The Furminator really works!

Heard about this from a co-worker and she let me borrow it to try it out and it's like cutting my dog's hair! It takes out so much hair! The only thing is that it's kinda pricy for a brush. Around $40 for the large. Very much worth it though. You should get the large model to save time brushing. It's available on Amazon, Ebay, and the NEX.

30% off at Footlocker March 30 - April 1

Also:

30% off Champs
30% off Footaction

Dog Grooming tips from Hawaiian Humane Society

In Hawaii a dog's undercoat is like a human's overcoat: unnecessary

Question: I recently bought a special fine-toothed comb that removes a dog's undercoat, which is supposed to reduce shedding. Does removing too much of a dog's undercoat cause any problems?

Answer: Combing out your dog's undercoat, the soft layer of fur found beneath a coarser topcoat, is beneficial to his health. Especially in Hawaii's year-round warm weather, removing the undercoat alleviates shedding and prevents buildup of loose, dead hair. If the fur gets matted, the skin cannot breathe, leading the dog to scratch and pull out fur, which could result in sores.
Additionally, brushing Fido daily helps distribute natural oils throughout his coat -- the human equivalent of feeling squeaky clean. Most dogs enjoy being groomed, and it's a great way to spend quality time with your furry friend while keeping tabs on skin problems, parasites, lumps and bumps, and anything unusual.
Before purchasing a grooming comb, consider your dog's coat, which will help you select the best type. Choose a tool that is appropriate to your dog's size and fits in your hand comfortably.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: How often should I bathe my dog?

A: Simply put, Fido doesn't need to be bathed unless he finds himself in mud or other smelly circumstances. Brushing him regularly replaces bathing, which removes the natural oils in his coat and leads to dry, itching skin.
If you find it necessary to give your dog a bath, brush his coat first, as water will tighten any mats.
Use warm water and shampoo formulated for pets to guarantee proper pH balance and prevent dry skin.
Avoid getting water or shampoo in his eyes, nose or ears. Placing cotton balls in his ears will help keep them dry. For long-haired dogs, squeeze the shampoo through the coat to prevent tangling. Following Fido's bath, dry him completely before allowing him to go outdoors.

Brandi's Deli round 2

Went back to Brandi's to try their sandwiches and ordered a pastrami sandwich with tossed salad and french fries(crinkle fries!). Total cost with a bottled water was $7. Not too bad. I wish they had better bread instead of regular kine bread but the meat was ono. Tommorrow is my last day being a tourist in Ala Moana. Maybe I'll try Seoul Garden Yakiniku. Heard they have good lunch deals....

Bitter Asian Men???

I stumbled upon this post somehow and thought it was pretty funny. You gotta click on the link to the anal constriction story. That was brutal.

Just scanning over the Bitter Asian Men site it sounds a little whiny. I guess it's different if you live on the mainland versus Hawaii so maybe I just don't know what it's like.

On a positive note, there's this site: http://aznlover.com/

Took the doggie to the beach

Took my dog to the beach on Hickam. It wasn't as nice as Kailua but the drive isn't as far. It's a bit muddy and rocky. There are areas that are sandy but it's kinda shallow. No shower either to wash the dog off.

Lunch at Arby's is expensive!

Had lunch at Arby's in Ala Moana and it was expensive! I ordered a medium roast beef sandwich with swiss cheese with homestyle fries and a medium drink (no super size) for $8.24! I think I'll be going back to Brandi's tmmw. The sandwich was not too bad but not good enough for that price.

Lunch at Brandi's - upstairs from Kiki's

Had lunch at Brandi's - Hamburger steak and chicken cutlet for $5.50. Not bad. The chicken cutlet is exactly the same as what Kiki's has for their chicken katsu. It wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be but they had a steady flow of customers. Next time I'll try their sandwiches...

Bills that are alive, or failing, at the Capitol

Saw this in the paper and noted some interesting bills......


Age qualification
(SB 966; HB 1023)

Amends the state Constitution to lower the age requirement to run for governor or lieutenant governor from 30 to 25 years old.

*Why? Do we really think people are going to vote for someone under 30 to run our state?

Election Day registration
(HB 1133 HD 1)

Authorizes voter registration on Election Day.

* Good idea for people who forgot to register.

Bottle law
(SB 1702 SD 2)

Requires supermarkets and big-box retailers to serve as redemption centers for recycled bottles and cans under the state's bottle law.

*Very good idea. Should make a difference in redemption rates.

Unemployment insurance
(HB 1500 HD 2)

Raises the maximum weekly unemployment benefit to 80 percent of the average weekly wage, changes the employer's contribution rate.

* 80%? Wow, seems pretty high. Good for the unemployed. Bad for the employers.

Statewide wireless access
(HB 310 HD 2)

Establishes a task force to look into creating a state owned and operated wireless network and requires the state auditor to develop a plan for a high-speed Internet access system.

*This would be cool for us. Not so cool for Clearwire, Oceanic, AOL, etc.

Red-light cameras
(HB 351 HD 2)

Authorizes counties to conduct a photo red-light detector system.

* Hope this is done better than the last traffic cam fiasco.

Driving with cell phones
(HB 156 HD 1)

Prohibits the use of cell phones while driving unless used with a hands-free accessory. Exempts mobile radios. Prohibits transit drivers from using cell phones while their vehicles are in motion.

*Absolutely needed.

'Opihi
(SB 6)

Prohibits the sale of all Hawaiian species of edible 'opihi, except when the 'opihi shell is at least one and one-fourth inches in diameter and is used to make a curio or jewelry.

Taro
(SB 950; HB 659 HD 2)

Establishes taro as the state plant.

Solar energy
(SB 644 SD 3)

Requires solar water heaters in new homes built starting in 2009. Expands tax credits for solar heaters in existing homes.

*Wow, a requirement? Seems pretty strong but a good idea nonetheless.

Mixed martial arts
(SB 1712 SD 2; HB 1866 HD 3)

Gives the state the licensing authority over mixed martial arts contests. Prohibits no rules combat or extreme or ultimate fighting.

Gambling
(HB 1836 HD 1)

Amends the definition of gambling to include sweepstakes, even if the entry can be obtained without payment.

* Some tutus might be heading to jail....

Failing:

School bullying

Requires the state Department of Education to adopt rules prohibiting bullying and cyber bullying.

* Like they could enforce this. Tabasco man is glad this one is failing.

Smoking in bars

Exempts smoking in bars, nightclubs and restaurants from the anti-smoking law if they obtain a new license under state liquor law.

*Glad this one if failing cuz I don't smoke.

Hawaii's Maxim Girl Search

Coors Light Maxim Girl Search

Do think you have what it takes to become the next Coors Light MAXIM Girl? Does the chance of being on the pages of Maxim magazine excite you? Here's your opportunity to showcase you talents!

Finals:
Saturday March 10, 2007 @ Pipeline
Doors open at 9:00 PM, closes at 4:00 AM

Judging based on:
Appearance, Sense of Style, Intelligence, Sense of Humor, Reliability.

Dress Attire:
Fun Cocktail Dress, Club Wear

Reliability? How the heck do you judge that? haha And intelligence? Cmon! Not to say that they're not intelligent but are they really going to judge that? Here are some pics of those stylish, intelligent, humorous and reliable contenstants:

http://www.931thezone.net/kqmqv3/spotlight.asp

Update - Here's the winner - BRIGITTE PATON

Waikiki Beachwalk looking good

Been to the area several times in the last month and it looks really nice. Yardhouse is a pretty cool restaurant with casual dining and boasts the world's largest selection of draft beers. You gotta try the onion rings there! Here's a pic of the rings and the beers. I got the burger there and it was really good. The fries there aren't that great since they're the super skinny kine. Sorry the pics aren't that great since it's from my cell phone.











Here's a pic from Mondo Gelato which serves Italian gelato. Lots of flavors and pretty tasty.













Here are some of the restaurants coming up:

* Holokai Grill
* Ruth's Chris Steak House
* Coconut Willy's Bar & Grill
* Giovanni Pastrami
* Roy's Waikiki
* Taormina Sicilian Cuisine
* Kaiwa Waikiki

Not sure what the hotels around there charge for parking validation. We either park at the Hale Koa or Niketown. Niketown charges $1/hr with validation so that's not too bad.

Hawaii Superferry coming soon - July 2007

I keep hearing about the superferry on I-94 so I was curious about the prices and it's pretty expensive! It takes a long time too. Three hours. The only reason I can see for using this service is to take a car or bike to drive/ride on the outer island. We'll see how business fares when they start up in July.

Off-peak days: Tuesdays through Thursdays
Peak days: Friday through Monday


Passenger Fares (all fares are one-way and per passenger)*

	Maui & Kaua‘i (off-peak, peak)	Island of Hawai‘i (off-peak, peak)
Advance Purchase Web Fare	$42, $52	$52, $62
Base Passenger Fare	$50, $60	$60, $70
Children less than 2 years old	$15, $15	$15, $15
Reef Lounge Upgrade	Any Fare + $20	Any Fare + $20

Vehicle Fares (all fares are one-way)*

	Maui & Kaua‘i (off-peak, peak)	Island of Hawai‘i (off-peak, peak)
Car / SUV (less than 16' long, 8' high)	$55, $65	$65, $75
Large Pickup / Van (less than 20' long, 8' high)	$90, $100	$100, $110
Motorcycle	$30, $40	$40, $50
40' truck, over 8' high	$850 full / $510 empty return	$1050 full / $630 empty return

Trailers, Surfboards, and other Extras (all fares are one-way)*

Single canoe	Free on vehicle rack, $30 carry on
20' trailer, less than 8' high**	$90 - $110
45' trailer, less than 8' high (canoes)**	$200 - $250
Surfboard	Free on vehicle, $20 - $25 in racks
Bicycle	$20 - $25
Dog / cat	Free in vehicle, $30 - $40 in kennel

Travel from O‘ahu and Kaua‘i and O‘ahu and Maui will take approximately 3 hours, and approximately 4 1/2 hours to the Island of Hawai‘i.

Depart	Time	Arrive	Time
Honolulu, O‘ahu	6:30 a.m.	Kahului, Maui	9:30 a.m.
Kahului, Maui	10:30 a.m.	Honolulu, O‘ahu	1:30 p.m.
Honolulu, O‘ahu	2:30 p.m.	Nāwiliwili, Kaua‘i	5:30 p.m.
Nāwiliwili, Kaua‘i	6:30 p.m.	Honolulu, O‘ahu	9:30 p.m.