Dear Social Media,

I am writing to tell you how much you suck.

Or is it that I suck? One of us is for sure sucking.

Sincerely, The TMax

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5 Examples of HTML/CSS That I've Painfully Had to Learn Because Blogger Is NOT User Friendly And Has No Good Plugins

This is partially me complaining about Google's blogging service (compared to the ease of Wordpress - though they charge for all the good stuff), and partially me thanking Google for forcing me to learn some HTML and CSS, important skills to have nowadays. This list is not everything that I've learned, but the more intense and time consuming examples.

So, despite my hours of frustration and looking up every new term, I better appreciate a nicely done website, and I hope my website gives you the same appreciation.

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Conoces Navarra Mejor Que Este Guiri?

Qué hay en Navarra? Muchos lugares y sitios bonitos, preciosos y asombrosos! Cuando vives en un lugar, muchas veces piensas, "Ah, un día iré ver eso, pero ahora es mejor viajar más lejos." Pues, 'un día' se convierte en 'luego' y 'luego' se convierte en 'nunca'. Nunca aprovechas de tu propio vecindario.

Por el otro lado, los extranjeros y las turistas vienen y ven y disfrutan todos los lugares que 'no has tenido tiempo' para aprovechar. Como yo, el autor y guiri extraordinario de VEN con TMax. Viví un poco menos de tres años en Pamplona y además de ver todo el país, conozco muy bien Navarra.

Has vivido aquí en Navarra durante muchos años, o aún todo tu vida, pero ¿has visitado todos estos lugares?

Leer el versión original en inglés aquí

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If You Don't Use It, You Lose It... So, Here's Me Using It

Languages are like most skills: if you don't use them, you lose them. But, I think that's an oversimplification since we also have the saying, "It's like riding a bike..." So, really, if you don't use it, it will just sink into the recesses of your brain until you decide to access it again. But, you'll be slow and feel almost like you're relearning. And, the more you access it, the faster and more adeptly you (re)become at that skill.

So, I don't want to lose my level in any of the languages I speak, so in addition to consuming content (movies, music, and reading), I produce content to help keep me sharp. Though sometimes I feel about as sharp as a.... not sharp thing. (Give me a break! I'm trying... to be lazy :-P).

Wow, all that talking just to present to you my new original song that I performed in English, Spanish, and French (and kinda in Chinese). Enjoy! Buen provecho! Bon appetit!

Because I Can (Porque Puedo, Parce Que Je Peux)

Was that not the best thing you ever heard in your entire life??? Leave comments below!

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10 and a Half Things I Miss About Living in Pamplona, Spain

It has been six months since I left Spain and reflecting on the good times, I've come up with a list of things that I most miss about my life in Pamplona. Though I was sad to leave, I'm glad I had the opportunity to live there.

Ya ha sido seis meses desde que me fui de España y estaba reflexionando sobre los buenos recuerdos y he hecho una list de las cosas que más les echo de menos de mi vida en Pamplona. Aunque estuve triste irme, estoy feliz que tenía la oportunidad para vivir allí.

Ainhoa and I watching the almadías go down the river

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7 Tips For The Spontaneous Traveler

I've been asked by a few people to write about this topic, so, this is my first official "write what your readers ask for" article. Obviously, this is going to be gold. So, pull out your pen and notepad (or stylus and tablet) and take some notes!

Sure, it's nice to plan out a vacation and go on pre-arranged excursions and take part in pre-planned events, but not every trip will be so structured. Sometimes, you don't have time to plan or you will have a spontaneous, last-minute weekend trip and you'll have to be able to survive and have a great time.  Here are a few tips to make that spontaneous trip the best ever!

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It's 2018! What's Going On TMax?

If you didn't get it, the title was like you, the reader, were asking me the question. Clever, huh? I'm certain that titling technique has never been done before. Anyway, I've been working on a few projects, and I expect 2018 to be a great year for me. 

Drone Pilot

I bought a drone back in September and I've been having a great time with it. I really got to test its limits when I went down to San Diego and I shot some great videos. Recently I published a short film that I had been working on (see below). It took awhile because while filming it I crashed my drone, but thankfully I had insurance.

Moving to China

I recently found a job in Beijing, China and now I'm working on obtaining my Chinese visa (boy is it a process!). Since I'm planning to move to China, I've been learning Mandarin Chinese with audio courses and workbooks. It's quite a difficult language, but not as hard as I thought it would be. 

Speaking other languages helps to make learning Chinese a bit easier. I have been able to take advantage of the similarities in the languages I know: the sounds of French, the accent-based system of Spanish, and the simplicity of English grammar.

Coaching Fitness Online

I recently launched an online video fitness course on Udemy (click here for a 75% discount!). I have taken the years of experience I gained from giving boot camps in Spain, and compiled those experiences into a course that can be useful for the majority of people.

Use promo code: TMAXNYE18 for a 75% discount! That's just $15 just for you!

What are your plans for 2018?

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11 Todavía Aun Más Still Even Yet More Fun Things This American Has Learned About The Spanish Language

I know. I'm shocked too, that I could even possibly think of anymore things to add to the list of fun things I've learned about the Spanish language/culture. But, lo and behold, here's another list! Catch up with the others and then enjoy this one!

Part one - New to Spanish
Part two - Getting the hang of it
Part three - Hitting my stride
Part four - Finding myself in native territory
Part five - Feel like a native for two minutes before reality hits
Part six - Realizing that I'm nowhere near native
Part seven - A bit of hope for my mastery of the language

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11 Surprising Things One Learns While Living in Alaska

If you read my last article, 10 Things I Bet You Didn't Know About Alaska, and you're not from Alaska, you were probably amazed and bewildered by my observations. If you weren't then read the article again and then be amazed and bewildered (at least fake it!). 

The locals offered some amazing feedback on that article, which I really appreciated, and inspired me to share more about what this non-local is experiencing in Alaska.

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San Diego, California, USA: It Never Rains in Southern California

My mom is going to San Diego for a work conference and initially my dad was going to join her but now he has to work. I guess I'll be a good son and go enjoy southern California on his behalf. The sacrifices I make for my family!

Things are about to get more Funner!

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Más Cosas Que Puedo Hacer En Español

Click to read English

I'm certain that all of you remember my last entry about "Things that I can do in Spanish". Despite not actually being in Spain right now, I keep improving in the langeage. I read a lot and listen to auidobokks, I watch mvoies and practice writing in Spanish. All of this helps, I think, and so I am going to share some more "Things that I can do in Spanish".

Argue with my girlfriend

Like any relationship, there are good times and... not so good times. And my girlfriend is Spanish and when we argue, I have an opportunity to quickly react in Spanish without thinking. I can speak from a position of emotion and (try) to explain my point of view and how I feel. Also, I have to listen and understand her feelings and her point of view, and her reactions to my arguments. Of course, she wins the arguments, but at least I was able to defend my position. You have to look for silver linings!

Speak with Mexicans

It's already difficult to speak English in England even though I'm American, but to speak Spanish in Mexico gave me quite a challenge. I did it successfully (tooting my own horn here) and not only could I speak with them, I learned their slang and used it in their "markets" and had a "great" time. "No lie"! I am the "best". Haha

Write and perform a song

No explanation needed, just listen to the song!

Estoy segurísimo que todos de vosotros recordáis mi ultima entrada sobre las cosas que puedo hacer en español. A pesar de no estar en España por el momento, sigo mejorando en el idioma. Leo mucho y escucho audiolibros, veo películas y escribo en español. Todo esto ayuda, creo, entonces voy a compartir más cosas que puedo hacer en Español.

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10 Things I Bet You Didn't Know About Alaska

10 Things This American
Notices About Alaska

Did you know these? Leave a comment below!

So everyone knows Alaska is the largest state in the US and that it's the 49th state to join, but after living here for just over a month, I've learned some interesting things I would have never guessed about this state. Limiting this list solely to my personal observations, I still came up with 10 enlightening tidbits. How many of the following did you already know?

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A Weekend Getaway to Fairbanks, Alaska

From Anchorage to Fairbanks

Drive up to Fairbanks to see Alaska's 3rd largest city, and with hopes of seeing the Northern Lights (aurora borealis).

On the open road to Fairbanks, Alaska

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