Walter "The Grand Poobah of the Yelp SBC" P.'s Profile
DateWalnut Creek, CA 94598
3rd Annual Munchkin Masquerade Parade
Category:
Local Flavor
Big Recommends:
- Maragogipe Natural (100% Kona)
- Waialua Typica
I never had vacuum coffee until I visited Dennis at Beach Bum Café. What's vacuum coffee?
http://en.wikipedia.or...
For the entire first week of my stay, I was a regular morning person here:
- Morning chat with the owner Dennis.
- People watching as my coffee was being brewed.
- Chatting to random locals.
- Going over the day plans with my cousin over delicious Kona.
-Indulging on the natural and fresh coffee bean oils. This is how a coffee should be.
The menu is limited because every bean here is local grown and 100% organic. Nothing comes from a bag here.
If you're serious coffee person, add this to your list when visiting Honolulu. Please tell Dennis that Walter from Yelp sent ya!
Keep in mind that it may take some time for the coffee to be made. Every bean is grinded when ordered and micro brewed to perfection. Parking is a bitch so plan accordingly. No patio seating because the area is in the busy Executive Centre plaza.
Definitely coming back in soon! Kinda wish I had Beach Bum Café in Silicon Valley.
Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 677-8884
Iglesia Ni Cristo
Category:
Religious Organizations
So it was my first night in Oahu and I decided to go with my cousin to the evening service. I was curious and being Catholic, I really wanted to see the big difference between our two religions.
I came. I sat. I listened. I watched. I witnessed. Curiosity fulfilled. I will never forget how synchronized the choir group was with their performance and the delivery speeches made from the congregation. Three days later, I was honored to be one of the best men for the wedding ceremony here. Mahalo E Ke Akua No Keia La!
Parking: Get here early. Limited parking and they will lock the doors once the service begins. Otherwise you're parking down the street. No street parking because it's on the highway.
Attire: Dress up. Guys: Slacks, dress shirt, and nice shoes.
Factoid:
The Iglesias Ni Cristo religion started in the Philippines in 1914. More info here: http://en.wikipedia.or...
But thanks to Hawaiian Air for getting me to Oahu and back without losing my mind.
Get the Coach Plus benefits when you purchase your ticket! Here's why:
- Itinerary change. I decided to extend my vacation from one week to two weeks. No charge.
- Waived baggage fee. When you check in your baggage at the airport, you don't have to pay extra for your first two baggages.
Mahalos:
- SJC Hawaiian Air terminal is super clean and organized well. No confusion.
- The morning flights are best so you can beat the time zone factor from California to Hawaii (three hours differential).
- Super friendly and attentive attendants. They checked on me quite frequently to make sure I'm alright. I told them I hate flying.
- The delicious guava cake (from Cali to Oahu). I charmed the attendant and she brought me another cake!
- I paid $50 extra on my return flight baggage because I had 76 pounds of goodies. Not bad. I'll pay it.
Minus Two Stars:
- You charge for headphones? And we got Green Lantern as our movie? WTF?
- You charge for your upgraded meals? And our complimentary meals were ham and cheese sandwiches? FAIL!
- You need to re-organize your system at the Honolulu terminal. That sh*t was confusing as hell. No service desk?!! Self serve? Really?!!!
- You gave me pretzels on the way back to Cali? What the f**k happen to the guava cake? Bring the sh*t back!!!
Pointers:
- When booking your flight, get seats on rows 26-28 like I did. You get the clear view of the movie screen and the restroom.
- Bring your own meals on this five hour flight (Cali to HNL). The meals are crap and the upgrade meals are ridiculous (a box of sushi for $14.00?! )
- Visit Radio Shack or Fry's Electronics to buy a $3.00 airline headphone adaptor and bring your own headphones. You'll save $5.00 from renting their headphones.
Oh... make sure their noise cancelling like this one: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
(hence...the five stars)
In 2007, I finished in 2:29:18
In 2008, I finished in 2:47:41
In 2009, I finished in 3:17:56 (yes... not a good PR for me)
In 2010, I finished in 2:41:28
Yesterday, I finished in 2:39:37
Memorable moments: My close friends Omar, Noah, and Jen running the event for the first time.
Least memorable moments: The bands. I'm sorry... they really need to work on the 2012 line up. And we didn't have a headliner group this year.
See you next year for SIX PEAT!!!
Listed in: RUNNING IS GOOD FOR YOUR…, RUNNING SEASON 2008, RUNNING SEASON 2009, SPIRIT OF RUNNING 2010
4 Previous Reviews:
-
10/4/2010
"Something's getting in the way
Something's just about to break
I will try to find my place
In the diary of Jane
As I burn another page
As I look the other way
I still try to find my place
In the diary of Jane"
Theme Song on my iPod.......
http://www.youtub...
In 2007, I finished in 2:29:18
In 2008, I finished in 2:47:41
In 2009, I finished in 3:17:56
Yesterday, I finished in 2:41:28 beating my 2008 and 2009 records. I was able to take back who I was as a seasonal runner and feel the victory of redemption. All the negativity taken away in the 2:41 minutes of running. 2010 was filled with a lot of emotional up and downs. And to put it all on the line at the San Jose Rock & Roll Half Marathon made things clear on what I'm going to do for the rest of my life. Running is my serenity. Marathons are my super bowls, world series, and main events. Crossing the finish line definitely changes you and puts all the bad things behind me. Thank you God for helping me to complete my eighth half marathon and I pray for many, many, many more.
What I did differently this year (Technical logistics for seasonal runners. This is also a great tip section for new runners. Please keep in mind, we are all different and my following methods may not work for your body structure and endurance level).
* Knees. Aside from losing weight, my sports doctor advised that I worked on my knees. For eight months (January 2010 -August 2010) I focused on strengthen my knees and conditioning them after long runs. This was part of my behavioral exercises that I never done before. For years, I battled with pain and stiffness in my knee and ankle joints. Yesterday's event, battle tested my knees. I built the confidence level without stopping for long periods of time.
* Mental Anguish. I treated the first three miles like a 5K by getting to mile 3.1 in less than 30 minutes. On the next set of miles, I treated like a 10K (6.2 miles). After reaching mile 10, I pretended it was just another 5K to the finish line. Overcoming the mental anguish is the toughest part of the event. Yes, it feels long and it might take forever to finish the course. By diving the course in my mind into sections, it made things a lot easier conquer.
* Salt packets. I was very skeptical about taking in raw salt on the course. Two hours before the event (6:00am), I finished a 20oz bottle of Gatorade to store a great amount of sodium in my system. This will ensure I don't cramp up in my thighs and calves (my weak points). Ten minutes before the starting gun (7:50am), I visited the restroom and ensured my urine was clear and slightly yellow. At mile 8, I was already drenched and need to hydrated. I took in two salt packets and drank from my running water bottle that was filled with half water / half Gatorade. It did the trick - No cramping. I did not stop at any of hydration stations. Instead I drank small sips along the course each time I was thirsty (using my natural instincts as recommended by my sports doctor).
* Accept your body's limitations. I did not anticipate for my left foot to bruise so badly. At mile 8, I took a short pause to the fight pain and allow the sensation to pass. Don't ever ignore uncomfortable sensations. It could lead to worse situations during the event and the days ahead. Luckily for me, a worn sole on my running shoe failed. Another good excuse to pick up new shoes again.
San Jose RJR was a great warm up for the weeks ahead. I have two and half weeks for my next half marathon - http://los-angele.../
Yes, it's time to ROCK L.A. !!!
Special Acknowledgements to my fellow runners: Mariviel B, Michelle B, Gene B, Sarah E, Wilhelm Y, and Andrea G. Great Job to you all! -
10/6/2009
Eternal rest grant unto Rose Lo and Brandon Whitehurst and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed by the mercy of God rest in peace...,Amen.
I did not know these people, but this was the unfortunate and tragic losses for this marathon.
My thoughts and prayers to these brave souls.
http://cbs5.com/l...
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This tragedy will not stop me from running. Snowboarding and skiing deaths are greater than marathon running.*
Last July , a dear friend of mine warned me about a dream he had. He dreamt that I was running a marathon and died.
I didn't know whether to take it as a warning or what. Especially when I had Livestrong 2009 in a couple days and the
Chicago Half Marathon the same month. I buried his dream aside and continued on with my running events.
Thankfully I listened to my doctors and completed each event successfully. I say a prayer and make the sign of the cross before and after each event.
To me, each event is a battlefield. A moment in time to test my physical and mental strength. My tools are simple. Listen to my body. And let me my brain follow....not lead.
This year's theme song: Hollywood Undead
http://www.youtub...
This was my third successful event for the San Jose Rock & Roll Half Marathon.
Thank you to God for keeping me here on Earth to run, rule, and ROCK!
Five stars to all the volunteer roadies and medical staff that help make the Rock & Roll Marathon events successful.
From handing out water / cytomax to providing 911 care, they help us runners and walkers feel at ease.
Thank you to all.
As for the bands, this was probably a bad year for them. There was probably three bands that rocked.
*Sources
http://www.nsaa.o...
http://coachjoeen... -
10/4/2008
Its Time for War!
http://www.youtub...
"You said I was finished and father time was to blame
You disrespected my legacy and threw dirt on my name
Told DJ's he's was over and he ain't spittin the same
What he said is irrelevant and hip hop culture has changed
When I walk into a room young boys look at me strange
Like i'm a relic from old forgotten game
I makes my blood boil and turns my eyes to flames
I built an empire and tried kick me out in the rain
So I called on an inner power and its hard to explain
Its like a holy spirt using hip hop slang
I'm beyond the gold grills and logo on chains
You see I changed rap forever and elevated the game
Launched the greatest label in the history of rap
And for 24 years I carried it on my back
I always shined brighter when I'm under attack
I might be down for a moment but I will always come back!
ITS TIME FOR WAR!!!
This is a reserrection i'm back from the dead
They told me to quit a long time ago but I conquered instead
I had dreams and visions swirling around in my head
I have this hunger instead of me that has to be fed
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ---------
Major Highlight: Yuri Kano of Japan won the women's division! She's only 29 years old and finished it in 1:10:03
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ---------
Walter P Times:
Chip Time: 2:47:41
Clock Time: 2:50:26
18 minutes behind last year's PR.
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ---------
Thank you to Mikey U, Dave K, Cobber L, Michael C, and Watani (sorry we missed you) for showing support!
Tetsu ROCKED his first San Jose Half Marathon! Onward to the Silicon Valley Marathon! http://www.yelp.c... -
10/15/2007
Let me be the first to represent the 2007 Runners from Yelp!
This year's 2007 Yelp Runners:
Jackie S.
Christine E.
Mui L.
Mimi L.
Walter P.
For all of us... this was our first half marathon ever! I'm very proud of the runners... most of them i've met at the Elite events so its a great feeling that we discovered a common interest.
==================== ==================== =======
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost
Mental Thoughts
Most of my family and friends thought I was crazy to do this marathon. Just look at me. I'm not a runner. I don't have a history of cross country running, track and field, or recreational jogging. I'm an amateur in this sport. This is my first year of running. But that didn't stop me from training, eating, sleeping, and repeating! One thing most people fail to recognize one thing about me: INSIDE MY SOUL BEATS THE HEART OF A BULL!
This was my second redemption. The first one was Bay to Breakers 2007. So I had a lot on my mind for this marathon. This was my first half marathon ever. I had no professional training, no guide books, no mentors... nothing. Just thought about my life - past, present, and future. All I remember from the last days before the event, this is all or nothing. I came this far to find my breaking point, my strengths, and my serenity. I'm free from my past sufferings now. All the stress is gone. They say that the only way to overcome something is to challenge it and build resistance. In this case, this was my opportunity. And I recorded at 2 hours 29 minutes.
The Event... Excerpts from my mind
We lucked out because the weather got better on Sunday. Friday it rained. Saturday cold but began to get warm by the late morning. I ventured to the Health Expo at the McEnery Center to pick up my race packet. My bib number # 6062. Sunday morning (10/14/2007) - Very cold at the starting time at 8:00am; wore warm up sweats until 7:40am. During the run it heated up around 9:30am. By 10:15am it was warm enough to give added energy to my body.
The course:
-For about six miles we hug downtown San Jose. The tall buildings didn't allow enough sunlight to heat run our run. So we continued to suffer through cold winds.
-Then headed west towards the city of Santa Clara on University ave, Washington St., and Monroe St.
-The second half led us into the residential areas of Dana Ave., Park Ave., and the Alameda. This was the break of the morning sun. Felt good to feel the sun rays. I'm very surprised that the residential people didn't boo us down. If you think about it, they had couldn't leave their homes in their cars until all the runners and walkers were done with the race.
-Finally, you take it all the way home to Park Ave. to the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. The breaking point.
The Accelerade Sports Drink tasted hella nasty after the second mile. By the time I reached the eleventh mile it tasted like heaven. Maybe my taste buds gave up and accepted anything with flavor. Aim for the water on mile 4 and 7. Skip the sports drink. Nobody wants to go into sodium overload. I made one pit stop to the porter stations (found at every water station).
PowerBar Gel - OMG! I took in the Strawberry Banana - Delicious and easy to consume while running. This will be available at mile 8.
The road - mostly flat. No hills.
This year's bands: California Repercussions, The WoogieMen, The Dystrict, RubberSideDown, Goodbye Gadget, Maxx Cabello Band, Sage, The Garage Band, Local Traffic, PT & the Cruzers, Cocktail Monkeys, Groovy Judy, Chubby's All Stars, Full Throttle, NuDay, Groove Kings, and finally the after race party by Ozomatli. We knew that we were completing a mile or mile and a half when we heard the music. This was a good sign and accomplishment along the way.
Helpful Tips for Next Year 2008
(Note: Check the official website. There might be changes):
Parking: Free parking at the HP Pavilion. We left the house at 6:00AM to avoid all the street closures and possible traffic. We gave ourselves time to find parking, walk over to starting line, and prep up.
Visit: Runners World for updated information on future events and products. http://www.runner...
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 226-8822
Speed Element
Categories:
Auto Repair,
Auto Parts & Supplies
Big ups to the Devin and fellas of Speed Element for the major repair work!
Yes, it's an custom import shop that transforms high performance cars into street machines. I came here as a personal referral during the summer when I discovered my SUV need major work on the front axle, rotors, and differential seals. I also needed new brake pads and tires rotated. I was happy with the $1500 price quote and within two business days I was on the road to Marin County. I tested my SUV on the heavy roads and trails. No problems found.
Top Points:
- Estimate quote was detailed with a break down on price parts and labor costs.
- They were able to email me the price quote. Other shops don't have that capability.
- After the repair work, I was able to analyze the broken parts for inspection.
- Clear communication with Devin and his staff with great knowledge of future recommendations.
Automatic Five Stars! I have found my new SUV mechanics!!!
I should minus one star because they didn't give me my "I LOVE SPEED ELEMENT" shirt yet!
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 972-1800
The Giant Race
Category:
Active Life
Neighborhood: SOMA
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
First and foremost, I would like to thank all my sponsors for helping me raise money for The Giant Race & Project Open Hand
http://www.openhand.org/
Dave K, Ben D, Badri N, Frank V, Rich N, Serbelle, Jing F, Jamie & Karen, my cousin Jeremy, and Monique S.
You guys are truly awesome and appreciate your kind donation towards this event.
The logistics on the half marathon:
- Giants stadium Parking Lot A (on 3rd street) is the designated area to park. Bring $10.00 cash.
- Get here early at 6:00am to park, fuel up, pick up race bib, stretch, and go for a morning warm up jog.
- The course relatively flat with two 0.2 hills (one at Maritime and one at the Fort Mason Green).
- You start at Giants Stadium Parking Lot A, run to the Fort Point Historic, and back into Giants stadium.
- The course is entirely the Embacardero, Fort Mason, and Chrissy Fields.
- The course had multiple water / energy drink stations and mile markers. I only saw two ERT stations along the way.
- There were two port a potty areas along the course: Embarcedero and Chrissy Fields.
- The best part of the course was running on the bay trail on the Golden Gate Promenade. Running on soft trails is easy on the feet.
- Bring a light jacket. Its gets drizzly in the morning.
- Finish line is inside Giants stadium where your family and friends watch you finish on the jumbo tron! Very cool!
- After the run, you can gallivant around the stadium (get autographs, get more race swag, pictures on the field, etc.).
- This was a great warm up to the upcoming Rock & Roll Half Marathon in San Jose (Oct. 2).
- This year's swag: I got a Tim Lincecum bobble head!
- Finish Time: 2:41 (and that's with no hard training and a weekend in Vegas before the half marathon).
- Family Friendly: Definitely! Register early with the family. They have a kids race, 5K, and 10K. Walkers and strollers welcome!
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 891-3563
Wet Republic Ultra Pool
Categories:
Bars,
Swimming Pools,
Dance Clubs
Neighborhoods: The Strip, Eastside
... and few muffin tops like me.
How Was It?
- Yes, I kept my shirt on. I have a keg not a six pack. I love eating rice.
- We were super late. Walking in the gate at 1:30pm is hella late.
- Even if you bought a $40 ticket, you still had to wait in the long ass lines.
- Don't bring water, drinks, food, and candy. Everything gets checked and toss away at the gate.
- I'm sure we got through the ugly people screening, because I felt like a nerd up in here.
- Jam packed. We couldn't even find room in the pool area to relax.
- Ron S dunked his body in the pool and came up tasting salt. The chlorine was diluted with sweat.
- We didn't have any reservations, so we just got a bucket of beer, stood around, and people watched.
- There was no open seating unless you had reservations.
- I have no game, so I couldn't make any new lady friends to find shade and convo.
- Three and half stars. At least my eyes were satisfied.
- Yes, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi was there, but I didn't care because I don't watch her show.
Big Recommends:
- Use my Yelp review as a motivation to hit the gym and eat 500 calories a day.
- Get here early at 10:30am-11:00am. This place gets packed on the weekends.
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed
- If you have a large party, book a bungalow or a deluxe cabana. It will have shade covering and baller amenities.
- Yes, it will cost you at least $1500, but you can share it amongst your crew and be pimp at Wet Republic.
- Everything else is under the sun: Daybeds and lounge tables.
- Go big with bottle service from $450-$600 bucks.
- Bring your own crew of girls. Somehow you'll get better service.
- Make sure your flip flops (slippers) have good traction when walking the wooden planks at the bar.
- You will be slipping and sliding on flat soles. And don't walk bare feet on the planks - people spit on the floors.
- I wish I brought my camera. I was afraid of dropping it in the water. I should have brought my Dry Pak to Vegas: http://www.kayakcda.co...
Note:
- Age group: 21-35. 60/40 ratio of guys and gals.
- Not a family oriented environment. If you have family, go next door to the MGM Grand Pool - it's free with room card.
- No lockers onsite.
Thank you's:
* To my cousin Bobby for getting us in - VIP Club access.
* DJ Hollywood for dropping the mad beats all afternoon. http://www.djhollywood...
Listed in: 48 HOURS IN VEGAS: OPERATION…
Las Vegas, NV 89144
(702) 352-2053
Costco
Category:
Wholesale Stores
Neighborhood: Summerlin
- We're all about saving major cash. There is no way we're paying Vegas prices for booze.
- Driving 17.1 miles from the Vegas strip to save hundreds of dollars. Well worth it.
- Keep in mind that this August visit was 107F. This was part of our desert training.
- Super clean facility and right next to the new Red Rock Casino Resort.
- Filled up two and half flat bed carts with beer, booze, food, water, and Tums.
- We're nourishing a platoon of 20 dudes.
- If we did not complete this run, it would have cost us well over $3000 in Vegas for the necessities. Our bill $669.22.
- Glad we did it. Had more money for the titty bar! Woot! Woot!
* Thanks to cousin Rodney for driving up his truck from San Diego!
I still need to collect $$$ from the group. I really hate, "...dude....i'll pay you later!"
Bastards.
Listed in: 48 HOURS IN VEGAS: OPERATION…
Las Vegas, NV 89129
(702) 294-2899
Buzz BBQ
Category:
Barbeque
Neighborhood: Northwest
A piece of Texas in Nevada! Go for lunch if you want to avoid the Vegas strip prices!
- We found this place by luck in the middle of August at 107 degrees.
- Ron S checked in using Yelp mobile and we got the 20% discount off our entire bill.
- We were sold on the Lunch special sign: $5.99 for chopped brisket, pulled pork, one side, and drink.
- Upon entering the AC was kicking.... Thank you God! We're from San Jose, California... so this was not our home turf weather.
- Big recommends: Get the pulled pork and brisket two lunch combo for $12.99! Oh so succulent and juicy... rightly smoked!
- And also get the FRIED OKRAS!!! Super crunchy !!!
- Yes, the smoker is in front of the restaurant. Truly authentic Texas BBQ!
- Wanna save more money? Order food to go and have it for later. In this case, we all ordered the Texas Tornado (Brisket, Pork, & Sausage) for $10.50.
- Ask for extra BBQ sauce because its homemade tangy kick with bombdiggity spices! My bad for not thinking about buying a take home bottle!
- Will You Redo: F**K YEAH! I'm coming back.... with or without the crew!
- Parking: Plentiful during our lunch visit.
- Accepts Debit: Yes.
- Perfect Date Spot: If she can throw down with BBQ sauce on her fingers....she's a keeper!
- How Many Miles from the Strip: The drive is about 13.1 miles. But so worth it for lunch!
Special Thanks to Ron S for covering lunch!
Listed in: 48 HOURS IN VEGAS: OPERATION…
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San Jose, CA
Yelping SinceDecember 2006
Things I Love Find Me Inthe South Bay Crew
My HometownSan Jose / Silicon Valley
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping... Why You Should Read My ReviewsIts easier than Google stalking me!
My Favorite MovieThe HANGOVER
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I have a tenth degree black belt in eating.
Most Recent Discovery"You can change your life by altering your thoughts"
Current CrushYou wrapped in bacon, with garlic rice, tomato, and an egg.
http://shop.history.co...
Like most people, I was just flipping through channels until I was pulled into the show. I often wondered about the origin of the name Halloween, the Celtic background behind it all, and especially the transition from a religious holiday to an adult party phenomenon. So today, I thought I'd take it old school for a moment and share with everyone an event that celebrates the beauty of being a kid again. Since HC did talk about local hometown Halloween parades and events for children, I thought it would cool to put one on the map for Yelp and the event organizer Hilarie.
On Sunday (10/23/2011), I volunteered at my friend's food booth for the 3rd Annual Munchkin Masquerade Parade in Walnut Creek. This growing Halloween event caters to all children from 10 and under. This is absolutely 100% family friendly / kid event filled with games, prizes, arts & crafts, local eats, live music, and of course... costumes ...costumes.... costumes! There was even these cute little mechanical ponies that you can ride around the parking lot. Since I don't have any children, I was still fun to watch all the kids enjoy themselves and watching all the hot MILFs. LOL. I'm kidding... seriously... (yeah right!). Since the event location changes yearly, I would definitely put this on a big recommend for all the East Bay families in the area to check out. Its free to attend and perfect opportunity to let you kids to go wild.
Details on this year's past event: http://www.wherevent.c...
Organized and Hosted by Hilarie's Helpful Hints (HHH): http://www.Hhhints.com