Author Archives: Sebastian Marquez

Movie Review: African Cats

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Sebastian Marquez

I can’t even count the number of wildlife documentaries I’ve seen over my lifetime. Heck, I was sadden when John Forsythe passed away; he played a big part in my childhood. Not for Dynasty, but for his role as narrator … Continue reading →

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Books & Tangents

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Sebastian Marquez

Tangents are a marvelous thing. Specifically, tangential thoughts and discussions. We’ve all been there, something comes up in discussion that takes the conversation on a completely different track. And, with the internet, that is even easier to do. For instance, … Continue reading →

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Getting to know your Hawaiian Lobeliads #12: Cyanea hirtella

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Sebastian Marquez

Cyanea hirtella Conservation Status: Apparently Secure Distribution: Kaua’i Date photographed: 9/22/2010 Ease of viewing: Easy *Identification: Form– Unbranched or sparingly branched shrubs 1-6 m tall. Leaves– oblanceolate to oblong; blades 10-27 cm, 2-6 cm wide; margins minutely callose-denticulate to callose-serrulate; … Continue reading →

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My Favorite Gentian

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Sebastian Marquez

The far Southeast of O’ahu is known for its surf. Whether it’s Hanauma Bay, Sandy’s, Makapu’u, there are plenty of places to get outside and enjoy the ocean-side of nature. But what of hillsides? Well, there is still a ghostly … Continue reading →

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You say gaudichaudiana, I say gaudichaudii

Posted on April 10, 2011 by Sebastian Marquez

Today’s short post is all about duality. The number two can up for a few plants we saw on today’s hike. Well duality and one pretty native vine.

Posted in Botany | Tagged , | 5 Comments

The treasures of Hidden Valley

Posted on April 3, 2011 by Sebastian Marquez

I went with the O’ahu Plant Extinction Prevention folks to help with 2 very endangered plants found on the windward side of the island: Schidea kaalae and Cyanea truncata. We hiked up a ridgeline to Makaua Gulch, or also known colloquially as … Continue reading →

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C. angustifolia blowing in the wind

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Sebastian Marquez

Every hike I go on, I’m always on the lookout for lobeliads on the rare chance that I actually come across one. Over the weekend, I challenged myself by searching the Pia-Niu Valley area specifically for lobeliads with nothing but … Continue reading →

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Snapshot: Pe’ahi

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Sebastian Marquez

I really need to take some time from hiking and reading scientific literature to learn how to take better pictures.  Anyway, here is one of my better compositions. Pe’ahi (Microsorum spectrum) is a cute little fern with neat deltate fronds … Continue reading →

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Birdwatching at ‘Iolani Palace

Posted on March 20, 2011 by Sebastian Marquez

I had some time to check out an interesting spot to watch some birds. ‘Iolani Palace is mere blocks from busy Chinatown and Downtown Honolulu. But even though it’s in the heart of a dense urban area, the palace does … Continue reading →

Posted in Sharing the planet | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Robotics!

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Sebastian Marquez

This will be the only kind of advertising you’ll see from me on this blog. I don’t (and prefer not to) talk about my previous incarnation as an IT professional, but I have to talk about the awesome FIRST Robotics … Continue reading →

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