tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52740452626619318192024-03-21T14:40:04.551-04:00Kui & His Panaromic View of the Worldkui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-17181190565577359552010-11-25T14:18:00.001-05:002010-11-25T14:20:29.536-05:00Day 13: Passing on the GiftIt's almost a surreal feeling that I actually made it to the end of my <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/13-days-to-thanksgiving.html">13 Days to Thanksgiving</a> journey. This is my 13th and last post of this blog series. It has been, by far, the longest writing project in my life outside of school! After this, I think I have to take a hiatus and slip back into my usual anonymity self. Because, after all, that's who I am. I prefer to just do my work and go about helping making this world a better place ... quietly.<br />
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On this day that we are surrounded with loving family, friends and reflect about what we are thankful for, I would like each of us to move a step forward and start thinking about '<a href="http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.201549/?msource=TH1E100001">Passing on the Gift</a>' ... to others.<br />
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This brings me to the last organization that's doing amazing work currently throughout the world. <a href="http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.183217/?msource=TH1E100001">Heifer International</a> is a non-profit organization working to bring an end to World Hunger through sustainable and long-term solutions. One of their programs is called '<a href="http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.201549/?msource=TH1E100001">Passing on the Gift</a>' which is wonderfully illustrated from a short video by Alton Brown below.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="250" width="416"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-VqMrvvWUgQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-VqMrvvWUgQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="416" height="250"></embed></object><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">'Sustainable' is the key word and a common theme here throughout my blogs and it is intentional. The act of giving is good but an act of sustainable giving through teaching, reusable and repeatable methods & behaviors will have the biggest impact to create a healthier, more peaceful and beautiful world for generations to come.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~<i> Thank you ~</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div></div>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-4081125686671565082010-11-24T21:09:00.001-05:002010-11-24T21:09:56.267-05:00Day 12: Operation Homefront<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i> ~Franklin D. Roosevelt</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">It's virtually impossible to responsibly completing my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/13-days-to-thanksgiving.html">13 Days to Thanksgiving</a></span> without referencing at least one organization working to support our troops who sacrifice so much defending and allowing us the freedom we are enjoying each and everyday.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">The mi<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">ssion of </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.operationhomefront.net/">Operation Homefront</a></span> (OH) is to provide emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. I researched them through Charity Navigator and found out that they are rated <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=10849">Four Stars Charity</a></span> with more than 90% of the money raised going toward the programs they currently support.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Some of the programs and services are as follow:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Food Assistance</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Auto Repair</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Financial Assistance</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Holiday Programs</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Wounded Warrior Wives</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Aside from directly donating the your money to support or to volunteer your time to help, you may choose to join the '<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.operationhomefront.net/mediacenter.aspx?id=5770">Freedom Walk</a>'</span> being held annually in 22 chapters around the country.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">No fancy videos or heart wrenching pictures this time. Freedom is not free but rather hard earned. Everybody knows someone who's connected or related to our service men and women in some way. At the very least, give them one second of your time each day to reflect and be thankful for what they afford us. Thank you.</span></div>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-76276122211736076142010-11-23T08:44:00.001-05:002010-11-23T08:44:48.413-05:00Day 11: 80%<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nP51U_p-8jw&autoplay=1?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nP51U_p-8jw&autoplay=1?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">... It is ... estimated that 1 billion people in the world right now do not have access to clean water. <b>80%</b> is the number representing the deceases causing by unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">... To reference the most current event, the New York Times <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/15/world/americas/15cholera.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1290517324-LGfphy0zjgrzoLn972jlQg">reported 917 death in Haiti</a> as of November 14, 2010 from the start of the Cholera outbreak on October 21, 2010. That's only about a month ago....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">... <a href="http://www.who.int/topics/cholera/en/">Cholera</a> is an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. However, it is only one of many deceases that comes directly as a result of consuming unsafe water.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.charitywater.org/">Charity: Water</a> is one of many organizations working toward providing clean and safe water to people in lesser fortunate areas.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>100%</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">...of your donation will go toward a water project. 'How do they do that?', you might wonder, as they are a non-profit organization with administrative expenses like all others. You can learn about how they do it <a href="http://www.charitywater.org/100percent/">here</a>. That's what makes them standout among the crowd and it's the reason why I chose to write about them as my eleventh <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/13-days-to-thanksgiving.html">13 Days to Thanksgiving</a> blog.</div></div>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-62964207260810348242010-11-22T19:34:00.000-05:002010-11-22T19:34:09.418-05:00Day 10: The Art of ElysiumSwitching gears, I want to write about something a little lighter and happier. This is the tenth day of my <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/13-days-to-thanksgiving.html">13 Days to Thanksgiving</a> and the pressure is mounting to select my last four organizations to talk about.<br />
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So, I am taking all of us back to our childhood and think about how we were moved by art and music. I remembered those days when it was almost a ritual for my dad and I to go to a bookstore and/or a music store every weekend. Both places, we would go in and spend hours there. I think my interest in photography came from spending hours upon hours looking through the photography books and magazines. When we would go to the music stores, we would listen to totally different type musics and I would choose what I liked and he would, within reasons, purchase them for me. I remembered how happy I was and how much I looked forward to going there every weekend. Those days instilled the love of art and music in me to the present day...<br />
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<a href="http://www.theartofelysium.org/">The Art of Elysium</a> is a non-profit organization aiming to help kids battling serious medical conditions through arts, music, comedy, fashion, radio, songwriting and creative writing workshops. Mainly, they encourage artists, musicians and actors to volunteer their time to spend with these children.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://theartofelysium.org/gallery/images/cuseo/__0004_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://theartofelysium.org/gallery/images/cuseo/__0004_1.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><br />
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I just thought it's such a creative and happy way to brighten up the days for these children. If you are an artist, great but you don't have to be one to help. Please visit their <a href="http://www.theartofelysium.org/">website</a> to see how you can support this wonderful program.<br />
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Three to goooo!!!!!kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-33421423943655515062010-11-21T12:03:00.000-05:002010-11-21T12:03:13.927-05:00Day 9: "When I get to heaven, will I feel full?"That was the question asked to her father by the then 7 years old girl. I have no idea there exists such a syndrome. I stumbled upon this while going through my research on Charity Navigator website. But when I did, it intrigued me so much that I spent hours researching it. This is, in essense, a reverse to my earlier post of obesity epidemic in our country and the world. We generally approach it from a standpoint that obesity is a self inflicted medical condition.<div><br />
</div><div>Every 1 in 15,000 newborn is affected with Prader-Willi syndrome. It's caused by the deleted or unexpressed chromosome 15. Behaviorally, it's associated with an extreme and insatiable appetite which often resulting in morbid obesity (source: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prader%E2%80%93Willi_syndrome">Wikipedia</a>).</div><div><br />
</div><div>Unfortunately, there's no cure for this currently. <a href="http://www.pwsausa.org/index.html">Prader-Willi Syndrome Association USA</a> is an organization aiming to:</div><div><ul><li>Promote & fund research</li>
<li>Provide education</li>
<li>Support to enhance the quality of life of those affected by PWS</li>
</ul><div>PWSA is a small but well run organization worthy of your support. Nothing much I can add here as there's so much to be learned and discovered about this condition. This concludes the 9th installment of my <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/13-days-to-thanksgiving.html">13 Days to Thanksgiving</a>.</div></div><div><br />
</div>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-69037711973786344932010-11-20T19:25:00.003-05:002010-11-20T21:42:16.791-05:00Day 8: Coffee Me HomeI am spoiled, I admit. I currently have three bicycles at home. They all do different things but not one of them is used as much as a <i>tool</i> to live.<br />
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As I struggle to balance and justify my current way of life, I find it a humbling experience for me to sit down and write my <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/13-days-to-thanksgiving.html">13 Days to Thanksgiving</a> blogs. I have to keep reminding myself that we are born to be different, to do different things and to accomplish different goals. Collectively, because we are different, we create this 'World'. So, again, to all my readers, strangers or friends, please continue to do the great things that you do and enjoy the benefits of your hard work. Shall you have time left from your responsibilities, then let's go out there and make a difference for deserving others.<br />
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<a href="http://projectrwanda.org/welcome">Project Rwanda</a> is one the smaller bicycle related projects aiming at helping the Rwandan people through the utilitarian of a <i>Coffee Bike</i>. The project was created by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Ritchey">Tom Ritchey</a> after his visit to the country in 2005. I chose to write about this because there are stories within stories that could easily be made into a few movies. Some people in this project found redemption through it and many discovered it a life changing experience. I can ... write on and on about Tom and how he incorporated experiences of this project into how he runs his successful company but I won't. I will just leave you with this short documentary that touched me deeply after I watched it. It's created by Jacob Seigel-Boettner. You are more than welcome to contact me and we can talk about this at length. Until next time ...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/5601774" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/5601774">Pascal's Bike</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2031358">Jacob SB</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-59294924859434958652010-11-19T10:10:00.002-05:002010-11-19T10:17:48.487-05:00Day 7: The Next Joe<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"The United States consumes one-fifth of all the world's coffee, making it the largest consumer in the world. But few Americans realize that agriculture workers in the coffee industry often toil in what can be described as "sweatshops in the fields." Many small coffee farmers receive prices for their coffee that are less than the costs of production, forcing them into a cycle of poverty and debt." - <a href="http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/coffee/">Global Exchange</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since the seems-to-be-simple start of my <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/13-days-to-thanksgiving.html">13 Days to Thanksgiving</a> project, the task itself is starting to weigh on me. There are so many organizations out there worthy of our support. The task of sifting through and picking the '13' is a bit harder than I thought. But, I am trying my best to look for causes that take the least amount of effort to make the biggest difference possible.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I drink coffee. I enjoy coffee ... in its varieties and uniqueness of beans from each origin. More often than not, these delicious beans are farmed and harvested in lesser developed areas. One of the ways we coffee drinkers can make an impact and create a more loving and less conflicting world is by supporting <i>'Fair Trade Coffee'</i>. I really believe that a more balanced, less oppressed world will lead to a more peaceful world.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlUMQyO3tY8SDmHjiOxjTc9ZG0ctcGWCXY49CtVatoyRVsnXFXfrrcW6O1gYDtS1V4oOUolm3WicATOzd7ETtaEUka7PqZPLAOXN-OviQZ7uAPOXY06ZUHug54hGncLrsk4C9nAwOLLSo/s1600/FolkloreCoffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlUMQyO3tY8SDmHjiOxjTc9ZG0ctcGWCXY49CtVatoyRVsnXFXfrrcW6O1gYDtS1V4oOUolm3WicATOzd7ETtaEUka7PqZPLAOXN-OviQZ7uAPOXY06ZUHug54hGncLrsk4C9nAwOLLSo/s320/FolkloreCoffee.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Last night, I stopped by <a href="http://folklorecoffee.com/">Folklore Coffee & Company</a> and bought two 12oz bags of coffee from them. By doing so, I successfully supported <i>'Fair Trade Coffee'</i> (spot the logo on the bag) and two local small businesses at the same time because these are roasted locally<i> </i>by <i><a href="http://squareonecoffee.com/">Square One Coffee</a>!</i> This is so easy to do. Will you join me?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-10229217639057579672010-11-18T17:10:00.003-05:002010-11-20T18:47:57.657-05:00Day 6: TarikuTo some of you, what you will be seeing below might be unheard of. For me, I have seen this before..<i>.in person</i>.<br />
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<div>My friends know that I am struck with 'happy feet' syndrome in that I seem to be traveling all over the world in weird places. Only a few were shared of the reasons <i>why</i> I travel. I am blessed to be surrounded by many doctors, nurses and kindhearted people who are always looking for ways to give back. Being able to travel and volunteer my time with the <a href="http://www.worldsurgicalfoundation.org/home.html">World Surgical Foundation</a> is definitely something that I hold very close to my heart. From just one mission I was with the team, I witnessed the heartbreaks, fears, the blank stares of dry hope, the tears of joy and the <i>instant gratification</i> of being a part of saving one's life. Experiences I gained from the mission play a large role in shaping the course of my life, my conviction and the person that I want to be.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I am not suggesting that you have to follow my path exactly. I am just asking you to watch two short videos below about Tariku and reflect upon it a little bit. For me, this is one of the reasons why I decided ... out of the blue, of course ... to write my <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/13-days-to-thanksgiving.html">13 Days to Thanksgiving</a> series.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="251" width="416"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1cpUddsCIEk?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1cpUddsCIEk?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="416" height="251"></embed></object></div></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="251" width="416"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/veysHvMEZZ4?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/veysHvMEZZ4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="416" height="251"></embed></object></div>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-58048112034824275402010-11-17T07:22:00.002-05:002010-11-20T18:48:10.237-05:00Day 5: Power Up GambiaI struggled for words...... For about two minutes, my mind was full of sadness and negative thoughts. The thoughts that babies are not given a fair chance to survive and come to this world because the hospital does not have electricity to operate horrified me.<br />
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Then, I am reminded again by the hard work and forever optimistic of one of my uncles who has been all over the world in different conditions surgically saving lives one child at a time. I am uplifted again.<br />
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It's true that doctors and nurses can still operate many procedures on patients without equipments requiring electricity. But, the chances for those patients and babies are very limited. <i>What if you have to have an emergency procedure to deliver your baby at 2AM and there's no electricity?</i><br />
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This is a story about what 'one' person can do to make a different. Kathryn Cunningham Hall saw it and made it her mission to make a difference. So, please join me on my fifth day of <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/13-days-to-thanksgiving.html">13 Days to Thanksgiving</a> to be thankful for the wealth of basic amenities we have in this amazing country. Check out the quick video below and her <a href="http://www.powerupgambia.org/">Power Up Gambia</a> project.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="253" width="416"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ihPyS4GfezY&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ihPyS4GfezY&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="416" height="253"></embed></object></div>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-91800887824302569392010-11-16T08:06:00.001-05:002010-11-20T18:48:23.715-05:00Day 4: Vicktory<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">'47'</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">11/16/10 - That's the number of Pit bulls <i>'saved, being rehabilitated or adopted'</i> from the 51 dogs retrieved from Bad Newz Kennel. The key here is to focus on the positives and show you how many organizations are out there working to help these beautiful dogs. Because as many of us were all wondered when this news broke <i>"What are they going to do to those dogs?"</i>. The video below is your answer.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="295" style="background-image: url(http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/5GmJNTRhafI/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5GmJNTRhafI?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5GmJNTRhafI?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
<a href="http://www.badrap.org/rescue/index.html">BAD RAP</a> (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit bulls) and <a href="http://www.bestfriends.org/vickdogs/">Best Friends Animal Society</a> were largely responsible in saving these dogs and did an amazing job. There is also, <a href="http://www.langefoundation.com/index/Home.html">Lang Foundation</a> that is committed to saving homeless & abandoned pets and preparing them to be adopted into a loving home. Lang Foundation is also rated number 1 on the <a href="http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=topten.detail&listid=7">Top 10 Charities Worth Watching</a> by Charity Navigator.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">My challenge to you on day 4 of my <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/13-days-to-thanksgiving.html">13 Days to Thanksgiving</a> is to look at these charities along with ASPCA and all other smaller adopt-a-pet organizations first before you rush to find your new loving companion at a for-profit kennel. Because, not counting respectable kennels, this is the best way to stop those '<a href="http://learningtogive.org/papers/paper351.html">Puppy Mills</a>' from their existence.</div></div></div>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-6426315277276549852010-11-15T21:18:00.001-05:002010-11-15T21:19:42.812-05:00Day 3: Leave No Trace11/15/10 - <a href="http://www.lnt.org/">Leave No Trace</a>. "What a cool name?!?!" I thought to myself when I discovered their website. The third installment of my <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/13-days-to-thanksgiving.html">13 Days to Thanksgiving</a> covers our social responsibility to our environment. Love the world we are living in. Let's all be responsible and take care of our mother earth. Leave No Trace is a great organization aiming to educate us how to live and enjoy the outdoors with the least amount or no impact at all.<br />
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The website is well designed with abundant of educational articles and programs that we can all learn from. Hey kids! How about a <a href="http://www.lnt.org/bigfootchallenge/index.php">Bigfoot Challenge</a>?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="300" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fgroups%2F1112386%40N23%2Fpool%2Fshow%2Fwith%2F4385989493%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fgroups%2F1112386%40N23%2Fpool%2Fwith%2F4385989493%2F&group_id=1112386@N23&jump_to=4385989493&start_index="></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fgroups%2F1112386%40N23%2Fpool%2Fshow%2Fwith%2F4385989493%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fgroups%2F1112386%40N23%2Fpool%2Fwith%2F4385989493%2F&group_id=1112386@N23&jump_to=4385989493&start_index=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We could all use outdoor activities at some point or another. Overnight trip in the Grand Canyon? We week long adventure in Yellowstone? Or how about a stroll along the beach watching the sunset with that someone? Did you ever wonder what kind of impact you left behind? Challenge yourself to be 'untraceable' and leave the beautiful world ... as is.</div></div>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-80322991502561012922010-11-15T20:25:00.017-05:002010-11-15T21:26:48.325-05:00Day 2: Run for Something Better11/14/10 - So, I was inspired by my sister who recently <a href="http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/nikesf10/tita262">ran Nike Women's Marathon</a> in San Francisco with <a href="http://www.teamintraining.org/sf/">Team in Training</a> in honer of her friend Heather. Additionally, somehow, I still do not know exactly how it happened, I agreed to my TNT runner friends to ..... eh ..... run a marathon in 2011.<br />
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Ok, enough about 'me'. The second <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/13-days-to-thanksgiving.html">13 Days to Thanksgiving</a> brought me to this wonderful organization, <a href="http://www.ingrfsb.com/">ING Run For Something Better</a>. It's a known fact that obesity is a huge problem not only here in America but the whole world. Here in the US, 2007-2008 <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes.htm">NHANES</a> report stated that <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/about/grand-rounds/archives/2010/06-June.htm">obesity affects 17% of our children and adolescents</a>. It's important to encourage our kids to spend more time outdoor with sports that they can enjoy well into their adulthood.<br />
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Though I am a cyclist, I have to admit that nothing could be simpler than a sport of running. Plus, there are several studies similar to <a href="http://discovermagazine.com/2006/may/tramps-like-us">this one</a> suggesting that we are 'born to run'. So, let's get our kids running (with joy)!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="350" src="http://blip.tv/play/Ad3XIQI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480"></embed></div><img class="BLUEKAI" src="http://tags.bluekai.com/site/2132" />kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-8427034828676752392010-11-15T19:42:00.021-05:002010-11-15T21:21:41.012-05:00Day 1: Raise Hope For Congo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.raisehopeforcongo.org/sites/all/themes/global/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.raisehopeforcongo.org/sites/all/themes/global/logo.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>How would you feel if someone you love were raped ... and raped repeatedly?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>11/13/10 - First day of my <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/13-days-to-thanksgiving.html">13 Days to Thanksgiving</a> series. I fully understand that this is a very heavy subject. But, that's what happening right now, today, in Congo. To some, it's unimaginable for some of you might have heard this before in past conflicts throughout the world. It's being used as a tool by the militias to destroy communities and control the uprising of people. You can read one of many news articles reporting about the crisis <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11079135">here</a>.<br />
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Short of picking up firearms to go fight or staging a violence protest, there are peaceful avenue you 'can' do something about it. So, today, I would like to talk about <a href="http://www.raisehopeforcongo.org/">Raise Hope For Congo</a> project. Can you help and make a direct impact? Absolutely!!! It can be as simple as you taking a hard look at your 'cell phone'. Interested? Play the video below to learn more.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aF-sJgcoY20?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aF-sJgcoY20?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="409" height="246"></embed></object></div><br />
Then, we can help ending the war in Congo by <a href="http://www2.americanprogress.org/t/1684/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=6265">committing to buy only conflict-free electronic products</a>. That's it! You don't need to donate anything. No elaborate call-to-action plan. Just a few clicks to let electronic makers know what you stand for and you have already done your part to help!!!kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-31087306170305977742010-11-13T08:54:00.034-05:002010-11-25T14:18:56.599-05:0013 Days to ThanksgivingThirteen days to Thanksgiving is a blog inspired by my casual research this past Friday night into different non-profit organizations out there (all the while I am watching SAW VI on Netflix). What I discovered is that there are so many worthy organizations out there fighting and supporting great causes in and around the world aside from those already well known ones. My goal is not to advocate for one particular organization or group. Mainly, it is to introduce thirteen different organizations / advocacy groups out there and touch briefly on what they do. This, by no mean suggest that they are the only worthy ones. I just thought that in days leading to the day we celebrate and express gratitude to God, family, friends and our loved ones, it would be nice to recognize how lucky we are compare to many others out there.<br />
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Ultimately, it's my desire and hope that one or more of these will touch and inspire your volunteerism. Dive deeper inside and find out what it is that you stand for. What's worth fighting for? What are the things that really matter in life ... for you? At the very least, I hope that this blog will help you gain the appreciation of your family, friends, loved ones and people who really care about you, a lot more.<br />
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Obviously, this will be a rolling blog with a daily update until Thanksgiving day. So, stay tuned and check back to see my updates.<br />
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<ul><li>11/13/10: <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-1-raise-hope-for-congo.html">Day 1 - Raise Hope For Congo</a></li>
<li>11/14/10: <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-2-run-for-something-better.html">Day 2 - Run For Something Better</a></li>
<li>11/15/10: <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-3-leave-no-trace.html">Day 3 - Leave No Trace</a></li>
<li>11/16/10: <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-4-vicktory.html">Day 4 - Vicktory</a></li>
<li>11/17/10: <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-5-power-up-gambia.html">Day 5 - Power Up Gambia</a></li>
<li>11/18/10: <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-6-tariku.html">Day 6 - Tariku</a></li>
<li>11/19/10: <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-7-next-joe.html">Day 7 - The Next Joe</a></li>
<li>11/20/10: <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-8-coffee-me-home.html">Day 8 - Coffee Me Home</a></li>
<li>11/21/10: <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-9-when-i-get-to-heaven-will-i-feel.html">Day 9 - "When I get to heaven, will I feel full?"</a></li>
<li>11/22/10: <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-10-art-of-elysium.html">Day 10 - The Art of Elysium</a></li>
<li>11/23/10: <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-11-80.html">Day 11 - 80%</a></li>
<li>11/24/10: <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-12-operation-homefront.html">Day 12 - Operation Homefront</a></li>
<li>11/25/10: <a href="http://kui360.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-13-passing-on-gift.html">Day 13 - Passing on the Gift</a></li>
</ul>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-89243475072438474132010-10-29T08:31:00.000-04:002010-10-29T20:09:11.056-04:00What Do You See?Every so often, I would take a picture that I really like but do not know how to explain. A thousand words lost within the colors, curvatures, lights and shadows. Emotions buried ocean floor deep under a paper thin leaf. A picture I stared at ... for hours but failed to categorize or file into any albums taken from the trip.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyB6-EW30_MpHy8xlXe54b3kCYsAd0mGWTkxWOCZIxc5pFWFpoKbuMyMyv3XCQIs1eXoGtVvBSt5hfyVevGODypO-4vq49UL9GcY48l8S3Pyh_hHLJ9jUriJ3A3amoOhkEa50o6ShyuauF/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyB6-EW30_MpHy8xlXe54b3kCYsAd0mGWTkxWOCZIxc5pFWFpoKbuMyMyv3XCQIs1eXoGtVvBSt5hfyVevGODypO-4vq49UL9GcY48l8S3Pyh_hHLJ9jUriJ3A3amoOhkEa50o6ShyuauF/s400/DSC_0098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I took this picture at Zion National Park at one of the bus stops during our hike day. The place was busy. A young boy next to me jumping up and down on that rock under a loving and watchful eyes of his dad. My teammates were busy refueling and taking care of business. Under all the commotions, here I was standing there looking at this one yellow leaf on a giant red rock that caught my eyes.<br />
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Afraid that the boy would jump his way and stomp on this leaf in the process, I quickly took two pictures and walked away. Never mind those curious eyes that were beaming at me. Ignoring the wondering faces silently questioning what I saw and why I took pictures of 'a' leaf on 'a' rock.<br />
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Exactly .... What did I see?<br />
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After the trip, I came back, worked on hundreds of pictures, adjusted, uploaded and shared them. All ... except this one. I tried to work on it. I made a few changes only to revert back and leaving it alone. I can't even bring myself to put the digital watermark on it.<br />
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Yes, the story of how the picture was taken is told. But, I am still unsure about what 'I' am trying to convey when I pressed the shutter. So.....<br />
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"What do you see?"kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-91473997553788849372010-10-05T23:33:00.000-04:002010-10-07T16:25:50.048-04:005:30AM<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Couldn't sleep ... first morning on my hiking trip to Zion National Park. So, there's nothing else to do but to get up and walked outside searching ... for something to inspire me. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's still dark outside. Lightly breeze of clean and fresh mountain air. Sitting on a wooden chair out on the back porch gazing up. It's a beautiful night ... sliver moon surrounded by bright stars.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inspired, but unequipped to properly portray the beauty seen and imagined ... I decided to wait for the sunrise, hoping for another moment to inspire me again. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sitting there ... feeling the wind gently </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">brushing by. Watching the sky slowly painted with lighter shades of blue. I saw, the Pampas Grass nearby dancing and singing with the wind.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perfect</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, I thought to myself. I finally found the texture that I could use to properly relay the beautiful elements currently surrounding me.</span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524755978129022898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwgUk-AXtlWg0hgwGtEwRGgMAQ6Ys5WMFciwEHlo1wsizHl-xcNTlSNWvRJmZcpPLnN_G029XZ18VyAV4I3yMiLTA2j4TU67NCzFo047mRZO4GgZWaah7gRoczUL9h_ujXhhgOd1h6QKB/s320/DSC_0012fb.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Focusing on the liveliness of the Pampas Grass, with the glowing and out-of-focus moon in the background ...</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524757805552895362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_0CrcE7ZTwTc_S4SptA3gzvNjGylRJbFkOqiEpQJ4asY1u-F7Gup6rA7pircVMVbv6dHbdgXBqULCXv037yuXcRIgeFxNsTPmBrOBQ6PvQsx8ktE_m66GUO3-jkpV8um1LvYiyXb2DHe/s320/DSC_0013fb.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With every second passing by, the sky slowly changes colors and getting brighter ... and lighter.</span><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524759760771288002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5HsKgf2ILyp9_te61UOtcHPxtsvNEywiiKC33CWTQUiQmz-AlFIp7qLAMJIQTIWt2HUD_W3PpVid5-lQDlb49q4PSrxXsjE30tK1KuFxL2Kf_73QZyBBh5l8EW8L40mekXZJrn0PRdng/s320/DSC_0014fb.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waited for this perfect moment to capture the 'wind breeze'. Can you hear it? Just listen ... carefully ...</span></div></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524763282659406002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcmPBrakeX1xeQ6ArOcvVG6el3_Z6WIZJGoVxsK1WveVbg1m_sl2egvTALqQ6iCZYzM1mIbibmtImmJY2mAi4IEmnymkFQY43V3gizAvtEJUROjA1bXiZM-pIO8Cn8XYZkn6Zv4l0KFKQ/s320/DSC_0015fb.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Closing out with the simplistic beauty in the 'stillness' ... Morning finally arrived. Time to get moving and starts my adventures for the day. First order, breakfast ... here I come!!!</span>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-71665706775280094022010-05-18T23:28:00.001-04:002010-05-19T10:16:48.194-04:00Bossy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWm8qeL638WbHFlueaiMJZyqaneJT8rrDEarwVH91BI5mk0W_JFPOpcRhgNxH3cxSFVE2IX_YaRV4M7Mr4Ze2u0K_ZIb6InKxPyDHsEG7Az1kPgjNMb_Y08vQv7dQdaXiNrDc-wqnwieSX/s1600/Bossy2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472836913282798642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWm8qeL638WbHFlueaiMJZyqaneJT8rrDEarwVH91BI5mk0W_JFPOpcRhgNxH3cxSFVE2IX_YaRV4M7Mr4Ze2u0K_ZIb6InKxPyDHsEG7Az1kPgjNMb_Y08vQv7dQdaXiNrDc-wqnwieSX/s320/Bossy2.jpg" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">I still remember .... the day I picked you up. While your siblings were busy feeding from your mother, you were jumping around saying hi and wanting to play with me instead. You were the ugliest, smallest, skinniest one compared to your chubby and well fed siblings. You were energetic, independent and curious, that's why I picked you.</span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br />I still remember ... you were the size of my hand on that first day. You came home with me on a public, non air-conditioned bus. But, you couldn't careless and just snoozed off in my hands.<br /><br />I still remember .... your first meal. As it was too late when we came home that night and we didn't have anything, we fed you a coffee flavored milk ... you drank it without complaining and .. had diarrhea the very next morning.<br /><br />I still remember .... the first night in the apartment. You cried and refused to go to sleep until I gave in and went down to sleep next to you on the floor. You tucked in between my chest and my arms and went right to sleep as soon as I was there with you.<br /><br />I still remember .... you stayed up with me in all odd hours while I was studying for my college exams and wouldn't go to sleep until I did.<br /><br />I still remember .... you competed with me on weekends to see who could sleep in longer where you wouldn't wake up until I did so first.<br /><br />I still remember .... that your favorite meal was a fried chicken when you would thoroughly eat all including the bones.<br /><br />I still remember .... you, running down the steps to greet me when I came home. You were like a fur ball bouncing up and down where I could barely see your eyes.<br /><br />I still remember .... that you are the only dog I know with a severe case of "Separation Anxiety" syndrome and how much you hated being alone.<br /><br />I still remember .... the first day you set paws in America how curious you were with the sudden change of temperature from hot to cool and the changes in your surroundings. It's funny how you adjusted in no time and just ran with it.<br /><br />I still remember .... the day you got hit by a car in Manhattan, how much I sheded my tears and what you looked like after a surgery to repair your broken leg.<br /><br />I still remember .... how you didn't quite know how to play with other dogs at the so called "dog hill" in Central Park. You were always more comfortable among human than dogs...<br /><br />I still remember .... how you had no fear hopping in and out of a Subway or strolling around any city sidewalks.<br /><br />I still remember .... you, dreaming wildly in your sleep... the sounds you made and your reactions were so amusing.<br /><br />I still remember .... the time you licked my face profusely trying to find out what's wrong with me when I was very sick and had to go to an emergency room.<br /><br />I still remember .... how you always took control and commanded other dogs whether it's a 90 plus pounds Bernese Mountain Dog or a less-than-ten pounds Chihuahua every where we go befitting your given name "Bossy".<br /><br /></span></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">.........................</span></span></div><span style="font-size:0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span style="font-size:0;"></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br />It didn't matter where we went together, Bangkok,</span></span><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> Trang, Narita, Portland, Phrae, Harrisburg, Manhattan, Queens, New Jersey, Rehoboth or Lewisburg.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> You were always a confident and self-assured dog, as long as we had each other. You were always by my side. You never complained except when you were left alone. It's amazing how we understood each other by just looking in each other's eyes.</span></span></span></span> <div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">That's how I knew...on Sunday that you told me you were ready to go.....I knew you were as sad to say goodbye as much I was. Thank you for all the good years we had together. I miss you... I miss you... But at least I know that you left in peace. And now, I am sure you are in dogs' heaven running around commanding other dogs there. Go Bossy go...<br /><br />I'll see you again soon.....and..<br /><br />I will ... always remember</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">..........................................</span></span></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">12.19.1990 - 5.19.2008</span></span></span></span></div>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-56893691224012573912010-01-06T10:32:00.000-05:002010-01-06T16:43:09.359-05:00Wedding PresentsI had three goals to accomplish on my trip down to Alabama aside from the main goal of visiting my extended family. One is to get as many training rides in as possible; which I did, three days in a row. Another is to rediscover my passion for Landscape photography and capture some interesting pictures. Third is to find two wedding presents for two of my best friends' weddings that already occurred. In fact, one has already been over a year ago...<div><br /></div><div>The world is full of people that make sense, methodical and logical. It's okay, needed and necessary. I am just .... not one of those. For some, the act of tardiness in this regard might seem like I do not care. For me, it's quite the opposite. I care ... enough that I need to look for that 'thing' that I feel is just right. Wedding Registry? I haven't yet been to one in my life so I have no idea what it looks like.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5CbhX59sTdEtJPzLf5kTmXIj02tErS0_WiUlk-zSMBWR-6lC8T7O8b5Ro3bOks_SXGtIyV5Pl2CGQsOe7pZxi9gXR5I_mhzO5P5vG4c6pzppE4zwOlz-UQ5GYug5yOupQQtZNItaCbOW/s1600-h/photo+(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5CbhX59sTdEtJPzLf5kTmXIj02tErS0_WiUlk-zSMBWR-6lC8T7O8b5Ro3bOks_SXGtIyV5Pl2CGQsOe7pZxi9gXR5I_mhzO5P5vG4c6pzppE4zwOlz-UQ5GYug5yOupQQtZNItaCbOW/s320/photo+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423743821304954978" /></a><br /></div><div>For me, buying a wedding present is slightly harder than normal because I am not buying just for one person but for 'that' couple. It must represents who & what they are and what they do. I take into consideration of how the piece(s) will fit into their home, the color, material and also the usefulness of the item in general. The more I know about them, the easier it gets, I guess? Still, I need the time to look for it. Since the work I do is not conducive to allowing me to do that, I usually have to wait until I am on vacation to do so.</div><div><br /></div><div>The whole time on this trip, I juggled those three goals along with spending quality time with the folks down here. I went to countless art galleries and gift shops. Searching through shopping outlets in two different towns and went through two different beaches in search of those items. Second to the last day before I had to leave, I gave up everything and dedicated the whole day searching for the presents. Funny enough, the search brought me back to the very store in the town that I stayed at that I kept skipping over thinking that it's a furniture store.</div><div><br /></div><div>Did I buy them and what did I buy? It's not that important, really. What's more important for me here was the effort I took in finding them. I certainly do not think that my approach is the right approach for everyone. Rather, I would like to encourage you to just 'be' yourself. Define who you are and just be. The world goes 'round because we are the same but different. I am fine with who I am and I like who you are just the way it is. Well, for the most part, as long as your way is not to be outwardly vicious and harmful to others.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, Let's just say that I left there the following day with all my goals accomplished!</div>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-88059132532792050522010-01-01T10:59:00.000-05:002010-01-01T11:59:13.643-05:00Po' BoyI have always been intrigued with this name. Why are they calling it a Po' Boy. Usually, for something so delicious, people always name them with wonderful, delicate, colorful or sensational names. But a Po' Boy?<div><br /></div><div>First of all, I wouldn't have cared if what I had eaten wasn't so good. My host family here who has been so kind to me and always makes sure that I get to experience everything this lovely southern town has to offer. I had it the last time I was here and I made sure to go back there for my first lunch on this visit. It's that good! The place is called Market By The Bay Seafood Cafe. Just a simple small little restaurant with at most ten table-for-twos inside and about another six larger tables outside. Come during lunch time and you most likely will not find an available table to sit. I think they do substantially more take-out business than dine in. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrLIN0x7rBhi2iflJMg2pWgBbzj8t-BiIZwSsGQR4gJQLIA9iy7gR12KvbBFiQP56j2eh1gD_UTp_nfcWBnsKO-TpvKGYqWTtdDejZJibzcVNQM9_0ko_TV3xCya-Pg1Bk4WPIfoHDIfy/s1600-h/DSCN0673e.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrLIN0x7rBhi2iflJMg2pWgBbzj8t-BiIZwSsGQR4gJQLIA9iy7gR12KvbBFiQP56j2eh1gD_UTp_nfcWBnsKO-TpvKGYqWTtdDejZJibzcVNQM9_0ko_TV3xCya-Pg1Bk4WPIfoHDIfy/s320/DSCN0673e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421808227988230178" /></a><br /></div><div>Like most things these days, when in doubt, Google it (or Bing it if you are a Microsoft fan or Yahoo it if you ... never mind..). I found the explanation of Po' Boy on Wikipedia <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Po'_boy">here</a>. I am not going to bore you with the details as you can read them yourself on Wikipedia. But, since there are several possible origins of the name Po' Boy, I just want to point out that my host family here believes that it came from the words "Poor Boy".</div><div><br /></div><div>What you see in the picture I took above was an Oyster Po' Boy. Conventional believe is that it can be anything fried seafood related but I am told that it's not necessarily true. My host family is determined to show me a Roast Beef Po' Boy sometimes before I leave. So, we will see. Anyway, my tips for you guys seeking a good Po' Boy are:</div><div><ol><li>The bread must be thin and crusty outside but very soft and airy inside (Louisiana French Bread).</li><li>Protein must be 'lightly' breaded and fried (for fried version that is).</li></ol><div>This is a simple but deadly delicious food. For my cycling peeps reading this blog, I am not saying that it's good for athletes on training to eat this everyday. But c'mon, it's soooo good you have to try it at least once in a while.</div></div><div><br /></div>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-26439244749598459392009-12-31T08:46:00.000-05:002009-12-31T12:03:17.468-05:00Staunton - VirginiaIt was my intention to write blogs about my first road trip down to Alabama. So, I could start my first blog by writing something like "I woke up at 2:50AM. I put my clothes on at 2:52AM ...". Nah..., I think I'll spare you from that.<div><br /></div><div>Instead, I'll write about this little town I discovered along the way down called Staunton, VA (ignore the 'u' when pronouncing). The trip started as planned around 3:30AM. Though, I encountered a snowstorm around Liverpool, PA that scared me enough to stop, filled up my tank and bought a special deicer windshield wiper fluid.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9Ntkj00NeGJdllazF9NSpOee0DjRxh0-3Vp3Jc45frfdeWAGKZmC4bD7vBUpvDD3yYoJ8GrGLUFX9KfTFcxhAHjd2fpqNkbvVf9tmDdu3vhC-wPui2cBcplco7rHuIU_F3lA1ycj2vc8/s1600-h/DSCN0653e.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9Ntkj00NeGJdllazF9NSpOee0DjRxh0-3Vp3Jc45frfdeWAGKZmC4bD7vBUpvDD3yYoJ8GrGLUFX9KfTFcxhAHjd2fpqNkbvVf9tmDdu3vhC-wPui2cBcplco7rHuIU_F3lA1ycj2vc8/s320/DSCN0653e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421410092957062354" /></a><br />But, just as it mysteriously came, the storm all of the sudden stopped 15 minutes thereafter. Since I had very little sleep before departing and I left very early, I was sleepy for a couple hours before sunrise. After literally a stop every hour to refresh myself, the sun came up to greet me when I arrived to Virginia. In celebration, I was ... naturally, looking for a Starbucks wanting to get a nice cup of Refresh tea to kick start my day.</div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_v9hXwrmuDSjGGPOSiqLFtGliWe6s6UC2DgrZ1GRzkoExGmBhXV5P-ownz5ptMf5Wh5sVE221-cOq5N9h9WVCUjkUflizT8N3Ao8tKOgXPrLlQ2XVsyFN4UImG7RdmMi3oJkksBhbGQg2/s1600-h/DSCN0658e.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_v9hXwrmuDSjGGPOSiqLFtGliWe6s6UC2DgrZ1GRzkoExGmBhXV5P-ownz5ptMf5Wh5sVE221-cOq5N9h9WVCUjkUflizT8N3Ao8tKOgXPrLlQ2XVsyFN4UImG7RdmMi3oJkksBhbGQg2/s320/DSCN0658e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421439138019477522" /></a>The search took me to Exit 222, Staunton, VA. I wish I could've come to the more exciting reason why I discovered this town but no, it's all because of Starbucks. :) Driving up to it, I saw several signs promoting different sites in the area. So, once there and waiting for my drink, I asked the barista what this town has to offer. He suggested the historic downtown Staunton. Moreover, two ladies overhearing my conversation with the barista kindly chiming in to encourage me to visit the downtown area also. Not knowing how to say no after three people trying to convince me to visit, I said "what the heck, let's do this!" to myself and went.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once there, I discovered that the Visitor Center doesn't open until 9:30AM. I had an hour to burn so I started walking around the area myself. I was looking for the Glass Blowing place called Sunspots intended to explore the possibility of landing that yet-to-be-found two wedding presents..... After several blocks without success and bitingly cold temperature, I asked a man sitting on a bench smoking chillingly for directions. To my surprise, he decided against giving me the directions but instead walked me up to the place himself. He introduced himself as Keith. I asked what he was doing sitting outside in the cold this early in the morning and he said it didn't bother him one bit. He said he was originally from Connecticut so he actually likes it. He went on to show me the water tower area where I could walk up and would be able to see the whole town. Never wanting to put myself in an isolated location under this situation, I moved along and kept walking toward the store. As it turned out, the place won't open until 10AM. I couldn't be here that long so I thanked Keith and walked over to visit other sites.</div><div><br /></div><div>I walked up and visited<a href="http://www.mbc.edu/"> Mary Baldwin College</a>. This place is unique architecturally because all building are painted in a shade of white and many buildings were built dated back from 1844. I took several pictures of the place then went back down into town and checked out all the stores and coffee shops. </div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycp0YJyOGG5zrqCBVJ82RP1Q1O7TqllZTI5D-PAcYQJyKCY1ta4MKVPx0f_o7fV_u1PM3i5hT8cA6P7RwOcZjZi8KFJQK48Xkkm0V4PrtbkzlYsFJfqSVOCZdNYbcR5HlYttlCvXpIUQo/s320/DSCN0666e.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421428159628905906" /><div>It's pretty much typical college town. Several cool shops and definitely cool coffee shops. Since I just had my caffeine, I didn't pop into any of them but went back to the Visitor Center instead. There, I learned a lot more about the town and realized that this town has so much to offer. It will take at least one whole day to get a full experience out of it. Some of those interesting sites are:</div><div><ul><li>The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum</li><li>Frontier Culture Museum. An outdoor, living history museum. Current exhibit is West African. They literally brought the actual homes from West Africa over to the site for us to see and learn!?!?</li><li><a href="http://www.ascstaunton.com/">American Shakespeare Center</a>. A re-creation of Shakespeare's original indoor theatre, the Blackfriars Playhouse. How cool is that?!?!</li><li><a href="http://www.stonewalljacksonhotel.com/">Stonewall Jackson Conference Center</a>. A 1924 building renovated and fully restored to it's original state.</li></ul><div>I left there feeling good that I took the advices from those folks from Starbucks and Keith, my personal tour guide. This town definitely has a lot to offer and I am sure to come back and visit to fully experience it sometimes in the near future.</div></div><div><br /></div>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5274045262661931819.post-69963790839480254762008-08-17T16:16:00.000-04:002008-08-18T12:54:16.301-04:00My 'Fixie' Answer to Carbon Footprint ReductionIn my attempt to join force and be part of "Going Green" initiative, I have a mission to reduce my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca">carbon footprint</a> by incorporating several "Green" activities in my daily life.<br /><br />Since I drive my car around for living, I made it my goal NOT to drive my car as much as possible in my off days. Oh yes, I do have several bicycles that I use to train and ride charity century events. However, the thought of parking my prized bikes outside while doing my chores left me very unsettling.<br /><br />I need something ride able, cheap, old, and unattractive to thieves but cool looking ... Then came the idea! UJ has this old Trek that as far as my <a href="http://www.vintage-trek.com/Trek_timeline.htm">research</a> could come up with, it's an old Trek 600 series made around 1982 using Reynolds 531 frame.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235586287057740034" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8v7otZPFSqDbYFmNiR-__pYr5ns4us3zEQFI2iFiQSQ5pp82FY9cDWFqXxG3XnsSClfBNgg5x8QHGrTbpKXmHzjeH5arbAfj4YHmgr9KCh4n5UXUST6RB-bIqWVxzHjIet7ciXhzKy99/s320/UJ_Trek_SingleSpeed_Conversion001.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />I decided and went on to convert this machine to a solid "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixed-gear_bicycle">fixie</a>". With new tires, replacing rotten saddle with a cheap Selle San Marco and a few radical hack-n-saws of a few other parts, the result is as attached pictures show.<br /><br /><center><div><embed style="width: 426px; height: 320px;" name="flashticker" src="http://widget-08.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=h5&il=1&channel=2954361355562290184&site=widget-08.slide.com" align="middle"></embed> <div style="width: 426px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=h5&at=un&id=2954361355562290184&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-08.slide.com/p1/2954361355562290184/h5_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=h5&at=un&id=2954361355562290184&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-08.slide.com/p2/2954361355562290184/h5_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=h5&at=un&id=2954361355562290184&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-08.slide.com/p4/2954361355562290184/h5_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div></div></center><br /><br /><p>My first ride impressions before my “post-conversion” modifications were:<br /><br />1) Man, it's a lot harder to climb the hill than my 20-speed bike!<br />2) Holy crap! It's even harder to go down hill because you can NOT coast on a fixie. I had to learn to use my Biceps Femoris & Gastrocnemius muscles to stop me and my bike from rolling down uncontrollably..<br />3) Contrary to the "hip" <a href="http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/">fixie culture</a>, I decided to install a front brake. Man, was I glad I did that.<br />4) The placement of the brake at the end of the converted bullhorn bar hindered my ability to apply proper grip to pull and climb.<br />5) I also think I need a handlebar tape to offer me more grip as the bare aluminum is slippery when dry but I hate to think how it reacts when it is wet.<br />6) The aluminum toe clip pedal has to go!! It's too scary at least for me to worry and spend the time trying to clip in when I have to constantly pedaling while trying to clip in at the same time.<br /><br />Since I know that the hill I could barely climb out immediately to the right of my house is about 4% grade and the actual hill going up to my house is about 8% grade, I knew that I had no chance of practically using it to do what I wanted to do. So, back to the drawing board again. I went and asked Jordan, my bike mechanic from <a href="http://www.martysbicycles.com/">Marty's Bicycle Shop</a> to change the current rear cog setup from 15 tooth to 18 tooth ring. The result is a resounding success!!<br /><br />With my simple cargo shorts, t-shirt, solid sneakers and a helmet (mandatory...people!!), I hopped on and pedaled to my <a id="285" href="http://www.lewisburgpa.com/businessDetails.asp?id=285">coffee shop</a> to have lunch and back. The bike rides like a charm. All the mechanics at the shop said the same thing that they could see why this bike would be at the top of line in it's days.<br /><br />The conversion cost? Since this bike was initially deemed too old to convert up to a full blown 18 or 20 speed bike and was better be donated, I think my 'fixie' conversion prolongs the life of this bike for at least another 20 years! Anyway, here's the cost of the parts & labor for the conversion.<br /><br />- plastic pedal: Found in some old parts box for 'FREE'<br />- a half chain link: $1.70<br />- Selle San Marco saddle: $30<br />- Bontrager Cork bar tape: $12<br />- Surly 18 tooth cog: $31.59<br />- Front 42 tooth chainring: $25<br />- Lock ring: $10<br />- Michelin Pro3 Tires - 1 pair: $80<br />- Giant inner tubes - 1 pair: $24<br />- Labor: $75<br /><br />So, roughly about ~$290, I have myself a wicked cool, functional, unattractive to thieves and practical bike to ride around town to fulfill my goal of reducing my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca">carbon footprint</a>.<br /><br />I plan to use this bike to:<br /><br />- Go grocery shopping.<br />- Go to the gym.<br />- Go to “my” coffee shop.<br />- Everything else reachable practically within 20-mile radius.<br /><br />Like I said, walking is too slow … running is too tiring … driving pollutes the world. Let’s all go back to the basic and ride a bike for simple chores!<br /><br /></p><br /><p>Ride on!<br /></p>kui360http://www.blogger.com/profile/03035866830446924862noreply@blogger.com0