Trader Joe's Dark Coffee

Trader Joe's Dark Coffee. It has a smooth taste, not very bitter or acidic. It is lacking in aroma though, and overall I would not call it a great choice.


Trader Joe's Dark Coffee

Trader Joe's Dark Coffee

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Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2010 Emory Commencement Address (video)

Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2010 Emory Commencement Address: California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered an inspiring and hilarious keynote address at Emory University's 165th commencement ceremony on Monday, May 10, 2010. He received an honorary doctor of laws degree, his "first law degree." Schwarzenegger pumped students up with the story of his rise to world-famous athlete, actor and politician, by never being afraid of failure.

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A reminder of the important things in life - How to be happy book/video

The video was made from the drawings from the book "Be Happy: A Little Book To Help You Live A Happy Life" by Monica Sheehan, ISBN: 0762429623

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The hidden beauty of pollination - TED Talks video

Pollination: it's vital to life on Earth, but largely unseen by the human eye. Filmmaker shows us the intricate world of pollen and pollinators with gorgeous high-speed images from the film "Wings of Life," inspired by the vanishing of one of nature's primary pollinators, the honeybee.

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Leopard vs. the World - National Geographic video

Posted at Hit the Road - See America and the World. Stay updated and subscribe, or follow me on Twitter.

Random Photo: Mekong Delta

Those who only give the Mekong Delta a $10 or $15 from Saigon only get a brief look at Ben Tre, which is nice enough but stuffed with visitors (though this shot is from that area). Lost over the past decade is how much easier it's become to visit the delta on your own -- using buses, hiring moto-taxis to go over ferries and roads not on maps. In some cases, as the one above, I had a boat and a driver to myself -- and saw about five tourists in a full week.

Random Photo: "Yakutsk"

If Yakutsk, Russia, ever gets a pro basketball team, can I suggest the name Yakutsk Cats?

Go to Mexico

Nothing punctures misperception like actual travel. We saw it in the '90s for Vietnam, when Americans (in particular) worried they'd get detained or deported, then discovered a budding new ally of Southeast Asia; we see it when Middle Eastern nations shame us with their warmth and kindness. And there's ones closer at hand, like Mexico.

Despite a rise in drug violence, the news stories only tell part of the picture. And I wrote a piece for CNN.com on 'Why you should go to Mexico.' Fascinating seeing how ugly some of the reader's comments have gotten so quickly.

I also put together eight places to visit in Mexico now (safely) for Lonely Planet, all picked from the 17 of Mexico's 31 states that are excluded from any name-dropping in the US State Department's travel warning for Mexico.

Mexico, see you later this year.

Talking Mexico on Fox News

Appeared on FoxNews.com Live this morning to discuss my pick for Lonely Planet's eight safe Mexico destinations to consider. Didn't get Puebla in. And I want to go to Puebla. See the segment here.

"What is a Sandwich?"

Last month a dream came true: I spoke about sandwiches for Adult Education. Here's two videos of the event. The above 'excerpt' version features the stirring conclusion that makes the (justifiable) claim that 'no one knows what a sandwich is.'

Or watch the presentation in full:



Meanwhile, see you -- as always -- on Twitter for #sandwichwednesday!

Talking Abbottabad on ABC's 20/20

Following the news of Osama Bin Laden's death in Abbottabad, Pakistan last week, I had the chance to talk about the tourist appeal of the region's Karakoram Highway. I also learned that the city of 900,000 -- set in cool mountains a few hours north of Islamabad -- has a funny history.

Founded in mid 19th century (young for the region), Abbottabad got its unusual name from its founder Sir James Abbott, who was an effective British advisor during the Sikh Wars of the mid 19th-century -- and far far less so as a poet.

After leaving the city in 1853, he tributed it with a poem called, simply, 'Abbottabad.' Oxford poetry professor Stephen Moss wrote, in the Guardian in 2005, that was 'one of the worst poems ever written.' He claims it takes a genius to come up with 'non-sequitors' like that.

It's certainly the only one I've read that ends with the word 'thwart.'

Travel Etiquette on Today Show

This happened:

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Not everyday you get to share a Today Show stage with two former Okies (Hoda Kotb was born in Norman; Kathie Lee Gifford went to Oral Roberts University in Tulsa) -- then run smack into Ann Curry in the halls, and she apologizing for my error. Everyone seemed nice.

Sweet Look

Christopher Ross Rabbit buckle belt. I found most of my CR pieces from eBay with great deals, and a couple from Christopher Ross website.

Balenciaga dress and shoes.

BCBG ring.

Feeling like dressing up and spending Good Friday with my girls. I normally don't dress up like this when I'm with my kids, but once in awhile it's fun. We had an amazing time. We especially enjoyed the nails spa time. They behaved like elegant ladies. It was like a growing up experience for my kids...Baking cookies for Easter Bunny was one of the best parts, and flying the paper air-planes was also a blast...Family happy time!!

Anyway, this outfit with the Christopher Ross rabbit buckle belt is perfect for Easter. Oh! my blue nail polish! It's a lovely bright blue; OPI Ogre-the-top-blue. I love the fact that it's so deep and reminds me of the ocean or the pool. It's a great color for spring and summer. I've enjoyed it as much as the yellow nail polish.

Wishing you all a happy Easter day and a wonderful week ahead!xo...Hanh :)

ps: photos were taken by my husband.

Random

We had an amazing Easter Sunday. I hope you had an amazing day too!

Here is our little Easter garden that the kids decorated. Oh! Easter bunny and his egg...so cute!

Thank you Easter bunny for dropping us a few presents at our Easter garden. You're always so kind and sweet to the children.

After Easter egg hunting, we played Mexican confetti eggs. Following Mexican tradition, Easter confetti eggs are often broken over someone's head as a symbol of good luck. It's a part of the holiday celebration.

We were ready for racing the flying paper air-planes.

Time for sweet.

3pm snack time: we all enjoyed our red velvet cake and berries smoothie while watching the Home Alone movie. YUM!!!

The kids were playing bubble blowing while the adults were chatting and grilling some meat for dinner.

Look at this one! It's the coolest bubble ever!

"Mama, I'm getting good at blowing bubblegum" :D

Cute little baby!

Time for dinner :D

Apple, grape, dried cranberry, and arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette is one of my favorite salads that it's easy to prepare at home.

Grilled lamb, chicken, and rose wine.

Berries pie for dessert.

Have a wonderful day to you all!! xoxo...Hanh:)