Saturday, June 21 2025

An extreamly rare condo just came on the market. You can walk to Waikiki and University of Hawaii. The reason?  I believe it's due to the  a new taller tower being built nearby. But it will not block the important Manoa Valley view, nor the sunset over the rest of Honolulu. There will be a gain of 4 new street shops. Crossing my fingers for a neighborhood coffee shop! It's rare to see a two bedroom, and two bathrooms at this price! And frankly, this building is far better built than anything else going up in Honolulu.

I do not know the current owners. This is just to let anyone that reads my blog to know that this is an extremely rare opportunity to move into a well maintained, well built building with a beautiful pool and outdoor area. and EVERYTHING is included in the HOA: water, electric, and cable. As well as one of the few buildings that accept pets.

Bonus, you get to be my neighbor and possibly gain some amazing friends! Just be chill when Monty gives the final review and approval. And please replace that horribly ugly fan!

Friday, June 20 2025

I am looking forward to maybe scheduling a hike soon. I seriously need a jungle hike with some mountain vistas. Maybe some time in the mountain clouds would be nice. I keep putting off joining a hiking group here on Oahu. I am afraid that I likely would not be able to keep up with even the older groups. I can walk long distances, but inclines where there is less air takes me time and lots of breaks.

It's laundry day already! I will be tied to the house all day.

I will say with authority that the biggest issue with married life is only having one toilet and being on the same bathroom schedule. There is a condo in our building for sale that says it has two bathrooms. I am really curious how that is possible considering the contraints of the floorplans. I want to convert one of our linen closets to a water closet.

Need to plan more for this weekend. So while I am working today, I will get busy on some.

Make it a great weekend - Aloha! - Blake

Thursday, June 19 2025

Monty gave me morning snuggles, which became a Frenchton face massage for him. I cannot imagine living in Hawaii covered in fur. So we try to keep their big outings only early mornings or late evenings. But it is another perfect Summer day outside. Monty did not want to come back inside after his walk. 

Our Jasper is getting up there in age and he cannnot see much these days. We have to be careful taking him on walks because he will absolutely walk into things if we are not leading him. It's heartbreaking when he misses a step. Something that is more and more common. We may be shopping for a baby carriage soon, just so he does not have to take the stairs. He looks great for his age and has not slowed down, but has become more hesitant since he cannot see much in front of his face. Nordstrom has this huge selection of carriages and strollers that I admire. They remind me of the wealthy Japanese women in Tokyo with their pups all dressed up in their expensive strollers. These things are decked out, cup holders, multiple shelves, pockets and retracking shades. Some have tires for off-roading on the beach. But we will have to settle for a second hand from Savers, maybe I can score a cup holder that I can attach?

Bae picked up Samosas from our India Market. They are so good, especially with their sweet orange sauce. He had to pick up black tea, something I need to switch to drinking rather than all the coffee I consume in the morning. I was looking at their web site this morning and had no idea they have this huge wall of DVD selections. I will definitely be checking it out the next time I am over there.

He also got me wrapped up watching Bravo's Love Hotel. I cannot believe I am watching this clap trap. These people are CRINGE. But I guess that is what brings the audience. I certainly fell into it. I am impressed how well these old people keep themselves maintained. But I will admit I am not finding any of them inspirational in any sense. More like watching a sad show of lost souls. It's not so much they need Jesus, as much as a therapist that does not live in LA. I guess I need the same therapy since I watched 3 episodes this morning!

I have to find a tool to speed up my online studies. I love Google NotebookLM. But I seem to keep running out of time to complete videos or what ever tutorials provided. I will be honest in that I too often fall for Monty's puppy dog eyes when he brings his toys to play fetch or tug-of-war. Or falling into Bae's soap obsession.

Wednesday, June 18 2025

SUMMER EVENTS

Seriously! My friends and neighbors. Check this out! I have added an Events page. Available from the drop down at the top left corner of this site. (lines that look like a modernist hamburger.) Or the heading which I made into a hyperlink.

I am constantly amused at those that say they having nothing to do here on Oahu. Some of these events will be super crowded, so be prepared and bring your own water bottle just in case. But I have never been disappointed in going to any event on the island. I figured this would be a good hump day post to possibly get you thinking about your weekend and plan your summer. It's never too late to plan to enjoy going somewhere in Hawaii, it's perpetual summer!

On a more serious note, Bae is getting a $10,000 bill for dental work for one tooth. Out of pocket. Insurance industry are absolutely crooks, they cover less and less, yet continue to increase their rates. Anyone that thinks otherwise is an unfortunate simpleton. This is more than three times what I was charged for the same work at the same place just a couple years ago. This is a statistically impossible figure to justify. Looking at rates, it would make more sense to drop insurance and save up and just pay out of pocket for far less money. It was already impossibly expensive to live in Hawaii, but with these kinds of bills, it may soon become unattainable. 

On another note, who is going to use AI to replace the insurance industry? There is absolutely no need for them if it can all be automated. Instead, the industry is using it to charge you more for less or nothing.

I hope your doing well.  Keep doing what you can do. 

People watching at some events is still free (for now.)

Aloha - Blake

I still prefer my repurposed Foxes hanging from my backpack. They make a satisfying clinking sound as I walk since they are ceramic. I think they are much better suited as a talisman than a napkin holder. The reality is they are doing the same thing, either use is protecting a napkin from blowing away or protecting my backpack just with their presence.

Saturday June 14th 2025

Monty is upset, or he is taking on the traits of his human dad, resting bit*h face.

Friday June 13th 2025

We took the dogs out to Ward to have lunch. Stopped in at the NALU health bar and got a salad and sandwich. They ran out of bacon, so they substituted turkey. Meh. But I was hungry. I did have a seriously strong latte at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf with an excellent macadamia, white chocolate chip cookie.

I was just happy the dogs could go with us and hang out in the air conditioning. We also walked across the street to the old Ward mall. There are now two bookstores there, but you could not take food, drinks or pets in. Totally understandable since Monty & Jasper are absolutely moving trip hazards. We walked them around the parks nearby and I think Jasper was pretty much over it by the time we got home.

Been studying AI functions. Creeped out by some of the more personal stories I read on it's use.  I keep going back and fourth on activing Apple's AI in settings. It pretty much serves as survelience of my devices more than providing me any real assistance to my needs. I think the only really nice feature that I have enjoyed is having my camera recognize flowers and plants. It still does not provide a way to clean up my files and photos. It does not even recognize obviously bad photos that are out of focus or completely blank. 

I made the mistake of opening TikTok on my ipad. Since it was on the second page of my iPad, I failed to remove it when I deleted my other social media. OMG has it become a cesspool of mis-information and propoganda. It is clear AI is in full use and not for good things. I was barely on there for a few minutes and was being triggered by political posts and just lies attempting to convince me to believe them. The last time I was on, it was fairly lighthearted. Now deleted. 

I was recommended a movie on TUBI that was produced in Sandusky, Ohio. After I finish my work today, I may check it out. AI was unable to find it. I had to go back to the original transcript of the video where I heard about it to get the name of it. Not mentioning it here since it turns out to be a very depressing theme. But you can find it on the most recent Ghosted podcast.

I have been cracking up listening to Roz Hernandez's Ghosted Podcast when Micheal Henry  & Tim Murray join her for discussions on the paranormal, but amusingly turn  it into inappropriate remarks made my Micheal while Roz makes fun of his headset like he works for Arby's. Micheal plays along serving up 2 for 5. NSFW.

It does not feel like Friday. But I just realized it's laundry day and I am late getting started! At least it's the 13th. I decided when I was a kid this would be a lucky number, so I am off to make it so.

Thursday June 12th 2025

Wednesday June 11th 2025

A bit sad today this morning. Our neighbor's puppy is not well and had to be taken to the ER due to her tumor. It's appropriately an overcast gray morning outside.

Watched an informative video about why Hawaii does not have ferry service between the islands. Could have saved me lots of time by mentioning it would take more than 8 hours to travel between some of them. Unless I am on a fancy sail boat with sleeping quarters, I have no intention of sitting in a rigid seat that long on bumpy waters. 

Bae got his new Nintendo. Yet has not set it up! I do not get it?

I was supposed to clean up my office this week, it's already Wednesday. We shall see how far we get. At least I got unpacked from the weekend. I am also taking a break from daily walks. An extension of my relaxing weekend. I can already feel the habit baiting me to go walking.

I may have to go back to bed. When grinding coffee, there is a small cup that catches the grinds. I usually grind two cups and store the extra in a sealed container. However, this morning I proceeded to grind the 2nd cup without the cup under the grinder. Grinds absolutely everywhere. Then after carefully and painstakingly cleaning all the grinds up that seem to get into every nook and cranny. I knocked over a half glass of cold brew from the day before that was supposed to be emptied into the sink, instead, it went all over the cabinets and floor. I may skip today.

I have a whole lot of notes to work on today. This is one of the few things I feel Artificial Intelligence really has helped. Google's NotebookLM. If you have not used it yet. DO IT. It's totally free, it can turn notes into a radio show where the topic is discussed. Summarizes notes into bullet points and highlights. It will create memorization cards for studying. It breaks down Youtube videos into quick summarizations that save so much time rather having to slog through "watch till the end" diatribes to get the content. Now I have an issue because I have a super long list of material to feed into it. 

A 4 page PDF I put through Google LM. 

The Science of Luck: Cultivating Fortune 

1 source 

This article explores the concept of luck, presenting it not as a mystical force but as an outcome influenced by an individual's thoughts and behaviors. It begins by illustrating instances where chance encounters dramatically altered lives, both in business and personal spheres, emphasizing the significant impact of good fortune. The text then contrasts this with traditional superstitious beliefs, arguing that such practices are ineffective despite their historical prevalence. The core of the article details a ten-year scientific study revealing four principles lucky people unknowingly employ: creating opportunities, trusting intuition, maintaining positive expectations, and transforming bad luck into good. Ultimately, the research suggests that luck can be cultivated and enhanced through conscious changes in mindset and actions, offering a rational approach to improving one's fortune.

Yes, based on the sources, specific strategies can effectively enhance a person's luck and overall well-being. A ten-year scientific study into the nature of luck revealed that people largely create their own good and bad fortune, and that it is possible to enhance the amount of luck encountered in life.

This research led to the creation of "luck school," a series of experiments designed to determine if people's luck could be improved by teaching them to think and behave like lucky individuals. The findings of this project revealed that luck is not a magical ability or simply random chance; instead, people's thoughts and behavior are responsible for much of their fortune.

Lucky people generate their own good fortune by consistently applying four basic principles:

1. Creating and noticing chance opportunities:

◦ Unlucky people often miss opportunities because they are too tense, anxious, or overly focused on looking for something specific. For example, in an experiment, unlucky people were so focused on counting photographs in a newspaper that they missed large, obvious messages offering money or stating the total count.

◦ Lucky people are more relaxed and open, allowing them to see what is present rather than just what they are searching for.

◦ They also proactively introduce variety and change into their lives to increase potential new opportunities. This can involve simple actions like altering their route to work or intentionally interacting with different types of people at social events. The analogy of an apple orchard is used to illustrate this: regularly visiting new or random parts of the orchard dramatically increases the chances of finding apples, just as new experiences increase the potential for new opportunities in life.

2. Making lucky decisions by listening to their intuition.

3. Creating self-fulfilling prophecies via positive expectations.

4. Adopting a resilient attitude that transforms bad luck into good:

◦ Lucky people tend to use "counter-factual" thinking, where they spontaneously imagine how a bad situation could have been worse. This helps to soften the emotional impact of misfortune and makes them feel better about themselves and their lives. For instance, when presented with a scenario of being shot in the arm during a bank robbery, unlucky people viewed it as enormously unlucky, while lucky people saw it as far luckier, noting it could have been worse (e.g., shot in the head) or even found potential positive outcomes (e.g., selling their story to newspapers).

◦ This resilient attitude helps to keep their expectations about the future high, which in turn increases the likelihood of them continuing to experience a lucky life.

In the "luck school" experiments, participants were taught these principles and given simple techniques to apply them in their daily lives. The results were dramatic: 80 percent of people reported becoming happier, more satisfied with their lives, and notably, luckier. Unlucky individuals became lucky, and those already considering themselves lucky became even luckier. Patricia, who previously experienced constant bad luck and was accident-prone, saw her misfortunes vanish after a few weeks of these exercises, feeling like a completely different and much happier person. Other volunteers found romantic partners and job promotions through new chance encounters.

This research demonstrates that much of the good and bad fortune people encounter is a direct result of their thoughts and behavior, and that science and skepticism can be used to effectively increase an individual's level of luck, happiness, and success.

Tuesday June 10th 2025

Was messing around with my badge image above and realized I can make it a sticker on my phone. I guess I knew this could be done. But never figured I would use stickers since I rarely use emojis. 

Apple Developers Conference

This is the first year in many that I have not bothered to check out the Apple developers conference. I think part of the reason is being in such a relaxed vacation mode spent on the Big Island of Hawaii as well as directing my time to more personal useful things.

However I definitely will be checking in because I saw a long title about them bringing Mac like features to the iPad. Something as a long time Mac user, I can only cheer. So I will be following up on this when I can. I also noted how many were not excited about Apple's AI and not living up to expectations. I frankly find much of AI is mostly useful for companies to steal your data rather than actually provide really useful for day to day needs. I trust Apple more than most companies for my data, but I have turned off all my AI functions where I could in my devices. Granted, I do turn them on sometimes when needed, but I certainly have not missed those features when turned off. Which tells me that I am more useful to AI than it is to me. I wish this were not the case.

Monday June 9th 2025

My first visit to the Big Island of Hawaii. Honestly, my impressions from online photos had me not all that interested, since much of it was similar to Oahu, but without the lush cliffs (like where the pups stayed this weekend.) Or any large beaches. Overall, the island reminds me of my childhood, visiting relatives in Northern Kentucky. Rolling hills, farmland with forested areas in between.  Except the forests here are very tropical and there are two massive volcanos on either side of the island. The visit  was far more pleasant than I ever expected. I am working on a Youtube video of all the water falls and jungle excursions, since I took only a few static photos.

Bae somehow was able to get reservations at Volcano House. I was shocked that it sits right on the rim of the volcano. I love the fact that it's all the original building with such a relaxed atmosphere. We had a nice breakfast buffet. Then headed out for some gorgeous jungle fauna on the ridge trail. The high altitude cool air made the hikes so pleasant. We even hiked into the more dormant parts of the volcano, but there were plenty of active steam vents. It was all desolate except for the Pohutaukawa tree shrubs growing from all the cracks.

The views of the Pacific are far more grand here since the land climbs up the hills of the volcanos right from the pacific shores. So there is always that vast line where the sky meets the ocean, but you have to look closely to determine if your looking at the ocean or the sky.

I absolutely love the town of Hilo. I now want to retire there. I never thought I would want to live in a rural place until I visited here. Plenty of local places to eat and relax as well as explore. So nice to see a somewhere with very little corporate commercial influences. Of course we had to check out the very local Sig Zane Aloha shirt store. But I think my favorite visit was seeing our friends Blaine's beautiful comfortable home. I did not know this before, but it had been owned by her gay uncle that was also a Fox, however from a Dutch background. I just wanted to curl up and nap there since the breezes were so wonderful and looking out the window you could just see the deep blue pacific were it meets the big sky. I also loved the fact that the Hilo Jail was nearby. I fantasized that most of the offenders were Karens that did not respect the island.  We did run into one that went the wrong way in the Hilo farmer's market parking lot to steal a parking spot. Refusing to back up and make the person that was trying to leave, squeeze his car between her and others. They were definitely not locals.

What I absolutely loved the most, the laid back vibe of those living here. The absolute true meaning of Aloha can be felt. We happened upon an old school restaurant perched over Reeds Bay at the Beach Park. So many familes out swimming and enjoyed the perfect weather and the completly clear water. Of course I had to have a Mai Tai. The constant strong breezes on the bay seemed to keep the bugs away. There were no screens at all. It's the constant Hawaiian breezes that keep flying bugs ability to stay in flight. It was beyond relaxing watching the Koi fish swimming in the pond and the locals jumping off the nearby wall into the pristine waters.

Friday June 6, 2025

It is always interesting to watch other local Youtubers here in Honolulu. Some of them post radically different lifestyles here. I happened upon a Japanese Youtuber, they did not have translation available so it was difficult to follow. But I was intrigued since his family was swimming in the famous glass bottom pool. I was fairly sure they did not live there since most of their videos were set in another place. So I am really curious if they had a friend or family let them swim or were they able to rent it? Even though I get vertigo sometimes, I would love the chance to swim there.

There seems to be just a few popular themes for Hawaiian channels. Foodies, skateboarders, runners, surfers, history and paranormal. I fit none of those categories. I wish I had more time to watch some of them since they do look interesting. I have added many to my watch list, but never get around to looking at any of them.

Our neighbors have scheduled our camping spot for this summer. Crossing my fingers the weather is good. I am looking forward to seeing the stars without city lights here on Oahu. The night sky here is already far more brilliant than what I have seen in the midwest.

Bae had already ordered a Switch2, but it never arrived. So he went out and had no problem buying one at the store, lots of stock, no lines. He will likely give his one being shipped to a friend. I inherited his small yellow switch lite and I think I have only spent about 40 minutes total on it. I have just lost my passion for video games. I think the only games I actually finished were Halo, Fable and spent too many hours exploring Morrowind and Skyrim. I blame social media for my small attention span. It's getting better now that I have removed most of those social media apps and have kept them only available on an iPad.

I am going to change my daily walking route. Maybe take some time to take some photos to document how different homes are here in Hawaii verses the midwest. When I first moved here I felt like many of the cement few storied apartment complexes looked like prisons more than places to live. Now that I have lived here for a while I can see and appreciate them since they do not harbor roaches like wooden and drywall buildings. They keep cooler during the day. They do not bounce sound like other materials. When a big wind storm comes, it definitely feels safer to be within solid heavy walls.

Thursday June 5, 2025

Wednesday June 4, 2025

I have lots to do this morning. I have already been working on a new Big Island Map to make navigating from my phone easier while on our summer excursion.  I already started throwing clothes from the closet and drawers in piles for consideration, even though we will only be gone a short while. Since there is so much cloud cover during this season, we will skip going to see the Sunrise on Maunakea. Highest mountain in the world when measured from the base. Which is what any Gay man will tell you how true measurements work. But I am hoping it's not too overcast for checking out the coastlines from the overlooks.

Tuesday June 3, 2025

I dunno about you, but internet has become a garbage heap of people selling schlock. Advertisers becoming outright abusive and frankly I am ready to start calling them all out. Honestly, I do not have the time. most of my time is wasted from advertisers constant interruptions.

I miss personal blogs that were not trying to sell you something on every page. They are still out there, but difficult to find good ones. 

Back in my hometown I used to have a collection, but only a few are still online. The very first blogger that was sort of responsible for me even posting online was Kottke.org. I had been writing on a simple html site on my own computer then Jason Kottke and some friends started Blogger.com. This is back when internet providers gave you two IP addresses, so one could be your website. I followed their adventures, going to one of the first South by Southwest events in Austin, Texas. Years later I have seen many of those people move on to what became major projects and businesses across the web.

I miss my Cincinnati neighbors at Parker Flats downtown. I met Bob and Erin Marie at the groundbreaking of the condo building we all moved into. It was frankly the coolest building period. If those condos were built in any other city, they would be some of the most expensive. But this was Cincinnati during the 2008 downturn, we bought them in a firesale. We also participated in many of the weekly Cincinnati biking events that I miss so much. I was shocked to see Bob's website Schwartz.blogspot.com has not been updated since 2020! If you wanted to know what it was like living in downtown Cincinnati, this was the website to follow. (Note, the site is marked for offline, but I could still access pages from old links)

One of the most talented bloggers Chrisglass.com is still churning out great content. I have always been jealous of his site and thankful that someone out there is still posting great things. He became internet famous for Photoshop Tennis. (click on the numbered volleys below the black title box.)

I tend to reference posts from https://a.wholelottanothing.org. The vibe has changed alot since I first started reading likely due to all the amazing projects Matthew Haughey has been involved in. I have high regards for him since he saved me from throwing out what is now my seven year old laser printer. He provided instructions on how to get it to work on my mac, even responding personally.  He always has some posts that resonates with me personally. Today he posted about YouTube revenue and how it takes two thirds of advertising vs all the work content creators put into their posts. 

Monday June 2, 2025

We will have a puppy zoo this week. Our neighbor, Booker the Boston will be hanging out during the days with us this week while her moms are working away from home. I thought Monty needed alot of attention, Booker must be next to someone throughout the day. She is not like Monty where you can pre-occupy him with some TV watching like a human toddler. It will be adorable when they sit next to each other, which occurs randomly depending on the events of the day.  Usually near lunch or treat times. It's like The Three Amigos all sitting in a row.

It has been difficult to diet this last week with all these snacks and treats available. I have been somewhat good since there is still have a bag of corn chips from last week. But the banana/vanilla wafer pudding is completely consumed as well as an entire pizza. Of course Bae helped! This morning I am keeping it coffee until early lunch. 

I hope to get motivated to see if I can find places for my camping equipment brought from storage in Bae's University office. I also need to make a Google Map of things to see and do on the Big Island for this summer trip. I have to be honest and say I was not as excited about this trip since the Big Island does not have the beaches like the other islands since it is so new. Much of the roads between locations reminds me of the vast fields and long drives between states in the midwest. But I have seen some absolutely spectacular mountainous coastal views I want to witness in person from the videos I have found. I also have my fingers crossed we will get to see the big lava spouts have been occuring weekly lately. 

I was telling Bae about all the traffic and parking problems I keep seeing from all the videos when attempting the view the volcano. Then he tells me we are staying in the only hotel inside the park. We will be able to walk to the crater, even in the evening! 

It is really wild outside this morning. I cannot even see the neighborhood park from my office window! Total white out of rain mist. Bae just went upstairs to get Booker. So the crazy dog events will soon begin!

Booker chill'n in the living room. We are no longer new peeps to be excited about visiting and she is also ftting into the vibe of being a floor ornaments like Monty and Jasper. Or me when I try to get up in their smoosh faces on the floor when they are half asleep.

Sat May 31, 2025

Bae just walked in with this pizza. I was not happy since I am attempting to cut back on carbs and I already ate my main meal of the day. Then he said that is was $8. I do not even remember having a pizza that cheap decades ago unless is was some special coupon. But that is what happens when you diet, the diet devil is always at work! This will be enough for days...

Fri  May 30, 2025

Today is Friday and it's usually a laundry day for sheets. Decades ago when I bought my first washer dryer in my first tiny condo. The local store was promoting a new special washer and dryer that did not require an outside vent. While there were such things on the market at the time, they performed horribly. What was special about this machine I bought is the washer. Not only did it heat it's water to boiling temperatures in the machine, when it went into spin mode I worried that it would create a worm hole in my closet. 

It had levels of spin. It's standard spin was similar to the highest level on my previous washer.  Then it would go into a secondary mode where water dropplets would hit the front window of the washer and further breakdown into smaller droplets from the pressurized speed at which it was thrown.

The next level you could hear this higher pitched hum, like a secondary rocket gear was released and it appeared that water droplets were separated and smashed into a layer against the window. The sound was sort of ominous in that it was so quiet considering there was no diserning what was spinning. I figured that it would do this and then slow and stop. 

No. it went into some insane mode. You could hear it, this audible high pitched sound, much like an airplane engine, but this is just before taking off as it taxies the runway. Then suddenly, the worm hole opens, nothing can be seen on the front window of the washer. The pitch is so high, I am sure it can only heard by nearby dogs. It's just a blur. Then it slows and comes to a hault.

When you pull out clothes from this washer, some fabrics almost feel completely dry. I could take them out of the washer and hang them to dry just like I had just spritzed them with a water bottle. No need for extended time in the dryer. I usually only put my heavy items in for a spin and frankly the dryer was disappointing in comparison since most of the drying work was completed by the worm hole washer.

When I moved in with my husband, his combo washer dryer needed to replaced. So we bought the latest German Model Bosch they had available. But it's not the same, none of the stores carried the higher end model without having to order it. Not wanting to wait, we bought the more sensible middle of the road model with lots of settings. But no worm hole spinning. Sad, I wish we waited.

On my daily walks I always check out Konahuanui Peak. It looks different thoughhout the day depending on how the shadows of the sun on the mountain shadows fall upon it. Here it is clear and dramatic. This peak is notable for being the 2nd Tallest peak on the island of Oahu. 

Apple Maps seems to be updating the maps more often now. I check it weekly for directions, so the different cloud formations give away the the updates. The map usually displays the mountain peak as shown without it's typical scraping of cold pacific ocean air that constantly form clouds. This is a more likely representation of what is actually there most of the time. The last photo with peak titles referenced from imagesofoldhawaii.com. I highly recommend a visit!

The Hawaiian folklore for this peak is fascinating. Wikipedia mentions the two top peaks as being the testicals of a giant. A giant that threw his testicals at a woman attempting to escape from him. Since I have first read about this years ago, it seems the internet is being white washed to only tell the tale of the twins and the legend of Punahou. While I love this twin legend and I despise the more misogynistic hawaiian tale of the two testicals, I prefer to know common hawaiian folklore, good or bad. It seems even AI searches are falling in-line with this since they refuse to search further. Maybe looking for people to make a subscription? 

The best I could come up with is this from GPT-4o. It took multiple searches and prodding, it finally answered with this:

The folklore involving the woman who scorned the giant and ran away is closely tied to the legends surrounding Konahuanui Peak and its name, which translates to "large testicles." In this story, the giant, often identified as a figure like Kāne, pursued a woman who rejected him. In his anger and frustration, he threw his testicles at her as she attempted to escape.

This act is said to have resulted in the formation of the two peaks of Konahuanui, symbolizing the giant's failed attempt to capture the woman. The peaks themselves are often interpreted as physical representations of the giant's testicles, serving as a reminder of the legend and the consequences of scorn.

The story highlights themes of desire, rejection, and the interplay between the divine and the natural world. It also reflects the Hawaiian belief that natural features are often linked to the actions of gods and mythical beings. The peaks of Konahuanui thus serve as a geographical manifestation of this tale, connecting the landscape to the rich tapestry of Hawaiian mythology.

Overall, the legend of the scorned woman and the giant adds depth to the cultural significance of Konahuanui Peak, illustrating how stories and natural features are intertwined in Hawaiian folklore.

Also I found this reference interesting:

The two deities associated with Konahuanui Peak in Hawaiian mythology are Kāne and Kanaloa.

1. Kāne: He is often considered the god of creation, light, and life. In many Hawaiian legends, Kāne is associated with freshwater, agriculture, and the sun. He is a significant figure in Hawaiian cosmology and is often invoked in prayers and rituals.

2. Kanaloa: He is the god of the ocean, the underworld, and the spirit of the sea. Kanaloa is often depicted as a counterpart to Kāne, representing the balance between land and sea, and is associated with healing and navigation.

Together, these deities embody the duality of nature and are integral to the spiritual beliefs and practices of Hawaiian culture, particularly in relation to the natural landscape, including significant landmarks like Konahuanui Peak.

In the legends surrounding the conflict between Kāne and Kanaloa, there is often no definitive winner. The story emphasizes the importance of balance and coexistence between the two deities rather than a clear victory for one over the other.

Kāne represents the land, light, and life, while Kanaloa embodies the ocean and the underworld. Their struggle symbolizes the duality of nature, where both creation and destruction are necessary for the world to function harmoniously.

Ultimately, the resolution of their conflict is seen as a mutual understanding that both deities are essential to the natural order. This reflects the Hawaiian belief in the interconnectedness of all things and the need for balance between opposing forces in the environment. Thus, rather than one deity winning, the story conveys the idea that both Kāne and Kanaloa play vital roles in maintaining the harmony of the world.

From the photo of the Apple Map, perspectives are weird on Oahu. The whole island sits at an angle from north-south. The North Shore is more like the Northwest shore. The north side of the island is called the Windward since most of the weather comes from that direction. 

If you look at the map closely, it includes many locations that actually take some time to drive to, even though they are all within hiking distance, but only if your a good mountain climber.

Manoa falls, Lulumau Falls, Likeke Falls, Pali Notches Trail and several Kailua, Manoa neighborhoods and golf courses are all at the edges of the Waimanalo Forest Reserve. They are all just a short distance from each other if it were not for the steep mountain peaks.

Most important to know is this is where most rainbows are born on Oahu. As an Irishman, I can honestly say I have found my pot of gold happily living here. I am very grateful. If you visit, you will notice a few other Irish men and women have settled here as well. Looking at Apple Maps they have four Irish bars listed on Oahu: J. Dolan's, Black Shamrock Tavern, Kelley O'Neil's and Murphy's Pub. I recommend Murphy's, I believe it's the oldest establishment.  It was my first to visit when I worked downtown. They make a hearty fish sandwich. 

- Aloha

Wed May 28, 2025

Tue May 27, 2025

Making some changes here on BlakeFox.com. If you have not checked I have added and removed a few things on other pages (available from the drop down menu, top left of page.)

I plan on taking a bit more time to maybe write daily on what's going on and to add more photos and links for what I am consuming online. Definitely more posts per week and I will see what days work best before I make a schedule. So you will notice longer posts because I will retain them for the week on this page rather than back them up after a few days.

We walked around Kapiolani Park. Of course I had to get some tree bathing in while we were there. Plumeria has new blooms that will eventually cover the trees. I am still disappointed that the neighbors around the corner cut theirs down. So I only get to enjoy them on my longer walks. It's an incentive and treat to finish my daily walks.

Woo Woo Consumption

My KDrama obsession has subsided a bit. Now I am back to watching what Rachel Dratch from SNL fame calls on her podcast "Woo Woo", topics about the unknown things that many do not want to talk about. I have followed these topics for decades and the reality is there are many correlations that cannot be denied, but still plenty that should be delt with strict skepticism. If you want a good rabbit hole for youtube, just type conspiracies that were true. I just find many of them entertaining.

One prominent show that keeps coming into my feed is "Skinwalker Ranch". Some of these shows are just fodder for advertising views. This show is doing it's damnedest to verify everything they do in scientific review. Which makes it that much more weird. Apparently they recently shut the investigation down because they are afraid of what they found poking a bear they do not understand.  Correlating to maybe why government agencies in the past stopped studying it as well. I honestly cannot see how profitable views are considering the investments they have made in their research escapades.

Now I would not have much belief for these types of shows except my personal experience after my father died. Througout his life he always said he wanted to be buried with his smoking pipe. Before he died, my father cheated on my mother. She refused to put his pipe in his casket at his funeral. We had a small trailer on my uncle's farm that my father would stay when helping out on the farm. When we went to clean out the trailer days after my father's funeral. I stayed in the guest room which my mother always kept meticulously cleaned. I am stickler for clean sheets when sleeping. So you can imagine my shock waking up to find pipe tabacco in my sheets. My father made it a point to not sleep in the guest room, since my mother would get on his case if the room was in any way messy for guests. There is no way I would not have noticed this when I got into bed. To those that doubt, I am not writing this to convince anyone. Just to tell my story which so many would be afraid to mention. I have been called many things. A liar, I am not. I also certainly have no benefit to lying about this other than ridicule, but as an old gay, that does not work on me. Those that ridicule, merely reveal themselves.

So when I watch some of these shows about the paranormal, I get triggered a bit and start correlating my personal experiences that I used to just brush aside. I have read many authors and see repeating themes for many of them. "Reality is far stranger than any fiction." Of course I also have far more skepticism now. But if anything, it's for governments and religions that profit. There is stark difference between faith and religion, policy and politics.

As someone mentioned something that lifted my ear "Reality is for the winners."  As so many woo woo articles discuss, we make our reality, requires no fight, just belief. I still have trouble understanding this, yet have profited in happiness from it. So I say keep on dreaming...and turning the wheels on the ground and knobs on devices as needed to get there. 

Bae made sausage and pepper spagetti. He also whipped up some fresh home made banana pudding with vanilla wafers. Sometimes I think his competitive side comes out when I start losing weight and he wants to snack. But more likly he is looking to make our pregnant neighbor happy with a gift sure to please. Dessert!

Earlier this week...

Later in the week we stopped at the Mall and noticed a store with Hawaiian Airlines swag. The hibiscus tote was tempting for our picnics. Bae wanted to check out the Uniqlo fabric printer for making t-shirts and totes, but I found pricing insane for the limits of what you could do.

I need to clean up my desk. 

I have not been doing my written notes as often as I had planned. I just noticed this particular booklet has pink foil which I never noticed before. I love my little surfer guy next to my Finch pocket knife. It's more like a box cutter, large super sharp blade. I do not get much delievered these days since I avoid buying anything from Amazon after their policy changes.Now it seems these days, no one else will want to either for their own fallout. It's difficult for anyone in Hawaii to get things shipped here reasonablly, but If I am going to pay more, it will more likely spent on enterprises that actually GAF.