Tamblr

FOOD: TRY THIS - Country-Fried Steak & Strawberries w/ Whipped Cream @ Scramblz

Thu, 19 May 2011 16:53:06 -0700

This is my absolute favorite breakfast currently — a nicely crispy country-fried steak covered in gravy with huge chunks of sausage (not pictured) ordered with a side of strawberries with whipped cream, both made fresh.

Pictured is the corned-beef hash which wasn’t so great. I wish I took a photo of the country-fried steak!

FOOD: TRY THIS - Pastrami @ California Sourdough

Thu, 19 May 2011 15:10:06 -0700

This place is so ballin’, they choose to only be open a few hours a day, with lines out the door during lunch. What makes this place special is the freshly-baked sourdough bread. I can just imagine the thin, light, and crispy crust — warm and holding everything together. OMG it’s frikkin delicious!

RELATIONSHIPS: 3 Reasons Why Complimenting Her Online Hurts Your Game

Thu, 19 May 2011 13:28:00 -0700

Photo used under the Creative Commons license from Cayusa.

One of your female friends just changed her profile picture to a new one, you click on it, and there it is — a comment from that guy (Ok, sometimes girls too). It reads “So cute!” or “Absolutely stunning.” How about “Sexy…”? While you’re at it, go ahead and add those asian smiley symbols ^^. More like >.>. Or the ultimate weirdness, address them as “little girly.” Wow, really?

It could be worse. The compliment can be in Vietnamese! I dunno why, but compliments in Vietnamese seem to multiply the creepiness factor by at least x2, right? LOL

Ok but seriously now, I really think you’re wasting your time commenting on every other photo and constantly reminding her how good she looks. Here’s why:

1) You are one of many
You gotta stand out to get noticed. But how is that going to happen when you’re doing exactly what the other dudes are doing? When you think you’re being slick and suave, it’s just blending in with the 100 other compliments she has already received.

2) It’s too easy
Impressing a girl is always a good thing to do. Walking up to a girl and trying to talk to her might not work, but you may at least get respect for having the balls to do so. Are balls required to type from behind a computer screen? NO. Also, it’s so easy that if you’re commenting on one girl’s photos, you’re most likely doing the same to 10 other ones. We can see those comments too, you know. Sorry, but there’s no value or impressiveness-factor here.

3) It’s too public
Everyone can read it! Her friends, maybe even her family too if they’re on facebook. Would you go up to her while she’s with a group of her friends and say what you wrote?

Of course, if she already likes you, this probably doesn’t apply. Otherwise, maybe you should chill on the cheesy photo comments and actually get to know her. Now that’s true game.

FOOD: TRY THIS - Fleur de Sel @ Loves Cupcakes

Thu, 19 May 2011 11:44:05 -0700

If you like the taste of caramel and buttery-sweetness, then you’ll love the Fleur de Sel cupcakes (pictured left, peanut butter chocolate on the right) at Loves Cupcakes.

TECH: 3 Reasons Why I'm Such An Apple Whore

Thu, 19 May 2011 01:09:00 -0700

Photo used under Creative Commons from Dan Taylor.

The Apple gear in the photo above isn’t mine, but would I buy all of that if I could? HELL YEAH I would. I love my Macbook Pro, iPad 2, and iPhone 4 and I get excited every time rumors start popping up about their next great thing.

You could go so far as calling me an “Apple Whore.” I won’t be offended. But what’s the big deal? Overpriced computer hardware, you say? Here’s 3 reasons why I ditched Windows computers and will be sticking with products from this Cupertino-based company.

1) Low maintenance
One of the main reasons I made the switch in the first place was because my PC desktop was infected with a bunch of…somethings. Could’ve been malware or viruses, but the point is, after trying tons of anti-everything software and lots of scans, the problems couldn’t be identified or fixed. And who wants to spend time reformatting (erasing your hard drive) and reinstalling Windows just to make it useable again. Ugh.

On top of that, I would get questions DAILY from my parents. Why is the computer so slow? What’s this pop up? UGH. Now, I’m not saying Macs are virus free — there are still viruses and such designed to infect Macs, but its far less prevalent. So, I spend less time worrying, and more time surfing and being productive. Nice.

2) The best customer service ever
Since my Macbook, and after convincing my parents to buy a Mac Mini, no more trying to pretend I’m Geek Squad or headaches. Just take it to the Apple store where they can fix most issues for you, free. Once my laptop built-in graphics card failed. They took my laptop and replaced the motherboard with a new one in a few days, no charge — a year after my warranty was already over.

Another time, they reinstalled the operating system for me to the new update, when it didn’t work during my own try and the laptop wouldn’t boot. I brought it to the store, they checked it out, borrowed it for 10 minutes, and I walked out with my laptop working again and the update installed.

Let’s just say that if Apple customer service was a girl, you’d want her to be your girlfriend because you know she’ll take care of you. Simply awesome.

3) Everything is tied together aka “wonderful user experience”
If you know how to use an iPhone, then you already know how to use an iPod touch and iPad. If you’ve bought stuff from the iTunes store, then you can already use the new Mac app store. Setting up and syncing your iPod/iPhone/iPad to your mac is as easy as it gets. Upgrading of your software is just a click/touch away, where the device will tell YOU when there is an update. And now, Apple will be bringing elements from the iPhone operating system to their computers and laptops in the near future. Talk about seamless user experience, which makes using Apple products an absolute pleasure.

So, there you have it. Try it before you knock it, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. :)

SOCIAL: 3 Reasons Why Your Friend Requests Are Getting Rejected

Wed, 18 May 2011 16:14:00 -0700

Photo used under Creative Commons from kaysha.

It has happened to all of us at least once. Some get it more often than others. You added that person last week and your friend request is still pending. Or worse, that “add friend” button is back on their page. You’ve been declined. WAIT. Before you try to add them again or write them off as a bitch/asshole, maybe there’s a reason why. Try a few simple things to increase your odds of gaining a new online friend.

1) Your profile picture is not you.
Solution: Make sure your profile picture is an easy-to-recognize picture of your actual self.

You want to make it easy for people to recognize you. You are not a cartoon character or a close-up picture of some pretty flower, and having a photo of something other than yourself makes it hard for people to take figure out who the heck you are.

2) You didn’t leave a message with your request.
Solution: Write a message in the box before you request. Or send private message right after, if you forgot to.

Even if they recognize you from your photo, they still might not remember enough to feel comfortable adding you. Remind them how you met, or what your connection is, in your message. They may meet tons of people all the time, so don’t be offended if they forgot. Just remind them.

3) You are creepy.
Solution: Don’t be creepy. Be genuine.

This one is a bit more complicated. The simplified version is, if you haven’t met this person in real life, or are not somehow connected to them through school, work, or mutual friends, you probably shouldn’t be adding them anyway. Blindly fishing for “friends,” or hitting on people in the guise of becoming friends, online is lame.

The bottom-line is, Facebook profiles are filled with peoples’ private info, photos, and conversations. If you’re requesting someone for access to that, you must offer the same. And it’s not a good start when they see your face is a strange anime character. Prepare to be denied. Good luck.

SOCIAL: Communication Basics #1 - Asking someone to do something

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:20:00 -0700

People do it all the time. Your boss asks you to do something. Your friend asks you for a favor. Your parents tell you they need something done.

Maybe most of the time, it’s ok or expected and you do it. But then, there are those WTF times where you wish they would’ve asked you differently — or not have asked you at all. Here’s something to think about when it’s your turn to ask somebody for a favor.

1) Ask me directly. If someone comes up to me and says “[so-and-so] thinks that you should…” you have already lost half the battle. I can assume either the messenger is too afraid/lazy to ask, or the person who asked the messenger to deliver the message is too afraid/lazy to ask. Either way, grow some balls and man up (and yes, if you’re a woman this still applies).

2) The more u ask me, the less I want to do it. I can understand a 2nd, or even 3rd reminder. Professionalism and good communication demand a response within a reasonable time frame. So, if it’s been awhile, know that I must be really busy — or honestly, maybe it’s not that important to me. Just remember, you are the one asking for something. Be aware of the other persons’ situation, ask questions to find out, and…

3) Tell me why I should care or why I need to hurry. I believe that the perfect communication between human beings is if we could directly feel, see, and understand 100% what the other person does. We should strive to be as close to this as possible, and the most successful communicators probably are too. So, if someone isn’t being responsive, maybe it’s because they don’t know something that you do. Explain to them why it’s time sensitive and if they get it, they’ll hurry up too. Tell them the reasons it’s important to you. “I want it! I want it! I want it!” doesn’t tell me anything, and is not the answer.

4) Don’t guilt trip me. This is, in my opinion, one of the worst tactics a person can use to get someone to do something. It may work on certain people, but in the long run, no one is going to stick around. Who wants to feel like crap? Not me. If I need something, I would want someone to help me because they want to — and I would want them to feel damn good about it too. Why? Because they’re more likely to help again, or even better, stay your friend.

5) Build a relationship. Family comes first because they’ve always been there for me. I’d do anything for them. Next comes my long-term friends and significant other; two very important types of relationships in my life. Then close friends. Everyone else will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and don’t be surprised if they get their request turned down. It’s because they haven’t invested in me, so it’s hard for me to invest in them. How many times has someone, who barely even talks to you, randomly messages you and tries to act like you’re best friends because they want something? You can stop faking it ‘cuz my answer is still going to be “no.”

6) Don’t be annoyingly relentless. So you’ve followed all of these tips and they’re still not willing to bend for you? Maybe you should let it go and find a different person or solution. Move on and we’ll be all be happier…before you piss someone off.

Now, stop asking me for favors. :)

Panorama shot of Socal Tet Festival food court area/stage, setup...

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:08:42 -0800

Panorama shot of Socal Tet Festival food court area/stage, setup day

FOOD: Sweet Tomatoes

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:20:06 -0800

Ever since I spent almost a month working a booth at the Jade Buddha event in San Jose late last year, I’ve gotten used to eating less meat. That event was 100% vegetarian, except when I snuck in McDonald’s chicken nuggets once or twice lol. Anyway, I can’t give up meat - I just love steak, burgers, sushi, Korean BBQ, chicken wings, and bacon WAY too much. But this “salad buffet” definitely helps curve the cravings for dead animal muscle.

The usual routine. Custom salad, clam chowder, blueberry muffin(s) with honey butter, and a mini vanilla ice cream cone. Sometimes I’ll get the pizza, try other soups (chicken noodle, broccoli & cheese, cream of mushroom, chili), or try the other desserts.

Play with your food. The real fun is combining different things to make something new. Take the mac and cheese, for instance. I do NOT recommend eating it plain. It’s not that good. BUT, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top, bacon, and salt & pepper - it’s good! How about taking a piece of peach cobbler and walking it over to the ice cream machine for cobbler ala mode! Oh, the possibilities…

WANT: Sony NGP aka the PSP2

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:20:07 -0800

Today Sony announced their next generation portable gaming console and damn is it sexy! As powerful as a PS3? Do want. Not coming out till the end of the year though. And my brother keeps bugging me to buy a Nintendo 3DS instead.

Since I’m so busy, I barely have time to play games. I only play the PS3 during the holidays cuz it’s the only time I can. That’s why mobile gaming interests me so much. Whip it out on my downtime! Right now, borrowing my brother’s DS is alright, but its lost its appeal. iPhone gaming is alright…I just want…something more. This might be it.

Dear Santa, I’ll be good this year, I swear…

FOOD: Bacon, Fatty Deliciousness

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:00:06 -0800

Why the heck does bacon smell and taste soooo good??

My favorite ways to enjoy bacon:
-#2 breakfast at McDonald’s (bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit)
-Ordered as an extra on a Cheesecake Factory burger with avocado
-On top of freshly-baked homemade macaroni and cheese
-In Dylan’s Hong Kong-style potato salad
-Bacon-wrapped asparagus

The easy/lazy way to make bacon. Want crisp, yummy bacon without the need to watch it cook and messy cleanup? Try BAKING IT. Put some foil on a baking sheet, place bacon strips on top of that, turn the oven on to 400 F, and come back in about 15-20 minutes. VOILA!

Damn, I’m hungry now. How do you like your sliced, fatty pork strips?

The more I read about Android 3.0 Honeycomb, the more I want to choose the Motorola XOOM over the iPad 2

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:41:07 -0800

The more I read about Android 3.0 Honeycomb, the more I want to choose the Motorola XOOM over the iPad 2

WANT: Zuca Pro, Awesome Carry-on Luggage

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:20:06 -0800

I travel. I’m lazy. And I like techie, gadgety things. That’s why this carry-on luggage is totally WANT on my list.

-Aluminum case. Check.
-Supports up to 300 lbs so you can sit on it. Awesome.
-Skate wheels for smooth rolling. Nice.
-Removable and washable shell. Practical.
-Built for flight carry-on. Hell yes.

You can SIT on the damn thing! But the price…dah.

"Does anyone else double space when starting the next sentence after a period? It’s a habit..."

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:05:35 -0800

“Does anyone else double space when starting the next sentence after a period? It’s a habit that I picked up as “good typing etiquette” back when I learned to type on a typewriter in middle school. Wow, a frikkin’ TYPEWRITER. I feel old now.”

FOOD: NYPD Pizza and Dogs, pretty good hot dog

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 22:09:46 -0800

Bao and I randomly decided to try this place for lunch one day. I had the NYPD Kitchen Sink Dog with an all-beef frank, mustard, bacon, diced onion, roasted peppers, and sauteed mushrooms. The bun was kinda tough, but other than that, it was good. And filling too. Try it for something different for lunch. Although, I’d still rather have a Costco Polish for a buck and a half.

Panoramic photo of the HKLT 2011 court & friends taken with...

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:30:07 -0800

Panoramic photo of the HKLT 2011 court & friends taken with my iPhone 4 and Pano app

FOOD: Genki, Sweet Crepes in SF

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:00:06 -0800

Jess was the one who introduced me to this little place, back in the day when did the UVSA thing together. The executive board would meet up at her house every once in awhile to have our meeting and of course we would have to eat afterwards.

Genki is actually a combination crêperie and Japanese convenience store, with candies, drinks, and toys from the land of the rising sun. I have only had the sweet crepes here, because when I want a savory one, I go to Crepes-a-gogo (but that’s another post). Anyway, it’s a good spot to get a sweet treat during evenings up in the City. Quickly’s is right across too, with Asian restaurants of all kinds up and down the street. Easy to do the “Asian thing” here lol.

I’m not big on ice cream in my crepe, so I usually get the Nutella, banana, and almond with whipped cream. Mmmmmmmmmm. Last week, I tried the cheesecake (real cheesecake chunks!) and vanilla ice cream and that was pretty damn good too - really sweet though.

Anyway, check this place out next time you’re in SF.

WANT: Motorola XOOM Tablet

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:30:07 -0800

OMG this tablet looks totally badass! Has tons of stuff that I wish the iPad had. If the price is right and the battery life is the same as the iPad, I might just pick this up instead. Scheduled availability is February 2011!

WANT: iPad 2

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 21:00:07 -0800

So, the iPad 2 hasn’t been officially announced yet. I know. But after selling off my iPad late last year, since getting my iPhone 4, I really miss it.

I sold my iPad since I felt that the iPhone made it redundant. Plus I was paying for 2 data plans and that was just too much.

On the last trip to socal for work, I brought my Macbook Pro with me in case I needed to do any hardcore work. I ended up only opening it up once the entire trip. Didn’t use it on the plane because a 15” laptop is way too big for that tiny tray in front of you. Didn’t use it in the hotel because I didn’t feel like paying $10-15 per day for internet access. Barely even used it for work because I was at the event site, rather than the office, 95% of the time.

But boy, I could’ve used an iPad.

I really hope iPad 2 is faster and lighter. Add that with the front camera for vid conferencing and peace out to my laptop!

PLACES: Target vs Walmart

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:00:07 -0800

Where do you go to buy all those miscellaneous little things you need in life, like toothpaste and birthday cards? Two places are at the top of my mind.

Target and Walmart.

But when it comes down to choosing the one to go to, I almost always, always choose Target. Why?

It’s cleaner. If Target was a city, it’d be Cupertino. And Walmart? Oakland lol.

Less ghetto people. At Walmart I’ve seen couples arguing, been bumped into without apologies, all kinds of bad karma stuff. No thanks.

Shorter lines. Maybe it’s because Target is a bit more expensive, but I don’t care. It’s totally worth not waiting in those ridiculous lines at Walmart.

Even after all this, I still shop at Walmart. It’s only 5 minutes from my house and usually there’s no other place with lower prices. Damn, now I want to go shopping.