Fave Five Friday: Talents
May 22nd, 2009
By World Wide Ed
By World Wide Ed
(This one's actually wifey's suggestion. Mad props to her!)
So last week, we went to watch our friend Heejin perform a piano recital at the University of Hawaii's Orvis Auditorium. Sistah's got some skills lemme tell you!
After witnessing Jin's super-talent in person, wifey suggested I put this out to all y'all to see what hidden (or not so hidden) talents we gots ourselves. Hopefully, you won't have to reach (like me) to find your 5. 
Holla!
- Friendly/People Person & Happy/Never Grouchy - for the most part, I think I'm a friendly, approachable, people person kinda guy. I hate people who are unfriendly, snobby and/or stand-off-ish, or who think they are better than you. My close friends will probably tell you I'm a little too friendly when I get all touchy feely with them! LOL! I don't understand people who can go through life being unhappy. You have one life, why not make the most of it right? Don't worry, be happy!
- King of Nicknames - I love making up nicknames for people I know. You folks up in hurr, my co-workers, friends, etc. Loves it!
- Semi-athletic - I can usually pick up anything that involves, throwing, catching, running, and jumping, with a little bit of hand-eye coordination.
- Never Give Up Attitude - not sure if this is a blessing or a curse, but I don't like failing at anything, so I keep at things until there's no more keeping-at anymore. Ha!
- Jack of All Trades Master of None - this one's probably due to the trait above. And maybe my short attention span as well. Whether it be coding for the web, strumming a few chords on my uke, spinning a basketball on my finger, blurting out nonsense via this blog, etc., I'd like to think that I'm pretty decent at whatever I decide to put my mind to. Don't think I've ever become a "Master" at any one thing (even though I'm sometimes called a "Webmaster"! LOL!), but at least I try my best.
I don't even think any of those above are talents. I tol' you I was reachin'! Haha! Anyway, I'm sure you guys can name some REAL talents that you possess. Share, share!
Happy VHO7V Friday y'all! Have a good weekend and I'll see y'all on Monday! 
Posted in Fave Friday | 63 Comments »
World Wide Ed
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:59 am
At one time, I thought drinking was my talent. I was pretty good at it. But then, in anything you do, there is always someone better. Plus, I realized this wasn't such a noble talent.
So now, I rarely drink anymore. I wonder if age has anything to do with it? Older, but wiser? (Not Old Budweiser)
May 22nd, 2009 at 5:12 am
I certainly know how to #@&! It comes naturally (Doh! huge pun!) (Doh! anodda pun!)
Music, writing, art, creativity (kinda goes with tha lovemaking). Got the home recording studio, kinda barebones, but it gets the job done, and I got the laptop to write and one day published maybe?
Like Willy, I used to be a world class champion drinker - teenage to young adult - yup I wen da world series of puking a few times, too haha
But my most natural ability or talent is being a Dad. It takes a little practice, but nurturing and loving the kid come pretty naturally. I do it every day, and according to Junior, I'm pretty damn good at it!
May 22nd, 2009 at 6:04 am
Talent? Ummmmmm..... I guess it would be being mediocre. Much like your #5.
Seems that consumption of massive amounts of intoxicating beverages is a pretty common "talent". I be turd fo dat!
May 22nd, 2009 at 6:20 am
Props to wifey
I don't think I have mad talent, but I have a couple of things that just seem to come natural.
1) Good listener. Don't really like to talk about myself much, but I like to hear stories about other people. I'll listen to people talk all day, and I'll remember little useless facts, which makes them happy when I tell them stories about themselves.
2) Unnaturally empathetic. When I'm near other people, even if we're not talking, I know if something is right or wrong. At times, it gets so much that other people's feelings start to bother me if I'm around them too long. Sometimes by looking at a person I can tell what they want, which creeps them out when I either give or tell them what they want before they can vocalize it.
3) Foreign languages. Another useless talent. I can mostly understand Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Hawaiian and Latin. If I watch TV or listen to radio and those languages are used, I can understand and translate somewhat. However, I can't actually speak any of them, save for very basic Japanese. I did write a Spanish paper for my brother and he got a B+. Pretty good, as I have never taken a Spanish class.
May 22nd, 2009 at 6:24 am
first of all, props to ALL moms and dads out there. That is the broadest range of talent . *applauding*. Working with keeds, I get to send um home at the end of the day and weekends.
@Center of Thought - keep being a nurturing dad, no educational institution will ever come close to what you do.
May 22nd, 2009 at 6:34 am
Is fishing a talent? I'm probably can outfish most peeps on this site (if we limit it to fishing in the SF bay area and disallow any research/internet access prior to going out and fishing).
I have a knack of getting the most out of my golfing dollars...my "# of swings"/"dollar spent on greens fees" is really high, so I know I'm getting value.
I am the reigning "King of free S***" as determined by the last KoFS competition held in Vegas a couple of years ago (a couple of us had kids so my friends and I stopped going annually).
Musically, I'm pretty good with the CD player. rarely off tune.
I make a mean lamb shoulder braised in shiraz
May 22nd, 2009 at 6:34 am
Wow, kuya, mahalo! That just made a shmall kine tear almost come out da eye haha
May 22nd, 2009 at 6:44 am
1) encouraging kids - first step, hear them out. Next, summarize their venting. Last, be thoughtful in giving positive words . . . and messy up the kid's hair!
2) umm . . . I used to dance hula, does that count?
3) I know ed and leerz trip at this one: but I really enjoy doing scrapbook and card-making stuffs. Creative outlet for me. I love sending the cards to peeps and I just trying to support the USPS since get fewer snail mail among friends.
4) singing - according to ed, I'm pretty decent at it. But if wasn't for his "no fail" attitude, I wouldn't have given it a try.
5) having useless player stats and info running through my mind so I can keep up with fantasy sports. What a waste of brain cells, ONE DAY I hope to use this power for the good of mankind. Sheeeeesh . . . yea riiiiiight!
May 22nd, 2009 at 7:40 am
kay-den, i'll try ansa dis half-serious way..
not absolutely sure about talents per se, but do know what i care about and will try hard to do well..
being a good brother, father, and husband.. family can count on me to try.. since i'm older, make suah to spen' half hour every day with JJ on sports: hoops down the street, soccer in makeshift kitchen stadium, whatevah..
being a good and loyal friend.. when frien' Bobby's wedding MC wen drop out wit' 2 weeks to go, he called, can you fly in that weekend and stand in for us?" i thought half sec' an' said, "of course", why didn't you ask me in the frickin' firs' place?" was cute cuz the bride wuz listening on the other line an' i heard her squeal wit' relief".. an' i wuz funny, too.. his family all Maui-kine Japanese, maybe 300 in all, so I staht out.. So. let's get one t'ing straight right at the outset... "Maui, No Ka Oi", hooo, loud da place... you ken not go wrong afta dat..
hmmm, being a teacher, mentor, and career coach.. have been around a long time, seen a lot of t'ings, and help peopo all day long get to the next stage in their game..
writing, editing, anything written.. will help anybody anywhere, anytime wit' anything written.. i'm currently editor for an esl ford foundation student at east west center working on ph.d., personal editor for about 20 peopo, three companies, write letters, papers, business plans, edit personal statement essays for grad school, eulogies for family members, anything, anytime, anywhere for a quarter, only don't really charge the quarter..
das it.. uddah den dat, lazy an' useless wen i ken fine da time..
May 22nd, 2009 at 7:47 am
Hey Ed, you need to read Quarterlife Cafe, the topic is right up your alley!
May 22nd, 2009 at 8:06 am
1. I don't know if its a real "talent", but I'm REAL good at making beer disappear.
2. If you hit it with a stick (pool, baseball, roller hockey, etc) I'm good at it.
3. I can cook better than most.
4. Even though I don't smoke anymore, I can do a lot of zippo tricks with my old lighters.
5. I make fun of my friends a ton (so no worries if you make fun of me, ED, I can take it), but if you really need me, I'm there, yo.
May 22nd, 2009 at 8:27 am
I THINK I AM A GREAT MOTHER ..a talent.
I give great hugs when my son is sick.
May 22nd, 2009 at 8:28 am
HEY I CAN EVEN TYPE and spell....so talent two..omg
May 22nd, 2009 at 8:28 am
NAPPING and watchign t.v. I RULE!
May 22nd, 2009 at 8:38 am
Queen orf relaxing...yes talent ! soemtimes I may appear unapproachable..a talent!
May 22nd, 2009 at 8:43 am
I think my best talent is giving my boys advice....I can be serious if I have to....My oldest son I am his confidant.
May 22nd, 2009 at 8:52 am
....aaaaand.....Rosette has an incredible natural talent for writing multiple consecutive postings haha Rosette, you keep it up, and da staff at H.A gonna give you lickings...
May 22nd, 2009 at 8:59 am
@uncz j - I imagine you would be a great mc.
May 22nd, 2009 at 8:59 am
1. Tap my head and rub my tummy at the same time
2. Work a cherry stem like nobody's bidness
3. Play a mean game of Uno with my niece
4. Know when someone's cracked a banana open from several offices/cubicles away (I really hate the smell and taste of 'em. Yuck!)
5. Make chocolate vanish from the office snack table
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:04 am
Talents, huh? I'd say that I'm:
1. Jack of all trades, master of none - (like you, but without the short attention span! :p ) I can do a wide range of things fairly well, but I wouldn't say that I'm a pro at anything.
2. "Random Fact Man" - I've been nicknamed this by some friends because of my wide array of useless facts and bits of information. I probably get most of it from the internet, the History or Discovery Channels, oh and maybe some from when I was in school, and I have no idea why I remember them! (this probably relates to #1)
3. Know how to play Guitar, Bass and Drums (a little... - see #1)
4. Cooking (and not just instant ramen!) - not really a talent, more of a survival skill...
5. (large quantities of) Alcohol Consumption - A talent I only use once in a while.
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:07 am
1- Great at starting home projects that never get completed.....
2- Baking. I am the baker for all the family get togethers. Pies are my thing.
3- Ceramics. I like to think I am talented in this area. I can not fire a kiln to save my life, but I can throw a mean coffee cup.
4- Saying "NO". I have no problem with this. If I can not do it, I will not do it.
5- Here is a hidden one. When I am drunk, I turn into Cliff Claven. I know everything about everything, or I have a story about watevas is being talked about.
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:27 am
@ Center Of Thought: what I get butt LICKS..... so who got the talent of butt licks....
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:27 am
THE BUTT LICKER IS ...................................!
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:30 am
@ Center Of Thought: I am telling on you calling da staff ... butt lickers...how about my toes can they lick that??? omg!!!
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:33 am
lol puleeease pull your pants back up, Rosette, you're blinding me! Woo Ha!
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:40 am
see what I mean yoru fault you blinded yourself you can't even tell the difference between the flashlight and my gassy butt....yes the fumes got to you huh !
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:41 am
OH I got it I got a talent sitting at the doctors office and having my butt check and I never complained once....!
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:48 am
OKAY I WILL BEHAVE MYSELF...only one line at a time ...but can I type with large and small and all over the place ..that is a talent you know...it take talented person to read mine.
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:53 am
Talent-tolerating Rossette
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:04 am
1) irritating the wifey - i know i'm king at this judging by the loud sighs, head shakes, and looks of disgust.
2) offending others - i tend to get carried away with my cutdowns, the results of which lead to my next one:
3) good apologist - for the most part, i can get away with stuff with my apologies, everyone that is except the wifey
4) eating inordinate amounts of bakery items and diet soda - methinks me is part lani moo. i gotta have 2 stomachs to eat that much stuff!
5) forgetfulness - short term/long term, no matter. i cant remember jack. i even forget the names of my best friends and relatives. not remembering all the bad memories of stuff i did in my past contributes to my overall happiness, tho'.
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:46 am
Good Morning Ed!
I can do most repairs around the house, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, masonry, tile, flooring, I can fix cars and trucks, I can fix and build computers, I have done the Honolulu Marathon, Waikiki rough water swim, Biked round the island, Tinman Triathlon and Ironman Triathlon. I can't sing or play any musical instruments. I can get along with everyone, I'm a great father and great husband.
Do I have talent? I don't know, I just do the best I can do.
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:16 pm
@ Scott..sorry but I don't have tolerance!
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
5 talents? hmmm...
1) baking... love to bake, though, i'd bake much more if i had a prep cook and a dishwasher!
2) making favors/centerpieces - i've probably made thousands in my lifetime.
3) organizing functions - have coordinated/helped at many weddings and parties (comes along with the favor and centerpiece making!).
4) cooking... i think i'm a decent cook even though i rarely use recipes! i like to figure out the recipe for restaurant foods that i like!
5) problem solver - if there's a problem, i like to find a the solution.
thanks to wifey! good way to end the week on a positive (i think!) note! by the way, ed, all your talents really come across in your blog and i think that's what makes you... endearing!?
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
props to wifey for her great blog idea!
hmm... not sure if i can come up w/ 5 talents! hahaa... i think i get along well w/ everyone... i can swim better than most people (i think)... hehe. that's about it.
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
skycastles - i can make chocolate disappear from anywhere too! LOL!
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:52 pm
@snow & Kage - how's about a little "iron chef bake off"? I would volunteer to dishwash (hopefully with help from ed).
@slycastles & mcat - ooh-ooh, I wanna change one of my five to chocolate magician too!
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Isn't that just the case C Dubbs? I hate that!
You dominate at something and you think you're the king of the world, and then someone comes in and steals yo tundah! 
Niiice Center! Perhaps you can write us a WWE theme song?
Me too. How about a new one? Not getting red? I got skillz in that department.
Holy cow Syxxy! No ways bu! That's an awesome talent! I wish I could do what you do!
True dat dewz. But also, mad props to you and the rest of the educational force! You guys are shaping our young future! *applaud*
Bwahahaha! That be some skeelz matty! Must've taken lots o practice!
Awwww... Hug it out!
Adam who? dewz can blow!
Hopefully, dese ones no get pidgin l'dat yeah ooj!?
Yeah, I go check um out in a bit Cheese!
Much love EMMbot, but no worries, I not going make fun of you... much! Nah!
Noooo... youuuuu Rosey? Hehe, nah!
Nah, dey not going give you lickins Rosey. No worries. I love your multiple commenting. It helps pad my numbers.
Keep um comin'!
I thought the same thing too dewz!
Woah... I have some friends I'd like to introduce you too sky!
Your friends must all recruit you for their Rock Band tourneys knockers!
Good one! I think a lot of us wishes we had this one Kagz!
LOL! Nice! I think we all got that one! Nah, nah Rosey!
Notice how I stayed out of that Rosey vs. Center battle? Eek!
BROTHER!!!
Woah! Does M stand for Muscles?
Hey, I may be doing the Tin Man this year. Any tips? As a first timer, I actually have a lot of questions... Can I reach out to you Ms?
Beef Beef Beef!
Awww, you so sweet snow. Much mahaloz! You started off my weekend right too!
Oooh, another person to tap for Tin Man info. Got any proper swimming techniques to share mcat?
No ways dewz! I like be one of the judges! Haha! Nah!
May 22nd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
castles... pretty funny..
kay-den, if we're goin' dat route...
world traveller..
international lover..
last of the big spenders..
connoisseur of fine wine and fuud..
advisor to kings, princes, and world leaders..
friend to children and small animals worldwide..
i don't always drink beah, but when i do, i prefer Dos Equis..
May 22nd, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Talents? ...tough one, Mr. Ed but here are some strengths:
Open mind-ability to consider different views and ideas which can be a problem at times when tough decisions need to be made.
Listener-like Syxx, I'm comfortable being a sympathetic listener. I may not be able to give you enlightenment but will try my best.
Creative, somewhat, in a visual sense. Always enjoyed the arts, got a BFA. Laziness and fear equals unfulfilled potential but will surprise myself at times.
Best talent was marrying wifey of 36 years and together had 3 kids and 2 grandchildren ...totally stoked. Do I see little Ed's or Eydie's in the future?
May 22nd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
kuya.d - iron chef bake-off? like, you talking about some secret ingredient?
kage might win, hands down! you can throw almost anything into a pie, right? 
hmm... guess i could throw lots of things into brownies, too! 
May 22nd, 2009 at 2:11 pm
@ kuya & mcat - So what? You think we can start a union of cocoa magicians with only three people? Gotta start looking out for our best interests right? After all, our talent is limitless!
May 22nd, 2009 at 2:12 pm
@ uncle j - But I'm serious! I DO play a mean game of Uno.
Ok, well if you must know my true talent is to walk, chew gum and say wassup local style with the head nod thing.
Pretty darn remarkable, don'tcha think so? 
May 22nd, 2009 at 2:55 pm
okay my hidden talent is watching my big screen t.v and typing.... typing in the dark ...then watching KICKING it old school..... then watching utube at the same time....
YOU have to guess the rest of my talent.... MY EMPtY HEAD.
May 22nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
@snow - ooh, brownies = chocolate, umm, slightly biased here! It would be fun for a WWE get together.
@skycastles - we might need a few members to get unionized, we could always start off as a club (or a secret society - haha!)
@ed - I'll be interested in your one-of-a-kind feedback to some of yesterday's posts (sorry, I went way nutz).
To all WWE ohanage - iiiVH07V
May 22nd, 2009 at 4:28 pm
kuya.d -- you rock!
and my vote for most talented goes to skycastles for the cherry stem thing.
Have a great weekend everybody! Take a moment to pray for the our valiant men and women who serve our country and fight for our freedeom!
May 22nd, 2009 at 4:52 pm
kuya.d - and i wasn't even thinking about your talent as a chocolate magician! *psst... i think i need to sign up in that secret society with you, skycastles and mcat!!*
have a great weekend, WWE-ers! honor our military, present and past, those who serve and have served... heartfelt thanks to all!
May 22nd, 2009 at 5:50 pm
castles.. yeah, i'm an uno playa, too, but JJ always likes get da guud cahds..
oh yeah, one mo' talent.. a gracious an' cheerful loser..
oh, am fun on a golf course, too..
gamble, laugh, drink beah, hit ridickulous shots, get upset, lose $, laugh..
May 22nd, 2009 at 6:55 pm
@jkanakas1: Random fact man? Let's be friends. I love random facts.
May 22nd, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Oh I forgot about the cherry stem thing. I'm ok at that. Skycastles can be my friend too.
May 22nd, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Like rosette, my talent is MOM! Which means I am multi talented.
I also have a knack for making chocolate disappear. Kuya-gotta
Try make Barefoot Contessa's choco fudge brownies! Yum!
In college I had a gift for making tequila disappear.
I can also Put on lipstick using my cleavage to hold the lipstick...no hands!
And jokes ensue. I can tape Larry Lesters buns together...was that his
Name? And I can aslo make spaghetti with my toes.
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:01 pm
tita.. holy smokes.. alwayz knew you wuz talented, but..
had no idea you ambi-dextrous, too...
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:08 pm
edward.. so wut you t'ink, eh?
nice of da Pills to help da kine break in da new stadium, yeah?
hoo, Pirate moween' today.. Yankers plankeen' 'em..
teef, amigoz, rah-oool. errybody in on it today..
even coastah.. firs' pitch... out... say hello to my li'l frien'...
May 22nd, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Ed:
Do you want to email me with your questions about training for the Tinman?
May 23rd, 2009 at 5:00 am
@leerz - brownie recipe sounds good, majahlo.
And uh, lipstick and cleavage . . . Intersting combo there sistah, I'm sure you can use that for . . . um?
@skycastes - oh yeah, cherry stem thing, an ex of mine could do the knot thing, so all I can say for you is, well *applause*
May 23rd, 2009 at 5:04 am
@uncz - Jrox this week and yet he was riding pine for my fantasy team. The guy I'm playing get Mauer, Ryno, and Ibanez among others - they get like 15 HR, my team get 3 . . . yippee, not!
May 23rd, 2009 at 11:34 am
☺ (((((((())+(())))))))))) ☺
OH LOOK ED MY TALENT
May 23rd, 2009 at 11:43 am
I got to try that holding lisptick with cleavage but WHAT CLEAVAGE nothing left..! YES I can mutil task I can watch t.v. and scream at my hus
band shut up can't you see I am watching my sex tv.!! omg that is why he paid the t.v so he can leave me alone...multi task !
May 23rd, 2009 at 11:45 am
@ tita leerz: yup I order my husband go get me my chocolate and don't wait until mother's day to bring that..I got to plump but the cleavage here to hold lipstick and tv. remote control.!
May 23rd, 2009 at 11:52 am
@ tita leerz:after raising two kids I multi task by ordering them to do this this and that....my time of multitask is over!...I am not driving them around to do any sport things..I RELAX and learn to multitask powdering my butt!
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Okay, this is waaayyy late, but here goes...
- I don't know why, but I'm pretty good at remembering phone numbers. It doesn't really come in handy anymore though (now that we can store numbers in our cell phones).
- I guess I'm a pretty decent cook and baker. I like to try different recipes anyways.
- I'm somewhat crafty. I hardly do it anymore, but I enjoy card making and scrapbooking.
- I've been told I'm athletic. Although, I don't think I am, really. At least not anymore. Maybe in my younger days (used to swim a lot).
- Ha, ha. Ok, not really a talent, but I'm an excellent shopper! Well, at least, I enjoy searching for all of the bargains and making the most of coupons.
- And, like others mentioned, I'm great at making that chocolate disappear! Food (sushi and pasta, especially), too for that matter.
May 23rd, 2009 at 6:56 pm
kuya.. rolo coastah getteen' off to slow staht fo suah..
mole wen serve up a big dish of guac to madonna's boyfrien', yeah?
we got to come of wit' name for newbie John Mayberry..
how about Aint Bee? nah, jus' kiddeen' John..
you stay Opie...
May 25th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Ok, just checking back in on this . . .
@ tita leerz: OMG, the boob and lipstick thing is so funny! I had a friend in high school who could do that too
@ kuya: Secret society huh? I'm down with that.
@ kuya & Syxx & Ed: *takes a bow* thank you, thank you but I think tita leerz talent is WAY cooler!
@ uncle jimmy: I know what you mean. My niece get all habut when she has to pick up so many cards.
May 26th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
You guys! Did you not recognotice my little tribute to the Breakfast Club?! It was the scene where they were sitting in a circle on the floor...I think after they smoked pakalolo. LOL!!!
@rosette...you jus too funny. after nursing two kids well....i should make them pay for my boob job when they start working!