when the rent-a-bike concept fails in Kailua? Obviously, it means a non-profitable business with the disappearance of the rental bikes that showed up in August of 2011.
I can’t say that I’ve ever seen these rentals riding around the Kailua neighborhood.
Signs of Hawaii: Climb at Your Own Risk
Even without the textual caption, this sign makes it evident about what could happen. Where in Hawaii have you seen this warning sign?
Macy’s Athletic Shoes Now by Finish Line
Just in case you were wondering why the athletic shoe department at Macy’s got a boost of style, know that they are now operated by Finish Line. So instead of the more traditional sneakers you’ve seen at the conservative Macy’s, you’ll see some flash like the Nike Roshe Run (for both men and women).
The downside to this new kicks collection at Macy’s? Exempt from the frequent Macy’s coupons and discounts.
Walmart Does Not Online Price Match
Boo, I learned first hand that Walmart (at least in Hawaii) does not price match their own prices advertised online. I discovered that LEGO had discounted select sets on Amazon and at Target, and I confirmed the lower prices on the respective company sites. I also checked Walmart.com for the reduced prices, and the recent discounts were reflected. I also checked in-store stock, and the sets I was interested in were available (the A-Wing
When I got to a nearby Walmart location, I didn’t see the price reductions so I asked. Both the cashier and customer service representative confirmed that they do not price match their own online prices. Even though I was in store with the products in hand and money ready to spend, they would not give me the sale price. So I left empty handed.
The Walmart.com shipping is supposedly 97-cents for the items I requested but didn’t verify shipping costs to Hawaii. But still, that’s lame and a waste of time. I was right there ready to give the store money, and they refused.
I recall Target had price matched previous purchases. Unfortunately, the location is out of stock of the A-Wing, so Amazon got my business.
I just came across this useful article talking about companies that price match and those that don’t (and yes, Walmart is in the latter category). I didn’t think of trying the in-store pickup option, but it seems like this isn’t active in Hawaii.
So What Happened to Gregg Hammer?
Gregg Hammer has been missing from the 98.5 Wake Up Crew for a long, long time. I thought he was on a break, but it’s been way too long so something must have happened. What, I don’t know, but I do know I hardly tune in without Hammer. Slick Vic ain’t bad, but he’s just not Hammer and doesn’t have that chemistry with Rory. While you didn’t want Gregg Hammer as the lead DJ, you needed him for his comedic genius and fast wit mixed with local style.
The morning drive just isn’t the same without Hammer. Two Voice Tuesdays, no more? Good thing I have some memories. Chris Rock and Martin Yan “Can Cook”. Will we hear Tufi Claus any more?
You remember Hammer’s rendition of his Kumu Hula singing I Ride the Dongs.
[audio:https://www.pulpconnection.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/hammer-kumu-singer.mp3|titles=hammer-kumu-singer]Then there’s former UH football coach Greg McMackin’s apology which Rory and Gregg absolutely ripped into. Admit it. You laughed at this painful intrepretation.
[audio:https://www.pulpconnection.net/audio/coach-mac-apology-wake-up-crew.mp3]Wow, I’ve been following the Wake Up Crew for a long time. Their move from Hot I-94 to Island 98.5 and the rough times that ensued but got better and better.
Where ever Gregg is, I sincerely hope all is well and more so, hope to hear him on the air waves once again.
Update 4-23-2013: After posting this, I was informed that Mr. Hammer left the radio station on good terms and is now pursuing ministry as his life’s mission.
@geewhy he's pursuing ministry instead of radio
— KreyZ Oshiro (@KreyzOshiro) May 23, 2013
You can still catch Gregg at Dave & Busters monthly. Now if Gregg reunites with the Wake Up Crew on a gospel music channel, that’ll really test my music preference.
Good luck and Godspeed, Mr. Hammer!