Car Service Scam

Last Saturday, I took my car to Sierra Honda in Monrovia for routine maintenance. They recommended to clean my car's fuel injection for another $120. A little suspicious, I took my car into Pep Boy's for a 2nd opinion. Pep Boy's told me that it doesn't need fuel injection cleaning till I reach 50,000 miles (I'm currently at ~17,400 miles).

This morning, I took my car into Perfect Auto for a 3rd opinion. They popped open my hood and showed me the fuel injection. It was clean! They said that it normally doesn't need done till 30,000 miles.

I then proceeded back to Sierra Honda and informed them of all of this. They told me that they recommend this for every Honda for every 15,000 miles. They even told me to ask other dealers.

I came home and called Honda in El Monte and West Covina. They told me it needs to be done every 45,000 miles.

Bottom line: Sierra Honda in Monrovia are such scammers! Don't go there.

Random Presidential Comments

In looking at all of the top Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, nobody has my vote so far. A lot of them have lower values than me, which is a big turn off. And, I'm not sure how many of them actually believe how big of a threat Iran and their terrorist regime is.

A lot of Evangelicals are starting to join the Fred Thompson camp (his picture is to the left). I know that this does not have much to do with anything, but when was the last time a bald president has been elected? I guess I shouldn't be posting this because starting a few years ago, my hairline has been receeding.

I think it's time to elect an Asian-American president. Too many of us face a glass ceiling. Where is William Hung when you need him?

No More Donuts

On Monday, I had the worst stomache problem in my life. It all started with my cravings for donuts. Apple-filled bear claws to be specific. Oh, they are the bomb! But, by eating them I laid a few bombs... and them some. Either: (a) the baker didn't wash his/her hands or (b) the food was contaminated. I ended up going to see the doctor. 24 hours later, some chicken noodle soup, and LOTS of rest, I was then fully recovered.

No more donuts. Well, at least no more from the corner bakery down the street. I guess I will start eating at Bearded Papa's or other Asian bakeries from now on.

Choose To Be Happy

This is the title of today's Focus on the Family broadcast where Dr. James Dobson interviewed Barbara Johnson. "Barbara is no stranger to sorrow. Her husband suffered a crippling, blinding injury. One of her sons died in Vietnam, another was killed by a drunk driver and a third became involved in the homosexual lifestyle. How did Barbara cope? The bestselling author learned that, although we can't control our circumstances, we can control our attitude. "As Christians, we have an endless hope, not a hopeless end." - Barbara Johnson"

While listening to this inspirational broadcast, I was touched by Barbara's commitment and faith to the Lord. Despite her tough circumstances, she found the peace that God can only provide.

Burglarized

Last week, one of my neighbors was burglarized. She left a crack open in her garage door and the thief crawled in. And this was in the middle of the day! Nonetheless, this has gotten us and all of our neighbors startled and in preparedness mode.

This is scary stuff. Even though we live in a ghetto city, burglaries can happen anywhere. Several months ago, there was a rash of break-ins in the big homes of Arcadia.

Do any of you or anyone you know have a home security system? If so, which brand and what type of product is it? And, of course, do you like it?

Sometimes Good Things Do Happen

After work, I called Islands for takeout. I ordered a Hula burger, a Toucan chicken sandwich, and fries. I got there and they said "sorry, we do not show your order. We do not know what happened." I was a bit frustrated but remained calm. After waiting for about a minute, the waitress offered me a free drink. "Cool", I thought. Then after 5 minutes, the waitress brought me a free giftcard for $15. Wow, this is so cool. I love Islands now! It rocks!

Dedication to Uncle James Hong

ComicCon 2007




Big Trouble Little China




Blade Runner red carpet interview 2007 (scroll to 1:30 minutes)