Life is a beach, I'm just playing in the sand...

Dash Berlin ft. Jonathan Mendelsohn – Better Half Of Me

2012-01-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

Broken promises that are like road kill
They’re on the side of the street
Concrete casualties of love
Chewed up and spit out
Raise high then drop down and now
I don’t know what’s left of me

And I collect myself
And crawl through the shadows
Reach out my hand to the sky and shout out
I’ll never make these same mistakes again
Cause someone out there holds the key to my heart
And do everything to tear it apart
By never allowing myself to let you in

When all I want is for you to see
The side that I don’t show to anyone
In fear that they may turn and run
Alone and incomplete
No more tears to cry
No more blood to bleed

I’ll fall forever endlessly
When you should be the ground beneath my feet
The better half of me

Time flies...

2011-12-29T11:22:00.000-08:00

Well, blogging isn't my thing. But I felt like I had to do this update since so much has gone on. 2011 flew by quickly.

Gone is the Prius and return of the Subaru. LOL, it's funny to see my last few posts go from Carputer in the Subaru (March 2010), to Carputer of the Prius (August 2010), and now Carputer in my newer Subaru.

My Android collection has grown a lot too! Happy to have been able to snag a couple from every release so far. I even scored a signed Toy Soldier by Gary Ham himself!

That's all for now, just wanted to blog something before the year was over. See you all in 2012!

My new hobby...

2011-02-04T21:19:00.001-08:00

I've known that these Android collectibles exist years ago, but never got around to buying any.

Since Halloween, I purchased my first limited edition Android, "Power Vampire", and have been hooked since. Picking up "Flakes" and then "Cai Shen Dao" shortly after.

Well, the collection grew by about 11 with the complete collection of Series 01. Photoshoot to come later...

Happy Friday!

Chuc Mung Nam Moi!

2011-02-03T00:57:00.001-08:00

Happy Lunar New Year everyone, may this new year bring everyone lots of love, happiness, health, and money!

Make it count...

Di de mau

2011-01-22T12:40:00.001-08:00

Go go go

Griffin!

2011-01-21T21:30:00.001-08:00

Clippernation...

My workstation army

2011-01-18T16:11:00.001-08:00

And their rides...hulk walks...

Goodbye Subie, Enter the Prius...

2010-08-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

So plans quickly changed w/ the Subaru due to my long daily commute to work. Carputer Prius v1 coming soon!

It's not as simple for the following reasons:
1) Double din kit hard to find
2) Adapter kit to make it work with the steering wheel controls

Here's what I'm working with, 2007 Prius Touring

WRX Carputer - The Build - Day 1

2010-03-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

I'll be documenting my 2005 WRX wagon CarPuter (CarPC) build here. Since installing one in my old Lexus SC400 years ago, I told myself I'd have to have another in every car I own. Why a CarPuter?

Cheaper
More functionality
Easily upgradable
It's COOOL

I ordered all my hardware already, I'll list those parts in a later post. What I did first was tear apart the dash and relocated my Alpine CDA-9886 headunit to the dash using OEM Subaru gauge pack, part #H0010Fe920OE. Cost around $66. Why keep the headunit? Using it as my amp to avoid purchasing an amp and all the upgraded speakers to go with it.

The WRX has a perfect double din opening for any 7" screen setup. This should look completely factory once done. No custom fiberglassing necessary.

Upon tearing the center console apart, I noticed the hack job the previous owner/installer did with the wiring. Crimped connections w/ black tape. Most connections fell out of the crimps while I was removing the black tape, doh!Here's the after picture of all the wires, soldered and heat shrinked for a nice clean connection.
Here's the final picture for my first day of work, roughly 2-3 hours of work.

The Running Lab | F(x)/Form

2010-01-28T14:45:00.000-08:00

Since I've been running, I've noticed my feet/lower back starts to hurt around the 3-4 mile mark. Had to be the shoes I was using, DO NOT run in Nike Shox. So I did some research and found a few places that I'd recommend.
1) The Running Lab
2) A Snail's Pace

I chose The Running Lab because they were closer to my work. I stopped by on my lunch break and was helped by Kylie. Very informative throughout the "testing" process to figure out what shoe I need.

Also, they have a weight loss program that will give you X-amount off your next purchase by how many pounds you lose. Say, lose 25 lbs, get 25% off! I'm sure it gets capped off somewhere, I didn't ask. All within 6 months...

So about 45 minutes later and $200, I'm ready to train again! For anyone doing a lot of running, I'd definitely recommend you stop by and have them fit you with shoes. It's a $20 fee, but gets waived if you end up buying a pair of shoes. Or, you can get it refunded later if you return to buy shoes from them within the following months.

sighs

2010-01-26T23:44:00.000-08:00

FML!FML!FML!!FML!FML!FML!FML!FML!

I'm Running the LA Marathon! 26.2 miles!

2010-01-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

Countdown to the event is 60 days. As of now, I run about 2 miles in about 20 minutes. Once a week.

Going to turn it up and do 3 miles a day, 3 times a week, and also run 10 miles on the weekend. Crosstraining in between those days.

Wish me luck! I'll be a whole new person by the time this is done with. Now the only hard part in this is my diet, I need a nutritionist! Anyone?

LA Marathon Info

Hello 2010, I'm 18 days late in posting this...

2010-01-18T13:47:00.000-08:00

Well, i'm 18 days late in posting...

It's the start of a new year and new decade! I'm determined to make this year different and accomplish some of my many goals.

I'm also set out on a mission to lose 20+ lbs in 5 months, before and after pictures will follow for your viewing pleasure. =)

Google Sync: Now with Push Gmail Support!

2009-09-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

Using Google Sync, you can now get your Gmail messages pushed directly to your phone. Having an over-the-air, always-on connection means that your inbox is up to date, no matter where you are or what you're doing. Sync works with your phone's native email application so there's no additional software needed. Only interested in syncing your Gmail, but not your Calendar? Google Sync allows you to sync just your Contacts, Calendar, or Gmail, or any combination of the three.

Source:Google Mobile Blog

What a beautiful day!

America's Got Talent 2009

2009-08-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

What a joke! They eliminated a talented singer/musician for a Frisbee throwing geezer and his dog?! Who the F*CK wants to see that show in Vegas? That alone made the show a complete scam...

Looks like I'll be watching ABDC on Sunday nights now...screw you AGT!

Holy crap, it's been 3 months since my last update!

2009-07-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

Woot, I picked up a Subaru wagaon! =P

April Fools Day!

2009-04-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

Damnit, came into the office this morning to realize that I was April Fooled by Woot! Wootalyzer popped up the buy now screen and without looking too closely, I was instantly full of excitement. Only to get fooled, bah...

BigCrumbs.com

2009-03-12T09:38:00.001-07:00

Quest Crew - ABDC

2009-02-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

Ok, I've been a big supporter for Beat Freaks since the beginning of the show. But, basing it on pure performance, Quest Crew has got them beat. From the past 2 seasons having retarded groups in the top 3, this year, the voters & judges have done it right.

Check out Quest Crew's video and decide for yourselves, admit it, they outperformed Beat Freaks...

Vote for Quest Crew, send 2 via text to 22444 up until March 5th!

Quest Crew Performance (2/26/09)

OrQUESTra Performance

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T11:54:00.001-08:00

Another year has quickly come and gone, I can't believe 2009 is just around the corner. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! Hope everyone gets what they wanted for Christmas!

What to do with your G.I. Joe Action Figures

2008-11-18T15:33:00.001-08:00

This is funny, I don't care who you are...

The 50 Skills Every Geek Should Have

2008-11-07T12:19:00.001-08:00

Gizmodo compiles a handy list of 50 key geek skills, many of which are straightforward, some are tough as hell. Only the most dedicated shut-in basement dwellers will score a perfect 50. See the list to see how you stack up.

read more | digg story

HTC Touch Pro

2008-11-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

Just picked up this bad boy yesterday from Sprint to replace my old trusty Mogul. I must say that the improvements are amazing! I love the 3.2MP autofocus camera the most!

Here is a link for specs: HTC Touch Pro

Other notable changes are, 5 row QWERTY keypad, TouchFlo3D, Opera Web Browser, VGA screen, and 528MHz processor!

Definitely recommended, this beast is definitely the new sheriff in town!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

[source: Explosm.net, Sonny]

Gunnar Optiks

2008-10-18T23:51:00.000-07:00

These eye strain reducing frames from Gunnar Optiks are pretty amazing. After checking out their site (Gunnar Optiks) and reading this review (Gizmodo)I said I gotta get these!

With around 15 styles, 3-4 frame colors, and a very affordable price tag, these Gunnar frames were worth a shot. Sitting in front of a computer for almost 12 hours a day can put a lot of strain on your eyes. So, after going to Metropointe today with Jen, she bought me a pair of Attache Metropole frames in Onyx color.

These frames are very light and comfortable, even on my big fat head. Definitely recommended to anyone who sits in front of a computer screen for long periods of time.

How To Pay Off $14,330 In 20 Months

2008-10-07T12:18:00.001-07:00

Stuck in a $14,300 debt hole, reader Trixare4kids was able to dig herself out using tips she learned about on Consumerist.com. Let's learn how she attacked her personal finances and learned to live frugally, and did it all in just 20 months. "As of today I am debt free...My spirit feels lighter. I am free. I am doing a happy dance."

read more | digg story

I'm inspired...time to DO WORK!!!

Time Lapse Motor Swap

2008-10-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it finally happened. Driving my SC daily for nearly 8 years has taken its toll. I got the car back in '99/00 with around 70k on the clock. Although I could have repaired this 190k motor to run 100k more, it wasn't financially smart to do so. I opted to get a new motor with the help of some friends and swap it in a few hours.

Thanks to Lextreme, JamesN, SteveChumo, and Chanh55 for their help. We started around 7am and finished around 1:30pm. It's still not 100% but, I'm going to take my time to make it "clean" and up to my standards.

Enjoy the video, it snapped over 5,000 photos to combine into this short ~2 minute clip.

HTC Touch Pro

2008-09-16T18:41:00.001-07:00

Coming soon to Sprint, I can't wait to get it. My phone is on it's last legs...

This is powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 and has a 3.2 mp camera! I signed up to be notified once it is released..swwwwwweeet!

9/11 - Never Forget

2008-09-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia

It was this day, 7 years ago that America was attacked by terrorists. I remember the day clearly as I was in class listening to an Art History lecture. Another faculty member opens the door and tells my instructor to turn on the TV to a news channel. Needless to say, we didn't have lecture the rest of the class.

It was a very sad day. To see all those people affected, running for their lives...may those who lost their lives, rest in peace.

Thank you to all the troops fighting for us and giving us the freedom to live our normal lives.

Yummy!

2008-09-02T17:53:00.001-07:00

I was really tempted to stop by McDonald's today before class, but I had to stay away from their fries. So, I said screw it, i'll just get some snacks from the vending machine. Look what I find...score! They're pretty good. Tastes exactly as described...

Labor Day Weekend!

2008-08-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

Finally Friday!! To top it off, it's also Labor Day weekend! A much needed mini-vacay to finish up moving into my new room.

Jen finally got her sunflow seeds to grow so we took it outside and planted it directly in front of our
window. Hopefully this thing will grow into a huge beast so we can get free sunflower seeds, lol.

Today, we're going to the Old Town Orange International Food Festival. It starts today @ 6PM and goes until Sunday (I don't know what time it ends). Lots of good food from countries all over the world will be sold here. Here's the address for those who want to go:

Old Towne Orange
Glassell Street and Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866
714-538-3581

Everyone have a safe weekend with your loved ones, no drinking, no speeding, save lives, save fuel.

Vegas Baby Vegas

2008-08-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

Another great weekend in the bag. Thanks to Elvis & KimChi for the invite to stay @ The Venetian! I wish I had the day off today to recoup after having only ~8 hours sleep the whole weekend!

This stay @ Vegas was different from our normal stay. We hit up off the strip sites for some good eats and fun. Breakfast was @ Eggs & I, excellent food & service! Look them up on Yelp!

The Pinball Hall of Fame was pretty interesting, never knew they could be so much fun!

The Fremont street experience was a lot of fun. Thanks Robert for the gangsta ass "superman" frozen margarita drink containing Bacardi 151, Everclear, and other crazy shit.

*sighs* School starts this week. Only taking 2 classes @ Coastline so it shouldn't be too bad. Can't wait!

Looks like my family is doing "Nguyen Family Beach Day!" this Sunday, anyone is more than welcome to come join us! BBQ, fishing, swimming, etc.

AVI's Triggering DEP (Data Execution Prevention)

2008-08-20T00:22:00.000-07:00

So recently I've had this problem that shuts down Explorer (not IE) everytime I click on an .AVI file. I don't even run it, simply clicking on it will trigger a DEP error and it'll restart explorer. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out what was causing this problem. I was thinking that it had to be codec related, but my .MKV files work fine. Keep searching...

After a lot of reading, it turns out that Pinnacle Studio 9 was the culprit. I hardly use the program, it seems to have messed with my codecs causing DEP errors everytime I clicked onto an .AVI file. I didn't want to remove Studio 9 (it has support for MicroMV tapes), but my thousands of .AVI music videos were more important! Finally, I can watch my music vids with no problems again...

I'll update again if I find the workaround with Studio 9. I hear there's a patch for this problem, but I had a patch installed (9.3 I believe) and it had no effect.

Long Tiring Weekend...

2008-08-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to John who turned 29! Had a blast @ Raging Waters for his birthday, SPF 85 is the shit! Went on Drop Out 2 times, Speed Slide, watched Hoang almost drown, bought a water squirter, ate a fabulous lunch by Anh...overall great day! Sunday, played some softball for a few hours in the hot sun, now i'm sunburnt =(

Played Wii Fit over the weekend as well and scored an age of 22! Too bad my BMI is over 25, time to lose about 10-15 lbs!

Yoga + fart = zero score

2008-08-16T00:19:00.001-07:00

So we're (rob, thao, jen, and myself) playing wii fit for the first time. It's pretty cool, tests your body through some tests and gives you a wii fit age. I scored 23!!

Anyway, Jen was doing some yoga and rob farted...the image shows Jen's movement on the pad. Hilarious moment...good times...

Stupid kids...

2008-08-15T08:10:00.001-07:00

So I walk out this morning to see this on the Fit. Keyed pretty deep and about a foot long. Can't wait to check the surveillance tapes and see what/when it happened.

Who wants to join me in a good ass kicking?

Kangaroo shoes

2008-08-13T22:04:00.001-07:00

Omg...they still make Kangaroo shoes! Saw these bad boys @ DSW with Jen for $54.95. I had these in kindergarten, I remember them because my mom gave 2 quarters and I hid them in that nifty pocket!

They're cool, but not worth the price...

Happy Birthday KimChi!

2008-08-13T15:23:00.001-07:00

Mobile phone blog test. Duc loves to get smacked in the face...

Dial 1+ Area Code + Telephone Number

2008-08-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

So, if you haven't heard yet, our beloved 714 area code is being added to. Area code 657 will be given to new lines after September 23rd.

Sucks, now we have to dial 1 + area code to call anyone in our area. This type of dialing procedure goes into effect August 23rd.

My new blog...nice and easy

2008-08-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

So my Wordpress blog site has been exploited and hacked a few times causing Google to flag it as a harmful site. Such a pain to search for the hacked code, remove it, then to request Google to review my site again so it will continue to index it.

I figure this will be much easier to update/use and I shouldn't have to worry with all the hassles I had on Wordpress.

Hello world!

Life is a beach, I'm just playing in the sand...

Dash Berlin ft. Jonathan Mendelsohn – Better Half Of Me

Time flies...

My new hobby...

Chuc Mung Nam Moi!

Di de mau

Griffin!

My workstation army

Goodbye Subie, Enter the Prius...

WRX Carputer - The Build - Day 1

The Running Lab | F(x)/Form

*sighs*

I'm Running the LA Marathon! 26.2 miles!

Hello 2010, I'm 18 days late in posting this...

Google Sync: Now with Push Gmail Support!

Source:Google Mobile Blog

America's Got Talent 2009

Holy crap, it's been 3 months since my last update!

April Fools Day!

BigCrumbs.com

Quest Crew - ABDC

Merry Christmas!

What to do with your G.I. Joe Action Figures

The 50 Skills Every Geek Should Have

HTC Touch Pro

Happy Halloween!

Gunnar Optiks

How To Pay Off $14,330 In 20 Months

Time Lapse Motor Swap

HTC Touch Pro

9/11 - Never Forget

Yummy!

Labor Day Weekend!

Old Towne OrangeGlassell Street and Chapman AvenueOrange, CA 92866714-538-3581

Vegas Baby Vegas

AVI's Triggering DEP (Data Execution Prevention)

Long Tiring Weekend...

Yoga + fart = zero score

Stupid kids...

Kangaroo shoes

Happy Birthday KimChi!

Dial 1+ Area Code + Telephone Number

My new blog...nice and easy

sighs

Old Towne Orange
Glassell Street and Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866
714-538-3581