Filed under: Branding, Events, Hawaii, Honolulu, Work | Tags: Branding, pecha kucha, presentation, tightness
I have to say I was pretty happy with how my presentation at PKN Honolulu went down last night. OK, it’s not like I singlehandedly created 200 converts to the church of brand, but I was pleased that I gave exactly the presentation I wanted to – simple, coherent flow, good energy, with visuals that cohered with super-tightness to my narrative. Yeah!
Filed under: Dining, Hawaii, Honolulu | Tags: authentic, Dining, japanese, miyabi
I’m brimming with chagrin over not bringing a camera to Miyabi, a newish izakaya on Kapahulu, very close to Safeway (we parked there, though you can apparently use the Go Bannanas parking). The ambiance was simple, stylish and much more of a wa-fu vibe than the usual Hawaiianese compromise (though dimming the lights and turning down the music a couple notches would be recommended). The food definitely matched the atmosphere. Far and away the best and most authentic Japanese meal I’ve had on the island. We started with a tofu-tomato salad, and the tofu was quality – not the blobby, gelatinous supermarket variety. Nicely textured, and topped with a noteworthy dressing. It helped that the greens were very fresh and truly mixed – often a problem on this island. Around the same time some fried potato for the kids came out. Thick, chunky, well-salted – even though we had ordered them for the kids, I couldn’t help filching a few. Everything else was equally impressive, from the hokke to the sushi. Great sushi, actually. I tried a maguro just to see, and both fish and rice were exquisite. We also had some kind of shrimp/crab roll with a fanciful name that I forget, but I’d rate it up there with some of the better makis I’ve had in Japan. All of this was paired with Tomino Hozan shochu, which I had never tried before. I’m typically a fan of those pungent, earthy imos, but was won over by the subtle balance of this one. The only mild disappointment was the tskune, which seemed a little undercooked – I tend to like it more tightly packed and yakied. Couldn’t really argue with the flavor, though. And the meat was less gristly than you tend to find in Japan. Miyabi is a little pricey, so not likely to be a weekly affair, but the quality is easily worth the hit to the wallet.
I’m not really in the market for a new guitar, but if I was…
A couple of interesting blogs from folks that presented at the same PKN as me last night: Department of Public Works and Bytemarks.
Speaking of PKN, the presentation I enjoyed the most was from a representative of AIA Honolulu advocating light rail over heavy (an opinion I’ve held, but with far less of a grasp of the relevant arguments).
Filed under: Events, Hawaii, Honolulu, Work | Tags: brand, eclectic, pecha kucha
I’m going to be giving a presentation entitled “What is Brand?” at the upcoming Honolulu Pecha Kucha Night this coming Friday, the 24th. The event will be held at the Honolulu Academy of Arts from 7:30-9:30, and as usual will feature an eclectic bunch of creative types making presentations on everything from architecture to zydeco, all in the unique PKN presenting format (20×20).
Ko Olina is a resort out on the leeward side of the island with four of the most ridiculously paradisiacal manmade lagoons you’ve ever seen. Definitely worth the 40 minute drive out of Honolulu.
Filed under: Big Island, Hawaii, Random | Tags: Big Island, filthy farmgirl, soap, tingling
While browsing the wares at the Hilo Farmers Market during our recent jaunt to the Big Island, we came across a dapper gentleman looking something of an early twentieth century vaudevillian, or carny, perhaps. He was peddling his own peculiar brand of soap, Filthy Farmgirl. While I was drawn to the inspired design of the packaging, my wife was drawn to the pungent aromas, which were undeniably bold through the thin film of plastic wrappings.
Well, we just tried out the first bars last night, a Goat’s Milk Chai for Mizuho, and a Manly Mint for myself. Holy tingling orifices, the stuff is fantastic! I’m ready to order bulk, and I recommend that you do the same.
It’s been at least a couple weeks since my last random links posting, and there was a lot to sift through…
Let’s start with the art of notetaking.
And move on to the art of logo design in 2009.
And speaking of design, here’s a noble effort: a call to arms for the redesign of the ugliest currency on the planet: the US dollar.
Well-designed currency is not the only difference between Americans and the French; the differences go much deeper.
Speaking of photographic validation, reading about the President’s recent visit with the Pope, I could not help but notice the uncanny resemblance between the current Pope and Senator Palpatine from Star Wars. It appears I am not alone.
Finally, what random links would be complete without a tribute to the late great MJ?
It’s been long overdue. Kyle is finally making definitive strides toward a mobile future. It is a relief and a pleasure. He’s not quite walking on his own, but it is only a matter of time now.
Filed under: Activities, Big Island, Dining, Family, Hawaii, Travel | Tags: Big Island, hilo, lushness
Fourth of July weekend, parents in town, three day weekend. We jetted over to the Big Island, our collective first visit. Now the Big Island is, as per its namesake… big. We knew it would be impossible to digest in 2.5 days, and so we picked Hilo as our base, opting against the Disney-esque resorts of the Kona side for something a little more authentically Hawaiian.
Stepping off the plane the senses are immediately assaulted, with peaceful violence, by lushness. Hilo is one of the wettest places on the planet, and the foliage bears witness to this fact. We picked up our gas-guzzling, planet-destroyin’ SUV, and headed for the Dolphin Bay Hotel. This modest little row of condos lies just outside downtown Hilo, and though overpriced, is an enjoyable stay. The owner, John, doubles as a font of local knowledge, and is an invaluable resource. He is also the curator of a small jungle garden at the rear of the property, featuring a grove of banana trees that provides part of the fresh fruit breakfast every morning.
Our next stop was the legendary Ken’s House of Pancakes where I ordered one of the more disgusting culinary creations known to man. (That’s a stack of fried eggs, bacon, ham and pancakes.)
We then paid our respects to Pele, the volcano goddess.
Hiked the Desolation Trail.
And explored the lava tubes.
On Saturday morning we hit the farmer’s market.
Then drove down to Ahanalui, a natural hot spring fed by crashing ocean waves.
Instead of fireworks, we watched lava flow into the ocean at dusk.
The final morning before our flight we walked around Hilo, bought some sweets at the iresistable Sugar Coast Candy, and had easily our best meal of the trip at Cafe Pesto.
Here’s a book that should be mandatory reading for all humans, especially those with a conscience and in positions of power (or is that an oxymoron?). The premise of the book is simple: resource depletion, global warming, population growth, imbalances in energy distribution, the effects of globalization, and the explosive growth developing nations (a.k.a. the BRICs) are all factors combining to form a perfect storm of planetary destruction. Unless we get off the couch and lead a revolution in new energy technology. The first half paints a doomsday scenario, while the second half, notably, discusses solutions, some of which are already underway. The main takeaway, though, is that we – the United States in particular – are not doing nearly enough, and time is running out. In some arenas, China is already doing much more than we are to incentivize green practices.
Already, some of the action called for by Friedman is coming to pass, as in the recent Clean Energy bill. (Incidentally, I happened across this video appeal by Al Gore around the time of the House vote, and goddamn if he hasn’t morphed into a televangelist.) Aside from a somewhat repetitive and dumbed-down writing style – one can almost overhear Friedman and his editor discussing their no-reader-left-behind strategy – this is a magnificent read that, if it does not make you rethink your lifestyle and priorities, will at least leave you considering a move to Germany.
