Miles Teller seems like a d-bag, however...

I read Esquire's interview with Miles Teller (the 28 year-old actor with the odd face who stars in the new Fantastic Four movie).  I have never seen him act before. Based solely on the impression left from his interview, Teller is a loud-mouthed, pompous, overly self-entitled guy.  In a way he reminds me of Kanye West.  I did take offense to one part of the interview, but it had nothing to do with Teller.  At one point the East Coast native goes into a story saying, "I used to get this milk tea in college at the Asian market M2M when I was high."  The interviewer thinks to herself, 'as if you're supposed to know what milk tea is.'  

In the year 2015 it is not unreasonable for someone to know what milk tea is. I looked online and Atlanta (where the interview occurs) lists over 50 places that sell bubble tea, so get with it Anna Peele!  Sheezus, make some Asian friends.

Photo courtesy of Done Dirt Cheap DVD

Hello! Japanese postie notes

Long story short: I bought these adhesive posties from a Japanese bookstore for a colleague who was celebrating her birthday.  I tucked them inside a birthday card with a photo of deliciously iced donuts on the front.  It was perfect, until I realized she didn't work on Thursdays when I delivered it to her.  So I kept the posties and the card.  The posties cost ^%$@*! $9, but the good news is they really spruce up otherwise boring paperwork.

Hiroto and Kanoa say DO YOUR BEST!

Congratulations and おめでとうございます to Hiroto Ohhara for winning the 2015 Vans US Open of Surfing Men's title on Sunday in Huntington Beach!  It was a nailbiter to watch Ohhara (a native of Chiba, Japan) go for it against determined competitor Tanner Hendrickson.
 

Stab Magazine posted a clip on Hiroto's Vans experience and what the 18 year-old surfer plans to do with his winnings.  It starts with Hiroto speaking Japanese to HB local/fellow competitor, Kanoa Igarashi.  Kanoa translates.  While it felt bittersweet to watch Hiroto conquer Kanoa in the Men's semi-finals, Hiroto charged every wave and truly embraced every opportunity to shine.

Photo by Sean Rowland for Getty Images

Beauty in baldness

The New York Times interviewed four women who live with alopecia who are meeting one another for the first time. They talk about their femininity and self-identities in a world in which many associate a woman's beauty with her hair.

I'd live here: Newport Beach

If I had won the $110 million Powerball last week, I'd likely be at the realtor's office making an offer on this 2100 square foot casual home on Newport Peninsula.  The home, built from studs up in 2007 (though the listing says 1946), features 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms (2 full and 1 partial).  It's got two parking spots, forced heating, a Viking range, subzero fridge, and a fireplace.  I'm assuming it has an indoor washer and dryer.  I'm big on those. When I viewed the listing this morning I'm fairly certain it had no flag or outdoor hot tub but it does now!  The patio boats an outdoor shower, perfect for when you return home from the beach with your salty gear.

I'm a little hesitant to plunk down the asking price of $2,495,000 for a property that has no ocean view or seaside access, though this house is walking distance to Jetty View Park and The Wedge.  You'd be near the water on a quiet street without having droves of tourists passing by your front windows.  

If I lived here I'd paint the front door (on both sides) a bold red, green, or blue.  I love colorful dutch doors. 

I'd consider making the fireplace gas.  Is that lame?

For over $2 million, the kitchen seems small, but I'm not a chef and don't need a cavernous space.  If there's room, I'd install an island.

I'd turn this desk space into a closet.

 I wish they showed the other bathrooms, too.

I'd use the master suite as a family room with a huge plus couch and TV, and would sleep in one of the other bedrooms.  The raised ceilings are wasted on closed eyes.  How much time do people really spend in their master suites, anyway?  Why do they have to be so big?

The narrow back patio could use a professional's help.  (We have a hot tub at our apartment complex.  My husband talked about using it for months, but when we finally did he couldn't sit in it for more than a minute.  He looked like a boiling potato.  He's the kind of guy who gets crazy when the shower is too hot, so I don't know what he was thinking.) Out back I'd lay artificial grass and put out a variety of potted trees and succulents.  Our surfboards and wetsuit drying rack would go where the hot tub is located.  I'd drape strings of outdoor bulbs so it's pretty at night and would set up a hammock for relaxing in privacy.  Summer is almost over.  I want to spend my last days of freedom and bliss in this house!

In the end with my Powerball winnings in hand, I'd offer $1 million for this property at 2112 Seville Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92661.  Check out the listing for yourselfhttps://www.redfin.com/CA/Newport-Beach/2112-Seville-Ave-92661/home/3241555.

Previously: 
Forward my mail to Newport Beach
Newport Beach cottage gets a makeover 
I'd totally live here: Naples

To the stingray who swam under me on Sunday

I was sitting on my board in still waters.  I looked down to see clumps of dark seaweed through the gray water.  With slight panic I wondered, 'Is that a stingray?'  When with quiet grace you came floating by along the ocean floor, first your dish plate body and then your thin tail.  After my pause of awe, I began to slap the water trying to get you to scoot away.  That was rude of me.  You were just chilling, enjoying your Sunday morning.  The ocean is your home and I am but a guest.  I've probably got another sting coming my way.

Photo courtesy of mnzoo.org