Yes, it has been blazing hot. Time to cool off.

Here is some more video footage of my visit to Iguacu Falls, this time from the Argentinian viewpoint. You are looking at La Garganta del Diablo (aka The Devil's Throat). Just take in the sound of the roaring falls and gaze at the bounty of spraying mist!

Even with the bad weather, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Everyone should visit such a beautiful place!

Belated congratulations to my sister for completing the world-famous Camp Pendleton Mud Run! Maybe one of these days, I'll try my hand (and legs) at it. As for now, I've set my sights on this year's Nike run. And maybe another go at the LA Marathon?

I've loaded some short digital movie clips from my Brazil trip on my YouTube page for your viewing pleasure. And I'll add some pictures here on xanga every so often too. Here is a shot of Rio de Janeiro taken from Cristo Redentor.

My phantom friend Tim requested my help late last month to lay down vocal tracks for his upcoming album. If I only could have an ounce of his musical talent.

It's nice to know that while my volleyball skills are not to my liking, at least my coaching strategies definitely were on point last season.We finished strongly by winning all 4 of our games in the last week of the season. I was very proud of the way we all performed under pressure.

I'll soon have a little more free time, and I can't wait to take improv classes again with ComedySportz!

"With the 26th pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select Jordan Farmar of UCLA.":  A surprising but decent pickup. The Lakers need more depth on the backcourt. I doubt that he will get any playing time though. At least he's getting paid to sit on the bench!

Is it just me, or does it seems like everyone I know is either 1) getting married 2) expecting a child or 3) moving (on "to other things")?

I spent the Fourth of July at Dodger Stadium with the church folk. Great game, and the fireworks were spectacular too! We almost lost a couple of international students on the way back to the cars, but thankfully, everybody got back in one piece. Whew!

I still have not fully resolved my photo-site search, but rather than letting this xanga go stale, I should share at least some photos of my recent travels! I'll start with the Tulsa trip.

"In West Philadelphia, born and raised...": Oops, wrong TV show theme. So this is where Kid Akio began his life outside the womb.

Home Sweet Home: I didn't realize that looking around the old house would have affected me so emotionally but it did.

Taking Big Steps: So here is the front of the kindergarten classrooms at Jenks East Elementary School. I attended here up until the 1st grade (where I "dazzled" Mom with my performance as Bert from our class musical, Mary Poppins). Climbing these steps seem like nothing now, but to a young boy, they looked like such a big mountain to climb!

"I love Gooooold!": While riding around Tulsa during spare time, Mom insisted upon visiting the "Golden Driller" in front of the Convention Center and fairgrounds in Expo Square. I didn't have any recollection of seeing it as a kid, which was surprising when I finally took a look at it in the flesh. That color is just out there!

Hey guys! I found Doc Hudson!: (Yeah yeah, car enthusiasts. I know that this is a Chevy Corvette!) There were a lot of other classic cars that were on display at the local Sonic drive-in that Saturday evening. I guess that the locals were doing the "cruising" thing, and showing off their rides. Not really much else to do in Tulsa!

 Kitty Pride: The previous tenants' cat attempting to take a nap on moving day.

In honor of the upcoming World Cup, here is a Nike commercial of Brazilian football superstar, Ronaldinho.

I've had my share of fun in Oklahoma, but I look forward to going home.

I should apologize to you loyal xanga readers that I do not have any pictures up yet from my Brazil trip. However, finding an optimum photo site (disk space, captioning, slideshow capabilities, etc.) has been difficult. Plus, I am still not completely done with all my travels.

Last weekend, our church had our annual retreat nearby Big Bear. During my limited time there, it was great to catch up with people that I didn't see for a while (over late-night instant ramen). I had some time to reflect concerning my future at the church, since I will be completing my last term as elder (along with my 9 years leading a "working" Bible study) this December. Playing the djembe along with tuxedosamdawg for Sunday service was something I definitely enjoyed. And it was great to see a community that was entrenched in praying for one another's concerns on Saturday evening. Some of you have already seen chungabunga or daffodila's pix. I'll try to post a couple of mine as well when I get around to it.

So, where in the world am I now? Can you believe a coffee shop in Tulsa, Oklahoma? Yep. I had to fly down here for some family business. I went back to my childhood home today after nearly 26 years. My youthful impressions were exaggerated, as my bedroom wasn't as big as I thought, and well as the "big" hill up my street. Some things in my memory were pretty much the same though.

The city is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Probably the biggest gathering I saw tonight was at this shop, for a presumably local performer (acoustic guitar/vocalist).  His vocal mix had some trouble, but his guitar sounded pristine. For those who care, it was a Taylor!

Another thing about Tulsa? I couldn't go a few blocks without seeing a church. In LA, I could say the same thing about a Starbucks. Probably the most "impressive" display of Christian community was when I visited Oral Roberts University (My childhood home is literally behind the campus). The modern buildings are quite unique in its architecture in comparison to surrounding areas.

Well, time to sign off. Plan on seeing my old elementary school tomorrow. And I wonder if there is a Japanese restaurant that actually serves ramen around here? If so, I hope it tastes better than the one I had in Sao Paulo!

A casual day today after a lot of activities this past week. That and I need to do some laundry.

It´s been pretty good so far. I´ve made my way up the Southeast coast from Sao Paulo, to the small beachtown of Paraty; and of course, now in the warm confines of Ipanema beach in Rio, a definite highlight.

I do miss everyone back at home, but thanks to e-mail, xanga, and a good Mother´s Day phone call, I have at least a way to check out how things are going on with you guys in "the States".

Take care all, and I will see you back next week (hopefully with a lot of good pictures and even better stories!)

I made it safely to Brazil. I am in the Sao Paulo airport, typing away at an internet cafe. I hope to update more often, to share some interesting stories. But, in the meantime, I should go find my travel buddy, Josh.

And the Lakers better win tonight!

I'm a sucker for inspirational films, so as I was reading the Thursday Calendar section in the LA Times, I came upon an article of actors Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, and their upcoming film, "Akeelah and the Bee". Anyone interested in catching the film on Sunday afternoon?

Also in the Calendar section, I found out that author Amy Tan is in a rock band of fellow writers called Rock Bottom Remainders. They will be performing on the Etc. Stage, Sat. 2:30 pm at the annual Festival of Books at UCLA. The Times printed a picture of her singing in a motorcycle leather getup. You think you know people, but I have no idea.

The cover story of the Calendar section? The big Coachella music festival. I had originally wanted to go for the Saturday night show to see Depeche Mode and Franz Ferdinand, but believed (back then) the ticket price and travel time was not worth it (Yeah, and Brazil is a cheap and quick excursion!). Now I hear that Kanye West has been added in for a Saturday slot. Maybe it's a good thing I am not going. That single (cue Jamie Foxx: "She take my money/when I'm in need") has been played out already!

Video: "It's Like That" RUN DMC vs. Jason Nevins (1997)

Reminds me of the dance battles in high school. Just thought it would be fun for you readers to see. That Asian girl in the video reminds me of someone I know.

Afflalo and Farmar have declared themselves for the NBA draft.

But, they have not acquired an agent, so they have the option to return.

Here's hoping they will. You really think that they are ready for "The Show"?