hawaii
A Taste of Robotics at Pearlridge Center
I’ve never watched a robotics competition for any duration before, but Pearlridge Center gave me the opportunity this past weekend. On Sunday, February 17, 2013, Pearlridge hosted a VEX Robotics Competition as part of Engineers Week in Hawaii.
Middle and elementary schools from around the island showcased their custom designed and built robots in a competition of skills and strategy. The rules of the competition is complex with scoring, high goal scoring, de-scoring, autonomous mode bonus, parking bonus, alliances, and more. Regardless, watching the robots and the kids actively engaged was fun. I gotta say, using robots to block other robots was an exciting twist, and the defensive strategy was very effective, allowing the underdogs to take down higher ranked opponents.
Here’s a small taste of one round of the competition.
And here are a few pictures.
Congratulations to all teams and their schools for a great show!
Ala Moana Last Week
So this week at Ala Moana Center, there were lion dances and a flash freeze mob, but what about last week? Last week was more mellow although it started on a rare note as I parked next to a Maserati. At Champs Sports, I spied the Nike Air Max 95 EM Honolulu version. But I couldn’t find Center Court. Where’d it go?
I did find the future home of the Microsoft Store. It’s next to Bath and Body Works, diagonal from the Apple Store, and faces Fashion Secrets.
I also found the new and temporary Centertainment stage by Nordstrom’s. It’s small.
Week by week, this mall giant changes ever so much. For a little bit more pictures, check out the gallery below.
Freeze Frame Flash Mob at Ala Moana
On Saturday, February 16, 2013, Ala Moana Center celebrated Chinese New Year by unleashing dancing lions to traverse the mall. As the many drumbeats of the performances echoed throughout, the once home of Center Court held a silent show. A freeze frame flash mob quietly assembled frozen in poses for a few minutes.
It took a little while for shoppers to understand this was a show, not just people standing in the way of bustling shoppers. This performance did catch the Ala Moana security guards off guard. Do they remove these silent models? Is this a sanctioned show? I’m guessing this flash mob is this event organized on Facebook.
A few more frozen pics.
I was tempted to tap one of them on the shoulder to ask for directions or something. 😉
Celebrating Chinese New Year at Ala Moana Center
To celebrate Chinese New Year and to welcome the Year of the Snake, Ala Moana Center held a celebration at the Centertainment stage. Over 10 lions performed after kung fu demonstrations and the introduction of the 2013 Narcissus court.
Then the lions took to the shops, visiting various stores looking for red envelopes.
After about two hours, the lions made their conclusion at Macy’s.
Strike a pose!
For a lot more pictures, watch the below photo gallery.
Macy’s Kailua Has More or Less Parking
The parking lot by Macy’s Kailua now has more… or less parking stalls available. Parts of the lot have been re-zoned, adding new parking stalls but… a few of these stalls are reserved for handicapped and others are for temporary purposes. Pier 1 has two stalls for loading up purchases. CPK has several 15 minute parking stalls for takeout along with their curbside pickup. I think in all, there are two more public stalls now available.
Because “Accessories” Is Too Tough
Saw this sign advertising the availability of “Cell Phone Stuff” and had to smile.
Yeah, “stuff” is an okay usage, but it seems like “accessories” is the more preferred term out there.
Nike Honolulu Kicks
The vaulted Nike Air Max 95 design is getting refreshed with the integration of engineered mesh. Dubbed the Nike Air Max 95 EM, the modernized EM silhouette has designs named after cities. Here’s the Honolulu version that releases tomorrow.
I’m not exactly sure where the Honolulu design connection comes into play, but I’m partial to grey so it’s all good.
A “Rari-tree”
If you’ve driven on the Pali Highway in the new year, you’ve passed by a very rare “tree.” This rari-tree (get it, rarity and tree?) is at the entry way to the Nuuanu Reservoir. Watch this video and see if you can spot the “tree.”
Rare Tree from Gee Why on Vimeo.
Regardless of its camouflage, mobile customers must appreciate this abomination of nature.
One of My Favorite Starbucks
I’m not sure exactly why, but one of my favorite looking Starbucks in Hawaii is the one capping the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. I think it’s the large exterior facade that is strikingly different from most other Starbucks locations. Maybe it’s the repeated box pattern that makes up the overall square shape of the store.
I just don’t know why this store appeals to me, but whenever I’m in the area (rarely), I have to take a peek.
At the Coach Outlet
I think I’ve only been inside the Coach Outlet at Waikele once or twice since they’ve been in business, so I didn’t know what to expect. I found some interesting things.
Overall, I was flabbergasted by the prices. I expected expensive handbags and wallets but was blown away by the cost of the accessories. How much better can a $60 umbrella protect you from rain? A basic iPhone case on sale for $48?! And it’s only for the older iPhone 4/4S, not the newer 5. What costs more, a colorful hat or a pair of mittens with a leather strap? It’s a trick question; they cost the same at nearly $100 each! I need to get that fur lined hat – just because everyone in Hawaii needs one in his wardrobe.
Okay, the store’s interior is great. It’s clean, sleek, spacious, organized well, and very bright. I have to give kudos to the store’s “deejay.” I loved all the upbeat songs played which (I think) helps get people in the buying mindset. I had never heard of Surfer Blood or I Blame Coco before, but listen to these songs to convince yourself you need that $60 umbrella.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSeAwowu8GE&w=480&h=360]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j6VoW6vv9Y&w=480&h=270]
Agnes’ Bakery Is Tough
Agnes’ Bakery in Kailua is one tough bakery! These pictures are old but shows the resiliency of this local business. After a car crashed through one of the bakery’s walls, they opened the next day without missing a beat. And they did it with a sense of humor.
This tough local bakery makes some pillowy soft pastries though. Be sure to go early or pre-order your goodies so you don’t leave empty handed.