wtf!

having his cake and eating it too!

In honor of 'National Cheesecake Day' (apparently, July 30th), we decide to try a new cheesecake joint in Chinatown. It's called "Otto Cake" and is located at 1160 Smith Street, in a less intimidating area of old Chinatown.

The grey building with it's red framed windows and colorful hanging flagged banners is most welcoming and playful, with its simple black and white signage "OTTO CAKE".

When you enter the small shop, you feel as though your in the refreshment area of a kids theatre. There's a glass refrigeration unit with five kinds of cheese-cake on display. Today's selection~mango cheesecake, lemon cheesecake, maple cheese-cake, blueberry cheesecake and plain cheesecake. It's that simple. You can also order a whole cheesecake 24 hours in advance~there are 86 kinds of cheesecake flavors to choose from.

Next to the refrigerated cheesecake is a red and white checked covered table, that holds a bright red cash register. The walls are painted white with colorful billard-like cue balls, sans numbers, plastered on the walls. The multi-colored diamond shaped pattern of the velvet curtain hangs as a room divider with the baker's lair behind it. A handwritten menu of coffees is posted on the wall along with a few knick-knacks.

Otto, whose real name is unknown, is a bassist in a punk rock band called "The 86 List", therefore, 86 flavors of cheesecake. He's also an actor (Hedwig in his own production of "Hedwig & The Angry Inch") and was some kind of champion roller skater. But don't let all his cool credentials fool you. He's been baking cheesecakes for over 20 years! Hell, it is the tastiest and creamiest cheesecake I've ever eaten. Sorry, New Yorkers! And he makes these cheesecakes for the love of his mother~it's her favorite. And that's what makes Otto Cake so special!

storytelling:chapter 2 out of sight, not out of mind~part 7

...continued from storytelling:out of sight, not out of mind~pt. 6

I remember when I first brought "the babies" (photo left) home at 8 weeks old. "Hubby" and I just got back from a Christmas holiday in Hawaii. They were so small and innocent. Frightened of every little noise and movement in their new surroundings and looking for places to hide in their new home.

It's mid May 2008. Candy Darling (black nose) and Frankie (blue eyes) are now 6 months old. They are now ready for their first visit with Dr. Kim and have their physical examination, FVRCP Series Vaccination, Rabies (1 year) Vaccination, Fecal Exam for Parasites, Pyrantel dewormer-prophylaxis, FeL/FIV, and Feline Leukemia Vaccine (1 of 2). Approximate cost for 2 cats $600.

Our second visit is on June 23rd. Candy Darling and Frankie will have their physical exam-wellness series, FVRCP vaccine, Feline Leukemia Vaccine (2 of 2), Pyrantel dewormer-prophylaxis and "Home Again" Microchip Implantation. Approximate cost for 2 cats $450.

The microchip implantation will not hurt your pet. It looks like a small grain of white rice. It is implanted in the back of the neck (dorsal/interscalpular area). It's purpose is for identification. When your pet is scanned, an id number will appear. You will have to activate your "Home Again" Membership, either by mail or on-line. Activation fee is $10 plus $15 for one year membership.

I would have to say the cats did very well with their first and second exams. They were a little tired when they got home each time, which I had expected. It's quite a lot being handled and having the vaccinations, but they were fine.

Our next visit would be in August for the physical exam-wellness visit, Rabies (3 year) Vaccination and Rabies Serology Test (FAVN). The FAVN Rabies Antibody Test is very important. Your pet will have a blood sample taken and it will be sent to a lab at Kansas State University, along with the proper paperwork from your vet. Once the lab has received both blood and paperwork your vet will be notified. Your vet in turn should notify you, as well. Then you will then have to wait for for the test results. Your vet will notify you of the results NOT the lab. *The Kansas State University will send test results directly to the "Division of Animal Industry/Animal Quarantine Branch" in Aiea, Hawaii. They will send a fax to your vet that they have received your pet(s) test results, approximately 3 weeks. At this time you will know whether or not the test is positive or negative. It is important that you retain a copy of ALL paperwork transmitted from your vet, response from Kansas State University and fax from the Animal Quarantine. Keep for your records. Approximate cost for 2 cats is $550.

After your vet receives notification from the State of Hawaii that everything is good, then you must wait 120 days before you enter the state of Hawaii. If not, your pet(s) can be quarantined for 120 days. Note~your pet(s) the most recent rabies vaccination is NOT LESS THAN 90 days before your pet(s) arrive in Hawaii.

January 2009, the 120 day waiting period is over. I now go back to see Dr. Kim, without the cats, to get the Import Forms for the cats. He will instruct me on how to fill out the form and also tell me that I need to get the forms notarized. Notarized?! I had no clue and in all the information I read and re-read, there is no indication that you must get the Dog & Cat Import Form notarized. Once again, thank heaven's for Dr. Kim! So I fill out the forms, get both import forms notarized and send two separate cashier's check (one envelope) CERTIFIED to the Dept. of Agriculture in Hawaii.

In the meantime, I got a pet kennel big enough for both cats (sisters, from the same litter). I had to get one big enough for them to stand up and turn around in. Call the airlines to confirm specifics for kennels. Pets traveling to Hawaii will NOT be able to travel in the cabin. They go in baggage or are sent by cargo.

Since I already made flight arrangements to Hawaii from Los Angeles, I had to make sure are road trip, yes road trip in a 5 ton truck coincided with our itinerary because the next step is so crucial. I couldn't "f" this up!

Frankie and Candy Darling's final physical exam with Dr. Kim was on January 28th. They both got their Health Certificates (INT'L) USDA, a flea preventative treatment and some Acepromazine, which is an anti-anxiety medication, just in case the cats needed it for the road trip. They never used it, but I sure could have on the flight to Hawaii! I now had 14 days from January 28th to get to Hawaii. We still had to drive across country to Los Angeles, unload all our belongings in storage (2 days) and get on that plane on Feb. 9th. And it is all without incident!

to be continued...

storytelling:chapter 2 out of sight, not out of mind~part 6

...continued from storytelling:out of sight, not out of mind~pt. 5

I wanted to briefly elaborate a little more on each of the topics I mentioned in part-4. You may not find this of interest to you, so feel free to skip over this, but you never know, one day you just might decide to move to Hawaii with your pet(s) and may find it helpful. I wish I had known someone, anyone, prior to my move here, as it would have been a less stressful experience. It also appears that a lot of people that have moved here, have brought with them their pets from the mainland. Here I go...

bringing pets to Hawaii: Hawaii has become lenient since 2003 in it's pet quarantine system. The quarantine confinement for pets that meet requirements prior to arrival, is shorten to 5 days or less instead of the 30 to 120 day quarantine, as long as your pet(s) has had the proper rabies vaccination, blood test and 120 day waiting period.

Pets that meet Hawaii's criteria may be released from the airport directly to their owners or they may stay only 5 days at the quarantine station (not at the airport). In order to have your pet(s) released at the airport, the owner will have to provide documentation 10 days before arrival that the other requirements have been met. This is crucial information, as there is a time period that has to be met.

If you want a shorter quarantine period when their pets arrive in Hawaii, you have to 1)present proof of 2 rabies vaccinations, 2)present proof of microchip id implantation and 3)present proof of clean results of the blood serum test.

The cost for reduced confinement is $165 per pet, if your pet qualifies for direct release from the airport and $224 if your pet is held up to 5 days.

new rules and summary:in order for your pet to qualify for a 5 day pet quarantine, you must at least prepare 4 months in advance. I prepared for almost 8 months. I wanted to make no errors. Your pet will need 1) a microchip implanted for id, 2)rabies shot and booster, which cannot be less than 3 months apart and not more than 1 year apart, 3)pass a blood serum test, with the results emailed to Hawaii officials by the testing lab. If you have a good vet, he/she will notify you that Hawaii received the results from  the lab. Get a copy of the results and the facsimile. Your pet cannot enter the state of Hawaii until 120 days AFTER the blood sample is received by the state.

4)Hawaii officials MUST receive a health certificate from the vet at least 10 days before the pet's arrival, with all test results and health certificates sent by email to prevent fraud. All of the above is crucial information.

pet information: to re-iterate, Hawaii is a rabies free state with very strict laws and regulations. The Animal Quarantine Station is on the island of Oahu. Even if you are traveling to an outer island, you must first stop on Oahu and get your pet released and then take them to your connecting flight. *Once you get your pet, you are not allowed to let your pet out of it's carrier on airport grounds. Get a trolley first if your are getting your pet and connecting to another airline to go to an outer island. It's a trek from baggage claim to the terminal where your pet is at and then walking to another terminal for your flight. It's worse if you have your luggage with you and are going to get your pet. You will be picking up your pet in a different terminal within the airport on the Ewa Service Road away from the main terminal.

animal quarantine info:The Animal Quarantine Station is in Aiea. It is about 15 minutes outside the airport.

checklist for 5-day-or-less program:step 1)rabies vaccinations, step 2)microchip implanted, step 3)OIE-FAVN Rabies Blood Test, step 4) there is a waiting period. If you arrive in Hawaii earlier than you're pets are suppose to, your pet will not qualify to be released. Your pet may be in quarantine for 120 days! step 5)your pets documents, 6)you must send documents and your payment (cashier's check) by certified mail to The Animal Quarantine Branch

Hawaii rabies quarantine info brochure (24 pages):it has invaluable information and contact information

animal quarantine FAQ:self explanatory

5-day-or-less quarantine program FAQ:self explanatory

department of agriculture (State of Hawaii) dog & cat form:import form(s) for your pet(s) that you will be mailing along with your cashier's check.

department of agriculture (State of Hawaii) approved animal hospitals:a list of animal hospitals approved for treating and hospitalizing your pet from the Animal Quarantine Station in case of emergency. Read the list and the bottom of the page. I circled the 3 animal hospitals that would be closest to where I'm living.   

breed code list:breeds that are permitted and prohibited from coming to Hawaii. It's interesting.

color code list:color description for pets

list of intermediate handlers:whatever! 

...to be continued

storytelling:chapter 2 out of sight, not out of mind~part 5

...continued from storytelling:out of sight, not out of mind~pt. 4

The decision to take Frankie and Candy Darling to Hawaii was a no brainer. The thought never ever crossed my mind to leave them behind. But, if you've ever had pets and have traveled with them via ground or air, you know it's not a simple feat, especially if they're cats. I've done both: four felines by ground and two by air, each with totally different temperaments. Dogs, I'm sure are easier. At least you can walk them around to do their thing and you can let them sit beside you in a moving vehicle. Cats, our cats, do not like moving vehicles, nor are they or will they ever be trained to do so. I don't walk them on a leash, either, they're cats, for heaven's sake. My cats remain in a carrier from point A to point B, or the first place they'll want to go hide and remain is under the seat your of your car~out of site, where there's always a fair amount of grease from the seat's track. Not a good idea if you're traveling across country in a 5 ton truck! Moving on...

Hawaii is a rabies-free state. There are very, very, very strict rules and guidelines that must be precisely followed, in order for your pet to be allowed and released in the state of Hawaii. The Hawaii Rabies Quarantine Law, since 1912, is "designed to protect residents and pets from potentially serious health problems associated with the introduction and spread of rabies". I primarily think it's a good law, however, it's so intense and intimidating that it may be enforced just to NOT have people bring more pets to the islands, although the pet quarantine system has become less strict since 2003.

So if anyone reading this portion of my blog, is considering bringing their pet(s) to Hawaii:read on!

The FIRST thing I did was read and print out any and all information regarding:

• bringing pets to Hawaii
  
• new rules and summary
• pet information
• animal quarantine information
• checklist for 5-day-or-less program
• Hawaii rabies quarantine info brochure (24 pages)
• animal quarantine FAQ
• 5-day-or-less quarantine program FAQ
• department of agriculture (State of Hawaii) dog & cat form(s)
• department of agriculture (State of Hawaii) approved animal hospitals
  
• breed code list
• color code list
• list of intermediate handlers

I read and re-read all of the above information at least one hundred, if not two hundred times! It made my head spin, gave me knots in my stomach and thought to myself that this would present the biggest challenge. I could not afford to make any kind of error when it came time to meeting the requirements for importing the cats. I started a notebook and made dividers for each topic. I also added an "examination" section for each visit to the vet at the end of the notebook. It includes all examination paperwork and payments, rabies certificates, schedule for follow-up exams/vaccines, copy of "Request For FAVN-OIE Rabies Antibody Test" and copy of facsimile transmittal sheet, micro-chipping documentation and registration receipt, import/export forms with payments sent by certified mail, pet carrier receipt and ALL correspondence I had between the Hawaii Animal Quarantine people (which I also cc'd my vet on) and myself. I also kept ALL information in regards to airline rules and regulations and any verbal correspondence I had with them. It's very important to always write down the name(s) of people you speak with via phone. I will tell you why, when the time comes.

Of second importance is to find the right veterinarian. I went with a new one, this time around. New kittens, new vet. I went with my gut instinct NOT to use the same (recommended) vet I originally had, with my previous two cats~Barney, 19 years and Baby Girl, 5 years. Both are deceased now. Baby Girl died 3 months after Barney. My intuition was that something was not right with this vet and his assistant, who sorta resembled Lurch, was a bit strange. It creeped me out and I never went back after the the cats were cremated. Do your research. Find the right veterinarian who has had experience with pets being exported. Is informative so that you understand every single procedure in the examination room, to guide you and explain to you what the next steps are up to the final examination.

I found an amazing veterinarian, Dr. John S. Kim, D.V.M. of Edgewater Animal Hospital. He is amazing and so are his staff, Maria, who assists Dr. Kim on most of our examinations/visits and there's Donna, who is the receptionist. They are each very thorough and mindful of their work. The hospital is clean and not cluttered with a bunch of stuff laying around. They have a great painting of a cat that was done by Warhol on the wall. I chose Dr. Kim, not only because of his credentials, but because he truly has a great love of animals and their well being~to keep them healthy in their lifetime. He is thoughtful and considerate of your pets and you. He takes the time to explain every procedure and why it is done. If the pet will feel any discomfort, how long it will be. He asks you if you have any questions? If you do, it is not an inconvenience to give you an answer. If he's not sure, he will make sure that he has an answer for you. Nothing is laborious. It is a labor of love. Thank god, for that! I am ever so grateful, to Dr. Kim.

Third, looking into all the airlines going to Honolulu and reviewing flight rules and regulations about traveling with pets, I decided to go with Hawaiian Airlines. Hawaiian Airlines had the best prices for a one way tickets on the day it would be convenient for me. They also were able to accommodate Frankie and Candy Darling on the same flight and in one carrier. I made numerous phone calls to double check and make sure what they had on-line corresponded to what is factual. DO NOT go by what is on-line. Always, always, always talk to an airline representative.

to be continued...

campaign for nuclear disarmament symbol

the 39th annual ukelele festival 2009

It couldn't have been a more beautiful day for the "39th Annual Ukulele Festival"~the largest uke festival in the world. Upon arriving at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki, you could hear the lovely rhythm of the strumming ukulele's and seeing hundreds upon hundreds of people from all backgrounds, enjoying the music and hawaiian sunshine.

The free annual event is produced by Roy & Kathy Sakuma and sponsored by new island retailer, Target, Waikiki Beach Marriott, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Bank of Hawai, Tesoro, Foodland, Hakuyosha, City and County of Honolulu and several makers of ukuleles, to name a few. The concert showcases entertainers from ages 5 to 101 years of age. There were over 700 students, Hawaii's top uke players and world re-known celebs.

Legendary entertainer, Danny Kaleikini, Hawaii's Ambassador of Aloha, was the events emcee, introducing the entertainers from California, Japan, Sweden and Canada. There were performances by The Ukulele Festival Band, local boys,"Palolo" and 101 year old ukulele virtuoso, Bill Tapia (below, left). Almost the highlight of the event until the little 5 & 6 year olds came on stage! Too cute!

Other entertainment greats included Taimane Gardner, the beautiful songstress Natalie Ai Kaimauu, 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Group of the Year and Best Hawaiian Album of the year, Holunape. I bought one of their cd's and had them sign it for me for my Uncle Roger's birthday. Internationally renowned musician, Ohta-san, who began his career at age of 7, who greatest influence was Eddie Kamae, also took the stage with much love and aloha from the crowd. 

There were the usual t-shirt and cd booths, local food fare and shave ice, perfect on this hot afternoon. There were several ukulele companies displaying many different types of ukes. At the end of each performance on stage, a drawing was held and several ukuleles were given away. They even had a booth were you could build your own ukulele.

After a great afternoon of ukulele music, I went home, got changed and went for a swim in Waikiki, while the sun was still burning in the sky. Later that evening, I went to dinner in Hawaii Kai to celebrate my Uncle Roger's  75th! Happy Birthday, Uncle!

hawaii all-collectors show 2009

It seems to be a busy week/weekend for mid-July. There's loads of events going on in and around town. Here's to name a few: Hawaii All-Collectors Show 2009, the Love Festival, the 19th Annual Honolulu Gay Pride Festival (not the parade), Vintage Surf Auction, Showdown in Chinatown's local independent film short event, the 39th Annual Ukulele Festival, Pets On Parade, Tiffany (no, I take that back, she cancelled due to a throat problem), Hawaii Shakespeare Festival, Haleiwa Arts Festival, the 37th Annual Hawaii State Farm Fair, the 34th Annual Queen Lilioukalani Keiki Hula Competition, the sixth Harry Potter installation (two more to go, folks), the opening of the movie "Moon" by Duncan Jones (son of David Bowie...no pressure, right? Really good movie! I highly recommend seeing this sci-fi thriller), the 3 day visit of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan and "Edge of The Reef" coral spawning presentation at the Waikiki Aquarium. Whew!

I opted to go to the Hawaii All-Collectors Show today and not be driven crazy by running from one event to another because it always turns out to be a nightmare and no fun. I've been looking forward to this show for a year now, as the last time I was at this show, I had the most enjoyable time browsing the booths for hours and couldn't believe all the fantastic "Hawaiiana" collectables. 

I have to say I was a little disappointed this time around. I expected to see more "Hawaiiana" booths and a lot more people. Of course, there were the few booths that did have some collectables, but not so much the unbelievable "find" that you just had to have, like the last time I was there. They had some nice collectable "hula dolls", a few pieces of jewelry and a lot of interesting and unusual cacti and succulents. Cacti? Yes, cacti! That was probably the most memorable booth in the whole show. I don't know what happened, but I spent about 3 hours going up and down 5 aisles. What did I buy? Nothing! And that's saying a lot, because if I can spend any amount of money at a collectables show, I WOULD!  I guess with the recession going on, prices were either too high or very low because it was just stuff, stuff you could find at any overcrowded, dusty consignment antique shop.    

The strangest part of the whole show was running into the Star Wars and Star Trek impersonators that were walking around the venue.  Yes, I know it was a collectors show, but they usually have conventions for this type of exhibition. The hula girls (right), impersonating Charlie's Angels were next door to the venue at the hula competition.

Well, guess I'll come back to the Wiki Wiki One Day Vintage Collectables & Hawaiiana Show" in the Fall. Hope all the vendors had luck selling their rare coins and stamps, watches and Waterford crystals, hot wheels and sports figurines, china arts and furniture, Tiffany jewelry and video games. I'm going down the street to "Kanpai Bar & Grill" and order me some fried chicken gizzards, kim chee edamame, a short rib "loco moco" and a pitcher of beer!

"cream pot" is cream of the crop

I'm not a foodie, nor do I claim to be. I just know I love good food, who doesn't? Be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, afternoon snack or midnight munchie, I love eating really great tasting food and stumbling on a gem.

A few short blocks from where I live is a small restaurant called "Cream Pot". It is located in the Hawaiian Monarch Hotel on the corner of Niu Street and the Ala Wai. The interior decor is that of a country style cafe, "shabby chic", if I may call it that~white stucco textured walls, lace curtains, freshly cut flowers, a long blond wood table that seats about 30+, surrounded on each side by smaller tables and wire back cushioned chairs. Antique knick-knacks found from travels around the world and terra-cotta floor tiles, especially made, some with tiny paw prints that lead into the kitchen.

The Cream Pot specializes in French style crepes, waffles, omelets, baked eggs with shrimp, fresh tuna eggs benedict with rice, beef stew omelet and ricotta cheese pancakes, to die for. I'm not a fan of pancakes. They're too cakey and heavy and you're always served more than one can eat. But, I've got to tell you, the "ricotta cheese pancakes with strawberries" are rubies~cooked, then baked and beautifully presented with so much love and passion. The fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes are served with thin slices of fresh strawberries and fresh syrup, lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar and a heapful of freshly whipped cream. You can also have bananas or apples in place of strawberries.  A banana shake comes with your meal, but I opted for the regular iced coffee.

Nathan Tran is the owner of Cream Pot. He is the creator of all the fabulous food that is served in his restaurant. This morning "hubby" and I were honored by having Nathan cook our breakfast for us. I guess you could say we have "carte blanche", as patrons. Even though we're there on a weekly basis, we, as other patrons are welcomed with utmost graciousness, lovely service and the best food that life has to offer.

pink dragon fruit (pataya)

Yesterday I was browsing the produce the dept. of the supermarket and saw this this amazing looking item that looked like flames from a "rock-a-billy" event. The sign said it was a "Dragon Fruit". How come I never heard of such a fruit? So I turned to ask the produce manager what it was, where it came from and what it taste like. 

The manager said the "dragon fruit" comes from Hawaii Island. It is a seasonal fruit that grows only 3 months out of the year. This particular "dragon fruit" is pink on the inside and looks and taste like kiwi. The manager said he would be right back with a sample to taste. So off he went and quickly returned with a freshly cut slice. So while he went to the back, I checked the fruit itself. The fruit was somewhat firm, but not hard on the outside. I thought it would have the hardness of a melon or artichoke with prickly tips. It wasn't the case. I could feel it had a softness to it. The sizes varied, which you could grab with the palm of your hand. It weighed about a pound. 

The manager comes back with a slice of the fruit so I can have a taste. The layer closest to the skin is a beautiful dark red color and the flesh itself looks like a fuschia kiwi fruit with tiny black seeds. It didn't have a taste at all, even though it's suppose to have a taste similar to that of a kiwi.

So with the nudging of my "hubby" to buy it and try, I did. Not the most cost effective, as it was $6.99 a pound. So in all it cost a little over $7. What the heck, you only live twice! So I went home and did my own taste test and a little bit of research.

The fruit was very easy to slice and the fruit comes away from the inner skin without any trouble. The taste of the fruit is really nothing that special. I thought it would have a unique flavor for such a beautiful fruit. It didn't taste like kiwi or any other fruit I could think of. It certainly is an aesthetically pleasing fruit, if you have the budget. 

The pataya is known to be grown in the regions of Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Mexico, South America, Australia, S. China and even Okinawa. It is the fruit of several species of cactus and can also been seen with a yellow exterior with white flesh on the inside. The red-skinned dragon fruit is a good source of vitamin C, rich in minerals, antioxidants, lowers cholesterol and blood suger. However, the down side is that it does have laxative properties which may upset the stomach.

I would love buy a couple hundred of these pink dragon fruits and build myself a Christmas tree. Nothing like having a a cool rockin' flaming tree for the holidays!